Category: Taxation

  • MIL-OSI: TruGolf Reports 2024 Financial Results 

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Salt Lake City, Utah, April 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TruGolf Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRUG), a leading provider of golf simulator software and hardware, announced today an overview of its 2024 results that were filed on Form 10-K on April 15, 2025. The Company reported record sales of $21.9 million, an increase of 6.2% percent as compared to 2023 sales. The gains were driven by continued enthusiastic market adoption of new hardware and software products launched earlier in 2024. Net losses narrowed by 14.5% to ($8.8) million for 2024, versus a net loss of ($10.3) million in 2023. Notably, 42% of the net loss for 2024 was due to non-cash expenses. EPS for the full year was ($0.76), a significant improvement from 2023’s ($857.35) loss per share. 

    Chief Executive Officer and Director Chris Jones said, “We are very pleased with our growing sales momentum for our upgraded and industry-leading golf simulators and software. Cost controls were effective and contributed to our greater cash generation in the second half of the year. We ended the year with $10.9 million in cash, and our debt went down. Interest in our franchise concept remains high and we anticipate announcing contracts for additional franchises in the United States throughout 2025. We now expect the first franchise locations to open by the end of the second quarter, with associated delivery of TruGolf simulators in the first half of 2025.”

    Mr. Jones continued, “2024 saw the rollout of our new, industry-leading golf simulator products that were eagerly accepted by the market. While 2024’s sales growth was somewhat hindered by select product availability, we expect to continue setting the standard in the world of virtual golf with further hardware and software innovations arriving in 2025.”

    Operations:

    Gross margin for 2024 improved to 66.7% as compared to 61.9% in 2023. 2024’s loss from operations was 75% lower at ($2.1) million as compared to ($8.7) million in 2023. 2024 operating expenses declined by 22% or $4.7 million. These improvements were driven by implementing better cost controls, reducing discretionary spending and achieving greater productivity through enhanced operational efficiencies.

    2024 SG&A expenses declined by 40%, or $4.4 million, in 2024 as compared to 2023. Non-cash stock compensation expense for the year was $658,000. Cash flow used in operations was $4.0 million in 2024, versus $6.1 million in 2023, an improvement of over 35%. TruGolf ended 2024 with $10.9 million in cash on the balance sheet.

    As previously disclosed, on October 2, 2024, the Company received a delist determination letter from the Listing Qualifications Department (the “Staff”) of the Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”) related to its failure to maintain stockholders’ equity for continued listing. The Company has requested a hearing to appeal the delist determination, which has been scheduled for May 15, 2025.

    Disclaimer on Forward Looking Statements

    This news release contains certain statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements that are not of historical fact constitute “forward-looking statements” and accordingly, involve estimates, assumptions, forecasts, judgements and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the timing of new franchise openings during 2025. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date made, expectations may prove to have been materially different from the results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company has attempted to identify forward-looking statements by terminology including ”believes,” ”estimates,” ”anticipates,” ”expects,” ”plans,” ”projects,” ”intends,” ”potential,” ”may,” ”could,” ”might,” ”will,” ”should,” ”approximately” or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors. Any forward-looking statements contained in this release speak only as of its date. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release to reflect events or circumstances occurring after its date or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. More detailed information about the risks and uncertainties affecting the Company is contained under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC, which are available on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov

    About TruGolf:

    Since 1983, TruGolf has been passionate about driving the golf industry with innovative indoor golf solutions. TruGolf builds products that capture the spirit of golf. TruGolf’s mission is to help grow the game by attempting to make it more Available, Approachable, and Affordable through technology – because TruGolf believes Golf is for Everyone. TruGolf’s team has built award-winning video games (“Links”), innovative hardware solutions, and an all-new e-sports platform to connect golfers around the world with E6 CONNECT. Since TruGolf’s beginning, TruGolf has continued to attempt to define and redefine what is possible with golf technology.

    Contact: Michael Bacal
                   mbacal@darrowir.com 
                   917-886-9071

    TRUGOLF HOLDINGS, INC
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

        December 31,     December 31,  
        2024     2023  
                 
    ASSETS                
                     
    Current Assets:                
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 10,882,077     $ 3,297,564  
    Restricted cash           2,100,000  
    Marketable investment securities           2,478,953  
    Accounts receivable, net     1,399,153       2,398,872  
    Inventory, net     2,349,345       2,119,084  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets     116,619       262,133  
    Other current assets     45,737        
    Total Current Assets     14,792,930       12,656,606  
                     
    Property and equipment, net     143,852       234,308  
    Capitalized software development costs, net     1,540,121        
    Right-of-use assets     634,269       972,663  
    Other long-term assets     31,023       1,905,983  
                     
    Total Assets   $ 17,142,195     $ 15,769,560  
                     
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT                
                     
    Current Liabilities:                
    Accounts payable   $ 2,819,702     $ 2,059,771  
    Deferred revenue     3,113,010       1,704,224  
    Notes payable, current portion     10,001       9,425  
    Notes payable to related parties, current portion     2,937,000       1,237,000  
    Line of credit, bank     802,738       802,738  
    Margin line of credit account           1,980,937  
    Convertible notes payable           954,622  
    Dividend notes payable     4,023,923        
    Derivative liability            
    Accrued interest     661,376       459,872  
    Accrued and other current liabilities     999,307       1,125,495  
    Accrued and other current liabilities – assumed in Merger     45,008        
    Lease liability, current portion     363,102       334,255  
    Total Current Liabilities     15,775,167       10,668,339  
                     
    Non-current Liabilities:                
    Notes payable, net of current portion     9,732       2,402,783  
    Note payables to related parties, net of current portion     624,000       861,000  
    PIPE loan payable, net     4,068,953        
    Dividend notes payable           4,023,923  
    Gross sales royalty payable     1,000,000       1,000,000  
    Lease liability, net of current portion     305,125       668,228  
    Other liabilities           63,015  
                     
    Total Liabilities     21,782,977       19,687,288  
                     
    Commitments and Contingencies                
                     
    Stockholders’ Deficit:                
    Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 10 million shares authorized; zero shares issued and outstanding, respectively            
    Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized:                
    Common stock – Series A, $0.0001 par value, 90 million shares authorized; 26,120,545 and 13,098 shares issued and outstanding, respectively     2,612       120  
    Common stock – Series B, $0.0001 par value, 10 million shares authorized; 1,716,860 and 1,716,860 shares issued and outstanding, respectively     172        
    Treasury stock at cost, 4,692 shares of common stock held, respectively     (2,037,000 )     (2,037,000 )
    Additional paid-in capital     18,548,931       10,479,738  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss           (1,662 )
    Accumulated deficit     (21,155,497 )     (12,358,924 )
          (4,640,782 )     (3,917,728 )
                     
    Total Stockholders’ Deficit     (4,640,782 )     (3,917,728 )
                     
    Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Deficit   $ 17,142,195     $ 15,769,560  


    TRUGOLF HOLDINGS, INC.

    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

        For the     For the  
        Year Ended     Year Ended  
        December 31, 2024     December 31, 2023  
                 
    Revenue, net   $ 21,858,864     $ 20,583,851  
    Cost of revenue     7,271,512       7,825,768  
    Total gross profit     14,587,352       12,758,083  
                     
    Operating expenses:                
    Royalties     706,214       709,640  
    Salaries, wages and benefits     9,314,415       9,681,323  
    Selling, general and administrative     6,669,684       11,027,332  
    Total operating expenses     16,690,313       21,418,295  
                     
    Loss from operations     (2,102,962 )     (8,660,212 )
                     
    Other (expenses) income:                
    Interest income     106,400       108,011  
    Interest expense     (6,932,618 )     (1,730,908 )
    Gain on fair value adjustment     142,319        
    Loss on extinguishment of debt     (270,594 )      
    Gain on investment     262,035        
    Total other expense     (6,692,458 )     (1,622,897 )
                     
    Loss from operations before provision for income taxes     (8,795,420 )     (10,283,109 )
                     
    Provision for income taxes            
    Net loss   $ (8,795,420 )   $ (10,283,109 )
                     
    Net loss per common share Series A – basic and diluted   $ (0.76 )   $ (857.35 )
                     
    Weighted average shares outstanding Series A – basic and diluted     11,634,761       11,994  

    TRUGOLF HOLDINGS, INC.

    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

        For the     For the  
        Year Ended     Year Ended  
        December 31, 2024     December 31, 2023  
                 
    Cash flows from operating activities:                
    Net loss   $ (8,795,420 )   $ (10,283,109 )
    Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:                
    Depreciation and amortization     607,415       58,641  
    Amortization of convertible notes original issue discount     728,278       97,111  
    Amortization of right-of-use asset     338,394       298,208  
    Change in fair value of derivative liability     142,319          
    Fair value of warrants in excess of fair value of debt           93,530  
    Bad debt expense     767,913       681,479  
    Change in OCI     1,662        
    Stock issued for services     119,959       5,872,529  
    Stock issued for make good provisions on debt conversion     700,821        
    Stock options issued to employees     538,323        
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                
    Marketable investment securities           12,530  
    Accounts receivable, net     231,806       (1,335,714 )
    Inventory, net     (230,261 )     2,396  
    Prepaid expenses     145,514       (114,385 )
    Capitalized software, net     (2,070,742 )      
    Other current assets     (45,737 )     17,840  
    Other assets     13,662       (1,905,983 )
    Accounts payable     494,215       596,434  
    Deferred revenue     1,408,786       (1,008,296 )
    Accrued interest payable     201,504       615,582  
    Accrued and other current liabilities     (634,557 )     374,819  
    Other liabilities     (63,015 )     63,015  
    Lease liability     (334,256 )     (269,848 )
    Net cash used in operating activities     (5,733,416 )     (6,133,221 )
                     
    Cash flows from investing activities:                
    Purchases of property and equipment           (127,413 )
    Purchase of short-term investments           (2,493,145 )
    Sale of short-term investments     2,478,953        
                     
    Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities     2,478,953       (2,620,558 )
                     
    Cash flows from financing activities:                
    Proceeds from PIPE loans, net of discount     8,902,681        
    Proceeds from loan payable – related party     2,000,000        
    Proceeds from investment fund (PIPE)     2,112,560        
    Cash acquired in Merger     103,818        
    Debt refinance conversion     192,787        
    Proceeds from line of credit           1,980,937  
    Proceeds from notes payable           2,433,059  
    Proceeds from convertible notes           185,500  
    Costs of Merger paid from PIPE loan     (1,947,787 )      
    Repayments of line of credit     (1,980,937 )      
    Repayments of loans assumed in Merger     (100,000 )      
    Repayments of notes payable     (9,146 )     (107,569 )
    Repayments of notes payable – related party     (535,000 )     (37,000 )
    Dividends paid           40,150  
                     
    Net cash provided by financing activities     8,738,976       4,495,077  
                     
    Net change in cash , cash equivalents and restricted cash     5,484,513       (4,258,702 )
                     
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash – beginning of year     5,397,564       9,656,266  
                     
    Cash and cash equivalents – end of year   $ 10,882,077     $ 5,397,564  
                     
    Supplemental cash flow information:                
    Cash paid for:                
    Interest   $ 923,975     $ 1,115,332  
    Income taxes   $     $  
    Non-cash investing and financing activities:                
    Derivative liability related to warrants   $ 142,319     $  
    PIPE note principal converted to Class A Common Stock   $ 5,832,600     $  
    Convertible notes exchanged for PIPE note   $ 2,419,622     $  
    Class A Common Stock exchanged in Merger   $ 3,854,573     $  
    Class A Common Stock issued in Merger   $ 1,154     $  
    Class B Common Stock issued in Merger   $ 172     $  
    Termination of loan payable   $ 1,875,000     $  
    Conversion of dividend note payable and accrued interest   $     $ 3,925,273  
    Conversion of note payable to line of credit   $     $ 257,113  
    Warehouse lease   $     $ 537,994  

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: TrustCo Reports First Quarter 2025 Net Income of $14.3 Million From Repricing Loan Portfolio and Well-Managed Cost of Funds

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Executive Snapshot:

    • Bank-wide financial results:
      • Key metrics for the first quarter 2025:
        • Net income of $14.3 million increased 17.7% compared to $12.1 million for the first quarter 2024
        • Net interest income of $40.4 million, up 10.4% from $36.6 million compared to the first quarter 2024
        • Average loans were up $104.7 million for the first quarter 2025 compared to the first quarter 2024
        • Average deposits were up $103.3 million for the first quarter 2025 compared to the first quarter 2024
    • Capital position and key ratios:
      • Consolidated equity to assets increased to 10.85% as of March 31, 2025 from 10.51% as of March 31, 2024
      • Book value per share as of March 31, 2025 was $36.16, up from $34.12 as of March 31, 2024
      • Stock repurchase program announced authorizing for up to one million shares or approximately 5% of TrustCo’s current outstanding common stock
    • Trustco Financial Services and Wealth Management income:
      • Fees increased to $2.1 million or 16.7% compared to first quarter 2024
      • Assets under management increased to $1.2 billion or 17.4% compared first quarter 2024

    GLENVILLE, N.Y., April 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    TrustCo Bank Corp NY (TrustCo, NASDAQ: TRST) today announced a robust start to 2025, marked by significant growth in both the loan and deposit portfolios of Trustco Bank during the first quarter of 2025 compared to the first quarter of 2024. This performance underscores the Bank’s commitment to serving its community through increased residential and commercial lending and adapting effectively to the evolving financial landscape. This resulted in first quarter 2025 net income of $14.3 million or $0.75 diluted earnings per share, compared to net income of $12.1 million or $0.64 diluted earnings per share for the first quarter 2024. Average loans increased $104.7 million or 2.1% for the first quarter 2025 over the same period in 2024. Average deposits increased $103.3 million or 1.9% for the first quarter 2025 over the same period in 2024.

    Overview

    Chairman, President, and CEO, Robert J. McCormick said “We are very pleased to announce today that tried and true Trustco Bank strategy has once again yielded exceptional results. We added loans at current market rates, which repriced our current loan portfolio higher, supporting long-term profitability. This was funded entirely by our own deposits, and we did so while holding the line on board rates. Despite aggressive market competition, we have favorably repriced our time deposits with the help of strong brand loyalty and digital engagement. These efforts yielded net income of $14.3 million and boosted all return metrics significantly year-over-year. Credit quality remains exceptional, with non-performing loans holding steady at a negligible 0.37%. The Bank also grew capital and thus maintains its position of strength. Based upon what we have seen in the first quarter, we anticipate that good things are likely in the future.”

    Details

    Average loans were up $104.7 million, or 2.1%, in the first quarter 2025 over the same period in 2024. Average residential loans and HECLs, our primary lending focus, were up $26.2 million, or 0.6%, and $61.0 million, or 17.3%, respectively, in the first quarter 2025 over the same period in 2024. Average commercial loans also increased $20.7 million, or 7.5%, in the first quarter 2025 over the same period in 2024. This uptick reflects a strong local economy and increased demand for credit. Average deposits were up $103.3 million, or 1.9%, for the first quarter 2025 over the same period in 2024, primarily as a result of an increase in time deposits, interest bearing checking accounts, and demand deposits. We believe the increase in these deposits compared to the same period in 2024 continues to indicate strong customer confidence in the Bank’s competitive deposit offerings. As we move forward, despite a complex economic environment, we believe that our strategic focus on relationship banking and solid financial practices has positioned us for continued success.

    During the first quarter of 2025, the TrustCo announced a stock repurchase program of up to one million shares, or approximately 5% of TrustCo’s current outstanding shares of common stock. This repurchase initiative is part of the Bank’s broader capital management strategy and is intended to enhance shareholder value while maintaining flexibility to support future growth. As of March 31, 2025, our equity to asset ratio was 10.85%, compared to 10.51% as of March 31, 2024. Book value per share as of March 31, 2025 was $36.16, up 6.0% compared to $34.12 a year earlier.  

    Net interest income was $40.4 million for the first quarter 2025, an increase of $3.8 million, or 10.4%, compared to the first quarter of 2024, driven by loan growth at higher interest rates and less interest expense on deposit products, partially offset by lower investment interest income and a decrease in interest on federal funds sold and other short-term investments. The net interest margin for the first quarter 2025 was 2.64%, up 20 basis points from 2.44% in the first quarter of 2024. The yield on interest earnings assets increased to 4.13% in the first quarter of 2025, up 14 basis points from 3.99% in the first quarter of 2024. The cost of interest bearing liabilities decreased to 1.92% in the first quarter 2025, down from 1.99% in the first quarter 2024. As the Federal Reserve signals potential interest rate reductions in 2025, the Bank is proactively preparing to navigate the evolving rate environment. In this context, the Bank anticipates that a lower interest rate environment will provide opportunities to manage deposit costs more effectively, thereby supporting net interest margin. The Bank remains committed to maintaining competitive deposit offerings while ensuring financial stability and continued support for our communities’ banking needs.

    Non-interest income increased to $5.0 million as compared to $4.8 million for the first quarter of 2024. This increase was primarily attributable to wealth management and financial services fees, which increased by 16.7% to $2.1 million, driven by strong client demand and higher assets under management. These revenues now represent 42.6% of non-interest income. The majority of this fee income is recurring, supported by long-term advisory relationships and a growing base of managed assets. Non-interest expense increased $1.4 million over the first quarter of 2024 due to increases in several areas of expenses.

    Asset quality remains strong and has been consistent over the past twelve months. The Company recorded a provision for credit losses of $300 thousand in the first quarter of 2025, which is the result of a provision for credit losses on loans of $100 thousand, and a provision for credit losses on unfunded commitments of $200 thousand. The ratio of allowance for credit losses on loans to total loans was 0.99% and 0.98% as of March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The allowance for credit losses on loans was $50.6 million as of March 31, 2025, compared to $49.2 million as of March 31, 2024. Nonperforming loans (NPLs) were $18.8 million as of March 31, 2025, compared to $18.3 million as of March 31, 2024. NPLs were 0.37% of total loans as of March 31, 2025 and 2024. The coverage ratio, or allowance for credit losses on loans to NPLs, was 269.8% as of March 31, 2025, compared to 269.3% as of March 31, 2024. Nonperforming assets (NPAs) were $20.9 million as of March 31, 2025, compared to $20.6 million as of March 31, 2024.  

    A conference call to discuss first quarter 2025 results will be held at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on April 22, 2025. Those wishing to participate in the call may dial toll-free for the United States at 1-833-470-1428, and for Canada at 1-833-950-0062, Access code 048251. A replay of the call will be available for thirty days by dialing toll-free for the United States at 1-866-813-9403, Access code 486810. The call will also be audio webcast at https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/647533404,and will be available for one year.

    About TrustCo Bank Corp NY

    TrustCo Bank Corp NY is a $6.3 billion savings and loan holding company and through its subsidiary, Trustco Bank, operated 136 offices in New York, New Jersey, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Florida as of March 31, 2025.

    In addition, the Bank’s Wealth Management Department offers a full range of investment services, retirement planning and trust and estate administration services. The common shares of TrustCo are traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol TRST.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    All statements in this news release that are not historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “goal,” “seek,” “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “expect,” “strategy,” “future,” “likely,” “may,” “should,” “will” and similar references to future development, results or periods. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements we make regarding our expectations for our future performance, including our expectations regarding the effects of the economic environment on our financial results, our ability to retain customers and the amount of customers’ business, including deposit balances, with us, the impact of the Federal Reserve’s actions regarding interest rates, and the anticipated effects of our capital management strategy, including our stock repurchase program. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations as well as certain assumptions and estimates made by, and information available to, management at the time the statements are made. Such forward-looking statements are subject to factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially for TrustCo from the views, beliefs and projections expressed in such statements, and many of the risks and uncertainties are heightened by or may, in the future, be heightened by volatility in financial markets and macroeconomic or geopolitical concerns related to inflation, changes in United States and foreign trade policy, continued elevated interest rates and ongoing armed conflicts (including the Russia/Ukraine conflict and the conflict in Israel and surrounding areas). TrustCo wishes to caution readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. The following important factors, among others, in some cases have affected and in the future could affect TrustCo’s actual results and could cause TrustCo’s actual financial performance to differ materially from that expressed in any forward-looking statement: future changes in interest rates; external economic factors, such as changes in monetary policy, ongoing inflationary pressures and continued elevated prices; exposure to credit risk in our lending activities; our increasing commercial loan portfolio; the sufficiency of our allowance for credit losses on loans to cover actual loan losses; our ability to meet the cash flow requirements of our depositors or borrowers or meet our operating cash needs to fund corporate expansion and other activities; claims and litigation pertaining to fiduciary responsibility and lender liability; the enforcement of federal cannabis laws and regulations and its impact on our ability to provide services in the cannabis industry; our dependency upon the services of the management team; our disclosure controls and procedures’ ability to prevent or detect errors or acts of fraud; the adequacy of our business continuity and disaster recovery plans; the effectiveness of our risk management framework; the impact of any expansion by us into new lines of business or new products and services; an increase in the prevalence of fraud and other financial crimes; the impact of severe weather events and climate change on us and the communities we serve, including societal responses to climate change; environmental, social and governance risks, as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion-related risks, and their impact on our reputation and relationships; the chance of a prolonged economic downturn, especially one affecting our geographic market area; instability in global economic conditions and geopolitical matters, as well as volatility in financial markets; the soundness of other financial institutions; U.S. government shutdowns, credit rating downgrades, or failure to increase the debt ceiling; fluctuations in the trust wealth management fees we receive as a result of investment performance; the impact of regulatory capital rules on our growth; changes in laws and regulations, including changes in cybersecurity or privacy regulations; restrictions on data collection and use; our compliance with the USA PATRIOT Act, Bank Secrecy Act, and other laws and regulations that could result in material fines or sanctions; changes in tax laws; limitations on our ability to pay dividends; TrustCo Realty Corp.’s ability to qualify as a real estate investment trust; changes in accounting standards; competition within our market areas; consumers and businesses’ use of non-banks to complete financial transactions; our reliance on third-party service providers; the impact of data breaches and cyber-attacks; the development and use of artificial intelligence; the impact of a failure in or breach of our operational or security systems or infrastructure, or those of third parties; the impact of an unauthorized disclosure of sensitive or confidential client or customer information; the impact of interruptions in the effective operation of our computer systems; the impact of anti-takeover provisions in our organizational documents; the impact of the manner in which we allocate capital; and other risks and uncertainties under the heading “Risk Factors” in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K and, if any, in our subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or other securities filings, as well as our upcoming quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the first quarter of 2025. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release represent TrustCo management’s judgment as of the date of this news release. TrustCo disclaims, however, any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements, either as a result of future developments, new information or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

    TRUSTCO BANK CORP NY  
    GLENVILLE, NY  
       
    FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS  
       
    (dollars in thousands, except per share data)  
    (Unaudited)  
      Three months ended  
      3/31/2025   12/31/2024   3/31/2024  
    Summary of operations            
    Net interest income $ 40,373   $ 38,902   $ 36,578  
    Provision for credit losses   300     400     600  
    Noninterest income   4,974     4,409     4,843  
    Noninterest expense   26,329     28,165     24,903  
    Net income   14,275     11,281     12,126  
                 
    Per share            
    Net income per share:            
    – Basic $ 0.75   $ 0.59   $ 0.64  
    – Diluted   0.75     0.59     0.64  
    Cash dividends   0.36     0.36     0.36  
    Book value at period end   36.16     35.56     34.12  
    Market price at period end   30.48     33.31     28.16  
                 
    At period end            
    Full time equivalent employees   740     737     761  
    Full service banking offices   136     136     140  
                 
    Performance ratios            
    Return on average assets   0.93 %   0.73 %   0.80 %
    Return on average equity   8.49     6.70     7.54  
    Efficiency ratio (GAAP)   58.06     65.03     59.94  
    Adjusted Efficiency ratio (1)   58.00     63.93     59.94  
    Net interest spread   2.21     2.15     2.00  
    Net interest margin   2.64     2.60     2.44  
    Dividend payout ratio 47.97     60.70     56.48  
                 
    Capital ratios at period end            
    Consolidated equity to assets   10.85 %   10.84 %   10.51 %
    Consolidated tangible equity to tangible assets (1)   10.84 %   10.83 %   10.50 %
                 
    Asset quality analysis at period end            
    Nonperforming loans to total loans   0.37 %   0.37 %   0.37 %
    Nonperforming assets to total assets   0.33     0.34     0.33  
    Allowance for credit losses on loans to total loans   0.99     0.99     0.98  
    Coverage ratio (2) 2.7x   2.7x   2.7x  
                 
                 
    (1) Non-GAAP Financial Measure, see Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliation.
    (2) Calculated as allowance for credit losses on loans divided by total nonperforming loans.            
                 
                       
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                       
    (dollars in thousands, except per share data)                  
    (Unaudited)                  
       Three months ended
      3/31/2025   12/31/2024   9/30/2024   6/30/2024   3/31/2024
    Interest and dividend income:                  
    Interest and fees on loans $ 53,450   $ 53,024   $ 52,112   $ 50,660   $ 49,804
    Interest and dividends on securities available for sale:                  
    U. S. government sponsored enterprises   596     680     718     909     906
    State and political subdivisions               1    
    Mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage                  
    obligations – residential   1,483     1,418     1,397     1,451     1,494
    Corporate bonds   260     358     361     362     476
    Small Business Administration – guaranteed                  
    participation securities   81     84     90     94     100
    Other securities   7     6     2     2     3
    Total interest and dividends on securities available for sale   2,427     2,546     2,568     2,819     2,979
                       
    Interest on held to maturity securities:                  
    obligations – residential   57     59     62     65     68
    Total interest on held to maturity securities   57     59     62     65     68
                       
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock   151     152     153     147     152
                       
    Interest on federal funds sold and other short-term investments   6,732     6,128     6,174     6,894     6,750
    Total interest income   62,817     61,909     61,069     60,585     59,753
                       
    Interest expense:                  
    Interest on deposits:                  
    Interest-bearing checking   558     397     311     288     240
    Savings   734     719     770     675     712
    Money market deposit accounts   1,989     2,024     2,154     2,228     2,342
    Time deposits   18,983     19,680     18,969     19,400     19,677
    Interest on short-term borrowings   180     187     194     206     204
    Total interest expense   22,444     23,007     22,398     22,797     23,175
                       
    Net interest income   40,373     38,902     38,671     37,788     36,578
                       
    Less: Provision for credit losses   300     400     500     500     600
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   40,073     38,502     38,171     37,288     35,978
                       
    Noninterest income:                  
    Trustco Financial Services income   2,120     1,778     2,044     1,609     1,816
    Fees for services to customers   2,645     2,226     2,482     2,399     2,745
    Net gains on equity securities           23     1,360    
    Other   209     405     382     283     282
    Total noninterest income   4,974     4,409     4,931     5,651     4,843
                       
    Noninterest expenses:                  
    Salaries and employee benefits   11,894     12,068     12,134     12,520     11,427
    Net occupancy expense   4,554     4,563     4,271     4,375     4,611
    Equipment expense   1,944     2,404     1,757     1,990     1,738
    Professional services   1,726     1,782     1,863     1,570     1,460
    Outsourced services   2,700     3,051     2,551     2,755     2,501
    Advertising expense   361     590     339     466     408
    FDIC and other insurance   1,188     1,113     1,112     797     1,094
    Other real estate expense, net   28     476     204     16     74
    Other   1,934     2,118     1,969     1,970     1,590
    Total noninterest expenses   26,329     28,165     26,200     26,459     24,903
                       
    Income before taxes   18,718     14,746     16,902     16,480     15,918
    Income taxes   4,443     3,465     4,027     3,929     3,792
                       
    Net income $ 14,275   $ 11,281   $ 12,875   $ 12,551   $ 12,126
                       
    Net income per common share:                  
    – Basic $ 0.75   $ 0.59   $ 0.68   $ 0.66   $ 0.64
                       
    – Diluted   0.75     0.59     0.68     0.66     0.64
                       
    Average basic shares (in thousands)   19,020     19,015     19,010     19,022     19,024
    Average diluted shares (in thousands)   19,044     19,045     19,036     19,033     19,032
                       
               
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
     
    (dollars in thousands)
    (Unaudited)
      3/31/2025 12/31/2024 9/30/2024 6/30/3024   3/31/2024  
    ASSETS:          
               
    Cash and due from banks $ 48,782   $ 47,364   $ 49,659   $ 42,193   $ 44,868  
    Federal funds sold and other short term investments   707,355     594,448     473,306     493,920     564,815  
    Total cash and cash equivalents   756,137     641,812     522,965     536,113     609,683  
               
    Securities available for sale:          
    U. S. government sponsored enterprises   65,942     85,617     90,588     106,796     128,854  
    States and political subdivisions   18     18     26     26     26  
    Mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage          
    obligations – residential   219,333     213,128     222,841     218,311     227,078  
    Small Business Administration – guaranteed          
    participation securities   13,683     14,141     15,171     15,592     16,260  
    Corporate bonds   24,779     44,581     54,327     53,764     53,341  
    Other securities   698     700     701     688     682  
    Total securities available for sale   324,453     358,185     383,654     395,177     426,241  
               
    Held to maturity securities:          
    Mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage          
    obligations-residential   5,090     5,365     5,636     5,921     6,206  
    Total held to maturity securities   5,090     5,365     5,636     5,921     6,206  
               
    Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank stock   6,507     6,507     6,507     6,507     6,203  
               
    Loans:          
    Commercial   302,753     286,857     280,261     282,441     279,092  
    Residential mortgage loans   4,380,561     4,388,302     4,382,674     4,370,640     4,354,369  
    Home equity line of credit   419,806     409,261     393,418     370,063     355,879  
    Installment loans   13,017     13,638     14,503     15,168     16,166  
    Loans, net of deferred net costs   5,116,137     5,098,058     5,070,856     5,038,312     5,005,506  
               
    Less: Allowance for credit losses on loans   50,606     50,248     49,950     49,772     49,220  
    Net loans   5,065,531     5,047,810     5,020,906     4,988,540     4,956,286  
               
    Bank premises and equipment, net   37,178     33,782     33,324     33,466     33,423  
    Operating lease right-of-use assets   34,968     36,627     37,958     38,376     39,647  
    Other assets   108,681     108,656     98,730     102,544     101,881  
               
    Total assets $ 6,338,545   $ 6,238,744   $ 6,109,680   $ 6,106,644   $ 6,179,570  
               
    LIABILITIES:          
    Deposits:          
    Demand $ 793,306   $ 762,101   $ 753,878   $ 745,227   $ 742,997  
    Interest-bearing checking   1,067,948     1,027,540     988,527     1,029,606     1,020,136  
    Savings accounts   1,094,968     1,086,534     1,092,038     1,144,427     1,155,517  
    Money market deposit accounts   478,872     465,049     477,113     517,445     532,611  
    Time deposits   2,061,576     2,049,759     1,952,635     1,840,262     1,903,908  
    Total deposits   5,496,670     5,390,983     5,264,191     5,276,967     5,355,169  
               
    Short-term borrowings   82,275     84,781     91,450     89,720     94,374  
    Operating lease liabilities   38,324     40,159     41,469     42,026     43,438  
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities   33,468     46,478     43,549     42,763     37,399  
               
    Total liabilities   5,650,737     5,562,401     5,440,659     5,451,476     5,530,380  
               
    SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:          
    Capital stock   20,097     20,097     20,058     20,058     20,058  
    Surplus   259,182     258,874     257,644     257,490     257,335  
    Undivided profits   453,931     446,503     442,079     436,048     430,346  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax   (132 )   (3,861 )   (6,600 )   (14,268 )   (14,763 )
    Treasury stock at cost   (45,270 )   (45,270 )   (44,160 )   (44,160 )   (43,786 )
               
