News from April 2024

USGBC Announces 2024 LEED for Cities Leadership Program Cohort

The US Green Building Council (USGBC) has announced the participants of the 2024 LEED for Cities Leadership Program. The program aims to support cities in their sustainability efforts and to help them achieve their environmental goals."We are thrilled to announce the cities that have been selected for the 2024 LEED for Cities Leadership Program cohort," said a representative from USGBC.The selected cities will receive guidance and resources to enhance their sustainability initiatives and work towards achieving LEED certification."The program will provide us with...

Group 1 Automotive Upsizes Revolving Credit Facility to $2.5 Billion

Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (NYSE: GPI) has announced a significant financial development on April 30, 2024. The Fortune 300 automotive retailer with 203 dealerships in the U.S. and U.K. completed a $500 million upsize in its revolving syndicated credit facility to $2.5 billion with 20 financial institutions. This credit facility will expire in March 2027 and can be further expanded to $3.0 billion.Among the lenders in the syndicated facility are six manufacturer-affiliated finance companies and 14 commercial banks. Notable names in the manufacturer-affiliated finance...

ONEOK Announces First Quarter 2024 Earnings; Increases 2024 Financial Guidance

ONEOK, Inc. (NYSE: OKE) revealed its first quarter 2024 results and a boost in full-year 2024 financial guidance, citing favorable industry fundamentals and confidence in synergy expectations. According to Pierce H. Norton II, president and CEO of ONEOK, the company's performance was driven by various factors, including increased volumes in the Rocky Mountain region.Norton stated, "ONEOK generated solid results during the first quarter, supported by higher year-over-year volumes in the Rocky Mountain region and contributions from the refined products and crude segment."...

Survey Reveals Lack of Understanding Among Consumers Regarding the Benefits of Leveraging Home Equity

A new national consumer survey conducted by FirstClose™, Inc. has shed light on the lack of awareness among homeowners regarding the financial advantages of leveraging home equity for various purposes. According to the survey, many consumers do not fully understand how home equity can be utilized to reduce debt and improve financial stability.Tedd Smith, CEO of FirstClose, emphasized the importance of educating consumers about the benefits of leveraging home equity, stating, "The findings of this survey underscore the critical gap in consumers' understanding of the...

Marathon Petroleum Corp. Reports First-Quarter 2024 Results

Marathon Petroleum Corp. (NYSE: MPC) has announced its first-quarter 2024 financial results, showcasing a net income attributable to MPC of $937 million, or $2.58 per diluted share. The company reported an $89 million charge due to stock compensation adjustments, affecting diluted earnings per share. This marks a significant difference from the first quarter of 2023, where net income stood at $2.7 billion, or $6.09 per diluted share.CEO Michael J. Hennigan expressed pride in the team's accomplishments during the quarter, stating, "In the first quarter, our team safely and...

BMO: Homebuyers Waiting for Rate Cuts Before Purchasing, Survey Finds

BMO's Real Financial Progress Index reveals that 71% of aspiring homeowners are waiting for rate cuts before buying a home, up from 64% last year. Additionally, nearly one-third of prospective buyers plan to tap into their 401(k) funds to cover the costs, as reported by BMO Financial Group.Michael Gregory, Deputy Chief Economist at BMO, stated, "In light of persistent strength in the U.S. economy, as well as stubborn underlying inflation, the market has been pushing its expectation for Fed rate cuts into the autumn."Thomas Parrish, Head of U.S. Retail Lending at BMO,...

MONTGOMERY CAPITAL PARTNERS III, LP TO AUCTION THE PERSONAL PROPERTY OF P3 PURE LLC VIA PUBLIC SALE

DALLAS, April 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Montgomery Capital Partners III, LP has announced a forthcoming public sale of the personal property assets of P3 Pure LLC, to be held on May 14, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. Central Standard Time. The sale will be conducted telephonically, allowing Qualified Bidders to participate in the bidding process.The sale aims to foreclose the security interest held by the Secured Party in various assets of P3 Pure, including inventory, accounts receivable, machinery and equipment, trademarks such as "Pretty Frank" and "P3 Pure," as well as other...

Pintec Files 2023 Annual Report on Form 20-F

BEIJING, April 30, 2024  /PRNewswire/ -- Pintec Technology Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: PT) ("Pintec" or the "Company") has announced the filing of its annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on April 30, 2023 Eastern Time.The company stated, "The annual report can be accessed on the Company's investor relations website at ir.pintec.com or the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. The Company will provide hard copies of its annual report, free of charge, to its shareholders and ADS holders upon...

Q&A: Li Jacobson Shares Insights on Credit Unions, Technology, and AANHPI Heritage Month

Li Jacobson, the chief information officer of Embold Credit Union, shared her insights on various topics, including the significance of technology in enhancing member experiences and her personal reflections on Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month.Reflecting on credit unions, Jacobson emphasized their community-centric approach, stating, "We want to serve our members and give back to the community. We make dreams come true." She highlighted the importance of financial literacy and assisting members in achieving their goals such as...

GBank Financial Holdings Inc. Announces First Quarter 2024 Financial Results

LAS VEGAS, April 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- GBank Financial Holdings Inc. (the "Company") (OTCQX: GBFH), the parent company of GBank (the "Bank"), released its financial results for the first quarter of 2024 on April 30, 2024.The Company reported a net income of $3.7 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, showing growth compared to previous periods. Edward M. Nigro, Executive Chairman, highlighted the complexity of the business plan, stating, "Each quarter I comment on one or two factors that I believe most important to you, our investors and shareholders; but this...

