Communities First Financial Corporation Posts Record

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Communities First Financial Corporation Posts Record Profits for 2016; 4Q16 Earnings Increase 73% from 4Q15

FRESNO, Calif., Jan. 12, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Communities First Financial Corporation (the “Company”) (OTCQX:CFST) , Fresno, CA, the parent company of Fresno First Bank (the “Bank”), today reported record earnings in both the fourth quarter and full year of 2016.  Net income increased 73% to $932,000, or $0.34 per diluted share for the fourth quarter of 2016, compared to $537,000, or $0.20 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter a year ago, and grew 32.2% from $705,000, or $0.26 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2016.  For the full year of 2016, net income increased 21.1% to $3.1 million, or $1.12 per diluted share, from $2.5 million, or $0.93 per diluted share for 2015.  All results are unaudited. 

“We delivered stellar financial results for 2016, achieving solid revenue growth and record net income, while maintaining a very strong balance sheet,” said Steve Miller, President and Chief Executive Officer.  “In 2016, our team worked hard, as we balanced decisions on operating efficiencies with opportunities for investing in future growth and addressing our customers’ needs.  Our investments in both BodeTree, a cloud-based business management program, and Breakaway Funding, a next generation crowd-funding company, put us on the forefront of financial service providers in California. 

“During the year, we were able to attract talented new staff as we continue to build our franchise and build relationships with both existing and new customers,” continued Miller.  “As the operating environment continues to improve, we are optimistic about the momentum building in our core business, and are prepared to take advantage of market opportunities due to consolidation in our market. 

“The strength of our growing franchise is in our core deposit base. We saw significant growth in both the quantity and quality of our checking account relationships.  Our focus is always on developing new relationships in Central California, and we achieved a 30% year-over-year increase in new customer growth,” added Miller.  “We are successfully executing our strategies as we continue to deliver sustainable profitability and revenue growth to our franchise.  I am proud of our employees and their passionate commitment to creating value for our customers, communities, and shareholders.” 

Fourth quarter 2016 Highlights (as of, or for the quarter ended December 31, 2016, except where noted)

  • Total assets grew 23% to $363.5 million at December 31, 2016, compared to $295.7 million a year earlier and were up 9% from $333.5 million at September 30, 2016.
  • Total deposits grew 24% to $332.3 million at December 31, 2016, from $268.1 million a year earlier.
  • Total loans increased 21% to $227.7 million compared to $188.6 million at December 31, 2015.
  • Revenue (net interest income before provision for loan losses, plus non-interest income) grew 29% to $3.8 million, from the fourth quarter 2015.  For the full year 2016, revenue increased 20% to $14.2 million from $11.9 million for 2015.
  • Net interest income increased 23% to $3.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2016, compared to $2.7 million for the fourth quarter a year ago.  For 2016, net interest income grew 18% to $12.5 million from $10.6 million for 2015.
  • Non-interest income grew 92% to $454,000 for the fourth quarter of 2016, compared to $236,000 a year ago.  For the year ended December 31, 2016, non-interest income was $1.7 million, up 31% from $1.3 million for 2015.
  • Net interest margin (“NIM”) improved 18 basis points to 3.89% for the fourth quarter, compared to 3.71% for the fourth quarter a year ago.  For the year ended December 31, 2016, NIM was 4.08% compared to 4.04% for the year ended December 31, 2015.
  • Efficiency ratio, which measures overhead cost to revenue, continued to improve, declining to 52.48% in 4Q16, compared to 70.63% a year ago and 53.62% in 3Q16.  For the full year 2016, the efficiency ratio was 55.08% compared to 63.48% for the year ended December 31, 2015.
  • Return on average assets (“ROAA”) was 1.06% and return on average equity (“ROAE”) was 12.58% for the fourth quarter 2016.  ROAA and ROAE were well above the average of 0.79% and 7.88%, respectively, generated by the 536 banks in the SNL MicroCap U.S. Bank Index, for the third quarter of 2016.  For the full year 2016, ROAA and ROAE were 0.98% and 10.90% respectively.
  • The allowance for loan and lease losses (“ALLL”) was $2.9 million at December 31, 2016, down 19% when compared to $3.6 million a year earlier, reflecting the significant improvement in asset quality.  Net of all government guarantees, the ALLL as a percentage of total loans was 1.76%.
  • Capital ratios remain strong with a ratio of tangible shareholders’ equity to total assets of 8.23% at December 31, 2016. 

