Company's 18+ Age-Gated Microsite Features Exclusive Selections for Growing 'Kidulting" Market, Blending Humor and HeartST. LOUIS, Feb. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Forget chocolates and flowers—this Valentine's (and Galentine's) Day, Build-A-Bear is turning up the heat with a bold twist on gift-giving. Meet The Cuddly Cougar, featured in four unique gift sets, available exclusively online in the brand's popular "Bear Cave", an 18+ age-gated microsite that launched in 2019. Part of the limited-edition "After Dar ...

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have transformed the investing landscape since their 1993 debut, attracting investors with their straightforward approach to diversification. By allowing individuals to buy shares that track entire market indexes or sectors, ETFs eliminate the challenge and risk of selecting individual stocks while keeping costs minimal.The technology sector particularly exemplifies the power of ETF investing in the years following the 2008 financial crisis. As digital innovation has fundamental ...

Popular, Inc.'s (BPOP) fourth-quarter 2024 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.51 surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.04. The bottom line compared favorably with $1.31 reported in the year-ago quarter.Find the latest earnings estimates and surprises on the Zacks Earnings Calendar.For 2024, adjusted EPS was $8.56, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $8.41. This compares favorably with $7.53 reported in the year-ago quarter.The results benefited from a rise in net interest income (NII) and ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an annual net income of $614 million for 2024, up from $541 million in 2023, with an adjusted net income of $646 million, reflecting a 10% increase year-over-year [5][6] - The common equity tier 1 (CET1) ratio ended the year at 16%, while tangible book value per share increased by 14% year-over-year to $68.16 [8][29] - Net interest income (NII) for the fourth quarter increased by $18 million, contributing to a 7% year-over-year increase in NII [10][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total loan growth for the year reached $2 billion, a 5.8% increase, with strong performance in commercial loans [6][17] - Mortgage loan balances increased by $114 million in the fourth quarter, driven by home purchase activity [13] - Non-interest income remained flat at $165 million compared to the previous quarter, with the sale of the daily car rental business expected to impact future non-interest income [20][21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The unemployment rate in Puerto Rico is currently at 5.4%, with consumer spending showing healthy trends, including a 5% increase in combined credit and debit card sales [12][13] - Passenger traffic at San Juan International Airport increased by 10% in the fourth quarter compared to the same period in 2023, indicating a strong tourism sector [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to continue its transformation efforts to meet changing customer needs and generate sustainable value for shareholders [43][44] - The ongoing disbursement of federal funds is expected to support economic activity in Puerto Rico for several years [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the Puerto Rican economy's stability and the company's position to support clients in the coming years [15][44] - The company anticipates consolidated loan growth of 3% to 5% in 2025, with NII expected to increase by 7% to 9% [27][28] Other Important Information - The company resumed share buybacks with a $500 million authorization, repurchasing approximately $220 million worth of shares in 2024 [9][30] - The effective tax rate for the fourth quarter was 20%, with expectations for 2025 to be in the range of 19% to 21% [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Trends in funding costs and deposit balances - Management noted an increase in deposits in the fourth quarter, with non-public deposits rising by about $600 million [50][52] Question: Margin expectations for the year - Management indicated that NIM is expected to continue expanding in 2025, driven by lower deposit costs [56][58] Question: Credit card portfolio charge-offs - Management acknowledged an increase in charge-offs but expressed optimism about recent performance trends [60] Question: Seasonal deposit inflows - Management confirmed that the outlook includes estimates of potential outflows but emphasized efforts to retain deposits [66][68] Question: Changes in underwriting standards for credit cards - Management stated that underwriting criteria have been tightened, with higher FICO scores for new originations [155]

Investor Presentation Fourth Quarter 2024 Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This presentation contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including without limitation those regarding Popular's business, financial condition, results of operations and future plans, objectives, performance, earnings and expenses. These statements are not guarantees of future performance, are based on the current expectations of Popula ...

Popular (BPOP) came out with quarterly earnings of $2.51 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.04 per share. This compares to earnings of $1.94 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of 23.04%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this company that runs Banco Popular and other banks in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Would post earnings of $2.33 per share when it actually produced earnings of $2.16, delivering a ...

Exhibit 99.1 Popular, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Results SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – (BUSINESS WIRE) – Popular, Inc. (the "Corporation," "Popular," "we," "us," "our") (NASDAQ:BPOP) reported net income of $177.8 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, compared to net income of $155.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. Ignacio Alvarez, Chief Executive Officer, said: "Our financial results for the fourth quarter were solid, with net income of $178 million. We achieved stro ...

Alphabet subsidiary Google recently announced two major technical achievements with its Willow quantum computing chip. In response to the news, shares of Rigetti Computing (RGTI -3.16%) and D-Wave Quantum (QBTS -3.52%) during the next three weeks advanced 280% and 110%, respectively. But the market may have gotten ahead of itself... way ahead of itself.Most Wall Street analysts expect both stocks to decline sharply in the coming months, as detailed below:Among the six analysts that follow Rigetti Computing, ...

Popular (BPOP) is expected to deliver a year-over-year increase in earnings on higher revenues when it reports results for the quarter ended December 2024. This widely-known consensus outlook gives a good sense of the company's earnings picture, but how the actual results compare to these estimates is a powerful factor that could impact its near-term stock price.The earnings report, which is expected to be released on January 28, 2025, might help the stock move higher if these key numbers are better than ex ...

The total value of all cryptocurrencies in circulation currently stands at $3.5 trillion, which is near a record high. Bitcoin (BTC 1.24%) accounts for more than half of that value, thanks to its market capitalization of almost $2 trillion. Bitcoin has become a popular store of value for investors due to its decentralized nature, capped supply, and secure system called the blockchain. But Michael Saylor, who cofounded software company MicroStrategy, thinks it has the potential to remake the global financial ...