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Category: Taxation

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Candidates for Lochaber By-Election Confirmed

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Issued on behalf of The Returning Officer

    Following today’s deadline for nominations, The Highland Council can confirm the details of the six candidates that are standing in the Ward 21 Fort William and Ardnamurchan By-election.

    The candidates are as follows:

    • BAXTER, Andrew Phillip – Scottish Liberal Democrats
    • BEHNER-COADY, Marit – Scottish Greens
    • CARSTAIRS, Susan – Scottish Labour Party
    • FAWCETT, Fiona – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
    • LUMB, Nathan – Scottish Libertarian Party
    • MACHIN, Rebecca – Scottish National Party (SNP) 

    Notice of Poll and Statement of Persons nominated 

    Voting will take place on Thursday 21 November 2024 with the electronic count to be held the following day in Fort William.

    Ward 21 is a 4-member ward. The successful candidate will join fellow ward members Councillors Sarah Fanet, Thomas MacLennan and Kate Willis.

    Anyone over 16 years old who is living in the Ward is eligible to take part in this by-election if they are registered to vote. To register to vote visit this website or alternatively call the Electoral Registration Office on 0800 393783 for assistance.  The last date to register to vote in this by-election is midnight on Tuesday 5 November 2024.

    Voters will be able to cast their vote in person on the day by visiting their polling station or they can apply for either a postal vote or appoint a proxy which is requesting someone to vote on their behalf. Photographic ID is not required for people voting at polling stations for this election as it only applies to UK Parliamentary elections.

    The latest time to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on Wednesday 6 November 2024 and the deadline for anyone wishing to appoint a proxy is 5pm on Wednesday 13 November 2024.

    Advice on postal and proxy voting is available by contacting the Electoral Registration Office on 0800 393783 or emailing ero@highland.gov.uk

    21 Oct 2024

    Share this story

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Parliament Hansard Report – Wednesday, 23 October 2024 – Volume 779 – 001429

    Source: New Zealand Parliament – Hansard

    ORAL QUESTIONS

    QUESTIONS TO MINISTERS

    Question No. 1—Finance

    1. DAN BIDOIS (National—Northcote) to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has she seen on Government finances?

    Hon NICOLA WILLIS (Minister of Finance): The year-end financial statements for the 2023-2024 financial year show net core Crown debt of $175 billion, which is 42.5 percent of GDP. The good news is that this is lower than the Budget forecast. The bad news is that over the past six years, Government debt has skyrocketed. Some of this, of course, was due to COVID, but Government spending outside of COVID also increased significantly. Overall, net debt has gone from 19.4 percent of GDP to 42.5 percent, which, in dollar terms, colleagues, is an increase of $118 billion over six years, and the cost of financing that debt has also risen to $8.9 billion a year.

    Dan Bidois: How much did net debt increase in the year 2023 to 2024?

    Hon NICOLA WILLIS: Net core Crown debt at the beginning of the year was $155 billion. Over the course of the year, an extra $6 billion was borrowed to cover the cash deficit from core Crown operating activities. This is what’s known as borrowing to pay for the groceries. Another $13 billion was borrowed for investments. These include capital expenditure, for things like roads and schools; advances; contributions to the Superannuation Fund; and there was a $1 billion fair value movement in financial assets and liabilities. That adds up to a $20 billion increase in net debt over the year.

    Dan Bidois: What are the Government’s objectives for debt?

    Hon NICOLA WILLIS: Core Crown operating cash-flows have been negative since 2019-2020, meaning the Government has been borrowing for the groceries for five years straight, and, obviously, that is not sustainable. Debt should be used to fund investments and deal with economic shocks, not to fund operating activities. The coalition Government also has an objective to stop the rise in net debt as a percentage of GDP, put it on a downward trajectory towards 40 percent, and eventually keep it below that level, subject to shocks.

    Dan Bidois: Will the Government need to borrow for tax relief?

    Hon Members: It already has!

    Hon NICOLA WILLIS: This is an answer which members opposite should listen to. The Government will not need to borrow at all for tax relief. Tax relief is fully funded. Neither has tax relief added to inflation. Let me remind members that there were some in this House who stood up and declared that tax relief will lead to higher inflation for longer, and they must feel so embarrassed now that annual inflation is down to 2.2 percent. Don’t trust the economic forecasts of the team opposite.

    Hon David Seymour: Has the Minister seen any recent reports that the debt could be approximately $860 million lower had the previous Government adopted the new Government’s model for delivering the healthy school lunch model at half the price, and, if so, does the Government have more plans to do things smarter; bring business, Government, and civil society together; and deliver better results for less money?

    Hon NICOLA WILLIS: Yes, it is correct that the Minister is not just delivering butter chicken; he’s delivering savings, too. He reflects a sentiment that the Government is very much attached to, which is that the whole reason for managing the books well is so that we can deliver better services to New Zealanders. We do not presume that doing things the way they have always been done is the best way, and we will always be on the lookout for opportunities to drive better value for money.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen Announces New Endorsements for Her Legislation to Increase Startup Tax Deduction For Small Businesses from $5,000 to $50,000

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
    LAS VEGAS, NV – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) announced new endorsements from local chambers of commerce for her Tax Relief for New Businesses Act, which would increase the startup tax deduction from $5,000 to $50,000. This legislation is being endorsed by the AAPI Chamber of Southern Nevada, the Urban Chamber of Commerce, the Las Vegas Asian Chamber of Commerce, the Latin Chamber of Commerce, and the Henderson Chamber of Commerce. The legislation was previously endorsed by the Vegas Chamber, the Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Alliance, and Center for American Entrepreneurship.
    “Small businesses are critical for growing Nevada’s economy, and I’m working to help lower costs and cut taxes for people looking to start their own business,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m proud to announce additional new endorsements for my common-sense bill to increase the startup tax deduction from $5,000 to $50,000. I’ll continue working with these local chambers of commerce and business groups to support our entrepreneurs and bolster our state’s economic growth.”
    “The AAPI Chamber of Commerce of Southern Nevada proudly endorses this bill, as we believe it will greatly enhance economic opportunity not only for the AANHPI community but for all small business owners throughout Nevada and the United States,” said Catherine Francisco, President of the AAPI Chamber of Commerce of Southern Nevada. “The proposed increase of the startup tax deduction will provide a crucial financial lifeline to entrepreneurs who often face overwhelming startup costs and will be particularly beneficial for minority and immigrant business owners, many of whom struggle to access adequate capital and resources when starting their ventures.”
    “The Tax Relief for New Businesses Act would help address the problem of excessive startup costs, which will expand opportunities for local entrepreneurs to launch their ideas,” said Assemblyman Cameron Miller, President of the Urban Chamber of Commerce. “The Urban Chamber of Commerce is proud to endorse this legislation to empower more Nevadans to achieve their dreams of owning a small business.”
    “As Las Vegas’ AAPI communities grow and the dreams of being a business owner become a reality, the Tax Relief for New Businesses Act will reduce obstacles new business owners face during the startup phase,” said Ana Wood, Government Affairs Chair of the Las Vegas Asian Chamber of Commerce. “In a community comprised of diverse ethnicities, ensuring support for the Tax Relief for New Businesses Act is in the best interest of all Nevadans, including AAPI entrepreneurs and small businesses.”
    As a member of the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Senator Rosen has been working to bolster Nevada’s small businesses. Every year, she leads her Senate colleagues in pushing for robust funding to support small businesses and cut burdensome red tape. Senator Rosen has also introduced the bipartisan Minority Entrepreneurship Grant Program Act to establish a Minority Entrepreneurship Grant Program through the Small Business Administration (SBA) to award grants to Minority Serving Institutions to promote and increase opportunity. Last year, Senator Rosen introduced the bipartisan One Stop Shop For Small Business Licensing Act to require the SBA to create a centralized website that includes federal, state, and local licensing and business permit information for starting a small business.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Buffalo man pleads guilty to bilking two banks out of nearly half a million dollars

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Joshua Parra, 32, formerly of Buffalo, NY, now living in Melbourne, Florida, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer to bank fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. 

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who is handling the case, stated that between December 28, 2021, and January 6, 2022, Parra defrauded Bancorp and Stride Bank by creating 94 fictitious disputed transactions on behalf of 11 customers of Fintech Company 1, a financial technology company that offers customers mobile banking services. However, none of the 11 customers’ accounts with Fintech Company 1 had transactions that would justify such disputes. Nearly all of the fictitious disputed transactions were in the amount of $5,000. As a result, funds were transferred from settlement accounts, held at Bancorp and Stride Bank, to accounts maintained by the Fintech Company 1 customers for whom Parra created the fictitious disputed transactions. Losses to Bancorp and Stride Bank totaled approximately $459,000.

    The plea is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Thomas Fattorusso, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Miraglia.  

    Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.   

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Planisware – Q3 2024 revenue

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Q3 2024 revenue of € 47.0 million

    • Year-on-year revenue growth in constant currencies of +18.7% in Q3 and +19.3% for the 9 first months of the year
    • Record high commercial pipeline but longer customer decision-making process driving delayed signature and start of new contracts
    • More cautious view on revenue growth in Q4
    • Improving profitability thanks to continuous progress in operational efficiency and better activity mix
    • Revision of 2024 objectives announced in September 2023:
      • 2024 revenue growth in constant currencies between +17% and +18%
        (vs. c. 19.5%)
      • Adjusted EBITDA margin raised to approximately 34% (vs. c. 33%)
      • Cash Conversion Rate of c. 80% confirmed

    Paris, October 23, 2024 – Planisware, a leading B2B provider of SaaS in the rapidly growing Project Economy market, announces today its revenue for the third quarter of 2024. Revenue amounted to € 47.0 million, up by +18.2% in current currencies, mainly led by the continued success of the Group’s market-leading SaaS platform. In constant currencies, revenue growth reached +18.7% (€+7.4 million) in Q3 and +19.3% (€+21.6 million) for the first nine months of the year. Recurring revenue amounted to €41.4 million in Q3 (88% of revenue) and was up by +21.2% in constant currencies.

    Loïc Sautour, CEO of Planisware, commented: “During the third quarter of 2024, Planisware delivered a solid +18.7% revenue growth in constant currencies, led by the continued success of our SaaS operations. This was a bit lower than expected due to elongated customers’ decision-making process since the end of the summer on the back of political concerns in France and difficulties seen in some of our key verticals such as automotive.

    Taking into account some uncertainties in the closing timing of delayed signatures and the start of some contracts, we adopt a cautious view for the end of the year. As a results, we now target annual revenue growth between +17% and +18% in constant currencies.

    In parallel, we continue to benefit from the evolution of our activity mix and to deliver further operational efficiencies on employee-related costs enabling to raise our 2024 profitability objective to c. 34% while confirming our cash conversion rate objective of c. 80%.

    Beyond the current quarter, we continue to build on our record high commercial pipeline fuelled by increasing demands for strategic portfolio management tools that help companies to better align their resources with strategic business goals. This dynamic is paving the way towards our ambition to be the accelerator of the Project Economy and the number one provider of multi-specialty project and portfolio management software solutions.”

    Q3 2024 revenue by revenue stream

    In € million Q3 2024 Q3 2023 Variation
    YoY
    Variation
    in cc*
    Recurring revenue 41.4 34.3 +20.7% +21.2%
    SaaS & Hosting 20.8 17.1 +21.9% +22.3%
    Evolutive support 13.0 10.4 +24.6% +25.2%
    Subscription support 2.8 2.2 +29.4% +30.3%
    Maintenance 4.8 4.6 +3.8% +4.1%
    Non-recurring revenue 5.6 5.1 +8.3% +8.7%
    Perpetual license 2.0 1.3 +57.3% +58.0%
    Implementation & others non-recurring 3.5 3.8 -8.1% -7.9%
    Revenue with customers 47.0 39.4 +19.1% +19.6%
    Other revenue – 0.3    
    Total revenue 47.0 39.7 +18.2% +18.7%

    * Revenue evolution in constant currencies, i.e. at Q3 2023 average exchange rates

    Reaching €47.0 million in Q3 2024, revenue was up by +18.2% in current currencies and +18.7% in constant currencies. The exchange rates effect was mostly related to the appreciation of the euro versus the US dollar and the Japanese yen compared to Q3 2023. In order to reflect the underlying performance of the Company independently from exchange rates fluctuations, the following analysis refers to revenue evolution in constant currencies, applying Q3 2023 average exchange rates to Q3 2024 revenue figures, unless expressly stated otherwise.

    Recurring revenue

    Representing 88% of Q3 2024 revenue versus 86% in Q3 2023, recurring revenue reached €41.4 million, up by +21.2%.

    Revenue growth was fully led by Planisware’s SaaS model (i.e. SaaS & Hosting and Evolutive & Subscription support) up +23.9%, with SaaS & Hosting revenue up by +22.3% thanks to contracts secured with new customers as well as continued expansion within the installed base. Revenue of support activities (Evolutive & Subscription support), intrinsically related to Planisware’s SaaS offering, grew by +26.1%.

    Maintenance revenue was up by +4.1% in the context of the Group’s shift from its prior license model to a SaaS model.

    Non-recurring revenue

    Non-recurring revenue was up by +8.7%, helped by perpetual licenses extensions and upgrades sold in Q3 2024 to established customers with specific on-premise needs.

    The continued effort to deliver shorter implementations and to bring value faster to customers continued to drive down the planned revenue decline in Implementation. At -7.9% in Q3, revenue decline was accented by delays in the start of projects.

    Confirmed leadership of Planisware

    Planisware’s broad recognition from third-party industry analysts was further confirmed by the latest 2024 Gartner® “Magic QuadrantTMfor Adaptive Project Management and Reporting report.” published on September 5, 2024 and in which Gartner reasserted Planisware as a Leader, emphasizing “robust integrations, dynamic reporting, and native collaboration functionality” and a roadmap that “includes investments to bolster objective and key result (OKR) capabilities, automate work effort tracking, and deliver additional AI-driven features”.

    2024 objectives

    During its process to prepare its IPO, Planisware communicated to investors its 2024 objectives as early as September 2023.

    Planisware communicates today a revised set of 2024 objectives to take into account the uncertainties in the closing timing of delayed signatures and the start of some contracts. The Group adopts a more cautious view for year-end revenue growth. In parallel, continuous progress in operational efficiency and improving activity mix enable Planisware to raise its profitability objective, while confirming its objective for cash generation. As a consequence, Planisware’s 2024 objectives are:

    • Revenue growth in constant currencies between +17% and +18% (c. 19.5% priorly)
    • Adjusted EBITDA margin of approximately 34% (approximately 33% priorly)
    • Cash Conversion Rate of c.80% confirmed

    Appendices

    YTD 2024 revenue by revenue stream

    In € million 9M 2024 9M 2023 Variation
    YoY
    Variation
    in cc*
    Recurring revenue 118.0 96.4 +22.5% +22.9%
    SaaS & Hosting 59.6 46.6 +27.8% +28.0%
    Evolutive support 35.9 29.8 +20.4% +21.1%
    Subscription support 8.4 6.3 +34.8% +35.0%
    Maintenance 14.1 13.6 +3.4% +3.5%
    Non-recurring revenue 15.5 15.3 +1.9% +2.0%
    Perpetual license 6.1 3.6 +70.1% +70.4%
    Implementation & others non-recurring 9.4 11.7 -19.2% -19.1%
    Revenue with customers 133.6 111.6 +19.7% +20.0%
    Other revenue – 0.7    
    Total revenue 133.6 112.3 +18.9% +19.3%

    * Revenue evolution in constant currencies, i.e. at 9M 2023 average exchange rates

    Q3 2024 revenue Investors & Analysts conference call

    Planisware’s management team will host an international conference call on October 23, 2024 at 8:00am CET to details Q3 2023 performance and key achievements, by means of a presentation followed by a Q&A session. The webcast and its subsequent replay will be available on planisware.com.

    Upcoming event

    • February 27, 2025:        FY 2024 results publication

    Contact

    About Planisware

    Planisware is a leading business-to-business (“B2B”) provider of Software-as-a-Service (“SaaS”) in the rapidly growing Project Economy. Planisware’s mission is to provide solutions that help organizations transform how they strategize, plan and deliver their projects, project portfolios, programs and products.

    With more than 700 employees across 14 offices, Planisware operates at significant scale serving around 600 organizational clients in a wide range of verticals and functions across more than 30 countries worldwide. Planisware’s clients include large international companies, medium-sized businesses and public sector entities.

    Planisware is listed on the regulated market of Euronext Paris (Compartment A, ISIN code FR001400PFU4, ticker symbol “PLNW”). For more information, visit: https://planisware.com/

    Connect with Planisware on: LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).

    Disclaimer

    Forward-looking statements

    This document contains statements regarding the prospects and growth strategies of Planisware. These statements are sometimes identified by the use of the future or conditional tense, or by the use of forward-looking terms such as “considers”, “envisages”, “believes”, “aims”, “expects”, “intends”, “should”, “anticipates”, “estimates”, “thinks”, “wishes” and “might”, or, if applicable, the negative form of such terms and similar expressions or similar terminology. Such information is not historical in nature and should not be interpreted as a guarantee of future performance. Such information is based on data, assumptions, and estimates that Planisware considers reasonable. Such information is subject to change or modification based on uncertainties in the economic, financial, competitive or regulatory environments.

    This information includes statements relating to Planisware’s intentions, estimates and targets with respect to its markets, strategies, growth, results of operations, financial situation and liquidity. Planisware’s forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this document. Absent any applicable legal or regulatory requirements, Planisware expressly disclaims any obligation to release any updates to any forward-looking statements contained in this document to reflect any change in its expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances, on which any forward-looking statement contained in this document is based. Planisware operates in a competitive and rapidly evolving environment; it is therefore unable to anticipate all risks, uncertainties or other factors that may affect its business, their potential impact on its business or the extent to which the occurrence of a risk or combination of risks could have significantly different results from those set out in any forward-looking statements, it being noted that such forward-looking statements do not constitute a guarantee of actual results.

    Rounded figures

    Certain numerical figures and data presented in this document (including financial data presented in millions or thousands and certain percentages) have been subject to rounding adjustments and, as a result, the corresponding totals in this document may vary slightly from the actual arithmetic totals of such information.

    Variation in constant currencies

    Variation in constant currencies represent figures based on constant exchange rates using as a base those used in the prior year. As a result, such figures may vary slightly from actual results based on current exchange rates.

    Non-IFRS measures

    This document includes certain unaudited measures and ratios of the Group’s financial or non-financial performance (the “non-IFRS measures”), such as “recurring revenue”, “non-recurring revenue”, “gross margin”, “Adjusted EBITDA”, “Adjusted EBITDA margin”, “Adjusted Free Cash Flow”, “cash conversion rate”, “churn rate” and “Net Retention Rate” (or “NRR”). Non-IFRS financial information may exclude certain items contained in the nearest IFRS financial measure or include certain non-IFRS components. Readers should not consider items which are not recognized measurements under IFRS as alternatives to the applicable measurements under IFRS. These measures have limitations as analytical tools and readers should not treat them as substitutes for IFRS measures. In particular, readers should not consider such measurements of the Group’s financial performance or liquidity as an alternative to profit for the period, operating income or other performance measures derived in accordance with IFRS or as an alternative to cash flow from (used in) operating activities as a measurement of the Group’s liquidity. Other companies with activities similar to or different from those of the Group could calculate non-IFRS measures differently from the calculations adopted by the Group.

    Non-IFRS measures included in this document are defined as follows:

    • Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as Current operating profit including share of profit of equity-accounted investees, plus amortization and depreciation as well as impairment of intangible assets and property, plant and equipment, plus either non-recurring items or non-operating items.
    • Adjusted EBITDA margin is the ratio of Adjusted EBITDA to total revenue.
    • Adjusted FCF (Free Cash Flow) is calculated as cash flows from operating activities, plus IPO costs paid, if any, less other financial income and expenses classified as operating activities in the cash-flow statement, and less net cash relating to capital expenditures.
    • Cash Conversion Rate is defined as Adjusted FCF divided by Adjusted EBITDA. Planisware considers Cash Conversion Rate to be a meaningful financial measure to assess and compare the Group’s capital intensity and efficiency.
    • Net cash position is defined as Cash minus indebtedness excluding lease liabilities.

    Attachment

    • Planisware – Q3 2024 revenue – PR

    The MIL Network –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: WithSecure Interim report 1 January – 30 September 2024: Elements software continues growth, profitability maintained despite challenges in services

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WithSecure Corporation, Interim report 1 January – 30 September 2024, 23 October 2024 at 8.00 EEST

    WithSecure Interim report 1 January – 30 September 2024: Elements software continues growth, profitability maintained despite challenges in services

    Highlights of July – September 2024 (“third quarter”)

    • Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR)1 for Elements Cloud products and services2 increased by 11% to EUR 81.8 million (EUR 73.8 million)
    • Elements Cloud ARR decrease from previous quarter was 1%
    • Net Revenue Retention for Elements Cloud was 104%
    • Revenue for Elements Cloud increased by 9% to EUR 20.7 million (EUR 19.0 million)
    • ARR for Cloud Protection for Salesforce increased by 38% to EUR 10.2 million (EUR 7.4 million)
    • CPSF Revenue increased by 20% to EUR 2.4 million (EUR 2.0 million)
    • Cyber security consulting revenue declined by 1% to EUR 7.5 million (EUR 7.7 million)
    • Adjusted EBITDA for WithSecure was EUR 1.9 million (EUR -2.3 million)
    • Items affecting comparability (IAC) of EBITDA were EUR -0.4 million (EUR -0.2 million).
    • Consulting-related goodwill was impaired by EUR 15.5 million in the third quarter
    1. Annual recurring revenue (ARR) of cloud products is calculated by multiplying monthly recurring revenue of last month of quarter by twelve.  Monthly recurring revenue includes recognized revenue within the month excluding non-recurring revenue
    2. Elements Cloud includes Elements Cloud portfolio software and services as well as the managed services

    Highlights of January – September 2024

    • Revenue for Elements Cloud products and services increased by 10% to EUR 61.8 million (EUR 56.4 million)
    • CPSF revenue increased by 5% to EUR 6.6 million (EUR 6.3 million)
    • Cyber security consulting revenue increased by 2% to EUR 23.6 million (EUR 23.2 million)
    • Adjusted EBITDA for WithSecure was EUR 0.7 million (EUR -16.3 million)
    • Items affecting comparability (IAC) of EBITDA were EUR -0.9 million (EUR -3.4 million).

    Outlook for 2024

    Outlook for 2024 (updated on 11 October 2024)
    Annual recurring revenue (ARR) for Elements Cloud products and services will grow by 6–14 % from the end of 2023. At the end of 2023, Elements Cloud ARR was EUR 78.4 million.

    Revenue from Elements Cloud products and services will grow by 8–12 % from previous year. Previous year revenue from Elements Cloud was EUR 76.1 million.

    Total revenue of the group will grow by 2– 5 % from previous year. Previous year revenue of the group was EUR 142.8 million.

    Adjusted EBITDA of full year 2024 will be positive.

    Outlook for 2024 (previous)
    Annual recurring revenue (ARR) for Elements Cloud products and services will grow by 10–20 % from the end of 2023. At the end of 2023, Elements Cloud ARR was EUR 78.4 million.

    Revenue from Elements Cloud products and services will grow by 10–16 % from previous year. Previous year revenue from Elements Cloud was EUR 76.1 million.

    Total revenue of the group will grow by 6–12 % from previous year. Previous year revenue of the group was EUR 142.8 million.

    Adjusted EBITDA of full year 2024 will be positive.

    Figures in this report are unaudited. Figures in brackets refer to the corresponding period in the previous year, unless otherwise stated. Percentages and figures presented may include rounding differences and might therefore not add up precisely to the totals presented.

    CEO Antti Koskela

    In the third quarter of 2024, WithSecure ARR for Elements Cloud products and services grew by 11 % to EUR 81.8 million (EUR 73.8 million). Elements Cloud revenue grew by 9 % to EUR 20.7 million (EUR 19.0 million). Despite the slightly disappointing revenue growth, profitability of both Elements Company segment and WithSecure Group was positive at the Adjusted EBITDA level. Cloud Protection for Salesforce business returned to the growth track, with ARR growth of 38 %.

    In the Elements Company, Elements software continued to perform with good year-on-year growth. In the DACH (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) region, the revenue growth slowed down slightly, mostly due to the weakness of the German economy. In other European regions and Japan, the revenue and ARR growth continued. In Managed services, some large customers churned during third quarter. This development was affected by our increasing focus on selling managed services to mid-market customers through the Elements platform. However, despite the increase in the number of customers, revenue did not fully compensate for the churned accounts. Of the geographic regions, mostly the UK and the US have been impacted by the Managed services development.

    Exposure Management, introduced in SPHERE’24 reached General Availability during the third quarter. The customer demand for the newest module of Elements has remained high. Also, our AI assistant Luminen became available for all Elements customers in the third quarter.

    Elements Company Adjusted EBITDA was EUR 2.0 million (EUR -0.5 million), as a result of the cost savings of 2023 and continuous efficiency measures.

    In Cloud Protection for Salesforce (CPSF), focused efforts on improving sales efficiency resulted in breaking through the 10 million ARR threshold. ARR grew by 38 % to EUR 10.2 million (EUR 7.4 million). Revenue grew by 20 % to EUR 2.4 million (EUR 2.0 million). We continue to develop CPSF as an independent business in WithSecure. Profitability of the CPSF is moving towards break-even with the improving revenue.

    Cyber security consulting revenue was slightly below previous year’s level and was EUR 7.5 million (EUR 7.7 million). In some key accounts, we saw financial constraints in the third quarter. In the long term, we continue to see solid demand for cyber security consulting service. As announced on 31 October 2023, the Cyber security consulting business is under strategic review. We are in active discussions regarding divestment of the business, but no decision has been taken so far.

    Due to the gaps between actual and expected revenue, we lowered the financial outlook for 2024. For the changes in consulting revenue estimates and increased equity market risk, we recorded an impairment of the consulting-related goodwill of EUR 15.5 million in the third quarter.

    At the end of September, WithSecure’s headquarters moved to the new premises in Wood City, Helsinki. This is part of our plan of creating dynamic and collaborative workplaces, to welcome our employees and visitors and to foster well-being and creativity.

    Financial performance

    (mEUR) 7-9/2024 7-9/2023 Change % 1-9/2024 1-9/2023 Change % 1-12/2023
    Revenue 36.1 34.8 4% 109.2 104.8 4% 142.8
    Gross Margin 26.2 24.2 9% 78.4 72.6 8% 100.2
    % of revenue 72.6 % 69.5 %   71.8 % 69.3 %   70.2 %
    Other operating income1 0.7 0.2 227% 1.6 1.0 53% 1.4
    Operating expenses1 -25.0 -26.6 6% -79.2 -90.0 12% -117.7
    Sales & Marketing -13.7 -15.2 10% -42.9 -52.4 18% -68.1
    Research & Development -8.4 -8.2 3% -26.5 -27.6 4% -36.3
    Administration -3.0 -3.3 10% -9.8 -10.0 2% -13.3
    Adjusted EBITDA2 1.9 -2.3 182% 0.7 -16.3 -104% -16.1
    % of revenue 5.2 % -6.5 %   0.7 % -15.6 %   -11.3 %
    Items affecting comparability (IAC)              
    Other items -0.6 -0.1 -468% -1.6 -0.4 -301% -1.4
    Restructuring -0.4 -0.1 -303% -0.4 -4.4 90% -8.9
    Divestments 0.6     1.2 1.4 -15% 1.4
    EBITDA 1.5 -2.5 -160% -0.1 -19.7 99% -25.1
    % of revenue 4.1 % -7.1 %   -0.1 % -18.8 %   -17.6 %
    Depreciation & amortization, excluding PPA3 -2.6 -2.5 -5% -7.4 -7.6 2% -10.2
    Impairment -15.5 -6.2 -150% -15.5 -6.2 -150% -6.2
    PPA amortization -0.5 -0.6 15% -1.7 -1.8 4% -2.4
    EBIT -17.2 -11.8 46% -24.8 -35.3 30% -43.9
    % of revenue -47.5 % -33.8 %   -22.7 % -33.7 %   -30.7 %
    Adjusted EBIT2 -0.8 -4.8 84% -6.7 -23.9 72% -26.3
    % of revenue -2.1 % -13.7 %   -6.1 % -22.8 %   -18.4 %
    1. Excluding Items Affecting Comparability (IAC) and depreciation and amortization. In 2023 excludes also costs of services provided to F-Secure under TSA and equivalent income charged for TSA services. 
    2. Adjustments are material items outside the normal course of business associated with acquisitions, integration, restructuring, gains or losses from sales of businesses and other items affecting comparability. For reconciliation and a breakdown of adjusted costs, see Note 6 (Reconciliation of alternative performance measures)
    3. Amortization of intangible assets from business combinations (PPA, purchase price allocation, related amortizations). 
    (mEUR) 7-9/2024 7-9/2023 Change % 1-9/2024 1-9/2023 Change % 1-12/2023
    Earnings per share, (EUR)1 -0.10 -0.06 -69% -0.13 -0.16 18% -0.23
    Deferred revenue       65.7 65.7 0% 66.9
    Cash flow from operations before financial items and taxes -0.6 -9.0 94% -5.7 -22.5 75% -19.9
    Cash and cash equivalents       21.6 30.0 -28% 36.6
    ROI, % -60.8 % -33.3 % -82% -27.1 % -30.9 % 12% -30.5 %
    Equity ratio, %       66.6 % 79.1 % -16% 73.3 %
    Gearing, %       4.0 % -18.3 % -122% -22.2 %
    Personnel, end of period       983 1,147 -14% 1,087
    1. Based on the weighted average number of outstanding shares during the period 175,976,169 (1-9/2024). Earnings per share has been recalculated for comparative periods using average weighted share amount after share issues.

    Events after period-end
    No material changes regarding the company’s business or financial position have taken place after the end of the quarter.

    Additional information
    This is a summary of WithSecure’s interim report 1 January – 30 September 2024. The full report is a PDF file attached to this stock exchange release. Full report is also available on the company website.

    Webcast
    WithSecure’s CEO Antti Koskela and CFO Tom Jansson will present the results in a webcast on 23 October starting at 14.00 EEST. The webcast will be held in English and can be accessed at

    https://withsecure.videosync.fi/q3-2024

    Questions in written format are requested in the webcast portal. Presentation material and the webcast recording will be available on the company website

    Materials | Investor Relations | WithSecure™

    Financial calendar
    WithSecure will publish its financial information dates of 2025 later in the fourth quarter of 2024. WithSecure observes at least a three-week (21 days) silent period prior to publication of financial reports, during which it refrains from engaging in discussions with capital market representatives or the media regarding WithSecure’s financial position or the factors affecting it.

    Contact information

    Tom Jansson, CFO
    WithSecure Corporation

    Laura Viita, VP, Controlling, investor relations and sustainability
    WithSecure Corporation
    +358 50 487 1044
    investor-relations@withsecure.com

    Attachment

    • Interim Report 1 January – 30 September 2024_vF

    The MIL Network –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Ringkjøbing Landbobank’s quarterly report for the first three quarters of 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Nasdaq Copenhagen
    Euronext Dublin
    London Stock Exchange
    Other stakeholders

    23 October 2024

    Ringkjøbing Landbobank’s quarterly report for the first three quarters of 2024

    The bank’s board of directors and general management have today approved the quarterly report for the first three quarters of 2024.

    With net profit of DKK 1.77 billion for the first three quarters of 2024, the bank specifies the expected results for net profit for 2024 to the top of the DKK 2,000-2,350 million range.

    Core earnings

    (DKK million) Q1-Q3 2024 Q1-Q3 2023 2023 2022 2021 2020
    Total core income 3,067 2,785 3,828 2,862 2,433 2,179
    Total expenses and depreciation 761 708 963 891 817 788
    Core earnings before impairment charges 2,306 2,077 2,865 1,971 1,616 1,391
    Impairment charges for loans etc. +2 -1 -1 -2 -68 -223
    Core earnings 2,308 2,076 2,864 1,969 1,548 1,168
    Result for the portfolio etc. +56 -36 -7 -69 +7 -9
    Amortisation etc. on intangible assets 15 15 20 20 17 15
    Tax 579 484 682 385 309 224
    Net profit 1,770 1,541 2,155 1,495 1,229 920

    Highlights of the first three quarters of 2024

    • The net profit is DKK 1,770 million, equivalent to a 22% p.a. return on equity
    • Earnings per share – measured on net profit – increase by 20% to DKK 69
    • Core income increases by 10% to DKK 3,067 million
    • Costs increase by 8%, and the cost/income ratio decreases to 24.8%
    • In the first three quarters of 2024, the bank carried impairment charges of DKK 2 million to income based on strong credit quality while, in the first nine months of 2024, the total management estimates increased by DKK 52 million 
    • Highly satisfactory increase in customer numbers and growth of 9% in loans, 4% in deposits and 14% in funds in custody accounts
    • The bank’s brands remain highly ranked in the annual Voxmeter Image survey where the Ringkjøbing Landbobank brand takes first place.
    • The expected result for 2024 is specified to be at the upper end of the upwardly adjusted DKK 2,000-2,350 million range

    Yours sincerely

    Ringkjøbing Landbobank

    John Fisker
    CEO

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Capgemini announces leadership appointments

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Media relations:
    Sam Connatty
    Tel.: +44 (0)370 904 3601
    Email: sam.connatty@capgemini.com

    Capgemini announces leadership appointments

    • Anirban Bose becomes CEO of the Americas Strategic Business Unit
    • Kartik Ramakrishnan becomes CEO of the Financial Services Strategic Business Unit
    • Jerome Simeon will take on the role of Chief Revenue Officer
    • Franck Greverie will become Chief Technology Officer

    Paris, October 23, 2024 – Capgemini today announced some key leadership appointments. Anirban Bose succeeds Jim Bailey as CEO of the Americas Strategic Business Unit, effective November 1. Consecutively, Kartik Ramakrishnan is appointed CEO of the Financial Services Strategic Business Unit. Jerome Simeon will become Chief Revenue Officer and Franck Greverie Chief Technology Officer, both from January 1, 2025. Following an outstanding 34-year long career at Capgemini, Olivier Sevillia, Chief Operating Officer, has decided to pursue new endeavors as an individual, and will leave the Group at the end of 2024. With his deep global experience and passion for digital transformation, Olivier will focus on promoting the techno-business ecosystem of European companies to help improve their competitiveness. The whole Capgemini team is looking forward to supporting Olivier in his next chapter.

    “These appointments strengthen the Group’s growth ambition and reinforce Capgemini’s role as the go to business and technology partner for our clients. Anirban Bose has been at the helm of our Financial Services division for the last six years and instrumental in building and shaping this business across the globe. Anirban is well positioned to accelerate our trajectory in the Americas, building on our progress in the region over the past 4 years under the leadership of Jim Bailey. I would like to thank Jim for his many contributions to Capgemini. Kartik Ramakrishnan, who has been running the Banking sector for the past six years, is Anirban’s natural successor, to ensure the global business will continue to go from strength to strength,” comments Aiman Ezzat, CEO of the Capgemini Group. “To bolster our laser focus on growth, Jerome Simeon will take on a new position of Chief Revenue Officer for the Group in the new year. His role will encompass our activities across sales, key clients and industries to bring even greater value to our clients as we accompany them on their business-critical transformations. Franck Greverie will add Chief Technology Officer to his scope of responsibility, also from January 1. His deep tech expertise and forward-thinking approach will accelerate our efforts to build innovative value creating solutions for our clients. I wish Anirban, Kartik, Jerome and Franck every success in their new roles.”

    Aiman Ezzat continues, “After an outstanding 34-year long career at Capgemini and an impressive track record in leading and operating strategic businesses across the Group, Olivier Sevillia will step down as Group COO at the end of 2024. We are all looking forward to supporting Olivier in his new endeavors as an individual, focused on applying his extensive experience in digital transformation to promote a rich techno-business ecosystem to help improve the competitiveness of European businesses. The board of directors joins me in thanking him and paying tribute to his commitment and service.”

    Biography: Anirban Bose

    Anirban was Head of Capgemini’s Financial Services Strategic Business Unit and a member of the Group Executive Board from 2018. He was also responsible for overseeing the Asia Pacific Strategic Business Unit.

    Prior to this, Anirban was the Head of Capgemini’s Banking and Capital Markets Business Unit.

    Between 2007 and 2015 Anirban led Capgemini’s Banking Business Unit. From 2004 to 2007, Anirban served as executive vice president at Kanbay before its 2007 acquisition by Capgemini.

    Anirban resides in New York. He graduated from the Indian Institute of Technology of Varasani with a Bachelor of Technology. He holds an MBA in Finance from the University of Chicago.

    Biography: Kartik Ramakrishnan

    Kartik was the Deputy CEO of Capgemini’s Financial Services Strategic Business Unit and also led Capgemini’s Banking and Capitals Markets business. Kartik has been a member of the Group Executive Committee since 2023.

    Prior to this, Kartik was responsible for managing sales teams across banking and capital markets.

    Kartik has spent over 25 years consulting in the banking and payments industry. Over his career, he has been involved in launching new products and developing innovative, cost-effective solutions for financial services firms across the globe in countries such as Australia, Canada, Germany, India, Singapore, United Kingdom and United States of America.

    Kartik has a bachelor’s degree from the Indian Institute of Technology and a master’s degree from the Booth School of Business at University of Chicago.

    Biography: Jerome Simeon

    Jerome became the Head of Global Industries in 2023. He has been a Member of the Group Executive Board since 2021.

    Prior to this, he was the CEO of the Southern Europe Strategic Business Unit. From 2018 to 2020, Jerome was Managing Director of Capgemini in France, when he also joined the Group Executive Committee.

    From 2014, he was CEO, Application Services France after serving as Commercial Director (from 2012 to 2014).

    Prior to this, from 2007 to 2010, he held commercial positions in Capgemini’s Telecom & Media business after managing the development and sales for the Property & Services Europe sector of BT Global Services for two years.

    Jerome joined Capgemini in 1998, after eight years with the group Générale des Eaux/Vivendi. Jerome graduated from Toulouse Business School.

    Biography: Franck Greverie

    Franck Greverie has been the Chief Portfolio Officer at Capgemini since 2018.

    Franck has been on the Group Executive Board since 2020, when he took on additional responsibilities overseeing Cloud Infrastructure Services (cloud & cybersecurity), Business Services and Insights & Data (Data & AI) Global Business Lines.

    Prior to this, from 2016, Franck led the Cloud & Cybersecurity activities of Capgemini. He joined Capgemini in 2015 as Head of the Cybersecurity Global Service Line.

    Between 2012 and 2015, Franck was an Executive VP at Bull, where he was in charge of the Security Division, and also led the Middle East, Africa and Asia activities.

    Prior to that, Franck was the Managing Director of the Information Systems Security and Cybersecurity activities for Thales Group (France, UK, Germany, Norway, USA, Asia) since 2018. His career with Thales began in 2004, as Head of Strategy, Business Development and Marketing for the Security activity.

    Franck is a graduate of ESME, engineering school, and of the Executive MBA of ESSEC Business School.

    Note to Editors
    High-resolution photography of Anirban Bose, Kartik Ramakrishnan, Jerome Simeon and Franck Greverie is available on request.

    About Capgemini
    Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organisations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fuelled by its market-leading capabilities in AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2023 global revenues of €22.5 billion.
    Get the future you want | http://www.capgemini.com

    Attachment

    • 10_23_Capgemini leadership appointments

    The MIL Network –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Orders on Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreements with Armenia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Croatia and Türkiye to be gazetted

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Chief Executive in Council made five Orders under the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112) yesterday (October 22) to implement respectively the Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreements (CDTAs) that Hong Kong signed with Armenia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Croatia and Türkiye. The Orders will be gazetted on October 25.

         “Under the CDTAs, residents of Hong Kong and the relevant tax jurisdictions will not have to pay tax twice on a single source of income. This will bring them a greater certainty on taxation liabilities and tax savings when they engage in cross-border trade and investment activities. The CDTAs can help encourage enterprises of Hong Kong to conduct business or invest in the tax jurisdictions concerned, and vice versa,” a Government spokesman said today (October 23).

         The Orders will be tabled at the Legislative Council on October 30 for negative vetting. The CDTAs will enter into force after both Hong Kong and the relevant tax jurisdictions have completed their respective ratification procedures.

         Hong Kong signed the CDTAs with Bangladesh, Croatia, Bahrain, Armenia and Türkiye in August 2023; and January, March, June and September 2024 respectively, bringing the number of tax jurisdictions that have signed CDTAs with Hong Kong to 51.  Highlights of the five new CDTAs are set out in the Annex.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ4: Application for refund of stamp duty in respect of redevelopment project

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Louis Loong and a reply by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, in the Legislative Council today (October 23):
     
    Question:
     
         During the past decade or so when demand-side management measures for residential properties were in place, the Government levied the Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD) on residential property transactions and applied a higher rate of ad valorem stamp duty (AVD) to collect AVD. Under sections 29DD and 29DE of the Stamp Duty Ordinance, an applicant may apply for a refund of the BSD paid and a partial refund of the AVD paid upon redeveloping a residential property, thereby reducing the effective stamp duty rate after the refund to no more than 4.25 per cent. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) of the respective numbers of refund applications involving BSD and AVD and the amounts involved in the past three years, as well as the time taken by the authorities from receipt of applications to completion of refunds (set out in a table);
     
    (2) among the applications mentioned in (1), of the respective numbers of those for which refunds have been completed and those still being processed; and
     
    (3) as it is learnt that the Government is not required to pay interest on the refund amounts concerned, what measures the Government has put in place to expedite the processing of applications and the completion of refunds under the current high interest rate environment?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         To maintain steady development of the private residential property market, the Government had implemented a series of demand-side management measures for residential properties before, which included imposing Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD) and charging Ad Valorem Stamp Duty (AVD) at higher rates (i.e. the rates at Scale 1). BSD applied to acquisition of residential properties by a non-Hong Kong permanent resident (HKPR) or a company. The higher rates of AVD applied to all transactions of residential properties except for circumstances where the buyer was a HKPR and did not own any other residential property in Hong Kong at the time of acquiring the relevant property. The Government has been closely monitoring changes in the residential property market and timely adjusted relevant measures. Since the end of February this year, all stamp duty measures relating to demand-side management of residential properties have been abolished.
     
         When formulating demand-side management measures for residential properties, the Government established a duty refund mechanism in order not to hinder redevelopment projects. Any person acquiring a residential property for redevelopment purpose may apply for refund of the BSD paid and part of the AVD paid under sections 29DD and 29DE of the Stamp Duty Ordinance respectively. The refundable amount of AVD paid is the difference between the duties calculated at the higher and lower rates.
     
         My reply to Hon Loong’s question is as follows:
     
    (1) In the past three financial years, the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) received 2 724 applications for refund of BSD in respect of redevelopments, involving about $8.1 billion, and 2 688 applications for refund of part of the AVD in respect of redevelopments, involving about $5.4 billion. The breakdown by each financial year is set out in Table (1):
     

    Table (1):The number of applications and the amounts involved in applications for refund of part of the stamp duty in respect of redevelopment projects

    Financial Year in which the application was received
    BSD
    Part of AVD

    No. of applications
    (Note 1)
    Amount of refund applied for
    No. of applications
    (Note 1)
    Amount of refund applied for

     
    $ million
     
    $ million

    2021-22
    723
    3,100
    688
    2,100

    2022-23
    828
    2,147
    831
    1,331

    2023-24
    1 173
    2,860
    1 169
    1,967

    Total
    2 724
    8,107
    2 688
    5,398

    Note 1: As an applicant may apply for refund of BSD and part of AVD in respect of the same residential property transaction, there is overlap in the properties involved in the applications in Table (1).
     
         In the past three financial years, the time taken by the IRD from receipt of applications to completion of processing them is set out in Table (2):
     

    Table (2):Time taken to complete the refunds of BSD and part of the AVD (Note 2)

    Financial Year in which the application was received
    Below three months
    Three months to below five months
    Five months to below nine months
    Nine months or above

    2021-22
    25
    352
    292
    738

    2022-23
    94
    127
    642
    709

    2023-24
    24
    337
    480
    363

    Total
    143
    816
    1 414
    1 810

    Note 2: As at end of September 2024

         The time taken set out in Table (2) includes the time for the IRD to wait for some applicants to submit all the required information and documents. Almost all the applicants of applications that took five months or above to process failed to submit all the required information and documents when submitting the applications, and needed to make further submission(s) afterwards. Some applicants would take a few months or even more than a year to submit all the required information and documents. Generally speaking, the IRD is able to complete the approval and refund procedures within three to four months after receiving all the required information and documents.
     
    (2) In respect of the applications received from 2021-22 to 2023-24, as at end of September this year, the IRD has finished processing 2 097 applications for refund of BSD and 2 086 for refund of part of AVD. A total of 627 applications for refund of BSD and 602 for refund of part of AVD are still being processed, involving 11 redevelopment projects. As an applicant may apply for refund of BSD and part of AVD in respect of the same residential property transaction, there is overlap in the properties involved in the above approximately 1 200 applications.
     
    (3) Redevelopment projects typically involve dozens, or even more than a hundred stamp duty refund applications, involving a significant amount of stamp duty. Therefore, the IRD needs to carefully examine a large number of documents, including the agreement for sale and purchase, information about the applicant and the associated body corporate(s), the consent or approval issued by the Building Authority in respect of the new development, etc. for each application, so as to avoid any abuse of the refund mechanism. As previously mentioned, most applicants whose applications took five months or longer to complete processing needed to submit supplementary information after making the applications. In order to reduce correspondence between the IRD and the applicants regarding the submission of required information and to shorten the time to wait for applicants to supplement required information, the IRD will update the stamp duty refund application form and guidelines by the end of this year. The updated form will provide a detailed list of all necessary documents and remind applicants that their applications will only be considered valid after all documents have been submitted. Following the updating of the stamp duty refund application form, the IRD will organise a briefing session for the Real Estate Developers Association of Hong Kong and developers to help the industry understand the IRD’s requirements. The IRD will also publish guidelines to explain the common issues encountered during the processing of stamp duty refund applications and how the IRD handles them. Furthermore, the IRD will review the current application processing procedures and deploy resources to expedite the processing of applications.
     
         After implementing the aforementioned enhancement measures, the IRD anticipates that most of the stamp duty refund applications can be completed within two months after receiving all the documents.

         Thank you, President.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: On your marks – 100 days to file Self Assessment

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government Non-Ministerial Departments 2

    Self Assessment customers encouraged to prepare and file their tax return early as 31 January deadline is in sight.

    • People have 100 days until 31 January deadline to file their Self Assessment tax return and pay tax owed  
    • Self Assessment customers urged to prepare and file their tax return early 

    The countdown clock has begun as HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) reminds customers they have 100 days to file and pay their Self Assessment tax return before the 31 January deadline. 

    Anyone who is yet to start, can access information and guidance on GOV.UK to help them complete their tax return. 

    More than 3.5 million have already beaten the clock and submitted their returns. HMRC is reminding others that starting their Self Assessment early means they are more likely to complete an accurate tax return, avoid any last-minute panic plus they will know what they owe sooner and can budget. 

    Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: 

    The countdown to the Self Assessment deadline has begun but there is still time to thoroughly prepare and file an accurate tax return by 31 January. You can access online help and support to help you file. Search ‘help with Self Assessment’ on GOV.UK to find out more. 

    More than 12 million people need to file a tax return for the 2023 to 2024 tax year and pay any tax owed by the 31 January 2025 deadline.  

    HMRC has produced a series of  YouTube videos to help people complete their return and a step-by-step guide to check what customers need to do to file their first tax return.    

    Customers who are unsure if they need to file a tax return can visit GOV.UK to check if they need to send a Self Assessment tax return.  

    Anyone who is new to Self Assessment needs to register to receive their Unique Taxpayer Reference before they can send a tax return for the 2023 to 2024 tax year. 

    People who no longer need to file a tax return should tell HMRC as soon as possible to avoid any penalties. HMRC has produced 2 videos explaining how customers can go online and stop Self Assessment if they are self-employed and those who are not self-employed.  

    How to go online and stop Self Assessment if you’re self-employed

    How to go online and stop Self Assessment if you’re not self-employed

    HMRC recommends that anyone who regularly sell goods or provides a service through an online platform to find out more about selling online and paying taxes. The information on GOV.UK will help them decide if their activity should be treated as a trade and if they need to complete a Self Assessment tax return. 

    Criminals use emails, phone calls and texts to try to steal information and money from taxpayers. Before sharing their personal or financial details, people should search ‘HMRC tax scams’ on GOV.UK to access a checklist to help them decide if the contact they have received is a scam 

    People should never share their HMRC login information with anyone. Someone could use them to steal from them or claim benefits or a refund in their name.

    Further Information

    More information on Self Assessment 

    The deadlines for tax returns for 2023 to 2024 tax year are 31 October 2024 for paper returns and 31 January 2025 for online returns. 

    More than 97% of Self Assessment returns are filed online. 

    People can use the HMRC app to find out how to register for Self Assessment, check their Unique Taxpayer Reference, get their National Insurance number and employment income and history and pay their tax bill.

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    Updates to this page

    Published 23 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scottish Greens call for introduction of ‘mansion tax’ in Scottish budget

    Source: Scottish Greens

    23 Oct 2024 Economy

    Scottish Greens are calling for a range of revenue-increasing levies such as ‘mansion tax’ to protect people and planet from budget cuts.

    More in Economy

    The introduction of a ‘mansion tax’ on the sale of the most expensive homes is one of a number of property tax changes proposed by the Scottish Greens, with the money raised being used to protect public services from further cuts.

    Scottish Greens finance spokesperson Ross Greer has called for the Scottish Government to use the upcoming budget to introduce a new band of Land and Buildings Transaction Tax, set at 15% for the purchase of homes costing over £1 million.

    Currently, the top rate of Land and Buildings Transaction Tax for residential properties is 12% on £750,000 and above. The Scottish Greens are proposing a new 12% rate starting at £650,000 and a 15% rate from £1 million.

    Mr Greer said: “14 years of Tory cuts have left Scotland’s budget in a dire state. Sadly, the new Labour government shows every sign of going further and deeper with their own cuts to public services. We must use every tool available to us here in Scotland to protect people and planet from the damage these budget cuts would do.

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

    “There is more than enough wealth in Scotland to end child poverty tomorrow, but far too much of it is in the hands of a very small number of extremely rich people and big companies. The powers needed to tax them fairly mostly sit at Westminster rather than Holyrood, but we can use tools like Scottish property taxes to make sure the richest people in society pay a bit more when they are buying a new house.

    “A mansion tax could be introduced by the SNP now. It would raise crucial funds we could use to tackle child poverty and the climate emergency.”

    Mr Greer added: “The Scottish Greens have already delivered an income tax system for Scotland which raises £1.5 billion more every year for public services like our schools. If we want to protect these services though, we need to go further. That’s why we are proposing a range of options to the SNP. 

    “If they want Green votes to pass the government’s budget, they know that the price of our support is more funding to tackle child poverty and the climate crisis. We are being clear about where that money could be raised from.”

    In 2023, the Scottish Greens delivered new powers to double Council Tax on second homes and increased the Additional Dwelling Supplement, which is paid by those purchasing a property which is not their primary home, such as “buy to let” landlords and those buying second homes. The purpose of these changes was to raise additional funds and to discourage the purchase of holiday homes in areas where they are causing acute housing shortages.

    The Party also introduced the Housing Bill which is currently working its way through Parliament. If passed, this would provide permanent rent controls and protections for tenants.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: TransUnion Announces Third Quarter 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Exceeded third quarter 2024 financial guidance for revenue and earnings
    • Accelerated revenue growth to 12 percent, driven by U.S. Financial Services, Insurance, Consumer Interactive and International, while executing on technology modernization and transformation program savings
    • Voluntarily prepaid $25 million in debt, bringing total prepayments to $105 million in 2024
    • Raising 2024 financial guidance, we now expect to deliver 9 percent revenue growth for the year

    CHICAGO, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TransUnion (NYSE: TRU) (the “Company”) today announced financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2024.

    Third Quarter 2024 Results

    Revenue:

    • Total revenue for the quarter was $1,085 million, an increase of 12 percent (12 percent on a constant currency basis), compared with the third quarter of 2023.

    Earnings:

    • Net income attributable to TransUnion was $68 million for the quarter, compared with a loss of $319 million for the third quarter of 2023. Diluted earnings per share was $0.35, compared with a loss per share of $1.65 in the third quarter of 2023. Net income attributable to TransUnion margin was 6.3 percent, compared with a loss of 32.9 percent in the third quarter of 2023. Our third quarter 2023 net income (loss) attributable to TransUnion, diluted loss per share and net income (loss) attributable to TransUnion margin were impacted by a $414 million non-cash goodwill impairment expense for our United Kingdom reporting unit in the period.
    • Adjusted Net Income was $205 million for the quarter, compared with $177 million for the third quarter of 2023. Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share was $1.04, compared with $0.91 in the third quarter of 2023.
    • Adjusted EBITDA was $394 million for the quarter, compared with $356 million for the third quarter of 2023, an increase of 11 percent (11 percent on a constant currency basis). Adjusted EBITDA margin was 36.3 percent, compared with 36.8 percent in the third quarter of 2023.

    “In the third quarter, TransUnion exceeded financial guidance,” said Chris Cartwright, President and CEO. “U.S. Markets grew by double-digits against stable market conditions, driven by mortgage strength, improving non-mortgage financial services, accelerating insurance growth and large breach remediation wins. Our International segment delivered double-digit organic constant currency revenue growth across India, Latin America, Asia Pacific and Africa.”

    “We continue to progress well against our transformation program. We now expect to capture $85 million of operating expense savings in 2024, driven by strong execution against our operating model optimization to expand our Global Capability Center network. Additionally, our technology modernization is accelerating our pace of innovation with several new capabilities and products launched in the quarter, powered by OneTru.”

    “We are raising our 2024 guidance and now expect to deliver 9 percent revenue growth, reflecting third quarter outperformance, stronger mortgage volumes and broad-based strength across the portfolio.”

    Third Quarter 2024 Segment Results

    U.S. Markets:

    U.S. Markets revenue was $848 million, an increase of 12 percent compared with the third quarter of 2023.

    • Financial Services revenue was $367 million, an increase of 17 percent compared with the third quarter of 2023.
    • Emerging Verticals revenue was $307 million, an increase of 3 percent compared with the third quarter of 2023.
    • Consumer Interactive revenue was $174 million, an increase of 21 percent compared with the third quarter of 2023.

    Adjusted EBITDA was $320 million, an increase of 9 percent compared with the third quarter of 2023.

    International:

    International revenue was $242 million, an increase of 11 percent (12 percent on a constant currency basis) compared with the third quarter of 2023.

    • Canada revenue was $39 million, an increase of 7 percent (9 percent on a constant currency basis) compared with the third quarter of 2023.
    • Latin America revenue was $33 million, an increase of 7 percent (13 percent on a constant currency basis) compared with the third quarter of 2023.
    • United Kingdom revenue was $58 million, an increase of 6 percent (4 percent on a constant currency basis) compared with the third quarter of 2023.
    • Africa revenue was $17 million, an increase of 12 percent (10 percent on a constant currency basis) compared with the third quarter of 2023.
    • India revenue was $68 million, an increase of 21 percent (23 percent on a constant currency basis) compared with the third quarter of 2023.
    • Asia Pacific revenue was $26 million, an increase of 11 percent (11 percent on a constant currency basis) compared with the third quarter of 2023.

    Adjusted EBITDA was $110 million, an increase of 14 percent (15 percent on a constant currency basis) compared with the third quarter of 2023.

    Liquidity and Capital Resources

    Cash and cash equivalents was $643 million at September 30, 2024 and $476 million at December 31, 2023.

    For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, cash provided by operating activities was $579 million, compared with $444 million in 2023. The increase in cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to improved operating performance, partially offset by employee separation payments and a penalty paid for the early termination of a facility lease, both of which were in connection with our operating model optimization program. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, cash used in investing activities was $195 million, compared with $231 million in 2023. The decrease in cash used in investing activities was due primarily to prior year investments in non-consolidated affiliates and lower capital expenditures. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, capital expenditures were $199 million, compared with $213 million in 2023. Capital expenditures as a percent of revenue represented 6% and 7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, cash used in financing activities was $220 million, compared with $375 million in 2023. The decrease in cash used in financing activities was primarily due to a decrease in debt prepayments.

    Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Outlook

    Our guidance is based on a number of assumptions that are subject to change, many of which are outside of the control of the Company, including general macroeconomic conditions, interest rates and inflation. There are numerous evolving factors that we may not be able to accurately predict. There can be no assurance that the Company will achieve the results expressed by this guidance.

        Three Months Ended December 31, 2024   Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2024
    (in millions, except per share data)   Low   High   Low   High
    Revenue, as reported   $ 1,014     $ 1,034     $ 4,161     $ 4,181  
    Revenue growth1:                
    As reported     6 %     8 %     9 %     9 %
    Constant currency1, 2     6 %     8 %     8 %     9 %
    Organic constant currency1, 3     6 %     8 %     8 %     9 %
                     
    Net income attributable to TransUnion   $ 65     $ 77     $ 284     $ 295  
    Net income attributable to TransUnion growth     n/m       n/m       238 %     243 %
    Net income attributable to TransUnion margin     6.4 %     7.4 %     6.8 %     7.1 %
                     
    Diluted Earnings per Share   $ 0.34     $ 0.39     $ 1.45     $ 1.51  
    Diluted Earnings per Share growth   n/m       n/m       237 %     243 %
                     
    Adjusted EBITDA, as reported5   $ 360     $ 375     $ 1,488     $ 1,503  
    Adjusted EBITDA growth, as reported4     10 %     15 %     11 %     12 %
    Adjusted EBITDA margin     35.5 %     36.2 %     35.8 %     36.0 %
                     
    Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share5   $ 0.92     $ 0.98     $ 3.87     $ 3.93  
    Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share growth     14 %     21 %     15 %     17 %
    1. Additional revenue growth assumptions:
      1. The impact of changing exchange rates is expected to have an insignificant impact for Q4 2024 and FY 2024.
      2. There is no impact from recent acquisitions for Q4 2024 and FY 2024.
      3. The impact of mortgage is expected to be approximately 5 points of benefit for Q4 2024 and approximately 4 points of benefit for FY 2024.
    2. Constant currency growth rates assume foreign currency exchange rates are consistent between years. This allows financial results to be evaluated without the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.
    3. Organic constant currency growth rates are constant currency growth excluding inorganic growth. Inorganic growth represents growth attributable to the first twelve months of activity for recent business acquisitions. There is no impact from recent business acquisitions in Q4 2024 and FY 2024.
    4. Additional Adjusted EBITDA assumptions:
      1. The impact of changing foreign currency exchange rates is expected to have an insignificant impact for Q4 2024 and FY 2024.
    5. For a reconciliation of the above non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, refer to Schedule 7 of this Earnings Release.

    Earnings Webcast Details

    In conjunction with this release, TransUnion will host a conference call and webcast today at 8:30 a.m. Central Time to discuss the business results for the quarter and certain forward-looking information. This session and the accompanying presentation materials may be accessed at http://www.transunion.com/tru. A replay of the call will also be available at this website following the conclusion of the call.

    About TransUnion (NYSE: TRU)

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

    http://www.transunion.com/business 

    Availability of Information on TransUnion’s Website

    Investors and others should note that TransUnion routinely announces material information to investors and the marketplace using SEC filings, press releases, public conference calls, webcasts and the TransUnion Investor Relations website. While not all of the information that the Company posts to the TransUnion Investor Relations website is of a material nature, some information could be deemed to be material. Accordingly, the Company encourages investors, the media and others interested in TransUnion to review the information that it shares on http://www.transunion.com/tru.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This earnings release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on the current beliefs and expectations of TransUnion’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Any statements made in this earnings release that are not statements of historical fact, including statements about our beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include information concerning possible or assumed future results of operations, including our guidance and descriptions of our business plans and strategies. These statements often include words such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “guidance,” “suggest,” “plan,” “believe,” “intend,” “estimate,” “target,” “project,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “may,” “will,” “forecast,” “outlook,” “potential,” “continues,” “seeks,” “predicts,” or the negatives of these words and other similar expressions.

    Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, or that could materially affect our financial results or such forward-looking statements include:

    • macroeconomic effects and changes in market conditions, including the impact of inflation, risk of recession, and industry trends and adverse developments in the debt, consumer credit and financial services markets, including the impact on the carrying value of our assets in all of the markets where we operate;
    • our ability to provide competitive services and prices;
    • our ability to retain or renew existing agreements with large or long-term customers;
    • our ability to maintain the security and integrity of our data;
    • our ability to deliver services timely without interruption;
    • our ability to maintain our access to data sources;
    • government regulation and changes in the regulatory environment;
    • litigation or regulatory proceedings;
    • our ability to effectively manage our costs;
    • our efforts to execute our transformation plan and achieve the anticipated benefits and savings;
    • our ability to remediate existing material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures;
    • economic and political stability in the United States and international markets where we operate;
    • our ability to effectively develop and maintain strategic alliances and joint ventures;
    • our ability to timely develop new services and the market’s willingness to adopt our new services;
    • our ability to manage and expand our operations and keep up with rapidly changing technologies;
    • our ability to acquire businesses, successfully secure financing for our acquisitions, timely consummate our acquisitions, successfully integrate the operations of our acquisitions, control the costs of integrating our acquisitions and realize the intended benefits of such acquisitions;
    • our ability to protect and enforce our intellectual property, trade secrets and other forms of unpatented intellectual property;
    • our ability to defend our intellectual property from infringement claims by third parties;
    • geopolitical conditions and other risks associated with our international operations;
    • the ability of our outside service providers and key vendors to fulfill their obligations to us;
    • further consolidation in our end-customer markets;
    • the increased availability of free or inexpensive consumer information;
    • losses against which we do not insure;
    • our ability to make timely payments of principal and interest on our indebtedness;
    • our ability to satisfy covenants in the agreements governing our indebtedness;
    • our ability to maintain our liquidity;
    • share repurchase plans; and
    • our reliance on key management personnel.

    There may be other factors, many of which are beyond our control, that may cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements, including factors disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and any subsequent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should evaluate all forward-looking statements made in this report in the context of these risks and uncertainties.

    The forward-looking statements contained in this earnings release speak only as of the date of this earnings release. We undertake no obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect the impact of events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this earnings release.

