NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI USA: News Release – DOH Reopens Kat’s Kau Kau Moʻopuna Style in Kailua-Kona

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    News Release – DOH Reopens Kat’s Kau Kau Moʻopuna Style in Kailua-Kona

    Posted on Oct 29, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

    KA ʻOIHANA OLAKINO

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR

    KE KIA‘ĀINA

    KENNETH S. FINK, MD, MGA, MPH
    DIRECTOR

    KA LUNA HO‘OKELE

    DOH REOPENS KAT’S KAU KAU MOʻOPUNA STYLE IN KAILUA-KONA

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    October 29, 2024                                                                                                    24-140

    KAILUA-KONA, HAWAIʻI — The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) Food Safety Branch allowed Kat’s Kau Kau Moʻopuna Style to reopen, issuing a green “pass” placard during a follow-up inspection on Oct. 25, 2024.

    The food establishment, located at Mile Marker 106, Māmalahoa Hwy. in Kailua-Kona is operated by Makaio Holdings LLC.

    DOH required the food establishment to take the following corrective actions:

    Repair the facility’s handwashing sink.

    During the follow-up inspection, DOH determined that the violation had been resolved and the handwashing sink is operational. Dedicated handwashing sinks are critical for food safety in commercial kitchens. Employees are now able to clean and sanitize their hands to prevent contamination and the potential spread of foodborne diseases.

    The DOH Food Safety Branch protects and promotes the health of Hawai‘i residents and visitors through education of food industry workers and regulation of food establishments statewide. The branch conducts routine health inspections of food establishments where food products are prepared, manufactured, distributed or sold.

    The branch also investigates the sources of foodborne illnesses and potential adulteration; and is charged with mitigating the effects of these incidents to prevent any future occurrences. The DOH food safety specialists strive to work with business owners, food service workers and the food industry to ensure safe food preparation practices and sanitary conditions.

    For more information on the department’s placarding program go to http://health.hawaii.gov/san/.

    #  # #

    Media Contact:

    Kristen Wong

    Information Specialist

    Hawaiʻi State Department of Health

    808-586-4407

    [email protected]

                   

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Seven California ports get more than $1 billion to shift to zero-emission operations, cut pollution

    Source: US State of California 2

    Oct 29, 2024

    What you need to know: The Biden-Harris Administration is granting more than $1 billion to California’s ports to accelerate their transition to zero-emission operations and create good paying jobs.

    SACRAMENTO – California ports are about to become cleaner and more climate friendly thanks to new funding from the Biden-Harris Administration. 

    Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced seven California ports are receiving more than $1 billion to build zero-emission infrastructure and implement plans to clean up air quality. California ports received a third of the total funding announced today nationwide. The Port of Los Angeles is receiving the nation’s largest clean ports grant of $411 million, which will help the port shift to zero-emission operations. 

    Thanks to historic support from the Biden-Harris Administration and our state’s Congressional leaders, California’s ports are undergoing a rapid transition to become zero-emission. Cleaner ports means cleaner air for communities up and down our state – this is a huge win for our ports that are the backbone of the fifth largest economy in the world.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    California’s ports handle about 40% of the nation’s containerized imports and 30% of America’s exports. This funding is key to Governor Newsom’s build more, faster infrastructure agenda. See projects in your community at build.ca.gov.  

    California ports receiving funding from the federal Clean Ports Program include:

    • Port of Los Angeles — $411.69 million: This project aims to accelerate the port’s transition toward ZE on-terminal operations by significantly reducing air pollution in and around the port, deploying ZE cargo handling equipment (CHE), and enhancing electric vehicle charging infrastructure. 
    • Port of Oakland — $322.17 million: This project will support the vision of reducing emissions and fully decarbonizing port acti­­vities by transitioning to ZE alternatives for drayage trucks and cargo handling equipment.  
    • Port of Stockton — $110.47 million: This project will transform the port into the first small port with ZE terminal operations and increase the ZE workforce in Northern California. 
    • Port of San Diego — $58.6 million: This project will support the port’s longstanding commitment to the electrification of San Diego’s maritime cargo handling facilities and freight transportation by implementing the final electrification elements to transform San Diego’s maritime cargo terminals and the goods movement network on San Diego Bay. 
    • Port of San Francisco — $55.39 million: This investment will transition ferry operations along the San Francisco waterfront to zero-emissions, removing 455,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide greenhouse gases and enhancing air quality at the Port of San Francisco and throughout the Bay Area airshed. 
    • Port of Hueneme — $42.29 million: The Port of Hueneme Reducing Emissions, Supporting Health (PHRESH) project consists of two components: PHRESH START (Sustainable, Thoughtful And Resilient Transformation), which includes planning activities, and PHRESH AIR (Accelerating Implementation and Results), which involves the deployment of roughly 35 pieces of ZE terminal equipment and a drayage truck incentive program.
    • Port of Redwood City — $1.97 million: This project, in partnership with a private entity, includes climate and air quality planning for hydrogen-based fueling and infrastructure.

    Recent news

    Oct 29, 2024

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom today announced 37 new grant awards totaling more than $827 million to help more than 100 local communities and organizations create long-term solutions to address homelessness. The grant agreements include strong…

    Oct 28, 2024

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom issued the following statement regarding the death of Barstow Fire Protection District Fire Captain Garret Miller: “Our heartfelt sympathies are with Fire Captain Miller’s family,…

    Oct 28, 2024

    News What you need to know: The Tijuana River sewage crisis has been impacting communities for far too long, and Governor Newsom has pushed federal and international partners to fund repairs and complete infrastructure improvements to finally address this crisis. …

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Doctor Sentenced for $54M Medicare Fraud Scheme

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    A Texas doctor was sentenced today to 10 years and one month in prison and ordered to pay over $34 million in restitution for his role in a scheme to defraud Medicare by prescribing durable medical equipment and cancer genetic testing without seeing, speaking to, or otherwise treating patients.

    According to court documents, Daniel R. Canchola M.D., 54, of Flower Mound, agreed to electronically sign doctor’s orders for durable medical equipment (DME) and cancer genetic testing that he knew were used to submit false and fraudulent claims to Medicare. From August 2018 through April 2019, Canchola received approximately $30 in exchange for each doctor’s order he signed authorizing DME and cancer genetic test orders that were not legitimately prescribed, not needed, or not used — totaling more than $466,000 in kickbacks. The doctor’s orders Canchola signed were used to submit more than $54 million in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare. According to court filings, the Medicare beneficiaries for whom Canchola prescribed DME and cancer genetic testing were targeted by telemarketing campaigns and at health fairs, and they were induced to submit to the cancer genetic testing and to receive the DME regardless of medical necessity.

    In October 2022, Canchola pleaded guilty to a conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

    Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Special Agent in Charge Jason E. Meadows of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Dallas Regional Office; and Chief William Marlowe of the Texas Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) made the announcement.

    HHS-OIG and MFCU investigated the case.

    Assistant Chief Brynn Schiess and Trial Attorney Ethan Womble of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case.

    The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,400 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $27 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pine Ridge Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Over Three Years for Involuntary Manslaughter

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    RAPID CITY – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter.

    Devin White Calf, age 23, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

    White Calf was indicted for the charge by a federal grand jury in December of 2023. He pleaded guilty on April 5, 2024.

    In September of 2023, White Calf consumed alcohol with a group of friends and relatives. At some point, White Calf drove his group to a place called “Top of the World.” This location is just west of Pine Ridge. At this location, the group continued to drink alcohol. While leaving “Top of the World,” White Calf lost control of the vehicle. One of the passengers, a 16-year-old female, was ejected from the vehicle and sustained fatal injuries. Multiple other passengers were also ejected from the car and sustained bodily injuries. Law enforcement was dispatched to the scene because individuals nearby could hear screaming and crying. When law enforcement arrived on scene, White Calf told them that he was not driving and that someone with the last name “Titus” was driving. Several months later, White Calf eventually admitted to law enforcement that he was the driver.

    This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.

    This case was investigated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe – Department of Public Safety and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.

    White Calf was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Drug Dealer Sentenced To 15 Years In Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MOBILE, AL – An Elberta man was sentenced on October 28, 2024, to 15 years in federal prison for his possession with intent to distribute of methamphetamine and fentanyl in Baldwin County, Alabama.  Marcus Allen Heaton, 38, was identified during several encounters with Baldwin County sheriff’s investigators from 2019 through 2021.  

    Court documents show that in May of 2021, Heaton was driving a vehicle displaying improper rear lights. Baldwin County sheriff’s deputies stopped the vehicle and initiated an investigation. A drug detecting dog was used to walk around the outside of the vehicle, and the dog gave a positive alert for the odor of drugs emanating from the vehicle. The deputies searched the vehicle and found 132.6 grams of methamphetamine divided among five plastic bags, packaged in that manner for resale. The deputies also found 6.58 grams of fentanyl divided among three other plastic bags, also packaged for resale.  Heaton’s phone was seized during the stop and deputies obtained a search warrant to examine the contents. In the phone, deputies found numerous texts and electronic messages relating to Heaton’s distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl. Heaton pled guilty to two counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, one for methamphetamine and one for fentanyl, in June of 2024.  

    United States District Court Judge Jeffery Beaverstock imposed a sentence of 15 years imprisonment for Heaton’s illegal possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The sentence was the minimum mandatory sentence under federal law based on the amount of methamphetamine involved in the offense and Heaton’s prior convictions for serious drug felonies. On the charge for Heaton’s illegal possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, the judge imposed a sentence of 130 months imprisonment, which will run concurrently with the sentence on the methamphetamine charge. When Heaton is released from custody, he will serve 5 years of supervised release. Heaton’s supervision includes a set of standard conditions as well as a special condition requiring drug testing and treatment and permitting the probation officer to search his person or property upon a showing of reasonable suspicion that he is in violation of any of the conditions of his supervision. No fine was imposed but Heaton was ordered to pay $200 in special mandatory assessments.  

    The case was investigated by the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gloria Bedwell prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Jury Finds Man Guilty of Defrauding UConn

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal jury in Hartford has found DICKSON ALORWORNU, also known as “Dixon Al,” 35, a citizen of Ghana residing in Greenwich, guilty of fraud offenses.  The trial before U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala began on October 23 and the jury returned guilty verdicts on both counts of an indictment this afternoon.

    According to the evidence presented during the trial, in December 2017, Alorwornu used other individuals’ names, fake Social Security numbers, and email addresses to submit two non-degree student applications to the University of Connecticut (“UConn”).  He then used American Express card information that had been stolen from three victims to fund the two student accounts with a total of more than $62,000 in fraudulently obtained funds.  In early 2018, Alorwornu withdrew from the courses and requested that UConn refund the money he had deposited.  UConn subsequently transferred tens of thousands of dollars to bank accounts Alorwornu controlled.  The investigation revealed that the email accounts that Alorwornu used to defraud UConn were also used to commit fraud at other universities.

    The jury found Alorwornu guilty of two counts of wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.  Judge Nagala scheduled sentencing for February 19.

    Alorwornu was arrested on February 1, 2023.  He is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.

    This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the UConn Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edward Chang and Elena Coronado.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jesup Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing Firearms as a Drug User

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    A man who possessed twenty-one firearms as a drug user was sentenced today to five years in federal prison.

    Douglas Gilbert Uchytil, age 61, from Jesup, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 1, 2024, guilty plea to possession of firearms by a drug user.

    Evidence at the sentencing hearing showed that when law enforcement officers searched Uchytil’s residence on April 6, 2023, they found twenty-one firearms, over $25,000 in cash, and over half a pound of ice methamphetamine.  Uchytil possessed the methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it.  He also admitted that he was a methamphetamine user.

    Uchytil was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Uchytil was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment and must also serve a two-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.  Uchytil is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Devra T. Hake and investigated by Iowa State Patrol, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Fire Marshal Division, and Iowa Department of Public Safety Division of Narcotics Enforcement.  

    Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.

    The case file number is 23-CR-2056.

    Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Crystal Springs Man Sentenced to over 9 Years in Prison for Brandishing a Firearm During a Carjacking in Jackson

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jackson, Miss. – A Crystal Springs man was sentenced today to 110 months in prison for brandishing a firearm while carjacking a woman in front of her home in Jackson.

    According to court documents, Christopher Lawrence Murray, 31, brandished a pistol during a carjacking in the Jackson area. In May of 2021, Murray and another man approached a woman sitting in her car in front of her home.  Working in tandem, both men pointed pistols at the woman and demanded she hand over her cellular phone and the keys to her car. The woman, at gunpoint, complied with the demands and the men left in the woman’s car.

    Murray was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 6, 2023, and he pled guilty on July 31, 2024, to brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence.   

    U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made the announcement.

    The Jackson Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Bert Carraway prosecuted the case.

    In an effort to focus resources on carjacking in Jackson, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Jackson Police Department and the Capitol Police Department formed a carjacking task force in April of 2024.  In keeping with the Justice Department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime, the task force represents a strategic enforcement priority for the department, focusing federal resources on identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the most significant drivers of violent crime. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Eight-Time Mail Robbers Sentenced to Combined 21 Years in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    The men responsible for eight mail carrier robberies were sentenced today to a combined 21 years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. 

    Jerrad Coleman, 18, and Louis Dixon, 18, were charged via criminal complaint in April. Mr. Dixon pleaded guilty in June to robbery of property of the United States and conspiracy to rob and unlawfully possess property of the United States, while Mr. Coleman pleaded guilty to the same charges the following month.

    The pair were sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Mark Pittman, who noted that the U.S. Postal Service is critical to the functioning of our country and called their crime a “heinous offense.” Mr. Dixon was sentenced to 60 months on count one and 91 months on count two to run consecutively, for a combined 151 months (12 ½ years) in federal prison; Mr. Dixon was sentenced to 60 months on count one and 108 months on count two to run concurrently for a total of 108 months (9 years) in federal prison. 

    “Today’s sentencing serves as a notice to those who wish to commit violent acts against U.S. Postal Service employees that the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, along with our law enforcement partners, are committed to finding those responsible and bringing justice to the victims. U.S. Postal Service employees are delivering across America and deserve to work in their communities free from danger,” said Kai Pickens, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Fort Worth Division.

    “Violence against letter carriers not only puts federal workers in fear for their lives, but also undermines the functioning of the U.S. postal system,” said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton.  “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to aggressively pursue and prosecute individuals that endanger our Postal colleagues and the system as a whole.” 

     According to court documents, the men trawled the streets of DFW looking for U.S. Postal Service letter carriers to rob in hopes of obtaining an Arrow Key, a master key used by letter carriers to gather mail deposited in blue collection boxes. Unauthorized possession of these keys, prized by mail thieves, allows individuals to illicitly access mailboxes to steal victim mail, checks, credit cards, bank account information, and other sensitive information. 

    Over the course of about four months, the men conspired to commit robberies against U.S. Postal Service Letter Carriers, including those on Jan. 17 in Fort Worth, Jan. 18 in Fort Worth, Jan. 25 in Dallas, Jan. 29 in Dallas, March 15 in Fort Worth, March 28 in Arlington, April 4 in Frisco, and April 17 in Fort Worth. 

    After robbing the mail carriers, often at gunpoint, the men fled in getaway vehicles. They then unlawfully used, sold, or disposed of the Arrow Keys.

    The U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation with the help of the Arlington, Dallas, Fort Worth, and Frisco Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Levi Thomas prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Leader And Three Members of Poly-Drug Trafficking Organization Are Sentenced To Prison

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

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The leader and three members of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) were handed down sentences ranging from 70 months to 27 years in prison today for the bulk distribution of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and other narcotics, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

    Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in North Carolina, Bennie Mims, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.

    Led by the FBI, ATF, and CMPD, this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation successfully dismantled a poly-drug network that trafficked large quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine in Mecklenburg County.

    The investigation identified nine members of the DTO who were prosecuted federally in connection with this case. The four sentenced today are:

    George Irving Rivens, 38, of Charlotte, and leader of the DTO, was sentenced to 27 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl.

    Paul Alexander Kaber, 29, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 172 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin.

    Christopher Ahmad Townsend, 32, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 130 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl.

    Joseph Earl Connor, 34, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 70 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl.

    The five DTO members previously sentenced and the charges they pleaded guilty to are as follows: 

    Daneon Hansen, 47, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin.

    Deion Rashaad Thompson, 30, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl; distribution of methamphetamine; and two counts of distribution of fentanyl.

    Joseph Stewart, 36, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 15 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl.

    Naliyah Tekayla Herd, 26, of Charlotte, was sentenced to a year and a day in prison followed by three years of supervised release. She pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl.

    Alexis Taylor, 27, of Mount Holly, N.C., was sentenced to four months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. She pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl.

    According to court documents and court proceedings, from at least January 1, 2021, to June 3, 2022, Rivens supplied the members of the DTO with methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine for local distribution in Charlotte. During the investigation, law enforcement identified a residence in Charlotte the DTO was using as a wholesale stash house to store and traffic drugs. On June 3, 2022, investigators executed a search warrant at the stash house, seizing 16.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, more than 5.7 kilograms of fentanyl, over 2.6 kilograms of cocaine, over a kilogram of heroin, 37 kilograms of marijuana, and more than half a kilogram of cocaine base. In addition, 10 firearms and nearly $30,000 in cash drug proceeds were seized. Court record show that, when law enforcement conducted the search warrant, it appeared that some of the occupants of the stash house had been attempting to destroy evidence by flushing methamphetamine down the toilet.

    On the same day, investigators also executed a search warrant at another location, seizing 3.6 kilograms of methamphetamine, 1.1 kilograms of heroin, three firearms, and $60,000 in cash. From another residence used by Rivens, law enforcement seized $30,303 in cash and two more firearms. In total, over the course of the investigation, law enforcement seized over a quarter million dollars in drug cash proceeds and other assets, including over $100,000 worth of jewelry, a 2020 Dodge Charger Scat Pack, and a residence used by the DTO to facilitate drug trafficking. 

    In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King commended the FBI, ATF, and CMPD for leading this OCDETF operation.

    OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Alfredo De La Rosa of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case. 

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Chief of Naval Operations, Master Chief Petty Officer of Navy Visit Gulf Coast to Engage with Warfighters

    Source: United States Navy

    Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Lisa Franchetti and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) James Honea traveled to the Gulf Coast, Oct. 24-25, to engage with active and reserve Sailors and Navy civilians serving in America’s Warfighting Navy.

    This visit underscores the CNO and MCPON’s commitment to warfighting, warfighters and the foundation that supports them.

    “Our greatest strength in our Navy is our people,” said Franchetti. “We can have great technology, great platforms, and all the best equipment around the world, but without our amazing people to operate it, we can’t go anywhere or do anything.”

    At Naval Support Activity (NSA) Panama City, Franchetti and Honea had the opportunity to visit Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Panama City Division to observe the latest advancements in integrating robotic and autonomous systems in littoral operations and hold discussions with experts in the field about how their work advances one of the Project 33 targets outlined in CNO’s Navigation Plan for America’s Warfighting Navy: “Operationalize robotic and autonomous systems: Move proven systems into the hands of the warfighters.”

    “Our Sailors assigned in the area possess the education and skills that undoubtedly improve our readiness and enhance our warfighting advantage,” said Honea.

    The CNO expressed her appreciation for the innovative work being done.

    “I am inspired by the remarkable technological advancements and the dedication of our Sailors and civilians. The Gulf Coast is home to some of the Navy’s most innovative and talented individuals, and it was an honor to witness their achievements firsthand,” said Franchetti. “Our investments in unmanned warfare technologies are critical to maintaining our maritime superiority and ensuring the safety and security of our Nation.”

    The leaders also visited the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center, which trains military divers from all branches. The center includes diving simulation facilities that can reach depths of 300 feet, along with an aquatics training facility that features the second-largest pool in the U.S.

    CNO and MCPON continued their visit at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola engaging with students and staff at Information Warfare Training Command Corry Station. This interaction provided an invaluable opportunity for them to gain insights into the training and education of the Navy’s information warfare professionals.

    MCPON commended the students for their dedication and highlighted the vital role the Navy’s information warriors play in providing warfighting capabilities from the seabed to space.

    “Our Sailors assigned in the area possess the education and skills that undoubtedly improve our readiness and enhance our warfighting advantage,” said Honea.

    Next, the CNO presided over a winging ceremony at NAS Pensacola, where she had the honor of presenting 36 “wings of gold” to new pilots, naval flight officers, and an air vehicle pilot. The ceremony is a tradition that marks the completion of a student’s training and their official designation as a naval aviator. The CNO expressed her pride in the newly winged aviators and their commitment to upholding the highest standards of excellence in naval aviation.

    “I’d like to leave you with one final thought. The skill sets, tactics, and training you’ve learned during flight school will stay with you for the rest of your lives, forming the foundation of your careers,” said Franchetti. “Remember the importance of Crew Resource Management and Operational Risk Management, and never forget to aviate, navigate, and communicate.”

    Following the winging ceremony CNO and MCPON hosted a roundtable discussion with Pensacola area Major Commanders and their senior enlisted leaders to discuss the NAVPLAN and gain their perspective on the experiences of our Sailors, civilians, and families in the “cradle of naval aviation.”  They also conducted all hands calls at Panama City, Corry Station, and NAS Pensacola.
     

    They closed out their trip with a visit to the Transaction Service Center (TSC) Pensacola, where CNO and MCPON met with the Sailors and Navy civilians responsible for overseeing all East Coast gains, losses, and military pay, expressing gratitude for their essential work.

    Last year, TSC Pensacola utilized the Get Real Get Better toolset, achieving 99.9 percent accuracy in Sailor pay. This milestone was reached by expanding Human Resources (HR) Service Center workflows, enhancing command triad visibility of Sailor pay and HR professional performance, and collaborating closely with Fleet Commanders.

    NAS Pensacola, the proud home of the Blue Angels, will host the NAS Pensacola Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show, featuring a combined performance with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, on Nov. 1-2, 2024. This event is one of Pensacola’s largest, attracting between 150,000 and 180,000 spectators over the two days. Admission is free and open to the public, with gates opening at 8 a.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own seating, or they can opt for paid seating available for purchase.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Finance – Visa Expands Push-to-Wallet for Virtual Cards Across Commercial Solutions Ecosystem

    Source: Visa Inc.
     
    New capabilities enable seamless issuance and deployment; provide robust controls and unlock new efficiencies

    SAN FRANCISCO – Visa (NYSE:V), a global leader in digital payments, announced new capabilities that enable frictionless, provisioned virtual card push-to-wallet experiences. Users can now seamlessly push virtual cards to mobile wallet ecosystems including Apple Pay and Google Pay, with control and security that allows for precise spending limits and monitoring of transactions, thereby minimizing the risk of fraud and unauthorized expenditures.

    Visa is an early mover in virtual card push-to-wallet, recognizing the importance of creating seamless, digitally native B2B payment experiences that mirror the consumer ones we have all come to expect. Virtual card transactions will exceed 121 billion globally by 2027, increasing 340% from 28 billion in 20221, according to Juniper Research. Virtual cards can significantly enhance operational efficiency by automating payment processes and reducing the administrative burden associated with traditional payment methods, and they can facilitate improved working capital management by accelerating payment cycles and offering greater transparency into financial transactions, empowering businesses to optimize their cash flow and financial planning.

    “These new capabilities underscore Visa’s commitment to innovating the B2B payment landscape, ensuring that businesses have access to secure and efficient payment solutions,” said Gloria Colgan, SVP and Global Head of Product for Visa Commercial Solutions. “By enabling push-to-wallet for virtual cards across our commercial products, we are making it easier for our clients to manage their finances in a digitally native environment.”

    These advancements empower businesses to operate efficiently and securely in today’s fast-paced digital economy. Visa’s sophisticated virtual card capabilities enable businesses of all sizes to utilize enterprise-grade payment solutions for better control, security and financial management. As the use of virtual cards continues to accelerate, Visa remains committed to driving innovation and providing tools that help businesses navigate and thrive in the evolving financial landscape.

    About Visa Inc.

    Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com.