Results of Operations  

Mainly driven by strong loan growth, net interest income grew 23% to $3.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2016, compared to $2.7 million for the fourth quarter a year ago.  For 2016, net interest income increased 18% to $12.5 million, from $10.6 million for 2015.

The provision for loan losses was $176,000 for the fourth quarter of 2016, compared to $565,000 for the third quarter of 2016.  No provision for loan losses was taken in the fourth quarter a year ago.  “While asset quality is very strong, we continue to add to our allowance for loan losses to provide for the robust loan growth we are achieving,” said Steve Canfield, Chief Financial Officer. 

Non-interest income increased 92% to $454,000 for the fourth quarter of 2016, compared to $236,000 for the fourth quarter of 2015.  Although non-interest income increased in almost all categories year-over-year, the growth was primarily due to increased income from Merchant Services activities and an increase in gains from the sale of SBA loans.  For 2016, non-interest income increased 31% to $1.7 million from $1.3 million in 2015.

The net interest margin expanded 18 basis points to 3.89% for the fourth quarter of 2016, compared to 3.71% for the fourth quarter a year ago and contracted 32 basis points from 4.21% on a linked quarter basis.  The year-over-year improvement in the net interest margin was principally due to loan growth replacing lower yielding overnight funds.  The decline in the net interest margin on a linked quarter basis primarily reflected the rapid growth in deposits resulting in a higher percentage of overnight and short term investments in the earning asset mix.  “Although we saw some seasonal decline in our net interest margin in Q4 similar to prior years, our net interest margin remains above the average of 3.58% generated by the SNL MicroCap U.S. Bank Index at September 30, 2016,” said Canfield. 

Total operating expenses declined to $2.0 million for the third and fourth quarter of 2016, compared to $2.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2015.   Noninterest expense for 2016 increased 4% to $7.8 million, compared to $7.5 million for 2015.  The increase in year-over-year operating expense was mainly due to increased compensation expense driven by the hiring of additional staff.  Operating expenses on a linked quarter basis were relatively flat. Q4 2016 operating expenses compared to the fourth quarter of 2015 declined by $100,000. Operating expense in Q4 2015 contained one-time costs associated with the recruitment and hiring of CEO Steve Miller.

The efficiency ratio improved to 52.48%, for the fourth quarter of 2016, compared to 70.63% for the fourth quarter of 2015 and 53.62% for the third quarter of 2016.  For 2016, the efficiency ratio improved to 55.08% compared to 63.48% in 2015.  The SNL MicroCap Index averaged an efficiency ratio of 69.03% for the third quarter of 2016.

Balance Sheet Review  

Total assets increased 23% to $363.5 million at December 31, 2016, compared to $295.7 million a year earlier and were up 9% from $333.5 million at September 30, 2016.  The total loans outstanding increased 21% to $227.7 million at December 31, 2016, compared to $188.6 million at December 31, 2015, and increased 6% compared to $214.8 million three months earlier. 

The commercial and industrial (C&I) portfolio, an area of specialty for Fresno First Bank, totaled $100.3 million and represented 44% of the total loans at December 31, 2016. Commercial real estate (CRE) loans totaled $76.6 million and comprise 34% of loans. Agriculture and land loans totaled $22.9 million represented 10% of loans, residential home loans were $13.6 million, or 6% of loans and, real estate construction and land development loans were $14.1 million, or 6% of loans.