    For More Information

    TRANSUNION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
    (in millions, except per share data)

        September 30,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
    Assets        
    Current assets:        
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 643.2     $ 476.2  
    Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance of $18.2 and $16.4     798.4       723.0  
    Other current assets     228.2       275.9  
    Total current assets     1,669.8       1,475.1  
    Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $858.3 and $804.4     181.5       199.3  
    Goodwill     5,184.5       5,176.0  
    Other intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $3,055.8 and $2,719.8     3,356.9       3,515.3  
    Other assets     661.1       739.4  
    Total assets   $ 11,053.8     $ 11,105.1  
    Liabilities and stockholders’ equity        
    Current liabilities:        
    Trade accounts payable   $ 319.4     $ 251.3  
    Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt     66.5       89.6  
    Other current liabilities     609.8       661.8  
    Total current liabilities     995.7       1,002.7  
    Long-term debt     5,134.9       5,250.8  
    Deferred taxes     481.8       592.9  
    Other liabilities     120.2       153.2  
    Total liabilities     6,732.6       6,999.6  
    Stockholders’ equity:        
    Common stock, $0.01 par value; 1.0 billion shares authorized at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, 201.4 million and 200.0 million shares issued at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, and 194.9 million and 193.8 million shares outstanding as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively     2.0       2.0  
    Additional paid-in capital     2,524.3       2,412.9  
    Treasury stock at cost, 6.6 million and 6.2 million shares at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively     (333.0 )     (302.9 )
    Retained earnings     2,312.6       2,157.1  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (289.5 )     (260.9 )
    Total TransUnion stockholders’ equity     4,216.4       4,008.2  
    Noncontrolling interests     104.8       97.3  
    Total stockholders’ equity     4,321.2       4,105.5  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 11,053.8     $ 11,105.1  
     

    TRANSUNION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
    (in millions, except per share data)

        Three Months Ended
    September 30,
      Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
         2024     2023     2024     2023 
    Revenue   $ 1,085.0     $ 968.7     $ 3,147.0     $ 2,876.9  
    Operating expenses                
    Cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization below)     448.7       368.8       1,261.7       1,136.8  
    Selling, general and administrative     305.7       290.8       922.1       867.7  
    Depreciation and amortization     133.6       131.3       400.5       391.1  
    Goodwill impairment     —       414.0       —       414.0  
    Restructuring     40.5       —       66.8       —  
    Total operating expenses     928.6       1,205.0       2,651.0       2,809.6  
    Operating income (loss)     156.4       (236.3 )     495.9       67.3  
    Non-operating income and (expense)                
    Interest expense     (66.6 )     (72.7 )     (203.2 )     (217.2 )
    Interest income     7.8       5.0       19.9       15.1  
    Earnings from equity method investments     4.7       3.7       14.0       11.7  
    Other (expense) and income, net     (5.4 )     8.7       (26.2 )     (16.3 )
    Total non-operating income and (expense)     (59.6 )     (55.4 )     (195.4 )     (206.8 )
    Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes     96.8       (291.7 )     300.5       (139.5 )
    Provision for income taxes     (24.9 )     (22.2 )     (68.9 )     (60.1 )
    Income (loss) from continuing operations     71.9       (313.9 )     231.6       (199.6 )
    Discontinued operations, net of tax     —       (0.5 )     —       (0.7 )
    Net income (loss)     71.9       (314.4 )     231.6       (200.3 )
    Less: net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests     (3.9 )     (4.3 )     (13.4 )     (11.9 )
    Net income (loss) attributable to TransUnion   $ 68.0     $ (318.8 )   $ 218.2     $ (212.2 )
                     
    Basic earnings (loss) per common share from:                
    Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to TransUnion   $ 0.35     $ (1.65 )   $ 1.12     $ (1.09 )
    Discontinued operations, net of tax     —       —       —       —  
    Net income (loss) attributable to TransUnion   $ 0.35     $ (1.65 )   $ 1.12     $ (1.10 )
    Diluted earnings (loss) per common share from:                
    Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to TransUnion   $ 0.35     $ (1.65 )   $ 1.11     $ (1.09 )
    Discontinued operations, net of tax     —       —       —       —  
    Net income (loss) attributable to TransUnion   $ 0.35     $ (1.65 )   $ 1.11     $ (1.10 )
    Weighted-average shares outstanding:                
    Basic     194.6       193.4       194.3       193.3  
    Diluted     197.0       193.4       196.3       193.3  
                                     

    As a result of displaying amounts in millions, rounding differences may exist in the table above.

    TRANSUNION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
    (in millions)

        Nine Months Ended September 30,
         2024    2023
    Cash flows from operating activities:        
    Net income (loss)   $ 231.6     $ (200.3 )
    Less: Discontinued operations, net of tax     —       0.7  
    Income (loss) from continuing operations     231.6       (199.6 )
    Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:        
    Depreciation and amortization     400.5       391.1  
    Goodwill impairment     —       414.0  
    Loss on repayment of loans     2.6       3.0  
    Deferred taxes     (94.1 )     (101.3 )
    Stock-based compensation     85.6       72.9  
    Loss on early termination of lease     40.5       —  
    Other     17.9       13.1  
    Changes in assets and liabilities:        
    Trade accounts receivable     (88.9 )     (104.2 )
    Other current and long-term assets     31.4       (42.4 )
    Trade accounts payable     44.2       16.9  
    Other current and long-term liabilities     (92.8 )     (19.7 )
    Cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations     578.5       443.8  
    Cash used in operating activities of discontinued operations     —       (0.2 )
    Cash provided by operating activities     578.5       443.6  
    Cash flows from investing activities:        
    Capital expenditures     (198.7 )     (213.2 )
    Proceeds from sale/maturities of other investments     —       63.9  
    Purchases of other investments     —       (43.7 )
    Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates     (5.9 )     (36.9 )
    Proceeds from the sale of investments in nonconsolidated affiliates     3.8       —  
    Payment related to disposal of discontinued operations     —       (0.5 )
    Other     5.7       (0.1 )
    Cash used in investing activities     (195.1 )     (230.5 )
    Cash flows from financing activities:        
    Proceeds from term loans     934.9       —  
    Repayments of term loans     (927.9 )     —  
    Repayments of debt     (141.0 )     (310.9 )
    Debt financing fees     (13.5 )     —  
    Proceeds from issuance of common stock and exercise of stock options     24.5       23.1  
    Dividends to shareholders     (61.7 )     (61.4 )
    Employee taxes paid on restricted stock units recorded as treasury stock     (30.1 )     (17.6 )
    Distributions to noncontrolling interests     (4.7 )     (8.5 )
    Cash used in financing activities     (219.5 )     (375.3 )
    Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents     3.1       (2.2 )
    Net change in cash and cash equivalents     167.0       (164.4 )
    Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period     476.2       585.3  
    Cash and cash equivalents, end of period   $ 643.2     $ 420.9  
     

    As a result of displaying amounts in millions, rounding differences may exist in the table above.

    TRANSUNION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    We present Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA Margin, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share, Adjusted Provision for Income Taxes, Adjusted Effective Tax Rate and Leverage Ratio for all periods presented. These are important financial measures for the Company but are not financial measures as defined by GAAP. These financial measures should be reviewed in conjunction with the relevant GAAP financial measures and are not presented as alternative measures of GAAP. Other companies in our industry may define or calculate these measures differently than we do, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures. Because of these limitations, these non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP, including operating income, operating margin, effective tax rate, net income attributable to the Company, diluted earnings per share or cash provided by operating activities. Reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures are presented in the tables below.

    We present Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA Margin, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share, Adjusted Provision for Income Taxes and Adjusted Effective Tax Rate as supplemental measures of our operating performance because these measures eliminate the impact of certain items that we do not consider indicative of our cash operations and ongoing operating performance. These are measures frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in their evaluation of the operating performance of companies similar to ours.

    Our board of directors and executive management team use Adjusted EBITDA as an incentive compensation measure for most eligible employees and Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share as an incentive compensation measure for certain of our senior executives.

    Under the credit agreement governing our Senior Secured Credit Facility, our ability to engage in activities such as incurring additional indebtedness, making investments and paying dividends is tied to our Leverage Ratio which is partially based on Adjusted EBITDA. Investors also use our Leverage Ratio to assess our ability to service our debt and make other capital allocation decisions.

    Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA

    Management has excluded the following items from net income attributable to TransUnion in order to calculate Adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented:

    • Discontinued operations, net of tax, as reported on our Consolidated Statements of Operations. We exclude discontinued operations, net of tax because we believe it does not reflect the underlying and ongoing performance of our business operations.
    • Net interest expense is the sum of interest expense and interest income as reported on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
    • Provision for income taxes, as reported on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
    • Depreciation and amortization, as reported on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
    • Stock-based compensation is used as an incentive to engage and retain our employees. It is predominantly a non-cash expense. We exclude stock-based compensation because it may not correlate to the underlying performance of our business operations during the period since it is measured at the grant date fair value and it is subject to variability as a result of performance conditions and timing of grants. These expenses are reported within cost of services and selling, general and administrative on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
    • Operating model optimization program represents employee separation costs, facility lease exit costs, and other business process optimization expenses incurred in connection with the transformation plan discussed further in “Results of Operations – Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations” in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024. We exclude these expenses as we believe they are not directly correlated to the underlying performance of our business. Further, these costs will vary and may not be comparable during the transformation initiative as we progress toward an optimized operating model. These costs are reported primarily in restructuring and selling, general and administrative on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
    • Accelerated technology investment includes Project Rise and the final phase of our technology investment announced in November 2023. Project Rise was announced in February 2020 and was originally expected to be completed in 2022. Following our acquisition of Neustar in December 2021, we recognized the opportunity to take advantage of Neustar’s capabilities to enhance and complement our cloud-based technology already under development as part of Project Rise. As a result, we extended Project Rise’s timeline to 2024 and increased the total estimated cost to approximately $240 million. In November 2023, we announced our plans to further leverage Neustar’s technology to standardize and streamline our product delivery platforms and to build a single global platform for fulfillment of our product lines. The additional investment is expected to be approximately $90 million during 2024 and 2025 and represents the final phase of the technology investment in our global technology infrastructure and core customer applications. We expect that the accelerated technology investment will fundamentally transform our technology infrastructure by implementing a global cloud-based approach to streamline product development, increase the efficiency of ongoing operations and maintenance and enable a continuous improvement approach to avoid the need for another major technology overhaul in the foreseeable future. The unique effort to build a secure, reliable and performant hybrid cloud infrastructure requires us to dedicate separate resources in order to develop the new cloud-based infrastructure in parallel with our current on-premise environment by maintaining our existing technology team to ensure no disruptions to our customers. The costs associated with the accelerated technology investment are incremental and redundant costs that will not recur after the program has been completed and are not representative of our underlying operating performance. Therefore, we believe that excluding these costs from our non-GAAP measures provides a better reflection of our ongoing cost structure. These costs are primarily reported in cost of services and therefore do not include amounts that are capitalized as internally developed software.
    • Mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and business optimization expenses are non-recurring expenses associated with specific transactions (exploratory or executed) and consist of (i) transaction and integration costs, (ii) post-acquisition adjustments to contingent consideration or to assets and liabilities that occurred after the acquisition measurement period, (iii) fair value and impairment adjustments related to investments and call and put options, (iv) transition services agreement income, and (v) a loss on disposal of a business. We exclude these expenses as we believe they are not directly correlated to the underlying performance of our business operations and vary depending upon the timing of such transactions. These expenses are reported in costs of services, selling, general and administrative and other income and (expenses), net, on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
    • Net other adjustments principally relate to: (i) deferred loan fee expense from debt prepayments and refinancing, (ii) currency remeasurement on foreign operations, (iii) other debt financing expenses consisting primarily of revolving credit facility deferred financing fee amortization and commitment fees and expenses associated with ratings agencies and interest rate hedging, (iv) legal and regulatory expenses, net, and (v) other non-operating (income) expense. We exclude these expenses as we believe they are not directly correlated to the underlying performance of our business and create variability between periods based on the nature and timing of the expense or income. These costs are reported in selling, general and administrative and in non-operating income and expense, net as applicable based on their nature on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

    Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA Margin

    Management defines Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA Margin as Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA divided by total revenue as reported.

    Adjusted Net Income

    Management has excluded the following items from net income attributable to TransUnion in order to calculate Adjusted Net Income for the periods presented:

    • Discontinued operations, net of tax (see Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA above).
    • Amortization of certain intangible assets presents non-cash amortization expenses related to assets that arose from our 2012 change in control transaction and business combinations occurring after our 2012 change in control. We exclude these expenses as we believe they are not directly correlated to the underlying performance of our business operations and vary dependent upon the timing of the transactions that give rise to these assets. Amortization of intangible assets is included in depreciation and amortization on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
    • Stock-based compensation (see Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA above).
    • Operating model optimization program (see Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA above).
    • Accelerated technology investment (see Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA above).
    • Mergers and acquisitions, divestiture and business optimization (see Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA above).
    • Net other is consistent with the definition in Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA above except that other debt financing expenses and certain other miscellaneous income and expense that are included in the adjustment to calculate Adjusted EBITDA are excluded in the adjustment made to calculate Adjusted Net Income.
    • Total adjustments for income taxes relates to the cumulative adjustments discussed below for Adjusted Provision for Income Taxes. This adjustment is made for the reasons indicated in Adjusted Provision for Income Taxes below. Adjustments related to the provision for income taxes are included in the line item by this name on our consolidated statement of operations.

    Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share

    Management defines Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share as Adjusted Net Income divided by the weighted-average diluted shares outstanding.

    Adjusted Provision for Income Taxes

    Management has excluded the following items from our provision for income taxes for the periods presented:

    • Tax effect of above adjustments represents the income tax effect of the adjustments related to Adjusted Net Income described above. The tax rate applied to each adjustment is based on the nature of each line item. We include the tax effect of the adjustments made to Adjusted Net Income to provide a comprehensive view of our adjusted net income.
    • Excess tax expense (benefit) for stock-based compensation is the permanent difference between expenses recognized for book purposes and expenses recognized for tax purposes, in each case related to stock-based compensation expense. We exclude this amount from the Adjusted Provision for Income Taxes in order to be consistent with the exclusion of stock-based compensation from the calculation of Adjusted Net Income.
    • Other principally relates to (i) deferred tax adjustments, including rate changes, (ii) infrequent or unusual valuation allowance adjustments, (iii) return to provision, tax authority audit adjustments, and reserves related to prior periods, and (iv) other non-recurring items. We exclude these items because they create variability that impacts comparability between periods.

    Adjusted Effective Tax Rate

    Management defines Adjusted Effective Tax Rate as Adjusted Provision for Income Taxes divided by Adjusted income from continuing operations before income taxes. We calculate adjusted income from continuing operations before income taxes by excluding the pre-tax adjustments in the calculation of Adjusted Net Income discussed above and noncontrolling interest related to these pre-tax adjustments from income from continuing operations before income taxes.

    Leverage Ratio

    Management defines Leverage Ratio as net debt divided by Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA for the most recent twelve-month period including twelve months of Adjusted EBITDA from significant acquisitions. Since the Leverage Ratio is calculated on a trailing twelve month basis, prior period goodwill impairment is excluded as this expense may not directly correlate to the underlying performance of our business operations during that period and may vary significantly between periods. Net debt is defined as total debt less cash and cash equivalents as reported on the balance sheet as of the end of the period.

    This earnings release presents constant currency growth rates assuming foreign currency exchange rates are consistent between years. This allows financial results to be evaluated without the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. This earnings release also presents organic constant currency growth rates, which assumes consistent foreign currency exchange rates between years and also eliminates the impact of our recent acquisitions. This allows financial results to be evaluated without the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and the impacts of recent acquisitions.

    Free cash flow is defined as cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures and is a measure we may refer to.

    Refer to Schedules 1 through 7 for a reconciliation of our non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.

    SCHEDULE 1
    TRANSUNION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA growth rates as Reported, CC, and Organic CC
    (Unaudited)

        For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 compared with
    the Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
      For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 compared with
    the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
        Reported   CC Growth1   Organic CC
    Growth2
      Reported   CC Growth1   Organic CC
    Growth2
    Revenue:                        
    Consolidated   12.0 %   12.2 %   12.2 %   9.4 %   9.4 %   9.4 %
    U.S. Markets   12.5 %   12.5 %   12.5 %   8.4 %   8.4 %   8.4 %
    Financial Services   17.1 %   17.1 %   17.1 %   13.5 %   13.5 %   13.5 %
    Emerging Verticals   3.3 %   3.3 %   3.3 %   4.0 %   4.0 %   4.0 %
    Consumer Interactive   21.4 %   21.3 %   21.3 %   6.0 %   6.0 %   6.0 %
    International   11.3 %   12.1 %   12.1 %   13.4 %   13.5 %   13.5 %
    Canada   6.8 %   8.6 %   8.6 %   11.5 %   12.7 %   12.7 %
    Latin America   7.2 %   12.7 %   12.7 %   11.8 %   10.9 %   10.9 %
    United Kingdom   6.0 %   3.7 %   3.7 %   4.9 %   2.5 %   2.5 %
    Africa   12.3 %   9.5 %   9.5 %   8.3 %   10.4 %   10.4 %
    India   21.5 %   23.1 %   23.1 %   25.4 %   27.0 %   27.0 %
    Asia Pacific   11.1 %   11.5 %   11.5 %   13.6 %   14.2 %   14.2 %
                             
    Adjusted EBITDA:                        
    Consolidated   10.5 %   10.9 %   10.9 %   10.9 %   11.0 %   11.0 %
    U.S. Markets   9.0 %   9.0 %   9.0 %   8.2 %   8.2 %   8.2 %
    International   13.9 %   15.3 %   15.3 %   17.4 %   17.9 %   17.9 %
    1.  Constant Currency (“CC”) growth rates assume foreign currency exchange rates are consistent between years. This allows financial results to be evaluated without the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.
       
    2.  We have no inorganic revenue or Adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented. Organic CC growth rate is the CC growth rate less the inorganic growth rate.

    SCHEDULE 2
    TRANSUNION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Consolidated and Segment Revenue, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA Margin (Unaudited)
    (dollars in millions)

      Three Months Ended
    September 30,
      Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
       2024    2023    2024    2023
    Revenue:              
    U.S. Markets gross revenue              
    Financial Services $ 367.2     $ 313.7     $ 1,077.6     $ 949.6  
    Emerging Verticals   307.2       297.3       913.1       877.9  
    Consumer Interactive   173.7       143.1       455.1       429.4  
    U.S. Markets gross revenue $ 848.1     $ 754.0     $ 2,445.9     $ 2,256.9  
                   
    International gross revenue              
    Canada $ 39.4     $ 36.9     $ 115.9     $ 103.9  
    Latin America   33.5       31.2       100.9       90.2  
    United Kingdom   57.8       54.5       168.6       160.7  
    Africa   17.1       15.2       48.0       44.3  
    India   68.2       56.1       202.8       161.8  
    Asia Pacific   25.6       23.1       77.1       67.9  
    International gross revenue $ 241.6     $ 217.1     $ 713.3     $ 628.9  
                   
    Total gross revenue $ 1,089.6     $ 971.2     $ 3,159.2     $ 2,885.8  
                   
    Intersegment revenue eliminations              
    U.S. Markets $ (2.8 )   $ (1.0 )   $ (7.4 )   $ (4.6 )
    International   (1.9 )     (1.5 )     (4.8 )     (4.3 )
    Total intersegment revenue eliminations $ (4.7 )   $ (2.5 )   $ (12.3 )   $ (8.9 )
                   
    Total revenue as reported $ 1,085.0     $ 968.7     $ 3,147.0     $ 2,876.9  
                   
    Adjusted EBITDA:              
    U.S. Markets $ 319.9     $ 293.7     $ 920.9     $ 850.9  
    International   110.5       97.0       318.1       271.0  
    Corporate   (36.7 )     (34.5 )     (110.6 )     (104.3 )
    Adjusted EBITDA Margin:1              
    U.S. Markets   37.7 %     38.9 %     37.6 %     37.7 %
    International   45.7 %     44.7 %     44.6 %     43.1 %
    1.  Segment Adjusted EBITDA Margins are calculated using segment gross revenue and segment Adjusted EBITDA. Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA Margin is calculated using total revenue as reported and consolidated Adjusted EBITDA.
      Three Months Ended
    September 30,
      Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
       2024     2023     2024    2023 
    Reconciliation of Net income (loss) attributable to TransUnion to consolidated Adjusted EBITDA:              
    Net income (loss) attributable to TransUnion $ 68.0     $ (318.8 )   $ 218.2     $ (212.2 )
    Discontinued operations, net of tax   —       0.5       —       0.7  
    Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to TransUnion $ 68.0     $ (318.3 )   $ 218.2     $ (211.5 )
    Net interest expense   58.9       67.8       183.3       202.1  
    Provision for income taxes   24.9       22.2       68.9       60.1  
    Depreciation and amortization   133.6       131.3       400.5       391.1  
    EBITDA $ 285.4     $ (97.0 )   $ 870.8     $ 441.8  
    Adjustments to EBITDA:              
    Stock-based compensation   33.8       27.0       85.7       73.3  
    Goodwill impairment1   —       414.0       —       414.0  
    Mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and business optimization2   7.3       (6.0 )     17.1       24.5  
    Accelerated technology investment3   21.8       16.3       58.6       53.5  
    Operating model optimization program4   47.3       —       86.4       —  
    Net other5   (2.0 )     1.8       9.7       10.6  
    Total adjustments to EBITDA $ 108.3     $ 453.1     $ 257.5     $ 575.8  
    Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA $ 393.7     $ 356.1     $ 1,128.4     $ 1,017.6  
                   
    Net income (loss) attributable to TransUnion margin   6.3 %     (32.9 )%     6.9 %     (7.4 )%
    Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA margin5   36.3 %     36.8 %     35.9 %     35.4 %
                                   

    As a result of displaying amounts in millions, rounding differences may exist in the tables above and footnotes below.

     1.  During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, we recorded a goodwill impairment of $414.0 million related to our United Kingdom reporting unit in our International segment.
     2.  Mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and business optimization consisted of the following adjustments:
          Three Months Ended
    September 30,
      Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
           2024    2023     2024    2023 
      Transaction and integration costs   $ 3.6   $ 5.8     $ 7.0   $ 21.0  
      Fair value and impairment adjustments     —     (10.7 )     0.8     0.8  
      Post-acquisition adjustments     3.7     —       9.4     5.1  
      Transition services agreement income     —     (1.1 )     —     (2.4 )
      Total mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and business optimization   $ 7.3   $ (6.0 )   $ 17.1   $ 24.5  
     3.  Represents expenses associated with our accelerated technology investment to migrate to the cloud. There are three components of the accelerated technology investment: (i) building foundational capabilities, which includes establishing a modern, API-based and services-oriented software architecture, (ii) the migration of each application and customer data to the new enterprise platform, including the redundant software costs during the migration period, as well as the efforts to decommission the legacy system, and (iii) program enablement, which includes dedicated resources to support the planning and execution of the program. The amounts for each category of cost are as follows:
          Three Months Ended
    September 30,
      Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
          2024   2023   2024   2023
      Foundational Capabilities   $ 9.9   $ 8.0   $ 25.0   $ 27.7
      Migration Management     11.0     7.2     29.9     21.9
      Program Enablement     0.9     1.1     3.8     3.9
      Total accelerated technology investment   $ 21.8   $ 16.3   $ 58.6   $ 53.5
     4.  Operating model optimization consisted of the following adjustments:
          Three Months Ended
    September 30,
      Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
           2024    2023    2024    2023
      Employee separation   $ —   $ —   $ 24.7   $ —
      Facility exit     40.5     —     42.1     —
      Business process optimization     6.8     —     19.6     —
      Total operating model optimization   $ 47.3   $ —   $ 86.4   $ —
     5.  Net other consisted of the following adjustments:
          Three Months Ended
    September 30,
      Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
           2024     2023     2024     2023 
      Deferred loan fee expense from debt prepayments and refinancing   $ 0.1     $ 1.0     $ 9.2     $ 3.1  
      Other debt financing expenses     0.5       0.3       1.6       1.5  
      Currency remeasurement on foreign operations     (1.7 )     0.8       (0.4 )     6.5  
      Other non-operating (income) expense     (0.8 )     (0.3 )     (0.7 )     (0.5 )
      Total other adjustments   $ (2.0 )   $ 1.8     $ 9.7     $ 10.6  
     6.  Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA margin is calculated by dividing Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA by total revenue.


    SCHEDULE 3

    TRANSUNION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share (Unaudited)
    (in millions, except per share data)

        Three Months Ended
    September 30,
      Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
        2024   2023   2024   2023
    Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to TransUnion   $ 68.0     $ (318.3 )   $ 218.2     $ (211.5 )
    Discontinued operations, net of tax     —       (0.5 )     —       (0.7 )
    Net income (loss) attributable to TransUnion   $ 68.0     $ (318.8 )   $ 218.2     $ (212.2 )
                     
    Weighted-average shares outstanding:                
    Basic     194.6       193.4       194.3       193.3  
    Diluted     197.0       193.4       196.3       193.3  
                     
    Basic earnings (loss) per common share from:                
    Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to TransUnion   $ 0.35     $ (1.65 )   $ 1.12     $ (1.09 )
    Discontinued operations, net of tax     —       —       —       —  
    Net income (loss) attributable to TransUnion   $ 0.35     $ (1.65 )   $ 1.12     $ (1.10 )
    Diluted earnings (loss) per common share from:                
    Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to TransUnion   $ 0.35     $ (1.65 )   $ 1.11     $ (1.09 )
    Discontinued operations, net of tax     —       —       —       —  
    Net income (loss) attributable to TransUnion   $ 0.35     $ (1.65 )   $ 1.11     $ (1.10 )
                     
    Reconciliation of Net income (loss) attributable to TransUnion to Adjusted Net Income:                
    Net income (loss) attributable to TransUnion   $ 68.0     $ (318.8 )   $ 218.2     $ (212.2 )
    Discontinued operations, net of tax     —       0.5       —       0.7  
    Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to TransUnion   $ 68.0     $ (318.3 )   $ 218.2     $ (211.5 )
    Adjustments before income tax items:                
    Amortization of certain intangible assets1     71.5       72.1       214.9       221.2  
    Stock-based compensation     33.8       27.0       85.7       73.3  
    Goodwill impairment2     —       414.0       —       414.0  
    Mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and business optimization2     7.3       (6.0 )     17.1       24.5  
    Accelerated technology investment3     21.8       16.3       58.6       53.5  
    Operating model optimization program4     47.3       —       86.4       —  
    Net other5     (2.1 )     1.8       8.6       9.6  
    Total adjustments before income tax items   $ 179.6     $ 525.2     $ 471.3     $ 796.0  
    Total adjustments for income taxes6     (43.1 )     (29.5 )     (112.9 )     (85.2 )
    Adjusted Net Income   $ 204.5     $ 177.4     $ 576.6     $ 499.3  
                     
    Weighted-average shares outstanding:                
    Basic     194.6       193.4       194.3       193.3  
    Diluted     197.0       194.6       196.3       194.8  
                     
    Adjusted Earnings per Share:                
    Basic   $ 1.05     $ 0.92     $ 2.97     $ 2.58  
    Diluted   $ 1.04     $ 0.91     $ 2.94     $ 2.56  
        Three Months Ended
    September 30,
      Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
        2024   2023   2024   2023
    Reconciliation of Diluted earnings (loss) per share from Net income (loss) attributable to TransUnion to Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share:                
    Diluted earnings (loss) per common share from:                
    Net income (loss) attributable to TransUnion   $ 0.35     $ (1.65 )   $ 1.11     $ (1.10 )
    Discontinued operations, net of tax     —       —       —       —  
    Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to TransUnion   $ 0.35     $ (1.65 )   $ 1.11     $ (1.09 )
    Adjustments before income tax items:                
    Amortization of certain intangible assets1     0.36       0.37       1.09       1.14  
    Stock-based compensation     0.17       0.14       0.44       0.38  
    Goodwill impairment2     —       2.13       —       2.13  
    Mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and business optimization3     0.04       (0.03 )     0.09       0.13  
    Accelerated technology investment4     0.11       0.08       0.30       0.27  
    Operating model optimization program5     0.24       —       0.44       —  
    Net other6     (0.01 )     0.01       0.04       0.05  
    Total adjustments before income tax items   $ 0.91     $ 2.70     $ 2.40     $ 4.09  
    Total adjustments for income taxes7     (0.22 )     (0.15 )     (0.57 )     (0.44 )
    Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share   $ 1.04     $ 0.91     $ 2.94     $ 2.56  
     

    Each component of earnings per share is calculated independently, therefore, rounding differences exist in the table above.

     1.  Consists of amortization of intangible assets from our 2012 change-in-control transaction and amortization of intangible assets established in business acquisitions after our 2012 change-in-control transaction.
     2.  During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, we recorded a goodwill impairment of $414.0 million related to our United Kingdom reporting unit in our International segment.
     3.  Mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and business optimization consisted of the following adjustments:
          Three Months Ended
    September 30,
      Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
          2024   2023   2024   2023
      Transaction and integration costs   $ 3.6   $ 5.8     $ 7.0   $ 21.0  
      Fair value and impairment adjustments     —     (10.7 )     0.8     0.8  
      Post-acquisition adjustments     3.7     —       9.4     5.1  
      Transition services agreement income     —     (1.1 )     —     (2.4 )
      Total mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and business optimization   $ 7.3   $ (6.0 )   $ 17.1   $ 24.5  
     4.  Represents expenses associated with our accelerated technology investment to migrate to the cloud. There are three components of the accelerated technology investment: (i) building foundational capabilities which includes establishing a modern, API-based and services-oriented software architecture, (ii) the migration of each application and customer data to the new enterprise platform, including the redundant software costs during the migration period, as well as the efforts to decommission the legacy system, and (iii) program enablement, which includes dedicated resources to support the planning and execution of the program. The amounts for each category of cost are as follows:
          Three Months Ended
    September 30,
      Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
          2024   2023   2024   2023
      Foundational Capabilities   $ 9.9   $ 8.0   $ 25.0   $ 27.7
      Migration Management     11.0     7.2     29.9     21.9
      Program Enablement     0.9     1.1     3.8     3.9
      Total accelerated technology investment   $ 21.8   $ 16.3   $ 58.6   $ 53.5
     5.  Operating model optimization consisted of the following adjustments:
          Three Months Ended
    September 30,
      Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
          2024   2023   2024   2023
      Employee separation   $ —   $ —   $ 24.7   $ —
      Facility exit     40.5     —     42.1     —
      Business process optimization     6.8     —     19.6     —
      Total operating model optimization   $ 47.3   $ —   $ 86.4   $ —
     6.  Net other consisted of the following adjustments:
          Three Months Ended
    September 30,
      Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
          2024   2023   2024   2023
      Deferred loan fee expense from debt prepayments and refinancing   $ 0.1     $ 1.0   $ 9.2     $ 3.1
      Currency remeasurement on foreign operations     (1.7 )     0.8     (0.4 )     6.5
      Other non-operating (income) and expense     (0.5 )     —     (0.2 )     —
      Total other adjustments   $ (2.1 )   $ 1.8   $ 8.6     $ 9.6
     7.  Total adjustments for income taxes represents the total of adjustments discussed to calculate the Adjusted Provision for Income Taxes.

    SCHEDULE 4
    TRANSUNION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Adjusted Provision for Income Taxes and Adjusted Effective Tax Rate (Unaudited)
    (dollars in millions)

      Three Months Ended
    September 30,
      Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
      2024   2023   2024   2023
    Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes $ 96.8     $ (291.7 )   $ 300.5     $ (139.5 )
    Total adjustments before income tax items from Schedule 3   179.6       525.2       471.3       796.0  
    Adjusted income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes $ 276.4     $ 233.5     $ 771.8     $ 656.5  
                   
    Reconciliation of Provision for income taxes to Adjusted Provision for Income Taxes:              
    Provision for income taxes   (24.9 )     (22.2 )     (68.9 )     (60.1 )
    Adjustments for income taxes:              
    Tax effect of above adjustments   (41.8 )     (27.9 )     (108.5 )     (90.1 )
    Eliminate impact of excess tax (benefit) expense for stock-based compensation   (2.3 )     0.7       (1.4 )     2.7  
    Other1   0.9       (2.2 )     (3.0 )     2.2  
    Total adjustments for income taxes $ (43.1 )   $ (29.5 )   $ (112.9 )   $ (85.2 )
    Adjusted Provision for Income Taxes $ (68.0 )   $ (51.7 )   $ (181.8 )   $ (145.3 )
                   
    Effective tax rate   25.7 %     (7.6 )%     22.9 %     (43.1 )%
    Adjusted Effective Tax Rate   24.6 %     22.2 %     23.6 %     22.1 %
                                   

    As a result of displaying amounts in millions, rounding differences may exist in the table above.

      1.  Other adjustments for income taxes include:
          Three Months Ended
    September 30,
      Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
          2024   2023   2024   2023 
      Deferred tax adjustments   $ 3.8     $ (0.2 )   $ (1.4 )   $ 0.6  
      Valuation allowance adjustments     (2.3 )     (1.9 )     (2.1 )     (0.8 )
      Return to provision, audit adjustments, and reserves related to prior periods     (1.2 )     1.4       1.2       2.6  
      Other adjustments     0.7       (1.6 )     (0.7 )     (0.3 )
      Total other adjustments   $ 0.9     $ (2.2 )   $ (3.0 )   $ 2.2  
     

    SCHEDULE 5
    TRANSUNION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Leverage Ratio (Unaudited)
    (dollars in millions)

        Trailing Twelve
    Months Ended
    September 30, 2024
    Reconciliation of Net income attributable to TransUnion to Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA:    
    Net income attributable to TransUnion   $ 224.2
    Net interest expense     248.6
    Provision for income taxes     53.6
    Depreciation and amortization     533.8
    EBITDA   $ 1,060.2
    Adjustments to EBITDA:    
    Stock-based compensation   $ 113.0
    Mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and business optimization1     27.2
    Accelerated technology investment2     75.6
    Operating model optimization program3     164.0
    Net other4     14.4
    Total adjustments to EBITDA   $ 394.3
    Leverage Ratio Adjusted EBITDA   $ 1,454.5
         
    Total debt   $ 5,201.4
    Less: Cash and cash equivalents     643.2
    Net Debt   $ 4,558.2
         
    Ratio of Net Debt to Net income attributable to TransUnion     20.3
    Leverage Ratio     3.1

    As a result of displaying amounts in millions, rounding differences may exist in the table above.

    1.  Mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and business optimization consisted of the following adjustments:
          Trailing Twelve
    Months Ended
    September 30, 2024
      Transaction and integration costs   $ 16.9  
      Fair value and impairment adjustments     10.3  
      Post-acquisition adjustments     0.1  
      Transition services agreement income     (0.1 )
      Total mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and business optimization   $ 27.2  
    2.  Represents expenses associated with our accelerated technology investment to migrate to the cloud. There are three components of the accelerated technology investment: (i) building foundational capabilities which includes establishing a modern, API-based and services-oriented software architecture, (ii) the migration of each application and customer data to the new enterprise platform including the redundant software costs during the migration period, as well as the efforts to decommission the legacy system, and (iii) program enablement, which includes dedicated resources to support the planning and execution of the program. The amounts for each category of cost are as follows:
          Trailing Twelve
    Months Ended
    September 30, 2024
      Foundational Capabilities   $         33.0        
      Migration Management             37.5        
      Program Enablement             5.1        
      Total accelerated technology investment   $         75.6        
    3.  Operating model optimization consisted of the following adjustments:
          Trailing Twelve
    Months Ended
    September 30, 2024
      Employee separation   $         96.6        
      Facility exit             45.5        
      Business process optimization             21.9        
      Total operating model optimization   $         164.0        
    4.  Net other consisted of the following adjustments:
          Trailing Twelve
    Months Ended
    September 30, 2024
      Deferred loan fee expense from debt prepayments and refinancings   $ 15.4  
      Other debt financing expenses     2.3  
      Currency remeasurement on foreign operations     (2.2 )
      Other non-operating (income) and expense     (1.2 )
      Total other adjustments   $ 14.4  
       

    SCHEDULE 6
    TRANSUNION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Segment Depreciation and Amortization (Unaudited)
    (in millions)

      Three Months Ended September 30,   Nine Months Ended September 30,
       2024    2023    2024    2023
                   
    U.S. Markets $ 99.3   $ 99.3   $ 299.4   $ 292.3
    International   33.4     31.0     98.1     95.5
    Corporate   1.0     1.1     3.0     3.3
    Total depreciation and amortization $ 133.6   $ 131.3   $ 400.5   $ 391.1
     

    As a result of displaying amounts in millions, rounding differences may exist in the table above.

    SCHEDULE 7
    TRANSUNION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Guidance (Unaudited)
    (in millions, except per share data)

      Three Months Ended December 31, 2024   Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2024
      Low   High   Low   High
    Guidance reconciliation of Net income attributable to TransUnion to Adjusted EBITDA:              
    Net income attributable to TransUnion $ 65     $ 77     $ 284     $ 295  
    Interest, taxes and depreciation and amortization   216       219       868       872  
    EBITDA $ 281     $ 296     $ 1,152     $ 1,167  
    Stock-based compensation, mergers, acquisitions divestitures and business optimization-related expenses and other adjustments1   79       79       336       336  
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 360     $ 375     $ 1,488     $ 1,503  
                   
    Net income attributable to TransUnion margin   6.4 %     7.4 %     6.8 %     7.1 %
    Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA margin2   35.5 %     36.2 %     35.8 %     36.0 %
                   
    Guidance reconciliation of Diluted earnings per share to Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share:              
    Diluted earnings per share $ 0.34     $ 0.39     $ 1.45     $ 1.51  
    Adjustments to diluted earnings per share1   0.58       0.58       2.42       2.42  
    Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share $ 0.92     $ 0.98     $ 3.87     $ 3.93  
     

    As a result of displaying amounts in millions, rounding differences may exist in the table above.

    1. These adjustments include the same adjustments we make to our Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Net Income as discussed in the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of our Earnings Release.
    2. Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA margin is calculated by dividing Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA by total revenue.

    The MIL Network –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Roper Technologies announces third quarter financial results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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

    Third quarter 2024 highlights

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

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

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

    Updating 2024 guidance

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

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

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

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

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

    Use of non-GAAP financial information

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

    Minority interests

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

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

    Footnotes:

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

    Note: Numbers may not foot due to rounding.

    About Roper Technologies

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

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

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

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

    The MIL Network –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: YieldMax™ ETFs Announces Distributions on MSTY (175.64%), AIYY (100.45%), SQY (70.37%), YMAX (67.11%), YMAG (14.96%) and Others

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Standardized Performance

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

    Prospectuses

    Click here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, which focuses on an individual security (ARKK, TSLA, AAPL, NVDA, AMZN, META, GOOGL, NFLX, COIN, MSFT, DIS, XOM, JPM, AMD, PYPL, SQ, MRNA, AI, MSTR, Bitcoin ETP, GDX®, SNOW, ABNB, BABA, TSM, SMCI, PLTR), may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole.

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

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to BABO and TSMY)

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

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

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

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

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to GDXY)

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

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

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

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to YBIT)

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

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

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

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

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to the Short ETFs)

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to YQQQ)

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

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

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

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

    © 2024 YieldMax™ ETFs

    The MIL Network –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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

    Unaudited Financial Information

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

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

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

    Consolidated Third Quarter Operating Results Overview

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Consolidated Year-To-Date Operating Results Overview

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Consolidated Balance Sheet & Asset Quality Overview

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

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

    Asset Quality

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

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

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

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

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

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

    Forward-looking statements

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

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

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

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

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

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

    * Non-GAAP Financial Measures – see reconciliations below

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

    The MIL Network –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Stifel Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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

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

    Highlights

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

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

    Highlights

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

    Net revenues increased 8% from a year ago:

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

    Total Expenses:

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

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

    Highlights

    Investment banking revenues increased 66% from a year ago:

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

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

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

    Equity transactional revenues increased 4% from a year ago:

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

    Total Expenses:

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

    Highlights

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

    Conference Call Information

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

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

    Company Information

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

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

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

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

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

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

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

    The MIL Network –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Manhattan Bridge Capital, Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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

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

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

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

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

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

    About Manhattan Bridge Capital, Inc.

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

    Forward-Looking Statements

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

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


    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

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

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

    FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

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

    FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2023

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

     

    FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

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

    FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2023

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

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

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

    The MIL Network –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: EBC Financial Group and the University of Oxford’s Department of Economics Announce WERD Episode on Macroeconomics and Climate

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    https://www.ebc.com/

    Media Contact:

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

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

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

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

    The MIL Network –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Lloyds Bank PLC: 2024 Q3 Interim Management Statement

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Lloyds Bank plc
    Q3 2024 Interim Management Statement
    23 October 2024

    Member of the Lloyds Banking Group

    FINANCIAL REVIEW

    Income statement

    The Group’s profit before tax for the first nine months of 2024 was £3,927 million, 27 per cent lower than the same period in 2023. This was driven by lower net interest income and higher operating expenses, partly offset by a lower impairment charge. Profit after tax was £2,727 million (nine months to 30 September 2023 £3,975 million).

    Total income for the first nine months of 2024 was £12,613 million, a decrease of 8 per cent on the same period in 2023. Within this, net interest income of £9,378 million was 10 per cent lower on the prior year, driven by a lower margin. The lower margin reflected anticipated headwinds due to deposit churn and asset margin compression, particularly in the mortgage book as it refinances in a lower margin environment. These factors were partially offset by benefits from higher structural hedge earnings as balances are reinvested in the higher rate environment.

    Other income amounted to £3,235 million in the nine months to 30 September 2024 compared to £3,268 million in the same period in 2023, with improved UK Motor Finance performance, reflecting growth following the acquisition of Tusker in the first quarter of 2023, increased fleet size and higher average rental value, partially offset by the impact of changes to commission arrangements with Scottish Widows.

    Operating expenses of £8,392 million were 13 per cent higher than in the prior year. This includes the impacts of higher operating lease depreciation, largely as a result of fleet growth, the depreciation of higher value vehicles and declines in used electric car prices, alongside higher ongoing strategic investment, accelerated severance charges and inflationary pressure. It also includes c.£0.1 billion relating to the sector-wide change in the charging approach for the Bank of England Levy taken in the first quarter. In the nine months to 30 September 2024, the Group recognised remediation costs of £118 million (nine months to 30 September 2023: £127 million), largely in relation to pre-existing programmes, with no further charges in respect of the FCA review of historical motor finance commission arrangements. The FCA confirmed in September 2024 its intention to set out next steps in its review in May 2025, including its assessment of the outcome of the Judicial Review and Court of Appeal decisions involving other market participants; the Group will assess the impact, if any, of these decisions.

    The impairment charge was £294 million compared with a £881 million charge in the nine months to 30 September 2023. The decrease reflects a larger credit from improvements to the Group’s economic outlook in the first half of the year, notably house price growth and through changes to the severe downside scenario methodology. The charge also benefitted from strong portfolio performance, a large debt sale write-back, and a release in Commercial Banking from loss rates used in the model. Asset quality remains strong with resilient credit performance.

    Balance sheet

    Total assets were £4,207 million higher at £609,612 million at 30 September 2024 compared to £605,405 million at 31 December 2023. Financial assets at amortised cost were £15,406 million higher at £503,477 million compared to £488,071 million at 31 December 2023 with increases in reverse repurchase agreements of £11,128 million and loans and advances to customers of £7,355 million, partly offset by a reduction in loans and advances to banks of £2,919 million. The increase in reverse repurchase agreements and the decrease in cash and balances at central banks by £17,984 million to £39,925 million reflected a change in the mix of liquidity holdings. The increase in loans and advances to customers included growth in UK mortgages, UK Retail unsecured loans, credit cards and the European retail business, partly offset by government-backed lending repayments in Commercial Banking. Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income were £5,032 million higher reflecting a change in the mix of liquidity holdings. Other assets increased by £1,864 million to £28,925 million, driven by higher settlement balances and higher operating lease assets reflecting continued motor finance growth.

    Total liabilities were £4,390 million higher at £569,364 million compared to £564,974 million at 31 December 2023. Customer deposits at £446,311 million have increased by £4,358 million since the end of 2023, driven by inflows to limited withdrawal and fixed term savings products, partly offset by a reduction in current account balances and an expected significant outflow in Commercial Banking. In addition, repurchase agreements at £41,370 million have increased by £3,668 million since the end of 2023. Debt securities in issue at amortised cost decreased by £7,369 million to £45,080 million at 30 September 2024. Amounts due to fellow Lloyds Banking Group undertakings increased by £1,510 million to £4,442 million at 30 September 2024. Other liabilities increased by £3,042 million to £12,926 million, driven by higher settlement balances.

    Total equity was £40,248 million at 30 September 2024 was broadly stable compared to £40,431 million at 31 December 2023, with the profit for the period largely offset by interim dividends of £3.4 billion, pension revaluations and movements in the cash flow hedging reserve.

    FINANCIAL REVIEW (continued)

    Capital

    The Group’s common equity tier 1 (CET1) capital ratio reduced to 13.6 per cent at 30 September 2024 (31 December 2023: 14.4 per cent). This largely reflected profit for the period, offset by the payment of interim ordinary dividends, the accrual for foreseeable ordinary dividends and an increase in risk-weighted assets.

    The Group’s total capital ratio reduced to 19.8 per cent (31 December 2023: 20.5 per cent). The issuance of AT1 and Tier 2 capital instruments was more than offset by the reduction in CET1 capital, the reduction in eligible provisions recognised through Tier 2 capital, the impact of regulatory amortisation and foreign exchange on Tier 2 capital instruments and the increase in risk-weighted assets.

    Risk-weighted assets have increased by £2,350 million to £184,910 million at 30 September 2024 (31 December 2023: £182,560 million). This reflects the impact of Retail lending growth, Retail secured CRD IV model updates and other movements, partly offset by optimisation including capital efficient securitisation activity.

    The Group’s UK leverage ratio reduced to 5.3 per cent (31 December 2023: 5.6 per cent). This reflected both the reduction in the total tier 1 capital position and an increase in the leverage exposure measure, principally related to the increase in securities financing transactions and other balance sheet movements.

     
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT (UNAUDITED)
     
      Nine
    months ended
    30 Sep
    2024
    £m
        Nine
    months ended
    30 Sep
    2023
    £m
     
           
    Net interest income 9,378     10,432  
    Other income 3,235     3,268  
    Total income 12,613     13,700  
    Operating expenses (8,392 )   (7,457 )
    Impairment (294 )   (881 )
    Profit before tax 3,927     5,362  
    Tax expense (1,200 )   (1,387 )
    Profit for the period 2,727     3,975  
           
    Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders 2,454     3,708  
    Profit attributable to other equity holders 256     249  
    Profit attributable to equity holders 2,710     3,957  
    Profit attributable to non-controlling interests 17     18  
    Profit for the period 2,727     3,975  
     
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (UNAUDITED)
     
      At 30 Sep
    2024

    £m
        At 31 Dec
    2023
    £m
     
               
    Assets          
    Cash and balances at central banks 39,925     57,909  
    Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 1,990     1,862  
    Derivative financial instruments 2,926     3,165  
    Loans and advances to banks 5,891     8,810  
    Loans and advances to customers 440,479     433,124  
    Reverse repurchase agreements 43,879     32,751  
    Debt securities 12,569     12,546  
    Due from fellow Lloyds Banking Group undertakings 659     840  
    Financial assets at amortised cost 503,477     488,071  
    Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income 32,369     27,337  
    Other assets 28,925     27,061  
    Total assets 609,612     605,405  
               
    Liabilities          
    Deposits from banks 3,474     3,557  
    Customer deposits 446,311     441,953  
    Repurchase agreements 41,370     37,702  
    Due to fellow Lloyds Banking Group undertakings 4,442     2,932  
    Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss 4,964     5,255  
    Derivative financial instruments 3,583     4,307  
    Debt securities in issue at amortised cost 45,080     52,449  
    Other liabilities 12,926     9,884  
    Subordinated liabilities 7,214     6,935  
    Total liabilities 569,364     564,974  
               
    Equity          
    Share capital 1,574     1,574  
    Share premium account 600     600  
    Other reserves 2,904     2,395  
    Retained profits 29,667     30,786  
    Ordinary shareholders’ equity 34,745     35,355  
    Other equity instruments 5,428     5,018  
    Non-controlling interests 75     58  
    Total equity 40,248     40,431  
    Total equity and liabilities 609,612     605,405  
    ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
     

    1.  Basis of presentation

    This release covers the results of Lloyds Bank plc together with its subsidiaries (the Group) for the nine months ended 30 September 2024.

    Accounting policies

    The accounting policies are consistent with those applied by the Group in its 2023 Annual Report and Accounts

    2.  Capital

    The Group’s Q3 2024 Interim Pillar 3 Disclosures can be found at http://www.lloydsbankinggroup.com/investors/financial-downloads.html.

    3.  UK economic assumptions

    Base case and MES economic assumptions

    The Group’s base case scenario is for a slow expansion in GDP and a modest rise in the unemployment rate alongside small gains in residential and commercial property prices. Following a reduction in inflationary pressures, cuts in UK Bank Rate are expected to continue during 2024 and 2025. Risks around this base case economic view lie in both directions and are largely captured by the generation of alternative economic scenarios.

    The Group has taken into account the latest available information at the reporting date in defining its base case scenario and generating alternative economic scenarios. The scenarios include forecasts for key variables as of the third quarter of 2024. Actuals for this period, or restatements of past data, may have since emerged prior to publication and have not been included, including specifically in the Quarterly National Accounts release of 30 September 2024. The Group’s approach to generating alternative economic scenarios is set out in detail in note 19 to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023. For September 2024, the Group continues to judge it appropriate to include a non-modelled severe downside scenario for ECL calculations as explained in note 12 of the Group’s 2024 Half-Year news release.

    UK economic assumptions – base case scenario by quarter

    Key quarterly assumptions made by the Group in the base case scenario are shown below. Gross domestic product is presented quarter-on-quarter. House price growth, commercial real estate price growth and CPI inflation are presented year-on-year, i.e. from the equivalent quarter in the previous year. Unemployment rate and UK Bank Rate are presented as at the end of each quarter.

    At 30 September 2024 First
    quarter
    2024
    %
      Second
    quarter
    2024
    %
      Third
    quarter
    2024
    %
      Fourth
    quarter
    2024
    %
    First
    quarter
    2025
    %
    Second
    quarter
    2025
    %
    Third
    quarter
    2025
    %
    Fourth
    quarter
    2025
    %
                     
    Gross domestic product 0.7   0.6   0.3   0.3 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4
    Unemployment rate 4.3   4.2   4.3   4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.8
    House price growth 0.4   1.8   5.3   3.1 3.2 3.6 2.4 2.0
    Commercial real estate price growth (5.3 ) (4.7 ) (2.5 ) 0.3 1.4 1.9 1.6 1.7
    UK Bank Rate 5.25   5.25   5.00   4.75 4.50 4.25 4.00 4.00
    CPI inflation 3.5   2.1   2.1   2.7 2.4 2.9 2.7 2.3
                           

    ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

    3.  UK economic assumptions (continued)

    UK economic assumptions – scenarios by year

    Key annual assumptions made by the Group are shown below. Gross domestic product and CPI inflation are presented as an annual change, house price growth and commercial real estate price growth are presented as the growth in the respective indices within the period. Unemployment rate and UK Bank Rate are averages for the period.

    At 30 September 2024 2024
    %
      2025
    %
      2026
    %
      2027
    %
      2028
    %
      2024-2028
    average
    %
                 
    Upside            
    Gross domestic product 1.2   2.4   1.9   1.5   1.4   1.7  
    Unemployment rate 4.2   3.3   2.8   2.7   2.8   3.1  
    House price growth 3.5   4.6   7.1   6.4   5.1   5.3  
    Commercial real estate price growth 1.6   9.0   4.2   1.8   0.7   3.4  
    UK Bank Rate 5.06   5.08   5.16   5.34   5.58   5.24  
    CPI inflation 2.6   2.7   2.4   2.8   2.8   2.7  
                 
    Base case            
    Gross domestic product 1.1   1.3   1.5   1.5   1.5   1.4  
    Unemployment rate 4.3   4.7   4.7   4.5   4.5   4.5  
    House price growth 3.1   2.0   1.0   1.5   2.1   2.0  
    Commercial real estate price growth 0.3   1.7   2.1   0.7   0.3   1.0  
    UK Bank Rate 5.06   4.19   3.63   3.50   3.50   3.98  
    CPI inflation 2.6   2.6   2.1   2.2   2.1   2.3  
                 
    Downside            
    Gross domestic product 1.0   (0.3 ) 0.4   1.3   1.5   0.8  
    Unemployment rate 4.4   6.5   7.3   7.3   7.1   6.5  
    House price growth 2.9   (0.2 ) (6.1 ) (5.8 ) (2.9 ) (2.5 )
    Commercial real estate price growth (0.7 ) (6.2 ) (1.7 ) (1.9 ) (1.9 ) (2.5 )
    UK Bank Rate 5.06   3.11   1.48   0.96   0.65   2.25  
    CPI inflation 2.6   2.6   1.9   1.5   1.1   2.0  
                 
    Severe downside            
    Gross domestic product 0.9   (2.0 ) (0.1 ) 1.1   1.4   0.2  
    Unemployment rate 4.6   8.6   9.9   9.9   9.7   8.5  
    House price growth 2.3   (2.5 ) (13.5 ) (12.6 ) (8.3 ) (7.1 )
    Commercial real estate price growth (2.7 ) (16.5 ) (6.5 ) (6.5 ) (5.1 ) (7.6 )
    UK Bank Rate – modelled 5.06   1.83   0.23   0.06   0.02   1.44  
    UK Bank Rate – adjusted1 5.13   3.67   2.55   2.16   1.88   3.08  
    CPI inflation – modelled 2.6   2.6   1.5   0.7   0.1   1.5  
    CPI inflation – adjusted1 2.6   3.5   1.8   1.3   0.9   2.0  
                 
    Probability-weighted            
    Gross domestic product 1.1   0.8   1.1   1.4   1.4   1.2  
    Unemployment rate 4.3   5.2   5.4   5.3   5.3   5.1  
    House price growth 3.1   1.7   (0.7 ) (0.6 ) 0.5   0.8  
    Commercial real estate price growth 0.1   (0.3 ) 0.7   (0.5 ) (0.8 ) (0.1 )
    UK Bank Rate – modelled 5.06   3.90   3.10   2.95   2.92   3.59  
    UK Bank Rate – adjusted1 5.07   4.08   3.33   3.15   3.11   3.75  
    CPI inflation – modelled 2.6   2.6   2.0   2.0   1.8   2.2  
    CPI inflation – adjusted1 2.6   2.7   2.1   2.1   1.9   2.3  
                             

    1 The adjustment to UK Bank Rate and CPI inflation in the severe downside is considered to better reflect the risks to the Group’s base case view in an economic environment where the risks of supply and demand shocks are seen as more balanced.

    ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

    4.  Loans and advances to customers and expected credit loss allowance

    At 30 September 2024 Stage 1
    £m
        Stage 2
    £m
        Stage 3
    £m
        POCI
    £m
        Total
    £m
        Stage 2
    as % of
    total
      Stage 3
    as % of
    total
                               
    Loans and advances to customers
                               
    UK mortgages 271,138     28,389     4,545     6,949     311,021     9.1   1.5
    Credit cards 13,429     2,620     262     –     16,311     16.1   1.6
    Loans and overdrafts 8,839     1,374     173     –     10,386     13.2   1.7
    UK Motor Finance 14,390     2,314     119     –     16,823     13.8   0.7
    Other 16,702     513     150     –     17,365     3.0   0.9
    Retail 324,498     35,210     5,249     6,949     371,906     9.5   1.4
    Small and Medium Businesses 26,393     3,430     1,303     –     31,126     11.0   4.2
    Corporate and Institutional Banking 37,564     2,306     637     –     40,507     5.7   1.6
    Commercial Banking 63,957     5,736     1,940     –     71,633     8.0   2.7
    Other1 260     –     –     –     260     –   –
    Total gross lending 388,715     40,946     7,189     6,949     443,799     9.2   1.6
    ECL allowance on drawn balances (764 )   (1,228 )   (1,106 )   (222 )   (3,320 )        
    Net balance sheet carrying value 387,951     39,718     6,083     6,727     440,479          
                               
    Customer related ECL allowance (drawn and undrawn)
                               
    UK mortgages 86     321     339     222     968          
    Credit cards 207     351     129     –     687          
    Loans and overdrafts 170     242     111     –     523          
    UK Motor Finance2 169     105     68     –     342          
    Other 15     18     42     –     75          
    Retail 647     1,037     689     222     2,595          
    Small and Medium Businesses 138     190     160     –     488          
    Corporate and Institutional Banking 126     125     259     –     510          
    Commercial Banking 264     315     419     –     998          
    Other –     –     –     –     –          
    Total 911     1,352     1,108     222     3,593          
                               
    Customer related ECL allowance (drawn and undrawn) as a percentage of loans and advances to customers
                               
    UK mortgages –     1.1     7.5     3.2     0.3          
    Credit cards 1.5     13.4     49.2     –     4.2          
    Loans and overdrafts 1.9     17.6     64.2     –     5.0          
    UK Motor Finance 1.2     4.5     57.1     –     2.0          
    Other 0.1     3.5     28.0     –     0.4          
    Retail 0.2     2.9     13.1     3.2     0.7          
    Small and Medium Businesses 0.5     5.5     12.3     –     1.6          
    Corporate and Institutional Banking 0.3     5.4     40.7     –     1.3          
    Commercial Banking 0.4     5.5     21.6     –     1.4          
    Other –     –     –     –     –          
    Total 0.2     3.3     15.4     3.2     0.8          
                                         

    1 Contains central fair value hedge accounting adjustments.

    2 UK Motor Finance includes £170 million relating to provisions against residual values of vehicles subject to finance leases.

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    This document contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and section 27A of the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with respect to the business, strategy, plans and/or results of Lloyds Bank plc together with its subsidiaries (the Lloyds Bank Group) and its current goals and expectations. Statements that are not historical or current facts, including statements about the Lloyds Bank Group’s or its directors’ and/or management’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Words such as, without limitation, ‘believes’, ‘achieves’, ‘anticipates’, ‘estimates’, ‘expects’, ‘targets’, ‘should’, ‘intends’, ‘aims’, ‘projects’, ‘plans’, ‘potential’, ‘will’, ‘would’, ‘could’, ‘considered’, ‘likely’, ‘may’, ‘seek’, ‘estimate’, ‘probability’, ‘goal’, ‘objective’, ‘deliver’, ‘endeavour’, ‘prospects’, ‘optimistic’ and similar expressions or variations on these expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements concern or may affect future matters, including but not limited to: projections or expectations of the Lloyds Bank Group’s future financial position, including profit attributable to shareholders, provisions, economic profit, dividends, capital structure, portfolios, net interest margin, capital ratios, liquidity, risk-weighted assets (RWAs), expenditures or any other financial items or ratios; litigation, regulatory and governmental investigations; the Lloyds Bank Group’s future financial performance; the level and extent of future impairments and write-downs; the Lloyds Bank Group’s ESG targets and/or commitments; statements of plans, objectives or goals of the Lloyds Bank Group or its management and other statements that are not historical fact and statements of assumptions underlying such statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend upon circumstances that will or may occur in the future. Factors that could cause actual business, strategy, targets, plans and/or results (including but not limited to the payment of dividends) to differ materially from forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: general economic and business conditions in the UK and internationally; acts of hostility or terrorism and responses to those acts, or other such events; geopolitical unpredictability; the war between Russia and Ukraine; the conflicts in the Middle East; the tensions between China and Taiwan; political instability including as a result of any UK general election; market related risks, trends and developments; changes in client and consumer behaviour and demand; exposure to counterparty risk; the ability to access sufficient sources of capital, liquidity and funding when required; changes to the Lloyds Bank Group’s or Lloyds Banking Group plc’s credit ratings; fluctuations in interest rates, inflation, exchange rates, stock markets and currencies; volatility in credit markets; volatility in the price of the Lloyds Bank Group’s securities; tightening of monetary policy in jurisdictions in which the Lloyds Bank Group operates; natural pandemic and other disasters; risks concerning borrower and counterparty credit quality; risks affecting defined benefit pension schemes; changes in laws, regulations, practices and accounting standards or taxation; changes to regulatory capital or liquidity requirements and similar contingencies; the policies and actions of governmental or regulatory authorities or courts together with any resulting impact on the future structure of the Lloyds Bank Group; risks associated with the Lloyds Bank Group’s compliance with a wide range of laws and regulations; assessment related to resolution planning requirements; risks related to regulatory actions which may be taken in the event of a bank or Lloyds Bank Group or Lloyds Banking Group failure; exposure to legal, regulatory or competition proceedings, investigations or complaints; failure to comply with anti-money laundering, counter terrorist financing, anti-bribery and sanctions regulations; failure to prevent or detect any illegal or improper activities; operational risks including risks as a result of the failure of third party suppliers; conduct risk; technological changes and risks to the security of IT and operational infrastructure, systems, data and information resulting from increased threat of cyber and other attacks; technological failure; inadequate or failed internal or external processes or systems; risks relating to ESG matters, such as climate change (and achieving climate change ambitions) and decarbonisation, including the Lloyds Bank Group’s or the Lloyds Banking Group’s ability along with the government and other stakeholders to measure, manage and mitigate the impacts of climate change effectively, and human rights issues; the impact of competitive conditions; failure to attract, retain and develop high calibre talent; the ability to achieve strategic objectives; the ability to derive cost savings and other benefits including, but without limitation, as a result of any acquisitions, disposals and other strategic transactions; inability to capture accurately the expected value from acquisitions; and assumptions and estimates that form the basis of the Lloyds Bank Group’s financial statements. A number of these influences and factors are beyond the Lloyds Bank Group’s control. Please refer to the latest Annual Report on Form 20-F filed by Lloyds Bank plc with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), which is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov, for a discussion of certain factors and risks. Lloyds Bank plc may also make or disclose written and/or oral forward-looking statements in other written materials and in oral statements made by the directors, officers or employees of Lloyds Bank plc to third parties, including financial analysts. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the forward-looking statements contained in this document are made as of today’s date, and the Lloyds Bank Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained in this document whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The information, statements and opinions contained in this document do not constitute a public offer under any applicable law or an offer to sell any securities or financial instruments or any advice or recommendation with respect to such securities or financial instruments.

    CONTACTS

    For further information please contact:

    INVESTORS AND ANALYSTS

    Douglas Radcliffe
    Group Investor Relations Director
    020 7356 1571
    douglas.radcliffe@lloydsbanking.com

    Nora Thoden
    Director of Investor Relations – ESG
    020 7356 2334
    nora.thoden@lloydsbanking.com

    Tom Grantham
    Investor Relations Senior Manager
    07851 440 091
    thomas.grantham@lloydsbanking.com

    Sarah Robson
    Investor Relations Senior Manager
    07494 513 983
    sarah.robson2@lloydsbanking.com

    CORPORATE AFFAIRS

    Grant Ringshaw
    External Relations Director
    020 7356 2362
    grant.ringshaw@lloydsbanking.com

    Matt Smith
    Head of Media Relations
    07788 352 487
    matt.smith@lloydsbanking.com

    Copies of this News Release may be obtained from:
    Investor Relations, Lloyds Banking Group plc, 25 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7HN
    The statement can also be found on the Group’s website – http://www.lloydsbankinggroup.com

    Registered office: Lloyds Bank plc, 25 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7HN
    Registered in England No. 2065

    This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit http://www.rns.com.