    1 “Virtual Cards: Sector Analysis, Competitor Leaderboard & Market Forecast 2022-2027,” Juniper Research, 2022.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Rosendale Introduces University Forced Vaccination Student Injury Mitigation Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Matt Rosendale (Montana)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Matt Rosendale (MT-02) introduced the University Forced Vaccination Student Injury Mitigation Act, which will require higher education institutions to pay the medical costs for any student who was required or is currently required to take a COVID-19 vaccine to attend classes and experienced an adverse reaction. The higher education institutions would lose all federal funds from the Department of Education if they do not comply with the requirements set out in the bill. The University Forced Vaccination Student Injury Mitigation Act is cosponsored by Congressman Eli Crane (AZ-02) and Congressman Bill Posey (FL-08), has received support from No College Mandates, and Dr. Joseph Marine who is Section Chief of Cardiology at Johns Hopkins Community Physicians.

    Washington Examiner published an exclusive article highlighting new legislation. You can see the story by clicking on the image below.

    “If you are not prepared to face the consequences, you should have never committed the act,” Rep. Rosendale said, “Colleges and universities forced students to inject themselves with an experimental vaccine knowing it was not going to prevent COVID-19 while potentially simultaneously causing life-threatening health defects like Guillian-Barre Syndrome and myocarditis. It is now time for schools to be held accountable for their brazen disregard for students’ health and pay for the issues they are responsible for causing.”

    “No student in the United States should face crippling medical costs because of an experimental vaccine their school forced them into receiving. We must hold institutions to account for continuing to inflict COVID-era idiocy on their student body, and that’s exactly what this bill would accomplish. I’m proud to be a cosponsor of this legislation to help rectify this unjustified overreach,” said Rep. Eli Crane.

    “College students were never at risk of severe injury or death from any variant of the COVID-19 virus and institutions of higher education had this data well in advance of mandating COVID-19 vaccines. Yet in the spring of 2021, college students were stripped of their fundamental right to bodily autonomy and informed consent when colleges imposed some of the most coercive and restrictive vaccination policies. Countless college students have been injured by COVID-19 vaccinations, and we are grateful that Representative Matthew Rosendale is introducing a new bill to hold colleges accountable for the injuries their unnecessary, unethical and unscientific policies have caused for without such legislation, these students and their families would have no other recourse,” said Lucia Sinatra, co-founder of No College Mandates.

    “COVID-19 vaccine mandates for college students were flawed policies that did not alter the course of the pandemic and were not needed to keep college campuses “safe.” I had to make efforts to prevent my own high school and college age children from receiving COVID-19 booster shots that they did not want or need. It seems reasonable to me that institutions that implemented such policies without a sound medical or scientific rationale should take responsibility for any proven medical harm that they caused,” said Joseph Marine, MD, MBA, FACC, FHRS, Section Chief of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins Community Physicians.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: All Tasmanian public schools to be fully funded by the beginning of 2026

    Source: Australian Ministers for Education

    All Tasmanian public schools will be fully and fairly funded in 2026 following a historic bilateral agreement signed today by the Albanese and Rockliff Governments.

    The bilateral agreement formalises the Statement of Intent signed by both Governments in September and confirms all Tasmanian public schools will get to 100 per cent of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) from January 2026.

    Tasmania becomes the third state or territory to sign on to the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement, delivering record funding to its schools and introducing targeted reforms which will help Tasmanian students to catch up, keep up and finish school. 

    Under the agreement, the Albanese Government will invest an estimated additional $153.5 million from 2025 to 2029 in Tasmanian public schools.

    The Rockliff Government will increase its investment in schools by $195.9 million over the same period. Extra funding will be tied to literacy and numeracy, student wellbeing and workforce initiatives. 

    To meet this commitment additional new funding will be provided by the Tasmanian Government on top of commitments already announced in this year’s budget and the recent teachers wage agreement.

    This means the Commonwealth will increase its share of funding from 20 per cent to 21.25 per cent in January next year and to 22.5 per cent of the SRS from January 2026, and the Tasmanian Government will increase its funding share to at least 77.5 per cent of the SRS from 2026.

    Funding will be tied to reforms in the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement, including: 

    • Year 1 phonics and early years numeracy checks to identify students in the early years of school who need additional help.
    • Evidence-based teaching and targeted and intensive supports such as small-group or catch-up tutoring to help students who fall behind.
    • Accelerating the implementation of the school-based recommendations of Tasmania’s Lifting Literacy implementation plan, including a minimum schooling guarantee for reading across all schools in Tasmania.
    • Support for students to come to school ready to learn, including greater access to mental health supports.
    • Reducing absence at school by prioritising evidence-based approaches to improving attendance and strengthening re-engagement support programs.
    • Establishing and strengthening relationships and collaboration with Tasmanian Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and First Nations peoples and communities within Tasmania to support increased cultural safety and responsiveness in the Tasmanian education system.
    • Support for VET specialist teachers and piloting incentive packages for attracting staff into remote and regional areas.

    The Tasmanian bilateral agreement can be accessed here. The BFSA Heads of Agreement can be accessed here. 

    This Agreement is reliant on the Better and Fairer Schools (Funding and Reform) Bill 2024 being passed by the Parliament.

    The Albanese Government has put a record $16 billion of additional investment for public schools on the table which, if accepted by all jurisdictions, would represent the biggest extra investment in public education by any Commonwealth government. 

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:

    “Five weeks ago, we signed a Statement of Intent to fully fund Tassie public schools no later than 2029.

    “Today’s agreement confirms that all Tassie public schools will start to receive full funding in just over 12 months – in January 2026. 

    “This is fantastic news for Tassie students and for public education it shows what can be done when governments work together. 

    “It shows that we can fully fund public schools and invest in the reforms that will make a real difference to the students who really need it.

    “This agreement means that all schools in Tasmania will be fully funded and that funding will be invested in reforms to help students catch up, keep up and finish school.

    “The agreements we have struck with Tasmania, WA and the Northern Territory are not blank cheques. Funding will be tied to real and practical reforms to deliver a better and fairer education system, which is what the signing of today’s Bilateral Agreement is all about.”

    Quotes attributable to Tasmanian Minister for Education Jo Palmer:

    “This is an historic milestone for Tasmanian Government schools, and we are really excited about what it means for our students and workforce. 

    “All Tasmanian schools will be fully funded from January 2026, which is nine years earlier than was initially proposed by the Federal Government. 

    “This will support our students to achieve the educational outcomes they need and deserve so they can lead their best lives.

    “We are committed to maximising the new investment delivered through this agreement and making sure it flows to our students and our schools and is used to lift educational outcomes.  

    “Our Government is already rolling out significant educational reform, for example through our Lifting Literacy initiative.

    “We are committed to further improving our education system and look forward to receiving the report of the Independent Review into Education in Tasmania, which is currently underway.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Manchin Announces $12.3 Million From Appalachian Regional Commission For Seven West Virginia Projects

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Joe Manchin

    October 29, 2024

    Charleston, WV – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (I-WV), member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced $12,320,520 from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) for seven projects in West Virginia. This statewide funding will support economic and workforce development, educational opportunities, and entrepreneurship.

    “The Appalachian Regional Commission is a longtime partner of the Mountain State and today’s announcement is proof of that. This investment of more than $12.3 million will bolster workforce and educational opportunities, healthcare, infrastructure and entrepreneurship for countless West Virginians,” said Senator Manchin. “As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I look forward to seeing the positive impacts of these projects and I remain dedicated to strengthening economic growth across Appalachia.”

    Individuals awards listed below:

    • $10,000,000 – American Association of Community Colleges
      • This funding will support creating a network for cybersecurity workforce development statewide.
    • $500,000 – Appalachian Regional Healthcare, Inc.
      • This funding will support developing a statewide plan for a health task force and pilot programs for mobile healthcare.
    • $500,000 – New River Conservancy
      • This funding will support developing a plan for an expansion of the New River Water Trail.
    • $500,000 – Teach for America
      • This funding will support expanding the recruitment and retention model for educators in West Virginia.
    • $418,000 – Grow Ohio Valley
      • This funding will be used to develop a plan to create a sustainable network of food and energy systems in West Virginia.
    • $212,800 – University of Pittsburgh
      • This funding will support developing a plan for biotech workforce development and engagement in West Virginia.
    • $189,720 – DRIVE (Driving Real Innovation for a Vibrant Economy)
      • This funding will support building an incubation network for small businesses and entrepreneurs in West Virginia.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner, Kaine, and Scott Applaud $380 Million in Inflation Reduction Act Funding for the Port of Virginia

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
    WASHINGTON –  Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) and U.S. Representative Bobby Scott (D-VA-03) announced $380,000,000 in federal funding for the Port of Virginia to accelerate its plan to become carbon-neutral by 2040. Warner, Kaine, and Scott advocated for this funding and sent a letter of support for this grant. The funding was awarded through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Ports Program, which was made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act that the members helped pass. 
    “The Port of Virginia is one of the largest and busiest ports on the eastern seaboard, and it’s critical to Virginia’s economy and offshore wind industry. As the Port of Virginia continues to grow thanks to investments we’re making, we must also ensure we’re reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which result in negative health and environmental impacts for our communities,” said the lawmakers. “That’s why we’re thrilled that this federal funding, which was made possible by theInflation Reduction Act we supported, will accelerate the Port’s efforts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 and further cement Virginia’s place as a leader in clean energy.”  
    The Inflation Reduction Act made historic investments to support clean energy projects. It included clean energy tax credits that have incentivized a series of corporate investments in Virginia, including:
    A $681 million investment by LS GreenLink to build a state-of-the-art facility to manufacture high-voltage subsea cables used for offshore wind farms inChesapeake, which will create over 330 jobs in Virginia.
    An investment of over $400 million by Topsoe to build a new manufacturing facility in Chesterfield County, which will create at least 150 new jobs in Virginia.
    An investment of $208 million by Mack and Volvo Trucks—in addition to a federal grant award of over $208 million for the company—to sustain 7,900 union jobs and create 295 new jobs in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Volvo Trucks is the second largest employer in the New River Valley, sustaining 3,600 jobs in Dublin, including 3,200 United Automobile Workers (UAW) jobs. In September 2024, Warner and Kaine visited Volvo’s New River Valley plant to celebrate the investment.
    Today’s announcement builds on other transformational investments made to the Port of Virginia by the Biden-Harris administration with the backing of Warner, Kaine, and Scott. That includes $225.4 million to fully fund the Norfolk Harbor Deepening and Widening Project, which will improve navigation and expand capacity by deepening and widening Norfolk Harbor’s shipping channels, allowing for two-way traffic in and out of the harbor. Of this amount, $141.7 million was made available through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and $83.7 million was provided through the Fiscal Year 2022 omnibus appropriations bill.
    The Port also previously received $20 million in federal funding from the Department of Transportation for improvements to Portsmouth Marine Terminal that will allow it to serve as a staging area to support the manufacturing and movement of offshore wind goods to support the 2.6 gigawatt Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind commercial project and other commercial offshore wind projects up-and-down the East Coast. Warner, Kaine, and Scott led a Virginia Congressional Delegation letter to Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg in support of the Port’s application for that funding.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pelosi Family Statement on Sentencing in the Violent Assault on Paul Pelosi

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Representing the 12th District of California

    San Francisco – The Pelosi family issued this statement and released the following letter from Mr. Paul Pelosi:

    “Two grueling years after the defendant violently broke into our family home with zip ties and a hammer yelling ‘where’s Nancy?,’ then kidnapped Mr. Pelosi and nearly killed him, legal justice has been served. Our entire family is grateful to the paramedics and lifesaving General Hospital trauma team, to the prosecution staff and to all who have sent love and prayers. Mostly, we are in awe of Pop’s courage on that horrible night two years ago — as well as on the witness stand at two criminal trials and every day of his recovery from the vicious assault on his life.

    “Since the violent break-in and shouts of ‘where’s Nancy?’ two years ago, not a day goes by that we do not think of this devastating assault, its trauma — or the possibility of future attacks. Today’s sentence of life without parole gives our Pop some measure of legal justice and, we hope, a message to others that political violence against elected officials or their family members will not be tolerated, minimized or condoned. We must each do our part to build a peaceful democracy.”

    ***

    Dear Judge Dorfman,

    The last peaceful sleep I had ended abruptly at 2:00 am on October 28, 2022 when the defendant violently broke into my home, burst into my bedroom and stood over my bed with a hammer and zip ties demanding to see my wife, yelling “Where’s Nancy?”

    Awakened by a large violent man wielding a weapon and threatening to tie up my wife and “take her out,” I did all I could to calm him and save my own life. I tried escaping from my bedroom to the elevator to call the police but he crowded into the elevator with me and prevented my escape or rescue. The defendant knew I was alone and could have left then and there once he learned that my wife Nancy Pelosi, then Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, was in Washington, DC for work — but he kept me hostage in my own home saying he would wait for her. He insisted that he was on a political mission to avenge what he considered to be my wife’s mistreatment of former President Donald Trump — and said he was going to wait for my wife, tie her up and interrogate her about that.

    I managed to make my way into my bathroom to call the police — and again the defendant could have left me there — but he continued to stay even after I dialed 911. I told the 911 operator who I was and tried to get her to understand that I needed help — all the while, the defendant lumbered over me, interrupted my conversation, falsely claimed to be a friend of Nancy’s and mine, and urged me to hang up, so I did. I thought I had a chance of saving my life if I went downstairs. Lord knows what would have happened if I was two floors up and the police arrived. So I convinced the defendant to go downstairs — which we did, slowly because I was still recovering from knee surgery — and just when the police arrived and I thought I would be free, he did not run away out the back patio door that he’d broken into — or even run past the police officers who stood at the door with no guns or tasers in hand. Instead, as he later testified, the defendant made me “take the punishment” with a vicious assault. After the defendant struck me in the head with blows from his hammer, I fell unconscious.

    When I awoke in a pool of my own blood, I had severe head, arm and hand injuries. The paramedics who cut off my pajamas and put tourniquets on my head and arms kept me awake and helped save my life. But even after emergency trauma surgery and six days at San Francisco General Hospital, my injuries were severe and persistent.

    My head injuries continue to affect my life. My hair grew back — but I have bumps on my head from the hammer blows that crushed my skull — and a metal plate that will forever remain in my head. The dizziness has not gone away. In late November of 2023 — 13 months after the assault — I felt vertigo and fell twice at home, leading to extensive medical evaluations including MRIs and nerve block injections in my neck. Treatments continue. To this day, I walk slowly and have difficulty with my balance. Nearly every day I get headaches that become migraines unless quickly addressed. I need to sleep during the day and cannot tolerate bright lights or loud noises for extended periods of time.

    The defendant’s violent attack severely damaged the nerves in my left hand. My forehand was “de-gloved” exposing raw nerves and blood vessels. Surgeries and treatments mostly healed the skin, but underneath I still felt pinched nerves in my left hand for months, making basic tasks like using buttons, cutlery and simple tools more difficult. My right arm had stitches for 8 weeks. Sleeping alone in my home still evokes memories of the defendant breaking into my house.

    It took many months to reclaim my home and well-being. I still keep away from media and video of the attack for my own peace of mind. Even after testifying in federal and state criminal trials, I do not read the coverage or willingly revisit the events. My family and friends were traumatized by the attack — and many political spouses with whom I have grown close during my wife’s service in Congress have been both sympathetic to me and scared for their own safety. To protect my healing, I still do not address the assault with my wife or anyone else. Nor do I discuss the trauma experienced by my wife who remains under 24-hour security two years later even though she is no longer serving as Speaker of the House. Even now, we do not answer our landline phone or our front door due to ongoing threats. We cannot fully remove the stain on the floor in the front entryway where I bled. As recently as this summer, we had to improve security measures at our home due to ongoing threats.

    I ask that you consider the premeditated, violent break-in of my home, kidnapping and vicious assault on my life, and the ongoing physical and mental injuries caused by the defendant.

    Since the violent break-in and shouts of “where’s Nancy?” echoing in my bedroom two years ago, not a day goes by that we do not think of this devastating assault, its trauma — or the possibility of future attacks. For these reasons, my entire family joins me in requesting that you sentence the defendant to the fullest extent the law provides.

    Thank you for your consideration.

    Sincerely,

    Paul Pelosi

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Think of others and use fireworks safely this Guy Fawkes season

    Source: Auckland Council

    Guy Fawkes is just around the corner and with fireworks going on sale in Tamāki Makaurau, here’s a reminder on the rules and tips, so you, your friends and whānau can enjoy fireworks safely.  

    Aotearoa New Zealand has strict rules around the purchase and sale of fireworks. They’re sold for four days leading up to and including Guy Fawkes (2 to 5 November 2024). Not just anyone can buy fireworks – you must be 18 years old and have a valid ID.

    Councillor Josephine Bartley, chair of Auckland Council’s Regulatory and Community Safety Committee urges people letting off fireworks to be mindful of others.

    “Some Aucklanders enjoy the Guy Fawkes season, but for others it can be an unsettling and worrying time.

    “Fireworks can be enjoyed on private property in Tamāki Makaurau, but please be aware that others, including your neighbours may not enjoy the sound and sight of them and pets can also be distressed by them.”

    “By all means enjoy fireworks in a safe and responsible manner, but please be respectful to others who may not share your enthusiasm for fireworks.”

    “Auckland Council has long held the view that central Government should ban the private sale of fireworks, and has taken

    opportunities in the past to present this view.”

    Taryn Crewe, Auckland Council’s General Manager Parks and Community Facilities says Aucklanders should give some thought to where they let off fireworks.

    “I hope people have a safe and enjoyable time letting off fireworks on their own property.”

    “Please be aware that using fireworks in parks and on beaches across Auckland is not allowed.”

    Muriwai beach access

    Te Oneone Rangatira / Muriwai Beach will be closed to vehicles during the Guy Fawkes period this year, from 2 to 11 November, to mitigate fire risk in the area.

    Enjoying fireworks safely and responsibly

    • Fireworks can only be let off on private property. 

    • It is not legal to light fireworks on council-controlled land, such as parks and beaches, across the whole of Tāmaki Makaurau.

    • Lighting fireworks is also prohibited in forests, conservation areas and on road surfaces, berms or footpaths on your street.

    • The Tūpuna Maunga Authority will close public access to 14 maunga across Tāmaki Makaurau from Saturday 2 November 2024 to Tuesday 5 November 2024 to protect them from fires. This is the sixth year in a row the Authority has closed our maunga.

    • Make sure yourself and others stand well back from fireworks once they are lit.

    • Inform your neighbours if possible and avoid using fireworks after 10pm.

    • Have water or a fire extinguisher handy.

    • Read and follow fireworks handling instructions carefully.

    • Do not light fireworks in windy or dry conditions.

    • Do not point fireworks at any person, animal, property or vegetation.

    • Always have a responsible adult present.

    • Keep pets inside or move animals to avoid stress.

    • On rural private land during Guy Fawkes (2-5 November) bonfires are allowed but must be lit during daylight hours and extinguished before nightfall. During a Restricted Fire Season a permit is need from Fire and Emergency New Zealand.

    • Sky lanterns, also known as Chinese lanterns, are a fire risk when left to fly away. They must be secured.

    • Don’t store fireworks after Guy Fawkes as it’s hard to know if they’ll be safe to use at a later date.

    Fire and Emergency New Zealand advises visiting its website for restrictions and fire safety advice. 

    Looking out for pets during Guy Fawkes

    Elly Waitoa, Auckland Council Animal Management Manager says people should be extra mindful of their pets during the days leading up to Guy Fawkes and the day itself.

    “Pets can be extremely sensitive to the sounds and light produced by fireworks. They can react negatively and become distressed.”

    “Organise a safe place inside for your pets and pay extra care to them during this time.

    “Please ensure your pets are safe and well confined if you aren’t at home with them during the Guy Fawkes period.”

    Ms Waitoa also says the time around Guy Fawkes usually sees an increase in the number of dogs entering council animal shelters.

    “Make sure your dog is registered and microchipped. This will make it easier for you to be reunited with your dog if it gets lost.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: LEBANON: At least 2 children killed every day in five weeks of war

    Source: Save the Children

    Over 100 children have been killed by Israeli airstrikes in five weeks of war – an average of two children a day – said Save the Children. In the latest violence, at least 60 people, including two children, were killed overnight on Monday in Israeli strikes on Lebanon’s eastern Bekaa Valley, one of the deadliest incidents in the Bekaa since conflict escalated on 23 September.
    More than one million people – about one fifth of the population – have been forcibly displaced from their homes and about 2,700 people, including over 150 children, killed and more than 12,500 injured since October last year according to the Ministry of Public Health.
    Jennifer Moorehead, Save the Children’s Country Director in Lebanon said:
    “We’re plunging into a humanitarian crisis that is first and foremost a children’s crisis. We’re starting to see the same pattern we’ve witnessed in over a year of war in Gaza: mass casualty events with civilians, including children; health workers killed while on duty; more than 50 attacks on healthcare facilities; UN installations attacked, and journalists targeted.
    “Israeli airstrikes have expanded into densely populated areas, severely damaging critical infrastructure and creating mass displacement. The conflict has left over 25% of Lebanon under Israeli military displacement orders. On a daily basis, evacuation warnings are issued, many with little notice, giving families little time to escape before bombardments begin. In Beirut, we’re still seeing thousands of displaced children and families sleeping in the open air with their belongings piled around them, unable to find shelter or a safe place to go.
    “The longer the conflict lasts, the more challenging it will be for children to regain a sense of normalcy. Six out of 10 public schools have been repurposed as shelters for the displaced, with the beginning of the school year now postponed to November 4, and possibly longer. Every day away from the classroom, is a growing threat to children’s long-term physical and mental wellbeing. By law, children must be off-limits in war and must be protected. There is no time to waste, we urgently need a ceasefire now.” 
    Save the Children has been working in Lebanon since 1953. Since October 2023, we’ve been scaling up our response in Lebanon, supporting displaced Lebanese, Syrian and Palestinian children and families, and now have escalated an emergency response throughout the country in 194 collective shelters. Since October 2023, we’ve supported more than 110,000 people, including 47,000 children, with cash, blankets, mattresses and pillows, food parcels, water bottles and kits containing essential hygiene items. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Pacific Trade Invest – Investment Webinar: EXPANDING the HORIZON for Women in Technology

    Source: Pacific Trade Invest NZ

    Pacific Trade Invest NZ is delighted to invite you to our upcoming hour-long webinar, Expanding the Horizon for Women in Technology.

    Join us on Thursday 7 November 2024 at 2:00 PM New Zealand time as industry experts and thought leaders discuss their involvement in the technology sector; what’s on the horizon and the investment possibilities the sector presents for investors.  

     

    Register here    https://shorturl.at/C34uL

     

    A great line-up of speakers is confirmed:
     
    Julia Arnott-Nene and Eteroa Lafaele, Co-Founders and Directors Fibre Fale
    Julia and Eteroa are an award-winning changemaker team in tech, on a mission for Digital Equity and increased representation of Pacific people in technology. Fibre Fale is an innovative Aotearoa collective creating pathways into technology for Pacific people. Fibre Fale builds future tech leaders and prepares the future of the technology industry in the Blue Pacific.

    Priyanka Brahmbhatt, Executive Director, Bankai Group and CEO Bankai Technology
    Global leader in technology and investments; a member of the Forbes Council. As a UN Youth Delegate she’s advocated for climate action, women in tech, mental health awareness, and socio-economic empowerment of marginalized communities.

    Tenanoia Simona, CEO Tuvalu Telecommunications Corporation
    An innovator and leader in implementing effective technology in the Blue Pacific. Simona has spearheaded initiatives from satellites, xGPON fibre network roll-out, and 4G LTE deployment in remote islands. She firmly believes that diversity and inclusion are vital for driving innovation and achieving meaningful progress in small island nations.

