NewzIntel.com

    • Checkout Page
    • Contact Us
    • Default Redirect Page
    • Frontpage
    • Home-2
    • Home-3
    • Lost Password
    • Member Login
    • Member LogOut
    • Member TOS Page
    • My Account
    • NewzIntel Alert Control-Panel
    • NewzIntel Latest Reports
    • Post Views Counter
    • Privacy Policy
    • Public Individual Page
    • Register
    • Subscription Plan
    • Thank You Page

Category: Taxation

  • MIL-OSI Security: Owner of Tax Preparation Company Sentenced to More Than Four Years in Prison for Bank Fraud and $2.1 Million COVID Relief Fraud

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

    Defendant fled the United States after being indicted and remained a fugitive for 19 months

    BOSTON – A Lawrence woman was sentenced in federal court in Boston for using stolen identities of taxpayers and businesspeople to defraud the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), a bank, and the Small Business Administration (SBA).

    Luz Paulino, 42, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 54 months in prison, four years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $37,056 in restitution to MetaBank and $456,300 to the Small Business Administration. In June 2024, Paulino pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud conspiracy, one count of bank fraud, two counts of wire fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft.

    Paulino was arrested in December 2020 and indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2021. While on pretrial release, Paulino fled the United States and remained a fugitive for 19 months.  Panamanian authorities ultimately returned her to the United States, where she was arrested for a second time.

    Paulino owned and operated Agape Financial Services, a Lowell-based company that provided tax preparation and notary services. In 2019 and early 2020, Paulino filed false and fraudulent federal tax returns using the stolen identities, names and Social Security numbers of individual victims. The fraudulent tax returns reported false information regarding wages, employers and dependents, among other things, to claim tax refunds. To conceal her involvement, Paulino falsely represented to the IRS that the returns had been prepared by two former employees of Agape. Paulino then used the fraudulent returns to obtain Refund Advance Loans from a bank in the names of her victims.  Paulino and others she recruited then cashed the loan checks using false identification documents and forged signatures.  

    Paulino separately used stolen identities of businesspeople living in California, Michigan, Indiana and elsewhere to apply to the SBA for $2.1 million in COVID-19 Emergency Injury Disaster Loans. Between June 2020 and October 2021, Paulino’s false applications listed fictitious companies that purportedly lost revenue during the pandemic. She used the fraudulently obtained loan proceeds to wire more than $395,000 to the Dominican Republic and to buy a 2020 Cadillac for $86,000, among other purchases.
        
    Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations; and Melix Bonilla, Acting Chief of the Lawrence Police Department made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor A. Wild of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.

    On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit Justice.gov/Coronavirus and Justice.gov/Coronavirus/CombatingFraud.

    Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Falmouth Woman Pleads Guilty to Embezzling More Than $1.3 Million

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

    BOSTON – The former bookkeeper of a Falmouth flooring company pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $1.3 million from her employer.  

    Susan Figuerido, 73, of Falmouth, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and filing a false tax return. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for Jan. 15, 2025.

    Between June 2015 and February 2023, Figuerido embezzled more than $1.3 million from her employer by writing checks to herself drawn on her employer’s bank account. To conceal her scheme, Figuerido did not record the checks that she wrote to herself in her employer’s accounting system. Figuerido did not report or include the funds that she embezzled on her federal income tax filings, resulting in a tax loss of approximately $353,000.  

    The charge of wire fraud provides a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss. The charge of filing a false tax return provides for a sentence of up to three years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Harry T. Chavis Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. The Falmouth Police Department provided valuable assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen A. Kearney of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Spokane Dermatologist Indicted for Using Approximately $1.5 Million in COVID-19 Relief Funds to Buy Arizona Home, Sports Cars, and Other Properties

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Spokane, Washington – Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced a federal grand jury has an indicted a Spokane dermatologist, and his associated businesses, for fraudulently obtaining and using approximately $1.5 million dollars in COVID-19 relief funds to purchase luxury sports cars, buy real estate, and pay off personal debt.

    On March 27, 2020, the President signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.  The CARES Act provided a number of programs through which eligible small businesses could request and obtain relief funding intended to mitigate the economic impacts of the pandemic for small and local businesses. One such program, the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, provided low interest loans that could be deferred until the conclusion of the pandemic to provide “bridge” funding for small businesses to maintain their operations during shutdowns and other economic circumstances caused by the pandemic.  EIDL funds were to be used solely as working capital to alleviate economic injury to a business caused by the COVID-19 disaster, such as paying payroll, health insurance premiums, rent, utilities, and fixed debt payments.  EIDL funds were not to be used for personal purposes or to obtain real property or to pay off debts that were not yet due and owing, such as paying more than a fixed monthly payment on a mortgage or other loan.

    The Indictment announced today charges William Philip Werschler, age 66, of Spokane, Washington, along with his businesses Spokane Dermatology Clinic, Premier Clinical Research L.L.C., and 3rd and Sherman Plaza L.L.C., with 23 counts of fraud in connection with how Werschler and his businesses allegedly spent EIDL loans.

    Beginning no later than April 2020 and continuing until at least July 2022, Werschler applied for EIDL loans for his businesses: Spokane Dermatology Clinic, Premier Clinical Research, and 3rd and Sherman Plaza L.L.C.  In total, Werschler and his businesses received more than $2.9 million in EIDL money.

    The Indictment alleges that Werschler used the EIDL funds for personal purchases including over half of the $575,000 purchase price of a house in Scottsdale, Arizona; the purchase of a 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 for $166,687; the purchase of a 1997 Porsche Carrera for $88,687; and $123,960 to pay off a loan for a storage unit at 6720 N. Pittsburg Street that was used to store automobiles, jet skis, and a boat. According to the indictment, Werschler also allegedly used EIDL money to pay off the balance of a loan for property on Grant Street in Spokane, Washington, for $286,792, and $550,000 to purchase two properties across from his Spokane Dermatology Clinic, both contrary to the proper use of EIDL funds.

    “Many small and local businesses struggled to stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Economic Injury Disaster Loan program was designed to provide those business owners an economic lifeline,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “My office has made it a priority to hold fraudsters accountable who used these critical funds to enrich themselves.”

    This case was investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigations, the FBI, and the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy J. Kelley.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Another Atmospheric River Hits British Columbia

    Source: NASA

    About a month after a powerful atmospheric river brought abundant rain to coastal British Columbia, another storm drenched southern parts of the Canadian province and western Washington in the U.S.
    The atmospheric river made landfall over British Columbia on October 18, 2024, and moved down the coast on October 19-20. Portions of southern Vancouver Island recorded up to 300 millimeters (12 inches) of rain between October 18 and 20, while the Vancouver metropolitan area on the mainland received up to 150 millimeters (6 inches). According to the Vancouver Sun, the rain overwhelmed the city’s storm drain system, leading to widespread flooding.
    Toward the south, the storm also brought rain and wind to portions of western Washington. Up to 150 millimeters of rain was also measured on the Olympic Peninsula. Gusty winds toppled trees and contributed to 14,500 households in the Puget Sound region briefly losing power on October 19. NASA-led research has shown that atmospheric rivers are associated with the most damaging storms in the middle latitudes, especially with regard to the hazardous wind they produce.
    A second pulse of water vapor moved over southwest British Columbia and northern Washington on October 20, when the VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) on the NOAA-21 satellite acquired this image. In the image, an elongated stream of water vapor—the hallmark of atmospheric rivers—had reached the western coast of North America after crossing the Pacific Ocean. When atmospheric rivers encounter land, they often release that water vapor in the form of rain or snow.
    According to the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes at the University of California, San Diego, forecasters expected the atmospheric river to hit western Canada as a Category 3 or 4 event, the second- and third-highest tiers on the scale. The storm follows an unusually strong Category 5 atmospheric river that hit British Columbia in September 2024. Experts suspect that the September atmospheric river was among the most intense events to transit the northeast Pacific in a satellite-based record going back to 2000.
    NASA Earth Observatory image by Wanmei Liang, using VIIRS data from NASA EOSDIS LANCE, GIBS/Worldview, and the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS). Story by Emily Cassidy.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Purpose Investments Inc. Announces October 2024 Distributions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Oct. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Purpose Investments Inc. (“Purpose”) is pleased to announce distributions for the month of October 2024 for its open-end exchange traded funds and closed-end funds (“the Funds”).        

    The ex-distribution date for all Open-End Funds is October 29, 2024. The ex-distribution date for all closed-end funds is October 31, 2024.  

    Open-End Funds Ticker Symbol Distribution per share/unit Record Date Payable Date Distribution Frequency
    Apple (AAPL) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Units APLY $0.1667 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly
    Purpose Canadian Financial Income Fund – ETF Series BNC $0.1225¹ 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly
    Purpose Global Bond Fund – ETF Units BND $0.0840 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly
    Berkshire Hathaway (BRK) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Units BRKY $0.1000 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly
    Purpose Bitcoin Yield ETF – ETF Units BTCY $0.05250 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly
    Purpose Bitcoin Yield ETF – ETF Non-Currency Hedged Units BTCY.B $0.0605 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly
    Purpose Bitcoin Yield ETF – ETF USD Units BTCY.U US $0.0510 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly
    Purpose Credit Opportunities Fund – ETF Units CROP $0.0875 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly
    Purpose Credit Opportunities Fund – ETF USD Units CROP.U US $0.0975 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly
    Purpose Ether Yield ETF – ETF Units ETHY $0.0380 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly
    Purpose Ether Yield ETF – ETF Non-Currency Hedged Units ETHY.B $0.0470 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly
    Purpose Ether Yield ETF – ETF Non-Currency Hedged USD Units ETHY.U US $0.0370 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly
    Purpose Global Flexible Credit Fund – ETF Units FLX $0.0461 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly
    Purpose Global Flexible Credit Fund – ETF Non-Currency Hedged Units FLX.B $0.0551 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly
    Purpose Global Flexible Credit Fund – ETF Non-Currency Hedged USD Units FLX.U US $0.0385 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly
    Purpose Global Bond Class – ETF Units IGB $0.0860¹ 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly
    Microsoft (MSFT) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Units MSFY $0.1000 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly
    Purpose Enhanced Premium Yield Fund – ETF Series PAYF $0.1375¹ 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly
    Purpose Total Return Bond Fund – ETF Series PBD $0.0590¹ 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly
    Purpose Core Dividend Fund – ETF Series PDF $0.1050¹ 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly
    Purpose Enhanced Dividend Fund – ETF Series PDIV $0.0950¹ 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly
    Purpose Real Estate Income Fund – ETF Series PHR $0.0720¹ 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly
    Purpose International Dividend Fund – ETF Series PID $0.0780 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly
    Purpose Monthly Income Fund – ETF Series PIN $0.0830¹ 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly
    Purpose Multi-Asset Income Fund – ETF Units PINC $0.0840 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly
    Purpose Conservative Income Fund – ETF Series PRP $0.0600¹ 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly
    Purpose Premium Yield Fund – ETF Series PYF $0.1100¹ 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly
    Purpose Premium Yield Fund – ETF Non-Currency Hedged Series PYF.B $0.1230¹ 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly
    Purpose Premium Yield Fund – ETF Non-Currency Hedged USD Series PYF.U US $0.1200¹ 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly
    Purpose Core Equity Income Fund – ETF Series RDE $0.0875¹ 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly
    Purpose Emerging Markets Dividend Fund – ETF Units REM $0.0950 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly
    Purpose Canadian Preferred Share Fund – ETF Units RPS $0.0950 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly
    Purpose US Preferred Share Fund – ETF Series RPU $0.0940 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly
    Purpose US Preferred Share Fund Non-Currency Hedged – ETF Units² RPU.B / RPU.U $0.0940 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly
    Purpose Strategic Yield Fund – ETF Units SYLD $0.0970 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly
    Amazon (AMZN) Yield Shares Purpose ETF- ETF Units YAMZ $0.3500 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly
    Alphabet (GOOGL) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Units YGOG $0.2000 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly
    NVIDIA (NVDA) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Units YNVD $0.7500 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly
    Tesla (TSLA) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Units YTSL $0.3000 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly
               
    Closed-End Funds Ticker Symbol Distribution
    per share/unit
    Record Date Payable Date Distribution Frequency
    Big Banc Split Corp – Class A BNK $ 0.1200¹ 10/31/2024 11/15/2024 Monthly
    Big Banc Split Corp – Preferred Shares BNK.PR.A $ 0.0700¹ 10/31/2024 11/15/2024 Monthly

    Estimated October 2024 Distributions for Purpose USD Cash Management Fund, Purpose Cash Management Fund, Purpose High Interest Savings Fund, and Purpose US Cash Fund

    The October 2024 distribution rates for Purpose USD Cash Management Fund, Purpose Cash Management Fund, Purpose High Interest Savings Fund, and Purpose US Cash Fund are estimated to be as follows:

    Fund Name Ticker Symbol Estimated Distribution per unit Record Date Payable Date Distribution Frequency
    Purpose USD Cash Management Fund – ETF Units MNU.U US $0.4479 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly
    Purpose Cash Management Fund – ETF Units MNY $0.3910 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly
    Purpose High Interest Savings Fund – ETF Units PSA $0.1852 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly
    Purpose US Cash Fund – ETF Units PSU.U US $0.4275 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly

    Purpose expects to issue a press release on or about October 28, 2024, which will provide the final distribution rate for Purpose USD Cash Management Fund, Purpose Cash Management Fund, Purpose High Interest Savings Fund, and Purpose US Cash Fund. The ex-distribution date will be October 29, 2024.

    (1)  Dividend is designated as an “eligible” Canadian dividend for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and any similar provincial and territorial legislation.
    (2) Purpose US Preferred Share Fund Non-Currency Hedged – ETF Units have both a CAD and USD purchase option. Distribution per unit is declared in CAD, however, the USD purchase option (RPU.U) distribution will be made in the USD equivalent. Conversion into USD will use the end-of-day foreign exchange rate prevailing on the ex-distribution date.
       

    About Purpose Investments Inc.

    Purpose Investments is an asset management company with more than $21 billion in assets under management. Purpose Investments has an unrelenting focus on client-centric innovation and offers a range of managed and quantitative investment products. Purpose Investments is led by well-known entrepreneur Som Seif and is a division of Purpose Unlimited, an independent technology-driven financial services company.

    For further information please contact:
    Keera Hart
    Keera.Hart@kaiserpartners.com
    905-580-1257

    Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investment fund investments. Please read the prospectus and other disclosure documents before investing. Investment funds are not covered by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government deposit insurer. There can be no assurance that the full amount of your investment in a fund will be returned to you. If the securities are purchased or sold on a stock exchange, you may pay more or receive less than the current net asset value. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.

    The MIL Network –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Sherrill’s Office Holds Information Session for Local Municipalities Applying for Federal Brownfields Remediation Grants

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11)

    LIVINGSTON, NJ – Last week, Representative Mikie Sherrill’s (NJ-11) office hosted a webinar with experts from Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 2, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), and New Jersey Institute of Technology’s Technical Assistance to Brownfield Communities Team (NJIT TAB) to discuss opportunities for local communities to apply for brownfields remediation grants. Since first taking office, Sherrill has fought to bring back federal funding to help New Jersey clean up toxic waste from former manufacturing sites – including securing over $1.5 billion in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to fund brownfields remediation nationwide.

    Watch the full webinar  here.

    “Cleaning up and redeveloping brownfields is a common sense solution that will allow our communities to repurpose existing properties for economic development, including housing and recreation, while protecting our environment. That’s why I fought so hard to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which included funding to help towns and municipalities clean up contaminated sites without putting pressure on local budgets. Thank you to EPA Region 2, NJDEP, and NJIT TAB for taking the time to share their expertise about potential funding opportunities with community leaders from across New Jersey’s 11th District,” said Rep. Sherrill.

    “EPA is pleased to partner with Representative Mikie Sherrill to inform New Jersey communities about the many amazing opportunities in the Brownfields Program,” said Lisa F. Garcia, EPA Regional Administrator. “We encourage communities to contact us and find out more about the opportunities, such as, applying for a grant or receiving technical assistance. Brownfields can truly reshape neighborhoods and, with an extra boost from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we are awarding this transformative funding to more communities than ever.”

    “My DEP colleagues and I thank Rep. Sherrill for championing this landmark Bipartisan Infrastructure Law investment in community redevelopment. The DEP’s Brownfield Development Area program and Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation Fund provide critical assistance to communities repurposing blighted brownfield sites into community assets,” said Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. “The HDSRF program has been long at work proving environmental, economic, community and public health benefits across New Jersey. The program is possible because of strong partnerships with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and New Jersey Economic Development Authority and thank them for their continued commitment and support for community revitalization.”   

    “NJIT TAB was honored to take part in this important webinar with Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill’s office, the EPA, and NJDEP. Cailyn Bruno, our Director of Environmental Services, provided insights on how communities can repurpose brownfield sites for sustainable development and environmental justice. NJIT TAB remains committed to offering free technical assistance to help communities across New Jersey navigate these complex projects and unlock opportunities for economic growth and revitalization,” said Acting Executive Director, Sean Vroom.  

    The EPA Brownfields Program provides funding and resources to redevelop and repurpose contaminated properties like former gas stations, dry cleaners, warehouses, dump sites, and vacant lots. Reinvesting in brownfields properties has tremendous potential for:

    • Improving and protecting the environment
    • Increasing local tax bases
    • Facilitating job growth
    • Making use of existing infrastructure
    • Taking development pressures off green spaces 

    The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests $1.5 billion into the Brownfields Program, creating great opportunities for local communities to pursue projects for housing, recreation, community or commercial spaces, and more. 

    Rep. Sherrill has been a leader in addressing negative environmental impacts such as brownfields, harmful algal blooms, and superfund sites. She is co-leading the Brownfields Redevelopment Tax Incentive Act, legislation that would lower the cost of developing vacant commercial areas that remain undeveloped because of environmental contamination. Additionally, she has secured millions of dollars in federal Community Project and Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) funding to remediate PFAS contamination, replace lead drinking water pipes, and improve flood mitigation corridors in New Jersey’s 11th District. She helped secure federal funding in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act for superfund site cleanup nationwide, including $30 million for the Unimatic Superfund Site in Fairfield, NJ.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: U.S. News highlights Senator Coons’ efforts to support returned American hostages and wrongful detainees

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WASHINGTON – In case you missed it, U.S. News & World Report’s Olivier Knox devoted his “Decision Points” column to U.S. Senator Chris Coons’ (D-Del.) package of legislation to make American hostages and wrongful detainees financially whole after their return home. The column focused primarily on his Stop Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act, which would end the IRS’ practice of charging fines and late fees for non-payment of taxes on hostages and wrongful detainees while they are unjustly held abroad.

    As Knox lays out, Senator Coons was inspired to take action after speaking with Jason Rezaian, a Washington Post reporter who was wrongfully detained for 544 days in Iran’s Evin Prison. When Rezaian returned to the United States, he faced financial stressors – a tanked credit score and a $21,000 IRS bill – because the government’s current system lacks provisions for those held hostage overseas.

    In response, Senator Coons introduced his bipartisan Stop Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act with Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), which would stop the IRS from charging fines and late fees to hostages and wrongful detainees for failing to pay their federal taxes while being held unjustly abroad. Additionally, Senator Coons has also introduced the Fair Credit for American Hostages Act with Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), which would empower former hostages and detainees to restore credit scores that may have been negatively impacted during their detention. His Retirement Security for American Hostages Act with Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.) would ensure that hostages and wrongful detainees aren’t penalized in the calculation of their Social Security benefits. 

    Last month, Senator Coons also published an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal highlighting his work on these bills and his advocacy for American hostages and wrongful detainees.

    U.S. News: A Different Kind of Crisis for Released American Hostages

    Enter Sen. Chris Coons, a Delaware Democrat who holds the seat filled for decades by President Joe Biden, and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Coons, who says he’s been interested in the plight of Americans detained overseas since he was a Capitol Hill intern decades ago and met the parent of a young U.S. citizen imprisoned abroad, has introduced a suite of legislation aimed at helping wrongful detainees.

    …

    “I started with a simple proposition that if you’re released after wrongful detention, you shouldn’t have to pay late fines and fees to the IRS,” Coons says.

    The senator credits Rezaian with the idea for the tax bill and Paul Whelan – the 54-year-old former U.S. Marine arrested in Russia in December 2018 and held until he was freed in a prisoner swap in August – with the Social Security idea. In addition to Whelan, Coons has met with Vladimir Kara-Murza and Evan Gershkovich, who were also freed in that exchange, and with other Americans unjustly held abroad.

    …

    “There’s some disagreement between the House and Senate about passing a clean bill,” Coons says. “I really hope we’ll just pass the clean bill on both sides and send it to the President’s desk.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK strengthens national security and bolsters Ukraine’s war chest with £2.26 billion military loan

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Ukraine will receive further funding to purchase essential military equipment to defend itself against Russia’s illegal invasion, as the Chancellor today announces that the Government will loan a further £2.26 billion in new money to Ukraine.

    • UK announces £2.26 billion loan to Ukraine backed by profits from sanctioned Russian sovereign assets
    • Forms Britain’s contribution to the $50 billion loan announced at the G7 Leaders’ Summit in June
    • New money for Ukraine will bolster equipment on the frontline

    The new £2.26 billion is the UK’s contribution to the G7 Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) Loans to Ukraine scheme, in which $50 billion from G7 countries will be delivered to Ukraine for its military, budget and reconstruction needs. The loan will be repaid using the extraordinary profits on immobilised Russian sovereign assets.

    The Chancellor Rachel Reeves made the announcement alongside Defence Secretary John Healey while visiting Ukrainian personnel who are being trained in the UK. More than 45,000 personnel have been trained in the UK under Operation INTERFLEX and the scheme has been extended to at least the end of 2025.

    The UK’s £2.26 billion loan is earmarked as budgetary support for Ukraine’s military spending, enabling the Ukrainians to invest in key equipment to support their efforts against Russia, such as air defence, artillery and wider equipment support. It comes on top of the UK’s existing £3 billion a year military aid for Ukraine, which the Prime Minister re-committed to within his first week in office.

    The UK has sent around 400 different capabilities to Ukraine, with Defence Secretary John Healey MP recently announcing that the UK will supply 650 Lightweight Multirole Missile systems to Ukraine to boost the country’s air defences.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, said:

    Our support for Ukraine and her men and women in their fight for freedom from Putin’s aggression is unwavering and will remain so for as long as it takes.

    This new money is in Britain’s national interest because the frontline of our defence – the defence of our democracy and shared values – is in the Ukrainian trenches. A safe and secure Ukraine is a safe and secure United Kingdom.

    The $50 billion G7 ERA scheme was first announced at the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Apulia, Italy, in June this year. Russia’s obligation under international law to pay for the damage it has caused to Ukraine is clear and this G7 agreement is an important step to ensuring this happens. Today the UK has announced its contribution to the scheme and will introduce domestic legislation in the coming weeks to enable the transfer of the new funds to Ukraine as quickly as possible.

    The loan is on top of the £12.8 billion already committed in military, economic and humanitarian support to Ukraine.

    The funding comes alongside the UK and international partners introducing the largest and most severe package of sanctions ever imposed on a major economy. Without this, Russia would have over $400 billion more for its war machine – enough to fund its illegal invasion for a further four years. The war is having an economic and human cost for Russia; it is soaking up 40% of Russia’s annual budget and last month the country suffered its highest rate of daily casualties since the war began.

    The loan announcement comes ahead of the Chancellor’s attendance of the International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings in Washington D.C. later this week, at which she will underline on the international stage that the UK and its partners stand united and will not let aggressors like Putin succeed. Earlier this month Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Downing Street to discuss his victory plan for Ukraine.

    Defence Secretary John Healey, said:

    By using the money generated from these sanctioned Russian assets, we can help turn the tables on Putin’s war machine. This urgent funding will directly support Ukraine’s defence using the proceeds from assets that had helped fuel Putin’s aggression.

    The UK is stepping up our support to Ukraine, speeding up supplies of vital equipment and boosting our defence industries. We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

    Share this page

    The following links open in a new tab

    • Share on Facebook (opens in new tab)
    • Share on Twitter (opens in new tab)

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen, Pappas, Acting Secretary of Labor Su Visit Child Care Facility, Host Roundtable on Child Care and Workforce Challenges

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

    (Brentwood, NH) – Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, and U.S. Representative Chris Pappas (NH-01), alongside Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su, visited A Place to Grow and hosted a roundtable discussion at the facility to discuss the first U.S. Department of Labor approved apprenticeship program for early childhood education operations managers and a new report emphasizing the importance of care workers. In March of this year, Shaheen sent a letter to Acting Secretary Su advocating for the establishment of A Place to Grow’s Registered Apprenticeship program for early childhood education (ECE) administrators. Photos from the event can be found here. 

    “I’ve met with child care providers across New Hampshire and all of them have underscored the challenges they face with workforce recruitment and retention,” said Senator Shaheen. “Without affordable child care options, families, the workforce and the overall economic development of our communities suffer. That’s why I was so pleased to join Acting Secretary Su in visiting A Place to Grow where their innovative, new Registered Apprenticeship program for early childhood education administrators provides the training and pathways needed to get workers into the child care industry and keep them there.” 

    “The cost of child care remains among the most pressing issues that families are facing. That’s why providing every federal resource available to families and child care providers in New Hampshire is critical,” said Congressman Chris Pappas. “I’ll keep fighting to cap the amount of money that families pay for child care, strengthen our child care and education workforce, and expand the Child Tax Credit, a middle-class tax cut that helps families keep more of their hard-earned money in their pockets. I was grateful to join Acting Secretary Su, Senator Shaheen, and A Place To Grow owner Jennifer Legere today to hear from folks on the ground doing this work.” 

    “Paid care work is critical economic infrastructure in this country, because safe and dependable care allows working parents and other caregivers to get and keep their jobs while also ensuring safe, quality working conditions for workers who take care of our loved ones,” said Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su. “The Biden-Harris administration is making once-in-a-generation investments creating good jobs and know that without the care economy and all of the talented care workers we have in this country, our economy suffers. I am glad to be in New Hampshire today to highlight this forward-looking program.” 

    Joining Shaheen and Su for the discussion were leaders and New Hampshire residents including: Nicole Heller, Senior Policy Analyst at the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute, MacKenzie Nicholson, Senior Director of New Hampshire MomsRising, Jen Legere, Owner and Founder of A Place to Grow and Kayte Kostinden, Director and Early Childhood Operations Apprentice at A Place to Grow Brentwood.  

    Senator Shaheen has been a leader in advocating for more affordable and accessible child care, including by delivering more than $77 million to New Hampshire through the American Rescue Plan and other COVID relief laws to the Granite State. Since then, Shaheen has urged state and local officials to distribute those federal funds, especially in communities that lack access to child care. In August, Shaheen visited Colebrook Community Child Care Center to discuss challenges and solutions to the child care crisis in rural communities.  

    Earlier this year, Shaheen introduced the Right Start Child Care and Education Act, which would make child care more affordable and accessible for working families by reforming the federal tax code. She also introduced the bipartisan Expanding Child Care for Military Families Act, portions of which have been included in the National Defense Authorization Act for 2025, which has been passed by the Senate Armed Services Committee. Additionally, she helped introduce the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit Enhancement Act to permanently expand the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, which helps households offset their child care costs.

    In April, Shaheen convened a hearing as Chair of the U.S. Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee to hear testimony from expert witnesses on the child care industry’s broken business model and what Congress can do to support small business child care providers, employees and families. A recent U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Advocacy issue brief, in response to data challenges raised at the hearing, details the role of small businesses in the child care industry and fills data gaps in child care industry research.