    The MIL Network –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: United Community Banks, Inc. Reports Third Quarter Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GREENVILLE, S.C. , Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — United Community Banks, Inc. (NYSE: UCB) (United) today announced net income for the 2024 third quarter of $47.3 million and pre-tax, pre-provision income of $74.2 million. The result included the previously announced strategic decision to sell $318 million in manufactured housing loans, which negatively impacted the quarter by $21.4 million after-tax, or $0.18 per share. Diluted earnings per share of $0.38 for the quarter represented a decrease of $0.01, or 3%, from the third quarter a year ago and a decrease of $0.16, or 30%, from the second quarter of 2024.

    On an operating basis, United’s diluted earnings per share of $0.57 was up 27% from the year-ago quarter. The primary drivers of the increased earnings per share year-over-year were higher net interest income and a lower provision for credit losses. The $0.57 result includes a $9.9 million Hurricane Helene related loan loss provision to increase the reserve on $383 million of loans in nine North Carolina counties impacted by the hurricane to 3.5% of loans.

    United’s return on assets was 0.67%, or 1.01% on an operating basis. Return on common equity was 5.20% and return on tangible common equity on an operating basis was 11.17%. On a pre-tax, pre-provision basis, operating return on assets was 1.50% for the quarter. At quarter-end, tangible common equity to tangible assets was 8.93%, up 15 basis points from the second quarter of 2024.

    Chairman and CEO Lynn Harton stated, “We continue to focus on growth and the third quarter saw the return of modest loan and strong deposit growth. Excluding the sale of our manufactured housing portfolio, announced in early September, loan balances were up 1.5% annualized. Customer deposits, which exclude brokered deposits, were up $262 million, or 5% annualized. Our balance sheet remains highly liquid and our internal capital generation rate is running well in excess of our current capital needs. We maintained robust capital ratios with our preliminary CET1 moving to 13.1% and we opportunistically redeemed $8 million of relatively expensive Trust Preferred securities. The increase in liquidity and capital place us in a great position to take advantage of growth opportunities as we move into 2025.”

    Mr. Harton continued, “We elected to sell our manufactured housing loan book, a business that was part of our Reliant Bancorp, Inc. acquisition in January of 2022, as a natural conclusion of our exit from the business, as we ceased originating loans in the third quarter of 2023. The transaction reduces our risk profile and allows us to allocate capital to other growth opportunities.”

    United’s net interest margin decreased four basis points to 3.33% from the second quarter. The average yield on United’s interest-earning assets was down four basis points to 5.55%, while its cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased two basis points, leading to the four-basis point reduction in net interest margin. Net charge-offs were $23.7 million, or 0.52% of average loans, during the quarter, up 26 basis points compared to the second quarter of 2024 due to transaction-related losses resulting from the sale of our manufactured housing portfolio. NPAs were 42 basis points relative to total assets, down one basis point from the second quarter.

    Mr. Harton concluded, “We are pleased with our operating performance this quarter, but we were also reminded this quarter of the importance of community. Many of our employees, customers, and communities have been impacted by the recent hurricanes. We are actively involved in the recovery process through volunteer hours and financial support and will be ready to lead the rebuilding process, when and as needed. Many thanks to our employees throughout the company that have responded, in sometimes heroic ways, to support each other and our customers.”

    Third Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights:

    • Net income of $47.3 million and pre-tax, pre-provision income of $74.2 million
    • EPS down 3% compared to third quarter 2023 on a GAAP basis and up 27% on an operating basis; compared to second quarter 2024, EPS down 30% on a GAAP basis and down 2% on an operating basis
    • The GAAP results were impacted by the decision to sell the manufactured housing loan book at a $21.4 million after-tax loss, or $0.18, approximately one year after making the strategic decision to cease originations
    • Return on assets of 0.67%, or 1.01% on an operating basis
    • Pre-tax, pre-provision return on assets of 1.50% on an operating basis
    • Return on common equity of 5.20%
    • Return on tangible common equity of 11.17% on an operating basis
    • A provision for credit losses of $14.4 million, which includes $9.9 million to establish a special reserve for expected credit losses from Hurricane Helene
    • Net charge-offs of $23.7 million, or 52 basis points as a percent of average loans, which included $11.0 million, or 24 basis points, of transaction-related losses from the sale of our manufactured housing portfolio
    • Nonperforming assets of 0.42% of total assets, down one basis point compared to June 30, 2024
    • Loan production of $1.2 billion
    • Customer deposits were up $262 million from the second quarter, with most of the growth in NOW and money market deposits
    • Net interest margin of 3.33% decreased by four basis points from the second quarter mostly due to lower purchased loan accretion, the sale of our manufactured housing portfolio, and changing composition of our earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities
    • Mortgage closings of $239 million compared to $211 million a year ago; mortgage rate locks of $306 million compared to $304 million a year ago
    • Noninterest income was down $28.5 million on a linked quarter basis with $27.2 million due to losses from the sale of manufactured housing loans. The remaining decrease was primarily driven by the mark on our mortgage servicing rights asset.
    • Noninterest expenses decreased by $4.0 million compared to the second quarter on a GAAP basis and were up $0.3 million on an operating basis
    • Efficiency ratio of 65.5%, or 57.4% on an operating basis
    • Maintained robust capital ratios with preliminary CET1 increasing to 13.1% and opportunistically redeemed $8 million of relatively expensive Trust Preferred securities
    • Quarterly common dividend of $0.24 per share declared during the quarter, up 4% year-over-year

    Conference Call
    United will hold a conference call on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at 11 a.m. ET to discuss the contents of this press release and to share business highlights for the quarter. Participants can pre-register for the conference call by navigating to https://dpregister.com/sreg/10193157/fd9f74293a. Those without internet access or unable to pre-register may dial in by calling 1-866-777-2509. Participants are encouraged to dial in 15 minutes prior to the call start time. The conference call also will be webcast and can be accessed by selecting “Events and Presentations” under “News and Events” within the Investor Relations section of the company’s website, http://www.ucbi.com.

    UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
    Selected Financial Information
    (In thousands, except per share data)
      2024   2023     Third
    Quarter
    2024-
    2023
    Change
        For the Nine Months
    Ended September 30,
         YTD
    2024-
    2023
    Change
     
        Third
    Quarter
          Second
    Quarter
          First
    Quarter
          Fourth
    Quarter
          Third
    Quarter
            2024       2023    
    INCOME SUMMARY                                                        
    Interest revenue $ 349,086     $ 346,965     $ 336,728     $ 338,698     $ 323,147             $ 1,032,779     $ 898,409          
    Interest expense 139,900     138,265     137,579     135,245     120,591             415,744     284,097          
    Net interest revenue 209,186     208,700     199,149     203,453     202,556       3 %   617,035     614,312       — %
    Provision for credit losses 14,428     12,235     12,899     14,626     30,268             39,562     74,804          
    Noninterest income 8,091     36,556     39,587     (23,090 )   31,977       (75 )   84,234     98,573       (15 )
    Total revenue 202,849     233,021     225,837     165,737     204,265       (1 )   661,707     638,081       4  
    Noninterest expenses 143,065     147,044     145,002     154,587     144,474       (1 )   435,111     416,686       4  
    Income before income tax expense 59,784     85,977     80,835     11,150     59,791       —     226,596     221,395       2  
    Income tax expense 12,437     19,362     18,204     (2,940 )   11,925       4     50,003     47,941       4  
    Net income 47,347     66,615     62,631     14,090     47,866       (1 )   176,593     173,454       2  
    Non-operating items 29,385     6,493     2,187     67,450     9,168             38,065     21,444          
    Income tax benefit of non-operating items (6,276 )   (1,462 )   (493 )   (16,714 )   (2,000 )           (8,231 )   (4,775 )        
    Net income – operating(1) $ 70,456     $ 71,646     $ 64,325     $ 64,826     $ 55,034       28     $ 206,427     $ 190,123       9  
    Pre-tax pre-provision income(5) $ 74,212     $ 98,212     $ 93,734     $ 25,776     $ 90,059       (18 )   $ 266,158     $ 296,199       (10 )
    PERFORMANCE MEASURES                                                        
    Per common share:                                                        
    Diluted net income – GAAP $ 0.38     $ 0.54     $ 0.51     $ 0.11     $ 0.39       (3 )   $ 1.43     $ 1.44       (1 )
    Diluted net income – operating(1) 0.57     0.58     0.52     0.53     0.45       27     1.67     1.58       6  
    Cash dividends declared 0.24     0.23     0.23     0.23     0.23       4     0.70     0.69       1  
    Book value 27.68     27.18     26.83     26.52     25.87       7     27.68     25.87       7  
    Tangible book value(3) 19.66     19.13     18.71     18.39     17.70       11     19.66     17.70       11  
    Key performance ratios:                                                        
    Return on common equity – GAAP(2)(4) 5.20 %   7.53 %   7.14 %   1.44 %   5.32 %           6.61 %   6.69 %        
    Return on common equity – operating(1)(2)(4) 7.82     8.12     7.34     7.27     6.14             7.76     7.35          
    Return on tangible common equity – operating(1)(2)(3)(4) 11.17     11.68     10.68     10.58     9.03             11.18     10.65          
    Return on assets – GAAP(4) 0.67     0.97     0.90     0.18     0.68             0.85     0.86          
    Return on assets – operating(1)(4) 1.01     1.04     0.93     0.92     0.79             0.99     0.95          
    Return on assets – pre-tax pre-provision – operating(1)(4)(5) 1.50     1.54     1.40     1.33     1.44             1.48     1.60          
    Net interest margin (fully taxable equivalent)(4) 3.33     3.37     3.20     3.19     3.24             3.30     3.41          
    Efficiency ratio – GAAP 65.51     59.70     60.47     66.33     61.32             61.76     58.06          
    Efficiency ratio – operating(1) 57.37     57.06     59.15     59.57     57.43             57.84     55.07          
    Equity to total assets 12.45     12.35     12.06     11.95     11.85             12.45     11.85          
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets(3) 8.93     8.78     8.49     8.36     8.18             8.93     8.18          
    ASSET QUALITY                                                        
    Nonperforming assets (“NPAs”) $ 114,960     $ 116,722     $ 107,230     $ 92,877     $ 90,883       26     $ 114,960     $ 90,883       26  
    Allowance for credit losses – loans 205,290     213,022     210,934     208,071     201,557       2     205,290     201,557       2  
    Allowance for credit losses – total 215,517     224,740     224,119     224,128     219,624       (2 )   215,517     219,624       (2 )
    Net charge-offs 23,651     11,614     12,908     10,122     26,638             48,173     42,121          
    Allowance for credit losses – loans to loans 1.14 %   1.17 %   1.15 %   1.14 %   1.11 %           1.14 %   1.11 %        
    Allowance for credit losses – total to loans 1.20     1.23     1.22     1.22     1.21             1.20     1.21          
    Net charge-offs to average loans(4) 0.52     0.26     0.28     0.22     0.59             0.35     0.32          
    NPAs to total assets 0.42     0.43     0.39     0.34     0.34             0.42     0.34          
    AT PERIOD END ($ in millions)                                                        
    Loans $ 17,964     $ 18,211     $ 18,375     $ 18,319     $ 18,203       (1 )   $ 17,964     $ 18,203       (1 )
    Investment securities 6,425     6,038     5,859     5,822     5,701       13     6,425     5,701       13  
    Total assets 27,373     27,057     27,365     27,297     26,869       2     27,373     26,869       2  
    Deposits 23,253     22,982     23,332     23,311     22,858       2     23,253     22,858       2  
    Shareholders’ equity 3,407     3,343     3,300     3,262     3,184       7     3,407     3,184       7  
    Common shares outstanding (thousands) 119,283     119,175     119,137     119,010     118,976       —     119,283     118,976       —  

    (1) Excludes non-operating items as detailed on Non-GAAP Performance Measures Reconciliation on next page. (2) Net income less preferred stock dividends, divided by average realized common equity, which excludes accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). (3) Excludes effect of acquisition related intangibles and associated amortization. (4) Annualized. (5) Excludes income tax expense and provision for credit losses.

    UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
    Non-GAAP Performance Measures Reconciliation
    (in thousands, except per share data)
      2024   2023   For the Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
        Third
    Quarter
          Second
    Quarter
          First
    Quarter
          Fourth
    Quarter
          Third
    Quarter
          2024       2023  
                                             
    Noninterest income reconciliation                                        
    Noninterest income (GAAP) $ 8,091     $ 36,556     $ 39,587     $ (23,090 )   $ 31,977     $ 84,234     $ 98,573  
    Loss on sale of manufactured housing loans 27,209     —     —     —     —     27,209     —  
    Gain on lease termination —     —     (2,400 )   —     —     (2,400 )   —  
    Bond portfolio restructuring loss —     —     —     51,689     —     —     —  
    Noninterest income – operating $ 35,300     $ 36,556     $ 37,187     $ 28,599     $ 31,977     $ 109,043     $ 98,573  
                                             
    Noninterest expense reconciliation                                        
    Noninterest expenses (GAAP) $ 143,065     $ 147,044     $ 145,002     $ 154,587     $ 144,474     $ 435,111     $ 416,686  
    Loss on FinTrust (goodwill impairment) —     (5,100 )   —     —     —     (5,100 )   —  
    FDIC special assessment —     764     (2,500 )   (9,995 )   —     (1,736 )   —  
    Merger-related and other charges (2,176 )   (2,157 )   (2,087 )   (5,766 )   (9,168 )   (6,420 )   (21,444 )
    Noninterest expenses – operating $ 140,889     $ 140,551     $ 140,415     $ 138,826     $ 135,306     $ 421,855     $ 395,242  
                                             
    Net income to operating income reconciliation                                        
    Net income (GAAP) $ 47,347     $ 66,615     $ 62,631     $ 14,090     $ 47,866     $ 176,593     $ 173,454  
    Loss on sale of manufactured housing loans 27,209     —     —     —     —     27,209     —  
    Bond portfolio restructuring loss —     —     —     51,689     —     —     —  
    Gain on lease termination —     —     (2,400 )   —     —     (2,400 )   —  
    Loss on FinTrust (goodwill impairment) —     5,100     —     —     —     5,100     —  
    FDIC special assessment —     (764 )   2,500     9,995     —     1,736     —  
    Merger-related and other charges 2,176     2,157     2,087     5,766     9,168     6,420     21,444  
    Income tax benefit of non-operating items (6,276 )   (1,462 )   (493 )   (16,714 )   (2,000 )   (8,231 )   (4,775 )
    Net income – operating $ 70,456     $ 71,646     $ 64,325     $ 64,826     $ 55,034     $ 206,427     $ 190,123  
                                             
    Net income to pre-tax pre-provision income reconciliation                                        
    Net income (GAAP) $ 47,347     $ 66,615     $ 62,631     $ 14,090     $ 47,866     $ 176,593     $ 173,454  
    Income tax expense 12,437     19,362     18,204     (2,940 )   11,925     50,003     47,941  
    Provision for credit losses 14,428     12,235     12,899     14,626     30,268     39,562     74,804  
    Pre-tax pre-provision income $ 74,212     $ 98,212     $ 93,734     $ 25,776     $ 90,059     $ 266,158     $ 296,199  
                                             
    Diluted income per common share reconciliation                                        
    Diluted income per common share (GAAP) $ 0.38     $ 0.54     $ 0.51     $ 0.11     $ 0.39     $ 1.43     $ 1.44  
    Loss on sale of manufactured housing loans 0.18     —     —     —     —     0.18     —  
    Bond portfolio restructuring loss —     —     —     0.32     —     —     —  
    Gain on lease termination —     —     (0.02 )   —     —     (0.02 )   —  
    Loss on FinTrust (goodwill impairment) —     0.03     —     —     —     0.03     —  
    FDIC special assessment —     —     0.02     0.06     —     0.01     —  
    Merger-related and other charges 0.01     0.01     0.01     0.04     0.06     0.04     0.14  
    Diluted income per common share – operating $ 0.57     $ 0.58     $ 0.52     $ 0.53     $ 0.45     $ 1.67     $ 1.58  
                                             
    Book value per common share reconciliation                                        
    Book value per common share (GAAP) $ 27.68     $ 27.18     $ 26.83     $ 26.52     $ 25.87     $ 27.68     $ 25.87  
    Effect of goodwill and other intangibles (8.02 )   (8.05 )   (8.12 )   (8.13 )   (8.17 )   (8.02 )   (8.17 )
    Tangible book value per common share $ 19.66     $ 19.13     $ 18.71     $ 18.39     $ 17.70     $ 19.66     $ 17.70  
                                             
    Return on tangible common equity reconciliation                                        
    Return on common equity (GAAP) 5.20 %   7.53 %   7.14 %   1.44 %   5.32 %   6.61 %   6.69 %
    Loss on sale of manufactured housing loans 2.43     —     —     —     —     0.82     —  
    Bond portfolio restructuring loss —     —     —     4.47     —     —     —  
    Gain on lease termination —     —     (0.22 )   —     —     (0.07 )   —  
    Loss on FinTrust (goodwill impairment) —     0.46     —     —     —     0.16     —  
    FDIC special assessment —     (0.07 )   0.23     0.86     —     0.05     —  
    Merger-related and other charges 0.19     0.20     0.19     0.50     0.82     0.19     0.66  
    Return on common equity – operating 7.82     8.12     7.34     7.27     6.14     7.76     7.35  
    Effect of goodwill and other intangibles 3.35     3.56     3.34     3.31     2.89     3.42     3.30  
    Return on tangible common equity – operating 11.17 %   11.68 %   10.68 %   10.58 %   9.03 %   11.18 %   10.65 %
                                             
    Return on assets reconciliation                                        
    Return on assets (GAAP) 0.67 %   0.97 %   0.90 %   0.18 %   0.68 %   0.85 %   0.86 %
    Loss on sale of manufactured housing loans 0.31     —     —     —     —     0.10     —  
    Bond portfolio restructuring loss —     —     —     0.57     —     —     —  
    Gain on lease termination —     —     (0.03 )   —     —     (0.01 )   —  
    Loss on FinTrust (goodwill impairment) —     0.06     —     —     —     0.02     —  
    FDIC special assessment —     (0.01 )   0.03     0.11     —     0.01     —  
    Merger-related and other charges 0.03     0.02     0.03     0.06     0.11     0.02     0.09  
    Return on assets – operating 1.01 %   1.04 %   0.93 %   0.92 %   0.79 %   0.99 %   0.95 %
                                             
    Return on assets to return on assets- pre-tax pre-provision reconciliation                                        
    Return on assets (GAAP) 0.67 %   0.97 %   0.90 %   0.18 %   0.68 %   0.85 %   0.86 %
    Income tax (benefit) expense 0.19     0.29     0.27     (0.04 )   0.18     0.25     0.25  
    Provision for credit losses 0.21     0.18     0.19     0.21     0.45     0.19     0.38  
    Loss on sale of manufactured housing loans 0.40     —     —     —     —     0.13     —  
    Bond portfolio restructuring loss —     —     —     0.75     —     —     —  
    Gain on lease termination —     —     (0.04 )   —     —     (0.01 )   —  
    Loss on FinTrust (goodwill impairment) —     0.08     —     —     —     0.03     —  
    FDIC special assessment —     (0.01 )   0.04     0.15     —     0.01     —  
    Merger-related and other charges 0.03     0.03     0.04     0.08     0.13     0.03     0.11  
    Return on assets – pre-tax pre-provision – operating 1.50 %   1.54 %   1.40 %   1.33 %   1.44 %   1.48 %   1.60 %
                                             
    Efficiency ratio reconciliation                                        
    Efficiency ratio (GAAP) 65.51 %   59.70 %   60.47 %   66.33 %   61.32 %   61.76 %   58.06 %
    Loss on sale of manufactured housing loans (7.15 )   —     —     —     —     (2.25 )   —  
    Gain on lease termination —     —     0.60     —     —     0.21     —  
    Loss on FinTrust (goodwill impairment) —     (2.07 )   —     —     —     (0.73 )   —  
    FDIC special assessment —     0.31     (1.05 )   (4.29 )   —     (0.24 )   —  
    Merger-related and other charges (0.99 )   (0.88 )   (0.87 )   (2.47 )   (3.89 )   (0.91 )   (2.99 )
    Efficiency ratio – operating 57.37 %   57.06 %   59.15 %   59.57 %   57.43 %   57.84 %   55.07 %
                                             
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets reconciliation                                        
    Equity to total assets (GAAP) 12.45 %   12.35 %   12.06 %   11.95 %   11.85 %   12.45 %   11.85 %
    Effect of goodwill and other intangibles (3.20 )   (3.24 )   (3.25 )   (3.27 )   (3.33 )   (3.20 )   (3.33 )
    Effect of preferred equity (0.32 )   (0.33 )   (0.32 )   (0.32 )   (0.34 )   (0.32 )   (0.34 )
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets 8.93 %   8.78 %   8.49 %   8.36 %   8.18 %   8.93 %   8.18 %
    UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
    Loan Portfolio Composition at Period-End
      2024   2023    
    Linked
    Quarter
    Change
         
    Year over
    Year
    Change
     
     (in millions)   Third
    Quarter
          Second
    Quarter
          First
    Quarter
          Fourth
    Quarter
          Third
    Quarter
         
    LOANS BY CATEGORY                                
    Owner occupied commercial RE $ 3,323     $ 3,297     $ 3,310     $ 3,264     $ 3,279     $ 26     $ 44  
    Income producing commercial RE   4,259       4,058       4,206       4,264       4,130     201     129  
    Commercial & industrial   2,313       2,299       2,405       2,411       2,504     14     (191 )
    Commercial construction   1,785       2,014       1,936       1,860       1,850     (229 )   (65 )
    Equipment financing   1,603       1,581       1,544       1,541       1,534     22     69  
    Total commercial   13,283       13,249       13,401       13,340       13,297     34     (14 )
    Residential mortgage   3,263       3,266       3,240       3,199       3,043     (3 )   220  
    Home equity   1,015       985       969       959       941     30     74  
    Residential construction   189       211       257       302       399     (22 )   (210 )
    Manufactured housing   2       321       328       336       343     (319 )   (341 )
    Consumer   188       183       180       181       180     5     8  
    Other   24       (4 )     —       2     —       28     24  
    Total loans $ 17,964     $ 18,211     $ 18,375     $ 18,319     $ 18,203     $ (247 )   $ (239 )
                                                       
    LOANS BY MARKET                                                  
    Georgia $ 4,470     $ 4,411     $ 4,356     $ 4,357     $ 4,321     $ 59     $ 149  
    South Carolina   2,782       2,779       2,804       2,780       2,801     3     (19 )
    North Carolina   2,586       2,591       2,566       2,492       2,445     (5 )   141  
    Tennessee   1,848       2,144       2,209       2,244       2,314     (296 )   (466 )
    Florida   2,423       2,407       2,443       2,442       2,318     16     105  
    Alabama   996       1,021       1,068       1,082       1,070     (25 )   (74 )
    Commercial Banking Solutions   2,859       2,858       2,929       2,922       2,934     1     (75 )
    Total loans $ 17,964     $ 18,211     $ 18,375     $ 18,319     $ 18,203     $ (247 )   $ (239 )
    UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.                                    
    Credit Quality                                    
    (in thousands)                                    
          2024                        
        Third
    Quarter
      Second
    Quarter
      First
    Quarter
                           
    NONACCRUAL LOANS                                    
    Owner occupied RE   $ 7,783     $ 4,820     $ 2,310                          
    Income producing RE     31,222       34,285       29,186                          
    Commercial & industrial     28,856       17,335       20,134                          
    Commercial construction     7,356       6,854       1,862                          
    Equipment financing     9,123       8,341       8,829                          
    Total commercial     84,340       71,635       62,321                          
    Residential mortgage     21,851       18,473       16,569                          
    Home equity     4,111       3,779       4,984                          
    Residential construction     118       163       1,244                          
    Manufactured housing     1,808       20,356       19,797                          
    Consumer     152       72       54                          
    Total nonaccrual loans     112,380       114,478       104,969                          
    OREO and repossessed assets     2,580       2,244       2,261                          
    Total NPAs   $ 114,960     $ 116,722     $ 107,230                          
          2024  
        Third Quarter   Second Quarter   First Quarter
    (in thousands)   Net Charge-
    Offs
        Net Charge-
    Offs to
    Average Loans
    (1)
        Net Charge-
    Offs
      Net Charge-
    Offs to
    Average
    Loans
    (1)
      Net Charge-
    Offs
      Net Charge-
    Offs to
    Average
    Loans
    (1)
    NET CHARGE-OFFS (RECOVERIES) BY CATEGORY                            
    Owner occupied RE   $ (184 )     (0.02 )%   $ 163       0.02 %   $ 202       0.02 %
    Income producing RE     1,409       0.13       2,968       0.29       205       0.02  
    Commercial & industrial     4,577       0.79       1,281       0.22       3,906       0.65  
    Commercial construction     36       0.01       (48 )     (0.01 )     20       —  
    Equipment financing     5,268       1.32       5,502       1.42       6,362       1.66  
    Total commercial     11,106       0.33       9,866       0.30       10,695       0.32  
    Residential mortgage     32       —       (107 )     (0.01 )     (16 )     —  
    Home equity     36       0.01       (27 )     (0.01 )     (54 )     (0.02 )
    Residential construction     111       0.22       26       0.04       119       0.17  
    Manufactured housing     11,556       28.51       1,150       1.43       1,569       1.90  
    Consumer     810       1.74       706       1.57       595       1.33  
    Total   $ 23,651       0.52     $ 11,614       0.26     $ 12,908       0.28  
                                 
    (1)Annualized.                            
    UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
    Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
    (in thousands, except share and per share data)   September 30,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
    ASSETS        
    Cash and due from banks   $ 202,644     $ 200,781  
    Interest-bearing deposits in banks     537,395       803,094  
    Cash and cash equivalents     740,039       1,003,875  
    Debt securities available-for-sale     4,023,455       3,331,084  
    Debt securities held-to-maturity (fair value $2,060,729 and $2,095,620, respectively)     2,401,877       2,490,848  
    Loans held for sale     49,800       33,008  
    Loans and leases held for investment     17,964,099       18,318,755  
    Allowance for credit losses – loans and leases     (205,290 )     (208,071 )
    Loans and leases, net     17,758,809       18,110,684  
    Premises and equipment, net     396,696       378,421  
    Bank owned life insurance     345,703       345,371  
    Goodwill and other intangible assets, net     975,117       990,087  
    Other assets     681,636       613,873  
    Total assets   $ 27,373,132     $ 27,297,251  
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY        
    Liabilities:        
    Deposits:        
    Noninterest-bearing demand   $ 6,222,518     $ 6,534,307  
    NOW and interest-bearing demand     5,951,900       6,155,193  
    Money market     6,301,956       5,600,587  
    Savings     1,113,168       1,207,807  
    Time     3,490,399       3,649,498  
    Brokered     173,161       163,219  
    Total deposits     23,253,102       23,310,611  
    Long-term debt     316,363       324,823  
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities     396,987       400,292  
    Total liabilities     23,966,452       24,035,726  
    Shareholders’ equity:        
    Preferred stock; $1 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; 3,662 shares Series I issued and
    outstanding; $25,000 per share liquidation preference
        88,266       88,266  
    Common stock, $1 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized,
    119,282,762 and 119,010,319 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
        119,283       119,010  
    Common stock issuable; 588,296 and 620,108 shares, respectively     12,661       13,110  
    Capital surplus     2,707,266       2,699,112  
    Retained earnings     668,965       581,219  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (189,761 )     (239,192 )
    Total shareholders’ equity     3,406,680       3,261,525  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 27,373,132     $ 27,297,251  
    UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
    Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
        Three Months Ended
    September 30,
      Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
    (in thousands, except per share data)     2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Interest revenue:                
    Loans, including fees   $ 291,574     $ 273,781     $ 867,152     $ 760,696  
    Investment securities, including tax exempt of $1,713, $1,722, $5,133 and $5,563, respectively     52,997       44,729       149,496       125,775  
    Deposits in banks and short-term investments     4,515       4,637       16,131       11,938  
    Total interest revenue     349,086       323,147       1,032,779       898,409  
                     
    Interest expense:                
    Deposits:                
    NOW and interest-bearing demand     43,401       35,613       133,522       80,809  
    Money market     56,874       46,884       160,883       105,430  
    Savings     672       868       2,065       2,108  
    Time     35,202       33,368       107,925       75,464  
    Deposits     136,149       116,733       404,395       263,811  
    Short-term borrowings     27       189       87       3,186  
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances     —       —       —       5,761  
    Long-term debt     3,724       3,669       11,262       11,339  
    Total interest expense     139,900       120,591       415,744       284,097  
    Net interest revenue     209,186       202,556       617,035       614,312  
    Provision for credit losses     14,428       30,268       39,562       74,804  
    Net interest revenue after provision for credit losses     194,758       172,288       577,473       539,508  
                     
    Noninterest income:                
    Service charges and fees     10,488       10,315       30,372       28,791  
    Mortgage loan gains and other related fees     3,520       6,159       17,830       17,264  
    Wealth management fees     6,338       6,451       19,037       17,775  
    Net (losses) gains from sales of other loans     (25,700 )     2,688       (22,867 )     6,909  
    Lending and loan servicing fees     3,512       2,985       11,050       9,979  
    Securities losses, net     —       —       —       (1,644 )
    Other     9,933       3,379       28,812       19,499  
    Total noninterest income     8,091       31,977       84,234       98,573  
    Total revenue     202,849       204,265       661,707       638,081  
                     
    Noninterest expenses:                
    Salaries and employee benefits     83,533       81,173       254,336       236,121  
    Communications and equipment     12,626       10,902       36,534       31,654  
    Occupancy     11,311       10,941       33,466       31,024  
    Advertising and public relations     2,041       2,251       6,401       6,914  
    Postage, printing and supplies     2,477       2,386       7,376       7,305  
    Professional fees     6,432       7,006       18,464       19,670  
    Lending and loan servicing expense     2,227       2,697       6,068       7,546  
    Outside services – electronic banking     4,433       2,561       10,163       8,646  
    FDIC assessments and other regulatory charges     5,003       4,314       17,036       12,457  
    Amortization of intangibles     3,528       4,171       11,209       11,120  
    Merger-related and other charges     2,176       9,168       6,420       21,444  
    Other     7,278       6,904       27,638       22,785  
    Total noninterest expenses     143,065       144,474       435,111       416,686  
    Income before income taxes     59,784       59,791       226,596       221,395  
    Income tax expense     12,437       11,925       50,003       47,941  
    Net income     47,347       47,866       176,593       173,454  
    Preferred stock dividends, net of discount on repurchases     1,573       832       4,719       4,270  
    Earnings allocated to participating securities     272       259       988       939  
    Net income available to common shareholders   $ 45,502     $ 46,775     $ 170,886     $ 168,245  
                     
    Net income per common share:                
    Basic   $ 0.38     $ 0.39     $ 1.43     $ 1.44  
    Diluted     0.38       0.39       1.43       1.44  
    Weighted average common shares outstanding:                
    Basic     119,818       119,506       119,736       116,925  
    Diluted     119,952       119,624       119,827       117,084  
    UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
    Average Consolidated Balance Sheets and Net Interest Analysis
    For the Three Months Ended September 30,
          2024       2023  
    (dollars in thousands, fully taxable equivalent (FTE))   Average Balance   Interest   Average Rate   Average Balance   Interest   Average Rate
    Assets:                        
    Interest-earning assets:                        
    Loans, net of unearned income (FTE)(1)(2)   $ 18,051,741     $ 291,164       6.42 %   $ 18,055,402     $ 273,800       6.02 %
    Taxable securities(3)     6,182,164       51,284       3.32       5,933,708       43,007       2.90  
    Tax-exempt securities (FTE)(1)(3)     361,359       2,292       2.54       368,148       2,313       2.51  
    Federal funds sold and other interest-earning assets     505,792       5,440       4.28       538,039       5,093       3.76  
    Total interest-earning assets (FTE)     25,101,056       350,180       5.55       24,895,297       324,213       5.17  
                             
    Noninterest-earning assets:                        
    Allowance for credit losses     (215,008 )             (209,472 )        
    Cash and due from banks     206,995               225,831          
    Premises and equipment     399,262               367,217          
    Other assets(3)     1,615,468               1,568,824          
    Total assets   $ 27,107,773             $ 26,847,697          
                             
    Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity:                        
    Interest-bearing liabilities:                        
    Interest-bearing deposits:                        
    NOW and interest-bearing demand   $ 5,797,845       43,401       2.98     $ 5,285,513       35,613       2.67  
    Money market     6,342,455       56,874       3.57       5,622,355       46,884       3.31  
    Savings     1,126,774       672       0.24       1,301,047       868       0.26  
    Time     3,465,980       34,560       3.97       3,473,191       31,072       3.55  
    Brokered time deposits     50,364       642       5.07       209,119       2,296       4.36  
    Total interest-bearing deposits     16,783,418       136,149       3.23       15,891,225       116,733       2.91  
    Federal funds purchased and other borrowings     1,899       27       5.66       44,164       189       1.70  
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances     11       —       —       —       —       —  
    Long-term debt     323,544       3,724       4.58       324,770       3,669       4.48  
    Total borrowed funds     325,454       3,751       4.59       368,934       3,858       4.15  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities     17,108,872       139,900       3.25       16,260,159       120,591       2.94  
                             
    Noninterest-bearing liabilities:                        
    Noninterest-bearing deposits     6,239,926               6,916,272          
    Other liabilities     391,574               435,592          
    Total liabilities     23,740,372               23,612,023          
    Shareholders’ equity     3,367,401               3,235,674          
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 27,107,773             $ 26,847,697          
                             
    Net interest revenue (FTE)       $ 210,280             $ 203,622      
    Net interest-rate spread (FTE)             2.30 %             2.23 %
    Net interest margin (FTE)(4)             3.33 %             3.24 %

    (1) Interest revenue on tax-exempt securities and loans includes a taxable-equivalent adjustment to reflect comparable interest on taxable securities and loans. The FTE adjustment totaled $1.09 million and $1.07 million, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023. The tax rate used to calculate the adjustment was 25% in 2024 and 26% in 2023, reflecting the statutory federal income tax rate and the federal tax adjusted state income tax rate.
    (2) Included in the average balance of loans outstanding are loans on which the accrual of interest has been discontinued and loans that are held for sale.
    (3) Unrealized gains and losses on AFS securities, including those related to the transfer from AFS to HTM, have been reclassified to other assets. Pretax unrealized losses of $295 million in 2024 and $430 million in 2023 are included in other assets for purposes of this presentation.
    (4) Net interest margin is taxable equivalent net interest revenue divided by average interest-earning assets.

    UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
    Average Consolidated Balance Sheets and Net Interest Analysis
    For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
          2024       2023  
    (dollars in thousands, fully taxable equivalent (FTE))   Average Balance   Interest   Average Rate   Average Balance   Interest   Average Rate
    Assets:                        
    Interest-earning assets:                        
    Loans, net of unearned income (FTE)(1)(2)   $ 18,187,790     $ 866,502       6.36 %   $ 17,377,210     $ 760,802       5.85 %
    Taxable securities(3)     5,988,368       144,363       3.21       5,982,615       120,212       2.68  
    Tax-exempt securities (FTE)(1)(3)     363,692       6,876       2.52       386,499       7,470       2.58  
    Federal funds sold and other interest-earning assets     559,786       18,256       4.36       490,703       13,103       3.57  
    Total interest-earning assets (FTE)     25,099,636       1,035,997       5.51       24,237,027       901,587       4.97  
                             
    Non-interest-earning assets:                        
    Allowance for loan losses     (214,372 )             (186,428 )        
    Cash and due from banks     210,982               249,411          
    Premises and equipment     392,561               347,514          
    Other assets(3)     1,613,118               1,518,503          
    Total assets   $ 27,101,925             $ 26,166,027          
                             
    Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity:                        
    Interest-bearing liabilities:                        
    Interest-bearing deposits:                        
    NOW and interest-bearing demand   $ 5,913,566       133,522       3.02     $ 4,891,214       80,809       2.21  
    Money market     6,092,649       160,883       3.53       5,349,265       105,430       2.64  
    Savings     1,159,982       2,065       0.24       1,341,033       2,108       0.21  
    Time     3,535,343       106,199       4.01       2,936,873       65,856       3.00  
    Brokered time deposits     50,343       1,726       4.58       280,293       9,608       4.58  
    Total interest-bearing deposits     16,751,883       404,395       3.22       14,798,678       263,811       2.38  
    Federal funds purchased and other borrowings     2,001       87       5.81       98,884       3,186       4.31  
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances     5       —       —       166,355       5,761       4.63  
    Long-term debt     324,414       11,262       4.64       324,737       11,339       4.67  
    Total borrowed funds     326,420       11,349       4.64       589,976       20,286       4.60  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities     17,078,303       415,744       3.25       15,388,654       284,097       2.47  
                             
    Noninterest-bearing liabilities:                        
    Noninterest-bearing deposits     6,306,919               7,226,096          
    Other liabilities     394,323               393,048          
    Total liabilities     23,779,545               23,007,798          
    Shareholders’ equity     3,322,380               3,158,229          
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 27,101,925             $ 26,166,027          
                             
    Net interest revenue (FTE)       $ 620,253             $ 617,490      
    Net interest-rate spread (FTE)             2.26 %             2.50 %
    Net interest margin (FTE)(4)             3.30 %             3.41 %
                             

    (1) Interest revenue on tax-exempt securities and loans includes a taxable-equivalent adjustment to reflect comparable interest on taxable securities and loans. The FTE adjustment totaled $3.22 million and $3.18 million, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023. The tax rate used to calculate the adjustment was 25% in 2024 and 26% in 2023, reflecting the statutory federal income tax rate and the federal tax adjusted state income tax rate.
    (2) Included in the average balance of loans outstanding are loans on which the accrual of interest has been discontinued and loans that are held for sale.
    (3) Unrealized gains and losses on AFS securities, including those related to the transfer from AFS to HTM, have been reclassified to other assets. Pretax unrealized losses of $320 million in 2024 and $413 million in 2023 are included in other assets for purposes of this presentation.
    (4) Net interest margin is taxable equivalent net-interest revenue divided by average interest-earning assets.

    About United Community Banks, Inc.
    United Community Banks, Inc. (NYSE: UCB) is the financial holding company for United Community, a top 100 U.S. financial institution that is committed to improving the financial health and well-being of its customers and the communities it serves. United Community provides a full range of banking, wealth management and mortgage services. As of September 30, 2024, United Community Banks, Inc. had $27.4 billion in assets, 202 offices across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, as well as a national SBA lending franchise and a national equipment lending subsidiary. In 2024, United Community became a 10-time winner of J.D. Power’s award for the best customer satisfaction among consumer banks in the Southeast region and was recognized as the most trusted bank in the Southeast. In 2023, United was named by American Banker as one of the “Best Banks to Work For” for the seventh consecutive year and was recognized in the Greenwich Excellence and Best Brands Awards, receiving 15 awards that included national honors for overall satisfaction in small business banking and middle market banking. Forbes has also consistently listed United Community as one of the World’s Best Banks and one of America’s Best Banks. Additional information about United can be found at ucbi.com.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures
    This press release, including the accompanying financial statement tables, contains financial information determined by methods other than in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP. This financial information includes certain operating performance measures, which exclude merger-related and other charges that are not considered part of recurring operations, such as “noninterest income – operating”, “noninterest expense – operating”, “operating net income,” “pre-tax, pre-provision income,” “operating net income per diluted common share,” “operating earnings per share,” “tangible book value per common share,” “operating return on common equity,” “operating return on tangible common equity,” “operating return on assets,” “return on assets – pre-tax, pre-provision – operating,” “return on assets – pre-tax, pre-provision,” “operating efficiency ratio,” and “tangible common equity to tangible assets.” These non-GAAP measures are included because United believes they may provide useful supplemental information for evaluating United’s underlying performance trends. These measures should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative to or substitute for, measures determined in accordance with GAAP, and are not necessarily comparable to non-GAAP measures that may be presented by other companies. To the extent applicable, reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable measures as reported in accordance with GAAP are included with the accompanying financial statement tables.

    Caution About Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In general, forward-looking statements usually may be identified through use of words such as “may,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “will,” “should,” “plan,” “estimate,” “predict,” “continue” and “potential,” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts and represent management’s beliefs, based upon information available at the time the statements are made, with regard to the matters addressed; they are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results may prove to be materially different from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties that change over time and could cause actual results or financial condition to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to general competitive, economic, political and market conditions. Further information regarding additional factors which could affect the forward-looking statements contained in this press release can be found in the cautionary language included under the headings “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” in United’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and other documents subsequently filed by United with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

    Many of these factors are beyond United’s ability to control or predict. If one or more events related to these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if the underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Accordingly, shareholders and investors should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this communication, and United undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. New risks and uncertainties may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for United to predict their occurrence or how they will affect United.

    United qualifies all forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.

    For more information:
    Jefferson Harralson
    Chief Financial Officer
    (864) 240-6208
    Jefferson_Harralson@ucbi.com

    The MIL Network –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Southern Michigan Bancorp, Inc. Announces Third Quarter 2024 Earnings

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    COLDWATER, Mich., Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Southern Michigan Bancorp, Inc. (OTC Pink: SOMC) announced third quarter net income of $2,586,000, or $0.57 per share, compared to net income of $2,767,000, or $0.61 per share, for the third quarter of 2023. For the first nine months of 2024, Southern earned $7,751,000 or $1.70 per share, compared with $8,468,000 or $1.86 per share, for the same nine-month period one year ago.  

    John R. Waldron, President and Chief Executive Officer of Southern Michigan Bancorp, Inc., stated, “For the first time, our bank has surpassed $1.5 billion in total assets, a significant milestone that reflects our ongoing growth and expansion across all markets. While our earnings continue to be impacted by the current interest rate environment, we remain encouraged by the strength of our core deposits and our ability to maintain asset quality. Our focus on disciplined growth strategies has positioned us well, even amid challenges. As we navigate the shifting economic landscape, we are confident in our capacity to sustain momentum and further strengthen our balance sheet.”

    As of September 30, 2024, total loans and deposits grew during the first nine months totaling $1.084 billion and $1.266 billion, respectively.

    The allowance for credit losses totaled $12,363,000, or 1.14% of loans on September 30, 2024. Net loan charge-offs totaled $20,000 for the first nine months of 2024, compared to net charge-offs of 7,000 for the first nine months of 2023. Non-performing loans as a percentage of total loans were 0.08% on September 30, 2024 compared to 0.09% on December 31, 2023.

    The annualized return on average assets for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023 was 0.70% and 0.84% respectively. The annualized return on average equity was 10.18% for the first nine months of 2024 compared to 12.42% for the first nine months of 2023. The tax equivalent net interest margin for the nine-month periods ending September 30, 2024 and 2023 was 2.94% and 3.18%, respectively.

    Southern Michigan Bancorp, Inc. is a bank holding company and the parent company of Southern Michigan Bank & Trust. It operates 18 offices within Branch, Calhoun, Hillsdale, Jackson, Kalamazoo and St. Joseph Counties providing a broad range of consumer, business and wealth management services throughout the region.

    This press release contains forward-looking statements that are based on management’s beliefs, assumptions, current expectations, estimates and projections about the financial services industry, the economy, and Southern Michigan Bancorp, Inc. Forward-looking statements are identifiable by words or phrases such as “expected,” “begin,” and other similar words or expressions. All statements with reference to a future time period are forward-looking. Management’s determination of the provision and allowance for credit losses and other accounting estimates, such as the carrying value of goodwill, other real estate owned, mortgage servicing rights and the fair value of investment securities, involves judgments that are inherently forward-looking. The future effect of changes in the financial and credit markets and the national and regional economy on the banking industry, generally, and Southern Michigan Bancorp, Inc., specifically, are also inherently uncertain. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions (“risk factors”) that are difficult to predict with regard to timing, extend, likelihood and degree of occurrence. Therefore, actual results and outcomes may materially differ from what may be expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Southern Michigan Bancorp, Inc. does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect the impact of circumstances or events that may arise after the date of the forward-looking statements.

     
    SOUTHERN MICHIGAN BANCORP, INC.
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
    (In thousands, except share data)              
      September 30,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
     
    ASSETS            
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 121,022   $ 71,620  
    Federal funds sold   264     1,468  
    Securities available for sale, at fair value   160,771     169,740  
    Securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost   60,129     61,600  
    Loans held-for-sale   871     169  
    Loans, net of allowance for credit losses of $12,363 – 2024, $11,697 – 2023   1,071,234     1,024,720  
    Premises and equipment, net   23,406     23,114  
    Net cash surrender value of life insurance   22,970     22,472  
    Goodwill   13,422     13,422  
    Other intangible assets, net   120     147  
    Other assets   36,314     26,323  
    TOTAL ASSETS $ 1,510,523   $ 1,414,795  
                 
    LIABILITIES            
    Deposits:            
    Non-interest bearing $ 219,072   $ 226,178  
    Interest bearing   1,047,024     931,793  
    Total deposits   1,266,096     1,157,971  
                 
    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase and overnight borrowings   1,688     1,738  
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities   17,996     15,703  
    Other borrowings   82,900     106,900  
    Subordinated debentures   34,705     34,653  
    Total liabilities   1,403,385     1,316,965  
                 
    SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY            
    Preferred stock, 100,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding   –     –  
    Common stock, $2.50 par value:            
    Authorized – 10,000,000 shares            
    Issued and outstanding – 4,563,995 shares in 2024,
    4,533,637 shares in 2023
      11,406     11,330  
    Additional paid-in capital   13,225     13,126  
    Retained earnings   95,498     89,808  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (12,991 )   (16,434 )
    Total shareholders’ equity   107,138     97,830  
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY $ 1,510,523   $ 1,414,795  
                 
     
    Southern Michigan Bancorp, Inc.
    condensed consolidated statements of income (unaudited)
    (In thousands, except per share data)
      Three Months Ended
    September 30,
      Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
     
      2024   2023   2024   2023  
    Interest income:                        
    Loans, including fees $ 16,444   $ 14,563   $ 47,748   $ 39,579  
    Federal funds sold and balances with banks   1,313     786     3,630     2,360  
    Securities:                        
    Taxable   1,465     1,567     4,512     4,655  
    Tax-exempt   309     315     904     961  
    Total interest income   19,531     17,231     56,794     47,555  
                             
    Interest expense:                        
    Deposits   7,567     5,777     21,655     14,516  
    Other   1,571     1,519     4,701     3,389  
    Total interest expense   9,138     7,296     26,356     17,905  
    Net interest income   10,393     9,935     30,438     29,650  
    Provision for credit losses   425     25     661     950  
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   9,968     9,910     29,777     28,700  
                             
    Non-interest income:                        
    Service charges on deposit accounts   439     422     1,270     1,248  
    Trust fees   741     629     2,041     1,787  
    Net gains on loan sales   181     71     419     186  
    Earnings on life insurance assets   169     157     498     456  
    ATM and debit card fee income   465     452     1,356     1,339  
    Other   177     197     608     644  
    Total non-interest income   2,172     1,928     6,192     5,660  
                             
    Non-interest expense:                        
    Salaries and employee benefits   5,528     5,356     16,154     14,751  
    Occupancy, net   519     429     1,515     1,397  
    Equipment   400     404     1,233     1,063  
    Professional and outside services   530     443     1,575     1,473  
    Software maintenance   626     568     1,817     1,639  
    ATM expenses   229     195     629     602  
    Printing, postage, and supplies   124     97     413     318  
    Telecommunication expenses   75     88     240     268  
    Other   972     869     2,958     2,525  
    Total non-interest expense   9,003     8,449     26,534     24,036  
    INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES   3,137     3,389     9,435     10,324  
    Federal income tax provision   551     622     1,684     1,856  
    NET INCOME $ 2,586   $ 2,767   $ 7,751   $ 8,468  
                             
    Basic Earnings Per Common Share $ 0.57   $ 0.61   $ 1.70   $ 1.86  
    Diluted Earnings Per Common Share   0.57     0.61     1.70     1.86  
    Dividends Declared Per Common Share   0.15     0.14     0.45     0.42  
                             

    The MIL Network –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Morris State Bancshares Announces Quarterly Earnings and Declares Fourth Quarter Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBLIN, Ga., Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Morris State Bancshares, Inc. (OTCQX: MBLU) (the “Company”), the parent of Morris Bank, today announced net income of $5.4 million for the quarter ending September 30, 2024, representing an increase of $124 thousand, or 2.34%, compared to net income of $5.3 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2024. Year over year the Company’s net income increased $954 thousand, or 21.23%, compared to net income of $4.5 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. The Company’s quarterly net earnings rose due to sustained loan growth, higher loan yields, an increase in noninterest-bearing deposit accounts, and some stabilization in the cost of funds. These factors combined to strengthen the bank’s net interest margin, bringing it to 4.10%.

    “We had a solid third quarter. Our core earnings engine remains strong as reflected by the growth in our net interest income. In the third quarter, we generated net interest income of $14.0 million, which was $428 thousand above the June 30, 2024, level of $13.6 million and $1.1 million above the September 30, 2023 level of $12.9 million,” said Spence Mullis, Chairman and CEO. “The Federal Reserve’s reduction in the Fed funds rate, combined with robust growth in noninterest-bearing balances, has contributed to stabilizing our cost of funds. Despite continued payoffs of larger loans, we continue to fund a good volume of new loans and previously unfunded commitments driving our loan balances slightly higher.”

    The net interest margin was 4.10% for the third quarter of 2024 compared to 4.02% for the second quarter of 2024 and 3.94% for the third quarter of 2023. The average yield on earning assets grew nine basis points from 5.96%, as of June 30, 2024, to 6.05%, while the Company’s cost of funds increased two basis points from 2.16% to 2.18% during the same period.

    Total deposits declined during the quarter by $16.6 million, or 1.37%, which included a $24 million reduction in brokered money market deposits. However, non-interest-bearing deposits increased $21.5 million, or 7.19% during the quarter, helping to bolster the net interest margin. The bank took down $15.0 million in borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank during the third quarter of 2024 to help fund new loan demand and offset the reduction in brokered deposits. Loans increased $6.3 million, or an annualized 2.36% during the third quarter, slowing from the second quarter’s annualized growth of 7.24%. Management anticipates steady loan demand in the fourth quarter as political uncertainty eases in November, providing customers with greater clarity to advance their growth strategies.

    The bank’s reserve as a percentage of total loans was 1.30% for September 30, 2024, as compared to 1.30% for June 30, 2024, and 1.32% as of September 30, 2023. The Company’s adversely classified index increased slightly from 6.04% as of June 30, 2024, to 6.15% as of September 30, 2024. The bank’s efficiency ratio increased slightly from 58.36% as of June 30, 2024, to 58.90% as of September 30, 2024.

    The Company’s total shareholders’ equity increased 2.35% to $190.6 million as of September 30, 2024, as compared to $186.2 million as of June 30, 2024. Tangible book value per share increased to $16.97 as of September 30, 2024, a 2.66% increase from $16.53 per share on June 30, 2024.  On October 16, 2024, the board of directors approved its fourth quarter dividend of $0.092 per share payable on or about December 15th to all shareholders of record as of November 15th. 

    Forward-looking Statements

    Certain statements contained in this release may not be based on historical facts and are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements may be identified by their reference to a future period or periods or by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “may,” “might,” “will,” “would,” “could” or “intend.” We caution you not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this news release, in that actual results could differ materially from those indicated in such forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including, among others, the business and economic conditions; risks related to the integration of acquired businesses and any future acquisitions; changes in management personnel; interest rate risk; ability to execute on planned expansion and organic growth; credit risk and concentrations associated with the Company’s loan portfolio; asset quality and loan charge-offs; inaccuracy of the assumptions and estimates management of the Company makes in establishing reserves for probable loan losses and other estimates; lack of liquidity; impairment of investment securities, goodwill or other intangible assets; the Company’s risk management strategies; increased competition; system failures or failures to prevent breaches of our network security; changes in federal tax law or policy; the impact of recent and future legislative and regulatory changes; and increases in capital requirements. We undertake no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date of this news release. 

                 
    MORRIS STATE BANCSHARES, INC.
    AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                     
    Consolidating Balance Sheet
                                     
            September 30,   June 30,           September 30,      
              2024       2024     Change   % Change     2023     Change   % Change
            (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)           (Unaudited)        
    ASSETS                                
                                     
    Cash and due from banks       $ 48,180,615     $ 43,688,884     $ 4,491,731     10.28 %   $ 36,373,555     $ 11,807,060     32.46 %
    Federal funds sold         11,932,122       14,624,710       (2,692,588 )   -18.41 %     8,695,149       3,236,973     37.23 %
    Total cash and cash equivalents         60,112,737       58,313,594       1,799,143     3.09 %     45,068,704       15,044,033     33.38 %
                                     
    Interest-bearing time deposits in other banks         100,000       100,000       —     0.00 %     100,000       —     0.00 %
    Securities available for sale, at fair value         6,299,609       7,669,642       (1,370,033 )   -17.86 %     3,879,531       2,420,078     0.00 %
    Securities held to maturity, at cost (net of CECL Reserve)         224,532,603       227,532,821       (3,000,218 )   -1.32 %     244,837,916       (20,305,313 )   -8.29 %
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock, restricted, at cost         1,740,300       1,027,800       712,500     69.32 %     1,727,100       13,200     0.76 %
    Loans, net of unearned income         1,088,132,851       1,081,790,223       6,342,628     0.59 %     1,049,730,890       38,401,961     3.66 %
    Less-allowance for credit losses         (14,179,392 )     (14,109,191 )     (70,201 )   0.50 %     (13,860,420 )     (318,972 )   2.30 %
    Loans, net         1,073,953,459       1,067,681,032       6,272,427     0.59 %     1,035,870,470       38,082,989     3.68 %
                                  –      
    Bank premises and equipment, net         12,912,111       13,051,972       (139,861 )   -1.07 %     13,325,846       (413,735 )   -3.10 %
    ROU assets for operating lease, net         854,808       945,268       (90,460 )   -9.57 %     1,216,601       (361,793 )   -29.74 %
    Goodwill         9,361,704       9,361,704       —     0.00 %     9,361,704       —     0.00 %
    Intangible assets, net         1,422,326       1,508,214       (85,888 )   -5.69 %     1,765,877       (343,551 )   -19.45 %
    Other real estate and foreclosed assets         39,755       43,408       (3,653 )   -8.42 %     3,567,309       (3,527,554 )   -98.89 %
    Accrued interest receivable         6,640,617       6,421,999       218,618     3.40 %     5,585,081       1,055,536     18.90 %
    Cash surrender value of life insurance         15,022,374       14,915,967       106,407     0.71 %     14,613,337       409,037     2.80 %
    Other assets         22,311,520       21,721,225       590,295     2.72 %     25,711,989       (3,400,469 )   -13.23 %
    Total Assets       $ 1,435,303,923     $ 1,430,294,646     $ 5,009,277     0.35 %   $ 1,406,631,465       28,672,458     2.04 %
                                     
                                     
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                                
                                     
    Deposits:                                
    Non-interest bearing       $ 320,503,732     $ 298,997,994     $ 21,505,738     7.19 %   $ 316,825,603       3,678,129     1.16 %
    Interest bearing         876,274,737       914,360,430       (38,085,693 )   -4.17 %     862,167,812       14,106,925     1.64 %
              1,196,778,469       1,213,358,424       (16,579,955 )   -1.37 %     1,178,993,415       17,785,054     1.51 %
                                  –      
    Other borrowed funds         34,009,138       18,998,904       15,010,234     79.01 %     42,132,633       (8,123,495 )   -19.28 %
    Lease liability for operating lease         854,808       945,268       (90,460 )   -9.57 %     1,216,601       (361,793 )   -29.74 %
    Accrued interest payable         2,114,956       1,730,280       384,676     22.23 %     979,913       1,135,043     115.83 %
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities         10,938,057       9,038,821       1,899,236     21.01 %     10,056,934       881,123     8.76 %
                                  –      
    Total liabilities         1,244,695,428       1,244,071,697       623,731     0.05 %     1,233,379,496       11,315,932     0.92 %
                                     
    Shareholders’ Equity:                                
    Common stock         10,688,223       10,688,223       —     0.00 %     2,179,210       8,509,013     390.46 %
    Paid in capital surplus         34,867,691       34,729,351       138,340     0.40 %     41,548,417       (6,680,726 )   -16.08 %
    Retained earnings         131,085,914       132,061,494       (975,580 )   -0.74 %     116,705,941       14,379,973     12.32 %
    Current year earnings         15,660,043       10,213,197       5,446,846     53.33 %     13,404,804       2,255,239     16.82 %
    Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)         1,582,952       1,648,392       (65,440 )   -3.97 %     2,148,509       (565,557 )   -26.32 %
    Treasury Stock, at cost 91,878         (3,276,328 )     (3,117,708 )     (158,620 )   5.09 %     (2,734,912 )     (541,416 )   19.80 %
    Total shareholders’ equity         190,608,495       186,222,949       4,385,546     2.35 %     173,251,969       17,356,526     10.02 %
                                     
    Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity       $ 1,435,303,923     $ 1,430,294,646       5,009,277     0.35 %   $ 1,406,631,465       28,672,458     2.04 %
                                     
    MORRIS STATE BANCSHARES, INC.
    AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                         
    Consolidating Statement of Income
    for the Three Months Ended
                                         
                September 30,   June 30,           September 30,
                 
                  2024     2024   Change   % Change     2023     Change   % Change
                (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)           (Unaudited)        
    Interest and Dividend Income:                                    
    Interest and fees on loans           $ 18,630,690   $ 17,879,134   $ 751,556     4.20 %   $ 15,803,711     $ 2,826,979     17.89 %
    Interest income on securities             1,825,236     1,837,396     (12,160 )   -0.66 %     2,051,695       (226,459 )   -11.04 %
    Income on federal funds sold             163,624     156,184     7,440     4.76 %     216,377       (52,753 )   -24.38 %
    Income on time deposits held in other banks             338,433     590,205     (251,772 )   -42.66 %     302,545       35,888     11.86 %
    Other interest and dividend income             21,031     64,639     (43,608 )   -67.46 %     43,630       (22,599 )   -51.80 %
    Total interest and dividend income             20,979,014     20,527,558     451,456     2.20 %     18,417,958       2,561,056     13.91 %
                                         
    Interest Expense:                                    
    Deposits             6,671,982     6,568,679     103,303     1.57 %     5,109,712       1,562,270     30.57 %
    Interest on other borrowed funds             309,265     389,629     (80,364 )   -20.63 %     455,105       (145,840 )   -32.05 %
    Interest on federal funds purchased             —     —     —     —       —       —     0.00 %
    Total interest expense             6,981,247     6,958,308     22,939     0.33 %     5,564,817       1,416,430     25.45 %
                                         
    Net interest income before provision for loan losses             13,997,767     13,569,250     428,517     3.16 %     12,853,141       1,144,626     8.91 %
    Less-provision for credit losses             252,021     272,419     (20,398 )   -7.49 %     (33,351 )     285,372     -855.66 %
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses             13,745,746     13,296,831     448,915     3.38 %     12,886,492       859,254     6.67 %
                                         
    Noninterest Income:                                    
    Service charges on deposit accounts             576,751     535,847     40,904     7.63 %     532,598       44,153     8.29 %
    Other service charges, commissions and fees             399,839     397,787     2,052     0.52 %     399,587       252     0.06 %
    Gain on sales of foreclosed assets             —     —     —     0.00 %     —       —     0.00 %
    Gain on sales of premises and equipment             —     141     (141 )   -100.00 %     —       —     0.00 %
    Increase in CSV of life insurance             106,407     102,828     3,579     3.48 %     97,005       9,402     9.69 %
    Other income             23,002     355,155     (332,153 )   -93.52 %     7,681       15,321     199.47 %
    Total noninterest income             1,105,999     1,391,758     (285,759 )   -20.53 %     1,036,871       69,128     6.67 %
                                         
    Noninterest Expense:                                    
    Salaries and employee benefits             4,794,940     4,650,704     144,236     3.10 %     4,374,087       420,853     9.62 %
    Occupancy and equipment expenses, net             592,165     536,330     55,835     10.41 %     599,714       (7,549 )   -1.26 %
    Loss on sales and calls of securities             —     265     (265 )   0.00 %     —       —     0.00 %
    Loss on Sales of premises and equipment             —     —     —     0.00 %     54,269       (54,269.0 )   0.00 %
    Loss on sales of foreclosed assets             2,065     —     2,065     0.00 %     320,110       (318,045 )   0.00 %
    Other expenses             3,752,517     3,860,188     (107,671 )   -2.79 %     3,837,844       (85,327 )   -2.22 %
    Total noninterest expense             9,141,687     9,047,487     94,200     1.04 %     9,186,024       (44,337 )   -0.48 %
                                         
    Income Before Income Taxes             5,710,058     5,641,102     68,956     1.22 %     4,737,339       972,719     20.53 %
    Provision for income taxes             263,212     318,723     (55,511 )   17.42 %     244,258       18,954     7.76 %
                                      –      
    Net Income           $ 5,446,846   $ 5,322,379     124,467     2.34 %   $ 4,493,081       953,765     21.23 %
                                         
                                         
    Earnings per common share:                                    
    Basic           $ 0.51   $ 0.50     0.01     2.43 %   $ 0.42       0.09     21.00 %
    Diluted           $ 0.51   $ 0.50     0.01     2.00 %   $ 0.42       0.09     21.43 %
                                         
    Per share amounts for September 30, 2023 and previous quarters have been adjusted to reflect the April 22, 2024 5-for-1 stock dividend.
                                         
                 Quarter Ending
                     
                September 30, June 30, September 30,
                  2024       2024       2023  
    Dollars in thousand       (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited)
                     
    Per Share Data        
    Basic Earnings per Common Share     $ 0.51     $ 0.50     $ 0.42  
    Diluted Earnings per Common Share       0.51       0.50       0.42  
    Dividends per Common Share       0.092       0.092       0.088  
    Book Value per Common Share       17.99       17.56       16.37  
    Tangible Book Value per Common Share     16.97       16.53       15.32  
                     
    Average Diluted Shared Outstanding       10,602,348       10,611,811       10,582,485  
    End of Period Common Shares Outstanding     10,596,345       10,605,080       10,582,494  
                     
                     
    Annualized Performance Ratios (Bank Only)      
    Return on Average Assets         1.65%       1.73%       1.45%  
    Return on Average Equity         12.37%       13.12%       11.37%  
    Equity/Assets           13.23%       13.18%       12.79%  
    Yield on Earning Assets         6.05%       5.96%       5.48%  
    Cost of Funds           2.18%       2.16%       1.69%  
    Net Interest Margin         4.10%       4.02%       3.94%  
    Efficiency Ratio           58.90%       58.36%       62.24%  
                     
    Credit Metrics              
    Allowance for Loan Losses to Total Loans     1.30%       1.30%       1.32%  
    Adversely Classified Assets to Tier 1 Capital        
    plus Allowance for Loan Losses       6.15%       6.04%       7.00%  
                     
    Per share amounts for September 30, 2023 and previous quarters have been adjusted to reflect the April 22, 2024 5-for-1 stock dividend.