     

    The speakers will discuss topics such as: 

      • Technology as a rewarding career path for women
      • The positive role of government and educational institutions, in contributing to this transformation
      • The Fibre Fale model 
      • How technology has evolved over time.
      • Investing in women in technology

    Register here    https://shorturl.at/C34uL

     

    ABOUT PACIFIC TRADE INVEST NZ

    • Is part of the Pacific Trade Invest Global Network of offices operating in Sydney, Australia; Beijing, People’s Republic of China; Geneva, Switzerland and Auckland, New Zealand.
    • An agency of Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) and is funded by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).
    • Supports the 16 Forum Island countries and Territories: Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Six Charged in Scheme to Defraud the Federal Government

    Source: United States Attorneys General 8

    Six defendants have been charged for their roles in schemes to rig bids, defraud the government and pay bribes and kickbacks in connection with the sale of IT products and services to federal government purchasers, which resulted in overcharges of millions of dollars to the U.S. government, including the Department of Defense (DoD). 

    On Oct. 9 and Oct. 16, a federal grand jury in Baltimore returned indictments against two additional defendants. Four other defendants were also charged. These are the first charges in the Justice Department’s ongoing investigation into IT manufacturers, distributors and resellers who sell products and services to government purchasers, including to the intelligence community. 

    “Antitrust crimes can undermine competition for products and services that are vital to our national security,” said Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “When fraudsters siphon taxpayer funds, the Antitrust Division and its Procurement Collusion Strike Force (PCSF) partners across the government will hold accountable those who collude to subvert competition, line their pockets with federal procurement dollars and compromise the integrity of our intelligence community programs.”

    “This office and our partners will use all available resources to hold accountable those who would undermine and distort the government’s procurement of goods and services, especially those related to our cybersecurity infrastructure,” said U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron for the District of Maryland. 

    “This investigation demonstrates the vital need to protect the DoD procurement process, particularly within the Intelligence Community,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher Dillard of the DoD Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Mid-Atlantic Field Office. “The Defense Criminal Investigative Service is committed to identifying fraudsters who abuse public trust and enrich themselves through criminal schemes.”

    “There is no place for fraudsters and crooks scheming to manipulate the government bidding process for personal gain,” said Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the FBI Baltimore Field Office. “The FBI remains steadfastly committed to identifying, investigating and bringing to justice those conspiring to enrich themselves by cheating taxpayers.”

    “Investigating complex fraud schemes is a top priority of ours,” said National Security Agency Acting Inspector General Kevin Gerrity. “I commend our team, our law enforcement partners and the Justice Department for their work protecting the integrity of federal contracting.”

    “Each part of the government must do its part to detect and prosecute instances of waste, fraud and abuse, and CIA’s Office of Inspector General was pleased to join its law enforcement partners in investigating this egregious case,” said CIA Inspector General Robin C. Ashton.

    United States v. Victor Marquez

    Victor M. Marquez, a Maryland resident and owner of two IT companies with significant government contracts, was charged in a four-count indictment with wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud and major fraud against the United States for rigging bids and inflating the amount of money obtained from valuable IT contracts. 

    Antwann C.K. Rawls, an employee of one of Marquez’s companies, and Scott A. Reefe, an IT sales executive, have been charged for their respective roles in the conspiracy.

    As alleged in the indictment, Marquez, Rawls, Reefe and their co-conspirators used their positions of trust to learn sensitive, confidential procurement information, including procurement budgets for large U.S. government IT contracts. The co-conspirators used that inside information to craft bids at artificially determined, non-competitive and non-independent prices, ensuring Marquez’s company would win the procurement. 

    According to court documents, the co-conspirators shared their bids in advance of submitting them to the government, with one co-conspirator emailing that he would submit a “high price third bid.” Marquez and his co-conspirators submitted their collusive bids despite knowing the government sought independent, competitive bids for the valuable contracts, and despite Marquez’s certification of independent bidding.

    If convicted, Marquez faces maximum penalties of 20 years in prison for each conspiracy and wire fraud count and 10 years in prison for the major fraud charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    United States v. Breal L. Madison Jr.

    Breal L. Madison Jr., a Maryland resident, was charged in a 13-count indictment with conspiracy, bribery of a public official, mail fraud and money laundering for orchestrating a years-long scheme to defraud his employer and the United States out of over $7 million in connection with the sale of IT products to various government agencies.

    Brandon Scott Glisson, an IT contractor providing IT services to the U.S. government, and Glisson’s supervisor, Lawrence A. Eady, a former senior government employee, have also been charged for their respective roles in the scheme.

    According to court documents, through multiple misrepresentations, Madison and his co-conspirators conspired to steal money from Madison’s employer and government agencies, illegally siphoning over $9 million in stolen proceeds to Madison’s shell company, Trident Technology Solutions, and another shell company. They used the money to purchase luxury items and to pay approximately $630,000 in bribes to Eady in exchange for Eady’s ensuring the purchase of additional products sold by Madison. 

    Madison used his ill-gotten gains to buy a Vanquish VQ58 yacht, 2020 Lamborghini Huracan and multiple other vehicles, all of which the United States seeks to forfeit in the indictment. 

    If convicted, Madison faces maximum penalties of five years in prison for the conspiracy count, 15 years in prison for each bribery count, 20 years in prison for each mail fraud count and 10 years for each money laundering count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The DCIS, the FBI Baltimore Field Office, CIA Office of Inspector General and NSA Office of Inspector General investigated the case.

    Acting Assistant Chief Michael Sawers and Trial Attorneys Zachary Trotter and Elizabeth French of the Antitrust Division’s Washington Criminal Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron S.J. Zelinsky, Sean M. Delaney and Darren Gardner for the District of Maryland are prosecuting the case. 

    Anyone with information about this investigation or other procurement fraud schemes should notify the PCSF at www.justice.gov/atr/webform/pcsf-citizen-complaint. The Justice Department created the PCSF in November 2019. It is a joint law enforcement effort to combat antitrust crimes and related fraudulent schemes that impact government procurement, grant and program funding at all levels of government — federal, state and local. For more information, visit www.justice.gov/procurement-collusion-strike-force.

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

    View the Rawls information.

    View the Eady information.

    View Reefe information.

    View the Glisson information.

    View the Madison indictment.

    View the Marquez indictment.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Seaway7 awarded offshore wind contract in UK

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Luxembourg – 29 October 2024 – Subsea 7 S.A. (Oslo Børs: SUBC, ADR: SUBCY) today announced the award to Seaway7, part of the Subsea7 Group, of a substantial1 contract by Ørsted for the transport and installation of the inter-array cables of the Hornsea 3 offshore wind project located in the UK sector of the North Sea.

    Seaway7’s scope of work covers the transportation and installation (T&I) of 192 66kV inter-array cables, measuring approximately 500 kilometres in length, with offshore activities scheduled to commence in 2026.

    Stuart Fitzgerald, CEO Seaway7, said: “With this award we look forward to continuing our long-standing relationship with Ørsted. The Hornsea 3 project represents our seventh offshore wind project together, including the inter-array cables on the two previous phases of the Hornsea Wind Zone, Hornsea 1 and Hornsea 2. The award adds to our backlog and leading position in the UK, Europe’s largest offshore wind market.

    (1) Subsea7 defines a substantial contract as being between USD 150 million and USD 300 million.

    *******************************************************************************
    Subsea7 is a global leader in the delivery of offshore projects and services for the evolving energy industry. We create sustainable value by being the industry’s partner and employer of choice in delivering the efficient offshore solutions the world needs.

    Subsea7 is listed on the Oslo Børs (SUBC), ISIN LU0075646355, LEI 222100AIF0CBCY80AH62.

    *******************************************************************************

    Contact for investment community enquiries:
    Katherine Tonks
    Investor Relations Director
    Tel +44 (0)20 8210 5568
    ir@subsea7.com

    Contact for media enquiries:
    Nikki Beales
    Communications Manager, Seaway7
    Tel +44 (0)7843895292
    nikki.beales@seaway7.com
    www.seaway7.com

    Forward-Looking Statements: This document may contain ‘forward-looking statements’ (within the meaning of the safe harbour provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). These statements relate to our current expectations, beliefs, intentions, assumptions or strategies regarding the future and are subject to known and unknown risks that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as ‘anticipate’, ‘believe’, ‘estimate’, ‘expect’, ‘future’, ‘goal’, ‘intend’, ‘likely’ ‘may’, ‘plan’, ‘project’, ‘seek’, ‘should’, ‘strategy’ ‘will’, and similar expressions. The principal risks which could affect future operations of the Group are described in the ‘Risk Management’ section of the Group’s Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements. Factors that may cause actual and future results and trends to differ materially from our forward-looking statements include (but are not limited to): (i) our ability to deliver fixed price projects in accordance with client expectations and within the parameters of our bids, and to avoid cost overruns; (ii) our ability to collect receivables, negotiate variation orders and collect the related revenue; (iii) our ability to recover costs on significant projects; (iv) capital expenditure by oil and gas companies, which is affected by fluctuations in the price of, and demand for, crude oil and natural gas; (v) unanticipated delays or cancellation of projects included in our backlog; (vi) competition and price fluctuations in the markets and businesses in which we operate; (vii) the loss of, or deterioration in our relationship with, any significant clients; (viii) the outcome of legal proceedings or governmental inquiries; (ix) uncertainties inherent in operating internationally, including economic, political and social instability, boycotts or embargoes, labour unrest, changes in foreign governmental regulations, corruption and currency fluctuations; (x) the effects of a pandemic or epidemic or a natural disaster; (xi) liability to third parties for the failure of our joint venture partners to fulfil their obligations; (xii) changes in, or our failure to comply with, applicable laws and regulations (including regulatory measures addressing climate change); (xiii) operating hazards, including spills, environmental damage, personal or property damage and business interruptions caused by adverse weather; (xiv) equipment or mechanical failures, which could increase costs, impair revenue and result in penalties for failure to meet project completion requirements; (xv) the timely delivery of vessels on order and the timely completion of ship conversion programmes; (xvi) our ability to keep pace with technological changes and the impact of potential information technology, cyber security or data security breaches; (xvii) global availability at scale and commercially viability of suitable alternative vessel fuels; and (xviii) the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. Many of these factors are beyond our ability to control or predict. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this document. We undertake no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
    This information is considered to be inside information pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.
    This stock exchange release was published by Katherine Tonks, Investor Relations, Subsea7, on 29 October 2024 at 21:05 CET.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Enovix Announces Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FREMONT, Calif., Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enovix Corporation (“Enovix”) (Nasdaq: ENVX), a global high-performance battery company, announced today financial results for third quarter 2024, which included the summary below from its President and CEO, Dr. Raj Talluri.

    Fellow Shareholders,

    In the third quarter of 2024, we made significant progress on our journey to scale. The unveiling of Fab2 was a major boost in confidence with multiple customers now indicating a desire to launch products with us starting from late 2025.

    Other recent highlights include:

    • Revenue growth: Revenues were $4.3 million in the third quarter, above our guidance midpoint and up from $3.8 million in the second quarter.
    • Manufacturing: The Company formally opened Fab2 in Malaysia and within weeks commenced shipping battery cells to customers.
    • Commercialization: A leading smartphone OEM signed a development agreement for qualification of our battery product and mass production launch in late 2025.
    • Cost reduction: We are on track to further reduce cash consumption by leveraging our new Malaysia operations which will provide runway into 2026.

    We are laser-focused on execution as we see increasing demand across our target markets. The strategy we established early last year prioritized large, high-value segments, such as smartphones and AR/VR headsets, where the need for higher energy density commands a premium. This approach has proven to be visionary, with the recent surge in AI-enabled smartphones further validating our strategy and driving significant pull for our products. We are confident that our go-to-market strategy positions Enovix on an expedient path to profitability while maintaining a competitive edge in innovation.

    Our analysis of recent smartphone launches highlights a critical shortfall in conventional batteries. Energy density improvements in flagship devices released in 2024 have stagnated, with a mere 1% year-over-year increase. We believe this trajectory is insufficient to meet escalating demands of modern devices, especially those powered by AI.

    In contrast, our battery technology roadmap offers a generational leap in energy density. With our Malaysia Fab now gearing up for production, we are in a full sprint to commercialize this transformative technology and meet the pressing needs of the industry. Our focus on rapid execution will enable us to offer substantial benefits to our customers and consumers alike, positioning us as a leader in next-generation battery solutions.

    Business Update

    Manufacturing. We formally opened Fab2 in Malaysia with various stakeholders including several leading smartphone OEMs that provided decidedly positive feedback on ramp quality and speed, as well as the level of automation. A total of 11 customers have now inspected our new facility. The Agility Line is fully operational with initial yields comparable to final levels we achieved with our first manufacturing line in California, with expected improvements on the horizon. Consistent with our plans, we commenced shipping EX-1M cells to customers in the third quarter, supporting their qualification and mass production timelines. We are on track to complete Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) of the High-Volume Line in Q4 2024.

    Commercialization. Our business team has made significant progress toward profitability by securing demand across multiple high-growth markets. We are excited to announce that we have formalized a strategic partnership with a second leading smartphone OEM. This agreement outlines key milestones, and upon meeting them, we are poised to enter the smartphone market in late 2025 with high-volume production from our Fab2 facility. This marks a major step forward in our journey to scale.

    In parallel, we have aligned on a production schedule with a leading IoT customer, which includes a mass production purchase order also slated for 2025. This partnership underscores our ability to diversify into high-value sectors beyond smartphones. Further, we are aggressively expanding our pipeline by engaging with strategic IoT customers to unlock high-growth opportunities and accelerate top-of-the-funnel momentum.

    In the EV space, we are advancing our targeted strategy of developing customized products with two of the world’s largest automotive OEMs. In Q4, we expect to complete our first milestone pursuant to the agreement with one of the major automakers in the EV market, which is a major milestone in our efforts to enter and grow within the EV market. Looking ahead, we are focused on expanding these relationships in 2025, leveraging a capital-efficient, licensing-based business model in the EV space that aligns with the long-term scalability of our technology.

    Products: Our product development team is advancing toward the 2025 mass production of EX-1M, which will highlight the capabilities of our breakthrough active silicon technology. In Q3, we successfully achieved UN38.3 certification, marking a critical milestone for market entry and a strong validation of our products’ safety.

    In addition, we are on track to sample EX-2M to select customers in Q4. We’re now making samples and have identified the product’s advanced electrochemistry. These early samples will be instrumental in accelerating the timeline to full-scale production. Finally, we have made progress on the comprehensive product definition of EX-3M, reaffirming our commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation and delivering industry-leading solutions to customers across a range of industries.

    Financials: Revenue was $4.3 million in the third quarter of 2024, near the high end of our guidance range and up from $3.8 million in the second quarter of 2024.

    Our GAAP cost of revenue was $5.0 million in the third quarter of 2024 representing a slight reduction sequentially as a percentage of sales and leading to a similar gross income level.

    Our GAAP operating expenses of $48.6 million in the third quarter of 2024 were down from $88.1 million in the second quarter, due largely to lower restructuring costs which were concentrated in the previous quarter as the Company shifted our manufacturing operations from the U.S. to Malaysia. Our non-GAAP operating expenses were $27.2 million in the third quarter of 2024, down 12% from $30.9 million in the second quarter of 2024.

    Our GAAP net loss attributable to Enovix of $22.5 million in the third quarter of 2024 was down from $115.9 million in the second quarter of 2024 due to lower restructuring costs. Our GAAP net loss attributable to Enovix for the third quarter of 2024 also included $29.9 million of income due to a decrease in the fair value of our common stock warrants during the quarter.

    Adjusted EBITDA in the third quarter of 2024 was a loss of $21.6 million compared to an adjusted EBITDA loss of $23.1 million in the second quarter of 2024.

    Earnings per share loss in the third quarter of 2024 was $0.30 on a GAAP basis and $0.17 on a non-GAAP basis compared to second quarter earnings per share loss of $0.67 on a GAAP basis and $0.14 on a non-GAAP basis.

    We exited the third quarter of 2024 with $200.9 million of cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments due to cash used in operating activities of $30.7 million and capital expenditures of $19.5 million during the quarter.

    A full reconciliation of our GAAP to non-GAAP results is available later in this report.

    Outlook

    For the fourth quarter of 2024, we expect revenue between $8.0 million and $10.0 million, a GAAP EPS loss of $0.23 to $0.29, an adjusted EBITDA loss of $19.0 million to $25.0 million, and a non-GAAP EPS loss of $0.15 to $0.21.

    Summary

    We are very pleased with our accomplishments in the third quarter. Fab2 is now operational and shipping samples to customers. We secured a 2025 launch commitment from a major smartphone OEM. And we made progress on our product roadmap for EX-2M and beyond. For the remaining months of 2024, the key objectives are completing SAT for the High-Volume Line and shipping EX-2M samples.

    Conference Call Information

    Enovix will hold a video conference call at 2:00 PM PT / 5:00 PM ET today, October 29, 2024, to discuss the company’s business updates and financial results. To join the call, participants must use the following link to register: https://enovix-q3-2024.open-exchange.net/registration. This link will also be available via the Investor Relations section of the Enovix’s website at https://ir.enovix.com. An archived version of the call will be available on the Enovix website for one year at https://ir.enovix.com.

    About Enovix

    Enovix is on a mission to deliver high-performance batteries that unlock the full potential of technology products. Everything from IoT, mobile, and computing devices, to the vehicle you drive, needs a better battery. Enovix partners with OEMs worldwide to usher in a new era of user experiences. Our innovative, materials-agnostic approach to building a higher performing battery without compromising safety keeps us flexible and on the cutting-edge of battery technology innovation.

    Enovix is headquartered in Silicon Valley with facilities in India, Korea and Malaysia. For more information visit www.enovix.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, and other non-GAAP measures are intended as supplemental financial measures of our performance that provide an additional tool for investors to use in evaluating ongoing operating results, trends, and in comparing our financial measures with those of comparable companies.

    However, you should be aware that other companies may calculate similar non-GAAP measures differently. Non-GAAP financial measures have limitations, including that they exclude certain expenses that are required under GAAP, which adjustments reflect the exercise of judgment by management. Reconciliations of each non-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure can be found in the tables at the end of this shareholder letter.

    While Enovix provides fourth quarter 2024 guidance for adjusted EBITDA loss and non-GAAP EPS loss, we are unable to provide without unreasonable effort a GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliation of these projected non-GAAP measures. Such qualitative reconciliation to the corresponding GAAP financial measure cannot be provided without unreasonable effort because of the inherent difficulty in accurately forecasting the occurrence and financial impact of the various adjustments that have not yet occurred, are out of our control, or cannot be reasonably predicted, including but not limited to warrant liabilities and stock-based compensation. For the same reasons, we are unable to assess the probable significance of the unavailable information, which could have a material impact on our future GAAP financial results.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This letter to shareholders 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. Forward-looking statements generally relate to future events or our future financial or operating performance and can be identified by words such as anticipate, believe, continue, could, estimate, expect, intend, may, might, plan, possible, potential, predict, project, should, would and similar expressions that convey uncertainty about future events or outcomes. Forward-looking statements in this letter to shareholders include, without limitation, our expectations regarding, and our ability to respond to, market and customer demand; our expectations regarding the level of customers’ interest in our batteries, the demand for more energy dense batteries and the suitability of our products to address this demand, and the impact of artificial intelligence (“AI”) features on the foregoing; our financial and business performance; projected improvements in our manufacturing and commercialization and R&D activities at Fab2, including the ability of the sales team to support the path to profitability by attracting demand across high-growth markets ; our achievement of the milestones under our strategic partnership with a second leading smartphone OEM and our ability to enter into the smartphone market in 2025 with high-volume production from our Fab2 facility; our expectations regarding EX-1M production and mass production purchase order with a leading IoT customer in 2025, completion of site acceptance testing for our High-Volume Line, and the shipment of EX-2M samples in Q4; our ability to meet goals for yield and throughput; our expectations regarding Fab2 in and its capacity to support multiple customer qualifications; the anticipated contributions of our R&D teams to support product innovation; our revenue funnel; our efforts in the portable electronics and EV markets, including the IoT, smartphone and virtual reality categories; our ability to meet milestones and deliver on our objectives and expectations, including achieving certain safety certifications for our products and our ability sample batteries from our Agility Line to customers; the implementation and expected success of our business model and growth strategy, including our focus on the addressable market categories in which we believe an improved battery drives a high value to the product and premium pricing for our solutions; our ability to manage our expenses and realize our annual cost savings goals; our ability to manage and achieve the benefits of our restructuring efforts; and forecasts of our financial and performance metrics.

    Actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, our ability to improve energy density among our products, establish sufficient manufacturing operations and optimize manufacturing processes to meet demand, source materials and establish supply relationships, and secure adequate funds to execute on our operational and strategic goals; the safety hazards associated with our batteries and the manufacturing process; a concentration of customers in the military market; certain unfavorable terms in our commercial agreements that may limit our ability to market our products; market acceptance of our products; changes in consumer preferences or demands; changes in industry standards; the impact of technological development and competition; and global economic conditions, including inflationary and supply chain pressures, and political, social, and economic instability, including as a result of armed conflict, war or threat of war, or trade and other international disputes that could disrupt supply or delivery of, or demand for, our products.

