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circus elephant ATLANTA, Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitcoin Depot Inc. (“Bitcoin Depot” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: BTM), a U.S.-based Bitcoin ATM (“BTM”) operator and leading fintech company, today celebrates a landmark moment in the cryptocurrency as Bitcoin surpasses its all-time price peak of $100,000. This industry milestone reflects growing global confidence in Bitcoin as a financial asset and highlights the increasing demand for accessible crypto solutions. "Bitcoin reaching $100,000 is an example of its resilience, staying power, and growing role in the financial ecosystem," said Brandon Mintz, CEO and founder of Bitcoin Depot. "This moment shows the growing trust millions place in Bitcoin and further establishes Bitcoin Depot’s commitment of 'Bringing Bitcoin to the Masses®' by providing secure, user-friendly access points that bridge traditional finance and the digital economy." 2024 has been a defining period for the crypto industry, marked by significant advancements such as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's approval of the first Bitcoin spot ETFs and continued growing institutional adoption. These achievements, coupled with increased regulatory clarity and rising global interest in Bitcoin, further demonstrate cryptocurrency's expanding role in the financial landscape. Bitcoin Depot, with over 8,300 Bitcoin ATM kiosks deployed across North America and Puerto Rico, has cemented itself as a key player in facilitating crypto adoption. As the largest BTM operator in North America, the Company has built significant momentum in the last year, marked by key milestones such as bringing its BDCheckout Program to six new states, expanding into Puerto Rico , and introducing strategic retail partnerships with multiple major convenience and grocery store retailers. “Bitcoin’s momentum is driving new users to enter the market, and many are choosing BTMs for secure and convenient access to cryptocurrency,” said Scott Buchanan, COO of Bitcoin Depot. “At Bitcoin Depot, we’ve always believed in providing everyone with easy access to Bitcoin, and as we grow, our focus remains on delivering a simple and reliable way to buy Bitcoin quickly and securely. This is just the beginning for the cryptocurrency industry and Bitcoin Depot as a leading provider.” Bitcoin Depot BTMs are designed to provide a seamless user experience, allowing customers to quickly convert cash into Bitcoin and access the broader digital financial system for payments, transfers, remittances, and investments. About Bitcoin Depot Bitcoin Depot Inc. (Nasdaq: BTM) was founded in 2016 with the mission to connect those who prefer to use cash to the broader, digital financial system. Bitcoin Depot provides its users with simple, efficient and intuitive means of converting cash into Bitcoin, which users can deploy in the payments, spending and investing space. Users can convert cash to bitcoin at Bitcoin Depot kiosks in 48 states and at thousands of name-brand retail locations in 29 states through its BDCheckout product. The Company has the largest market share in North America with approximately 8,486 kiosk locations as of December 05, 2024. Learn more at www.bitcoindepot.com . Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release and any oral statements made in connection herewith include “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Forward-looking statements are any statements other than statements of historical fact, and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the expectations of plans, business strategies, objectives and growth and anticipated financial and operational performance, including our growth strategy and ability to increase deployment of our products and services, the anticipated effects of the Amendment, and the closing of the Preferred Sale. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current beliefs, based on currently available information, as to the outcome and timing of future events. Forward-looking statements are often identified by words such as "anticipate," "appears," "approximately," "believe," "continue," "could," "designed," "effect," "estimate," "evaluate," "expect," "forecast," "goal," "initiative," "intend," "may," "objective," "outlook," "plan," "potential," "priorities," "project," "pursue," "seek," "should," "target," "when," "will," "would," or the negative of any of those words or similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. In making these statements, we rely upon assumptions and analysis based on our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, and expected future developments, as well as other factors we consider appropriate under the circumstances. We believe these judgments are reasonable, but these statements are not guarantees of any future events or financial results. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on by any investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond our control. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including changes in domestic and foreign business, market, financial, political and legal conditions; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the business combination; future global, regional or local economic and market conditions; the development, effects and enforcement of laws and regulations; our ability to manage future growth; our ability to develop new products and services, bring them to market in a timely manner and make enhancements to our platform; the effects of competition on our future business; our ability to issue equity or equity-linked securities; the outcome of any potential litigation, government and regulatory proceedings, investigations and inquiries; and those factors described or referenced in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. If any of these risks materialize or our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that we do not presently know or that we currently believe are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect our expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. We anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause our assessments to change. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or other factors that affect the subject of these statements, except where we are expressly required to do so by law. All written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Contacts: Investors Cody Slach Gateway Group, Inc. 949-574-3860 BTM@gateway-grp.com Media Brenlyn Motlagh, Ryan Deloney Gateway Group, Inc. 949-574-3860 BTM@gateway-grp.com