    The MIL Network –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Music Licensing, Inc. (OTC: SONG) Corrects ROI to 110.43% on 30-Year Royalty Stream Deal Involving Works by Miley Cyrus, Elton John, Lil Nas X, and XXXTENTACION, While Retaining Lifetime Ownership Rights

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Naples, FL, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Music Licensing, Inc. (OTC: SONG), a leader in the acquisition and management of music royalties, is issuing a correction regarding the financial performance of its recent sale of a 30-year royalty stream, which includes works by major artists such as Miley Cyrus, Elton John, Lil Nas X, and XXXTENTACION. The company initially reported a return on investment (ROI) of 106.04%. Upon recalculation, the correct ROI is 110.43%, following the receipt of additional royalty payments.

    Music Licensing, Inc. has received royalty payments totaling $36,489 USD since acquiring the rights to these works on November 23, 2023, alongside $140,200 USD generated from the sale of the 30-year royalty stream. With an initial acquisition cost of $160,000 USD, the company’s recalculated ROI demonstrates even stronger financial performance from this strategic investment.

    Works Included in the Transaction:

    • Miley Cyrus: “Unholy”
    • Elton John & Lil Nas X: “ONE OF ME”
    • Halsey: “clementine”
    • Halsey: “Honey”
    • Halsey: “Honey (John Cunningham Demo)”
    • Lauv: “I (Don’t) Have A Problem”
    • XXXTENTACION: “Kill My Vibe”
    • Lil Nas X: “LIFE AFTER SALEM”
    • Lil Wayne & XXXTENTACION: “School Shooters”
    • XXXTENTACION: “THE ONLY TIME I FEEL ALIVE”
    • 347aidan: “what i think about”
    • Halsey: “wipe your tears”
    • Halsey: “Lilith”

    Transaction Highlights:

    • Total Revenue from Sale: $140,200 USD from the sale of the 30-year royalty stream.
    • Royalties Already Received: $36,489 USD in royalty payments since acquisition.
    • Initial Investment: The company acquired the rights to these works for $160,000 USD on November 23, 2023.
    • Total ROI: Including both the royalty stream sale and royalties received, Music Licensing, Inc. has achieved a 110.43% ROI.

    Benefits to Shareholders:

    This transaction continues to demonstrate Music Licensing, Inc.’s ability to generate immediate returns while preserving future revenue potential. By monetizing a portion of future royalties, the company has not only realized significant returns but also retains ownership of these valuable assets for future revenue beyond the 30-year royalty stream. This strategic approach ensures that shareholders benefit from both short-term gains and long-term value creation.

    About Music Licensing, Inc. (OTC: SONG) (ProMusicRights.com)

    Music Licensing, Inc. (OTC: SONG), also known as Pro Music Rights, is a diversified holding company and the fifth public performance rights organization (PRO) formed in the United States. Its licensees include notable companies such as TikTok, iHeart Media, Triller, Napster, 7Digital, Vevo, and many others. Pro Music Rights holds an estimated market share of 7.4% in the United States, representing over 2,500,000 works by notable artists such as A$AP Rocky, Wiz Khalifa, Pharrell, Young Jeezy, Juelz Santana, Lil Yachty, MoneyBagg Yo, Larry June, Trae Pound, Sauce Walka, Trae Tha Truth, Sosamann, Soulja Boy, Lex Luger, Trauma Tone, Lud Foe, SlowBucks, Gunplay, OG Maco, Rich The Kid, Fat Trel, Young Scooter, Nipsey Hussle, Famous Dex, Boosie Badazz, Shy Glizzy, 2 Chainz, Migos, Gucci Mane, Young Dolph, Trinidad James, Chingy, Lil Gnar, 3OhBlack, Curren$y, Fall Out Boy, Money Man, Dej Loaf, Lil Uzi Vert, and countless others, as well as artificial intelligence (A.I.) created music.

    Additionally, Music Licensing, Inc. (OTC: SONG) owns royalty stakes in Listerine “Mouthwash” Antiseptic and musical works by artists such as The Weeknd, Justin Bieber, Kanye West, Elton John, Mike Posner, blackbear, Lil Nas X, Lil Yachty, DaBaby, Stunna 4 Vegas, Miley Cyrus, Lil Wayne, XXXTentacion, Jeremih, Ty Dolla $ign, Eric Bellinger, Ne-Yo, MoneyBagg Yo, Halsey, Desiigner, DaniLeigh, Rihanna, and numerous others.

    Forward-Looking Statements:

    This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby. Investors are cautioned that, all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, the ability of Music Licensing, Inc. & Pro Music Rights, Inc. to accomplish its stated plan of business. Music Licensing, Inc. & Pro Music Rights, Inc. believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, any of the assumptions could be inaccurate, and therefore, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this press release will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation by Pro Music Rights, Inc., Music Licensing, Inc., or any other person.

    Non-Legal Advice Disclosure:

    This press release does not constitute legal advice, and readers are advised to seek legal counsel for any legal matters or questions related to the content herein.

    Non-Investment Advice Disclosure:

    This communication is intended solely for informational purposes and does not in any way imply or constitute a recommendation or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any securities, commodities, bonds, options, derivatives, or any other investment products. Any decisions related to investments should be made after thorough research and consultation with a qualified financial advisor or professional. We assume no liability for any actions taken or not taken based on the information provided in this communication.

    Contact: investors@ProMusicRights.com / ssmith@smallcapvoice.com

    SOURCE: Music Licensing, Inc.

    The MIL Network –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Blue Foundry Bancorp Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RUTHERFORD, N.J., Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Blue Foundry Bancorp (NASDAQ:BLFY) (the “Company”), the holding company for Blue Foundry Bank (the “Bank”), today reported a net loss of $4.0 million, or $0.19 per diluted common share, for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to net loss of $2.3 million, or $0.11 per diluted common share, for the three months ended June 30, 2024, and a net loss of $1.4 million, or $0.06 per diluted common share, for the three months ended September 30, 2023.

    James D. Nesci, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “The Company continues to maintain its strong capital position and access to liquidity. We executed on our share repurchase program and increased our tangible book value to $14.74 per share.”

    Mr. Nesci also noted, “Deposit growth continued in the third quarter. Increases in our construction and commercial and industrial portfolios drove loan growth during the third quarter as we remain focused on growing our commercial portfolio. Credit quality remained strong highlighted by a 17% improvement in non-performing loans. Our 84 basis point allowance for credit losses now covers non-performing loans by over 2.5 times.”

    Highlights for the third quarter of 2024:

    • Deposits increased $7.5 million to $1.32 billion compared to the prior quarter.
    • Uninsured deposits to third-party customers totaled approximately 12% of total deposits as of September 30, 2024.
    • Interest income for the quarter was $21.5 million, an increase of $240 thousand, or 1.1%, compared to the prior quarter.
    • Interest expense for the quarter was $12.4 million, an increase of $726 thousand, or 6.2%, compared to the prior quarter.
    • Net interest margin decreased 14 basis points from the prior quarter to 1.82%.
    • Provision for credit losses of $248 thousand was primarily due to the increase in unused lines of credit partially offset by releases of provision for loans of $5 thousand and for securities of $11 thousand.
    • Book value per share was $14.76 and tangible book value per share was $14.74. See the “Supplemental Information – Non-GAAP Financial Measures” tables below for additional information regarding our non-GAAP measures.
    • 521,685 shares were repurchased under our share repurchase plans at a weighted average share price of $10.52 per share.

    Loans

    The Company continues to focus on diversifying its lending portfolio by growing its commercial portfolios. While total loans decreased by $9.7 million during the first nine months of 2024, our construction portfolio increased by $19.7 million and our commercial real estate portfolio increased by $9.2 million, of which $7.1 million was on owner-occupied properties. In addition, our consumer and other loans increased by $7.7 million as we took advantage of an opportunity to participate in a consumer loan participation at an attractive rate with credit enhancements. The residential and multifamily portfolios decreased by $34.2 million and $16.3 million, respectively.

    The details of the loan portfolio are below:

        September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
      September 30,
    2023
        (In thousands)
    Residential   $ 516,754   $ 526,453   $ 540,427   $ 550,929   $ 567,384
    Multifamily     666,304     671,185     671,011     682,564     689,966
    Commercial real estate     241,711     241,867     244,207     232,505     236,325
    Construction     80,081     71,882     63,052     60,414     45,064
    Junior liens     24,174     23,653     22,052     22,503     22,297
    Commercial and industrial     14,228     12,261     13,372     11,768     9,904
    Consumer and other     7,731     83     56     47     50
    Total loans     1,550,983     1,547,384     1,554,177     1,560,730     1,570,990
    Less: Allowance for credit losses     13,012     13,027     13,749     14,154     13,872
    Loans receivable, net   $ 1,537,971   $ 1,534,357   $ 1,540,428   $ 1,546,576   $ 1,557,118
                                   

    Deposits

    As of September 30, 2024, deposits totaled $1.32 billion, an increase of $73.8 million, or 5.93%, from December 31, 2023, mostly due to the increases of $104.6 million in time deposits partially offset by decreases in savings, non-interest bearing deposits and NOW and demand accounts of $21.8 million, $5.5 million and $3.6 million, respectively. The Company’s strategy is to focus on attracting the full banking relationship of small- to medium-sized businesses through an extensive suite of deposit products. While there is strong competition for deposits in the northern New Jersey market, we were able to increase customer deposits during the quarter. Brokered deposits remain unchanged since year end 2023.

    The details of deposits are below:

        September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
      September 30,
    2023
        (In thousands)
    Non-interest bearing deposits   $ 22,254   $ 24,733   $ 25,342   $ 27,739   $ 23,787
    NOW and demand accounts     357,503     368,386     373,172     361,139     378,268
    Savings     237,651     246,559     250,298     259,402     278,665
    Core deposits     617,408     639,678     648,812     648,280     680,720
    Time deposits     701,262     671,478     642,372     596,624     572,384
    Total deposits   $ 1,318,670   $ 1,311,156   $ 1,291,184   $ 1,244,904   $ 1,253,104
                                   

    Financial Performance Overview:

    Third quarter of 2024 compared to the second quarter of 2024

    Net interest income compared to the second quarter of 2024:

    • Net interest income was $9.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to $9.6 million for the second quarter of 2024 as the increase in interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities outpaced the increase in interest received on interest-earning assets.
    • Net interest margin decreased by 14 basis points to 1.82%.
    • The yield on average interest-earning assets decreased five basis points to 4.32%, while the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities increased nine basis points to 3.03%.
    • Average interest-earning assets increased by $20.9 million and average interest-bearing liabilities increased by $29.3 million.

    Non-interest income compared to the second quarter of 2024:

    • Non-interest income decreased $149 thousand primarily due the absence of the gain of $123 thousand on the sale of REO property, which was recorded in the second quarter.

    Non-interest expense compared to the second quarter of 2024:

    • Non-interest expense increased $52 thousand primarily driven by increases in professional fees, data processing expense and FDIC insurance premiums of $190 thousand, $77 thousand and $42 thousand, respectively, partially offset by decreases of $329 thousand in compensation and benefits expenses and $32 thousand in occupancy and equipment.

    Income tax expense compared to the second quarter of 2024:

    • The Company did not record a tax benefit for the losses incurred during the third quarter of 2024 and the second quarter of 2024 due to the full valuation allowance required on its deferred tax assets.
    • The Company’s current tax position reflects the previously established full valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets. At September 30, 2024, the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets was $22.2 million.

    Third quarter of 2024 compared to the third quarter of 2023

    Net interest income compared to the third quarter of 2023:

    • Net interest income was $9.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to $9.9 million for the same period in 2023. The decrease was largely due to increases in rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities, which outpaced rates received on interest-earning assets.
    • Net interest margin decreased by 12 basis points to 1.82%.
    • The yield on average interest-earning assets increased 35 basis points to 4.32%, while the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities increased 54 basis points to 3.03%.
    • Average interest-earning assets decreased by $32.6 million and average interest-bearing liabilities decreased by $4.1 million. Average FHLB advances decreased by $48.3 million, while average interest-bearing deposits increased by $44.1 million.

    Non-interest expense compared to the third quarter of 2023:

    • Non-interest expense was $13.3 million, an increase of $873 thousand driven by increases of $666 thousand, $167 thousand and $126 thousand in compensation and benefits expenses, professional services and occupancy and equipment expenses, respectively, partially offset by decreases of $61 thousand in data processing and $27 thousand in FDIC insurance premiums.

    Income tax expense compared to the third quarter of 2023:

    • The Company did not record a tax benefit for the losses incurred during the third quarters of 2024 and 2023 due to the full valuation allowance required on its deferred tax assets.
    • The Company’s current tax position reflects the previously established full valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets. At September 30, 2024, the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets was $22.2 million.

    Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023

    Net interest income compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023:

    • Net interest income was $28.1 million, a decrease of $4.6 million.
    • Net interest margin decreased 28 basis points to 1.90%.
    • The yield on average interest-earning assets increased 39 basis points to 4.30% while the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities increased 78 basis points to 2.93%.
    • Average interest-earning assets decreased by $39.1 million and average interest-bearing deposits increased by $37.0 million.
    • Average borrowings decreased by $43.3 million.

    Non-interest income compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023:

    • Non-interest income increased $141 thousand primarily due to the gain on the sale of REO property during the second quarter of 2024.

    Non-interest expense compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023:

    • Non-interest expense was $39.7 million, an increase of $705 thousand.
    • Compensation and benefits expense increased by $938 thousand and occupancy and equipment costs increased by $474 thousand. These increases were partially offset by decreases of $475 thousand and $224 thousand for data processing expense and fees for professional services, respectively.

    Income tax expense compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023:

    • The Company did not record a tax benefit for the losses incurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 due to the full valuation allowance required on its deferred tax assets.
    • The Company’s current tax position reflects the previously established full valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets. At September 30, 2024, the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets was $22.2 million.

    Balance Sheet Summary:

    September 30, 2024 compared to December 31, 2023

    Cash and cash equivalents:

    • Cash and cash equivalents increased $30.1 million to $76.1 million.

    Securities available-for-sale:

    • Securities available-for-sale increased $7.0 million to $290.8 million due to the decrease in unrealized losses of $7.8 million. The favorable impact of the change in the unrealized loss position was partially offset as maturities, calls and paydowns outpaced purchases during the period.

    Other investments:

    • Other investments decreased $2.1 million due to a decrease in FHLB stock as a result of a reduction in FHLB borrowings.

    Total loans:

    • Total loans held for investment decreased $9.7 million to $1.55 billion.
    • Residential loans and multifamily loans decreased $34.2 million and $16.3 million, respectively, partially offset by increases in construction loans of $19.7 million, commercial real estate loans of $9.2 million and consumer loans of $7.7 million to further diversify our loan portfolio.
    • The Company purchased a consumer loan participation of $8.0 million and residential loans totaling $7.8 million during the third quarter.

    Deposits:

    • Deposits totaled $1.32 billion, an increase of $73.8 million from December 31, 2023. This was largely the result of a $104.6 million increase in certificate of deposits.
    • Core deposits (defined as non-interest bearing checking, NOW and demand accounts and savings accounts) represented 46.8% of total deposits, compared to 52.1% at December 31, 2023.
    • Brokered deposits totaled $125.0 million at both September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
    • Uninsured and uncollateralized deposits to third-party customers were $159.6 million, or 12% of total deposits, at the end of the third quarter.

    Borrowings:

    • FHLB borrowings decreased $49.0 million to $348.5 million as deposit growth outpaced asset growth.
    • As of September 30, 2024, the Company had $255.7 million of additional borrowing capacity at the FHLB and $78.2 million of other unsecured lines of credit.

    Capital:

    • Shareholders’ equity decreased $16.3 million to $339.3 million. The decrease was primarily driven by the repurchase of shares, including net shares, at a cost of $14.4 million. Additionally, the year-to-date loss, partially offset by favorable changes in accumulated other comprehensive income, also contributed to the decrease.
    • Tangible equity to tangible assets was 16.50% and tangible common equity per share outstanding was $14.74. See the “Supplemental Information – Non-GAAP Financial Measures” tables below for additional information regarding our non-GAAP measures.
    • The Bank’s capital ratios remain above the FDIC’s “well capitalized” standards.

    Asset quality:

    • As of September 30, 2024, the allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) on loans as a percentage of gross loans was 0.84%.
    • The Company recorded a provision for credit losses of $248 thousand for the third quarter of 2024 and a net release of provision for credit losses of $1.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. For the third quarter of 2024, there was a provision of $264 thousand in the ACL for off-balance-sheet commitments, offset by a release of $5 thousand in the ACL for loans and $11 thousand in the ACL for held-to-maturity securities. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, there was a release of $1.1 million in the ACL for loans and $36 thousand in the ACL for held-to-maturity securities, offset by a provision of $94 thousand in the ACL for off-balance-sheet commitments. The release was driven by the impact of the economic forecasts for the key drivers of our loan segments partially offset by an increase in off-balance-sheet commitments.
    • Non-performing loans totaled $5.1 million, or 0.33% of total loans compared to $5.9 million, or 0.38% of total loans at December 31, 2023.
    • Net charge-offs were $11 thousand and $36 thousand for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively.
    • Ratio of allowance for credit losses on loans to non-performing loans was 252.86% at September 30, 2024 compared to 239.98% at December 31, 2023.

    About Blue Foundry

    Blue Foundry Bancorp is the holding company for Blue Foundry Bank, a place where things are made, purpose is formed, and ideas are crafted. Headquartered in Rutherford NJ, with a presence in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset and Union counties, Blue Foundry Bank is a full-service, innovative bank serving the doers, movers, and shakers in our communities. We offer individuals and businesses alike the tailored products and services they need to build their futures. With a rich history dating back more than 145 years, Blue Foundry Bank has a longstanding commitment to its customers and communities. To learn more about Blue Foundry Bank visit BlueFoundryBank.com or call (888) 931-BLUE. Member FDIC.

    Conference Call Information

    A conference call covering Blue Foundry’s third quarter 2024 earnings announcement will be held today, Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. (EDT). To listen to the live call, please dial 1-833-470-1428 (toll free) or +1-404-975-4839 (international) and use access code 725750. The webcast (audio only) will be available on ir.bluefoundrybank.com. The conference call will be recorded and will be available on the Company’s website for one month.

    Contact:
    James D. Nesci
    President and Chief Executive Officer
    BlueFoundryBank.com
    jnesci@bluefoundrybank.com
    201-972-8900

    Forward Looking Statements

    Certain statements contained herein are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements, which are based on certain current assumptions and describe our future plans, strategies and expectations, can generally be identified by the use of the words “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “plan,” “potential,” “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “target” and similar expressions.

    Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and expectations of management and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. In addition, these forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions with respect to future business strategies and decisions that are subject to change. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements: inflation and changes in the interest rate environment that reduce our margins and yields, the fair value of financial instruments or our level of loan originations, or increase in the level of defaults, losses and prepayments on loans we have made and make; general economic conditions, either nationally or in our market areas, that are worse than expected; changes in the level and direction of loan delinquencies and write-offs and changes in estimates of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses; our ability to access cost-effective funding; fluctuations in real estate values and both residential and commercial real estate market conditions; demand for loans and deposits in our market area; our ability to implement and change our business strategies; competition among depository and other financial institutions; adverse changes in the securities or secondary mortgage markets; changes in laws or government regulations or policies affecting financial institutions, including changes in regulatory fees, capital requirements and insurance premiums; changes in monetary or fiscal policies of the U.S. Government, including policies of the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve Board; changes in the quality or composition of our loan or investment portfolios; technological changes that may be more difficult or expensive than expected; a failure or breach of our operational or security systems or infrastructure, including cyber-attacks; the inability of third party providers to perform as expected; our ability to manage market risk, credit risk and operational risk in the current economic environment; our ability to enter new markets successfully and capitalize on growth opportunities; our ability to successfully integrate into our operations any assets, liabilities, customers, systems and management personnel we may acquire and our ability to realize related revenue synergies and cost savings within expected time frames and any goodwill charges related there to; changes in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits; changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the bank regulatory agencies, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the Securities and Exchange Commission or the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board; our ability to retain key employees; the current or anticipated impact of military conflict, terrorism or other geopolitical events; the ability of the U.S. Government to manage federal debt limits; and changes in the financial condition, results of operations or future prospects of issuers of securities that we own.

    Because of these and other uncertainties, our actual future results may be materially different from the results indicated by these forward-looking statements. Except as required by applicable law or regulation, we do not undertake, and we specifically disclaim any obligation, to release publicly the results of any revisions that may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of the statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

    BLUE FOUNDRY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
    Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
                     
        September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
        (unaudited)   (unaudited)   (unaudited)   (audited)
        (Dollars in Thousands)
    ASSETS                
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 76,109   $ 60,262   $ 53,753   $ 46,025
    Securities available-for-sale, at fair value     290,806     297,790     265,191     283,766
    Securities held to maturity     33,119     33,169     33,217     33,254
    Other investments     18,203     17,942     17,908     20,346
    Loans, net     1,537,971     1,534,357     1,540,428     1,546,576
    Real estate owned, net     —     —     593     593
    Interest and dividends receivable     8,386     7,882     8,001     7,595
    Premises and equipment, net     30,161     30,858     31,696     32,475
    Right-of-use assets     24,190     24,596     24,454     25,172
    Bank owned life insurance     22,399     22,274     22,153     22,034
    Other assets     13,749     16,322     30,393     27,127
    Total assets   $ 2,055,093   $ 2,045,452   $ 2,027,787   $ 2,044,963
                     
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY            
    Liabilities                
    Deposits   $ 1,318,670   $ 1,311,156   $ 1,291,184   $ 1,244,904
    Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank     348,500     342,500     342,500     397,500
    Advances by borrowers for taxes and insurance     9,909     9,875     9,368     8,929
    Lease liabilities     25,870     26,243     26,081     26,777
    Other liabilities     12,845     10,081     8,498     11,213
    Total liabilities     1,715,794     1,699,855     1,677,631     1,689,323
    Shareholders’ equity     339,299     345,597     350,156     355,640
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 2,055,093   $ 2,045,452   $ 2,027,787   $ 2,044,963
                             
    BLUE FOUNDRY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
    Consolidated Statements of Operations
    (Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data) (Unaudited)
             
        Three months ended   Nine months ended
        September 30,
    2024
      June 30, 2024   September 30,
    2023
      September 30,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
        (Dollars in thousands)
    Interest income:                    
    Loans   $ 17,646     $ 17,570     $ 16,728     $ 52,408     $ 48,778  
    Taxable investment income     3,850       3,686       3,339       11,150       9,663  
    Non-taxable investment income     36       36       106       108       329  
    Total interest income     21,532       21,292       20,173       63,666       58,770  
    Interest expense:                    
    Deposits     9,712       9,132       7,034       27,257       16,361  
    Borrowed funds     2,733       2,587       3,263       8,332       9,686  
    Total interest expense     12,445       11,719       10,297       35,589       26,047  
    Net interest income     9,087       9,573       9,876       28,077       32,723  
    Provision for (release of) credit losses     248       (762 )     (717 )     (1,049 )     (597 )
    Net interest income after provision for (release of) credit losses     8,839       10,335       10,593       29,126       33,320  
    Non-interest income:                    
    Fees and service charges     272       296       291       897       833  
    Gain on sale of loans     —       —       —       36       159  
    Other income     115       240       78       441       241  
    Total non-interest income     387       536       369       1,374       1,233  
    Non-interest expense:                    
    Compensation and employee benefits     7,306       7,635       6,640       22,490       21,552  
    Occupancy and equipment     2,230       2,262       2,104       6,684       6,210  
    Data processing     1,412       1,335       1,473       4,134       4,609  
    Advertising     87       52       85       211       234  
    Professional services     813       623       646       2,166       2,390  
    Federal deposit insurance     236       194       263       629       599  
    Other     1,183       1,114       1,183       3,410       3,425  
    Total non-interest expense     13,267       13,215       12,394       39,724       39,019  
    Loss before income tax expense     (4,041 )     (2,344 )     (1,432 )     (9,224 )     (4,466 )
    Income tax expense     —       —       —       —       —  
    Net loss   $ (4,041 )   $ (2,344 )   $ (1,432 )   $ (9,224 )   $ (4,466 )
    Basic loss per share   $ (0.19 )   $ (0.11 )   $ (0.06 )   $ (0.43 )   $ (0.18 )
    Diluted loss per share   $ (0.19 )   $ (0.11 )   $ (0.06 )   $ (0.43 )   $ (0.18 )
    Weighted average shares outstanding                    
    Basic     21,263,482       21,735,002       23,278,490       21,695,895       24,289,599  
    Diluted (1)     21,263,482       21,735,002       23,278,490       21,695,895       24,289,599  

    (1) The assumed vesting of outstanding restricted stock units had an antidilutive effect on diluted earnings per share due to the Company’s net loss for the 2024 and 2023 periods.

    BLUE FOUNDRY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
    Consolidated Financial Highlights
    (Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data) (Unaudited)
         
        Three months ended
        September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
      September 30,
    2023
        (Dollars in thousands)
    Performance Ratios (%):                    
    Return on average assets     (0.79 )     (0.47 )     (0.56 )     (0.57 )     (0.27 )
    Return on average equity     (4.68 )     (2.71 )     (3.23 )     (3.25 )     (1.55 )
    Interest rate spread (1)     1.29       1.43       1.40       1.33       1.48  
    Net interest margin (2)     1.82       1.96       1.92       1.84       1.94  
    Efficiency ratio (3) (4)     140.04       130.73       134.19       128.41       120.98  
    Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities     121.37       122.28       122.50       122.93       123.05  
    Tangible equity to tangible assets (4)     16.50       16.88       17.25       17.37       17.07  
    Book value per share (5)   $ 14.76     $ 14.70     $ 14.61     $ 14.51     $ 14.27  
    Tangible book value per share (4)(5)   $ 14.74     $ 14.69     $ 14.60     $ 14.49     $ 14.24  
                         
    Asset Quality:                    
    Non-performing loans   $ 5,146     $ 6,208     $ 6,691     $ 5,898     $ 6,139  
    Real estate owned, net     —       —       593       593       593  
    Non-performing assets   $ 5,146     $ 6,208     $ 7,284     $ 6,491     $ 6,732  
    Allowance for credit losses to total loans (%)     0.84       0.84       0.88       0.91       0.88  
    Allowance for credit losses to non-performing loans (%)     252.86       209.84       205.48       239.98       225.97  
    Non-performing loans to total loans (%)     0.33       0.40       0.43       0.38       0.39  
    Non-performing assets to total assets (%)     0.25       0.30       0.36       0.32       0.33  
    Net charge-offs to average outstanding loans during the period (%)     —       —       —       —       0.01  

    (1) Interest rate spread represents the difference between the yield on interest-earning assets and the cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
    (2) Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
    (3) Efficiency ratio represents adjusted non-interest expense divided by the sum of net interest income plus non-interest income.
    (4) See the “Supplemental Information – Non-GAAP Financial Measures” tables below for additional information regarding our non-GAAP measures.
    (5) September 30, 2024 per share metrics computed using 22,990,908 total shares outstanding.

    BLUE FOUNDRY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
    Analysis of Net Interest Income
    (Dollars in Thousands) (Unaudited)
         
        Three Months Ended,
        September 30, 2024   June 30, 2024   September 30, 2023
        Average
    Balance
      Interest   Average
    Yield/Cost
      Average
    Balance
      Interest   Average
    Yield/Cost
      Average
    Balance
      Interest   Average
    Yield/Cost
        (Dollars in thousands)
    Assets:                                    
    Loans (1)   $ 1,548,962   $ 17,646   4.53 %   $ 1,550,736   $ 17,570   4.56 %   $ 1,577,173   $ 16,728   4.21 %
    Mortgage-backed securities     181,596     1,186   2.60 %     167,219     960   2.31 %     170,326     840   1.96 %
    Other investment securities     173,008     1,527   3.51 %     175,394     1,688   3.87 %     194,953     1,507   3.07 %
    FHLB stock     17,666     406   9.15 %     17,223     447   10.44 %     21,047     456   8.60 %
    Cash and cash equivalents     61,507     767   4.96 %     51,290     627   4.92 %     51,884     642   4.91 %
    Total interest-earning assets     1,982,739     21,532   4.32 %     1,961,862     21,292   4.37 %     2,015,383     20,173   3.97 %
    Non-interest earning assets     61,787             56,826             58,042        
    Total assets   $ 2,044,526           $ 2,018,688           $ 2,073,425        
    Liabilities and shareholders’ equity:                                    
    NOW, savings, and money market deposits   $ 598,048     1,925   1.28 %   $ 611,931     1,955   1.28 %   $ 684,228     2,123   1.23 %
    Time deposits     688,570     7,787   4.50 %     655,755     7,177   4.40 %     558,252     4,911   3.49 %
    Interest-bearing deposits     1,286,618     9,712   3.00 %     1,267,686     9,132   2.90 %     1,242,480     7,034   2.25 %
    FHLB advances     347,076     2,733   3.13 %     336,742     2,587   3.09 %     395,359     3,263   3.27 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities     1,633,694     12,445   3.03 %     1,604,428     11,719   2.94 %     1,637,839     10,297   2.49 %
    Non-interest bearing deposits     23,421             25,076             25,540        
    Non-interest bearing other     43,713             41,061             44,628        
    Total liabilities     1,700,828             1,670,565             1,708,007        
    Total shareholders’ equity     343,698             348,123             365,418        
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 2,044,526           $ 2,018,688           $ 2,073,425        
    Net interest income       $ 9,087           $ 9,573           $ 9,876    
    Net interest rate spread (2)           1.29 %           1.43 %           1.48 %
    Net interest margin (3)           1.82 %           1.96 %           1.94 %

    (1) Average loan balances are net of deferred loan fees and costs, premiums and discounts and include non-accrual loans.
    (2) Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the yield on interest-earning assets and the cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
    (3) Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.

    BLUE FOUNDRY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
    Analysis of Net Interest Income
    (Dollars in Thousands) (Unaudited)
         
        Nine Months Ended September 30,
        2024   2023
        Average
    Balance
      Interest   Average
    Yield/Cost
      Average
    Balance
      Interest   Average
    Yield/Cost
        (Dollars in thousands)
    Assets:                        
    Loans (1)   $ 1,551,734   $ 52,408   4.50 %   $ 1,571,204   $ 48,778   4.15 %
    Mortgage-backed securities     169,765     3,022   2.37 %     174,742     2,789   2.13 %
    Other investment securities     177,455     4,867   3.65 %     197,522     4,523   3.06 %
    FHLB stock     18,335     1,345   9.77 %     21,343     1,106   6.93 %
    Cash and cash equivalents     54,810     2,024   4.92 %     46,363     1,574   4.54 %
    Total interest-earning assets     1,972,099     63,666   4.30 %     2,011,174     58,770   3.91 %
    Non-interest earning assets     59,245             56,762        
    Total assets   $ 2,031,344           $ 2,067,936        
    Liabilities and shareholders’ equity:                        
    NOW, savings, and money market deposits   $ 608,677   $ 5,816   1.27 %   $ 753,419   $ 6,350   1.13 %
    Time deposits     654,639     21,441   4.36 %     472,866     10,011   2.83 %
    Interest-bearing deposits     1,263,316     27,257   2.87 %     1,226,285     16,361   1.78 %
    FHLB advances     352,544     8,332   3.15 %     395,800     9,686   3.27 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities     1,615,860     35,589   2.93 %     1,622,085     26,047   2.15 %
    Non-interest bearing deposits     24,992             23,092        
    Non-interest bearing other     42,120             44,572        
    Total liabilities     1,682,972             1,689,749        
    Total shareholders’ equity     348,372             378,187        
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 2,031,344           $ 2,067,936        
    Net interest income       $ 28,077           $ 32,723    
    Net interest rate spread (2)           1.37 %           1.76 %
    Net interest margin (3)           1.90 %           2.18 %

    (1) Average loan balances are net of deferred loan fees and costs, premiums and discounts and include non-accrual loans.
    (2) Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the yield on interest-earning assets and the cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
    (3) Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.

    BLUE FOUNDRY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
    Supplemental Information – Non-GAAP Financial Measures
    (Unaudited)

    This press release contains certain supplemental financial information, described in the table below, which has been determined by methods other than U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) that management uses in its analysis of Blue Foundry’s performance. Management believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide information useful to investors in understanding Blue Foundry’s financial results. These non-GAAP measures should not be considered a substitute for GAAP basis measures and results and Blue Foundry strongly encourages investors to review its consolidated financial statements in their entirety and not to rely on any single financial measure. Because non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized, it may not be possible to compare these financial measures with other companies’ non-GAAP financial measures having the same or similar names.

    Net income, as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, includes the provision for credit losses and income tax expense, while pre-provision net revenue does not.

        Three months ended
        September 30,
    2024
      June 30, 2024   March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
      September 30,
    2023
        (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
    Pre-provision net revenue and efficiency ratio:                
    Net interest income   $ 9,087     $ 9,573     $ 9,417     $ 9,196     $ 9,876  
    Other income     387       536       451       572       369  
    Total revenue     9,474       10,109       9,868       9,768       10,245  
    Operating expenses     13,267       13,215       13,242       12,543       12,394  
    Pre-provision net loss   $ (3,793 )   $ (3,106 )   $ (3,374 )   $ (2,775 )   $ (2,149 )
    Efficiency ratio     140.0 %     130.7 %     134.2 %     128.4 %     121.0 %
                         
    Core deposits:                    
    Total deposits   $ 1,318,670     $ 1,311,156     $ 1,291,184     $ 1,244,904     $ 1,253,104  
    Less: time deposits     701,262       671,478       642,372       596,624       572,384  
    Core deposits   $ 617,408     $ 639,678     $ 648,812     $ 648,280     $ 680,720  
    Core deposits to total deposits     46.8 %     48.8 %     50.2 %     52.1 %     54.3 %
                         
    Total assets   $ 2,055,093     $ 2,045,452     $ 2,027,787     $ 2,044,963     $ 2,101,055  
    Less: intangible assets     300       386       473       557       644  
    Tangible assets   $ 2,054,793     $ 2,045,066     $ 2,027,314     $ 2,044,406     $ 2,100,411  
                         
    Tangible equity:                    
    Shareholders’ equity   $ 339,299     $ 345,597     $ 350,156     $ 355,640     $ 359,149  
    Less: intangible assets     300       386       473       557       644  
    Tangible equity   $ 338,999     $ 345,211     $ 349,683     $ 355,083     $ 358,505  
                         
    Tangible equity to tangible assets     16.50 %     16.88 %     17.25 %     17.37 %     17.07 %
                         
    Tangible book value per share:                    
    Tangible equity   $ 338,999     $ 345,211     $ 349,683     $ 355,083     $ 358,505  
    Shares outstanding     22,990,908       23,505,357       23,958,888       24,509,950       25,174,412  
    Tangible book value per share   $ 14.74     $ 14.69     $ 14.60     $ 14.49       14.24  

    The MIL Network –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Disney and Magnite Announce Two-Year Deal Renewal

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Magnite (NASDAQ: MGNI), the largest independent sell-side advertising company, and Disney have announced a two-year deal extension. As the relationship grows into its sixth year, Magnite continues to be Disney’s preferred supply-side technology partner. Disney leverages Magnite’s technology to monetize its ad-supported inventory across the company’s entire portfolio. Magnite facilitates transactions for all 30+ DSPs that Disney works with.

    “Disney is committed to driving automation and executional ease for our clients. With all our streaming inventory available programmatically, Magnite remains a key technology partner supporting Disney’s advertising business,” stated Jamie Power, SVP of Addressable Sales at Disney. “Magnite plays a critical role in allowing buyers to access Disney’s inventory by connecting to more than 30 demand-side platforms in the US and starting to expand globally. In this rapidly evolving marketplace, Magnite consistently scales its capabilities to meet client needs, helping us stay ahead of emerging market trends.”

    With the expanded relationship, Disney will also leverage Magnite to:

    • Execute one-to-one deals with key buyers through Magnite’s ClearLine offering
    • Monetize College Football games on live streams on ESPN
    • Support LATAM expansion in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, and Argentina
    • Offer podcast inventory via PMPs, including ESPN and ABC News podcasts

    “We appreciate Disney’s confidence in our long-standing relationship and look forward to working with their team to deliver exceptional advertising experiences across every consumer touchpoint,” said Sean Buckley, Chief Revenue Officer at Magnite. “In addition to our role in enabling Disney’s programmatic transactions, we’re actively innovating in new areas like live streaming to bring added value to our partnership.”

    About Magnite
    We’re Magnite (NASDAQ: MGNI), the world’s largest independent sell-side advertising company. Publishers use our technology to monetize their content across all screens and formats including CTV, online video, display, and audio. The world’s leading agencies and brands trust our platform to access brand-safe, high-quality ad inventory and execute billions of advertising transactions each month. Anchored in bustling New York City, sunny Los Angeles, mile-high Denver, historic London, colorful Singapore, and down under in Sydney, Magnite has offices across North America, EMEA, LATAM, and APAC.

    Media Contact:

    Charlstie Veith
    cveith@magnite.com
    516-300-3569

    Investor Relations
    Nick Kormeluk
    nkormeluk@magnite.com
    949-500-0003

    The MIL Network –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Waterstone Financial, Inc. Announces Results of Operations for the Quarter and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WAUWATOSA, Wis., Oct. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Waterstone Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ: WSBF), holding company for WaterStone Bank, reported net income of $4.7 million, or $0.26 per diluted share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to net income of $3.3 million, or $0.16 per diluted share for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. Net income per diluted share was $0.72 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to net income per diluted share of $0.46 for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

    “The Community Banking segment achieved growth in its loan and core deposit (excluding brokered deposits) balances,” said William Bruss, Chief Executive Officer of Waterstone Financial, Inc. “We continue to maintain strong asset quality metrics and remain in a net recovery position, resulting in a negative provision during the quarter. While the decrease in our wholesale borrowing rate during the quarter captures a portion of the benefit from the 50 bps cut in the Federal Funds rate during September, the competitive retail funding environment remains a headwind. The Mortgage Banking segment experienced a decrease in fundings; however, it remained profitable due in large part to our continued focus on cost control. Waterstone Financial, Inc. remained active in share repurchases and once again declared a dividend, as we are committed to shareholder returns.” 

    Highlights of the Quarter Ended September 30, 2024

    Waterstone Financial, Inc. (Consolidated)

     ● Consolidated net income of Waterstone Financial, Inc. totaled $4.7 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to net income of $3.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2023.
    ● Consolidated return on average assets was 0.83% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to 0.58% for the quarter ended September 30, 2023.
    ● Consolidated return on average equity was 5.55% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, and 3.63% for the quarter ended September 30, 2023.
    ● Dividends declared during the quarter ended September 30, 2024, totaled $0.15 per common share.
    ● During the quarter ended September 30, 2024, we repurchased approximately 71,000 shares at a cost (including the federal excise tax) of $979,000, or $13.75 per share.
    ● Nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets was 0.25% at September 30, 2024, 0.25% at June 30, 2024, and 0.20% at September 30, 2023.  
    ● Past due loans as a percentage of total loans was 0.63% at September 30, 2024, 0.76% at June 30, 2024, and 0.53% at September 30, 2023. 
    ● Book value per share was $17.58 at September 30, 2024 and $16.94 at December 31, 2023. 

    Community Banking Segment

    ● Pre-tax income totaled $5.6 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, which represents a $14,000, or 0.2%, decrease compared to $5.7 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2023.
    ● Net interest income totaled $12.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, which represents a $181,000, or 1.5%, decrease compared to $12.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2023.
    ● Average loans held for investment totaled $1.69 billion during the quarter ended September 30, 2024, which represents an increase of $60.9 million, or 3.7%, compared to $1.63 billion for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. The increase was primarily due to increases in the construction, commercial real estate, and over four family mortgages. Average loans held for investment increased $19.7 million compared to $1.67 billion for the quarter ended June 30, 2024. The increase was primarily due to increases in construction and over four family mortgages.
    ● Net interest margin decreased 13 basis points to 2.13% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to 2.26% for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, which was a result of an increase in weighted average cost of deposits and borrowings as the federal funds rate increases resulted in increased funding rates. Net interest margin increased 12 basis points compared to 2.01% for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, primarily driven by an increase in weighted average yield on loans receivable and held for sale.     
    ● Past due loans at the community banking segment totaled $8.0 million at September 30, 2024, $9.3 million at June 30, 2024, and $6.7 million at September 30, 2023.
    ● The segment had a negative provision for credit losses related to funded loans of $218,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to a provision for credit losses related to funded loans of $206,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. The current quarter decrease was primarily due to a decrease in historical loss rates, net recoveries for the period, and improvements in certain internal asset quality metrics offset by an adjustment in the qualitative factors primarily related to increases in economic risks related to commercial real estate loans during the quarter. The negative provision for credit losses related to unfunded loan commitments was $84,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to a provision for credit losses related to unfunded loan commitments of $239,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. The negative provision for credit losses related to unfunded loan commitments for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, was due primarily to a decrease of loans that are currently waiting to be funded compared to the prior quarter end.  
    ● The efficiency ratio, a non-GAAP ratio, was 60.35% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to 54.43% for the quarter ended September 30, 2023.
    ● Average deposits (excluding escrow accounts) totaled $1.25 billion during the quarter ended September 30, 2024, an increase of $47.9 million, or 4.0%, compared to $1.20 billion during the quarter ended September 30, 2023. Average deposits increased $27.6 million, or 9.1% annualized, compared to $1.22 billion for the quarter ended June 30, 2024.  The increases were primarily due to an increase in certificates of deposit balances.  The segment had $2.0 million in brokered certificate of deposits at September 30, 2024.

    Mortgage Banking Segment

     ● Pre-tax income totaled $144,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to $2.1 million of pre-tax loss for the quarter ended September 30, 2023.
    ● Loan originations decreased $38.8 million, or 6.5%, to $558.7 million during the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to $597.6 million during the quarter ended September 30, 2023. Origination volume relative to purchase activity accounted for 88.9% of originations for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to 95.4% of total originations for the quarter ended September 30, 2023.
    ● Mortgage banking non-interest income decreased $66,000, or 0.3%, to $21.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to $21.5 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2023.
    ● Gross margin on loans sold totaled 3.83% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to 3.62% for the quarter ended September 30, 2023.  
    ● Total compensation, payroll taxes and other employee benefits decreased $1.3 million, or 7.3%, to $15.9 million during the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to $17.2 million during the quarter ended September 30, 2023. The decrease primarily related to decreased salary expense and incentives expense driven by reduced employee headcount and a decrease in new branches added over the past year.


    About Waterstone Financial, Inc.

    Waterstone Financial, Inc. is the savings and loan holding company for WaterStone Bank. WaterStone Bank was established in 1921 and offers a full suite of personal and business banking products. The Bank has branches in Wauwatosa/State St, Brookfield, Fox Point/North Shore, Franklin/Hales Corners, Germantown/Menomonee Falls, Greenfield/Loomis Rd, Milwaukee/Oklahoma Ave, Oak Creek/27th St, Oak Creek/Howell Ave, Oconomowoc/Lake Country, Pewaukee, Waukesha, West Allis/Greenfield Ave, and West Allis/National Ave, Wisconsin. WaterStone Bank is the parent company to Waterstone Mortgage, which has the ability to lend in 48 states. For more information about WaterStone Bank, go to http://www.wsbonline.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains statements or information that may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding expected financial and operating activities and results that are preceded by, followed by, or that include words such as “may,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates” or “believes.” Any such statements are based upon current expectations that involve a number of risks and uncertainties and are subject to important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include changes in interest rates; demand for products and services; the degree of competition by traditional and nontraditional competitors; changes in banking regulation or actions by bank regulators; changes in tax laws; the impact of technological advances; governmental and regulatory policy changes; the outcomes of contingencies; trends in customer behavior as well as their ability to repay loans; changes in local real estate values; changes in the national and local economies; and other factors, including risk factors referenced in Item 1A. Risk Factors in Waterstone’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and as may be described from time to time in Waterstone’s subsequent SEC filings, which factors are incorporated herein by reference. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect only Waterstone’s belief as of the date of this press release.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures 

    Management uses non-GAAP financial information in its analysis of the Company’s performance. Management believes that this non-GAAP measure provides a greater understanding of ongoing operations and enhance comparability of results of operations with prior periods. The Company’s management believes that investors may use this non-GAAP measure to analyze the Company’s financial performance without the impact of unusual items or events that may obscure trends in the Company’s underlying performance. This non-GAAP data should be considered in addition to results prepared in accordance with GAAP, and is not a substitute for, or superior to, GAAP results. Limitations associated with non-GAAP financial measures include the risks that persons might disagree as to the appropriateness of items included in this measure and that different companies might calculate this measure differently. 

    Contact: Mark R. Gerke
    Chief Financial Officer
    414-459-4012
    markgerke@wsbonline.com

     WATERSTONE FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

    (Unaudited)  

       For The Three Months Ended September 30,   For The Nine Months Ended September 30,
      2024     2023   2024     2023
      (In Thousands, except per share amounts)
    Interest income:                          
    Loans $ 26,590     $ 23,825   $ 76,675     $ 65,860
    Mortgage-related securities   1,137       1,060     3,360       2,972
    Debt securities, federal funds sold and short-term investments   1,464       1,492     4,081       3,682
    Total interest income   29,191       26,377     84,116       72,514
    Interest expense:                          
    Deposits   10,477       7,442     29,163       17,485
    Borrowings   7,197       6,946     21,620       16,570
    Total interest expense   17,674       14,388     50,783       34,055
    Net interest income   11,517       11,989     33,333       38,459
    Provision (credit) for credit losses   (377 )     445     (535 )     1,091
    Net interest income after provision (credit) for loan losses   11,894       11,544     33,868       37,368
    Noninterest income:                          
    Service charges on loans and deposits   545       450     1,434       1,491
    Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance   410       334     1,562       1,373
    Mortgage banking income   21,294       21,172     66,200       59,856
    Other   303       274     1,101       1,589
    Total noninterest income   22,552       22,230     70,297       64,309
    Noninterest expenses:                          
    Compensation, payroll taxes, and other employee benefits   21,017       21,588     62,655       64,035
    Occupancy, office furniture, and equipment   1,857       1,993     5,994       6,302
    Advertising   926       916     2,827       2,749
    Data processing   1,297       1,229     3,745       3,441
    Communications   232       243     698       719
    Professional fees   569       745     2,070       1,779
    Real estate owned   –       1     14       3
    Loan processing expense   697       722     2,604       2,672
    Other   1,965       2,584     5,762       8,350
    Total noninterest expenses   28,560       30,021     86,369       90,050
    Income before income taxes   5,886       3,753     17,796       11,627
    Income tax expense   1,158       500     4,318       2,212
    Net income $ 4,728     $ 3,253   $ 13,478     $ 9,415
    Income per share:                          
    Basic $ 0.26     $ 0.16   $ 0.72     $ 0.46
    Diluted $ 0.26     $ 0.16   $ 0.72     $ 0.46
    Weighted average shares outstanding:                          
    Basic   18,350       19,998     18,631       20,420
    Diluted   18,445       20,022     18,677       20,473
    WATERSTONE FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

       September 30,     December 31,  
      2024     2023  
      (Unaudited)          
    Assets (In Thousands, except per share amounts)  
    Cash $ 35,770     $ 30,667  
    Federal funds sold   5,359       5,493  
    Interest-earning deposits in other financial institutions and other short-term investments   278       261  
    Cash and cash equivalents   41,407       36,421  
    Securities available for sale (at fair value)   213,164       204,907  
    Loans held for sale (at fair value)   155,846       164,993  
    Loans receivable   1,695,403       1,664,215  
    Less: Allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) – loans   18,198       18,549  
    Loans receivable, net   1,677,205       1,645,666  
                   
    Office properties and equipment, net   19,450       19,995  
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock (at cost)   21,681       20,880  
    Cash surrender value of life insurance   69,601       67,859  
    Real estate owned, net   145       254  
    Prepaid expenses and other assets   45,837       52,414  
    Total assets $ 2,244,336     $ 2,213,389  
                   
    Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity              
    Liabilities:              
    Demand deposits $ 180,449     $ 187,107  
    Money market and savings deposits   279,188       273,233  
    Time deposits   804,204       730,284  
    Total deposits   1,263,841       1,190,624  
                   
    Borrowings   560,127       611,054  
    Advance payments by borrowers for taxes   27,847       6,607  
    Other liabilities   50,519       61,048  
    Total liabilities   1,902,334       1,869,333  
                   
    Shareholders’ equity:              
    Preferred stock   –       –  
    Common stock   194       203  
    Additional paid-in capital   92,789       103,908  
    Retained earnings   274,748       269,606  
    Unearned ESOP shares   (10,979 )     (11,869 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes   (14,750 )     (17,792 )
    Total shareholders’ equity   342,002       344,056  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 2,244,336     $ 2,213,389  
                   
    Share Information              
    Shares outstanding   19,457       20,315  
    Book value per share $ 17.58     $ 16.94  
     WATERSTONE FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

    SUMMARY OF KEY QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA

    (Unaudited)

       At or For the Three Months Ended  
      September 30,     June 30,     March 31,     December 31,     September 30,  
      2024     2024     2024     2023     2023  
      (Dollars in Thousands, except per share amounts)  
    Condensed Results of Operations:                                      
    Net interest income $ 11,517     $ 10,679     $ 11,137     $ 11,756     $ 11,989  
    Provision (credit) for credit losses   (377 )     (225 )     67       (435 )     445  
    Total noninterest income   22,552       26,497       21,248       16,876       22,230  
    Total noninterest expense   28,560       30,259       27,550       29,662       30,021  
    Income (loss) before income taxes (benefit)   5,886       7,142       4,768       (595 )     3,753  
    Income tax expense (benefit)   1,158       1,430       1,730       (555 )     500  
    Net income (loss) $ 4,728     $ 5,712     $ 3,038     $ (40 )   $ 3,253  
    Income (loss) per share – basic $ 0.26     $ 0.31     $ 0.16     $ (0.00 )   $ 0.16  
    Income (loss) per share – diluted $ 0.26     $ 0.31     $ 0.16     $ (0.00 )   $ 0.16  
    Dividends declared per common share $ 0.15     $ 0.15     $ 0.15     $ 0.15     $ 0.15  
                                           
    Performance Ratios (annualized):                                      
    Return on average assets – QTD   0.83 %     1.02 %     0.56 %     -0.01 %     0.58 %
    Return on average equity – QTD   5.55 %     6.84 %     3.56 %     -0.05 %     3.63 %
    Net interest margin – QTD   2.13 %     2.01 %     2.15 %     2.25 %     2.26 %
                                           
    Return on average assets – YTD   0.81 %     0.79 %     0.56 %     0.44 %     0.59 %
    Return on average equity – YTD   5.30 %     5.17 %     3.56 %     2.62 %     3.46 %
    Net interest margin – YTD   2.09 %     2.08 %     2.15 %     2.46 %     2.53 %
                                           
    Asset Quality Ratios:                                      
    Past due loans to total loans   0.63 %     0.76 %     0.64 %     0.68 %     0.53 %
    Nonaccrual loans to total loans   0.32 %     0.33 %     0.29 %     0.29 %     0.25 %
    Nonperforming assets to total assets   0.25 %     0.25 %     0.23 %     0.23 %     0.20 %
    Allowance for credit losses – loans to loans receivable   1.07 %     1.10 %     1.11 %     1.11 %     1.12 %
     WATERSTONE FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

    SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY AVERAGE BALANCES AND YIELD/COSTS

    (Unaudited)

       At or For the Three Months Ended  
      September 30,     June 30,     March 31,     December 31,     September 30,  
      2024     2024     2024     2023     2023  
    Average balances (Dollars in Thousands)  
    Interest-earning assets                                      
    Loans receivable and held for sale $ 1,870,627     $ 1,859,608     $ 1,805,102     $ 1,797,988     $ 1,797,233  
    Mortgage related securities   170,221       171,895       172,077       172,863       174,202  
    Debt securities, federal funds sold and short-term investments   115,270       107,992       110,431       106,504       132,935  
    Total interest-earning assets   2,156,118       2,139,495       2,087,610       2,077,355       2,104,370  
    Noninterest-earning assets   104,600       104,019       103,815       105,073       105,714  
    Total assets $ 2,260,718     $ 2,243,514     $ 2,191,425     $ 2,182,428     $ 2,210,084  
                                           
    Interest-bearing liabilities                                      
    Demand accounts $ 89,334     $ 91,300     $ 87,393     $ 91,868     $ 90,623  
    Money market, savings, and escrow accounts   304,116       293,483       281,171       302,121       306,806  
    Certificates of deposit   786,228       758,252       739,543       735,418       719,708  
    Total interest-bearing deposits   1,179,678       1,143,035       1,108,107       1,129,407       1,117,137  
    Borrowings   600,570       622,771       602,724       549,210       584,764  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   1,780,248       1,765,806       1,710,831       1,678,617       1,701,901  
    Noninterest-bearing demand deposits   91,532       93,637       92,129       102,261       106,042  
    Noninterest-bearing liabilities   49,787       48,315       45,484       56,859       46,805  
    Total liabilities   1,921,567       1,907,758       1,848,444       1,837,737       1,854,748  
    Equity   339,151       335,756       342,981       344,691       355,336  
    Total liabilities and equity $ 2,260,718     $ 2,243,514     $ 2,191,425     $ 2,182,428     $ 2,210,084  
                                           
    Average Yield/Costs (annualized)                                      
    Loans receivable and held for sale   5.65 %     5.54 %     5.46 %     5.36 %     5.26 %
    Mortgage related securities   2.66 %     2.63 %     2.57 %     2.48 %     2.41 %
    Debt securities, federal funds sold and short-term investments   5.05 %     4.82 %     4.82 %     4.94 %     4.45 %
    Total interest-earning assets   5.39 %     5.27 %     5.18 %     5.10 %     4.97 %
                                           
    Demand accounts   0.11 %     0.11 %     0.11 %     0.11 %     0.11 %
    Money market and savings accounts   1.94 %     1.89 %     1.79 %     1.64 %     1.54 %
    Certificates of deposit   4.54 %     4.41 %     4.19 %     3.76 %     3.43 %
    Total interest-bearing deposits   3.53 %     3.42 %     3.26 %     2.90 %     2.64 %
    Borrowings   4.77 %     4.92 %     4.54 %     4.83 %     4.71 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   3.95 %     3.95 %     3.71 %     3.53 %     3.35 %
    COMMUNITY BANKING SEGMENT

    SUMMARY OF KEY QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA

    (Unaudited)

       At or For the Three Months Ended  
      September 30,     June 30,     March 31,     December 31,     September 30,  
      2024     2024     2024     2023     2023  
      (Dollars in Thousands)  
    Condensed Results of Operations:                                      
    Net interest income $ 12,250     $ 11,234     $ 11,598     $ 12,056     $ 12,431  
    Provision (credit) for credit losses   (302 )     (279 )     105       (550 )     445  
    Total noninterest income   1,227       1,491       990       894       966  
    Noninterest expenses:                                      
    Compensation, payroll taxes, and other employee benefits   5,326       5,116       5,360       5,397       4,618  
    Occupancy, office furniture and equipment   904       983       1,000       916       852  
    Advertising   311       229       174       363       200  
    Data processing   720       687       693       626       672  
    Communications   80       72       65       75       70  
    Professional fees   190       177       208       186       176  
    Real estate owned   –       1       13       1       1  
    Loan processing expense   –       –       –       –       –  
    Other   602       672       691       628       703  
    Total noninterest expense   8,133       7,937       8,204       8,192       7,292  
    Income before income taxes   5,646       5,067       4,279       5,308       5,660  
    Income tax expense   941       718       1,639       1,234       1,121  
    Net income $ 4,705     $ 4,349     $ 2,640     $ 4,074     $ 4,539  
                                           
    Efficiency ratio – QTD (non-GAAP)   60.35 %     62.37 %     65.17 %     63.26 %     54.43 %
    Efficiency ratio – YTD (non-GAAP)   62.58 %     63.77 %     65.17 %     56.86 %     54.94 %
     MORTGAGE BANKING SEGMENT

    SUMMARY OF KEY QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA

    (Unaudited)

      At or For the Three Months Ended  
      September 30,     June 30,     March 31,     December 31,     September 30,  
      2024     2024     2024     2023     2023  
      (Dollars in Thousands)  
    Condensed Results of Operations:                                      
    Net interest loss $ (760 )   $ (552 )   $ (541 )   $ (367 )   $ (550 )
    Provision (credit) for credit losses   (75 )     54       (38 )     115       –  
    Total noninterest income   21,386       25,081       20,328       16,028       21,452  
    Noninterest expenses:                                      
    Compensation, payroll taxes, and other employee benefits   15,930       16,886       14,756       14,881       17,186  
    Occupancy, office furniture and equipment   953       1,046       1,108       1,105       1,141  
    Advertising   615       758       740       667       716  
    Data processing   570       549       508       583       551  
    Communications   152       168       161       194       173  
    Professional fees   379       569       520       704       564  
    Real estate owned   –       –       –       –       –  
    Loan processing expense   697       861       1,046       756       722  
    Other   1,261       1,641       617       2,701       1,935  
    Total noninterest expense   20,557       22,478       19,456       21,591       22,988  
    Income (loss) before income taxes (benefit)   144       1,997       369       (6,045 )     (2,086 )
    Income tax expense (benefit)   194       684       71       (1,827 )     (657 )
    Net (loss) income $ (50 )   $ 1,313     $ 298     $ (4,218 )   $ (1,429 )
                                           
    Efficiency ratio – QTD (non-GAAP)   99.67 %     91.64 %     98.33 %     137.86 %     109.98 %
    Efficiency ratio – YTD (non-GAAP)   96.23 %     94.62 %     98.33 %     116.99 %     111.63 %
                                           
    Loan originations $ 558,729     $ 634,109     $ 485,109     $ 458,363     $ 597,562  
    Purchase   88.9 %     92.7 %     93.0 %     95.7 %     95.4 %
    Refinance   11.1 %     7.3 %     7.0 %     4.3 %     4.6 %
    Gross margin on loans sold(1)   3.83 %     3.93 %     4.10 %     3.51 %     3.62 %

    (1) Gross margin on loans sold equals mortgage banking income (excluding the change in interest rate lock value) divided by total loan originations.

    The MIL Network –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Debates – Monday, 21 October 2024 – Strasbourg – Provisional edition

    Source: European Parliament

    Verbatim report of proceedings
     413k  815k
    Monday, 21 October 2024 – Strasbourg Provisional edition

       

    IN THE CHAIR: ROBERTA METSOLA
    President

     
    1. Resumption of the session

     

      President. – I declare resumed the session of the European Parliament adjourned on Thursday, 10 October 2024.

     

    2. Opening of the sitting

       

    (The sitting opened at 17:03)

     

    3. Statements by the President

     

      President. – Dear colleagues, on the results of the presidential election and referendum in Moldova, the people in Moldova have chosen their future: they chose hope, stability, opportunity. They chose Europe.

    (Applause)

    The European Parliament strongly condemns any activities and interferences in Moldova’s presidential election and constitutional referendum on EU integration.

    We are proud to be one of Moldova’s strongest allies and supporters. We understand that Moldova’s future lies within the European Union and we fully support its EU accession path.

    President Maia Sandu and her government have already made remarkable progress in implementing reforms. And while the road ahead may not always be easy, I want to assure our European Moldovan friends that the European Parliament will continue to be with them every step of the way.

    Also, dear colleagues, on 16 October we marked 7 years since the brutal assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia, a Maltese investigative journalist who exposed corruption and organised crime. Those who thought they could silence her were wrong. In fact, her work sparked a movement that echoes in every corner where we pursue a Europe that protects journalists, that respects the rule of law.

    I am grateful to have known Daphne beyond her writing: as a woman battling the odds; as a mother who was so proud of the men her boys grew into; as a daughter, wife and sister who wanted more from her country. And she raised the bar for all of us in politics. But most of all, today I think about how we must keep Daphne’s memory alive; how the European Parliament will keep pushing for the truth, for justice and for accountability.

    It is for this reason that the European Parliament is proud to be hosting the fourth edition of the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for outstanding journalism. And I take this moment to encourage you to attend the award ceremony this Wednesday in the Daphne Caruana Galizia Press Room, to honour the bravery of all those who continue to carry her legacy forward.

    This House remembers her and we honour her legacy.

    (Applause)

     

    4. Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting

     

      President. – The minutes and the texts adopted of the sitting of 10 October 2024 are available. Are there any comments? No? The minutes are therefore approved.

     

    5. Composition of Parliament

     

      President. – The competent authorities of Poland have notified me of the election of Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz to the European Parliament, replacing Marcin Kierwiński with effect from 10 October 2024.

    I wish to welcome our new colleague and recall that she takes her seat in Parliament and its bodies in full enjoyment of her rights, pending the verification of her credentials.

     

    6. Composition of committees and delegations

     

      President. – The PfE Group has notified me of decisions relating to changes to appointments within the committees and delegations. These decisions will be set out in the minutes of today’s sitting and take effect on the date of this announcement.

     

    7. Negotiations ahead of Council’s first reading (Rule 73)

     

      President. – The TRAN Committee has decided to enter into interinstitutional negotiations ahead of Council’s first reading, pursuant to Rule 73 of the Rules of Procedure.

    The positions adopted by Parliament at first reading, which constitute the mandates for those negotiations, are available on the plenary webpage, and their titles will be published in the minutes of this sitting.

     

    8. Corrigenda (Rule 251)

     

      President. – The competent committees have transmitted nine corrigenda to texts adopted by Parliament.

    Pursuant to Rule 251, these corrigenda will be deemed approved unless, no later than 24 hours after their announcement, a request is made by a political group or Members reaching at least the low threshold that they be put to the vote.

    The corrigenda are available on the plenary webpage. Their titles will be published in the minutes of this sitting.

     

    9. Signing of acts adopted in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure (Rule 81)




     

      Marc Botenga (The Left). – Madame la Présidente, vous savez que, sur la base de l’article 188, les députés européens gagnent facilement 14 000 euros par mois. Pourtant, chaque année, notre groupe demande de baisser ces salaires pour que les députés soient un tout petit peu plus en phase avec la réalité des travailleurs, qui, eux, peinent à boucler les fins de mois. Chaque année, ce vote permet de démasquer les députés qui, d’une part, prêchent l’austérité et la misère pour les travailleurs, mais, d’autre part, s’octroient, eux, un salaire généreux de 14 000 euros par mois.

    Mais aujourd’hui, en coulisses, vous nous dites que ce n’est plus acceptable et vous voulez empêcher ce vote – je sais bien, chers collègues, que vous ne voulez pas que l’on touche à vos privilèges. Vous nous dites que ces revenus sont garantis par d’autres textes. Mais justement, en refusant aujourd’hui de voter le budget nécessaire, nous pouvons ouvrir cette porte pour faire le premier pas et revoir tout cela.

    L’année dernière, vous aviez permis ces amendements. Qu’est-ce qui a changé, qui ne serait plus vrai aujourd’hui? Serait-ce parce que la campagne électorale est terminée? Madame la Présidente, je vous prie, revoyez cette décision. La politique sert à servir et non à se servir.

     
       

     

      President. – Thank you very much, Mr Botenga. I will give you the explanation.

