SPARTA, Mich., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc. ("ChoiceOne") (NASDAQ:COFS), the parent company for ChoiceOne Bank, reported financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2025.  On March 1, 2025, ChoiceOne completed the merger (the "Merger") of Fentura Financial, Inc. ("Fentura"), the former parent company of The State Bank, with and into ChoiceOne with ChoiceOne surviving the merger.  On March 14, 2025, the consolidation of The State Bank with and into ChoiceOne Bank wi ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported operating earnings of $67.5 million, benefiting from a 33 basis point expansion in the net interest margin and an improvement in the operating efficiency ratio to 53.7% [9][16] - Operating return on average tangible common equity increased by 40 basis points to 11.7%, while operating return on average assets rose by 3 basis points to 1.09% [9][15] - GAAP net loss was reported at $1.08 per diluted share due to the strategic repositioning of $1.3 billion of securities, which is expected to be $0.13 accretive to 2025 operating EPS [14][39] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The lending environment showed a 3% annualized loan growth primarily due to higher commercial and industrial (C&I) balances, despite a cautious outlook for the remainder of the year [10][22] - Wealth management assets under management increased to $8.4 billion, driven by net client flows, although a large short-term inflow is expected to reverse in the second quarter [12][19] - Noninterest income was reported as a loss of $236.9 million due to non-operating losses on the sale of AFS securities, while operating noninterest income decreased by $2.7 million [17][18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Period-end deposits totaled $20.8 billion, a decrease of $522 million primarily due to seasonal outflows and runoff of high-cost CDs [20] - The company maintains a favorable deposit mix with 50% of deposits in checking accounts, providing a stable low-cost funding base [20] - The commercial real estate loan portfolio stands at $7.2 billion, with a focus on local markets and diversified by sector [28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The announced merger with Harbor One Corp. is expected to create a $30 billion bank, enhancing Eastern's market presence in Greater Boston and Rhode Island [6][34] - The merger is projected to deliver approximately 16% EPS accretion and improve operating efficiency, with a tangible book value earn-back of 2.8 years [39][40] - The company aims to deepen the alignment between its wealth management and banking businesses, capitalizing on synergies from the merger [11][35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed caution regarding the lending environment due to economic uncertainty and ongoing changes in trade policies [10] - The company remains optimistic about achieving its projections for the year, despite the fluid economic environment [31] - Management highlighted the importance of monitoring evolving economic conditions and policies that could impact business and communities [12][32] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $48.7 million worth of shares during the quarter and announced an 8% increase in the quarterly dividend [6][26] - The company has no equity capital raise or debt needed to complete the merger, which is expected to enhance earnings power and profitability [46] Q&A Session Summary Question: Will the company continue share buybacks during the merger process? - The company will pause share buybacks while using an equity component in the merger consideration until after shareholder approval [54] Question: What is the expected closing date for the merger? - The merger is targeted to close by October 31, pending regulatory approvals, with a possibility of deferring to Q1 2026 if necessary [55] Question: Can you elaborate on the franchise lending group that was recently hired? - The company hired two seasoned lenders to enhance its franchise lending capabilities, focusing on various sectors including fast food, with expectations for continued growth [56] Question: What is the effective tax rate for the remainder of the year? - The company expects an effective tax rate of about 11% for the full year, despite a large GAAP loss in the first quarter [62] Question: How does the company plan to integrate Harbor One's mortgage business? - The company plans to optimize the combined mortgage business, recognizing that Harbor One is currently a larger player in the mortgage market [64] Question: What is the company's outlook for charge-off rates in the coming years? - Management expressed caution in providing specific charge-off rate projections due to economic uncertainties but noted strong credit performance in the current quarter [96]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net earnings of $64 million or $0.49 per share, with an annualized adjusted return on average assets of 1.11% and an adjusted return on average tangible equity of 16.15% [6][15] - The tangible book value per share grew by $0.69 to $14.15, and the tangible common equity ratio expanded to 7.9% [7] - The average cost of total deposits decreased by 14 basis points to 2.11%, while the net interest margin increased by 6 basis points to 3.34% [8] - Core net interest margin grew by 9 basis points, and total revenue increased to $208.8 million for the quarter [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The commercial lending team closed approximately $600 million in new loans, with the commercial loan portfolio increasing by 3.8% [9] - Provident Protection Plus experienced a 19% organic growth in new business compared to the same period last year, with income up 23% [12] - Beacon Trust assets under management and fee income decreased by approximately 4% due to market conditions [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The total