SCOTTISH ministers were accused today of “wreaking havoc” with public services as Labour cited delays to key infrastructure projects totalling over 29 years. The party’s criticism followed a progress update on major capital projects across Scotland, highlighting delays caused by construction issues, labour shortages and inflation. The report identified 19 delayed projects, including the two CalMac ferries being built at Ferguson Marine in Port Glasgow. While the Glen Sannox is expected to start service on January 13, the Glen Rosa is now scheduled for delivery by September 2025, seven years later than planned. Other delays include the NHS Forth Valley Treatment Centre, originally set to open in December 2022 but held back due to pipework and fire compliance issues, and HMP Highland, now expected by summer 2026 instead of July 2024. Rail upgrades have also been affected, with plans to replace diesel trains on the Fife railway with battery-electric stock postponed indefinitely. Ministers blamed the delays on post-Covid recovery, Brexit and the Ukraine war. They said inflation and an 8.7 per cent real-terms cut to the capital budget from 2023 to 2028 have further strained resources, limiting the government’s ability to progress planned projects at the intended pace. Labour finance spokesman Michael Marra said the report shows how “once again the SNP’s chaos and incompetence is wreaking havoc with Scottish public services.” “From our hospitals to our public transport to our prisons, the SNP is letting the very fabric of our country crumble,” he said.” “These devastating delays have meant longer NHS waiting lists, less reliable transport links, and the early release of hundreds of prisoners.” A Scottish government spokesperson said it faces “significant pressures on our capital budget” and “prioritises funding to deliver on the First Minister’s priorities, which include growing the economy.”Bears beat SW Christian in final non-conference gameOTTAWA - Parents of children who died because of online sexual extortion are urging MPs to act on online harms legislation. Read this article for free: Already have an account? As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed. Now, more than ever, we need your support. Starting at $14.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website. or call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527. Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community! OTTAWA - Parents of children who died because of online sexual extortion are urging MPs to act on online harms legislation. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? OTTAWA – Parents of children who died because of online sexual extortion are urging MPs to act on online harms legislation. The bill and other legislation have been blocked from moving forward for months due to a parliamentary privilege debate raging between the Liberals and Conservatives. Justice Minister Arif Virani split the bill into two parts this week heeding calls from critics to separate the more controversial hate speech provisions from the child exploitation components. But the bill still can’t move forward until the privilege filibuster is over. Barbie Lavers, whose teenage son died by suicide after being extorted online over intimate images, told House of Commons committee today that she supports the act and asked politicians to come to a temporary alliance and stop using children as political pawns to show “one party is more correct than the other.” Carole Todd, whose daughter Amanda died by suicide due to online sextortion, told MPs it is hurtful to watch political arguments after waiting 12 years for legislation. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 5, 2024. Advertisement

NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks wavered in afternoon trading on Wall Street Monday at the start of a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 rose 0.4%. A handful of technology companies helped support the gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 63 points, or 0.2% as of 1:18 p.m. Eastern time. The tech-heavy Nasdaq composite rose 0.7%. Semiconductor giant Nvidia, whose enormous valuation gives it an outsize influence on indexes, rose 3%. Broadcom jumped 5.2% to also help support the broader market. Japanese automakers Honda Motor and Nissan said they are talking about combining in a deal that might also include Mitsubishi Motors. Honda rose 3.8% and Nissan rose 1.6% in Tokyo. Eli Lilly rose 3% after announcing that regulators approved Zepbound as the first and only prescription medicine for adults with sleep apnea. Department store Nordstrom fell 1.7% after it agreed to be taken private by Nordstrom family members and a Mexican retail group in a $6.25 billion deal. The Conference Board said that consumer confidence slipped in December. Its consumer confidence index fell back to 104.7 from 112.8 in November. Wall Street was expecting a reading of 113.8. The unexpectedly weak consumer confidence update follows several generally strong economic reports last week. One report showed the overall economy grew at a 3.1% annualized rate during the summer, faster than earlier thought. The latest report on unemployment benefit applications showed that the job market remains solid. A report on Friday said a measure of inflation the Federal Reserve likes to use was slightly lower last month than economists expected. Worries about inflation edging higher again had been weighing on Wall Street and the Fed. The central bank just delivered its third cut to interest rates this year, but inflation has been hovering stubbornly above its target of 2%. It has signaled that it could deliver fewer cuts to interest rates next year than it earlier anticipated because of concerns over inflation. Expectations for more interest rate cuts have helped drive a 24% gain for the S&P 500 in 2024. That drive included 57 all-time highs this year. Inflation concerns have added to uncertainties heading into 2025, which include the labor market's path ahead and shifting economic policies under an incoming President Donald Trump. "Put simply, much of the strong market performance prior to last week was driven by expectations that a best-case scenario was the base case for 2025," said Brent Schutte, chief investment officer at Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company Treasury yields edged higher in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.58% from 4.53% late Friday. European markets were mostly lower, while markets in Asia gained ground. Wall Street has several other economic reports to look forward to this week. On Tuesday, the U.S. will release its November report for sales of newly constructed homes. A weekly update on unemployment benefits is expected on Thursday. Markets in the U.S. will close early on Tuesday for Christmas Eve and will remain closed on Wednesday for Christmas.

Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. ( NASDAQ:HST – Get Free Report ) announced a quarterly dividend on Saturday, December 28th, RTT News reports. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, December 31st will be paid a dividend of 0.20 per share on Wednesday, January 15th. This represents a $0.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.45%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, December 31st. Host Hotels & Resorts has increased its dividend payment by an average of 48.1% per year over the last three years. Host Hotels & Resorts has a payout ratio of 87.0% indicating that its dividend is currently covered by earnings, but may not be in the future if the company’s earnings tumble. Equities research analysts expect Host Hotels & Resorts to earn $1.96 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $0.80 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 40.8%. Host Hotels & Resorts Stock Performance Shares of NASDAQ HST opened at $17.98 on Friday. The business’s 50-day simple moving average is $18.05 and its 200-day simple moving average is $17.71. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76, a quick ratio of 2.90 and a current ratio of 2.90. Host Hotels & Resorts has a 52 week low of $15.71 and a 52 week high of $21.31. The firm has a market cap of $12.57 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.46 and a beta of 1.32. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades HST has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on shares of Host Hotels & Resorts from $21.00 to $22.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research report on Monday, December 9th. Truist Financial cut their price objective on Host Hotels & Resorts from $23.00 to $20.00 and set a “hold” rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, September 4th. Stifel Nicolaus lowered their target price on Host Hotels & Resorts from $21.00 to $20.50 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a report on Friday, November 22nd. UBS Group cut their price target on Host Hotels & Resorts from $20.00 to $19.00 and set a “neutral” rating for the company in a report on Friday, November 15th. Finally, StockNews.com downgraded shares of Host Hotels & Resorts from a “hold” rating to a “sell” rating in a research note on Thursday, November 14th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $21.39. Read Our Latest Report on Host Hotels & Resorts About Host Hotels & Resorts ( Get Free Report ) Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc is an S&P 500 company and is the largest lodging real estate investment trust and one of the largest owners of luxury and upper-upscale hotels. The Company currently owns 72 properties in the United States and five properties internationally totaling approximately 42,000 rooms. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Host Hotels & Resorts Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Host Hotels & Resorts and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .TherapeuticsMD Inc. stock outperforms competitors despite losses on the dayThe Shrimpers head to the Arena for an all Essex third round tie this weekend. And Maher will be treating the game the same way as a National League encounter. “We will prepare the same way we would any league game,” said the Blues boss. “We’re looking forward to it. “It’s local and there will be a big crowd in for Brentwood which is good. “We’ll take as many as we possibly can of course and we’ll be preparing with the same level of detail we always do so we’ll be ready.” Southend go into the game sitting 14th in the league standings, 62 places higher than Brentwood in the football pyramid. But Maher will not be taking Town lightly. “We’ll make sure the lads are bang at it because Brentwood had a really good result in the previous round, winning at Hereford, and they’ve got some really dangerous players,” said Maher. “We’ll be professional and get ourselves right so we can do our job properly. “It’s a competition we will take seriously and want to do well.” Blues make the short trip to Brentwood looking to build on Saturday’s 2-0 win at Halifax Town. And Maher confirmed he would be picking a strong starting line-up. “We will be strong,” said Maher. “It’s important to say we won’t be taking anything lightly, whatever the team is. “We’ll have a look at it but we won’t be giving much away before hand obviously. “It’s a game we’ll be strong for and it’s one we want to win but we believe we can make changes and still be strong.” Brentwood are currently seventh in the Isthmian North standings. And Maher will not have far to travel for the game. “It’s not quite walkable but it’s not far at all,” said the Brentwood based Maher. “I’ve been across there quite a few times. “There’s a new 3G over there as well which is beneficial for them as well.” Saturday’s game will go straight to penalties if the two teams are level after 90 minutes. The draw for the fourth round will take place on Monday.

College football: Three Mountaineers honored by Big 12NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks wavered in afternoon trading on Wall Street Monday at the start of a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 rose 0.4%. A handful of technology companies helped support the gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 63 points, or 0.2% as of 1:18 p.m. Eastern time. The tech-heavy Nasdaq composite rose 0.7%. Semiconductor giant Nvidia, whose enormous valuation gives it an outsize influence on indexes, rose 3%. Broadcom jumped 5.2% to also help support the broader market. Japanese automakers Honda Motor and Nissan said they are talking about combining in a deal that might also include Mitsubishi Motors. Honda rose 3.8% and Nissan rose 1.6% in Tokyo. Eli Lilly rose 3% after announcing that regulators approved Zepbound as the first and only prescription medicine for adults with sleep apnea. Department store Nordstrom fell 1.7% after it agreed to be taken private by Nordstrom family members and a Mexican retail group in a $6.25 billion deal. The Conference Board said that consumer confidence slipped in December. Its consumer confidence index fell back to 104.7 from 112.8 in November. Wall Street was expecting a reading of 113.8. The unexpectedly weak consumer confidence update follows several generally strong economic reports last week. One report showed the overall economy grew at a 3.1% annualized rate during the summer, faster than earlier thought. The latest report on unemployment benefit applications showed that the job market remains solid. A report on Friday said a measure of inflation the Federal Reserve likes to use was slightly lower last month than economists expected. Worries about inflation edging higher again had been weighing on Wall Street and the Fed. The central bank just delivered its third cut to interest rates this year, but inflation has been hovering stubbornly above its target of 2%. It has signaled that it could deliver fewer cuts to interest rates next year than it earlier anticipated because of concerns over inflation. Expectations for more interest rate cuts have helped drive a 24% gain for the S&P 500 in 2024. That drive included 57 all-time highs this year. Inflation concerns have added to uncertainties heading into 2025, which include the labor market's path ahead and shifting economic policies under an incoming President Donald Trump. "Put simply, much of the strong market performance prior to last week was driven by expectations that a best-case scenario was the base case for 2025," said Brent Schutte, chief investment officer at Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company Treasury yields edged higher in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.58% from 4.53% late Friday. European markets were mostly lower, while markets in Asia gained ground. Wall Street has several other economic reports to look forward to this week. On Tuesday, the U.S. will release its November report for sales of newly constructed homes. A weekly update on unemployment benefits is expected on Thursday. Markets in the U.S. will close early on Tuesday for Christmas Eve and will remain closed on Wednesday for Christmas.

