fortune gems 3 jili download free

fortune gems 3 jili download free Ex-employees kept network access in three gov't departments: auditorCerity Partners LLC grew its holdings in shares of AppFolio, Inc. ( NASDAQ:APPF – Free Report ) by 1,120.7% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 14,648 shares of the software maker’s stock after buying an additional 13,448 shares during the quarter. Cerity Partners LLC’s holdings in AppFolio were worth $3,448,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of APPF. Squarepoint Ops LLC boosted its holdings in AppFolio by 188.2% during the 2nd quarter. Squarepoint Ops LLC now owns 185,034 shares of the software maker’s stock valued at $45,254,000 after acquiring an additional 120,835 shares during the period. Westwind Capital lifted its position in shares of AppFolio by 301.0% during the second quarter. Westwind Capital now owns 149,240 shares of the software maker’s stock worth $3,650,000 after purchasing an additional 112,024 shares during the last quarter. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of AppFolio by 516.6% during the second quarter. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC now owns 109,850 shares of the software maker’s stock valued at $26,866,000 after purchasing an additional 92,034 shares during the period. Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC bought a new position in shares of AppFolio in the second quarter worth about $12,993,000. Finally, Susquehanna Fundamental Investments LLC bought a new position in shares of AppFolio in the second quarter worth about $9,807,000. 62.34% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of brokerages recently weighed in on APPF. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lowered shares of AppFolio from a “market perform” rating to an “underperform” rating and decreased their price objective for the company from $255.00 to $193.00 in a report on Tuesday, October 15th. Piper Sandler decreased their price target on shares of AppFolio from $300.00 to $265.00 and set an “overweight” rating for the company in a research note on Friday, October 25th. KeyCorp dropped their price objective on AppFolio from $300.00 to $252.00 and set an “overweight” rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, October 25th. Finally, StockNews.com lowered AppFolio from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Thursday, August 22nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has issued a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $261.75. AppFolio Trading Down 0.4 % Shares of NASDAQ:APPF opened at $253.75 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $9.22 billion, a PE ratio of 70.68 and a beta of 0.83. AppFolio, Inc. has a 12-month low of $164.29 and a 12-month high of $274.56. The business’s fifty day simple moving average is $224.84 and its 200-day simple moving average is $231.25. AppFolio ( NASDAQ:APPF – Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, October 24th. The software maker reported $1.29 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.03 by $0.26. The company had revenue of $206.00 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $199.11 million. AppFolio had a return on equity of 30.64% and a net margin of 17.26%. The firm’s quarterly revenue was up 24.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.26 earnings per share. Research analysts predict that AppFolio, Inc. will post 3.23 EPS for the current year. Insider Transactions at AppFolio In other AppFolio news, major shareholder Maurice J. Duca sold 2,700 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $234.05, for a total value of $631,935.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 14,716 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,444,279.80. This trade represents a 15.50 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website . Also, CEO William Shane Trigg sold 3,500 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $229.85, for a total value of $804,475.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 74,327 shares in the company, valued at $17,084,060.95. The trade was a 4.50 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders have sold a total of 24,461 shares of company stock valued at $5,766,272 in the last 90 days. Insiders own 5.24% of the company’s stock. AppFolio Profile ( Free Report ) AppFolio, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides cloud business management solutions for the real estate industry in the United States. The company provides a cloud-based platform that enables users to automate and optimize common workflows; tools that assist with leasing, maintenance, and accounting; and other technology and services offered by third parties. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding APPF? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for AppFolio, Inc. ( NASDAQ:APPF – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for AppFolio Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AppFolio and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Just because the stock market is on a solid bull market rally doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to end in tears, perhaps shortly. Undoubtedly, should definitely be asking themselves if above-average valuation multiples are worth paying and if they still stand to get a decent value per investment dollar. Indeed, even high-growth companies with hefty multiples can be a decent value if the fundamentals are improving, catalysts are arising, and the earnings growth narrative is getting more interesting. Add the potential for fewer regulations and lower corporate taxation in the U.S. under a Trump administration, and it should be no surprise why many investors are flooding back into stocks on both sides of the border. Though is getting harder to come by, especially in the U.S. tech sector, there is no shortage of relatively affordable options on the TSX Index. In this piece, we’ll check out three such names that may still be appetizing to value investors, many of whom just can’t pay a premium for red-hot tech stocks that are fresh off double-digit (or, in some cases, triple-digit) gains in the past 12-18 months. Sure, artificial intelligence (AI) is where most investors want to be these days, but let’s not neglect the companies that still stand to do well as the stock market and economy zoom higher going into the second half of the 2020s. Who knows? Perhaps the “Roaring 20s” could be the theme from here on out. Alimentation Couche-Tard ( ) is a convenience store firm that’s built a lot of value through acquisition over the decades. The company’s ongoing pursuit of 7-Eleven’s parent company is poised to continue in 2025. And while 7-Eleven’s owner is exploring alternative options (including a potential U.S. IPO), I think Couche-Tard shareholders ought to hang in for the ride. Arguably, missing out on buying 7-Eleven could be a good thing in the eyes of investors, especially since news of the initial deal sent the stock into a bit of a tailspin earlier this year. Either way, Couche-Tard has money to spend and a literal world full of opportunities to continue growing via mergers and acquisitions. At just north of $81 per share and 21.6 times trailing price to earnings (P/E), ATD stock is way too cheap, given its wide moat, strong balance sheet, and proven strategy of growing via acquisitions. As a relatively predictable, low-tech business that’s going into the new year in recovery mode, I’d strongly consider picking up a few shares. Time will tell if Couche-Tard ends up the new, proud owner of 7-Eleven. Either way, I think the company is well-equipped for growth, regardless of which outcome it’s dealt in 2025. In the meantime, look for Couche-Tard’s managers to continue giving their all to make such a dream deal a reality. Whether that entails a richer bid remains to be seen. Either way, shareholders should put their trust in the legendary management team. Spin Master ( ) stock had a choppy year, ultimately going nowhere (up 1.75% year to date) as the firm pushed through industry headwinds. The company’s latest third quarter saw sales come up short. And with notable weakness on the digital front, it seems like Spin really needs a consumer resurgence for the holidays if shares are to start moving higher again. Perhaps Canada getting a GST/HST holiday break on certain goods, which includes children’s toys, is an overlooked booster for the firm. Indeed, I view TOY stock as highly underrated for mid-cap investors willing to embrace the amplified volatility.