loan pipeline increased to approximately $2.8 billion, with a weighted average interest rate of 6.31% [10] - Nonperforming loans increased to 0.54%, primarily due to two well-secured loans [11] - The provision for loan losses decreased to $325,000, reflecting stable-specific reserve requirements [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain momentum throughout 2025, focusing on core businesses and creating value for stockholders and customers [13] - There is a targeted growth of about 5% in the commercial real estate (CRE) space, with a focus on diversifying the commercial portfolio [50][52] - The company is cautious about potential macroeconomic impacts but remains optimistic about its strong loan pipeline [33][40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while there is uncertainty in the macroeconomic environment, they have not seen significant negative impacts on their portfolio [34][40] - The effective tax rate for the quarter increased to 30.3%, with expectations of approximately 29.5% for the remainder of 2025 [23] - Projected financial performance for 2025 includes a return on average assets of approximately 1.15% and a return on tangible equity of approximately 16% [23] Other Important Information - The Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.24 per share payable on May 30 [7] - Noninterest income increased to $27 million, driven by strong performance from the insurance agency [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on integration and hiring in wealth management - Management confirmed that integration is complete and there have been new hires in Pennsylvania and Westchester markets, contributing to pipeline growth [27][29] Question: Customer conversations regarding macro outlook and tariffs - Management indicated that there is uncertainty but no significant pullback from clients; they are monitoring the portfolio for potential impacts [34][40] Question: Details on nonaccrual loans - Management is working with borrowers on two nonaccrual loans, with favorable loan-to-value ratios providing some comfort [45][47] Question: Future M&A activity and characteristics of potential candidates - Management expressed that buying back stock is a priority over M&A, emphasizing the importance of culture in any future acquisitions [57][59] Question: Expense guidance for the year - Management expects expenses to be in the range of $112 million to $115 million, with a conservative approach to forecasting [62] Question: Insurance commissions and seasonality - Management noted that insurance business is seasonal, with strong first-quarter performance expected to continue [66]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported sales of $204.6 million for Q1 2025, a 3% increase from $197.9 million in the prior year [15] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $12.3 million, representing 6% of sales, up from $6.1 million or 3.1% of sales in Q1 2024 [16] - GAAP net loss was $1.4 million or negative $0.04 per share, compared to a net loss of $4.7 million or negative $0.14 per share in the previous year [15][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fleet Vehicles and Services segment achieved sales of $96.1 million, down 11% from $107.8 million a year ago, reflecting softness in parcel end markets [17] - Specialty Vehicles segment delivered sales of $82.2 million, a 9% decrease from $90.1 million in the prior year, with adjusted EBITDA margins remaining in the high teens [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The FES backlog was $245.3 million at quarter end, down 31% versus the prior year and flat compared to year-end 2024 [18] - Specialty Vehicles backlog was $90 million at quarter end, up 8% versus the prior year and up 31% versus year-end, driven primarily by high content service truck bodies [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on customer-centric innovation and expanding its product portfolio, particularly in electric vehicles and service trucks [6][10] - The proposed merger with Abbe Schmidt is expected to create a leading global force in the specialty vehicles industry, driving growth in high-margin markets [23][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains cautious about the timing of recovery in the parcel and motorhome markets but expects approximately 70% of full-year adjusted EBITDA to be delivered in the second half of the year [21] - The company is affirming its 2025 outlook with sales projected between $870 million to $970 million and adjusted EBITDA of $62 million to $72 million [20][21] Other Important Information - The company incurred $2.2 million in transaction costs related to the proposed merger with Abbe Schmidt [16] - The merger is anticipated to be approved in a special meeting of shareholders in mid-2025 [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on BlueArc vehicle orders and revenue - Management confirmed that the order for 150 vehicles for FedEx is in process, with some revenue carryover expected into Q2 [29] Question: Impact of tariffs on guidance - Management stated that they are closely monitoring tariffs and have implemented pricing strategies to mitigate risks, which is reflected in their unchanged guidance [31][34] Question: Trends in Abbe Schmidt's business - Management refrained from commenting on Abbe Schmidt's financials as the S-four filing is still with the SEC [37] Question: Customer order timing related to tariffs - Management indicated that there was no significant pull-forward of orders due to tariff concerns [41] Question: Outlook for parcel and final mile vehicles - Management noted an increase in quoting activity from parcel customers, suggesting a potentially better second half of the year [43] Question: Update on battery supply chain - Management expressed confidence in the battery supply chain, stating that performance is meeting expectations and there are no issues in the field [49]