Texas, Georgia, Alabama top SEC and national recruiting rankings after early signings

EQB changed its fiscal year in 2023 to end October 31 , resulting in a one-time ten-month transition year and a four-month final quarter of 2023. As a result, the comparisons below are shown year-over-year from the fourth quarter ending October 31, 2023 , as the most similar and comparable three-month period ("y/y"). The information contained in this news release is unaudited. TORONTO , Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - EQB Inc. EQB today reported record financial results for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2024 , underpinned by 9% annual growth in loans under management, higher non-interest revenue and a substantial increase in EQ Bank customer accounts crossing over half a million. On the strength of this performance and a favourable outlook for personal and commercial loan originations in fiscal 2025, EQB raised its common share dividend and issued medium-term growth guidance anchored in a 15%+ ROE. "This year marks our second decade as a publicly traded company and our most profitable year on record, with annual revenue surpassing $1 billion for the first time. Shareholder value creation, including ROE at 15% and four consecutive quarters of dividend increases, once again reflected efficient capital allocation and underlying business strength," said Andrew Moor , president and CEO, EQB. While EQB generated record earnings for fiscal 2024, its Q4 results were negatively impacted by credit provisions in its equipment financing portfolio, including one particular credit exposure. This resulted in higher-than-anticipated provisions for credit losses (PCLs) for the quarter. As part of its continued strategic review of the equipment financing business, EQB has instated measures to derisk and diversify this modest portfolio, including shifting to higher credit quality exposures. Adjusted ROE 1 Q4 13.1% and FY24 15.0% (reported Q4 10.2% and FY24 13.8%) Adjusted diluted EPS 1 Q4 $2.51 and FY24 $11.03 (reported Q4 $1.95 and FY24 $10.11 ) Book value per share $77.51 , +2% q/q, +10% y/y Adjusted revenue Q4 $321.6 million and FY24 $1,264.2 million (reported Q4 $312.8 million and FY24 $1,255.4 million ) Net interest margin 2 Q4 2.07% and FY24 2.05% Adjusted PPPT 3 Q4 $173.0 million and FY24 $692.9 million (reported Q4 $159.1 million and FY24 $661.3 million ) Adjusted net income 1 Q4 $101.4 million , and FY24 $438.0 million (reported Q4 $79.4 million and FY24 $401.7 million ) Total AUM + AUA 2 $127.0 billion , +1% q/q, +14% y/y EQ Bank customer growth +6% q/q and +28% y/y to over 513,000 customers Common share dividends $0.49 per share declared, increasing 2 cents or +4% q/q, +23% y/y Total capital ratio 15.6% with CET1 of 14.3% "Looking to 2025, we expect easing monetary policy will provide welcome relief for borrowers and drive loan origination growth across the bank. This new rate cycle will also bring into sharp focus the compelling value of our high interest, no-fee EQ Bank offerings as we enter our next phase of growth. I thank all members of Canada's Challenger BankTM for driving change in Canadian banking to enrich people's lives with the innovation and value for which we are known," added Mr. Moor. EQ Bank welcomes over 28,000 customers in Q4 growing to 513,000, +6% q/q and +28% y/y The Notice Savings Account, launched mid-year, continues to act as a significant customer and deposit growth driver for EQ Bank, deepening its everyday bank value proposition Beta launch of the EQ Bank Business Account, a high-interest, no-fee everyday bank account uniquely designed to suit Canadian small business owners' needs, warmly welcomed by the small business community in Canada with roll-out continuing through 2025 EQ Bank named Brand of the Year by strategy magazine , recognized for its recent "Second Chance" and "Deuxième Chance" campaigns and corresponding impact on brand awareness Personal Banking LUM steady on strong customer retention, decumulation business grows +47% y/y in line with guidance The single-family uninsured portfolio increased 1% q/q to $20.0 billion , as strong customer retention offset the impact of slower housing market activity on new originations Single-family insured lending declined 7% q/q to $9.2 billion as a result of a purposeful shift away from lower margin prime mortgages; going forward, EQB will focus on growing uninsured single-family lending through its differentiated and well recognized customer and broker experience advantage Decumulation lending (including reverse mortgages and insurance lending) +10% q/q and +47% y/y to $2.1 billion with growth accelerating as a result of successful consumer advertising that bolstered public awareness, strong broker service and value to borrowers Commercial Banking LUM led by 30% y/y expansion in multi-unit residential to $26.1B EQB continues to prioritize insured lending for multi-unit residential properties (primarily rental apartments) in major cities across the country with 81% of its total commercial loans under management (LUM) insured through various CMHC programs; insured multi-unit residential LUM +8% q/q and +30% y/y to $26.1 billion As a result of the Bank's lending focus on properties where people live, it maintains limited exposure to the Canadian commercial office real estate market (~0.5% of loan assets), and those balances declined in Q4; consistent with the Bank's long-term risk appetite, commercial office lending is generally confined to multi-tenanted, mixed-used properties occupied by medical and professional businesses Increased PCL primarily driven by equipment financing with expected improvement in FY25 The Bank is appropriately reserved for credit losses with net allowances as a percentage of total loan assets of 32 bps, compared to 26 bps at July 31, 2024 , and 22 bps at October 31, 2023 Total Q4 adjusted PCL of $31.9 million (reported $48.0 million in Q4), or 27bps of total loan assets, includes $16 million from equipment financing PCL, $5.2 million from personal and $10.7 million from commercial excluding equipment financing Of FY24 adjusted PCL of $89.2 million , 71% is attributable to equipment financing, including anomalous losses associated with Pride Group exposure; following elevated provisions and losses booked in Q4, performance is expected to significantly improve in FY25 Reflected in Q4 reported results is the Bank's previously identified operational exposure and losses associated with Pride Group; as part of the active Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act process for Pride Group and the operational exposure associated with suspected irregularities, expected