Nordson Corporation Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024 Results

Even in death, John McCain has his daughter’s vote for president. In a podcast interview released Thursday, Meghan McCain revealed she cast a vote for her dead dad as a write-in for president on her 2024 ballot. The Republican political commentator and daughter of the late Arizona senator — who died in 2018 after a battle with brain cancer — waxed poetic about politics on the latest episode of “Next Question with Katie Couric.” “I wrote in my dad,” she told Couric. “People are mad at me. People are so mad at me, Katie. I mean, mad that I didn’t vote either way.” McCain went on to explain the reasoning behind her decision, saying she could “never” vote for Donald Trump but couldn’t support Kamala Harris either. “I don’t want anything on my conscience with any of it,” she said. “I can never vote for Trump. I can’t do it. I could never explain it to my children.” When probed further on why she didn’t vote for Harris , McCain told Couric she “really wanted” the VP to “give me a reason to vote for her and I just felt like it never happened.” But perhaps even more than Harris, McCain said her inability to vote for the Democratic ticket was largely due to Harris’ running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. “Look, I’m a pro-life, pretty hardcore conservative woman and Governor Walz was way too extreme for me,” McCain said. “He actually scared me a lot more than she did. He’s very radical on abortion and his record during the 2020 George Floyd protests in Minneapolis...I felt like he was cosplaying as a Republican to try to get my vote.” John McCain, who served as a U.S. representative and senator from Arizona for over 30 years, also ran an unsuccessful bid for president in 2008. He reduced his role in the Senate after being diagnosed with glioblastoma in 2017 , ultimately dying from the disease a year later. His death still deeply affects his oldest daughter . “My dad dying gutted me,” Meghan McCain said. “I always feel like there’s life before my dad died and after my dad died. I didn’t become a different person, but it just hardens you and ages you when you lose anyone to brain cancer. You just become a different version of yourself.” But the 40-year-old mother of two said she’s relieved her father is not here to bear witness to the polarizing political climate. “There’s a part of me that’s happy he’s not alive to see all this, because it would have broken his heart so badly to see the divisions in the country the way they are.”Bangladesh, with its diverse ecosystems, harbours an array of wildlife species critical to global biodiversity. Yet, this rich natural heritage faces immense threats due to the illegal wildlife trade, both as a source and transit route. The role of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), established in 1973, is vital in curbing this alarming trend. However, recent developments have highlighted serious gaps in the country's compliance. Illegal wildlife trade in Bangladesh encompasses a wide range of species, including Bengal tigers, turtles, exotic birds, and marine life. The country's geopolitical location, bordering India and Myanmar, makes it a strategic transit point for traffickers. According to field studies, Bangladesh has 16 key trafficking hotspots along its borders, including Teknaf, Benapole, and the Chattogram seaport. Smugglers exploit porous borders and weak enforcement to move wildlife into neighbouring countries such as India, Myanmar, and Vietnam—countries with booming wildlife markets. Since joining CITES in 1982, Bangladesh has committed to regulating international wildlife trade through strict permits and documentation to protect species from overexploitation. However, in August 2024, Bangladesh faced suspension from CITES due to persistent failures in enforcement, hindering efforts to protect endangered species such as tigers, elephants, and various marine life forms. Despite this setback, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan expressed optimism, citing the government's commitment to stronger compliance and enhanced wildlife monitoring. Challenges persist due to fake permits and insufficient training among port personnel, allowing smugglers to exploit these loopholes and traffic protected species via air and land routes, notably through Dhaka and Chattogram airports. And while the government has made progress in some areas, wildlife trafficking, especially through less-regulated borders, continues to thrive. The Wildlife Crime Control Unit (WCCU), established by the Forest Department, has been at the forefront of efforts to combat wildlife trafficking. Recent seizures of animals, such as Hoolock gibbons, fishing cats, and Kalij pheasants, underscore the ongoing struggle to stop wildlife smuggling. According to law enforcement, wildlife trafficking routes often pass through major international