    For additional information on these risks and uncertainties and other potential factors that could cause actual results to differ from the results predicted, please refer to our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including in the “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” sections of our annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other documents that we have filed, or will file, with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements in this letter to shareholders speak only as of the date on which they are made. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    For media and investor inquiries, please contact:

    Enovix Corporation
    Robert Lahey
    Email: ir@enovix.com

    Enovix Corporation
    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (Unaudited)
    (In Thousands, Except Share and per Share Amounts)
     
      September 29,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2023
    Assets      
    Current assets:      
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 200,912     $ 233,121  
    Short-term investments   —       73,694  
    Accounts receivable, net   1,911       909  
    Notes receivable, net   —       1,514  
    Inventory   9,564       8,737  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets   11,598       5,202  
    Total current assets   223,985       323,177  
    Property and equipment, net   157,680       166,471  
    Customer relationship intangibles and other intangibles, net   37,583       42,168  
    Operating lease, right-of-use assets   13,810       15,290  
    Goodwill   12,217       12,098  
    Other assets, non-current   2,746       5,100  
    Total assets $ 448,021     $ 564,304  
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity      
    Current liabilities:      
    Accounts payable $ 15,046     $ 21,251  
    Accrued expenses   13,855       13,976  
    Accrued compensation   8,038       10,731  
    Short-term debt   11,555       5,917  
    Deferred revenue   6,206       6,708  
    Other liabilities   4,760       2,435  
    Total current liabilities   59,460       61,018  
    Long-term debt, net   168,744       169,099  
    Warrant liability   23,265       42,900  
    Operating lease liabilities, non-current   14,346       15,594  
    Deferred revenue, non-current   3,774       3,774  
    Deferred tax liability   8,178       10,803  
    Other liabilities, non-current   12       13  
    Total liabilities   277,779       303,201  
    Commitments and Contingencies      
    Stockholders’ equity:      
    Common stock, $0.0001 par value; authorized shares of 1,000,000,000; issued and outstanding shares of $177,591,877 and $167,392,315 as of September 29, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively   18       17  
    Additional paid-in-capital   951,237       857,037  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (42 )     (62 )
    Accumulated deficit   (783,621 )     (598,845 )
    Total Enovix’s stockholders’ equity   167,592       258,147  
    Non-controlling interest   2,650       2,956  
    Total equity   170,242       261,103  
    Total liabilities and equity $ 448,021     $ 564,304  
     
    Enovix Corporation
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
    (Unaudited)
    (In Thousands, Except Share and per Share Amounts)
     
      Quarters Ended   Fiscal Years-to-Date Ended
      September 29,
    2024    		   October 1,
    2023    		   September 29,
    2024    		   October 1,
    2023
    Revenue $ 4,317     $ 200     $ 13,357     $ 263  
    Cost of revenue   4,959       16,809       16,454       43,292  
    Gross margin   (642 )     (16,609 )     (3,097 )     (43,029 )
    Operating expenses:              
    Research and development   24,220       13,508       102,073       53,810  
    Selling, general and administrative   20,744       17,245       61,176       61,207  
    Impairment of equipment   —       —       —       4,411  
    Restructuring cost   3,661       3,021       41,807       3,021  
    Total operating expenses   48,625       33,774       205,056       122,449  
    Loss from operations   (49,267 )     (50,383 )     (208,153 )     (165,478 )
    Other income (expense):              
    Change in fair value of common stock warrants   29,899       31,320       17,359       4,140  
    Interest income   2,859       4,326       9,745       9,942  
    Interest expense   (1,718 )     (1,557 )     (5,068 )     (2,827 )
    Other income (loss), net   (2,217 )     109       (1,509 )     129  
    Total other income, net   28,823       34,198       20,527       11,384  
    Loss before income tax benefit   (20,444 )     (16,185 )     (187,626 )     (154,094 )
    Income tax expense (benefit)   2,194       —       (2,544 )     —  
    Net loss   (22,638 )     (16,185 )     (185,082 )     (154,094 )
    Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests   (102 )     —       (306 )     —  
    Net loss attributable to Enovix $ (22,536 )   $ (16,185 )   $ (184,776 )   $ (154,094 )
                   
    Net loss per share attributable to Enovix shareholders, basic $ (0.13 )   $ (0.10 )   $ (1.07 )   $ (0.98 )
    Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, basic   176,680,578       159,829,716       172,393,869       157,559,138  
    Net loss per share attributable to Enovix shareholders, diluted $ (0.30 )   $ (0.29 )   $ (1.07 )   $ (1.00 )
    Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, diluted   176,872,382       161,371,417       172,393,869       158,260,393  
                                   
    Enovix Corporation
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    (Unaudited)
    (In Thousands)
     
      Fiscal Years-to-Date Ended
      September 29, 2024   October 1, 2023
    Cash flows used in operating activities:      
    Net loss $ (185,082 )   $ (154,094 )
    Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities      
    Depreciation, accretion and amortization   37,417       10,000  
    Stock-based compensation   48,630       57,832  
    Changes in fair value of common stock warrants   (17,359 )     (4,140 )
    Impairment and loss on disposals of long-lived assets   38,249       4,411  
    Others   174       —  
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:      
    Accounts and notes receivables   494       169  
    Inventory   (827 )     418  
    Prepaid expenses and other assets   (3,913 )     546  
    Accounts payable   (10,018 )     4,338  
    Accrued expenses and compensation   3,175       3,113  
    Deferred revenue   (502 )     —  
    Deferred tax liability   (3,303 )     —  
    Other liabilities   190       (1 )
    Net cash used in operating activities   (92,675 )     (77,408 )
    Cash flows from investing activities:      
    Purchase of property and equipment   (59,830 )     (32,979 )
    Purchases of investments   (31,812 )     (115,736 )
    Maturities of investments   106,621       16,700  
    Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities   14,979       (132,015 )
    Cash flows from financing activities:      
    Proceeds from issuance of Convertible Senior Notes and loans   4,572       172,500  
    Repayment of debt   (180 )     —  
    Payments of debt issuance costs   —       (5,251 )
    Purchase of Capped Calls   —       (17,250 )
    Payroll tax payments for shares withheld upon vesting of RSUs   (5,601 )     (2,988 )
    Proceeds from the exercise of stock options and issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs   44,285       9,232  
    Proceeds from issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan   1,145       1,169  
    Repurchase of unvested restricted common stock   (4 )     (23 )
    Net cash provided by financing activities   44,217       157,389  
    Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash   1,303       —  
    Change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash   (32,176 )     (52,034 )
    Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period   235,123       322,976  
    Cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period $ 202,947     $ 270,942  
           

    Net Loss Attributable to Enovix to Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation

    While we prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP, we also utilize and present certain financial measures that are not based on GAAP. We refer to these financial measures as “non-GAAP” financial measures. In addition to our financial results determined in accordance with GAAP, we believe that EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are useful measures in evaluating its financial and operational performance distinct and apart from financing costs, certain non-cash expenses and non-operational expenses.

    These non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to results prepared in accordance with GAAP but should not be considered a substitute for or superior to GAAP. We endeavor to compensate for the limitation of the non-GAAP financial measures presented by also providing the most directly comparable GAAP measures.

    We use non-GAAP financial information to evaluate our ongoing operations and for internal planning, budgeting and forecasting purposes. We believe that non-GAAP financial information, when taken collectively, may be helpful to investors in assessing its operating performance and comparing its performance with competitors and other comparable companies. You should review the reconciliations below but not rely on any single financial measure to evaluate our business.

    “EBITDA” is defined as earnings (net loss) attributable to Enovix adjusted for interest expense, income tax benefit, depreciation and amortization expense. “Adjusted EBITDA” includes additional adjustments to EBITDA such as stock-based compensation expense, change in fair value of common stock warrants, inventory step-up, impairment of equipment and other special items as determined by management which it does not believe to be indicative of its underlying business trends.

    Below is a reconciliation of net loss attributable to Enovix on a GAAP basis to the non-GAAP EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA financial measures for the periods presented below (in thousands):

      Quarters Ended   Fiscal Years-to-Date Ended
      September 29,
    2024    		   October 1,
    2023    		   September 29,
    2024    		   October 1,
    2023
    Net loss attributable to Enovix $ (22,536 )   $ (16,185 )   $ (184,776 )   $ (154,094 )
    Interest expense   1,718       1,557       5,068       2,827  
    Income tax expense (benefit)   2,194       —       (2,544 )     —  
    Depreciation and amortization   6,500       2,900       37,417       10,000  
    EBITDA   (12,124 )     (11,728 )     (144,835 )     (141,267 )
    Stock-based compensation expense (1)   16,722       13,274       47,414       57,473  
    Change in fair value of common stock warrants   (29,899 )     (31,320 )     (17,359 )     (4,140 )
    Inventory step-up   —       —       1,907       —  
    Impairment of equipment   —       —       —       4,411  
    Restructuring cost (1)   3,661       3,021       41,807       3,021  
    Acquisition cost   —       1,115       —       1,115  
    Adjusted EBITDA $ (21,640 )   $ (25,638 )   $ (71,066 )   $ (79,387 )
       
       
       
    (1) $0.1 million and $1.2 million of stock-based compensation expense are included in the restructuring cost line of the table above for the quarter and fiscal year-to-date ended September 29, 2024, respectively. $0.4 million of stock-based compensation expense is included in the restructuring cost line of the table above for the quarter and fiscal year-to-date ended October 1, 2023.
     

    Free Cash Flow Reconciliation

    We define “Free Cash Flow” as (i) net cash from operating activities less (ii) capital expenditures, net of proceeds from disposals of property and equipment, all of which are derived from our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow. The presentation of non-GAAP Free Cash Flow is not intended as an alternative measure of cash flows from operations, as determined in accordance with GAAP. We believe that this financial measure is useful to investors because it provides investors to view our performance using the same tool that we use to gauge our progress in achieving our goals and it is an indication of cash flow that may be available to fund investments in future growth initiatives. Below is a reconciliation of net cash used in operating activities to the Free Cash Flow financial measures for the periods presented below (in thousands):

      Fiscal Years-to-Date Ended
      September 29,
    2024    		   October 1,
    2023
    Net cash used in operating activities $ (92,675 )   $ (77,408 )
    Capital expenditures   (59,830 )     (32,979 )
    Free Cash Flow $ (152,505 )   $ (110,387 )
     

    Other Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliation
    (In Thousands, Except Share and per Share Amounts)

        Quarters Ended   Fiscal Years-to-Date Ended
        September 29,
    2024    		   October 1,
    2023    		   September 29,
    2024    		   October 1,
    2023
    Revenue   $ 4,317     $ 200     $ 13,357     $ 263  
                     
    GAAP cost of revenue   $ 4,959     $ 16,809     $ 16,454     $ 43,292  
    Stock-based compensation expense     (101 )     (2,396 )     (196 )     (5,001 )
    Inventory step-up     —       —       (1,907 )     —  
    Non-GAAP cost of revenue   $ 4,858     $ 14,413     $ 14,351     $ 38,291  
                     
    GAAP gross margin   $ (642 )   $ (16,609 )   $ (3,097 )   $ (43,029 )
    Stock-based compensation expense     101       2,396       196       5,001  
    Inventory step-up     —       —       1,907       —  
    Non-GAAP gross margin   $ (541 )   $ (14,213 )   $ (994 )   $ (38,028 )
                     
    GAAP research and development (R&D) expense   $ 24,220     $ 13,508     $ 102,073     $ 53,810  
    Stock-based compensation expense     (5,914 )     (4,949 )     (19,771 )     (22,072 )
    Amortization of intangible assets     (417 )     —       (1,248 )     —  
    Non-GAAP R&D expense   $ 17,889     $ 8,559     $ 81,054     $ 31,738  
                     
    GAAP selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense   $ 20,744     $ 17,245     $ 61,176     $ 61,207  
    Stock-based compensation expense     (10,707 )     (5,929 )     (27,447 )     (30,400 )
    Amortization of intangible assets     (774 )     —       (2,304 )     —  
    Acquisition cost     —       (1,115 )     —       (1,115 )
    Non-GAAP SG&A expense   $ 9,263     $ 10,201     $ 31,425     $ 29,692  
                     
    GAAP operating expenses   $ 48,625     $ 33,774     $ 205,056     $ 122,449  
    Stock-based compensation expense included in R&D expense     (5,914 )     (4,949 )     (19,771 )     (22,072 )
    Stock-based compensation expense included in SG&A expense     (10,707 )     (5,929 )     (27,447 )     (30,400 )
    Amortization of intangible assets     (1,191 )     —       (3,552 )     —  
    Impairment of equipment     —       —       —       (4,411 )
    Restructuring cost (1)     (3,661 )     (3,021 )     (41,807 )     (3,021 )
    Acquisition cost     —       (1,115 )     —       (1,115 )
    Non-GAAP operating expenses   $ 27,152     $ 18,760     $ 112,479     $ 61,430  
                     
       
       
    (1) $0.1 million and $1.2 million of stock-based compensation expense is included in the restructuring cost line of the table above for the quarter and fiscal year-to-date ended September 29, 2024, respectively. $0.4 million of stock-based compensation expense is included in the restructuring cost line of the table above for the quarter and fiscal year-to-date ended October 1, 2023.
       
        Quarters Ended   Fiscal Years-to-Date Ended
        September 29,
    2024    		   October 1,
    2023    		   September 29,
    2024    		   October 1,
    2023
    GAAP loss from operations   $ (49,267 )   $ (50,383 )   $ (208,153 )   $ (165,478 )
    Stock-based compensation expense (1)     16,722       13,274       47,414       57,473  
    Amortization of intangible assets     1,191       —       3,552       —  
    Inventory step-up     —       —       1,907       —  
    Impairment of equipment     —       —       —       4,411  
    Restructuring cost (1)     3,661       3,021       41,807       3,021  
    Acquisition cost     —       1,115       —       1,115  
    Non-GAAP loss from operations   $ (27,693 )   $ (32,973 )   $ (113,473 )   $ (99,458 )
                     
    GAAP net loss attributable to Enovix   $ (22,536 )   $ (16,185 )   $ (184,776 )   $ (154,094 )
    Stock-based compensation expense (1)     16,722       13,274       47,414       57,473  
    Change in fair value of common stock warrants     (29,899 )     (31,320 )     (17,359 )     (4,140 )
    Inventory step-up     —       —       1,907       —  
    Amortization of intangible assets     1,191       —       3,552       —  
    Impairment of equipment     —       —       —       4,411  
    Restructuring cost (1)     3,661       3,021       41,807       3,021  
    Acquisition cost     —       1,115       —       1,115  
    Non-GAAP net loss attributable to Enovix shareholders   $ (30,861 )   $ (30,095 )   $ (107,455 )   $ (92,214 )
                     
    GAAP net loss per share attributable to Enovix, basic   $ (0.13 )   $ (0.10 )   $ (1.07 )   $ (0.98 )
    GAAP weighted average number of common shares outstanding, basic     176,680,578       159,829,716       172,393,869       157,559,138  
                     
    GAAP net loss per share attributable to Enovix, diluted   $ (0.30 )   $ (0.29 )   $ (1.07 )   $ (1.00 )
    GAAP weighted average number of common shares outstanding, diluted     176,872,382       161,371,417       172,393,869       158,260,393  
                     
    Non-GAAP net loss per share attributable to Enovix, basic   $ (0.17 )   $ (0.19 )   $ (0.62 )   $ (0.59 )
    GAAP weighted average number of common shares outstanding, basic     176,680,578       159,829,716       172,393,869       157,559,138  
                     
    Non-GAAP net loss per share attributable to Enovix, diluted   $ (0.17 )   $ (0.19 )   $ (0.62 )   $ (0.58 )
    GAAP weighted average number of common shares outstanding, diluted     176,872,382       161,371,417       172,393,869       158,260,393  
                                     
       
       
    (1) $0.1 million and $1.2 million of stock-based compensation expense is included in the restructuring cost line of the table above for the quarter and fiscal year-to-date ended September 29, 2024, respectively. $0.4 million of stock-based compensation expense is included in the restructuring cost line of the table above for the quarter and fiscal year-to-date ended October 1, 2023.
       

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Medallion Financial Corp. Reports 2024 Third Quarter Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Medallion Financial Corp. (NASDAQ: MFIN, “Medallion” or the “Company”), a specialty finance company that originates and services loans in various consumer and commercial industries, as well as offers loan products and services through fintech strategic partners, announced today its results for the quarter ended September 30, 2024.

    2024 Third Quarter Highlights

    • Net income was $8.6 million, or $0.37 per share, compared to $11.2 million, or $0.48 per share, in the prior year quarter.
    • Net interest income grew 8% to $52.7 million from $48.8 million in the prior year quarter.
    • Net interest margin on gross loans was 8.11%, compared to 8.35% in the prior year quarter, and on net loans it was 8.42%, compared to 8.64% in the prior year quarter.
    • Loan originations were $275.6 million, compared to $217.4 million in the prior year quarter.
    • Loans grew 13% to $2.5 billion as of September 30, 2024, compared to $2.2 billion a year ago.
    • The credit loss provision increased to $20.2 million from $14.5 million in the prior year quarter.
    • The Company repurchased 122,344 shares of common stock at an average cost of $7.89 per share.
    • Subsequent to September 30, 2024, the Board of Directors increased the quarterly cash dividend 10% to $0.11 per share.

    Executive Commentary – Andrew Murstein, President of Medallion

    “We continue to be pleased with our quarterly performance. The earnings were strong despite lower taxi medallion related recoveries and the absence of equity gains, both of which we experienced in the prior year quarter. At $0.37 per share, our earnings included approximately $0.07 per share of additional allowance tied to the growth of our consumer lending segments, which saw recreation and home improvement loans grow 4% and 5% from the previous quarter to a combined $2.4 billion, with over $235 million in originations this quarter. We continue to be comfortable with the overall credit performance of these two consumer segments, which carry weighted average coupons of 14.92% for recreation loans and 9.76% for home improvement loans. During the quarter we originated recreation loans at an average rate of 16.33% and home improvement loans at an average rate of 10.75%.

    Our net interest income reached $52.7 million during the quarter, up 6% from just a quarter ago. We remain cautiously optimistic that the solid performance of our loan portfolio will continue. Our net interest margin during the quarter was 8.11%, decreasing only 1 basis point from the prior quarter, as we continue to increase our yield to offset the rise in our average cost of borrowings.

    Our total interest income of $76.4 million, net interest income of $52.7 million, and total assets of $2.9 billion were all record highs. Our fintech strategic partnership program at Medallion Bank had its highest volume quarter ever with $40 million of new loans, up from $24 million in the second quarter of this year. As a result, we are optimistic about the quarters ahead and are hopeful to continue delivering meaningful growth in origination volumes in our newest business line.

    Lastly, we are pleased to announce that our board of directors has authorized an increase of our quarterly dividend to $0.11 per share beginning with the upcoming payment next month, reflecting our strong financial performance and ongoing commitment to delivering value to our shareholders. This increase underscores our confidence in the Company’s future growth and stability, as well as our focus on returning capital to investors.”

    Business Segment Highlights

    Recreation Lending Segment

    • Originations were $139.1 million during the quarter, compared to $92.6 million a year ago.
    • Recreation loans grew 15% to $1.6 billion as of September 30, 2024, compared to $1.3 billion a year ago.
    • Recreation loans were 63% of total loans as of September 30, 2024, compared to 61% a year ago.
    • Net interest income grew 9% to $38.9 million for the quarter, from $35.6 million in the prior year quarter.
    • The average interest rate was 14.92% at quarter-end, compared to 14.73% a year ago.
    • Recreation loans 90 days or more past due were $7.5 million, or 0.50% of gross recreation loans, as of September 30, 2024, compared to $5.9 million, or 0.45%, a year ago.
    • Allowance for credit loss rate was 4.53% as of September 30, 2024, compared to 4.24% a year ago.

    Home Improvement Lending Segment

    • Originations were $96.5 million during the quarter, compared to $79.3 million a year ago.
    • Home improvement loans grew 8% to $814.1 million as of September 30, 2024, compared to $750.5 million a year ago.
    • Home improvement loans were 33% of total loans as of September 30, 2024, compared to 34% a year ago.
    • Net interest income grew 5% to $12.0 million for the quarter, from $11.4 million in the prior year quarter.
    • The average interest rate was 9.76% at quarter-end, compared to 9.38% a year ago.
    • Home improvement loans 90 days or more past due were $1.6 million, or 0.19% of gross home improvement loans, as of September 30, 2024, compared to $1.0 million, or 0.13%, a year ago.
    • Allowance for credit loss rate was 2.42% as of September 30, 2024, compared to 2.31% a year ago.

    Commercial Lending Segment

    • Commercial loans were $110.1 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $100.3 million a year ago.
    • The average interest rate on the portfolio was 12.90%, compared to 12.91% a year ago.

    Taxi Medallion Lending Segment

    • The Company collected $4.1 million of cash on taxi medallion-related assets during the quarter.
    • Total net taxi medallion assets declined to $8.8 million (comprised of $1.9 million of loans net of allowance for credit losses and $6.9 million of loan collateral in process of foreclosure), a 46% reduction from a year ago, and represented less than half a percent of the Company’s total assets as of September 30, 2024.

    Capital Allocation

    Quarterly Dividend

    • The Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.11 per share, payable on November 27, 2024 to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 15, 2024.

    Stock Repurchase Plan

    • During the third quarter, the Company repurchased 122,344 shares of its common stock at an average cost of $7.89 per share, for a total of $1.0 million.
    • As of September 30, 2024, the Company had $15.4 million remaining under its $40 million share repurchase program.

    Conference Call Information

    The Company will host a conference call to discuss its third quarter financial results tomorrow, Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern time.

    In connection with its earnings release, the Company has updated its quarterly supplement presentation, which is now available at www.medallion.com.

    How to Participate

    • Date: Wednesday, October 30, 2024
    • Time: 9:00 a.m. Eastern time
    • U.S. dial-in number: (833) 816-1412
    • International dial-in number: (412) 317-0504
    • Live webcast: Link to Webcast of 3Q24 Earnings Call

    A link to the live audio webcast of the conference call will also be available at the Company’s IR website.

    Replay Information

    The webcast replay will be available at the Company’s IR website until the next quarter’s results are announced.

    The conference call replay will be available following the end of the call through Wednesday, November 6.

    • U.S. dial-in number: (844) 512-2921
    • International dial-in number: (412) 317-6671
    • Access ID: 1019 3247

    About Medallion Financial Corp.

    Medallion Financial Corp. (NASDAQ:MFIN) and its subsidiaries originate and service a growing portfolio of consumer loans and mezzanine loans in various industries. Key industries served include recreation (towable RVs and marine) and home improvement (replacement roofs, swimming pools, and windows). Medallion Financial Corp. is headquartered in New York City, NY, and its largest subsidiary, Medallion Bank, is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. For more information, please visit www.medallion.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    Please note that this press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties relating to business performance, cash flow, net interest income and expenses, other expenses, earnings, growth, and our growth strategy. These statements are often, but not always, made using words or phrases such as “will” and “continue” or the negative version of those words or other comparable words or phrases of a future or forward-looking nature. These statements relate to future public announcements of our earnings, the impact of the pending SEC litigation, expectations regarding our loan portfolio, including collections on our medallion loans, the potential for future asset growth, and market share opportunities. Medallion’s actual results may differ significantly from the results discussed in such forward-looking statements. For example, statements about the effects of the current economy, whether inflation or the risk of recession, operations, financial performance and prospects constitute forward-looking statements and are subject to the risk that the actual impacts may differ, possibly materially, from what is reflected in those forward-looking statements due to factors and future developments that are uncertain, unpredictable and in many cases beyond Medallion’s control. In addition to risks relating to the current economy, a description of certain risks to which Medallion is or may be subject, including risks related to the pending SEC litigation, please refer to the factors discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in Medallion’s 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

    Company Contact:
    Investor Relations
    212-328-2176
    InvestorRelations@medallion.com

    MEDALLION FINANCIAL CORP.
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (UNAUDITED)
     
    (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)   September 30, 2024     December 31, 2023     September 30, 2023  
    Assets                  
    Cash, cash equivalents, and federal funds sold   $ 187,929     $ 149,845     $ 127,642  
    Investment and equity securities     66,651       65,712       63,717  
    Loans     2,485,279       2,215,886       2,203,038  
    Allowance for credit losses     (96,518 )     (84,235 )     (79,133 )
    Net loans receivable     2,388,761       2,131,651       2,123,905  
    Goodwill and intangible assets, net     170,311       171,394       171,755  
    Property, equipment, and right-of-use lease asset, net     14,172       14,076       13,278  
    Accrued interest receivable     14,108       13,538       13,593  
    Loan collateral in process of foreclosure     8,818       11,772       15,923  
    Other assets     29,302       29,839       28,814  
    Total assets   $ 2,880,052     $ 2,587,827     $ 2,558,627  
    Liabilities                  
    Deposits   $ 2,108,132     $ 1,866,657     $ 1,855,096  
    Long-term debt     232,037       235,544       218,137  
    Short-term borrowings     49,000       8,000       18,489  
    Deferred tax liabilities, net     20,598       21,207       23,131  
    Operating lease liabilities     5,534       7,019       7,075  
    Accrued interest payable     6,888       6,822       4,624  
    Accounts payable and accrued expenses     26,687       30,804       34,813  
    Total liabilities     2,448,876       2,176,053       2,161,365  
    Total stockholders’ equity     362,388       342,986       328,474  
    Non-controlling interest in consolidated subsidiaries     68,788       68,788       68,788  
    Total equity     431,176       411,774       397,262  
    Total liabilities and equity   $ 2,880,052     $ 2,587,827     $ 2,558,627  
    Number of shares outstanding     23,084,277       23,449,646       23,363,731  
    Book value per share   $ 15.70     $ 14.63     $ 14.06  
                             
    MEDALLION FINANCIAL CORP.‌
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
    (UNAUDITED)‌
     
        Three Months Ended September 30,     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
    (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)   2024     2023     2024     2023  
    Total interest income   $ 76,409     $ 65,886     $ 214,183     $ 183,455  
    Total interest expense     23,672       17,102       63,661       44,379  
    Net interest income     52,737       48,784       150,522       139,076  
    Provision for credit losses     20,151       14,532       55,929       27,045  
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses     32,586       34,252       94,593       112,031  
    Other income (loss)                        
    (Loss) gain on equity investments     (519 )     2,180       3,136       2,189  
    Gain on sale of loans and taxi medallions     340       1,417       1,170       4,578  
    Write-down of loan collateral in process of foreclosure     (19 )     (30 )     (19 )     (303 )
    Other income     785       739       2,802       1,868  
    Total other income, net     587       4,306       7,089       8,332  
    Other expenses                        
    Salaries and employee benefits     9,456       9,630       28,347       27,805  
    Loan servicing fees     2,790       2,501       7,951       7,084  
    Collection costs     1,673       1,583       4,799       4,729  
    Regulatory fees     961       1,021       2,826       2,484  
    Professional fees     818       1,148       3,434       4,223  
    Rent expense     664       629       2,019       1,855  
    Amortization of intangible assets     361       361       1,084       1,084  
    Other expenses     2,272       2,216       6,755       7,220  
    Total other expenses     18,995       19,089       57,215       56,484  
    Income before income taxes     14,178       19,469       44,467       63,879  
    Income tax provision     4,055       6,727       14,196       18,582  
    Net income after taxes     10,123       12,742       30,271       45,297  
    Less: income attributable to the non-controlling interest     1,512       1,512       4,535       4,536  
    Total net income attributable to Medallion Financial Corp.   $ 8,611     $ 11,230     $ 25,736     $ 40,761  
    Basic net income per share   $ 0.38     $ 0.50     $ 1.14     $ 1.81  
    Diluted net income per share   $ 0.37     $ 0.48     $ 1.09     $ 1.77  
    Weighted average common shares outstanding                        
    Basic     22,490,792       22,596,982       22,576,446       22,469,968  
    Diluted     23,447,929       23,392,901       23,555,065       23,067,944  
    Dividends declared per common share   $ 0.10     $ 0.08     $ 0.30     $ 0.24  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Heartland Financial USA, Inc. (“HTLF”) Reports Quarterly Results as of September 30, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Third Quarter Highlights