    Earlier this Congress, Shaheen helped introduce the Child Care Stabilization Act, which would provide additional federal child care stabilization funding—which was provided in the American Rescue Plan—and ensure that child care providers can keep their doors open and continue serving children and families in every part of the country. Shaheen joined Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) to introduce the Child Care for Working Families Act, which would provide affordable child care for all working families, expand access to preschool programs and increase wages for early childhood workers. She also joined U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) in reintroducing the bipartisan Childcare Workforce and Facilities Act to address the national shortage of affordable, quality child care, especially in rural communities. In the government funding bill for fiscal year (FY) 2024, Senator Shaheen worked to include a $1 billion increase for early education, including a $725 million increase to $8.75 billion for Child Care and Development Block Grants to states and a $275 million increase to Head Start, funding the program at more than $12 billion for FY 2024. The law additionally includes $315 million for Preschool Development Grants.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Sandy Spring Bancorp Reports Third Quarter Earnings of $16.2 Million

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OLNEY, Md., Oct. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq-SASR), the parent company of Sandy Spring Bank, reported net income of $16.2 million ($0.36 per diluted common share) for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to net income of $22.8 million ($0.51 per diluted common share) for the second quarter of 2024 and $20.7 million ($0.46 per diluted common share) for the third quarter of 2023.

    Current quarter’s core earnings were $17.9 million ($0.40 per diluted common share), compared to $24.4 million ($0.54 per diluted common share) for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 and $27.8 million ($0.62 per diluted common share) for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. Core earnings exclude the after-tax impact of amortization of intangibles, investment securities gains or losses and other non-recurring or extraordinary items. The current quarter’s decline in net income and core earnings as compared to the linked quarter was driven by higher provision for credit losses combined with higher non-interest expense, partially offset by higher net interest income. The total provision for credit losses was $6.3 million for the third quarter of 2024 compared to $1.0 million for the previous quarter and $2.4 million for the third quarter of 2023.

    “We have a solid capital position and are seeing ongoing success with our core deposit strategies and our wealth management lines of business,” said Daniel J. Schrider, Chair, President & CEO of Sandy Spring Bank. “Our wealth teams – Sandy Spring Trust, and our subsidiaries, West Financial and RPJ – have an expanding number of referrals from current clients and work closely with business owners from early growth through maturity. The success of our wealth teams’ approach is reflected in our strong fee income results.”

    Third Quarter Highlights

    • Total assets at September 30, 2024 increased by 3% to $14.4 billion compared to $14.0 billion at June 30, 2024.
    • Total loans remained level at $11.5 billion as of September 30, 2024 compared to June 30, 2024. During the current quarter, AD&C and commercial business loans and lines increased by $71.3 million and $19.4 million, respectively, while the commercial investor real estate segment declined by $64.9 million. Total residential mortgage and consumer loan portfolios remained relatively unchanged during this period.
    • Deposits increased by $397.5 million or 4% to $11.7 billion at September 30, 2024 compared to $11.3 billion at June 30, 2024, as interest-bearing deposits increased $425.8 million, while noninterest-bearing deposits declined $28.3 million. Strong growth in the interest-bearing deposit categories was mainly experienced within money market, time deposits and savings accounts, which grew by $185.2 million, $151.5 million, and $66.1 million, respectively, compared to the linked quarter. The decline in noninterest-bearing deposit categories was driven by lower balances in personal and small business checking accounts. Total deposits, excluding brokered deposits, increased by $351.7 million or 3% quarter-over-quarter and represented 94% of total deposits as of September 30, 2024.
    • The ratio of non-performing loans to total loans was 1.09% at September 30, 2024 compared to 0.81% at June 30, 2024 and 0.46% at September 30, 2023. The current quarter’s increase in non-performing loans was mainly related to a single AD&C loan that was placed on non-accrual status during the current period. Net charge-offs for the current quarter totaled $0.7 million.
    • Net interest income for the third quarter of 2024 grew $1.1 million or 1% compared to the previous quarter and decreased by $3.7 million or 4% compared to the third quarter of 2023. Compared to the previous quarter, interest income increased by $5.0 million, while interest expense increased by $3.9 million.
    • The net interest margin was 2.44% for the third quarter of 2024 compared to 2.46% for the second quarter of 2024 and 2.55% for the third quarter of 2023. During the current quarter, the net interest margin was negatively impacted by a reversal of previously accrued uncollected interest income on a single large AD&C loan placed on a non-accrual status. Compared to the linked quarter, the rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities increased seven basis points, while the yield on interest-earning assets increased three basis points.
    • Provision for credit losses directly attributable to the funded loan portfolio was $6.3 million for the current quarter compared to $3.0 million in the previous quarter and $3.2 million in the prior year quarter. The current quarter’s provision expense is mainly attributable to higher individual reserves on collateral-dependent loans, primarily related to a single AD&C loan due to the borrower-specific circumstances, partially offset by lower qualitative adjustments due to the reduction in commercial investor real estate loans. In addition, during the current quarter, the provision for unfunded commitments was insignificant compared to a credit of $1.9 million from the previous quarter.
    • Non-interest income for the third quarter of 2024 increased by 1% or $0.1 million compared to the linked quarter and grew by 13% or $2.3 million compared to the prior year quarter. The quarter-over-quarter increase was mainly driven by higher wealth management income and other income, generated by higher credit-related fees, which was fully offset by lower income from bank owned life insurance due to a receipt of one-time mortality proceeds during the prior quarter.
    • Non-interest expense for the third quarter of 2024 increased by $4.8 million compared to the second quarter of 2024 and $0.5 million compared to the prior year quarter. The quarterly increase in non-interest expense was primarily due to higher salaries and benefits along with an increase in professional fees and services.
    • Return on average assets (“ROA”) for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 was 0.46% and return on average tangible common equity (“ROTCE”) was 5.88% compared to 0.66% and 8.27%, respectively, for the second quarter of 2024 and 0.58% and 7.42%, respectively, for the third quarter of 2023. On a non-GAAP basis, the current quarter’s core ROA was 0.50% and core ROTCE was 5.88% compared to 0.70% and 8.27%, respectively, for the previous quarter and 0.78% and 9.51%, respectively, for the third quarter of 2023.
    • The GAAP efficiency ratio was 72.12% for the third quarter of 2024, compared to 68.19% for the second quarter of 2024 and 70.72% for the third quarter of 2023. The non-GAAP efficiency ratio was 69.06% for the third quarter of 2024 compared to 65.31% for the second quarter of 2024 and 60.91% for the prior year quarter. The increase in non-GAAP efficiency ratio (reflecting a decrease in efficiency) in the current quarter compared to the previous quarter was the result of higher non-interest expense in the current quarter.

    Balance Sheet and Credit Quality

    Total assets were $14.4 billion at September 30, 2024, as compared to $14.0 billion at June 30, 2024. At September 30, 2024, total loans remained stable at $11.5 billion compared to the previous quarter. During this period, the growth in AD&C and commercial business loans and lines of $71.3 million or 6% and $19.4 million or 1%, respectively, were mostly offset by the decline in commercial investor real estate loans of $64.9 million or 1%. Total residential mortgage and consumer loan portfolios remained relatively unchanged.

    Deposits increased $397.5 million or 4% to $11.7 billion at September 30, 2024 compared to $11.3 billion at June 30, 2024. During this period, noninterest-bearing deposits decreased $28.3 million or 1%, while interest-bearing deposits increased $425.8 million or 5%. The slight decline in noninterest-bearing deposit categories was driven by decreases in personal and small business checking accounts, partially offset by an increase in commercial checking accounts. Growth in interest-bearing deposits was seen across all product categories, but most notably in money market and time deposit accounts which grew $185.2 million or 7% and $151.5 million or 6% during the current quarter, respectively. Total deposits, excluding brokered deposits, increased by $351.7 million or 3% quarter-over-quarter and remained at 94% of the total deposits as of September 30, 2024 compared to June 30, 2024, reflecting continued strength and stability of the core deposit base. Total uninsured deposits at September 30, 2024 were approximately 37% of total deposits.

    Total borrowings decreased $54.1 million or 6% at September 30, 2024 as compared to the previous quarter, primarily driven by a $50.0 million pay down of FHLB advances. At September 30, 2024, available unused sources of liquidity, which consist of available FHLB borrowings, fed funds, funds through the Federal Reserve Bank’s discount window, as well as excess cash and unpledged investment securities, totaled $6.3 billion or 146% of uninsured deposits.

    The tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio declined slightly to 8.83% at September 30, 2024, compared to 8.85% at June 30, 2024.

    At September 30, 2024, the Company had a total risk-based capital ratio of 15.53%, a common equity tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 11.27%, a tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 11.27%, and a tier 1 leverage ratio of 9.59%. These risk-based capital ratios compare to a total risk-based capital ratio of 15.49%, a common equity tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 11.28%, a tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 11.28%, and a tier 1 leverage ratio of 9.70% at June 30, 2024. All of these ratios remain well in excess of the mandated minimum regulatory requirements.

    Non-performing loans include non-accrual loans and accruing loans 90 days or more past due. At September 30, 2024, non-performing loans totaled $125.3 million, compared to $93.0 million at June 30, 2024 and $51.8 million at September 30, 2023. The non-performing loans to total loans ratio was 1.09% compared to 0.81% on a linked quarter basis. These levels of non-performing loans compare to 0.46% at September 30, 2023. The current quarter’s increase in non-performing loans was mainly related to a single AD&C loan with the total outstanding principal balance of $28.0 million, which was placed on a non-accrual status during the current period. Total net charge-offs for the current quarter amounted to $0.7 million compared to $0.2 million for the second quarter of 2024 and $0.1 million for the third quarter of 2023.

    At September 30, 2024, the allowance for credit losses was $131.4 million or 1.14% of outstanding loans and 105% of non-performing loans, compared to $125.9 million or 1.10% of outstanding loans and 135% of non-performing loans at the end of the previous quarter and $123.4 million or 1.09% of outstanding loans and 238% of non-performing loans at the end of the third quarter of 2023. The increase in the allowance for the current quarter compared to the previous quarter mainly reflects higher individual reserves on collateral-dependent non-accrual loans, primarily driven by the aforementioned AD&C lending relationship, partially offset by lower qualitative adjustments as a result of declines in commercial investor real estate loans.

    Income Statement Review

    Quarterly Results

    Net income was $16.2 million ($0.36 per diluted common share) for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to $22.8 million ($0.51 per diluted common share) for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and $20.7 million ($0.46 per diluted common share) for the prior year quarter. The current quarter’s core earnings were $17.9 million ($0.40 per diluted common share), compared to $24.4 million ($0.54 per diluted common share) for the previous quarter and $27.8 million ($0.62 per diluted common share) for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. The decreases in the current quarter’s net income and core earnings compared to the previous quarter were driven primarily by higher provision for credit losses and non-interest expense.

    Net interest income for the third quarter of 2024 increased $1.1 million or 1% compared to the previous quarter and declined $3.7 million or 4% compared to the third quarter of 2023. During the current quarter, interest income increased $5.0 million, while interest expense increased $3.9 million. The rising interest rate environment was primarily responsible for a $7.7 million year-over-year increase in interest income. This growth in interest income was more than offset by the $11.4 million year-over-year growth in interest expense as funding costs have also risen in response to the rising rate environment and significant competition for deposits.

    The net interest margin was 2.44% for the third quarter of 2024 compared to 2.46% for the second quarter of 2024 and 2.55% for the third quarter of 2023. The decrease in the net interest margin during the current quarter was a result of a seven basis point increase in the rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities, while the yield earned on interest-earning assets rose three basis points. The current quarter’s net interest margin was negatively impacted by approximately three basis points due to the reversal of previously accrued uncollected interest income on a single large AD&C loan placed on non-accrual status during the period. As compared to the prior year quarter, the yield on interest-earning assets increased 23 basis points while the rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities rose 39 basis points, resulting in net interest margin compression of 11 basis points. The rate and yield increases year-over-year were driven by the higher interest rate environment, competition for deposits in the market, and customer movement of excess funds out of noninterest-bearing accounts into higher yielding products.

    The total provision for credit losses was $6.3 million for the third quarter of 2024 compared to $1.0 million for the previous quarter and $2.4 million for the third quarter of 2023. The provision for credit losses directly attributable to the funded loan portfolio was $6.3 million for the current quarter compared to $3.0 million for the second quarter of 2024 and $3.2 million for the third quarter of 2023. The current quarter’s provision is mainly a reflection of higher individual reserves on collateral-dependent non-accrual loans, primarily associated with the provision on a single AD&C lending relationship based on the current fair value of the collateral, partially offset by lower qualitative adjustments driven by an overall reduction in commercial investor real estate loan portfolio. In addition, during the current quarter, the reserve for unfunded commitments remained relatively stable at $1.5 million.

    Non-interest income for the third quarter of 2024 increased by 1% or $0.1 million compared to the linked quarter and grew by 13% or $2.3 million compared to the prior year quarter. The current quarter’s increase in non-interest income as compared to the previous quarter was mainly driven by the $0.4 million increase in other income, generated by credit-related fees, and $0.3 million increase in wealth management income, due to the $352.1 million or 6% growth in assets under management quarter-over-quarter and the overall favorable market performance, offset by $0.5 million decrease in BOLI income, due to the receipt of one-time death proceeds in the prior quarter.

    Non-interest expense for the third quarter of 2024 increased $4.8 million or 7% compared to the second quarter of 2024 and $0.5 million or 1% compared to the third quarter of 2023. The quarter-over-quarter increase is predominantly attributable to the $3.2 million increase in salaries and benefits, due to the increase in employee incentive compensation coupled with the $1.6 million increase in professional fees and services, mostly due to a one-time contract negotiation fee. The prior year quarter included $8.2 million of pension settlement expense related to the termination of the Company’s pension plan. Excluding this item, non-interest expense for the third quarter of 2024 increased $8.6 million or 13% compared to the third quarter of 2023.

    For the third quarter of 2024, the GAAP efficiency ratio was 72.12% compared to 68.19% for the second quarter of 2024 and 70.72% for the third quarter of 2023. The GAAP efficiency ratio rose from the prior year quarter primarily as a result of the 1% increase in GAAP non-interest expense coupled with the 1% decline in GAAP revenue. The non-GAAP efficiency ratio was 69.06% for the current quarter as compared to 65.31% for the second quarter of 2024 and 60.91% for the third quarter of 2023. The increase in the non-GAAP efficiency ratio (reflecting a decrease in efficiency) from the third quarter of the prior year to the current year quarter was primarily the result of the 12% increase in adjusted non-interest expense.

    ROA for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 was 0.46% and ROTCE was 5.88% compared to 0.66% and 8.27%, respectively, for the second quarter of 2024 and 0.58% and 7.42%, respectively, for the third quarter of 2023. On a non-GAAP basis, the current quarter’s core ROA was 0.50% and core ROTCE was 5.88% compared to 0.70% and 8.27% for the second quarter of 2024 and 0.78% and 9.51%, respectively, for the third quarter of 2023.

    Year-to-Date Results

    The Company recorded net income of $59.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to net income of $96.7 million for the same period in the prior year. Core earnings were $64.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to $107.2 million for the same period in the prior year. Year-to-date net income and core earnings declined as a result of lower net interest income in combination with higher provision for credit losses, which was partially offset by higher non-interest income.

    For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, net interest income decreased $31.8 million compared to the prior year as a result of the $61.1 million increase in interest expense, partially offset by the $29.3 million increase in interest income. The increase in interest expense was driven by the interest expense on deposits, primarily associated with savings and time deposit accounts. The net interest margin declined to 2.44% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 2.75% for the prior year, primarily as a result of higher funding costs due to the elevated interest rate environment and market competition for deposits during the period.

    The provision for credit losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was $9.7 million as compared to a credit of $14.1 million for 2023. The provision for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was primarily due to an increase in individual reserves on collateral-dependent non-accrual loans, as well as adjustments applied to specific industries within the commercial real estate segment during the first quarter of 2024. The prior year’s credit to provision was mainly attributable to the improving regional forecasted unemployment rate observed during the first half of 2023, and the declining probability of economic recession.

    For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, non-interest income increased 14% to $57.7 million compared to $50.5 million for 2023. During the current year, wealth management income increased $3.7 million or 14%, as assets under management increased $1.0 billion or 19% year-over-year. In addition, BOLI mortality-related income and service charges on deposit accounts increased $1.3 million and $1.1 million, respectively.

    Non-interest expense increased to $209.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $207.9 million for 2023. The drivers of the increase in non-interest expense were the $4.0 million increase in professional fees and services, $2.7 increase in amortization of intangible assets, $1.8 million increase in FDIC expense, and $1.2 million increase in outside data services. These year-over-year increases were offset by the $9.2 million decrease in compensation and benefits, as the prior year period included $8.2 million pension termination expense and $1.9 million of severance related expenses associated with staffing adjustments.

    For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the GAAP efficiency ratio was 69.98% compared to 64.29% for the same period in 2023. The non-GAAP efficiency ratio for the current year was 67.04% compared to 59.42% for the prior year. The growth in the current year’s GAAP and non-GAAP efficiency ratios compared to the prior year, indicating a decline in efficiency, was the result of the declines in GAAP and non-GAAP revenues combined with the growth in GAAP and non-GAAP non-interest expenses.

    Explanation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    This news release contains financial information and performance measures determined by methods other than in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). The Company’s management believes that the supplemental non-GAAP information provides a better comparison of period-to-period operating performance. Additionally, the Company believes this information is utilized by regulators and market analysts to evaluate a company’s financial condition and, therefore, such information is useful to investors. Non-GAAP measures used in this release consist of the following:

    • Tangible common equity and related measures are non-GAAP measures that exclude the impact of goodwill and other intangible assets.
    • The non-GAAP efficiency ratio excludes amortization of intangible assets, investment securities gains/(losses), severance expense, contingent payment expense, and includes tax-equivalent income.
    • Core earnings and the related measures of core earnings per diluted common share, core return on average assets and core return on average tangible common equity reflect net income exclusive of amortization of intangible assets, investment securities gains/(losses) and other non-recurring or extraordinary items, on a net of tax basis.
    • Pre-tax pre-provision net income excludes income tax expense and the provision (credit) for credit losses.

    These disclosures should not be viewed as a substitute for financial results in accordance with GAAP, nor are they necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other companies. Please refer to the non-GAAP Reconciliation tables included with this release for a reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measure.

    Conference Call Cancelled

    As a result of today’s announcement that the Company has entered into a merger agreement with Atlantic Union Bankshares Corporation, the Company has cancelled its conference call scheduled for 2:00 p.m. ET today to discuss the Company’s results for the third quarter of 2024.

    About Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc.

    Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc., headquartered in Olney, Maryland, is the holding company for Sandy Spring Bank, a premier community bank in the Greater Washington, D.C. region. With over 50 locations, the bank offers a broad range of commercial and retail banking, mortgage, private banking, and trust services throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Through its subsidiaries, Rembert Pendleton Jackson and West Financial Services, Inc., Sandy Spring Bank also offers a comprehensive menu of wealth management services.

    Source: Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc.
    Code: SASR-E

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Sandy Spring Bancorp’s forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those in such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risks identified in our quarterly and annual reports and the following: changes in general business and economic conditions nationally or in the markets that we serve; changes in consumer and business confidence, investor sentiment, or consumer spending or savings behavior; changes in the level of inflation; changes in the demand for loans, deposits and other financial services that we provide; the possibility that future credit losses may be higher than currently expected; the impact of the interest rate environment on our business, financial condition and results of operations; the impact of compliance with changes in laws, regulations and regulatory interpretations, including changes in income taxes; changes in credit ratings assigned to us or our subsidiaries; the ability to realize benefits and cost savings from, and limit any unexpected liabilities associated with, any business combinations; competitive pressures among financial services companies; the ability to attract, develop and retain qualified employees; our ability to maintain the security of our data processing and information technology systems; the impact of changes in accounting policies, including the introduction of new accounting standards; the impact of judicial or regulatory proceedings; the impact of fiscal and governmental policies of the United States federal government; the impact of health emergencies, epidemics or pandemics; the effects of climate change; and the impact of natural disasters, extreme weather events, military conflict, terrorism or other geopolitical events. Sandy Spring Bancorp provides greater detail regarding some of these factors in its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, including in the Risk Factors section of that report, and in its other SEC reports. Sandy Spring Bancorp’s forward-looking statements may also be subject to other risks and uncertainties, including those that it may discuss elsewhere in this news release or in its filings with the SEC, accessible on the SEC’s Web site at http://www.sec.gov.

    Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries
    FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS – UNAUDITED

        Three Months Ended
    September 30,
          Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
       
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)     2024       2023     %
    Change
        2024       2023     %
    Change
    Results of operations:                        
    Net interest income   $ 81,412     $ 85,081     (4 )%   $ 241,040     $ 272,854     (12 )%
    Provision/ (credit) for credit losses     6,316       2,365     167 %     9,724       (14,116 )   N/M
    Non-interest income     19,715       17,391     13       57,669       50,518     14  
    Non-interest expense     72,937       72,471     1       209,047       207,912     1  
    Income before income tax expense     21,874       27,636     (21 )     79,938       129,576     (38 )
    Net income     16,209       20,746     (22 )     59,388       96,744     (39 )
                             
    Net income attributable to common shareholders   $ 16,205     $ 20,719     (22 )   $ 59,351     $ 96,552     (39 )
    Pre-tax pre-provision net income (1)   $ 28,190     $ 30,001     (6 )   $ 89,662     $ 115,460     (22 )
                             
    Return on average assets     0.46 %     0.58 %         0.56 %     0.92 %    
    Return on average common equity     4.01 %     5.35 %         4.99 %     8.50 %    
    Return on average tangible common equity (1)     5.88 %     7.42 %         7.17 %     11.67 %    
    Net interest margin     2.44 %     2.55 %         2.44 %     2.75 %    
    Efficiency ratio – GAAP basis (2)     72.12 %     70.72 %         69.98 %     64.29 %    
    Efficiency ratio – Non-GAAP basis (2)     69.06 %     60.91 %         67.04 %     59.42 %    
                             
    Per share data:                        
    Basic net income per common share   $ 0.36     $ 0.46     (22 )%   $ 1.32     $ 2.16     (39 )%
    Diluted net income per common share   $ 0.36     $ 0.46     (22 )   $ 1.31     $ 2.15     (39 )
    Weighted average diluted common shares     45,242,920       44,960,455     1       45,156,521       44,912,803     1  
    Dividends declared per share   $ 0.34     $ 0.34     —     $ 1.02     $ 1.02     —  
    Book value per common share   $ 36.10     $ 34.26     5     $ 36.10     $ 34.26     5  
    Tangible book value per common share (1)   $ 27.37     $ 25.80     6     $ 27.37     $ 25.80     6  
    Outstanding common shares     45,125,078       44,895,158     1       45,125,078       44,895,158     1  
                             
    Financial condition at period-end:                        
    Investment securities   $ 1,440,488     $ 1,392,078     3 %   $ 1,440,488     $ 1,392,078     3 %
    Loans     11,491,921       11,300,292     2       11,491,921       11,300,292     2  
    Assets     14,383,073       14,135,085     2       14,383,073       14,135,085     2  
    Deposits     11,737,694       11,151,012     5       11,737,694       11,151,012     5  
    Stockholders’ equity     1,628,837       1,537,914     6       1,628,837       1,537,914     6  
                             
    Capital ratios:                        
    Tier 1 leverage (3)     9.59 %     9.50 %         9.59 %     9.50 %    
    Common equity tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets (3)     11.27 %     10.83 %         11.27 %     10.83 %    
    Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets (3)     11.27 %     10.83 %         11.27 %     10.83 %    
    Total regulatory capital to risk-weighted assets (3)     15.53 %     14.85 %         15.53 %     14.85 %    
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets (4)     8.83 %     8.42 %         8.83 %     8.42 %    
    Average equity to average assets     11.37 %     10.92 %         11.32 %     10.84 %    
                             
    Credit quality ratios:                        
    Allowance for credit losses to loans     1.14 %     1.09 %         1.14 %     1.09 %    
    Non-performing loans to total loans     1.09 %     0.46 %         1.09 %     0.46 %    
    Non-performing assets to total assets     0.89 %     0.37 %         0.89 %     0.37 %    
    Allowance for credit losses to non-performing loans     104.92 %     238.32 %         104.92 %     238.32 %    
    Annualized net charge-offs/ (recoveries) to average loans (5)     0.03 %     — %         0.02 %     0.02 %    
    N/M – not meaningful
    (1) Represents a non-GAAP measure.
    (2) The efficiency ratio – GAAP basis is non-interest expense divided by net interest income plus non-interest income from the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. The traditional efficiency ratio – Non-GAAP basis excludes intangible asset amortization, pension settlement expense, severance expense and contingent payment expense from non-interest expense; and investment securities gains/ (losses) from non-interest income; and adds the tax-equivalent adjustment to net interest income. See the Reconciliation Table included with these Financial Highlights.
    (3) Estimated ratio at September 30, 2024.
    (4) The tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio is a non-GAAP ratio that divides assets excluding goodwill and other intangible assets into stockholders’ equity after deducting goodwill and other intangible assets. See the Reconciliation Table included with these Financial Highlights.
    (5) Calculation utilizes average loans, excluding residential mortgage loans held-for-sale.

    Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries
    RECONCILIATION TABLE – UNAUDITED (CONTINUED)
    OPERATING EARNINGS – METRICS

        Three Months Ended
    September 30,
      Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
    (Dollars in thousands)     2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Core earnings (non-GAAP):                
    Net income (GAAP)   $ 16,209     $ 20,746     $ 59,388     $ 96,744  
    Plus/ (less) non-GAAP adjustments (net of tax)(1):                
    Amortization of intangible assets     1,727       932       4,864       2,851  
    Severance expense     —       —       —       1,445  
    Pension settlement expense     —       6,088       —       6,088  
    Contingent payment expense     —       —       —       27  
    Core earnings (Non-GAAP)   $ 17,936     $ 27,766     $ 64,252     $ 107,155  
                     
    Core earnings per diluted common share (non-GAAP):                
    Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted (GAAP)     45,242,920       44,960,455       45,156,521       44,912,803  
                     
    Earnings per diluted common share (GAAP)   $ 0.36     $ 0.46     $ 1.31     $ 2.15  
    Core earnings per diluted common share (non-GAAP)   $ 0.40     $ 0.62     $ 1.42     $ 2.39  
                     
    Core return on average assets (non-GAAP):                
    Average assets (GAAP)   $ 14,136,037     $ 14,086,342     $ 14,051,722     $ 14,043,925  
                     
    Return on average assets (GAAP)     0.46 %     0.58 %     0.56 %     0.92 %
    Core return on average assets (non-GAAP)     0.50 %     0.78 %     0.61 %     1.02 %
                     
    Return/ Core return on average tangible common equity (non-GAAP):                
    Net Income (GAAP)   $ 16,209     $ 20,746     $ 59,388     $ 96,744  
    Plus: Amortization of intangible assets (net of tax)     1,727       932       4,864       2,851  
    Net income before amortization of intangible assets   $ 17,936     $ 21,678     $ 64,252     $ 99,595  
                     
    Average total stockholders’ equity (GAAP)   $ 1,607,377     $ 1,538,553     $ 1,590,682     $ 1,522,153  
    Average goodwill     (363,436 )     (363,436 )     (363,436 )     (363,436 )
    Average other intangible assets, net     (30,679 )     (16,777 )     (29,940 )     (18,068 )
    Average tangible common equity (non-GAAP)   $ 1,213,262     $ 1,158,340     $ 1,197,306     $ 1,140,649  
                     
    Return on average tangible common equity (non-GAAP)     5.88 %     7.42 %     7.17 %     11.67 %
    Core return on average tangible common equity (non-GAAP)     5.88 %     9.51 %     7.17 %     12.56 %
    (1) Tax adjustments have been determined using the combined marginal federal and state rate of 25.48% and 25.37% for 2024 and 2023, respectively.

    Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries
    RECONCILIATION TABLE – UNAUDITED

        Three Months Ended
    September 30,
      Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
    (Dollars in thousands)     2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Pre-tax pre-provision net income:                
    Net income (GAAP)   $ 16,209     $ 20,746     $ 59,388     $ 96,744  
    Plus/ (less) non-GAAP adjustments:                
    Income tax expense     5,665       6,890       20,550       32,832  
    Provision/ (credit) for credit losses     6,316       2,365       9,724       (14,116 )
    Pre-tax pre-provision net income (non-GAAP)   $ 28,190     $ 30,001     $ 89,662     $ 115,460  
                     
    Efficiency ratio (GAAP):                
    Non-interest expense   $ 72,937     $ 72,471     $ 209,047     $ 207,912  
                     
    Net interest income plus non-interest income   $ 101,127     $ 102,472     $ 298,709     $ 323,372  
                     
    Efficiency ratio (GAAP)     72.12 %     70.72 %     69.98 %     64.29 %
                     
    Efficiency ratio (Non-GAAP):                
    Non-interest expense   $ 72,937     $ 72,471     $ 209,047     $ 207,912  
    Less non-GAAP adjustments:                
    Amortization of intangible assets     2,323       1,245       6,527       3,820  
    Severance expense     —       —       —       1,939  
    Pension settlement expense     —       8,157       —       8,157  
    Contingent payment expense     —       —       —       36  
    Non-interest expense – as adjusted   $ 70,614     $ 63,069     $ 202,520     $ 193,960  
                     
    Net interest income plus non-interest income   $ 101,127     $ 102,472     $ 298,709     $ 323,372  
    Plus non-GAAP adjustment:                
    Tax-equivalent income     1,121       1,068       3,359       3,044  
    Less/ (plus) non-GAAP adjustment:                
    Investment securities gains/ (losses)     —       —       —       —  
    Net interest income plus non-interest income – as adjusted   $ 102,248     $ 103,540     $ 302,068     $ 326,416  
                     
    Efficiency ratio (Non-GAAP)     69.06 %     60.91 %     67.04 %     59.42 %
                     
    Tangible common equity ratio:                
    Total stockholders’ equity   $ 1,628,837     $ 1,537,914     $ 1,628,837     $ 1,537,914  
    Goodwill     (363,436 )     (363,436 )     (363,436 )     (363,436 )
    Other intangible assets, net     (30,514 )     (16,035 )     (30,514 )     (16,035 )
    Tangible common equity   $ 1,234,887     $ 1,158,443     $ 1,234,887     $ 1,158,443  
                     
    Total assets   $ 14,383,073     $ 14,135,085     $ 14,383,073     $ 14,135,085  
    Goodwill     (363,436 )     (363,436 )     (363,436 )     (363,436 )
    Other intangible assets, net     (30,514 )     (16,035 )     (30,514 )     (16,035 )
    Tangible assets   $ 13,989,123     $ 13,755,614     $ 13,989,123     $ 13,755,614  
                     
    Tangible common equity ratio     8.83 %     8.42 %     8.83 %     8.42 %
                     
    Outstanding common shares     45,125,078       44,895,158       45,125,078       44,895,158  
    Tangible book value per common share   $ 27.37     $ 25.80     $ 27.37     $ 25.80  

    Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CONDITION – UNAUDITED

    (Dollars in thousands)   September 30,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
    Assets        
    Cash and due from banks   $ 109,583     $ 82,257  
    Federal funds sold     —       245  
    Interest-bearing deposits with banks     640,763       463,396  
    Cash and cash equivalents     750,346       545,898  
    Residential mortgage loans held for sale (at fair value)     21,489       10,836  
    SBA loans held for sale     425       —  
    Investments held-to-maturity (fair values of $189,853 and $200,411 at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively)     220,296       236,165  
    Investments available-for-sale (at fair value)     1,149,056       1,102,681  
    Other investments, at cost     71,136       75,607  
    Total loans     11,491,921       11,366,989  
    Less: allowance for credit losses – loans     (131,428 )     (120,865 )
    Net loans     11,360,493       11,246,124  
    Premises and equipment, net     57,249       59,490  
    Other real estate owned     3,265       —  
    Accrued interest receivable     45,162       46,583  
    Goodwill     363,436       363,436  
    Other intangible assets, net     30,514       28,301  
    Other assets     310,206       313,051  
    Total assets   $ 14,383,073     $ 14,028,172  
             
    Liabilities        
    Noninterest-bearing deposits   $ 2,903,063     $ 2,914,161  
    Interest-bearing deposits     8,834,631       8,082,377  
    Total deposits     11,737,694       10,996,538  
    Securities sold under retail repurchase agreements     70,767       75,032  
    Federal Reserve Bank borrowings     —       300,000  
    Advances from FHLB     450,000       550,000  
    Subordinated debt     371,251       370,803  
    Total borrowings     892,018       1,295,835  
    Accrued interest payable and other liabilities     124,524       147,657  
    Total liabilities     12,754,236       12,440,030  
             
    Stockholders’ equity        
    Common stock — par value $1.00; shares authorized 100,000,000; shares issued and outstanding 45,125,078 and 44,913,561 at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.     45,125       44,914  
    Additional paid in capital     748,202       742,243  
    Retained earnings     911,411       898,316  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (75,901 )     (97,331 )
    Total stockholders’ equity     1,628,837       1,588,142  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 14,383,073     $ 14,028,172  

    Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME – UNAUDITED

        Three Months Ended
    September 30,
      Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)     2024     2023     2024     2023  
    Interest income:                
    Interest and fees on loans   $ 154,339   $ 147,304   $ 456,309   $ 431,305  
    Interest on mortgage loans held for sale     364     238     801     697  
    Interest on SBA loans held for sale     2     —     2     —  
    Interest on deposits with banks     6,191     6,371     17,401     13,979  
    Interest and dividend income on investment securities:                
    Taxable     7,440     6,682     21,319     20,538  
    Tax-advantaged     1,762     1,811     5,385     5,376  
    Interest on federal funds sold     —     5     8     13  
    Total interest income     170,098     162,411     501,225     471,908  
    Interest expense:                
    Interest on deposits     79,287     63,102     227,062     155,215  
    Interest on retail repurchase agreements and federal funds purchased     452     4,082     4,890     10,377  
    Interest on advances from FHLB     5,001     6,200     16,394     21,623  
    Interest on subordinated debt     3,946     3,946     11,839     11,839  
    Total interest expense     88,686     77,330     260,185     199,054  
    Net interest income     81,412     85,081     241,040     272,854  
    Provision/ (credit) for credit losses     6,316     2,365     9,724     (14,116 )
    Net interest income after provision/ (credit) for credit losses     75,096     82,716     231,316     286,970  
    Non-interest income:                
    Service charges on deposit accounts     3,009     2,704     8,765     7,698  
    Mortgage banking activities     1,529     1,682     4,524     4,744  
    Wealth management income     10,738     9,391     31,151     27,414  
    Income from bank owned life insurance     1,307     845     4,283     3,003  
    Bank card fees     435     450     1,293     1,315  
    Other income     2,697     2,319     7,653     6,344  
    Total non-interest income     19,715     17,391     57,669     50,518  
    Non-interest expense:                
    Salaries and employee benefits     41,030     44,853     115,549     124,710  
    Occupancy expense of premises     4,657     4,609     14,278     14,220  
    Equipment expenses     3,841     3,811     11,672     11,688  
    Marketing     1,320     729     3,350     3,861  
    Outside data services     3,025     2,819     9,414     8,186  
    FDIC insurance     2,773     2,333     8,635     6,846  
    Amortization of intangible assets     2,323     1,245     6,527     3,820  
    Professional fees and services     6,577     4,509     16,403     12,354  
    Other expenses     7,391     7,563     23,219     22,227  
    Total non-interest expense     72,937     72,471     209,047     207,912  
    Income before income tax expense     21,874     27,636     79,938     129,576  
    Income tax expense     5,665     6,890     20,550     32,832  
    Net income   $ 16,209   $ 20,746   $ 59,388   $ 96,744  
                     
    Net income per share amounts:                
    Basic net income per common share   $ 0.36   $ 0.46   $ 1.32   $ 2.16  
    Diluted net income per common share   $ 0.36   $ 0.46   $ 1.31   $ 2.15  
    Dividends declared per share   $ 0.34   $ 0.34   $ 1.02   $ 1.02  

    Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries
    HISTORICAL TRENDS – QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA – UNAUDITED

          2024       2023  
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)   Q3   Q2   Q1   Q4   Q3   Q2   Q1
    Profitability for the quarter:                            
    Tax-equivalent interest income   $ 171,219     $ 166,252     $ 167,113     $ 166,729     $ 163,479     $ 159,156     $ 152,317  
    Interest expense     88,686       84,828       86,671       83,920       77,330       67,679       54,045  
    Tax-equivalent net interest income     82,533       81,424       80,442       82,809       86,149       91,477       98,272  
    Tax-equivalent adjustment     1,121       1,139       1,099       1,113       1,068       1,006       970  
    Provision/ (credit) for credit losses     6,316       1,020       2,388       (3,445 )     2,365       5,055       (21,536 )
    Non-interest income     19,715       19,587       18,367       16,560       17,391       17,176       15,951  
    Non-interest expense     72,937       68,104       68,006       67,142       72,471       69,136       66,305  
    Income before income tax expense     21,874       30,748       27,316       34,559       27,636       33,456       68,484  
    Income tax expense     5,665       7,941       6,944       8,459       6,890       8,711       17,231  
    Net income   $ 16,209     $ 22,807     $ 20,372     $ 26,100     $ 20,746     $ 24,745     $ 51,253  
    GAAP financial performance:                            
    Return on average assets     0.46 %     0.66 %     0.58 %     0.73 %     0.58 %     0.70 %     1.49 %
    Return on average common equity     4.01 %     5.81 %     5.17 %     6.70 %     5.35 %     6.46 %     13.93 %
    Return on average tangible common equity     5.88 %     8.27 %     7.39 %     9.26 %     7.42 %     8.93 %     19.10 %
    Net interest margin     2.44 %     2.46 %     2.41 %     2.45 %     2.55 %     2.73 %     2.99 %
    Efficiency ratio – GAAP basis     72.12 %     68.19 %     69.60 %     68.33 %     70.72 %     64.22 %     58.55 %
    Non-GAAP financial performance:                            
    Pre-tax pre-provision net income   $ 28,190     $ 31,768     $ 29,704     $ 31,114     $ 30,001     $ 38,511     $ 46,948  
    Core after-tax earnings   $ 17,936     $ 24,400     $ 21,916     $ 27,147     $ 27,766     $ 27,136     $ 52,253  
    Core return on average assets     0.50 %     0.70 %     0.63 %     0.76 %     0.78 %     0.77 %     1.52 %
    Core return on average common equity     4.44 %     6.21 %     5.56 %     6.97 %     7.16 %     7.09 %     14.20 %
    Core return on average tangible common equity     5.88 %     8.27 %     7.39 %     9.26 %     9.51 %     9.43 %     19.11 %
    Core earnings per diluted common share   $ 0.40     $ 0.54     $ 0.49     $ 0.60     $ 0.62     $ 0.60     $ 1.16  
    Efficiency ratio – Non-GAAP basis     69.06 %     65.31 %     66.73 %     66.16 %     60.91 %     60.68 %     56.87 %
    Per share data:                      
    Net income attributable to common shareholders   $ 16,205     $ 22,800     $ 20,346     $ 26,066     $ 20,719     $ 24,712     $ 51,084  
    Basic net income per common share   $ 0.36     $ 0.51     $ 0.45     $ 0.58     $ 0.46     $ 0.55     $ 1.14  
    Diluted net income per common share   $ 0.36     $ 0.51     $ 0.45     $ 0.58     $ 0.46     $ 0.55     $ 1.14  
    Weighted average diluted common shares     45,242,920       45,145,214       45,086,471       45,009,574       44,960,455       44,888,759       44,872,582  
    Dividends declared per share   $ 0.34     $ 0.34     $ 0.34     $ 0.34     $ 0.34     $ 0.34     $ 0.34  
    Non-interest income:                            
    Service charges on deposit accounts     3,009       2,939       2,817       2,749       2,704       2,606       2,388  
    Mortgage banking activities     1,529       1,621       1,374       792       1,682       1,817       1,245  
    Wealth management income     10,738       10,455       9,958       9,219       9,391       9,031       8,992  
    Income from bank owned life insurance     1,307       1,816       1,160       1,207       845       1,251       907  
    Bank card fees     435       445       413       454       450       447       418  
    Other income     2,697       2,311       2,645       2,139       2,319       2,024       2,001  
    Total non-interest income   $ 19,715     $ 19,587     $ 18,367     $ 16,560     $ 17,391     $ 17,176     $ 15,951  
    Non-interest expense:                            
    Salaries and employee benefits   $ 41,030     $ 37,821     $ 36,698     $ 35,482     $ 44,853     $ 40,931     $ 38,926  
    Occupancy expense of premises     4,657       4,805       4,816       4,558       4,609       4,764       4,847  
    Equipment expenses     3,841       3,868       3,963       3,987       3,811       3,760       4,117  
    Marketing     1,320       1,288       742       1,242       729       1,589       1,543  
    Outside data services     3,025       3,286       3,103       3,000       2,819       2,853       2,514  
    FDIC insurance     2,773       2,951       2,911       2,615       2,333       2,375       2,138  
    Amortization of intangible assets     2,323       2,135       2,069       1,403       1,245       1,269       1,306  
    Professional fees and services     6,577       4,946       4,880       5,628       4,509       4,161       3,684  
    Other expenses     7,391       7,004       8,824       9,227       7,563       7,434       7,230  
    Total non-interest expense   $ 72,937     $ 68,104     $ 68,006     $ 67,142     $ 72,471     $ 69,136     $ 66,305  

    Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries
    HISTORICAL TRENDS – QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA – UNAUDITED

          2024       2023  
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)   Q3   Q2   Q1   Q4   Q3   Q2   Q1
    Balance sheets at quarter end:                        
    Commercial investor real estate loans   $ 4,868,467     $ 4,933,329     $ 4,997,879     $ 5,104,425     $ 5,137,694     $ 5,131,210     $ 5,167,456  
    Commercial owner-occupied real estate loans     1,737,327       1,747,708       1,741,113       1,755,235       1,760,384       1,770,135       1,769,928  
    Commercial AD&C loans     1,255,609       1,184,296       1,090,259       988,967       938,673       1,045,742       1,046,665  
    Commercial business loans     1,620,926       1,601,510       1,509,592       1,504,880       1,454,709       1,423,614       1,437,478  
    Residential mortgage loans     1,529,786       1,521,890       1,511,624       1,474,521       1,432,051       1,385,743       1,328,524  
    Residential construction loans     53,639       78,027       97,685       121,419       160,345       190,690       223,456  
    Consumer loans     426,167       417,161       416,132       417,542       416,436       422,505       421,734  
    Total loans     11,491,921       11,483,921       11,364,284       11,366,989       11,300,292       11,369,639       11,395,241  
    Allowance for credit losses – loans     (131,428 )     (125,863 )     (123,096 )     (120,865 )     (123,360 )     (120,287 )     (117,613 )
    Residential mortgage loans held for sale     21,489       18,961       16,627       10,836       19,235       21,476       16,262  
    SBA loans held for sale     425       —       —       —       —       —       —  
    Investment securities     1,440,488       1,401,511       1,405,490       1,414,453       1,392,078       1,463,554       1,528,336  
    Total assets     14,383,073       14,008,343       13,888,133       14,028,172       14,135,085       13,994,545       14,129,007  
    Noninterest-bearing demand deposits     2,903,063       2,931,405       2,817,928       2,914,161       3,013,905       3,079,896       3,228,678  
    Total deposits     11,737,694       11,340,228       11,227,200       10,996,538       11,151,012       10,958,922       11,075,991  
    Customer repurchase agreements     70,767       75,038       71,529       75,032       66,581       74,510       47,627  
    Total stockholders’ equity     1,628,837       1,599,004       1,589,364       1,588,142       1,537,914       1,539,032       1,536,865  
    Quarterly average balance sheets:                        
    Commercial investor real estate loans   $ 4,874,003     $ 4,964,406     $ 5,057,334     $ 5,125,028     $ 5,125,459     $ 5,146,632     $ 5,136,204  
    Commercial owner-occupied real estate loans     1,741,663       1,734,106       1,746,042       1,755,048       1,769,717       1,773,039       1,769,680  
    Commercial AD&C loans     1,253,035       1,133,506       1,030,763       960,646       995,682       1,057,205       1,082,791  
    Commercial business loans     1,579,001       1,551,798       1,508,336       1,433,035       1,442,518       1,441,489       1,444,588  
    Residential mortgage loans     1,526,445       1,518,748       1,491,277       1,451,614       1,406,929       1,353,809       1,307,761  
    Residential construction loans     64,684       86,638       110,456       142,325       174,204       211,590       223,313  
    Consumer loans     421,003       417,206       417,539       419,299       421,189       423,306       424,122  
    Total loans     11,459,834       11,406,408       11,361,747       11,286,995       11,335,698       11,407,070       11,388,459  
    Residential mortgage loans held for sale     19,889       14,497       8,142       10,132       13,714       17,480       8,324  
    SBA loans held for sale     65       —       —       —       —       —       —  
    Investment securities     1,531,378       1,538,624       1,536,127       1,544,173       1,589,342       1,639,324       1,679,593  
    Interest-earning assets     13,474,697       13,292,995       13,411,810       13,462,583       13,444,117       13,423,589       13,316,165  
    Total assets     14,136,037       13,956,261       14,061,935       14,090,423       14,086,342       14,094,653       13,949,276  
    Noninterest-bearing demand deposits     2,783,906       2,790,620       2,730,295       2,958,254       3,041,101       3,137,971       3,480,433  
    Total deposits     11,483,524       11,245,476       11,086,145       11,089,587       11,076,724       10,928,038       11,049,991  
    Customer repurchase agreements     63,436       62,161       72,836       66,622       67,298       58,382       60,626  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities     9,600,905       9,441,015       9,583,074       9,418,666       9,332,617       9,257,652       8,806,720  
    Total stockholders’ equity     1,607,377       1,579,582       1,584,902       1,546,312       1,538,553       1,535,465       1,491,929  
    Financial measures:                            
    Average equity to average assets     11.37 %     11.32 %     11.27 %     10.97 %     10.92 %     10.89 %     10.70 %
    Average investment securities to average earning assets     11.36 %     11.57 %     11.45 %     11.47 %     11.82 %     12.21 %     12.61 %
    Average loans to average earning assets     85.05 %     85.81 %     84.71 %     83.84 %     84.32 %     84.98 %     85.52 %
    Loans to assets     79.90 %     81.98 %     81.83 %     81.03 %     79.94 %     81.24 %     80.65 %
    Loans to deposits     97.91 %     101.27 %     101.22 %     103.37 %     101.34 %     103.75 %     102.88 %
    Assets under management   $ 6,567,752     $ 6,215,697     $ 6,165,509     $ 5,999,520     $ 5,536,499     $ 5,742,888     $ 5,477,560  
    Capital measures:                            
    Tier 1 leverage (1)     9.59 %     9.70 %     9.56 %     9.51 %     9.50 %     9.42 %     9.44 %
    Common equity tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets (1)     11.27 %     11.28 %     10.96 %     10.90 %     10.83 %     10.65 %     10.53 %
    Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets (1)     11.27 %     11.28 %     10.96 %     10.90 %     10.83 %     10.65 %     10.53 %
    Total regulatory capital to risk-weighted assets (1)     15.53 %     15.49 %     15.05 %     14.92 %     14.85 %     14.60 %     14.43 %
    Book value per common share   $ 36.10     $ 35.45     $ 35.37     $ 35.36     $ 34.26     $ 34.31     $ 34.37  
    Outstanding common shares     45,125,078       45,109,671       44,940,147       44,913,561       44,895,158       44,862,369       44,712,497  

    (1) Estimated ratio at September 30, 2024.

    Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries
    LOAN PORTFOLIO QUALITY DETAIL – UNAUDITED

          2024     2023
    (Dollars in thousands)   September 30,   June 30,   March 31,   December 31,   September 30,   June 30,   March 31,
    Non-performing assets:                            
    Loans 90 days past due:                            
    Commercial real estate:                            
    Commercial investor real estate   $ —   $ —   $ —   $ —   $ —   $ —   $ 215
    Commercial owner-occupied real estate     —     —     —     —     —     —     —
    Commercial AD&C     —     —     —     —     —     —     —
    Commercial business     —     —     20     20     415     29     3,002
    Residential real estate:                            
    Residential mortgage     399     338     340     342     —     692     352
    Residential construction     —     —     —     —     —     —     —
    Consumer     —     —     —     —     —     —     —
    Total loans 90 days past due     399     338     360     362     415     721     3,569
    Non-accrual loans:                            
    Commercial real estate:                            
    Commercial investor real estate     57,578     55,498     55,579     58,658     20,108     20,381     15,451
    Commercial owner-occupied real estate     9,639     9,403     4,394     4,640     4,744     4,846     4,949
    Commercial AD&C     31,816     2,127     556     1,259     1,422     569     —
    Commercial business     9,044     8,455     7,164     10,051     9,671     9,393     9,443
    Residential real estate:                            
    Residential mortgage     11,996     12,228     11,835     12,332     10,766     10,153     8,935
    Residential construction     539     539     542     443     449     —     —
    Consumer     4,258     4,400     4,011     4,102     4,187     3,396     4,900
    Total non-accrual loans     124,870     92,650     84,081     91,485     51,347     48,738     43,678
    Total non-performing loans     125,269     92,988     84,441     91,847     51,762     49,459     47,247
    Other real estate owned (OREO)     3,265     2,700     2,700     —     261     611     645
    Total non-performing assets   $ 128,534   $ 95,688   $ 87,141   $ 91,847   $ 52,023   $ 50,070   $ 47,892
        For the Quarter Ended,
    (Dollars in thousands)   September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
      September 30,
    2023
      June 30,
    2023
      March 31,
    2023
    Analysis of non-accrual loan activity:                            
    Balance at beginning of period   $ 92,650     $ 84,081     $ 91,485     $ 51,347     $ 48,738     $ 43,678     $ 34,782  
    Non-accrual balances transferred to OREO     (565 )     —       (2,700 )     —       —       —       —  
    Non-accrual balances charged-off     (787 )     —       (1,550 )     —       (183 )     (2,049 )     (126 )
    Net payments or draws     (3,095 )     (1,427 )     (4,017 )     (7,619 )     (1,545 )     (1,654 )     (10,212 )
    Loans placed on non-accrual     36,667       10,038       1,490       47,920       4,967       9,276       19,714  
    Non-accrual loans brought current     —       (42 )     (627 )     (163 )     (630 )     (513 )     (480 )
    Balance at end of period   $ 124,870     $ 92,650     $ 84,081     $ 91,485     $ 51,347     $ 48,738     $ 43,678  
                                 
    Analysis of allowance for credit losses – loans:                            
    Balance at beginning of period   $ 125,863     $ 123,096     $ 120,865     $ 123,360     $ 120,287     $ 117,613     $ 136,242  
    Provision/ (credit) for credit losses – loans     6,310       2,961       3,331       (2,574 )     3,171       4,454       (18,945 )
    Less loans charged-off, net of recoveries:                            
    Commercial real estate:                            
    Commercial investor real estate     397       (3 )     (2 )     (3 )     (3 )     (14 )     (5 )
    Commercial owner-occupied real estate     (27 )     (27 )     (27 )     (27 )     (25 )     (27 )     (26 )
    Commercial AD&C     111       (23 )     (283 )     —       —       —       —  
    Commercial business     250       (28 )     1,550       (105 )     15       363       (127 )
    Residential real estate:                            
    Residential mortgage     (35 )     39       (6 )     (6 )     (4 )     35       21  
    Residential construction     —       —       —       —       —       —       —  
    Consumer     49       236       (132 )     62       115       1,423       (179 )
    Net charge-offs/ (recoveries)     745       194       1,100       (79 )     98       1,780       (316 )
    Balance at the end of period   $ 131,428     $ 125,863     $ 123,096     $ 120,865     $ 123,360     $ 120,287     $ 117,613  
                                 
    Asset quality ratios:                            
    Non-performing loans to total loans     1.09 %     0.81 %     0.74 %     0.81 %     0.46 %     0.44 %     0.41 %
    Non-performing assets to total assets     0.89 %     0.68 %     0.63 %     0.65 %     0.37 %     0.36 %     0.34 %
    Allowance for credit losses to loans     1.14 %     1.10 %     1.08 %     1.06 %     1.09 %     1.06 %     1.03 %
    Allowance for credit losses to non-performing loans     104.92 %     135.35 %     145.78 %     131.59 %     238.32 %     243.21 %     248.93 %
    Annualized net charge-offs/ (recoveries) to average loans     0.03 %     0.01 %     0.04 %     — %     — %     0.06 %   (0.01 )%

    Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries
    CONSOLIDATED AVERAGE BALANCES, YIELDS AND RATES – UNAUDITED

        Three Months Ended September 30,
          2024       2023  
    (Dollars in thousands and tax-equivalent)   Average
    Balances
      Interest (1)   Annualized
    Average
    Yield/Rate
      Average
    Balances
      Interest (1)   Annualized
    Average
    Yield/Rate
    Assets                        
    Commercial investor real estate loans   $ 4,874,003     $ 58,133   4.74 %   $ 5,125,459     $ 60,482   4.68 %
    Commercial owner-occupied real estate loans     1,741,663       21,609   4.94       1,769,717       20,865   4.68  
    Commercial AD&C loans     1,253,035       24,553   7.80       995,682       20,503   8.17  
    Commercial business loans     1,579,001       26,953   6.79       1,442,518       23,343   6.42  
    Total commercial loans     9,447,702       131,248   5.53       9,333,376       125,193   5.32  
    Residential mortgage loans     1,526,445       14,223   3.73       1,406,929       12,550   3.57  
    Residential construction loans     64,684       876   5.39       174,204       1,680   3.83  
    Consumer loans     421,003       8,653   8.18       421,189       8,491   8.00  
    Total residential and consumer loans     2,012,132       23,752   4.71       2,002,322       22,721   4.52  
    Total loans (2)     11,459,834       155,000   5.38       11,335,698       147,914   5.18  
    Residential mortgage loans held for sale     19,889       364   7.32       13,714       238   6.93  
    SBA loans held for sale     65       2   11.28       —       —   —  
    Taxable securities     1,197,301       7,440   2.49       1,239,564       6,682   2.16  
    Tax-advantaged securities     334,077       2,222   2.66       349,778       2,269   2.59  
    Total investment securities (3)     1,531,378       9,662   2.52       1,589,342       8,951   2.25  
    Interest-bearing deposits with banks     463,531       6,191   5.31       505,017       6,371   5.00  
    Federal funds sold     —       —   —       346       5   5.38  
    Total interest-earning assets     13,474,697       171,219   5.06       13,444,117       163,479   4.83  
                             
    Less: allowance for credit losses – loans     (125,962 )             (122,348 )        
    Cash and due from banks     82,172               93,354          
    Premises and equipment, net     58,035               71,956          
    Other assets     647,095               599,263          
    Total assets   $ 14,136,037             $ 14,086,342          
                             
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity                        
    Interest-bearing demand deposits   $ 1,427,739     $ 6,256   1.74 %   $ 1,419,934     $ 4,229   1.18 %
    Regular savings deposits     1,718,475       15,341   3.55       861,634       5,571   2.57  
    Money market savings deposits     3,018,799       28,999   3.82       2,866,744       25,122   3.48  
    Time deposits     2,534,605       28,691   4.50       2,887,311       28,180   3.87  
    Total interest-bearing deposits     8,699,618       79,287   3.63       8,035,623       63,102   3.12  
    Repurchase agreements     63,436       334   2.09       67,298       356   2.10  
    Federal funds purchased and Federal Reserve Bank borrowings     8,543       118   5.53       300,435       3,726   4.92  
    Advances from FHLB     458,152       5,001   4.34       558,696       6,200   4.40  
    Subordinated debt     371,156       3,946   4.25       370,565       3,946   4.26  
    Total borrowings     901,287       9,399   4.15       1,296,994       14,228   4.35  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities     9,600,905       88,686   3.68       9,332,617       77,330   3.29  
                             
    Noninterest-bearing demand deposits     2,783,906               3,041,101          
    Other liabilities     143,849               174,071          
    Stockholders’ equity     1,607,377               1,538,553          
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 14,136,037             $ 14,086,342          
                             
    Tax-equivalent net interest income and spread       $ 82,533   1.38 %       $ 86,149   1.54 %
    Less: tax-equivalent adjustment         1,121             1,068    
    Net interest income       $ 81,412           $ 85,081    
                             
    Interest income/earning assets           5.06 %           4.83 %
    Interest expense/earning assets           2.62             2.28  
    Net interest margin           2.44 %           2.55 %
    (1) Tax-equivalent income has been adjusted using the combined marginal federal and state rate of 25.48% and 25.37% for 2024 and 2023, respectively. The annualized taxable-equivalent adjustments utilized in the above table to compute yields aggregated to $1.1 million and $1.1 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively.
    (2) Non-accrual loans are included in the average balances.
    (3) Available-for-sale investments are presented at amortized cost.

    Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries
    CONSOLIDATED AVERAGE BALANCES, YIELDS AND RATES – UNAUDITED

        Nine Months Ended September 30,
          2024       2023  
    (Dollars in thousands and tax-equivalent)   Average
    Balances
      Interest (1)   Annualized
    Average
    Yield/Rate
      Average
    Balances
      Interest (1)   Annualized
    Average
    Yield/Rate
    Assets                        
    Commercial investor real estate loans   $ 4,964,914     $ 176,504   4.75 %   $ 5,136,059     $ 177,067   4.61 %
    Commercial owner-occupied real estate loans     1,740,608       63,090   4.84       1,770,812       61,038   4.61  
    Commercial AD&C loans     1,139,517       68,779   8.06       1,044,907       61,005   7.81  
    Commercial business loans     1,546,498       79,026   6.83       1,442,858       68,258   6.33  
    Total commercial loans     9,391,537       387,399   5.51       9,394,636       367,368   5.23  
    Residential mortgage loans     1,512,209       41,968   3.70       1,356,530       35,925   3.53  
    Residential construction loans     87,177       3,208   4.92       202,856       5,302   3.49  
    Consumer loans     418,591       25,693   8.20       422,861       24,403   7.72  
    Total residential and consumer loans     2,017,977       70,869   4.69       1,982,247       65,630   4.42  
    Total loans (2)     11,409,514       458,268   5.36       11,376,883       432,998   5.09  
    Residential mortgage loans held for sale     14,197       801   7.52       13,192       697   7.04  
    SBA loans held for sale     22       2   11.28       —       —   —  
    Taxable securities     1,195,481       21,319   2.38       1,275,407       20,538   2.15  
    Tax-advantaged securities     339,881       6,785   2.66       360,348       6,727   2.49  
    Total investment securities (3)     1,535,362       28,104   2.44       1,635,755       27,265   2.22  
    Interest-bearing deposits with banks     434,083       17,401   5.35       368,829       13,979   5.07  
    Federal funds sold     288       8   3.79       433       13   4.00  
    Total interest-earning assets     13,393,466       504,584   5.03       13,395,092       474,952   4.74  
                             
    Less: allowance for credit losses – loans     (122,971 )             (125,558 )        
    Cash and due from banks     83,265               94,960          
    Premises and equipment, net     59,124               70,130          
    Other assets     638,838               609,301          
    Total assets   $ 14,051,722             $ 14,043,925          
                             
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity                        
    Interest-bearing demand deposits   $ 1,467,517     $ 18,858   1.72 %   $ 1,413,876     $ 10,465   0.99 %
    Regular savings deposits     1,602,997       42,597   3.55       660,211       7,831   1.59  
    Money market savings deposits     2,847,006       79,190   3.72       3,067,810       68,976   3.01  
    Time deposits     2,586,639       86,417   4.46       2,658,225       67,943   3.42  
    Total interest-bearing deposits     8,504,159       227,062   3.57       7,800,122       155,215   2.66  
    Repurchase agreements     66,134       1,043   2.11       62,126       561   1.21  
    Federal funds purchased and Federal Reserve Bank borrowings     99,303       3,847   5.17       264,580       9,816   4.96  
    Advances from FHLB     501,277       16,394   4.37       637,015       21,623   4.54  
    Subordinated debt     371,009       11,839   4.25       370,412       11,839   4.26  
    Total borrowings     1,037,723       33,123   4.26       1,334,133       43,839   4.39  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities     9,541,882       260,185   3.64       9,134,255       199,054   2.91  
                             
    Noninterest-bearing demand deposits     2,768,331               3,218,226          
    Other liabilities     150,827               169,291          
    Stockholders’ equity     1,590,682               1,522,153          
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 14,051,722             $ 14,043,925          
                             
    Tax-equivalent net interest income and spread       $ 244,399   1.39 %       $ 275,898   1.83 %
    Less: tax-equivalent adjustment         3,359             3,044    
    Net interest income       $ 241,040           $ 272,854    
                             
    Interest income/earning assets           5.03 %           4.74 %
    Interest expense/earning assets           2.59             1.99  
    Net interest margin           2.44 %           2.75 %
    (1) Tax-equivalent income has been adjusted using the combined marginal federal and state rate of 25.48% and 25.37% for 2024 and 2023, respectively. The annualized taxable-equivalent adjustments utilized in the above table to compute yields aggregated to $3.4 million and $3.0 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively.
    (2) Non-accrual loans are included in the average balances.
    (3) Available-for-sale investments are presented at amortized cost.

    The MIL Network –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Reaches Staff-Level Agreement on an Extended Credit Facility Arrangement with São Tomé and Príncipe

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    October 21, 2024

    End-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF’s Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    • IMF staff and the São Toméan authorities have reached staff-level agreement on economic policies and reforms to be supported by a new 40-month arrangement under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF), updating the agreement reached last year. This renewed staff-level agreement is subject to IMF Management approval and IMF Executive Board consideration, contingent on the implementation of the agreed prior actions and the timely confirmation of the necessary financing assurances from the country’s development partners.
    • The authorities’ ambitious reform program aims at restoring macroeconomic stability while laying the foundations for faster and more inclusive growth. This includes a sizable and front-loaded fiscal adjustment while protecting the vulnerable. The program includes decisive near-term reforms in the electricity sector and medium-term structural reforms to facilitate the green energy transition and unleash the country’s growth potential.

    Washington, DC: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team led by Mr. Slavi Slavov, Mission Chief for São Tomé and Príncipe, visited São Tomé during May 23 – June 5, 2024, and held virtual discussions in the recent months, to discuss with the São Toméan authorities IMF support for their policies and reform plans.

    At the end of the mission, Mr. Slavov issued the following statement:

    “The São Toméan authorities and the IMF team have reached a renewed staff-level agreement to support the authorities’ economic adjustment and reform policies with a new 40-month program supported by an arrangement under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF). The agreement is subject to approval by IMF’s Management and Executive Board in the period ahead, and is contingent on the implementation of prior actions by the authorities and the timely confirmation of the necessary financing assurances from the country’s development partners to cover the external financing gap.

    “São Tomé and Príncipe faced a very challenging 2023 and continues to struggle with high fuel import needs and depleted international reserves. Over the past few years, the country has been hit by multiple shocks, whose impact on the economy continues to reverberate. This includes the massive external shock in early 2023 when a major fuel exporter stopped supplying fuel on credit, opening a large external financing gap.

    “These factors, along with energy shortages, contributed to a slowdown of real GDP growth to 0.2 percent in 2022 and 0.4 percent in 2023. Inflation accelerated to 19.2 percent in April 2024 before declining to 12 percent in August, year-on-year. International reserves fell sharply.

    “The authorities’ program aims to restore macroeconomic stability, improve the living conditions of the population, foster the economic recovery, and promote sustainable and inclusive growth. The necessarily ambitious and front-loaded fiscal adjustment is crucial to lowering the high public debt and rebalancing the economy under a pegged exchange rate, but is designed with care to protect the vulnerable.

    “The authorities have already implemented significant reforms. They launched the Value-Added Tax in June 2023 and implemented a large fiscal adjustment in 2023. Fuel prices were adjusted, and explicit fuel subsidies have been eliminated in the aggregate. The central bank (Banco Central de São Tomé e Príncipe or BCSTP) ended monetary financing of the budget and implemented tightening measures.  

    “The authorities will make further efforts to strengthen tax and customs administration and to rationalize budgetary expenditures. These efforts will create the fiscal space for implementing growth-enhancing development programs that will help put public debt on a downward trajectory. In addition, the authorities will strengthen social safety nets and reinforce the existing targeted cash-transfer program for vulnerable households. Given the country’s high public debt, ensuring that new financing takes the form of highly concessional loans or ideally grants will be vital to ensure sustainability and also meet vital spending needs.

    “Moreover, the program will urgently implement near-term reforms to address the crisis in the electricity sector. This would alleviate pressures on public debt and foreign exchange reserves. To prevent implicit fuel subsidies and contain fiscal risks, the authorities will apply the fuel price adjustment mechanism in a truly automatic way on a monthly basis. The government will strengthen transparency and address governance weaknesses to reduce vulnerabilities to corruption. Finally, the authorities will strengthen the BCSTP, ensuring its autonomy and appropriate governance arrangements.

    “Over the medium term, structural reforms will unleash the country’s growth potential. These include the reform strategy for the energy sector with a focus on shifting towards renewable sources, encouraging domestic food production, fostering the tourism sector, adapting to climate change, and empowering women.

    “During the visit and subsequent virtual discussions, the mission met with President Carlos Vila Nova; Prime Minister Patrice Émery Trovoada; Minister of Planning and Finance Ginésio Valentim Afonso da Mata; Minister of Economy Disney Leite Ramos; Governor of the Central Bank Américo D’Oliveira dos Ramos; President of the Court of Auditors Ricardino Costa Alegre; other government officials; representatives of the private sector including banks; and development partners. The mission expresses its deep appreciation to the authorities for their cooperation and constructive policy dialogue.”

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Pavis Devahasadin

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    @IMFSpokesperson

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/10/18/pr-24382-sao-tome-and-principe-imf-reaches-staff-level-agreement-on-an-ecf-arrangement

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan to inaugurate International Workshop on Modern Technologies in Survey-Resurvey for Urban Land Records on 21st October 2024 in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 20 OCT 2024 11:26AM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan will inaugurate International Workshop on Modern Technologies in Survey-Resurvey for Urban Land Records on 21st October 2024 at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre (DAIC), New Delhi. The Department of Land Resources is organising this workshop. The inaugural session will include addresses from Union Minister of Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan,  Secretary, Department of Land Resources Shri Manoj Joshi will deliver the keynote address during inaugural session.

    The workshop will unfold over two days. The first day will feature an inaugural session led by the Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan  followed by presentations from experts from countries like Singapore, Korea, the UK, Spain, and the Netherlands, highlighting best practices in digital land records. There will also be a technology showcase and exhibition by leading Indian and international firms. On the second day, the agenda includes two plenary sessions: the first focusing on case studies of state urban land records and management from Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra, and the second examining case studies from various schemes and departments in survey techniques and spatial data, including AMRUT, SMART CITIES, SVAMITVA, Haryana Space Applications Centre, IT & Communication (Jaipur), and Directorate General Defence Estates.

    Expected outcomes from the workshop include the formulation of a national program for urban land record modernization, design plans for pilot projects in selected cities, and strategies for capacity building among urban local bodies (ULBs) and state officials. Furthermore, the workshop aims to generate policy recommendations for integrating modern technologies into urban land governance, ensuring improved efficiency and transparency in land management systems. This concept note sets the stage for collaboration and innovation in improving urban land records through the application of cutting-edge technology.

    Urban land records in India face significant challenges due to fragmentation, outdated information, and maintenance across multiple agencies. These issues hinder effective urban planning, land management, and service delivery. In response, the Government of India is exploring innovative technological solutions to modernize urban land records, building on progress achieved in rural areas. Key technologies such as geospatial tools, satellite imagery, drone surveys, and GIS integration are essential for creating comprehensive, spatially enabled land ownership records. The modernization of urban land records is expected to enhance transparency and efficiency, supporting sustainable development and reducing land-related disputes.

    The workshop aims to bring together relevant stakeholders, including Ministries and Departments of the Government of India, Revenue and Urban Development Secretaries from States/UTs, International experts, and Technology Providers. The primary objectives of the workshop are to showcase global best practices in urban land record modernization, present applicable technological solutions, and facilitate pilot project planning for selected urban areas. Additionally, the workshop will address challenges such as lack of standardization, data security, and capacity building for stakeholders, while promoting collaboration among government officials, experts, and technology providers to develop actionable policy recommendations.

    *****

    SS

    (Release ID: 2066444) Visitor Counter : 53

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “Panchayat Sammelan”: A Step Towards Better ‘Ease of Living’ for Rural India to be organized in Hyderabad on 22nd October 2024

    Source: Government of India

    “Panchayat Sammelan”: A Step Towards Better ‘Ease of Living’ for Rural India to be organized in Hyderabad on 22nd October 2024

    Workshop Aims at Capacity Building for Enhancing Service Delivery at the Grassroots

    Posted On: 20 OCT 2024 9:47AM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Panchayati Raj is organizing a Panchayat Sammelan on “Ease of Living: Enhancing Service Delivery at the Grassroots” on 22nd October 2024 at National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR), Hyderabad. The Panchayat Sammelan will be inaugurated in the august presence of Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj; Dr. G. Narendra Kumar, Director General, NIRD≺ Shri Alok Prem Nagar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj; and Shri Lokesh Kumar D. S., Secretary, Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Department, Government of Telangana.

    The Ministry of Panchayati Raj is organizing four regional workshops as part of the Panchayat Sammelan on ‘Ease of Living: Enhancing Service Delivery at the Grassroots’. The first workshop in this series of four is scheduled for 22nd October 2024 in Hyderabad. Representatives from seven States viz. Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Odisha and Telangana will participate in the event. This workshop will provide a platform to Panchayat functionaries and elected representatives directly associated with service delivery at the grassroots to discuss their experiences, challenges and opportunities in service delivery. Sessions will cover topics like using digital public tools such as Bhashini for language translation, UNICEF’s RapidPro platform for communication, and configuring ServicePlus for online service delivery.

    The Panchayat Sammelan is a significant step towards achieving better ease of living through improved grassroots service delivery. The workshop aims to share State-specific strategies, best practices and ideas to improve last-mile service accessibility and accelerate efficient governance with key focus being on benchmarking and improving the quality-of-service delivery in rural areas. The National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR) will present insights on benchmarking rural services while the Wadhwani Foundation will showcase case studies on leveraging emerging technologies for enhanced service delivery.

    ***

    AA

    (Release ID: 2066440) Visitor Counter : 40

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Prospect Capital Corporation Upsizes Preferred Stock Offering to $2.25 Billion

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Oct. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Prospect Capital Corporation (NASDAQ: PSEC) (“Prospect”, “our”, or “we”) announced today an upsize to Prospect’s preferred stock offering (the “Preferred Stock” or the “Offering”) with Preferred Capital Securities (”PCS”). The Offering has seen strong demand from the private wealth, institutional, and Registered Investment Advisor channels, with $1.8 billion in aggregate liquidation preference issuances since the initial closing in the quarter ending December 31, 2020.

    “Prospect’s non-traded preferred stock offers investors recurring cash income with a stable stated value, ongoing liquidity, management alignment, leverage caps, and over $3.7 billion of junior common equity credit support,” said Grier Eliasek, President of Prospect. “Prospect is the number one market share issuer of non-traded preferred stock in 2023 and 2024 year-to-date, with each of institutional, registered investment advisor, wirehouse, independent private wealth, and international investor channels having invested in Prospect’s preferred stock. With interest rates declining, we believe our A4/M4 preferred stock series, with a current 7.28% annualized floating rate dividend structure and 6.50% dividend rate floor, offers an attractive option for income-oriented investors.”

    PCS is a securities broker dealer and the dealer manager for the ongoing offering of the Series A4 and M4 Preferred Stock. PCS has raised $5.0 billion of capital since its formation in 2011.

    This press release is for informational purposes and is not an offer to purchase or sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction. The ongoing offering of the Series A4 and M4 Preferred Stock is being made only by means of the prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, copies of which may be obtained by writing to PCS at 3290 Northside Parkway NW, Suite 800, Atlanta, GA 30327. Investors are advised to carefully consider the investment objective, risks, charges and expenses of Prospect and the Preferred Stock before investment. The prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus contain this and other important information about Prospect and the Preferred Stock and should be read carefully before investing.

    About Prospect Capital Corporation

    Prospect is a business development company lending to and investing in private businesses. Prospect’s investment objective is to generate both current income and long-term capital appreciation through debt and equity investments.

    Prospect has elected to be treated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940. We have elected to be treated as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

    Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, whose safe harbor for forward-looking statements does not apply to business development companies. Any such statements, other than statements of historical fact, are highly likely to be affected by other unknowable future events and conditions, including elements of the future that are or are not under our control, and that we may or may not have considered; accordingly, such statements cannot be guarantees or assurances of any aspect of future performance. Actual developments and results are highly likely to vary materially from any forward-looking statements. Such statements speak only as of the time when made, and we undertake no obligation to update any such statement now or in the future.

    For further information, contact:
    Grier Eliasek, President and Chief Operating Officer
    grier@prospectcap.com
    Telephone (212) 448-0702

    The MIL Network –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: HBT Financial, Inc. Announces Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Third Quarter Highlights

    • Net income of $18.2 million, or $0.57 per diluted share; return on average assets (“ROAA”) of 1.44%; return on average stockholders’ equity (“ROAE”) of 13.81%; and return on average tangible common equity (“ROATCE”)(1) of 16.25%
    • Adjusted net income(1) of $19.2 million; or $0.61 per diluted share; adjusted ROAA(1) of 1.53%; adjusted ROAE(1) of 14.62%; and adjusted ROATCE(1) of 17.20%
    • Asset quality remained strong with nonperforming assets to total assets of 0.17% and net charge-offs to average loans of 0.07%, on an annualized basis
    • Net interest margin and net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis)(1) expanded to 3.98% and 4.03%, respectively

    BLOOMINGTON, Ill., Oct. 21, 2024 (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 $18.2 million, or $0.57 diluted earnings per share, for the third quarter of 2024. This compares to net income of $18.1 million, or $0.57 diluted earnings per share, for the second quarter of 2024, and net income of $19.7 million, or $0.62 diluted earnings per share, for the third quarter of 2023.

    J. Lance Carter, President and Chief Executive Officer of HBT Financial, said, “In the third quarter, we continued our consistently solid financial performance with net income of $18.2 million, adjusted net income(1) of $19.2 million, adjusted ROAA(1) of 1.53% and adjusted ROATCE(1) of 17.20%. We have also seen tangible equity continue to build, with tangible book value per share increasing 23.3% over the last year. Our net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis)(1) increased 3 basis points to 4.03% while funding costs remained modest, increasing 5 basis points to 1.47%. Our asset quality remains strong with net charge-offs at 0.07% of average loans on an annualized basis during the quarter and nonperforming assets to total assets at 0.17%. We have not seen any significant signs of stress in our loan portfolio, but we continue to monitor the portfolio closely. Noninterest income remained consistent and noninterest expense of $31.3 million was up only 2.1% when compared to the third quarter of 2023, as we remain focused on operational efficiency while continuing to invest in our business. Lastly, all capital ratios had solid increases and can support future organic growth or acquisitions.”
    ____________________________________
    (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, net earnings (losses) from closed or sold operations, charges related to termination of certain employee benefit plans, realized gains (losses) on sales of securities, and mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustments, provide investors with additional insight into its operational performance. The Company reported adjusted net income of $19.2 million, or $0.61 adjusted diluted earnings per share, for the third quarter of 2024. This compares to adjusted net income of $18.1 million, or $0.57 adjusted diluted earnings per share, for the second quarter of 2024, and adjusted net income of $20.3 million, or $0.63 adjusted diluted earnings per share, for the third quarter of 2023 (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 third quarter of 2024 was $47.7 million, an increase of 1.5% from $47.0 million for the second quarter of 2024. The increase was primarily attributable to improved loan yields which were mostly offset by an increase in funding costs.

    Relative to the third quarter of 2023, net interest income decreased 1.1% from $48.3 million. The decrease was primarily attributable to higher funding costs which were partially offset by higher asset yields and an increase in interest-earning assets.

    Net interest margin for the third quarter of 2024 was 3.98%, compared to 3.95% for the second quarter of 2024, and net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis)(1) for the third quarter of 2024 was 4.03%, compared to 4.00% for the second quarter of 2024. Higher yields on interest-earning assets, which increased by 7 basis points to 5.35%, were mostly offset by an increase in funding costs, with the cost of funds increasing by 5 basis points to 1.47%.

    Relative to the third quarter of 2023, net interest margin decreased 9 basis points from 4.07% and net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis)(1) decreased 10 basis points from 4.13%. These decreases were primarily attributable to increases in funding costs outpacing increases in interest-earning asset yields.
    ____________________________________
    (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 third quarter of 2024 was $8.7 million, a decrease from $9.6 million for the second quarter of 2024. The decrease was primarily attributable to changes in the mortgage servicing rights (“MSR”) fair value adjustment, with a $1.5 million negative MSR fair value adjustment included in the third quarter 2024 results compared to a $0.1 million negative MSR fair value adjustment included in the second quarter 2024 results. Partially offsetting the MSR fair value adjustment was a $0.2 million increase in service charge income and a $0.2 million increase in other noninterest income, primarily attributable to swap fee income.

    Relative to the third quarter of 2023, noninterest income decreased 8.3% from $9.5 million. The decrease was primarily attributable to the $1.5 million negative MSR fair value adjustment included in the third quarter 2024 results, partially offset by the absence of $0.8 million in realized losses on the sale of securities included in the third quarter 2023 results.

    Noninterest Expense

    Noninterest expense for the third quarter of 2024 was $31.3 million, a 2.7% increase from $30.5 million for the second quarter of 2024. The increase was primarily attributable to a $0.5 million increase in occupancy expense, driven in part by a seasonal increase in planned building maintenance expenses, and a $0.4 million increase in marketing and customer relations expense.

    Relative to the third quarter of 2023, noninterest expense increased 2.1% from $30.7 million. The increase was primarily attributable to a $0.7 million increase in salaries and a $0.4 million increase in employee benefits. Partially offsetting these increases was a $0.3 million decrease in marketing and customer relations expense.

    On February 1, 2023, HBT Financial completed its acquisition of Town and Country Financial Corporation (“Town and Country”) with the core system conversion successfully completed in April 2023. Acquisition-related expenses recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 are summarized below. No Town and Country acquisition-related expenses were recognized subsequent to the second quarter of 2023.

    (dollars in thousands)     Nine Months Ended
    September 30, 2023
     
         
    PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES   $ 5,924  
    NONINTEREST EXPENSE    
    Salaries     3,584  
    Furniture and equipment     39  
    Data processing     2,031  
    Marketing and customer relations     24  
    Loan collection and servicing     125  
    Legal fees and other noninterest expense     1,964  
    Total noninterest expense     7,767  
    Total acquisition-related expenses   $ 13,691  
     

    Loan Portfolio

    Total loans outstanding, before allowance for credit losses, were $3.37 billion at September 30, 2024, compared with $3.39 billion at June 30, 2024, and $3.34 billion at September 30, 2023. The $15.7 million decrease from June 30, 2024 was primarily attributable to several larger commercial real estate loan payoffs due to the sale of the property and a couple of larger one-to-four family residential loan payoffs. These decreases were partially offset by increased line usage and term originations in our agricultural and farmland portfolio.

    Deposits

    Total deposits were $4.28 billion at September 30, 2024, compared with $4.32 billion at June 30, 2024, and $4.20 billion at September 30, 2023. The $38.0 million decrease from June 30, 2024 was primarily attributable to lower balances maintained in retail accounts and a $18.3 million decrease in escrow balances related to seasonal tax payments, partially offset by increases in public funds and business accounts. Additionally, we continue to see a shift towards higher cost deposit products, with decreases in noninterest-bearing deposits, interest-bearing demand, and savings balances being partially offset by an increase in money market and time deposit balances.

    Asset Quality

    Nonperforming loans totaled $8.2 million, or 0.24% of total loans, at September 30, 2024, compared with $8.4 million, or 0.25% of total loans, at June 30, 2024, and $6.7 million, or 0.20% of total loans, at September 30, 2023. Additionally, of the $8.2 million of nonperforming loans held as of September 30, 2024, $2.0 million is either wholly or partially guaranteed by the U.S. government. The $0.2 million decrease in nonperforming loans from June 30, 2024 was primarily attributable to the payoff of $0.1 million in nonaccrual agricultural and farmland loans.

    The Company recorded a provision for credit losses of $0.6 million for the third quarter of 2024. The provision for credit losses primarily reflects a $1.2 million increase in required reserves resulting from changes in economic forecasts; a $0.2 million increase in required reserves resulting from qualitative factor changes; a $0.6 million decrease in required reserves driven by decreased loan balances and changes within the loan portfolio; and a $0.2 million decrease in specific reserves.

    The Company had net charge-offs of $0.6 million, or 0.07% of average loans on an annualized basis, for the third quarter of 2024, compared to net charge-offs of $0.7 million, or 0.08% of average loans on an annualized basis, for the second quarter of 2024, and net recoveries of $0.1 million, or 0.01% of average loans on an annualized basis, for the third quarter of 2023. During the third quarter of 2024, net charge-offs were primarily recognized in the commercial and industrial category which had $0.7 million of net charge-offs.

    The Company’s allowance for credit losses was 1.22% of total loans and 499% of nonperforming loans at September 30, 2024, compared with 1.21% of total loans and 484% of nonperforming loans at June 30, 2024. In addition, the allowance for credit losses on unfunded lending-related commitments totaled $4.1 million as of September 30, 2024, compared with $4.3 million as of June 30, 2024.

    Capital

    As of September 30, 2024, the Company exceeded all regulatory capital requirements under Basel III as summarized in the following table:

        September 30, 2024   For Capital
    Adequacy Purposes
    With Capital
    Conservation Buffer
             
    Total capital to risk-weighted assets   16.54 %   10.50 %
    Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets   14.48     8.50  
    Common equity tier 1 capital ratio   13.15     7.00  
    Tier 1 leverage ratio   11.16     4.00  
                 

    The ratio of tangible common equity to tangible assets(1) increased to 9.35% as of September 30, 2024, from 8.74% as of June 30, 2024, and tangible book value per share(1) increased by $0.91 to $14.55 as of September 30, 2024, when compared to June 30, 2024.

