NEW YORK, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities, today announced Somerset Trust Holding Company (OTCQX: SOME) (the "Company"), the holding company of Somerset Trust Company, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX® Best Market. Somerset Trust Holding Company upgraded to OTCQX from the Pink® market. Somerset Trust Holding Company begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbol "SOME." U.S. investor ...

Core Insights - Financial technology and digital banking are rapidly expanding in Latin America, with Nu Holdings leading the charge [1] - Despite significant growth, Nu Holdings' stock price remains close to its IPO level, presenting a potential buying opportunity ahead of its earnings report [2] Company Overview - Nu Holdings, also known as Nu Bank, launched in Brazil in 2013 and has grown to over 100 million accounts, representing over half of Brazil's population [3] - The company is projected to exceed $10 billion in annual revenue in Brazil this year, with significant upselling potential for its banking, lending, payment card, and investing products [4][5] Market Expansion - In Mexico, Nu Bank has 11 million customers and has recently obtained a banking license, allowing for full lending and banking capabilities [8] - Revenue in Mexico is currently under $700 million, but there is potential for it to grow to a $10 billion annual revenue business [9] - Nu Bank is also entering the Colombian market and plans to expand into Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay in the coming years [10] Financial Performance - Nu Holdings has achieved a return on equity (ROE) of nearly 30% over the last 12 months, indicating strong profit efficiency [12] - The company reported a net income of $2.15 billion over the past year, resulting in a trailing price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 30 [13] - Revenue grew by 19% year over year last quarter, with expectations for continued growth in existing and new markets [13] Investment Thesis - The combination of rapid growth, profitability, and market expansion makes Nu Holdings an attractive investment opportunity before its upcoming earnings report [14]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net income of $14.3 million for the first quarter of 2025, an increase of 17.7% compared to the prior year quarter [13] - Return on average assets and return on average equity were 0.93% and 8.49%, respectively, both up 27% year-over-year [8] - Consolidated equity to assets ratio was 10.85%, up 3% year-over-year, and shareholders' equity increased by 6% year-over-year [9][14] - Net interest income for the first quarter of 2025 was $40.4 million, an increase of $3.8 million or 10.4% compared to the prior year quarter [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total loans increased by $104.7 million or 2.1% year-over-year, reaching an all-time high of $5.1 billion [15] - Home equity lines of credit increased by $61 million or 17.3%, while residential real estate portfolio grew by $26.2 million [16][24] - Commercial loans increased by $20.7 million or 7.5% over the same period [16][24] - Non-performing loans remained flat at 0.37%, indicating strong asset quality [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total deposits ended the quarter at $5.5 billion, up $142 million compared to the prior year quarter [17] - The company noted strong customer confidence in its competitive deposit offerings, particularly in time deposits [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on relationship banking and solid financial practices to navigate a complex economic environment [18] - A stock repurchase program of up to 1 million shares was announced, representing approximately 5% of current outstanding shares, aimed at enhancing shareholder value [15] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the local economy, particularly in the Capital District and Central Florida, which are described as stable and strong [35][36] - The company anticipates that a lower interest rate environment may provide opportunities to manage deposit costs more effectively [19] Other Important Information - The Wealth Management division had approximately $1.1 billion of assets under management, with non-interest income from this segment increasing by 16.7% [20] - Total non-interest expense was $26.3 million, up $1.4 million from the prior year quarter, primarily due to higher salary and employee benefits [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Is the strong local economy referenced in the press release specific to the Capital region or all markets? - Management indicated that the Capital District has a stable economy with less volatility, and Central Florida remains strong as well [35][36] Question: What are the trends in residential home prices? - Management noted that home prices are stable but not increasing, with no significant drops expected [38] Question: What changed regarding the share repurchase plan compared to last year? - Management explained that the larger 5% repurchase plan reflects a more favorable tone towards share repurchases this year, with an intent to fully execute [40] Question: What target capital ratio is the company contemplating? - Management did not specify a target capital ratio but indicated that there is room for additional repurchases while maintaining a strong capital position [42]