    Total shareholders’ equity   687,808     676,343     669,021     655,168     649,190  
               
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 6,338,545   $ 6,238,744   $ 6,109,680   $ 6,106,644   $ 6,179,570  
               
    Outstanding shares (in thousands)   19,020     19,020     19,010     19,010     19,024  
               
    NONPERFORMING ASSETS  
                 
    (dollars in thousands)  
    (Unaudited)  
      3/31/2025 12/31/2024 9/30/2024 6/30/2024 3/31/2024  
    Nonperforming Assets            
                 
    New York and other states*            
    Loans in nonaccrual status:            
    Commercial $ 688   $ 343   $ 466   $ 741   $ 532    
    Real estate mortgage – 1 to 4 family   14,795     14,671     15,320     14,992     14,359    
    Installment   139     108     163     131     149    
    Total non-accrual loans   15,622     15,122     15,949     15,864     15,040    
    Other nonperforming real estate mortgages – 1 to 4 family                      
    Total nonperforming loans   15,622     15,122     15,949     15,864     15,040    
    Other real estate owned   2,107     2,175     2,503     2,334     2,334    
    Total nonperforming assets $ 17,729   $ 17,297   $ 18,452   $ 18,198   $ 17,374    
                 
    Florida            
    Loans in nonaccrual status:            
    Commercial $   $   $ 314   $ 314   $ 314    
    Real estate mortgage – 1 to 4 family   3,135     3,656     3,176     2,985     2,921    
    Installment   3     22     5     22        
    Total non-accrual loans   3,138     3,678     3,495     3,321     3,235    
    Other nonperforming real estate mortgages – 1 to 4 family                      
    Total nonperforming loans   3,138     3,678     3,495     3,321     3,235    
    Other real estate owned                      
    Total nonperforming assets $ 3,138   $ 3,678   $ 3,495   $ 3,321   $ 3,235    
                 
    Total            
    Loans in nonaccrual status:            
    Commercial $ 688   $ 343   $ 780   $ 1,055   $ 846    
    Real estate mortgage – 1 to 4 family   17,930     18,327     18,496     17,977     17,280    
    Installment   142     130     168     153     149    
    Total non-accrual loans   18,760     18,800     19,444     19,185     18,275    
    Other nonperforming real estate mortgages – 1 to 4 family                      
    Total nonperforming loans   18,760     18,800     19,444     19,185     18,275    
    Other real estate owned   2,107     2,175     2,503     2,334     2,334    
    Total nonperforming assets $ 20,867   $ 20,975   $ 21,947   $ 21,519   $ 20,609    
                 
                 
    Quarterly Net (Recoveries) Chargeoffs            
                 
    New York and other states*            
    Commercial $ (3 ) $ 62   $ 65   $   $    
    Real estate mortgage – 1 to 4 family   41     (316 )   104     (74 )   (78 )  
    Installment   4     41     11     (2 )   36    
    Total net chargeoffs (recoveries) $ 42   $ (213 ) $ 180   $ (76 ) $ (42 )  
                 
    Florida            
    Commercial $ (315 ) $ 314   $   $   $    
    Real estate mortgage – 1 to 4 family               17        
    Installment   15     1     42     7        
    Total net (recoveries) chargeoffs $ (300 $ 315   $ 42   $ 24   $    
                 
    Total            
    Commercial $ (318 $ 376   $ 65   $   $    
    Real estate mortgage – 1 to 4 family   41     (316 )   104     (57 )   (78 )  
    Installment   19     42     53     5     36    
    Total net (recoveries) chargeoffs $ (258 $ 102   $ 222   $ (52 ) $ (42 )  
                 
                 
    Asset Quality Ratios            
                 
    Total nonperforming loans (1) $ 18,760   $ 18,800   $ 19,444   $ 19,185   $ 18,275    
    Total nonperforming assets (1)   20,867     20,975     21,947     21,519     20,609    
    Total net (recoveries) chargeoffs (2)   (258   102     222     (52 )   (42 )  
                 
    Allowance for credit losses on loans (1)   50,606     50,248     49,950     49,772     49,220    
                 
    Nonperforming loans to total loans   0.37 %   0.37 %   0.38 %   0.38 %   0.37 %  
    Nonperforming assets to total assets   0.33 %   0.34 %   0.36 %   0.35 %   0.33 %  
    Allowance for credit losses on loans to total loans   0.99 %   0.99 %   0.99 %   0.99 %   0.98 %  
    Coverage ratio (1)   269.8 %   267.3 %   256.9 %   259.4 %   269.3 %  
    Annualized net (recoveries) chargeoffs to average loans (2)   -0.02 %   0.01 %   0.02 %   0.00 %   0.00 %  
    Allowance for credit losses on loans to annualized net chargeoffs (2)   N/A     123.2x     56.3x     N/A     N/A    
       
    * Includes New York, New Jersey, Vermont and Massachusetts.  
    (1) At period-end  
    (2) For the three-month period ended  
       
    DISTRIBUTION OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY –
    INTEREST RATES AND INTEREST DIFFERENTIAL
     
    (dollars in thousands)                      
    (Unaudited) Three months ended     Three months ended  
      March 31, 2025     March 31, 2024  
      Average   Interest Average     Average   Interest Average  
      Balance     Rate     Balance     Rate  
    Assets                      
                           
    Securities available for sale:                      
    U. S. government sponsored enterprises $ 74,680     $ 596 3.19 %   $ 125,973     $ 906 2.88 %
    Mortgage backed securities and collateralized mortgage                    
    obligations – residential   239,509       1,483 2.46       258,814       1,494 2.30  
    State and political subdivisions   18       6.77       26       0 6.90  
    Corporate bonds   40,019       260 2.60       73,625       476 2.59  
    Small Business Administration – guaranteed                      
    participation securities   15,003       81 2.15       18,224       100 2.20  
    Other   699       7 4.01       696       3 1.72  
                           
    Total securities available for sale   369,928       2,427 2.62       477,358       2,979 2.50  
                           
    Federal funds sold and other short-term Investments   613,646       6,732 4.45       497,652       6,750 5.45  
                           
    Held to maturity securities:                      
    Mortgage backed securities and collateralized mortgage                    
    obligations – residential   5,233       57 4.34       6,329       68 4.30  
                           
    Total held to maturity securities   5,233       57 4.34       6,329       68 4.30  
                           
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock   6,507       151 9.28       6,203       152 9.80  
                           
    Commercial loans   297,926       4,165 5.59       277,183       3,661 5.28  
    Residential mortgage loans   4,385,646       42,614 3.89       4,359,476       40,415 3.71  
    Home equity lines of credit   413,981       6,435 6.30       353,004       5,464 6.22  
    Installment loans   12,967       236 7.37       16,128       264 6.58  
                           
    Loans, net of unearned income   5,110,520       53,450 4.19       5,005,791       49,804 3.98  
                           
    Total interest earning assets   6,105,834     $ 62,817 4.13       5,993,333     $ 59,753 3.99  
                           
    Allowance for credit losses on loans   (50,475 )             (48,824 )        
    Cash & non-interest earning assets   201,154               185,230          
                           
                           
    Total assets $ 6,256,513             $ 6,129,739          
                           
                           
    Liabilities and shareholders’ equity                      
                           
    Deposits:                      
    Interest bearing checking accounts $ 1,038,218     $ 558 0.22 %   $ 990,130     $ 240 0.10 %
    Money market accounts   469,070       1,989 1.72       544,687       2,342 1.73  
    Savings   1,089,358       734 0.27       1,158,558       712 0.25  
    Time deposits   2,054,494       18,984 3.75       1,889,929       19,677 4.19  
                           
    Total interest bearing deposits   4,651,140       22,265 1.94       4,583,304       22,971 2.02  
    Short-term borrowings   83,207       180 0.88       93,316       204 0.88  
                           
    Total interest bearing liabilities   4,734,347     $ 22,445 1.92       4,676,620     $ 23,175 1.99  
                           
    Demand deposits   761,800               726,299          
    Other liabilities   78,748               80,158          
    Shareholders’ equity   681,618               646,662          
                           
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 6,256,513             $ 6,129,739          
                           
    Net interest income     $ 40,372           $ 36,578    
                           
    Net interest spread       2.21 %         2.00 %
                           
                           
    Net interest margin (net interest income to                      
    total interest earning assets)       2.64 %         2.44 %
                           

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliation

    Tangible book value per share is a non-GAAP financial measure derived from GAAP-based amounts. We calculate tangible book value by excluding the balance of intangible assets from total shareholders’ equity divided by shares outstanding. We believe that this is consistent with the treatment by bank regulatory agencies, which exclude intangible assets from the calculation of risk-based capital ratios. Additionally, we believe that this measure is important to many investors in the marketplace who are interested in relative changes from period to period in equity exclusive of changes in intangible assets.

    Tangible equity as a percentage of tangible assets at period end is a non-GAAP financial measure derived from GAAP-based amounts. We calculate tangible equity and tangible assets by excluding the balance of intangible assets from total shareholders’ equity and total assets, respectively. We calculate tangible equity as a percentage of tangible assets at period end by dividing tangible equity by tangible assets at period end. We believe that this is consistent with the treatment by bank regulatory agencies, which exclude intangible assets from the calculation of risk-based capital ratios. Additionally, we believe that this measure is important to many investors in the marketplace who are interested in relative changes from period to period in equity and total assets, each exclusive of changes in intangible assets.

    Adjusted efficiency ratio is a non-GAAP measures of expense control relative to revenue from net interest income and non-interest fee income. We calculate the efficiency ratio by dividing total non-interest expense by the sum of net interest income and total non-interest income. We calculate the adjusted efficiency ratio by dividing total noninterest expenses as determined under GAAP, excluding other real estate expense, net, by net interest income and total noninterest income as determined under GAAP. We believe that this provides a reasonable measure of primary banking expenses relative to primary banking revenue. Additionally, we believe this measure is important to investors looking for a measure of efficiency in our productivity measured by the amount of revenue generated for each dollar spent.

    We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures provide information that is important to investors and that is useful in understanding our financial results. Our management internally assesses our performance based, in part, on these measures. However, these non-GAAP financial measures are supplemental and not a substitute for an analysis based on GAAP measures. As other companies may use different calculations for these measures, this presentation may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures reported by other companies. A reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures of tangible book value to shares outstanding, tangible equity as a percentage of tangible assets, and efficiency ratio to the most directly comparable GAAP measures is set forth below.  

    NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES RECONCILIATION        
             
    (dollars in thousands)        
    (Unaudited)        
        3/31/2025 12/31/2024 3/31/2024
    Tangible Book Value Per Share        
             
    Equity (GAAP)   $ 687,808   $ 676,343   $ 649,190  
    Less: Intangible assets     553     553     553  
    Tangible equity (Non-GAAP)   $ 687,255   $ 675,790   $ 648,637  
             
    Shares outstanding     19,020     19,020     19,024  
    Tangible book value per share     36.13     35.53     34.10  
    Book value per share     36.16     35.56     34.12  
             
    Tangible Equity to Tangible Assets        
    Total Assets (GAAP)   $ 6,338,545   $ 6,238,744   $ 6,179,570  
    Less: Intangible assets     553     553     553  
    Tangible assets (Non-GAAP)   $ 6,337,992   $ 6,238,191   $ 6,179,017  
             
    Equity to Assets (GAAP)     10.85 %   10.84 %   10.51 %
    Tangible Equity to Tangible Assets (Non-GAAP)     10.84 %   10.83 %   10.50 %
             
        Three months ended
    Efficiency and Adjusted Efficiency Ratios   3/31/2025 12/31/2024 3/31/2024
             
    Net interest income (GAAP) A $ 40,373   $ 38,902   $ 36,578  
    Non-interest income (GAAP) B   4,974     4,409     4,843  
    Revenue used for efficiency ratio (GAAP) C $ 45,347   $ 43,311   $ 41,421  
             
    Total noninterest expense (GAAP) D $ 26,329   $ 28,165   $ 24,903  
    Less: Other real estate expense, net E   28     476     74  
    Expense used for efficiency ratio (Non-GAAP) F $ 26,301   $ 27,689   $ 24,829  
             
    Efficiency Ratio (GAAP) D/C   58.06 %   65.03 %   59.94 %
    Adjusted Efficiency Ratio (Non-GAAP) F/C   58.00 %   63.93 %   59.94 %
             
    Subsidiary:   Trustco Bank
         
    Contact:   Robert Leonard
        Executive Vice President
        (518) 381-3693

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kean Secures Reinstated Non-Profit Status for Flemington Fire Department

    Source: US Representative Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07)

    (April 21, 2025) Flemington, NJ – Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) announced today that, after persistent advocacy from his office, the Flemington Fire Department has officially regained its non-profit status from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

    Former Chief and President Robert Motzel contacted the Congressman’s office seeking help with a years-long effort to reinstate the Fire Department’s tax-exempt status. Despite prior attempts to resolve the issue through other channels, the Department had faced repeated delays and setbacks. Thanks to the sustained efforts of Congressman Kean and his casework team, the IRS notified the Department in April 2025 that its non-profit status had finally been restored.

    The Flemington Fire Department, a 100% volunteer organization serving the Borough of Flemington and the surrounding communities since 1842, first lost its non-profit designation due to a clerical error. The resulting six-year delay—including during the COVID-19 pandemic—severely impacted the Department’s ability to secure vital grants, loans, and matching funds. These limitations hindered the Department’s capacity to purchase critical first responder equipment and maintain operations.

    “I am pleased that we have secured a long-overdue victory for the Flemington Fire Department,” said Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. “This organization has served its community with honor and dedication for over 175 years, and the restoration of its non-profit status will ensure it can continue protecting residents with the resources it needs. I applaud the brave men and women of the Department for their unwavering service, and I’m grateful my office could play a role in delivering this critical result.”

    “I’d just like to say thank you in assisting us in the process. I thought this issue would never ever get resolved,” said Former Chief Robert Motzel. “I have to say, this is such a huge relief for the dedicated volunteers of Flemington Fire Department and our community. Knowing our congressional liaisons like you and representatives like Congressman Kean Jr. are truly helping their constituents is very much appreciated and does not go unnoticed.”

    “Our volunteers fire department is critical to Flemington Borough,” said Flemington Mayor Marcia Karrow. “Congressman Kean’s help in reinstating their charitable not for profit status is key in their ability to apply for important grants for fire fighting equipment that both save lives and taxpayers dollars. The Borough is very grateful for his assistance.”

    Since opening in January 2023, Congressman Kean’s office has closed over 3,500 constituent cases, helping return more than $18 million to residents of New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: NorthEast Community Bancorp, Inc. Reports Results for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., April 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NorthEast Community Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: NECB) (the “Company”), the parent holding company of NorthEast Community Bank (the “Bank”), generated net income of $10.6 million, or $0.80 per basic share and $0.78 per diluted share, for the three months ended March 31, 2025 compared to net income of $11.4 million, or $0.87 per basic share and $0.86 per diluted share, for the three months ended March 31, 2024.

    Kenneth A. Martinek, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “We are, once again, pleased to report another quarter of strong earnings due to the excellent performance of our loan portfolio. Despite the challenging economic operating environment thus far in 2025, loan demand is strong with originations and outstanding commitments robust and increasing. As in the past, construction lending in high demand-high absorption areas continues to be our focus.”

    Highlights for the three months ended March 31, 2025 are as follows:

    • Performance metrics continue to be strong at March 31, 2025, with a return on average total assets ratio of 2.12%, a return on average shareholders’ equity ratio of 12.98%, and an efficiency ratio of 41.64%.
    • Asset quality metrics continued to remain strong with no non-performing loans at either March 31, 2025 or December 31, 2024, and non-performing assets to total assets of 0.26% and 0.25% at March 31, 2025 and at December 31, 2024, respectively. Our allowance for credit losses related to loans totaled $5.1 million, or 0.30% of total loans at March 31, 2025 compared to $4.9 million, or 0.27% of total loans at December 31, 2024.
    • We increased total stockholders’ equity by $8.9 million, or 2.8%, to $327.2 million, or 16.92% of total assets as of March 31, 2025 from $318.3 million, or 15.84% of total assets as of December 31, 2024.

    Balance Sheet Summary

    Total assets decreased $76.2 million, or 3.8%, to $1.9 billion at March 31, 2025, from $2.0 billion at December 31, 2024. The decrease in assets was primarily due to decreases in net loans of $87.3 million and decreases of $1.0 million in accrued interest receivable, partially offset by increases in cash and cash equivalents of $11.2 million and increases of $1.3 million in equity securities.

    Cash and cash equivalents increased $11.2 million, or 14.3%, to $89.5 million at March 31, 2025 from $78.3 million at December 31, 2024. The increase in cash and cash equivalents was a result of a decrease of $87.3 million in net loans and an increase of $8.9 million in stockholders’ equity, partially offset by a decrease in deposits of $84.4 million.

    Equity securities increased $1.3 million, or 5.9%, to $23.3 million at March 31, 2025 from $22.0 million at December 31, 2024. The increase in equity securities was attributable to the purchase of $1.0 million in equity securities during the three months ended March 31, 2025 and market appreciation of $300,000 due to market interest rate volatility during the quarter ended March 31, 2025.

    Securities held-to-maturity decreased $129,000, or 0.9%, to $14.5 million at March 31, 2025 from $14.6 million at December 31, 2024 due to $129,000 in maturities and pay-downs of various investment securities.

    Loans, net of the allowance for credit losses, decreased $87.3 million, or 4.8%, to $1.7 billion at March 31, 2025 from $1.8 billion at December 31, 2024. The decrease in loans consisted of decreases of $138.9 million in construction loans, $248,000 in non-residential loans, and $36,000 in one-to-four family loans. The decrease in our construction loan portfolio was due to normal pay-downs and principal reductions as construction projects were completed and either condominium units were sold to end buyers or multi-family rental buildings were refinanced by other financial institutions. The decrease in construction loans was offset by increases of $46.4 million in multi-family loans, $4.4 million in commercial and industrial loans, and $1.5 million in consumer loans.

    During the quarter ended March 31, 2025, we originated loans totaling $170.1 million consisting primarily of $110.2 million in construction loans, $49.1 million in multi-family loans, $10.1 million in commercial and industrial loans, and $730,000 in mixed-use loans. The $110.2 million in construction loans had 38.4% disbursed at loan closing, with the remaining funds to be disbursed over the terms of the construction loans.

    The allowance for credit losses related to loans increased to $5.1 million as of March 31, 2025, from $4.8 million as of December 31, 2024. The increase in the allowance for credit losses related to loans was due to recoveries totaling $352,000 and provision for credit losses totaling $62,000, offset by charge-offs totaling $117,000.

    Premises and equipment increased $84,000, or 0.3%, to $24.9 million at March 31, 2025 from $24.8 million at December 31, 2024 primarily due to the purchases of additional fixed assets.

    Federal Home Loan Bank stock was $397,000, foreclosed real estate was $5.1 million, and property held for investment was $1.4 million at both March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024.

    Bank owned life insurance (“BOLI”) increased $167,000, or 0.6%, to $25.9 million at March 31, 2025 from $25.7 million at December 31, 2024 due to increases in the BOLI cash value.

    Accrued interest receivable decreased $1.0 million, or 7.9%, to $12.4 million at March 31, 2025 from $13.5 million at December 31, 2024 due to a decrease in the loan portfolio.

    Right of use assets — operating decreased $145,000, or 3.6%, to $3.9 million at March 31, 2025 from $4.0 million at December 31, 2024, primarily due to amortization.

    Other assets decreased $328,000, or 2.8%, to $11.3 million at March 31, 2025 from $11.6 million at December 31, 2024 due to decreases of $1.7 million in tax assets and $10,000 in miscellaneous assets, partially offset by increases of $1.1 million in suspense accounts and $263,000 in prepaid expenses.

    Total deposits decreased $84.4 million, or 5.1%, to $1.6 billion at March 31, 2025 from $1.7 billion at December 31, 2024. The decrease in deposits was primarily due to decreases in certificates of deposit of $125.1 million, or 12.5%, and non-interest bearing deposits of $9.9 million, or 3.5%, partially offset by increases in NOW/money market accounts of $45.9 million, or 18.8%, and savings account balances of $3.3 million, or 2.4%. The decrease of $125.1 million in certificates of deposit consisted of a decrease in retail certificates of deposit of $76.0 million, or 14.8%, and a decrease in brokered certificates of deposit of $54.8 million, or 12.6%, partially offset by an increase in non-brokered listing services certificates of deposit of $5.7 million, or 17.0%.

    The decrease in retail certificates of deposit was due to a shift in deposits to our retail high yield money market accounts. The decrease in brokered certificates of deposit was due to management’s strategy to reduce the cost of funds by “calling” higher rate brokered deposits on their call dates.

    Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance increased $680,000, or 42.0%, to $2.3 million at March 31, 2025 from $1.6 million at December 31, 2024 due primarily to accumulation of real estate tax payments from borrowers.

    Lease liability – operating decreased $136,000, or 3.3%, to $4.0 million at March 31, 2025 from $4.1 million at December 31, 2024, primarily due to amortization.

    Accounts payable and accrued expenses decreased $1.3 million, or 8.7%, to $13.3 million at March 31, 2025 from $14.5 million at December 31, 2024 due primarily to a decrease in accrued expense of $2.8 million, partially offset by increases in dividends payable and other payables of $806,000, suspense accounts for loan closings of $346,000, and deferred compensation of $167,000. The allowance for credit losses for off-balance sheet commitments increased $175,000, or 24.8%, to $879,000 at March 31, 2025 from $704,000 at December 31, 2024 due primarily to an increase of $101.4 million, or 18.0%, in off-balance sheet commitments.

    Stockholders’ equity increased $8.9 million, or 2.8% to $327.2 million at March 31, 2025, from $318.3 million at December 31, 2024. The increase in stockholders’ equity was due to net income of $10.6 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, an increase of $302,000 in earned employee stock ownership plan shares coupled with a reduction of $217,000 in unearned employee stock ownership plan shares, and the amortization expense of $478,000 relating to restricted stock and stock options granted under the Company’s 2022 Equity Incentive Plan, partially offset by dividends declared of $2.7 million and $13,000 in other comprehensive loss.

    Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2025 and 2024

    Net Interest Income

    Net interest income was $24.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, as compared to $25.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The decrease in net interest income of $722,000, or 2.9%, was primarily due to an increase in interest expense that exceeded an increase in interest income and a decrease in the yield on interest earning assets that exceeded a decrease in the cost of funds for interest bearing liabilities.

    Total interest and dividend income increased $86,000, or 0.2%, to $38.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 from $38.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The increase in interest and dividend income was due to an increase in the average balance of interest earning assets of $159.9 million, or 9.2%, to $1.9 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2025 from $1.7 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2024, partially offset by a decrease in the yield on interest earning assets by 72 basis points from 8.77% for the three months ended March 31, 2024 to 8.05% for the three months ended March 31, 2025.

    Interest expense increased $808,000, or 6.2%, to $13.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 from $13.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The increase in interest expense was due to an increase in average interest bearing liabilities of $149.7 million, or 12.2%, to $1.4 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2025 from $1.2 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2024, partially offset by a decrease in the cost of interest bearing liabilities by 24 basis points from 4.29% for the three months ended March 31, 2024 to 4.05% for the three months ended March 31, 2025.

    Our net interest margin decreased 64 basis points, or 11.1%, to 5.11% for the three months ended March 31, 2025 compared to 5.75% for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The decrease in the net interest margin was due to a decrease in the yield on interest-earning assets that exceeded a decrease in the cost of funds on interest-bearing liabilities.

    Credit Loss Expense

    The Company recorded a credit loss expense of $237,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2025 compared to a credit loss expense reduction of $165,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The credit loss expense of $237,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was comprised of credit loss expense for loans of $62,000 and credit loss expense for off-balance sheet commitments of $175,000.

    The credit loss expense for loans of $62,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was primarily due to an increase in the multi-family loan portfolio. The credit loss expense for off-balance sheet commitments of $175,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was primarily due to an increase in unfunded off-balance sheet commitments.

    The credit loss expense reduction of $165,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was comprised of a credit loss expense reduction for loans of $145,000, a credit loss expense reduction for held-to-maturity investment securities of $3,000, and a credit loss expense reduction for off-balance sheet commitments of $17,000. The credit loss expense reduction for loans of $145,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily attributed to favorable trend in the economy.

    With respect to the allowance for credit losses for loans, we charged-off $117,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2025 as compared to charge-offs of $21,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2024. The charge-offs during both periods were against various unpaid overdrafts in our demand deposit accounts.

    We recorded recoveries of $352,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2025 compared to no recoveries during the three months ended March 31, 2024. The recoveries of $352,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2025 comprised of recoveries of $350,000 regarding a previously charged-off non-residential mortgage loan and $2,000 from a previously charged-off unpaid overdraft on a demand deposit account.

    Non-Interest Income

    Non-interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was $1.2 million compared to non-interest income of $554,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The increase of $681,000, or 122.9%, in total non-interest income was primarily due to increases of $382,000 in unrealized gain/(loss) on equity securities, $278,000 in other loan fees and service charges, $11,000 in miscellaneous other non-interest income, and $10,000 in BOLI income.

    The increase in unrealized gain/(loss) on equity securities was due to an unrealized gain of $300,000 on equity securities during the three months ended March 31, 2025 compared to an unrealized loss of $82,000 on equity securities during the three months ended March 31, 2024. The unrealized gain of $300,000 on equity securities during the three months ended March 31, 2025 was due to market interest rate volatility during the three months ended March 31, 2025.

    The increase of $278,000 in other loan fees and service charges was due to an increase of $245,000 in other loan fees and loan servicing fees, an increase of $31,000 in ATM/debit card/ACH fees, and an increase of $2,000 in deposit account fees.

    The increase in BOLI income of $10,000 was due to an increase in the yield on BOLI assets.

    Non-Interest Expense

    Non-interest expense increased $938,000, or 9.7%, to $10.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 from $9.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The increase resulted primarily from increases of $582,000 in salaries and employee benefits, $221,000 in other operating expense, $98,000 in outside data processing expense, $40,000 in occupancy expense, $19,000 in real estate owned expense, and $14,000 in advertising expense, partially offset by a decrease of $36,000 in equipment expense.

    Income Taxes

    We recorded income tax expense of $4.1 million and $4.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2025, we had approximately $204,000 in tax exempt income, compared to approximately $195,000 in tax exempt income for the three months ended March 31, 2024. Our effective income tax rates were 27.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2025 compared to 29.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2024.

    Asset Quality

    Non-performing assets were $5.1 million at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively. These non-performing assets consisted of two foreclosed properties, with one foreclosed property totaling $4.4 million located in the Bronx, New York and one foreclosed property totaling $767,000 located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

    Our ratio of non-performing assets to total assets remained low at 0.26% at March 31, 2025 as compared to 0.25% at December 31, 2024.

    The Company’s allowance for credit losses related to loans was $5.1 million, or 0.30% of total loans as of March 31, 2025, compared to $4.8 million, or 0.27% of total loans as of December 31, 2024. Based on a review of the loans that were in the loan portfolio at March 31, 2025, management believes that the allowance for credit losses related to loans is maintained at a level that represents its best estimate of inherent losses in the loan portfolio that were both probable and reasonably estimable.

    In addition, at March 31, 2025, the Company’s allowance for credit losses related to off-balance sheet commitments totaled $879,000 and the allowance for credit losses related to held-to-maturity debt securities totaled $126,000.

    Capital

    The Company’s total stockholders’ equity to assets ratio was 16.92% as of March 31, 2025. At March 31, 2025, the Company had the ability to borrow $941.3 million from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, $15.5 million from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, and $8.0 million from Atlantic Community Bankers Bank.

    The Bank’s capital position remains strong relative to current regulatory requirements and the Bank is considered a well-capitalized institution under the Prompt Corrective Action framework. As of March 31, 2025, the Bank had a tier 1 leverage capital ratio of 15.09% and a total risk-based capital ratio of 15.10%.

    The Company completed its first stock repurchase program on April 14, 2023 whereby the Company repurchased 1,637,794 shares, or 10%, of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock. The cost of the stock repurchase program totaled $23.0 million, including commission costs and Federal excise taxes. Of the total shares repurchased under this program, 957,275 of such shares were repurchased during 2023 at a total cost of $13.7 million, including commission costs and Federal excise taxes.

    The Company commenced its second stock repurchase program on May 30, 2023 whereby the Company will repurchase 1,509,218, or 10%, of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock. As of March 31, 2025, the Company had repurchased 1,091,174 shares of common stock under its second repurchase program, at a cost of $17.2 million, including commission costs and Federal excise taxes.

    About NorthEast Community Bancorp

    NorthEast Community Bancorp, headquartered at 325 Hamilton Avenue, White Plains, New York 10601, is the holding company for NorthEast Community Bank, which conducts business through its eleven branch offices located in Bronx, New York, Orange, Rockland, and Sullivan Counties in New York and Essex, Middlesex, and Norfolk Counties in Massachusetts and three loan production offices located in New City, New York, White Plains, New York, and Danvers, Massachusetts. For more information about NorthEast Community Bancorp and NorthEast Community Bank, please visit www.necb.com.