    During the third quarter of 2024, 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 million of HBT Financial common stock under its stock repurchase program, which is in effect until January 1, 2025. As of September 30, 2024, the Company had $10.6 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 September 30, 2024, HBT Financial had total assets of $5.0 billion, total loans of $3.4 billion, and total deposits of $4.3 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 net interest income (tax-equivalent basis), net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis), efficiency ratio (tax-equivalent basis), ratio of tangible common equity to tangible assets, tangible book value per share, ROATCE, adjusted net income, adjusted earnings per share, adjusted ROAA, adjusted ROAE, 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 (including effects of inflationary pressures and supply chain constraints); (ii) the economic impact of any future terrorist threats and attacks, widespread disease or pandemics, acts of war or other threats thereof (including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the Russian invasion of Ukraine), or other adverse external events that could cause economic deterioration or instability in credit markets, and the response of the local, state and national governments to any such adverse external events; (iii) changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by state and federal regulatory agencies, the Financial Accounting Standards Board or the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board; (iv) changes in state and federal laws, regulations and governmental policies concerning the Company’s general business and any changes in response to the recent failures of other banks or as a result of the upcoming 2024 presidential election; (v) changes in interest rates and prepayment rates of the Company’s assets; (vi) increased competition in the financial services sector, including from non-bank competitors such as credit unions and “fintech” companies, and the inability to attract new customers; (vii) changes in technology and the ability to develop and maintain secure and reliable electronic systems; (viii) unexpected results of acquisitions, which may include failure to realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions and the possibility that transaction costs may be greater than anticipated; (ix) the loss of key executives or employees; (x) changes in consumer spending; (xi) unexpected outcomes of existing or new litigation involving the Company; (xii) the economic impact of exceptional weather occurrences such as tornadoes, floods and blizzards; (xiii) fluctuations in the value of securities held in our securities portfolio; (xiv) concentrations within our loan portfolio (including commercial real estate loans), large loans to certain borrowers, and large deposits from certain clients; (xv) the concentration of large deposits from certain clients who have balances above current FDIC insurance limits and may withdraw deposits to diversify their exposure; (xvi) the level of non-performing assets on our balance sheets; (xvii) interruptions involving our information technology and communications systems or third-party servicers; (xviii) breaches or failures of our information security controls or cybersecurity-related incidents, and (xix) 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   Nine Months Ended September 30,
    (dollars in thousands, except per share data)   September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
        2024       2023  
    Interest and dividend income   $ 64,117     $ 62,824     $ 59,041     $ 188,902     $ 167,588  
    Interest expense     16,384       15,796       10,762       47,453       23,600  
    Net interest income     47,733       47,028       48,279       141,449       143,988  
    Provision for credit losses     603       1,176       480       2,306       6,460  
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses     47,130       45,852       47,799       139,143       137,528  
    Noninterest income     8,705       9,610       9,490       23,941       26,841  
    Noninterest expense     31,322       30,509       30,671       93,099       100,577  
    Income before income tax expense     24,513       24,953       26,618       69,985       63,792  
    Income tax expense     6,333       6,883       6,903       18,477       16,396  
    Net income   $ 18,180     $ 18,070     $ 19,715     $ 51,508     $ 47,396  
                         
    Earnings per share – Diluted   $ 0.57     $ 0.57     $ 0.62     $ 1.62     $ 1.49  
                         
    Adjusted net income (1)   $ 19,244     $ 18,139     $ 20,279     $ 55,456     $ 58,910  
    Adjusted earnings per share – Diluted (1)     0.61       0.57       0.63       1.75       1.86  
                         
    Book value per share   $ 17.04     $ 16.14     $ 14.36          
    Tangible book value per share (1)     14.55       13.64       11.80          
                         
    Shares of common stock outstanding     31,559,366       31,559,366       31,774,140          
    Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding     31,559,366       31,579,457       31,829,250       31,600,442       31,598,650  
                         
    SUMMARY RATIOS                    
    Net interest margin *     3.98 %     3.95 %     4.07 %     3.96 %     4.14 %
    Net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis) * (1)(2)     4.03       4.00       4.13       4.01       4.20  
                         
    Efficiency ratio     54.24 %     52.61 %     51.85 %     55.00 %     57.73 %
    Efficiency ratio (tax-equivalent basis) (1)(2)     53.71       52.10       51.25       54.45       57.04  
                         
    Loan to deposit ratio     78.72 %     78.39 %     79.63 %        
                         
    Return on average assets *     1.44 %     1.45 %     1.58 %     1.37 %     1.29 %
    Return on average stockholders’ equity *     13.81       14.48       17.02       13.58       14.22  
    Return on average tangible common equity * (1)     16.25       17.21       20.70       16.11       17.17  
                         
    Adjusted return on average assets * (1)     1.53 %     1.45 %     1.62 %     1.48 %     1.61 %
    Adjusted return on average stockholders’ equity * (1)     14.62       14.54       17.51       14.62       17.68  
    Adjusted return on average tangible common equity * (1)     17.20       17.27       21.29       17.34       21.34  
                         
    CAPITAL                    
    Total capital to risk-weighted assets     16.54 %     16.01 %     15.09 %        
    Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets     14.48       13.98       13.18          
    Common equity tier 1 capital ratio     13.15       12.66       11.88          
    Tier 1 leverage ratio     11.16       10.83       10.34          
    Total stockholders’ equity to total assets     10.77       10.18       9.14          
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets (1)     9.35       8.74       7.64          
                         
    ASSET QUALITY                    
    Net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans *     0.07 %     0.08 %     (0.01) %     0.04 %     (0.01) %
    Allowance for credit losses to loans, before allowance for credit losses     1.22       1.21       1.16          
    Nonperforming loans to loans, before allowance for credit losses     0.24       0.25       0.20          
    Nonperforming assets to total assets     0.17       0.17       0.16          
                                             
    *   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   Nine Months Ended September 30,
    (dollars in thousands, except per share data) September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
        2024       2023  
    INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME                  
    Loans, including fees:                  
    Taxable $ 53,650     $ 52,177     $ 49, 640     $ 157,753     $ 138,948  
    Federally tax exempt   1,133       1,097       1,072       3,324       3,064  
    Debt Securities:                  
    Taxable   6,453       6,315       6,402       18,972       19,460  
    Federally tax exempt   502       521       978       1,620       3,337  
    Interest-bearing deposits in bank   2,230       2,570       714       6,752       2,234  
    Other interest and dividend income   149       144       235       481       545  
    Total interest and dividend income   64,117       62,824       59,041       188,902       167,588  
    INTEREST EXPENSE                  
    Deposits   14,649       14,133       7,211       42,375       13,908  
    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase   134       129       35       415       107  
    Borrowings   119       121       2,108       365       5,594  
    Subordinated notes   470       469       470       1,409       1,409  
    Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts   1,012       944       938       2,889       2,582  
    Total interest expense   16,384       15,796       10,762       47,453       23,600  
    Net interest income   47,733       47,028       48,279       141,449       143,988  
    PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES   603       1,176       480       2,306       6,460  
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   47,130       45,852       47,799       139,143       137,528  
    NONINTEREST INCOME                  
    Card income   2,753       2,885       2,763       8,254       8,326  
    Wealth management fees   2,670       2,623       2,381       7,840       6,998  
    Service charges on deposit accounts   2,081       1,902       2,040       5,852       5,830  
    Mortgage servicing   1,113       1,111       1,169       3,279       3,522  
    Mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment   (1,488 )     (97 )     23       (1,505 )     (460 )
    Gains on sale of mortgage loans   461       443       476       1,202       1,125  
    Realized gains (losses) on sales of securities   —       —       (813 )     (3,382 )     (1,820 )
    Unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities   136       (96 )     (46 )     24       (61 )
    Gains (losses) on foreclosed assets   (44 )     (28 )     550       15       443  
    Gains (losses) on other assets   (2 )     —       52       (637 )     161  
    Income on bank owned life insurance   170       166       153       500       415  
    Other noninterest income   855       701       742       2,499       2,362  
    Total noninterest income   8,705       9,610       9,490       23,941       26,841  
    NONINTEREST EXPENSE                  
    Salaries   16,325       16,364       15,644       49,346       51,715  
    Employee benefits   2,997       2,860       2,616       8,662       7,658  
    Occupancy of bank premises   2,695       2,243       2,573       7,520       7,460  
    Furniture and equipment   446       548       667       1,544       2,135  
    Data processing   2,640       2,606       2,581       8,171       9,787  
    Marketing and customer relations   1,380       996       1,679       3,372       3,874  
    Amortization of intangible assets   710       710       720       2,130       1,950  
    FDIC insurance   572       565       512       1,697       1,705  
    Loan collection and servicing   476       475       345       1,403       971  
    Foreclosed assets   19       10       76       78       234  
    Other noninterest expense   3,062       3,132       3,258       9,176       13,088  
    Total noninterest expense   31,322       30,509       30,671       93,099       100,577  
    INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX EXPENSE   24,513       24,953       26,618       69,985       63,792  
    INCOME TAX EXPENSE   6,333       6,883       6,903       18,477       16,396  
    NET INCOME $ 18,180     $ 18,070     $ 19,715     $ 51,508     $ 47,396  
                       
    EARNINGS PER SHARE – BASIC $ 0.58     $ 0.57     $ 0.62     $ 1.63     $ 1.50  
    EARNINGS PER SHARE – DILUTED $ 0.57     $ 0.57     $ 0.62     $ 1.62     $ 1.49  
    WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OUTSTANDING   31,559,366       31,579,457       31,829,250       31,600,442       31,598,650  
     
    HBT Financial, Inc.
    Unaudited Consolidated Financial Summary
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
     
    (dollars in thousands) September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
    ASSETS          
    Cash and due from banks $ 26,776     $ 22,604     $ 24,757  
    Interest-bearing deposits with banks   152,895       172,636       87,156  
    Cash and cash equivalents   179,671       195,240       111,913  
               
    Interest-bearing time deposits with banks   —       520       500  
    Debt securities available-for-sale, at fair value   710,303       669,055       753,163  
    Debt securities held-to-maturity   505,075       512,549       527,144  
    Equity securities with readily determinable fair value   3,364       3,228       3,106  
    Equity securities with no readily determinable fair value   2,638       2,613       2,300  
    Restricted stock, at cost   5,086       5,086       11,165  
    Loans held for sale   2,959       858       3,563  
               
    Loans, before allowance for credit losses   3,369,830       3,385,483       3,342,786  
    Allowance for credit losses   (40,966 )     (40,806 )     (38,863 )
    Loans, net of allowance for credit losses   3,328,864       3,344,677       3,303,923  
               
    Bank owned life insurance   24,405       24,235       23,747  
    Bank premises and equipment, net   65,919       65,711       64,713  
    Bank premises held for sale   317       317       35  
    Foreclosed assets   376       320       1,519  
    Goodwill   59,820       59,820       59,820  
    Intangible assets, net   18,552       19,262       21,402  
    Mortgage servicing rights, at fair value   17,496       18,984       20,156  
    Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries   1,614       1,614       1,614  
    Accrued interest receivable   24,160       22,425       23,447  
    Other assets   40,109       59,685       58,538  
    Total assets $ 4,990,728     $ 5,006,199     $ 4,991,768  
               
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
    Liabilities          
    Deposits:          
    Noninterest-bearing $ 1,008,359     $ 1,045,697     $ 1,086,877  
    Interest-bearing   3,272,341       3,272,996       3,111,191  
    Total deposits   4,280,700       4,318,693       4,198,068  
               
    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase   29,029       29,330       28,900  
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances   13,435       13,734       177,650  
    Subordinated notes   39,533       39,514       39,454  
    Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts   52,834       52,819       52,774  
    Other liabilities   37,535       42,640       38,671  
    Total liabilities   4,453,066       4,496,730       4,535,517  
               
    Stockholders’ Equity          
    Common stock   328       328       327  
    Surplus   296,810       296,430       295,483  
    Retained earnings   302,532       290,386       256,050  
    Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)   (38,989 )     (54,656 )     (78,432 )
    Treasury stock at cost   (23,019 )     (23,019 )     (17,177 )
    Total stockholders’ equity   537,662       509,469       456,251  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 4,990,728     $ 5,006,199     $ 4,991,768  
    SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OUTSTANDING   31,559,366       31,559,366       31,774,140  
     
    HBT Financial, Inc.
    Unaudited Consolidated Financial Summary
     
    (dollars in thousands) September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
               
    LOANS          
    Commercial and industrial $ 395,598   $ 400,276   $ 386,933  
    Commercial real estate – owner occupied   288,838     289,992     297,242  
    Commercial real estate – non-owner occupied   889,188     889,193     901,929  
    Construction and land development   359,151     365,371     371,158  
    Multi-family   432,712     429,951     388,742  
    One-to-four family residential   472,040     484,335     488,655  
    Agricultural and farmland   297,102     285,822     275,239  
    Municipal, consumer, and other   235,201     240,543     232,888  
    Total loans $ 3,369,830   $ 3,385,483   $ 3,342,786  
     
    (dollars in thousands) September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
               
    DEPOSITS          
    Noninterest-bearing deposits $ 1,008,359   $ 1,045,697   $ 1,086,877  
    Interest-bearing deposits:          
    Interest-bearing demand   1,076,445     1,094,797     1,134,721  
    Money market   795,150     769,386     673,780  
    Savings   566,783     582,752     623,083  
    Time   803,964     796,069     564,634  
    Brokered   29,999     29,992     114,973  
    Total interest-bearing deposits   3,272,341     3,272,996     3,111,191  
    Total deposits $ 4,280,700   $ 4,318,693   $ 4,198,068  
     
    HBT Financial, Inc.
    Unaudited Consolidated Financial Summary
     
      Three Months Ended
      September 30, 2024   June 30, 2024   September 30, 2023
    (dollars in thousands) Average Balance   Interest   Yield/Cost *   Average Balance   Interest   Yield/Cost *   Average Balance   Interest   Yield/Cost *
                                       
    ASSETS                                  
    Loans $ 3,379,299     $ 54,783   6.45 %   $ 3,374,058     $ 53,274   6.35 %   $ 3,296,703     $ 50,712   6.10 %
    Debt Securities   1,191,642       6,955   2.32       1,187,795       6,836   2.31       1,317,603       7,380   2.22  
    Deposits with banks   185,870       2,230   4.77       211,117       2,570   4.90       77,595       714   3.65  
    Other   12,660       149   4.68       12,588       144   4.60       16,430       235   5.68  
    Total interest-earning assets   4,769,471     $ 64,117   5.35 %     4,785,558     $ 62,824   5.28 %     4,708,331     $ 59,041   4.97 %
    Allowance for credit losses   (40,780 )             (40,814 )             (38,317 )        
    Noninterest-earning assets   278,030               283,103               294,818          
    Total assets $ 5,006,721             $ 5,027,847             $ 4,964,832          
                                       
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY                                  
    Liabilities                                  
    Interest-bearing deposits:                                  
    Interest-bearing demand $ 1,085,609     $ 1,408   0.52 %   $ 1,123,592     $ 1,429   0.51 %   $ 1,160,654     $ 761   0.26 %
    Money market   800,651       4,726   2.35       788,744       4,670   2.38       682,772       2,026   1.18  
    Savings   573,077       396   0.27       592,312       393   0.27       639,384       249   0.15  
    Time   804,379       7,702   3.81       763,507       7,117   3.75       519,683       3,275   2.50  
    Brokered   29,996       417   5.54       38,213       524   5.51       66,776       900   5.34  
    Total interest-bearing deposits   3,293,712       14,649   1.77       3,306,368       14,133   1.72       3,069,269       7,211   0.93  
    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase   29,426       134   1.80       30,440       129   1.70       33,807       35   0.41  
    Borrowings   13,691       119   3.47       13,466       121   3.60       157,908       2,108   5.30  
    Subordinated notes   39,524       470   4.73       39,504       469   4.78       39,444       470   4.72  
    Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts   52,827       1,012   7.63       52,812       944   7.18       52,767       938   7.05  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   3,429,180     $ 16,384   1.90 %     3,442,590     $ 15,796   1.85 %     3,353,195     $ 10,762   1.27 %
    Noninterest-bearing deposits   1,013,893               1,043,614               1,105,472          
    Noninterest-bearing liabilities   39,903               39,806               46,564          
    Total liabilities   4,482,976               4,526,010               4,505,231          
    Stockholders’ Equity   523,745               501,837               459,601          
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 5,006,721             $ 5,027,847             $ 4,964,832          
                                       
    Net interest income/Net interest margin (1)     $ 47,733   3.98 %       $ 47,028   3.95 %       $ 48,279   4.07 %
    Tax-equivalent adjustment (2)       552   0.05           553   0.05           675   0.06  
    Net interest income (tax-equivalent basis)/
    Net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis) (2) (3)
        $ 48,285   4.03 %       $ 47,581   4.00 %       $ 48,954   4.13 %
    Net interest rate spread (4)         3.45 %           3.43 %           3.70 %
    Net interest-earning assets (5) $ 1,340,291             $ 1,342,968             $ 1,355,136          
    Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities   1.39               1.39               1.40          
    Cost of total deposits         1.35 %           1.31 %           0.69 %
    Cost of funds         1.47             1.42             0.96  
                                                               
    *   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
     
      Nine Months Ended
      September 30, 2024   September 30, 2023
    (dollars in thousands) Average Balance   Interest   Yield/Cost *   Average Balance   Interest   Yield/Cost *
                           
    ASSETS                      
    Loans $ 3,374,875     $ 161,077   6.38 %   $ 3,183,641     $ 142,012   5.96 %
    Debt Securities   1,197,772       20,592   2.30       1,366,298       22,797   2.23  
    Deposits with banks   188,087       6,752   4.80       84,720       2,234   3.53  
    Other   12,744       481   5.04       15,334       545   4.75  
    Total interest-earning assets   4,773,478     $ 188,902   5.29 %     4,649,993     $ 167,588   4.82 %
    Allowance for credit losses   (40,611 )             (37,053 )        
    Noninterest-earning assets   279,789               289,843          
    Total assets $ 5,012,656             $ 4,902,783          
                           
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY                      
    Liabilities                      
    Interest-bearing deposits:                      
    Interest-bearing demand $ 1,112,198     $ 4,148   0.50 %   $ 1,204,937     $ 1,902   0.21 %
    Money market   800,693       14,193   2.37       664,036       4,467   0.90  
    Savings   592,134       1,232   0.28       678,495       616   0.12  
    Time   744,349       20,744   3.72       441,760       6,011   1.82  
    Brokered   50,046       2,058   5.49       22,987       912   5.30  
    Total interest-bearing deposits   3,299,420       42,375   1.72       3,012,215       13,908   0.62  
    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase   30,769       415   1.80       35,844       107   0.40  
    Borrowings   13,387       365   3.64       148,443       5,594   5.04  
    Subordinated notes   39,504       1,409   4.76       39,424       1,409   4.78  
    Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts   52,812       2,889   7.31       51,054       2,582   6.76  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   3,435,892     $ 47,453   1.84 %     3,286,980     $ 23,600   0.96 %
    Noninterest-bearing deposits   1,031,239               1,123,917          
    Noninterest-bearing liabilities   38,943               46,310          
    Total liabilities   4,506,074               4,457,207          
    Stockholders’ Equity   506,582               445,576          
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 5,012,656               4,902,783          
                           
    Net interest income/Net interest margin (1)     $ 141,449   3.96 %       $ 143,988   4.14 %
    Tax-equivalent adjustment (2)       1,680   0.05           2,092   0.06  
    Net interest income (tax-equivalent basis)/
    Net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis) (2) (3)
        $ 143,129   4.01 %       $ 146,080   4.20 %
    Net interest rate spread (4)         3.45 %           3.86 %
    Net interest-earning assets (5) $ 1,337,586             $ 1,363,013          
    Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities   1.39               1.41          
    Cost of total deposits         1.31 %           0.45 %
    Cost of funds         1.42             0.72  
                               
    *   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) September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
               
    NONPERFORMING ASSETS          
    Nonaccrual $ 8,200     $ 8,425     $ 6,678  
    Past due 90 days or more, still accruing   5       7       —  
    Total nonperforming loans   8,205       8,432       6,678  
    Foreclosed assets   376       320       1,519  
    Total nonperforming assets $ 8,581     $ 8,752     $ 8,197  
               
    Nonperforming loans that are wholly or partially guaranteed by the U.S. Government $ 2,046     $ 2,132     $ 1,968  
               
    Allowance for credit losses $ 40,966     $ 40,806     $ 38,863  
    Loans, before allowance for credit losses   3,369,830       3,385,483       3,342,786  
               
    CREDIT QUALITY RATIOS          
    Allowance for credit losses to loans, before allowance for credit losses   1.22 %     1.21 %     1.16 %
    Allowance for credit losses to nonaccrual loans   499.59       484.34       581.96  
    Allowance for credit losses to nonperforming loans   499.28       483.94       581.96  
    Nonaccrual loans to loans, before allowance for credit losses   0.24       0.25       0.20  
    Nonperforming loans to loans, before allowance for credit losses   0.24       0.25       0.20  
    Nonperforming assets to total assets   0.17       0.17       0.16  
    Nonperforming assets to loans, before allowance for credit losses, and foreclosed assets   0.25       0.26       0.25  
                           
    HBT Financial, Inc.
    Unaudited Consolidated Financial Summary
     
      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
    (dollars in thousands) September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
        2024       2023  
                       
    ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES                  
    Beginning balance $ 40,806     $ 40,815     $ 37,814     $ 40,048     $ 25,333  
    Adoption of ASC 326   —       —       —       —       6,983  
    PCD allowance established in acquisition   —       —       —       —       1,247  
    Provision for credit losses   746       677       983       1,983       5,004  
    Charge-offs   (1,101 )     (870 )     (412 )     (2,198 )     (733 )
    Recoveries   515       184       478       1,133       1,029  
    Ending balance $ 40,966     $ 40,806     $ 38,863     $ 40,966     $ 38,863  
                       
    Net charge-offs (recoveries) $ 586     $ 686     $ (66 )   $ 1,065     $ (296 )
    Average loans   3,379,299       3,374,058       3,296,703       3,374,875       3,183,641  
                       
    Net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans *   0.07 %     0.08 %     (0.01) %     0.04 %     (0.01) %
                                   
    *   Annualized measure.                              
                                   
      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
    (dollars in thousands) September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
        2024     2023  
                       
    PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES                  
    Loans (1) $ 746     $ 677   $ 983     $ 1,983   $ 5,004  
    Unfunded lending-related commitments (1)   (143 )     499     297       323     1,456  
    Debt securities   —       —     (800 )     —     —  
    Total provision for credit losses $ 603     $ 1,176   $ 480     $ 2,306   $ 6,460  
                                       
    (1)   Includes recognition of an allowance for credit losses on non-PCD loans of $5.2 million and an allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments of $0.7 million in connection with the Town and Country merger during the first quarter of 2023.
                                       
    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures –
    Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Return on Average Assets
        Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
    (dollars in thousands)   September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
        2024       2023  
                         
    Net income   $ 18,180     $ 18,070     $ 19,715     $ 51,508     $ 47,396  
    Adjustments:                    
    Acquisition expenses (1)     —       —       —       —       (13,691 )
    Gains (losses) on closed branch premises     —       —       —       (635 )     75  
    Realized gains (losses) on sales of securities     —       —       (813 )     (3,382 )     (1,820 )
    Mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment     (1,488 )     (97 )     23       (1,505 )     (460 )
    Total adjustments     (1,488 )     (97 )     (790 )     (5,522 )     (15,896 )
    Tax effect of adjustments (2)     424       28       226       1,574       4,382  
    Total adjustments after tax effect     (1,064 )     (69 )     (564 )     (3,948 )     (11,514 )
    Adjusted net income   $ 19,244     $ 18,139     $ 20,279     $ 55,456     $ 58,910  
                         
    Average assets   $ 5,006,721     $ 5,027,847     $ 4,964,832     $ 5,012,656     $ 4,902,783  
                         
    Return on average assets *     1.44 %     1.45 %     1.58 %     1.37 %     1.29 %
    Adjusted return on average assets *     1.53       1.45       1.62       1.48       1.61  
                                             
    *   Annualized measure.
    (1)   Includes recognition of an allowance for credit losses on non-PCD loans of $5.2 million and an allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments of $0.7 million in connection with the Town and Country merger during the first quarter of 2023.
    (2)   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   Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
    (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)   September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
        2024     2023  
                         
    Numerator:                    
    Net income   $ 18,180   $ 18,070   $ 19,715     $ 51,508   $ 47,396  
    Earnings allocated to participating securities (1)     —     —     (10 )     —     (26 )
    Numerator for earnings per share – basic and diluted   $ 18,180   $ 18,070   $ 19,705     $ 51,508   $ 47,370  
                         
    Adjusted net income   $ 19,244   $ 18,139   $ 20,279     $ 55,456   $ 58,910  
    Earnings allocated to participating securities (1)     —     —     (10 )     —     (33 )
    Numerator for adjusted earnings per share – basic and diluted   $ 19,244   $ 18,139   $ 20,269     $ 55,456   $ 58,877  
                         
    Denominator:                    
    Weighted average common shares outstanding     31,559,366     31,579,457     31,829,250       31,600,442     31,598,650  
    Dilutive effect of outstanding restricted stock units     118,180     87,354     137,187       115,266     102,574  
    Weighted average common shares outstanding, including all dilutive potential shares     31,677,546     31,666,811     31,966,437       31,715,708     31,701,224  
                         
    Earnings per share – Basic   $ 0.58   $ 0.57   $ 0.62     $ 1.63   $ 1.50  
    Earnings per share – Diluted   $ 0.57   $ 0.57   $ 0.62     $ 1.62   $ 1.49  
                         
    Adjusted earnings per share – Basic   $ 0.61   $ 0.57   $ 0.64     $ 1.75   $ 1.86  
    Adjusted earnings per share – Diluted   $ 0.61   $ 0.57   $ 0.63     $ 1.75   $ 1.86  
                                       
    (1)    The Company previously granted restricted stock units that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividend equivalents, which were considered participating securities. Prior to 2024, these restricted stock units were included in the calculation of basic earnings per share using the two-class method. The two-class method of computing earnings per share is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for each class of common stock and participating security according to dividends declared (or accumulated) and participation rights in undistributed earnings.
     