HEARING NOTICE: Subcommittee on Capital Markets

The Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, Patrick McHenry (NC-10), has announced an upcoming hearing titled "SEC Enforcement: Balancing Deterrence with Due Process." The hearing is scheduled to take place at 10:00 AM ET on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at the 2128 Rayburn House Office Building.According to McHenry, the focus of the hearing will be on finding the right balance between deterrence and due process in SEC enforcement. The Chairman emphasized the importance of ensuring fairness and justice in the regulatory actions of the Securities and Exchange...

Community Healthcare Trust Announces Positive Financial Results for Q1 2024

Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated has disclosed its financial performance for the first quarter of 2024, reporting a net income of approximately $3.7 million, equivalent to $0.11 per diluted common share. The Company also revealed that Funds from operations ("FFO") and adjusted funds from operations ("AFFO") for the same period amounted to $0.53 and $0.59 per diluted common share, respectively.Specializing in owning income-producing real estate properties related to outpatient healthcare services across the United States, Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated...

ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST ANNOUNCES PRELIMINARY FIRST QUARTER RESULTS FOR 2024

Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. (NYSE: AHT) has disclosed its preliminary first-quarter results for 2024, highlighting key financial figures. According to the company's announcement, the preliminary estimated range of net income attributable to common stockholders for the first quarter of 2024 is approximately $66.4 million to $68.4 million, translating to $0.59 to $0.61 per share. Additionally, the range of Adjusted EBITDAre is reported to be $58.5 million to $60.5 million, with Adjusted FFO available to common stockholders and OP unitholders ranging from $(14.7) million...

Xiao-I Corporation Reports Unaudited Full Year 2023 Financial Results

Xiao-I Corporation ("Xiao-I" or the "Company") has reported its unaudited financial results for the full year ended December 31, 2023. Mr. Hui Yuan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Xiao-I, expressed pride in the company's achievements, stating, "Our achievements are a testament to our commitment." He highlighted a significant 22.8% increase in net revenues, reaching $59.2 million, demonstrating the company's success in a competitive landscape and solidifying its position in the market.The year 2023 marked a milestone for Xiao-I with the introduction of the 'Hua...

New Study Shows LMI Households Rely on Credit Card Rewards

The Electronic Payments Coalition recently released a report highlighting the significance of credit card rewards for American consumers, particularly those in lower-income households. According to the study, credit card reward programs play a crucial role in helping individuals across all income levels manage their finances.EPC Executive Chairman Richard Hunt emphasized the importance of cashback rewards for financially vulnerable households, stating, "Americans of all incomes take advantage of credit card reward programs but the most financially vulnerable households...

CFSB Bancorp, Inc. Reports Financial Results for Q3 and Year-to-Date 2024

CFSB Bancorp, Inc. released their fiscal third-quarter and year-to-date 2024 financial results on April 29, 2024. The Company reported a net loss of $40,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to a net loss of $210,000 for the previous quarter and net income of $355,000 for the same period in 2023.Michael E. McFarland, President and Chief Executive Officer of CFSB Bancorp, Inc., commented on the challenging financial environment, stating, "Liabilities continue to reprice at a faster rate than assets. These short-term rates over the last twenty-four...

Uwharrie Capital Corp Reports Positive Earnings in First Quarter of 2024

ALBEMARLE, N.C., April 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Uwharrie Capital Corp (OTCQX: UWHR) and its subsidiary, Uwharrie Bank, have announced their first-quarter results for 2024. The company reported consolidated total assets of $1.10 billion at the end of March 31, 2024, showing growth from $1.07 billion at the end of December 31, 2023.According to Uwharrie Capital Corp, "During the first quarter of 2024, the Bank experienced growth in both loans and core deposits due to continued relationship development in the markets we serve." This growth contributed to the positive...

MIND TECHNOLOGY, INC. REPORTS FISCAL 2024 FOURTH QUARTER AND YEAR-END RESULTS

MIND Technology, Inc., a technology provider to various industries, including the oceanographic and defense sectors, has announced its financial results for the fiscal 2024 fourth quarter and year ended January 31, 2024.According to the company's President and Chief Executive Officer, Rob Capps, "We are pleased to report solid results for the fiscal fourth quarter and our first profitable fiscal year since 2014. This is a significant milestone and a reflection of the efforts that we've made to strategically position the Company for future growth."Capps further added,...

Truist Launches Financial Education Program for Students

Truist Financial Corporation has introduced a new financial education program called Truist Life, Money, and Choices™, tailored specifically for high school and college students. The initiative aims to provide participants with realistic financial scenarios and choices to empower them with essential skills for their financial futures.Anthony Weekly, Truist's Chief CRA/Community Development Officer, expressed enthusiasm for the program, stating, "As we close out National Financial Literacy month, we are thrilled to launch this initiative, which directly aligns with our...

ICBA Shares Stifel Statement on Importance of Community Banks

Washington, D.C. (April 29, 2024) — The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) recently shared a statement from Stifel, emphasizing the crucial role of community banks in the nation's banking system.In the statement, Brant McDuffie, Stifel’s Co-Head of Fixed Income Capital Markets, expressed Stifel's commitment to supporting community banks. McDuffie stated, “Stifel is dedicated to serving community bank clients and offers a full set of products and services tailored to our common mission to serve community banks. A robust, diverse and healthy banking system is...