    Forward Looking Statement

    This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding anticipated future events and can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They often include words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” and “intend” or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” or “may.” These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the Company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements as a result of numerous factors. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expected results include, but are not limited to, changes in market interest rates, regional and national economic conditions (including higher inflation or recessionary conditions and their impact on regional and national economic conditions), legislative and regulatory changes, monetary and fiscal policies of the United States government, including policies of the United States Treasury and the Federal Reserve Board, the impacts of tariffs, sanctions and other trade policies of the United States and its global trading counterparts, the quality and composition of the loan or investment portfolios, demand for loan products, decreases in deposit levels necessitating increased borrowing to fund loans and securities, competition, demand for financial services in NorthEast Community Bank’s market area, changes in the real estate market values in NorthEast Community Bank’s market area, the impact of failures or disruptions in or breaches of the Company’s operational or security systems, data or infrastructure, or those of third parties, including as a result of cyberattacks or campaigns, and changes in relevant accounting principles and guidelines. Additionally, other risks and uncertainties may be described in our annual and quarterly reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which are available through the SEC’s website located at www.sec.gov. These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating any forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Except as required by applicable law or regulation, the Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to release publicly the result of any revisions that may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of the statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

    CONTACT:   Kenneth A. Martinek
        Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
         
    PHONE:   (914) 684-2500
     
    NORTHEAST COMMUNITY BANCORP, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
    (Unaudited)
                 
        March 31,   December 31,
        2025   2024
        (In thousands, except share
        and per share amounts)
    ASSETS            
    Cash and amounts due from depository institutions   $ 11,524     $ 13,700  
    Interest-bearing deposits     77,934       64,559  
    Total cash and cash equivalents     89,458       78,259  
    Certificates of deposit     100       100  
    Equity securities     23,294       21,994  
    Securities held-to-maturity ( net of allowance for credit losses of $126 and $126, respectively )     14,487       14,616  
    Loans receivable     1,725,664       1,812,647  
    Deferred loan fees, net     (63 )     (49 )
    Allowance for credit losses     (5,127 )     (4,830 )
    Net loans     1,720,474       1,807,768  
    Premises and equipment, net     24,889       24,805  
    Investments in restricted stock, at cost     397       397  
    Bank owned life insurance     25,905       25,738  
    Accrued interest receivable     12,432       13,481  
    Real estate owned     5,120       5,120  
    Property held for investment     1,361       1,370  
    Right of Use Assets – Operating     3,856       4,001  
    Right of Use Assets – Financing     346       347  
    Other assets     11,257       11,585  
    Total assets   $ 1,933,376     $ 2,009,581  
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY            
    Liabilities:            
    Deposits:            
    Non-interest bearing   $ 278,694     $ 287,135  
    Interest bearing     1,307,321       1,383,240  
    Total deposits     1,586,015       1,670,375  
    Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance     2,298       1,618  
    Lease Liability – Operating     3,972       4,108  
    Lease Liability – Financing     619       609  
    Accounts payable and accrued expenses     13,262       14,530  
    Total liabilities     1,606,166       1,691,240  
                 
    Stockholders’ equity:            
    Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding   $     $  
    Common stock, $0.01 par value; 75,000,000 shares authorized; 14,023,376 shares and 14,016,254 shares outstanding, respectively     140       140  
    Additional paid-in capital     110,871       110,091  
    Unearned Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) shares     (5,870 )     (6,088 )
    Retained earnings     221,858       213,974  
    Accumulated other comprehensive gain     211       224  
    Total stockholders’ equity     327,210       318,341  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 1,933,376     $ 2,009,581  
                 
     
    NORTHEAST COMMUNITY BANCORP, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
    (Unaudited)
     
        Quarter Ended March 31,
        2025   2024
        (In thousands, except per share amounts)
    INTEREST INCOME:              
    Loans   $ 36,882     $ 36,703  
    Interest-earning deposits     1,081       1,200  
    Securities     244       218  
    Total Interest Income     38,207       38,121  
    INTEREST EXPENSE:              
    Deposits     13,933       12,394  
    Borrowings           731  
    Financing lease     10       10  
    Total Interest Expense     13,943       13,135  
    Net Interest Income     24,264       24,986  
    Provision for (reversal of) credit loss     237       (165 )
    Net Interest Income after Provision for (Reversal of) Credit Loss     24,027       25,151  
    NON-INTEREST INCOME:              
    Other loan fees and service charges     740       462  
    Earnings on bank owned life insurance     167       157  
    Unrealized gain (loss) on equity securities     300       (82 )
    Other     28       17  
    Total Non-Interest Income     1,235       554  
    NON-INTEREST EXPENSES:              
    Salaries and employee benefits     5,933       5,351  
    Occupancy expense     747       707  
    Equipment     217       253  
    Outside data processing     735       637  
    Advertising     102       88  
    Real estate owned expense     30       11  
    Other     2,855       2,634  
    Total Non-Interest Expenses     10,619       9,681  
    INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES     14,643       16,024  
    PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES     4,076       4,650  
    NET INCOME   $ 10,567     $ 11,374  
                   
     
    NORTHEAST COMMUNITY BANCORP, INC.
    SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
    (Unaudited)
     
        Quarter Ended March 31,
        2025   2024
        (In thousands, except per share amounts)
    Per share data:            
    Earnings per share – basic   $ 0.80     $ 0.87  
    Earnings per share – diluted     0.78       0.86  
    Weighted average shares outstanding – basic     13,192       13,118  
    Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted     13,560       13,191  
    Performance ratios/data:            
    Return on average total assets     2.12 %     2.50 %
    Return on average shareholders’ equity     12.98 %     15.88 %
    Net interest income   $ 24,264     $ 24,986  
    Net interest margin     5.11 %     5.75 %
    Efficiency ratio     41.64 %     37.91 %
    Net charge-off ratio     (0.05 )%     0.00 %
                 
    Loan portfolio composition:     March 31, 2025     December 31, 2024
    One-to-four family   $ 3,436     $ 3,472  
    Multi-family     253,018       206,606  
    Mixed-use     26,572       26,571  
    Total residential real estate     283,026       236,649  
    Non-residential real estate     29,198       29,446  
    Construction     1,287,225       1,426,167  
    Commercial and industrial     123,113       118,736  
    Consumer     3,102       1,649  
    Gross loans     1,725,664       1,812,647  
    Deferred loan fees, net     (63 )     (49 )
    Total loans   $ 1,725,601     $ 1,812,598  
    Asset quality data:            
    Loans past due over 90 days and still accruing   $     $  
    Non-accrual loans            
    OREO property     5,120       5,120  
    Total non-performing assets   $ 5,120     $ 5,120  
                 
    Allowance for credit losses to total loans     0.30 %     0.27 %
    Allowance for credit losses to non-performing loans     0.00 %     0.00 %
    Non-performing loans to total loans     0.00 %     0.00 %
    Non-performing assets to total assets     0.26 %     0.25 %
                 
    Bank’s Regulatory Capital ratios:            
    Total capital to risk-weighted assets     15.10 %     13.92 %
    Common equity tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets     14.79 %     13.65 %
    Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets     14.79 %     13.65 %
    Tier 1 leverage ratio     15.09 %     14.44 %
     
    NORTHEAST COMMUNITY BANCORP, INC.
    NET INTEREST MARGIN ANALYSIS
    (Unaudited)
     
        Quarter Ended March 31, 2025   Quarter Ended March 31, 2024
        Average
    Balance
      Interest
    and dividend
      Average
    Yield
      Average
    Balance
      Interest
    and dividend
      Average
    Yield
        (In thousands, except yield/cost information)   (In thousands, except yield/cost information)
    Loan receivable gross   $ 1,767,849     $ 36,882     8.35 %   $ 1,612,343     $ 36,703     9.11 %
    Securities     36,751       235     2.56 %     33,848       197     2.33 %
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock     397       9     9.07 %     842       21     9.98 %
    Other interest-earning assets     93,476       1,081     4.63 %     91,552       1,200     5.24 %
    Total interest-earning assets     1,898,473       38,207     8.05 %     1,738,585       38,121     8.77 %
    Allowance for credit losses     (4,827 )                 (5,091 )            
    Non-interest-earning assets     96,493                   88,859              
    Total assets   $ 1,990,139                 $ 1,822,353              
                                         
    Interest-bearing demand deposit   $ 274,630     $ 2,445     3.56 %   $ 171,483     $ 1,817     4.24 %
    Savings and club accounts     138,903       730     2.10 %     182,771       1,202     2.63 %
    Certificates of deposit     962,084       10,758     4.47 %     810,586       9,375     4.63 %
    Total interest-bearing deposits     1,375,617       13,933     4.05 %     1,164,840       12,394     4.26 %
    Borrowed money           10     0.00 %     61,092       741     4.85 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities     1,375,617       13,943     4.05 %     1,225,932       13,135     4.29 %
    Non-interest-bearing demand deposit     270,874                   291,909              
    Other non-interest-bearing liabilities     18,086                   18,090              
    Total liabilities     1,664,577                   1,535,931              
    Equity     325,562                   286,422              
    Total liabilities and equity   $ 1,990,139                 $ 1,822,353              
                                         
    Net interest income / interest spread         $ 24,264     4.00 %         $ 24,986     4.48 %
    Net interest rate margin                 5.11 %                 5.75 %
    Net interest earning assets   $ 522,856                 $ 512,653              
    Average interest-earning assets                                    
    to interest-bearing liabilities     138.01 %                 141.82 %            

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal leads Commencement Ceremony of Cruise Operations from MICT in Mumbai, India’s largest Cruise Terminal

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal leads Commencement Ceremony of Cruise Operations from MICT in Mumbai, India’s largest Cruise Terminal

    Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurate renovated Fire Memorial at Victoria Docks along with two other heritage buildings in Colaba; Boost to Green Port Initiatives with Shore to Ship Electric Supply along with ‘Sagar Upavan’ Garden

    Sarbananda Sonowal attends MoU signing Ceremony for Three Agreements on Strategic Development of Vadhavan Port, aimed at Port Infra Development and Cargo Handling Facilities

    Sarbananda Sonowal attends MoU signing ceremony for infra projects development worth ₹5700 crores at Vadhavan Port

    Posted On: 21 APR 2025 6:43PM by PIB Delhi

    The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoSPW), Shri Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off Cruise Operations from the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT), India’s largest cruise terminal, in Mumbai today. The Union Minister also inaugurated renovated Fire Memorial at Victoria Docks as well as renovated two heritage buildings — Fort House Ballard Estate and Evelyn House at Colaba. Sonowal also inaugurated Sagar Upvan garden along with Shore to Ship Electric Supply under Green Port Initiative. 

    The MICT, developed as per Cruise Bharat Mission, was developed as per latest global standards and is expected to take a pioneering role in developing cruise tourism in India. Spread over a built up area of more than 4,15,000 Square Feet, the MICT is developed at Ballard Pier. MICT is India’s largest world class cruise terminal. Equipped with  72 Check in and Immigration counters spreading over an area of 2,07,000 Square Feet on the first two floors (G+1) while the other two floors (2 + 3) are developed as Commercial Floors. The newly inaugurated MICT is designed to handle 1 million passengers every year with an approximate 10,000 passengers per day. It can also handle 5 ships simultaneously, with 11 meters draft and upto 300 meters length. At the parking space, more than 300 vehicles can be parked simultaneously. 

    Speaking on the commencement of Cruise Service from MICT, the Union Minister said, “The maritime history of Mumbai is rich and an integral part of our civilisation. As a coastal hub, it has served the nation handsomely with its bustling coastal business. It is only logical that we work towards realising Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji’s vision of ‘Bharat becoming a global cruise hub through its state-of-the-art infrastructure.’ Today, Mumbai, with its longstanding repute as a major maritime hub in the world, commenced Cruise Operations from the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal, providing passengers modern amenities for a better and safer experience. This adds to our existing such top class international terminals at Visakhapatnam and Chennai. In order to celebrate the heroic contribution of Mumbai Port Fire Services personnel, the newly renovated Fire Memorial at Victoria Docks celebrates their distinctive service to the nation.”  

    MICT has been designed with a wavy ceiling reflecting the maritime identity with functional and minimalist architecture. MICT blends modern design with Mumbai’s maritime spirit—featuring fluid architecture, rose gold accents, and a sweeping ceiling. From heritage-inspired entry to sleek interiors with wave seating, selfie points, and maritime plaques, it offers a serene yet vibrant gateway to India’s emerging global cruise hub. MICT will provide enhanced passenger experience and position Mumbai as one of major hub for cruise tourism hub. The total investment in the MICT project has been ₹556 crores. 

    Elaborating on the vision of Cruise Bharat Mission, the Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “PM Narendra Modi ji’s call for port-led prosperity has redefined our maritime ambitions. we also give momentum to the ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’—our resolve to make Bharat one of the top cruise destinations in the world. The mission embraces three pillars—Ocean and Harbour Cruises, River and Inland Cruises, and Island and Lighthouse Cruises. With a comprehensive strategy that combines digital ease, circuit integration, environmental sustainability, and global partnerships, This is India’s cruise awakening—bold, inclusive, and future-ready. Under the visionary leadership of hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, India’s maritime sector has witnessed an astonishing transformation. it is the story of an India that believes in its potential and invests in its people.”

    The renovated Fire Memorial at Victoria Docks, which was inaugurated by the Minister, is a solemn tribute to the Mumbai Port Fire Services personnel for their distinctive service to the nation. The fire memorial is renovated with “Golden Tears” theme as the tragic event which rained golden bricks were blown in the surrounding area of Port. To promote heritage and tourism, façade lighting was inaugurated at two iconic heritage buildings of MbPA – Port House at Ballard Estate and Evelyn House at Colaba — adding to the aesthetic and historical appeal of the city’s legacy. 

    In a boost to Green Port Initiative, the Shore to Ship Electric Supply at MbPA will help Tug boats and Coast Guard vessels, reduce emissions, bring in operational efficiency and reduce noise pollution. MbPA’s commitment to environmental sustainability and modernisation of port infrastructure, providing shore-based electric power will significantly enhance energy efficiency and operational cleanliness. 

    The rejuvenated Sagar Upvan Garden at Colaba was also inaugurated today.  With support from Tata Trusts, the MbPA undertook extensive repair and enhancement works, including the restoration of the compound wall, construction of facilities for gardeners, along with a 25000 KLD Sewage Treatment Plant. Rich with more than 500 varieties of plants, it has scenic views of the Arabian Sea as well as Sassoon Docks. It has  lush green lawns, sea-facing benches, and pathways ideal for jogging and walking along with a living laboratory for botany students and nature enthusiasts. 

    Union Minister Shri Sonowal also attended MoU signing ceremony for development of Infrastructure projects with investment worth of more than ₹5700 crores at Vadhavan Port, today. The agreements were signed for development of a terminal for handling container, bulk, and liquid cargo with investment of ₹4200 crores, development of a dedicated terminal for handling bulk and liquid cargo with an investment of ₹1,000 crores and development of a liquid cargo jetty and a tank farm with a capacity of 3,00,000 CBM for handling liquefied chemicals and related products with an investment of ₹500 crores.

    Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Our dynamic leader, Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji has given us a vision of transforming Vadhavan Port to become one of the Top 10 Global ports. As Vadhavan Port project is likely to power up India’s current capacity by more than three times, this is all weather, green field deep draft major port is going to act as a game changer for not only India’s maritime sector, but also enable regional trade. As India is poised to become a Viksit Bharat by 2047, this port is likely to act as a major growth multiplier. In this regard, the MoUs signed today adds towards creation of infrastructure and capacity of the Vadhavan port and helps us take another step towards realising the vision of PM, Shri Narendra Modi ji.”

    The inauguration of fuel dispensing infrastructure — including two HSD units, one gasoline unit, and a fast electric vehicle (EV) charger — further bolsters the port’s push towards sustainable mobility within the operational area. The event also included the formal handover of key land assets. A charge certificate of the plot at Malet Bunder was handed over to JNPA for its corporate building. Another plot at Reay Road was transferred to the Hare Krishna Mission for social and community activities. Additionally, the E Shed at Mumbai Port was handed over to M/s Ruchi India Logistics to strengthen port-led logistics operations.

    Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister of State, MoPSW, Shri Shantanu Thakur said, “The launch of the new cruise service in Mumbai, restoration of Mumbai’s maritime heritage buildings, and green port initiatives mark a transformative step forward in realising Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji’s vision of a sustainable, vibrant, and tourism-driven maritime economy that honours our past while embracing a cleaner, greener future. These efforts boost coastal tourism and urban renewal. They also reinforce India’s maritime leadership globally.”

    The Cruise Bharat Mission has set ambitious yet achievable goals like Development of 10 international sea cruise terminals, creation of 100 river cruise terminals, Launch of 5 marinas along our coast, Seamless integration of more than 5000 km of waterways, Aiming for 1 million sea cruise passengers and 1.5 million river cruise passengers by 2029, creation of over 400 thousand direct and indirect jobs across the cruise value chain. Since 2014, the government under the leadership of PM Shri Narendra Modi, has led to a transformation of the maritime sector. The cargo handled at the major port cargo surged from 556 MMT in 2014 to 854 MMT in 2024-25 while costal cargo grew by 119%. The inland water cargo rose from 6.89 MMT to 133 MMT—a leap of over 1800%. The cruise passengers increased from 85,000 in 2014 to 4.71 lakh today, a phenomenal growth of 454%. 

    Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, was joined by Shri Shantanu Thakur, Union Minister of State, MoSPW as the Guest of Honour along with Susil Kumar Singh (IRSME), Chairman, Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA); Adesh Titarmare, IAS, Deputy Chairman, MbPA; Unmesh  Sharad Wagh, IRS, Chairman, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and Dhruv Kotak, Managing Director, J.M. Baxi among other dignitaries and senior officials of the MoPSW and MbPA. 

    ***

    GDH/HR

    (Release ID: 2123251) Visitor Counter : 43

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Security: El Paso Business Owner Sentenced to 18 Months in Federal Prison for Tax Violations

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    EL PASO, Texas – An El Paso man was sentenced in a federal court in El Paso today to 18 months in prison for failure to account for and pay over trust fund taxes.

    According to court documents, Edward Dean La Puma, 58, was the founder and sole proprietor of 77 Stone, a granite countertop business, who willfully failed to account for and pay over trust fund taxes for 20 tax periods, from the first quarter of 2018 through the last quarter of 2022. His 20 violations resulted in the tax loss of $818,096.

    La Puma was indicted for 20 counts April 24, 2024 and arrested May 21, 2024. He pleaded guilty to one count on Nov. 21, 2024. As part of a plea agreement, La Puma agreed to pay restitution to the IRS in the amount of $383,551.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Micaela Glass prosecuted the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Feenstra Helps Introduce Legislation to Make Doubled Standard Deduction Permanent for Iowa Families

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Randy Feenstra (IA-04)

    HULL, IOWA – This Congress, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) helped introduce, alongside U.S. Rep. Max Miller (R-OH), the Permanent Tax Cuts for American Families Act, which would make the enhanced standard deduction – first established by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 – permanent. 

    This enhanced deduction is set to expire at the end of 2025 absent congressional action.

    “In 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act nearly doubled the standard deduction that American families, farmers, and workers could claim on their federal taxes. This enhanced standard deduction increased Iowans’ non-taxable income and has let taxpayers keep more of their hard-earned money. However, if Congress fails to act before the end of this year, the standard deduction would be almost slashed in half and lead to massive tax hikes on Americans,” said Rep. Feenstra. “I’m glad to help introduce the Permanent Tax Cuts for American Families Act to maintain the increased standard deduction and prevent the largest tax hike in U.S. history on Iowa families and workers. As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, I will continue working with my Republican colleagues and President Trump to extend the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and advance pro-growth economic policies.”

    The TCJA nearly doubled the standard deduction, raising the return from $6,500 to $12,000 for individual filers, and from $13,000 to $24,000 for joint filers. For tax year 2024, the standard deduction for married couples filing jointly was raised to $29,200 for joint filers and $14,600 for individual filers.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: LANCASTER COUNTY – Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania to Celebrate 50th Anniversary

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    April 22, 2025Strasburg, PA

    ADVISORY – LANCASTER COUNTY – Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania to Celebrate 50th Anniversary

    Andrea Lowery, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) and Pat Browne, Secretary of the Department of Revenue, will visit the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania to commemorate the site’s 50th anniversary with a press conference, ribbon cutting, opening a new exhibit and a new tour.

    WHO:
    Andrea Lowery, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission
    Pat Browne, Secretary, Department of Revenue
    Scott Martin, State Senator, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
    Randall Spackman, Commissioner, Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission
    Patrick C. Morrison, Director, Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
    Jim Donohue, Board of Directors President, Friends of the Railroad Museum
    Stephen Ranck, Outreach Coordinator, Office of U. S. Representative Lloyd Smucker

    WHEN:
    Monday, April 22, 2025, at 11:00 AM

    WHERE:
    Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
    300 Gap Road
    Strasburg, PA 17579

    RSVP:
    Press who are interested in attending please RSVP to jlosiewicz@pa.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy, Colleagues Reintroduce Bill to Expand Access to Historic Tax Credit

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) re-introduced the Historic Tax Credit Growth & Opportunity (HTC-GO) Act to foster economic growth and local renewal by expanding the Historic Tax Credit.
    “Our architectural heritage is a point of Louisiana pride that draws folks to visit our state and supports our economy. If we want to preserve it, we need the tools to do so. The Historic Tax Credit gives us those tools,” said Dr. Cassidy. 
    The HTC-GO Act:
    Creates a new 30 percent transferable credit for small and rural projects while returning the base credit to be payable in the same year the revitalized property is placed into service. The bill lowers the threshold the cost of a project must meet to be eligible by eliminating the basis-adjustment requirement, which will bring the HTC in line with other credits such as the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit.
    Further expands eligible renovation projects by decreasing the rehabilitation investment threshold from 100 percent to 50 percent of the project’s expenses. Project expenses would only have to exceed half of the project’s cost to qualify for the credit. It also amends rules for tax-exempt entities – such as health care centers, arts organizations, community services, and workforce training providers – to allow better access to the credit.
    The bill is endorsed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
    “The federal historic tax credit is one of our most powerful tools for historic preservation, economic development, and community revitalization,” said Carol Quillen, President and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “The leadership of Senators Cassidy and Warner, with the strong support of long-time champions Senators Collins and Cantwell and Representatives LaHood and Souzzi, attests to the role the historic tax credit plays in reenergizing communities across the country. With the reintroduction of the Historic Tax Credit Growth and Opportunity Act, we take a crucial step towards empowering Americans in every state to invest in older and historic buildings, neighborhoods and commercial districts. These investments support small businesses, create housing, and generate economic opportunity as they build community connection and engagement. This time-tested community-serving incentive demonstrates how preservation efforts serve the public good. We’re grateful to our Congressional champions for their steadfast support of the federal historic tax credit and look forward to supporting this effort in upcoming tax discussions.” 
    Cassidy was joined by U.S. Senators Mark Warner (D-VA), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) in introducing the bill.
    Background
    Elimination of the basis adjustment and a return to a one-year credit will increase the value of the credit and simplify transaction structures. Under current tax law, a building owner must subtract the amount of credits received from a building’s basis (the amount a property is worth for tax purposes) and receive the credit over 5 years. Eliminating this requirement will bring more value to all HTC projects by increasing the basis of rehabilitated historic buildings for building owners, providing additional depreciation and other tax benefits, and attracting more capital from tax credit investors.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scottish Green MSP tables ‘Mansion Tax’ proposals

    Source: Scottish Greens

    The wealthiest people should pay the most to fund services.

    Proposals for a ‘mansion tax’ on the sale of the million pound homes have been tabled in Parliament by Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer, with the money raised being used to protect public services.

    Scottish Greens finance spokesperson Ross Greer has tabled amendments to the Housing Bill which would introduce a new band of Land and Buildings Transaction Tax on the most expensive homes.

    Currently, the top rate of Land and Buildings Transaction Tax for residential properties is 12% from £750,000. The Scottish Greens are proposing a further rate from £1 million, which they have suggested be set at 15%.

    Mr Greer said:

    “A mansion tax on the biggest and most luxurious houses is one of many ways we can raise more money to support services like the NHS and schools while only impacting the very wealthiest people.

    “There is more than enough wealth in Scotland to end injustices like child poverty tomorrow, but far too much of it is in the hands of a very small number of extremely rich people and big companies.

    “The powers needed to tax them fairly mostly sit at Westminster rather than Holyrood, but we can use tools like Scottish property taxes to make sure the richest people in society pay a bit more when they are buying a new house.”

    Mr Greer added:

    “The Scottish Greens have already delivered an income tax system for Scotland which raises £1.7 billion more every year for public services like our schools and NHS. If we want to protect these services though, we need to go further.”

    In 2023, the Scottish Greens delivered new powers to double Council Tax on second homes. The party has also doubled the Additional Dwelling Supplement, a tax paid when buying second and holiday homes.

    Alongside the Mansion Tax plan, Ross Greer is also tabling proposals to end the tax exemptions currently enjoyed by two types of companies notorious for tax avoidance and property speculation and by foreign militaries buying property in Scotland, to create an additional charge for overseas buyers of Scottish properties and to allow councils to further increase Council Tax on holiday homes.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI USA: Promoting a Healthier California: Attorney General Bonta Announces New Funding Available for Local Public Agencies Through the 2025-2026 Tobacco Grant Program

    Source: US State of California

    Funding helps combat the illegal sale of tobacco products to youth

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced that the California Department of Justice (DOJ) is now accepting proposals for the 2025-2026 Tobacco Grant Program, which will provide approximately $28.5 million in grant funding to eligible local agencies. The program aims to reduce the illegal sale of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to our youth. Any local public agency within the State of California that has authority to enforce tobacco-related state laws or local ordinances related to retail tobacco sales and marketing is eligible to apply. This may include police and sheriffs’ departments, district and city attorneys and county counsels, public health departments, cities, counties, and public school/college districts. Information on the application process is available at oag.ca.gov/tobaccogrants. DOJ will also hold a Zoom webinar on Wednesday, April 30 at 10:00 AM PT to provide guidance to those interested in applying for the Tobacco Grant Program. To RSVP for the webinar, please click here.

    “At the California Department of Justice, we are committed to protecting our youth from the dangers posed by tobacco products. The reality is that, especially in recent years, companies have been aggressively going after our young people and attempting to turn as many of them as possible into regular customers,” said Attorney General Bonta. “I encourage local agencies to apply to the Tobacco Grant Program — it is a critical tool that allows us to collaborate and hold accountable those companies and individuals who violate our laws around tobacco products.” 

    Companies target our youth by making and marketing tobacco products with a myriad of kid-friendly flavors and loading those products with nicotinea highly addictive chemical that harms the developing brains of children and young adults. Surveys show flavored tobacco products remain the products of choice for young people. In 2024, among students reporting current e-cigarette use, 87.6% used flavored products. Tobacco usage during adolescence increases the risk for lifelong nicotine addiction and adverse health consequences. 

    DOJ’s Tobacco Grant Program aims to reduce childhood addiction to tobacco products by supporting local partners who:

    • Enforce the statewide flavor ban and similar local flavor ordinances.
    • Prosecute and penalize retailers who violate statewide and local tobacco laws, including those who sell or market tobacco products to youth under the age of 21, including over the internet.
    • Conduct retail inspections to ensure compliance.

    The program is funded by Proposition 56, the California Healthcare, Research and Prevention Tobacco Tax Act of 2016. To date, the Tobacco Grant Program has distributed approximately $212 million in grant funding to approximately 470 grantees through a competitive process.

    Attorney General Bonta remains committed to combating the illegal marketing and sale of tobacco products. Just this year, he announced a lawsuit against Flumgio Technology Inc., Berkeley Int’l Business Crew, and their founder, Mr. Zaoyu Zhu, for importing, marketing, and selling the popular FLUM brand e-cigarettes, which are illegal under California’s retail flavor ban and lack Food and Drug Administration authorization. He also announced lawsuits against two California online retailers of e-cigarettes, Ejuicesteals and E-juice Vapor, Inc., alleging that they engaged in unlawful remote sales of tobacco products and failed to verify the age of California consumers properly. Finally, Assembly Bill 3218 — his sponsored bill to help ensure the successful implementation of the flavored tobacco ban — was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom last year.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Jersey Woman Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Residential Marijuana Grows in Sacramento and Placer Counties

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Xiu Ping Li, 48, residing in Skillman, New Jersey, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta to five years in prison and four years of supervised release for three counts of manufacturing marijuana, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, Li operated multiple residential marijuana grows in Sacramento and Placer Counties that yielded more than 8,000 marijuana plants and 21.4 pounds of processed marijuana found during the execution of search warrants in 2016 and 2017. Li also acknowledged using proceeds from a marijuana grow to buy another property to continue growing marijuana.

    This case was the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, IRS Criminal Investigation, the Elk Grove Police Department, the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, and the Sacramento Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Roger Yang prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Guideline to apply for R500 million spaza support fund

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Government has called on eligible South African spaza shop owners in townships and rural areas who want to improve, expand, and sustain their shops to apply for assistance with the R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund (SSSF). 

    This as government officially opened applications for the fund aimed at increasing the participation of South African owned spaza shops in the townships and rural areas retail trade sector.

    READ | Government empowers spaza shops

    What the support fund seeks to achieve:

    •    It provides funding, training, business skills development, and technical support to help businesses compete effectively against larger retailers.
    •    Offers funding of up to R300 000 per shop through a combination of grants and low-interest loans.
    •    Assists shop owners in meeting hygiene and regulatory standards to ensure the provision of safe, high-quality products.
    •    Encourage the adoption of digital payment systems, inventory management tools, and financial literacy programs to improve operational efficiency.
    •    Facilitate wholesale aggregation, allowing spaza shops to access bulk purchasing advantages and competitive pricing.

    What you need to qualify:

    •    The owner of the spaza shop must be a South African citizen or naturalised as a South African citizen prior to 1994.
    •    Spaza shops must operate within South Africa in rural and township areas and serve local communities.
    •    The spaza shop must be registered with the local municipality in accordance with the relevant by-laws and business licensing requirements.
    •    Registration with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) will be optional based on the enterprise’s funding requirement. For enterprises receiving funding above R80 000 registration with CIPC will be required within a period of 6 months.
    •    The business must have a valid registration with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) or alternatively be allowed a six-month transitional period.
    •    The spaza shop must comply with all other relevant legislative and registration requirements necessary for its operation. (e.g. food preparation and health and safety standards)
    •    The owner must actively manage the spaza shop.
    •    Funding will prioritise entrepreneurs aged 18-35; female-owned spaza shops will receive priority consideration and businesses owned by individuals with disabilities will be given priority.

    What does the support package for funding of up to R100 000 entail:

    •    It includes a stock (grant) of a maximum of R40 000 for the initial purchase of stock via delivery channel partners.
    •    Assets and infrastructure (blended grant and loan): a maximum R50 000 for the upgrading of building infrastructure, systems, refrigeration, shelving and security.
    •    A maximum of R100 000 for training programmes that will include point of sale devices, business skills, digital literacy, credit health, food safety and business compliance.

    What does the support package for funding of above R100 000 up to R300 000 for registered and compliant entities entail:

    •    It includes a stock (grant) of a maximum of R40 000 for the initial purchase of stock via delivery channel partners.
    •    A maximum of R250 000 for a funding split, 50% of the funding will be provided as a grant, and 50% will be provided as a free-interest loan.
    •    A maximum of R100 000 for training programmes that will include point of sale devices, business skills, digital literacy, credit health, food safety and business compliance.
    •    The fund will be jointly administered by the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) and the Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency (SEFDA).
    •    In order to access the funding, applicants need to apply to the NEF and SEDFA through the prescribed application process outlined on the relevant institution’s website.

    The following websites can be used to apply for funding:

    •    Spaza Shop Support Fund – www.spazashopfund.co.za
    •    NEF – www.nefcorp.co.za
    •    SEDFA – https://systems.sefa.org.za/SMMEPortal/
    •    Create an account on https://systemsnew.sefa.org.za/SMMEPortal/
    •    Fill up all the required information on the registration page, read and accept the terms and  cconditions and  submit.

    The contact details for the Spaza Shop Support Fund Call Centre are 011 305 8080 or via email: Spazafund@nefcorp.co.za

    Contact details for the NEF Call Centre are 0861 843633, SEDFA Call Centre 012 748 9600 or an email can be sent to helpline@sefa.org.za.

    Working hours: Mon – Fri: 9 am – 10 pm ; Sat: 9 am  –  3 pm and Sunday: closed.

    SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Security: Houston ISD Official and Contractor Guilty in Nine-Year, Multimillion-Dollar Fraud Scheme

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    HOUSTON – A Houston federal jury has returned guilty verdicts against the former chief operating officer of the Houston Independent School District (HISD) and an HISD contractor, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei for the Southern District of Texas (SDTX).

    The jury deliberated for only six hours before convicting Brian Busby and Anthony Hutchison following a four-week trial. Both were convicted of conspiracy, bribery, filing false tax returns and witness tampering. Hutchison was also convicted of seven counts of wire fraud.

    Over the course of the trial, the jury heard testimony from over 50 witnesses regarding the 33 charged counts involving bribery, false invoicing schemes, witness tampering and tax violations. Five former HISD officials testified, all of whom received bribe payments – Rhonda Skillern-Jones, former HISD Board of Education president; Derrick Sanders, officer of construction services; Alfred Hoskins, general manager of facilities, maintenance and operations; Gerron Hall, area manager for maintenance – south; and Luis Tovar, area manager for maintenance – north. 

    They described the pressure Busby put on them to provide Hutchison’s companies more work with HISD as well as larger projects following Hurricane Harvey. They recounted how they received tens of thousands of dollars over the course of 2017 and 2018 or longer. 

    Skillern-Jones testified Busby told her she should use Hutchison’s company on school projects with the funds remaining from the school bond passed in 2012. They agreed that if the contract was given to Hutchison, then they could make some money off the projects. Following completion of the Holland Middle School and Pleasantville Elementary School projects, Busby met with Skillern-Jones outside of a Walmart parking lot to give her $12,000 in cash from Hutchison as the bribery payment for allocating her district’s portion of bond funds for projects Hutchison performed.