    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures –
    Net Interest Income (Tax-equivalent Basis) and Net Interest Margin (Tax-equivalent Basis)
        Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
    (dollars in thousands)   September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
        2024       2023  
                         
    Net interest income (tax-equivalent basis)                    
    Net interest income   $ 47,733     $ 47,028     $ 48,279     $ 141,449     $ 143,988  
    Tax-equivalent adjustment (1)     552       553       675       1,680       2,092  
    Net interest income (tax-equivalent basis) (1)   $ 48,285     $ 47,581     $ 48,954     $ 143,129     $ 146,080  
                         
    Net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis)                    
    Net interest margin *     3.98 %     3.95 %     4.07 %     3.96 %     4.14 %
    Tax-equivalent adjustment * (1)     0.05       0.05       0.06       0.05       0.06  
    Net interest margin (tax-equivalent basis) * (1)     4.03 %     4.00 %     4.13 %     4.01 %     4.20 %
                         
    Average interest-earning assets   $ 4,769,471     $ 4,785,558     $ 4,708,331     $ 4,773,478     $ 4,649,993  
                                             
    *   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)
        Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
    (dollars in thousands)   September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
        2024       2023  
                         
    Efficiency ratio (tax-equivalent basis)                    
    Total noninterest expense   $ 31,322     $ 30,509     $ 30,671     $ 93,099     $ 100,577  
    Less: amortization of intangible assets     710       710       720       2,130       1,950  
    Noninterest expense excluding amortization of intangible assets   $ 30,612     $ 29,799     $ 29,951     $ 90,969     $ 98,627  
                         
    Net interest income   $ 47,733     $ 47,028     $ 48,279     $ 141,449     $ 143,988  
    Total noninterest income     8,705       9,610       9,490       23,941       26,841  
    Operating revenue     56,438       56,638       57,769       165,390       170,829  
    Tax-equivalent adjustment (1)     552       553       675       1,680       2,092  
    Operating revenue (tax-equivalent basis) (1)   $ 56,990     $ 57,191     $ 58,444     $ 167,070     $ 172,921  
                         
    Efficiency ratio     54.24 %     52.61 %     51.85 %     55.00 %     57.73 %
    Efficiency ratio (tax-equivalent basis) (1)     53.71       52.10       51.25       54.45       57.04  
                                             
    (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)   September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
                 
    Tangible Common Equity            
    Total stockholders’ equity   $ 537,662     $ 509,469     $ 456,251  
    Less: Goodwill     59,820       59,820       59,820  
    Less: Intangible assets, net     18,552       19,262       21,402  
    Tangible common equity   $ 459,290     $ 430,387     $ 375,029  
                 
    Tangible Assets            
    Total assets   $ 4,990,728     $ 5,006,199     $ 4,991,768  
    Less: Goodwill     59,820       59,820       59,820  
    Less: Intangible assets, net     18,552       19,262       21,402  
    Tangible assets   $ 4,912,356     $ 4,927,117     $ 4,910,546  
                 
    Total stockholders’ equity to total assets     10.77 %     10.18 %     9.14 %
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets     9.35       8.74       7.64  
                 
    Shares of common stock outstanding     31,559,366       31,559,366       31,774,140  
                 
    Book value per share   $ 17.04     $ 16.14     $ 14.36  
    Tangible book value per share     14.55       13.64       11.80  
                             
    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   Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
    (dollars in thousands)   September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
        2024       2023  
                         
    Average Tangible Common Equity                    
    Total stockholders’ equity   $ 523,745     $ 501,837     $ 459,601     $ 506,582     $ 445,576  
    Less: Goodwill     59,820       59,820       59,875       59,820       56,406  
    Less: Intangible assets, net     18,892       19,605       21,793       19,607       20,005  
    Average tangible common equity   $ 445,033     $ 422,412     $ 377,933     $ 427,155     $ 369,165  
                         
    Net income   $ 18,180     $ 18,070     $ 19,715     $ 51,508     $ 47,396  
    Adjusted net income     19,244       18,139       20,279       55,456       58,910  
                         
    Return on average stockholders’ equity *     13.81 %     14.48 %     17.02 %     13.58 %     14.22 %
    Return on average tangible common equity *     16.25       17.21       20.70       16.11       17.17  
                         
    Adjusted return on average stockholders’ equity *     14.62 %     14.54 %     17.51 %     14.62 %     17.68 %
    Adjusted return on average tangible common equity *     17.20       17.27       21.29       17.34       21.34  
                                             
    *   Annualized measure.
     

    The MIL Network –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Preferred Bank Reports Third Quarter Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES, Oct. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Preferred Bank (NASDAQ: PFBC), one of the larger independent California banks, today reported results for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. Preferred Bank (“the Bank”) reported net income of $33.4 million or $2.46 per diluted share for the third quarter of 2024. This represents a slight decrease in net income of $209,000 from the prior quarter and down by $4.8 million from the same quarter last year. The decrease in net income from the prior year was due to a decrease in net interest income of $4.1 million due to higher deposit costs as well as an increase in noninterest expense of $3.1 million. These were partially offset by lower provision for credit losses and an increase in noninterest income. The decrease from the prior quarter was due to an increase in noninterest expense of $2.4 million, an increase in the provision for credit losses of $700,000 partially offset by an increase in net interest income of $2.7 million. Preferred Bank continues to deliver top-of-peer group profitability metrics and long term shareholder returns.

    Highlights for the Quarter:

    • Return on average assets was 1.95%
    • Return on beginning equity of 18.37%
    • Net interest margin (NIM) expanded to 4.10%
    • Total loans increased by $143 million or 2.6% for the quarter
    • Efficiency ratio was 30.6%

    Li Yu, Chairman and CEO, commented, “I am pleased to report our third quarter 2024 net income was $33.4 million or $2.46 a share. Highlights of the quarter include the successful reduction of $21.2 million in non-performing loans, with no charge-offs. Interest recovery related to this was $800,000. Criticized loans, however, have increased but we believe it may be temporary in nature. Separately, the OREO property is currently in escrow, scheduled to close later this month. The valuation allowance we recorded of $1.7 million is included in the quarter’s non-interest expense.

    Loan demand was strong this quarter. We had a net increase of $143 million, or 2.6% on a linked quarter basis. The September’s rate cut seems to have spurred borrower interest in general. Deposits for the quarter had a very small decrease, as we have been careful in monitoring our deposit costs.

    At September 30, 2024, Preferred Bank’s loan portfolio was 26% fixed rate loans and 74% floating rate loans with floor rates for most of them. We believe it is well-balanced with the sensitivity of our deposits. However, the time certificates of deposits do have a cost adjustment pattern of slower reduction in the beginning but increasing gradually.”

    Results of Operations

    Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin. Net interest income before provision for credit losses was $68.8 million for the third quarter of 2024. This was a decrease from the $73.0 million recorded in the same quarter last year and an increase over the $66.1 million posted in the second quarter of 2024. A higher cost of deposits was to blame for the decrease in net interest income versus the prior year and a curing of a nonaccrual loan in the third quarter of 2024 was the reason for the increase in net interest income over the second quarter of 2024. A loan that was placed into nonaccrual status in the second quarter of 2024 was paid down significantly and the interest was brought current in the third quarter of 2024. This interest recovery of $800,000 helped to increase the Bank’s net interest margin to 4.10% for the quarter from 3.96% in the prior quarter. This compares to a margin of 4.39% one year ago. Also very importantly, the Bank’s total interest expense decreased for the first time since the first quarter of 2022. This was the result of the Bank’s efforts to replace higher cost brokered MMDA accounts with traditional brokered CD’s which carry a lower coupon. This is why, during this quarter, there is a fairly sizeable decrease in money market accounts and a corresponding increase in certificates of deposit.

    Noninterest Income. For the third quarter of 2024, noninterest income was $3.5 million compared with $3.0 million for the same quarter last year and compared to $3.4 million for the second quarter of 2024. The increase over the prior quarter was primarily due to letter of credit (LC) fees which increased by $210,000 and other income partially offset by a decrease in gains on sales of SBA loans of $263,000. In comparing to the same quarter last year; LC fee income was up by $547,000 partially offset by a decrease in service charges of $192,000.

    Noninterest Expense. Total noninterest expense was $22.1 million for the third quarter of 2024 compared to $19.7 million for the second quarter of 2024 and compared to the $19.0 million recorded in the same period last year. The primary reason for the increase from the prior year and over the prior quarter was the $1.7 million valuation allowance recorded this quarter on the Bank’s other real estate owned (OREO) property. In comparing to the prior quarter; personnel expense increased by $581,000 and occupancy expense increased by $167,000. This was partially offset by a decrease in promotion expense of $162,000. In comparing to same quarter last year; personnel expense was up by $517,000, occupancy expense was up by $320,000 and professional services was up by $393,000. The increase in professional services expense was due to increased legal costs which were associated with a number of nonperforming loans. For the quarter ended September 30, 2024, the Bank’s efficiency ratio was 30.6%, higher than the 28.3% posted last quarter and higher than the 25.04% posted this quarter last year.

    Income Taxes. The Bank recorded a provision for income taxes of $13.6 million for the third quarter of 2024. This represents an effective tax rate (“ETR”) of 29.0% which is identical to the ETR for last quarter and up from the 28.5% ETR recorded in the same period last year. The Bank’s ETR will fluctuate slightly from quarter to quarter within a fairly small range due to the timing of taxable events throughout the year.

    Balance Sheet Summary

    Total gross loans at September 30, 2024 were $5.57 billion, an increase of $298.1 million from the total of $5.27 billion as of December 31, 2023. Total deposits decreased during the quarter by $11 million but still increased year-to-date to $5.87 billion, up $158.4 million from the $5.71 billion as of December 31, 2023. Total assets were $6.87 billion, an increase of $213.3 million over the total of $6.66 billion as of December 31, 2023.

    Asset Quality

    Non-accrual loans as of September 30, 2024, was $19.4 million, a decrease of $21.2 million from $40.6 million on June 30, 2024. There were no charge-offs related to the reduction. Interest recoveries were $800,000 for this quarter

    The increase in total criticized loans of $161.2 for the quarter was largely due to the downgrade of a relationship with seven real estate related loans. These seven loans totaling $182.1 were secured by retail or multifamily properties that have late payment irregularities. At September 30, 2024, four of the seven loans totaling $86.5 million have been brought current and are expected to be out of criticized status in the fourth quarter. The three loans that have not been brought to current have a combined weighted average LTV of 64% and DCR of 0.98. All these loans have adequate guarantor support. Combined amount outstanding for these three loans is $95.6 million.

    Allowance for Credit Losses

    The provision for credit losses for the third quarter of 2024 was $3.2 million compared to $2.5 million last quarter and compared to $3.5 million in the same quarter last year. The Bank’s allowance coverage ratio increased to 1.36% of loans as compared to 1.34% in the prior quarter.

    Capitalization

    As of September 30, 2024, the Bank’s leverage ratio was 11.28%, the common equity tier 1 capital ratio was 11.66% and the total capital ratio stood at 15.06%. As of December 31, 2023, the Bank’s leverage ratio was 10.85%, the common equity tier 1 ratio was 11.57% and the total capital ratio was 15.18%.

    Conference Call and Webcast

    A conference call with simultaneous webcast to discuss Preferred Bank’s third quarter 2024 financial results will be held this afternoon, October 21, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern / 11:00 a.m. Pacific. Interested participants and investors may access the conference call by dialing 844-826-3037 (domestic) or 412-317-5182 (international) and referencing “Preferred Bank.” There will also be a live webcast of the call available at the Investor Relations section of Preferred Bank’s website at http://www.preferredbank.com.

    Preferred Bank’s Chairman and CEO Li Yu, President and Chief Operating Officer Wellington Chen, Chief Financial Officer Edward J. Czajka, Chief Credit Officer Nick Pi and Deputy Chief Operating Officer Johnny Hsu will discuss Preferred Bank’s financial results, business highlights and outlook. After the live webcast, a replay will be available at the Investor Relations section of Preferred Bank’s website. A replay of the call will also be available at 877-344-7529 (domestic) or 412-317-0088 (international) through November 4, 2024; the passcode is 7955778.

    About Preferred Bank

    Preferred Bank is one of the larger independent commercial banks headquartered in California. The Bank is chartered by the State of California, and its deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC, to the maximum extent permitted by law. The Bank conducts its banking business from its main office in Los Angeles, California, and through twelve full-service branch banking offices in California (Alhambra, Century City, City of Industry, Torrance, Arcadia, Irvine (2), Diamond Bar, Pico Rivera, Tarzana and San Francisco (2)), one branch in Flushing, New York and a branch office in the Houston, Texas suburb of Sugar Land. In addition, the Bank also operates a loan production office in Sunnyvale, California. Preferred Bank offers a broad range of deposit and loan products and services to both commercial and consumer customers. The Bank provides personalized deposit services as well as real estate finance, commercial loans and trade finance to small and mid-sized businesses, entrepreneurs, real estate developers, professionals and high net worth individuals. Although originally founded as a Chinese-American Bank, Preferred Bank now derives most of its customers from the diversified mainstream market but does continue to benefit from the significant migration to California of ethnic Chinese from China and other areas of East Asia.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the Bank’s future financial and operating results, the Bank’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements that are not historical facts. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the Bank’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements: changes in economic conditions; changes in the California real estate market; the loss of senior management and other employees; natural disasters or recurring energy
    shortage; changes in interest rates; competition from other financial services companies; ineffective underwriting practices; inadequate allowance for loan and lease losses to cover actual losses; risks inherent in construction lending; adverse economic conditions in Asia; downturn in international trade; inability to attract deposits; inability to raise additional capital when needed or on favorable terms; inability to manage growth; inadequate communications, information, operating and financial control systems, technology from fourth party service providers; the U.S. government’s monetary policies; government regulation; environmental liability with respect to properties to which the bank takes title; and the threat of terrorism. Additional factors that could cause the Bank’s results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the Bank’s 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation which can be found on Preferred Bank’s website. The forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date of the press release, and the Bank assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. For additional information about Preferred Bank, please visit the Bank’s website at http://www.preferredbank.com.

    AT THE COMPANY:
    Edward J. Czajka
    Executive Vice President
    Chief Financial Officer
    (213) 891-1188
    AT FINANCIAL PROFILES:
    Jeffrey Haas
    General Information
    (310) 622-8240
    PFBC@finprofiles.com
       

    Financial Tables to Follow

    PREFERRED BANK
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
    (unaudited)
    (in thousands, except for net income per share and shares)
                         
                         
              For the Quarter Ended
              September 30,   June 30,   September 30,  
                2024     2024     2023  
    Interest income:              
      Loans, including fees   $ 114,112   $ 109,451   $ 106,695  
      Investment securities     15,032     17,552     18,556  
      Fed funds sold     280     291     278  
        Total interest income     129,424     127,294     125,529  
                         
    Interest expense:              
      Interest-bearing demand     23,211     24,205     20,257  
      Savings     84     79     67  
      Time certificates     35,956     35,578     29,369  
      FHLB borrowings     –     –     1,557  
      Subordinated debt     1,325     1,325     1,325  
        Total interest expense     60,576     61,187     52,575  
        Net interest income     68,848     66,107     72,954  
    Provision for credit losses     3,200     2,500     3,500  
        Net interest income after provision for              
          credit losses     65,648     63,607     69,454  
                         
    Noninterest income:              
      Fees & service charges on deposit accounts     747     819     939  
      Letters of credit fee income     1,959     1,749     1,412  
      BOLI income     108     105     103  
      Net gain on sale of loans     91     353     21  
      Other income     554     378     497  
        Total noninterest income     3,459     3,404     2,972  
                         
    Noninterest expense:              
      Salary and employee benefits     13,525     12,944     13,008  
      Net occupancy expense     1,883     1,716     1,563  
      Business development and promotion expense     241     403     193  
      Professional services     1,816     1,832     1,423  
      Office supplies and equipment expense     435     477     395  
      Loss on sale of OREO, valuation allowance and related expense     1,915     29     140  
      Other       2,274     2,296     2,287  
        Total noninterest expense     22,089     19,697     19,009  
        Income before provision for income taxes     47,018     47,314     53,417  
    Income tax expense     13,635     13,722     15,225  
        Net income   $ 33,383   $ 33,592   $ 38,192  
                         
    Income per share available to common shareholders              
        Basic   $ 2.50   $ 2.51   $ 2.74  
        Diluted   $ 2.46   $ 2.48   $ 2.71  
                         
    Weighted-average common shares outstanding              
        Basic     13,327,848     13,362,522     13,925,994  
        Diluted     13,544,273     13,548,400     14,105,915  
                         
    Cash dividends per common share   $ 0.70   $ 0.70   $ 0.55  
                         
    PREFERRED BANK  
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations  
    (unaudited)  
    (in thousands, except for net income per share and shares)  
                         
                         
              For the Nine Months Ended      
              September 30,   September 30,   Change  
                2024     2023     %  
    Interest income:              
      Loans, including fees   $ 333,543   $ 304,796     9.4  
      Investment securities     48,841     47,454     2.9  
      Fed funds sold     854     774     10.4  
        Total interest income     383,238     353,024     8.6  
                         
    Interest expense:              
      Interest-bearing demand     69,706     53,701     29.8  
      Savings     238     153     55.6  
      Time certificates     105,864     71,399     48.3  
      FHLB borrowings     –     3,819     -100.0 %
      Subordinated debt     3,975     3,975     0.0  
        Total interest expense     179,783     133,046     35.1  
        Net interest income     203,455     219,978     -7.5 %
    Provision for credit losses     10,100     6,500     55.4  
        Net interest income after provision for credit losses     193,355     213,478     -9.4 %
                         
    Noninterest income:              
      Fees & service charges on deposit accounts     2,411     2,477     -2.7 %
      Letters of credit fee income     5,211     4,312     20.8 %
      BOLI income     318     307     3.3 %
      Net loss on called and sale of investment securities     –     (4,117 )   -100.0 %
      Net gain on sale of loans     547     547     -0.1 %
      Other income     1,441     1,481     -2.7 %
        Total noninterest income     9,928     5,007     98.3 %
                         
    Noninterest expense:              
      Salary and employee benefits     40,369     39,256     2.8 %
      Net occupancy expense     5,310     4,513     17.7 %
      Business development and promotion expense     910     498     82.7 %
      Professional services     5,105     3,915     30.4 %
      Office supplies and equipment expense     1,385     1,197     15.7 %
      Loss on sale of OREO, valuation allowance and related expense     2,079     3,050     -31.8 %
      Other       6,656     6,332     5.1 %
        Total noninterest expense     61,814     58,761     5.2 %
        Income before provision for income taxes     141,469     159,724     -11.4 %
    Income tax expense     41,028     45,523     -9.9 %
        Net income   $ 100,441   $ 114,201     -12.0 %
                         
    Income per share available to common shareholders              
        Basic   $ 7.50   $ 8.01     -6.4 %
        Diluted   $ 7.39   $ 7.92     -6.7 %
                         
    Weighted-average common shares outstanding              
        Basic     13,399,487     14,257,005     -6.0 %
        Diluted     13,587,820     14,418,939     -5.8 %
                         
    Dividends per share   $ 2.10   $ 1.65     27.3 %
                         
    PREFERRED BANK
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
    (unaudited)
    (in thousands)
                   
                   
            September 30,   December 31,  
              2024       2023    
            (Unaudited)   (Audited)  
    Assets        
    Cash and due from banks $ 782,394     $ 890,852    
    Fed funds sold   22,600       20,000    
      Cash and cash equivalents   804,994       910,852    
                   
    Securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost   20,311       21,171    
    Securities available-for-sale, at fair value   337,363       313,842    
                   
    Loans held for sale, at lower of cost or fair value   225       360    
                   
    Loans   5,571,579       5,273,498    
      Less allowance for credit losses   (76,051 )     (78,355 )  
      Less amortized deferred loan fees, net   (10,414 )     (11,079 )  
      Loans, net   5,485,114       5,184,064    
                   
    Other real estate owned and repossessed assets   15,082       16,716    
    Customers’ liability on acceptances   –       315    
    Bank furniture and fixtures, net   9,195       9,694    
    Bank-owned life insurance   10,364       10,632    
    Accrued interest receivable   35,562       33,892    
    Investment in affordable housing partnerships   58,009       65,276    
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost   15,000       15,000    
    Deferred tax assets   46,209       48,991    
    Income tax receivable   1,013       2,391    
    Operating lease right-of-use assets   30,489       22,050    
    Other assets   3,414       4,030    
      Total assets $ 6,872,344     $ 6,659,276    
                   
    Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity        
    Deposits:        
      Noninterest bearing demand deposits $ 682,859     $ 786,995    
      Interest bearing deposits:   1,994,288       2,075,156    
        Savings   29,793       29,167    
        Time certificates of $250,000 or more   1,478,500       1,317,862    
        Other time certificates   1,682,324       1,500,162    
        Total deposits   5,867,764       5,709,342    
                   
    Acceptances outstanding   –       315    
    Subordinated debt issuance, net   148,410       148,232    
    Commitments to fund investment in affordable housing partnerships   23,617       30,824    
    Operating lease liabilities   26,730       19,766    
    Accrued interest payable   16,001       16,124    
    Other liabilities   39,705       39,568    
      Total liabilities   6,122,227       5,964,171    
                   
    Shareholders’ equity   750,117       695,105    
      Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 6,872,344     $ 6,659,276    
                   
    Book value per common share $ 56.54     $ 50.54    
    Number of common shares outstanding   13,267,852       13,753,246    
    PREFERRED BANK
    Selected Consolidated Financial Information
    (unaudited)
    (in thousands, except for ratios)
                     
                     
                     
            For the Quarter Ended
                     
            September 30, June 30, March 31, December 31, September 30,
              2024     2024     2024     2023     2023  
    Unaudited historical quarterly operations data:          
      Interest income $ 129,424   $ 127,294   $ 126,520   $ 124,964   $ 125,529  
      Interest expense   60,576     61,187     58,020     55,568     52,575  
        Interest income before provision for credit losses   68,848     66,107     68,500     69,396     72,954  
      Provision for credit losses   3,200     2,500     4,400     3,500     3,500  
      Noninterest income   3,459     3,404     3,065     2,106     2,972  
      Noninterest expense   22,089     19,697     20,028     17,873     19,009  
      Income tax expense   13,635     13,722     13,671     14,290     15,225  
        Net income $ 33,383   $ 33,592   $ 33,466   $ 35,839   $ 38,192  
                     
      Earnings per share          
        Basic $ 2.50   $ 2.51   $ 2.48   $ 2.63   $ 2.74  
        Diluted $ 2.46   $ 2.48   $ 2.44   $ 2.60   $ 2.71  
                     
    Ratios for the period:          
      Return on average assets   1.95 %   1.97 %   2.00 %   2.15 %   2.25 %
      Return on beginning equity   18.37 %   19.44 %   19.36 %   21.21 %   22.66 %
      Net interest margin (Fully-taxable equivalent)   4.10 %   3.96 %   4.19 %   4.24 %   4.39 %
      Noninterest expense to average assets   1.29 %   1.15 %   1.20 %   1.07 %   1.12 %
      Efficiency ratio   30.55 %   28.34 %   27.99 %   25.00 %   25.04 %
      Net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans (annualized)   -0.00 %   0.68 %   0.26 %   -0.00 %   0.01 %
                     
    Ratios as of period end:          
      Tangible common equity ratio   10.92 %   10.55 %   10.35 %   10.43 %   10.10 %
      Tier 1 leverage capital ratio   11.28 %   10.89 %   10.80 %   10.85 %   10.46 %
      Common equity tier 1 risk-based capital ratio   11.66 %   11.52 %   11.50 %   11.57 %   11.63 %
      Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio   11.66 %   11.52 %   11.50 %   11.57 %   11.63 %
      Total risk-based capital ratio   15.06 %   14.93 %   15.08 %   15.18 %   15.32 %
      Allowances for credit losses to loans at end of period   1.36 %   1.34 %   1.49 %   1.49 %   1.46 %
      Allowance for credit losses to non-performing loans 3.92x 1.79x 4.33x 2.73x 3.86x
                     
    Average balances:          
      Total securities $ 356,590   $ 353,357   $ 348,961   $ 349,863   $ 368,968  
      Total loans   5,458,613     5,320,360     5,263,562     5,126,918     5,086,241  
      Total earning assets   6,684,766     6,728,498     6,585,853     6,499,469     6,597,557  
      Total assets   6,817,979     6,863,829     6,718,018     6,627,349     6,719,859  
      Total time certificate of deposits   2,874,985     2,884,259     2,852,860     2,767,385     2,680,854  
      Total interest bearing deposits   5,124,245     5,203,034     5,004,834     4,906,947     4,800,227  
      Total deposits   5,828,227     5,901,976     5,761,488     5,689,713     5,654,350  
      Total interest bearing liabilities   5,272,617     5,351,347     5,153,089     5,055,143     5,069,014  
      Total equity   747,222     715,190     704,996     683,141     678,020  
                     
    PREFERRED BANK  
    Selected Consolidated Financial Information  
    (unaudited)  
    (in thousands, except for ratios)  
                   
                   
                   
            For the Nine Months Ended  
            September 30,   September 30,  
              2024       2023    
                   
      Interest income $ 383,238     $ 353,024    
      Interest expense   179,783       133,046    
        Interest income before provision for credit losses   203,455       219,978    
      Provision for credit losses   10,100       6,500    
      Noninterest income   9,928       5,007    
      Noninterest expense   61,814       58,761    
      Income tax expense   41,028       45,523    
        Net income $ 100,441     $ 114,201    
                   
      Earnings per share        
        Basic $ 7.50     $ 8.01    
        Diluted $ 7.39     $ 7.92    
                   
    Ratios for the period:        
      Return on average assets   1.97 %     2.33 %  
      Return on beginning equity   19.30 %     24.22 %  
      Net interest margin (Fully-taxable equivalent)   4.08 %     4.58 %  
      Noninterest expense to average assets   1.21 %     1.20 %  
      Efficiency ratio   28.97 %     26.12 %  
      Net charge-off (recoveries) to average loans   0.31 %     0.00 %  
                   
    Average balances:        
      Total securities $ 352,982     $ 402,971    
      Total loans   5,347,918       5,048,452    
      Total earning assets   6,666,439       5,047,971    
      Total assets   6,800,008       6,436,889    
      Total time certificate of deposits   2,870,717       6,560,955    
      Total interest bearing deposits   5,110,755       2,504,426    
      Total deposits   5,830,555       4,602,039    
      Total interest bearing liabilities   5,259,068       5,539,223    
      Total equity   722,560       4,851,214    
                   
    PREFERRED BANK
    Selected Consolidated Financial Information
    (unaudited)
    (in thousands, except for ratios)
                             
                             
                             
            As of
                             
            September 30,   June 30,   March 31,   December 31,   September 30,
              2024       2024       2024       2023       2023  
    Unaudited quarterly statement of financial position data:                  
    Assets:                  
      Cash and cash equivalents $ 804,994     $ 917,677     $ 936,600     $ 910,852     $ 1,021,108  
      Securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost   20,311       20,605       20,904       21,171       21,474  
      Securities available-for-sale, at fair value   337,363       331,909       333,411       313,842       335,608  
      Loans:                  
        Real estate – Mortgage:                  
          Real estate—Residential $ 753,453     $ 732,251     $ 724,101     $ 688,058     $ 663,021  
          Real estate—Commercial   2,882,506       2,833,430       2,777,608       2,760,761       2,688,148  
          Total Real Estate – Mortgage   3,635,959       3,565,681       3,501,709       3,448,819       3,351,169  
        Real estate – Construction:                  
          R/E Construction — Residential   274,214       238,062       236,596       246,201       226,482  
          R/E Construction — Commercial   290,308       247,582       213,727       179,775       164,666  
          Total real estate construction loans   564,522       485,644       450,323       425,976       391,148  
        Commercial and industrial   1,365,550       1,369,617       1,369,529       1,394,871       1,377,675  
        SBA   5,649       5,463       3,914       3,469       2,424  
        Consumer and others   124       118       379       363       285  
          Gross loans   5,571,804       5,428,600       5,325,854       5,273,498       5,128,242  
      Allowance for credit losses on loans   (76,051 )     (72,848 )     (79,311 )     (78,355 )     (74,849 )
      Net deferred loan fees   (10,414 )     (10,502 )     (10,460 )     (11,079 )     (10,240 )
        Net loans, excluding loans held for sale $ 5,485,339     $ 5,345,250     $ 5,236,083     $ 5,184,064     $ 5,043,153  
      Loans held for sale $ 225     $ 955     $ 605     $ 360     $ –  
        Net loans $ 5,485,564     $ 5,346,205     $ 5,236,688     $ 5,184,424     $ 5,043,153  
                             