    You file a point of order under Rule 188, which is actually a point of order, but I will answer you. The amendments tabled by your group on the lines and figures of the general budget 2025 concerning salaries and allowances, etc., have been examined and declared inadmissible, simply because we want to apply the rules.

    And I will tell you why: it is because they are in contradiction with the existing regulations, in other words, the Statute for Members of the European Parliament and the Council Regulation determining the emoluments of EU high-level public office holders, based on Articles 243 TFEU and 223 TFEU. So the right procedure would be to call on the responsible institutions to amend the mentioned regulations.

    However, you will have seen as well, in this spirit, that the corresponding amendment that you tabled to the resolution on the general budget calling for this change has been declared admissible, because that can be declared admissible.

     
       

     

      João Oliveira (The Left). – Senhora Presidente, quero expressar o meu total desacordo com a sua decisão discricionária e sem fundamento de recusar, sem justificação, a proposta de debate sobre o agravamento da situação humanitária em Gaza, na sequência das declarações do coordenador especial da ONU para o processo de paz no Médio Oriente. Na quinta-feira, a ONU declarou que mais de um milhão e oitocentos mil palestinianos enfrentam fome extrema. Ontem mesmo, aquele coordenador especial da ONU emitiu um comunicado falando de pesadelo, cenas horripilantes na zona norte, ataques israelitas implacáveis e uma crise humanitária cada vez pior e, cito, que «nenhum lugar é seguro em Gaza», condenando os contínuos ataques contra civis. Aquele responsável disse: «A guerra tem de parar agora».

    Apesar de tudo isto ter acontecido em condições que permitiam que o debate aqui fosse feito, a senhora presidente recusou aceitar sequer a proposta. Desafio-a a colocar à votação este pedido de debate. Enquanto continuarem a chover bombas em Gaza, a morrer crianças, mulheres e civis, este debate será sempre urgente e imprescindível.

     
       


     

      Virginie Joron (PfE). – Madame la Présidente, chers collègues, chers démocrates, chers légalistes, je souhaite faire un rappel au règlement. Son article 219 prévoit le respect de l’égalité des genres dans la composition des bureaux des commissions. Cette égalité n’est pourtant pas respectée, pas plus que le résultat des urnes, c’est-à-dire de la démocratie.

    En effet, Madame la Présidente, vous avez accepté de ne pas respecter la démocratie en accordant une dérogation au principe de l’égalité des genres pour M. Weber dans plusieurs bureaux de commissions, ignorant par là même plus de 20 millions de nos électeurs.

    Comment pouvez-vous accepter que la commission CONT, qui contrôle le budget de l’Union européenne – et qui doit donner l’exemple –, continue de ne pas respecter nos règles? Vous souhaitez exporter l’égalité des genres jusqu’au Kazakhstan ou encore lui consacrer une semaine en décembre, mais ce principe n’est déjà pas respecté au sein de la commission CONT, au cœur même de notre institution. En ne disposant pas d’une quatrième vice-présidence, la composition du bureau de la commission CONT viole notre règlement.

    Madame la Présidente, je vous remercie de faire le nécessaire pour mettre un terme à cette hypocrisie et respecter notre devise, «Unie dans la diversité».

     
       


     

      Manon Aubry (The Left). – Madame la Présidente, chers collègues, ça tombe bien, j’avais envie de vous parler de démocratie et de faire un rappel au règlement sur la base de l’article 154, qui traite des accords interinstitutionnels, pour évoquer l’état des négociations entre l’Union européenne et le Mercosur. Je vais commencer, chers collègues, par une question assez simple: qui trouve normal que le plus important accord de libre-échange jamais conclu par l’Union européenne soit en train d’être signé en catimini, sans que notre Parlement ait la moindre information, quelle qu’elle soit? Allez-y, dites-moi qui est d’accord avec cela et levez la main.

    Vous le voyez bien – et j’ai fait le compte –, cela fait exactement cinq ans que la Commission européenne n’a pas donné ni publié le moindre compte-rendu officiel sur l’état des négociations. Bien entendu, cet accord de libre-échange aura un impact désastreux sur nos agriculteurs, qui souffrent déjà, sur la santé et sur la planète.

    Mes chers collègues, c’est aussi un scandale démocratique. Comment accepter d’être ainsi tenus à l’écart? C’est pourquoi, Madame la Présidente, je vous prierais de demander des comptes à la Commission européenne afin qu’elle nous tienne enfin informés, parce qu’on ne peut pas se laisser ainsi «bananer». Il est temps!

     
       


     

      President. – As you can see, your colleagues agree with you. This is something that has been an outstanding issue and we can put pressure on the incoming Commission to respect the deadlines that we have set.

     

    10. Order of business


     

      Terry Reintke, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group. – Madam President, dear colleagues, last Friday, an Italian court invalidated the detention of 16 asylum applicants sent to Albania by the Italian Government. Italy is a democracy, with an independent judiciary and courts that can freely rule on existing cases, also to stop illegal actions by the government. Still, members of the ruling far-right coalition, including members of the government, attacked this independent judiciary and the judges that ruled in this case.

    Colleagues, we cannot stay silent on this: rule of law, including separation of powers, is a key fundament of the European Union. We have waited for far too long regarding Hungary to speak up. We cannot make the same mistake again. That is why my group requests a debate with the following title: ‘Commission statement regarding the ruling of the Italian court related to the agreement between Italy and Albania on migration’.

     
       



     

      Tomas Tobé (PPE). – Madam President, I think it is clear and already stated that this request should not be supported. It’s very clear. It’s not about a protocol about Italy and Albania, as you say in what you’re asking for. Also, it’s not even a final decision in the court, and it’s also a decision based on an EU directive that actually will be replaced once the new migration pact is fully adopted.

    I think it’s also about the general question, because we had a request in plenary before, from the Patriots, about another decision. We could, of course, make this Chamber nothing else than debating different court decisions. I think when it comes to migration policy, we should be serious, we should be balanced, and we should use our time to actually debate real things and not only try to make court decisions that you may like or not like to be in favour of them.

    So that is why the EPP will reject this request.

     
       


     

      Fabienne Keller, au nom du groupe Renew. – Madame la Présidente, nous savons que le nouveau pacte sur la migration et l’asile et la politique migratoire ont occupé l’essentiel du Conseil européen de la fin de la semaine dernière. C’est un sujet de préoccupation pour nos concitoyens.

    Nous sommes fiers, tous ici dans cette Chambre, d’avoir adopté un pacte, d’avoir trouvé un équilibre pour traiter la question de la migration illégale, tout en respectant nos valeurs. Nous savons aussi, chers collègues, qu’il nous faudra encore deux années pour le mettre en œuvre. Nous ne pouvons dès lors pas accepter qu’un État membre utilise une voie détournée pour contourner ce que prévoit le pacte et les règles précises que nous avons définies ensemble.

    C’est pourquoi nous proposons de rebondir sur la proposition des Verts et d’ajouter la dimension «mise en œuvre du pacte» dans son ensemble, c’est-à-dire vis-à-vis de ses devoirs, de l’application de ses règles, mais aussi des garanties des droits de l’homme et du respect des droits fondamentaux que nous y avons intégrés. C’est dans cet esprit que nous proposons ce débat amendé.

     
       

     

      President. – Ms Reintke, do you agree with the alternative proposal? So the Green Group does not. Therefore, I will put the original request by the Green Group to a vote by roll call.

    (Parliament rejected the request)

    I now ask Ms Keller: do you want to keep your request? Yes, Ms Keller wants to keep the request, so the proposal from the Renew Group is now put to a vote by roll call.

    (Parliament rejected the request)

    So the agenda remains unchanged.

    The agenda is now adopted and the order of business is thus established.

     

    11. International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (debate)

     

      President. – The first item is the debate on Parliament’s statement on the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (2024/2881(RSP)).

    Dear colleagues, last week, on 17 October, we marked the International Day of the Eradication of Poverty. Poverty is not inevitable. It is a challenge that we can – and we must – overcome. Across the world, far too many people still struggle. Far too many people do not have access to clean water, to clothing, shelter, health care or education. And far too many people are excluded from society, denied the possibility of a dignified job, not given the opportunities to achieve their potential. Given that 1 in 5 Europeans and 1 in 4 children under the age of 18 in the European Union is at risk of poverty or social exclusion, the reality is as serious as it is alarming.

    Here in the European Parliament, we refuse to be bystanders. We are proud of all the work we have done already in making our Europe a front-liner in the fight against poverty, and yet more work remains. Poverty is a symptom of inequality, and we understand the responsibility that we bear to ensure that every person – no matter who they are or where they come from – has a chance to live with dignity, with purpose.

    This is why the European Parliament is looking forward to seeing the European Union’s first anti-poverty strategy that was announced in the 2024-2029 Political Guidelines of the European Commission. This is a positive step forward. By investing in education, affordable housing and job creation, by ensuring our social safety net works, we can lift millions out of poverty.

    This House will continue turning our policies into concrete action, and we will continue to fight for fairness, for dignity and for opportunity for all.

     
       


     

      Gabriele Bischoff, im Namen der S&D-Fraktion. – Frau Präsidentin, werte Kolleginnen und Kollegen! In der Tat: Wir sprechen inzwischen von 100 Millionen Menschen, die in Europa, einem der reichsten Kontinente, von Armut und sozialer Ausgrenzung bedroht sind; Frau Präsidentin hat es gesagt: mehr als jeder fünfte Mensch hier in Europa. Und dieser Internationale Tag zur Abschaffung der Armut, der muss wirklich ein Weckruf hier sein, weil wir mehr brauchen.

    Ja, wir brauchen eine Armutsstrategie, aber wir brauchen auch konkrete Politiken, und eine davon ist in der Tat, dass wir ein festes Budget von 20 Milliarden in einem eigenen ESF+ für die Kindergarantie brauchen, um die 19 Millionen Kinder – 19 Millionen, denen die Zukunft gestohlen wurde – besser vor Armut zu schützen, und wir brauchen Maßnahmen.

    Aber wir dürfen nicht nur national bleiben, sondern nach den Verträgen ist Armutsbekämpfung auch das Hauptziel der europäischen Entwicklungspolitik. Das muss so bleiben und muss unser Kompass sein zur Bekämpfung der Armut auf der ganzen Welt.

     
       

     

      Malika Sorel, au nom du groupe PfE. – Madame la Présidente, chers collègues, 34 % des Européens renoncent à des soins médicaux, et nombre de jeunes, de nos jeunes, sont en grande souffrance. C’est la tiers-mondisation de nos nations. L’Europe d’Hippocrate, de Pasteur et de Marie Curie n’est même plus capable de soigner les siens, tandis qu’elle érige en dogme la préférence extra-européenne.

    Alors que la pauvreté touche chacune de nos nations, la Commission va verser 1,8 milliard d’euros à la Moldavie. De plus, l’immigration issue des couches sociales les plus pauvres bat des records. Pour Enrico Letta, aucune réforme, aucun progrès ne sera possible sans la participation des citoyens. Cette participation, je vous le dis, est impossible, car ces conditions ne sont pas réunies.

    Relisons Jean-Jacques Rousseau: «Voulons-nous que les peuples soient vertueux? Commençons donc par leur faire aimer la patrie: mais comment l’aimeront-ils si la patrie ne leur accorde que ce qu’elle ne peut refuser à personne?». Nous sommes là au cœur du mal qui détruit l’Europe. Chers collègues, j’aimerais comprendre: est-ce l’indifférence – ou pire: le cynisme – qui conduit à nous lamenter sur une pauvreté que nous organisons?

     
       

     

      Chiara Gemma, a nome del gruppo ECR. – Signora Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, la povertà non è soltanto una questione economica: è una piaga sociale che mina la dignità e la speranza delle persone. Combatterla è un dovere morale e una responsabilità politica che deve impegnarci tutti, senza eccezioni.

    C’è un aspetto che merita una particolare attenzione e che troppo spesso viene trascurato: la condizione delle persone con disabilità, che sono tra le più esposte al rischio di povertà. I dati parlano chiaro: il 28,8% delle persone con disabilità in Europa vive in condizioni di povertà e di esclusione sociale.

    Questo dato è inaccettabile, soprattutto se pensiamo che stiamo parlando di una categoria già vulnerabile, che deve affrontare non solo le difficoltà economiche, ma anche le barriere strutturali, culturali e sociali che la società impone.

    Non possiamo tollerare che in un’Europa che si proclama “paladina dei diritti umani e dell’inclusione”, quasi un terzo delle persone con disabilità viva in condizioni di disagio economico. La nostra forza si misura dalla capacità di includere chi è già più debole.

     
       

     

      Charles Goerens, au nom du groupe Renew. – Madame la Présidente, Monsieur le Commissaire, la lutte contre la pauvreté doit se manifester tant à l’intérieur qu’à l’extérieur de l’Union européenne. Cela étant, la pratique semble confirmer ce propos.

    L’Union européenne n’a certes pas réussi à éliminer la pauvreté, comme chacun de nous le souhaiterait. À sa décharge, rappelons que ses compétences sont insuffisantes pour régler ce problème. Les États membres, par contre, disposent de moyens ô combien supérieurs à ceux dont dispose la Commission. À ce propos, l’on constate que les États membres qui ont de meilleurs résultats en matière de lutte contre la misère chez eux sont souvent les mêmes que ceux qui s’impliquent le plus dans la coopération au développement en faveur des pays du Sud.

    Cette corrélation n’est pas anodine. Elle nous fait penser que la solidarité est indivisible. C’est donc une question de cohérence, une question d’équité, qui s’applique dans le même esprit tant à l’intérieur qu’à l’extérieur de l’Union européenne. Pour appuyer mon propos, il suffit de lire les rapports annuels du Programme des Nations unies pour le développement et d’en comparer les résultats à ceux obtenus en matière de lutte contre la misère au sein des États membres.

     
       


     

      Leila Chaibi, au nom du groupe The Left. – Madame la Présidente, Monsieur le Commissaire, chers collègues, en France, 1 jeune sur 4 vit sous le seuil de pauvreté, et 1 étudiant sur 2 est obligé de sauter un repas par jour. Vous vous souvenez de ces files d’attente interminables devant l’aide alimentaire pendant la pandémie de COVID-19? Ces images, elles avaient fait le tour du monde. C’était il y a quatre ans. Et que s’est il passé depuis? Rien.

    Pourquoi l’Union européenne ne demande-t-elle pas aux gouvernements de proposer le repas à 1 euro pour les étudiants? Pourquoi continuons-nous à agir comme si la pauvreté était un phénomène météorologique, une espèce de catastrophe naturelle? Non, la pauvreté ne tombe pas du ciel. Sans inégalités, il n’y a pas de pauvreté. Bernard Arnault, l’homme le plus riche du monde, a vu sa fortune dépasser les 200 milliards d’euros, soit plus que le PIB de la Slovaquie. Imaginez ce qu’on pourrait faire avec cette somme. On pourrait faire 200 000 hôpitaux, 40 000 écoles.

    Vous voulez agir contre la pauvreté? Taxez les plus riches, taxez les multinationales, allez chercher l’argent là où il est.

     
       

     

      Petar Volgin, от името на групата ESN. – Скъпи колеги, дълго време силните на деня обясняваха, че когато глобализацията окончателно победи, когато бъдат премахнати всички държавни граници и всички държавни пречки пред бизнеса, ние ще станем богати и щастливи. Разказваха ни, че когато милионерът стане милиардер, това ще направи и нас, обикновените хора богати. Защото нали според постулатите на така наречената „трикъл даун” икономика („trickle down economy“) или икономика на просмукването, приливът повдигал всички лодки. Само че действителността се оказа много по-различна.

    Да, богатите ставаха още по-богати, милионерите ставаха милиардери, но лодките на обикновенните хора не се повдигаха, даже много от тях потънаха. Колкото повече държавата минаваше на заден план, толкова повече се увеличаваха неравенствата и бедността. Има само един начин, по който може да бъде преодоляно това. Държавата отново трябва да стане активна. Тя трябва да създаде такива правила, които да помагат на работещите хора да живеят по-добре. Наднационалните институции няма да направят това. Те се грижат за интересите на мега корпорациите. Нужна ни е повече държава и по-малко транснационални институции.

     
       


     

     

      Georgiana Teodorescu (ECR), în scris. – Prin acțiunile sale, Uniunea Europeană s-a declarat responsabilă pentru înverzirea Globului, pentru eliminarea surplusului de carbon, pentru tot ce e „eco” și „bio” la nivel mondial, pentru salvarea migranților, precum și pentru încetarea unor războaie din afara granițelor UE.

    Totuși, când vine vorba de sărăcia în care trăiesc unii dintre europeni, mai ales despre construirea unor programe concrete și asigurarea unui buget corespunzător pentru acest lucru, rămânem la stadiul de discuții frumoase. Iată că marcăm o zi oficială pentru eradicarea sărăciei, în loc să o eradicăm efectiv. În România, unul din cinci cetățeni trăiește sub pragul sărăciei, cifrele fiind mult mai ridicate în rândul tinerilor. Pe acești oameni, ziua internațională a eradicării sărăciei nu îi ajută. Este nevoie de bani și de măsuri concrete.

    Sigur, e onorabil să avem o astfel de zi, nu ne opunem, dar haideți să ne concentrăm mai mult pe fapte și mai puțin pe discursuri pompoase, care au zero efect în asigurarea hranei copiilor săraci ai Europei sau în oferirea unor programe care să-i încurajeze să-și continue studiile.

     

    12. Address by Enrico Letta – Presentation of the report ‘Much More Than a Market’

     

      President. – The next item is the debate on the address by Enrico Letta – presentation of the report ‘Much more than a market’.

    We have today with us former Prime Minister of Italy Enrico Letta to present his report ‘Much more than a market’. Caro Enrico, welcome back to the European Parliament. Your report came at an extremely timely moment.

    As we embark on a new legislative term, this House recognises that the future of Europe will be defined by our ability to make ourselves more competitive; how we are able to grow our economies and pay back our debts, to fuel our innovation and turn seemingly impossible challenges into opportunities, to create jobs and futures with dignity. That is what our people are asking from us. It is why Europeans went to the polls last June, and what our voters are expecting us to deliver on.

    To do all this, we do not need to reinvent the wheel. We already have many tools in place. For over 30 years, the single market has been our Union’s unique growth model, a powerful engine of convergence and our most valuable asset. But we are again at a moment where the single market is in need of a boost.

    The time is now for us to renew our engagement to it, to deepen it, especially when it comes to energy, to finance, telecoms, banking, capital markets and services – to bring it back on par with the needs of the current context.

    Boosting it also means doing more to level the playing field, to reduce excessive bureaucracy and to cut red tape. This is how our single market works best. So, Mr Letta, dear Enrico, the European Parliament is eager to hear your findings and recommendations on how we can bolster our single market and make Europe more competitive.

     
       

     

      Enrico Letta, author of the report ‘Much more than a market’. – Madam President, esteemed Members, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to President Roberta Metsola, the Members of the European Parliament and the groups. It is a particularly emotional moment for me to do so in this Chamber once chaired by David Sassoli. The last time I spoke from this very place was to commemorate him some days after his death. His legacy and his commitment to European values continues to guide and inspire all of us.

    I must also express my deep gratitude to those who commissioned this report and entrusted me with the responsibility to undertake it: the Belgian and Spanish presidencies of the Council of the European Union, along with the President of the Commission and the President of the European Council. It is a great honour for me to be here today, especially after a year of engaging with the European Parliament: more than 20 meetings, groups, committees – the IMCO Committee in particular, subcommittees fostering meaningful dialogue and collaboration.

    This is a decisive moment for the life of the report. The pragmatic proposals it contains can only make a real impact if this very Chamber embraces and advances them.

    This report is not mine. I bear full responsibility for it, of course, but above all, it is the result of a collective exercise developed during a journey that spanned almost the entire European Union, reaching out also to candidate countries for accession and non-EU countries that share with us the single market. Throughout this journey across Europe, I visited 65 cities and took part in over 4 400 meetings, I engaged open social dialogue with all stakeholders. This was not an ideological pursuit, but a pragmatic endeavour. I traveled across Europe and engaged with all stakeholders to find common ground for tangible solutions. And there is one thing I want to stress out here: all the proposals contained in the report do not require Treaty changes. They are very concrete and can be implemented immediately.

    Madame la Présidente, par cette méthode j’ai cherché à honorer l’esprit même du projet d’intégration européenne. Un projet qui s’épanouit dans le dialogue entre les grands et les petits pays, entre les grandes villes et les petites communes, entre des modèles divers de relations industrielles, ainsi qu’entre différentes cultures et histoires. C’était la vision de Jacques Delors, à la mémoire duquel ce rapport est dédié.

    Jacques Delors visait à poser une base solide sur laquelle les grands idéaux européens pourraient prospérer. Il reconnaissait que la passion seule ne pouvait bâtir l’Europe. Il fallait des projets pragmatiques, qui améliorent concrètement la vie des citoyens. Jacques Delors croyait fermement que le succès de l’intégration européenne ne se mesurait pas à l’aune des bénéfices pour les États, mais à l’amélioration de la vie des citoyens. C’est cette approche que j’ai poursuivie et qui m’a inspiré en rédigeant ce rapport.

    The single market has been our greatest achievement. It has fuelled prosperity and it embodies our values. But it was born in a very different era, an era in which both the European Union and the world were smaller, simpler and far less interconnected. More than 20 years ago, we succeeded in integrating our currencies. We created the euro. We integrated this critical dimension which carries important emotional and practical significance for our citizens.

    However, we have not achieved the same level of integration in other key strategic sectors that, paradoxically, would have been far less difficult to integrate: sectors that are now vital for the future of the European economy, in particular. At the inception, three sectors were deliberately kept outside the single market, considered too strategic to extend beyond national borders: finance, electronic communications and energy. In reality, when it comes to these issues, Europe is merely a geographical expression. We are 27, not 1, on telecommunication. We have 27 financial markets, not 1 financial market. The exclusion of these sectors from the completion of the single market was motivated by the belief at that time that domestic control would better serve strategic interests.

    In an increasingly interconnected world and a vastly larger global market, the national dimension is no longer sufficient. It is becoming a ceiling in these sectors. We need to address this paradox, which is one of the main drivers of the current gap with other global powers, and we must act now. Inertia or inaction on this front risks reducing our choices to a single question: whether we want to become a colony of the United States or of China in ten years’ time. Telecommunications, energy and financial markets must be integrated, as we did for the euro. The integration of these sectors is a precondition for our competitiveness and security. There can be no security without independence in connectivity, energy and finance.

    In the report, I propose a roadmap for telecommunications to move from 27 separate markets to 1, from the approximately 80 operators of today to 10, 20 operators. I am not suggesting that we mimic the American or Chinese models here in Europe. These models do not adequately protect consumers as we aim to do in the European Union, but with a single telecoms market, 10, 20 operators can compete while ensuring consumer protection. At the same time, they will be larger and stronger on the global stage. That is what is not happening today with the fragmentation in 27 different markets.

    For energy, the key mission is to invest in interconnections. We must reduce the energy prices in Europe, and the only way is to maximise the diversification of energy sources through a highly interconnected European system. We win through cooperation, not through fragmentation. However, the most important sector to integrate is the financial one, which is in reality today the sum of 27 separate financial markets. This fragmentation is a major factor in Europe’s loss of competitiveness, creating the paradox of having a single currency, the euro, without a fully integrated financial market. We are falling behind the US, which has surged ahead in this sector over the last 15 years, and we are paying a steep price for it. Without a unified financial system, we will be unable to create a new paradigm for economic development, unable to innovate and unable to ensure our security.

    Having unified and significantly larger financial markets would allow Europe to invest in innovation and support its real economy. It would also enable Europe to effectively finance the Green Deal.

    During my journey, one topic has emerged as a priority everywhere: how to support and finance the just, green and digital transition. Let’s be very clear: the Green Deal remains the top priority for the coming years. It is no longer a question of whether Europe will pursue it, but rather how it will be achieved. The legislative term began with a debate on how to approach the Green Deal. In the report, I propose solutions for implementing it that reduce the potential social and economic consequences for Europe. We cannot allow the Green Deal to become a luxury that only the wealthy can afford in our societies. The social and economic dimensions of the Green Deal are essential.

    If we are committed to this, we must also clearly outline how we intend to finance it. Otherwise, we risk engaging in an unrealistic declaration of intent. Without a concrete plan on how to finance it, political backlash and delays are inevitable – outcomes that neither the EU nor the planet can afford. That is why all our energy must be focused on financially supporting the transition. We need an innovative set of tools that can leverage both public and private financing, as both are crucial to meet our massive investment needs.

    There are differing views within the European Union on how to address this funding challenge. We have to be honest: there are often opposing views on this matter. It makes no sense to ignore or hide these differences. But I firmly believe that the single market is not only a fundamental tool, but also the common ground where these diverse positions can converge.

    The initial priority should be to mobilise private capital, where the EU lags behind and has enormous untapped potential. Let me offer two clear as significant examples. Each year, EUR 300 billion of European savings cross the Atlantic to fuel the American financial markets and their real economy. This happens because our financial markets, fragmented as they are, are unable to absorb these resources. But the effect is a paradox. This money ultimately strengthens American companies, which then return to Europe to buy our European companies with our European savers’ money.

    We need a change in mindset. The current lack of integration of Europe’s financial markets is unacceptable. Take also the case of international payment systems: every day, each of us makes several credit or debit card transactions, billions of transactions in total. Yet Italians aren’t happy using a French system. The French aren’t happy using a German system. The Germans aren’t happy to use a Spanish one. As a result, we are all end up being happy to rely on an American system. This example alone highlights the inefficiency of our fragmented approach.

    We have to be pragmatic, not ideological. The fragmentation of Europe’s financial markets plays directly into the hands of other global players, keeping Wall Street and China satisfied and very happy. And this is why, in the report, I proposed the creation of the savings and investments union, building on the incomplete capital markets union. By fully integrating financial markets, the savings and investments union aims to close the gap in a sector where we have enormous potential and provide a concrete tool to finance our ambitions.

    What I want to emphasise is the importance of forging a strong link between the fair, green and digital transition and the financial integration of the single market. One of the main reasons the capital markets union failed to succeed is that it was seen as an end in itself. True financial market integration in Europe will only be achieved when both citizens and policymakers recognise that this integration is not just beneficial for the financial sector, but it is essential for achieving broader, more critical goals such as the fair, green and digital transition.

    Ultimately, progress in the area of private investments will enable us to tackle the role, structures and regulations governing public investments. As I have noted, this is a divisive issue, but it is essential that we confront it openly. Closing the current gap in private investments is a critical first step in moving this debate forward. The massive investment needs of the European Union require both private and public sources of funding. We must strike a balance between different sensibilities and pave the way for a more constructive, integrated and efficient funding strategy.

    This also extends to the debate on state aid. In the report, I have presented some ideas to overcome the current impasse. We need new solutions that can swiftly mobilise targeted national public support for industry, while also preventing fragmentation of the single market and ensuring a level playing field.

    Combining private resources and public investments, considering various instruments, is the only way to achieve a compromise in this chamber and within the European Council. Finance, energy and telecommunications are interconnected and serve as critical boost within a broader concept of security. However, the current geopolitical situation compels us to accelerate the strengthening of our common defence capabilities.

    Greater integration within our common market can serve as a pivotal tool to overcome existing duplications and inefficiencies, yet substantial investments are required. We need to act on this front, and we must do swiftly in order to preserve a crucial level of autonomy in our foreign security and defence policy.

    The EU must continue its unwavering support for Ukraine in its fight for freedom, while also striving to play a pivotal role in ending the conflict in the Middle East. Both are essential steps towards securing long-term peace and stability. To address this significant challenge, we must consider innovative financing mechanisms here as well. In the report, I propose several options, but I believe, and I want to underline here, the most pragmatic and impactful approach involves the use of the ESM, the European Stability Mechanism.

    One of the consequences of fragmentation and the lack of unity in key sectors is the difficulty we are facing in terms of innovation. The EU has not yet developed a robust industry capable of harnessing the benefits of the new wave of technological advancements. As a result, we have become increasingly reliant on external technologies that are now critical to European companies. It is essential that we unlock the full potential of the single market, and to do so, we need to leverage our unexploited common strength in research and development.

    The single market, as we know, was built on four fundamental freedoms: the free movement of goods, services, capital and people. However, this structure is outdated and too closely aligned with the 20th century vision. I believe something is missing in today’s complex and dynamic environment, something intangible yet vital. The economy of the future will be driven by innovation, knowledge and tangible assets, a dimension that is vital to our progress.

    In the report, I argue for the addition of a fifth freedom, one that encompasses a range of essential fields: research, data, skills, knowledge, education. This is possible within the framework of the existing Treaties, as demonstrated in the report. This new fifth freedom will not just be about facilitating the movement of research and innovation outputs; it will embed the drivers of research and innovation at the heart of the single market. With this framework, the EU will not only better position itself as a global leader in setting ethical standards for innovation, but also as a creator and pioneer of new technologies.

    The EU’s ability to innovate depends also on creating an ecosystem where businesses can thrive. This is why the simplification of the single market rules is a central theme. It is a topic that I have heard repeatedly during my travels. However, when we speak of simplification, too frequently, these words are not followed by concrete, actionable proposals. In the report, I present two pragmatic proposals to significantly ease businesses’ access to the benefits of the single market. The first proposal is that EU institutions should unequivocally prioritise the use of regulations over directives when setting single market rules. This would reduce uncertainty and eliminate barriers. The second proposal is the idea of the ’28th regime’ to operate within the single market, a virtual 28th state that companies could choose for smoother, more practical operation at the European level. Both these proposals cover regulatory aspects that help to reduce bureaucracy without in an in any way undermining social standards, on which we do not want to see any race to the bottom. I’m very happy to speak on behalf and in front of the Commission on these topics.

    I conclude, Madam President: Jacques Delors always insisted on the crucial point of the importance of a single market with convergence, and the success of the single market is fundamental. If we add to the freedom to move the freedom to stay, the freedom to stay is fundamental for the people who want to stay in their own regions, with the idea to be allowed to grow up there and to have services of general interest across all the EU regions and also in the periphery regions.

    My conclusion: President von der Leyen’s decision to outline an ambitious plan for reform and relaunch of the European project, drawing on some of these ideas from both my report and that of Mario Draghi opens a window of opportunity we cannot afford to miss. In a time when divisions among us – between countries, political parties and populations are growing – I stand before you to affirm that the single market is what keeps us united. We must rally around it and remain firm in our commitment to the relaunch and completion of the single market. The question before us is clear: if not now, when? Now more than ever, we must defend, strengthen and relaunch the single market.

    I hope that with all these arguments, I have convinced you that, as I wrote in the title of my report, the single market is really much more than a market.

     
       

       

    PRZEWODNICTWO: EWA KOPACZ
    Wiceprzewodnicząca

     
       

     

      President. – Thank you very much, Mr Letta.

     

    13. Empowering the Single Market to deliver a sustainable future and prosperity for all EU citizens (debate)


     

      Andreas Schwab, im Namen der PPE-Fraktion. – Frau Präsidentin, lieber Enrico Letta, Herr Kommissar! Zunächst einmal im Namen der EVP-Fraktion einen großen Glückwunsch für diese intensive Arbeit und auch für die Präsentation der Ergebnisse hier.

    Es ist deutlich geworden, dass der Bericht und auch Sie ganz persönlich, Herr Letta, nochmals in Erinnerung rufen, dass der Binnenmarkt der Motor unseres europäischen Wohlstandes ist. Das finde ich beachtlich, weil natürlich ein Stück weit in den vergangenen Jahren in Vergessenheit geraten ist, dass der wirtschaftliche Austausch – egal ob es um Waren oder Dienstleistungen, egal ob es um Autos oder um Tourismus geht – im Zentrum dessen steht, was uns als Europäerinnen und Europäer reich und viele auch zufrieden macht.

    Deswegen, glaube ich, muss man an dieser Stelle noch einmal sagen: Der Binnenmarkt kann eben am besten entscheiden, was die richtige Leistung ist. Deswegen sollten wir den Bürgerinnen und Bürgern auch die Möglichkeit geben, dass sie entscheiden können in einem offenen Markt in Europa, welche Leistung, welchen Tourismusort, welches Auto sie kaufen können. Dafür ist der Titel vielleicht ein bisschen gefährlich, denn mehr als ein Markt bedeutet ja im Umkehrschluss, dass wir einen echten Binnenmarkt vollständig schon haben. Da, glaube ich, müssen wir sagen, gibt es noch einiges zu tun.

    Es gibt noch einiges zu tun, damit Arbeitnehmerinnen und Arbeitnehmer problemlos von einem Land in ein anderes fahren können. Auch wenn sie das Recht, dort zu bleiben, wo sie sein wollen, behalten sollen, müssen sie die Freiheit genießen können – in der Überarbeitung der Verordnung (EG) Nr. 883/2004 –, die Grenze zu überschreiten. Deswegen, liebe Freundinnen und Freunde, meine Damen und Herren, glaube ich, die Anpassung an eine neue geopolitische Bedingung, die rasche Entbürokratisierung und die Kapitalmarktunion sind sicher Kernforderungen des Berichts, die wir alle unterstützen.

    Ich bin froh, dass Enrico Letta in die gleiche Richtung wie Mario Draghi gegangen ist. Deswegen, glaube ich, gilt es jetzt, dass die Europäische Kommission liefert: ein 28. Regime dort, wo es notwendig ist, eine neue Grundfreiheit und einen einheitlichen Telekommunikationsbinnenmarkt. Es gibt viel zu tun.

     
       

     

      Gabriele Bischoff, on behalf of the S&D Group. – Madam President and dear Enrico Letta, I think it is very important that we still keep a vision of what we could do and what is possible, but where we lack the courage so far to do so. Jacques Delors always said that no one falls in love with the common market. That was true in the past, it’s also true today, but you show that it’s not only a single market, but it is what it does for people, how it enables people. And therefore we really have to boost the common market indeed, but also – in the spirit of Jacques Delors – to always have in mind that this always needs a strong social dimension going for it, if we want to also convince the citizens that it’s in their interest to do so.

    But I also have to say I could comment on many things, because your report is very rich. I want to highlight the fifth freedom, a fair mobility, a new push here for innovation, and to deliver for our citizens.

     
       



     

      Svenja Hahn, im Namen der Renew-Fraktion. – Frau Präsidentin! Liebe Kollegen, wenn wir in der Welt über Werte wie Demokratie reden, hat man uns zugehört, weil wir ein attraktiver Markt waren. Der Binnenmarkt ist das Herzstück der EU – er hat uns wirtschaftlich stark werden und zusammenwachsen lassen. Doch der Binnenmarkt kränkelt vor sich hin, auch weil die Kommission zu wenig für seine Zukunft getan hat.

    Herr Letta gibt uns eine lange To-do-Liste mit: allem voran sind es massive Überregulierung, hohe Energiekosten, Steuern und Abgaben und on top noch ein mindset, das Innovation und unternehmerischem Erfolg misstraut. Das ist Gift für unseren Binnenmarkt, das ist Gift für Wirtschaftswachstum.

    Und wer jetzt die Lösung in neuen Steuern, Umverteilung und Subventionen sieht, ist doch aus der Zeit gefallen. Wir machen die EU nicht fit für die Zukunft mit Ideen von gestern, sondern mit strukturellen Reformen. Für mehr Wirtschaftswachstum brauchen wir jetzt einen radikalen Bürokratieabbau und eine Fastenkur für neue EU-Gesetze. Und es muss Schluss sein mit Protektionismus in unserem Binnenmarkt.

    Wachstum muss das Ziel sein, denn eine starke Wirtschaft schafft Arbeitsplätze, finanziert Bildung und unseren Sozialstaat und sorgt auch dafür, dass wir uns verteidigen können. Ein starker Binnenmarkt ist die Grundlage für unsere Gesellschaft, unseren Zusammenhalt und unsere Sicherheit.

     
       

     

      Anna Cavazzini, im Namen der Verts/ALE-Fraktion. – Frau Präsidentin, liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen! Lieber Enrico Letta, erst einmal vielen Dank für deinen Bericht und die gute Zusammenarbeit mit diesem Haus, insbesondere mit dem Ausschuss für Binnenmarkt und Verbraucherschutz. Einige Leute sind ja fest davon überzeugt – und Gabriele hat es schon gesagt –, dass man sich nicht in einen EU-Binnenmarkt verlieben kann; einer davon hieß Jacques Delors.

    Aber ich muss schon sagen, dass die aktuelle Binnenmarktgesetzgebung ziemlich attraktiv ist, ein Schlüssel gegen die multiplen Krisen unserer Zeit. Mit dem Gesetz über digitale Dienste und dem Gesetz über digitale Märkte legen wir demokratische Regeln für die Onlinewelt fest. Mit der Gesetzgebung für die Kreislaufwirtschaft und dem Recht auf Reparatur machen wir Nachhaltigkeit zur Norm auf dem Binnenmarkt. Und – das ist wirklich ein Projekt zum Verlieben – das gemeinsame Ladekabel macht endlich Schluss mit unserem Kabelsalat in den Schubladen. Diese Beispiele zeigen, dass sich die Aufgabe, einen gemeinsamen europäischen Markt zu schaffen, in den letzten 30 Jahren weiterentwickelt hat.

    Von der Veränderung des Marktes mit seinen vier Freiheiten – Waren, Dienstleistungen, Kapital und Menschen – nutzen wir ihn heute immer mehr, um unsere gemeinsamen politischen Ziele zu erreichen: Souveränität, die Regulierung von großen Tech-Unternehmen, die Stärkung von Rechten von Verbrauchern und vor allem auch der Schutz unseres Planeten und des Klimas.

    Und das ist auch die Geschichte – finde ich –, die wir den Bürgern heute erzählen müssen. Tatsächlich wird sich niemand in die abstrakte Idee der wirtschaftlichen Integration verlieben. Aber die Bürgerinnen und Bürger in der EU wollen hohe Verbraucherschutzstandards, eine gesunde Wirtschaft, Umweltschutz; und der Binnenmarkt und unsere Binnenmarktregeln können all das liefern, wenn wir es richtig machen.

    Ich finde, wenn wir die Unterstützung unserer Bürger erhalten wollen, muss der Binnenmarkt sie schützen. Riesige Proteste in ganz Europa und zwei gescheiterte EU-Verfassungsreferenden waren damals die Folge, als die Kommission bei der Marktintegration mit der Dienstleistungsrichtlinie zu weit gegangen ist. Dieses Parlament hat damals, 2006, den Vorschlag geändert und ausgewogener gestaltet. Wir haben in den vergangenen Jahren erfolgreich für eine stärkere soziale Dimension des Binnenmarktes gekämpft und müssen dies auch weiterhin tun.

    Ja, viele unsinnige Hürden im Binnenmarkt müssen schnellstens abgebaut werden. Aber Marktintegration darf niemals, aber auch niemals zum Abbau von Schutzstandards führen.

     
       

     

      Νικόλας Φαραντούρης, εξ ονόματος της ομάδας The Left. – Κυρία Πρόεδρε, αγαπητέ κύριε Letta, σας καλωσορίζω στο Ευρωπαϊκό Κοινοβούλιο. Καλωσορίζουμε κάποιες από τις προτάσεις σας, όπως αυτές για μια κοινή φορολογική πολιτική ή για μια κοινή ευρωπαϊκή βιομηχανική πολιτική. Δεν με βρίσκει όμως σύμφωνο η περαιτέρω απορρύθμιση των εργασιακών σχέσεων και η αποκλειστική έμφαση μονάχα στην κινητικότητα των επενδύσεων.

    Επίσης, σας καλώ, εσάς και την Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή, να λάβετε υπόψη σας το γεγονός ότι ένας βασικός πυλώνας της εσωτερικής αγοράς από δημιουργίας της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης, η πολιτική ανταγωνισμού, οι κανόνες ανταγωνισμού και η αντιμονοπωλιακή νομοθεσία, σε πολλές χώρες της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης και στην ίδια την Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση δεν λειτουργεί. Υπάρχουν χώρες, όπως για παράδειγμα η δική μου χώρα, η Ελλάδα, όπου είναι απολύτως καρτελοποιημένοι κάποιοι κρίσιμοι κλάδοι της οικονομίας, όπως επίσης και κλάδοι βασικών κοινωνικών αγαθών. Γι’ αυτό, θα πρέπει να ενταθούν οι προσπάθειες, ξανά από την αρχή, ώστε οι βασικοί πυλώνες της εσωτερικής αγοράς, όπως είναι οι κανόνες ανταγωνισμού, να γίνονται σεβαστοί και εφαρμόζονται αυστηρά.

    Καλώ, λοιπόν, την Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή, στο πλαίσιο του ευρωπαϊκού δικτύου ανταγωνισμού, να δείξει μεγαλύτερη προσοχή σε καρτελοποιημένες αγορές και να δώσει μεγαλύτερη έμφαση στην κοινωνική διάσταση της εσωτερικής αγοράς.

     
       

     

      René Aust, im Namen der ESN-Fraktion. – Frau Präsidentin! Der Binnenmarkt ist eine der größten Errungenschaften der europäischen Zusammenarbeit. Er ist ein lebendiges Beispiel dafür, wie souveräne Nationen gemeinsam ihre Ziele erreichen können, wenn sie ihre Kräfte in einem wichtigen Bereich bündeln. Der Binnenmarkt hat Innovationen angeregt und für zusätzlichen Wohlstand in Europa gesorgt.

    Doch heute sehen wir leider, dass sich die Europäische Union immer weiter von diesen zentralen Aufgaben entfernt. Statt sich auf ihre wenigen, aber entscheidenden Aufgaben zu konzentrieren, wie eben den Binnenmarkt, den Schutz unserer gemeinsamen europäischen Außengrenzen oder auch die Koordination einer gesamteuropäischen Verteidigungsgemeinschaft, mischt sie sich in immer mehr Lebensbereiche ein, in denen sie eigentlich nichts zu suchen hat.

    Anstatt den Schwerpunkt auf grenzüberschreitende Herausforderungen wie Handel, Wettbewerb, Innovation oder gemeinsame Sicherheitsstandards zu legen, wird die EU zunehmend zu einem Gemischtwarenladen, der sich um alles Mögliche kümmert, vom Weltklima bis zur Genderideologie, aber das Wesentliche vernachlässigt. Diese Überdehnung der EU-Aufgaben schreckt private Investoren und Entrepreneure ab und schadet damit ganz Europa. Doch jede Kritik an dieser Entwicklung wird sofort als antieuropäisch verunglimpft und sehr schnell in die Ecke der Europafeinde gesteckt.

    Dabei braucht Europa eine Rückbesinnung auf das, was wirklich wichtig ist, und nationale Souveränität ist eine Voraussetzung für eine funktionierende europäische Zusammenarbeit. Darum kann man uns Patrioten auch die Zukunft Europas anvertrauen, weil wir eben verstanden haben, dass mehr nicht immer besser ist. Wir wollen eine handlungsfähige Gemeinschaft europäischer Nationalstaaten, die den Binnenmarkt fortentwickelt, die Außengrenzen sichert und unseren Kontinent schützt.

     
       

     

      Lídia Pereira (PPE). – Senhora Presidente, a participação da União Europeia na economia global está a cair. As economias asiáticas ultrapassam‑nos a uma velocidade vertiginosa, tal como o relatório de Enrico Letta e o relatório de Mário Draghi o confirmam. As condições de vida dos europeus estão a degradar‑se. O PIB per capita nos Estados Unidos cresceu o dobro do europeu desde que foi criado o Mercado Único, em 1993. Portanto, não podemos continuar a ficar para trás.

    E o mais chocante é a nossa produção de bens essenciais, incluindo em áreas como a saúde, que desceu de 53 % para menos de 25 % em pouco mais de duas décadas. Estamos dependentes de outros, quando nunca precisámos tanto de garantir a nossa autonomia estratégica.

    Enrico Letta disse‑o ainda há pouco, mas continuamos, infelizmente, a ver mais de 300 mil milhões de EUR das poupanças dos europeus serem desviadas para fora da Europa. É trágico, porque estamos a financiar a economia dos outros, em vez de fortalecermos a nossa.

    Queremos ter um mercado mais competitivo, então precisamos de uma união bancária completa. Queremos proteger as poupanças dos nossos cidadãos e relançar a inovação, precisamos de uma união de mercado de capitais. E, acima de tudo, precisamos mesmo de reformar o mercado único europeu, acrescentando‑lhe a livre circulação do conhecimento, porque só com investigação e inovação seremos capazes de ter mais empresas competitivas a nível global.

    Creio que já temos relatórios o quanto basta. Precisamos mesmo é de decisões, e está na hora de as tomarmos.

    (A oradora aceita responder a uma pergunta «cartão azul»)

     
       

     

      João Oliveira (The Left), Pergunta segundo o procedimento «cartão azul». – Senhora Presidente, fazer a defesa do mercado único a partir da apologia da política de concorrência, ignorando a concentração e a centralização a que essa política e esse mercado têm conduzido, não nos serve de muito. Basta olhar para o setor bancário português e perceber que, sem o aprofundamento do mercado único, ficaram os bancos todos nas mãos de capital estrangeiro, com exceção da Caixa Geral de Depósitos, que, por ser pública, continua a ser nacional.

    Trazer aqui a defesa do mercado único a partir da ideia de que é isso que permite reduzir os preços – quando o setor energético mostra exatamente o contrário, com o aumento dos custos da energia – ou agora a partir do setor financeiro, achando que é isso que resolve os problemas, pode servir às multinacionais, mas não serve um país como Portugal, Senhora Deputada.

     
       


     

      Camilla Laureti (S&D). – Signora Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, grazie a Enrico Letta per il rapporto. Alexander Langer diceva che la conversione ecologica potrà affermarsi solo se apparirà socialmente desiderabile: per questo in Europa servono investimenti comuni, perché il Green Deal è una rivoluzione necessaria che impatta sul modello di sviluppo e sulla vita delle persone, e nelle persone può generare paura.

    Se sapremo realizzarlo, avremo i cittadini al nostro fianco, le aziende più competitive e un’Europa più forte. Gli Stati Uniti, la Cina e l’India stanno andando veloci e in questa direzione – l’Europa non può permettersi di restare indietro. La risposta è un sistema comunitario di aiuti di Stato: dobbiamo integrare i principi dell’economia circolare per spingere sostenibilità e competitività.

    La libertà di muoversi, dice anche Letta nel rapporto, deve essere una scelta – oggi non lo è. Un terzo della popolazione europea vive in regioni che da anni sono immobili: le aree interne d’Europa. Qui si vince la sfida della crescita sostenibile, fatta di investimenti comuni, capaci di garantire i servizi di interesse generale per non lasciare indietro nessuno.

     
       

     

      Enikő Győri (PfE). – Tisztelt Elnök Asszony! Az egységes piac az Unió legközérthetőbb értéke. Az olcsóbb repülés, vagy annak előnye, hogy otthoni szeretteinkkel ingyen telefonálhatunk, nem szorul magyarázatra. Persze szereztünk keserű tapasztalatokat is. Szolgáltatási irányelv, kiküldött munkavállalók, mobilitási csomag. Ezek elfogadásakor a Bizottság mindig a nyugat-európaiak érdekét tartotta előbbre valónak.

    Ahol az EU keleti fele versenyképesebb, ott nem akarta lebontani az akadályokat. A feladat tehát csak, hogy olyan területeken mélyítsük az egységes piacot, mely fokozza a versenyképességet, és földrajzi helytől függetlenül megkönnyíti a polgárok és cégek életét. Ne központosítsunk ott, ahol a kisebbek vagy fejletlenebbek rosszul állnak. Több összeköttetés tehát, de például az energia- vagy telekommunikációs szektor centralizáltásával bánjunk csínján, ne tűnjenek el a helyi szereplők, ne dráguljon a szolgáltatás. A pénzügyi piacok közötti átjárhatóság jó irány, de legyünk óvatosak a nemzeti felügyeletek egységesítésével, ne fojtsuk meg a kisebb nemzeti tőkepiacokat, amelyek nélkül nincs helyi ökoszisztéma.

    Elnök úr említette az ötödik szabadságot, a tudás mozgását. Ez nagyon klassz. Csak kérdezem, hogy az Európai Bizottság miért blokkolja a magyar kutatók részvételét a Horizont programban, vagy a magyar diákok mozgását az Erasmus program keretein belül? Regionális különbségek kiegyenlítése nélkül nincs versenyképesség. Az agyelszívás ellen tenni kell. Ösztönözni kell a helyben boldogulást. Tartsuk meg a kohéziós politikát, hiszen ezt az egységes piac ellensúlyozására találták ki, hol nehézségeket okozott. Ezt fenn kell tartani kondicionalitás nélkül, mert az durva politikai eszközzé vált a Bizottság kezében.

     
       

     

      Denis Nesci (ECR). – Signora Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, Presidente Letta, la relazione che discutiamo oggi mette in luce una delle sfide cruciali: il rafforzamento del mercato unico è senza dubbio un obiettivo fondamentale per il futuro dell’Unione europea.

    Tuttavia, non possiamo ignorare le criticità evidenti. Le eccessive regolamentazioni burocratiche rappresentano un ostacolo reale che rischia di soffocare l’innovazione e la crescita delle PMI. Se poi ci troviamo di fronte a perfidie come quella della direttiva ETS, giusto per citarne una, che mette a rischio la competitività delle infrastrutture portuali del Mediterraneo – come il porto di Gioia Tauro – con forti ricadute anche sul livello occupazionale, non parliamo di mercato unico, bensì di un distorto mercato unico.

    Per rilanciare la nostra competitività nell’ambito del mercato unico abbiamo bisogno di una politica economica adeguata e solidale, accompagnata da regole che vadano incontro alle esigenze di tutti gli Stati membri. Per questo è essenziale che il mercato unico non diventi un vantaggio riservato solo ad alcune aree: serve un mercato unico realmente inclusivo, che possa offrire opportunità anche alle regioni meno sviluppate, mettendo al centro l’uomo e non le “eco-follie”, e che sia a favore di famiglie, consumatori e imprese.

     
       

     

      Sandro Gozi (Renew). – Madame la Présidente, chers collègues, caro Enrico, le plus grand succès de l’Union, le marché unique, doit être renouvelé et complété. «Rico» Letta l’affirme avec force, et il a raison.

    Renouvelé, car il est impossible de réussir la transition écologique et numérique sans rendre le marché unique plus durable et plus simplifié pour les producteurs et pour les consommateurs. Complété, car il faut éliminer tous les obstacles qui empêchent les PME d’en profiter pleinement et qui nous empêchent d’avoir une union de l’énergie, des télécoms, des capitaux et des investissements. Le coût de la «non-Europe» est trop grand pour ne pas agir. L’approfondissement du marché européen pourrait générer jusqu’à 1,1 trillion d’euros de production économique supplémentaire par an.

    Il est aussi urgent – le rapport le dit très bien – de dégager les ressources sociales et économiques nécessaires à l’accompagnement du pacte vert et de la transition numérique.

    Enfin, nous devons développer une dimension extérieure du marché unique en lien avec notre politique commerciale. Dans ce cadre, nous devons également réformer les marchés publics, qui doivent aussi nous aider à réduire notre dépendance vis-à-vis des pays tiers. Cela doit être notre grande mission pour l’innovation et la compétitivité.

     
       


     

      Marcin Sypniewski (ESN). – Pani Przewodnicząca, Szanowni Państwo, jestem posłem od kilku miesięcy i jestem szczerze zdumiony, że w tym krótkim czasie po raz kolejny debatujemy nad nowym sprawozdaniem, które ma nam wskazać, jak mamy stać się bardziej konkurencyjni, bogatsi, silniejsi czy piękniejsi. Najwyraźniej oprócz biegunki legislacyjnej mamy również do czynienia z biegunką ekspertyz, analiz i sprawozdań. Zamiast tego polecam poczytać Rothbarda, Misesa czy Hayeka, których dzieła przetrwały próbę czasu we wskazywaniu, co jest dobre dla rozwoju gospodarczego i wolności jednostki.

    Noblista Fryderyk von Hayek wskazuje, że wiedza w swojej naturze jest rozproszona. To rynek za pośrednictwem cen przesyła informacje do przedsiębiorców i konsumentów. Dzięki temu rynek samodzielnie się stabilizuje i dostosowuje się do zmieniających się warunków i potrzeb. Politycy i urzędnicy nie są do tego w ogóle potrzebni. Alternatywą dla takiego spontanicznego i rozproszonego działania jest centralne planowanie, które wielokrotnie wprowadzane zawsze zawodziło, ponieważ politycy nigdy nie posiądą całości rozproszonej wiedzy.

    Rynek nie jest tabelką w Excelu, ale żywym, dynamicznie zmieniającym się organizmem, a prawdziwymi przywódcami na rynku są konsumenci. To ich wymagania starają się spełnić przedsiębiorcy. Rozwiązaniem, które ewentualnie pobudziłoby rynek, jest porzucenie praw własności intelektualnej w postaci chociażby patentów. Informacja może przecież znajdować się w kilku miejscach jednocześnie, bez wzajemnej szkody. Nie jest to dobro rzadkie, dlatego nie powinno być chronione jak własność prywatna. Własność intelektualna to sztuczny twór, a jej ochrona jest fikcją prawną. Chcecie bogactwa i dobrej przyszłości? Postawcie na rynek, a nie na biurokrację i na sprawozdania.

     
       


     

      Mohammed Chahim (S&D). – Voorzitter, de heer Letta is vrij helder in zijn analyse, net zoals de heer Draghi kort daarna. Het gaat echt ergens over, namelijk hoe kunnen we onze interne markt versterken? Hoe kunnen we de eenheid van Europa versterken? Hoe zorgen we ervoor dat we een sterke concurrentie krijgen binnen Europa, maar vooral ook met de rest van de wereld? En dit gebaseerd op een gelijk speelveld, op innovatie en op vergroening?

    Simpel gezegd zijn er twee stromingen in Europa: enerzijds conservatief rechts, dat de ontwikkelingen buiten de EU negeert, blind is voor de massale groene investeringen in de VS en wegkijkt van de modernisering van de Chinese economie; anderzijds een stroming die deze ontwikkelingen wil inhalen door meer – en niet minder – op Europese schaal samen te werken, te investeren in groene technologieën en ons niet te blijven blindstaren, zoals Draghi zei, op onze deels verouderde industrie.

    De keuze is simpel. Kiezen we voor modernisering en vergroening en dus voor vooruitgang? Of kiezen we voor nostalgie en stilstand?

    (De spreker stemt ermee in om te antwoorden op een “blauwe kaart”-vraag)

     
       



     

      Roman Haider (PfE). – Frau Präsidentin! Der Letta-Bericht benennt viele Probleme des Binnenmarkts richtig: steigende Energiepreise, mangelhafte Infrastruktur, vor allem bei den Hochleistungsbahnstrecken, Rückstand bei den Zukunftstechnologien, Überbürokratisierung vor allem. Das ist alles richtig; es ist nicht neu, aber es stimmt. So richtig aber die Analyse und die Diagnose im Letta-Bericht ist, so falsch sind leider die Vorschläge zur Verbesserung. Das war beim Draghi-Bericht so, und das ist auch beim Letta-Bericht so.

    Den beiden fällt zur Lösung der Probleme der EU nur eines ein: noch mehr EU, noch mehr Kompetenzen für Brüssel, noch mehr EU-Institutionen, eine neue Fiskalkapazität, die Kapitalunion, und dabei ist aber genau das das Problem. Noch mehr Kompetenzen für Brüssel bedeuten noch mehr Bürokratie, noch mehr unnütze Vorschriften, noch weniger Flexibilität für die Mitgliedstaaten.

    Es ist höchst an der Zeit für neue Wege, für weniger Zentralismus, für weniger EU, für mehr Flexibilität für die Mitgliedstaaten, mehr Subsidiarität und mehr Freiheit.

     
       

     

      Kosma Złotowski (ECR). – Pani Przewodnicząca! Panie Premierze! Od sukcesu jednolitego rynku zależy przyszłość Unii Europejskiej. Ten bardzo dobry projekt gospodarczy wciąż jest jednak daleki od ideału, gdyż ogranicza potencjał rozwojowy wszystkich państw członkowskich. Wreszcie możemy o tym głośno mówić.

    Istnieje wiele barier dla firm, zwłaszcza małych i średnich, które chcą prowadzić działalność ponad granicami w sektorze usług, transporcie, budownictwie czy handlu internetowym. Już zidentyfikowane problemy, takie jak geoblocking, gold-plating czy nadmierne i uciążliwe kontrole, skutecznie należy zwalczać. Europejski Zielony Ład jest wyłącznie kolejną taką barierą dla wzrostu gospodarczego.

    Nierealistyczne cele klimatyczne w takich obszarach jak rolnictwo, motoryzacja, transport czy budownictwo muszą zostać w tej kadencji Parlamentu zmienione. Zacznijmy w końcu deregulować, umożliwiać małym i średnim przedsiębiorstwom dostęp do rynków zagranicznych, wspierać innowacje i cyfryzację. To przełoży się na wzrost zatrudnienia oraz niższe ceny towarów i usług dla Europejczyków.

     
       

     

      Billy Kelleher (Renew). – Madam President, the Letta report and the Draghi report are a wake-up call for the European Union in terms of digitisation, the Green Deal, our knowledge economy, investing in innovation, research and development, ensuring that we have growth and competitiveness. The single market, the internal market, is a cornerstone on which all of this is built, and we have to protect it and ensure that it prospers and flourishes.

    The fact of the matter is, at the moment we are very short on capital in the European Union to invest in all of the above. So we have to advance the Capital Markets Union and the Banking Union to ensure that we have the capital to invest in the knowledge economy, in the Green Deal and other areas of research and development.

    The free movement of people, goods and services and capital is the cornerstone. Of course, we do have some in this Chamber who are even trying to undermine the basic principle of free movement of people. We have to be very conscious that we can’t cherry‑pick the Single Market – free movement of capital, goods, services and people is the cornerstone and we must all defend it to the last.

    More broadly, over the next number of months, we have to ensure that we respond to the Letta report and the Draghi report in what they observe are the challenges ahead for our competitiveness.

     
       


     

      Fulvio Martusciello (PPE). – Signora Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, come sottolineato nella sua relazione e in quella di Mario Draghi, un solido mercato unico europeo è essenziale per la competitività delle imprese, perché può stimolare la crescita economica e l’innovazione, garantendo accesso al mercato ed eliminando la burocrazia inutile.

    L’Europa però ha bisogno di una forte strategia industriale per le tecnologie e le catene del valore, che promuova competitività, sostenibilità e innovazione. Questa strategia deve sviluppare una visione coerente, che dia priorità ad un quadro normativo, con politiche basate su dati scientifici e valutazioni di impatto approfondite, fornendo alle imprese la stabilità di cui hanno bisogno. Da questo punto di vista riteniamo molto positive le lettere di missione sulla creazione di una vera e propria economia circolare competitiva.

    Negli ultimi decenni le aziende europee hanno infatti investito miliardi di euro in tecnologie all’avanguardia, hanno generato enormi progressi nell’eco-design di prodotti, nella sicurezza dei consumatori e nell’industria del riciclo, dove l’Italia e l’Europa detengono posizioni di leadership mondiale, sia in termini di innovazione industriale che di sostenibilità ambientale.

    Purtroppo, l’eccesso di regolamentazione degli ultimi anni ha generato un’enorme incertezza, spingendo interi settori industriali a posticipare i propri investimenti, compromettendo gli obiettivi di crescita complessivi, con spreco di tempo e di risorse.

    In questo mandato sarà dunque necessario evitare a tutti i costi di produrre ulteriori iniziative legislative motivate da logiche falsamente ambientaliste e non basate su evidenze scientifiche, che rischiano di penalizzare le imprese europee. Sarà imperativo garantire la conformità con le norme europee da parte dei Paesi terzi, garantendo standard che riducano la dipendenza dai fornitori esteri e rafforzino la competitività dell’industria e delle economie europee per affrontare le sfide delle concorrenze globali di Cina e Stati Uniti.

     
       

     

      Laura Ballarín Cereza (S&D). – Señora presidenta, señor Letta, señorías, treinta años después de su creación, el informe Letta nos brinda una oportunidad única para avanzar hacia el futuro del mercado único en tres aspectos clave:

    En primer lugar, inspirados por Jacques Delors, apoyamos su idea de añadir una nueva libertad a la libertad de movimiento, que es la libertad de permanecer en el rincón de la Unión Europea que queramos. No queremos solo una Unión donde podamos movernos libremente en busca de una vida mejor: también queremos cohesión, oportunidades y desarrollo en todas las regiones de la Unión Europea, y acceso a la vivienda para proteger las zonas rurales y las más pobladas.

    En segundo lugar, necesitamos profundizar en la integración del mercado de capitales y el de las telecomunicaciones porque, como bien dice el señor Letta, no es coherente que compartamos una moneda única, pero tengamos aún fronteras digitales y prefijos nacionales.

    Y, en tercer lugar, la quinta libertad, la del conocimiento y la innovación. Nos quedan cinco años para profundizar en el mercado único y hacer que más europeos se enamoren de esta idea, tal como quería Jacques Delors, en contra de la extrema derecha que está aquí en esta Cámara sentada.

     
       

     

      Roberts Zīle (ECR). – Priekšsēdētājas kundze! Godātais Lettes kungs, es pilnīgi piekrītu jūsu ziņojumam, ka vienotais tirgus ir kaut kas vairāk kā tirgus, un arī jūsu norādītām nepilnībām gan sektoru ziņā: finanses, enerģētika, telekomunikācijas un it īpaši privātā kapitāla izvietošana.

    Ja kopumā Eiropā ir 33 triljonu eiro uzkrātā kapitāla un katru gadu 300 miljardi eiro tiek investēti ārpus Eiropas Savienības, Amerikā un citās vietās, tad kaut kas nav kārtībā ar šo. Un ar publisko naudu vien mēs nespēsim izdarīt tos uzdevumus, kas ir nepieciešami Eiropas Savienībai gan militārās industrijas jomā, gan zaļā kursa, gan paplašināšanās, gan citās jomās.

    Jūsu ieteiktās zāles arī ļoti vērā ņemamas par piekto pamatbrīvību, par Uzkrājumu un investīciju savienību. Bet dažas zāles, kā, teiksim, radīt siltumnīcas apstākļos Eiropas čempionus, kas var kļūt par globāliem čempioniem, es ļoti baidos, ka tas to nesasniegs. Vēl jo vairāk tas var noplicināt no perifērijas gan naudas resursus, gan arī cilvēku – gudrāko cilvēku – resursus uz dažiem centriem Eiropā, kas varbūt nebūs Eiropas Savienības veiksmes stāsts.

     
       


     

      Regina Doherty (PPE). – Madam President, Mr Letta, you’re absolutely right when you say that the single market is the best tool that we have to increase opportunities, improve our well-being and the living standards for all of the citizens across the European Union. And we absolutely can’t take it for granted, because if we do, it’s going to fail. Your report, which is really welcome, helps to illuminate many of the current problems that we are seeing and that the single market is facing.