    • Quarterly net income available to common stockholders of $62.1 million or $1.44 per common share
    • Adjusted earnings available to common stockholders of $50.6 million or $1.17 adjusted diluted earnings per common share (non-GAAP), which excludes:
      • Gain on sale, net, of $29.7 million due to the sale of Rocky Mountain Bank branches in Montana.
      • Loss on security sales of $9.5 million.
      • Loss on fixed assets of $2.9 million due to branch closures and write-downs on properties listed for sale.
    • Common equity to total assets increased to 11.11%; while the tangible common equity ratio (non-GAAP) improved 86 basis points to 8.14%.
    • Net interest margin, full tax-equivalent (non-GAAP) increased to 3.78% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 up from 3.73% for the quarter ended June 30, 2024.
    • Nonperforming loans were $69.9 million or 0.61% of total loans, a decrease of $33.8 million or 33% from the quarter ended June 30, 2024.
      • Charge-offs of $32.1 million, of which the majority have been reserved for in prior periods, were recorded for the third quarter.
      For the Quarter Ended   For the Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
      9/30/2024   6/30/2024   9/30/2023   2024   2023
    Earnings Summary:                  
    Net income/(loss) available to common stockholders (in millions) $ 62.1     $ 37.7     $ 46.1     $ 149.6     $ 144.2  
    Diluted earnings/(loss) per common share   1.44       0.88       1.08       3.47       3.37  
    Annualized return on average assets   1.38 %     0.84 %     0.94 %     1.10 %     1.00 %
    Annualized return on average common equity   12.60       8.14       10.47       10.59       11.28  
    Annualized return on average tangible common equity (non-GAAP)(1)   18.32       12.28       16.32       15.77       17.82  
    Net interest margin   3.73       3.68       3.14       3.65       3.23  
    Net interest margin, fully tax-equivalent (non-GAAP)(1)   3.78       3.73       3.18       3.69       3.27  
    Efficiency ratio   48.58       65.69       63.77       58.94       61.86  
    Adjusted efficiency ratio, fully-tax equivalent (non-GAAP)(1)   57.98       57.73       59.95       58.16       58.98  
                       
    Adjusted Earnings Summary (1):                  
    Adjusted earnings available to common stockholders (in millions) $ 50.6     $ 49.6     $ 48.1     $ 152.7     $ 148.3  
    Adjusted diluted earnings per common share   1.17       1.15       1.12       3.54       3.47  
    Adjusted annualized return on average assets   1.14 %     1.09 %     0.98 %     1.12 %     1.02 %
    Adjusted annualized return on average common equity   10.27       10.71       10.92       10.81       11.60  
    Adjusted annualized return on average tangible common equity   14.98       16.05       17.02       16.09       18.31  
                       

    (1) Refer to “Non-GAAP Measures” in this earnings release for additional information on the usage and presentation of these non-GAAP measures, and refer to the financial tables for reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measures.

    “HTLF delivered a solid third quarter. Net interest margin increased as we continue to pay down high cost wholesale deposits. Our tangible common equity ratio improved to 8.14%. In July we completed the strategic sale of Rocky Mountain Bank in Montana, resulting in a net gain of $29.7 million. We continue to work closely with our partners at UMB on integration planning for our two companies and we’re excited about closing the transaction, expected in Q1 2025.”
    Bruce K. Lee, President and Chief Executive Officer, HTLF

    DENVER, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Heartland Financial USA, Inc. (NASDAQ: HTLF) today reported the following results for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2023:

    • Net income available to common stockholders of $62.1 million compared to $46.1 million, an increase of $16.1 million or 35%.
    • Earnings per diluted common share of $1.44 compared to $1.08, an increase of $0.36 or 33%.
    • Adjusted earnings available to common stockholders(1) of $50.6 million or $1.17 per diluted common share compared to $48.1 million or $1.12 per diluted common share, which excludes:
      • Gain on sale, net, of $29.7 million due to the sale of Rocky Mountain Bank branches in Montana.
      • Loss on security sales of $9.5 million.
      • Loss on fixed assets of $2.9 million due to branch closures and write-downs on properties listed for sale.
    • Net interest income of $157.9 million compared to $145.8 million, an increase of $12.1 million or 8%.
    • Annualized return on average assets of 1.38% compared to 0.94%. Adjusted annualized return on average assets(1) of 1.14% compared to 0.98%.
    • Annualized return on average common equity of 12.60% compared to 10.47%. Adjusted annualized return on average common equity(1) of 10.27% compared to 10.92%.
    • Annualized return on average tangible common equity(1) of 18.32% compared to 16.32%. Adjusted annualized return on average tangible common equity(1) of 14.98% compared to 17.02%.

    Rocky Mountain Bank Sale

    HTLF Bank closed on the sale of the Rocky Mountain Bank branches in Montana in mid-July to two purchasers, which included loans of $343.8 million, deposits of $531.9 million and fixed assets of $13.8 million. The gain on sale, net, of $29.7 million was realized in the third quarter of 2024.

    Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

    Net interest margin, expressed as a percentage of average earning assets, was 3.73% (3.78% on a fully tax-equivalent basis, non-GAAP) for the third quarter of 2024 compared to 3.68% (3.73% on a fully tax-equivalent basis, non-GAAP) for the second quarter of 2024, and 3.14% (3.18% on a fully tax-equivalent basis, non-GAAP) for the third quarter of 2023.

    Total interest income and average earning asset changes for the third quarter of 2024 compared to the third quarter of 2023 were:

    • Total interest income was $253.8 million compared to $245.4 million, an increase of $8.4 million or 3%, primarily attributable to an increase in yields on average earning assets. During the third quarter of 2024, HTLF recorded $5.3 million in additional interest income for a security that paid off.
    • Total interest income on a tax-equivalent basis (non-GAAP) was $255.8 million, an increase of $8.2 million or 3%, from $247.6 million. Subsequent to September 30, 2024, the fair value hedges were terminated in favorable market conditions in early October. HTLF recorded $10.3 million of interest income associated with the fair value hedges in the third quarter of 2024 in comparison to $5.6 million in the third quarter of 2023. As a result of the fair value hedge terminations, no additional interest income will be recorded.
    • Average earning assets decreased $1.60 billion or 9% to $16.84 billion compared to $18.44 billion, primarily due to the sale of $865.4 million of securities during the fourth quarter of 2023, $108.4 million of securities sold during the second quarter of 2024, and $40.3 million of securities sold during the third quarter of 2024. The proceeds were utilized to pay down high-cost wholesale deposits and borrowings.
    • The average rate on earning assets increased 71 basis points to 6.04% from 5.33%, primarily due to recent interest rate increases on earning assets.

    Total interest expense and average interest-bearing liability changes for the third quarter of 2024 compared to the third quarter of 2023 were:

    • Total interest expense was $95.9 million, a decrease of $3.8 million from $99.7 million, primarily due to a decrease in average interest-bearing liabilities.
    • The average interest rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities increased 17 basis points to 3.18% from 3.01%.
    • Average interest-bearing deposits decreased $1.65 billion or 13% to $11.03 billion from $12.68 billion.
    • The average interest rate paid on interest-bearing deposits decreased 4 basis points to 2.86% from 2.90%.
    • Average borrowings and term debt increased $478.2 million to $953.9 million from $475.7 million, and the average interest rate paid on borrowings decreased 40 basis points to 5.39% from 5.78%.

    Net interest income changes for the third quarter of 2024 compared to the third quarter of 2023 were:

    • Net interest income totaled $157.9 million compared to $145.8 million, an increase of $12.1 million or 8%.
    • Net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis (non-GAAP) totaled $159.9 million compared to $147.9 million, an increase of $12.0 million or 8%.

    Noninterest Income and Noninterest Expense

    Total noninterest income was $19.0 million during the third quarter of 2024 compared to $28.4 million during the third quarter of 2023, a decrease of $9.4 million or 33%. Significant changes within the noninterest income category for the third quarter of 2024 compared to the third quarter of 2023 were:

    • Service charges and fees decreased $1.5 million or 8% to $17.1 million from $18.6 million, primarily attributable to a decrease in consumer NSF and overdraft fees. In the fourth quarter of 2023, HTLF instituted a new fee policy across our single charter customer base in response to industry changes related to consumer overdraft fees.
    • Net security losses increased $9.4 million to $9.5 million compared to net security losses of $114,000.
    • Net gains on sales of loans held for sale decreased to $0 from $905,000, due to HTLF ceasing originations of residential mortgage loans to be sold to the secondary market.
    • Other noninterest income increased $957,000 to $1.6 million from $619,000, primarily due to an increase in deferred compensation income of $1.0 million to $1.5 million from $433,000.  

    Total noninterest expense was $85.9 million during the third quarter of 2024 compared to $111.1 million during the third quarter of 2023, a decrease of $25.1 million or 23%. Significant changes within the noninterest expense category for the third quarter of 2024 compared to the third quarter of 2023 were:

    • Salaries and employee benefits totaled $62.7 million compared to $62.3 million, an increase of $480,000 or 1%. The increase was attributable to higher benefit costs including incentive compensation and benefit expenses partially offset by a reduction of full-time equivalent employees. Full-time equivalent employees totaled 1,725 compared to 1,965, a decrease of 240 or 12%.
    • Professional fees totaled $17.4 million compared to $13.6 million, an increase of $3.8 million or 28%, primarily due to an increase legal expenses, including those associated with special asset loans.
    • Gain on sale of assets, net, totaled $26.4 million compared to a loss on sale of assets of $108,000. As discussed earlier, Rocky Mountain Bank, a division of HTLF Bank, was sold during the third quarter of 2024 which generated a gain on sale, net, of $29.7 million.

    The effective tax rate was 24.25% for the third quarter of 2024 compared to 21.89% for third quarter of 2023. The following items impacted the third quarter 2024 and 2023 tax calculations:

    • Various tax credits of $629,000 compared to $1.6 million.
    • Tax-exempt interest income as a percentage of pre-tax income of 8.92% compared to 13.14%.
    • Tax benefit of $140,000 compared to a tax expense of $41,000 resulting from the vesting of restricted stock units.
    • Tax expense of $1.1 million compared to $1.6 million resulting from the disallowed interest expense related to tax-exempt loans and securities.

    Total Assets, Total Loans and Total Deposits

    Total assets were $18.27 billion at September 30, 2024, compared to $18.81 billion at June 30, 2024, and $19.41 billion at December 31, 2023. Total assets decreased $540.1 million or 3% during the third quarter of 2024 and $1.14 billion or 6% since year-end 2023. Securities represented 27% and 29% of total assets at September 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023, respectively.

    Total loans held to maturity were $11.44 billion at September 30, 2024, compared to $11.61 billion at June 30, 2024, and $12.07 billion at December 31, 2023. Loans decreased $167.4 million or 1% during the third quarter of 2024 and $627.7 million or 5% since year-end 2023. Excluding the impact of Rocky Mountain Bank, loans held to maturity decreased $172.4 million or 1% during the third quarter of 2024 and decreased $284.0 million or 2% since year-end 2023.

    Significant changes by loan category at September 30, 2024 compared to June 30, 2024 included:

    • Commercial and business lending, which includes commercial and industrial, PPP and owner occupied commercial real estate loans, decreased $262.7 million or 4% to $5.99 billion compared to $6.26 billion. Excluding the impact of Rocky Mountain Bank, commercial and business lending decreased $119.4 million or 2%.
    • Commercial real estate lending, which includes non-owner occupied commercial real estate and construction loans, decreased $3.3 million, or less than 1%, to $3.58 billion compared to $3.58 billion. Excluding the impact of Rocky Mountain Bank, commercial real estate lending increased $67.0 million or 2%.
    • Agricultural and agricultural real estate loans decreased $167.2 million or 19% to $701.2 million compared to $868.4 million. Excluding the impact of Rocky Mountain Bank, agricultural and agricultural real estate loans decreased $99.9 million or 12%.
    • Residential mortgage loans decreased $56.7 million or 7% to $708.0 million compared to $764.7 million. Excluding the impact of Rocky Mountain Bank, residential mortgage loans decreased $25.7 million or 3%.

    Significant changes by loan category at September 30, 2024 compared to December 31, 2023 included:

    • Commercial and business lending, which includes commercial and industrial, PPP and owner occupied commercial real estate loans, decreased $298.6 million or 5% to $5.99 billion compared to $6.29 billion. Excluding the Rocky Mountain Bank loans sold of $143.3 million, commercial and business lending decreased $155.3 million or 2%.
    • Commercial real estate lending, which includes non-owner occupied commercial real estate and construction loans, increased $9.9 million or less than 1% to $3.58 billion compared to $3.57 billion. Excluding the Rocky Mountain Bank loans sold of $70.3 million, commercial real estate lending increased $80.2 million or 2%.
    • Agricultural and agricultural real estate loans decreased $218.0 million or 24% to $701.2 million compared to $919.2 million. Excluding the Rocky Mountain Bank loans sold of $67.3 million, agricultural and agricultural real estate loans decreased $150.7 million or 16%.
    • Residential mortgage loans decreased $89.8 million or 11% to $708.0 million compared to $797.8 million. Excluding the Rocky Mountain Bank loans sold of $31.0 million, residential mortgage loans decreased $58.9 million or 7%.

    Total deposits were $14.95 billion as of September 30, 2024, compared to $14.96 billion as of June 30, 2024, a decrease of $3.4 million or less than 1%. Total deposits were $14.95 billion as of September 30, 2024, compared to $16.20 billion at December 31, 2023, which was a decrease of $1.25 billion or 8%. Excluding the impact of Rocky Mountain Bank, deposits decreased $9.8 million or less than 1% during the third quarter of 2024 and decreased $716.6 million or 4% since year-end 2023.

    Total customer deposits were $14.35 billion as of September 30, 2024, compared to $14.13 billion at June 30, 2024, an increase of $217.6 million or 2%. Excluding the impact of Rocky Mountain Bank, customer deposits increased $211.2 million or 1%. Significant customer deposit changes by category at September 30, 2024, compared to June 30, 2024, included:

    • Customer demand deposits decreased $367.6 million or 8% to $4.01 billion compared to $4.38 billion. Excluding the impact of Rocky Mountain Bank, customer demand deposits decreased $235.9 million or 6%.
    • Customer savings deposits increased $270.0 million or 3% to $8.71 billion compared to $8.44 billion. Excluding the impact of Rocky Mountain Bank, customer savings deposits increased $554.4 million or 7%.
    • Customer time deposits decreased $223.1 million or 12% to $1.63 billion compared to $1.85 billion. Excluding the impact of Rocky Mountain Bank, customer time deposits decreased $107.3 million or 6%.

    Total customer deposits were $14.35 billion as of September 30, 2024, compared to $14.86 billion at December 31, 2023, a decrease of $505.1 million or 3%. Excluding the Rocky Mountain Bank customer deposits sold of $531.9 million, customer deposits increased $26.7 million. Significant customer deposit changes by category at September 30, 2024, compared to December 31, 2023, included:

    • Customer demand deposits decreased $491.1 million or 11% to $4.01 billion compared to $4.50 billion. Excluding the Rocky Mountain Bank customer demand deposits sold of $131.7 million, customer demand deposits decreased $359.3 million or 8%.
    • Customer savings deposits increased $302.0 million or 4% to $8.71 billion compared to $8.41 billion. Excluding the Rocky Mountain Bank customer savings deposits sold of $284.3 million, customer savings deposits increased $586.3 million or 7%.
    • Customer time deposits decreased $316.0 million or 16% to $1.63 billion compared to $1.94 billion. Excluding the Rocky Mountain Bank customer time deposits sold of $115.8 million, customer time deposits decreased $200.2 million or 10%.

    Total wholesale and institutional deposits were $601.9 million as of September 30, 2024, a decrease of $221.0 million or 27% from $822.9 million at June 30, 2024. Significant wholesale and institutional deposit changes by category at September 30, 2024 compared to June 30, 2024 included:

    • Wholesale and institutional savings deposits decreased $105.7 million or 33% to $213.0 million compared to $318.6 million.
    • Wholesale time deposits decreased $115.3 million or 23% to $389.0 million compared to $504.3 million.

    Total wholesale and institutional deposits were $601.9 million as of September 30, 2024, which was a decrease of $743.4 million or 55% from $1.35 billion at December 31, 2023. Significant wholesale and institutional deposit changes by category at September 30, 2024 compared to December 31, 2023 included:

    • Wholesale and institutional savings deposits decreased $181.4 million or 46% to $213.0 million compared to $394.4 million.
    • Wholesale time deposits decreased $562.0 million or 59% to $389.0 million compared to $950.9 million.

    Provision and Allowance

    Provision and Allowance for Credit Losses for Loans
    Provision for credit losses for loans for the third quarter of 2024 was $8.9 million, an increase of $6.2 million from $2.7 million recorded in the third quarter of 2023.

    The allowance for credit losses for loans totaled $106.8 million at September 30, 2024 and $122.6 million at December 31, 2023. The following items impacted the allowance for credit losses for loans at September 30, 2024:

    • Provision expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, totaled $22.3 million. Provision expense was primarily impacted in the third quarter of 2024 by a nonperforming food manufacturing syndication loan currently in bankruptcy proceedings. HTLF recorded a charge-off of $19.2 million for this credit during the third quarter of 2024, of which $10.0 million was reserved for in a prior period.
    • Net charge-offs of $38.0 million, of which the majority have been reserved for in prior periods, were recorded for the first nine months of 2024.

    Provision and Allowance for Credit Losses for Unfunded Commitments
    The allowance for unfunded commitments decreased $6.0 million or 36% to $10.5 million at September 30, 2024, from $16.5 million at December 31, 2023. The following impacted HTLF’s allowance for credit losses for unfunded commitments during 2024:

    • Provision benefit for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, totaled $6.0 million.
    • Reduction of $82.9 million in unfunded commitments for construction loans, which carry the highest loss rate.
    • Total unfunded commitments decreased $684.5 million or 15% to $3.94 billion at September 30, 2024 compared to $4.63 billion at December 31, 2023.

    Total Provision and Allowance for Lending Related Credit Losses
    The total provision expense for lending related credit losses was $6.3 million for the third quarter of 2024 compared to $1.5 million for the third quarter of 2023. The total allowance for lending related credit losses was $117.3 million or 1.02% of total loans at September 30, 2024, compared to $139.0 million or 1.15% of total loans as of December 31, 2023.

    Nonperforming Assets

    Nonperforming assets were $76.8 million or 0.42% of total assets at September 30, 2024, compared to $110.5 million or 0.57% of total assets at December 31, 2023. Nonperforming assets were reduced by charge-offs of $32.1 million and the return to performing status of a $10.4 million owner occupied commercial real estate loan relationship. The reduction was partially offset by the addition of a $10.1 million non-owner commercial real estate loan relationship. Nonperforming loans were $69.9 million or 0.61% of total loans at September 30, 2024, compared to $97.9 million or 0.81% of total loans at December 31, 2023. At September 30, 2024, loans delinquent 30-89 days were 0.26% of total loans compared to 0.09% of total loans at December 31, 2023. The increase in the 30-89 day delinquencies was due to a single $12.8 million real estate construction loan. Other real estate owned, net, decreased $5.7 million or 46% to $6.8 million at September 30, 2024 from $12.5 million at December 31, 2023.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    This earnings release contains references to financial measures which are not defined by generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Management believes the non-GAAP measures are helpful for investors to analyze and evaluate the company’s financial condition and operating results. However, these non-GAAP measures have inherent limitations and should not be considered a substitute for operating results determined in accordance with GAAP. Additionally, because non-GAAP measures are not standardized, it may not be possible to compare the non-GAAP measures in this earnings release with other companies’ non-GAAP measures. Reconciliations of each non-GAAP measure to the most directly comparable GAAP measure may be found in the financial tables in this earnings release.

    Below are the non-GAAP measures included in this earnings release, management’s reason for including each measure and the method of calculating each measure:

    • Adjusted earnings available to common stockholders and adjusted diluted earnings per common share, adjust net income for the gain/loss from sale of securities, and other non-operating expenses as well as the tax effect of those transactions. Management believes these measures enhance the comparability net income available to common stockholders as it reflects adjustments commonly made by management, investors and analysts to evaluate the ongoing operations and enhance comparability with the results of prior periods.
    • Adjusted annualized return on average assets, adjusts net income for the gain/loss from sale of securities, and other non-operating expenses as well as the tax effect of those transactions. Management believes this measure enhances the comparability of annualized return on average assets as it reflects adjustments commonly made by management, investors and analysts to evaluate the ongoing operations and enhance comparability with the results of prior periods.
    • Annualized net interest margin, fully tax-equivalent, adjusts net interest income for the tax-favored status of certain loans and securities. Management believes this measure enhances the comparability of net interest income arising from taxable and tax-exempt sources.
    • Adjusted efficiency ratio, fully tax equivalent, expresses noninterest expenses as a percentage of fully tax-equivalent net interest income and noninterest income. This efficiency ratio is presented on a tax-equivalent basis which adjusts net interest income and noninterest expenses for the tax favored status of certain loans, securities, and tax credit projects. Management believes the presentation of this non-GAAP measure provides supplemental useful information for proper understanding of the financial results as it enhances the comparability of income and expenses arising from taxable and nontaxable sources and excludes specific items as noted in reconciliation contained in this earnings release.
    • Net interest income, fully tax equivalent, is net income adjusted for the tax-favored status of certain loans and securities. Management believes this measure enhances the comparability of net interest income arising from taxable and tax-exempt sources. Net interest margin, fully tax equivalent, is net interest income adjusted for the tax-favored status of certain loans and securities divided by average earning assets.
    • Tangible book value per common share is total common equity less goodwill and core deposit and customer relationship intangibles, net, divided by common shares outstanding, net of treasury. This measure is included as it is considered to be a critical metric to analyze and evaluate use of equity, financial condition and capital strength.
    • Tangible common equity ratio is total common equity less goodwill and core deposit and customer relationship intangibles, net, divided by total assets less goodwill and core deposit and customer relationship intangibles, net. This measure is included as it is considered to be a critical metric to analyze and evaluate financial condition and capital strength.
    • Adjusted annualized return on average common equity, adjusts net income for the loss from sale of securities, and other non-operating expenses as well as the tax effect of those transactions. Management believes this measure enhances the comparability of annualized return on average assets as it reflects adjustments commonly made by management, investors and analysts to evaluate the ongoing operations and enhance comparability with the results of prior periods.
    • Annualized return on average tangible common equity is net income excluding intangible amortization calculated as (1) net income excluding tax-effected core deposit and customer relationship intangibles amortization, divided by (2) average common equity less goodwill and core deposit and customer relationship intangibles, net. This measure is included as it is considered to be a critical metric to analyze and evaluate use of equity, financial condition and capital strength.
    • Adjusted annualized return on average tangible common equity, adjusts net income available to common stockholders for the loss from sale of securities, and other non-operating expenses as well as the tax effect of those transactions. Management believes this measure enhances the comparability of annualized return on average assets as it reflects adjustments commonly made by management, investors and analysts to evaluate the ongoing operations and enhance comparability with the results of prior periods.
    • Annualized ratio of core expenses to average assets adjusts noninterest expenses to exclude specific items noted in the reconciliation. Management includes this measure as it is considered to be a critical metric to analyze and evaluate controllable expenses related to primary business operations.