      Other real estate owned and repossessed assets $ 15,082     $ 16,716     $ 16,716     $ 16,716     $ 16,716  
      Investment in affordable housing partnerships   58,009       60,432       62,854       65,276       54,679  
      Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost   15,000       15,000       15,000       15,000       15,000  
      Other assets   136,021       138,036       134,040       131,995       124,793  
        Total assets $ 6,872,344     $ 6,846,580     $ 6,756,213     $ 6,659,276     $ 6,632,530  
                             
    Liabilities:                  
      Deposits:                  
        Demand $ 682,859     $ 675,767     $ 709,767     $ 786,995     $ 838,300  
        Interest bearing demand   1,994,288       2,326,214       2,159,948       2,075,156       2,091,384  
        Savings   29,793       28,251       29,261       29,167       30,427  
        Time certificates of $250,000 or more   1,478,500       1,406,149       1,349,927       1,317,862       1,283,461  
        Other time certificates   1,682,324       1,442,381       1,552,805       1,500,162       1,439,699  
        Total deposits $ 5,867,764     $ 5,878,762     $ 5,801,708     $ 5,709,342     $ 5,683,271  
                             
      Acceptances outstanding $ –     $ –     $ –     $ 315     $ 103  
      Subordinated debt issuance, net   148,410       148,351       148,292       148,232       148,173  
      Commitments to fund investment in affordable housing partnerships       23,617       27,946       29,647       30,824       20,824  
      Other liabilities   82,436       68,394       77,008       75,458       109,651  
        Total liabilities $ 6,122,227     $ 6,123,453     $ 6,056,655     $ 5,964,171     $ 5,962,022  
                             
    Equity:                    
      Net common stock, no par value $ 109,928     $ 113,509     $ 115,915     $ 134,534     $ 143,584  
      Retained earnings   664,808       640,675       616,417       592,325       566,027  
      Accumulated other comprehensive income   (24,619 )     (31,057 )     (32,774 )     (31,754 )     (39,103 )
        Total shareholders’ equity $ 750,117     $ 723,127     $ 699,558     $ 695,105     $ 670,508  
        Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 6,872,344     $ 6,846,580     $ 6,756,213     $ 6,659,276     $ 6,632,530  
                             
    PREFERRED BANK
    Quarter-to-Date Average Balances, Yield and Rates
    (Unaudited)
                               
                           
          Three months ended September 30,   Three months ended June 30,   Three months ended September 30,
            2024       2024       2023  
            Interest Average     Interest Average     Interest Average
          Average Income or Yield/   Average Income or Yield/   Average Income or Yield/
          Balance Expense Rate   Balance Expense Rate   Balance Expense Rate
    ASSETS (Dollars in thousands)
    Interest earning assets:                      
      Loans (1,2) $ 5,459,842   $ 114,112 8.31 %   $ 5,324,410   $ 109,451 8.27 %   $ 5,086,302   $ 106,695 8.32 %
      Investment securities (3)   356,590     3,610 4.03 %     353,357     3,652 4.16 %     368,968     3,422 3.68 %
      Federal funds sold   20,164     280 5.52 %     20,866     291 5.61 %     20,111     278 5.48 %
      Other earning assets   848,170     11,521 5.40 %     1,029,865     13,999 5.47 %     1,122,176     15,235 5.39 %
        Total interest earning assets   6,684,766     129,523 7.71 %     6,728,498     127,393 7.61 %     6,597,557     125,630 7.55 %
      Deferred loan fees, net   (10,248 )         (10,459 )         (10,071 )    
      Allowance for credit losses on loans   (72,899 )         (79,119 )         (71,503 )    
    Noninterest earning assets:                      
      Cash and due from banks   10,826           10,626           12,101      
      Bank furniture and fixtures   9,419           9,787           8,814      
      Right of use assets   22,496           22,886           21,491      
      Other assets   173,619           181,610           161,470      
        Total assets $ 6,817,979         $ 6,863,829         $ 6,719,859      
                               
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                      
    Interest bearing liabilities:                      
      Deposits:                      
        Interest bearing demand and savings $ 2,249,260   $ 23,295 4.12 %   $ 2,318,775   $ 24,284 4.21 %   $ 2,119,373   $ 20,324 3.80 %
        TCD $250K or more   1,412,073     17,866 5.03 %     1,379,116     17,295 5.04 %     1,251,397     14,085 4.47 %
        Other time certificates   1,462,912     18,090 4.92 %     1,505,143     18,283 4.89 %     1,429,457     15,284 4.24 %
        Total interest bearing deposits   5,124,245     59,251 4.60 %     5,203,034     59,862 4.63 %     4,800,227     49,693 4.11 %
    Advance from Federal Home Loan Bank   –     – 0.00 %     –     – 0.00 %     120,652     1,557 5.12 %
    Subordinated debt, net   148,372     1,325 3.55 %     148,313     1,325 3.59 %     148,135     1,325 3.55 %
        Total interest bearing liabilities   5,272,617     60,576 4.57 %     5,351,347     61,187 4.60 %     5,069,014     52,575 4.11 %
    Noninterest bearing liabilities:                      
      Demand deposits   703,982           698,942           854,123      
      Lease liability   18,882           19,828           19,759      
      Other liabilities   75,276           78,522           98,943      
        Total liabilities   6,070,757           6,148,639           6,041,839      
    Shareholders’ equity   747,222           715,190           678,020      
        Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 6,817,979         $ 6,863,829         $ 6,719,859      
    Net interest income   $ 68,947       $ 66,206       $ 73,055  
    Net interest spread     3.14 %       3.02 %       3.44 %
    Net interest margin     4.10 %       3.96 %       4.39 %
                               
    Cost of Deposits:                      
      Noninterest bearing demand deposits $ 703,982         $ 698,942         $ 854,123      
      Interest bearing deposits   5,124,245     59,251 4.60 %     5,203,034     59,862 4.63 %     4,800,227     49,693 4.11 %
        Total Deposits $ 5,828,227   $ 59,251 4.04 %   $ 5,901,976   $ 59,862 4.08 %   $ 5,654,350   $ 49,693 3.49 %
                               
    (1) Includes non-accrual loans and loans held for sale                    
    (2) Net loan fee income of $991,000, $1.1 million and $1.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively, are included in the yield computations
    (3) Yields on securities have been adjusted to a tax-equivalent basis                  
    PREFERRED BANK
    Year-to-Date Average Balances, Yield and Rates
    (Unaudited)
                       
                       
          Nine Months ended September 30,
            2024
          2023  
            Interest Average     Interest Average
          Average Income or Yield/   Average Income or Yield/
          Balance Expense Rate   Balance Expense Rate
    ASSETS (Dollars in thousands)
    Interest earning assets:              
      Loans (1,2) $ 5,350,465   $ 333,543 8.33 %   $ 5,048,452   $ 304,796 8.07 %
      Investment securities (3)   352,982     10,691 4.05 %     402,971     11,125 3.69 %
      Federal funds sold   20,472     854 5.57 %     20,111     774 5.14 %
      Other earning assets   942,520     38,448 5.45 %     965,355     36,633 5.07 %
        Total interest earning assets   6,666,439     383,536 7.68 %     6,436,889     353,328 7.34 %
      Deferred loan fees, net   (10,466 )         (10,142 )    
      Allowance for credit losses on loans   (76,775 )         (69,653 )    
    Noninterest earning assets:              
      Cash and due from banks   10,693           11,912      
      Bank furniture and fixtures   9,762           8,931      
      Right of use assets   22,462           21,780      
      Other assets   177,893           161,238      
        Total assets $ 6,800,008         $ 6,560,955      
                       
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY              
    Interest bearing liabilities:              
      Deposits:              
        Interest bearing demand/ savings $ 2,240,038   $ 69,944 4.17 %   $ 2,097,613   $ 53,854 3.43 %
        TCD $250K or more   1,377,621     51,662 5.01 %     1,258,870     37,600 3.99 %
        Other time certificates   1,493,096     54,202 4.85 %     1,245,556     33,798 3.63 %
        Total interest bearing deposits   5,110,755     175,808 4.59 %     4,602,039     125,252 3.64 %
    Advance from Federal Home Loan Bank   –     – 0.00 %     101,099     3,819 5.05 %
    Subordinated debt, net   148,313     3,975 3.58 %     148,076     3,975 3.59 %
        Total interest bearing liabilities   5,259,068     179,783 4.57 %     4,851,214     133,046 3.67 %
    Noninterest bearing liabilities:              
      Demand deposits   719,800           937,184      
      Lease liability   19,401           20,482      
      Other liabilities   79,179           83,213      
        Total liabilities   6,077,448           5,892,093      
    Shareholders’ equity   722,560           668,862      
        Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 6,800,008         $ 6,560,955      
    Net interest income   $ 203,753       $ 220,282  
    Net interest spread     3.12 %       3.67 %
    Net interest margin     4.08 %       4.58 %
                       
    Cost of Deposits:              
      Noninterest bearing demand deposits $ 719,800         $ 937,184      
      Interest bearing deposits   5,110,755     175,808 4.59 %     4,602,039     125,252 3.64 %
        Total Deposits $ 5,830,555   $ 175,808 4.03 %   $ 5,539,223   $ 125,252 3.02 %
                       
    (1) Includes non-accrual loans and loans held for sale              
    (2) Net loan fee income of $3.4 million and $3.2 million for the year ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, are included in the yield computations
    (3) Yields on securities have been adjusted to a tax-equivalent basis            
    PREFERRED BANK  
    Loan and Credit Quality Information  
                     
    Allowance For Credit Losses History  
              Nine Months Ended Year ended  
              September 30, 2024   December 31, 2023  
              (Dollars in 000’s)  
    Allowance For Credit Losses          
    Balance at Beginning of Period   $ 78,355     $ 68,472    
      Charge-Offs          
        Commercial & Industrial     12,409       124    
        Mini-perm Real Estate     –       –    
        Total Charge-Offs     12,409       124    
                     
      Recoveries          
        Commercial & Industrial     5       7    
        Mini-perm Real Estate     –       –    
        Total Recoveries     5       7    
                     
      Net Charge-Offs     12,404       117    
      Provision for Credit Losses:     10,100       10,000    
    Balance at End of Period   $ 76,051     $ 78,355    
                     
    Average Loans Held for Investment   $ 5,347,918     $ 5,067,870    
    Loans Held for Investment at End of Period   $ 5,571,579     $ 5,273,498    
    Net Charge-Offs to Average Loans     0.31 %     0.00 %  
    Allowances for Credit Losses to Loans at End of Period     1.36 %     1.49 %  
                     

    The MIL Network –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Diamond Equity Research Initiates Coverage on Solowin Holdings (NASDAQ:SWIN)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, New York, Oct. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Diamond Equity Research, a leading equity research firm with a focus on small capitalization public companies has initiated coverage of Solowin Holdings (NASDAQ: SWIN). The in-depth 39-page initiation report includes detailed information on the Solowin’s business model, services, industry overview, valuation, management profile, and risks.

    The full research report is available below. 

    Solowin Holdings Initiation of Coverage

    Highlights from the report include:                                              

    • Distinct Competitive Advantage by Combining both Virtual Asset Trading and Traditional Financing: Solowin stands out as one of the few firms authorized to trade both virtual and traditional assets in Hong Kong, a highly regulated market with significant barriers to entry. This exclusive regulatory approval provides Solowin with a critical first-mover advantage, enabling it to integrate both traditional and digital asset offerings within its service portfolio. The firm’s unique ability to bridge conventional wealth management through Solomon Wealth with cutting-edge digital asset solutions via Solomon JFZ offers investors a diversified and comprehensive platform to manage various asset classes, appealing particularly to high-net-worth individuals and family offices. Solowin has already secured a dominant market position as the largest holder of customer assets in key ETFs such as the ChinaAMC Bitcoin ETF and the Harvest Bitcoin Spot ETF. This substantial market share in the rapidly expanding digital asset sector emphasize Solowin’s execution in capturing growth from emerging investment trends.
    • Robust Strategic Partnerships with Key Industry Players: The strategic collaborations with key financial entities like OSL, MaiCapital, ChinaAMC, and Harvest Global have bolstered Solowin’s capabilities in providing regulated, high-quality financial products. These partnerships not only extend its market reach but also enhance brand credibility and customer trust, which are crucial for sustaining growth and expanding its client base in both traditional and virtual asset markets.    
    • Leveraging Hong Kong’s Vast Market Potential: Hong Kong, a premier global financial hub, presents substantial opportunities for Solowin, as evidenced by the city’s impressive HK$25.5 trillion securities market turnover in 2023, despite global economic fluctuations. This dynamic market, supported by a wealth of high-net-worth individuals and advanced financial infrastructure, provides an ideal setting for Solowin’s diverse financial services. Its strategic location not only offers unrivaled access to Asian markets but also serves as a major conduit for capital flows into and out of China, boosting its attractiveness to international investors. Hong Kong serves as an optimal platform for expanding Solowin’s digital asset and private wealth management services. These sectors are key to Solowin’s strategic diversification and are poised for rapid growth, fueled by increasing investor interest in innovative and alternative financial products. The city’s advanced regulatory and technological frameworks support these services, offering potential for significant market penetration and scalability.
    • Valuation – Solowin Holdings presents a unique investment opportunity, driven by its strategic diversification into Private Wealth and Virtual Assets alongside traditional financial services. Leveraging its established user base, Solowin has significantly enhanced customer value and expanded its market presence. Our valuation analysis, using a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) approach with a discount rate of 12.10%—which reflects the company’s growth potential balanced against market risks, competitive landscape, and regulatory uncertainties—and a terminal growth rate of 1.5%, along with Comparable Company Analysis (EV/Revenue multiple), estimates Solowin’s per share value at $4.74, contingent on successful execution by company.

    About Solowin Holdings  

    Solowin Holdings, an investment holding company, provides Investment banking services, wealth management services, asset management services, and virtual assets services to customers. Solowin Holdings was incorporated in 2021 and is based out of Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong. 

    About Diamond Equity Research

    Diamond Equity Research is a leading equity research and corporate access firm focused on small capitalization companies. Diamond Equity Research is an approved sell-side provider on major institutional investor platforms.

    For more information, visit https://www.diamondequityresearch.com.

    Disclosures:

    Diamond Equity Research LLC is being compensated by Solowin Holdings (NASDAQ: SWIN) for producing research materials regarding Solowin Holdings and its securities, which is meant to subsidize the high cost of creating the report and monitoring the security, however, the views in the report reflect that of Diamond Equity Research. All payments are received upfront and are billed for research engagement. As of 10/21/24 the issuer paid us $50,000 for our company sponsored research services, which commenced 05/15/24 and is billed annually. Diamond Equity Research LLC may be compensated for non-research related services, including presenting at Diamond Equity Research investment conferences, press releases and other additional services. The non-research related service cost is dependent on the company, but usually do not exceed $5,000. The issuer has not paid us for non-research related services as of 10/21/24. Issuers are not required to engage us for these additional services. Additional fees may have accrued since then. Although Diamond Equity Research company sponsored reports are based on publicly available information and although no investment recommendations are made within our company sponsored research reports, given the small capitalization nature of the companies we cover we have adopted an internal trading procedure around the public companies by whom we are engaged, with investors able to find such policy on our website public disclosures page. This report and press release do not consider individual circumstances and does not take into consideration individual investor preferences. Statements within this report may constitute forward-looking statements, these statements involve many risk factors and general uncertainties around the business, industry, and macroeconomic environment. Investors need to be aware of the high degree of risk in small capitalization equities, including the complete loss of their investment. Investors can find various risk factors in the initiation report and in the respective financial filings for Solowin Holdings. Please review disclosure page in attached initiation report for full disclosures.

    Contact:

    Diamond Equity Research
    research@diamondequityresearch.com

    Attachment

    • Solowin Holdings Initiation of Coverage

    The MIL Network –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LegCo to consider Rating (Amendment) Bill 2024

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

         The Legislative Council (LegCo) will hold a meeting on Wednesday (October 23) at 11am in the Chamber of the LegCo Complex. During the meeting, the Second Reading debate on the Rating (Amendment) Bill 2024 will resume. If the Bill is supported by Members and receive its Second Reading, it will stand committed to the committee of the whole Council. After the committee of the whole Council has completed consideration of the Bill and its report is adopted by the Council, the Bill will be set down for the Third Reading.

         The Second Reading debate on the Shipping Legislation (Use of Fuels and Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2024 will also resume. If the Bill is supported by Members and receive its Second Reading, it will stand committed to the committee of the whole Council. After the committee of the whole Council has completed consideration of the Bill and its report is adopted by the Council, the Bill will be set down for the Third Reading.

         On Government motion, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury will move a proposed resolution under the Hotel Accommodation Tax Ordinance to resolve that, with effect from January 1, 2025, the Hotel Accommodation Tax Ordinance be amended. The proposed resolution is set out in Appendix 1.

         On Members’ motions, Mr Tony Tse will move a motion on actively developing land and optimizing land use to promote the development of the economy and industries. The motion is set out in Appendix 2. Mr Louis Loong, Mr Stanley Ng, Ms Chan Yuet-ming, Mr Lau Kwok-fan, Ms Carmen Kan and Mr Andrew Lam will move separate amendments to Mr Tse’s motion.

         Mr Shang Hailong will move a motion on following up on measures for new migrant talents to integrate into Hong Kong. The motion is set out in Appendix 3. Dr Johnny Ng and Mr Yim Kong will move separate amendments to Mr Shang’s motion.

         During the meeting, the Chief Secretary for Administration will present “The Government Minute in response to the Report of the Public Accounts Committee No.82 of July 2024” and address the Council.

         Members will also ask the Government 22 questions on various policy areas, six of which require oral replies.

         The agenda of the above meeting can be obtained via the LegCo Website (www.legco.gov.hk). Members of the public can watch or listen to the meeting via the “Webcast” system on the LegCo Website. To observe the proceedings of the meeting at the LegCo Complex, members of the public may call 3919 3399 during office hours to reserve seats.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Africa: International Monetary Fund (IMF) Reaches Staff-Level Agreement on an Extended Credit Facility Arrangement with São Tomé and Príncipe

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

    WASHINGTON D.C., United States of America, October 21, 2024/APO Group/ —

    • IMF staff and the São Toméan authorities have reached staff-level agreement on economic policies and reforms to be supported by a new 40-month arrangement under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF), updating the agreement reached last year. This renewed staff-level agreement is subject to IMF Management approval and IMF Executive Board consideration, contingent on the implementation of the agreed prior actions and the timely confirmation of the necessary financing assurances from the country’s development partners.
    • The authorities’ ambitious reform program aims at restoring macroeconomic stability while laying the foundations for faster and more inclusive growth. This includes a sizable and front-loaded fiscal adjustment while protecting the vulnerable. The program includes decisive near-term reforms in the electricity sector and medium-term structural reforms to facilitate the green energy transition and unleash the country’s growth potential.

    An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team led by Mr. Slavi Slavov, Mission Chief for São Tomé and Príncipe, visited São Tomé during May 23 – June 5, 2024, and held virtual discussions in the recent months, to discuss with the São Toméan authorities IMF support for their policies and reform plans.

    At the end of the mission, Mr. Slavov issued the following statement:

    “The São Toméan authorities and the IMF team have reached a renewed staff-level agreement to support the authorities’ economic adjustment and reform policies with a new 40-month program supported by an arrangement under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF). The agreement is subject to approval by IMF’s Management and Executive Board in the period ahead, and is contingent on the implementation of prior actions by the authorities and the timely confirmation of the necessary financing assurances from the country’s development partners to cover the external financing gap.

    “São Tomé and Príncipe faced a very challenging 2023 and continues to struggle with high fuel import needs and depleted international reserves. Over the past few years, the country has been hit by multiple shocks, whose impact on the economy continues to reverberate. This includes the massive external shock in early 2023 when a major fuel exporter stopped supplying fuel on credit, opening a large external financing gap.

    “These factors, along with energy shortages, contributed to a slowdown of real GDP growth to 0.2 percent in 2022 and 0.4 percent in 2023. Inflation accelerated to 19.2 percent in April 2024 before declining to 12 percent in August, year-on-year. International reserves fell sharply.

    “The authorities’ program aims to restore macroeconomic stability, improve the living conditions of the population, foster the economic recovery, and promote sustainable and inclusive growth. The necessarily ambitious and front-loaded fiscal adjustment is crucial to lowering the high public debt and rebalancing the economy under a pegged exchange rate, but is designed with care to protect the vulnerable.

    “The authorities have already implemented significant reforms. They launched the Value-Added Tax in June 2023 and implemented a large fiscal adjustment in 2023. Fuel prices were adjusted, and explicit fuel subsidies have been eliminated in the aggregate. The central bank (Banco Central de São Tomé e Príncipe or BCSTP) ended monetary financing of the budget and implemented tightening measures.  

    “The authorities will make further efforts to strengthen tax and customs administration and to rationalize budgetary expenditures. These efforts will create the fiscal space for implementing growth-enhancing development programs that will help put public debt on a downward trajectory. In addition, the authorities will strengthen social safety nets and reinforce the existing targeted cash-transfer program for vulnerable households. Given the country’s high public debt, ensuring that new financing takes the form of highly concessional loans or ideally grants will be vital to ensure sustainability and also meet vital spending needs.

    “Moreover, the program will urgently implement near-term reforms to address the crisis in the electricity sector. This would alleviate pressures on public debt and foreign exchange reserves. To prevent implicit fuel subsidies and contain fiscal risks, the authorities will apply the fuel price adjustment mechanism in a truly automatic way on a monthly basis. The government will strengthen transparency and address governance weaknesses to reduce vulnerabilities to corruption. Finally, the authorities will strengthen the BCSTP, ensuring its autonomy and appropriate governance arrangements.

    “Over the medium term, structural reforms will unleash the country’s growth potential. These include the reform strategy for the energy sector with a focus on shifting towards renewable sources, encouraging domestic food production, fostering the tourism sector, adapting to climate change, and empowering women.

    “During the visit and subsequent virtual discussions, the mission met with President Carlos Vila Nova; Prime Minister Patrice Émery Trovoada; Minister of Planning and Finance Ginésio Valentim Afonso da Mata; Minister of Economy Disney Leite Ramos; Governor of the Central Bank Américo D’Oliveira dos Ramos; President of the Court of Auditors Ricardino Costa Alegre; other government officials; representatives of the private sector including banks; and development partners. The mission expresses its deep appreciation to the authorities for their cooperation and constructive policy dialogue.”

    MIL OSI Africa –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Transformation of Triller Group Begins With Appointment of CEO and Additions to the Board

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, NY, Oct. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Triller Group Inc. (Nasdaq: ILLR) (“Triller Group” or “the Company”) today announced important updates to its executive leadership team and board of directors (“Board”).

    This marks the initial step in a series of forthcoming announcements as Triller Group strengthens its management lineup and kickstarts the transformation journey of the Company.

    Kevin McGurn, former T-Mobile/Vevo/Hulu Senior Executive, joins as Chief Executive Officer

    Triller Group proudly announces that its Board appointed Kevin McGurn as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company starting in November 2024. Mr. McGurn brings a wealth of leadership experience and industry expertise to the Company. Having most recently served in an executive role for T-Mobile’s marketing division, Mr. McGurn has a proven track record of driving hyper-growth and innovation in the media and music landscape.

    As President of Sales and Distribution at Vevo, the Universal Music and Sony Music Entertainment video joint venture, Mr. McGurn led the company’s expansion as a global music television network. Previous to Vevo, Mr. McGurn served as Head of Sales at Fullscreen and Otter Media Companies building revenue businesses throughout the creator economy. As Senior Vice President of Sales at Hulu, Mr. McGurn played a pivotal role in building Hulu’s sales team from the ground up, generating over half a billion dollars in advertising revenue.

    Mr. McGurn’s impressive career also includes senior positions at Shazam, NBC Universal and DoubleClick, equipping him with the strategic vision and operational acumen needed to lead the Company into its next phase of growth.

    “The future is bright in the world of entertainment, and I am extremely excited to join the team at Triller Group to maximize our value to Creators, Fans, and Brands.” said Mr McGurn. “Our renewed focus means Triller Group is well positioned to deliver best in class entertainment, when, where and how our fans watch it. We will continue to build from our strong roots in vertical video, music and sports, and optimise our expertise in mobile and connected television.”

    James McCann, founder of 1-800-Flowers.com, joins the Board

    Triller Group is delighted to announce that James McCann has joined its Board, assuming the role of Chairman of the Nominations Committee. He has over four decades of leadership experience as the founder and former Chairman and CEO of 1-800-Flowers.com, Inc., where he played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s success. As Chairman of the board of directors for Willis Towers Watson and director for Scott’s Miracle-Gro and International Game Technology PLC, he is expected to bring a depth of governance expertise to the Board of the Company.

    Bobby Sarnevesht moves to the Board

    Triller Corp.’s former Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Sarnevesht now sits on the Board, contributing a wealth of experience and understanding of the Company’s operations and goals. In addition, Mr. Sarnevesht’s entrepreneurial track record positions him uniquely to help guide the Company as it navigates new opportunities.

    Start of the Company’s Transformation

    “My fellow directors and I are thrilled to announce the first steps of our ambitious transformation plan. Kevin’s extensive experience and track record of driving growth and innovation position him uniquely to lead the Company and carry out our shared vision of a single, integrated platform that delivers for creators, brands and users while generating value for all of our stakeholders” said Bob Diamond, Chairman of the Board. “Jim will bring his unparalleled expertise in building and scaling successful businesses to the Board, combined with his deep understanding of consumer engagement, which will be invaluable as we continue to innovate and grow. Jim’s visionary leadership and entrepreneurial spirit align perfectly with our mission, and we look forward to leveraging his insights to drive our strategic initiatives forward. We also look forward to Bobby’s contributions to the Board. His experience within our company positions him uniquely to help guide the Board as we implement our new transformation plan.”

    In the coming weeks, the Company plans to announce further enhancements to its leadership team and capabilities. The Company expects to share detailed insights into its strategic business plan during an upcoming investor and media event scheduled for November 2024. This event is expected to highlight the Company’s future vision and immediate growth strategies. Triller Group looks forward to engaging with stakeholders as it unveils exciting developments in this new chapter of progress.

    The latest press release is available on the Company’s website, please visit: http://www.agba.com/ir.

    About Triller Group Inc.

    Triller Group is a US-based company that operates two main businesses: the newly merged US-based social media operations (Triller Corp.), and the legacy operations of the Company in Hong Kong (“AGBA”).

    Triller Corp. is a next generation, AI-powered, social media and live-streaming event platform for creators. Pairing music culture with sports, fashion, entertainment, and influencers through a 360-degree view of content and technology, Triller Corp. uses proprietary AI technology to push and track content virally to affiliated and non-affiliated sites and networks, enabling them to reach millions of additional users. Triller Corp. additionally owns Triller Sports, Bare-Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC); Amplify.ai, a leading machine-learning, AI platform; and TrillerTV, a premier global PPV, AVOD, and SVOD streaming service. For more information, visit http://www.triller.co.