    Europe’s economy is not growing strongly enough. Our small businesses are not given the opportunity to grow and to scale up. Approximately 30 % of the high-value companies founded in the EU between 2008 and 2021 relocated their headquarters out of the EU, and mostly to the US. Some 60 % of the issues that we identified by businesses in 2002 still exist in the European market today, because progress on removing the barriers has been so slow, and it’s particularly true in the case of our service industry.

    We see the distorting effects of current rules around the EU state aid rules, which allow larger countries to subsidise businesses at the expense of smaller ones, like my own, Ireland. In 2023, almost 80 % of EU state aid came from just two Member States, and 85 % from three Member States.

    Europe will not be able to spend its way out to growth. Instead, we must reduce the unnecessary red tape and bureaucracy that everybody has been speaking about daily since I arrived here in June. But it’s also vital to avoid EU protectionism in the form of high external tariffs, a hostility towards investment from third countries and an over-reliance on those subsidies.

     
       

     

      Estelle Ceulemans (S&D). – Madame la Présidente, Monsieur Letta, Mesdames et Messieurs les Commissaires, chers collègues, il est aussi bon de rappeler que le rapport de M. Letta sera – Mme von der Leyen l’a elle-même dit – l’un des fils rouges de la prochaine Commission. Il était donc vraiment important que vous veniez nous le présenter et que nous puissions en débattre aujourd’hui.

    Merci, Monsieur Letta, de reprendre les mots de Jacques Delors, artisan du marché unique, qui nous dit que le marché n’est pas une fin en soi: il est là pour améliorer la vie des citoyens, qui ne sont pas que des consommateurs. Le marché unique a en effet permis de développer la prospérité et la compétitivité, mais il a aussi creusé les disparités et la pauvreté – comme cela a été dit dans le débat précédent, qui nous rappelle que, malheureusement, 1 Européen sur 5 fait face à un risque de pauvreté.

    Merci, donc, Monsieur Letta, de rappeler que le marché ne peut fonctionner que sur la base de politiques sociales fortes, et de rappeler aussi qu’il faut, sous cette législature, investir dans les deux transitions, pour qu’elles soient justes. Je voudrais rappeler aussi que nous attendons de la prochaine Commission qu’elle s’engage, tout comme l’a fait M. Nicolas Schmit, sur des matières sociales importantes.

     
       

     

      Adrian-George Axinia (ECR). – Doamnă președintă, piața unică europeană este o idee foarte bună, care, din păcate, în anumite domenii de activitate nu funcționează așa cum trebuie. Vă dau trei exemple: piața de energie, acolo unde România, care produce mai multă electricitate decât consumă, plătește cele mai mari facturi din Uniunea Europeană. A doua disfuncționalitate, care este încă nerezolvată, ține de agricultură. În continuare, cerealele și anumite produse alimentare exportate din Ucraina ajung pe piața românească, bulgărească sau poloneză și creează o concurență neloială producătorilor agricoli autohtoni.

    Merită subliniat și refuzul implementării procesului de convergență externă, care ar trebui să ducă la egalizarea subvențiilor pentru fermieri în toate țările Uniunii Europene. Nu în ultimul rând, recent, Curtea de Justiție a Uniunii Europene a declarat nelegale mai multe prevederi din pachetul de mobilitate orientate împotriva transportatorilor din România, ceea ce confirmă raportul Draghi. Există în continuare o suprareglementare a pieței unice și aceasta afectează competiția liberă. Aș mai puncta și faptul că uciderea spațiului Schengen de către țările care introduc controale generale la frontieră și statele care țin încă România și Bulgaria pe margine afectează în continuare buna funcționare a pieței unice.

     
       

     

      Ľudovít Ódor (Renew). – Vážená pani predsedajúca, tak ako vidíme aj z tejto diskusie, skutočný jednotný trh je niečo, na čom vieme stavať aj v tomto Parlamente, a musíme v najbližších rokoch urobiť maximum pre to, aby sme tento koncept rozšírili aj na ďalšie sektory. Rád by som upozornil na tri veci, ktoré sú pre mňa prioritné. Po prvé, svet sa zmenšil a trhy sa trošku zmenili. V digitálnom svete dominujú tí najlepší. Víťaz berie takmer všetko, dosť dobre už nestačí. Potrebujeme naozaj silných európskych globálnych hráčov, a nie desiatky trpaslíkov. Po druhé, svet inovácií je aj o riziku. Bohužiaľ, náš bankami dominovaný finančný systém, a ako aj občania preferujú menej rizika, a preto bez Únie, úspor a investícií, ako aj lepšej finančnej gramotnosti to tak aj zostane. Peniaze máme, no nevieme ich dostať k inovatívnym firmám. A po tretie, pri dobrých nápadoch a podnikaní nemôžeme tolerovať bariéry pri prechode každej vnútornej hranice.

     
       


     

      Marc Angel (S&D). – Madam President, the single market is the crown jewel of the European construction, and in my eyes gives the EU a competitive advantage. A stronger single market means a more competitive Europe.

    Mr Letta, as your excellent report shows, we can improve a lot and we must perfect it. We need better implementation of the existing rules. We need to ensure that it contributes to a more sustainable and a more social Europe, and we need to consider strengthening integration in crucial sectors, as a stronger single energy market, for example, driven notably by better interconnectivity, can lead to more secure and affordable energy and cheaper electricity bills for companies and our citizens.

    Furthermore, for the S&D Group, more integration means more competitiveness for our companies, better consumer protection and more prosperity for Europeans – while adopting national solutions will lead to more fragmentation and ultimately a weaker Europe.

    Further harmonisation of rules also means less bureaucracy and a reduced administrative burden for our companies, especially for SMEs, which will no longer have to navigate through a jungle of 27 different sets of national rules.

    So let us leverage the power of integration to tap into the full potential of the single market.

     
       

     

      Ivars Ijabs (Renew). – Madam President, thank you, Mr Letta, for your excellent report. Well, of course, the single market is a strength of the EU: it’s the main instrument. This is how we achieve our goals. But what are actually our goals today? Let me remind you that the Russian aggression in Ukraine is still going on. And the Russian attack on an EU country is possibly, still, a question of the nearest future.

    And that’s why I really like the part in your report which deals with a common market for security and defence industries. This is a real necessity for the EU right now. Some 80 % of the military help to Ukraine is right now spent on non-European materials.

    But how to achieve that common market? European investment in defence is lagging. It is very seriously hindered by red tape, by excessive regulatory requirements, by fragmentation. There is an immense potential of a single market in defence industry, but one must have a political will to implement it – and quickly. Time is running out.

     
       

     

      Salvatore De Meo (PPE). – Signora Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, la relazione Letta, unitamente a quella del Presidente Draghi, arrivano all’inizio di questa legislatura, che io vorrei diventasse riformatrice, ambiziosa, coraggiosa ma responsabile, perché l’Unione europea non sia più spettatrice in una scena globale ma diventi protagonista.

    E abbiamo gli strumenti per farlo: un mercato unico che in questi anni non solo è stato strumento di integrazione ma ha consentito la nostra crescita economica e la prosperità, uno strumento che va semplificato da un punto di vista burocratico, ma soprattutto rafforzato, per esprimere ulteriormente le sue potenzialità e affrontare le nuove opportunità.

    Così come è necessario arrivare a un mercato unico dell’energia, un mercato finanziario che permetta ovviamente di garantire condizioni di competitività. E allora noi abbiamo davanti a noi sfide importanti, per le quali solo un mercato unico forte potrà garantirci un futuro all’altezza delle nostre ambizioni climatiche, sociali e produttive.

     
       

     

      Jonás Fernández (S&D). – Señora presidenta, señor comisario, señor Letta, es un placer tenerle aquí en un momento en el que estamos empezando a definir las prioridades de este mandato y, sin duda, acelerar la integración del mercado único —especialmente en el ámbito de los servicios, donde aún tenemos relevantes problemas, como ha expuesto en su informe— es absolutamente necesario.

    Pero me va a permitir decirle que lo que más me ha llamado la atención del informe es la exigencia de evitar la huida de ahorro europeo a otras jurisdicciones. Porque algunos llevamos años en esta Cámara pidiendo reducir los superávits por cuenta corriente de algunos países —superávits por cuenta corriente que, en algunos casos, llegan a dos dígitos en relación con el PIB de esos países— y, ciertamente, en los debates que teníamos aquí en estos años, nadie o muy pocos me seguían.

    Y yo creo que es importante que, ahora que pedimos que el ahorro se invierta en Europa, seamos capaces de explicar a la Cámara que lo que estamos pidiendo es más demanda interna y reducir los superávits por cuenta corriente que ahogan el crecimiento de la Unión Europea.

     
       

     

      Biljana Borzan (S&D). – Poštovana predsjedavajuća, zajedničko tržište jedno je od najvećih europskih postignuća.

    Svaka kriza produbljuje nejednakosti na tržištu, bogati se još više bogate, siromašni postaju još siromašniji. Troškovi života najveći su problem u cijeloj Europskoj uniji, a nejednakosti između i unutar država članica u cijenama, plaćama, mirovinama i stopi siromaštva se samo povećavaju.

    Izvješće ističe zaštitu potrošača kao jedan od uvjeta za pošteno tržište, ali geoblocking, teritorijalne barijere, viši rast cijena hrane u istočnoj Europi samo su neki od gorućih problema. Izvješće hvali Zakon o osnaživanju potrošača u zelenoj tranziciji na koju sam i sama ponosna, ali rješenje je provedba naših pravila u svakom dijelu Europske unije. Više od 80 posto građana moje zemlje smatra da su potrošači nezaštićeni protiv tržišnih igrača.

    Moramo ojačati europske alate, potrošačke udruge, inspekcijski nadzor i svijest građana o vlastitim pravima. Ne smijemo biti oni tamo negdje u Bruxellesu. Mi moramo raditi za ljude.

     
       


       

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      Davor Ivo Stier (PPE). – Poštovana predsjedavajuća, gospodin Letta ispravno govori o tome što ubrzanje integracije unutarnjeg tržišta ima jednu geopolitičku važnost u današnjim uvjetima.

    Ja bih to nadopunio time što unutarnje tržište moramo isto tako i povezati s procesom proširenja. Pogledajmo, na primjer, situaciju na zapadnom Balkanu, ima puno političkih problema. Ne smijemo čekati da se oni riješe, da te zemlje postanu punopravne članice, nego bismo ih već prije mogli, doduše možda na jedan postupni način, ali već prije mogli integrirati u naše jedinstveno tržište. Kao što, na primjer, činimo kada je u pitanju roaming. Mislim da je to jedan dobar primjer, ali moramo to proširiti i na druge slobode.

    Na taj način će i ljudi u toj regiji imati svoje pravo na ostanak, a Europska unija će imati veći utjecaj i više će pridonijeti stabilnosti tog dijela europskog kontinenta.

     
       

     

      Maria Grapini (S&D). – Doamnă președintă, domnule comisar, domnule Letta, vă salut și în această săptămână. Aș spune multe. În primul rând vă felicit: este o radiografie corectă, dar nu numai o radiografie, sunt și măsuri concrete. V-aș întreba, estimați dumneavoastră oare cât din acest raport se va aplica? Pentru că, iată, noua comisie nu are un comisar, nu există un portofoliu pentru piața internă. Cine se ocupă atunci de piața internă? Cum să ne ducem la măsurile concrete pe care le-ați spus dumneavoastră? Ați spus că piața unică ne unește; este oare o piață unică acum?

    Sunt de acord să avem cea de a cincea libertate de mișcare, dar cel puțin o libertate de mișcare ne lipsește acum, domnule Letta. Știți oare cât a pierdut o țară care de 17 ani nu este în spațiul Schengen și are costuri la transport? Cât a pierdut economia țării mele? Apoi, avem acum, când vorbim, îngrădirea în interiorul spațiului Schengen a granițelor. Deci trebuie – toată piața unică, e adevărat, ați spus că ne unește – dar trebuie să luăm cu pragmatism măsuri care să ducă la rezultate și la o viață mai bună a oamenilor.

     
       

     

      Silvia Sardone (PfE). – Signora Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, le istituzioni europee hanno deciso di affidare ad Enrico Letta l’incarico di scrivere una relazione sul futuro dell’Europa. Eh, niente, fa già ridere così.

    Letta è l’ex leader del Partito democratico, ex premier della sinistra in Italia, volto di punta dei socialisti europei: rappresenta praticamente tutti i responsabili del disastro dell’Unione europea degli ultimi anni, tra l’altro sonoramente sconfitti in Italia.

    Per Letta la transizione verde è indispensabile e bisogna accompagnare agricoltori, imprese, industria dell’auto: esattamente ciò che però la sua maggioranza non ha fatto. Anzi, grazie a voi questi settori sono in crisi. Letta ci ricorda che l’Europa non deve cedere sul ruolo di leader nel settore manifatturiero: ma è proprio grazie ai vincoli, tasse e burocrazia volute dall’Europa che ci troviamo in questa condizione.

    Enrico Letta: uno che ha uno strano concetto di democrazia e ci ha tenuto a dire che i cordoni sanitari sono fondamentali per fermare le destre. Lui, proprio lui, che ha ribadito che servono più migranti regolari per lo sviluppo, andando contro diversi Paesi, anche socialisti, che finalmente dicono che bisogna fermare l’immigrazione.

    Insomma, veramente vogliamo farci dare lezioni da Letta, colui che dice che l’ex ministro Fornero è stato un ministro ottimo quando invece ha solo distrutto il nostro Paese?

     
       


     

      João Oliveira (The Left). – Senhora Presidente, visto a partir do conselho de administração de uma multinacional, o aprofundamento do mercado único pode parecer um filão; visto a partir da realidade dos trabalhadores e dos povos, das micro, pequenas e médias empresas, das possibilidades de desenvolvimento de um país como Portugal, o aprofundamento do mercado único é um pesado fardo que nos arrasta para o fundo.

    Há algumas décadas atrás, o militante do PCP e ex‑deputado deste Parlamento, Sérgio Ribeiro, antecipava que a transferência de instrumentos de política para a esfera supranacional, nomeadamente através da transferência da política monetária e financeira para o BCE, conduziria a uma política tendencialmente única. Por meio do mercado único e das políticas que lhe estão associadas, que o senhor Letta hoje adjetiva de motor de mudança da União Europeia, retirou‑se capacidade de decisão aos governos nacionais, abriu‑se mais espaço à concentração e centralização do capital, colocaram‑se sob ataque os direitos sociais e laborais.

    O aprofundamento do mercado único serve às multinacionais, mas não serve ao desenvolvimento económico nem à justiça social.

     
       

     

      Lukas Sieper (NI). – Madam President, dear honourable House, dear people of Europe, Mr Letta, before I came here to this Parliament, I finished my law studies at the University of Cologne. During this time, I put a lot of effort into learning the four European freedoms: the freedom to move people, services, goods and capital. And I can tell you, learning all the law-related details – especially the court rulings – that was a pain in the ass, indeed. Names like Dassonville or Cassis de Dijon, who will tell you here nothing, send a shiver down the spine of every law student.

    But at the same time, whenever I opened my books, I felt love for Europe. Because what is Europe if not the idea of freedom? And that’s why, Mr Letta, I would like to take the time to give you my deepest support for one of the main ideas of your report: the implementation of a fifth freedom – the freedom of research, innovation, knowledge and education. Because as Europe is an idea, ideas should roam free on this continent.

     
       

       

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      Giuseppe Lupo (S&D), per iscritto. – Penso che il Parlamento europeo debba condividere e sostenere la strategia della relazione Letta per modernizzare il mercato unico dell’UE.

    Condivido in particolare che, se vogliamo che il mercato unico migliori davvero la vita della gente, deve avere un’anima che è il dialogo sociale, che deve fare partecipare e coinvolgere le persone, la società, i corpi sociali intermedi, i sindacati dei lavoratori e delle imprese, rilanciando il dialogo sociale come lo ha voluto e praticato con successo Jacques Delors, anche grazie alla collaborazione dell’allora segretario della CES, Emilio Gabaglio.

    La grande sfida da affrontare, credo, sia adesso la promozione di una politica fiscale comune, per sostenere con condizioni fiscali di vantaggio le aree territoriali più deboli, superando le differenze dei sistemi fiscali nazionali che ostacolano la leale concorrenza.

     

    14. Implementation of the Single European Sky (debate)


     

      Jens Gieseke, Berichterstatter. – Sehr geehrte Frau Präsidentin, sehr geehrter Herr Kommissar Hoekstra, liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen! 30 000 Flüge täglich, 600 Mio. Passagiere jährlich, über 500 000 Arbeitsplätze bei Fluggesellschaften, weniger als 17 000 Arbeitsplätze in der nationalen Verkehrskontrolle, überlastete Flughäfen, ein Flickenteppich an Strecken aufgrund der Flugsicherung entlang nationaler Grenzen – das ist das Bild des letzten europäischen Monopols: die Flugsicherungsdienste.

    Ich bin heute hier, um Sie zu bitten: Sagen Sie Ja zu kürzeren Strecken, zu mehr Effizienz, zu mehr Leistungen, zu mehr Zusammenarbeit, und Ja zu einem wirklich europäischen einheitlichen Luftraum. Warum gibt es kein Leistungsüberprüfungsgremium? Warum gibt es nicht ein gemeinsames Leistungssystem? Warum gibt es nicht einen europäischen Netzwerkmanager? Das sind alles wichtige Elemente, um die Leistungen der Flugsicherung zu verbessern und den Schaden für die Passagiere zu begrenzen. Fluglotsen behalten ihren Arbeitsplatz, sie werden weniger gestresst arbeiten, sie werden besser arbeiten, weil sie mit ihren Nachbarn zusammenarbeiten. Ich bin hier, um Ihnen zu sagen: Ja, wir können Flüge sicherer, kürzer, umweltfreundlicher und erschwinglicher für den Durchschnittsbürger der Europäischen Union machen.

    Wir haben hier ein riesiges Potenzial. Milliarden Euro wurden sowohl von der Europäischen Union als auch von privaten Interessenträgern im Rahmen des SESAR-Projektes investiert. SESAR liefert den digitalen europäischen Luftraum. Es liegt nun in unserer Hand, aber wir können uns nicht nur auf Investitionen in Technologien verlassen. Während der technologische Fortschritt durch das SESAR-Programm fortgeschritten ist, sind die Strukturreformen, die hier erforderlich sind, um sowohl die Kapazitäts- als auch die Umweltperformance zu erreichen, seit mehr als einem Jahrzehnt ins Stocken geraten und halten uns in der Vergangenheit fest. Hier haben die Mitgliedstaaten auch nicht mitgemacht, die standen auf der Bremse.

    Sehen Sie sich nun allein diesen Sommer an: Von Juni bis August haben die Flugsicherungen in Europa 16,9 Millionen – ich wiederhole: 16,9 Millionen – Minuten an Verspätungen im europäischen Netzwerk angehäuft. Das waren 41 % mehr als im gesamten Sommer 2023. Zum Vergleich: Im Jahr 2017 – im ganzen Jahr – gab es 15,9 Millionen Minuten. Wenn man die wetterbedingten Verspätungen herausnimmt, dann haben sich die Verspätungen im Vergleich zum Sommer 2023 um 82 % erhöht, und nur sieben nationale Flugsicherungen haben 85 % dieser Verspätungen verursacht.

    Das zeigt, dass die Situation von Jahr zu Jahr schlechter wird – leider –, insbesondere jetzt, da der Flugverkehr wieder das Niveau von vor der Pandemie erreicht hat. Diese Reform, die wir nun hier haben, die wird gebraucht, sie wird dringend gebraucht! Die Schaffung eines wirklich einheitlichen europäischen Luftraums wurde viel zu lange von den Mitgliedstaaten blockiert, die nicht bereit waren, sich auf eine Restrukturierung der Flugsicherung zum Wohle der Allgemeinheit, zum Wohle der Passagiere einzulassen.

    Dank der unermüdlichen Arbeit von Herrn Marian-Jean Marinescu, unserem Berichterstatter der EVP, für den einheitlichen europäischen Luftraum und für EASA in den letzten 16 Jahren werden wir nun in der Lage sein, diese neue Luftraumverordnung umzusetzen. Hier möchte ich aber auch an die großartige Arbeit von Herrn David Maria Sassoli, unserem verstorbenen Parlamentspräsidenten, erinnern, mit dem Herr Marinescu zusammen an der EASA-Grundverordnung gearbeitet hat. Ich möchte aber auch meinen sozialistischen Kollegen Bogusław Liberadzki nicht vergessen, der mit Herrn Marinescu stark zusammengearbeitet hat, so wie es jetzt Johan Danielsson mit mir tut.

    Gestatten Sie mir, Frau Präsidentin, die Mitgliedstaaten nun aufzufordern, die Fehler, die wir noch haben, nun zügig bei der Umsetzung umzuarbeiten. Es besteht ein riesiges Potenzial zum Wohle der Bürgerinnen und Bürger und um am Ende auch die Klimaziele einzuhalten. Also, wir müssen weiterarbeiten.

     
       

     

      Johan Danielsson, Föredragande. – Fru talman! Varje år genomförs omkring en miljard resor med flyg inom EU. Över tid har flyget blivit en allt viktigare del av vår vardag och vår ekonomi. För ett land som Sverige är en välfungerande flygtrafik avgörande. Vi har stora avstånd och är glest befolkade. Flyget knyter samman vårt land, vår kontinent och kopplar oss till omvärlden.

    Men sektorn står inför stora utmaningar. Under 2023 var nästan tre av tio flyg mer än 15 minuter försenade. Den genomsnittliga förseningen per flygning i Europa är cirka 18 minuter. Samtidigt står flyget globalt för omkring 2 till 3 % av våra totala koldioxidutsläpp.

    I dag liknar Europas luftrum ett stort pussel där varje land har sin egen bit, och tyvärr passar inte alla bitar ihop. Det leder till omvägar, till väntetider och till onödiga kostnader. Singel European Sky ska lösa delar av detta pussel. Efter mer än ett decennium av förhandlingar har vi äntligen nått fram till en överenskommelse.

    Lagstiftningen handlar om att göra flyget säkrare, punktligare och klimatvänligare. Det gynnar resenärer, det kommer att gynna industrin och det kommer att gynna klimatet. Och det är ett viktigt steg för att modernisera Europas luftrum.

    Jag vill tacka alla som arbetat med det här förslaget. Ett särskilt tack till tidigare föredragande Bogusław Liberadzki och Marian-Jean Marinescu, som jobbade med detta oförtröttligt under den föregående mandatperioden. Och så ett tack till Jens Gieseke, min medföredragande den här gången. Det visar vad vi kan åstadkomma om vi arbetar tillsammans över partigränserna i det här huset.

    Men låt mig vara tydlig: Singel European Sky är ingen revolution – det är en evolution. Det är en kompromiss som tar oss i rätt riktning. Vi kommer att se förbättringar och effektivitet och samordning. Men även om förändringarna kanske inte blev så stora som vi hade tänkt oss, innehåller det viktiga steg framåt.

    Vi stärker till exempel övervakningen på EU-nivå, vilket kommer att vara avgörande för att säkerställa att våra europeiska regler efterföljs. Förändringarna ger oss en god plattform att bygga vidare på mot ett enhetligt, effektivt och hållbart europeiskt luftrum.

    Enligt beräkningarna kan Singel European Sky bidra till att minska koldioxidutsläppen med upp till 10 % per flygning. Det här är ett viktigt steg och en del av lösningen för att också göra flyget mer hållbart.

    Men vi måste fortsätta arbetet på flera fronter. Vi kommer att behöva säkerställa en marknad för hållbara flygbränslen. Vi kommer att behöva fortsätta arbeta med ökad effektivitet i bränsleförbrukningen i flyget. Vi kommer också att se till att de fantastiska innovationer som är på väg fram, inte minst för att elektrifiera regionalflyget, kan få en praktisk omsättning på vår europeiska flygmarknad. Jag ser fram emot en bra debatt i dag och ett bra beslut senare i veckan. Och jag är hoppfull om att resultatet kommer att bli ett bättre europeiskt luftrum.

     
       

     

      Wopke Hoekstra, Member of the Commission. – Madam President, honourable Members, let me start by wholeheartedly thanking Mr Gieseke, Mr Danielsson and the TRAN Committee for all the great work that they have been doing. But let me also thank the former rapporteurs, Mr Marinescu and Mr Liberadzki, who might be with us virtually, for successfully concluding the interinstitutional negotiations with the Council on the regulation on the implementation of the Single European Sky.

    Ladies and gentlemen, our skies – and the two rapporteurs have said that – need fixing for the good of passengers, airlines and the environment. And to illustrate what is really at stake here, let me just recall this summer, when every second flight was delayed. Every second flight was delayed. And we all know how that feels and what it is like.

    Now some of those delays were unavoidable, for example because of bad weather conditions. But if you then go into the details, you will find that many of those delayed and cancelled flights could actually simply have been reduced by improving the way we manage air traffic today. And that is, of course, the ultimate aim. That is the ultimate aim of this new regulation.

    This agreement will update rules which are 15 years old. Let me be clear – and it was said here before – it is not as ambitious as the Commission, and I feel many in this room, would have wanted. And some would consider it far away from our original plan. But what is also true is that it does represent a clear step forward, and it improves the performance of the European airspace and the provision of air navigation services in the years to come.

    The new rules will strengthen the European network, tackling the fragmentation of European airspace, and they will reduce congestion and suboptimal flight routes, which today create delays for our passengers, extra fuel consumption and unnecessary CO2 emissions.

    Ladies and gentlemen, the agreement will also stimulate innovation and facilitate new services for air traffic management. It will create incentives to reduce the environmental footprint of aviation. For example, air navigation service providers will now have to introduce environment and climate performance targets on a wider range of services. The charges that airlines will need to pay for flying over our skies will be more favourable for those carriers emitting fewer CO2 emissions and with less impact on the environment.

    Finally, more know-how will be introduced when we regulate the performance of monopoly air navigation service providers. A new performance review board will be created to support the Commission, bringing independent expertise and improving the temporary solutions that we have today.

    Madam President, honourable Members, please allow me to conclude. More than 10 years have passed since the Commission presented what was then its original proposal. Believe me, it was not an easy task. In order to reap the benefits that the agreement brings, in my view it is now urgent that the Parliament finalises the adoption of the regulation by supporting the Council’s first reading position this week. Implementation work can then start as soon as possible.

    Thank you very much, once again, in particular to the TRAN Committee and the rapporteurs, and I’m very much looking forward to the continuation of our interaction today.

     
       

     

      Sophia Kircher, im Namen der PPE-Fraktion. – Sehr geehrte Frau Präsidentin, Herr Kommissar, liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen! Wir reisen heute fast grenzenlos durch Europa. Doch über den Wolken, wo die Freiheit wohl grenzenlos scheint, stoßen wir im EU-Luftraum immer noch auf viele unsichtbare Grenzbalken – dadurch wird der europäische Luftverkehr stark eingeschränkt. Flugzeuge fliegen oft unnötige Umwege, weil veraltete nationale Vorschriften das erzwingen. Das führt zu Verspätungen, zu Kosten und 10 % mehr CO2-Ausstoß pro Jahr.

    Der Grund dafür: Der europäische Luftraum gleicht aktuell einem komplizierten Fleckerlteppich aus vielen nationalen Vorschriften. Statt eines gemeinsamen europäischen Systems mit einheitlichen Bestimmungen überwacht derzeit jeder Mitgliedstaat seinen Luftraum eigenständig, ohne eine ausreichende Zusammenarbeit mit anderen EU-Staaten.

    Mit diesem Gesetzespaket schaffen wir nun die Grundlage für mehr Zusammenarbeit mit anderen EU-Staaten, die wir so dringend brauchen, und somit werden wir in Zukunft günstiger, schneller und nachhaltiger fliegen können. Das ist eine Win-win-Situation für uns alle. Trotz dessen bleibt noch viel zu tun. Mit diesem Gesetzespaket gelingt uns ein wichtiger Schritt, aber es liegen noch viele Meilen vor uns.

     
       

     

      Matteo Ricci, a nome del gruppo S&D. – Signora Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, dopo oltre dieci anni di trattative, siamo finalmente giunti a un accordo sul cielo unico europeo, un tema che incide direttamente sulla vita quotidiana di milioni di cittadini.

    Tuttavia, dobbiamo essere chiari: il testo che adotteremo domani non è all’altezza delle aspettative. L’Europa ha bisogno di uno spazio aereo unificato con una gestione integrata e rotte dirette per ridurre ritardi, costi e soprattutto l’impatto ambientale.

    Oggi la frammentazione del nostro spazio aereo genera inefficienze gravi, costando ai passeggeri tempo e denaro. Ogni ritardo si traduce in maggiori emissioni e questo è un prezzo che il nostro pianeta non può più permettersi di pagare.

    Il regolamento che ci apprestiamo a votare promuove una maggiore cooperazione tra le autorità nazionali ma non impone regole vincolanti per una vera integrazione dello spazio aereo europeo. È un compromesso necessario, ma non sufficiente.

    Personalmente lo considero solo un primo passo. Non dobbiamo fermarci: l’Europa ha bisogno di un cielo unico europeo per essere più competitiva.

     
       

     

      Julien Leonardelli, au nom du groupe PfE. – Madame la Présidente, nous nous défions de tout projet qui penche vers le fédéralisme, à plus forte raison lorsqu’il est placé sous l’égide de la Commission européenne. Cela ne nous empêche pas d’être pragmatiques et responsables. Le projet de ciel unique européen vise, nous dit-on, à faciliter les trajets aériens à l’intérieur de l’Union européenne et à faire économiser 5 milliards d’euros par an de kérosène pour les compagnies aériennes.

    La Commission européenne ne pouvait que briller sur ce sujet technique, qui bénéficie d’un véritable consensus européen. Cette initiative, soutenue par une large majorité, ne devait être qu’une formalité. Mais la Commission, trop occupée à outrepasser ses compétences, en oublie ses objectifs premiers. Ce texte ne verra pas l’instauration d’un ciel unique européen, malgré des années de tractations. La montagne a accouché d’une souris. C’est en tout cas ce qui ressort des positions des professionnels du transport aérien, qui ne cachent pas leur déception à l’égard de ce texte.

    Le maintien d’un millefeuille à la fois administratif et technocratique ne plaît à personne. Pendant que l’Europe brasse du vent et se penche sur un texte ridicule, qui ne change rien tant ces changements sont insignifiants, les Etats-Unis, eux, produisent déjà en très grande partie la nouvelle génération de carburants par des subventions massives dans la recherche et l’industrie. En matière d’industrie comme d’énergie, les pays européens restent à la traîne, et la Commission européenne n’y est pas pour rien. Madame von der Leyen, sur la souveraineté faites preuve de plus de retenue, et sur le ciel unique montrez plus d’ambition.

     
       


       

    PREȘEDINȚIA: VICTOR NEGRESCU
    Vicepreședinte

     
       

     

      Jan-Christoph Oetjen, im Namen der Renew-Fraktion. – Herr Präsident, Herr Kommissar, verehrte Kolleginnen und Kollegen! Zehn Jahre hat es gedauert, dass wir dieses Gesetz, diesen einheitlichen europäischen Luftraum, auf den Weg gebracht haben. Nicht etwa, weil wir hier im Parlament lange gebraucht hätten, sondern es hat an den Mitgliedstaaten gelegen, die sich sehr lange hinter nationalen Kompetenzen versteckt haben. Diese nationalen Kompetenzen haben dazu gedient, zu kaschieren, dass es in den Mitgliedstaaten staatliche Monopole in der Flugsicherung gibt, die sie nicht angetastet sehen wollen. Und zur Wahrheit gehört: So richtig antasten tun wir sie jetzt auch nicht. Das, was wir machen, ist keine Reform, sondern ein Reförmchen, aber sie adressiert wichtige Themen.

    Wir kriegen endlich dieses performance review, das heißt endlich ein Benchmark für die Flugsicherung – ob sie gut funktionieren, ob sie genügend Leute haben, wie es klappt mit den Verspätungen, an denen – nicht immer, aber sehr häufig – eben auch die Flugsicherung mit Schuld ist.

    Wir haben eine Kapazitätsfrage, die sich dadurch adressieren lässt, und von daher können wir am Ende dieser Reform zustimmen. Aber sie ist weit von dem entfernt, was wir uns eigentlich erhoffen und was wir bräuchten, damit wir die Verspätungen in Europa endlich in den Griff bekommen.

     
       

     

      Merja Kyllönen, The Left-ryhmän puolesta. – Arvoisa puhemies, yhtenäisellä eurooppalaisella ilmatilalla on pitkä historia. Tavoitteena on vähentää viivytyksiä, lisätä turvallisuutta, lieventää ympäristövaikutuksia ja alentaa palvelujen tarjoamiseen liittyviä kustannuksia ilmailualalla. Euroopan ilmatilan pirstoutumisen vähentäminen tehokkaammalla ilmaliikenteen hallintajärjestelmällä on enemmän kuin tarpeellista. Vaikka politiikka on edennyt, niin SES ei ole onnistunut saavuttamaan täysin siltä odotettua edistystä. Tämän seurauksena Euroopan ilmatila on edelleen valitettavan pirstoutunut, kallis, tehoton ja kapasiteettiongelmat jatkuvat nopeasti kasvavan lentoliikenteen vuoksi. Työn on siis jatkuttava, paikoilleen emme voi jämähtää.

    Nykyinen sääntelykehys on pitkän aikavälin työ. Siinä on ollut mukana monenlaisia toimijoita. Siinä on ollut mukana monenlaista vääntöä sellaisia historian paloja, taisteluita, joita muun muassa Yhdistynyt kuningaskunta ja Espanja kävivät aikanaan, esimerkiksi Gibraltarin osalta. Kun Brexit poisti tämän esteen, komissio on muuttanut alkuperäistä ehdotustaan, ja hyvä niin.

    Jäsenvaltiot tarvitsevat laajaa yhteistyötä ja koordinointia toiminnallisissa ilmatilan lohkoissa, myös yhtenäisen eurooppalaisen ilmatilan sääntelykehyksen luomisen jälkeen. Tässä säädöksessä tunnustetaan olemassa olevien yhteistyöjärjestelyjen arvo ilmatilan hallinnan tehostamisessa ja lentoliikennevirtojen optimoinnissa tietyillä maantieteellisillä alueilla.

    Liikenteessä yleisesti, mutta lentoliikenteessä erityisesti, turvallisuusnäkökulma korostuu ja siksi kaikissa muutoksissa on mentävä ehdottomasti turvallisuusnäkökulma edellä. Safety first! Ja ihan pakko on sanoa rakkaat terveiset aina upealle taisteluparilleni Marinesculle. Ja rakkaat terveiset myös britti Jodie Fosterille, jota ei voi kyllä tämä talo unohtaa. Olisinpa videoinut parhaat palat uusille päättäjille. Piccolino, magnifico, amato David Sassoli.

     
       

     

      Siegbert Frank Droese, im Namen der ESN-Fraktion. – Herr Präsident! Seit 20 Jahren plant die EU einen einheitlichen Luftraum, aber wenig ist passiert. Wir teilen die Kritik der Airlines an dem Vorschlag der Kommission zum einheitlichen europäischen Luftraum. Es wird zu höheren Steuern führen, mehr Bürokratie, mehr Berichtspflichten – all das wollen wir nicht. Europa ist bisher schon ein sehr sicherer Luftraum. Warum also auf Biegen und Brechen die Kompetenzen der nationalen Flugsicherungsdienste beschneiden und alles in den EU-Topf werfen?

    Es muss nicht alles harmonisiert oder einheitlich zertifiziert werden. Wichtig dagegen wäre für uns die Abschaffung von Sanktionen, z. B. gegenüber Russland. Dann könnten Flugzeuge schneller und vor allem umweltschonender nach Asien fliegen und so CO2 reduzieren. Aber immer neue Steuern und Vorschriften vertreiben Fluggesellschaften aus Europa und verteuern das Fliegen unnötig. Wir wollen, dass auch in Zukunft sich der Arbeiter noch seinen wohlverdienten Urlaubsflug leisten kann und nicht nur die Eurokraten.

    Die Kommission könnte sich unserer Meinung nach mal mit wichtigen Dingen beschäftigen, beispielsweise mit der Migration, oder vielleicht gibt es in Zukunft auch Tausende von Abschiebeflügen zu organisieren – da würden wir gern mal einen schönen Vorschlag hören. Diesem Vorschlag, der hier vorliegt, können wir nicht zustimmen.

     
       

     

      Lukas Sieper (NI). – Herr Präsident, verehrte Damen und Herren! Der berühmte deutsche Lyriker Reinhard Mey sang einst „Über den Wolken, da muss die Freiheit wohl grenzenlos sein“, und in diesen Worten steckt aus europapolitischer Sicht endlos viel Wahrheit. Denn über den Wolken gibt es keine Grenzen, da ist man einfach irgendwo über Europa. Deswegen unterstütze ich die Aktualisierung des Einheitlichen Europäischen Luftraums, auch wenn sie halb so lange gedauert hat, wie ich auf dieser Welt bin.

    Gleichzeitig sollten wir aber nicht aufhören, wo wir jetzt angefangen haben, und über weitere Dinge nachdenken. Ich möchte Ihnen da zwei Sachen vorschlagen.

    Zum einen braucht es eine Gebührenanpassung für klimafreundliche Flüge. Wir haben in der Vergangenheit gemerkt, dass wir vor allen Dingen über so etwas die Entwicklung in der Gesellschaft steuern können, und der Klimawandel kennt nun mal keine Grenzen.

    Zum anderen benötigen wir einen einheitlichen europäischen Luft-Datenraum. Wir müssen also den Datenaustausch zwischen den Mitgliedstaaten im Luftverkehr optimieren und damit effizienter machen, denn auch Daten kennen keine Grenzen. Die Arbeit am Einheitlichen Europäischen Luftraum ist wertvoll – sie ist noch nicht vorbei.

     
       

     

      Alvise Pérez (NI). – Señor presidente, ¿de verdad este Parlamento no entiende lo que se pretende hoy aquí, imponiendo el Cielo Único Europeo?

    No se trata de fomentar la competencia, no se trata de mejorar ninguna descentralización ni de ahorrarnos un 10 % más de CO2. Esa es la gran farsa: ¿qué poder en Europa está más centralizado que la propia Comisión Europea? ¿Qué entidad ha centralizado más poder que la Comisión? Ninguna. ¿Y siguen de verdad creyéndose estas iniciativas en pro del supuesto medio ambiente?

    Lo que busca con esto la Comisión es que hasta nuestros cielos dependan de una nueva entidad europea bajo el control férreo de Von der Leyen con la excusa del CO2. El Cielo Único Europeo no es más que un instrumento para expandir la supervisión y la regulación comunitaria imponiendo aún más objetivos ambientales, aún más cargas y aún más tarifas contra los usuarios de este continente. La señora Von der Leyen demuestra un desprecio absoluto por la soberanía de los países, y esta Cámara, también.

    Y aquí, un orgulloso español les responde que el desprecio, evidentemente, es mutuo. Solo que hay una diferencia esencial: quien parasita y esclaviza a nuestro país es ella, mientras que nosotros solo anhelamos libertad.

    Si queremos preocuparnos por el cielo europeo, defendámonos de las intrusiones y las amenazas militares por cielo, mar y aire con las que Marruecos y todas las falsas ONG del sur de Europa están atentando contra nuestro país.

    Esta no era la Europa que nos prometieron. Esta es una Europa mesiánica en la que no nos reconocemos.

     
       

       

    Intervenții la cerere

     
       

     

      Maria Grapini (S&D). – Domnule președinte, domnule comisar, stimați colegi, zece ani am fost în Comisia pentru transport și am tot dezbătut nevoia de îmbunătățire a Cerului unic european. Transportul prin aviație este extrem de important. Vorbeam mai devreme la raportul domnului Letta despre conectivitate, despre libera circulație. Domnule comisar, am patru zboruri pe săptămână – nu numai datorită condițiilor meteorologice sunt întârzieri. Întârzierile, așa cum ați spus și dumneavoastră, sunt frecvente și din alte cauze: lipsa de organizare, să stai pe pistă să aștepți că nu ai culoar de zbor.

    Asta înseamnă că este nevoie să aplicăm acest regulament și îl susțin, pentru că s-a lucrat la el, îmbunătățește Cerul unic european și cred că avem nevoie de un transport reformat și pe aviație pentru, sigur, eficiență economică în piața internă și, de ce nu, pentru protejarea drepturilor pasagerilor. Prețurile nu se schimbă când ai întârziere, dar ajungi foarte târziu la destinație și câteodată îți pierzi practic întâlnirile pe care ți le-ai programat.

     
       

     

      Γεάδης Γεάδη (ECR). – Κύριε Πρόεδρε, η εισήγηση για δημιουργία ενιαίου ευρωπαϊκού ουρανού αποτελεί μια προσπάθεια για βελτίωση της ασφάλειας, της αποδοτικότητας και της περιβαλλοντικής βιωσιμότητας των αεροπορικών υπηρεσιών, όπως έχει αναφερθεί.

    Όμως, πώς μπορούμε να μιλάμε για ασφάλεια όταν κλείνουμε τα μάτια στις παρανομίες; Θα γίνω πιο συγκεκριμένος. Η λειτουργία του παράνομου αεροδρομίου της κατεχόμενης Τύμπου στην Κύπρο θέτει σε κίνδυνο τις πτήσεις και χιλιάδες πολίτες καθημερινώς, αφού ελλοχεύει τεράστιος κίνδυνος για αεροπορικά ατυχήματα.

    Διερωτώμαι: δεν θα αντιδρούσατε αν λίγα μέτρα από το αεροδρόμιο της Φρανκφούρτης, δίπλα από το αεροδρόμιο στο Παρίσι, πλησίον του αεροδρομίου της Ρώμης, των Βρυξελλών, της Μαδρίτης, του Βερολίνου, λειτουργούσε ένα παράνομο αεροδρόμιο με δικούς του κανόνες; Φυσικά.

    Επομένως, ας αφήσουμε τα λόγια και ας περάσουμε στις πράξεις, που δεν είναι ο συντονισμός και η επικοινωνία με κατοχικές αρχές —κάτι που θα οδηγούσε στην κανονικοποίηση της παρανομίας— αλλά η απαγόρευση της λειτουργίας του, που θα συνοδεύεται με αυστηρότατες κυρώσεις σε αεροπορικές εταιρείες που χρησιμοποιούν το παράνομο αεροδρόμιο.

     
       

     

      João Oliveira (The Left). – Senhor Presidente, é certo que esta nova versão do Regulamento Céu Único Europeu não vai tão longe como a posição que o Parlamento Europeu havia aprovado, com tudo o que ela representava de ataque sem equívocos à soberania nacional, numa abordagem abertamente mercantilista e de liberalização ainda maior do setor aéreo, visando a sua concentração e centralização. Mas, esses não deixam de ser traços que persistem no documento final, mesmo que de forma matizada, traços que rejeitamos.

    Em nome do que esta proposta não é, não faltará certamente quem procure ir além dela, nomeadamente em Portugal, dando continuidade e consequência às ameaças que têm recaído sobre a NAV, com vista ao desmembramento da sua atividade, com prejuízo para a soberania nacional e para a economia.

    Pela nossa parte, daqui reafirmamos que continuaremos a intervir, rejeitando o caminho de liberalização do controlo aéreo e em defesa da NAV, empresa pública estratégica para o desenvolvimento nacional.

     
       

       

    (Încheierea intervențiilor la cerere)

     
       


     

      Wopke Hoekstra, Member of the Commission. – Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, dear Members, let me mention two quick points in response. The first one is on sovereignty. For those who are concerned about the impacts on the sovereignty of Member States over their airspace, let me be clear, and let me underline that all the provisions aim to foster better coordination within Europe. Member States will continue to decide whether and which parts of their airspace they open or they close. Full stop. It’s that simple. So I feel sovereignty will continue to be fully in place.

    Secondly, in response to the Members who have been speaking, let me reiterate what I said in the first term, and that is that more is needed. More needs to be done, and more today would have been better. But politics is also quite often the art of the possible. We are where we are today. Let’s seal this now and then let’s move forward from there.

     
       

     

      Jens Gieseke, Berichterstatter. – Herr Präsident, Herr Kommissar Hoekstra, liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen! Ich danke für diesen konstruktiven Austausch. Obwohl das natürlich ganz rechts und ganz links schwerfällt, bei so einem sachlichen Thema konstruktiv mitzuarbeiten, glaube ich, dass wir insgesamt eine gute Debatte hatten.

    Der einheitliche europäische Luftraum zeigt einmal mehr unser europäisches und auch unser EVP-Engagement für die kontinuierliche Unterstützung der Fluggäste, der Luftfahrtindustrie, der Forschung und Entwicklung, auch im Luftfahrt- und im Raumfahrtsektor, sowie auch die Einhaltung der Umweltversprechen. Wir streben ganz sicher nach effizienteren Flugsicherungsdiensten, weniger Verspätungen, einem geringeren ökologischen Fußabdruck und auch geringeren Kosten für Passagiere und Fluggesellschaften.

    Der einheitliche europäische Luftraum ist ein erster Schritt vorwärts, um die Engpässe im Luftraum zu beseitigen, um endlich einen wirklich einheitlichen EU-Raum zu schaffen, ohne die nationale Souveränität zu beeinträchtigen. Das wird dann auch zu weniger Kosten und zu einer besseren Umweltleistung führen.

    Ich glaube, morgen kann wirklich ein guter Tag werden für Europa. Von daher mein klarer Appell an alle Kolleginnen und Kollegen, morgen pünktlich zur Abstimmung zu kommen und für diese Neufassung zu stimmen. Ich stimme mit dem Kommissarsanwärter, aktuellen Kommissar und demnächst hoffentlich wiedergewählten Kommissar Hoekstra überein: Das ist ein erster Schritt heute, es werden weitere in den nächsten fünf Jahren folgen müssen. Aber für die EVP kann ich sagen: Wir sind bereit, diese Arbeit fortzusetzen. Unsere Bürger werden es sicherlich danken.

     
       

     

      Johan Danielsson, Föredragande. – Herr talman! Jag blir glad över det engagemang som visats under debatten. Avslutningsvis vill jag betona att vårt arbete inom flygsektorn inte slutar här. Vi har, som många konstaterat, fortfarande mycket att göra för att säkerställa en rättvis och hållbar flygsektor i Europa.

    Smidiga gränsöverskridande transporter är viktiga men får aldrig ske på bekostnad av arbetstagares rättigheter. Under denna mandatperiod hoppas jag därför att vi kan ta itu också med andra viktiga frågor som berör sektorn.

    En revidering av EU:s förordning om luftfartstjänster står högt på agendan. För det första måste vi stärka reglerna kring så kallad wet leasing, där flygbolag hyr in plan med besättning. Wet leasing ska naturligtvis kunna användas för att möta oförutsedda händelser, men inte för att konkurrera med löner och arbetsvillkor.

    Utvecklingen – där på ytan seriösa flygbolag skapar dotterbolag med enda syftet att pressa tillbaka personalens arbetsvillkor – är inte värdig och måste få ett slut. För det andra behöver vi tydligare definitioner kring personalens hemmabas. Vi har sett hur bolag i dag utnyttjar skillnader i nationell lagstiftning för att pressa ner lönekostnaderna. Också detta måste få ett slut.

    Med det sagt återstår nu att genomföra Single European Sky. Det kommer att kräva fortsatt hårt arbete från EU-kommissionen i övervakningen av de regler som vi nu ändå får på plats, för att säkerställa att det verkligen blir ett steg framåt och inte ett slag i luften. Jag hoppas att alla är här och röstar för förslaget i morgon.

     
       

     

      President. – The debate is closed.

    The vote will take place tomorrow.

     

    15. A stronger Europe for safer products to better protect consumers and tackle unfair competition: boosting EU oversight in e-commerce and imports (debate)


     

      Didier Reynders, membre de la Commission. – Monsieur le Président, Mesdames et Messieurs les députés, je suis ravi d’être parmi vous aujourd’hui pour débattre des défis que pose le commerce électronique, tant en matière de protection des consommateurs que de concurrence loyale ou de durabilité. Ces dernières années, des milliards de colis individuels ont été expédiés directement aux consommateurs de l’Union, notamment par voie aérienne, et de nouveaux acteurs du commerce électronique, principalement installés en dehors de l’Union, dominent désormais le marché. Quatre milliards de colis devraient être livrés en 2024.

    La Commission est consciente que cet afflux de marchandises achetées en ligne pose des défis en matière de conformité au cadre juridique applicable et de sécurité, de concurrence déloyale et de durabilité. En effet, bon nombre de ces produits s’avèrent dangereux, non conformes ou contrefaits.

    En raison de l’urgence de la situation, nous devons identifier une réponse européenne collective pour garantir la sécurité et la conformité des produits vendus sur ces plateformes de commerce électronique situées dans des pays tiers, pour préserver les consommateurs de pratiques commerciales déloyales et pour assurer des conditions de concurrence justes et équitables aux entreprises européennes.

    The Commission is ready to act in cooperation with the market surveillance authorities, the consumer protection and customs authorities, as well as with the digital services coordinators under the DSA to effectively enforce Union legislation and increase the controls on those platforms and products. We have instruments at our disposal that we are already using.

    First, the Digital Services Act is a powerful tool and it is a priority to enforce this regulation. The Commission is fully committed to ensuring strong and effective enforcement against very large online platforms, notably marketplaces not complying with all rules, which risk fines up to 6% of their global turnover. The DSA gives the Commission unprecedented enforcement powers that are already available. The recent enforcement action by the Commission, which resulted in TikTok’s commitment to withdraw its ‘lite rewards’ system from the EU market, as it raised concerns of addictiveness, is a good example of what the DSA can deliver for the whole European Union.

    More specifically, regarding e-commerce, the Commission has already launched an investigation in relation to AliExpress’ practices, including on suspicions related to the risk of dissemination of illegal products and the possible negative impact to consumer protection. We have also recently designated Temu and Shein as very large online platforms under the DSA, and already launched investigative actions in relation to these two online marketplaces. Consumer protection and compliance by online marketplaces is and will remain one of our enforcement priorities. We take this responsibility seriously and will not refrain to act decisively. The Commission will also coordinate closely with the digital services coordinators, which are responsible for the smaller online marketplaces, to ensure that smaller online marketplaces also follow the rules, and that these rules are consistently applied in the European Union. The European Board for Digital Services is crucial in this respect.

    Second, customs authorities are the first line of defence when it comes to products imported from third countries. They are also key actors in the supply chain to identify and suspend the release of non-compliant and dangerous goods. The customs reform, proposed by the Commission in 2023, is currently being discussed by the European Parliament and the Council. Under this proposed reform, the implementation of an EU customs data hub would enable risk management at EU level, making the enforcement of compliance with product requirements more targeted and effective. Additionally, the proposal includes an abolition of the current threshold that exempts goods valued at less than EUR 150 from customs duties. These measures would be important tools for combating fraud and abuse. However, customs authorities cannot act alone. It is crucial for them to collaborate with market surveillance authorities and digital services coordinators to combine their tools, capacity and expertise.

    Third, the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network, under the coordination of the Commission, has carried out several enforcement actions in recent years against key market players, such as Amazon and AliExpress, to bring them into line with EU consumer protection legislation. In May, the consumer organisation BEUC informed the Commission about practices of the e-commerce platform Temu and its alleged non-compliance with, among others, EU consumer laws. The Commission has immediately informed the CPC Network about this complaint, and discussions under that format are ongoing. Compliance by major e-commerce players, including those targeting European consumers from third countries, is a top priority for the Commission and national authorities. The Commission will continue to fully support and coordinate the enforcement work of the network.

    Looking ahead, it will be essential to further tackle challenges with e-commerce platforms and strengthen measures to prevent non-EU compliant products from entering the EU market. This would include ensuring an optimal articulation between the General Product Safety Regulation, the Market Surveillance Regulation and the Digital Services Act. To further improve online product safety and compliance with relevant rules, it will be our priority to fully use the enforcement toolbox provided for under these regulations, for example, by organising product safety control to check and improve compliance of the e-commerce sector with EU product safety requirements, organising joint product sampling and testing activities involving online mystery shopping, and facilitating further the cooperation between market surveillance and customs authorities to give an unified response to the challenges of e-commerce.

    To ensure that manufacturers outside the EU comply with all rules, the new GPSR also introduces a new obligation to appoint a responsible person for their products. This will guarantee traceability and responsibility for any goods sold on the open market. To address the issue at its source, it is also paramount to continue cooperating with manufacturing third countries. We are, for example, committed to continue the awareness-raising and training activities on EU product safety rules with Chinese companies. Apart from legal obligations, it is also important to explore voluntary cooperation mechanisms, such as the product safety pledge, which has enabled the removal of close to 60 000 unsafe products listings in the past six months.

    It will also be crucial to further improve the current enforcement framework for cross-border infringement of EU consumer law, in order to preserve the level playing field in the Union and the competitiveness of EU businesses. To achieve this aim, we will continue to explore possible approaches to strengthen the Commission’s role in specific circumstances that affect consumers throughout the Union and to further improve the enforcement cooperation among national authorities. Moreover, the Commission encouraged the swift adoption of some proposed legislative initiatives, namely the ‘VAT in the digital age’ package and the customs reform, that aim to structurally improve the transparency and control on the flow of goods entering and leaving the union, starting by e-commerce goods.

    I thank you for your attention. Of course, I am now looking forward to our debate and to try to collect your proposals, remarks, or maybe some criticism.

     
       

     

      Andreas Schwab, im Namen der PPE-Fraktion. – Herr Präsident, Herr Kommissar, liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen! Onlineplattformen haben die Art und Weise, wie Verbraucher einkaufen, grundlegend geändert. Verbraucherinnen und Verbraucher sind nicht mehr auf lokale Anbieter beschränkt, sondern können Waren bei internationalen Händlern einkaufen, wodurch ihre Auswahl erweitert wird und sie oft bessere Preise finden. Sie haben ja gerade angesprochen, Herr Kommissar: 4 Milliarden Pakete allein in diesem Jahr zeigen, dass die europäischen Verbraucherinnen und Verbraucher an internationalen Produkten interessiert sind und auf den besten Preis achten. Aber viele Drittstaatenplattformen stehen in der Kritik wegen mangelhafter Produktqualität, unzureichender Kontrollen und damit unfairer Wettbewerbsbedingungen.

    Deswegen ist es gut, Herr Kommissar, dass Sie den Dreiklang aus Maßnahmen, die greifen können, dargestellt haben. Zoll: Wir haben nach wie vor 27 unterschiedliche Zollsysteme, obwohl das einheitliche europäische Zollrecht angewendet werden muss, und es wird leider unterschiedlich angewendet. Wir haben zum Zweiten die Marktaufsichtsbehörden, die alle in nationaler Hand sind und unterschiedlich stark ausgestattet sind, und wir haben das Gesetz über digitale Dienste. Und hier, Herr Kommissar, hätte ich mir etwas mehr erwartet, denn das Gesetz über digitale Dienste wird jetzt schon zum zweiten Mal gegenüber Temu in Anwendung gebracht – aber immer mit der Bitte um Auskunftserteilung und nicht mit Entscheidungen.

    Hier müssen wir schneller vorankommen, denn mit dem Gesetz über digitale Dienste und dem Gesetz über digitale Märkte hat das Europäische Parlament hier – dieses Haus – in den vergangenen Jahren wichtige Schritte unternommen, um das Vertrauen der Bürger in die Sicherheit des Internets zu stärken und um europäischen Unternehmen fairen Wettbewerb anzubieten. Daran wollen wir festhalten, und deshalb ist die Europäische Kommission gefordert, hier Schritte folgen zu lassen.

     
       

     

      Laura Ballarín Cereza, en nombre del Grupo S&D. – Señor presidente, señor comisario, un 71 % de la población europea compra bienes y servicios en línea. El comercio en línea es cómodo, es barato, pero tiene muchos riesgos. Por ello, regularlo bien es ya inaplazable.

    Sabemos que plataformas de comercio electrónico, como Amazon, Aliexpress, Temu o Shein, están afectando a nuestro comercio en tres aspectos clave.

    En primer lugar, en la seguridad de productos que consumimos: juguetes, ropa, etc. Todos conocemos esos productos que nos llegan a casa y que no cumplen las condiciones mínimas.

    En segundo lugar, en el enorme impacto que tienen sobre el comercio local de nuestros municipios, que está siendo asfixiado por la competencia desleal de estas plataformas a nuestras pymes europeas.

    Y, en tercer lugar, en el medio ambiente, porque sabemos que estas empresas abandonan a su suerte toneladas de paquetes devueltos por clientes en Europa y en otros continentes, lo que pone en riesgo la salud de todo el planeta.

    Para eso tenemos leyes, apliquémoslas: más controles en las aduanas, y comercio y consumo responsable para proteger nuestro medio ambiente, a nuestros consumidores y nuestro comercio local.

     
       

     

      Virginie Joron, au nom du groupe PfE. – Monsieur le Président, chers collègues, Monsieur le Commissaire, nous voici en marche vers cinq ans de teutonneries supplémentaires. On avait espéré en 2019 que le premier mandat von der Leyen ferait état d’une gestion saine et honnête. Mais on a eu le matraquage des automobilistes, un dérapage budgétaire et les fourberies de Pfizer.

    Ce soir, nous parlons donc de la surveillance européenne des marchés du commerce en ligne, pendant que nos commerces de proximité ferment les uns après les autres. La vente de produits dangereux, illicites, contrefaits ou volés est encore légion sur les grandes plateformes. Cette lutte, c’était pourtant ce que vous aviez promis lors de l’adoption de toutes les législations précédentes sur la question. Votre slogan? «Le règlement sur les services numériques protégera vos enfants.» Aujourd’hui, ce n’est plus un règlement sur les services numériques, mais un règlement sur la surveillance numérique qui a été mis en place, sous l’impulsion du démissionnaire Thierry Breton. Les associations de consommateurs ont signalé en avril dernier le géant chinois Temu, parce qu’il n’assurait pas l’identification des vendeurs. C’est l’article 30 du règlement sur les services numériques. Ces mêmes associations ont fait état de cas où le consommateur est manipulé par des prix qui changent ou qui ne correspondent pas au produit choisi. C’est l’article 25 du règlement sur les services numériques. On a eu la directive de 1998 sur les indications de prix, la directive de 2005 sur les pratiques commerciales prohibées, les nouvelles règles de sécurité des jouets ou encore la réforme du code des douanes.

    Mais la réalité, c’est une jungle de normes qui empêchent nos entreprises françaises ou européennes de se développer, et des pays tiers, comme la Chine, leader mondial du commerce électronique, qui contournent sans problème nos règles – dixit un inspecteur de l’OLAF – ou, pis, qui bénéficient d’exemptions des frais de douane pour les achats dont la valeur ne dépasse pas 150 euros. Une jungle où, finalement, c’est Bruxelles qui tire une balle dans le pied du commerce électronique européen.

     
       

     

      Piotr Müller, w imieniu grupy ECR. – Panie Przewodniczący! Panie Komisarzu! Szanowni Państwo! Regulacje dotyczące bezpieczeństwa produktów w Europie są niezwykle ważne. One powodują, że z jednej strony konsumenci są bezpieczni, a z drugiej strony, że standaryzujemy pewnego rodzaju rozwiązania produkcyjne w Europie, co oczywiście też przynosi wymierne korzyści i bezpieczeństwo dla konsumentów. Jednak widzimy tę rosnącą konkurencję ze strony w szczególności rynków azjatyckich i moją obawą jest to, że te przepisy w praktyce nie będą obowiązywały właśnie wobec tych krajów, które dostają się na rynek europejski w sposób inny niż produkcja na naszym rodzimym rynku.

    W związku z tym mam pytanie do Pana Komisarza, jakie działania tutaj można byłoby podjąć (chociażby być może zapisując w nowej perspektywie budżetowej, nad którą będziemy pracować, dodatkowe środki dla urzędów, dla instytucji krajowych i unijnych, ale przede wszystkim krajowych, bo one najczęściej kontrolują jakość produktów), aby właśnie rzeczywista kontrola tych produktów, które pochodzą w szczególności z Azji, miała miejsce.

     
       

     

      Svenja Hahn, im Namen der Renew-Fraktion. – Herr Präsident! Wenn Spielzeuge für Babys so leicht auseinanderfallen, dass sie daran ersticken können, dann haben Eltern zu Recht Angst. Vor allem, wenn Untersuchungen zeigen, dass mehr als die Hälfte von Spielzeugen aus Drittländern wie China gefährlich ist.

    Wenn Designs von kleinen europäischen Designern kopiert werden und die Klamotten aus fragwürdiger Produktion mit giftigen Chemikalien belastet sind und dann auch noch über Plattformen wie Temu und Shein zu Billigpreisen verschleudert werden, dann leiden wir Verbraucher, unsere Umwelt und unsere Unternehmen, die sich an Recht und Gesetz halten.

    Illegale und unsichere Produkte dürfen nicht in unseren Binnenmarkt kommen, am besten, weil sie bereits vor Verkauf gestoppt werden. Die Kommission und die Mitgliedstaaten müssen geltendes Recht rigoros durchsetzen: das Gesetz über digitale Dienste und die neuen Regeln zu Produktsicherheit. Wir müssen gemeinsam unsere Marktüberwachung und unseren Zoll stärken. Vor allem die Digitalisierung des Zolls muss schneller vorangehen, damit wir die digitale Voranmeldung und auch den Wegfall der Freigrenze für illegale Produkte haben können, damit wir illegale Produkte aus unserem Markt fernhalten können.

    Ich baue darauf, dass die Kommission zügig einen Aktionsplan mit den Mitgliedstaaten umsetzen wird, damit unsere Kleinsten sicher sind, damit Shopping weder zur Ausbeutung von Umwelt noch von Menschen führt und Wettbewerb fair ist.

     
       

     

      Saskia Bricmont, au nom du groupe Verts/ALE. – Monsieur le Président, Monsieur le Commissaire, vous l’avez dit: Temu, Shein, AliExpress, Amazon et de plus petites plateformes inondent le marché européen de produits à faible coût. Mais, derrière ces bas prix, il y a des coûts énormes, notamment des techniques de manipulation en ligne incitant à l’hyperconsommation ou des produits de mauvaise qualité pouvant s’avérer dangereux pour la santé et la sécurité.

    Une enquête a même révélé que 80 % des jouets testés ayant été importés par le biais de ces plateformes ne respectaient pas les normes de sécurité européennes. Cela induit aussi une concurrence déloyale pour les entreprises européennes qui respectent les normes sociales, environnementales, de produits, de sécurité. Ces normes existent au niveau européen pour de bonnes raisons: la protection des consommateurs, des travailleurs, de l’environnement. Elles doivent donc être respectées par tout le monde, y compris par les entreprises importatrices et par les plateformes de pays tiers.

    Des centaines de milliers de colis arrivent chez nous tous les jours, en un clic et sans avoir fait l’objet de contrôles. Autant de produits potentiellement dangereux, qui ne respectent pas les normes européennes. Cette concurrence déloyale touche tous les secteurs et constitue souvent un frein au développement de filières locales durables et sociétalement responsables. C’est le cas notamment du secteur textile, où la concurrence déloyale de l’«ultrafast fashion» venant des plateformes chinoises menace l’émergence d’un secteur textile durable en Europe.