    Sanders, who also socialized with Busby and Hutchison, described taking trips to Las Vegas with them where he would be paid bribes and recounted their lavish purchases. On one occasion when Hutchison paid him, he exclaimed “next,” signaling Busby to come into the room for his payment. 

    Hoskins testified his maintenance team did not want to use Just Construction because it was often more expensive than other vendors, but Busby pressured him to give Hutchison’s company more work. Testimony further revealed they would bypass the rotation or bid process in selecting vendors and just provide work directly to Hutchison’s companies.

    The jury also saw a handwritten ledger seized from Hutchison’s residence which contained detailed notes of all HISD projects awarded to Just Construction. It included entries for bribe payments and locations where they were made.

    Detailed evidence also revealed the extensive invoicing fraud scheme Hutchison perpetrated through his company Southwest Wholesale. Since 2015, Southwest Wholesale had been the exclusive mowing and landscape contractor for HISD. The jury heard testimony demonstrating how Hutchison continuously overbilled for years for the approximately 150 schools he was contracted to mow. He also similarly charged HISD over twice the cost of what he paid for the supplies and marked that inflated charge up 20%. He consistently overbilled HISD over the course of years for a loss in excess of $6 million.

    Busby also made excessive cash deposits to over 18 bank accounts which was far more than his legitimate income. He attempted to explain it based on other sources of income, but the jury was not convinced it accounted for the close to $3 million cash deposits made over the course of five years that were not declared in his income tax returns for 2015-2019. 

    Hutchison similarly filed false tax returns in 2017 and 2018 wherein he deducted improper business expenses. Specifically, Hutchison obtained cash he used to pay bribes to HISD officials by writing company checks to vendors, who cashed the checks and provided the cash to him. He falsely stated on the memo line that they were in payment for work performed on HISD properties. He then caused the checks to be improperly deducted on corporate tax returns as business expenses. In reality, they were cashed to pay extensive gambling debts and cash bribe payments.

    Hoskins also testified about the steps Busby and Hutchison took to interfere with the investigation. Specifically, Busby called Hoskins and told him to tell investigators Busby had nothing to do with the award of the maintenance contract to Hutchison and his company. Hoskins also described how Hutchison advised him that police had a handwritten ledger with numbers on it and that Hoskins should say it was for gambling. 

    “HISD is the largest school district in the state, and the people of Houston trusted that district officials would spend their tax dollars wisely and carefully. Instead, Busby and Hutchinson defrauded the school district and the taxpayers of millions of dollars, doing so to line their own pockets,” said Ganjei. “People need to have faith in their public institutions, and they can become understandably cynical when they hear of public servants stealing from school kids by taking bribes and over-billing. SDTX aimed to restore that public trust by bringing this multi-year investigation to trial, which lasted over four weeks and involved over 50 witnesses. I’m proud of the trial team for delivering justice here, and I thank our incredible law enforcement partners.  Most of all, I’d like to thank the jury for devoting their precious time and attention over the past month. This case demonstrates that theft from schools won’t be tolerated and that the public can have confidence in their institutions.”

    “For years, Busby and Hutchison defrauded the largest public school system in Texas out of millions of dollars – money that was intended to benefit the students of HISD,” said Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams of the FBI Houston Field Office. “In turn, Busby and Hutchison also defrauded the taxpayers whose hard-earned dollars were fraudulently diverted for their greed and personal gain. Public corruption cases like this one are challenging to investigate and prove and erode the trust we place on our public servants. At the end of the day, we want to make sure corrupt individuals like Busby and Hutchison are brought to justice. Today’s guilty verdict is a step towards that justice. I’m proud of FBI Houston’s public corruption squad for the results of its years-long investigation and thank them, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, for their commitment to this case and to its thousands of victims.”

    U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen presided over the trial and has set sentencing for July 28. At that time, Busby and Hutchison face up to five, 10 and 20 years, respectively, for the conspiracy, bribery and witness tampering charges. Hutchison also faces up to 20 years for each count of wire fraud. All charges also carry a $250,000 maximum possible fine.

    Skillern-Jones, 39, Houston; Sanders, 50, Hoskins, 58, Hall, 48, all of Missouri City; and Tovar, 39, Huffman have pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charges. They face up to five years in prison.

    Busby and Hutchison were permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing.

    The FBI and IRS – Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert S. Johnson and Heather R. Winter are prosecuting the case. 

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congress.gov New, Tip, and Top – April 2025

    Source: US Global Legal Monitor

    In our last Congress.gov release, we announced improved access to Congressional Research Service (CRS) products on Congress.gov. Building on those improvements, you can now filter your search results for CRS products by topic. You can also now set up a saved search email alert for CRS products and even download an audio file of a CRS product.

    In addition, in this release, we are enhancing access to historical Senate Executive Journals in Congress.gov. These journals are now available in a convenient, page-turner environment that allows you to flip through the pages sequentially and jump to a particular page. You can find the complete list of enhancements below.

    You can filter search results for CRS Products by topic on Congress.gov.

    Enhancements

    New – Historical Senate Executive Journals

    • Historical Senate Executive Journals from the 1st (1789 – 1791) through the 43rd Congress (1873 – 1875) are available to browse and search.
    • Find links to the Senate Executive Journal in the Congressional Activity section of the Browse page.
    • Using the search bar, select All Congresses and enter your word or phrase query. Check Senate Executive Journal under the Journals filter on your search results page.
    • Select a search result from the list to view a text version of the Senate Executive Journal page. Use the View Source Images link to display an image of the original print page.

    Enhancement – CRS Products – Search

    • Filter search results from the CRS Products landing page search form by topic.
    • Search results sorted by relevancy display active reports before archived reports.

    Enhancement – CRS Products – Saved Search Alerts

    • Include the CRS Products collection in your saved search and set up an alert to receive an email when a new CRS product matches your search query.

    Enhancement – CRS Products – ReadSpeaker

    • Download an audio file to listen to the text of any CRS Product at your convenience.

    Congress.gov Tip

    There are several different ways to search Congress.gov. How do you know which one is best for your research? Check out “How to Pick a Search Page.”

    Most-Viewed Bills

    The most-viewed bills for the week of April 13, 2025 are below.

    1. H.R.22 [119th] SAVE Act
    2. H.R.8281 [118th] SAVE Act
    3. H.Con.Res.14 [119th] Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2025 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2026 through 2034.
    4. H.R.10127 [118th] Restoring Trade Fairness Act
    5. H.R.1526 [119th] NORRA of 2025
    6. H.R.1332 [118th] Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act
    7. H.R.2315 [119th] Fairness for High-Skilled Americans Act of 2025
    8. H.R.561 [119th] Overtime Pay Tax Relief Act of 2025
    9. H.Res.294 [119th] Providing for consideration of the joint resolution (S.J. Res. 18) disapproving the rule submitted by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection relating to “Overdraft Lending: Very Large Financial Institutions”; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (S.J. Res. 28) disapproving the rule submitted by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection relating to “Defining Larger Participants of a Market for General-Use Digital Consumer Payment Applications”; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1526) to amend title 28, United States Code, to limit the authority of district courts to provide injunctive relief, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 22) to amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to require proof of United States citizenship to register an individual to vote in elections for Federal office, and for other purposes; and for other purposes.
    10. H.R.482 [119th] No Tax on Tips Act

    Subscribe to In Custodia Legis – it’s free! – to receive interesting posts drawn from the Law Library of Congress’s vast collections and our staff’s expertise in U.S., foreign, and international law.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Executive Vice President of Insurance Brokerage Pleads Guilty in $133 Million Affordable Care Act Fraud Scheme

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    A Florida executive pleaded guilty today for his role in a scheme to submit fraudulent applications to enroll consumers in Affordable Care Act insurance plans (ACA plans) that were fully subsidized by the government. The purpose of the scheme was to obtain millions of dollars in commission payments from the insurance company that operated the ACA plans. The federal government paid at least $133,900,000 in subsidies for fraudulently enrolled individuals.

    According to court documents, Dafud Iza, 54, an executive vice president of an insurance brokerage firm, participated in a scheme to fraudulently enroll ineligible individuals into ACA plans that offered tax credits to eligible enrollees. These tax credits, or “subsidies,” could be paid by the federal government directly to insurance plans as a payment toward the plan’s monthly premium. The scheme involved submitting false and fraudulent applications for individuals whose income did not meet the minimum requirements to be eligible for the subsidies. Iza and his accomplices deceptively marketed subsidized ACA plans to ineligible consumers and falsely inflated consumers’ incomes to obtain the federal subsidies.

    In furtherance of the scheme, Iza and his accomplices targeted vulnerable, low-income individuals experiencing homelessness, unemployment, and mental health and substance abuse disorders, and knew that “street marketers” working on their behalf offered bribes to induce those individuals to enroll in subsidized ACA plans. Marketers working for Iza’s accomplices coached consumers on how to respond to application questions to maximize the subsidy amount paid by the federal government and provided addresses and social security numbers that did not match the consumers purportedly applying. 

    Iza pleaded guilty to one count of major fraud against the United States and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Acting Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of the FBI Miami Field Office; Acting Special Agent in Charge Jesus Barranco of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Miami Regional Office; and Special Agent in Charge Emmanuel Gomez of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Miami Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI, HHS-OIG, and IRS-CI are investigating the case.

    Assistant Chief Jamie de Boer and Trial Attorney D. Keith Clouser of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.

    The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: Blue Mountain Solidifies Executive Leadership with Seasoned GTM Appointments to Drive Next Phase of Growth and Innovation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    STATE COLLEGE, Pa., April 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Blue Mountain, the leader in GMP-compliant Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) software for life sciences, is pleased to announce the appointment of Keith Pensabene as Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) and Christian Rockwell as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). These strategic additions to the executive leadership team reinforce Blue Mountain’s commitment to growth, innovation, and delivering exceptional value to its customers.

    Keith Pensabene brings extensive experience in revenue generation, sales leadership, and business development within the Life Sciences sector. Coming from leading companies including Accenture, IQVIA, Pilgrim QMS, and STARLIMS, Keith joined Blue Mountain as Chief Growth Officer where he was responsible for building strategic go-to-market partnerships to accelerate the company’s global footprint. As CRO, he will be responsible for driving Blue Mountain’s revenue strategy, optimizing sales performance, and expanding market opportunities. Pensabene’s proven track record of success in scaling businesses and fostering strong client relationships will be instrumental in accelerating the company’s growth trajectory.

    Further bolstering the leadership team, Christian Rockwell brings a wealth of experience in building marketing organizations to support high growth technology businesses at companies including Advarra, Sparta Systems, Misys and Oracle. As CMO, Rockwell will oversee all aspects of marketing, including brand positioning, product marketing, digital marketing, and go-to-market initiatives. His expertise in executing data-driven marketing strategies will support Blue Mountain’s mission to enhance its industry presence as the market leader and connect with a broader audience.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Keith and Christian to their roles at Blue Mountain,” said David Rode, CEO at Blue Mountain. “Their leadership, industry expertise, and strategic vision will be invaluable as we continue to innovate and scale as a business. We look forward to their contributions in driving sustainable growth and strengthening our market position.”

    About Blue Mountain

    Blue Mountain is the leader in enterprise asset management for Life Sciences. For over 35 years, Blue Mountain has been committed to delivering innovative and high-quality solutions that ensure regulatory compliance, enable operational efficiency and equipment uptime, and provide insights that optimize asset lifecycle management. Trusted by more than 400 Life Sciences companies, the Blue Mountain industry-leading cloud platform helps companies master end-to-end GMP asset management from set-up to installation and from training to validation. Blue Mountain is backed by Accel-KKR and headquartered in State College, PA.

    For more information, please visit www.coolblue.com and follow the company on LinkedIn.

    Media Contact:

    Christian Rockwell
    carockwell@coolblue.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Security: Miske Enterprise Member Sentenced to Seven Years in Federal Prison for Racketeering Conspiracy and Role in Kidnapping and Murder of Johnathan Fraser

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    HONOLULU – Acting United States Attorney Kenneth M. Sorenson announced that Delia Fabro-Miske, 30, of Honolulu, was sentenced yesterday in federal court by U.S. District Judge Derrick K. Watson to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release for racketeering conspiracy. Fabro-Miske pled guilty on January 12, 2024, in the middle of jury selection, to conspiring to conduct and participate in the conduct of the affairs of a racketeering enterprise, the “Miske Enterprise,” through racketeering activity that included bank fraud, obstruction of justice, and wire fraud.

    Fabro-Miske admitted that she and codefendant Michael J. Miske committed bank fraud by submitting fraudulent paperwork in order to obtain leases for two vehicles that were used for one of Miske’s businesses. Fabro-Miske also  obstructed a joint investigation into another of Miske’s businesses, Kamaaina Termite and Pest Control (“KTPC”), which was conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (“HDA”). At Miske’s direction, Fabro-Miske submitted to HDA falsified fumigation logs, which claimed that she was the certified applicator of chemicals on hundreds of jobs. In reality, most of the listed jobs were completed by unlicensed applicators. Fabro-Miske also fraudulently obtained Social Security Administration (“SSA”) survivor benefits at Miske’s direction by having her wages at KTPC decreased below the SSA benefits income threshold. At the same time, Miske paid Fabro-Miske in benefits that were not reported to the SSA or Internal Revenue Service.

    Additionally, according to information provided to the Court, in or about 2017, Miske placed Fabro-Miske in charge of his businesses in an attempt to preserve and conceal his assets in anticipation of federal prosecution. In practice, Fabro-Miske carried out Miske’s wishes and acted at his direction. Fabro-Miske assisted in a fraudulent scheme committed through Miske’s businesses, which involved submitting false filings to the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs that permitted the businesses to operate under fraudulently obtained and maintained licenses. Miske Enterprise members then falsely represented to customers that Miske’s businesses were properly licensed. Between 2017 and 2020, the businesses generated millions of dollars in income annually. As the head of Miske’s businesses, Fabro-Miske was also responsible for the proper and safe application of pesticides and other chemicals at customers’ homes. Information provided to the Court, however, showed that fumigations were regularly conducted without proper supervision or chemicals. Chief Judge Watson stated that Fabro-Miske’s work at Miske’s businesses “funded any number of crimes that we heard months and months of testimony” about in Miske’s trial, and her assistance “allowed Mr. Miske to run rampant in this community.”

    Finally, the Court determined that Fabro-Miske was also responsible for participating in a conspiracy with other Miske Enterprise members to kidnap and murder 21-year-old Johnathan Fraser. According to information provided to the Court, Caleb Miske – Miske’s son and Fabro-Miske’s husband – and Fraser were driving together when the two were involved in a car crash in November 2015.  Caleb Miske ultimately passed away from his injuries, and Miske blamed Fraser for his son’s death and enlisted several Miske Enterprise members to assist in his plan to murder Fraser. As part of that plan, Miske directed Fabro-Miske to rekindle her friendship with Fraser and his girlfriend and to lure them into living with her at an apartment paid for by Miske. On July 30, 2016, Fabro-Miske took Fraser’s girlfriend on a “spa day” paid for by Miske, ensuring that Fraser would be isolated when he was kidnapped. Fraser was never seen again after that day. Due to Miske’s death in December 2024, Chief Judge Watson explained that “the person most involved in Mr. Fraser’s demise will not ever be sentenced by this Court.” While Chief Judge Watson found that Fabro-Miske did not “directly and personally kill” Fraser and determined her to be a minimal participant in the kidnapping and murder conspiracy, he noted that there was “no doubt” that her actions led to Fraser’s murder and that the circumstances painted a “strong and clear picture” of a conspiracy to commit kidnapping murder in aid of racketeering.

    Fabro-Miske was charged alongside twelve other defendants, all of whom pled guilty except for Miske, who proceeded to trial and was found guilty of racketeering conspiracy, murder, and 11 other felony charges on July 18, 2024. Seven other members and associates of the Miske Enterprise pled guilty to various offenses in related cases. 

    “Delia Fabro-Miske was an integral member of the Miske Enterprise, which terrorized, exploited, and defrauded our community for decades. She participated in Miske’s bank frauds, social security fraud, falsification of fumigation records, and the concealment of Miske’s illegally obtained assets, and was a vital cog in the plot to murder of Johnathan Fraser. Fabro-Miske’s sentence yesterday demonstrates that those who occupy even the lower rungs of Hawaii’s criminal enterprises will pay a steep price when they face justice in federal court,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson. “The dismantling of the Miske Enterprise represents one of the most significant law enforcement efforts in the history of Hawaii law enforcement, and it would not have been possible without the tremendous and dedicated work of our partners at the Honolulu Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and Environmental Protection Agency, among many others.”

    “Ms. Fabro-Miske was a key member in the Miske Enterprise fraud schemes, actively participating in defrauding the government and taxpayers,” said FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge David Porter. “This sentencing reflects years of collaboration between FBI Honolulu and our law enforcement partners. The FBI remains steadfast in its commitment to dismantle violent criminal enterprises, hold their members accountable, and pursue justice for victims.”

    “Our investigators follow the money because criminal organizations profit at the expense of public safety,” said Adam Jobes, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Seattle Field Office. “Ms. Fabro-Miske’s racketeering conviction is a reminder that, in the end, crime really doesn’t pay.”

    “The sentencing of Ms. Fabro-Miske underscores HSI’s commitment to disrupting and dismantling criminal organizations in Hawaii,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge Lucy Cabral-DeArmas. “HSI will continue to hold accountable those who significantly harm our communities by breaking federal laws. By bringing justice to the Miske Enterprise, HSI sends the message that we will not tolerate any violent activity on our islands.”

    “By falsifying documents, defendant obstructed EPA and the state’s criminal investigation of a pesticide applicator that illegally applied restricted use pesticides,” said Benjamin Carr, Special Agent in Charge for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division in Hawaii. “Yesterday’s sentencing reflects the seriousness of defendant’s fraudulent conduct and the importance of complying with pesticide reporting requirements so EPA and Hawaii Department of Agriculture can keep our communities safe.”

    This prosecution was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligencedriven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Criminal Investigation Division of the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with assistance from the Honolulu Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Coast Guard Investigative Service, the United States Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force, the Cybercrime Lab of the Department of Justice Criminal Division Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center, the Honolulu Fire Department, the Hawaii National Guard, 93rd Civil Support Team, the Office of Investigations–Office of the Inspector General for the Social Security Administration, and the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Inciong, Michael Nammar, KeAupuni Akina, and Aislinn Affinito prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Global: Endowments aren’t blank checks – but universities can rely on them more heavily in turbulent times

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Ellen P. Aprill, Senior Scholar in Residence at the UCLA Law School’s Lowell Milken Center For Philanthropy And Nonprofit Law, University of California, Los Angeles

    The Trump administration is demanding that at least 60 U.S. colleges and universities change their policies or lose out on billions of dollars in federal funding.

    In Harvard University’s case, the government has accused the Ivy league school – so far without providing any specific evidence – of violating some students’ civil rights by allowing other students to engage in what the authorities characterize as antisemitic speech. The government has demanded broad oversight of Harvard’s admissions policies, along with changes in its hiring processes and campus culture.

    Harvard stands to lose out on more than US$2.2 billion. It may seem to be better insulated from this pressure than many other schools because it has the nation’s largest educational endowment – a reservoir of stocks, bonds and other financial assets that helps fund its operations, research and scholarships. Harvard’s endowment totaled more than $53 billion in 2024.

    As a nonprofit law scholar, who served in the Treasury Department’s Office of Tax Policy in the 1980s, I study and write about both state and federal law as it applies to nonprofit organizations. I believe that the law permits most colleges and universities to increase spending from their endowments in light of the financial pressures so many of them are facing.

    Precedents for boosting endowment spending

    Not all endowments are alike.

    They tend to be composed of an array of smaller funds, some of which are subject to legal restrictions that make it impossible for the schools they support to freely use those assets.

    Universities must respect the limits donors put on their gifts, such as tying them to specific scholarships, funding jobs held by certain kinds of professors or supporting the construction or maintenance of a particular building.

    It’s up to a university’s governing board to decide how much of the school’s endowment will be spent in a given year.

    As Harvard’s financial report for its 2024 fiscal year puts it: “There is a common misconception that endowments, including Harvard’s, can easily be accessed like checking accounts.” That is definitely not the case.

    Nonetheless, some college and university boards did allow increased endowment spending at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Great Recession, which lasted from late 2007 until mid-2009.

    During that downturn and the financial crisis that precipitated it, the value of endowments, along with most financial assets, plummeted.

    About 80% of Harvard’s 14,000 separate endowment funds are reserved for “specific programs, departments or purposes.” But others are less restricted, Harvard has stated in the financial reports it makes available to the public.

    While it’s always important to proceed with care when spending money reserved for use on a rainy day or to ensure the long-term existence of a revered institution, most colleges and universities are freer to dip into their endowments than they may realize when conditions get stormy.

    Leeway in an important law

    In all states except Pennsylvania, U.S. endowments are subject to a 2006 model law known as the Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act.

    Under this law, managing and investing an endowment requires the university to consider its charitable purposes and financial needs, while respecting the intentions of the donors who provided its assets. These are state laws, not federal statutes. In most states, a university may spend as much of an endowment fund as it deems “prudent.”

    Exercising that prudence requires the consideration of several factors.

    They include the purposes of the institution as a whole and the particular endowment fund, prevailing economic conditions, and what other financial resources the institution can tap. However, in almost one-third of states, including California and New York, annually spending more than 7% of an endowment’s fair market value, measured by a three-year average, is presumed to be imprudent.

    But that isn’t a legal maximum because the model law’s drafters noted that “circumstances in a particular year” could easily void that presumption. Based on my study of nonprofit law, including the laws that apply to higher education, I’m confident that this caveat could easily apply to the Trump administration’s education-related spending cuts in 2025, just as it did during the pandemic and the Great Recession.

    What’s more, endowment spending rate by universities in 2024 was 4.8%. As a result, many universities, including those in states with a 7% cap on prudent spending, will likely be able to increase their use of endowment funds to maintain their budgets at prior levels.

    In addition, living donors can release any restriction they placed on the funds they gave universities that are still held in their endowments. Even when those funds are from donors who have died, a university can ask a court to release restrictions that have become impractical or wasteful.

    The Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act also permits institutions to lift restrictions on all endowment funds that are more than 20 years old and relatively small. This amount varies from state to state and typically ranges between $25,000 and $100,000

    Archon Fung, a John F. Kennedy School of Government professor, addresses students, faculty and other members of the Harvard University community on April 17, 2025.
    AP Photo/Charles Krupa

    A bias toward accumulating

    In addition to Harvard, other examples of the largest higher education endowments include Yale with $41 billion, Princeton with $34 billion and Columbia, which has some $15 billion. All three are among the 60 schools the Education Department is investigating for allegedly failing to “protect Jewish students on campus.”

    Why do the boards of even these universities tend to hesitate to dip deeply into their endowments when their revenue declines?

    One explanation is that because endowments can enhance a university’s prestige, its leaders and endowment donors have a bias toward accumulating rather than spending. Another is that board members have an obligation to protect their institutions’ long-term viability. Boards also bear a responsibility to preserve funds for a future rainy day, no matter how severe the current turbulence may be, how large the endowment has become or how successful the school’s current fundraising efforts are.

    That may explain why Harvard is reportedly in talks with investment banks about issuing $750 million in bonds that will allow the school to meet its spending needs without dipping so deeply into its endowment.

    More attacks could be on the way

    At the same time, the Trump administration’s trade, fiscal and other policies may continue to roil financial markets, reducing the value of university endowments, for months or years to come.

    The federal government is reportedly looking into whether it can revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status, a drastic move that would have no comparable precedents.

    In mid-April 2025, Harvard began to push back on the Trump administration’s demands, saying that they violate the free speech rights protected by the Constitution’s First Amendment and “invade university freedoms long recognized by the Supreme Court.” Harvard’s donors have responded to the resistance of the school’s leaders with a flurry of new gifts.

    In my view, it’s reasonable for colleges and universities to consider stepping up their endowment spending due to the Trump administration’s actions that could interfere with higher education revenue. Increasing endowment payouts now could ease, although not fully solve, the mounting crises that colleges and universities of all kinds now face.

    The John F. Kennedy School of Government, commonly referred to as Harvard Kennedy School, is a member of The Conversation U.S.

    Ellen P. Aprill does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    ref. Endowments aren’t blank checks – but universities can rely on them more heavily in turbulent times – https://theconversation.com/endowments-arent-blank-checks-but-universities-can-rely-on-them-more-heavily-in-turbulent-times-254909

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI: TransUnion Appoints Brian Silver Executive Vice President of Marketing Solutions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, April 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Brian Silver joined TransUnion (NYSE: TRU) as Executive Vice President of Marketing Solutions, effective April 7, 2025. He reports to the newly appointed Chief Global Solutions Officer, Mohamed Abdelsadek.

    As Executive Vice President, Silver will drive the vision, strategy and innovation behind TransUnion’s TruAudience® products. TruAudience enables data-driven marketing and measurement with a suite of privacy-first identity resolution, data enrichment, audience targeting and advanced analytics solutions.

    “TruAudience is a leading solution suite for marketing, powered by TransUnion’s OneTru platform—giving it amazing potential for continuing innovation,” said Abdelsadek. “Brian’s deep knowledge and experience are essential in steering that innovation to address the evolving challenges marketers face in identifying audiences and measuring campaigns in a privacy-focused environment.”

    Matt Spiegel, EVP of TruAudience Growth Strategy, added, “Brian is an amazing addition for TransUnion. I look forward to working closely with him, Mohamed, and the market-facing teams to drive growth of the TruAudience portfolio.”

    Silver joins TransUnion from Oracle Advertising, where he served as Global Vice President, Strategy and Business Development. Over the past 25 years, Silver has established himself as a leader in identity-based digital marketing. His past roles include serving as President at LiveIntents; Vice President, Global Revenue Operations at Verizon Media; and Vice President, Global Business Planning and Operations, Communications Products, at Yahoo!.

    “I am thrilled to join TransUnion and lead the TruAudience team in driving forward our vision and strategy,” said Silver. “With the power of TransUnion’s OneTru platform, we are uniquely positioned to solve for the identity resolution, audience discovery, and measurement challenges required to deliver effective marketing. I look forward to leveraging my experience to help our clients achieve their goals and drive business growth for TransUnion.”

    About TransUnion (NYSE: TRU)
    TransUnion is a global information and insights company with over 13,000 associates operating in more than 30 countries. We make trust possible by ensuring each person is reliably represented in the marketplace. We do this with a Tru™ picture of each person: an actionable view of consumers, stewarded with care. Through our acquisitions and technology investments we have developed innovative solutions that extend beyond our strong foundation in core credit into areas such as marketing, fraud, risk and advanced analytics. As a result, consumers and businesses can transact with confidence and achieve great things. We call this Information for Good® — and it leads to economic opportunity, great experiences and personal empowerment for millions of people around the world. http://www.transunion.com/business

    Contact Dave Blumberg
      TransUnion
    E-mail david.blumberg@transunion.com
    Telephone 312-972-6646

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Private Bancorp of America, Inc. Announces Strong Net Income and Earnings Per Share for First Quarter 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    First Quarter 2025 Highlights

    • Net income for the first quarter of 2025 was $10.6 million, compared to $10.7 million in the prior quarter and $7.9 million in the first quarter of 2024. Net income for the first quarter of 2025 represents a return on average assets of 1.74% and a return on average tangible common equity of 18.74%
    • Diluted earnings per share for the first quarter of 2025 was $1.80, compared to $1.82 in the prior quarter and $1.36 in the first quarter of 2024
    • Total deposits were $2.19 billion as of March 31, 2025, an increase of $57.7 million or 2.7% from December 31, 2024, which included a reduction in brokered deposits of $96.9 million. Total deposits increased 15.1% year over year. Core deposits were $2.05 billion as of March 31, 2025, an increase of $154.6 million or 8.2% from December 31, 2024. Core deposits increased 27.5% year over year
    • Total cost of deposits was 2.22% for the first quarter of 2025, a decrease from 2.36% in the prior quarter and 2.61% in the first quarter of 2024. The spot rate for total deposits was 2.11% as of March 31, 2025, compared to 2.29% at December 31, 2024. Total cost of funding sources was 2.29% for the first quarter of 2025, a decrease from 2.45% in the prior quarter and 2.70% in the first quarter of 2024
    • Loans held-for-investment (“HFI”) totaled $2.08 billion as of March 31, 2025, a decrease of $6.5 million or 0.3% from December 31, 2024. Loans HFI increased 9.0% year over year
    • Net interest margin was 4.61% for the first quarter of 2025, compared to 4.67% in the prior quarter and 4.31% in the first quarter of 2024
    • Provision for credit losses for the first quarter of 2025 was $0.3 million, compared to $17 thousand for the prior quarter and $0.2 million for the first quarter of 2024. The allowance for loan losses was 1.27% of loans HFI as of March 31, 2025 compared to 1.31% at December 31, 2024
    • As of March 31, 2025, criticized and classified loans totaled $40.8 million, or 1.96% of total loans, up from $24.7 million, or 1.18% of total loans, in the prior quarter
    • Tangible book value per share was $40.29 as of March 31, 2025, an increase of $1.89 since December 31, 2024 primarily as a result of strong earnings. Tangible book value per share increased 4.9% quarter-over-quarter and 20.1% year over year.

    LA JOLLA, Calif., April 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Private Bancorp of America, Inc. (OTCQX: PBAM), (“Company”) and CalPrivate Bank (“Bank”) announced unaudited financial results for the first fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2025. The Company reported net income of $10.6 million, or $1.80 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2025, compared to $10.7 million, or $1.82 per diluted share, in the prior quarter, and $7.9 million, or $1.36 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2024.

    Rick Sowers, President and CEO of the Company and the Bank stated, “We continue to be pleased by the Company and the Team’s performance. Strong growth in core deposits over the past year continues and we remain focused on building strong Relationships with our Clients. Loan demand was soft in Q1, as Clients and financial markets digest the current economy and prospects for future growth and stability. We remain optimistic that markets will settle, and demand will return. In the meantime, we are focused on providing the Distinctively Different Service our Clients and Prospects are seeking, getting more efficient and effective in our business through technology, continuous process improvement and building a strong Team throughout the Bank.”

    Sowers added, “The Bank was recognized throughout the last year for superior financial performance and industry leading service metrics. These recognitions highlight CalPrivate Bank’s dedication to excellence, innovation, delivering Client-focused banking solutions and enhancing shareholder value: 

    • #1 for both Return on Assets (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE) among banks with less than $5 billion in assets
    • #1 SBA 504 Community Bank Lender in the United States
    • #10 Best U.S. Bank by Bank Director’s RankingBanking®
    • Client Net Promoter Score of 81 (World Class)
    • Bauer 5 Star Rating
    • 2025 Best 50 OTCQX

    “As Los Angeles continues to tackle the enormous task of cleaning up after the devastating fires, CalPrivate Bank remains committed to being a partner to our Clients and the Communities we serve.”

    “As our economy transitions based on priorities of the new administration in Washington DC, and global economic uncertainties increase, management and the board are diligently assessing and acting upon potential future risks and market opportunities. The Bank continues to produce top tier financial results by seeking improved productivity through technology investments, streamlined systems and processes, and hiring top bankers in existing and potential new markets and market segments. We continue to prioritize unparalleled Client service and creative Solutions for our loyal and growing client base. We continue to support a broad range of non-profit organizations in the communities we serve, both through team member volunteering activities and financial resources. Our Team takes great pride in doing well for shareholders by doing good for clients and community,” said Selwyn Isakow, Chairman of the Board of the Company and the Bank.