    Established in 1993, AGBA is a leading, multi-channel business platform that incorporates cutting edge machine-learning and offers a broad set of financial services and healthcare products to consumers through a tech-led ecosystem, enabling clients to unlock the choices that best suit their needs. Trusted by over 400,000 individual and corporate customers, the Group is organized into four market-leading businesses: Platform Business, Distribution Business, Healthcare Business, and Fintech Business. For more information, please visit http://www.agba.com.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements that are other than statements of historical facts. When the Company uses words such as “may,” “will,” “intend,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “estimate” or similar expressions that do not relate solely to historical matters, it is making forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations discussed in the forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, the following: the Company’s goals and strategies; the Company’s future business development; product and service demand and acceptance; changes in technology; economic conditions; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against us following the consummation of the business combination; expectations regarding our strategies and future financial performance, including its future business plans or objectives, prospective performance and opportunities and competitors, revenues, products, pricing, operating expenses, market trends, liquidity, cash flows and uses of cash, capital expenditures, and our ability to invest in growth initiatives and pursue acquisition opportunities; reputation and brand; the impact of competition and pricing; government regulations; fluctuations in general economic and business conditions in Hong Kong and the international markets the Company plans to serve and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing and other risks contained in reports filed by the Company with the SEC, the length and severity of the recent coronavirus outbreak, including its impacts across our business and operations. For these reasons, among others, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements in this press release. Additional factors are discussed in the Company’s filings with the SEC, which are available for review at http://www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward–looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof.

    Investor & Media Relations:  

    Bethany Lai
    ir@agba.com

    Anthony Silverman
    ads@apellaadvisors.com

    # # #

    The MIL Network –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Bottomline Leads the Datos Matrix: US Cash Management Technology Providers Report for the 6th Consecutive Time

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PORTSMOUTH, N.H., Oct. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Datos Insights announced Bottomline as a ‘market-leading’ US-based cash management provider in its new 2024 Datos Matrix: US Cash Management Technology Providers report. This is Bottomline’s 6th consecutive ‘market-leader’ recognition by the Datos Matrix (formerly the Aite Matrix), a trusted evaluation of best-in-class cash management technology providers. Bottomline achieved the highest overall position in the quadrant, highlighted by its leadership ranking across the majority of evaluation categories. This recognition underscores its core strengths in strategic consulting, best-in-class implementations, product innovation, seamless customer migrations, and outstanding post-production support.

    “Bottomline scores very high in both the quality of its management team and its commitment to innovation. Its robust and scalable product features meet the needs of businesses of all sizes. Just as noteworthy, Bottomline’s diverse client base and very high retention rates reflect the stability and lasting value it provides. Clients consistently praise the company for its ability to deliver on promises and recognize it as a trusted partner,” said Christine Barry, Strategic Initiatives Leader, Research, Datos Insights.

    The 2024 Datos Matrix: US Cash Management Technology Providers report measures the performance of a competitive set of cash management providers in the U.S. As the report states, “This research evaluates key market dynamics, as well as the technology vendor landscape, to differentiate the market leaders from the contenders and emerging/niche options” and examines specific areas, including payment and data capabilities, ease of integration with fintechs and ERPs, and platform extensibility/configurability.

    “Our banking customers understand that we act as a partner and not just a vendor. Through the power of Bottomline’s extensive suite of digital banking, cash management, payments hubs and connectivity services, and B2B payments network, we uniquely empower banks to create new revenue streams and secure primary customer relationships,” said Kevin Pettet, Chief Revenue Officer, Banking, Bottomline.

    “It’s an honor to be recognized as the leading provider in Commercial Digital Banking,” Pettet said, adding that Bottomline works as a strategic partner throughout the entire customer journey — from strategic consulting to proactive product innovation, to best-in-class implementations, customer migration, and strong post-launch support. “It all comes together seamlessly to spur digital transformation for Bottomline banking customers,” he said.

    Additional Resources:

    • For more information about Bottomline, visit us by clicking here.
    • For a complementary report download, click here.

    About Bottomline

    Bottomline helps businesses transform the way they pay and get paid. A global leader in business payments and cash management, Bottomline’s secure, comprehensive solutions modernize payments for businesses and financial institutions globally. With over 35 years of experience, moving more than $10 trillion in payments annually, Bottomline is committed to driving impactful results for customers by reimagining business payments and delivering solutions that add to the bottom line. Bottomline is a portfolio company of Thoma Bravo, one of the largest software private equity firms in the world, with more than $160 billion in assets under management. For more information visit http://www.bottomline.com.

    Bottomline and the Bottomline logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Bottomline Technologies, Inc.

    About Datos Insights

    Datos Insights delivers the most comprehensive and industry-specific data and advice to the companies trusted to protect and grow the world’s assets, and to the technology and service providers who support them. Staffed by experienced industry executives, researchers, and consultants, we support the world’s most progressive banks, insurers, investment firms, and technology companies through a mix of insights and advisory subscriptions, data services, custom projects and consulting, conferences, and executive councils.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bc65c1ad-adda-45cb-966b-a8aec9d00587

    The MIL Network –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Global: Aurora and Springfield aren’t the first cities to become flash points in US immigration debate − here’s what happened in other places used as political soapboxes

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Miranda Cady Hallett, Associate Professor of Anthropology and Human Rights Center Research Fellow, University of Dayton

    Many Americans had probably never heard of Aurora, Colorado, or Springfield, Ohio, before Donald Trump broadcast his false claims about these cities nationwide late in the 2024 presidential campaign.

    First, in September 2024, the Republican presidential nominee claimed in a debate with Kamala Harris that Haitian immigrants in Ohio were stealing and eating other residents’ pets. A month later, at a rally in Aurora, Trump declared that city to be a “war zone” overrun by Venezuelan gangs.

    Trump’s false claims went viral, creating chaos for these communities. Reporters rushed in. In Springfield, so did bomb threats.

    These stories feel familiar to me as an anthropologist whose work has explored the social dynamics of immigrant destinations in the United States. Springfield and Aurora are only the latest small cities to become sudden flash points in America’s ongoing – and increasingly heated – immigration debate.

    Siler City, North Carolina

    The small town of Siler City, North Carolina, was used as a backdrop for anti-immigrant political rhetoric a quarter century ago.

    In the late 20th century, jobs in Siler City’s local poultry industry became a magnet for Latin American immigrants and their families, leading to rapid demographic change. In 1990, the town was 98% white and African American. By the 2000 census, almost 40% of the town’s 6,000 residents identified as Hispanic or Latino.

    This shift caused some racial tension, and in 2000 the notoriously racist politician David Duke headlined an anti-immigrant rally outside City Hall in Siler City.

    Duke, who was also a former Louisiana state representative and former Ku Klux Klan grand wizard, railed against Latin American immigrants.

    “Do you understand that immigration will destroy the foundations of this country?” Duke asked. “When you have more diversity, you end up with more division and more conflict,” he said, warning of “extinction” for white people in the U.S.

    Duke also railed against school integration. Thirty-five years after desegregation, this remained a favorite complaint of white supremacists.

    Only a handful of people, many of them from out of town, showed up to support Duke’s message, carrying signs like “The Melting Pot is Boiling Over.”

    In the short term, Duke’s rally exacerbated polarization in Siler City. It also stoked fear and anxiety among foreign-born residents, some of whom believed the local government had endorsed Duke’s message because the rally took place in front of the town hall.

    Looking back, however, many Siler City residents see the David Duke incident as a turning point – toward an improvement in ethnic relations in their town.

    After Duke’s rally, local politicians spoke out against the divisiveness and hatred. Within a few months, residents offended by the anti-immigrant rally had organized a unity event and cultural festival.

    By the time I visited Siler City in 2008 as a graduate research assistant studying new immigration destinations, many locals noted with pride that white supremacists could gain no foothold in town. They said Duke’s racist rally caused neighbors to stop and think, and decide what side they were on.

    Today, Siler City has an immigrant community advisory board, and the government actively works to promote integration and social cohesion among residents.

    Lewiston, Maine

    A similar story unfolded in the working-class Maine city of Lewiston in 2002 after its mayor wrote a public letter about the city’s rising refugee population.

    Just over 1,000 Somali refugees had settled in the city in the preceding year, having been displaced by civil war and drought back home.

    “This large number of new arrivals cannot continue without negative results for all,” Mayor Laurier Raymond wrote. “Our city is maxed out financially, physically and emotionally.”

    He called on Somali people to “pass the word (that) we have been overwhelmed.”

    Raymond’s letter got the attention of organized white supremacist groups, who descended on Lewiston, a former sawmill hub of about 35,000 people. In response, local people formed an ad hoc community organization called “Many and One,” and when the hate group World Church of the Creator rallied in Lewiston on Jan. 11, 2003, only 36 people attended. About 4,000 counter-protesters came out to support the Somali community.

    A film crew that had showed up to document the conflict ended up telling the story of Lewistonians sending a message of acceptance and unity.

    The temporary stresses on Lewiston were real, but in general locals came down on the side of inclusion and welcome. By 2021, Lewiston had one of the country’s highest per capita populations of Muslim residents, and of Somali-Americans.

    Twenty years later, the arrival of Somali families has become part of the story Lewiston tells about its history and identity.

    Conservative and anti-immigrant messages continue to resonate in the town. Yet many locals, like author Cynthia Anderson, say they are “moved and inspired” by the resilience of their Somali-American neighbors.

    Like most Haitians living in Springfield, Somali people did not choose to leave their country. They were displaced, and many were traumatized – yet they built new lives and contributed to the community.

    What can this history tell us now?

    While there are key differences between Springfield, Aurora, Siler City and Lewiston, these four places also share many attributes.

    These are all economically beleaguered cities with higher crime rates than the U.S. average but lower housing costs and more entry-level jobs in manufacturing. Such places are sometimes called “emerging gateway cities,” because they are appealing to immigrant families seeking opportunity.

    Yet the same conditions also make these cities attractive to political figures seeking a stage to blame immigrants for the community’s preexisting economic, social and public safety challenges.

    As in Siler City and Lewiston, Springfield and Aurora have mainly rejected false political claims and negative messages about their immigrant residents.

    In Springfield, residents have organized rallies and a prayer vigil in solidarity with Haitians, and Ohio’s Republican governor defended the city against Trump’s allegations.

    The Republican mayor of Aurora said before Trump’s Oct. 11 visit that he hoped “to show him and the nation that Aurora is a considerably safe city – not a city overrun by Venezuelan gangs.”

    The 2024 election has brought tense and polarizing times to these towns. But history suggests that Springfield and Aurora will eventually be home to vibrant and integrated immigrant communities.

    Once the vitriol fades, Trump’s incendiary misinformation will likely become just a footnote to the larger story of the country’s 21st-century transformation.

    Miranda Cady Hallett received funding from the Russell Sage Foundation’s “New Immigrant Destinations” project in 2008-2009, providing support for the North Carolina-based research mentioned in this article.

    – ref. Aurora and Springfield aren’t the first cities to become flash points in US immigration debate − here’s what happened in other places used as political soapboxes – https://theconversation.com/aurora-and-springfield-arent-the-first-cities-to-become-flash-points-in-us-immigration-debate-heres-what-happened-in-other-places-used-as-political-soapboxes-239809

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Canada: Importers now benefiting from new accounting system for the collection of duties and taxes for commercial goods

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Importers now benefiting from new accounting system for the collection of duties and taxes for commercial goods

    Ottawa (Ontario) – October 21, 2024

    Today, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) became the official system to assess and collect duties and taxes for commercial goods imported into Canada. The launch of this system represents the culmination of many years of dedicated effort and innovation at the CBSA, engagement with partners, and simulations to enhance the user experience.

    As the Government of Canada’s second-largest revenue collector after the Canada Revenue Agency, this new system better equips the CBSA to protect and grow $40 billion a year in revenue for Canadians.

    CARM also benefits trade chain partners by:

    • eliminating cumbersome and time-consuming paper-based processes
    • streamlining access to tools and information for importers, giving them the ability to enroll in commercial programs, submit accounting documents and receive notifications through their CARM Client Portal account
    • maintaining a level playing field for all businesses by providing the CBSA better compliance and enforcement tools

    This important milestone follows broad consultation with stakeholders and extensive system testing to ensure a smooth transition from outdated to modern systems.

    The launch of CARM will not affect wait times at the border. The system used by officers at the border to determine the eligibility of commercial goods for entry into Canada will not be changing. Additionally, the CBSA has a detailed contingency plan in place to ensure the continuation of commercial activities in the event of any technical issues.

    Media Relations
    Canada Border Services Agency
    media@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
    613-957-6500 or 1-877-761-5945

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 8512, Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    Categories24/7 OSI, MIL-OSI, United States Government, US Congressional, US Congressional Budget Office

    Post navigation

    By Fiscal Year, Millions of Dollars

    2025

    2025-2029

    2025-2034

    Direct Spending (Outlays)

    *

    *

    *

    Revenues

    *

    *

    *

    Increase or Decrease (-) in the Deficit

    *

    *

    *

    Spending Subject to Appropriation (Outlays)

    508

    667

    not estimated

    Increases net direct spending in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2035?

    *

    Statutory pay-as-you-go procedures apply?

    Yes

    Mandate Effects

    Increases on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2035?

    *

    Contains intergovernmental mandate?

    No

    Contains private-sector mandate?

    No

    * = between -$500,000 and $500,000.

    The bill would
    Estimated budgetary effects would mainly stem from

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Suburban Chicago Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl and Attempting To Support ISIS

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHICAGO — A suburban Chicago man has been sentenced to 18 years in federal prison for trafficking fentanyl and attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham, also known as ISIS.

    On three occasions in 2019, JASON BROWN provided $500 in cash to an individual with the understanding that the money would be wired to an ISIS soldier engaged in terrorist activity in Syria.  Unbeknownst to Brown, the individual to whom he provided the money was confidentially working with law enforcement, and the purported ISIS fighter was actually an undercover law enforcement officer.

    Also in 2019, Brown trafficked fentanyl and other drugs from California to the Chicago suburbs and illegally possessed several loaded handguns in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities.

    Brown, 42, of Lombard, Ill., pleaded guilty last year to one count of attempting to provide material support to ISIS, one count of distributing fentanyl, and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  U.S. District Judge Mary M. Rowland imposed the sentence on Oct. 16, 2024, during a hearing in federal court in Chicago. Brown has been in law enforcement custody since his arrest in 2019.

    The sentence was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Matthew G. Olsen, Assistant Attorney General for National Security at the U.S. Department of Justice, Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation Chicago Field Office, and Larry Snelling, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department.  Substantial assistance was provided by the Illinois State Police, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations, Lombard, Ill. Police Department, Addison, Ill. Police Department, and FBI Field Offices in Atlanta, Los Angeles, and San Diego.  The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn McCarthy of the Northern District of Illinois and S. Elisa Poteat, Trial Attorney from the Justice Department’s National Security Division, Counterterrorism Section.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Atlanta Attorney Pleads Guilty in Syndicated Conservation Easement Tax Scheme

    Source: US State of Vermont

    Attorney is 12th Individual Convicted in Scheme Involving Sale of Over $1.3B in Fraudulent Tax Deductions

    A Georgia man pleaded guilty last week to obstructing the IRS related to his participation in the promotion of abusive syndicated conservation easement tax shelters.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Vi Bui was an attorney and partner at Sinnott & Co., an Atlanta-based company. Beginning in at least in 2012 and continuing through at least May 2020, Bui participated in a scheme to defraud the IRS by organizing, marketing, implementing and selling illegal syndicated conservation easement tax shelters created and organized by Jack Fisher, Sinnott and others. For their involvement in the scheme, Fisher and Sinnott were convicted at trial and in January sentenced to 25 and 23 years in prison, respectively.

    The scheme entailed the creation of partnerships that would purchase land and land-owning companies and then donate conservation easements over that land or the land itself. Appraisers would allegedly generate fraudulent and inflated appraisals of the conservation easements. The partnerships then claimed a charitable contribution tax deduction based on the inflated value of the conservation easement, resulting in a fraudulent tax deduction flowing to the wealthy clients who purchased units in the partnership. Many of these clients joined the tax shelters after the donation of the interest in land and after the close of the relevant tax year. Bui knew that, to make it appear that the participants had timely purchased their units in the tax shelters, Fisher, Sinnott and others backdated and instructed others to falsify documents, including subscription agreements, checks and other documents. And in at least one instance, Bui falsified documents himself.

    Bui anticipated that the syndicated conservation easement transactions would be audited. To deceive the IRS, Bui and others took steps to make the partnerships appear as legitimate real estate development companies. They would create and disseminate lengthy documents disguising the true nature of the transaction, institute sham “votes” for what to do with the land that the partnership owned despite knowing that outcome was predetermined and falsify paperwork, such as appraisals and subscription agreements.

    In one instance, when investigators conducted an undercover operation in 2018, Bui, believing that the IRS was auditing an individual’s 2014 tax return, prepared false documents that made it appear that the materials were executed before the purported donation of the conservation easement in 2014 and before the 2014 tax returns had been filed.

    Bui earned substantial income for his role in the illegal scheme. He also used the fraudulent tax shelters to evade his own taxes, filing false personal tax returns from 2013 through 2018 that claimed false tax deductions from the illegal syndicated conservation easement tax shelters.

    Bui is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 13, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison. Bui also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    To date, in addition to the convictions of Fisher and Sinnott noted above, nine additional defendants have pleaded guilty to criminal conduct related to the syndicated conservation easement tax shelter scheme, including appraiser Walter Douglas “Terry” Roberts, accountants Stein Agee; Corey Agee, CPA; Ralph Anderson, CPA; James Benkoil, CPA; Victor Smith, CPA; William Tomasello, CPA; Herbert Lewis,  CPA; and Attorney Randall Lenz.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan for the Northern District of Georgia and Chief Guy Ficco of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) made the announcement. They also thanked U.S. Attorney Dena J. King for the Western District of North Carolina for her office’s assistance.

    IRS-CI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case.

    Trial Attorneys Richard M. Rolwing, Parker Tobin, Jessica Kraft and Nicholas J. Schilling Jr., of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Huber and deputy chief of the complex frauds section for the Northern District of Georgia  are prosecuting the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Lancaster Man Sentenced for COVID Relief Fraud

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

    BUFFALO, NY – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Larry Jordan, 45, of Lancaster, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud for his participation in a scheme to file fraudulent loan applications seeking forgivable Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, was sentenced to serve 18 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, joined the announcement.

    According to court documents, between April and September 2020, Jordan and his brother Sutukh El a/k/a Curtis Jordan a/k/a Hugo Hurt a/k/a Hugo Hermes Hurtington, conspired to submit eight fraudulent PPP loan applications on behalf of companies they owned or controlled. Three of the applications were submitted to Evolve Bank & Trust and the other five were submitted to Lendio, a financial technology company based in Utah. The applications contained false statements about the 2019 payroll expenses of each company, which were used to calculate the amount of PPP funds to which the applicant-companies would be entitled. To corroborate the applications, Jordan and El submitted IRS forms, which had never been filed with the IRS, as well as fraudulent payroll registers that purported to identify the names, personal information, and salary of the employees identified on the PPP applications.

    For example, a PPP loan application was submitted on behalf of 5 Stems Inc to Evolve. The application represented that in 2019, 5 Stems Inc had 194 employees and an average monthly payroll of $242,133.33. In truth, 5 Stems Inc had nine employees in 2019 and paid those employees a total of approximately $57,380 for all of 2019. Evolve approved the application and funded a $605,200 loan. The money was deposited into an account controlled by defendant El. Some of the money was used for the defendants’ own investments, as well as personal expenses and home improvements.

    Sutukh El was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing.

    This case was investigated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s Office of Inspector General, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection’s Office of the Inspector General, the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s Office of the Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Small Business Administration’s Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles Kruly and Grace Carducci for the Western District of New York and Trial Attorneys Ariel Glasner and Della Sentilles of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.

    Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

    # # # #

     

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Security News: Atlanta Attorney Pleads Guilty in Syndicated Conservation Easement Tax Scheme

    Source: United States Department of Justice 2

    A Georgia man pleaded guilty last week to obstructing the IRS related to his participation in the promotion of abusive syndicated conservation easement tax shelters.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Vi Bui was an attorney and partner at Sinnott & Co., an Atlanta-based company. Beginning in at least in 2012 and continuing through at least May 2020, Bui participated in a scheme to defraud the IRS by organizing, marketing, implementing and selling illegal syndicated conservation easement tax shelters created and organized by Jack Fisher, Sinnott and others. For their involvement in the scheme, Fisher and Sinnott were convicted at trial and in January sentenced to 25 and 23 years in prison, respectively.

    The scheme entailed the creation of partnerships that would purchase land and land-owning companies and then donate conservation easements over that land or the land itself. Appraisers would allegedly generate fraudulent and inflated appraisals of the conservation easements. The partnerships then claimed a charitable contribution tax deduction based on the inflated value of the conservation easement, resulting in a fraudulent tax deduction flowing to the wealthy clients who purchased units in the partnership. Many of these clients joined the tax shelters after the donation of the interest in land and after the close of the relevant tax year. Bui knew that, to make it appear that the participants had timely purchased their units in the tax shelters, Fisher, Sinnott and others backdated and instructed others to falsify documents, including subscription agreements, checks and other documents. And in at least one instance, Bui falsified documents himself.

    Bui anticipated that the syndicated conservation easement transactions would be audited. To deceive the IRS, Bui and others took steps to make the partnerships appear as legitimate real estate development companies. They would create and disseminate lengthy documents disguising the true nature of the transaction, institute sham “votes” for what to do with the land that the partnership owned despite knowing that outcome was predetermined and falsify paperwork, such as appraisals and subscription agreements.

    In one instance, when investigators conducted an undercover operation in 2018, Bui, believing that the IRS was auditing an individual’s 2014 tax return, prepared false documents that made it appear that the materials were executed before the purported donation of the conservation easement in 2014 and before the 2014 tax returns had been filed.

    Bui earned substantial income for his role in the illegal scheme. He also used the fraudulent tax shelters to evade his own taxes, filing false personal tax returns from 2013 through 2018 that claimed false tax deductions from the illegal syndicated conservation easement tax shelters.

    Bui is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 13, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison. Bui also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    To date, in addition to the convictions of Fisher and Sinnott noted above, nine additional defendants have pleaded guilty to criminal conduct related to the syndicated conservation easement tax shelter scheme, including appraiser Walter Douglas “Terry” Roberts, accountants Stein Agee; Corey Agee, CPA; Ralph Anderson, CPA; James Benkoil, CPA; Victor Smith, CPA; William Tomasello, CPA; Herbert Lewis,  CPA; and Attorney Randall Lenz.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan for the Northern District of Georgia and Chief Guy Ficco of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) made the announcement. They also thanked U.S. Attorney Dena J. King for the Western District of North Carolina for her office’s assistance.

    IRS-CI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case.

    Trial Attorneys Richard M. Rolwing, Parker Tobin, Jessica Kraft and Nicholas J. Schilling Jr., of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Huber and deputy chief of the complex frauds section for the Northern District of Georgia  are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Atlanta Attorney Pleads Guilty in Syndicated Conservation Easement Tax Scheme

    Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

    A Georgia man pleaded guilty last week to obstructing the IRS related to his participation in the promotion of abusive syndicated conservation easement tax shelters.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Vi Bui was an attorney and partner at Sinnott & Co., an Atlanta-based company. Beginning in at least in 2012 and continuing through at least May 2020, Bui participated in a scheme to defraud the IRS by organizing, marketing, implementing and selling illegal syndicated conservation easement tax shelters created and organized by Jack Fisher, Sinnott and others. For their involvement in the scheme, Fisher and Sinnott were convicted at trial and in January sentenced to 25 and 23 years in prison, respectively.

    The scheme entailed the creation of partnerships that would purchase land and land-owning companies and then donate conservation easements over that land or the land itself. Appraisers would allegedly generate fraudulent and inflated appraisals of the conservation easements. The partnerships then claimed a charitable contribution tax deduction based on the inflated value of the conservation easement, resulting in a fraudulent tax deduction flowing to the wealthy clients who purchased units in the partnership. Many of these clients joined the tax shelters after the donation of the interest in land and after the close of the relevant tax year. Bui knew that, to make it appear that the participants had timely purchased their units in the tax shelters, Fisher, Sinnott and others backdated and instructed others to falsify documents, including subscription agreements, checks and other documents. And in at least one instance, Bui falsified documents himself.

    Bui anticipated that the syndicated conservation easement transactions would be audited. To deceive the IRS, Bui and others took steps to make the partnerships appear as legitimate real estate development companies. They would create and disseminate lengthy documents disguising the true nature of the transaction, institute sham “votes” for what to do with the land that the partnership owned despite knowing that outcome was predetermined and falsify paperwork, such as appraisals and subscription agreements.

    In one instance, when investigators conducted an undercover operation in 2018, Bui, believing that the IRS was auditing an individual’s 2014 tax return, prepared false documents that made it appear that the materials were executed before the purported donation of the conservation easement in 2014 and before the 2014 tax returns had been filed.

    Bui earned substantial income for his role in the illegal scheme. He also used the fraudulent tax shelters to evade his own taxes, filing false personal tax returns from 2013 through 2018 that claimed false tax deductions from the illegal syndicated conservation easement tax shelters.

    Bui is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 13, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison. Bui also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    To date, in addition to the convictions of Fisher and Sinnott noted above, nine additional defendants have pleaded guilty to criminal conduct related to the syndicated conservation easement tax shelter scheme, including appraiser Walter Douglas “Terry” Roberts, accountants Stein Agee; Corey Agee, CPA; Ralph Anderson, CPA; James Benkoil, CPA; Victor Smith, CPA; William Tomasello, CPA; Herbert Lewis,  CPA; and Attorney Randall Lenz.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan for the Northern District of Georgia and Chief Guy Ficco of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) made the announcement. They also thanked U.S. Attorney Dena J. King for the Western District of North Carolina for her office’s assistance.

    IRS-CI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case.

    Trial Attorneys Richard M. Rolwing, Parker Tobin, Jessica Kraft and Nicholas J. Schilling Jr., of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Huber and deputy chief of the complex frauds section for the Northern District of Georgia  are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Eau Claire Man Sentenced to 3 Years for Wire Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Robert E. Carter Forged Financial Statements to Fraudulently Obtain Semi-Trucks

    MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Robert E. Carter, 45, Eau Claire, Wisconsin was sentenced October 17, 2024 by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to three years in prison for wire fraud and attempted wire fraud.  Carter was convicted of these charges on July 16, 2024, following a jury trial.

    Carter’s fraud scheme started in 2018 when he feigned interest in purchasing a trucking company headquartered in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. After telling elaborate lies about owning private jets and a personal yacht, Carter convinced the owners that he wanted to buy their trucking and brokerage companies for $10 million.  Carter then sent the owners a letter of intent that required them to provide Carter, under the guise of due diligence, with the companies’ sensitive business information, including financial statements. Carter eventually informed the companies’ owners that Carter needed to back out of the deal; however, he held on to the financial statements for two years.

    In 2020, Carter intentionally changed the financial statements that he fraudulently obtained from the Fond du Lac-based companies and made it appear as if the documents belonged to Carter’s businesses. Carter then submitted the phony financial statements to an equipment leasing company so Carter could fraudulently obtain three semi-trucks and two trailers.

    While defrauding the first leasing company, Carter simultaneously downloaded financial statements from the Internet that belonged to a charitable trust in Iowa.

    Again, Carter intentionally changed these financial statements so the documents appeared to belong to Carter’s trust.  Carter then submitted the fake trust financial statements to a second equipment leasing company in an attempt to fraudulently lease ten more semi-trucks.

    In sentencing Carter, Judge Conley highlighted Carter’s criminal history, which included prior convictions for fraud.

    The charges against Carter were the result of an investigation conducted by IRS Criminal Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance provided by the Office of the U.S. Trustee for the Western District of Wisconsin. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chadwick M. Elgersma and Megan R. Stelljes prosecuted this case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 24, 2025
←Previous Page
1 … 240 241 242 243 244 … 268
Next Page→
NewzIntel.com

NewzIntel.com

MIL Open Source Intelligence

  • Blog
  • About
  • FAQs
  • Authors
  • Events
  • Shop
  • Patterns
  • Themes

Twenty Twenty-Five

Designed with WordPress