credit losses associated with these leases have been separated from normal course business but remain accounted for in PCL Net impaired loans increased by $97.0 million to $623.7 million , or 132 bps of total loan assets, compared to 109 bps at July 31, 2024 , and 76 bps from October 31, 2023 ; half of which can be attributed to one commercial loan. While the pace of resolutions is improving, declines in impaired loans are expected by the second half of fiscal 2025 EQB increases common share dividend EQB's Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.49 per common share payable on December 31, 2024 , to shareholders of record as of December 13, 2024 , representing a 4% increase from the dividend paid in September 2024 and 23% above the payment made in December 2023 For the purposes of the Income Tax Act ( Canada ) and any similar provincial legislation, dividends declared are eligible dividends, unless otherwise indicated EQB issues updated growth guidance FY25 and medium term guidance for adjusted pre-provision pre-tax earnings, adjusted diluted EPS, adjusted ROE, dividends, book value per share, CET1 ratio and balance sheet growth are found in Supplementary Management Information in the Financials section of EQB's investor website at eqb.investorroom.com and which will be included in EQB's Q4 2024 MD&A to be filed under EQB's profile on www.sedarplus.ca EQB has a Normal Course Issuer Bid (NCIB) that expires in January 2025 and intends to renew and increase the size of its NCIB for the following twelve-month period which gives it additional options for capital deployment. 4 "We are proud of EQB's strategic progress in fiscal 2024, particularly considering the economic environment and atypical pressure in our credit book. The diversification and strength of our business model translated to solid ROE and excellent growth in key asset classes. Excluding the elevated equipment financing credit losses, EQB would have achieved the high-end of 2024 expectations," said Chadwick Westlake , CFO, EQB. "Our updated growth guidance reflects our bullish view on loan origination prospects, tailwinds for provisioning given steps taken in equipment financing in Q4 and the expectation for significant improvement in impaired loans. While our first priority in capital allocation remains organic lending growth, we continue to assess select inorganic growth opportunities, and we have levers for returning capital to shareholders that collectively position us for strength in 2025." 1 Adjusted measures and ratios are Non-Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) measures and ratios. Adjusted measures and ratios are calculated in the same manner as reported measures and ratios, except that financial information included in the calculation of adjusted measures and ratios is adjusted to exclude the impact of the Concentra Bank and ACM acquisition and integration related costs, and other non-recurring items which management determines would have a significant impact on a reader's assessment of business performance. For additional information and a reconciliation of reported results to adjusted results, see the "Non-GAAP financial measures and ratios" section. 2 These are non-GAAP measures, see the "Non-GAAP financial measures and ratios" section. 3 PPPT represents pre-provision-pre-tax income, a non-GAAP measure of financial performance. 4 Subject to regulatory approvals. Analyst conference call and webcast: 10:30 a.m. ET December 5, 2024 EQB's Andrew Moor , president and CEO, Chadwick Westlake , CFO, and Marlene Lenarduzzi , CRO, will host the company's fourth quarter conference call and webcast. The listen-only webcast with accompanying slides will be available at: eqb.investorroom.com . To access the conference call with operator assistance, dial 416-945-7677 five minutes prior to the start time. Further information Further information on EQB's unaudited Q4 and 2024 results may be found under the Financials section of the EQB investor website at eqb.investorroom.com . INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Consolidated balance sheet (unaudited) ($000s) As at October 31, 2024 October 31, 2023 Assets: Cash and cash equivalents 591,641 549,474 Restricted cash 971,987 767,195 Securities purchased under reverse repurchase agreements 1,260,118 908,833 Investments 1,627,314 2,120,645 Loans – Personal 32,273,551 32,390,527 Loans – Commercial 14,760,367 14,970,604 Securitization retained interests 813,719 559,271 Deferred tax assets 36,104 14,230 Other assets 899,120 652,675 Total assets 53,233,921 52,933,454 Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Liabilities: Deposits 33,739,612 31,996,450 Securitization liabilities 14,594,304 14,501,161 Obligations under repurchase agreements - 1,128,238 Deferred tax liabilities 177,933 128,436 Funding facilities 946,956 1,731,587 Other liabilities 636,931 602,039 Total liabilities 50,095,736 50,087,911 Shareholders' Equity: Preferred shares - 181,411 Common shares 505,876 471,014 Other equity instruments 147,440 - Contributed (deficit) surplus (17,374) 12,795 Retained earnings 2,483,309 2,185,480 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 8,555 (5,157) 3,127,806 2,845,543 Non-controlling interests 10,379 - Total equity 3,138,185 2,845,543 Total liabilities and equity 53,233,921 52,933,454 Consolidated statement of income (unaudited) ($000s, except per share amounts) Year/Period ended 2024 2023 Interest income: Loans – Personal 1,945,011 1,410,571 Loans – Commercial 1,019,682 860,363 Investments 66,766 65,362 Other 108,082 70,123 3,139,541 2,406,419 Interest expense: Deposits 1,490,075 1,077,520 Securitization liabilities 522,673 402,443 Funding facilities 50,940 44,527 Other 25,364 43,650 2,089,052 1,568,140 Net interest income 1,050,489 838,279 Non-interest revenue: Fees and other income 81,087 46,895 Net gains on loans and investments 20,279 34,442 Gain on sale and income from retained interests 89,020 56,384 Net gains (losses) on securitization activities and derivatives 14,567 (336) 204,953 137,385 Revenue 1,255,442 975,664 Provision for credit losses 107,013 38,856 Revenue after provision for credit losses 1,148,429 936,808 Non-interest expenses: Compensation and benefits 272,346 199,752 Other 321,753 234,991 594,099 434,743 Income before income taxes 554,330 502,065 Income taxes: Current 134,253 84,066 Deferred 18,405 46,409 152,658 130,475 Net income 401,672 371,590 Dividends on preferred shares 8,140 6,998 Distribution to LRCN holders 2,586 - Net income available to common shareholders and non-controlling interests 390,946 364,592 Net income attributable to: Common shareholders 389,836 364,592 Non-controlling