    About HTLF

    Heartland Financial USA, Inc., is a Denver, Colorado-based bank holding company operating under the brand name HTLF, with assets of $18.27 billion as of September 30, 2024. HTLF’s banks serve customers in the West, Southwest and Midwest regions. HTLF is committed to serving the banking needs of privately owned businesses, their owners, executives and employees. Our core commercial business is supported by a strong retail banking operation, in addition to a diversified line of financial services including treasury management, wealth management and investments. Additional information is available at www.htlf.com.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This release (including any information incorporated herein by reference), and future oral and written statements of the company and its management, may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, with respect to the business, financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives and future performance of HTLF.

    Any statements about the company’s expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not historical facts and may be forward-looking. Forward-looking statements may include information about possible or assumed future results of the company’s operations or performance. These forward-looking statements are generally identified by the use of the words such as “believe”, “expect”, “intent”, “anticipate”, “plan”, “intend”, “estimate”, “project”, “may”, “will”, “would”, “could”, “should”, “may”, “view”, “opportunity”, “potential”, or similar or negative expressions of these words or phrases that are used in this release, and future oral and written statements of the company and its management. Although the company may make these statements based on management’s experience, beliefs, expectations, assumptions and best estimate of future events, the ability of the company to predict results or the actual effect or outcomes of plans or strategies is inherently uncertain, and there may be events or factors that management has not anticipated. Therefore, the accuracy and achievement of such forward-looking statements and estimates are subject to a number of risks, many of which are beyond the ability of management to control or predict, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in its forward-looking statements. These factors, which the company currently believes could have a material effect on its operations and future prospects, are detailed below and in the risk factors in HTLF’s reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including the “Risk Factors” section under Item 1A of Part I of the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and updates in HTLF’s Forms 10-Q filed thereafter, and include, among others:

    • Economic and Market Conditions Risks, including risks related to the deterioration of the U.S. economy in general and in the local economies in which HTLF conducts its operations and future civil unrest, natural disasters, pandemics and governmental measures addressing them, climate change and climate-related regulations, persistent inflation, higher interest rates, supply chain issues, labor shortages, terrorist threats or acts of war;
    • Credit Risks, including risks of increasing credit losses due to deterioration in the financial condition of HTLF’s borrowers, changes in asset and collateral values due to climate and other borrower industry risks, which may impact the provision for credit losses and net charge-offs;
    • Liquidity and Interest Rate Risks, including the impact of capital market conditions, rising interest rates and changes in monetary policy on our borrowings and net interest income;
    • Risks related to the planned merger with UMB Financial Corporation (the “Merger”), the fluctuation of the market value of the merger consideration, risks related to combining our businesses, including expenses related to the Merger and integration of the combined entity, risks that the Merger may not occur, and the risk of litigation related to the Merger;
    • Operational Risks, including processing, information systems, cybersecurity, vendor, business interruption, and fraud risks;
    • Strategic and External Risks, including economic, political, and competitive forces impacting our business;
    • Legal, Compliance and Reputational Risks, including regulatory and litigation risks; and
    • Risks of Owning Stock in HTLF, including stock price volatility and dilution as a result of future equity offerings and acquisitions.

    There can be no assurance that other factors not currently anticipated by HTLF will not materially and adversely affect HTLF’s business, financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, all statements in this release, including forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. HTLF does not undertake and specifically disclaims any obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions which may be made to or correct or update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or to otherwise update any statement in light of new information or future events. Further information concerning HTLF and its business, including additional factors that could materially affect HTLF’s financial results, is included in HTLF’s filings with the SEC.

    -FINANCIAL TABLES FOLLOW-

    CONTACT:
    Kevin L. Thompson
    Executive Vice President
    Chief Financial Officer
    (563) 589-1994
    kthompson@htlf.com 
    HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)
    DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA
      For the Quarter Ended
    September 30,    		   For the Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Interest Income              
    Interest and fees on loans $ 192,506     $ 182,394     $ 587,328     $ 505,136  
    Interest on securities:              
    Taxable   51,116       54,800       145,511       168,948  
    Nontaxable   5,979       6,584       18,062       18,990  
    Interest on federal funds sold   —       3       —       3  
    Interest on deposits with other banks and short-term investments   4,193       1,651       10,244       4,833  
    Total Interest Income   253,794       245,432       761,145       697,910  
    Interest Expense              
    Interest on deposits   82,976       92,744       247,609       231,617  
    Interest on borrowings   7,378       1,167       25,727       4,437  
    Interest on term debt   5,543       5,765       16,956       16,756  
    Total Interest Expense   95,897       99,676       290,292       252,810  
    Net Interest Income   157,897       145,756       470,853       445,100  
    Provision for credit losses   6,276       1,516       16,270       9,969  
    Net Interest Income After Provision for Credit Losses   151,621       144,240       454,583       435,131  
    Noninterest Income              
    Service charges and fees   17,100       18,553       51,127       55,316  
    Loan servicing income   111       278       349       1,403  
    Trust fees   5,272       4,734       15,847       15,810  
    Brokerage and insurance commissions   853       692       2,501       2,065  
    Capital markets fees   2,116       1,845       5,003       8,331  
    Securities gains (losses), net   (9,520 )     (114 )     (19,573 )     (1,532 )
    Unrealized gain on equity securities, net   377       13       605       165  
    Net gains on sale of loans held for sale   —       905       104       3,786  
    Income on bank owned life insurance   1,107       858       3,610       3,042  
    Other noninterest income   1,576       619       5,289       2,489  
    Total Noninterest Income   18,992       28,383       64,862       90,875  
    Noninterest Expense              
    Salaries and employee benefits   62,742       62,262       191,817       186,510  
    Occupancy   6,318       6,438       19,843       20,338  
    Furniture and equipment   2,062       2,720       6,554       8,698  
    Professional fees   17,448       13,616       48,351       41,607  
    FDIC insurance assessments   3,035       3,313       11,344       9,627  
    Advertising   1,937       1,633       4,663       6,670  
    Core deposit intangibles amortization   1,345       1,625       4,258       5,128  
    Other real estate and loan collection expenses, net   395       481       1,422       984  
    (Gain) loss on sales/valuations of assets, net   (26,419 )     108       (26,012 )     (2,149 )
    Acquisition, integration and restructuring costs   2,026       2,429       9,374       5,994  
    Partnership investment in tax credit projects   222       1,136       938       1,828  
    Other noninterest expense   14,816       15,292       43,214       46,307  
    Total Noninterest Expense   85,927       111,053       315,766       331,542  
    Income Before Income Taxes   84,686       61,570       203,679       194,464  
    Income taxes   20,533       13,479       48,077       44,181  
    Net Income/(Loss)   64,153       48,091       155,602       150,283  
    Preferred dividends   (2,013 )     (2,013 )     (6,038 )     (6,038 )
    Net Income/(Loss) Available to Common Stockholders $ 62,140     $ 46,078     $ 149,564     $ 144,245  
    Earnings/(loss) per common share-diluted $ 1.44     $ 1.08     $ 3.47     $ 3.37  
    Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted   43,195,257       42,812,563       43,080,422       42,769,872  
    HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)
    DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA
      For the Quarter Ended
      9/30/2024   6/30/2024   3/31/2024   12/31/2023   9/30/2023
    Interest Income                  
    Interest and fees on loans $ 192,506     $ 199,161     $ 195,661     $ 192,861     $ 182,394  
    Interest on securities:                  
    Taxable   51,116       47,381       47,014       54,573       54,800  
    Nontaxable   5,979       6,042       6,041       6,278       6,584  
    Interest on federal funds sold   —       —       —       —       3  
    Interest on deposits with other banks and short-term investments   4,193       3,045       3,006       2,174       1,651  
    Total Interest Income   253,794       255,629       251,722       255,886       245,432  
    Interest Expense                  
    Interest on deposits   82,976       80,499       84,134       88,071       92,744  
    Interest on borrowings   7,378       10,825       7,524       5,874       1,167  
    Interest on term debt   5,543       5,564       5,849       5,804       5,765  
    Total Interest Expense   95,897       96,888       97,507       99,749       99,676  
    Net Interest Income   157,897       158,741       154,215       156,137       145,756  
    Provision for credit losses   6,276       9,008       986       11,738       1,516  
    Net Interest Income After Provision for Credit Losses   151,621       149,733       153,229       144,399       144,240  
    Noninterest Income                  
    Service charges and fees   17,100       16,964       17,063       18,708       18,553  
    Loan servicing income   111       107       131       158       278  
    Trust fees   5,272       5,532       5,043       4,905       4,734  
    Brokerage and insurance commissions   853       894       754       729       692  
    Capital markets fees   2,116       1,996       891       1,676       1,845  
    Securities gains (losses), net   (9,520 )     (10,111 )     58       (140,007 )     (114 )
    Unrealized gain on equity securities, net   377       133       95       75       13  
    Net gains on sale of loans held for sale   —       —       104       94       905  
    Income on bank owned life insurance   1,107       1,326       1,177       729       858  
    Other noninterest income   1,576       1,366       2,347       1,132       619  
    Total Noninterest Income   18,992       18,207       27,663       (111,801 )     28,383  
    Noninterest Expense                  
    Salaries and employee benefits   62,742       65,120       63,955       64,766       62,262  
    Occupancy   6,318       6,262       7,263       6,509       6,438  
    Furniture and equipment   2,062       2,155       2,337       2,901       2,720  
    Professional fees   17,448       15,372       15,531       17,060       13,616  
    FDIC insurance assessments   3,035       3,340       4,969       10,313       3,313  
    Advertising   1,937       1,368       1,358       1,677       1,633  
    Core deposit intangibles amortization   1,345       1,421       1,492       1,611       1,625  
    Other real estate and loan collection expenses, net   395       515       512       505       481  
    (Gain) loss on sales/valuations of assets, net   (26,419 )     193       214       2,072       108  
    Acquisition, integration and restructuring costs   2,026       5,973       1,375       4,365       2,429  
    Partnership investment in tax credit projects   222       222       494       3,573       1,136  
    Other noninterest expense   14,816       14,303       14,095       14,933       15,292  
    Total Noninterest Expense   85,927       116,244       113,595       130,285       111,053  
    Income Before Income Taxes   84,686       51,696       67,297       (97,687 )     61,570  
    Income taxes   20,533       11,954       15,590       (27,324 )     13,479  
    Net Income/(Loss)   64,153       39,742       51,707       (70,363 )     48,091  
    Preferred dividends   (2,013 )     (2,012 )     (2,013 )     (2,012 )     (2,013 )
    Net Income/(Loss) Available to Common Stockholders $ 62,140     $ 37,730     $ 49,694     $ (72,375 )   $ 46,078  
    Earnings/(loss) per common share-diluted $ 1.44     $ 0.88     $ 1.16     $ (1.69 )   $ 1.08  
    Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted   43,195,257       43,060,354       42,915,768       42,838,405       42,812,563  
    HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)
    DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA
      As of
      9/30/2024   6/30/2024   3/31/2024   12/31/2023   9/30/2023
    Assets                  
    Cash and due from banks $ 228,719     $ 226,735     $ 208,176     $ 275,554     $ 248,756  
    Interest-bearing deposits with other banks and short-term investments   359,675       147,211       236,190       47,459       99,239  
    Cash and cash equivalents   588,394       373,946       444,366       323,013       347,995  
    Time deposits in other financial institutions   1,050       1,340       1,240       1,240       1,490  
    Securities:                  
    Carried at fair value   4,057,335       4,185,054       4,418,222       4,646,891       5,482,687  
    Held to maturity, at cost   839,623       842,980       841,055       838,241       835,468  
    Other investments, at cost   69,511       70,684       68,524       91,277       90,001  
    Loans held for sale   —       348,761       352,744       5,071       6,262  
    Loans:                  
    Held to maturity   11,440,917       11,608,309       11,644,641       12,068,645       11,872,436  
    Allowance for credit losses   (106,797 )     (126,861 )     (123,934 )     (122,566 )     (110,208 )
    Loans, net   11,334,120       11,481,448       11,520,707       11,946,079       11,762,228  
    Premises, furniture and equipment, net   155,140       175,953       176,582       181,070       187,436  
    Goodwill   576,005       576,005       576,005       576,005       576,005  
    Core deposit intangibles, net   14,157       15,501       16,923       18,415       20,026  
    Cash surrender value on life insurance   199,998       199,036       197,671       197,085       196,694  
    Other real estate, net   6,805       7,533       2,590       12,548       14,362  
    Other assets   430,155       534,429       516,198       574,772       609,139  
    Total Assets $ 18,272,293     $ 18,812,670     $ 19,132,827     $ 19,411,707     $ 20,129,793  
    Liabilities and Equity                  
    Liabilities                  
    Deposits:                  
    Demand $ 4,009,218     $ 4,244,169     $ 4,264,390     $ 4,500,304     $ 4,792,813  
    Savings   8,926,192       8,470,416       8,669,221       8,805,597       8,754,911  
    Time   2,017,806       2,242,005       2,368,555       2,895,813       3,553,269  
    Total deposits   14,953,216       14,956,590       15,302,166       16,201,714       17,100,993  
    Deposits held for sale   —       538,308       596,328       —       —  
    Borrowings   546,219       694,909       650,033       622,255       392,634  
    Term debt   373,324       372,988       372,652       372,396       372,059  
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities   259,161       222,025       232,815       282,225       438,577  
    Total Liabilities   16,131,920       16,784,820       17,153,994       17,478,590       18,304,263  
    Stockholders’ Equity                  
    Preferred equity   110,705       110,705       110,705       110,705       110,705  
    Common stock   42,884       42,852       42,784       42,688       42,656  
    Capital surplus   1,098,837       1,096,619       1,093,207       1,090,740       1,088,267  
    Retained earnings   1,252,247       1,203,092       1,178,330       1,141,501       1,226,740  
    Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)   (364,300 )     (425,418 )     (446,193 )     (452,517 )     (642,838 )
    Total Equity   2,140,373       2,027,850       1,978,833       1,933,117       1,825,530  
    Total Liabilities and Equity $ 18,272,293     $ 18,812,670     $ 19,132,827     $ 19,411,707     $ 20,129,793  
    HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)
    DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA
      For the Quarter Ended
      9/30/2024   6/30/2024   3/31/2024   12/31/2023   9/30/2023
    Average Balances                  
    Assets $ 18,439,910     $ 19,043,362     $ 19,296,638     $ 19,667,825     $ 20,207,920  
    Loans, net of unearned   11,584,999       12,010,289       12,021,930       11,938,272       11,800,064  
    Total deposits   15,148,944       15,562,920       16,042,402       16,709,394       17,507,813  
    Customer deposits   14,347,965       14,768,407       14,816,652       14,969,948       14,699,235  
    Earning assets   16,838,131       17,331,435       17,597,068       17,853,957       18,439,010  
    Interest-bearing liabilities   11,986,220       12,461,957       12,607,745       12,721,680       13,158,631  
    Common equity   1,962,334       1,863,236       1,832,959       1,729,086       1,746,818  
    Total stockholders’ equity   2,073,039       1,973,941       1,943,664       1,839,791       1,857,523  
    Tangible common equity (non-GAAP)(1)   1,371,515       1,271,046       1,239,313       1,133,888       1,149,992  
                       
    Key Performance Ratios                  
    Annualized return on average assets   1.38 %     0.84 %     1.08 %   (1.42 )%     0.94 %
    Adjusted annualized return on average assets (non-GAAP)(1)   1.14       1.09       1.13       0.96       0.98  
    Annualized return on average common equity (GAAP)   12.60       8.14       10.90       (16.61 )     10.47  
    Adjusted annualized return on average common equity (non-GAAP)(1)   10.27       10.71       11.50       10.46       10.92  
    Annualized return on average tangible common equity (non-GAAP)(1)   18.32       12.28       16.49       (24.89 )     16.32  
    Adjusted annualized return on average tangible common equity (non-GAAP)(1)   14.98       16.05       17.38       16.38       17.02  
    Annualized ratio of net charge-offs/(recoveries) to average loans   0.99       0.23       0.08       0.01       0.12  
    Annualized net interest margin (GAAP)   3.73       3.68       3.52       3.47       3.14  
    Annualized net interest margin, fully tax-equivalent (non-GAAP)(1)   3.78       3.73       3.57       3.52       3.18  
    Annualized cost of deposits   2.18       2.08       2.11       2.09       2.10  
    Efficiency ratio (GAAP)   48.58       65.69       62.46       293.86       63.77  
    Adjusted efficiency ratio, fully tax-equivalent (non-GAAP)(1)   57.98       57.73       58.77       59.31       59.95  
    Annualized ratio of total noninterest expenses to average assets (GAAP)   1.85       2.46       2.37       2.63       2.18  
    Annualized ratio of core expenses to average assets (non-GAAP)(1)   2.35       2.30       2.25       2.23       2.08  
                       
      For the Quarter Ended
    September 30,    		   For the Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Average Balances              
    Assets $ 18,439,910     $ 20,207,920     $ 18,924,862     $ 20,182,808  
    Loans, net of unearned   11,584,999       11,800,064       11,871,358       11,602,741  
    Total deposits   15,148,944       17,507,813       15,583,165       17,567,614  
    Customer deposits   14,347,965       14,699,235       14,642,347       14,778,030  
    Earning assets   16,838,131       18,439,010       17,254,023       18,451,907  
    Interest-bearing liabilities   11,986,220       13,158,631       12,350,640       12,985,665  
    Common equity   1,962,334       1,746,818       1,886,454       1,710,230  
    Total stockholders’ equity   2,073,039       1,857,523       1,997,159       1,820,935  
    Tangible common equity (non-GAAP)(1)   1,371,515       1,149,992       1,294,241       1,111,724  
                   
    Key Performance Ratios              
    Annualized return on average assets   1.38 %     0.94 %     1.10 %     1.00 %
    Adjusted annualized return on average assets (non-GAAP)(1)   1.14       0.98       1.12       1.02  
    Annualized return on average common equity (GAAP)   12.60       10.47       10.59       11.28  
    Adjusted annualized return on average common equity (non-GAAP)(1)   10.27       10.92       10.81       11.60  
    Annualized return on average tangible common equity (non-GAAP)(1)   18.32       16.32       15.77       17.82  
    Adjusted annualized return on average tangible common equity (non-GAAP)(1)   14.98       17.02       16.09       18.31  
    Annualized ratio of net charge-offs/(recoveries) to average loans   0.99       0.12       0.43       0.14  
    Annualized net interest margin (GAAP)   3.73       3.14       3.65       3.23  
    Annualized net interest margin, fully tax-equivalent (non-GAAP)(1)   3.78       3.18       3.69       3.27  
    Annualized cost of deposits   2.18       2.10       2.12       1.76  
    Efficiency ratio (GAAP)   48.58       63.77       58.94       61.86  
    Adjusted efficiency ratio, fully tax-equivalent (non-GAAP)(1)   57.98       59.95       58.16       58.98  
    Annualized ratio of total noninterest expenses to average assets (GAAP)   1.85       2.18       2.23       2.20  
    Annualized ratio of core expenses to average assets (non-GAAP)(1)   2.35       2.08       2.30       2.12  
                   
    (1) Refer to “Non-GAAP Measures” in this earnings release for additional information on the usage and presentation of these non-GAAP measures, and refer to these financial tables for the reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measures.
    HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)
    DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND FULL TIME EQUIVALENT EMPLOYEE DATA
      As of and for the Quarter Ended
      9/30/2024   6/30/2024   3/31/2024   12/31/2023   9/30/2023
    Common Share Data                  
    Book value per common share $ 47.33     $ 44.74     $ 43.66     $ 42.69     $ 40.20  
    Tangible book value per common share (non-GAAP)(1)   33.57       30.94       29.81       28.77       26.23  
    ASC 320 effect on book value per common share   (8.78 )     (10.82 )     (11.18 )     (11.00 )     (16.27 )
                       
    Common shares outstanding, net of treasury stock   42,883,865       42,852,180       42,783,670       42,688,008       42,656,303  
                       
    Capital Ratios                  
    Common equity to total assets   11.11 %     10.19 %     9.76 %     9.39 %     8.52 %
    Tangible common equity ratio (non-GAAP)(1)   8.14       7.28       6.88       6.53       5.73  
    Tier 1 leverage ratio   10.77       10.13       9.84       9.44       9.59  
    Common equity tier 1 ratio(2)   12.66       11.68       11.40       10.97       11.37  
    Total risk based capital ratio(2)   16.34       15.32       14.99       14.53       14.90  
                       
    Other Selected Trend Information                  
    Effective tax rate   24.25 %     23.12 %     23.17 %     27.97 %     21.89 %
    Full time equivalent employees   1,725       1,843       1,888       1,970       1,965  
                       
    Loans Held to Maturity                  
    Commercial and industrial $ 3,503,093     $ 3,541,239     $ 3,545,051     $ 3,652,047     $ 3,591,809  
    Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”)   1,582       1,864       2,172       2,777       3,750  
    Owner occupied commercial real estate   2,489,697       2,555,964       2,545,033       2,638,175       2,429,659  
    Commercial and business lending   5,994,372       6,099,067       6,092,256       6,292,999       6,025,218  
    Non-owner occupied commercial real estate   2,455,396       2,434,258       2,495,068       2,553,711       2,656,358  
    Real estate construction   1,119,922       1,082,726       1,041,583       1,011,716       1,029,554  
    Commercial real estate lending   3,575,318       3,516,984       3,536,651       3,565,427       3,685,912  
    Total commercial lending   9,569,690       9,616,051       9,628,907       9,858,426       9,711,130  
    Agricultural and agricultural real estate   701,211       802,958       809,876       919,184       842,116  
    Residential mortgage   707,984       733,401       756,021       797,829       813,803  
    Consumer   462,032       455,899       449,837       493,206       505,387  
    Total loans held to maturity $ 11,440,917     $ 11,608,309     $ 11,644,641     $ 12,068,645     $ 11,872,436  
                       
    Total unfunded loan commitments $ 3,941,268     $ 4,381,565     $ 4,537,718     $ 4,625,768     $ 4,813,798  
                       
    Deposits                  
    Demand-customer $ 4,009,218     $ 4,244,169     $ 4,264,390     $ 4,500,304     $ 4,792,813  
    Savings-customer   8,713,228       8,151,794       8,269,956       8,411,240       8,190,430  
    Savings-wholesale and institutional   212,964       318,622       399,265       394,357       564,481  
    Total savings   8,926,192       8,470,416       8,669,221       8,805,597       8,754,911  
    Time-customer   1,628,856       1,737,723       1,734,971       1,944,884       1,814,335  
    Time-wholesale   388,950       504,282       633,584       950,929       1,738,934  
    Total time   2,017,806       2,242,005       2,368,555       2,895,813       3,553,269  
    Total deposits $ 14,953,216     $ 14,956,590     $ 15,302,166     $ 16,201,714     $ 17,100,993  
                       
    Total customer deposits $ 14,351,302     $ 14,133,686     $ 14,269,317     $ 14,856,428     $ 14,797,578  
    Total wholesale and institutional deposits   601,914       822,904       1,032,849       1,345,286       2,303,415  
    Total deposits $ 14,953,216     $ 14,956,590     $ 15,302,166     $ 16,201,714     $ 17,100,993  
                       
    (1) Refer to “Non-GAAP Measures” in this earnings release for additional information on the usage and presentation of these non-GAAP measures, and refer to these financial tables for the reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measures.
    (2) September 30, 2024 calculation is preliminary.
    HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)
    DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA
      As of and for the Quarter Ended
      9/30/2024   6/30/2024   3/31/2024   12/31/2023   9/30/2023
    Allowance for Credit Losses-Loans                  
    Balance, beginning of period $ 126,861     $ 123,934     $ 122,566     $ 110,208     $ 111,198  
    Provision for credit losses   8,871       9,737       3,668       12,750       2,672  
    Charge-offs   (32,137 )     (7,388 )     (4,093 )     (3,886 )     (3,964 )
    Recoveries   3,202       578       1,793       3,494       302  
    Balance, end of period $ 106,797     $ 126,861     $ 123,934     $ 122,566     $ 110,208  
                       