    STATEMENT OF INCOME

    Net Interest Income

    Net interest income for the first quarter of 2025 totaled $27.7 million, an increase of $0.3 million or 1.2% from the prior quarter and an increase of $5.0 million or 21.8% from the first quarter of 2024. The increase from the prior quarter was due to a $0.5 million decrease in interest expense, resulting from a 22 basis point reduction in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities, primarily driven by a 14 basis point decrease in the cost of total deposits.

    Net Interest Margin

    Net interest margin for the first quarter of 2025 was 4.61%, compared to 4.67% for the prior quarter and 4.31% in the first quarter of 2024. The 6 basis point decrease in net interest margin from the prior quarter was primarily due to lower yields on interest-earning assets and a decrease in prepayment-penalty fees. The yield on interest-earning assets was 6.70% for the first quarter of 2025 compared to 6.89% for the prior quarter, and the cost of interest-bearing liabilities was 3.14% for the first quarter of 2025 compared to 3.36% in the prior quarter. The cost of total deposits was 2.22% for the first quarter of 2025 compared to 2.36% in the prior quarter. The cost of core deposits, which excludes brokered deposits, was 1.99% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to 2.07% in the prior quarter. The spot rate for total deposits was 2.11% as of March 31, 2025, compared to 2.29% at December 31, 2024.

    Provision for Credit Losses

    Provision expense for credit losses for the first quarter of 2025 was $0.3 million, compared to $17 thousand in the prior quarter and $0.2 million in the first quarter of 2024. The provision expense for loans HFI for the first quarter of 2025 was $0.5 million, primarily reflecting heightened macroeconomic uncertainty incorporated into our forecasts. This was offset by a $0.2 million reversal for unfunded commitments due to increased line of credit utilization that resulted in lower unfunded commitment balances. For more details, please refer to the “Asset Quality” section below.

    Noninterest Income

    Noninterest income was $1.6 million for the first quarter of 2025, compared to $1.9 million in the prior quarter and $1.4 million in the first quarter of 2024. SBA loan sales for the first quarter of 2025 were $8.3 million with a 10.86% average trade premium resulting in a net gain on sale of $469 thousand, compared with $14.9 million with a 11.45% average trade premium resulting in a net gain on sale of $932 thousand in the prior quarter.

    Noninterest Expense

    Noninterest expense was $14.1 million for the first quarter of 2025, compared to $14.2 million in the prior quarter and $12.8 million in the first quarter of 2024. The efficiency ratio was 47.90% for the first quarter of 2025 compared to 48.34% in the prior quarter and 52.84% in the first quarter of 2024. The slight decrease in the efficiency ratio from the prior quarter was due to the decrease in noninterest expense.

    The Company remains committed to making investments in the business, including technology, marketing, and staffing. Inflationary pressures and low unemployment continue to have an impact on rising wages as well as increased costs related to third party service providers, which we proactively monitor and manage.

    Provision for Income Tax Expense

    Provision for income tax expense was $4.4 million for the first quarter of 2025, compared to $4.5 million for the prior quarter. The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2025 was 29.5%, compared to 29.6% in the prior quarter and 29.5% in the first quarter of 2024.

    STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

    As of March 31, 2025, total assets were $2.48 billion, an increase of $58.9 million since December 31, 2024. The increase in assets from the prior quarter was primarily due to higher cash and due from banks and investment securities, partially offset by lower loans receivable. Our total cash and due from banks increased to $218.5 million as of March 31, 2025, an increase of $54.6 million or 33.3% since December 31, 2024, primarily due to strong growth in core deposits along with lower loan demand. Investment securities available-for-sale (“AFS”) were $156.3 million as of March 31, 2025, an increase of $11.1 million or 7.6% since December 31, 2024, primarily as a result of new securities purchased. As of March 31, 2025, the net unrealized loss on the AFS investment securities portfolio, which is comprised mostly of US Treasury and Government Agency debt, was $10.1 million (pre-tax) compared to a loss of $12.1 million (pre-tax) as of December 31, 2024. The average duration of the Bank’s AFS portfolio is 3.8 years. The Company has no held-to-maturity securities. Loans HFI totaled $2.08 billion as of March 31, 2025, a decrease of $6.5 million or 0.3% since December 31, 2024, reflecting lower loan production as borrowers deferred new financings amid economic and interest-rate uncertainty as well as wildfire-related disruptions in Southern California.

    Total deposits were $2.19 billion as of March 31, 2025, an increase of $57.7 million since December 31, 2024. During the quarter, core deposits increased by $154.6 million, which was driven by a $108.9 million increase in interest-bearing core deposits (including balances in the Intrafi ICS and CDARS programs) and a $45.7 million increase in noninterest-bearing core deposits. The deposit mix has continued to shift due to short-term interest rates remaining elevated compared to recent years. Noninterest-bearing deposits represent 29.2% of total core deposits. Offsetting the increase to total deposits from core deposits, brokered deposits decreased by $96.9 million. Uninsured deposits, net of collateralized and fiduciary deposit accounts, represent 50.1% of total deposits as of March 31, 2025.

    As of March 31, 2025, total available liquidity was $2.1 billion or 192.8% of uninsured deposits, net of collateralized and fiduciary deposit accounts. Total available liquidity is comprised of $366 million of on-balance sheet liquidity (cash and investment securities) and $1.8 billion of unused borrowing capacity.

    Asset Quality and Allowance for Credit Losses (“ACL”)

    As of March 31, 2025, the allowance for loan losses was $26.4 million or 1.27% of loans HFI, compared to $27.3 million or 1.31% of loans HFI as of December 31, 2024. The decrease in the coverage ratio from December 31, 2024 is due primarily to a $1.1 million partial charge-off of a nonaccrual loan that previously had a specific reserve of $2.0 million. The Company continues to have strong credit metrics and its nonperforming assets are 0.63% of total assets as of March 31, 2025 compared to 0.47% as of December 31, 2024. The reserve for unfunded commitments was $1.3 million as of March 31, 2025, compared to $1.5 million as of December 31, 2024. The decrease in the reserve for unfunded commitments was due to lower unfunded commitment balances (driven by higher credit line usage). Given the credit quality of the loan portfolio, management believes we are sufficiently reserved.

    At March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, there were no doubtful credits and classified assets were $27.8 million and $14.9 million, respectively. Total classified assets consisted of 20 loans as of March 31, 2025, which included 17 loans totaling $24.7 million secured by real estate with a weighted average LTV of 52.7%, of which 11 loans totaling $16.4 million had SBA guarantees. The remaining three loans were $3.1 million of commercial and industrial loans, one of which was an unsecured loan on nonaccrual status with a carrying value of $1.5 million and a specific reserve of $1.0 million (net of a $1.1 million partial charge off).

    The Bank’s loan portfolio does include assets that are in the affected areas of Los Angeles devastated by wildfires. However, based on assessments performed to date, management does not believe there is a material impact to the financial statements.

    Capital Ratios (2)

    The Bank’s capital ratios were in excess of the levels established for “well capitalized” institutions and are as follows:

      March 31, 2025(2) December 31, 2024
    CalPrivate Bank    
    Tier I leverage ratio 10.35% 10.39%
    Tier I risk-based capital ratio 11.75% 11.29%
    Total risk-based capital ratio 13.00% 12.54%

    (2) March 31, 2025 capital ratios are preliminary and subject to change.

    About Private Bancorp of America, Inc. (OTCQX: PBAM)

    PBAM is the holding company for CalPrivate Bank, which operates offices in Coronado, San Diego, La Jolla, Newport Beach, El Segundo, and Beverly Hills, as well as through efficient digital banking services. CalPrivate Bank is driven by its core values of building client Relationships based on superior funding Solutions, unparalleled Service, and mutual Trust. The Bank caters to high-net-worth individuals, professionals, closely-held businesses, and real estate entrepreneurs, delivering a Distinctly Different™ personalized banking experience while leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance our clients’ evolving needs. CalPrivate Bank is in the top tier of customer service survey ratings in the nation, scoring almost 3x higher than the median domestic bank. The Bank offers comprehensive deposit and treasury services, rapid and creative loan options including various portfolio and government-guaranteed lending programs,  cross border banking, and innovative, unique technologies that drive enhanced  client performance. CalPrivate Bank has been recognized by Bank Director’s RankingBanking® as the 10th best bank in the country and the #1 bank in its asset class for both return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE). CalPrivate Bank was also ranked in the top 5% of banks in the U.S. with assets between $2B and $10B by American Banker. Additionally, CalPrivate Bank is a Bauer Financial 5-star rated bank, an SBA Preferred Lender, and has been honored as Community Bank 504 Lender of the Year by the NADCO Community Impact Awards, exemplifying excellence in the banking industry. These prestigious rankings highlight the Bank’s commitment to delivering exceptional banking services and setting new industry standards.

    CalPrivate Bank’s website is www.calprivate.bank.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    This press release contains certain non-GAAP financial measures in addition to results presented in accordance with GAAP, including adjusted income before provision for income taxes, adjusted net income, adjusted diluted earnings per share (“Adjusted EPS”), efficiency ratio, adjusted efficiency ratio, pretax pre-provision net revenue, average tangible common equity, adjusted return on average assets, return on average tangible common equity and adjusted return on average tangible common equity. The Company uses certain non-GAAP financial measures to provide meaningful supplemental information regarding the Company’s results of operations and financial condition and to enhance investors’ overall understanding of such results of operations and financial condition, to permit investors to effectively analyze financial trends of our business activities, and to enhance comparability with peers across the financial services sector. These non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for or superior to, financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s GAAP financial information. A reconciliation of the most comparable GAAP financial measures to non-GAAP financial measures is included in the accompanying financial tables.

    Investor Relations Contacts

    Rick Sowers
    President and Chief Executive Officer
    Private Bancorp of America, Inc., and CalPrivate Bank
    (424) 303-4894

    Cory Stewart
    Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
    Private Bancorp of America, Inc., and CalPrivate Bank
    (206) 293-3669

    Safe Harbor Paragraph

    This communication contains expressions of expectations, both implied and explicit, that are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of such term in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We caution you that a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, especially given the current turmoil in the banking and financial markets. These factors include the effects of depositors withdrawing funds unexpectedly, counterparties being unable to provide liquidity sources that we believe should be available, loan losses, economic conditions and competition in the geographic and business areas in which Private Bancorp of America, Inc. operates, including competition in lending and deposit acquisition, the unpredictability of fee income from participation in SBA loan programs, the effects of bank failures, liquidations and mergers in our markets and nationally, our ability to successfully integrate and develop business through the addition of new personnel, whether our efforts to expand loan, product and service offerings will prove profitable, system failures and data security, whether we can effectively secure and implement new technology solutions, inflation, fluctuations in interest rates, legislation and governmental regulation. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and we undertake no obligation to update those statements whether as a result of changes in underlying factors, new information, future events or otherwise. These factors could cause actual results to differ materially from what we anticipate or project. You should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statement, which speaks only as of the date on which it was made. Although we believe in good faith the assumptions and bases supporting our forward-looking statements to be reasonable, there can be no assurance that those assumptions and bases will prove accurate.

    PRIVATE BANCORP OF AMERICA, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
    (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands)
     
        Mar 31, 2025     Dec 31, 2024     Mar 31, 2024  
    Assets                  
    Cash and due from banks   $ 34,720     $ 16,528     $ 13,136  
    Interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions     16,155       10,419       34,790  
    Interest-bearing deposits at Federal Reserve Bank     167,606       136,929       93,575  
    Total cash and due from banks     218,481       163,876       141,501  
    Interest-bearing time deposits with other institutions     4,213       4,189       4,032  
    Investment debt securities available for sale     156,346       145,238       114,067  
    Loans held for sale     2,066       3,008       383  
    Loans, net of deferred fees and costs and unaccreted discounts     2,078,653       2,085,149       1,906,992  
    Allowance for loan losses     (26,437 )     (27,267 )     (24,693 )
    Loans held-for-investment, net of allowance     2,052,216       2,057,882       1,882,299  
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost     9,586       9,586       8,915  
    Operating lease right of use assets     6,383       6,819       2,765  
    Premises and equipment, net     2,432       2,335       1,804  
    Servicing assets, net     1,993       2,087       2,203  
    Accrued interest receivable     8,148       7,993       7,931  
    Other assets     21,009       20,998       21,877  
    Total assets   $ 2,482,873     $ 2,424,011     $ 2,187,777  
                       
    Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity                  
    Liabilities                  
    Noninterest bearing   $ 599,095     $ 553,405     $ 516,294  
    Interest bearing     1,593,014       1,581,054       1,388,381  
    Total deposits     2,192,109       2,134,459       1,904,675  
    FHLB borrowings     16,000       28,000       53,000  
    Other borrowings     17,970       17,969       17,963  
    Accrued interest payable and other liabilities     21,559       20,049       18,107  
    Total liabilities     2,247,638       2,200,477       1,993,745  
                       
    Shareholders’ equity                  
    Common stock     76,156       75,377       74,105  
    Additional paid-in capital     3,712       4,393       4,108  
    Retained earnings     162,462       152,252       124,464  
    Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net     (7,095 )     (8,488 )     (8,645 )
    Total shareholders’ equity     235,235       223,534       194,032  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 2,482,873     $ 2,424,011     $ 2,187,777  
                             
    PRIVATE BANCORP OF AMERICA, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
    (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
     
       
        For the three months ended  
        Mar 31, 2025     Dec 31, 2024     Mar 31, 2024  
    Interest Income                  
    Loans   $ 36,565     $ 37,259     $ 33,006  
    Investment securities     1,505       1,510       979  
    Deposits in other financial institutions     2,198       1,661       1,799  
    Total interest income     40,268       40,430       35,784  
                       
    Interest Expense                  
    Deposits     11,899       12,297       12,130  
    Borrowings     637       726       886  
    Total interest expense     12,536       13,023       13,016  
                       
    Net interest income     27,732       27,407       22,768  
    Provision for credit losses     299       17       233  
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses     27,433       27,390       22,535  
                       
    Noninterest income:                  
    Service charges on deposit accounts     557       558       388  
    Net gain on sale of loans     469       932       681  
    Other noninterest income     587       456       357  
    Total noninterest income     1,613       1,946       1,426  
                       
    Noninterest expense:                  
    Compensation and employee benefits     9,748       9,539       8,861  
    Occupancy and equipment     844       847       770  
    Data processing     1,326       1,195       1,058  
    Professional services     508       573       488  
    Other expenses     1,629       2,036       1,606  
    Total noninterest expense     14,055       14,190       12,783  
    Income before provision for income taxes     14,991       15,146       11,178  
    Provision for income taxes     4,429       4,488       3,294  
    Net income   $ 10,562     $ 10,658     $ 7,884  
    Net income available to common shareholders   $ 10,482     $ 10,573     $ 7,832  
                       
    Earnings per share                  
    Basic earnings per share   $ 1.83     $ 1.85     $ 1.38  
    Diluted earnings per share   $ 1.80     $ 1.82     $ 1.36  
                       
    Average shares outstanding     5,734,688       5,716,291       5,679,843  
    Diluted average shares outstanding     5,826,229       5,813,197       5,754,937  
    PRIVATE BANCORP OF AMERICA, INC.
    Consolidated average balance sheet, interest, yield and rates
    (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands)
     
       
        For the three months ended  
        Mar 31, 2025     Dec 31, 2024     Mar 31, 2024  
        Average
    Balance
        Interest     Average
    Yield/Rate
        Average
    Balance
        Interest     Average
    Yield/Rate
        Average
    Balance
        Interest     Average
    Yield/Rate
     
    Interest-Earnings Assets                                                      
    Deposits in other financial institutions   $ 202,907     $ 2,198       4.39 %   $ 143,053     $ 1,661       4.62 %   $ 135,511     $ 1,799       5.34 %
    Investment securities     157,747       1,505       3.82 %     155,768       1,510       3.88 %     119,690       979       3.27 %
    Loans, including LHFS     2,078,588       36,565       7.13 %     2,036,178       37,259       7.28 %     1,868,308       33,006       7.11 %
    Total interest-earning assets     2,439,242       40,268       6.70 %     2,334,999       40,430       6.89 %     2,123,509       35,784       6.78 %
    Noninterest-earning assets     28,536                   24,951                   25,469              
    Total Assets   $ 2,467,778                 $ 2,359,950                 $ 2,148,978              
                                                           
    Interest-Bearing Liabilities                                                      
    Interest bearing DDA, excluding brokered     244,301       970       1.61 %     178,811       634       1.41 %     109,838       441       1.61 %
    Savings & MMA, excluding brokered     955,259       6,830       2.90 %     904,191       6,991       3.08 %     765,770       6,421       3.37 %
    Time deposits, excluding brokered     196,375       1,956       4.04 %     191,794       2,004       4.16 %     155,703       1,583       4.09 %
    Total deposits, excluding brokered     1,395,935       9,756       2.83 %     1,274,796       9,629       3.00 %     1,031,311       8,445       3.29 %
    Total brokered deposits     183,059       2,143       4.75 %     218,792       2,668       4.85 %     287,885       3,685       5.15 %
    Total Interest-Bearing Deposits     1,578,994       11,899       3.06 %     1,493,588       12,297       3.28 %     1,319,196       12,130       3.70 %
                                                           
    FHLB advances     24,122       272       4.57 %     29,446       343       4.63 %     49,935       614       4.95 %
    Other borrowings     17,981       365       8.23 %     17,967       383       8.48 %     17,962       272       6.09 %
    Total Interest-Bearing Liabilities     1,621,097       12,536       3.14 %     1,541,001       13,023       3.36 %     1,387,093       13,016       3.77 %
                                                           
    Noninterest-bearing deposits     594,408                   577,462                   553,541              
    Total Funding Sources     2,215,505       12,536       2.29 %     2,118,463       13,023       2.45 %     1,940,634       13,016       2.70 %
                                                           
    Noninterest-bearing liabilities     21,542                   21,524                   18,018              
    Shareholders’ equity     230,731                   219,963                   190,326              
                                                           
    Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity   $ 2,467,778                 $ 2,359,950                 $ 2,148,978              
                                                           
    Net interest income/spread         $ 27,732       4.41 %         $ 27,407       4.44 %         $ 22,768       4.08 %
    Net interest margin                 4.61 %                 4.67 %                 4.31 %
    PRIVATE BANCORP OF AMERICA, INC.
    Condensed Balance Sheets
    (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
     
       
        Mar 31, 2025     Dec 31, 2024     Sep 30, 2024     Jun 30, 2024     Mar 31, 2024  
    Assets                              
    Cash and due from banks   $ 218,481     $ 163,876     $ 207,174     $ 158,377     $ 141,501  
    Interest-bearing time deposits with other institutions     4,213       4,189       4,124       4,097       4,032  
    Investment securities     156,346       145,238       141,100       121,725       114,067  
    Loans held for sale     2,066       3,008       2,040             383  
    Total loans held-for-investment     2,078,653       2,085,149       2,012,457       1,979,720       1,906,992  
    Allowance for loan losses     (26,437 )     (27,267 )     (26,594 )     (26,591 )     (24,693 )
    Loans held-for-investment, net of allowance     2,052,216       2,057,882       1,985,863       1,953,129       1,882,299  
    Operating lease right of use assets     6,383       6,819       4,344       4,719       2,765  
    Premises and equipment, net     2,432       2,335       2,345       2,207       1,804  
    Other assets and interest receivable     40,736       40,664       39,383       41,430       40,926  
    Total assets   $ 2,482,873     $ 2,424,011     $ 2,386,373     $ 2,285,684     $ 2,187,777  
                                   
    Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity                              
    Liabilities                              
    Noninterest Bearing   $ 599,095     $ 553,405     $ 584,292     $ 557,055     $ 516,294  
    Interest Bearing     1,593,014       1,581,054       1,522,839       1,444,671       1,388,381  
    Total Deposits     2,192,109       2,134,459       2,107,131       2,001,726       1,904,675  
    Borrowings     33,970       45,969       45,967       65,965       70,963  
    Accrued interest payable and other liabilities     21,559       20,049       19,062       16,551       18,107  
    Total liabilities     2,247,638       2,200,477       2,172,160       2,084,242       1,993,745  
    Shareholders’ equity                              
    Common stock     76,156       75,377       74,688       74,636       74,105  
    Additional paid-in capital     3,712       4,393       4,271       3,717       4,108  
    Retained earnings     162,462       152,252       141,623       132,179       124,464  
    Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income     (7,095 )     (8,488 )     (6,369 )     (9,090 )     (8,645 )
    Total shareholders’ equity     235,235       223,534       214,213       201,442       194,032  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 2,482,873     $ 2,424,011     $ 2,386,373     $ 2,285,684     $ 2,187,777  
                                   
    Book value per common share   $ 40.63     $ 38.76     $ 37.21     $ 35.03     $ 33.94  
    Tangible book value per common share(1)   $ 40.29     $ 38.40     $ 36.87     $ 34.65     $ 33.55  
    Shares outstanding     5,789,306       5,766,810       5,756,207       5,751,143       5,717,519  

    (1) Non-GAAP measure. See GAAP to non-GAAP Reconciliation table.

       
    PRIVATE BANCORP OF AMERICA, INC.
    Condensed Statements of Income
    (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
     
       
      For the three months ended  
      Mar 31, 2025     Dec 31, 2024     Sep 30, 2024     Jun 30, 2024     Mar 31, 2024  
    Interest income $ 40,268     $ 40,430     $ 40,018     $ 38,662     $ 35,784  
    Interest expense   12,536       13,023       14,311       13,992       13,016  
    Net interest income   27,732       27,407       25,707       24,670       22,768  
    Provision for credit losses   299       17       304       2,136       233  
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   27,433       27,390       25,403       22,534       22,535  
                                 
    Service charges on deposit accounts   557       558       504       430       388  
    Net gain on sale of loans   469       932       587       661       681  
    Other noninterest income   587       456       343       447       357  
    Total noninterest income   1,613       1,946       1,434       1,538       1,426  
                                 
    Compensation and employee benefits   9,748       9,539       9,422       8,836       8,861  
    Occupancy and equipment   844       847       818       822       770  
    Data processing   1,326       1,195       1,238       1,183       1,058  
    Professional services   508       573       252       424       488  
    Other expenses   1,629       2,036       1,695       1,697       1,606  
    Total noninterest expense   14,055       14,190       13,425       12,962       12,783  
                                 
    Income before provision for income taxes   14,991       15,146       13,412       11,110       11,178  
    Income taxes   4,429       4,488       3,959       3,283       3,294  
    Net income $ 10,562     $ 10,658     $ 9,453     $ 7,827     $ 7,884  
    Net income available to common shareholders $ 10,482     $ 10,573     $ 9,373     $ 7,761     $ 7,832  
                                 
    Earnings per share                            
    Basic earnings per share $ 1.83     $ 1.85     $ 1.64     $ 1.36     $ 1.38  
    Diluted earnings per share $ 1.80     $ 1.82     $ 1.63     $ 1.35     $ 1.36  
                                 
    Average shares outstanding   5,734,688       5,716,291       5,707,723       5,702,938       5,679,843  
    Diluted average shares outstanding   5,826,229       5,813,197       5,767,401       5,762,616       5,754,937  
      Performance Ratios  
      Mar 31, 2025     Dec 31, 2024     Sep 30, 2024     Jun 30, 2024     Mar 31, 2024  
    ROAA   1.74 %     1.80 %     1.62 %     1.40 %     1.48 %
    ROAE   18.56 %     19.28 %     18.00 %     15.81 %     16.66 %
    ROATCE(1)   18.74 %     19.46 %     18.18 %     15.99 %     16.86 %
    Net interest margin   4.61 %     4.67 %     4.44 %     4.48 %     4.31 %
    Net interest spread   4.41 %     4.44 %     4.20 %     4.24 %     4.08 %
    Efficiency ratio(1)   47.90 %     48.34 %     49.46 %     49.46 %     52.84 %
    Noninterest expense / average assets   2.31 %     2.39 %     2.29 %     2.32 %     2.39 %

    (1) Non-GAAP measure. See GAAP to non-GAAP Reconciliation table.

    PRIVATE BANCORP OF AMERICA, INC.
    (Unaudited)
     
       
        Selected Quarterly Average Balances  
        (Dollars in thousands)  
        For the three months ended  
        Mar 31, 2025     Dec 31, 2024     Sep 30, 2024     Jun 30, 2024     Mar 31, 2024  
    Total assets   $ 2,467,778     $ 2,359,950     $ 2,328,399     $ 2,241,860     $ 2,148,978  
    Earning assets   $ 2,439,242     $ 2,334,999     $ 2,303,537     $ 2,216,185     $ 2,123,509  
    Total loans, including loans held for sale   $ 2,078,588     $ 2,036,178     $ 1,989,748     $ 1,939,746     $ 1,868,308  
    Total deposits   $ 2,173,402     $ 2,071,050     $ 2,047,197     $ 1,961,099     $ 1,872,737  
    Total shareholders’ equity   $ 230,731     $ 219,963     $ 208,889     $ 199,088     $ 190,326  
        Loan Balances by Type  
        (Dollars in thousands)  
        Mar 31, 2025     Dec 31, 2024     Sep 30, 2024     Jun 30, 2024     Mar 31, 2024  
    Commercial Real Estate (CRE):                              
    Investor owned   $ 577,512     $ 572,659     $ 560,481     $ 566,314     $ 573,587  
    Owner occupied     228,232       223,442       221,364       216,876       216,123  
    Multifamily     163,218       162,330       175,387       177,390       175,629  
    Secured by single family     200,650       198,579       190,738       181,744       157,092  
    Land and construction     70,293       62,638       68,186       58,109       35,975  
    SBA secured by real estate     402,524       401,990       395,646       388,271       385,416  
    Total CRE     1,642,429       1,621,638       1,611,802       1,588,704       1,543,822  
    Commercial business:                              
    Commercial and industrial     417,258       441,182       383,874       378,161       352,417  
    SBA non-real estate secured     17,004       20,205       15,101       10,758       8,657  
    Total commercial business     434,262       461,387       398,975       388,919       361,074  
    Consumer     1,962       2,124       1,680       2,097       2,096  
    Total loans held for investment   $ 2,078,653     $ 2,085,149     $ 2,012,457     $ 1,979,720     $ 1,906,992  
                                             
        Deposits by Type  
        (Dollars in thousands)  
        Mar 31, 2025     Dec 31, 2024     Sep 30, 2024     Jun 30, 2024     Mar 31, 2024  
    Noninterest-bearing DDA   $ 599,095     $ 553,405     $ 584,292     $ 557,055     $ 516,294  
    Interest-bearing DDA, excluding brokered     257,720       251,594       182,268       156,253       117,129  
    Savings & MMA, excluding brokered     981,491       887,740       920,219       861,508       812,841  
    Time deposits, excluding brokered     210,845       201,851       186,583       168,664       160,605  
    Total deposits, excluding brokered     2,049,151       1,894,590       1,873,362       1,743,480       1,606,869  
    Total brokered deposits     142,958       239,869       233,769       258,246       297,806  
    Total deposits   $ 2,192,109     $ 2,134,459     $ 2,107,131     $ 2,001,726     $ 1,904,675  
                                             
    PRIVATE BANCORP OF AMERICA, INC.
    (Unaudited)
     
       
        Rollforward of Allowance for Credit Losses  
        (Dollars in thousands)  
        For the three months ended  
        Mar 31, 2025     Dec 31, 2024     Sep 30, 2024     Jun 30, 2024     Mar 31, 2024  
    Allowance for loan losses:                              
    Beginning balance   $ 27,267     $ 26,594     $ 26,591     $ 24,693     $ 24,476  
    Provision for loan losses     460       673       3       1,994       251  
    Net (charge-offs) recoveries     (1,290 )                 (96 )     (34 )
    Ending balance     26,437       27,267       26,594       26,591       24,693  
    Reserve for unfunded commitments     1,348       1,509       2,165       1,865       1,723  
    Total allowance for credit losses   $ 27,785     $ 28,776     $ 28,759     $ 28,456     $ 26,416  
        Asset Quality  
        (Dollars in thousands)  
        Mar 31, 2025     Dec 31, 2024     Sep 30, 2024     Jun 30, 2024     Mar 31, 2024  
    Total loans held-for-investment   $ 2,078,653     $ 2,085,149     $ 2,012,457     $ 1,979,720     $ 1,906,992  
    Allowance for loan losses   $ (26,437 )   $ (27,267 )   $ (26,594 )   $ (26,591 )   $ (24,693 )
    30-89 day past due loans   $ 2,399     $ 1,952     $     $     $  
    90+ day past due loans   $ 13,223     $ 11,512     $ 11,512     $ 2,500     $ 3,530  
    Nonaccrual loans   $ 15,565     $ 11,512     $ 11,512     $ 2,500     $ 4,656  
    NPAs / Assets     0.63 %     0.47 %     0.48 %     0.11 %     0.21 %
    NPLs / Total loans held-for-investment & OREO     0.75 %     0.55 %     0.57 %     0.13 %     0.24 %
    Net quarterly charge-offs (recoveries)   $ 1,290     $     $     $ 96     $ 34  
    Net charge-offs (recoveries) /avg loans (annualized)     0.25 %     0.00 %     0.00 %     0.02 %     0.01 %
    Allowance for loan losses to loans HFI     1.27 %     1.31 %     1.32 %     1.34 %     1.29 %
    Allowance for loan losses to nonaccrual loans     169.85 %     236.86 %     231.01 %     1,063.64 %     530.35 %


    PRIVATE BANCORP OF AMERICA, INC.

    (Unaudited)

    The following tables present a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP measures for: efficiency ratio, pretax pre-provision net revenue, average tangible common equity, and return on average tangible common equity. We believe the presentation of certain non-GAAP financial measures provides useful information to assess our consolidated financial condition and consolidated results of operations and to assist investors in evaluating our financial results relative to our peers. These non-GAAP financial measures complement our GAAP reporting and are presented below to provide investors and others with information that we use to manage the business each period. Because not all companies use identical calculations, the presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures used by other companies. These non-GAAP measures should be taken together with the corresponding GAAP measures and should not be considered a substitute of the GAAP measures.

        GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation  
        (Dollars in thousands)  
                                   
        For the three months ended  
        Mar 31, 2025     Dec 31, 2024     Sep 30, 2024     Jun 30, 2024     Mar 31, 2024  
    Efficiency Ratio                              
    Noninterest expense   $ 14,055     $ 14,190     $ 13,425     $ 12,962     $ 12,783  
    Net interest income     27,732       27,407       25,707       24,670       22,768  
    Noninterest income     1,613       1,946       1,434       1,538       1,426  
    Total net interest income and noninterest income     29,345       29,353       27,141       26,208       24,194  
    Efficiency ratio (non-GAAP)     47.90 %     48.34 %     49.46 %     49.46 %     52.84 %
                                   
    Pretax pre-provision net revenue                              
    Net interest income   $ 27,732     $ 27,407     $ 25,707     $ 24,670     $ 22,768  
    Noninterest income     1,613       1,946       1,434       1,538       1,426  
    Total net interest income and noninterest income     29,345       29,353       27,141       26,208       24,194  
    Less: Noninterest expense     14,055       14,190       13,425       12,962       12,783  
    Pretax pre-provision net revenue (non-GAAP)   $ 15,290     $ 15,163     $ 13,716     $ 13,246     $ 11,411  
                                   
    Return and Adjusted Return on Average Assets, Average Equity, Average Tangible Equity                              
    Net income   $ 10,562     $ 10,658     $ 9,453     $ 7,827     $ 7,884  
    Average assets     2,467,778       2,359,950       2,328,399       2,241,860       2,148,978  
    Average shareholders’ equity     230,731       219,963       208,889       199,088       190,326  
    Less: Average intangible assets     2,098       2,028       2,051       2,163       2,208  
    Average tangible common equity (non-GAAP)     228,633       217,935       206,838       196,925       188,118  
                                   
    Return on average assets     1.74 %     1.80 %     1.62 %     1.40 %     1.48 %
    Return on average equity     18.56 %     19.28 %     18.00 %     15.81 %     16.66 %
    Return on average tangible common equity (non-GAAP)     18.74 %     19.46 %     18.18 %     15.99 %     16.86 %
                                   
    Tangible book value per share                              
    Total equity     235,235       223,534       214,213       201,442       194,032  
    Less: Total intangible assets     1,993       2,087       2,006       2,164       2,203  
    Total tangible equity     233,242       221,447       212,207       199,278       191,829  
    Shares outstanding     5,789,306       5,766,810       5,756,207       5,751,143       5,717,519  
    Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP)   $ 40.29     $ 38.40     $ 36.87     $ 34.65     $ 33.55  

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Capital City Bank Group, Inc. Reports First Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla., April 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Capital City Bank Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: CCBG) today reported net income attributable to common shareowners of $16.9 million, or $0.99 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2025 compared to $13.1 million, or $0.77 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2024, and $12.6 million, or $0.74 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2024.

    QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS (1stQuarter 2025 versus 4thQuarter 2024)

    Income Statement

    • Tax-equivalent net interest income totaled $41.6 million compared to $41.2 million for the prior quarter
      • Net interest margin increased five basis points to 4.22% (earning asset yield up one basis point and total deposit cost down four basis points to 82 basis points)
    • Improved credit quality metrics – net loan charge-offs were nine basis points (annualized) of average loans – allowance coverage ratio increased to 1.12% at March 31, 2025
    • Noninterest income increased $1.1 million, or 6.1%, and reflected a $0.7 million increase in mortgage banking revenues and a $0.5 million increase in wealth management fees
    • Noninterest expense decreased $3.1 million, or 7.4%, primarily due to a $3.1 million decrease in other expense which included a higher level of gains from the sale of banking facilities, namely the sale of our operations center building in the first quarter

    Balance Sheet

    • Loan balances decreased $11.5 million, or 0.4% (average), and increased $9.2 million, or 0.4% (end of period)
    • Deposit balances increased by $65.1 million, or 1.8% (average), and increased $111.9 million, or 3.0% (end of period), largely due to the seasonal increase in our public fund balances
    • Tangible book value per diluted share (non-GAAP financial measure) increased $0.94, or 4.0%

    “I am pleased with our first quarter performance, which reflects strong core fundamentals and strategic execution driven by a 2.6% increase in revenues, solid growth in deposit balances, and improvement in credit quality metrics,” said William G. Smith, Jr., Capital City Bank Group Chairman, President, and CEO. “First quarter earnings also included a $0.17 per diluted share gain from the sale of our operations center building. Our strong balance sheet and revenue diversification provides us with the flexibility to navigate ongoing uncertainty in market and economic conditions.”

    Discussion of Operating Results

    Net Interest Income/Net Interest Margin

    Tax-equivalent net interest income for the first quarter of 2025 totaled $41.6 million, compared to $41.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, and $38.4 million for the first quarter of 2024. Compared to both prior periods, the increase was driven by higher investment securities interest due to new investment purchases at higher yields, in addition to lower deposit interest expense, partially offset by lower loan interest due to lower average loan balances and interest rates. Two less calendar days also contributed to the decline in loan interest compared to the fourth quarter of 2024. Higher overnight funds interest also contributed to the increase over the first quarter of 2024 reflective of a higher level of average earning assets.

    Our net interest margin for the first quarter of 2025 was 4.22%, an increase of five basis points over the fourth quarter of 2024 and an increase of 21 basis points over the first quarter of 2024. For the month of March 2025, our net interest margin was 4.22%. The increase in net interest margin over the fourth quarter of 2024 reflected a higher yield in the investment portfolio driven by new purchases during the quarter and a lower cost of deposits, partially offset by a lower overnight funds rate. The increase over the first quarter of 2024 reflected favorable investment repricing, a lower cost of deposits, and a higher overnight funds rate, partially offset by lower average loan balances for both prior periods.   For the first quarter of 2025, our cost of funds was 84 basis points, a decrease of four basis points from the fourth quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2024. Our cost of deposits (including noninterest bearing accounts) was 82 basis points, 86 basis points, and 85 basis points, respectively, for the same periods.

    Provision for Credit Losses

    We recorded a provision expense for credit losses of $0.8 million for the first quarter of 2025 compared to $0.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2024 and $0.9 million for the first quarter of 2024. For the first quarter of 2025, we recorded a provision expense of $1.1 million for loans held for investment (“HFI”) and a provision benefit of $0.3 million for unfunded loan commitments, which was comparable to the fourth quarter of 2024. We discuss the various factors that impacted our provision expense in detail below under the heading Allowance for Credit Losses.  

    Noninterest Income and Noninterest Expense

    Noninterest income for the first quarter of 2025 totaled $19.9 million compared to $18.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2024 and $18.1 million for the first quarter of 2024. The $1.1 million, or 6.1%, increase over the fourth quarter of 2024 was primarily due to a $0.7 million increase in mortgage banking revenues and a $0.5 million increase in wealth management fees, partially offset by a $0.1 million decrease in deposits fees.   The increase in mortgage revenues was driven by an increase in rate locks and a higher gain on sale margin. The increase in wealth management fees was attributable to a $0.5 million increase in insurance commission revenue.   Compared to the first quarter of 2024, the $1.8 million, or 10.0%, increase was driven by a $1.1 million increase in wealth management fees and a $0.9 million increase in mortgage banking revenues, partially offset by a $0.2 million decrease in deposit fees.   The increase in wealth management fees reflected higher retail brokerage fees of $0.6 million, insurance commission revenue of $0.3 million, and trust fees of $0.2 million. The increase in mortgage revenues was driven by an increase in loan fundings and a higher gain on sale margin.     

    Noninterest expense for the first quarter of 2025 totaled $38.7 million compared to $41.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2024 and $40.2 million for the first quarter of 2024.   The $3.1 million, or 7.4%, decrease from the fourth quarter of 2024, reflected a $3.1 million decrease in other expense, a $0.1 million decrease in occupancy expense, and a $0.1 million increase in compensation expense. The decrease in other expense was driven by a $3.5 million decrease in other real estate expense which reflected higher gains from the sale of banking facilities, primarily the sale of our operations center building in the first quarter of 2025, partially offset by a $0.5 million increase in charitable contribution expense. The slight decrease in occupancy expense was due to lower maintenance/repairs for buildings and furniture/fixtures. The slight net decrease in compensation expense reflected a $0.2 million increase in salary expense offset by a $0.1 million decrease in associate benefit expense.

    Income Taxes

    We realized income tax expense of $5.1 million (effective rate of 23.3%) for the first quarter of 2025 compared to $4.2 million (effective rate of 24.3%) for the fourth quarter of 2024 and $3.5 million (effective rate of 23.0%) for the first quarter of 2024. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, the decrease in our effective tax rate was primarily due to a discrete item in the first quarter of 2025 related to an excess tax benefit for stock compensation.   Absent discrete items, we expect our annual effective tax rate to approximate 24% for 2025.

    Discussion of Financial Condition

    Earning Assets

    Average earning assets totaled $3.994 billion for the first quarter of 2025, an increase of $72.0 million, or 1.8%, over the fourth quarter of 2024, and an increase of $144.3 million, or 3.7%, over the first quarter of 2024. The increase over both prior periods was driven by higher deposit balances (see below – Deposits).   Compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, the change in the earning asset mix reflected a $67.1 million increase in investment securities and a $22.7 million increase in overnight funds sold partially offset by a $11.5 million decrease in loans HFI and a $6.3 million decrease in loans held for sale (“HFS”).   Compared to the first quarter of 2024, the change in the earning asset mix reflected a $180.5 million increase in overnight funds and a $29.1 million increase in investment securities that was partially offset by a $62.7 million decrease in loans HFI and a $2.6 million decrease in HFS.

    Average loans HFI decreased $11.5 million, or 0.4%, from the fourth quarter of 2024 and decreased $62.7 million, or 2.3%, from the first quarter of 2024. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, the decrease was primarily attributable to declines in construction loans of $8.6 million, commercial loans of $5.7 million, and consumer loans of $2.1 million, partially offset by a $6.6 million increase in home equity loans.   Compared to the first quarter of 2024, the decline was driven by decreases in consumer loans (primarily indirect auto) of $58.8 million, commercial loans of $32.9 million, and commercial real estate mortgage loans of $23.1 million, partially offset by increases in residential real estate loans of $28.9 million, construction loans of $11.5 million, and home equity loans of $10.4 million.

    Loans HFI at March 31, 2025 increased $9.2 million, or 0.3%, over December 31, 2024 and decreased $70.4 million, or 2.6%, from March 31, 2024. Compared to December 31, 2024, the increase was primarily attributable to increases in commercial real estate mortgage loans of $27.8 million and residential real estate loans of $12.1 million, consumer loans (primarily indirect auto) of $6.7 million, and home equity loans of $5.9 million, partially offset by decreases in construction loans of $27.7 million, commercial loans of $4.8 million, and other loans of $10.8 million.   Compared to the first quarter of 2024, the decline was driven by decreases in consumer loans (primarily indirect auto) of $48.0 million, commercial loans of $33.9 million, commercial real estate mortgage loans of $16.7 million, and construction loans of $10.4 million, partially offset by increases in residential real estate loans of $27.8 million and home equity loans of $11.4 million.

    Allowance for Credit Losses

    At March 31, 2025, the allowance for credit losses for loans HFI totaled $29.7 million compared to $29.3 million at December 31, 2024 and $29.3 million at March 31, 2024. Activity within the allowance is provided on Page 9. The increase in the allowance over December 31, 2024 reflected higher loan balances and higher loan loss rates, partially offset by a lower level of net loan charge-offs.   The increase in the allowance over March 31, 2024 was primarily due to higher loss rates. Net loan charge-offs were nine basis points of average loans for the first quarter of 2025 versus 25 basis points for the fourth quarter of 2024 and 22 basis points for the first quarter of 2024. At March 31, 2025, the allowance represented 1.12% of loans HFI compared to 1.10% at December 31, 2024, and 1.07% at March 31, 2024.

    Credit Quality

    Nonperforming assets (nonaccrual loans and other real estate) totaled $4.4 million at March 31, 2025 compared to $6.7 million at December 31, 2024 and $6.8 million at March 31, 2024. At March 31, 2025, nonperforming assets as a percent of total assets was 0.10%, compared to 0.15% at December 31, 2024 and 0.16% at March 31, 2024. Nonaccrual loans totaled $4.3 million at March 31, 2025, a $2.0 million decrease from December 31, 2024 and a $2.5 million decrease from March 31, 2024. Further, classified loans totaled $19.2 million at March 31, 2025, a $0.7 million decrease from December 31, 2024 and a $3.1 million decrease from March 31, 2024.

    Deposits

    Average total deposits were $3.665 billion for the first quarter of 2025, an increase of $65.1 million, or 1.8%, over the fourth quarter of 2024 and an increase of $89.0 million, or 2.5%, over the first quarter of 2024.   Compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, the increase was primarily attributable to higher NOW account balances largely due to the seasonal increase in our public fund balances.   The increase over the first quarter of 2024 reflected growth in NOW, money market and certificate of deposit account balances which was mainly due to a combination of balances migrating from savings and noninterest bearing accounts, in addition to receiving new deposits from existing and new clients via various deposit strategies.     

    At March 31, 2025, total deposits were $3.784 billion, an increase of $111.9 million, or 3.0%, over December 31, 2024, and an increase of $129.1 million, or 3.5%, over March 31, 2024.   The increase over December 31, 2024 was due to higher balances in all deposit categories. The increase over March 31, 2024 was primarily due to higher NOW account balances, largely due to the seasonal increase in public funds and increases in money market and certificates of deposit, partially offset by lower savings account balances. Total public funds balances were $648.0 million at March 31, 2025, $660.9 million at December 31, 2024, and $615.0 million at March 31, 2024.

    Liquidity

    The Bank maintained an average net overnight funds (i.e., deposits with banks plus FED funds sold less FED funds purchased) sold position of $320.9 million in the first quarter of 2025 compared to $298.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 and $140.5 million in the first quarter of 2024. Compared to both prior periods, the increase reflected higher average deposits (primarily seasonal public funds) and lower average loans.
        
    At March 31, 2025, we had the ability to generate approximately $1.540 billion (excludes overnight funds position of $446 million) in additional liquidity through various sources including various federal funds purchased lines, Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings, the Federal Reserve Discount Window, and brokered deposits.  

    We also view our investment portfolio as a liquidity source as we have the option to pledge securities in our portfolio as collateral for borrowings or deposits, and/or to sell selected securities in our portfolio.  Our portfolio consists of debt issued by the U.S. Treasury, U.S. governmental agencies, municipal governments, and corporate entities.  At March 31, 2025, the weighted-average maturity and duration of our portfolio were 2.64 years and 2.10 years, respectively, and the available-for-sale portfolio had a net unrealized after-tax loss of $15.4 million.    

    Capital

    Shareowners’ equity was $512.6 million at March 31, 2025 compared to $495.3 million at December 31, 2024 and $448.3 million at March 31, 2024. For the first three months of 2025, shareowners’ equity was positively impacted by net income attributable to shareowners of $16.9 million, a net $3.6 million decrease in the accumulated other comprehensive loss, the issuance of stock of $2.4 million, and stock compensation accretion of $0.4 million. The net favorable change in accumulated other comprehensive loss reflected a $4.1 million decrease in the investment securities loss that was partially offset by a $0.5 million decrease in the fair value of the interest rate swap related to subordinated debt. Shareowners’ equity was reduced by a common stock dividend of $4.1 million ($0.24 per share) and net adjustments totaling $1.9 million related to transactions under our stock compensation plans.

    At March 31, 2025, our total risk-based capital ratio was 19.20% compared to 18.64% at December 31, 2024 and 16.84% at March 31, 2024. Our common equity tier 1 capital ratio was 16.08%, 15.54%, and 13.82%, respectively, on these dates. Our leverage ratio was 11.17%, 11.05%, and 10.45%, respectively, on these dates. At March 31, 2025, all our regulatory capital ratios exceeded the thresholds to be designated as “well-capitalized” under the Basel III capital standards. Further, our tangible common equity ratio (non-GAAP financial measure) was 9.61% at March 31, 2025 compared to 9.51% and 8.53% at December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2024, respectively. If our unrealized held-to-maturity securities losses of $12.1 million (after-tax) were recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss, our adjusted tangible capital ratio would be 9.33%.

    About Capital City Bank Group, Inc.

    Capital City Bank Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: CCBG) is one of the largest publicly traded financial holding companies headquartered in Florida and has approximately $4.5 billion in assets. We provide a full range of banking services, including traditional deposit and credit services, mortgage banking, asset management, trust, merchant services, bankcards, securities brokerage services and financial advisory services, including the sale of life insurance, risk management and asset protection services. Our bank subsidiary, Capital City Bank, was founded in 1895 and now has 62 banking offices and 105 ATMs/ITMs in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. For more information about Capital City Bank Group, Inc., visit www.ccbg.com.

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    Forward-looking statements in this Press Release are based on current plans and expectations that are subject to uncertainties and risks, which could cause our future results to differ materially. The words “may,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “target,” “vision,” “goal,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The following factors, among others, could cause our actual results to differ: the effects of and changes in trade and monetary and fiscal policies and laws, including the interest rate policies of the Federal Reserve Board; inflation, interest rate, market and monetary fluctuations; local, regional, national, and international economic conditions and the impact they may have on us and our clients and our assessment of that impact; the costs and effects of legal and regulatory developments, the outcomes of legal proceedings or regulatory or other governmental inquiries, the results of regulatory examinations or reviews and the ability to obtain required regulatory approvals; the effect of changes in laws and regulations (including laws and regulations concerning taxes, banking, securities, and insurance) and their application with which we and our subsidiaries must comply; the effect of changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the regulatory agencies, as well as other accounting standard setters; the accuracy of our financial statement estimates and assumptions; changes in the financial performance and/or condition of our borrowers; changes in the mix of loan geographies, sectors and types or the level of non-performing assets and charge-offs; changes in estimates of future credit loss reserve requirements based upon the periodic review thereof under relevant regulatory and accounting requirements; changes in our liquidity position; the timely development and acceptance of new products and services and perceived overall value of these products and services by users; changes in consumer spending, borrowing, and saving habits; greater than expected costs or difficulties related to the integration of new products and lines of business; technological changes; the cost and effects of cyber incidents or other failures, interruptions, or security breaches of our systems or those of our customers or third-party providers; acquisitions and integration of acquired businesses; impairment of our goodwill or other intangible assets; changes in the reliability of our vendors, internal control systems, or information systems; our ability to increase market share and control expenses; our ability to attract and retain qualified employees; changes in our organization, compensation, and benefit plans; the soundness of other financial institutions; volatility and disruption in national and international financial and commodity markets; changes in the competitive environment in our markets and among banking organizations and other financial service providers; government intervention in the U.S. financial system; the effects of natural disasters (including hurricanes), widespread health emergencies (including pandemics), military conflict, terrorism, civil unrest, climate change or other geopolitical events; our ability to declare and pay dividends; structural changes in the markets for origination, sale and servicing of residential mortgages; any inability to implement and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting and/or disclosure control; negative publicity and the impact on our reputation; and the limited trading activity and concentration of ownership of our common stock. Additional factors can be found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 and our other filings with the SEC, which are available at the SEC’s internet site (http://www.sec.gov). Forward-looking statements in this Press Release speak only as of the date of the Press Release, and we assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements or the reasons why actual results could differ, except as may be required by law.

    For Information Contact:

    Jep Larkin
    Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
    850.402. 8450

    USE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
    Unaudited

    We present a tangible common equity ratio and a tangible book value per diluted share that removes the effect of goodwill and other intangibles resulting from merger and acquisition activity. We believe these measures are useful to investors because it allows investors to more easily compare our capital adequacy to other companies in the industry.

    The GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliations are provided below.

    (Dollars in Thousands, except per share data) Mar 31, 2025 Dec 31, 2024 Sep 30, 2024 Jun 30, 2024 Mar 31, 2024
    Shareowners’ Equity (GAAP)   $ 512,575   $ 495,317   $ 476,499   $ 460,999   $ 448,314  
    Less: Goodwill and Other Intangibles (GAAP)     92,733     92,773     92,813     92,853     92,893  
    Tangible Shareowners’ Equity (non-GAAP) A   419,842     402,544     383,686     368,146     355,421  
    Total Assets (GAAP)     4,461,233     4,324,932     4,225,316     4,225,695     4,259,922  
    Less: Goodwill and Other Intangibles (GAAP)     92,733     92,773     92,813     92,853     92,893  
    Tangible Assets (non-GAAP) B $ 4,368,500   $ 4,232,159   $ 4,132,503   $ 4,132,842   $ 4,167,029  
    Tangible Common Equity Ratio (non-GAAP) A/B   9.61%     9.51%     9.28%     8.91%     8.53%  
    Actual Diluted Shares Outstanding (GAAP) C   17,072,330     17,018,122     16,980,686     16,970,228     16,947,204  
    Tangible Book Value per Diluted Share (non-GAAP) A/C $ 24.59   $ 23.65   $ 22.60   $ 21.69   $ 20.97  
     
    CAPITAL CITY BANK GROUP, INC.
    EARNINGS HIGHLIGHTS
    Unaudited
                   
        Three Months Ended  
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)   Mar 31, 2025   Dec 31, 2024   Mar 31, 2024  
    EARNINGS              
    Net Income Attributable to Common Shareowners $ 16,858 $ 13,090 $ 12,557 $
    Diluted Net Income Per Share $ 0.99 $ 0.77 $ 0.74 $
    PERFORMANCE              
    Return on Average Assets (annualized)   1.58 % 1.22 % 1.21 %
    Return on Average Equity (annualized)   13.32   10.60   11.07  
    Net Interest Margin   4.22   4.17   4.01  
    Noninterest Income as % of Operating Revenue   32.39   31.34   32.06  
    Efficiency Ratio   62.93 % 69.74 % 71.06 %
    CAPITAL ADEQUACY              
    Tier 1 Capital   18.01 % 17.46 % 15.67 %
    Total Capital   19.20   18.64   16.84  
    Leverage   11.17   11.05   10.45  
    Common Equity Tier 1   16.08   15.54   13.82  
    Tangible Common Equity (1)   9.61   9.51   8.53  
    Equity to Assets   11.49 % 11.45 % 10.52 %
    ASSET QUALITY              
    Allowance as % of Non-Performing Loans   692.10 % 464.14 % 431.46 %
    Allowance as a % of Loans HFI   1.12   1.10   1.07  
    Net Charge-Offs as % of Average Loans HFI   0.09   0.25   0.22  
    Nonperforming Assets as % of Loans HFI and OREO   0.17   0.25   0.25  
    Nonperforming Assets as % of Total Assets   0.10 % 0.15 % 0.16 %
    STOCK PERFORMANCE              
    High $ 38.27 $ 40.86 $ 31.34 $
    Low   33.00   33.00   26.59  
    Close $ 35.96 $ 36.65 $ 27.70 $
    Average Daily Trading Volume   24,486   27,484   31,023  
                   
    (1) Tangible common equity ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure. For additional information, including a reconciliation to GAAP, refer to Page 5.
                   
    CAPITAL CITY BANK GROUP, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
    Unaudited
                         
      2025     2024  
    (Dollars in thousands) First Quarter   Fourth Quarter   Third Quarter   Second Quarter   First Quarter
    ASSETS                    
    Cash and Due From Banks $ 78,521   $ 70,543   $ 83,431   $ 75,304   $ 73,642  
    Funds Sold and Interest Bearing Deposits   446,042     321,311     261,779     272,675     231,047  
    Total Cash and Cash Equivalents   524,563     391,854     345,210     347,979     304,689  
                         
    Investment Securities Available for Sale   461,224     403,345     336,187     310,941     327,338  
    Investment Securities Held to Maturity   517,176     567,155     561,480     582,984     603,386  
    Other Equity Securities   2,315     2,399     6,976     2,537     3,445  
    Total Investment Securities   980,715     972,899     904,643     896,462     934,169  
                         
    Loans Held for Sale (“HFS”):   21,441     28,672     31,251     24,022     24,705  
                         
    Loans Held for Investment (“HFI”):                    
    Commercial, Financial, & Agricultural   184,393     189,208     194,625     204,990     218,298  
    Real Estate – Construction   192,282     219,994     218,899     200,754     202,692  
    Real Estate – Commercial   806,942     779,095     819,955     823,122     823,690  
    Real Estate – Residential   1,040,594     1,028,498     1,023,485     1,012,541     1,012,791  
    Real Estate – Home Equity   225,987     220,064     210,988     211,126     214,617  
    Consumer   206,191     199,479     213,305     234,212     254,168  
    Other Loans   3,227     14,006     461     2,286     3,789  
    Overdrafts   1,154     1,206     1,378     1,192     1,127  
    Total Loans Held for Investment   2,660,770     2,651,550     2,683,096     2,690,223     2,731,172  
    Allowance for Credit Losses   (29,734 )   (29,251 )   (29,836 )   (29,219 )   (29,329 )
    Loans Held for Investment, Net   2,631,036     2,622,299     2,653,260     2,661,004     2,701,843  
                         
    Premises and Equipment, Net   80,043     81,952     81,876     81,414     81,452  
    Goodwill and Other Intangibles   92,733     92,773     92,813     92,853     92,893  
    Other Real Estate Owned   132     367     650     650     1  
    Other Assets   130,570     134,116     115,613     121,311     120,170  
    Total Other Assets   303,478     309,208     290,952     296,228     294,516  
    Total Assets $ 4,461,233   $ 4,324,932   $ 4,225,316   $ 4,225,695   $ 4,259,922  
    LIABILITIES                    
    Deposits:                    
    Noninterest Bearing Deposits $ 1,363,739   $ 1,306,254   $ 1,330,715   $ 1,343,606   $ 1,361,939  
    NOW Accounts   1,292,654     1,285,281     1,174,585     1,177,180     1,212,452  
    Money Market Accounts   445,999     404,396     401,272     413,594     398,308  
    Savings Accounts   511,265     506,766     507,604     514,560     530,782  
    Certificates of Deposit   170,233     169,280     164,901     159,624     151,320  
    Total Deposits   3,783,890     3,671,977     3,579,077     3,608,564     3,654,801  
                         
    Repurchase Agreements   22,799     26,240     29,339     22,463     23,477  
    Other Short-Term Borrowings   14,401     2,064     7,929     3,307     8,409  
    Subordinated Notes Payable   52,887     52,887     52,887     52,887     52,887  
    Other Long-Term Borrowings   794     794     794     1,009     265  
    Other Liabilities   73,887     75,653     71,974     69,987     65,181  
    Total Liabilities   3,948,658     3,829,615     3,742,000     3,758,217     3,805,020  
                         
    Temporary Equity           6,817     6,479     6,588  
    SHAREOWNERS’ EQUITY                    
    Common Stock   171     170     169     169     169  
    Additional Paid-In Capital   38,576     37,684     36,070     35,547     34,861  
    Retained Earnings   476,715     463,949     454,342     445,959     435,364  
    Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax   (2,887 )   (6,486 )   (14,082 )   (20,676 )   (22,080 )
    Total Shareowners’ Equity   512,575     495,317     476,499     460,999     448,314  
    Total Liabilities, Temporary Equity and Shareowners’ Equity $ 4,461,233   $ 4,324,932   $ 4,225,316   $ 4,225,695   $ 4,259,922  
    OTHER BALANCE SHEET DATA                    
    Earning Assets $ 4,108,969   $ 3,974,431   $ 3,880,769   $ 3,883,382   $ 3,921,093  
    Interest Bearing Liabilities   2,511,032     2,447,708     2,339,311     2,344,624     2,377,900  
    Book Value Per Diluted Share $ 30.02   $ 29.11   $ 28.06   $ 27.17   $ 26.45  
    Tangible Book Value Per Diluted Share(1)   24.59     23.65     22.60     21.69     20.97  
    Actual Basic Shares Outstanding   17,055     16,975     16,944     16,942     16,929  
    Actual Diluted Shares Outstanding   17,072     17,018     16,981     16,970     16,947  
     
    (1) Tangible book value per diluted share is a non-GAAP financial measure. For additional information, including a reconciliation to GAAP, refer to Page 5.
     
    CAPITAL CITY BANK GROUP, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
    Unaudited                    
                         
        2025   2024
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)   First Quarter   Fourth Quarter   Third Quarter   Second Quarter   First Quarter
    INTEREST INCOME                    
    Loans, including Fees $ 40,478 $ 41,453   $ 41,659 $ 41,138 $ 40,683
    Investment Securities   5,808   4,694     4,155   4,004   4,244
    Federal Funds Sold and Interest Bearing Deposits   3,496   3,596     3,514   3,624   1,893
    Total Interest Income   49,782   49,743     49,328   48,766   46,820
    INTEREST EXPENSE                    
    Deposits   7,383   7,766     8,223   8,579   7,594
    Repurchase Agreements   164   199     221   217   201
    Other Short-Term Borrowings   117   83     52   68   39
    Subordinated Notes Payable   560   581     610   630   628
    Other Long-Term Borrowings   11   11     11   3   3
    Total Interest Expense   8,235   8,640     9,117   9,497   8,465
    Net Interest Income   41,547   41,103     40,211   39,269   38,355
    Provision for Credit Losses   768   701     1,206   1,204   920
    Net Interest Income after Provision for Credit Losses   40,779   40,402     39,005   38,065   37,435
    NONINTEREST INCOME                    
    Deposit Fees   5,061   5,207     5,512   5,377   5,250
    Bank Card Fees   3,514   3,697     3,624   3,766   3,620
    Wealth Management Fees   5,763   5,222     4,770   4,439   4,682
    Mortgage Banking Revenues   3,820   3,118     3,966   4,381   2,878
    Other   1,749   1,516     1,641   1,643   1,667
    Total Noninterest Income   19,907   18,760     19,513   19,606   18,097
    NONINTEREST EXPENSE                    
    Compensation   26,248   26,108     25,800   24,406   24,407
    Occupancy, Net   6,793   6,893     7,098   6,997   6,994
    Other   5,660   8,781     10,023   9,038   8,770
    Total Noninterest Expense   38,701   41,782     42,921   40,441   40,171
    OPERATING PROFIT   21,985   17,380     15,597   17,230   15,361
    Income Tax Expense   5,127   4,219     2,980   3,189   3,536
    Net Income   16,858   13,161     12,617   14,041   11,825
    Pre-Tax (Income) Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest     (71 )   501   109   732
    NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO
    COMMON SHAREOWNERS
    $ 16,858 $ 13,090   $ 13,118 $ 14,150 $ 12,557
    PER COMMON SHARE                    
    Basic Net Income $ 0.99 $ 0.77   $ 0.77 $ 0.84 $ 0.74
    Diluted Net Income   0.99   0.77     0.77   0.83   0.74
    Cash Dividend $ 0.24 $ 0.23   $ 0.23 $ 0.21 $ 0.21
    AVERAGE SHARES                    
    Basic   17,027   16,946     16,943   16,931   16,951
    Diluted   17,044   16,990     16,979   16,960   16,969
     
    CAPITAL CITY BANK GROUP, INC.
    ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES (“ACL”)
    AND CREDIT QUALITY
    Unaudited                    
                         
        2025     2024  
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)   First Quarter   Fourth Quarter   Third Quarter   Second Quarter   First Quarter
    ACL – HELD FOR INVESTMENT LOANS                    
    Balance at Beginning of Period $ 29,251   $ 29,836   $ 29,219   $ 29,329   $ 29,941  
    Transfer from Other (Assets) Liabilities                   (50 )
    Provision for Credit Losses   1,083     1,085     1,879     1,129     932  
    Net Charge-Offs (Recoveries)   600     1,670     1,262     1,239     1,494  
    Balance at End of Period $ 29,734   $ 29,251   $ 29,836   $ 29,219   $ 29,329  
    As a % of Loans HFI   1.12 %   1.10 %   1.11 %   1.09 %   1.07 %
    As a % of Nonperforming Loans   692.10 %   464.14 %   452.64 %   529.79 %   431.46 %
    ACL – UNFUNDED COMMITMENTS                    
    Balance at Beginning of Period   2,155   $ 2,522   $ 3,139   $ 3,121   $ 3,191  
    Provision for Credit Losses   (323 )   (367 )   (617 )   18     (70 )
    Balance at End of Period(1)   1,832     2,155     2,522     3,139     3,121  
    ACL – DEBT SECURITIES                    
    Provision for Credit Losses $ 8   $ (17 ) $ (56 ) $ 57   $ 58  
    CHARGE-OFFS                    
    Commercial, Financial and Agricultural $ 168   $ 499   $ 331   $ 400   $ 282  
    Real Estate – Construction       47              
    Real Estate – Commercial           3          
    Real Estate – Residential   8     44             17  
    Real Estate – Home Equity       33     23         76  
    Consumer   865     1,307     1,315     1,061     1,550  
    Overdrafts   570     574     611     571     638  
    Total Charge-Offs $ 1,611   $ 2,504   $ 2,283   $ 2,032   $ 2,563  
    RECOVERIES                    
    Commercial, Financial and Agricultural $ 75   $ 103   $ 176   $ 59   $ 41  
    Real Estate – Construction       3              
    Real Estate – Commercial   3     33     5     19     204  
    Real Estate – Residential   119     28     88     23     37  
    Real Estate – Home Equity   9     17     59     37     24  
    Consumer   481     352     405     313     410  
    Overdrafts   324     298     288     342     353  
    Total Recoveries $ 1,011   $ 834   $ 1,021   $ 793   $ 1,069  
    NET CHARGE-OFFS (RECOVERIES) $ 600   $ 1,670   $ 1,262   $ 1,239   $ 1,494  
    Net Charge-Offs as a % of Average Loans HFI(2)   0.09 %   0.25 %   0.19 %   0.18 %   0.22 %
    CREDIT QUALITY                    
    Nonaccruing Loans $ 4,296   $ 6,302   $ 6,592   $ 5,515   $ 6,798  
    Other Real Estate Owned   132     367     650     650     1  
    Total Nonperforming Assets (“NPAs”) $ 4,428   $ 6,669   $ 7,242   $ 6,165   $ 6,799  
                         