“We continue to purchase 100% government guaranteed SBA and USDA loans with our excess liquidity as an investment alternative. Additionally, we have been the largest Community Bank SBA lender by volume in California’s Central Valley for the last four consecutive years and we remain very active in the program,” added Miller.  “Approximately $64.3 million or 28% of our loans have a guarantee from the U.S. Government either through the SBA, USDA or FSA.  These guarantees substantially reduce the credit risk on a significant portion of our loan portfolio and are a factor when determining our overall reserve levels. See chart below:

           
  LOAN LOSS RESERVE RATIOS:  Period Ended:  
  ($ in thousands, unaudited) Dec. 31, 2016 Sept. 30, 2016 Dec. 31, 2015  
  Reserve for loan losses $ 2,880   $ 2,685   $ 3,556    
           
  Total loans $ 227,662   $ 214,795   $ 188,607    
  Purchased govt. guaranteed loans $ 37,113   $ 24,650   $ 20,784    
  Originated govt. guaranteed loans $ 27,209   $ 24,626   $ 24,321    
           
  LLR / Total loans   1.27 %   1.25 %   1.89 %  
  LLR / Loans less purchased govt. guaranteed loans   1.51 %   1.41 %   2.12 %  
  LLR / Loans less all govt. guaranteed loans   1.76 %   1.62 %   2.48 %  
  LLR / Total assets   .79 %   .81 %   1.20 %  
           

Total deposits increased 24% reaching $332.3 million at December 31, 2016, compared to $268.1 million from a year earlier.  “Total deposits grew 10% on a linked quarter basis, fostered by our strong marketing efforts, opportunities generated by market disruptions and due to normal seasonal effects of our deposit stream,” added Canfield. 

Non-interest bearing demand deposits increased 41% to $169.5 million, representing 51% of total deposits, compared to $120.3 million, or 48% of non-interest bearing deposits a year ago.  The ratio of loans to deposits was 68.50% at December 31, 2016, compared to 70.35% one year earlier and 70.81% at September 30, 2016. 

Total stockholder equity was $29.8 million at December 31, 2016, compared to $26.6 million a year ago.  Book value per common share increased 10% to $10.97 at December 31, 2016, compared to $10.00 a year ago. 

Asset Quality  

Nonperforming assets declined to $295,000 at December 31, 2016, compared to $2.4 million at year end 2015.  The ratio of nonperforming assets to total assets was .08% at December 31 2016, compared to 0.80% at December 31, 2015.  The substantial improvement in nonperforming assets was primarily driven by the charge-off in Q3 2016 of $1.96 million from the $2.4 million isolated nonperforming asset that has remained in nonaccrual loans since the second quarter of 2015.  Net of all government guarantees, the ALLL as a percentage of total loans was 1.76% and was 976% of nonperforming assets. 

About Communities First Financial Corporation  

Communities First Financial Corporation, a bank holding company established in 2014, is the parent company of Fresno First Bank, founded in 2005 in Fresno, California.  Fresno First Bank is a leading SBA Bank Lender in California’s Central Valley. The Bank was named by Forbes as one of the Best 25 Small Businesses in America for 2016, and received the All-Star Performance Award from the Great Game of Business in 2015. Additional information is available from the Company’s website at www.fresnofirstbank.com  or call 559-439-0200.

Forward Looking Statement Disclaimer

This earnings release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements provide current expectations or forecasts of future events and are not guarantees of future performance, nor should they be relied upon as representing management’s views as of any subsequent date. The forward-looking statements are based on management’s expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially include, without limitation, the Company’s ability to effectively execute its business plans; changes in general economic and financial market conditions; changes in interest rates; changes in the competitive environment; continuing consolidation in the financial services industry; new litigation or changes in existing litigation; losses, customer bankruptcy, claims and assessments; changes in banking regulations or other regulatory or legislative requirements affecting the Company’s business; international developments; and changes in accounting policies or procedures as may be required by the Financial Accounting Standards Board or other regulatory agencies. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly the results of any revisions to the forward-looking statements included herein to reflect events or circumstances after today, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.  The Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