    Allowance for Unfunded Commitments                  
    Balance, beginning of period $ 13,057     $ 13,786     $ 16,468     $ 17,480     $ 18,636  
    Provision for credit losses   (2,595 )     (729 )     (2,682 )     (1,012 )     (1,156 )
    Balance, end of period $ 10,462     $ 13,057     $ 13,786     $ 16,468     $ 17,480  
                       
    Allowance for lending related credit losses $ 117,259     $ 139,918     $ 137,720     $ 139,034     $ 127,688  
                       
    Provision for Credit Losses                  
    Provision for credit losses-loans $ 8,871     $ 9,737     $ 3,668     $ 12,750     $ 2,672  
    Provision for credit losses-unfunded commitments   (2,595 )     (729 )     (2,682 )     (1,012 )     (1,156 )
    Total provision (benefit) for credit losses $ 6,276     $ 9,008     $ 986     $ 11,738     $ 1,516  
                       
    Asset Quality                  
    Nonaccrual loans $ 69,115     $ 103,123     $ 94,800     $ 95,426     $ 51,304  
    Loans past due ninety days or more   832       663       611       2,507       511  
    Other real estate owned   6,805       7,533       2,590       12,548       14,362  
    Other repossessed assets   —       —       —       —       1  
    Total nonperforming assets $ 76,752     $ 111,319     $ 98,001     $ 110,481     $ 66,178  
                       
    Nonperforming Assets Activity                  
    Balance, beginning of period $ 111,319     $ 98,001     $ 110,481     $ 66,178     $ 66,097  
    Net loan (charge-offs) recoveries   (28,935 )     (6,810 )     (2,300 )     (392 )     (3,662 )
    New nonperforming loans   25,441       48,346       5,470       61,193       19,295  
    Reduction of nonperforming loans(1)   (30,240 )     (28,050 )     (5,692 )     (14,278 )     (14,691 )
    OREO/Repossessed assets sales proceeds   (833 )     (168 )     (9,958 )     (2,220 )     (861 )
    Balance, end of period $ 76,752     $ 111,319     $ 98,001     $ 110,481     $ 66,178  
                       
    Asset Quality Ratios                  
    Ratio of nonperforming loans to total loans   0.61 %     0.89 %     0.82 %     0.81 %     0.44 %
    Ratio of nonperforming assets to total assets   0.42       0.59       0.51       0.57       0.33  
    Annualized ratio of net loan charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans   0.99       0.23       0.08       0.01       0.12  
    Allowance for loan credit losses as a percent of loans   0.93       1.09       1.06       1.02       0.93  
    Allowance for lending related credit losses as a percent of loans   1.02       1.21       1.18       1.15       1.08  
    Allowance for loan credit losses as a percent of nonperforming loans   152.68       122.23       129.89       125.15       212.70  
    Loans delinquent 30-89 days as a percent of total loans   0.26       0.25       0.31       0.09       0.12  
                       
    (1) Includes principal reductions, transfers to performing status and transfers to OREO.
    HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.    
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)
    DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS
      For the Quarter Ended
      September 30, 2024   June 30, 2024   September 30, 2023
      Average
    Balance    		   Interest   Rate   Average
    Balance    		   Interest   Rate   Average
    Balance    		   Interest   Rate
    Earning Assets                                  
    Securities:                                  
    Taxable $ 4,254,529     $ 51,116   4.78 %   $ 4,490,407     $ 47,381   4.24 %   $ 5,726,057     $ 54,800   3.80 %
    Nontaxable(1)   768,483       7,313   3.79       759,234       7,383   3.91       881,162       8,085   3.64  
    Total securities   5,023,012       58,429   4.63       5,249,641       54,764   4.20       6,607,219       62,885   3.78  
    Interest on deposits with other banks and
    short-term investments    		   355,394       4,193   4.69       194,824       3,045   6.29       142,301       1,651   4.60  
    Federal funds sold   —       —   —       —       —   —       152       3   7.83  
    Loans:(2)                                  
    Commercial and industrial(1)   3,531,206       65,972   7.43       3,638,004       69,469   7.68       3,610,677       63,001   6.92  
    PPP loans   1,759       5   1.13       2,242       7   1.26       3,948       11   1.11  
    Owner occupied commercial real estate   2,527,006       35,189   5.54       2,615,504       37,028   5.69       2,412,501       30,127   4.95  
    Non-owner occupied commercial real estate   2,474,036       39,536   6.36       2,519,346       39,272   6.27       2,586,011       38,779   5.95  
    Real estate construction   1,106,387       22,878   8.23       1,093,399       21,770   8.01       1,027,544       19,448   7.51  
    Agricultural and agricultural real estate   757,745       11,536   6.06       879,707       13,390   6.12       822,957       12,582   6.07  
    Residential real estate   725,901       9,110   4.99       776,821       9,454   4.89       827,402       9,482   4.55  
    Consumer   460,959       8,956   7.73       485,266       9,421   7.81       509,024       9,615   7.49  
    Less: allowance for credit losses   (125,274 )     —   —       (123,319 )     —   —       (110,726 )     —   —  
    Net loans   11,459,725       193,182   6.71       11,886,970       199,811   6.76       11,689,338       183,045   6.21  
    Total earning assets   16,838,131       255,804   6.04 %     17,331,435       257,620   5.98 %     18,439,010       247,584   5.33 %
    Nonearning Assets   1,601,779               1,711,927               1,768,910          
    Total Assets $ 18,439,910             $ 19,043,362             $ 20,207,920          
    Interest-bearing Liabilities                                  
    Savings $ 8,842,494     $ 59,307   2.67 %   $ 8,834,746     $ 55,440   2.52 %   $ 8,737,581     $ 49,195   2.23 %
    Time deposits   2,189,861       23,669   4.30       2,372,653       25,059   4.25       3,945,371       43,549   4.38  
    Borrowings   580,707       7,378   5.05       881,738       10,825   4.94       103,567       1,167   4.47  
    Term debt   373,158       5,543   5.91       372,820       5,564   6.00       372,112       5,765   6.15  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   11,986,220       95,897   3.18 %     12,461,957       96,888   3.13 %     13,158,631       99,676   3.01 %
    Noninterest-bearing Liabilities                                  
    Noninterest-bearing deposits   4,116,589               4,355,521               4,824,861          
    Accrued interest and other liabilities   264,062               251,943               366,905          
    Total noninterest-bearing liabilities   4,380,651               4,607,464               5,191,766          
    Stockholders’ Equity   2,073,039               1,973,941               1,857,523          
    Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity $ 18,439,910             $ 19,043,362             $ 20,207,920          
    Net interest income, fully tax-equivalent
    (non-GAAP)    (1)(3)    		     $ 159,907           $ 160,732           $ 147,908    
    Net interest spread(1)         2.86 %           2.85 %           2.32 %
    Net interest income, fully tax-equivalent
    (non-GAAP    )(1)(3)to total earning assets    		         3.78 %           3.73 %           3.18 %
    Interest-bearing liabilities to earning assets   71.18 %             71.90 %             71.36 %        
                                       
    (1) Computed on a tax-equivalent basis using an effective tax rate of 21%.    
    (2) Nonaccrual loans and loans held for sale are included in the average loans outstanding.
    (3) Refer to “Non-GAAP Measures” in this earnings release for additional information on the usage and presentation of these non-GAAP measures, and refer to these financial tables for the reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measures.
    HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)
    DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS
      For the Nine Months Ended
      September 30, 2024   September 30, 2023
      Average
    Balance    		   Interest   Rate   Average
    Balance    		   Interest   Rate
    Earning Assets                      
    Securities:                      
    Taxable $ 4,469,258     $ 145,511   4.35 %   $ 5,927,026     $ 168,948   3.81 %
    Nontaxable(1)   768,782       22,079   3.84       899,613       23,611   3.51  
    Total securities   5,238,040       167,590   4.27       6,826,639       192,559   3.77  
    Interest on deposits with other banks and other short-term investments   268,122       10,244   5.10       133,910       4,833   4.83  
    Federal funds sold   —       —   —       51       3   7.86  
    Loans:(2)                      
    Commercial and industrial(1)   3,603,668       202,426   7.50       3,547,256       169,552   6.39  
    PPP loans   2,195       19   1.16       6,718       61   1.21  
    Owner occupied commercial real estate   2,583,886       107,734   5.57       2,355,545       84,927   4.82  
    Non-owner occupied commercial real estate   2,514,452       118,657   6.30       2,459,965       105,111   5.71  
    Real estate construction   1,087,280       65,497   8.05       1,051,298       56,107   7.14  
    Agricultural and agricultural real estate   838,395       38,682   6.16       835,673       36,191   5.79  
    Residential mortgage   764,515       28,699   5.01       840,143       28,138   4.48  
    Consumer   476,967       27,578   7.72       506,143       26,925   7.11  
    Less: allowance for credit losses-loans   (123,497 )     —   —       (111,434 )     —   —  
    Net loans   11,747,861       589,292   6.70       11,491,307       507,012   5.90  
    Total earning assets   17,254,023       767,126   5.94 %     18,451,907       704,407   5.10 %
    Nonearning Assets   1,670,839               1,730,901          
    Total Assets $ 18,924,862             $ 20,182,808          
    Interest-bearing Liabilities                      
    Savings $ 8,828,973     $ 169,414   2.56 %   $ 9,130,980     $ 128,372   1.88 %
    Time deposits   2,447,293       78,195   4.27       3,344,434       103,245   4.13  
    Borrowings   701,548       25,727   4.90       138,157       4,437   4.29  
    Term debt   372,826       16,956   6.08       372,094       16,756   6.02  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   12,350,640       290,292   3.14 %     12,985,665       252,810   2.60 %
    Noninterest-bearing Liabilities                      
    Noninterest-bearing deposits   4,306,899               5,092,200          
    Accrued interest and other liabilities   270,164               284,008          
    Total noninterest-bearing liabilities   4,577,063               5,376,208          
    Stockholders’ Equity   1,997,159               1,820,935          
    Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity $ 18,924,862             $ 20,182,808          
    Net interest income, fully tax-equivalent (non-GAAP)(1)(3)     $ 476,834           $ 451,597    
    Net interest spread(1)         2.80 %           2.50 %
    Net interest income, fully tax-equivalent (non-GAAP)(1)(3)to total earning assets         3.69 %           3.27 %
    Interest-bearing liabilities to earning assets   71.58 %             70.38 %        
                           
    (1) Computed on a tax-equivalent basis using an effective tax rate of 21%.    
    (2) Nonaccrual loans and loans held for sale are included in the average loans outstanding.
    (3) Refer to “Non-GAAP Measures” in this earnings release for additional information on the usage and presentation of these non-GAAP measures, and refer to these financial tables for the reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measures.
    HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)
    DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA AND FULL TIME EQUIVALENT EMPLOYEE DATA
      For the Quarter Ended
      9/30/2024   6/30/2024   3/31/2024   12/31/2023   9/30/2023
    Reconciliation of Annualized Return on Average Tangible Common Equity (non-GAAP)                  
    Earnings available to common stockholders (GAAP) $ 62,140     $ 37,730     $ 49,694     $ (72,375 )   $ 46,078  
    Plus core deposit intangibles amortization, net of tax(2)   1,022       1,081       1,131       1,229       1,240  
    Earnings available to common stockholders excluding intangible amortization (non-GAAP) $ 63,162     $ 38,811     $ 50,825     $ (71,146 )   $ 47,318  
                       
    Average common equity (GAAP) $ 1,962,334     $ 1,863,236     $ 1,832,959     $ 1,729,086     $ 1,746,818  
    Less average goodwill   576,005       576,005       576,005       576,005       576,005  
    Less average core deposit intangibles, net   14,814       16,185       17,641       19,193       20,821  
    Average tangible common equity (non-GAAP) $ 1,371,515     $ 1,271,046     $ 1,239,313     $ 1,133,888     $ 1,149,992  
    Annualized return on average common equity (GAAP)   12.60 %     8.14 %     10.90 %   (16.61 )%     10.47 %
    Annualized return on average tangible common equity (non-GAAP)   18.32 %     12.28 %     16.49 %   (24.89 )%     16.32 %
                       
    Reconciliation of Annualized Net Interest Margin, Fully Tax-Equivalent (non-GAAP)                  
    Net Interest Income (GAAP) $ 157,897     $ 158,741     $ 154,215     $ 156,137     $ 145,756  
    Plus tax-equivalent adjustment(1)   2,010       1,991       1,981       2,058       2,152  
    Net interest income, fully tax-equivalent (non-GAAP) $ 159,907     $ 160,732     $ 156,196     $ 158,195     $ 147,908  
                       
    Average earning assets $ 16,838,131     $ 17,331,435     $ 17,597,068     $ 17,853,957     $ 18,439,010  
                       
    Annualized net interest margin (GAAP)   3.73 %     3.68 %     3.52 %     3.47 %     3.14 %
    Annualized net interest margin, fully tax-equivalent (non-GAAP)   3.78       3.73       3.57       3.52       3.18  
    Net purchase accounting discount amortization on loans included in annualized net interest margin   0.02       0.01       0.02       0.02       0.01  
    Reconciliation of Tangible Book Value Per Common Share (non-GAAP)                  
    Common equity (GAAP) $ 2,029,668     $ 1,917,145     $ 1,868,128     $ 1,822,412     $ 1,714,825  
    Less goodwill   576,005       576,005       576,005       576,005       576,005  
    Less core deposit intangibles, net   14,157       15,501       16,923       18,415       20,026  
    Tangible common equity (non-GAAP) $ 1,439,506     $ 1,325,639     $ 1,275,200     $ 1,227,992     $ 1,118,794  
                       
    Common shares outstanding, net of treasury stock   42,883,865       42,852,180       42,783,670       42,688,008       42,656,303  
    Common equity (book value) per share (GAAP) $ 47.33     $ 44.74     $ 43.66     $ 42.69     $ 40.20  
    Tangible book value per common share (non-GAAP) $ 33.57     $ 30.94     $ 29.81     $ 28.77     $ 26.23  
                       
    Reconciliation of Tangible Common Equity Ratio (non-GAAP)                  
    Tangible common equity (non-GAAP) $ 1,439,506     $ 1,325,639     $ 1,275,200     $ 1,227,992     $ 1,118,794  
                       
    Total assets (GAAP) $ 18,272,293     $ 18,812,670     $ 19,132,827     $ 19,411,707     $ 20,129,793  
    Less goodwill   576,005       576,005       576,005       576,005       576,005  
    Less core deposit intangibles, net   14,157       15,501       16,923       18,415       20,026  
    Total tangible assets (non-GAAP) $ 17,682,131     $ 18,221,164     $ 18,539,899     $ 18,817,287     $ 19,533,762  
    Tangible common equity ratio (non-GAAP)   8.14 %     7.28 %     6.88 %     6.53 %     5.73 %
                       
    (1) Computed on a tax-equivalent basis using an effective tax rate of 21%.
    (2) Tax effect is calculated based on the respective periods’ year-to-date effective tax rate excluding the impact of discrete items.
    HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)
    DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA
      For the Quarter Ended
    9/30/2024   6/30/2024   3/31/2024   12/31/2023   9/30/2023
    Reconciliation of Adjusted Efficiency Ratio, fully tax-equivalent (non-GAAP)  
    Net interest income (GAAP) $ 157,897     $ 158,741     $ 154,215     $ 156,137     $ 145,756  
    Tax-equivalent adjustment(1)   2,010       1,991       1,981       2,058       2,152  
    Fully tax-equivalent net interest income   159,907       160,732       156,196       158,195       147,908  
    Noninterest income   18,992       18,207       27,663       (111,801 )     28,383  
    Securities (gains)/losses, net   9,520       10,111       (58 )     140,007       114  
    Unrealized gain on equity securities, net   (377 )     (133 )     (95 )     (75 )     (13 )
    Adjusted revenue (non-GAAP) $ 188,042     $ 188,917     $ 183,706     $ 186,326     $ 176,392  
                       
    Total noninterest expenses (GAAP) $ 85,927     $ 116,244     $ 113,595     $ 130,285     $ 111,053  
    Less:                  
    Core deposit intangibles amortization   1,345       1,421       1,492       1,611       1,625  
    Partnership investment in tax credit projects   222       222       494       3,573       1,136  
    (Gain) loss on sales/valuation of assets, net   (26,419 )     193       214       2,072       108  
    Acquisition, integration and restructuring costs   2,026       5,973       1,375       4,365       2,429  
    FDIC special assessment   (267 )     (631 )     2,049       8,145       —  
    Core expenses (non-GAAP) $ 109,020     $ 109,066     $ 107,971     $ 110,519     $ 105,755  
                       
    Efficiency ratio (GAAP)   48.58 %     65.69 %     62.46 %     293.86 %     63.77 %
    Adjusted efficiency ratio, fully tax-equivalent (non-GAAP)   57.98 %     57.73 %     58.77 %     59.31 %     59.95 %
                       
    Reconciliation of Annualized Ratio of Core Expenses to Average Assets (non-GAAP)                  
    Total noninterest expenses (GAAP) $ 85,927     $ 116,244     $ 113,595     $ 130,285     $ 111,053  
    Core expenses (non-GAAP)   109,020       109,066       107,971       110,519       105,755  
                       
    Average assets $ 18,439,910     $ 19,043,362     $ 19,296,638     $ 19,667,825     $ 20,207,920  
    Total noninterest expenses to average assets (GAAP)   1.85 %     2.46 %     2.37 %     2.63 %     2.18 %
    Core expenses to average assets (non-GAAP)   2.35 %     2.30 %     2.25 %     2.23 %     2.08 %
                       
    Acquisition, integration and restructuring costs                  
    Salaries and employee benefits $ 58     $ 462     $ 168     $ 1,425     $ 94  
    Occupancy   —       —       —       1,092       —  
    Furniture and equipment   52       53       —       19       —  
    Professional fees   1,674       5,385       931       793       1,617  
    Advertising   —       —       —       28       178  
    Other noninterest expenses   242       73       276       1,008       540  
    Total acquisition, integration and restructuring costs $ 2,026     $ 5,973     $ 1,375     $ 4,365     $ 2,429  
                       
    (1) Computed on a tax-equivalent basis using an effective tax rate of 21%.
     
    HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)
    DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA
      For the Quarter Ended
      9/30/2024   6/30/2024   3/31/2024   12/31/2023   9/30/2023
    Reconciliation of Adjusted Earnings                  
    Net income/(loss) $ 64,153     $ 39,742     $ 51,707     $ (70,363 )   $ 48,091  
    (Gain)/loss from sale of securities   9,520       10,111       (58 )     140,007       114  
    (Gain)/loss on sales/valuation of assets, net   (26,419 )     193       214       2,072       108  
    Acquisition, integration and restructuring costs   2,026       5,973       1,375       4,365       2,429  
    FDIC special assessment   (267 )     (631 )     2,049       8,145       —  
    Total adjustments   (15,140 )     15,646       3,580       154,589       2,651  
    Tax effect of adjustments(2)   3,634       (3,739 )     (866 )     (36,638 )     (628 )
    Adjusted earnings $ 52,647     $ 51,649     $ 54,421     $ 47,588     $ 50,114  
                       
    Preferred dividends   (2,013 )     (2,012 )     (2,013 )     (2,012 )     (2,013 )
    Adjusted earnings available to common stockholders $ 50,634     $ 49,637     $ 52,408     $ 45,576     $ 48,101  
                       
    Plus core deposit intangibles amortization, net of tax(2)   1,022       1,081       1,131       1,229       1,240  
    Earnings available to common stockholders excluding intangible amortization (non-GAAP) $ 51,656     $ 50,718     $ 53,539     $ 46,805     $ 49,341  
                       
    Reconciliation of Adjusted Annualized Return on Average Assets                  
    Average assets $ 18,439,910     $ 19,043,362     $ 19,296,638     $ 19,667,825     $ 20,207,920  
    Adjusted annualized return on average assets (non-GAAP)   1.14 %     1.09 %     1.13 %     0.96 %     0.98 %
                       
    Reconciliation of Adjusted Annualized Return on Average Common Equity                  
    Average common stockholders’ equity (GAAP) $ 1,962,334     $ 1,863,236     $ 1,832,959     $ 1,729,086     $ 1,746,818  
    Adjusted annualized average common equity (non-GAAP)   10.27 %     10.71 %     11.50 %     10.46 %     10.92 %
                       
    Reconciliation of Adjusted Annualized Return on Average Tangible Common Equity                  
    Average tangible common equity (non-GAAP) $ 1,371,515     $ 1,271,046     $ 1,239,313     $ 1,133,888     $ 1,149,992  
    Adjusted annualized average tangible common equity (non-GAAP)   14.98 %     16.05 %     17.38 %     16.38 %     17.02 %
                       
    Reconciliation of Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Common Share                  
    Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted   43,195,257       43,060,354       42,915,768       42,838,405       42,812,563  
    Adjusted diluted earnings per common share $ 1.17     $ 1.15     $ 1.22     $ 1.06     $ 1.12  
                       
    (2) Tax effect is calculated based on the respective periods’ year-to-date effective tax rate excluding the impact of discrete items.
    HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)
    DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA
      For the Quarter Ended
    September 30,    		   For the Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Reconciliation of Annualized Return on Average Tangible Common Equity (non-GAAP)              
    Earnings available to common stockholders (GAAP) $ 62,140     $ 46,078     $ 149,564     $ 144,245  
    Plus core deposit intangibles amortization, net of tax(2)   1,022       1,240       3,236       3,908  
    Earnings available to common stockholders excluding intangible amortization (non-GAAP) $ 63,162     $ 47,318     $ 152,800     $ 148,153  
                   
    Average common equity (GAAP) $ 1,962,334     $ 1,746,818     $ 1,886,454     $ 1,710,230  
    Less average goodwill   576,005       576,005       576,005       576,005  
    Less average core deposit intangibles, net   14,814       20,821       16,208       22,501  
    Average tangible common equity (non-GAAP) $ 1,371,515     $ 1,149,992     $ 1,294,241     $ 1,111,724  
    Annualized return on average common equity (GAAP)   12.60 %     10.47 %     10.59 %     11.28 %
    Annualized return on average tangible common equity (non-GAAP)   18.32 %     16.32 %     15.77 %     17.82 %
                   
    Reconciliation of Annualized Net Interest Margin, Fully Tax-Equivalent (non-GAAP)              
    Net Interest Income (GAAP) $ 157,897     $ 145,756     $ 470,853     $ 445,100  
    Plus tax-equivalent adjustment(1)   2,010       2,152       5,981       6,497  
    Net interest income, fully tax-equivalent (non-GAAP) $ 159,907     $ 147,908     $ 476,834     $ 451,597  
                   
    Average earning assets $ 16,838,131     $ 18,439,010     $ 17,254,023     $ 18,451,907  
                   
    Annualized net interest margin (GAAP)   3.73 %     3.14 %     3.65 %     3.23 %
    Annualized net interest margin, fully tax-equivalent (non-GAAP)   3.78       3.18       3.69       3.27  
    Net purchase accounting discount amortization on loans included in annualized net interest margin   0.02       0.01       0.02       0.02  
                   
    (1) Computed on a tax-equivalent basis using an effective tax rate of 21%.
    (2) Tax effect is calculated based on the respective periods’ year-to-date effective tax rate excluding the impact of discrete items.
    HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)
    DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA
      For the Quarter Ended
    September 30,    		   For the Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
      2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Reconciliation of Adjusted Efficiency Ratio, Fully Tax-Equivalent (non-GAAP)              
    Net interest income (GAAP) $ 157,897     $ 145,756     $ 470,853     $ 445,100  
    Tax-equivalent adjustment(1)   2,010       2,152       5,981       6,497  
    Fully tax-equivalent net interest income   159,907       147,908       476,834       451,597  
    Noninterest income (GAAP)   18,992       28,383       64,862       90,875  
    Securities (gains)/losses, net   9,520       114       19,573       1,532  
    Unrealized gain on equity securities, net   (377 )     (13 )     (605 )     (165 )
    Adjusted revenue (non-GAAP) $ 188,042     $ 176,392     $ 560,664     $ 543,839  
                   