ports like Chattogram before moving to destinations such as India and Myanmar. In March 2021, a significant operation led to the rescue of seven Patagonian Mara, an exotic species from Argentina, in Satkhira. This demonstrates how international traffickers exploit Bangladesh as a transit point. Similar seizures of zebras, lion cubs, and other species further highlight the scale of the illegal trade operating within the country. Bangladesh is home to several species listed under the CITES appendices: Appendix I: Includes species threatened with extinction, such as the Bengal Tiger, Indian Elephant, and Red Panda, as well as marine species like the Olive Ridley Turtle. Appendix II: Includes species like the Saltwater Crocodile, Gharial, and Indian Star Tortoise, which are at risk without trade controls. Appendix III: Includes certain mangrove species from the Sundarbans and orchids from the Dendrobium genus, protected due to over-harvesting. Despite these protective measures, enforcing CITES regulations remains challenging. Combating wildlife trafficking in Bangladesh is hampered by weak enforcement, inadequate resources, and insufficient training for the Wildlife Crime Control Unit. Online marketplaces like Facebook and YouTube complicate regulation, while domestic demand for wildlife products exacerbates the issue. Corruption and lack of expertise among port officials and border guards allow traffickers to exploit false declarations and evade detection, further endangering biodiversity. Wildlife trafficking poses a significant threat to Bangladesh's biodiversity. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), over 390 species in Bangladesh are at risk of extinction. Poaching, habitat destruction, and trade disrupt ecosystems and push species towards extinction. Marine life, such as turtles and sharks from the Bay of Bengal, is particularly vulnerable. Bangladesh has already lost 31 species in the last century, and many more are at risk if illegal trade continues unchecked. The Bangladesh Forest Department, in collaboration with international organisations like Interpol, has intensified anti-trafficking measures. These include: Rescue operations: Seizures of exotic and native wildlife, including endangered species. Public hotlines: Encouraging citizens to report wildlife crimes. Legal frameworks: Enforcing the Wild Animals (Preservation and Security) Act, 2012. Capacity building: Plans for a DNA-based tiger gene bank to strengthen anti-poaching measures. However, recurring offenders and inadequate market monitoring undermine progress. Given this reality, here are some steps that should be taken to address wildlife trafficking effectively: i) Enhance enforcement through training programmes for law enforcement and customs officials; ii) Use modern technology, such as drones and checkpoints, to deter smuggling; iii) Launch public awareness campaigns to reduce domestic demand for wildlife products; iv) Strengthen international cooperation for intelligence sharing and joint operations; and v) Revise policies to enforce stricter penalties and wildlife trade regulations. Bangladesh's biodiversity faces significant pressure from illegal wildlife trade. Effective CITES enforcement and collaborative efforts among government agencies, international organisations, and the public are crucial for safeguarding ecosystems and global biodiversity. Fardeen Bin Abdullah studies LLM at the Department of Law, University of Rajshahi. Views expressed in this article are the author's own. Follow The Daily Star Opinion on Facebook for the latest opinions, commentaries and analyses by experts and professionals. To contribute your article or letter to The Daily Star Opinion, see our guidelines for submission. Bangladesh, with its diverse ecosystems, harbours an array of wildlife species critical to global biodiversity. Yet, this rich natural heritage faces immense threats due to the illegal wildlife trade, both as a source and transit route. The role of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), established in 1973, is vital in curbing this alarming trend. However, recent developments have highlighted serious gaps in the country's compliance. Illegal wildlife trade in Bangladesh encompasses a wide range of species, including Bengal tigers, turtles, exotic birds, and marine life. The country's geopolitical location, bordering India and Myanmar, makes it a strategic transit point for traffickers. According to field studies, Bangladesh has 16 key trafficking hotspots along its borders, including Teknaf, Benapole, and the Chattogram seaport. Smugglers exploit porous borders and weak enforcement to move wildlife into neighbouring countries such as India, Myanmar, and Vietnam—countries with booming wildlife markets. Since joining CITES in 1982, Bangladesh has committed to regulating international wildlife trade through strict permits and documentation to protect species from