San Diego, Calif., April 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- California BanCorp ("us," "we," "our," or the "Company") (NASDAQ: BCAL), the holding company for California Bank of Commerce, N.A. (the "Bank") announces its consolidated financial results for the first quarter of 2025. The Company reported net income of $16.9 million, or $0.52 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2025, compared to $16.8 million, or $0.51 per diluted share for the fourth quarter of 2024, and net income of $4.9 million, or $0.26 pe ...

Meeting further adjourned to May 1, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. Central TimeHOUSTON, April 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Amplify Energy Corp. (NYSE: AMPY) (“Amplify” or the “Company”) today announced that it intends to open and immediately adjourn its reconvened Special Meeting of Stockholders (the “Special Meeting”) relating to the Company’s proposed merger with Juniper Capital’s upstream Rocky Mountain portfolio companies. There will be no voting or other matters conducted at the meeting on April 23, 2025, and the C ...

Core Viewpoint - The merger between Alumis Inc. and ACELYRIN, INC. has been amended to provide increased ownership for ACELYRIN stockholders, with the revised exchange ratio allowing Alumis stockholders to own approximately 52% and ACELYRIN stockholders to own approximately 48% of the combined company on a fully diluted basis, maximizing potential value for both parties [1][2]. Company Overview - Alumis Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies for immune-mediated diseases using a precision approach [10]. - ACELYRIN, INC. is a late-stage clinical biopharma company dedicated to accelerating the development and commercialization of transformative medicines, with its lead program targeting thyroid eye disease [11]. Merger Details - The amended agreement allows ACELYRIN stockholders to receive 0.4814 shares of Alumis common stock for each share of ACELYRIN common stock owned, representing a significant increase in ownership compared to the original merger terms [2]. - The merger is expected to create a leading clinical-stage immunology company with a diversified portfolio of product candidates, enhancing financial flexibility and advancing a late-stage pipeline [5][3]. Financial Position - Alumis reported a pro forma cash position of approximately $737 million as of December 31, 2024, which is expected to support the combined company's pipeline and operational needs into 2027 [5]. - Stockholders representing approximately 62% of Alumis voting common stock and about 24% of ACELYRIN common stock have entered into voting agreements in support of the transaction [6]. Upcoming Events - A Special Meeting of Stockholders for both companies is scheduled for May 13, 2025, where stockholders will vote on the merger [8][7].

Today, Hess (NYSE: HES ) is not just an industry pioneer , but a dramatically reformed player who has gone through a transformation from a vertically integrated oil giant with its own refineries and a network of fillingMy professional background spans multiple continents and includes experience in private banking, corporate finance, and strategic advisory. For several years, I developed and led a private banking department in Dubai, where I crafted tailored investment solutions to meet the unique needs of a ...

Core Points - Cara Therapeutics, Inc. has announced a 1-for-3 reverse stock split of its outstanding shares of common stock [1] - The company's common stock will begin trading under the new name "Tvardi Therapeutics, Inc." and the new symbol "TVRD" following the merger with Tvard Therapeutics, Inc. [2] - The reverse stock split was approved by stockholders and will reduce the number of outstanding shares from approximately 4.6 million to approximately 1.5 million [3][4] Company Overview - Tvardi Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing oral small molecule therapies targeting STAT3 for fibrosis-driven diseases [7] - Cara Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company that has developed an IV formulation of difelikefalin for treating moderate-to-severe pruritus associated with advanced kidney disease [8]

Company Overview - The Shyft Group, Inc. is a leader in specialty vehicle manufacturing, assembly, and upfit for commercial, retail, and service specialty vehicle markets in North America [4] - Shyft operates two core business units: Shyft Fleet Vehicles and Services™ and Shyft Specialty Vehicles™ [4] - The company reported sales of $786 million in 2024 and employs approximately 2,900 people across various facilities [4] Merger Announcement - Aebi Schmidt Group has filed a registration statement on Form S-4 with the SEC regarding a proposed merger with Shyft [1][2] - The merger is expected to close in mid-2025, subject to SEC approval and shareholder approval from Shyft [2] - Upon completion, the combined company will be named Aebi Schmidt Group and will trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol "AEBI" [3][7] Financial Projections - The registration statement includes pro forma U.S. GAAP financial results for 2024, projecting combined revenues of $1.9 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $148 million [2][7] Aebi Schmidt Group Overview - Aebi Schmidt is a global leader in intelligent solutions for infrastructure maintenance, generating over 1 billion EUR in net sales in 2024 [5] - The company employs around 3,000 people and operates in 16 sales organizations and over a dozen production facilities worldwide [5]