               
    For the Quarter Ended:   Percentage Change From:   For the Year Ended:  
SELECT FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND RATIOS (unaudited) Dec. 31, 2016 Sept. 30, 2016 Dec. 31, 2015   Sept. 30, 2016 Dec. 31, 2015   Dec. 31, 2016 Dec. 31, 2015 Percent Change  
BALANCE SHEET DATA - PERIOD END BALANCES:                  
  Total assets $ 363,533   $ 333,463   $ 295,736     9 % 23 %          
  Total Loans   227,662     214,795     188,607     6 % 21 %          
  Investment securities   66,292     66,707     68,775     -1 % -4 %          
  Total deposits   332,331     303,319     268,111     10 % 24 %          
  Shareholders equity, net $ 29,930   $ 29,621   $ 26,978     1 % 11 %          
                         
SELECT INCOME STATEMENT DATA:                      
  Core revenue $ 3,803   $ 3,694   $ 2,948     3 % 29 %   $ 14,202   $ 11,877   20 %  
  Operating expense   1,996     1,980     2,082     1 % -4 %     7,822     7,540   4 %  
  Pre-tax, pre-provision income   1,807     1,713     866     5 % 109 %     6,380     4,337   47 %  
  Net income after tax $ 932   $ 705   $ 537     32 % 73 %   $ 3,075   $ 2,539   21 %  
                         
SHARE DATA:                    
  Fully diluted earnings per share $ 0.34   $ 0.26   $ 0.20     31 % 72 %   $ 1.12   $ 0.93   20 %  
  Book value per common share $ 10.97   $ 10.86   $ 10.00     1 % 10 %          
  Common shares outstanding   2,728,164     2,727,019     2,698,417     0 % 1 %          
  Fully diluted shares   2,768,739     2,746,867     2,727,493     1 % 2 %          
  CFST - Stock price $ 11.50   $ 9.91   $ 10.16     16 % 13 %          
                         
RATIOS:                      
  Return on average assets   1.06 % .90% .71%   18 % 49 %   .98% .94% 4 %  
  Return on average equity   12.58 %   9.73 %   8.09 %   29 % 56 %     10.90 %   9.96 % 9 %  
  Efficiency ratio   52.48 %   53.62 %   70.63 %   -2 % -26 %     55.08 %   63.48 % -13 %  
  Yield on earning assets   4.03 %   4.36 %   3.86 %   -7 % 4 %     4.23 %   4.20 % 1 %  
  Cost to fund earning assets   0.14 %   0.15 %   0.15 %   -5 % -6 %     0.15 %   0.16 % -7 %  
  Net Interest Margin   3.89 %   4.21 %   3.71 %   -8 % 5 %     4.08 %   4.04 % 1 %  
  Equity to assets   8.23 %   8.88 %   9.12 %   -7 % -10 %          
  Loan to deposits ratio   68.50 %   70.81 %   70.35 %   -3 % -3 %          
  Full time equivalent employees   37     38     32     -3 % 16 %          
                         
BALANCE SHEET DATA - AVERAGES:                  
  Total assets $ 350,342   $ 309,399   $ 300,268     13 % 17 %   $ 314,684   $ 271,182   16 %  
  Total loans   222,958     210,096     180,391     6 % 24 %     206,235     174,976   18 %  
  Investment securities   66,212     66,288     64,366     0 % 3 %     66,804     61,491   9 %  
  Deposits   319,609     279,380     272,612     14 % 17 %     285,099     244,327   17 %  
  Shareholders equity, net $ 30,018   $ 29,268   $ 26,828     3 % 12 %   $ 28,855   $ 25,982   11 %  
                         
ASSET QUALITY:                      
  Total delinquent accruing loans Highlights $ 0   $ 0     0 % 0 %          
  Nonperforming assets $ 295   $ 295   $ 2,361     0 % -88 %          
  Non Accrual / Total Loans   .13 %   .14 %   1.25 %   -6 % -90 %          
  Nonperforming assets to total assets   .08 %   .09 %   .80 %   -8 % -90 %          
  LLR / Total loans   1.27 %   1.25 %   1.89 %   1 % -33 %          
                         

 