interests 1,110 - 390,946 364,592 Earnings per share: Basic 10.19 9.67 Diluted 10.11 9.59 Consolidated statement of comprehensive income (unaudited) ($000s) Year/Period ended 2024 2023 Net income 401,672 371,590 Other comprehensive income – items that will be reclassified subsequently to income: Debt instruments at Fair Value through Other Comprehensive Income: Reclassification of losses from AOCI on sale of investments (2,051) - Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on fair value 68,127 (36,208) Reclassification of net (gains) losses to income (52,096) 37,432 Other comprehensive income – items that will not be reclassified subsequently to income: Equity instruments designated at Fair Value through Other Comprehensive Income: Reclassification of losses from AOCI on sale of investments (31,340) (10,951) Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on fair value 1,176 (34,767) Reclassification of net losses to retained earnings 31,588 11,042 15,404 (33,452) Income tax (expense) recovery (4,063) 9,210 11,341 (24,242) Cash flow hedges: Net change in unrealized (losses) gains on fair value (22,798) 40,951 Reclassification of net gains to income (7,377) (38,718) (30,175) 2,233 Income tax recovery (expense) 8,174 (631) (22,001) 1,602 Total other comprehensive loss (10,660) (22,640) Total comprehensive income 391,012 348,950 Total comprehensive income attributable to: Common shareholders 389,902 348,950 Non-controlling interests 1,110 - 391,012 348,950 Consolidated statement of changes in shareholders' equity (unaudited) ($000s) 2024 Preferred Shares Common Shares Contributed Deficit Retained Earnings Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Other equity instruments Cash Flow Hedges Financial Instruments at FVOCI Total Attributable to equity holders Non- controlling interests Total Balance, beginning of year 181,411 471,014 - 12,795 2,185,480 43,618 (48,775) (5,157) 2,845,543 - 2,845,543 Non-controlling interest on acquisition - - - - - - - - - 10,770 10,770 Net Income - - - - 400,562 - - - 400,562 1,110 401,672 Realized losses on sale of shares, net of tax - - - - (23,056) - - - (23,056) - (23,056) Transfer of AOCI losses to retained earnings, net of tax - - - - - - 22,875 22,875 22,875 - 22,875 Transfer of AOCI losses to income, net of tax - - - - - - 1,497 1,497 1,497 - 1,497 Other comprehensive loss, net of tax - - - - - (22,001) 11,341 (10,660) (10,660) - (10,660) Common shares issued - 11,000 - - - - - - 11,000 - 11,000 Exercise of stock options - 20,290 - - - - - - 20,290 - 20,290 Redemption of preferred shares (181,411) - - - (2,371) - - - (183,782) - (183,782) Limited recourse capital notes issued - - 150,000 - - - - - 150,000 - 150,000 Issuance cost, net of tax - - (2,560) - - - - - (2,560) - (2,560) Limited recourse capital note distributions, net of tax - - - - (2,586) - - - (2,586) - (2,586) Dividends: Preferred shares - - - - (8,140) - - - (8,140) - (8,140) Common shares - - - - (66,580) - - - (66,580) (1,501) (68,081) Share tender rights - - - (30,613) - - - - (30,613) - (30,613) Stock-based compensation - - - 4,016 - - - - 4,016 - 4,016 Transfer relating to the exercise of stock options - 3,572 - (3,572) - - - - - - - Balance, end of year - 505,876 147,440 (17,374) 2,483,309 21,617 (13,062) 8,555 3,127,806 10,379 3,138,185 ($000s) 2023 Preferred Shares Common Shares Contributed surplus Retained Earnings Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Cash Flow Hedges Financial Instruments at FVOCI Total Attributable to equity holders Non- controlling interests Total Balance, beginning of year 181,411 462,561 11,445 1,870,100 42,016 (32,578) 9,438 2,534,955 - 2,534,955 Net Income - - - 371,590 - - - 371,590 - 371,590 Realized losses on sale of shares, net of tax - - - (7,722) - - - (7,722) - (7,722) Transfer of AOCI losses to retained earnings, net of tax - - - - - 8,045 8,045 8,045 - 8,045 Transfer of AOCI losses to net income, net of tax - - - - - - - - - - Other comprehensive loss, net of tax - - - - 1,602 (24,242) (22,640) (22,640) - (22,640) Exercise of stock options - 13,161 - - - - - 13,161 - 13,161 Share Issuance cost, net of tax - (6,230) - - - - - (6,230) - (6,230) Dividends: Preferred shares - - - (6,998) - - - (6,998) - (6,998) Common shares - - - (41,490) - - - (41,490) - (41,490) Stock-based compensation - - 2,872 - - - - 2,872 - 2,872 Transfer relating to the exercise of stock options - 1,522 (1,522) - - - - - - - Balance, end of period 181,411 471,014 12,795 2,185,480 43,618 (48,775) (5,157) 2,845,543 - 2,845,543 Consolidated statement of cash flows (unaudited) ($000s) Year/Period ended 2024 2023 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net income 401,672 371,590 Adjustments for non-cash items in net income: Financial instruments at fair value through income 13,152 45,533 Amortization of premiums/discount on investments (56,548) 7,678 Amortization of capital and intangible costs 60,036 39,155 Provision for credit losses 107,013 38,856 Securitization gains (66,348) (46,948) Stock-based compensation 4,016 2,871 Dividend income earned, not received - (28,380) Income taxes 152,658 130,475 Securitization retained interests 129,719 75,304 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Restricted cash (204,792) (29,539) Securities purchased under reverse repurchase agreements (351,285) (708,401) Loans receivable, net of securitizations (89,825) (1,126,698) Other assets (53,917) (57,566) Deposits 1,614,275 865,734 Securitization liabilities 81,156 (519,066) Obligations under repurchase agreements (1,128,238) 462,931 Funding facilities (784,631) 491,883 Other liabilities 8,314 108,201 Income taxes paid (98,042) (90,318) Cash flows (used in) from operating activities (278,243) 33,295 CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Proceeds from issuance of common shares 31,290 6,931 Redemption of preferred shares (183,782) - Net proceeds from issuance of limited recourse notes 147,440 - Distributions to other equity holders (2,586) - Dividends paid on preferred shares (8,140) (6,998) Dividends paid on common shares (66,580) (41,490) Cash flows used in financing activities (82,358) (41,557) CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Purchase of investments (401,650) (989,055) Proceeds on sale or redemption of investments 921,021 1,007,663 Acquisition of subsidiary (75,483) - Investment in associate (50,000) - Net change in Canada Housing Trust re-investment accounts 76,243 78,988 Purchase of capital assets and system development costs (67,363) (34,966) Cash flows from investing activities 402,768 62,630 Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 42,167 54,368 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 