    Past Due Loans 30-89 Days $ 3,735   $ 4,311   $ 9,388   $ 5,672   $ 5,392  
    Classified Loans   19,194     19,896     25,501     25,566     22,305  
                         
    Nonperforming Loans as a % of Loans HFI   0.16 %   0.24 %   0.25 %   0.21 %   0.25 %
    NPAs as a % of Loans HFI and Other Real Estate   0.17 %   0.25 %   0.27 %   0.23 %   0.25 %
    NPAs as a % of Total Assets   0.10 %   0.15 %   0.17 %   0.15 %   0.16 %
                         
    (1)Recorded in other liabilities
    (2)Annualized
                         
    CAPITAL CITY BANK GROUP, INC.
    AVERAGE BALANCE AND INTEREST RATES
    Unaudited
                                                                           
        First Quarter 2025     Fourth Quarter 2024     Third Quarter 2024     Second Quarter 2024     First Quarter 2024  
    (Dollars in thousands)   Average
    Balance
      Interest   Average
    Rate
        Average
    Balance
      Interest   Average
    Rate
        Average
    Balance
      Interest   Average
    Rate
        Average
    Balance
      Interest   Average
    Rate
        Average
    Balance
      Interest   Average
    Rate
     
    ASSETS:                                                                      
    Loans Held for Sale $ 24,726   $ 490   8.04 % $ 31,047   $ 976   7.89 % $ 24,570   $ 720   7.49 % $ 26,281     517   5.26 % $ 27,314   $ 563   5.99 %
    Loans Held for Investment(1)   2,665,910     40,029   6.09     2,677,396     40,521   6.07     2,693,533     40,985   6.09     2,726,748     40,683   6.03     2,728,629     40,196   5.95  
                                                                           
    Investment Securities                                                                      
    Taxable Investment Securities   981,485     5,802   2.38     914,353     4,688   2.04     907,610     4,148   1.82     918,989     3,998   1.74     952,328     4,238   1.78  
    Tax-Exempt Investment Securities(1)   845     9   4.32     849     9   4.31     846     10   4.33     843     9   4.36     856     10   4.34  
                                                                           
    Total Investment Securities   982,330     5,811   2.38     915,202     4,697   2.04     908,456     4,158   1.82     919,832     4,007   1.74     953,184     4,248   1.78  
                                                                           
    Federal Funds Sold and Interest Bearing Deposits   320,948     3,496   4.42     298,255     3,596   4.80     256,855     3,514   5.44     262,419     3,624   5.56     140,488     1,893   5.42  
                                                                           
    Total Earning Assets   3,993,914   $ 49,826   5.06 %   3,921,900   $ 49,790   5.05 %   3,883,414   $ 49,377   5.06 %   3,935,280   $ 48,831   4.99 %   3,849,615   $ 46,900   4.90 %
                                                                           
    Cash and Due From Banks   73,467               73,992               70,994               74,803               75,763            
    Allowance for Credit Losses   (30,008 )             (30,107 )             (29,905 )             (29,564 )             (30,030 )          
    Other Assets   297,660               293,884               291,359               291,669               295,275            
                                                                           
    Total Assets $ 4,335,033             $ 4,259,669             $ 4,215,862             $ 4,272,188             $ 4,190,623            
                                                                           
    LIABILITIES:                                                                      
    Noninterest Bearing Deposits $ 1,317,425             $ 1,323,556             $ 1,332,305             $ 1,346,546             $ 1,344,188            
    NOW Accounts   1,249,955   $ 3,854   1.25 %   1,182,073   $ 3,826   1.29 %   1,145,544   $ 4,087   1.42 %   1,207,643   $ 4,425   1.47 %   1,201,032   $ 4,497   1.51 %
    Money Market Accounts   420,059     2,187   2.11     422,615     2,526   2.38     418,625     2,694   2.56     407,387     2,752   2.72     353,591     1,985   2.26  
    Savings Accounts   507,676     176   0.14     504,859     179   0.14     512,098     180   0.14     519,374     176   0.14     539,374     188   0.14  
    Time Deposits   170,367     1,166   2.78     167,321     1,235   2.94     163,462     1,262   3.07     160,078     1,226   3.08     138,328     924   2.69  
    Total Interest Bearing Deposits   2,348,057     7,383   1.28     2,276,868     7,766   1.36     2,239,729     8,223   1.46     2,294,482     8,579   1.50     2,232,325     7,594   1.37  
    Total Deposits   3,665,482     7,383   0.82     3,600,424     7,766   0.86     3,572,034     8,223   0.92     3,641,028     8,579   0.95     3,576,513     7,594   0.85  
    Repurchase Agreements   29,821     164   2.23     28,018     199   2.82     27,126     221   3.24     26,999     217   3.24     25,725     201   3.14  
    Other Short-Term Borrowings   7,437     117   6.39     6,510     83   5.06     2,673     52   7.63     6,592     68   4.16     3,758     39   4.16  
    Subordinated Notes Payable   52,887     560   4.23     52,887     581   4.30     52,887     610   4.52     52,887     630   4.71     52,887     628   4.70  
    Other Long-Term Borrowings   794     11   5.68     794     11   5.57     795     11   5.55     258     3   4.31     281     3   4.80  
    Total Interest Bearing Liabilities   2,438,996   $ 8,235   1.37 %   2,365,077   $ 8,640   1.45 %   2,323,210   $ 9,117   1.56 %   2,381,218   $ 9,497   1.60 %   2,314,976   $ 8,465   1.47 %
                                                                           
    Other Liabilities   65,211               73,130               73,767               72,634               68,295            
                                                                           
    Total Liabilities   3,821,632               3,761,763               3,729,282               3,800,398               3,727,459            
    Temporary Equity                 6,763               6,443               6,493               7,150            
                                                                           
    SHAREOWNERS’ EQUITY:   513,401               491,143               480,137               465,297               456,014            
                                                                           
    Total Liabilities, Temporary Equity and Shareowners’ Equity $ 4,335,033             $ 4,259,669             $ 4,215,862             $ 4,272,188             $ 4,190,623            
                                                                           
    Interest Rate Spread     $ 41,591   3.69 %     $ 41,150   3.59 %     $ 40,260   3.49 %     $ 39,334   3.38 %     $ 38,435   3.43 %
                                                                           
    Interest Income and Rate Earned(1)       49,826   5.06         49,790   5.05         49,377   5.06         48,831   4.99         46,900   4.90  
    Interest Expense and Rate Paid(2)       8,235   0.84         8,640   0.88         9,117   0.93         9,497   0.97         8,465   0.88  
                                                                           
    Net Interest Margin     $ 41,591   4.22 %     $ 41,150   4.17 %     $ 40,260   4.12 %     $ 39,334   4.02 %     $ 38,435   4.01 %
                                                                           
    (1)Interest and average rates are calculated on a tax-equivalent basis using a 21% Federal tax rate.
    (2)Rate calculated based on average earning assets.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: HBT Financial, Inc. Announces First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    First Quarter Highlights

    • Net income of $19.1 million, or $0.60 per diluted share; return on average assets (“ROAA”) of 1.54%; return on average stockholders’ equity (“ROAE”) of 13.95%; and return on average tangible common equity (“ROATCE”)(1) of 16.20%
    • Adjusted net income(1) of $19.3 million; or $0.61 per diluted share; adjusted ROAA(1) of 1.55%; adjusted ROAE(1) of 14.08%; and adjusted ROATCE(1) of 16.36%
    • Asset quality remained exceptional with nonperforming assets to total assets of 0.11% and net charge-offs to average loans of 0.05%, on an annualized basis
    • Net interest margin increased 16 basis points to 4.12% and net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis)(1)increased 15 basis point to 4.16%

    BLOOMINGTON, Ill., April 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HBT Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ: HBT) (the “Company” or “HBT Financial” or “HBT”), the holding company for Heartland Bank and Trust Company, today reported net income of $19.1 million, or $0.60 diluted earnings per share, for the first quarter of 2025. This compares to net income of $20.3 million, or $0.64 diluted earnings per share, for the fourth quarter of 2024, and net income of $15.3 million, or $0.48 diluted earnings per share, for the first quarter of 2024.

    J. Lance Carter, President and Chief Executive Officer of HBT Financial, said, “We are off to a great start in 2025 with strong first quarter results. Despite the economic outlook recently becoming more uncertain, leading to interest rate volatility and stock market declines, we still believe that 2025 will be a solid year for HBT. Our credit discipline, strong profitability and solid balance sheet give us confidence that we are prepared for a variety of economic environments.

    We continued to report solid profitability with adjusted net income(1) of $19.3 million, or $0.61 per diluted share, an adjusted ROAA(1) of 1.55% and an adjusted ROATCE(1) of 16.36%. Our net interest margin on a tax-equivalent basis(1) increased by 15 basis points, with 5 basis points of that increase related to higher nonaccrual interest recoveries and loan fees, as average loan balances were higher, loans and securities continued to reprice higher, and deposits repriced lower. Our strong profitability coupled with an improvement in our accumulated other comprehensive income due to lower interest rates, resulted in a $0.63 increase in our tangible book value per share(1) to $15.43. Tangible book value per share increased by 4.3% for the quarter and 17.0% over the last year.

    Our balance sheet remains strong with all capital ratios increasing during the quarter and asset quality improving with nonperforming assets to total assets declining to only 0.11%. Loans at quarter-end were down only slightly while average loans for the quarter were up 2.2%. Deposits were up 1.5% at quarter-end and average deposits for the quarter were up 1.1%. Deposit growth was aided by moving most of our repurchase agreements into interest-bearing demand deposits. Our capital levels and operational structure support attractive acquisition opportunities should the right opportunity arise and markets stabilize.”
    ____________________________________
    (1)   See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to their most closely comparable GAAP financial measures.

    Adjusted Net Income

    In addition to reporting GAAP results, the Company believes non-GAAP measures such as adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share, which adjust for acquisition expenses, branch closure expenses, gains (losses) on closed branch premises, realized gains (losses) on sales of securities, mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustments, and the tax effect of these pre-tax adjustments, provide investors with additional insight into its operational performance. The Company reported adjusted net income of $19.3 million, or $0.61 adjusted diluted earnings per share, for the first quarter of 2025. This compares to adjusted net income of $19.5 million, or $0.62 adjusted diluted earnings per share, for the fourth quarter of 2024, and adjusted net income of $18.1 million, or $0.57 adjusted diluted earnings per share, for the first quarter of 2024 (see “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” tables below for reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to their most closely comparable GAAP financial measures).

    Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

    Net interest income for the first quarter of 2025 was $48.7 million, an increase of 2.8% from $47.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2024. The increase was primarily attributable to higher average loan balances, a decrease in deposit costs, and higher yields on loans and debt securities. Additionally, a $0.6 million increase in nonaccrual interest recoveries and loan fees contributed to the increase in net interest income.

    Relative to the first quarter of 2024, net interest income increased 4.3% from $46.7 million. The increase was primarily attributable to higher average loan balances, a decrease in deposit costs, and higher yields on debt securities. Also contributing was a $0.7 million increase in nonaccrual interest recoveries and loan fees.

    Net interest margin for the first quarter of 2025 was 4.12%, compared to 3.96% for the fourth quarter of 2024, and net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis)(1) for the first quarter of 2025 was 4.16%, compared to 4.01% for the fourth quarter of 2024. The increase was primarily attributable to higher yields on interest-earning assets, which increased 9 basis points to 5.34%, and lower funding costs, which decreased 7 basis points to 1.32%. Additionally, an increase in the contribution of nonaccrual interest recoveries and loan fees accounted for 5 basis points of the increase in net interest margin.

    Relative to the first quarter of 2024, net interest margin increased 18 basis points from 3.94% and net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis)(1) increased 17 basis points from 3.99%. These increases were primarily attributable to higher yields on interest-earning assets, a decrease in funding costs, and an increase in nonaccrual interest recoveries and loan fees. Additionally, an increase in the contribution of nonaccrual interest recoveries and loan fees accounted for 6 basis points of the increase in net interest margin.
    ____________________________________
    (1)   See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to their most closely comparable GAAP financial measures.

    Noninterest Income

    Noninterest income for the first quarter of 2025 was $9.3 million, a 20.0% decrease from $11.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2024. The decrease was primarily attributable to changes in the mortgage servicing rights (“MSR”) fair value adjustment, with a $0.3 million negative MSR fair value adjustment included in the first quarter 2025 results compared to a $1.3 million positive MSR fair value adjustment included in the fourth quarter 2024 results. Further contributing to the decrease was a $0.3 million decrease in wealth management fees, primarily driven by a seasonal decrease in farm management income, a $0.3 million decrease in income on bank owned life insurance, primarily due to the absence of a $0.2 million gain on life insurance proceeds included in the fourth quarter 2024 results, and a $0.2 million decrease in card income. Partially offsetting these decreases was the absence of a $0.3 million realized loss on sale of debt securities included in the fourth quarter 2024 results.

    Relative to the first quarter of 2024, noninterest income increased 65.4% from $5.6 million. The increase was primarily attributable to the absence of $3.4 million in realized losses on the sale of debt securities included in the first quarter 2024 results.

    Noninterest Expense

    Noninterest expense for the first quarter of 2025 was $31.9 million, a 3.3% increase from $30.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2024. The increase was primarily attributable to a $1.3 million increase in salaries expense, primarily driven by seasonal variations in vacation accruals and annual merit increases which took effect in early March, and a $0.6 million increase in employee benefits expense, primarily attributable to higher medical benefit costs. Partially offsetting these increases were a $0.3 million decrease in other noninterest expense and a $0.3 million decrease in data processing expense.

    Relative to the first quarter of 2024, noninterest expense increased 2.1% from $31.3 million. The increase was primarily attributable to a $0.5 million increase in employee benefits expense, primarily driven by increased medical benefit costs, and a $0.4 million increase in salaries expense. Partially offsetting these increases was a $0.2 million decrease in data processing expense.

    Income Taxes

    During the first quarter of 2025 our effective tax rate decreased to 25.2% when compared to 26.0% during the fourth quarter of 2024. This decrease was primarily related to a $0.2 million tax benefit from stock-based compensation that vested during the quarter. Additionally, during the second quarter of 2025, we expect to recognize an additional $0.3 million of tax expense related to the reversal of a stranded tax effect included in accumulated other comprehensive income in connection with the maturity of a derivative designated as a cash flow hedge.

    Loan Portfolio

    Total loans outstanding, before allowance for credit losses, were $3.46 billion at March 31, 2025, compared with $3.47 billion at December 31, 2024, and $3.35 billion at March 31, 2024. Total loans as of March 31, 2025 were nearly unchanged when compared to December 31, 2024 with a $23.2 million increase in grain elevator lines of credit in the commercial and industrial segment, due to seasonally higher line utilization, partially offset by a $12.0 million reduction on two lines of credit that funded shortly before and paid off after December 31, 2024, as noted in the previous quarter’s earnings release. Larger payoffs in the one-to-four family residential, multi-family, and commercial real estate – non-owner occupied segments were partially offset by draws on existing loans in the construction and development segment and new originations in the municipal, consumer, and other segment. Additionally, average loan balances increased $73.4 million, or 2.2%, from the fourth quarter of 2024 to the first quarter of 2025.

    Deposits

    Total deposits were $4.38 billion at March 31, 2025, compared with $4.32 billion at December 31, 2024, and $4.36 billion at March 31, 2024. The $66.3 million increase from December 31, 2024 was primarily attributable to higher balances maintained in existing retail accounts. Additionally, the vast majority of repurchase agreement account balances at December 31, 2024 were transitioned to reciprocal interest-bearing demand deposit accounts during the first quarter of 2025.

    Asset Quality

    Nonperforming assets totaled $5.6 million, or 0.11% of total assets, at March 31, 2025, compared with $8.0 million, or 0.16% of total assets, at December 31, 2024, and $9.9 million, or 0.20% of total assets, at March 31, 2024. Additionally, of the $5.1 million of nonperforming loans held as of March 31, 2025, $1.4 million is either wholly or partially guaranteed by the U.S. government. The $2.5 million decrease in nonperforming assets from December 31, 2024 was primarily attributable to the pay-off of a $1.6 million nonaccrual commercial real estate – non-owner occupied credit.

    The Company recorded a provision for credit losses of $0.6 million for the first quarter of 2025. The provision for credit losses primarily reflects a $0.8 million increase in required reserves resulting from changes in qualitative factors; a $0.1 million increase in required reserves driven by changes within the portfolio; and a $0.3 million decrease in specific reserves.

    The Company had net charge-offs of $0.4 million, or 0.05% of average loans on an annualized basis, for the first quarter of 2025, compared to net charge-offs of $0.7 million, or 0.08% of average loans on an annualized basis, for the fourth quarter of 2024, and net recoveries of $0.2 million, or 0.02% of average loans on an annualized basis, for the first quarter of 2024.

    The Company’s allowance for credit losses was 1.22% of total loans and 825% of nonperforming loans at March 31, 2025, compared with 1.21% of total loans and 549% of nonperforming loans at December 31, 2024. In addition, the allowance for credit losses on unfunded lending-related commitments totaled $3.2 million as of March 31, 2025, compared with $3.1 million as of December 31, 2024.

    Capital

    As of March 31, 2025, the Company exceeded all regulatory capital requirements under Basel III as summarized in the following table:

        March 31, 2025   For Capital
    Adequacy Purposes
    With Capital
    Conservation Buffer
             
    Total capital to risk-weighted assets   16.85 %   10.50 %
    Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets   14.77     8.50  
    Common equity tier 1 capital ratio   13.48     7.00  
    Tier 1 leverage ratio   11.64     4.00  
                 

    The ratio of tangible common equity to tangible assets(1) increased to 9.73% as of March 31, 2025, from 9.42% as of December 31, 2024, and tangible book value per share(1) increased by $0.63 to $15.43 as of March 31, 2025, when compared to December 31, 2024.

    During the first quarter of 2025, the Company did not repurchase shares of its common stock under its stock repurchase program. The Company’s Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of up to $15.0 million of HBT Financial common stock under its stock repurchase program, which is in effect until January 1, 2026. As of March 31, 2025, the Company had $15.0 million remaining under the stock repurchase program.
    ____________________________________
    (1)   See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to their most closely comparable GAAP financial measures.

    About HBT Financial, Inc.

    HBT Financial, Inc., headquartered in Bloomington, Illinois, is the holding company for Heartland Bank and Trust Company, and has banking roots that can be traced back to 1920. HBT Financial provides a comprehensive suite of financial products and services to consumers, businesses, and municipal entities throughout Illinois and eastern Iowa through 66 full-service branches. As of March 31, 2025, HBT Financial had total assets of $5.1 billion, total loans of $3.5 billion, and total deposits of $4.4 billion.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    Some of the financial measures included in this press release are not measures of financial performance recognized in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures include adjusted net income, adjusted earnings per share, adjusted ROAA, pre-provision net revenue, pre-provision net revenue less charge-offs (recoveries), adjusted pre-provision net revenue, adjusted pre-provision net revenue less charge-offs (recoveries), net interest income (tax-equivalent basis), net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis), efficiency ratio (tax-equivalent basis), adjusted efficiency ratio (tax-equivalent basis), the ratio of tangible common equity to tangible assets, tangible book value per share, adjusted ROAE, ROATCE, and adjusted ROATCE. Our management uses these non-GAAP financial measures, together with the related GAAP financial measures, in its analysis of our performance and in making business decisions. Management believes that it is a standard practice in the banking industry to present these non-GAAP financial measures, and accordingly believes that providing these measures may be useful for peer comparison purposes. These disclosures should not be viewed as substitutes for the results determined to be in accordance with GAAP; nor are they necessarily comparable to non-GAAP financial measures that may be presented by other companies. See our reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures in the “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” tables.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Readers should note that in addition to the historical information contained herein, this press release contains, and future oral and written statements of the Company and its management may contain, “forward-looking statements” within the meanings of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “will,” “propose,” “may,” “plan,” “seek,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” or “should,” or similar terminology. Any forward-looking statements presented herein are made only as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect changes in assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events, or otherwise.

    Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (i) the strength of the local, state, national and international economies and financial markets (including effects of inflationary pressures and supply chain constraints); (ii) effects on the U.S. economy resulting from the threat or implementation of, or changes to, existing policies and executive orders including tariffs, immigration policy, regulatory or other governmental agencies, foreign policy and tax regulations; (iii) the economic impact of any future terrorist threats and attacks, widespread disease or pandemics, acts of war or other threats thereof (including the Russian invasion of Ukraine and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East), or other adverse 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; (iv) new and revised accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by state and federal regulatory banking agencies, the Financial Accounting Standards Board or the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board; (v) changes in local, state and federal laws, regulations and governmental policies concerning the Company’s general business and any changes in response to the bank failures in 2023; (vi) the imposition of tariffs or other governmental policies impacting the value of products produced by the Company’s commercial borrowers; (vii) changes in interest rates and prepayment rates of the Company’s assets; (viii) 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; (ix) changes in technology and the ability to develop and maintain secure and reliable electronic systems; (x) 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; (xi) the loss of key executives and employees, talent shortages and employee turnover; (xii) changes in consumer spending; (xiii) unexpected outcomes or costs of existing or new litigation or other legal proceedings and regulatory actions involving the Company; (xiv) the economic impact on the Company and its customers of climate change, natural disasters and of exceptional weather occurrences such as tornadoes, floods and blizzards; (xv) fluctuations in the value of securities held in our securities portfolio, including as a result of changes in interest rates; (xvi) credit risks and risks from concentrations (by type of borrower, geographic area, collateral and industry) within our loan portfolio (including commercial real estate loans) and large loans to certain borrowers; (xvii) the overall health of the local and national real estate market; (xviii) the ability to maintain an adequate level of allowance for credit losses on loans; (xix) the concentration of large deposits from certain clients who have balances above current FDIC insurance limits and who may withdraw deposits to diversify their exposure; (xx) the ability to successfully manage liquidity risk, which may increase dependence on non-core funding sources such as brokered deposits, and may negatively impact the Company’s cost of funds; (xxi) the level of nonperforming assets on our balance sheet; (xxii) interruptions involving our information technology and communications systems or third-party servicers; (xxiii) the occurrence of fraudulent activity, breaches or failures of our third-party vendors’ information security controls or cybersecurity-related incidents, including as a result of sophisticated attacks using artificial intelligence and similar tools or as a result of insider fraud; (xxiv) the effectiveness of the Company’s risk management framework, and (xxv) the ability of the Company to manage the risks associated with the foregoing as well as anticipated. Readers should note that the forward-looking statements included in this press release are not a guarantee of future events, and that actual events may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. 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:
    Peter Chapman
    HBTIR@hbtbank.com
    (309) 664-4556

         
    HBT Financial, Inc.
    Unaudited Consolidated Financial Summary
         
        As of or for the Three Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands, except per share data)   March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    Interest and dividend income   $ 63,138     $ 62,798     $ 61,961  
    Interest expense     14,430       15,397       15,273  
    Net interest income     48,708       47,401       46,688  
    Provision for credit losses     576       725       527  
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses     48,132       46,676       46,161  
    Noninterest income     9,306       11,630       5,626  
    Noninterest expense     31,935       30,908       31,268  
    Income before income tax expense     25,503       27,398       20,519  
    Income tax expense     6,428       7,126       5,261  
    Net income   $ 19,075     $ 20,272     $ 15,258  
                 
    Earnings per share – diluted   $ 0.60     $ 0.64     $ 0.48  
                 
    Adjusted net income (1)   $ 19,253     $ 19,546     $ 18,073  
    Adjusted earnings per share – diluted (1)     0.61       0.62       0.57  
                 
    Book value per share   $ 17.86     $ 17.26     $ 15.71  
    Tangible book value per share (1)     15.43       14.80       13.19  
                 
    Shares of common stock outstanding     31,631,431       31,559,366       31,612,888  
    Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding, including all dilutive potential shares     31,711,671       31,702,864       31,803,187  
                 
    SUMMARY RATIOS            
    Net interest margin *     4.12 %     3.96 %     3.94 %
    Net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis) * (1)(2)     4.16       4.01       3.99  
                 
    Efficiency ratio     53.85 %     51.16 %     58.41 %
    Efficiency ratio (tax-equivalent basis) (1)(2)     53.35       50.68       57.78  
                 
    Loan to deposit ratio     78.95 %     80.27 %     76.73 %
                 
    Return on average assets *     1.54 %     1.61 %     1.23 %
    Return on average stockholders’ equity *     13.95       14.89       12.42  
    Return on average tangible common equity * (1)     16.20       17.40       14.83  
                 
    Adjusted return on average assets * (1)     1.55 %     1.56 %     1.45 %
    Adjusted return on average stockholders’ equity * (1)     14.08       14.36       14.72  
    Adjusted return on average tangible common equity * (1)     16.36       16.77       17.57  
                 
    CAPITAL            
    Total capital to risk-weighted assets     16.85 %     16.51 %     15.79 %
    Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets     14.77       14.50       13.77  
    Common equity tier 1 capital ratio     13.48       13.21       12.44  
    Tier 1 leverage ratio     11.64       11.51       10.65  
    Total stockholders’ equity to total assets     11.10       10.82       9.85  
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets (1)     9.73       9.42       8.40  
                 
    ASSET QUALITY            
    Net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans *     0.05 %     0.08 %     (0.02) %
    Allowance for credit losses to loans, before allowance for credit losses     1.22       1.21       1.22  
    Nonperforming loans to loans, before allowance for credit losses     0.15       0.22       0.29  
    Nonperforming assets to total assets     0.11       0.16       0.20  

    ____________________________________

    *   Annualized measure.

    (1)   See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to their most closely comparable GAAP financial measures.
    (2)   On a tax-equivalent basis assuming a federal income tax rate of 21% and a state tax rate of 9.5%.  

       
    HBT Financial, Inc.
    Unaudited Consolidated Financial Summary
    Consolidated Statements of Income
       
      Three Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands, except per share data) March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME          
    Loans, including fees:          
    Taxable $ 53,369     $ 52,587     $ 51,926  
    Federally tax exempt   1,168       1,199       1,094  
    Debt securities:          
    Taxable   6,936       6,829       6,204  
    Federally tax exempt   469       482       597  
    Interest-bearing deposits in bank   1,065       1,520       1,952  
    Other interest and dividend income   131       181       188  
    Total interest and dividend income   63,138       62,798       61,961  
    INTEREST EXPENSE          
    Deposits   12,939       13,672       13,593  
    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase   22       179       152  
    Borrowings   109       115       125  
    Subordinated notes   470       470       470  
    Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts   890       961       933  
    Total interest expense   14,430       15,397       15,273  
    Net interest income   48,708       47,401       46,688  
    PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES   576       725       527  
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   48,132       46,676       46,161  
    NONINTEREST INCOME          
    Card income   2,548       2,797       2,616  
    Wealth management fees   2,841       3,138       2,547  
    Service charges on deposit accounts   1,944       2,080       1,869  
    Mortgage servicing   990       1,158       1,055  
    Mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment   (308 )     1,331       80  
    Gains on sale of mortgage loans   252       409       298  
    Realized gains (losses) on sales of securities         (315 )     (3,382 )
    Unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities   8       (83 )     (16 )
    Gains (losses) on foreclosed assets   13       7       87  
    Gains (losses) on other assets   54       2       (635 )
    Income on bank owned life insurance   164       415       164  
    Other noninterest income   800       691       943  
    Total noninterest income   9,306       11,630       5,626  
    NONINTEREST EXPENSE          
    Salaries   17,053       15,784       16,657  
    Employee benefits   3,285       2,649       2,805  
    Occupancy of bank premises   2,625       2,773       2,582  
    Furniture and equipment   445       460       550  
    Data processing   2,717       2,998       2,925  
    Marketing and customer relations   1,144       948       996  
    Amortization of intangible assets   695       709       710  
    FDIC insurance   562       557       560  
    Loan collection and servicing   383       653       452  
    Foreclosed assets   5       31       49  
    Other noninterest expense   3,021       3,346       2,982  
    Total noninterest expense   31,935       30,908       31,268  
    INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX EXPENSE   25,503       27,398       20,519  
    INCOME TAX EXPENSE   6,428       7,126       5,261  
    NET INCOME $ 19,075     $ 20,272     $ 15,258  
               
    EARNINGS PER SHARE – BASIC $ 0.60     $ 0.64     $ 0.48  
    EARNINGS PER SHARE – DILUTED $ 0.60     $ 0.64     $ 0.48  
    WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OUTSTANDING   31,584,989       31,559,366       31,662,954  
                           
               
    HBT Financial, Inc.
    Unaudited Consolidated Financial Summary
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
               
    (dollars in thousands) March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    ASSETS          
    Cash and due from banks $ 25,005     $ 29,552     $ 19,989  
    Interest-bearing deposits with banks   186,586       108,140       240,223  
    Cash and cash equivalents   211,591       137,692       260,212  
               
    Interest-bearing time deposits with banks               515  
    Debt securities available-for-sale, at fair value   706,135       698,049       669,020  
    Debt securities held-to-maturity   490,398       499,858       517,472  
    Equity securities with readily determinable fair value   3,323       3,315       3,324  
    Equity securities with no readily determinable fair value   2,629       2,629       2,622  
    Restricted stock, at cost   5,086       5,086       5,155  
    Loans held for sale   2,721       1,586       3,479  
               
    Loans, before allowance for credit losses   3,461,778       3,466,146       3,345,962  
    Allowance for credit losses   (42,111 )     (42,044 )     (40,815 )
    Loans, net of allowance for credit losses   3,419,667       3,424,102       3,305,147  
               
    Bank owned life insurance   24,153       23,989       24,069  
    Bank premises and equipment, net   67,272       66,758       64,755  
    Bank premises held for sale   190       317       317  
    Foreclosed assets   460       367       277  
    Goodwill   59,820       59,820       59,820  
    Intangible assets, net   17,148       17,843       19,972  
    Mortgage servicing rights, at fair value   18,519       18,827       19,081  
    Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries   1,614       1,614       1,614  
    Accrued interest receivable   22,735       24,770       23,117  
    Other assets   38,731       46,280       60,542  
    Total assets $ 5,092,192     $ 5,032,902     $ 5,040,510  
               
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
    Liabilities          
    Deposits:          
    Noninterest-bearing $ 1,065,874     $ 1,046,405     $ 1,047,074  
    Interest-bearing   3,318,716       3,271,849       3,313,500  
    Total deposits   4,384,590       4,318,254       4,360,574  
               
    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase   2,698       28,969       31,864  
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances   7,209       13,231       12,725  
    Subordinated notes   39,573       39,553       39,494  
    Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts   52,864       52,849       52,804  
    Other liabilities   40,201       35,441       46,368  
    Total liabilities   4,527,135       4,488,297       4,543,829  
               