overexploitation. However, in August 2024, Bangladesh faced suspension from CITES due to persistent failures in enforcement, hindering efforts to protect endangered species such as tigers, elephants, and various marine life forms. Despite this setback, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan expressed optimism, citing the government's commitment to stronger compliance and enhanced wildlife monitoring. Challenges persist due to fake permits and insufficient training among port personnel, allowing smugglers to exploit these loopholes and traffic protected species via air and land routes, notably through Dhaka and Chattogram airports. And while the government has made progress in some areas, wildlife trafficking, especially through less-regulated borders, continues to thrive. The Wildlife Crime Control Unit (WCCU), established by the Forest Department, has been at the forefront of efforts to combat wildlife trafficking. Recent seizures of animals, such as Hoolock gibbons, fishing cats, and Kalij pheasants, underscore the ongoing struggle to stop wildlife smuggling. According to law enforcement, wildlife trafficking routes often pass through major international ports like Chattogram before moving to destinations such as India and Myanmar. In March 2021, a significant operation led to the rescue of seven Patagonian Mara, an exotic species from Argentina, in Satkhira. This demonstrates how international traffickers exploit Bangladesh as a transit point. Similar seizures of zebras, lion cubs, and other species further highlight the scale of the illegal trade operating within the country. Bangladesh is home to several species listed under the CITES appendices: Appendix I: Includes species threatened with extinction, such as the Bengal Tiger, Indian Elephant, and Red Panda, as well as marine species like the Olive Ridley Turtle. Appendix II: Includes species like the Saltwater Crocodile, Gharial, and Indian Star Tortoise, which are at risk without trade controls. Appendix III: Includes certain mangrove species from the Sundarbans and orchids from the Dendrobium genus, protected due to over-harvesting. Despite these protective measures, enforcing CITES regulations remains challenging. Combating wildlife trafficking in Bangladesh is hampered by weak enforcement, inadequate resources, and insufficient training for the Wildlife Crime Control Unit. Online marketplaces like Facebook and YouTube complicate regulation, while domestic demand for wildlife products exacerbates the issue. Corruption and lack of expertise among port officials and border guards allow traffickers to exploit false declarations and evade detection, further endangering biodiversity. Wildlife trafficking poses a significant threat to Bangladesh's biodiversity. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), over 390 species in Bangladesh are at risk of extinction. Poaching, habitat destruction, and trade disrupt ecosystems and push species towards extinction. Marine life, such as turtles and sharks from the Bay of Bengal, is particularly vulnerable. Bangladesh has already lost 31 species in the last century, and many more are at risk if illegal trade continues unchecked. The Bangladesh Forest Department, in collaboration with international organisations like Interpol, has intensified anti-trafficking measures. These include: Rescue operations: Seizures of exotic and native wildlife, including endangered species. Public hotlines: Encouraging citizens to report wildlife crimes. Legal frameworks: Enforcing the Wild Animals (Preservation and Security) Act, 2012. Capacity building: Plans for a DNA-based tiger gene bank to strengthen anti-poaching measures. However, recurring offenders and inadequate market monitoring undermine progress. Given this reality, here are some steps that should be taken to address wildlife trafficking effectively: i) Enhance enforcement through training programmes for law enforcement and customs officials; ii) Use modern technology, such as drones and checkpoints, to deter smuggling; iii) Launch public awareness campaigns to reduce domestic demand for wildlife products; iv) Strengthen international cooperation for intelligence sharing and joint operations; and v) Revise policies to enforce stricter penalties and wildlife trade regulations. Bangladesh's biodiversity faces significant pressure from illegal wildlife trade. Effective CITES enforcement and collaborative efforts among government agencies, international organisations, and the public are crucial for safeguarding ecosystems and global biodiversity. Fardeen Bin Abdullah studies LLM at the Department of Law, University of Rajshahi. Views expressed in this article are the author's own. Follow The Daily Star Opinion on Facebook for the latest opinions, commentaries and analyses by experts and professionals. To contribute your article or letter to The Daily Star Opinion, see our guidelines for submission.