STATEMENT OF INCOME ($ in thousands) For the Quarter Ended:   Percentage Change From:   For the Year Ended
(unaudited) Dec. 31, 2016 Sept. 30, 2016 Dec. 31, 2015   Sept. 30, 2016 Dec. 31, 2015   Dec. 31, 2016 Dec. 31, 2015 Percent Change
Interest Income                   
  Loan interest income  $   2,981 $   2,964 $   2,449   1 % 22 %   $   11,220 $   9,494 18 %
  Investment income      319     310     293   3 % 9 %       1,246     1,234 1 %
  Int. on fed funds & CDs in other banks      100     69     62   44 % 61 %       305     161 89 %
  Dividends from non-marketable equity      72     25     30   186 % 142 %       163     151 8 %
  Interest income      3,472     3,368     2,833   3 % 23 %       12,934     11,041 17 %
  Total interest expense      123     116     112   5 % 10 %       458     422 9 %
  Net interest income      3,349     3,252     2,721   3 % 23 %       12,476     10,619 17 %
  Provision for loan losses      176     565     -    -69 % 0 %       1,266     270 369 %
  Net interest income after provision      3,173     2,687     2,721   18 % 17 %       11,210     10,349 8 %
                       
Non-Interest Income:                    
  Total deposit fee income      75     76     68   -2 % 10 %       284     290 -2 %
  Debit / credit card interchange inc.      29     27     27   8 % 6 %       114     97 17 %
  Merchant services income      113     121     84   -7 % 34 %       448     319 40 %
  Gain on sale of loans      177     166     5   6 % 3608 %       669     389 72 %
  Other operating income      60     51     52   18 % 16 %       219     231 -5 %
  Non-interest income      454     442     236   3 % 92 %       1,734     1,327 31 %
                     
Non-Interest Expense:                   
  Salaries & employee benefits      1,195     1,175     1,186   2 % 1 %       4,607     4,182 10 %
  Occupancy expense      99     106     137   -7 % -28 %       424     517 -18 %
  Other operating expense      675     673     742   0 % -9 %       2,700     2,762 -2 %
  Non-interest expense      1,996     1,980     2,082   1 % -4 %       7,822     7,540 4 %
                     
  Net income before tax      1,631     1,148     875   42 % 86 %       5,122     4,135 24 %
  Tax provision      699     443     338   58 % 107 %       2,047     1,596 28 %
  Net income after tax  $   932 $   705 $   537   32 % 73 %   $   3,075 $   2,539 21 %
                       
               
BALANCE SHEET  ($ in thousands )  End of Period:   Percentage Change From:
(unaudited) Dec. 31, 2016 Sept. 30, 2016 Dec. 31, 2015   Sept. 30, 2016 Dec. 31, 2015
ASSETS            
  Cash and due from banks  $   5,933   $   10,394   $   11,391     -43 % -48 %
  Fed funds sold and deposits in banks      56,459       34,800       20,514     62 % 175 %
  CDs in other banks      5,199       5,447       5,695     -5 % -9 %
  Investment securities      66,292       66,707       68,775     -1 % -4 %
  Total loans outstanding:           
  RE constr & land development      14,087       17,406       11,823     -19 % 19 %
  Residential RE 1-4 Family      13,643       14,673       15,069     -7 % -9 %
  Commercial Real Estate      76,561       73,700       63,535     4 % 21 %
  Agriculture      22,870       22,674       23,232     1 % -2 %
  Commercial and Industrial      100,279       86,148       74,864     16 % 34 %
  Consumer and Other      222       194       84     14 % 164 %
  Total Loans      227,662       214,795       188,607     6 % 21 %
  Deferred fees & discounts      (427 )     (476 )     (212 )   -10 % 101 %
  Allowance for loan losses      (2,880 )     (2,685 )     (3,556 )   7 % -19 %
  Loans, net      224,355       211,634       184,839     6 % 21 %
  Non-marketable equity investments      1,918       1,808       1,649     6 % 16 %
  Accrued interest and other assets      3,209       2,516       2,705     28 % 19 %
  Total assets      363,533       333,463       295,736     9 % 23 %
             