    Stockholders’ Equity          
    Common stock   329       328       328  
    Surplus   297,024       297,297       296,054  
    Retained earnings   329,169       316,764       278,353  
    Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)   (38,446 )     (46,765 )     (56,048 )
    Treasury stock at cost   (23,019 )     (23,019 )     (22,006 )
    Total stockholders’ equity   565,057       544,605       496,681  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 5,092,192     $ 5,032,902     $ 5,040,510  
    SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OUTSTANDING   31,631,431       31,559,366       31,612,888  
                           
               
    HBT Financial, Inc.
    Unaudited Consolidated Financial Summary
               
    (dollars in thousands) March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
               
    LOANS          
    Commercial and industrial $ 441,261   $ 428,389   $ 402,206
    Commercial real estate – owner occupied   321,990     322,316     294,967
    Commercial real estate – non-owner occupied   891,022     899,565     890,251
    Construction and land development   376,046     374,657     345,991
    Multi-family   424,096     431,524     421,573
    One-to-four family residential   455,376     463,968     485,948
    Agricultural and farmland   292,240     293,375     287,205
    Municipal, consumer, and other   259,747     252,352     217,821
    Total loans $ 3,461,778   $ 3,466,146   $ 3,345,962
    (dollars in thousands) March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
               
    DEPOSITS          
    Noninterest-bearing deposits $ 1,065,874   $ 1,046,405   $ 1,047,074
    Interest-bearing deposits:          
    Interest-bearing demand   1,143,677     1,099,061     1,139,172
    Money market   812,146     820,825     802,685
    Savings   575,558     566,533     602,739
    Time   787,335     785,430     713,142
    Brokered           55,762
    Total interest-bearing deposits   3,318,716     3,271,849     3,313,500
    Total deposits $ 4,384,590   $ 4,318,254   $ 4,360,574
                     
       
    HBT Financial, Inc.
    Unaudited Consolidated Financial Summary
       
      Three Months Ended
      March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
    (dollars in thousands) Average
    Balance
      Interest   Yield/Cost *   Average
    Balance
      Interest   Yield/Cost *   Average
    Balance
      Interest   Yield/Cost *
                                       
    ASSETS                                  
    Loans $ 3,460,906     $ 54,537   6.39 %   $ 3,387,541     $ 53,786   6.32 %   $ 3,371,219     $ 53,020   6.33 %
    Debt securities   1,204,424       7,405   2.49       1,208,404       7,311   2.41       1,213,947       6,801   2.25  
    Deposits with banks   120,014       1,065   3.60       149,691       1,520   4.04       167,297       1,952   4.69  
    Other   12,677       131   4.19       12,698       181   5.68       12,986       188   5.82  
    Total interest-earning assets   4,798,021     $ 63,138   5.34 %     4,758,334     $ 62,798   5.25 %     4,765,449     $ 61,961   5.23 %
    Allowance for credit losses   (42,061 )             (40,942 )             (40,238 )        
    Noninterest-earning assets   276,853               277,074               278,253          
    Total assets $ 5,032,813             $ 4,994,466             $ 5,003,464          
                                       
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY                                  
    Liabilities                                  
    Interest-bearing deposits:                                  
    Interest-bearing demand $ 1,120,608     $ 1,453   0.53 %   $ 1,088,082     $ 1,351   0.49 %   $ 1,127,684     $ 1,311   0.47 %
    Money market   807,728       4,397   2.21       787,768       4,444   2.24       812,684       4,797   2.37  
    Savings   569,494       370   0.26       562,833       389   0.27       611,224       443   0.29  
    Time   784,099       6,719   3.48       796,494       7,439   3.72       664,498       5,925   3.59  
    Brokered                 3,261       49   5.96       82,150       1,117   5.47  
    Total interest-bearing deposits   3,281,929       12,939   1.60       3,238,438       13,672   1.68       3,298,240       13,593   1.66  
    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase   8,754       22   1.02       31,624       179   2.26       32,456       152   1.89  
    Borrowings   12,890       109   3.41       13,370       115   3.42       13,003       125   3.87  
    Subordinated notes   39,563       470   4.82       39,543       470   4.73       39,484       470   4.78  
    Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts   52,856       890   6.83       52,841       961   7.23       52,796       933   7.11  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   3,395,992     $ 14,430   1.72 %     3,375,816     $ 15,397   1.81 %     3,435,979     $ 15,273   1.79 %
    Noninterest-bearing deposits   1,045,733               1,041,471               1,036,402          
    Noninterest-bearing liabilities   36,373               35,644               37,107          
    Total liabilities   4,478,098               4,452,931               4,509,488          
    Stockholders’ Equity   554,715               541,535               493,976          
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 5,032,813             $ 4,994,466             $ 5,003,464          
                                       
    Net interest income/Net interest margin (1)     $ 48,708   4.12 %       $ 47,401   3.96 %       $ 46,688   3.94 %
    Tax-equivalent adjustment (2)       545   0.04           562   0.05           575   0.05  
    Net interest income (tax-equivalent basis)/
    Net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis) (2) (3)
        $ 49,253   4.16 %       $ 47,963   4.01 %       $ 47,263   3.99 %
    Net interest rate spread (4)         3.62 %           3.44 %           3.44 %
    Net interest-earning assets (5) $ 1,402,029             $ 1,382,518             $ 1,329,470          
    Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities   1.41               1.41               1.39          
    Cost of total deposits         1.21 %           1.27 %           1.26 %
    Cost of funds         1.32             1.39             1.37  

    ____________________________________

    *   Annualized measure.

    (1)   Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average total interest-earning assets.
    (2)   On a tax-equivalent basis assuming a federal income tax rate of 21% and a state income tax rate of 9.5%.
    (3)   See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to their most closely comparable GAAP financial measures.
    (4)   Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the yield on average interest-earning assets and the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities.
    (5)   Net interest-earning assets represents total interest-earning assets less total interest-bearing liabilities.

               
    HBT Financial, Inc.
    Unaudited Consolidated Financial Summary
               
    (dollars in thousands) March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
               
    NONPERFORMING ASSETS          
    Nonaccrual $ 5,102     $ 7,652     $ 9,657  
    Past due 90 days or more, still accruing   4       4        
    Total nonperforming loans   5,106       7,656       9,657  
    Foreclosed assets   460       367       277  
    Total nonperforming assets $ 5,566     $ 8,023     $ 9,934  
               
    Nonperforming loans that are wholly or partially guaranteed by the U.S. Government $ 1,350     $ 1,573     $ 2,676  
               
    Allowance for credit losses $ 42,111     $ 42,044     $ 40,815  
    Loans, before allowance for credit losses   3,461,778       3,466,146       3,345,962  
               
    CREDIT QUALITY RATIOS          
    Allowance for credit losses to loans, before allowance for credit losses   1.22 %     1.21 %     1.22 %
    Allowance for credit losses to nonaccrual loans   825.38       549.45       422.65  
    Allowance for credit losses to nonperforming loans   824.74       549.16       422.65  
    Nonaccrual loans to loans, before allowance for credit losses   0.15       0.22       0.29  
    Nonperforming loans to loans, before allowance for credit losses   0.15       0.22       0.29  
    Nonperforming assets to total assets   0.11       0.16       0.20  
    Nonperforming assets to loans, before allowance for credit losses, and foreclosed assets   0.16       0.23       0.30  
      Three Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands) March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
               
    ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES          
    Beginning balance $ 42,044     $ 40,966     $ 40,048  
    Provision for credit losses   496       1,771       560  
    Charge-offs   (665 )     (1,086 )     (227 )
    Recoveries   236       393       434  
    Ending balance $ 42,111     $ 42,044     $ 40,815  
               
    Net charge-offs (recoveries) $ 429     $ 693     $ (207 )
    Average loans   3,460,906       3,387,541       3,371,219  
               
    Net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans *   0.05 %     0.08 %     (0.02) %

    ____________________________________

    *   Annualized measure.

      Three Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands) March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
               
    PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES          
    Loans $ 496   $ 1,771     $ 560  
    Unfunded lending-related commitments   80     (1,046 )     (33 )
    Total provision for credit losses $ 576   $ 725     $ 527  
                         
    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures –
    Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Return on Average Assets
      Three Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands) March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
               
    Net income $ 19,075     $ 20,272     $ 15,258  
    Less: adjustments          
    Gains (losses) on closed branch premises   59             (635 )
    Realized gains (losses) on sales of securities         (315 )     (3,382 )
    Mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment   (308 )     1,331       80  
    Total adjustments   (249 )     1,016       (3,937 )
    Tax effect of adjustments (1)   71       (290 )     1,122  
    Total adjustments after tax effect   (178 )     726       (2,815 )
    Adjusted net income $ 19,253     $ 19,546     $ 18,073  
               
    Average assets $ 5,032,813     $ 4,994,466     $ 5,003,464  
               
    Return on average assets *   1.54 %     1.61 %     1.23 %
    Adjusted return on average assets *   1.55       1.56       1.45  

    ____________________________________

    *   Annualized measure.

    (1)   Assumes a federal income tax rate of 21% and a state tax rate of 9.5%.  

    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures –
    Adjusted Earnings Per Share — Basic and Diluted
      Three Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
               
    Numerator:          
    Net income $ 19,075   $ 20,272   $ 15,258
               
    Adjusted net income $ 19,253   $ 19,546   $ 18,073
               
    Denominator:          
    Weighted average common shares outstanding   31,584,989     31,559,366     31,662,954
    Dilutive effect of outstanding restricted stock units   126,682     143,498     140,233
    Weighted average common shares outstanding, including all dilutive potential shares   31,711,671     31,702,864     31,803,187
               
    Earnings per share – basic $ 0.60   $ 0.64   $ 0.48
    Earnings per share – diluted $ 0.60   $ 0.64   $ 0.48
               
    Adjusted earnings per share – basic $ 0.61   $ 0.62   $ 0.57
    Adjusted earnings per share – diluted $ 0.61   $ 0.62   $ 0.57
                     
    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures –
    Pre-Provision Net Revenue, Pre-Provision Net Revenue Less Net Charge-offs (Recoveries),
    Adjusted Pre-Provision Net Revenue, and Adjusted Pre-Provision Net Revenue Less Net Charge-offs (Recoveries)
      Three Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands) March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
               
    Net interest income $ 48,708     $ 47,401     $ 46,688  
    Noninterest income   9,306       11,630       5,626  
    Noninterest expense   (31,935 )     (30,908 )     (31,268 )
    Pre-provision net revenue   26,079       28,123       21,046  
    Less: adjustments          
    Gains (losses) on closed branch premises   59             (635 )
    Realized gains (losses) on sales of securities         (315 )     (3,382 )
    Mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment   (308 )     1,331       80  
    Total adjustments   (249 )     1,016       (3,937 )
    Adjusted pre-provision net revenue $ 26,328     $ 27,107     $ 24,983  
               
    Pre-provision net revenue $ 26,079     $ 28,123     $ 21,046  
    Less: net charge-offs (recoveries)   429       693       (207 )
    Pre-provision net revenue less net charge-offs $ 25,650     $ 27,430     $ 21,253  
               
    Adjusted pre-provision net revenue $ 26,328     $ 27,107     $ 24,983  
    Less: net charge-offs (recoveries)   429       693       (207 )
    Adjusted pre-provision net revenue less net charge-offs $ 25,899     $ 26,414     $ 25,190  
                           
    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures –
    Net Interest Income (Tax-equivalent Basis) and Net Interest Margin (Tax-equivalent Basis)
      Three Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands) March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
               
    Net interest income (tax-equivalent basis)          
    Net interest income $ 48,708     $ 47,401     $ 46,688  
    Tax-equivalent adjustment (1)   545       562       575  
    Net interest income (tax-equivalent basis) (1) $ 49,253     $ 47,963     $ 47,263  
               
    Net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis)          
    Net interest margin *   4.12 %     3.96 %     3.94 %
    Tax-equivalent adjustment * (1)   0.04       0.05       0.05  
    Net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis) * (1)   4.16 %     4.01 %     3.99 %
               
    Average interest-earning assets $ 4,798,021     $ 4,758,334     $ 4,765,449  

    ____________________________________

    *   Annualized measure.

    (1)   On a tax-equivalent basis assuming a federal income tax rate of 21% and a state tax rate of 9.5%.

    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures –
    Efficiency Ratio (Tax-equivalent Basis) and Adjusted Efficiency Ratio (Tax-equivalent Basis)
      Three Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands) March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
               
    Total noninterest expense $ 31,935     $ 30,908     $ 31,268  
    Less: amortization of intangible assets   695       709       710  
    Noninterest expense excluding amortization of intangible assets $ 31,240     $ 30,199     $ 30,558  
               
    Net interest income $ 48,708     $ 47,401     $ 46,688  
    Total noninterest income   9,306       11,630       5,626  
    Operating revenue   58,014       59,031       52,314  
    Tax-equivalent adjustment (1)   545       562       575  
    Operating revenue (tax-equivalent basis) (1)   58,559       59,593       52,889  
    Less: adjustments to noninterest income          
    Gains (losses) on closed branch premises   59             (635 )
    Realized gains (losses) on sales of securities         (315 )     (3,382 )
    Mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment   (308 )     1,331       80  
    Total adjustments to noninterest income   (249 )     1,016       (3,937 )
    Adjusted operating revenue (tax-equivalent basis) (1) $ 58,808     $ 58,577     $ 56,826  
               
    Efficiency ratio   53.85 %     51.16 %     58.41 %
    Efficiency ratio (tax-equivalent basis) (1)   53.35       50.68       57.78  
    Adjusted efficiency ratio (tax-equivalent basis) (1)   53.12       51.55       53.77  

    ____________________________________
    (1)   On a tax-equivalent basis assuming a federal income tax rate of 21% and a state tax rate of 9.5%.

    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures –
    Ratio of Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets and Tangible Book Value Per Share
    (dollars in thousands, except per share data) March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
               
    Tangible Common Equity          
    Total stockholders’ equity $ 565,057     $ 544,605     $ 496,681  
    Less: Goodwill   59,820       59,820       59,820  
    Less: Intangible assets, net   17,148       17,843       19,972  
    Tangible common equity $ 488,089     $ 466,942     $ 416,889  
               
    Tangible Assets          
    Total assets $ 5,092,192     $ 5,032,902     $ 5,040,510  
    Less: Goodwill   59,820       59,820       59,820  
    Less: Intangible assets, net   17,148       17,843       19,972  
    Tangible assets $ 5,015,224     $ 4,955,239     $ 4,960,718  
               
    Total stockholders’ equity to total assets   11.10 %     10.82 %     9.85 %
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets   9.73       9.42       8.40  
               
    Shares of common stock outstanding   31,631,431       31,559,366       31,612,888  
               
    Book value per share $ 17.86     $ 17.26     $ 15.71  
    Tangible book value per share   15.43       14.80       13.19  
                           
    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures –
    Return on Average Tangible Common Equity,
    Adjusted Return on Average Stockholders’ Equity and Adjusted Return on Average Tangible Common Equity
      Three Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands) March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
               
    Average Tangible Common Equity          
    Total stockholders’ equity $ 554,715     $ 541,535     $ 493,976  
    Less: Goodwill   59,820       59,820       59,820  
    Less: Intangible assets, net   17,480       18,170       20,334  
    Average tangible common equity $ 477,415     $ 463,545     $ 413,822  
               
    Net income $ 19,075     $ 20,272     $ 15,258  
    Adjusted net income   19,253       19,546       18,073  
               
    Return on average stockholders’ equity *   13.95 %     14.89 %     12.42 %
    Return on average tangible common equity *   16.20       17.40       14.83  
               
    Adjusted return on average stockholders’ equity *   14.08 %     14.36 %     14.72 %
    Adjusted return on average tangible common equity *   16.36       16.77       17.57  

    ____________________________________

    *   Annualized measure.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: £3 Million Pound Boost for Dundee Pensioners

    Source: Scotland – City of Dundee

    Over £3 million has been put into the pockets of Dundee pensioners, thanks to city-wide efforts encouraging people to apply for Pension Credit.

    The council’s Council Advice Services Team has been running a campaign with Dundee Citizens Advice Bureau and Brooksbank to maximize the income of as many citizens of Dundee as possible over the state pension age.

    Since the launch of this campaign, over £3,148,494 has been awarded to the citizens of Dundee through various benefits. With the average Pension Credit award being £68 per week, and an average backdated pension credit award of over £900.

    The council continue to identify and contact households who might be entitled to Pension Credit and to reach as many people as possible.

    Pension Credit is a payment for those whose income is less than the UK Government states someone over Pension age should receive.

    Entitlement to Pension Credit depends on a person’s circumstances and looks at all the income in the household as well as savings over a certain amount. Whilst savings are considered, there is no upper threshold, so having savings does not necessarily mean there would be no entitlement.

    Pension Credit also gives eligibility to free NHS dental treatment, NHS glasses, free TV License for over 75s, amongst other benefits. Anyone looking to get a benefits check should contact us on cas@dundeecity.gov.uk or our Older Peoples Take-up Campaign line on 01382 434474.

    Dundee Council Leader, Mark Flynn said: “Getting over £3 million pounds back into the pockets of pensioners in the city is a fantastic achievement.

    “We are aware of the rising cost of living and implications this has, particularly for pensioners. That’s why campaigns like this are so important and make a real difference to people’s lives.

    “Our teams are here to help. It’s not only Pension Credit we’ve supported people to claim, but we have also helped people across the city get Attendance Allowance awards, Universal Credit and Council Tax Reduction.

    “Every year billions of pounds of benefits go unclaimed. That’s why it’s so important we continue to run campaigns like this, reaching out directly to the community to help people claim the money they are entitled to.

    “I want to thank the team who have carried out this work, it is clearly making a significant and positive difference to the lives of Dundee pensioners.

    “I would encourage anyone who thinks they are eligible to come forward, the council and partners are here to help.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: InvestHK visits India to promote Hong Kong’s business advantages and opportunities (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         ​Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) Mr Charles Ng will commence his duty visit to Mumbai and New Delhi in India today (April 20), highlighting Hong Kong’s unrivalled role as a gateway for Indian companies to expand into Mainland China and across North Asia and Southeast Asia.

         A highlight of the visit is the event Gateway to Growth: Exploring Business & Investment Opportunities in and via Hong Kong, jointly organised by InvestHK, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore, and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. As a keynote speaker, Mr Ng will update the participants on the latest developments in Hong Kong’s business landscape, as well as the strategic advantages of establishing operations in Hong Kong for Indian companies.

         Mr Ng said, “As one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, India is not only a major start-up base but also is home to numerous high-net-worth individuals and wealthy families seeking diversified investment opportunities. Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to meet these needs. Our vibrant start-up ecosystem, boasting nearly 4 700 ventures in AI, healthtech, fintech, Web3 and other cutting-edge fields offers exceptional opportunities for Indian start-ups and investors alike. Moreover, our New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme offers an attractive pathway for Indian wealthy families looking to combine investment with the option of living in the city.”

         Mr Ng’s visit includes high-level discussions with prominent Indian firms and investors focusing on establishing a presence in Hong Kong to capitalise on its strategic advantages for global growth. Hong Kong’s business-friendly environment, characterised by clear and transparent regulations, a simple and low tax regime, robust capital markets and free capital flows, positions the city as the ideal platform for Indian companies exploring expansion opportunities.

         Mr Ng added, “With its unique position at the heart of Asia, world-class financial infrastructure, and deep connectivity with Mainland China and global markets, Hong Kong can empower Indian businesses to scale regionally and compete globally. This visit underscores InvestHK’s commitment to strengthening Hong Kong–India ties by fostering greater investment and innovation between the two places.”

         The economic synergy between Hong Kong and India is profound. In 2024, India ranked as Hong Kong’s ninth-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade amounting to approximately US$26 billion. Hong Kong is home to a vibrant and long-standing Indian community of over 42 000 people. Bilateral ties have been further reinforced by the Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement, signed in March 2018 and enhanced through a protocol in November 2018, which provides a robust framework for cross-border trade and investment.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s general public budget spending up 4.2% in Q1

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China’s general public budget spending rose 4.2 percent year on year to 7.2815 trillion yuan (about 1.01 trillion U.S. dollars) in the first quarter of the year, according to data released by the Ministry of Finance on Friday.

    Notable growth was observed in spending on education, social security and employment, as well as energy-saving initiatives and environmental protection during the period.

    Data showed that China’s general public budget revenue decreased by 1.1 percent year on year to 6.0189 trillion yuan in the first three months of the year.

    Despite the decline, the country’s stamp tax revenue saw a substantial increase of 21.1 percent year on year, reaching 107.5 billion yuan. Revenue from stock trading stamp taxes surged by 60.6 percent from the previous year to 41.1 billion yuan, reflecting heightened enthusiasm in Chinese stock trading during the period. 

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoyer Statement on Tax Day

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today on Tax Day to highlight the continued attacks on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by the Trump Administration:

    “Today is the last day for most Americans to file their tax returns. The vast majority of them do so dutifully not only because the law requires it of them but also because they recognize it as an integral part of healthy civic life in our country.

    “The Trump Administration and Republicans in Congress have made it harder for working Americans to file their taxes and easier for the wealthiest tax cheats to get out of paying their fair share. Today, the Internal Revenue Service is an agency in turmoil. By cutting IRS funding and purging staff at the height of tax season, Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought have deleted the people throughout our nation who provide customer service to taxpayers, hear tax disputes, crack down on tax fraud, and ensure Americans get their tax refunds on time.

    “Trump and Musk’s DOGE henchmen have also accessed taxpayers’ private data, including their Social Security numbers, addresses, financial history, and much more. Furthermore, they intend to breach longstanding legal firewalls, sharing rather than protecting sensitive taxpayer data. Every American who cares about their personal privacy ought to be outraged by these unprecedented breaches.

    “Meanwhile, Republicans continue their assault on the IRS’s enforcement budget. Even though studies indicate $1 invested in examining tax returns for millionaires yields $12 in federal revenue, the agency has been desperately understaffed and underfunded for decades. Further cuts and fewer employees will only make it harder for the IRS to enforce our existing tax laws – especially among the wealthiest individuals and corporations who know how to cover their tracks.

    “Hardworking American taxpayers shouldn’t have to bear additional costs just so the wealthy can get out of paying what they legally owe.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: California Man Sentenced to 38 Months in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DENVER – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces Juan Demetrio Villalpando Dominguez, 65, of California, was sentenced to 38 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.

    According to the plea agreement, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) conducted long-term, overlapping investigations of Villalpando Dominguez’s son, Juan Demetrio Villalpando, Jr. a/k/a “Junior,” and others.  Two confidential sources made controlled purchases of narcotics in furtherance of the investigations.  These controlled purchases were often negotiated with Mexico-based sources of supply and carried out by the suppliers’ associates in the Denver metropolitan area.

    Drug proceeds collected from Juan Demetrio Villalpando Jr.’s customers by one confidential informant were aggregated and then sent in packages addressed to an uncharged person.  The true recipient of the money, however, was Villalpando Dominguez.  Villalpando Dominguez would then arrange for his son, Juan Demetrio Villalpando Jr., to receive the money in Mexico.

    “Money laundering is a serious offense that enables drug traffickers to peddle their deadly wares,” said Acting U.S. Attorney J. Bishop Grewell. “We will hold offenders accountable.”

    “Facilitating drug trafficking by funneling illegal proceeds back to Mexico perpetuates the scourge of the drug epidemic in our communities,” said Amanda Prestegard, IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge, Denver Field Office. “Removing these money launderers from the streets and putting them in prison is a result of the hard work of CI special agents, who proudly provide financial expertise as we work alongside our law enforcement partners to bring criminals to justice and keep our communities safe.”

    “Dismantling cartels requires more than seizing drugs – it includes cutting off the flow of illicit money that fuels their operations. That’s why targeting the money laundering component of these networks is a key priority,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek. “With our partners at IRS-CI and ICE, the FBI continues to take a strategic, coordinated approach to bring these complex criminal enterprises to justice and safeguard all Americans from the devastating impact of illegal drugs.”

    United States District Judge Charlotte N. Sweeney presided over the sentencing.

    The FBI, IRS-CI, and DHS conducted the investigation in this case.  The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Alexander Duncan and Michael Houlihan, as well as by former Assistant United States Attorney Cyrus Y. Chung.

    This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

    Case No.:  23-cr-00106-CNS

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Los Angeles Man Sentenced for Money Laundering

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Daniel Hooker, 36, of Los Angeles, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Dena Coggins to 27 months in prison, for his role in a money laundering conspiracy, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, from August 2023 through March 2024, Hooker and three co‑conspirators conducted multiple financial transactions involving funds they believed to be proceeds of cocaine trafficking. Their belief as to the nature of the funds was based on representations of an individual working at the direction of law enforcement. On two different occasions in 2023 and 2024, Hooker met the individual in a parking lot in Rancho Cordova and accepted a total of $100,000 in cash to be laundered. After those meetings in Rancho Cordova, Hooker wired funds from a bank account he controlled into a bank account designated by the individual in an effort to complete the laundering. In total, the conspirators received approximately $940,000 in purported drug trafficking proceeds. Of that amount, the conspirators laundered approximately $811,000.

    This case was the product of an investigation by the IRS Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Thuesen and Whitnee Goins prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: KDY Crew Member Sentenced to 180 Months for Armed Carjacking and Marijuana Distribution

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WASHINGTON – Jovan Terrell Williams, 20, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 180-months in federal prison in connection with the November 2023 armed carjacking of a Chevrolet Corvette and for his participation in the Kennedy Street Crew drug trafficking conspiracy.

                The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., ATF Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives – Washington Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Ibrar A. Mian of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Washington Division, Special Agent in Charge Kareem Carter, of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Washington D.C. Field Office, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.

                Williams, aka “Chewy,” pleaded guilty on September 5, 2024, to carjacking while armed and conspiracy to distribute more than 100 kilos of marijuana. In addition to the 180-month prison term, U.S. District Judge Beryl A. Howell ordered Williams to serve five years of supervised release.

                Williams is the last of 17 KDY members to be sentenced in this case. Yesterday, on April 17, co-defendant and KDY leader Kenneth Ademola Olugbenga, 29, was sentenced to 160 months in prison. 

                According to court documents, Williams was a member of the Kennedy Street Crew, a violent drug trafficking organization which operated open-air drug markets on an 11-block stretch of Kennedy Street in Northwest, as well as surrounding streets. Like many drug trafficking organizations (DTOs), KDY armed itself with fire power to facilitate the drug trade, defend its territory from rival crews, and commit other violent crimes. Following a takedown operation in June 2023, most defendants charged by indictment for their roles in the KDY DTO were apprehended. Williams, however, remained a fugitive for months.

                On November 17, 2023, at approximately 7:40 p.m., Williams—while still a fugitive—carjacked an individual at gunpoint on the 1800 block of Half Street, SW, stealing the victim’s 2021 Chevrolet Corvette. Williams was armed and wearing a ski mask when he and two associates ran from stolen Audi and Lexus sedans and advanced towards the owner of the Corvette, who knelt in surrender.

                While pointing a gun at the car owner, Williams took the keys to the Corvette, a Tesla key attached to an Apple Air Tag, and Apple Air Pods. Williams and his associates then drove away in the stolen cars. Approximately 40 minutes later, the stolen Audi and Lexus were used in an armed robbery of three individuals on 8th and P Streets NW.

                Later that evening, at 9:53 p.m., law enforcement tracked the Apple Air Tag stolen from the carjacking victim to an apartment building on the 4700 block of Benning Road NE. Officers found and arrested Williams and two associates in the building’s laundry room. Following the arrests, officers recovered a “ghost gun” from inside a washing machine. In a hole in the laundry room’s ceiling, officers found three more concealed firearms: a black pistol, a black Glock 19 with an obliterated serial number, and another black pistol outfitted with a “switch” that would allow it to fire as a machine gun.

                Earlier that year, on January 26, 2023, law enforcement executing a residential search warrant encountered Williams along with several other KDY crew members on the 1700 block of D Street, NE. Also in the residence, law enforcement recovered 10 firearms, assorted ammunition, 21 kilos of marijuana packed in suitcases, and 40 grams of fentanyl-laced pills. The firearms included a privately manufactured AR-style .223 caliber pistol (a ghost gun) modified to fire as a machine gun, and a Draco 7.62 x 39mm pistol. DNA profiles obtained from both firearms linked both weapons to Williams, who acknowledged that he possessed them in connection with the drug trafficking conspiracy.

                This investigation was conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

                This case was investigated by ATF’s Washington Field Division, the Metropolitan Police Department, the DEA’s Washington Division, and the FBI Washington Field Office Violent Crimes Task Force, with assistance from the IRS-Criminal Investigation Washington, D.C. Office.

                The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Kinskey and Sitara Witanachchi of the of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. 

    KDY DEFENDANTS

    NAME

    AGE

    SENTENCES

    Kenneth Ademola Olugbenga 29 Sentenced March 17, 2025, to 160 Months in Prison after Pleading Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with the Intent to Distribute 500 Grams or more of Cocaine Base, and a Detectable Amount of Marijuana; and Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense.
    Khali Ahmed Brown, aka “Migo Lee” 24 Sentenced January 16, 2025, to 168 Months after Pleading Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute 100 Kilograms or More of Marijuana and 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl and Oxycodone; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense; and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.
    Keion Michael Brown 21 Sentenced January 16, 2025, to 147 Months for Conspiracy to Distribute 100 Kilograms or More of Marijuana and Oxycodone and Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.
    Miasiah Jamal Brown, aka “Michael Jamal Crawford” 23 Sentenced August 16, 2024, to Five Years for Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.
    Tristan Miles Ware, aka “Greedy” 24 Sentenced December 13, 2024, to 120 Months for Conspiracy to Distribute 100 Kilos of Marijuana; and Possessing a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Crime.
    Jovan Williams, aka “Chewy” and “Choo” 20 Sentenced April 18, 2025 to 180 Months for Conspiracy to Distribute 100 Kilograms or More of Marijuana and Armed Carjacking.
    Herman Eric-Bibmin Signou, aka “Herman Signour” 25 Sentenced March 22, 2024, to 40 Months for Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute 100 Kilograms of More of Marijuana
    Cameron Xavier Reid 28 Sentenced May 31, 2024, to 60 Months for Conspiracy to Distribute 100 Kilograms of More of Marijuana.
    Warren Lawrence Fields, III, aka B-Dub 26 Sentenced May 16, 2024, to 60 Months for Possessing a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Offense and for Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering.
    Juwan Demetrius Clark, aka “Squirrel” 28 Sentenced January 10, 2025, to 37 Months for Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering.
    Aaron DeAndre Mercer, aka “Curby,” 34 Sentenced September 13, 2024, to 120 Months for Conspiracy to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl, Marijuana, and Cocaine Base.
    David Penn, aka “Turtle” 32 Sentenced November 15, 2024, to 220 Months for Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana, 40 Grams or More of Fentanyl, and a Mixture of Cocaine Base; and Two Counts of Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense.
    Ronald Lynn Dorsey, aka “Ron G” and “HBGeezy” 31 Sentenced September 13, 2024, to 30 Months for Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering.
    Antonio Reginald Bailey, aka “Boy Boy,” and “Fellow King” 24 Sentenced February 8, 2024, to 24 Months for Receiving a Firearm While Under Indictment.
    Anthony Trayon Bailey, aka “Fat Ant,” and “Bizzle” 29 Sentenced April 26, 2024, to 15 Months for Conspiracy to Distribute 100 Kilograms or More of Marijuana, 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl, and a Mixture and Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Cocaine Base.
    Angel Enrique Suncar, aka “Coqui” 31 Sentenced December 12, 2024, to 60 Months for Possessing a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Crime.
    Adebayo Adediji Green 31 Sentenced August 16, 2024, to 60 Months for Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.

                Defendant Cameron Reid is from Falmouth, VA; all remaining defendants are from Washington, D.C.

    23cr202 

    MIL Security OSI