How to Watch Top 25 Women’s College Basketball Games – Saturday, November 23Edgewise Therapeutics (NASDAQ:EWTX) Price Target Raised to $50.00

ITV I'm A Celeb stars forced to make unexpected decision as one star leaves camp3DBIOLABS ACHIEVES PIVOTAL MILESTONE IN DEVELOPMENT OF 3D PRINTED LIVER IMPLANT2 Canadian Growth Stocks Set to Skyrocket in the Next 12 MonthsDaily Post Nigeria Use your brain to build better future — EFCC charges Nigerian youths Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport News Use your brain to build better future — EFCC charges Nigerian youths Published on December 5, 2024 By Lovina Anthony The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has challenged Nigerian youths to come together and channel their intellectual and physical strengths into activities that would foster a better future devoid of corruption. The Executive Chairman of EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, gave the charge on Thursday at the Uyo zonal office of the commission during a town hall event on youth integrity in preparation for the 2024 International Anti-Corruption Day themed “Uniting the Youths against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity.” Olukoyede represented by the Zonal Director of Uyo, Johnson Oshodi, encouraged youths to see a better future ahead of them by choosing the pathway of integrity and shunning all forms of corruption that would jeopardise their future. He also encouraged them to expose tendencies and actions that run counter to accountability and right values in their neighbourhood, saying there was no way corruption could be tackled effectively if they were unexposed or allowed to go unchallenged. He urged youths to collaborate for progressive innovations and challenge corrupt practices at every level of government even as he pledged EFCC’s readiness to support them achieve that, recalling how a Cyber Crime Research Centre was established to build youth’s capacities against internet fraud. His words: “Youths need a united voice to challenge unsavoury practices at every level of government. They need to come together to be watchdogs and active forces against any form of corruption. “More important in this crusade against corruption is the overarching necessity of individual and corporate accountability. This entails making a decision against corruption, without a self-driven resolve to reject such practices, no other framework can work. The youths hold the rod of the future in any nation. They should use their brains and brawn to fashion out the future they desire for themselves.” In his remarks, the Zonal Director of Uyo, Oshodi, noted that wealth obtained from corruption or fraud is ephemeral and encouraged youths to venture into activities that would allow them to grow. “There are so many opportunities you can do on the internet using your laptop without going into fraud,” Oshodi noted. He also regretted sharp practices in the oil and gas sector in Akwa Ibom as well as the illegal mining of mineral resources in the state, saying such has taken a toll on the economy of the state even as he said that the anti-graft agency is beaming its searchlight in those areas. The event featured an interactive session moderated by the head of the Public Affairs Department of EFCC, T.E. Nwosu. Stakeholders from civil society organisations, community leaders, government officials, Corps members as well as the media made their contributions on how to stem the tide of corruption and internet fraud among youths. Related Topics: EFCC Nigerian Don't Miss Police bust 3-member robbery gang in Adamawa You may like FCT: We did not construct road for EFCC — Wike clarifies new project Ku guji cin hanci da rashawa – Shugaban Hukumar EFCC ya shawarci matasa Nepotism, favouritism, partisanship killing Nigerian youths – EFCC International Anti-corruption Day: EFCC urges youths to pursue values, shun crime EFCC clears air on discovering $800m, N700bn cash, drugs at El-Rufai son’s residence El-Rufai’s son clears air on EFCC raiding his Kaduna residence Advertise About Us Contact Us Privacy-Policy Terms Copyright © Daily Post Media Ltd