    L’Union européenne est bien là pour protéger les consommateurs et nos entrepreneurs: il faut donc assurer effectivement le respect des règles, la transparence et l’information des consommateurs, mais aussi des contrôles douaniers renforcés et les moyens nécessaires à de tels contrôles, des droits de douane même pour les achats de moins de 150 euros, et un renforcement des sanctions à l’égard des plateformes qui ne respectent pas les règles.

     
       

     

      Hanna Gedin, för The Left gruppen. – Herr talman! Jag ska börja med att säga att jag är glad att vi har den här diskussionen, för situationen är ohållbar.

    Från Vänstern har vi länge krävt ett stramare regelverk för e-handelsplattformar. Ett test som nyligen gjordes av leksaksbranschen visar att åtta av tio leksaker som importeras till EU och kan köpas på olika internetsajter riskerar att kväva eller förgifta barn – kväva och förgifta våra barn.

    De uppfyller inte EU:s säkerhetskrav. Vår uppgift som lagstiftare är att se till att minska risken för olyckor, att se till att medborgarna är trygga och säkra. Det gör vi genom att premiera miljövänliga och säkra produkter, samtidigt som vi ser till att arbetsvillkoren för dem som producerar de här sakerna är bra.

    Det är inte bara barn och andra konsumenter i Europa som riskerar att skadas. Det finns återkommande indikationer på att många av de här produkterna, förutom att de är skadliga, dessutom är tillverkade genom tvångsarbete.

    Kommissionen måste agera – inte bara för att den här slapphäntheten mot utländska internetsajter konkurrerar med lägre standarder och sämre arbetsvillkor än varor som produceras i enlighet med EU-lagstiftning. Dagens regelverk leder faktiskt till stora risker för alla medborgare – inte minst för våra barn. Lösningen måste vara att även utländska sajter får samma skyldigheter som inhemska aktörer, att tullen får större resurser och att varor som importeras, till exempel från Kina, inte längre ska subventioneras när det kommer till exempelvis fraktkostnader.

     
       

     

      Zsuzsanna Borvendég, a ESN képviselőcsoport nevében. – Tisztelt Elnök Úr! A helyi termelők által helyben előállított termékek védik a környezetet és a nemzetgazdaságot is erősítik, vagyis minden szempontból a társadalom jólétét szolgálják. Emiatt kezdett pártom, a Mi Hazánk Mozgalom hazai termelői vásárokat szervezni Magyarországon, ezzel is népszerűsítve a jó minőségű helyi termékek fogyasztását. Az élelmiszeripar különösen veszélyeztetett ezen a területen. Vissza kell szorítani a globális élelmiszerláncok sokszor gyenge minőségű, földrészeken át utaztatott, agyonvegyszerezett termékeinek dömpingjét.

    A multik gazdasági érdekei nem írhatják felül az emberek egészséges élethez való jogát, de meg kell akadályozni azt is, hogy politikai elfogultság alapján olyan mezőgazdasági termékeknek nyissunk szabad utat, amelyek nem felelnek meg az EU-s előírásoknak, ahogy az számos ukrán termék esetében megtörténik. Azonnali hatállyal meg kell tiltani a harmadik országokból érkező hamisított méz importját is. Ennek érdekében egy előterjesztést is készítettem, amelyet az ESN frakció benyújtott, de az AGRI bizottság napirendre sem volt hajlandó ezt tűzni. Kérem, gondolják ezt át újra!

     
       


     

      Christel Schaldemose (S&D). – Hr. Formand, kommissær. Flere og flere handler på nettet. Legetøj, tøj, gaver. Det er nemt, det er bekvemt, og det er praktisk. Men hvis man handler på platforme som Temu, så kan det altså skade både din sundhed, vores miljø og den europæiske konkurrenceevne, og alt for mange af f.eks. Temu’s produkter de lever simpelthen ikke op til de europæiske regler. De er sundhedsskadelige, miljøskadelige, og så er de også ødelæggende for vores konkurrencesituation for vores europæiske virksomheder. Derfor er der brug for, at der sker noget. Vi har fået mange nye regler, men vi har brug for, at de bliver håndhævet. Derfor vil jeg gerne opfordre EU-Kommissionen til at komme i gang med at håndhæve reglerne og gøre det lidt hurtigere, end det, der sker i dag. Vi har fået nogle gode regler i det, jeg sagde. Spørgsmålet er, om de er gode nok, spørgsmålet er, om der skal mere til. Noget af det, som jeg tror, vi skal kigge på, er, om vi egentlig ikke burde give disse handelsplatforme et importøransvar, så de fik et meget konkret og direkte ansvar for at sikre, at de produkter, de sælger, overholder de europæiske regler. Så hurtigere og bedre, og hvis ikke det er nok, så tror jeg, at vi skal se på, om der skal endnu flere strammere regler til.

     
       

     

      Ernő Schaller-Baross (PfE). – Tisztelt Elnök Úr! A termékbiztonság egyre sürgetőbb kérdés Európában, különösen az e-kereskedelem gyors ütemű terjedése révén. Mondjuk ki őszintén, a piacfelügyelet rendszere ma nem elég hatékony, hogy lépést tartson a digitális világ kihívásaival. A fellépés hiánya komoly kockázatot jelent polgáraink biztonságára nézve, és hosszú távon veszélyezteti Európa versenyképességét is. Az e-kereskedelem gyors üteme és a határokon átnyúló eladások miatt a tagállami hatóságoknak nehéz feladatuk van, hogy minden egyes terméket ellenőrizzenek.

    Így a fogyasztók biztonsága gyakran veszélybe kerül, és a szabályozás átláthatóságának fenntartására s kihívásokkal szembesül. Az Európai Parlament nem blokkolhatja tovább a háromoldalú tárgyalásokat, kezdje el a munkát. Kezdje el a termékbiztonságot érintő javaslatok, többek között a játékbiztonságról szóló szabályok tárgyalását is. Ne hagyjuk, hogy a késlekedés ára az európai polgárok vagy gyermekeink biztonsága legyen! Tegyük meg a szükséges lépéseket közösen, hogy Európa továbbra is az innováció és a biztonságos termékek kontinense lehessen. A jelenlévő vagy nem jelenlévő TISZA párti képviselőknek pedig azt üzenem, hogy ne féljenek, ha kérdést tesznek föl ebben a Házban, ebben a teremben válaszolni is lehet.

     
       

     

      Denis Nesci (ECR). – Signor Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, la protezione dei consumatori e la lotta alla concorrenza sleale, soprattutto nel commercio online, sono una questione prioritaria per l’Europa.

    Troppi prodotti non conformi agli standard europei continuano a entrare nel nostro mercato attraverso l’e-commerce, mettendo a rischio la sicurezza dei consumatori e penalizzando le nostre aziende, in particolare le piccole e medie imprese italiane ed europee.

    Non possiamo più accettare che le nostre imprese siano costrette a competere ad armi impari con prodotti di bassa qualità provenienti da paesi che non rispettano le nostre regole. Le aziende che rispettano rigorosamente la normativa europea su sicurezza e qualità sono penalizzate da una concorrenza sleale.

    Dobbiamo rafforzare i controlli alle frontiere, garantire che i prodotti importati rispettino gli stessi standard che le nostre imprese sono tenute a seguire. Chiediamo che l’Unione europea intervenga con decisione: è fondamentale che le piattaforme di e-commerce non diventino un canale privilegiato per la vendita di prodotti non conformi. Questo è un punto essenziale per difendere la sovranità economica italiana e quella europea, proteggendo il nostro tessuto produttivo.

    Come abbiamo spesso sottolineato, la nostra economia non può continuare a subire le conseguenze di politiche commerciali che favoriscono attori esterni a scapito delle nostre eccellenze.

     
       


     

      Majdouline Sbai (Verts/ALE). – Monsieur le Président, chers collègues, en dix ans, le chiffre d’affaires du commerce électronique a été multiplié par trois. Rien qu’en France, le chiffre d’affaires du site Shein se monte à 1,63 milliard d’euros. C’est un tsunami économique.

    Alors oui, oui à la protection des consommateurs, oui à la fin de l’exonération des droits de douane en dessous de 150 euros d’achats, oui à une enquête précise sur les soupçons de subventions chinoises et de concurrence déloyale, oui à la fin de la publicité mensongère, oui, encore oui au contrôle sur la toxicité, la propriété intellectuelle et la sécurité des données personnelles.

    Oui, mais quand? Combien d’enseignes et de marques européennes auront fermé entre-temps? Combien de chaussures pour enfants intoxiquées au plomb aurons-nous achetées? Combien de jeunes auront adopté des comportements de consommation détestables pour notre avenir?

    Alors, oui à tout cela, mais quand? Je vous le dis: agissons maintenant!

     
       

     

      Leila Chaibi (The Left). – Monsieur le Président, chers collègues, des ballons de baudruche à gonfler soi-même bourrés de substances cancérigènes, des jouets comprenant des pièces qui peuvent être avalées, des casques de moto pour enfants qui, en fait ne protègent pas du tout, des détecteurs de fumée qui ne détectent pas la fumée… Ces produits dangereux ne sont pas des exceptions: ils pullulent sur des plateformes de vente en ligne comme Amazon, Temu ou Wish. Les associations de consommateurs les ont testées, et le constat est alarmant.

    Comment est-il possible que ces objets puissent envahir le marché européen? La réponse est simple. Pour les géants du commerce électronique, la priorité c’est: les profits, et le marché européen, c’est le jackpot.

    C’est un triple jackpot, en réalité. D’abord, un jackpot sur les normes de sécurité, car ces plateformes ignorent les normes de sécurité en vigueur chez nous. Elles inondent l’Union européenne de produits qui ne respectent pas les réglementations en matière de sécurité, et mettent donc les Européens en danger.

    C’est un jackpot sur les conditions de travail, car ces produits sont fabriqués dans des conditions inacceptables, en exploitant les travailleurs et en détruisant la planète.

    C’est un jackpot sur les obligations fiscales, car, pour couronner le tout, ces plateformes trouvent le moyen d’échapper à leurs obligations fiscales. Et tout cela permet à ces plateformes de commerce électronique de casser les prix et d’écraser nos entreprises européennes, qui ne peuvent pas rivaliser face à cette concurrence déloyale.

    Chers collègues, il est temps de sonner la fin de la récré pour Amazon, pour Temu, pour Alibaba et compagnie. L’Union européenne passe beaucoup de temps à discuter, à légiférer sur le poids des pommes ou sur la pulpe des poires. Je ne dis pas que ce n’est pas intéressant, que ce n’est pas important, mais je crois qu’il y a plus important et plus urgent en matière de normalisation au sein du marché unique.

    Les plateformes de commerce électronique doivent assumer leurs responsabilités et se soumettre à nos règles communes. Elles doivent être tenues pour responsables des produits qu’elles vendent, comme n’importe quel commerçant en réalité. Si elles veulent jouer dans notre cour, alors elles doivent se conformer à nos règles. Pas de passe-droit. La santé et la sécurité des Européennes et des Européens passent avant leurs profits.

     
       

     

      Kateřina Konečná (NI). – Pane předsedající, kolegyně a kolegové, hračky pro batolata, které se snadno rozbijí na malé kousky, u nichž hrozí vdechnutí, nefungující plynové alarmy či hračky a kosmetika obsahující nebezpečné chemikálie – zkrátka produkty, které ohrožují spotřebitele a které jsou v Evropské unii zakázány vyrábět i prodávat.

    Jenže e-shopy až do této chvíle dokáží naše pravidla zdatně obcházet a společně s nimi je obchází i výrobci ze zemí mimo Evropskou unii. Tyto zdraví i život ohrožující výrobky, jež často cílí na děti, nadále zaplavují evropský trh díky e-shopům a nízkým nákladům na jejich výrobu. Budu ráda, pokud konečně tuto skulinu, jednou provždy, odstraníme. On-line platformy musí také nést odpovědnost za produkty, které na svých stránkách nabízejí. Jejich stahování musí mít jasná pravidla. Informační systémy musí být lépe připraveny a pokuty za jejich prodávání musí být značně vyšší, než byly dosud. Jsem ráda, že alespoň zde se věci mají s novými pravidly ubírat správným směrem.

     
       

     

      Kamila Gasiuk-Pihowicz (PPE). – Panie Komisarzu! Koledzy, koleżanki! Unia Europejska jest liderem we wprowadzaniu regulacji chroniących konsumentów na rynku cyfrowym, a jednocześnie miliony Europejczyków korzystają z niespełniających standardów Unii Europejskiej produktów. Dlaczego? Po pierwsze dlatego, że europejski rynek jest zalewany przez chińskie subsydiowane towary sprzedawane po bezkonkurencyjnie niskich cenach. 2023 rok 2 miliardy paczek, 2024 rok dwa razy tyle paczek – 4 miliardy.

    Po drugie wjeżdżają niebezpieczne produkty. W liście, który otrzymałam od 100 producentów zabawek z Polski, wskazano na sprawozdanie Toy Industries of Europe, z którego dowiadujemy się, że 18 z 19 zabawek kupionych na platformie Temu stanowi rzeczywiste zagrożenie dla bezpieczeństwa dzieci. Po trzecie chińskie platformy sprzedażowe stosują agresywny marketing i manipulują klientami. Często informacje o tym, kto sprzedaje i za ile sprzedaje wymagają dziesiątki kliknięć, a i tak na koniec są podawane po chińsku.

    Co możemy zrobić, żeby przywrócić uczciwą konkurencję? Po pierwsze wprowadzić poza nielicznymi wyjątkami cła na paczki o wartości do 150 euro. Po drugie Komisja musi skutecznie i szybko egzekwować istniejące prawo. Po trzecie działania organów nadzoru krajowych i unijnych muszą być skoordynowane. Musimy to zatrzymać, zanim będzie za późno, zanim miliony produktów niespełniających standardów bezpieczeństwa trafią do naszych domów, do rąk naszych dzieci, zanim setki tysięcy miejsc w Europie znikną. Musimy to zrobić teraz.

     
       

     

      Maria Grapini (S&D). – Domnule președinte, stimați colegi, discutăm de protecția consumatorului și concurența loială în piață, domnule comisar. Sigur, am dezbătut astăzi și dezbatem comerțul online. Avem foarte multe reglementări, le-ați enumerat și dumneavoastră. Întreb: poate un cetățean, un consumator care a achiziționat online un produs să se apere dacă produsul e defect, dacă se îmbolnăvește, dacă produsul nu este conform? Avem reglementare de la etichetare până la dreptul la repararea produselor.

    Totuși, în piața internă sunt extrem de multe produse neconforme din țări terțe și – sigur nu vă dau, cred, o noutate – și în comerțul online avem produse din țări terțe pentru că acordurile nu sunt bine comercial făcute. Nu este subliniată respectarea standardelor de produs, cele europene, și atunci întrebarea este: cum le aplicăm? Reformarea vămilor – pentru prima dată vom avea o autoritate europeană pentru vămi. Problema este de aplicare, nu de reglementare. Am rămas în urmă cu implementarea și cred că aici trebuie să punem accent împreună cu statele membre, evident, ca să protejăm cu adevărat consumatorii.

     
       

     

      Gilles Pennelle (PfE). – Monsieur le Président, nous ne pouvons bien évidemment, au groupe des Patriotes pour l’Europe, que saluer l’intention de protéger les consommateurs européens. Cependant, le rapport Letta nous démontre que nous assistons à une augmentation des fraudes, à une augmentation de la concurrence déloyale et à ces fameuses importations de produits dangereux.

    Alors certes, on a beaucoup parlé des jouets. Je voudrais aussi parler des médicaments, par exemple, qui sont extrêmement dangereux pour la santé lorsqu’ils sont achetés sur des sites que personne ne contrôle. Dans la réalité, vous récoltez, à la Commission et dans cette Union européenne, les fruits de votre politique. C’est le résultat du dogme suprême du libre-échange qui nous amène là où nous en sommes.

    En effet, comment contrôler cette jungle qu’est devenu aujourd’hui le commerce électronique, où les géants du numérique règnent en maîtres. Je pense que les solutions ne sont, comme d’habitude, pas celles que vous proposez. Les solutions sont nationales. Il faut renforcer les douanes nationales pour contrôler ces importations de produits dangereux.

    Je voudrais, puisqu’il me reste quelques secondes, rappeler que, dans la plus grande opacité, dans le plus grand secret, la Commission européenne négocie actuellement le traité de libre-échange avec le Mercosur. Mais, là aussi, nous allons probablement importer des produits dangereux, des viandes de très mauvaise qualité, nourries par des produits interdits dans l’Union européenne.

    Finalement, vous êtes face à vos contradictions. Il est temps de changer de politique.

     
       

     

      Francesco Torselli (ECR). – Signor Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, oggi l’Unione europea sta subendo un vero e proprio attacco da parte di certe nazioni straniere a colpi di prodotti non conformi, di bassissima qualità, spesso anche pericolosi per il consumatore finale.

    Un attacco che sfrutta due falle esistenti nel nostro sistema di difesa: la prima, la possibilità di aggirare facilmente le regole da parte di certe piattaforme online; e la seconda, il fatto che l’Europa negli ultimi anni ha promulgato una serie di regolamenti autolesionisti, che spesso sembravano più favorire chi stava fuori dall’Europa piuttosto che le nostre imprese.

    È essenziale che oggi l’Unione europea intensifichi i controlli alle frontiere, protegga i consumatori, contrasti la concorrenza sleale. Dobbiamo migliorare la cooperazione, responsabilizzare le piattaforme online. Cooperazione e responsabilità: queste sono le ricette per un’Europa più forte che contrasti il commercio illegale.

     
       

     

      Nikola Minchev (Renew). – Mr President, the European Union is a global leader in setting high standards with the aim of ensuring quality and protecting our consumers. ‘Made in the EU’ is not just a label; it’s an unmatched guarantee of quality and safety. Yet we allow unreasonably cheap, low-quality, sometimes even dangerous, products to flood our markets, undercutting our industries. This must change.

    We need stronger enforcement of anti-dumping measures to defend the integrity of our single market. The European Commission has made recent strides, improving trade defence instruments by over 40 % to allow faster investigations and duties on unfair imports. But more action and especially enforcement of the existing rules is needed.

    Take my own country, Bulgaria. As the EU’s sixth largest exporter of electric bikes, our manufacturers face competition from cheap, lower quality imports from non-EU countries. These imports threaten to destabilise the growing sector. Robust enforcement, like recent EU actions against Chinese e-bikes, is essential to protect jobs, innovation and fair competition across Europe.

     
       

     

      Anna Cavazzini (Verts/ALE). – Herr Präsident, liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen! Der Teddybär auf der Onlineplattform Temu, der sieht süß und flauschig aus und kostet auch nur zwölf Euro. Aber wenn die Verbraucherinnen und Verbraucher diesen Teddy bestellen, besteht die 95-prozentige Wahrscheinlichkeit, dass er den europäischen Vorgaben für Produktsicherheit nicht entspricht. In anderen Worten: Das Kuscheltier ist gefährlich: Seine Augen können verschluckt werden, oder das Fell ist vielleicht giftig.

    Dem immer schneller wachsenden Anteil des Onlinehandels, besonders mit Billigprodukten aus China, stehen Zoll und Marktüberwachung hier in Europa hilflos gegenüber. Dieses Jahr gehen Schätzungen zufolge vier Milliarden Pakete in die Europäische Union ein, die unter der Zollgrenze von 150 Euro liegen, und sie landen direkt bei den Verbraucherinnen und Verbrauchern.

    Es ist allerhöchste Zeit, unseren hohen europäischen Verbraucherschutz auch im Onlinehandel durchzusetzen. Die Kommission muss das Gesetz über digitale Dienste konsequent umsetzen und Online-Marktplätze mehr in die Verantwortung nehmen. Die EU-Zollreform ist der Schlüssel, um Kontrollen an unseren Grenzen zu verbessern. Das Parlament hat seine Hausaufgaben gemacht; der Rat schleicht und blockiert, und wir verlieren kostbare Zeit.

    Wir brauchen endlich mehr rechtliche und finanzielle Verantwortung für die Onlineplattformen. Den großen Wurf hat leider die konservative Seite dieses Parlaments in der letzten Legislatur blockiert; jetzt erkennen alle, glaube ich, dass es ein Fehler war.

     
       

     

      Christian Doleschal (PPE). – Herr Präsident, Herr Kommissar, liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen! Ein T-Shirt für drei Euro, eine Jacke für sieben oder ein Kinder-Plüschtier für wenige Cents: E-Commerce-Händler wie Temu oder Shein überfluten mit aggressiven Vermarktungsstrategien und Dumpingpreisen unsere Märkte. Allein 2023 exportierten Shein und Temu zusammen täglich 9000 Tonnen Fracht nach Europa. Mit ihren unlauteren Praktiken setzen sie unsere Onlinehändler, aber auch unsere Geschäfte in unseren schönen Innenstädten unter enormen Druck. Während diese sich an strenge europäische Vorschriften halten, verstoßen Temu und Shein gegen Vorgaben zur Produktsicherheit, Arbeitsbedingungen, Nachhaltigkeit, Urheberrecht und Datenschutz – ohne spürbare Konsequenzen.

    Doch eigentlich mangelt es nicht an Regeln, sondern an deren konsequenter Durchsetzung. E-Commerce-Plattformen wie Temu oder Shein nutzen geschickt Lücken in der Marktüberwachung und bei der Wareneinfuhr zu ihrem Vorteil. Fehlende innereuropäische Vernetzung beim Datenaustausch, unzureichende Zollkontrollen und die aktuell noch gültigen Zollbestimmungen begünstigen die oftmals ungeprüfte Einfuhr von Waren aus dem Ausland in massenhaften Paketen mit geringem Warenwert.

    Ja, es ist wichtig, die Aufhebung der Zollbefreiung von Waren unter 150 Euro im Rahmen der EU-Zollreform anzuregen, und dafür danke ich der Kommission. Wir müssen sehen, dass diese neuen Regeln so schnell wie möglich in Kraft treten und durchgesetzt werden. Es geht nicht darum, Protektionismus zu fördern, vielmehr geht es um fairen Wettbewerb – wenn unsere Innenstädte leer gefegt und unsere europäischen Onlinehändler zerstört sind, ist es zu spät.

     
       

     

      Bernd Lange (S&D). – Herr Präsident, Herr Kommissar, liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen! Die Temu-Schlagzeile „Shoppen wie ein Millionär“ müsste man wahrscheinlich umdichten in „Verkaufen wie ein Milliardär“. Wir haben gehört, vier Milliarden Päckchen kommen dieses Jahr von den Onlineplattformen Temu, Shein und AliExpress, und da frage ich mich schon, Herr Kommissar: Warum haben wir da nicht eine Gleichbehandlung mit Verkäufen innerhalb der Europäischen Union?

    Ich möchte ja nicht den Markt zumachen, überhaupt nicht. Aber es kann doch nicht sein, wenn wir innerhalb der Europäischen Union RAPEX haben, andere Möglichkeiten haben und wenn da ein Laden Produkte verkauft, die nicht akzeptabel sind, wird der Laden zugemacht, und hier fragen wir immer nur nach Informationen und machen im Grunde nicht klar, wenn ein Produkt auf der Plattform ist, und das ist mehrmals passiert, dass diese Plattform eben nicht mehr liefern kann.

    Oder auch – Sie sagen, die 150 Euro müssen fallen. Fallen die 2028, wie die Kommission vorschlägt, oder eben früher? Und was ist mit dem Rat und der Zollreform? Auch hier passiert zu wenig. Nicht nur klagen, sondern auch handeln für einen fairen Wettbewerb.

     
       

     

      Valérie Deloge (PfE). – Monsieur le Président, quand on entend parler de contrefaçons, on ne pense pas tout de suite à la nourriture. Pourtant, rien qu’en 2023, ce sont 1 150 000 produits alimentaires contrefaits qui ont été saisis en France. Yaourts, pâtes, fromages, mais aussi vin, cognac, huîtres et petits pots pour bébé: tout y passe. Ces produits sont faits pour ressembler à s’y méprendre aux originaux, mais ils ne répondent pas à nos normes et peuvent causer des risques pour notre santé. Pis: ces contrefaçons sont souvent 20 % à 70 % moins chères que les originaux. Nombreux sont les consommateurs qui les achètent, pensant profiter d’offres attrayantes sur des lots de déstockage.

    Cette situation est aussi dangereuse qu’intolérable. Elle signifie que nos agriculteurs et nos transformateurs ne sont pas seulement en concurrence avec les pays étrangers qui inondent notre marché à cause d’accords de libre-échange irresponsables, ils sont aussi en concurrence avec ces fraudes, qui ternissent l’image des filières et véhiculent une image négative des produits.

    Après les manifestations de l’an dernier, vous avez dit entendre la colère du monde agricole. Vous prétendez vouloir rétablir la réputation des agriculteurs et défendre les filières européennes: voici une bonne occasion de le faire. Traquez ces produits, contrôlez l’entrée des marchandises de mauvaise qualité ou qui ne répondent pas à nos normes et rendez au consommateur l’assurance qu’en achetant des produits européens ils achèteront de la qualité. La colère des agriculteurs, elle, est toujours là. À vous maintenant de prouver que vous pouvez vraiment agir.

     
       

     

      Nicolas Bay (ECR). – Monsieur le Président, à quoi bon avoir les normes les plus strictes et les plus exigeantes du monde si c’est pour laisser notre marché être inondé par des importations qui ne les respectent pas? À quoi bon étouffer nos producteurs par la paperasse, les taxes, les règles, si c’est pour laisser leurs concurrents tricher?

    Face à la concurrence déloyale, l’Union doit autant protéger ses consommateurs que défendre ses entreprises et ses producteurs. La réciprocité et des conditions équitables de concurrence sont nécessaires pour que le commerce soit bénéfique à tous. Il est impératif de multiplier les contrôles sur les importations et il est surtout impératif de ne pas nouer des accords commerciaux déséquilibrés. Le traité avec le Mercosur, en particulier, que la Commission cherche à conclure dans la précipitation, sacrifiera comme toujours nos agriculteurs. C’est une telle certitude, d’ailleurs, qu’un fonds est déjà prévu pour les indemniser.

    Nos producteurs sont les plus respectueux à la fois des consommateurs, de leurs animaux et de l’environnement. Leurs produits sont les meilleurs au monde. Ils ne veulent pas vivre de la charité. Ils veulent vivre du plus vieux et du plus noble des métiers: le travail de la terre, le travail de nos pères. Libérons-les et laissons-les se battre à armes égales en cessant d’organiser la concurrence déloyale, qui les condamne à la disparition.

     
       

     

      Anna Stürgkh (Renew). – Herr Präsident! Ja, bei fast jeder Diskussion zur EU fällt ein Wort wie das Amen im Gebet: Regulierung. Die EU als Regulierungsweltmeister und die Regulierung als quasi Endgegner der Innovation, ganz nach dem Motto „Du, glückliches Europa, reguliere“. Dabei steckt ja hinter den Regulierungen eigentlich ein wichtiges Ziel: nämlich Menschen und Unternehmen zu schützen und sie zu unterstützen, sicherzugehen, dass sie nicht Produzentinnen und Produzenten ausgeliefert werden, die Gesetze mit Füßen treten und Profit am Ende sogar noch mit dem Leben ihrer Konsumentinnen und Konsumenten machen.

    Dafür müssen wir aber die richtige Regulierung machen, und dafür müssen wir uns auch trauen, manchmal hinderliche Regulierungen wegzulassen. Wir müssen Menschen die Sicherheit geben, dass die Produkte, die sie in Europa auch online kaufen, nicht ihre Gesundheit oder ihr Leben gefährden. Wir müssen dafür sorgen, dass die Regeln, die für europäische Produzentinnen und Produzenten gelten, auch für Produkte gelten, die in unserem Land aus Drittstaaten in unsere Haushalte kommen. Wir müssen sichergehen, dass europäische Regeln auch europäisch gelten und nicht 27-mal unterschiedlich ausgelegt werden.

    Die Ziele sind richtig, der Weg noch holprig. Aber ja, „Du glückliches Europa – reguliere“.

     
       


     

      Δημήτρης Τσιόδρας (PPE). – Κύριε Πρόεδρε, αγαπητοί συνάδελφοι, οι Ευρωπαίοι πολίτες σε πολλές περιπτώσεις νιώθουν απροστάτευτοι από αθέμιτες πρακτικές, αλλά και από τον τρόπο με τον οποίο γίνονται πολλές συναλλαγές, ιδιαίτερα στο νέο ψηφιακό περιβάλλον.

    Στο ηλεκτρονικό εμπόριο πολλές φορές οι καταναλωτές δεν αισθάνονται ότι έχουν τον πλήρη έλεγχο των συναλλαγών τους λόγω των πολύπλοκων κανόνων και των ρητρών που περιλαμβάνονται στα περιβόητα ψιλά γράμματα. Σε πολλές περιπτώσεις υπάρχουν συγκαλυμμένες χρεώσεις, ενώ ο σχεδιασμός πολλών ψηφιακών υπηρεσιών δημιουργεί εθισμό στα παιδιά και οδηγεί σε πρόσθετες χρεώσεις μέσω βιντεοπαιχνιδιών. Παράλληλα, κάθε χρόνο, καταναλωτές στην Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση αγοράζουν, χωρίς να το γνωρίζουν, προϊόντα τα οποία δεν πληρούν τα ευρωπαϊκά πρότυπα ποιότητας και ασφάλειας.

    Ένα άλλο σημαντικό θέμα είναι ότι μεγάλες πολυεθνικές εταιρείες εκμεταλλεύονται τη δεσπόζουσα θέση τους στην αγορά για να επιβάλουν γεωγραφικούς εφοδιαστικούς περιορισμούς, επιβάλλοντας αδικαιολόγητα υψηλές τιμές. Ο πρωθυπουργός Κυριάκος Μητσοτάκης έχει στείλει στην Επιτροπή μια σχετική επιστολή και πιστεύω ότι θα πρέπει να επιληφθεί του θέματος. Είναι αναγκαία η αυστηρή τήρηση των κανόνων και, όπου χρειάζεται, περαιτέρω αυστηροποίηση της νομοθεσίας και συνεργασία των αρχών, προκειμένου οι Ευρωπαίοι καταναλωτές να αισθάνονται ότι προστατεύονται.

     
       

     

      Biljana Borzan (S&D). – Gospodine predsjedavajući, potrošačke organizacije čak 17 država prijavile se Europskoj komisiji najnoviji kineski div Temu. Propituje se sigurnost proizvoda, štetnost za zdravlje, pa čak i prodajni lanac u smislu prodaje ilegalnih proizvoda. Temu i dalje prodaje, ljudi i dalje kupuju.

    Prije nekoliko godina 18 potrošačkih organizacija prijavilo je Tik Tok europskim tijelima radi štetnog utjecaja na maloljetnike, koji čine 30 posto njihovih korisnika. Narušavanje mentalnog zdravlja, izazivanje ovisnosti, poticanje nezdravih navika i ponašanja kod djece gorući su problemi koji traže hitnu reakciju. Unatoč tome, promjene na platformi su minimalne.

    Kako prisiliti internetske divove da poštuju europska pravila? Treba dati veće ovlasti Europskoj komisiji u slučaju povrede potrošačkih prava. Pokažimo građanima da nisu sami, da je udar na naše ljude, udar i na naše institucije i da će one brzo i efikasno odgovoriti ondje gdje ih najviše boli. One koji rade greške – udarimo ih po džepu.

     
       

     

      Philippe Olivier (PfE). – Monsieur le Président, la question de la sécurité des produits n’est pas toujours affaire de développement juridique ou de normes, mais de contrôles. Elle pose la question des portes d’entrée de l’Europe, et les portes d’entrée de l’Europe, ce sont les ports. Sur Le Havre, sur 6 000 conteneurs, seuls 5 sont contrôlés. D’une manière générale, tous les ports européens tendent à être pris en main par les mafias, soit par la peur et par la menace, soit par la corruption. Personne ne s’en préoccupe.

    Comment croire que le libre-échange puisse être vertueux quand même les règles les plus élémentaires de surveillance sont en pratique bafouées aux endroits où les contrôles devraient être implacables? Que dire des matières premières qui sont vendues en Europe par des pays qui ne les possèdent pas, mais qui les volent? La République démocratique du Congo est ainsi pillée par son voisin, le Rwanda, et l’Europe commet des actes de recel en achetant à Kigali de telles matières premières.

    Si vous souhaitez ramener un peu d’éthique dans le commerce sans limites et sans règles, rétablissez les contrôles nécessaires.

     
       


     

      Henrik Dahl (PPE). – Hr. Formand. Tak for ordet. Kinesiske online platforme som Temu og Sheen presser det europæiske marked med produkter, der for det første er lodret ulovlige og for det andet er farlige. Disse produkter er for det første en risiko for forbrugerne, men de er også en direkte trussel imod det indre marked. Temu undergraver systematisk de regler, vi har bygget op for at beskytte de europæiske borgere. De regler overholder de europæiske virksomheder i modsætning til Temu. Når Temu udnytter huller i lovgivningen, så får de en unfair konkurrencefordel, som de bruger til at udkonkurrere europæiske virksomheder. EU har skabt et robust regelsæt for forbrugersikkerhed, men uden en effektiv håndhævelse er de regler ikke noget værd. Vi skal ikke tolerere, at kinesiske platforme systematisk bryder reglerne og underminerer europæiske virksomheder. Derfor er det på tide at tage kampen op mod de aktører, der misbruger systemet, skader forbrugerne og fører en form for økonomisk krig imod Europa. Europa skal være stærkt, og derfor skal Europa sanktionere de kinesiske virksomheder, som bevidst bryder reglerne.

     
       

     

      Pierre Jouvet (S&D). – Monsieur le Président, chers collègues, pour éviter un anniversaire ou un Noël sans cadeaux, des parents achètent à bas prix des jouets sur des sites chinois. Comment leur en vouloir, quand les fins de mois sont devenues si difficiles? C’est pourtant un cadeau empoisonné, parce que ces jouets sont certes peu chers, mais très probablement toxiques. D’après des tests menés en laboratoire, près de 80 % d’entre eux sont dangereux.

    En plus de ces jouets toxiques, combien de parfums irritants, de lunettes de soleil inefficaces, de jeans de contrefaçon seront vendus par ces plateformes chinoises qui inondent le marché? Temu, Shein, AliExpress importeront près de 4 milliards d’articles en Europe cette année. Ce chiffre a triplé en trois ans. Ces plateformes profitent du seuil douanier de 150 euros sur les colis internationaux pour échapper à tout contrôle. Ces entreprises violent les droits des consommateurs et nuisent aux fabricants européens, qui, eux, respectent les normes sociales et environnementales.

    L’Europe doit se réveiller et faire respecter un principe simple: «Notre marché, nos règles.»

     
       

     

      Zala Tomašič (PPE). – Gospod predsednik. V skladu s Temujevo politiko zasebnosti se osebni podatki, kot so ime, priimek, naslov, zgodovina nakupov in lokacija, lahko delijo s tretjimi oglaševalci, ponudniki storitev in poslovnimi partnerji. Temu včasih ponuja storitve, Temu včasih ponuja izdelke celo brezplačno. Ampak potrebno se je zavedati, da nič ni brezplačno.

    V zameno platforma pridobiva osebne podatke in spremlja obnašanje potrošnikov na spletu. Obstajajo pa tudi skrbi, da se ti podatki potem prodajajo tudi naprej. Le malokateri potrošnik pa se tega tudi zaveda.

    Poleg tega je kvaliteta teh izdelkov vprašljiva. Slišali smo že, kako otroške igrače takoj razpadejo na majhne dele, kako detektorji dima dima ne zaznajo. Ampak problem so tudi kozmetični izdelki, ki lahko pustijo nepopravljive poškodbe sluznice in kože.

    Močno podpiram prosti trg in konkurenčnost na trgu, vendar pa moramo zaščititi tako potrošnike pred zlorabo osebnih podatkov in škodljivimi izdelki kot tudi naše podjetnike pred nelojalno konkurenco.

     
       

     

      Maria Guzenina (S&D). – Arvoisa puhemies, komission edustajat, EU:n pitäisi olla maailman turvallisin alue ostaa tavaraa. Meillä on tiukat standardit sille, millaisia tuotteita täällä saa myydä, joten miten ihmeessä on mahdollista, että tuoreissa testeissä jopa 80 prosenttia leluista, joita myydään muun muassa kiinalaisissa verkkokaupoissa, eivät täyttäneet lelujen turvallisuusvaatimuksia. Kyse on kuluttajien, erityisesti lasten terveydestä. Kyse on ympäristömme suojelemisesta. Kyse on turvallisuudesta ja kyse on eurooppalaisten yritysten mahdollisuudesta pärjätä.

    Kiinalaiset säännöistä piittaamattomat jättimäiset verkkokaupat toimittavat kiihtyvällä vauhdilla tavaroita Eurooppaan. Suomen tullin mukaan kiinalaisten pakettien valtava määrä vaarantaa jo tullinkin toimintakyvyn.

    Tuoteturvallisuusdirektiivi, se on hyvä alku, mutta on tärkeää, että me emme lisää vastuullisten eurooppalaisten yritysten sääntelyä, vaan meidän pitää varmistaa, että kiinalaiset kaupat noudattavat eurooppalaisia sääntöjä.

    Tämän asian ratkaisemisella on kiire. Komission on tehtävä tässä tehtävänsä. Euroopan on oltava yhtenäinen tässä asiassa. Kyse on eurooppalaisten terveydestä.

     
       

     

      Niels Flemming Hansen (PPE). – Mr President, dear Commissioner, honourable colleagues, e-commerce has rapidly expanded, offering consumers access to products from around the globe. A recent study found that 30 out of 38 products from the Temu platform failed to meet European safety standards, posing a serious risk to consumers. Some 30 out of 38, my dear friends: that’s 78 %.

    This is not about protectionism. It’s about ensuring fairness and safety. Non-compliance puts the consumers at risk and creates an uneven playing field, especially for European SMEs that follow EU rules. SMEs, which are the backbone of our economy, will suffer the most.

    The scale of e-commerce makes it impossible for national customs to manage alone. In Germany, it’s estimated that there are around 400 000 packages a day from China; 78 % of that is 320 000 packages.

    Finally, this is a test of the EU’s ability to address the challenges of a globalised marketplace. We must be decisive, not only to protect our consumers, but to prove that Europe can enforce its own rules and uphold fairness in the single market.

     
       

     

      Pierfrancesco Maran (S&D). – Signor Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, caro Commissario, come ha ben sottolineato, è necessario sistemare alcuni aspetti del mercato online e questo va fatto rapidamente.

    Oggi il 70% dei cittadini europei compra beni e servizi online. Eppure esistono due mercati: uno per chi rispetta le regole e uno per chi non le rispetta e le aggira. In molti abbiamo sottolineato come alcuni soggetti sono certamente protagonisti delle violazioni.

    Operatori come Temu, Shein, AliExpress – che insieme contano 300 milioni di utenti in Europa – immettono sul mercato migliaia di prodotti non sicuri a prezzi stracciati. Loro lo sanno bene e sanno che possono farlo, perché non mettiamo ancora in campo azioni strutturali che li rendano corresponsabili.

    Questo è il punto di lavoro principale, perché non possiamo pensare di andare ad inseguire ogni consegna alle dogane. È necessario agire alla fonte nei loro confronti, perché si adoperino per una svolta nei loro comportamenti commerciali.

    Lo dobbiamo ai cittadini europei, che devono sapere che i prodotti che comprano sono sempre sicuri e non essere tentati dalla convenienza del low cost senza regole. E lo dobbiamo alle aziende che invece rispettano le regole e che meritano di non avere questa concorrenza.

     
       


     

      Elisabeth Grossmann (S&D). – Herr Präsident, Herr Kommissar, meine sehr geehrten Damen und Herren! Die Digitalisierung und der wachsende E-Commerce haben unsere Märkte grundlegend verändert, und es ist unerlässlich, dass wir als EU entschlossen handeln, um Sicherheit und Fairness zu gewährleisten. Der europäische Handel gerät durch das Onlineangebot aus dem EU-Ausland zunehmend unter Druck, und große Plattformen, vorwiegend aus China, überschwemmen gerade den europäischen Markt mit Billigangeboten und nutzen die bestehenden Schlupflöcher aus, was den Wettbewerb verzerrt und europäische Unternehmen stark benachteiligt und auch europäische Arbeitsplätze kostet und natürlich auch europäische Wertschöpfung.

    Und ich sage Ihnen: Es ist nicht fünf vor zwölf, es ist fünf nach zwölf, weil es hat sich bereits das Kaufverhalten der Menschen erheblich verändert, und es sind bereits zahlreiche Unternehmen im Produktionsbereich und auch im Handelsbereich insolvent. Und hier haben wir in Zukunft mitunter auch ein Problem mit der Versorgungssicherheit.

    Deshalb ist dringendes Handeln, rasches Handeln geboten. Es ist mit dem Gesetz über digitale Dienste und dem Gesetz über digitale Märkte einiges gelungen – aber diese Gesetze gehören auch konsequent umgesetzt, und zwar sofort.

     
       

       

    IN THE CHAIR: ESTEBAN GONZÁLEZ PONS
    Vice-President

     
       

     

      Regina Doherty (PPE). – Mr President, Commissioner, EU consumer rights are worth absolutely nothing unless they are effectively enforced. We have made some progress with the General Product Safety Regulation, which is going to come into effect later on this year, and we are working on ambitious reforms, but it’s not just about laws.

    The EU’s many market surveillance authorities have to work together in order to take risk-based market surveillance seriously, because when it comes to illegal products coming into EU countries, we should be really, really vigilant. According to the Commission, last year, 2.3 billion items worth less than EUR 150 entered the EU last year. And we’re facing what could only be described as a flood of cheap products. Member State authorities are frequently overwhelmed and sometimes just to verify whether something meets a product safety standard is next to impossible. So we need to support these authorities and make sure that they have the resources they need to do their work online markets such as China’s Temu must meet the standards that we uphold every single European company to in order to have the right to operate in the EU market.

    We don’t want protectionism, we don’t want to reduce global trade. We just want to make sure that the level playing field is level and that the people who are consuming the goods are safe from them.

     
       

     

      Salvatore De Meo (PPE). – Signor Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, in questi mesi ricorre insistentemente il tema della competitività, soprattutto in quest’Aula. Però leggiamo dalla recente relazione Letta che il 75% dei prodotti pericolosi in circolazione in Europa deriva da Paesi terzi ed è un dato in crescita preoccupante.

    Potete ben capire che questo non solo mette a rischio la competitività delle nostre imprese ma anche la salute dei nostri consumatori, ai quali invece dobbiamo garantire prodotti sicuri con controlli rigorosi, in particolare quelli acquistati sull’e-commerce, piattaforme esplose durante il periodo del COVID.

    Dobbiamo intervenire con urgenza per contrastare l’eccessiva presenza di prodotti dei Paesi terzi, che attraverso le piattaforme riescono a raggiungere con comodità milioni di utenti in tempi rapidissimi. Questa situazione crea una concorrenza sleale che penalizza le nostre imprese, che invece sono obbligate a rispettare norme sempre più stringenti, mentre molti prodotti sono importati senza i dovuti controlli.

    E allora particolare attenzione va rivolta soprattutto ai giocattoli, oppure ai farmaci, perché rivolti ai bambini e alle persone che hanno bisogno di cure. Dobbiamo garantire standard di sicurezza.

    In questo contesto, l’unione doganale può fare ovviamente molto di più e auspichiamo che, ovviamente, la riforma che è stata avviata possa essere portata a termine per garantire una vigilanza più stringente sulle importazioni, proteggendo il nostro mercato e soprattutto i nostri cittadini.

    Solo così potremo assicurare una concorrenza equa e un futuro di crescita e sicurezza per tutti.

     
       

       

    Catch-the-eye procedure

     
       



     

      Lukas Sieper (NI). – Herr Präsident, sehr geehrte Menschen Europas, Hohes Haus! Wir haben heute bereits über die Wichtigkeit des europäischen Binnenmarkts gesprochen. Umso glücklicher bin ich über diese Debatte, denn wir müssen unseren Binnenmarkt auch schützen. Wir können es nicht akzeptieren, wenn Produkte den Markt fluten, die unter Missachtung der Menschenrechte, teilweise sogar von uigurischen Zwangsarbeitern in Konzentrationslagern hergestellt werden. Wir können es nicht hinnehmen, wenn Produkte den Markt fluten, die unseren Sicherheitsstandards nicht gerecht werden. Wir können es nicht tatenlos geschehen lassen, wenn diese Produkte von autoritären Staaten gezielt subventioniert werden.

    Wir können es uns nicht leisten, wenn diese Produkte von internationalen Großkonzernen unter bewusstem Ausnutzen verschiedener Steuersysteme innerhalb der EU vertrieben werden. Schließlich: Wir können es uns nicht leisten, wenn der Binnenmarkt zerstört wird, indem er von ausländischer Konkurrenz ausgespielt wird.

    Die Menschen wollen einen starken Binnenmarkt, nicht einen auf Wish bestellt; und das fängt, wie viele meiner Kollegen zu Recht betont haben, beim Zollsystem an.

     
       


       

    (End of catch-the-eye procedure)

     
       

     

      Didier Reynders, membre de la Commission. – Monsieur le Président, Mesdames et Messieurs les députés, je voudrais d’abord vous remercier pour ce débat sur le marché intérieur et la manière dont des produits arrivent sur ce marché intérieur. Les plateformes jouent un rôle de plus en plus important en la matière. J’entends bien l’ensemble des remarques sur les règles – qui, pour une grande part, existent, même s’il y a encore du travail à faire – et sur le besoin d’un contrôle renforcé.

    Je dirais tout d’abord que nous devons mieux utiliser les outils qui arrivent et qui sont parfois déjà à notre disposition. Je voudrais féliciter les autorités chargées de la protection des consommateurs dans les États membres, que nous avons organisées en réseau. Ce réseau d’acteurs, le réseau CPC, fait déjà aujourd’hui, en relation avec les associations de consommateurs, un travail sur le terrain remarquable pour détecter et retirer des produits régulièrement, non seulement des magasins, mais aussi des plateformes en ligne. Nous avons d’ailleurs développé au sein de la Commission un outil numérique qui permet de vérifier que ces produits ne reviennent pas sur les plateformes.

    Je ne dis pas que nous détectons l’ensemble des produits ou que nous retirons l’ensemble des produits dangereux, que ce soit pour la sécurité proprement dite ou pour la santé des consommateurs, mais je voudrais saluer ce travail, sur lequel il faudra d’ailleurs à nouveau se pencher. Beaucoup ont évoqué le rôle particulier des douanes. Je voudrais confirmer que la Commission souhaite avancer en la matière. Le dossier est entre les mains des colégislateurs pour l’instant. Plusieurs ont évoqué la limite des 150 euros: nous souhaitons l’abolir. J’espère que nous pourrons aboutir prochainement à un accord entre les colégislateurs sur ce sujet. Le travail des douanes est un travail important dans le cadre de la protection des consommateurs.

    Le règlement sur les services numériques est en vigueur. Des pouvoirs ont été octroyés à la Commission, des pouvoirs que nous avons commencé à utiliser, y compris dans les domaines que vous avez évoqués et en particulier dans le cadre de plateformes qui inondent l’Union européenne de produits à bas prix. Le règlement général sur la sécurité des produits, que j’ai évoqué tout à l’heure, entrera en vigueur le 13 décembre. À travers ce règlement, comme plusieurs d’entre vous l’ont évoqué, la responsabilité personnelle des plateformes pourra être mise en cause, non seulement celle des grandes plateformes, mais aussi celle des plus petites, puisque nous avons prévu qu’une personne responsable devait être désignée dans l’Union européenne lorsque des produits sont effectivement importés sur le marché. Mais, je le répète, ce règlement général, que nous avons souhaité mettre en place pour remplacer une directive, entre en vigueur le 13 décembre prochain. Je vous invite donc à utiliser, pour le moment, les outils à disposition ou dont disposeront bientôt les différents acteurs chargés de la protection des consommateurs.

    Pour ce qui est de la poursuite du dialogue avec nos partenaires, j’ai mis en place au cours de la législature écoulée un dialogue avec les autorités américaines, notamment en matière de protection des produits. En ce qui concerne la politique des consommateurs, il y a aux États-Unis trois agences différentes, et la commission américaine chargée de la sécurité des produits est en dialogue constant avec la Commission européenne. Nous développons un dialogue similaire avec le Royaume-Uni, le Canada, le Japon, ou la Corée du Sud.

    Pour la première fois, nous avons tenu, à Paris, au sein de l’OCDE, une réunion ministérielle concernant la politique des consommateurs. Et l’OCDE, pour une fois, s’est penchée non plus seulement sur la production, mais aussi sur la consommation, et donc, réellement, sur la sécurité des produits pour les consommateurs. On voit que ce thème progresse. Nous avons d’ailleurs tenu à Bruxelles, très récemment, une semaine consacrée à la sécurité des produits, avec l’ensemble des acteurs internationaux.

    Il est vrai que nous devons aussi poursuivre le travail entamé avec la Chine. Nous le faisons par un dialogue direct, nous le faisons aussi, parfois, en collaboration avec des partenaires internationaux – nous avons mené une action trilatérale avec nos collègues américains. Je ne suis pas naïf, mais on doit continuer à tenter de convaincre nos partenaires chinois qu’il s’agit aussi d’un enjeu de réputation pour leurs produits et pour leurs entreprises, et probablement pour un nombre croissant de consommateurs chinois, qui souhaitent eux-mêmes une plus grande sécurité de leurs produits. C’est un travail qui a aussi été entamé au cours de ces dernières années.

    Enfin, vous avez évoqué des cas concrets de sécurité des produits sur des plateformes, mais aussi de produits à bas prix – je pense à Temu ou à Shein. Je l’ai dit, des actions sont en cours. Nous avons saisi le réseau des agences chargées de la protection des consommateurs sur ce sujet. Le réseau CPC y travaille. Le règlement sur les services numériques est lui aussi à l’œuvre dans le cadre de procédures visant ces plateformes, lesquelles ne posent pas seulement un problème de sécurité de produits ou de santé des consommateurs, mais aussi, vous l’avez rappelé, de concurrence déloyale, en raison de prix très faibles, de prix particulièrement bas. Elles ne sont pas seulement en concurrence avec la production de nouveaux produits en Europe, elles le sont aussi avec le marché de seconde main.

    Nous avons, avec certains d’entre vous, beaucoup travaillé au développement du droit à la réparation, qui concerne chaque consommateur et qui permet par ailleurs de renforcer le marché de seconde main. Il est clair que nous devons la protéger contre l’évolution de la concurrence déloyale, tout en demandant bien entendu au secteur de la seconde main de garantir la sécurité de ses produits au même titre que le respect d’un certain nombre de règles européennes.

    Alors, bien entendu, je ne voudrais pas conclure sans évoquer un ou deux aspects, notamment une remarque plus personnelle. La Commission a vu ses compétences directes renforcées: aussi bien celles qu’elle détient, depuis longtemps, dans le domaine de la concurrence que celles acquises plus récemment dans celui des plateformes – à travers le règlement sur les services numériques.

    Pour ce qui est des consommateurs, il est peut-être temps aussi de se poser la question, au-delà du réseau des acteurs nationaux, d’une action possible et plus directe de la Commission pour des cas qui le méritent – des cas manifestement transfrontaliers et qui concernent l’ensemble des consommateurs européens. Cela nécessite des moyens, bien entendu. C’est donc un débat qui reviendra, je l’espère, dans les prochaines années: le travail en la matière ne doit plus se limiter aux agences nationales, il doit aussi advenir à l’échelon de la Commission.

    Je terminerai en vous disant que plusieurs ont évoqué la nécessité d’agir vite. J’ai notamment entendu des remarques sur la manière dont on produit un certain nombre de biens vendus sur le marché européen, parfois en violation des règles environnementales ou des droits de l’homme. Nous avons mis cinq ans à faire adopter une directive sur le devoir de vigilance. Maintenant, il faut en entamer la mise en œuvre.

    J’espère donc que la détermination de l’ensemble des acteurs – des colégislateurs comme des États membres – sera très grande pour agir: pas uniquement quand un produit arrive sur le marché européen, mais aussi sur les chaînes d’approvisionnement, en réfléchissant à la manière de faire respecter les règles environnementales aussi bien que celles en matière de droits de l’homme, tant par les entreprises européennes que par les entreprises de pays tiers qui viennent sur le marché intérieur – y compris à travers des plateformes.

    Beaucoup reste à faire, mais je crois que des règles sont en place. Il faut maintenant les rendre effectives et, surtout, renforcer le contrôle, pour une part à l’échelon européen – lorsque c’est nécessaire.

     
       

     

      President. – The debate is closed.

     

    16. One-minute speeches on matters of political importance


     

      Φρέντης Μπελέρης (PPE). – Κύριε Πρόεδρε, αγαπητοί συνάδελφοι, θα ήθελα να μοιραστώ μαζί σας μια όμορφη πρωτοβουλία στην Ελλάδα και συγκεκριμένα στη Φουρνά Ευρυτανίας, ένα ελληνικό χωριό όπου Δήμος, Περιφέρεια και Εκκλησία συνεργάζονται αρμονικά, προσφέροντας μια καλύτερη ζωή σε μέλη νέων οικογενειών με στόχο να τους πείσουν να εγκατασταθούν στον τόπο τους. Θέλω να σας πω ότι αυτές ακριβώς τις μικρές νίκες πρέπει να αναζητούμε απέναντι στη δημογραφική κρίση· τις μάχες, δηλαδή, που δίνονται μεμονωμένα, ώστε η ευρωπαϊκή ύπαιθρος να μη «σβήσει».

    Ας δούμε όμως και τη μεγάλη εικόνα. Είναι αναγκαία η άμεση επανεκκίνηση της ευρωπαϊκής περιφέρειας. Αυτό θα το πετύχουμε με την αξιοποίηση επιτυχημένων πολιτικών και σωστή αναδιάρθρωση του ευρωπαϊκού προϋπολογισμού. Η Ευρώπη δεν πρέπει να επανέλθει στις διαφορετικές ταχύτητες με τις οποίες εξαπλώνεται το δημογραφικό πρόβλημα στα 27 κράτη μέλη, αλλά να χρηματοδοτήσει δράσεις με την ίδια ένταση και να δώσει ουσιαστικά κίνητρα.

    Κλείνοντας, κύριοι συνάδελφοι, οφείλουμε να φροντίσουμε ώστε να μη νιώθουν οι περιφέρειες και τα νησιά μας απομονωμένα. Κάθε κουκκίδα στον ευρωπαϊκό χάρτη που διασυνδέουμε με μια άλλη, είναι αυτομάτως μια μεγάλη κατάκτηση προς τον κοινό μας στόχο: να δώσουμε ξανά πνοή στην ήπειρό μας.

     
       

     

      Gabriela Firea (S&D). – Domnule președinte, vinerea trecută, tocmai a trecut, a marcat Ziua Europeană de Luptă împotriva Traficului de Persoane, o zi care ne amintește cât de fragilă este siguranța pentru multe femei și mulți copii din Europa. Din păcate, traficul de persoane, care este strâns legat de violența domestică, continuă să fie o problemă gravă. Observăm la nivelul Uniunii Europene că se fac pași importanți. A fost adoptată o versiune revizuită a directivei antitrafic, cu măsuri mai stricte pentru combaterea noilor forme de exploatare, inclusiv a celor din mediul online. Programe precum Fondul pentru azil, migrație și integrare și Programul „Cetățeni, egalitate, drepturi și valori” sprijină victimele și încearcă să prevină traficul de persoane.

    Totuși, nu este suficient și este clar că avem nevoie de o mai bună coordonare între statele membre și de o utilizare mai eficientă a fondurilor, inclusiv prin Mecanismul de redresare și reziliență. Este vital să investim mai mult în educație, în prevenție și mai ales în protecția reală a victimelor, iar cei care comit aceste crime să fie aduși în fața justiției, pentru că asta înseamnă să facem dreptate: să-i protejăm pe cei vulnerabili și să nu lăsăm nicio victimă fără voce.

     
       

     

      Julien Sanchez (PfE). – Monsieur le Président, mes chers collègues, le récent rapport de la Cour des comptes européenne sur le fonds fiduciaire d’urgence en faveur de la stabilité et de la lutte contre les causes profondes de la migration irrégulière et du phénomène des personnes déplacées en Afrique, fonds doté rappelons-le de 5 milliards d’euros d’argent public de nos concitoyens, est édifiant et accablant.

    Si les besoins sont réels et la situation préoccupante, les exemples de gaspillage sans aucun contrôle sont hélas innombrables et choquants. Oui, la Commission européenne gère notre argent avec amateurisme et légèreté. Ainsi, en Gambie, des bénéficiaires ont reçu deux fois la même aide pour des projets agricoles qui, en plus, sont des projets fictifs. En Afrique subsaharienne, des mixeurs ont été distribués dans des écoles qui n’ont même pas accès à l’électricité. Il y a des dizaines d’exemples dans ce rapport, que j’invite chacun à lire.

    J’ai trois questions. Ce programme existe-t-il juste pour se donner bonne conscience? Comment peut-on balancer des milliards et se désintéresser à ce point de l’utilisation réelle et concrète de ces fonds? Enfin: n’avez-vous pas honte de voir l’argent des contribuables ainsi dilapidé? Comment tout cela est-il possible, et pourquoi les gens qui laissent faire cela ne sont-ils pas limogés?

     
       






     

      Barry Andrews (Renew). – Mr President, Commissioner and colleagues, we are broadly agreed across this House that nothing we do or say would reward Russia for its aggression and its contempt for human rights. Equally, we are broadly agreed that we would not do or say anything that would reward Iran for its aggression. Yet we are now slowly embarking on a policy to do just that, under the banner of so-called normalisation of relations with Assad’s Syria. This will send a clear message to Russia and Iran.

    Having stood by those who sought freedom, having passed countless resolutions condemning Assad’s prisons and gulags and executions, and his use of chemical warfare, and looking for an end to impunity, now we quietly return to restore normal relations at a time that can only send one clear message: the EU will stand by those who seek freedom, but if autocrats have the patience and seek the protection of Iran and Russia, they might just succeed.

     
       

     

      Vicent Marzà Ibáñez (Verts/ALE). – Señor presidente, mientras en este Parlamento, hace unos años, y en el Consejo, justo este mes, se ha aprobado una normativa, la nueva Directiva de calidad del aire ambiente, mucho más restrictiva de acuerdo con los criterios científicos, en la ciudad de Elx, en nuestra tercera ciudad valenciana, el Gobierno da rienda suelta a la contaminación y lo que hace es destruir carriles bici, pervertir la zona de bajas emisiones promoviendo el uso del coche y, además, poner en peligro doce millones de euros de fondos europeos que no va a ejecutar con el fin para el que fueron asignados.

    Por eso, desde aquí queremos lanzar esta denuncia, en relación con todas las denuncias ciudadanas que están luchando contra esta situación en Elx, en la tercera ciudad valenciana, y pedimos a la Comisión Europea que tome cartas en el asunto. Le queremos preguntar si va a seguir permitiendo que se destinen fondos europeos contra la salud de los ilicitanos y las ilicitanas.

     
       



     

      Katarína Roth Neveďalová (NI). – Vážený pán predsedajúci, v týchto dňoch si pripomíname osemdesiate výročie Slovenského národného povstania, ktoré vypuklo 29. augusta 1944, a osemdesiate výročie karpatsko-duklianskej operácie, ktorá bola najväčšou horskou bitkou druhej svetovej vojny a najväčšou bitkou v Československu. Bohužiaľ, dnes nás opustil jeden z posledných žijúcich partizánov na Slovensku, pán Karol Kuna, ktorý sa dožil 96 rokov, a tých pamätníkov Slovenského národného povstania máme stále menej a menej. Rada by som citovala pána Kunu, ktorý povedal: Keby nebolo toľkých, ktorí pretrhli putá zotročenia, dnes by sme nežili v slobodnej krajine. Slovenskí partizáni bojovali za hodnoty odboja proti fašizmu, ako bola sloboda, spravodlivosť a rovnosť, a len vďaka nim bolo nakoniec Československo a Slovenská republika slobodnou krajinou, ktorá stála na strane víťazov. Rada by som dnes vzdala česť týmto ľuďom, ktorí padli za našu slobodu. V Slovenskom národnom povstaní padlo približne desaťtisíc ľudí, ktorí boli nielen vojaci, nielen partizáni, ale takisto civilisti, ktorí pomáhali týmto ľuďom prežiť v horách. A takisto pri duklianskej operácii padlo asi 150 tisíc ľudí. Buď stratili svoj život, svoje zdravie, alebo boli zajatí. Česť ich pamiatke.

     
       



     

      Michele Picaro (ECR). – Signor Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, il turismo dentale nei paesi extra-UE è un fenomeno in crescita che solleva importanti preoccupazioni per la salute pubblica.

    Negli ultimi anni molti pazienti europei, in particolare italiani, si sono rivolti a destinazioni come Albania e Turchia per trattamenti odontoiatrici a prezzi competitivi. Tuttavia, un’indagine della British Dental Association ha evidenziato che il 70% dei pazienti che hanno cercato cure all’estero ha sperimentato eventi avversi gravi, come infezioni e ascessi o difficoltà masticatoria, condizioni che hanno compromesso non solo la loro salute, ma anche la durata di protesi e impianti, vanificando così il vantaggio economico iniziale.

    Le norme sanitarie in questi Paesi spesso mancano di una regolamentazione rigorosa. Per questo è necessario promuovere campagne informative che forniscano ai cittadini dati chiari e affidabili sui rischi e i benefici delle cure odontoiatriche all’estero. Informare i pazienti riguardo alle normative sanitarie dei Paesi di destinazione, alla formazione del personale medico, agli standard di qualità delle strutture è cruciale per consentire scelte consapevoli.

    Per tale ragione è imperativo che il Parlamento europeo consideri queste problematiche e promuova iniziative per garantire la sicurezza e la qualità delle cure odontoiatriche. Al contrario, si tratta di garantire ad ogni paziente scelte informate, sicure e supportate da normative adeguate. Solo così potremo garantire e proteggere la salute dei cittadini e mantenere la fiducia nel sistema sanitario.

     
       

     

      Ciaran Mullooly (Renew). – Mr President, reports along the corridors of this building say a trade deal with the Mercosur countries has all but been agreed by our Commission, and talk of compensation for Irish farmers and others is widespread. But I come here this evening to give you one message, and a message back to those who send those briefs. No way! No way will we accept this.

    A study by the Irish Government Department of Enterprise in 2021 indicated that Ireland’s beef sector would lose between EUR 44 million and EUR 55 million if the EU-Mercosur deal goes ahead.

    We are the fifth largest beef exporter in the world and the biggest EU exporter, with more than 90 % traded internationally on an annual basis.

    It is not acceptable that Ireland and key other European Member States incur high environmental food-safety traceability charges, while third countries just sail in here and are simply allowed to avoid such costs and undercut our beef in prime EU markets.

    This Parliament has and must insist on one rule for everyone equally applied to the Mercosur countries, and until this equality rule applies, Ireland says no deal and no sell-out!