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY             
  Non-interest bearing deposits      169,539       147,068       120,303     15 % 41 %
  Interest checking      11,022       9,479       6,525     16 % 69 %
  Savings      36,780       35,384       42,732     4 % -14 %
  Money Market      72,153       66,807       59,231     8 % 22 %
  Certificates of Deposit      42,837       44,581       39,320     -4 % 9 %
  Total deposits      332,331       303,319       268,111     10 % 24 %
  Borrowings      0       0       0     0 % 0 %
  Other liabilities      1,273       522       647     144 % 97 %
  Total liabilities      333,603       303,841       268,758     10 % 24 %
             
  Common, preferred & paid in capital      27,054       27,019       26,916     0 % 1 %
  Retained earnings (deficit)      2,775       1,843       (300 )   51 % -1023 %
  Total equity      29,829       28,861       26,616     3 % 12 %
  Accumulated other comprehensive inc.      101       760       362     -87 % -72 %
  Shareholders equity, net      29,930       29,621       26,978     1 % 11 %
  Total Liabilities and shareholders' equity     363,533       333,463       295,736     9 % 23 %
               
ASSET QUALITY ($ in thousands) Period Ended:  
(unaudited) Dec. 31, 2016 Sept. 30, 2016 Dec. 31, 2015  
  Delinquent accruing loans 30-60 days  $   0   $   0   $   0    
  Delinquent accruing loans 60-90 days  $   0   $   0   $   0    
  Delinquent accruing loans 90+ days  $   0   $   0   $   0    
  Total delinquent accruing loans  $   0   $   0   $   0    
           
  Loans on non accrual  $   295   $   295   $   2,361    
  Other real estate owned  $   0   $   0   $   0    
  Nonperforming assets  $   295   $   295   $   2,361    
           
  Performing restructured loans  $   31   $   31   $   1,208    
           
           
  Delq 30-60 / Total Loans    .00 %   .00 %   .00 %  
  Delq 60-90 / Total Loans    .00 %   .00 %   .00 %  
  Delq 90+ / Total Loans    .00 %   .00 %   .00 %  
  Delinquent Lns / Total Lns    .00 %   .00 %   .00 %  
  Non Accrual / Total Loans    .13 %   .14 %   1.25 %  
  Nonperforming assets to total assets    .08 %   .09 %   .80 %  
           
  Year-to-date charge-off activity         
  Charge-offs  $   1,963   $   1,961   $   66    
  Recoveries  $   21   $   0   $   310    
  Net charge-offs  $   1,942   $   1,961   $   (244 )  
  Annualized net loan losses (recoveries) to average loans    .94 %   1.30 %   -.12 %  
           
  LOAN LOSS RESERVE RATIOS:       
  Reserve for loan losses  $   2,880   $   2,685   $   3,556    
           
  Total loans  $   227,662   $   214,795   $   188,607    
  Purchased govt. guaranteed loans  $   37,113   $   24,650   $   20,784    
  Originated govt. guaranteed loans  $   27,209   $   24,626   $   24,321    
           
  LLR / Total loans    1.27 %   1.25 %   1.89 %  
  LLR / Loans less purchased govt. guaranteed loans    1.51 %   1.41 %   2.12 %  
  LLR / Loans less all govt. guaranteed loans    1.76 %   1.62 %   2.48 %  
  LLR / Total assets    .79 %   .81 %   1.20 %  
           

Contact Steve Miller - CEO or Steve Canfield – CFO 559-439-0200

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Quay Dominates 2026 Sunglasses Review for Variety

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Sunglasses Designed for Every Face Type When it comes to picking the right pair of shades, face shape is only part of the equation. Expert Consumers just dropped their 2026 verdict, spotlighting Quay as the go-to brand for those wider faces, tricky nose bridges, and the noggins that run a tad larger than average. Forget what you heard about one-size-fits-all. This...

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USPS Rolls Out Christmas Cookie Stamps Nationwide

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USPS Delivers Nostalgia with Cookie-Themed Stamps Let's talk stamps, folks. The U.S. Postal Service has rolled out its newest Christmas Cookies Forever stamps, bringing a dash of sugary nostalgia to mailboxes nationwide. The release was celebrated at the Smithsonian National Postal Museum, spotlighting a tradition as sweet as the sugar cookies themselves. These aren't...