    Total noninterest expenses (GAAP) $ 85,927     $ 111,053     $ 315,766     $ 331,542  
    Less:              
    Core deposit intangibles amortization   1,345       1,625       4,258       5,128  
    Partnership investment in tax credit projects   222       1,136       938       1,828  
    (Gain)/loss on sales/valuation of assets, net   (26,419 )     108       (26,012 )     (2,149 )
    Acquisition, integration and restructuring costs   2,026       2,429       9,374       5,994  
    FDIC special assessment   (267 )     —       1,151       —  
    Core expenses (non-GAAP) $ 109,020     $ 105,755     $ 326,057     $ 320,741  
                   
    Efficiency ratio (GAAP)   48.58 %     63.77 %     58.94 %     61.86 %
    Adjusted efficiency ratio, fully tax-equivalent (non-GAAP)   57.98 %     59.95 %     58.16 %     58.98 %
                   
    Reconciliation of Annualized Ratio of Core Expenses to Average Assets (non-GAAP)              
    Total noninterest expenses (GAAP) $ 85,927     $ 111,053     $ 315,766     $ 331,542  
    Core expenses (non-GAAP)   109,020       105,755       326,057       320,741  
                   
    Average assets $ 18,439,910     $ 20,207,920     $ 18,924,862     $ 20,182,808  
    Total noninterest expenses to average assets (GAAP)   1.85 %     2.18 %     2.23 %     2.20 %
    Core expenses to average assets (non-GAAP)   2.35 %     2.08 %     2.30 %     2.12 %
                   
    Acquisition, integration and restructuring costs              
    Salaries and employee benefits $ 58     $ 94     $ 689     $ 261  
    Occupancy   —       —       —       —  
    Furniture and equipment   52       —       105       —  
    Professional fees   1,674       1,617       7,990       3,619  
    Advertising   —       178       —       522  
    Other noninterest expenses   242       540       590       1,592  
    Total acquisition, integration and restructuring costs $ 2,026     $ 2,429     $ 9,374     $ 5,994  
                   
    (1) Computed on a tax-equivalent basis using an effective tax rate of 21%.              
    HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)
    DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA
      For the Quarter Ended
    September 30,    		   For the Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Reconciliation of Adjusted Earnings (non-GAAP)              
    Net income/(loss) $ 64,153     $ 48,091     $ 155,602     $ 150,283  
    (Gain)/loss from sale of securities   9,520       114       19,573       1,532  
    (Gain)/loss on sales/valuation of assets, net   (26,419 )     108       (26,012 )     (2,149 )
    Acquisition, integration and restructuring costs   2,026       2,429       9,374       5,994  
    FDIC special assessment   (267 )     —       1,151       —  
    Total adjustments   (15,140 )     2,651       4,086       5,377  
    Tax effect of adjustments(2)   3,634       (628 )     (981 )     (1,280 )
    Adjusted earnings $ 52,647     $ 50,114     $ 158,707     $ 154,380  
                   
    Preferred dividends   (2,013 )     (2,013 )     (6,038 )     (6,038 )
    Adjusted earnings available to common stockholders $ 50,634     $ 48,101     $ 152,669     $ 148,342  
                   
    Plus core deposit intangibles amortization, net of tax(2)   1,022       1,240       3,236       3,908  
    Earnings available to common stockholders excluding intangible amortization (non-GAAP) $ 51,656     $ 49,341     $ 155,905     $ 152,250  
                   
    Reconciliation of Adjusted Annualized Return on Average Assets              
    Average assets $ 18,439,910     $ 20,207,920     $ 18,924,862     $ 20,182,808  
    Adjusted annualized return on average assets (non-GAAP)   1.14 %     0.98 %     1.12 %     1.02 %
                   
    Reconciliation of Adjusted Annualized Return on Average Common Equity              
    Average common stockholders’ equity (GAAP) $ 1,962,334     $ 1,746,818     $ 1,886,454     $ 1,710,230  
    Adjusted annualized return on average common equity (non-GAAP)   10.27 %     10.92 %     10.81 %     11.60 %
                   
    Reconciliation of Adjusted Annualized Return on Average Tangible Common Equity              
    Average tangible common equity (non-GAAP) $ 1,371,515     $ 1,149,992     $ 1,294,241     $ 1,111,724  
    Adjusted annualized return on average tangible common equity (non-GAAP)   14.98 %     17.02 %     16.09 %     18.31 %
                   
    Reconciliation of Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Common Share              
    Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted   43,195,257       42,812,563       43,080,422       42,769,872  
    Adjusted diluted earnings per common share $ 1.17     $ 1.12     $ 3.54     $ 3.47  
                   
    (2) Tax effect is calculated based on the respective periods’ year-to-date effective tax rate excluding the impact of discrete items.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Artisan Partners Asset Management Inc. Reports 3Q24 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MILWAUKEE, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Artisan Partners Asset Management Inc. (NYSE: APAM) (the “Company” or “Artisan Partners”) today reported its results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, and declared a quarterly dividend. The full September 2024 quarter earnings release and investor presentation can be viewed at www.apam.com.

    Conference Call

    The Company will host a conference call on October 30, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) to discuss its results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024. Hosting the call will be Eric Colson, Chief Executive Officer, Jason Gottlieb, President, and C.J. Daley, Chief Financial Officer. Supplemental materials that will be reviewed during the call are available on the Company’s website at www.apam.com. The call will be webcast and can be accessed via the Company’s website. Listeners may also access the call by dialing 877.328.5507 or 412.317.5423 for international callers; the conference ID is 10192111. A replay of the call will be available until November 6, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. (Eastern Time), by dialing 877.344.7529 or 412.317.0088 for international callers; the replay conference ID is 5832848. An audio recording will also be available on the Company’s website.

    About Artisan Partners

    Artisan Partners is a global investment management firm that provides a broad range of high value-added investment strategies to sophisticated clients around the world. Since 1994, the firm has been committed to attracting experienced, disciplined investment professionals to manage client assets. Artisan Partners’ autonomous investment teams oversee a diverse range of investment strategies across multiple asset classes. Strategies are offered through various investment vehicles to accommodate a broad range of client mandates.

    Source: Artisan Partners Asset Management Inc.

    Investor Relations Inquiries

    866.632.1770
    ir@artisanpartners.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Defiance ETFs Announces Increase in Leverage for MSTX and SMST ETFs to 2x

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Defiance ETFs, a pioneer in leveraged single-stock ETFs, is excited to announce an increase in leverage for two of its flagship products, MSTX and SMST, from 1.75x and 1.5x respectively to 2x daily target exposure. This change marks a strategic enhancement, positioning Defiance to stay at the forefront of the market amid increased investor interest.

    MSTX, Defiance’s first-of-its-kind leveraged ETF providing long exposure to MicroStrategy (NASDAQ: MSTR), will now deliver 2x daily targeted exposure, enhancing potential returns for investors seeking amplified access to MicroStrategy’s price movements. MicroStrategy, a leader in data analytics and one of the largest corporate holders of Bitcoin, presents an innovative investment vehicle for investors looking to capitalize on the unique and volatile dynamics of the cryptocurrency market.

    SMST, Defiance’s Short MicroStrategy ETF, has likewise increased to 2x inverse daily exposure, enabling sophisticated traders to capitalize on potential downturns in MicroStrategy’s stock with greater leverage. This ETF offers traders a powerful tool to hedge against Bitcoin volatility, considering MicroStrategy’s significant holdings in the cryptocurrency. With this enhanced inverse leverage, SMST allows investors to tactically manage risk or capitalize on anticipated market declines with a more potent instrument.

    “Following the strong response to MSTX and SMST, we recognized the importance of delivering enhanced leverage in response to investor demand and competitive dynamics,” said Sylvia Jablonski, CEO of Defiance ETFs. “With the transition to 2x leverage, Defiance ETFs is committed to providing investors with leading-edge tools to engage with both bullish and bearish views on the Bitcoin market and MicroStrategy’s strategic role within it.”

    The Fund pursues a daily leveraged investment objective, which means that the Fund is riskier than alternatives that do not use leverage because the Fund magnifies the performance of its Underlying Security. It is designed only for sophisticated investors, such as traders and active investors employing dynamic strategies. Investors who do not understand the Funds or do not intend to actively manage and monitor their investments should not buy shares of the Funds.

    The Fund MSTX is not suitable for all investors. The Fund is designed to be utilized only by knowledgeable investors who understand the potential consequences of seeking 200% daily (2X) investment results, understand the risks associated with the use of leverage, and are willing to monitor their portfolios frequently. The Fund is not intended to be used by, and is not appropriate for, investors who do not intend to actively monitor and manage their portfolios. The Fund will lose money if the underlying security’s performance is flat, and that it is possible that the Fund will lose money even if the underlying security’s performance decreases over a period longer than a single day. An investor could lose the full principal value of his/her investment within a single day.

    The Fund SMST is not suitable for all investors. The Fund is designed to be utilized only by knowledgeable investors who understand the potential consequences of seeking 200% daily inverse (-2X) investment results, understand the risks associated with the use of leverage, and are willing to monitor their portfolios frequently. The Fund is not intended to be used by, and is not appropriate for, investors who do not intend to actively monitor and manage their portfolios. The Fund will lose money if the underlying security’s performance is flat, and that it is possible that the Fund will lose money even if the underlying security’s performance decreases over a period longer than a single day.An investor could lose the full principal value of his/her investment within a single day.

    About Defiance ETFs
    Founded in 2018, Defiance is at the forefront of ETF innovation. Our first-mover leveraged single-stock ETFs empower investors to take amplified positions in high-growth companies, providing precise leverage exposure without the need to open a margin account.

    Important Disclosures
    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. The Funds’ investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other important information. Please read it carefully before investing. A hard copy of the prospectuses can be requested by calling 833.333.9383 or visiting www.defianceetfs.com/prospectuses

    Defiance ETFs LLC is the ETF sponsor. The Funds’ investment adviser is Tidal Investments, LLC (“Tidal” or the “Adviser”).

    SMST Key Risks:

    MSTR Price Appreciation Risk. As part of the Fund’s inverse investment strategy, the Fund purchases and sells swap contracts that are based on the share price of MSTR common stock (the “Underlying Security”). This strategy subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it shorted shares of the Underlying Security, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect -1.5X exposure to changes in the share price of the Underlying Security, the Fund is subject to the risk that the Underlying Security’s share price increases. If the share price of the Underlying Security increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses.

    MSTR Good Performance Risk. MSTR may meet or exceed its publicly announced expectations or guidelines regarding its business, which could potentially lead to a rise in the share price of the Underlying Security.

    Bitcoin Positive Performance Risk. MSTR’s significant investment in Bitcoin has become a key driver of its stock price. Any positive movement in the price of Bitcoin, such as reaching new all-time highs, increased institutional adoption, or favorable regulatory developments, directly impacts MSTR’s balance sheet and investor perception. With MSTR holding a substantial amount of Bitcoin, its stock price tends to correlate with Bitcoin’s performance.

    Leverage Risk: Leverage may increase the risk of loss and cause fluctuations in the Fund’s portfolio value to have disproportionately large effects or cause the NAV to decline faster than it would otherwise.

    Compounding and Market Volatility Risk: Due to compounding, performance over periods greater than a trading day may differ from the underlying security’s performance.

    Derivatives and Single Issuer Risk: Derivatives may be more sensitive to market conditions and may amplify risks. Additionally, the focus on a single issuer can lead to increased volatility.

    MSTR key risks:

    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, 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.

    Bitcoin Risk. While the Fund will not directly invest in digital assets, it will be subject to the risks associated with Bitcoin by virtue of its investments in options contracts that reference MSTR.

    Leverage Risk: Leverage may increase the risk of loss and cause fluctuations in the Fund’s portfolio value to have disproportionately large effects or cause the NAV to decline faster than it would otherwise.

    Compounding and Market Volatility Risk: Due to compounding, performance over periods greater than a trading day may differ from the underlying security’s performance.

    Derivatives and Single Issuer Risk: Derivatives may be more sensitive to market conditions and may amplify risks. Additionally, the focus on a single issuer can lead to increased volatility.

    Distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4e5c8ab2-865a-4635-a0c2-a6535224f385

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitdeer Announces Third Quarter 2024 Earnings Conference Call for November 18, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitdeer Technologies Group (NASDAQ: BTDR) (“Bitdeer” or the “Company”), a world-leading technology company for blockchain and high-performance computing, today announced that it has scheduled its third quarter 2024 earnings conference call and webcast for Monday, November 18, 2024 at 8:00 AM EST. During the call, Bitdeer management will discuss the unaudited financial and operational results for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, followed by a question and answer session.

    Bitdeer will release the third quarter results before the call at approximately 7:00 AM EST on November 18, 2024. A copy of the earnings release will be available on the Company’s Investor Relations website at https://ir.bitdeer.com.

    Conference Call Information:

    • Date: November 18, 2024
    • Time: 8:00 AM EST / 8:00 PM SGT
    • Participant Call Links:
      • Live Webcast: Link
      • Participant Call Registration: Link

    Participants wishing to join the conference call by phone should register using the Participant Call Registration link provided above. After completing the registration, the participants will receive an email with the necessary details to access the call including dial-in number, passcode, and PIN. To ensure a timely start, the Company encourages all callers to connect about 5 minutes before the scheduled time.

    A live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Investors section of Bitdeer’s website at https://ir.bitdeer.com.

    About Bitdeer Technologies Group

    Bitdeer is a world-leading technology company for blockchain and high-performance computing. Bitdeer is committed to providing comprehensive computing solutions for its customers. The Company handles complex processes involved in computing such as equipment procurement, transport logistics, datacenter design and construction, equipment management, and daily operations. The Company also offers advanced cloud capabilities to customers with high demand for artificial intelligence. Headquartered in Singapore, Bitdeer has deployed datacenters in the United States, Norway, and Bhutan. To learn more, visit https://ir.bitdeer.com/ or follow Bitdeer on X @ BitdeerOfficial and LinkedIn @ Bitdeer Group.

    Investors and others should note that Bitdeer may announce material information using its website and/or on its accounts on social media platforms, including X, formerly known as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Therefore, Bitdeer encourages investors and others to review the information it posts on the social media and other communication channels listed on its website.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans, and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “anticipate,” “look forward to,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including factors discussed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Bitdeer’s annual report on Form 20-F, as well as discussions of potential risks, uncertainties, and other important factors in Bitdeer’s subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof. Bitdeer specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether due to new information, future events, or otherwise. Readers should not rely upon the information on this page as current or accurate after its publication date.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

    Investor Relations
    Orange Group
    Yujia Zhai
    bitdeerIR@orangegroupadvisors.com

    Public Relations
    Wachsman
    Bee Shin
    bitdeer@wachsman.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Tech and Efficiency – “AI will replace hard skills” says recruitment CEO, emphasis on soft skills needed

    Source: Robert Walters

    In a recent study, recruitment specialists Robert Walters have unveiled the increasing significance of soft skills in today’s workplace. The research, which surveyed over 2,000 white collar professionals, found that 96% believe that soft skills are either equal to or more important than hard skills. Furthermore, an overwhelming 92% of employers admitted to rejecting candidates due to insufficient soft skills.

    The Rise of AI: A Game-Changer for Hard Skills

    Robert Walters CEO for Australia and New Zealand, Shay Peters, attributes this paradigm shift to the rapid emergence of AI. Peters stated, “The growth of AI has been remarkable in recent years, and I predict that it will eventually replace almost all hard skills in white collar industries. This means that soft skills will take centre stage in talent acquisition, as the human touch becomes the distinguishing factor.”

    The Crucial Role of Soft Skills

    According to 90% of recruiters, a lack of soft skills often underpins failures in the workplace. Consequently, hiring managers are increasingly willing to pay a premium for candidates who possess exceptional soft skills.

    Peters further highlighted the growing emphasis on soft skills in client conversations, stating, “Clients are now placing greater importance on qualities such as effective communication, negotiation, and problem-solving. These attributes will set candidates apart from their peers as we continue to see AI replace hard skills. Additionally, clients are expressing the need for candidates to not only utilise AI but also collaborate with it effectively.”

    Gen Z: Leveraging the AI Advantage

    Peters also noted that Gen Z individuals have a distinct advantage, given their innate ability to adapt seamlessly to technology and incorporate it into their work practices. The ability to work harmoniously with AI is becoming an increasingly sought-after skill.

    Understanding Soft Skills

    Soft skills encompass personal attributes and interpersonal abilities that enable individuals to interact effectively with others. Unlike technical skills, which are specific and measurable, soft skills are broader and encompass traits such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. These skills are indispensable for fostering a positive work environment and facilitating professional growth.

    According to new research released by Indeed which asked employers what the most important skills for the future of work are, communication came out as most important skill in the future, with 55% of employers citing this. This is followed by teamwork and collaboration (52%), adaptability (48%), problem solving (48%) and tech savviness (40%).

    Investing in Soft Skills Development

    CEO Shay Peters stressed the urgency for employees and candidates to prioritise the development of their soft skills. Peters remarked, “In today’s highly competitive job market, where countless highly skilled individuals are vying for positions, your soft skills will be the ultimate differentiator. As AI inevitably replaces hard skills in white-collar industries, your soft skills will be all you have left. Investing time in improving these skills will ensure you stand out when the time comes.”

    AI can never replace human interaction and face to face communication which is why this is becoming a priority for employers. This balance between AI’s capabilities and human strengths is shaping the future of work, making soft skills a key differentiator in career success.

    About Robert Walters  

    Robert Walters is one of the world’s leading specialist professional recruitment consultancies with a global presence spanning 31 countries. The New Zealand business recruits across the fields of accounting & finance, property, general management, human resources, information technology, legal, risk management, compliance & audit, sales, marketing & communications, secretarial & business support and supply chain & procurement. 

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: ENERGY SECTOR – OPINION: There’s not a second to lose if the UK is to build a world-class battery industry

    Source and Opinion by Richard Moore, Battery Expert at Greenpower Park

    The Faraday Institution’s latest report on UK Gigafactories finds that they could support 35,000 jobs by 2040, along with a further 65,000 in the supply chain, but warns that the UK is not moving quickly enough. It’s time to put words into action and build the manufacturing capacity that we need to ensure that the UK not only catches up but becomes a world leader, says Richard Moore, Greenpower Park’s Battery Expert

    A question that used to be asked in every job interview was ‘where do you see yourself in five years? The interviewee almost certainly had a detailed list of aspirations to reel off in response If the same question was asked of the UK PLC in relation to the number of gigafactories it will have after that same period of time, the answer would be much shorter and to the point: ‘not enough.’

    That’s a massive problem, because as the Faraday Institution’s ‘UK electric vehicle and battery production potential to 2040’ report makes very clear, the UK is rapidly falling far behind in the global race to build these strategically important assets that are vital to making transport more sustainable, reducing emissions, improving air quality, and delivering net-zero commitments.

    With each gigafactory taking some five years to build1, there’s no time to waste, and in determining the way forward we learn a hard lesson learnt from the past: the lithium-ion battery was invented in the UK but the strategic importance of manufacturing them in the UK was overlooked. This is why today we have just one operational gigafactory which has a capacity of less than 2GWh. And by 2030 – the date that the new Labour government has pledged to ban sales of combustion engine vehicles, the UK is expected to have only three1 up and running.

    That’s around half of what’s needed because the UK’s demand is expected to reach almost 110GWh a year in 2030 – the equivalent of six large gigafactories running at 90% capacity1. That also compares very unfavourably to the 40 expected to be operational in Europe by that time1, and more than 400 worldwide2.

    Even if we broke ground today, the additional sites we need in the UK would only just be ramping up production volumes by the time the last petrol and diesel vehicles will be driven out of the showrooms. Which means that many of the EVs manufactured in the UK will use imported cells, while at the same time the UK will not be in a position to export these highly valuable items to other countries. Compounding the problem are the requirements of Rules of Origin regulations that from 2027 will require EVs made here to use cells manufactured in the UK or Europe to avoid new tariffs when sold in Europe.

    And of course, as well as road transport, there will be huge demand for the cells needed to electrify other industries such as the aviation and marine sectors. It is absolutely vital to our future that we have a world-class battery industry here in the UK, together with a robust, transparent and sustainable supply chain to serve it. And we must be cognizant of the fact that while the UK is forecast to make only 53 per cent of the capacity it will need in 20301, the gulf is expected to grow, with only 29% capacity by 2040, by which time we’ll need some 200GWh of supply1.

    A true centre of excellence in electrification

    The transition from internal combustion engines running on fossil fuels to e-mobility powered by renewables represents nothing less than a paradigm shift, and we simply cannot afford to squander the opportunity to place the UK as the driving force behind it. Greenpower Park, the UK’s Centre of Electrification and Clean Energy, is a trailblazing centre of excellence for electrification, battery technology and manufacturing. With the West Midlands Gigafactory as its anchor tenant, it has unrivalled access to the most highly skilled workforce in the country.

    This ground-breaking location is the first of its kind, offering an all-in-one solution for battery research, industrialisation, manufacturing, testing, recycling and electrified logistics designed to foster the UK’s growing battery ecosystem. Based in the country’s automotive skills heartland, it is at the epicentre of the country’s shift to electrification and is synonymous with both electric vehicle and battery manufacturing.

    The automotive and manufacturing industries run through the blood of generations of the workforce in the West Midlands and will continue to do so in the future with the creation of Greenpower Park. Located closer to almost every vehicle manufacturer’s plant than any other proposed gigafactory in the UK, it is also adjacent to the world-renowned UK Battery Industrialisation Centre as well as nine universities and their 220,000 students. Greenpower Park represents a unique collaboration between academia, industry, government and international partners to create a complete ecosystem purpose-designed to boost accelerated development, growth and innovation across the e-mobility sector.

    Tempus fugit: action this day

    We believe that we can play a pivotal role in helping overcome the battery cell demand issue that’s coming in the next decade and beyond. But to do that we need to act now, and that involves laying out incentive packages to accelerate conversations with potential investors, and to enable us to achieve our goals within the battery manufacturers’ demanding investment timescales – and the vehicle manufacturers’ product development cycles.

    We’ve put all the pieces in place to enable that to happen, and we are the UK’s only proposed Gigafactory site with Investment Zone Status. This offers a compelling package of incentives for investors, including Stamp Duty Land Tax Relief, 100 per cent Business Rate Relief on newly occupied premises, 100 per cent first year Capital Allowances for expenditure on new plant and machinery, zero rate employer national insurance contributions for 36 months for each new job created, enhanced structures and buildings allowance, and additional support for supply chain and skills development, innovation, and R&D. We strongly believe that with inward investment of £2.5bn we can build our state-of-the-art Gigafactory and create 6,000 highly skilled jobs.

    We’re also highly encouraged by the new UK government’s pledge to directly invest in industry via the National Wealth Fund, reward firms that build their manufacturing supply chains in the UK via the British Jobs Bonus, and, in short, ‘secure the future of Britain’s automotive industry.’3 We urge the Prime Minister to deliver on those promises and help us to play our part in full.

    The UK has always been a leader in designing and developing cutting-edge technologies, but hasn’t always fulfilled its potential in successfully mass-producing them. With battery cells and Gigafactories we have an unprecedented opportunity to change this. But we must act now if we are to seize it. Five years from now, we want the UK to be a globally competitive supplier of battery cells and securing the clean energy supply chain for the future, not asking why we allowed ourselves to fall further behind.

    1 https://www.faraday.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Gigafactory-Report_2024_final_17Sept2024.pdf

    2 https://source.benchmarkminerals.com/article/over-400-gigafactories-in-2030-pipeline-but-overcapacity-fears-loom

    3 https://labour.org.uk/change/make-britain-a-clean-energy-superpower/

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –