This story was originally published on Payments Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Payments Dive newsletter. Mastercard remains on the hunt for potential acquisitions, but the card network’s executives declined Thursday to comment on a report the company may acquire the crypto infrastructure business Zerohash. The card network is in the late stages of talks to buy the startup for as much as $2 billion, the digital magazine Fortune reported Thursday, citing unnamed sourc ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's net income for Q3 was $59.8 million, or $0.63 per diluted share, with adjusted earnings of $72.9 million, or $0.77 per diluted share, excluding merger charges [5][6] - Loans increased by $462 million on a linked quarter basis, representing a 9.9% annualized growth [5][6] - Deposits decreased by $158 million from the second quarter, primarily due to a seasonal decline in public funds [5][6] - The adjusted return on average assets improved by 12 basis points to 1.09%, while the adjusted return on tangible common equity rose by 296 basis points to 14.22% [7][8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net interest income growth was driven by improved net interest margin and loan growth [9] - Non-interest income for Q3 was $46 million, showing a linked quarter decrease of $0.841 million, excluding gains from the sale of MSR assets in Q2 [9] - Non-interest expense for Q3 was $183.8 million, excluding merger and conversion expenses of $17.5 million, with a linked quarter increase of $3.6 million [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The reported net interest margin remained flat at 3.85%, while the adjusted margin increased by four basis points to 3.62% [6] - The adjusted total cost of deposits rose by four basis points to 2.08%, and adjusted loan yields increased by five basis points to 6.23% [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The integration with The First is progressing well, with systems conversion completed in early August, aiming to create a high-performing Southeast bank [4][5] - The company is focused on achieving profitability goals related to return on assets, return on tangible common equity, and efficiency ratio [4] - Future profitability improvements are anticipated as efficiency savings are realized post-integration [6][9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the loan growth and overall performance, indicating that Q3 results position the company to achieve its financial goals [5][10] - The company expects to see additional profitability improvements in upcoming quarters as synergies from the merger become more evident [9] - Management acknowledged the potential for increased payoffs in Q4 due to the current interest rate environment [46][70] Other Important Information - The company recorded a credit loss provision on loans of $10.5 million, with net charge-offs of $4.3 million [8] - All regulatory capital ratios remain above required minimums, indicating a well-capitalized status [7][8] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide insights on loan growth and pipeline perspective? - Management noted that loan growth was strong across all categories and regions, with expectations for continued growth in Q4 and beyond [13][17] Question: What is the pace of expense savings from the merger? - Management indicated expectations of a $2 million to $3 million decrease in core non-interest expenses for Q4 and Q1 of 2026 [19][20] Question: Can you elaborate on the drivers of core margin expansion? - Management expressed that modest contraction in margin is expected in Q4, with a general outlook of modest expansion for 2026 [23][24] Question: How does the company view capital management and buybacks? - Management highlighted that capital ratios could grow by 60 to 70 basis points by year-end 2026, with buybacks being a focus for future capital management [31][32] Question: What are the plans for deposit growth in the current rate environment? - Management emphasized the goal of growing core deposits in line with loan growth, despite seasonal fluctuations [35][36] Question: How does the company plan to improve revenue growth? - Management is focused on improving accountability and performance at the individual and market levels to enhance revenue growth while managing expenses [66][68]

Core Viewpoint - Ryerson Holding Corporation and Olympic Steel, Inc. have announced a definitive agreement to merge, creating the second-largest metals service center in North America, which is expected to generate approximately $120 million in annual synergies by the end of year two [1][2][4] Summary by Sections Merger Agreement - Olympic Steel shareholders will receive 1.7105 Ryerson shares for each Olympic Steel share, resulting in them owning approximately 37% of the combined company [2] - The merger is anticipated to be immediately accretive to shareholders and will reduce the pro-forma leverage ratio to less than three times, assuming partial credit for synergies [2] Leadership Structure - Michael D. Siegal, Executive Chairman of Olympic Steel, will become chairman of the Board of Directors of the combined company, while Eddie Lehner, CEO of Ryerson, will serve as CEO [3] - Olympic Steel will appoint three additional directors to the combined 11-member Board [3] Strategic Benefits - The merger is expected to enhance market presence and add significant value to stakeholders through improved customer experience, faster lead times, and a wider array of custom solutions [4] - The combined company will leverage Ryerson's digital investments to enhance Olympic Steel's capabilities within a larger network [4] Company Backgrounds - Ryerson, founded in 1842, is a leading value-added processor and distributor of industrial metals with around 4,300 employees across approximately 110 locations [8] - Olympic Steel, established in 1954, focuses on the direct sale and value-added processing of various steel products and operates from 54 facilities [9]

Core Viewpoint - Skyworks and Qorvo have announced a definitive agreement to merge in a cash-and-stock transaction valued at approximately $22 billion, aiming to create a global leader in high-performance RF, analog, and mixed-signal semiconductors [2][3]. Strategic Rationale and Transaction Highlights - The merger is expected to deliver significant long-term value for customers, employees, and shareholders [4]. - The combined company will have a pro forma revenue of approximately $7.7 billion and Adjusted EBITDA of $2.1 billion, enhancing its competitive position against larger players [5][6]. - The transaction will create a $5.1 billion mobile business and a $2.6 billion diversified Broad Markets platform, addressing rising RF complexity and expanding into sectors like defense, aerospace, edge IoT, AI data centers, and automotive [5][6]. Leadership and Governance - Phil Brace will serve as the CEO of the combined company, while Bob Bruggeworth will join the Board of Directors [8]. - Skyworks shareholders will own approximately 63% of the combined entity, and Qorvo shareholders will own about 37% on a fully diluted basis [8]. Financial Structure and Funding - Skyworks plans to fund the cash portion of the transaction through a combination of cash on hand and additional financing, with commitments from Goldman Sachs Bank USA [9]. - The combined company's net leverage at closing is expected to be approximately 1.0x last-twelve-month Adjusted EBITDA, allowing for continued investments in the business [9]. Timing and Approvals - The transaction has been unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies and is expected to close in early calendar year 2027, pending regulatory approvals and shareholder consent [10]. Innovation and Engineering - The merger will combine the engineering capabilities of both companies, bringing together approximately 8,000 engineers and over 12,000 issued and pending patents, which will enhance the innovation pipeline [6][15].

Financial Results Announcement - ALLETE Inc. will announce its financial results for the third quarter before the stock markets open on October 31, 2025 [1] Company Overview - ALLETE, Inc. is an energy company headquartered in Duluth, Minnesota, with electric utilities including Minnesota Power and Superior Water, Light and Power of Wisconsin [2] - The company also owns ALLETE Clean Energy, BNI Energy, and New Energy Equity, and holds an 8% equity interest in the American Transmission Co [2] Recent Developments - The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission unanimously approved ALLETE's acquisition by Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and Global Infrastructure Partners, with the transaction expected to close in late 2025 [5] - ALLETE reported second quarter 2025 earnings of 55 cents per share on net income of $31.9 million, compared to 57 cents per share and net income of $33.0 million in the same quarter last year [6] - The board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of 73 cents per share, equivalent to $2.92 per share annually, unchanged from the previous quarter [7]

Transaction Overview - American Water and Essential Utilities will merge in a tax-free, all-stock transaction[16] - The combined company will have a market capitalization of $40 billion and an enterprise value of $63 billion[16] - The fixed exchange ratio is 0305 American Water shares for each Essential Utilities share[16] - American Water shareholders will own 69% and Essential Utilities shareholders will own 31% of the combined company[16] - The merger is targeted to close by the end of Q1 2027[16] Financial and Growth Outlook - The merger is expected to result in EPS growth of 7%-9% and DPS growth of 7%-9%[16] - The combined company targets rate base growth of 8%-9%, including acquisitions[26] - The combined company's 5-year capital investment plan is $28 billion[42] Combined Company Profile - The combined company will serve 54 million U S connections[29] - The combined company's 2024A rate base is $34 billion, expected to reach $41 billion by 2026E[29] - The combined company will operate across 17 regulated states[29] - Pennsylvania will account for 28% of the combined company's water & wastewater total rate base[33] Strategic Benefits - The merger will create a top 10 large-cap pure-play utility[24] - The merger will solidify the company's position as a premier partner-of-choice water utility for municipal providers[25] - The merger will enhance financial strength and expand the low-risk foundation[50]

Core Insights - Weak crude prices have significantly impacted merger and acquisition activity in the U.S. upstream oil and gas sector during the third quarter [1] Group 1 - The analytics firm Enverus reported a decline in M&A activity due to persistently low crude prices [1]

Core Viewpoint - UniCredit's CEO Andrea Orcel is under pressure from the bank's board to provide comprehensive and timely updates regarding his merger and acquisition strategy [1] Group 1 - The board of UniCredit is persistently requesting detailed information about Orcel's plans for mergers and acquisitions [1] - Orcel's strategy is crucial for the bank's future growth and competitive positioning in the market [1] - There is a sense of urgency from the board for Orcel to clarify his approach to potential deals [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Farmers National Bancorp reported solid operating and financial performance, marking the 171st consecutive quarter of profitability [10] - The company experienced loan growth of $34.4 million, representing an annualized growth rate of 4.2%, with commercial loans increasing by $30.1 million or 6% at an annualized rate [11] - The net interest margin expanded to 3%, the first time exceeding 3% in nearly 2.5 years [11] - The acquisition of Middlefield Bancorp is valued at $299 million, or $36.17 per share, representing approximately 163.5% of tangible book value and 14.1 times Middlefield's earnings for the last twelve months [12][13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The merger with Middlefield will enhance Farmers' ability to grow organically, particularly in the Columbus market, which has shown strong loan growth [21] - The acquisition will push Farmers' total deposits over $6 billion and loans to approximately $5 billion, while maintaining strong capital levels [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Middlefield Bancorp has $2 billion in assets and a significant presence in attractive Ohio markets, which will complement Farmers' existing operations [4][5] - The merger will create a combined company with 83 branch locations across Northeast, Central, and Western Ohio, and Western Pennsylvania [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The merger is strategically important for Farmers, providing an opportunity to acquire scale in attractive Ohio communities and enhancing its position as a community bank of choice [5][6] - The company aims to leverage Middlefield's strong community presence to deepen relationships and expand its market share in Central Ohio [6][7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the merger's potential to enhance growth rates and profitability, with a focus on wealth management services to drive relationship growth [26][27] - The company anticipates a pro forma total risk-based capital ratio of approximately 13.7% post-merger, indicating a strong capital position [16] Other Important Information - The transaction is expected to close in 2026, with a core conversion planned for August 2026, which will enhance digital capabilities and result in significant cost savings [9][10] - The acquisition will be Farmers' largest transaction by banking assets, marking its ninth acquisition in the last ten years [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of the deal on Farmers' growth rate - Management believes the acquisition will enhance organic growth capabilities, particularly in the Columbus market, which has shown strong loan growth [21] Question: Anticipated changes to the balance sheet post-deal - Management indicated that the marketplace is creating opportunities for restructuring the investment portfolio, which could facilitate loan growth [23][24] Question: Impact on CRE concentration ratio - The acquisition will raise the CRE concentration ratio slightly, but it remains well below the regulatory limit, with opportunities in both CRE and C&I spaces [31][33] Question: Capacity for additional deals - Management stated that the current focus is solely on the Middlefield acquisition and its stakeholders, with no immediate plans for additional deals [36] Question: Timing of cost savings from the core conversion - Cost savings will be back-end loaded into 2026, with some immediate savings post-close, and the bulk expected after the core conversion in August [46][47] Question: Ability to lower Middlefield's higher cost funding - Management believes there are opportunities to manage deposit costs more efficiently, potentially leading to margin expansion over the next 18 to 24 months [54] Question: Comfortable loan-to-deposit ratio post-merger - Management indicated a comfortable loan-to-deposit ratio of approximately 90% post-merger, presenting opportunities for growth [56]

Price Target and Stock Performance - Morgan Stanley set a price target of $6.60 for Paramount Group Inc (NYSE:PGRE), indicating a slight potential increase of 1.07% from the current stock price of $6.53 [1] - PGRE has a market capitalization of approximately $1.44 billion and has seen its stock fluctuate between $6.53 and $6.54 on the day of the report [1] - Over the past year, PGRE's stock has ranged from a high of $7.85 to a low of $3.75, reflecting market volatility and investor sentiment [2] - The trading volume for PGRE is 1,064,489 shares, suggesting active investor interest [2] Strategic Developments in the Industry - Paramount Skydance is exploring strategic options after its acquisition offer for Warner Bros. Discovery was rejected twice, with the latest bid valued at $24 per share [3] - Despite the rejection of the acquisition offers, Warner Bros. Discovery's stock has reached a three-year high, driven by merger and acquisition speculation [3] - Warner Bros. Discovery has attracted interest from multiple parties, indicating its strong market position and potential for future deals [4] - Wall Street analysts anticipate a possible takeover by Paramount, highlighting ongoing interest in Warner Bros. Discovery [4] - Paramount Skydance has not commented on the possibility of a third offer, leaving the market speculating on future developments [4]