     
       




     

      Christophe Clergeau (S&D). – Monsieur le Président, chers collègues, jeudi matin, j’étais dans ma ville de Nantes, aux côtés des salariés de General Electric, qui s’apprête à supprimer près de 400 emplois dans son usine et son centre de recherche-développement consacrés à la production d’éoliennes maritimes.

    Il y a plus de dix ans, alors que j’étais vice-président de ma région, j’avais œuvré à la naissance de cette filière et montré aux citoyens que l’écologie pouvait créer des centaines d’emplois: d’ouvriers, de techniciens et d’ingénieurs. Aujourd’hui, je vois ces emplois disparaître parce que l’Europe et la France sont incapables de développer des projets éoliens en mer à un tarif qui permettrait de rémunérer une chaîne de valeur et des emplois européens, incapables d’imposer un contenu européen là où il y a pourtant un soutien public important.

    Nos usines risquent de fermer alors que nous en aurons besoin pour équiper les nouveaux parcs éoliens en mer. Pendant ce temps, les Chinois construisent des usines en Écosse et en Italie pour assembler des éoliennes essentiellement fabriquées en Chine. Nous parlons de politique industrielle et de compétitivité, mais, dans la vie réelle, nous laissons s’effondrer les filières des industries vertes et nous sacrifions les emplois.

    L’Europe va-t-elle enfin se réveiller, ou va-t-elle s’enferrer dans ce lent suicide collectif? Il est temps de réagir et de lutter.

     
       

     

      Mélanie Disdier (PfE). – Monsieur le Président, mes chers collègues, si je m’adresse à vous aujourd’hui, c’est pour vous parler d’une filière en danger: celle du bois.

    En 2020, toutes les grandes centrales syndicales et patronales du secteur de l’industrie de transformation du bois ont pris l’initiative d’une déclaration commune pour dire stop à l’exportation massive de grumes en Asie, et particulièrement en Chine. L’exportation du bois non transformé prend des proportions inquiétantes, et pas uniquement pour le chêne – comme c’est le cas dans la forêt de Mormal, qui m’est chère. Toutes les essences sont concernées ou le seront à court terme. Les menuisiers, artisans, constructeurs, fabricants de parquets sont très nombreux à s’alarmer, car ils sont inquiets pour leur avenir. Si les scieries sont privées d’approvisionnement, c’est toute la filière qui va être touchée à court terme.

    Dans un contexte de pénurie de matériaux, il est donc suicidaire de laisser perdurer la situation sans réagir. Le bois est devenu une ressource stratégique, qui fait partie intégrante de notre souveraineté, et une clé de la neutralité carbone. Il est grand temps que l’Union européenne s’empare de ce dossier. Des milliers d’emplois sont en jeu en France et en Europe.

     
       

     

      Dick Erixon (ECR). – Herr talman! Efter polisrazzior i Öst- och Sydeuropa tidigare i år beslagtogs Rolexklockor, guld, diamanter, smycken, lägenheter, villor, kryptovaluta, Lamborghini, Porsche och en Audi Q8.

    Ett enda kriminellt gäng misstänks ha stulit över sex miljarder kronor från coronafonden Next Generation, med hjälp av experter på bidragsansökningar, AI-verktyg och bluffbolag. När socialdemokrater och moderater släppte igenom coronafonden lovades rigorösa kontroller. Så blev det inte. Den överdimensionerade EU-budgeten göder korruption och slöseri, men hjälper även kriminella som hittat en ny kassako att mjölka genom ekobrottslighet.

    Bidragen är så stora och mottagarna så många att rigorösa kontroller inte är möjliga. Detta måste få ett slut.

     
       

     

      João Oliveira (The Left). – Senhor Presidente, o inquérito pós‑eleitoral feito pelo Parlamento Europeu mostrou que a principal preocupação dos povos é o custo de vida. Este Parlamento deveria estar a discutir as soluções para esse problema, mas nenhum outro grupo político aceitou fazer esse debate. Nenhum outro grupo político quis discutir as opções para combater o aumento do custo de vida, as medidas de controlo e fixação dos preços dos bens essenciais, medidas de combate aos preços especulativos que garantem lucros milionários dos grupos da distribuição da energia e dos combustíveis, das telecomunicações ou da banca.

    Deveríamos também estar a discutir as consequências das novas regras da governação económica. Em Portugal, o Governo acabou de apresentar uma proposta de Orçamento do Estado que mostra bem os impactos dessas novas regras, que mostra os condicionamentos e restrições orçamentais, as limitações nos serviços públicos e nas funções sociais do Estado, as restrições ao investimento; tudo isso em contraste com as políticas de privilégio aos grupos económicos e às multinacionais. Também este debate foi travado, porque, para grande parte deste Parlamento, verdadeiramente as condições de vida dos povos pouco interessam.

     
       

     

      Juan Fernando López Aguilar (S&D). – Señor presidente, señor comisario, la solidaridad y la cohesión son el modelo social europeo y si hay una amenaza que pende sobre ese modelo es la dificultad de acceso a la vivienda que recorre toda Europa.

    Este último fin de semana en Canarias, de nuevo, miles de personas han vuelto a salir a la calle para protestar contra lo que consideran que es un exceso de presión turística, porque en Canarias se ha producido un incremento de población de un 30 % en los últimos veinte años y porque, además, se han declarado en los últimos años 60 000 ofertas alojativas extrahoteleras, lo que equivale a doce hoteles con 250 camas cada uno. Pero no se han realizado las inversiones correspondientes ni en hospitales, ni en residencias, ni en redes eléctricas, ni en aeropuertos, ni en conexiones marítimas, ni tampoco en el ciclo del agua y en relación con los vertidos al mar.

    Y tenemos puestas nuestras esperanzas en la próxima Comisión Von der Leyen, en la que va a haber por fin un comisario encargado de vivienda, el danés Dan Jørgensen, que podrá movilizar fondos europeos contra los fondos de inversión, contra los fondos buitre, para generar, por fin, oferta de vivienda en alquiler o en venta que permita la emancipación de la gente joven y el acceso a la vivienda de la clase trabajadora. Eso significará una oportunidad de restaurar el modelo social europeo con una política de vivienda europea.

     
       

     

      Csaba Dömötör (PfE). – Tisztelt Elnök Úr! A legutóbbi uniós csúcson a felek arra jutottak, hogy fokozni kell az erőfeszítéseket az uniós versenyképesség növelésére. Ezzel egyet is értünk, de azt is szomorúan állapíthatjuk meg, hogy hiányzik a szókimondó párbeszéd arról, hogy mi is okozza Európa egyre nagyobb leszakadását a versenyképességi versenyben. Sok okot azonosíthatunk, de a legfontosabb mégiscsak az, hogy elszálltak az energiaárak.

    Azért szálltak el, mert Európa a brüsszeli intézmények nyomására ideológiai okokból hátat fordított a vezetékes gáznak. A helyette beszerzett cseppfolyós gáz jóval drágább. A zöld energia a legtöbb esetben sajnos szintén drágább, és ez drasztikus terhet ró az európai vállalatokra, kicsikre és nagyokra is. Nem véletlen, hogy egyre több vállalat helyezi át a termelését máshová. A Draghi-jelentés szerint Európában ma kétszer-háromszor magasabbak az áramárak az Egyesült Államokhoz képest, a gázárak pedig négyszer-ötször. Ha ez tartósan így marad, akkor Európa maradék versenyképessége is megy a levesbe. Nem kell beletörődnünk, hogy ez így legyen, újratervezésre van szükség.

     
       

     

      Thierry Mariani (PfE). – Monsieur le Président, le Liban est en danger de mort. Ni l’Union européenne ni la France ne sont à la hauteur du drame humain qui s’y joue. Face à cette guerre impitoyable, l’Union européenne s’entête dans ses certitudes et refuse de venir en aide à Damas, qui est pourtant en première ligne pour gérer l’accueil des réfugiés dans cette crise.

    Chaque jour, des milliers de personnes traversent la frontière pour chercher refuge et protection en Syrie. Aujourd’hui, ce sont déjà près de 240 000 personnes qui ont fait le choix de passer en Syrie, considérant que ce pays est un territoire sûr. Mais l’Europe et la France restent immobiles, tandis que l’Italie, elle, plaide pour renouer le dialogue avec la République arabe syrienne. La situation au Liban ne fait qu’empirer, et avec elle, si rien n’est fait, plane la menace d’une nouvelle vague migratoire de réfugiés vers l’Europe.

    Les Syriens, derrière Bachar el-Assad, ont résisté vaillamment aux islamistes qu’une partie d’entre vous, dans cet hémicycle, avait soutenus. Il est urgent de renouer les liens avec la Syrie. C’est l’intérêt des réfugiés qu’elle accueille, mais également des pays de la région, et c’est aussi l’intérêt de l’Europe.

     
       



     

      Marko Vešligaj (S&D). – Poštovani predsjedavajući, uvažene kolege, ruralna područja čine 83 posto teritorija Europske unije, a u njima živi 137 milijuna ljudi.

    Ova područja su ključna za proizvodnju temeljnih resursa poput hrane i energije. Ipak, unatoč njihovoj važnosti, ruralne zajednice sustavno se marginaliziraju konkretnim politikama i programima financiranja. Da, postoje dokumenti poput Ruralnog pakta i dugoročne vizije za ruralna područja, koje su dobre smjernice, ali njihova implementacija je spora, a problemi se gomilaju.

    Iseljavanje, manjak javnih usluga, neadekvatna infrastruktura svakodnevica su lokalnih zajednica u ruralnim prostorima, a nedostatak podrške viših razina vlasti stvara neodrživu situaciju. Danas je dodatno ruralna Europa uslijed klimatskih promjena suočena i s prirodnim katastrofama, od klizanja tla, suša, poplava do potresa i požara.

    I za takve situacije trebamo brže i jednostavnije financijske mehanizme. Zato je nužno osigurati izravna i lako dostupna europska sredstva kao garanciju razvoja i održivosti ruralnih područja i ostanka ljudi u njima.

     
       



     

      Angéline Furet (PfE). – Monsieur le Président, sous couvert d’un humanisme totalement dévoyé et de faux bons sentiments, des politiciens traîtres aux peuples européens promeuvent une idéologie fanatique qu’ils ont érigée en dogme: l’immigrationnisme.

    Malheureusement, cette volonté de suicide altruiste imposée aux Européens a des conséquences concrètes au quotidien. La ville du Mans, en France, en est un triste exemple. L’immigration y a plus que doublé en quinze ans et, avec elle, les délits et les crimes. Augmentation des vols de plus de 300 %, augmentation des viols de plus de 500 % et augmentation des attaques au couteau, elle, de 1 000 %, carrément. Oui, dix fois plus qu’avant l’arrivée sur notre sol de ces étrangers délinquants, de ces criminels importés aux frais des Européens que vous appelez les «migrants».

    Le sang des victimes de cette abomination est sur les mains des membres de la Commission européenne qui ont ordonné cette submersion et sur les mains des députés qui l’ont votée.

     
       


     

      President. – That concludes this item.

     

    17. Agenda of the next sitting

     

      President. – The next sitting is tomorrow, Tuesday, 22 October 2024 at 09:00. The agenda has been published and is available on the European Parliament website.

     

    18. Approval of the minutes of the sitting

     

      President. – The minutes of the sitting will be submitted to Parliament for its approval tomorrow, at the beginning of the afternoon.

     

    19. Closure of the sitting

       

    (The sitting closed at 22:02)

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: First Community Bankshares, Inc. Announces Third Quarter 2024 Results and Quarterly Cash Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BLUEFIELD, Va., Oct. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — First Community Bankshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: FCBC) (http://www.firstcommunitybank.com) (the “Company”) today reported its unaudited results of operations and other financial information for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. The Company reported net income of $13.03 million, or $0.71 per diluted common share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2024.  Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, was $38.56 million or $2.09 per diluted common share.   

    The Company also declared a quarterly cash dividend to common shareholders of thirty-one cents, $0.31 per common share. The quarterly dividend is payable to common shareholders of record on November 8, 2024, and is expected to be paid on or about November 22, 2024. This marks the 39th consecutive year of regular dividends to common shareholders.

    The Company is working with borrowers and customers in North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and southern West Virginia affected by the devastating floods, power outages, and water shortages from Hurricane Helene.  This includes payment relief for affected borrowers.  We will continue to monitor the situation over the coming weeks as it relates to asset quality.

    Third Quarter 2024 Highlights

    Income Statement

    • Net income of $13.03 million for the third quarter of 2024, was a decrease of $1.61 million, or 10.98%, from the same quarter of 2023.  Net income of $38.56 million for the first nine months of 2024, was an increase of $2.33 million, or 6.42%, from the same period of 2023.  
    • Net interest income decreased $1.75 million compared to the same quarter in 2023, primarily due to increases in rates paid on interest-bearing deposits.    
    • Net interest margin of 4.41% was a decrease of 10 basis points over the same quarter of 2023.  The yield on earning assets increased 26 basis points from the same period of 2023 and is attributable to an increase in interest income resulting from an increase in yield.  While there was an increase in yield for both loans and securities available for sale; the average balances decreased.  The average balance for interest-bearing deposits with banks increased $219.59 million over the same period of 2023; however, there was no change in the yield from the same period of 2023.  The yield on interest-bearing liabilities increased 58 basis points when compared with the same period of 2023 and is primarily attributable to increased rates on interest-bearing deposit liabilities.  
    • Noninterest income increased approximately $830 thousand, or 8.63%, when compared to the same quarter of 2023.  Noninterest income for the third quarter of 2024 included a gain of $825 thousand from the sale of  two closed branch properties; noninterest income for the same period of 2023 included a gain of $204 thousand for the sale of a closed branch property.  Noninterest expense increased $1.26 million, or 5.52%.    
    • Annualized return on average assets (“ROA”) was 1.60% for the third quarter and 1.60% for the first nine months of 2024 compared to 1.74% and 1.49% for the same periods, respectively, of 2023. Annualized return on average common equity (“ROE”) was 10.04% for the third quarter and 10.08% for the first nine months of 2024 compared to 11.63% and 10.25% for the same periods, respectively, of 2023.  Annualized return on average tangible common equity (“ROTCE”) was 14.46% for the third quarter and 14.61% for the first nine months of 2024 compared to 17.11% and 14.94% for the same periods, respectively, of 2023.

    Balance Sheet and Asset Quality

    • Consolidated assets totaled $3.22 billion at September 30, 2024.  
    • Loans decreased $128.19 million, or 4.98%, from December 31, 2023.  Securities available for sale decreased $114.29 million, or 40.68%, from December 31, 2023.  Deposits decreased $63.07 million, or 2.32%.  The net effect of these balance sheet changes resulted in an increase in cash and cash equivalents of $198.92 million, or 170.86%.    
    • The Company repurchased 12,854 common shares during the third quarter of 2024 at a total cost of $469 thousand.  The Company repurchased 257,294 common shares during the first nine months of 2024 at a total cost of $8.72 million.  
    • Non-performing loans to total loans increased to 0.82% when compared with the same quarter of 2023.  The Company experienced net charge-offs for the third quarter of 2024 of $1.13 million, or 0.18% of annualized average loans, compared to net charge-offs of $1.46 million, or 0.22%, of annualized average loans for the same period in 2023.
    • The allowance for credit losses to total loans was 1.44% at September 30, 2024, compared to 1.41% at December 31, 2023, and 1.39% for September 30, 2023.
    • Book value per share at September 30, 2024, was $ 28.47, an increase of $1.27 from year-end 2023.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    In addition to financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), the Company uses certain non-GAAP financial measures that provide useful information for financial and operational decision making, evaluating trends, and comparing financial results to other financial institutions. The non-GAAP financial measures presented in this news release include “tangible book value per common share,” “return on average tangible common equity,” “adjusted earnings,” “adjusted diluted earnings per share,” “adjusted return on average assets,” “adjusted return on average common equity,” “adjusted return on average tangible common equity,” and certain financial measures presented on a fully taxable equivalent (“FTE”) basis. FTE basis is calculated using the federal statutory income tax rate of 21%.  Where non-GAAP financial measures are used, the comparable GAAP financial measure, as well as a reconciliation to that comparable GAAP financial measure can be found in the attached tables to this press release.  While the Company believes certain non-GAAP financial measures enhance the understanding of its business and performance, they are supplemental and not a substitute for, or more important than, financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP and may not be comparable to those reported by other financial institutions.

    About First Community Bankshares, Inc.

    First Community Bankshares, Inc., a financial holding company headquartered in Bluefield, Virginia, provides banking products and services through its wholly owned subsidiary First Community Bank. First Community Bank operated 53 branch banking locations in Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee as of September 30, 2024. First Community Bank offers wealth management and investment advice and services through its Trust Division and through its wholly owned subsidiary, First Community Wealth Management, which collectively managed and administered $1.64 billion in combined assets as of September 30, 2024. The Company reported consolidated assets of $3.22 billion as of September 30, 2024. The Company’s common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the trading symbol, “FCBC”. Additional investor information is available on the Company’s website at http://www.firstcommunitybank.com.

    This news release may include forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations that involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may differ materially. These risks include: changes in business or other market conditions; the timely development, production and acceptance of new products and services; the challenge of managing asset/liability levels; the management of credit risk and interest rate risk; the difficulty of keeping expense growth at modest levels while increasing revenues; changes in banking laws and regulations; the degree of competition by traditional and non-traditional competitors; the impact of natural disasters, extreme weather events, military conflict , terrorism or other geopolitical events; and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission reports including, but not limited to, the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the most recent fiscal year end. Pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the Company does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements are made.

     
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)
    (Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)                                                        
      Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
      September 30,     June 30,     March 31,     December 31,     September 30,     September 30,  
      2024     2024     2024     2023     2023     2024     2023  
    Interest income                                                        
    Interest and fees on loans   $ 32,120     $ 32,696     $ 33,418     $ 33,676     $ 33,496     $ 98,234     $ 93,051  
    Interest on securities     1,070       1,211       1,698       1,888       1,912       3,979       6,068  
    Interest on deposits in banks     3,702       2,882       913       438       697       7,497       2,044  
    Total interest income     36,892       36,789       36,029       36,002       36,105       109,710       101,163  
    Interest expense                                                        
    Interest on deposits     5,298       4,877       4,365       3,935       2,758       14,540       5,406  
    Interest on borrowings     –       –       35       4       –       35       136  
    Total interest expense     5,298       4,877       4,400       3,939       2,758       14,575       5,542  
    Net interest income     31,594       31,912       31,629       32,063       33,347       95,135       95,621  
    Provision for credit losses     1,360       144       1,011       1,029       1,109       2,515       6,956  
    Net interest income after provision     30,234       31,768       30,618       31,034       32,238       92,620       88,665  
    Noninterest income     10,452       9,342       9,259       10,462       9,622       29,053       26,990  
    Noninterest expense     24,177       24,897       23,386       26,780       22,913       72,460       68,397  
    Income before income taxes     16,509       16,213       16,491       14,716       18,947       49,213       47,258  
    Income tax expense     3,476       3,527       3,646       2,932       4,307       10,649       11,022  
    Net income   $ 13,033     $ 12,686     $ 12,845     $ 11,784     $ 14,640     $ 38,564     $ 36,236  
                                                             
                                                             
    Earnings per common share                                                        
    Basic   $ 0.71     $ 0.69     $ 0.70     $ 0.64     $ 0.78     $ 2.10     $ 2.03  
    Diluted   $ 0.71     $ 0.71     $ 0.71     $ 0.66     $ 0.79     $ 2.09     $ 2.06  
    Cash dividends per common share                                                        
    Regular     0.31       0.29       0.29       0.29       0.29       0.89       0.87  
    Weighted average shares outstanding                                                        
    Basic     18,279,612       18,343,958       18,476,128       18,530,114       18,786,032       18,366,249       17,816,505  
    Diluted     18,371,907       18,409,876       18,545,910       18,575,226       18,831,836       18,432,023       17,857,494  
    Performance ratios                                                        
    Return on average assets     1.60 %     1.58 %     1.60 %     1.43 %     1.74 %     1.60 %     1.49 %
    Return on average common equity     10.04 %     10.02 %     10.18 %     9.39 %     11.63 %     10.08 %     10.25 %
    Return on average tangible common equity(1)     14.46 %     14.54 %     14.82 %     13.82 %     17.11 %     14.61 %     14.94 %
    ____________
    (1) A non-GAAP financial measure defined as net income divided by average stockholders’ equity less average goodwill and other intangible assets.
     
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED QUARTERLY NONINTEREST INCOME AND EXPENSE  (Unaudited)
     
    (Amounts in thousands)   Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
      September 30,     June 30,     March 31,     December 31,     September 30,     September 30,  
      2024     2024     2024     2023     2023     2024     2023  
    Noninterest income                                                        
    Wealth management   $ 1,071     $ 1,064     $ 1,099     $ 1,052     $ 1,145     $ 3,234     $ 3,127  
    Service charges on deposits     3,661       3,428       3,310       3,637       3,729       10,399       10,359  
    Other service charges and fees     3,697       3,670       3,450       3,541       3,564       10,817       10,106  
    (Loss) gain on sale of securities     –       –       –       –       –       –       (21 )
    Other operating income     2,023       1,180       1,400       2,232       1,184       4,603       3,419  
    Total noninterest income   $ 10,452     $ 9,342     $ 9,259     $ 10,462     $ 9,622     $ 29,053     $ 26,990  
    Noninterest expense                                                        
    Salaries and employee benefits   $ 13,129     $ 12,491     $ 12,581     $ 12,933     $ 12,673     $ 38,201     $ 36,954  
    Occupancy expense     1,270       1,309       1,378       1,252       1,271       3,957       3,715  
    Furniture and equipment expense     1,574       1,687       1,545       1,489       1,480       4,806       4,389  
    Service fees     2,461       2,427       2,449       2,255       2,350       7,337       6,653  
    Advertising and public relations     967       933       796       843       968       2,696       2,457  
    Professional fees     221       330       372       787       172       923       780  
    Amortization of intangibles     536       530       530       536       536       1,596       1,195  
    FDIC premiums and assessments     365       364       369       376       392       1,098       1,135  
    Merger expense     –       –       –       –       –       –       2,393  
    Litigation expense     –       1,800       –       3,000       –       1,800       –  
    Other operating expense     3,654       3,026       3,366       3,309       3,071       10,046       8,726  
    Total noninterest expense   $ 24,177     $ 24,897     $ 23,386     $ 26,780     $ 22,913     $ 72,460     $ 68,397  
     
    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP NET INCOME TO NON-GAAP ADJUSTED EARNINGS (Unaudited)
     
    (Amounts in thousands, except per share data)   Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
      September 30,     June 30,     March 31,     December 31,     September 30,     September 30,  
      2024     2024     2024     2023     2023     2024     2023  
    Adjusted Net Income for diluted earnings per share   $ 13,033     $ 12,686     $ 12,845     $ 12,314     $ 14,855     $ 38,564     $ 36,828  
    Non-GAAP adjustments:                                                        
    Loss (gain) on sale of securities     –       –       –       –       –       –       21  
    Merger expense     –       –       –       –       –       –       2,393  
    Day 2 provision for allowance for credit losses – Surrey     –       –       –       –       –       –       1,614  
    Litigation expense     –       1,800       –       3,000       –       1,800       –  
    Other items(1)     (825 )     –       –       –       (204 )     (825 )     –  
    Total adjustments     (825 )     1,800       –       3,000       (204 )     975       4,028  
    Tax effect     (198 )     432       –       720       (49 )     234       532  
    Adjusted earnings, non-GAAP   $ 12,406     $ 14,054     $ 12,845     $ 14,594     $ 14,700     $ 39,305     $ 40,324  
                                                             
    Adjusted diluted earnings per common share, non-GAAP   $ 0.68     $ 0.76     $ 0.69     $ 0.79     $ 0.78     $ 2.13     $ 2.26  
    Performance ratios, non-GAAP                                                        
    Adjusted return on average assets     1.53 %     1.75 %     1.60 %     1.77 %     1.75 %     1.63 %     1.66 %
    Adjusted return on average common equity     9.56 %     11.10 %     10.18 %     11.63 %     11.68 %     10.27 %     11.40 %
    Adjusted return on average tangible common equity (2)     13.77 %     16.11 %     14.82 %     17.11 %     17.18 %     14.89 %     16.62 %
    ____________
    (1) Includes other non-recurring income and expense items.
    (2) A non-GAAP financial measure defined as adjusted earnings divided by average stockholders’ equity less average goodwill and other intangible assets.
     
    AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND NET INTEREST INCOME ANALYSIS (Unaudited)
     
        Three Months Ended September 30,  
        2024     2023  
        Average             Average
    Yield/
        Average             Average
    Yield/
     
    (Amounts in thousands)   Balance     Interest(1)     Rate(1)     Balance     Interest(1)     Rate(1)  
    Assets                                                
    Earning assets                                                
    Loans(2)(3)   $ 2,455,807     $ 32,201       5.22 %   $ 2,604,885     $ 33,566       5.11 %
    Securities available for sale     133,654       1,099       3.27 %     284,659       1,952       2.72 %
    Interest-bearing deposits     270,440       3,701       5.44 %     50,855       697       5.44 %
    Total earning assets     2,859,901       37,001       5.15 %     2,940,399       36,215       4.89 %
    Other assets     371,358                       393,001                  
    Total assets   $ 3,231,259                     $ 3,333,400                  
                                                     
    Liabilities and stockholders’ equity                                                
    Interest-bearing deposits                                                
    Demand deposits   $ 656,780     $ 234       0.14 %   $ 699,066     $ 165       0.09 %
    Savings deposits     886,766       3,735       1.68 %     862,121       1,941       0.89 %
    Time deposits     245,020       1,329       2.16 %     263,940       652       0.98 %
    Total interest-bearing deposits     1,788,566       5,298       1.18 %     1,825,127       2,758       0.60 %
    Borrowings                                                
    Retail repurchase agreements     1,054       –       0.05 %     1,254       –       N/M  
    Total borrowings     1,054       –       0.05 %     1,254       –       N/M  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities     1,789,620       5,298       1.18 %     1,826,381       2,758       0.60 %
    Noninterest-bearing demand deposits     877,472                       964,093                  
    Other liabilities     47,892                       43,574                  
    Total liabilities     2,714,984                       2,834,048                  
    Stockholders’ equity     516,275                       499,352                  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 3,231,259                     $ 3,333,400                  
    Net interest income, FTE(1)           $ 31,703                     $ 33,457          
    Net interest rate spread                     3.97 %                     4.29 %
    Net interest margin, FTE(1)                     4.41 %                     4.51 %
    ____________
    (1) Interest income and average yield/rate are presented on a FTE, non-GAAP, basis using the federal statutory income tax rate of 21%.
    (2) Nonaccrual loans are included in the average balance; however, no related interest income is recorded during the period of nonaccrual.
    (3) Interest on loans includes non-cash and accelerated purchase accounting accretion of $592 thousand and $874 thousand for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
     
    AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND NET INTEREST INCOME ANALYSIS (Unaudited)
     
        Nine Months Ended September 30,  
        2024     2023  
        Average             Average
    Yield/
        Average             Average
    Yield/
     
    (Amounts in thousands)   Balance     Interest(1)     Rate(1)     Balance     Interest(1)     Rate(1)  
    Assets                                                
    Earning assets                                                
    Loans(2)(3)   $ 2,501,209     $ 98,479       5.26 %   $ 2,523,814     $ 93,261       4.94 %
    Securities available for sale     172,331       4,073       3.16 %     306,435       6,191       2.70 %
    Interest-bearing deposits     182,773       7,499       5.48 %     51,759       2,047       5.29 %
    Total earning assets     2,856,313       110,051       5.15 %     2,882,008       101,499       4.71 %
    Other assets     372,663                       366,243                  
    Total assets   $ 3,228,976                     $ 3,248,251                  
                                                     
    Liabilities and stockholders’ equity                                                
    Interest-bearing deposits                                                
    Demand deposits   $ 662,433     $ 570       0.11 %   $ 682,820     $ 225       0.04 %
    Savings deposits     875,797       10,730       1.64 %     850,411       3,731       0.59 %
    Time deposits     247,088       3,240       1.75 %     272,435       1,450       0.71 %
    Total interest-bearing deposits     1,785,318       14,540       1.09 %     1,805,666       5,406       0.40 %
    Borrowings                                                
    Federal funds purchased     839       35       5.52 %     3,532       135       5.11 %
    Retail repurchase agreements     1,061       –       0.05 %     1,674       1       0.06 %
    Total borrowings     1,900       35       2.46 %     5,206       136       3.49 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities     1,787,218       14,575       1.09 %     1,810,872       5,542       0.41 %
    Noninterest-bearing demand deposits     883,013                       924,591                  
    Other liabilities     47,772                       40,014                  
    Total liabilities     2,718,003                       2,775,477                  
    Stockholders’ equity     510,973                       472,774                  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 3,228,976                     $ 3,248,251                  
    Net interest income, FTE(1)           $ 95,476                     $ 95,957          
    Net interest rate spread                     4.06 %                     4.30 %
    Net interest margin, FTE(1)                     4.46 %                     4.45 %
    ____________
    (1) Interest income and average yield/rate are presented on a FTE, non-GAAP, basis using the federal statutory income tax rate of 21%.
    (2) Nonaccrual loans are included in the average balance; however, no related interest income is recorded during the period of nonaccrual.
    (3) Interest on loans includes non-cash and accelerated purchase accounting accretion of $2.04 million and $1.95 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
     
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED QUARTERLY BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
     
        September 30,     June 30,     March 31,     December 31,     September 30,  
    (Amounts in thousands, except per share data)   2024     2024     2024     2023     2023  
    Assets                                        
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 315,338     $ 329,877     $ 248,905     $ 116,420     $ 113,397  
    Debt securities available for sale, at fair value     166,669       129,686       166,247       280,961       275,332  
    Loans held for investment, net of unearned income     2,444,113       2,473,268       2,519,833       2,572,298       2,593,472  
    Allowance for credit losses     (35,118 )     (34,885 )     (35,461 )     (36,189 )     (36,031 )
    Loans held for investment, net     2,408,995       2,438,383       2,484,372       2,536,109       2,557,441  
    Premises and equipment, net     49,654       50,528       51,333       50,680       51,205  
    Other real estate owned     346       100       374       192       243  
    Interest receivable     9,883       9,984       10,719       10,881       10,428  
    Goodwill     143,946       143,946       143,946       143,946       143,946  
    Other intangible assets     13,550       14,085       14,615       15,145       15,681  
    Other assets     115,980       116,230       115,470       114,211       116,552  
    Total assets   $ 3,224,361     $ 3,232,819     $ 3,235,981     $ 3,268,545     $ 3,284,225  
                                             
    Liabilities                                        
    Deposits                                        
    Noninterest-bearing   $ 869,723     $ 889,462     $ 902,396     $ 931,920     $ 944,301  
    Interest-bearing     1,789,530       1,787,810       1,779,819       1,790,405       1,801,835  
    Total deposits     2,659,253       2,677,272       2,682,215       2,722,325       2,746,136  
    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase     954       894       1,006       1,119       1,029  
    Interest, taxes, and other liabilities     43,460       45,769       45,816       41,807       41,393  
    Total liabilities     2,703,667       2,723,935       2,729,037       2,765,251       2,788,558  
                                             
    Stockholders’ equity                                        
    Common stock     18,291       18,270       18,413       18,502       18,671  
    Additional paid-in capital     168,691       168,272       173,041       175,841       180,951  
    Retained earnings     342,121       334,756       327,389       319,902       313,489  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (8,409 )     (12,414 )     (11,899 )     (10,951 )     (17,444 )
    Total stockholders’ equity     520,694       508,884       506,944       503,294       495,667  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 3,224,361     $ 3,232,819     $ 3,235,981     $ 3,268,545     $ 3,284,225  
                                             
    Shares outstanding at period-end     18,290,938       18,270,273       18,413,088       18,502,396       18,671,470  
    Book value per common share   $ 28.47     $ 27.85     $ 27.53     $ 27.20     $ 26.55  
    Tangible book value per common share(1)     19.86       19.20       18.92       18.60       18.00  
    ____________
    (1) A non-GAAP financial measure defined as stockholders’ equity less goodwill and other intangible assets, divided by shares outstanding.
     
    SELECTED CREDIT QUALITY INFORMATION (Unaudited)
     
        September 30,     June 30,     March 31,     December 31,     September 30,  
    (Amounts in thousands)   2024     2024     2024     2023     2023  
    Allowance for Credit Losses                                        
    Balance at beginning of period:                                        
    Allowance for credit losses – loans   $ 34,885     $ 35,461     $ 36,189     $ 36,031     $ 36,177  
    Allowance for credit losses – loan commitments     441       746       746       758       964  
    Total allowance for credit losses beginning of period     35,326       36,207       36,935       36,789       37,141  
    Adjustments to beginning balance:                                        
    Allowance for credit losses – loans – Surrey acquisition for purchased credit deteriorated loans     –       –       –       –       –  
    Allowance for credit losses – loan commitments     –       –       –       –       –  
    Net Adjustments     –       –       –       –       –  
    Provision for credit losses:                                        
    Provision for credit losses – loans     1,360       449       1,011       1,041       1,315  
    (Recovery of) provision for credit losses – loan commitments     –       (305 )     –       (12 )     (206 )
    Total provision for credit losses – loans and loan commitments     1,360       144       1,011       1,029       1,109  
    Charge-offs     (1,799 )     (1,599 )     (2,448 )     (2,105 )     (2,157 )
    Recoveries     672       574       709       1,222       696  
    Net (charge-offs) recoveries     (1,127 )     (1,025 )     (1,739 )     (883 )     (1,461 )
    Balance at end of period:                                        
    Allowance for credit losses – loans     35,118       34,885       35,461       36,189       36,031  
    Allowance for credit losses – loan commitments     441       441       746       746       758  
    Ending balance   $ 35,559     $ 35,326     $ 36,207     $ 36,935     $ 36,789  
                                             
    Nonperforming Assets                                        
    Nonaccrual loans   $ 19,754     $ 19,815     $ 19,617     $ 19,356     $ 18,366  
    Accruing loans past due 90 days or more     176       19       30       104       59  
    Modified loans past due 90 days or more     –       –       –       –       –  
    Total nonperforming loans     19,930       19,834       19,647       19,460       18,425  
    OREO     346       100       374       192       243  
    Total nonperforming assets   $ 20,276     $ 19,934     $ 20,021     $ 19,652     $ 18,668  
                                             
                                             
    Additional Information                                        
    Total modified loans   $ 2,320     $ 2,290     $ 2,177     $ 1,873     $ 1,674  
                                             
    Asset Quality Ratios                                        
    Nonperforming loans to total loans     0.82 %     0.80 %     0.78 %     0.76 %     0.71 %
    Nonperforming assets to total assets     0.63 %     0.62 %     0.62 %     0.60 %     0.57 %
    Allowance for credit losses to nonperforming loans     176.21 %     175.88 %     180.49 %     185.97 %     195.55 %
    Allowance for credit losses to total loans     1.44 %     1.41 %     1.41 %     1.41 %     1.39 %
    Annualized net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans     0.18 %     0.16 %     0.27 %     0.14 %     0.22 %
    FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
    David D. Brown
    (276) 326-9000

    The MIL Network –

    January 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Enphase Energy Reports Financial Results for the Third Quarter of 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FREMONT, Calif., Oct. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enphase Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: ENPH), a global energy technology company and the world’s leading supplier of microinverter-based solar and battery systems, announced today financial results for the third quarter of 2024, which included the summary below from its President and CEO, Badri Kothandaraman.

    We reported quarterly revenue of $380.9 million in the third quarter of 2024, along with 48.1% for non-GAAP gross margin. We shipped 1,731,768 microinverters, or approximately 730.0 megawatts DC, and 172.9 megawatt hours of IQ® Batteries.

    Financial highlights for the third quarter of 2024 are listed below:

    • Quarterly revenue of $380.9 million
    • GAAP gross margin of 46.8%; non-GAAP gross margin of 48.1% with net IRA benefit
    • Non-GAAP gross margin of 38.9%, excluding net IRA benefit of 9.2%
    • GAAP operating income of $49.8 million; non-GAAP operating income of $101.4 million
    • GAAP net income of $45.8 million; non-GAAP net income of $88.4 million
    • GAAP diluted earnings per share of $0.33, non-GAAP diluted earnings per share of $0.65
    • Free cash flow of $161.6 million; ending cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities of $1.77 billion

    Our revenue and earnings for the third quarter of 2024 are provided below, compared with the prior quarter:

    (In thousands, except per share and percentage data)

      GAAP   Non-GAAP
      Q3 2024   Q2 2024   Q3 2023   Q3 2024   Q2 2024   Q3 2023
    Revenue $ 380,873     $ 303,458     $ 551,082     $ 380,873     $ 303,458     $ 551,082  
    Gross margin   46.8 %     45.2 %     47.5 %     48.1 %     47.1 %     48.4 %
    Operating expenses $ 128,383     $ 135,367     $ 144,024     $ 81,612     $ 81,706     $ 99,027  
    Operating income $ 49,788     $ 1,799     $ 117,989     $ 101,411     $ 61,080     $ 167,593  
    Net income $ 45,762     $ 10,833     $ 113,953     $ 88,402     $ 58,824     $ 141,849  
    Basic EPS $ 0.34     $ 0.08     $ 0.84     $ 0.65     $ 0.43     $ 1.04  
    Diluted EPS $ 0.33     $ 0.08     $ 0.80     $ 0.65     $ 0.43     $ 1.02  
                                                   

    Total revenue for the third quarter of 2024 was $380.9 million, compared to $303.5 million in the second quarter of 2024. Our revenue in the United States for the third quarter of 2024 increased approximately 43%, compared to the second quarter of 2024. The increase was due to higher shipments to distributors as inventory returned to normal levels. Our revenue in Europe decreased approximately 15% for the third quarter of 2024, compared to the second quarter of 2024. The decline in revenue was the result of a further softening in European demand.

    Our non-GAAP gross margin was 48.1% in the third quarter of 2024, compared to 47.1% in the second quarter of 2024. Our non-GAAP gross margin, excluding net IRA benefit, was 38.9% in the third quarter of 2024, compared to 41.0% in the second quarter of 2024.

    Our non-GAAP operating expenses were $81.6 million in the third quarter of 2024, compared to $81.7 million in the second quarter of 2024. Our non-GAAP operating income was $101.4 million in the third quarter of 2024, compared to $61.1 million in the second quarter of 2024.

    We exited the third quarter of 2024 with $1.77 billion in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities and generated $170.1 million in cash flow from operations in the third quarter of 2024. Our capital expenditures were $8.5 million in the third quarter of 2024, compared to $9.6 million in the second quarter of 2024.

    In the third quarter of 2024, we repurchased 434,947 shares of our common stock at an average price of $114.48 per share for a total of approximately $49.8 million. We also spent approximately $6.3 million dollars by withholding shares to cover taxes for employee stock vesting that reduced the diluted shares by 59,607 shares.

    We shipped 172.9 megawatt hours of IQ Batteries in the third quarter of 2024, compared to 120.2 megawatt hours in the second quarter of 2024. We are now shipping our third generation of IQ Batteries, the IQ® Battery 5P™, to the United States, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Italy, France, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Belgium. More than 9,000 installers worldwide are certified to install our IQ Batteries, compared to more than 7,400 installers worldwide in the second quarter of 2024.

    During the third quarter of 2024, we shipped approximately 1,176,000 microinverters from our contract manufacturing facilities in the United States that we booked for 45X production tax credits. We began shipping IQ8HC™ Microinverters with higher domestic content, produced at our contract manufacturing facilities in the United States. We expect to begin shipping our commercial microinverters, and batteries with higher domestic content, produced at our United States contract manufacturing facilities in the fourth quarter of 2024.

    During the third quarter of 2024, we launched AI-based software that is designed to optimize energy use by integrating solar and consumption forecasting with electricity tariff. This is intended to help consumers maximize savings as energy markets become increasingly complex, such as with dynamic electricity rates in parts of Europe and NEM 3.0 in California. We are gearing up to launch our second-generation IQ® EV charger, the 3-Phase IQ Battery with backup, and the IQ® Balcony Solar Kit all for the European market – pushing the boundaries of innovation. Finally, our fourth-generation energy system, featuring the IQ® Meter Collar, 10 kWh IQ Battery, and enhanced IQ® Combiner, is expected to debut in the United States in early 2025, targeting a substantial reduction in installation costs.

    BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS

    On Oct. 16, 2024, Enphase Energy announced that it started shipping IQ8™ Microinverters to support newer, high-powered solar panels in select countries and territories, including the Netherlands, Austria, New Caledonia, and Malta.

    On Oct. 9, 2024, Enphase Energy announced that it is expanding its support for grid services programs – or virtual power plants (VPPs) – in New Hampshire, North Carolina, and California, powered by the new IQ Battery 5P.

    On Oct. 3, 2024, Enphase Energy announced the launch of its IQ8X™ Microinverters in Australia, and that all IQ8 Microinverters activated starting Oct. 1, 2024 in Australia come with an industry-leading 25-year limited warranty, currently the longest standard residential warranty in the Australian market.

    On Sept. 24, 2024, Enphase Energy announced the launch of its most powerful Enphase® Energy System™ to-date, featuring the new IQ Battery 5P and IQ8 Microinverters, for customers in India.

    On Sept. 16, 2024, Enphase Energy announced that it started shipping the IQ Battery 5P in Belgium. Enphase also introduced IQ® Energy Management, its new AI-based energy management software to enable support for dynamic electricity rates and the integration of third-party EV chargers and heat pumps in Belgium.

    On Sept. 10, 2024, Enphase Energy announced initial shipments of IQ8HC Microinverters supplied from contract manufacturing facilities in the United States with higher domestic content than previous models. The microinverters have SKUs with a “DOM” suffix, indicating the increased amount of domestic content.

    On Sept. 4, 2024, Enphase Energy announced a solution for expanding legacy net energy metering (NEM) solar energy systems in California without penalty using new Enphase Energy Systems configurations with IQ® Microinverters, IQ Batteries, and Enphase Power Control.

    On Aug. 27, 2024, Enphase Energy announced the availability of pre-orders for IQ Battery 5Ps produced in the United States. Pre-orders are also available for IQ8HC Microinverters, IQ8P-3P™ Microinverters, and IQ8X Microinverters produced in the United States with higher domestic content.

    On Aug. 19, 2024, Enphase Energy announced that it started shipping the IQ Battery 5P in the Netherlands. Enphase also introduced IQ Energy Management, its new energy management software to enable support for dynamic electricity rates and the integration of third-party EV chargers and heat pumps in the Netherlands.

    On Aug. 8, 2024, Enphase Energy announced the launch of its new North American Charging Standard (NACS) connectors for its entire line of IQ EV Chargers. NACS connectors and charger ports have recently become the industry standard embraced by several major automakers for electric vehicles (EVs).

    On Aug. 5, 2024, Enphase Energy announced that it started shipping IQ8P™ and IQ8HC Microinverters to support newer, high-powered solar panels in select countries throughout the Caribbean.

    On Aug. 1, 2024, Enphase Energy announced that it started shipping IQ8 Microinverters to support newer, high-powered solar modules in select countries throughout Europe, including France, Germany, Spain, Bulgaria, Estonia, Slovakia, and Croatia.

    FOURTH QUARTER 2024 FINANCIAL OUTLOOK

    For the fourth quarter of 2024, Enphase Energy estimates both GAAP and non-GAAP financial results as follows:

    • Revenue to be within a range of $360.0 million to $400.0 million, which includes shipments of 140 to 160 megawatt hours of IQ Batteries
    • GAAP gross margin to be within a range of 47.0% to 50.0% with net IRA benefit
    • Non-GAAP gross margin to be within a range of 49.0% to 52.0% with net IRA benefit and 39.0% to 42.0% excluding net IRA benefit. Non-GAAP gross margin excludes stock-based compensation expense and acquisition related amortization
    • Net IRA benefit to be within a range of $38.0 million to $41.0 million based on estimated shipments of 1,300,000 units of U.S. manufactured microinverters
    • GAAP operating expenses to be within a range of $135.0 million to $139.0 million
    • Non-GAAP operating expenses to be within a range of $81.0 million to $85.0 million, excluding $54.0 million estimated for stock-based compensation expense, acquisition related expenses and amortization

    For 2024, GAAP and non-GAAP annualized effective tax rate with IRA benefit, excluding discrete items, is expected to be within a range of 17.0% to 19.0%.

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    Use of non-GAAP Financial Measures

    Enphase Energy has presented certain non-GAAP financial measures in this press release. Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company’s performance, financial position, or cash flows that either exclude or include amounts that are not normally excluded or included in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP). Reconciliation of each non-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure can be found in the accompanying tables to this press release. Non-GAAP financial measures presented by Enphase Energy include non-GAAP gross profit, gross margin, operating expenses, income from operations, net income, net income per share (basic and diluted), net IRA benefit, and free cash flow.

    These non-GAAP financial measures do not reflect a comprehensive system of accounting, differ from GAAP measures with the same captions and may differ from non-GAAP financial measures with the same or similar captions that are used by other companies. In addition, these non-GAAP measures have limitations in that they do not reflect all of the amounts associated with Enphase Energy’s results of operations as determined in accordance with GAAP. As such, these non-GAAP measures should be considered as a supplement to, and not as a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. Enphase Energy uses these non-GAAP financial measures to analyze its operating performance and future prospects, develop internal budgets and financial goals, and to facilitate period-to-period comparisons. Enphase Energy believes that these non-GAAP financial measures reflect an additional way of viewing aspects of its operations that, when viewed with its GAAP results, provide a more complete understanding of factors and trends affecting its business.

    As presented in the “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” tables below, each of the non-GAAP financial measures excludes one or more of the following items for purposes of calculating non-GAAP financial measures to facilitate an evaluation of Enphase Energy’s current operating performance and a comparison to its past operating performance:

    Stock-based compensation expense. Enphase Energy excludes stock-based compensation expense from its non-GAAP measures primarily because they are non-cash in nature. Moreover, the impact of this expense is significantly affected by Enphase Energy’s stock price at the time of an award over which management has limited to no control.

    Acquisition related expenses and amortization. This item represents expenses incurred related to Enphase Energy’s business acquisitions, which are non-recurring in nature, and amortization of acquired intangible assets, which is a non-cash expense. Acquisition related expenses and amortization of acquired intangible assets are not reflective of Enphase Energy’s ongoing financial performance.

    Restructuring and asset impairment charges. Enphase Energy excludes restructuring and asset impairment charges due to the nature of the expenses being unusual and arising outside the ordinary course of continuing operations. These costs primarily consist of fees paid for cash-based severance costs and asset write-downs of property and equipment and acquired intangible assets, and other contract termination costs resulting from restructuring initiatives.

    Non-cash interest expense. This item consists primarily of amortization of debt issuance costs and accretion of debt discount because these expenses do not represent a cash outflow for Enphase Energy except in the period the financing was secured and such amortization expense is not reflective of Enphase Energy’s ongoing financial performance.

    Non-GAAP income tax adjustment. This item represents the amount adjusted to Enphase Energy’s GAAP tax provision or benefit to exclude the income tax effects of GAAP adjustments such as stock-based compensation, amortization of purchased intangibles, and other non-recurring items that are not reflective of Enphase Energy ongoing financial performance.

    Non-GAAP net income per share, diluted. Enphase Energy excludes the dilutive effect of in-the-money portion of convertible senior notes as they are covered by convertible note hedge transactions that reduce potential dilution to our common stock upon conversion of the Notes due 2025, Notes due 2026, and Notes due 2028, and includes the dilutive effect of employee’s stock-based awards and the dilutive effect of warrants. Enphase Energy believes these adjustments provide useful supplemental information to the ongoing financial performance.

    Net IRA benefit. This item represents the advanced manufacturing production tax credit (AMPTC) from the IRA for manufacturing microinverters in the United States, partially offset by the incremental manufacturing cost incurred in the United States relative to manufacturing in Mexico, India, and China. The AMPTC is accounted for by Enphase Energy as an income-based government grants that reduces cost of revenues in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

    Free cash flow. This item represents net cash flows from operating activities less purchases of property and equipment.

    Conference Call Information

    Enphase Energy will host a conference call for analysts and investors to discuss its third quarter 2024 results and fourth quarter 2024 business outlook today at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time (1:30 p.m. Pacific Time). The call is open to the public by dialing (833) 634-5018. A live webcast of the conference call will also be accessible from the “Investor Relations” section of Enphase Energy’s website at https://investor.enphase.com. Following the webcast, an archived version will be available on the website for approximately one year. In addition, an audio replay of the conference call will be available by calling (877) 344-7529; replay access code 2677879, beginning approximately one hour after the call.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements related to Enphase Energy’s expectations as to its fourth quarter of 2024 financial outlook, including revenue, shipments of IQ Batteries by megawatt hours, gross margin with net IRA benefit and excluding net IRA benefit, estimated shipments of U.S. manufactured microinverters, operating expenses, and annualized effective tax rate with IRA benefit; its expectations regarding the expected net IRA benefit; its expectations on the timing and introduction of new products and updates to existing products; its expectations for global capacity of microinverters; its ability to support grid services in new locations; the ability of its AI-based software to help consumers maximize savings as energy markets become increasingly complex; and the capabilities, advantages, features, and performance of its technology and products. These forward-looking statements are based on Enphase Energy’s current expectations and inherently involve significant risks and uncertainties. Enphase Energy’s actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of certain risks and uncertainties including those risks described in more detail in its most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and other documents on file with the SEC from time to time and available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Enphase Energy undertakes no duty or obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release as a result of new information, future events or changes in its expectations, except as required by law.

    A copy of this press release can be found on the investor relations page of Enphase Energy’s website at https://investor.enphase.com.

    About Enphase Energy, Inc.

    Enphase Energy, a global energy technology company based in Fremont, CA, is the world’s leading supplier of microinverter-based solar and battery systems that enable people to harness the sun to make, use, save, and sell their own power—and control it all with a smart mobile app. The company revolutionized the solar industry with its microinverter-based technology and builds all-in-one solar, battery, and software solutions. Enphase has shipped approximately 78.0 million microinverters, and over 4.5 million Enphase-based systems have been deployed in more than 160 countries. For more information, visit https://enphase.com/.

    © 2024 Enphase Energy, Inc. All rights reserved. Enphase Energy, Enphase, the “e” logo, IQ, IQ8, and certain other marks listed at https://enphase.com/trademark-usage-guidelines are trademarks or service marks of Enphase Energy, Inc. Other names are for informational purposes and may be trademarks of their respective owners.

    Contact:

    Zach Freedman
    Enphase Energy, Inc.
    Investor Relations
    ir@enphaseenergy.com

    ENPHASE ENERGY, INC.
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
    (In thousands, except per share data)
    (Unaudited)
     
      Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
      September 30,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
    Net revenues $ 380,873     $ 303,458     $ 551,082     $ 947,670     $ 1,988,216  
    Cost of revenues   202,702       166,292       289,069       516,825       1,076,490  
    Gross profit   178,171       137,166       262,013       430,845       911,726  
    Operating expenses:                  
    Research and development   47,843       48,871       54,873       150,925       172,045  
    Sales and marketing   49,671       51,775       55,357       154,753       178,383  
    General and administrative   30,192       33,550       33,794       98,924       104,456  
    Restructuring and asset impairment charges   677       1,171       —       3,755       870  
    Total operating expenses   128,383       135,367       144,024       408,357       455,754  
    Income from operations   49,788       1,799       117,989       22,488       455,972  
    Other income, net                  
    Interest income   19,977       19,203       19,669       58,889       49,235  
    Interest expense   (2,237 )     (2,220 )     (2,196 )     (6,653 )     (6,571 )
    Other income (expense), net   (16,785 )     (7,566 )     1,883       (24,264 )     2,276  
    Total other income, net   955       9,417       19,356       27,972       44,940  
    Income before income taxes   50,743       11,216       137,345       50,460       500,912  
    Income tax provision   (4,981 )     (383 )     (23,392 )     (9,962 )     (82,895 )
    Net income $ 45,762     $ 10,833     $ 113,953     $ 40,498     $ 418,017  
    Net income per share:                  
    Basic $ 0.34     $ 0.08     $ 0.84     $ 0.30     $ 3.06  
    Diluted $ 0.33     $ 0.08     $ 0.80     $ 0.30     $ 2.92  
    Shares used in per share calculation:                  
    Basic   135,329       135,646       136,165       135,621       136,491  
    Diluted   139,914       136,123       143,863       136,236       145,081  
                                           
    ENPHASE ENERGY, INC.
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (In thousands)
    (Unaudited)
     
      September 30, 
    2024
      December 31, 
    2023
    ASSETS      
    Current assets:      
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 256,325   $ 288,748
    Marketable securities   1,510,299     1,406,286
    Accounts receivable, net   232,225     445,959
    Inventory   158,837     213,595
    Prepaid expenses and other assets   203,195     88,930
    Total current assets   2,360,881     2,443,518
    Property and equipment, net   148,444     168,244
    Operating lease, right of use asset, net   28,120     19,887
    Intangible assets, net   51,152     68,536
    Goodwill   214,292     214,562
    Other assets   185,448     215,895
    Deferred tax assets, net   275,854     252,370
    Total assets $ 3,264,191   $ 3,383,012
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY      
    Current liabilities:      
    Accounts payable $ 112,417   $ 116,164
    Accrued liabilities   189,819     261,919
    Deferred revenues, current   129,556     118,300
    Warranty obligations, current   35,755     36,066
    Debt, current   99,931     —
    Total current liabilities   567,478     532,449
    Long-term liabilities:      
    Deferred revenues, non-current   354,210     369,172
    Warranty obligations, non-current   148,477     153,021
    Other liabilities   62,392     51,008
    Debt, non-current   1,200,261     1,293,738
    Total liabilities   2,332,818     2,399,388
    Total stockholders’ equity   931,373     983,624
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 3,264,191   $ 3,383,012
               
    ENPHASE ENERGY, INC.
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
    (In thousands)
    (Unaudited)
     
      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      September 30, 
    2024
      June 30, 
    2024
      September 30, 
    2023
      September 30, 
    2024
      September 30, 
    2023
    Cash flows from operating activities:                  
    Net income $ 45,762     $ 10,833     $ 113,953     $ 40,498     $ 418,017  
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:                  
    Depreciation and amortization   20,103       20,484       19,448       60,724       53,867  
    Net amortization (accretion) of premium (discount) on marketable securities   (2,904 )     (1,030 )     5,094       (1,109 )     (12,611 )
    Provision for doubtful accounts   2,704       1,897       653       4,471       1,282  
    Asset impairment   17,568       6,241       903       24,141       903  
    Non-cash interest expense   2,173       2,157       2,114       6,462       6,254  
    Net loss (gain) from change in fair value of debt securities   741       1,931       (1,910 )     1,730       (5,408 )
    Stock-based compensation   45,940       52,757       43,814       159,530       157,635  
    Deferred income taxes   (5,276 )     (14,076 )     (11,499 )     (27,644 )     (38,295 )
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                  
    Accounts receivable   49,414       82,183       (34,752 )     208,956       (118,249 )
    Inventory   17,231       31,825       (8,003 )     54,758       (24,406 )
    Prepaid expenses and other assets   (64,149 )     (42,810 )     (15,383 )     (117,856 )     (57,376 )
    Accounts payable, accrued and other liabilities   32,088       (23,944 )     9,903       (58,140 )     117,128  
    Warranty obligations   7,053       15       8,151       (4,855 )     57,420  
    Deferred revenues   1,690       (1,401 )     13,369       (5,265 )     105,169  
    Net cash provided by operating activities   170,138       127,062       145,855       346,401       661,330  
    Cash flows from investing activities:                  
    Purchases of property and equipment   (8,533 )     (9,636 )     (23,848 )     (25,540 )     (90,326 )
    Purchases of marketable securities   (319,190 )     (300,053 )     (470,766 )     (1,091,511 )     (1,743,674 )
    Maturities and sale of marketable securities   215,241       282,063       494,804       994,677       1,406,608  
    Investments in private companies   —       —       (15,000 )     —       (15,000 )
    Net cash used in investing activities   (112,482 )     (27,626 )     (14,810 )     (122,374 )     (442,392 )
    Cash flows from financing activities:                  
    Partial settlement of convertible notes   (5 )     —       —       (7 )     —  
    Repurchase of common stock   (49,794 )     (99,908 )     (110,000 )     (191,698 )     (310,000 )
    Proceeds from issuance of common stock under employee equity plans   14       6,769       719       7,969       1,315  
    Payment of withholding taxes related to net share settlement of equity awards   (6,286 )     (7,473 )     (8,465 )     (73,801 )     (93,100 )
    Net cash used in financing activities   (56,071 )     (100,612 )     (117,746 )     (257,537 )     (401,785 )
    Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents   2,638       (374 )     (1,900 )     1,087       (322 )
    Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   4,223       (1,550 )     11,399       (32,423 )     (183,169 )
    Cash and cash equivalents—Beginning of period   252,102       253,652       278,676       288,748       473,244  
    Cash and cash equivalents —End of period $ 256,325     $ 252,102     $ 290,075     $ 256,325     $ 290,075  
                                           
    ENPHASE ENERGY, INC.
    RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
    (In thousands, except per share data and percentages)
    (Unaudited)
     
      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      September 30, 
    2024
      June 30, 
    2024
      September 30, 
    2023
      September 30, 
    2024
      September 30, 
    2023
    Gross profit (GAAP) $ 178,171     $ 137,166     $ 262,013     $ 430,845     $ 911,726  
    Stock-based compensation   2,948       3,730       2,708       10,860       9,775  
    Acquisition related amortization   1,904       1,890       1,899       5,685       5,686  
    Gross profit (Non-GAAP) $ 183,023     $ 142,786     $ 266,620     $ 447,390     $ 927,187  
                       
    Gross margin (GAAP)   46.8 %     45.2 %     47.5 %     45.5 %     45.9 %
    Stock-based compensation   0.8       1.3       0.6       1.1       0.5  
    Acquisition related amortization   0.5       0.6       0.3       0.6       0.2  
    Gross margin (Non-GAAP)   48.1 %     47.1 %     48.4 %     47.2 %     46.6 %
                       
    Operating expenses (GAAP) $ 128,383     $ 135,367     $ 144,024     $ 408,357     $ 455,754  
    Stock-based compensation(1)   (42,992 )     (49,027 )     (41,106 )     (148,670 )     (147,860 )
    Acquisition related expenses and amortization   (3,102 )     (3,463 )     (3,891 )     (10,027 )     (11,429 )
    Restructuring and asset impairment charges   (677 )     (1,171 )     —       (3,755 )     (901 )
    Operating expenses (Non-GAAP) $ 81,612     $ 81,706     $ 99,027     $ 245,905     $ 295,564  
                       
    (1)Includes stock-based compensation as follows:                  
    Research and development $ 19,790     $ 20,210     $ 19,285     $ 64,550     $ 64,528  
    Sales and marketing   14,237       16,784       13,297       49,199       49,231  
    General and administrative   8,965       12,033       8,524       34,921       34,101  
    Total $ 42,992     $ 49,027     $ 41,106     $ 148,670     $ 147,860  
                       
    Income from operations (GAAP) $ 49,788     $ 1,799     $ 117,989     $ 22,488     $ 455,972  
    Stock-based compensation   45,940       52,757       43,814       159,530       157,635  
    Acquisition related expenses and amortization   5,006       5,353       5,790       15,712       17,115  
    Restructuring and asset impairment charges   677       1,171       —       3,755       901  
    Income from operations (Non-GAAP) $ 101,411     $ 61,080     $ 167,593     $ 201,485     $ 631,623  
                       
    Net income (GAAP) $ 45,762     $ 10,833     $ 113,953     $ 40,498     $ 418,017  
    Stock-based compensation   45,940       52,757       43,814       159,530       157,635  
    Acquisition related expenses and amortization   5,006       5,353       5,790       15,712       17,115  
    Restructuring and asset impairment charges   677       1,171       —       3,755       901  
    Non-cash interest expense   2,173       2,157       2,114       6,462       6,254  
    Non-GAAP income tax adjustment   (11,156 )     (13,447 )     (23,822 )     (30,775 )     (61,413 )
    Net income (Non-GAAP) $ 88,402     $ 58,824     $ 141,849     $ 195,182     $ 538,509  
                       
    Net income per share, basic (GAAP) $ 0.34     $ 0.08     $ 0.84     $ 0.30     $ 3.06  
    Stock-based compensation   0.34       0.39       0.32       1.17       1.15  
    Acquisition related expenses and amortization   0.04       0.04       0.04       0.12       0.13  
    Restructuring and asset impairment charges   0.01       0.01       —       0.03       0.01  
    Non-cash interest expense   0.02       0.02       0.02       0.05       0.04  
    Non-GAAP income tax adjustment   (0.10 )     (0.11 )     (0.18 )     (0.23 )     (0.44 )
    Net income per share, basic (Non-GAAP) $ 0.65     $ 0.43     $ 1.04     $ 1.44     $ 3.95  
                       
    Shares used in basic per share calculation GAAP and Non-GAAP   135,329       135,646       136,165       135,621       136,491  
                       
    Net income per share, diluted (GAAP) $ 0.33     $ 0.08     $ 0.80     $ 0.30     $ 2.92  
    Stock-based compensation   0.33       0.38       0.32       1.17       1.17  
    Acquisition related expenses and amortization   0.04       0.04       0.04       0.12       0.12  
    Restructuring and asset impairment charges   0.01       0.01       —       0.03       0.01  
    Non-cash interest expense   0.02       0.02       0.02       0.05       0.04  
    Non-GAAP income tax adjustment   (0.08 )     (0.10 )     (0.16 )     (0.24 )     (0.40 )
    Net income per share, diluted (Non-GAAP)(2) $ 0.65     $ 0.43     $ 1.02     $ 1.43     $ 3.86  
                       
    Shares used in diluted per share calculation GAAP   139,914       136,123       143,863       136,236       145,081  
    Shares used in diluted per share calculation Non-GAAP   135,839       136,123       138,535       136,236       139,753  
                       
    Income-based government grants (GAAP) $ 46,552     $ 24,329     $ 18,532     $ 89,498     $ 20,583  
    Incremental cost for manufacturing in U.S.   (11,396 )     (5,950 )     (4,085 )     (22,228 )     (4,491 )
    Net IRA benefit (Non-GAAP) $ 35,156     $ 18,379     $ 14,447     $ 67,270     $ 16,092  
                       
    Net cash provided by operating activities (GAAP) $ 170,138     $ 127,062     $ 145,855     $ 346,401     $ 661,330  
    Purchases of property and equipment   (8,533 )     (9,636 )     (23,848 )     (25,540 )     (90,326 )
    Free cash flow (Non-GAAP) $ 161,605     $ 117,426     $ 122,007     $ 320,861     $ 571,004  
                                           

    (2) Calculation of non-GAAP diluted net income per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 excludes convertible Notes due 2023 interest expense, net of tax of less than $0.1 million from non-GAAP net income.

    This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.

    The MIL Network –

    January 24, 2025
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