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PayPal Under Investigation: Legal Battles Intensify

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A Bumpy Ride for PayPal's Investors Back in 2025, PayPal was beaming about new growth strategies, filling the air with grandiose promises. Fast forward to February 2026, and the script had flipped entirely. Earnings came in nasty and disappointing, particularly in the Branded Checkout front. Adding to the chaos was their CEO unceremoniously taking the high road out the...

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Fast Guard Elevates Nationwide Fire Watch Mission

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Fast Guard: The Unseen Shield Behind Property Safety Hollywood, Florida might be best known for its sun-kissed beaches, but in the world of fire safety, it’s the nerve center for emergency fire watch response. Fast Guard Service isn’t just any run-of-the-mill security outfit; it’s rapidly becoming the unsung hero of property managers across the nation. When those...

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Med Spa Visits: Key Insights from Lindsey Smith

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Moving Beyond the Fear Factor Stepping into a med spa for the first time can be nerve-wracking, especially if you're unsure of what to expect. Lindsey Smith, an expert from Flawless Med Spa in Bryant, Arkansas, knows just how critical it is to navigate this terrain with clarity. Her approach emphasizes building a foundation of trust and understanding from the get-go. Fear...

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Chery Auto's Bold Green Tech Showcase at 2026 Summit

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Chery Auto Puts Eco Tech at Front and Center You know, Chery Auto isn't just manufacturing cars anymore—it's shaping an entire lifestyle. For the uninitiated, they’re calling in everyone worth knowing to their headquarters in Wuhu, China, come October 18 through 24. The 2026 Chery International User Summit is kind of a big deal this year with nearly 20 new green...

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GAC's Cambodia Plant: A Strategic Manufacturing Shift

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Setting the Stage for New Industrial Growth On September 17, a milestone was etched in the sands of Cambodia when the GAC Cambodia KD Plant officially flipped the switch. This ain't just another factory throwing doors open; it's a fresh chapter in regional manufacturing power plays. We had some big hitters in attendance, like Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, showing...

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Exciting Developments for A Night In Old San Antonio 2026

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NIOSA: A Celebration of Cultural Heritage in 2026 "A Night In Old San Antonio" (NIOSA) is gearing up for its vibrant four-night festival in 2026, scheduled for April 21-24. This beloved event is a highlight during Fiesta San Antonio, running from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m each evening. With its longstanding commitment to showcasing the city’s rich cultural tapestry, NIOSA...

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New Designation for Insurance Agents: PRC for Young Professionals

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Back in 2024, The Institutes and The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers teamed up to drop the Professional Risk Consultant (PRC) designation aimed at fresh faces in the insurance game. Desks buzzed as traders realized this move was about leveling up early-career agents—those just getting their feet wet in a tough market. The whole idea? Educate these newcomers so...

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ACT Fibernet's SmartWi-Fi Enhancements Offer Vast Performance Gains

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ACT Fibernet's SmartWi-Fi Enhancements Offer Vast Performance Gains In just a short time since launching its innovative ACT SmartWi-Fi service, ACT Fibernet has showcased impressive performance improvements for users. With this advanced Wi-Fi technology now integrated into around 250,000 homes, customers are experiencing an average speed enhancement that is three times...

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Thompson Thrift Announces Successful Apex Community Sale

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Thompson Thrift Completes Sale of Apex Community Thompson Thrift, a prominent name in the real estate sector, has successfully finalized the sale of the Apex community, which consists of 360 luxury multifamily units. This community is well-crafted to meet the growing demand for high-quality rental options, reflecting the company’s focus on excellence in residential...

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Gebbia Media Transforms Athlete Support with New Division

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Gebbia Media Unveils New Sports Division to Empower Athletes In a significant move to enhance support for elite athletes, Gebbia Media, a subsidiary of Siebert Financial Corp. (NASDAQ: SIEB), has launched a dedicated Sports Division. This initiative aims to address the unique requirements of professional athletes by offering a robust platform that integrates financial...

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