549,474 495,106 Cash and cash equivalents, end of year 591,641 549,474 Cash flows from operating activities include: Supplemental statement of cash flows disclosures Interest received 2,922,693 2,137,216 Interest paid (1,747,235) (1,221,598) Dividends received 1,944 31,243 About EQB Inc. EQB Inc. EQB is a leading digital financial services company with $127 billion in combined assets under management and administration (as at October 31, 2024 ). It offers banking services through Equitable Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary and Canada's seventh largest bank by assets, and wealth management through ACM Advisors, a majority owned subsidiary specializing in alternative assets. As Canada's Challenger BankTM, Equitable Bank has a clear mission to drive change in Canadian banking to enrich people's lives. It leverages technology to deliver exceptional personal and commercial banking experiences and services to nearly 700,000 customers and more than six million credit union members through its businesses. Through its digital EQ Bank platform ( eqbank.ca ), its customers have named it one of Canada's top banks on the Forbes World's Best Banks list since 2021. Please visit eqb.investorroom.com for more details. Investor contact: Mike Rizvanovic Managing Director, Investor Relations investor_enquiry@eqb.com Media contact: Maggie Hall Director, PR & Communications maggie.hall@eqb.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Statements made by EQB in the sections of this news release, in other filings with Canadian securities regulators and in other communications include forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws (forward-looking statements). These statements include, but are not limited to, statements about EQB's objectives, strategies and initiatives, financial performance expectation, statements with respect to EQB's intention to renew and/or make share repurchases under its NCIB, and other statements made herein, whether with respect to EQB's businesses or the Canadian economy. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "intends", "scheduled", "planned", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases which state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved", or other similar expressions of future or conditional verbs. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, closing of transactions, performance or achievements of EQB to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to risks related to capital markets and additional funding requirements, fluctuating interest rates and general economic conditions, legislative and regulatory developments, changes in accounting standards, the nature of our customers and rates of default, and competition as well as those factors discussed under the heading "Risk Management" in EQB's Q3 MD&A and in EQB's documents filed on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca and in Q4: Supplemental Management Information that is available under the Financials section of EQB's investor website at eqb.investorroom.com. All material assumptions used in making forward-looking statements are based on management's knowledge of current business conditions and expectations of future business conditions and trends, including their knowledge of the current credit, interest rate and liquidity conditions affecting EQB and the Canadian economy. Although EQB believes the assumptions used to make such statements are reasonable at this time and has attempted to identify in its continuous disclosure documents important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Certain material assumptions are applied by EQB in making forward-looking statements, including without limitation, assumptions regarding its continued ability to fund its mortgage business, a continuation of the current level of economic uncertainty that affects real estate market conditions, continued acceptance of its products in the marketplace, as well as no material changes in its operating cost structure and the current tax regime. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. EQB does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that are contained herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Non-Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) Financial Measures and Ratios In addition to GAAP prescribed measures, this news release references certain non-GAAP measures, including adjusted financial results, that we believe provide useful information to investors regarding EQB's financial condition and results of operations. Readers are cautioned that non-GAAP measures often do not have any standardized meaning, and therefore, are unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Adjustments listed below are presented on a pre-tax basis: FY 2024 $8.8 million fair value adjustment on a covered bond maturity, $2.2 million new office lease related costs prior to occupancy, $11.2 million non-recurring operational effectiveness expenses and acquisition and integration-related costs associated with Concentra and ACM, $9.3 million intangible asset amortization, $16.1 million provision for credit losses associated with an equipment financing purchase facility, and $1.7 million provision for credit losses due to a one-time change in ECL methodology from five to four economic scenarios and adjusting associated weights. FY 2023 $28.0 million related to a one-time strategic investment gain, $15.1 million acquisition and integration-related costs associated with Concentra and ACM, $3.5 million intangible asset amortization, $3.3 million net fair value amortization adjustments, and $0.9 million other expenses. The following table presents a reconciliation of GAAP reported financial results to non-GAAP adjusted financial results (unaudited). Reconciliation of reported and adjusted financial results As at or for the quarter ended For the year ended ($000, except share and per share amounts) 31-Oct-24 31-Jul-24 31-Oct-23 (fourth months) 31-Oct-24 31-Oct-23 (ten months) Reported results Net interest income 255,774 271,367 345,783 1,050,489 838,279 Non-interest revenue 56,998 55,871 49,503 204,953 137,385 Revenue 312,772 327,238 395,286 1,255,442 975,664 Non-interest expense 153,625 150,569 181,165 594,099 434,743 Pre-provision pre-tax income (3) 159,147 176,669 214,121 661,343 540,921 Provision for credit loss 47,987 21,274 19,566 107,013 38,856 Income tax expense 31,740 43,241 53,409 152,658 130,475 Net income 79,420 112,154 141,146 401,672 371,590 Net income available to common shareholders 75,382 109,538 138,797 389,836 364,592 Adjustments Net interest income – covered