Apple Cash: How to use it to send and receive money

Milan's Via MonteNapoleone usurps New York's Fifth Avenue as world's most upscale shopping street

The Haunted Mansion Parlor on the Disney Treasure Is the Perfect Extension of the Disney Parks AttractionA Pathway to Global Markets

The role of cities in combating illegal wildlife trade

TORONTO — TD was an outlier during the banks' fourth-quarter earnings season as other lenders released cautiously encouraging outlooks for the year ahead while the beleaguered bank suspended its guidance. The bank said it was suspending financial targets for earnings, return on equity and positive leverage as it works through a wide-ranging strategic review ahead of leadership change next year. "In my role as incoming CEO, we are undertaking a broad and detailed review of the bank strategies and investment priorities," said chief operating officer Raymond Chun, who is set to replace Bharat Masrani in the top job in April. "It's my opportunity to dive deep and make sure that we're putting TD in the best position possible," Chun said on an earnings call Thursday. The review comes as TD continues to grapple with the fallout from anti-money laundering deficiencies that saw it agree in October to pay fines totalling more than $4.23 billion to U.S. regulators, who also imposed an asset growth cap on its U.S. retail banking operations. The bank said it will be challenging to generate earnings growth as it navigates its transition. For TD's peers, the tone was more upbeat but still cautious as CIBC, RBC and National Bank reported profits that beat analyst expectations and said there was more growth ahead as interest rates are expected to drop further. Even BMO, which has been struggling with a pool of shaky loans, said it expects its provisions for credit losses to have peaked in the fourth quarter with improvements ahead. Shares of BMO opened down more than four per cent as its earnings came in well below analyst expectations because of the spike in provisions, but shares gained after an earnings call where the bank said it was turning a corner. The bank's share price was also boosted by an announced share buyback of up to 20 million shares, and a four-cent dividend increase from the previous quarter to $1.59 per share. "We're net confident in the U.S. and otherwise, and that's underpinned by the decisions we've made with respect to the dividend increase and normal course issuer bid," said chief executive Darryl White. CIBC showed even more faith in growth ahead as it reported results that were well ahead of expectations. The bank, which saw its provisions fall 23 per cent from last year, said it was boosting its dividend by eight per cent. "This increase reinforces the confidence we have to deliver earnings growth," said chief executive Victor Dodig on an earnings call. While bank leaders all generally saw better days ahead as interest rates fall and credit risks ease, their outlook on the timing is less confident. RBC chief executive Dave McKay said he was cautious but optimistic on the credit picture but still not sure on when it may normalize. "We're just a little uncertain as to how we're going to land this thing, whether it's in the first half or second half of the year, or early into '26." The bank shrugged off the effects of a softening Canadian economy to report a profit of $4.22 billion in the fourth quarter and $16.2 billion for the year. It increased its quarterly dividend by six cents, or four per cent, to $1.48. Scotiabank results fell short of analyst expectations as its results were hit by higher-than-expected taxes and a writedown of its holding in a Chinese bank, while its Canadian operations were affected by the softening economy, said chief executive Scott Thomson. "The realities of a slowing economy and the impact of peak interest rates made for a challenging operating environment," he said on a conference call with analysts. But he too is looking for a turnaround ahead as interest rates fall. "We anticipate additional easing through the first half of the year, which we expect will be stimulative to activity in the domestic housing and mortgage markets and buoy consumer and business confidence," Thomson said. While analysts welcomed the outlooks from banks, they expressed disappointment in TD's silence on its financial expectations for next year. "We would have hoped that TD would have been able to provide a little more concrete guidance to investors here right now," said Scotiabank analyst Meny Grauman in a note. "Waiting another half a year or more for management to tell us what the longer-run implications of its U.S. consent order are leaves the stock without a proper anchor." Jeffries analyst John Aiken said the bank was "throwing in the towel for 2025," and that investors will need to be patient for a catalyst to release pent-up value. Chun said he is optimistic on the road ahead, but it will take time to get there. "I really do believe there are opportunities to get even stronger, more competitive. And so I look forward to sharing more with you in the second half of 2025." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 5, 2024. Companies in this story: (TSX:TD, TSX:BMO, TSX:RY, TSX:BNS, TSX:CM) Ian Bickis, The Canadian Press

MAGA