bond fair value adjustment 8,804 - - 8,804 - Net interest income – fair value amortization/adjustments - - - - (4,167) Non-interest revenue – strategic investment - - - - (27,965) Non-interest revenue – fair value amortization/adjustments - - - - 941 Non-interest expenses – new office lease related costs (2,208) - - (2,208) - Non-interest expenses – non-recurring operational effectiveness and acquisition-related costs (1) (755) (2,652) (6,972) (11,171) (15,093) Non-interest expenses – other expenses - - - - (858) Non-interest expenses – fair value amortization/adjustments - - - - (66) Non-interest expenses – intangible asset amortization (2,115) (2,223) (1,181) (9,334) (3,542) Provision for credit loss – equipment financing (16,085) - - (16,085) - Provision for credit loss – ECL methodology change and weights - (1,698) - (1,698) - Pre-tax adjustments – income before tax 29,967 6,573 8,153 49,301 (11,631) Income tax expense – tax impact on above adjustments (2) 7,988 1,543 2,264 12,997 (4,311) Post-tax adjustments – net income 21,979 5,030 5,889 36,303 (7,320) Adjustments attributed to minority interests (288) (310) - (912) - Post-tax adjustments – net income to common shareholders 21,691 4,720 5,889 35,391 (7,320) Adjusted results Net interest income 264,578 271,367 345,783 1,059,293 834,112 Non-interest revenue 56,998 55,871 49,503 204,953 110,361 Revenue 321,576 327,238 395,286 1,264,246 944,473 Non-interest expense 148,547 145,694 173,012 571,386 415,184 Pre-provision pre-tax income (3) 173,029 181,544 222,274 692,860 529,289 Provision for credit loss 31,902 19,576 19,566 89,230 38,856 Income tax expenses 39,728 44,784 55,673 165,655 126,163 Net income 101,399 117,184 147,035 437,975 364,270 Net income available to common shareholders 97,073 114,258 144,686 425,227 357,272 Diluted earnings p er share Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding 38,723,974 38,606,268 38,117,929 38,549,300 38,013,724 Diluted earnings per share – reported 1.95 2.84 3.64 10.11 9.59 Diluted earnings per share – adjusted 2.51 2.96 3.80 11.03 9.40 Diluted earnings per share – adjustment impact 0.56 0.12 0.16 0.92 (0.19) (1) Includes non-recurring operational effectiveness and acquisition and integration-related costs associated with Concentra Bank and ACM. (2) Income tax expense associated with non-GAAP adjustment was calculated based on the statutory tax rate applicable for that period, taking into account the federal tax rate increase. (3) This is a non-GAAP measure, see Non-GAAP financial measures and ratios section of this document. Other non-GAAP financial measures and ratios: Adjusted return on equity (ROE) is calculated on an annualized basis and is defined as adjusted net income available to common shareholders as a percentage of weighted average common shareholders' equity (reported) outstanding during the period. Assets under administration (AUA): is sum of (1) assets over which EQB's subsidiaries have been named as trustee, custodian, executor, administrator, or other similar role; (2) loans held by credit unions for which EQB's subsidiaries act as servicer. Assets under management (AUM): is the sum of total balance sheet assets, loan principal derecognized but still managed by EQB, and assets managed on behalf on investors. Loans under management (LUM): is the sum of loan principal reported on the consolidated balance sheet and loan principal derecognized but still managed by EQB. Net interest margin (NIM): this profitability measure is calculated on an annualized basis by dividing net interest income by the average total interest earning assets for the period. Pre-provision pre-tax income (PPPT): this is the difference between revenue and non-interest expenses. Total loan assets: this is calculated on a gross basis (prior to allowance for credit losses) as the sum of both Loans – Personal and Loans – Commercial on the balance sheet and adding their associated allowance for credit losses. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/eqb-reports-record-annual-earnings-dividend-increase-and-growth-guidance-302323174.html SOURCE EQB Inc. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

Joe Biden, Donald Trump and More Pay Tribute to Jimmy Carter: “An Extraordinary Leader, Statesman and Humanitarian”

NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks wavered in afternoon trading on Wall Street Monday at the start of a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 rose 0.4%. A handful of technology companies helped support the gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 63 points, or 0.2% as of 1:18 p.m. Eastern time. The tech-heavy Nasdaq composite rose 0.7%. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Get the latest need-to-know information delivered to your inbox as it happens. Our flagship newsletter. Get our front page stories each morning as well as the latest updates each afternoon during the week + more in-depth weekend editions on Saturdays & Sundays.Senator James Lankford (R-OK) said Sunday on CNN’s “State of the Union” that the Bible should be “taught in schools” as a historical document and cultural document. Host Dana Bash said, “I do want to ask about something that’s going on now in the Texas School Board, which voted this week to incentivize public schools to use an optional curriculum that incorporates Bible lessons. It began earlier this year in your home state of Oklahoma, which required schools to have Bible in classes and include the Ten Commandments and lessons. You are a pastor, you are a public official, both of these issues are very near and dear to your heart. Do you think it’s appropriate to incorporate religion into public education like that?” Lankford said, “In Oklahoma, we’re allowing students to be able to do off-campus religious education if they want to have actual religious education. They can do that off-campus. It’s an elective, like choir or band or any other number of electives that are out there. They can get a chance to be able to do off-campus religious education. So, any conversation about the Bible shouldn’t be a religious tone. I’m will know that my Christian faith has impacted my life dramatically, and I am the primary teacher to my children of my faith. That shouldn’t be a public school teacher to do that. But I am saying that the Bible is also a part of Western civilization and part of our founding. Many of our founders were very passionate about scripture and about the Bible, and studied it. So as a historical document, as a cultural document, it absolutely should be taught in schools. As a religious document, that’s up to parents and to faith leaders off campus.” Follow Pam Key on X @pamkeyNEN