First Busey Announces 2013 Second Quarter Earnings

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News Desk 2018
First Busey Announces 2013 Second Quarter Earnings

CHAMPAIGN, Ill., July 23, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Message from our President & CEO

Net income for the second quarter of 2013 was $7.4 million and net income available to common shareholders was $6.5 million, or $0.08 per fully-diluted common share, as compared to net income of $6.4 million for the first quarter of 2013 and $5.5 million of net income available to common shareholders, or $0.06 per fully-diluted common share. Net income was $2.5 million higher than the second quarter of 2012, when the Company reported net income of $4.9 million and net income available to common shareholders of $4.0 million, or $0.05 per fully-diluted common share. The Company's 2013 year-to-date net income through June 30 was $13.9 million and net income available to common shareholders was $12.1 million, or $0.14 per fully-diluted common share, compared to net income of $12.5 million and net income available to common shareholders of $10.7 million, or $0.12 per fully-diluted common share, for the comparable period of 2012.

The growth in net income from the prior year was driven by a lower provision for loan loss, which was comparable to pre-recession norms. The second quarter of 2013's $2.0 million loan loss provision was consistent with the prior quarter, with both periods marking four-year lows in quarterly credit costs as our market areas show signs of strengthening and credit quality continued to improve. In addition, actions have been taken to selectively offset planned expense growth with prudent reductions in other areas. The results of these actions impacted second quarter results and are expected to continue positively affecting future earnings. As cost management measures have been implemented, we maintain our priority of exceptional customer service.

Our commitment to quality asset growth, based on a careful balance of risk and return, was illustrated by the increase in commercial loan balances alongside positive trends in asset quality metrics. As of June 30, 2013, gross commercial loan balances grew to $1.6 billion, with five consecutive quarters of growth. Asset quality metrics were simultaneously favorable, as quarterly net charge-offs, non-performing loans and non-performing assets at June 30, 2013 were the lowest quarter-end figures in recent years, demonstrating continued balance sheet strength. To further illustrate quality growth, total loans net of non-performing loans increased to $2.1 billion as of June 30, 2013 from $2.0 billion on March 31, 2013 and June 30, 2012.

The Company's deposits of $2.9 billion at June 30, 2013 were unchanged from June 30, 2012 but decreased from $3.0 billion at December 31, 2012 due to seasonality and typical balance fluctuations in large commercial deposits. We remain strongly core deposit funded at 77% of total assets – with ample liquidity and significant market share in the communities we serve.

Capital Strength: At the end of the second quarter of 2013, Busey Bank continued to exceed the capital adequacy requirements necessary to be considered "well-capitalized" under the regulatory guidance. First Busey Corporation's Tangible Common Equity (TCE) increased to $310.1 million at June 30, 2013 from $308.0 million at December 31, 2012 but decreased from $313.0 million at June 30, 2012. TCE represented 8.90% of tangible assets at June 30, 2013 compared to 8.58% at December 31, 2012 and 8.96% at June 30, 2012 1 .

On July 26, 2013, the Company will pay a cash dividend of $0.04 per common share to shareholders of record as of July 19, 2013.  The Company has consistently paid dividends to its common shareholders since its stock began trading on the NASDAQ exchange in 1998. 

1 Tangible Common Equity, a non-GAAP metric, is defined as common equity less tax effected goodwill and intangibles at the end of the reporting period. Tangible assets, a non-GAAP metric, is defined as total assets less tax effected goodwill and intangibles at the end of the reporting period.

Asset Quality:  While much internal focus has been directed toward organic growth, our commitment to credit quality remains strong, as evidenced by another quarter of meaningful progress across a range of credit indicators.  At June 30, 2013, various asset quality measures were at their best quarter-end levels in recent years.  We continue to expect gradual improvement in our overall asset quality during 2013; however, this remains dependent upon market-specific economic conditions, and specific measures may fluctuate from quarter to quarter.  The key metrics are as follows:

SELECTED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 1            
( dollars in thousands)            
             
  As of and for the Three Months Ended For the Six Months
Ended
  June 30,
2013
March 31,
2013
December 31,
2012
June 30,
2012
June 30,
2013
June 30,
2012
             
ASSET QUALITY            
Gross loans $ 2,159,098 $ 2,060,680 $ 2,073,110 $ 2,021,931    
Commercial loans 1,580,351 1,508,068 1,500,921 1,448,165    
Allowance for loan losses 48,491 47,773 48,012 50,866    
Non-performing loans            
Non-accrual loans 20,274 23,001 25,104 33,760    
Loans 90+ days past due 771 204 256 57    
Non-performing loans, segregated by geography            
Illinois/ Indiana 16,030 16,458 17,757 25,365    
Florida 5,015 6,747 7,603 8,452    
Loans 30-89 days past due 3,683 7,132 2,285 4,240    
Other non-performing assets 2,617 2,632 3,450 7,783    
Non-performing assets to total loans and non-performing assets 1.09% 1.25% 1.39% 2.05%    
Allowance as a percentage of non-performing loans 230.42% 205.87% 189.32% 150.42%    
Allowance for loan losses to loans 2.25% 2.32% 2.32% 2.52%    
Net charge-offs 1,282 2,239 4,701 7,469 3,521 17,140
Provision expense 2,000 2,000 3,500 4,500 4,000 9,500
1 Results are unaudited            
  • As a result of the Company's strategic investment in loan growth, the total loan portfolio as of June 30, 2013 increased $137.2 million from June 30, 2012; gross commercial balances accounted for $132.2 million of this loan growth. The total loan portfolio increased $98.4 million from March 31, 2013 to June 30, 2013; gross commercial loan balances accounted for $72.3 million of this increase. The Company's continued emphasis on commercial loan growth resulted in an increase of gross commercial loan balances of 9.1% at June 30, 2013 from June 30, 2012 and 4.8% compared to March 31, 2013. In addition to overall loan growth, the Company experienced loan growth in the highest credit grades, while the volume of the lowest credit grades decreased. 2
  • Net charge-offs decreased $13.6 million, or 79.4%, for the six months ended June 30, 2013 from the comparable period of 2012. Net charge-offs decreased $1.0 million, or 42.7%, from the first quarter of 2013 and decreased by $6.2 million, or 82.8%, from the second quarter of 2012. This is a result of the improved quality of the loan portfolio.
     
  • Provision expense of $4.0 million for the first six months of 2013 was a reduction of $5.5 million from $9.5 million in the first six months of 2012. Provision expense of $2.0 million for the second quarter of 2013 was consistent with first quarter 2013 and decreased by $2.5 million compared to the second quarter of 2012. The levels are the result of improved asset quality, and improving conditions in our market areas.

Operating Performance:  We continue to prioritize strengthening our balance sheet, diversifying revenue streams and developing appropriate platforms to sustain profitable organic growth.  Our business outreach across our footprint has increased substantially, and we are encouraged by our loan pipeline.

2  A detailed description of the loan grading policy can be found in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Total revenue (net of interest expense and security gains) for the first six months of 2013 was $82.3 million as compared to $84.6 million for the same period of 2012. There were no security gains or losses to report for 2013 compared to an insignificant gain in 2012. Total non-interest income (net of security gains) inclusive of private equity gains was $32.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and $33.6 million for the comparable period of 2012.  Revenues from trust, brokerage and commissions, and remittance processing activities - which are primarily generated through Busey Wealth Management and FirsTech - represented 46.9% of non-interest income for the first six months of 2013, providing a balance to traditional banking activities in a slow growth economy.  Furthermore, we believe the addition of Trevett Capital Partners to our family of financial service providers will broaden our business base and enhance ongoing development of revenue sources.

Busey Wealth Management's net income of $1.1 million for the second quarter of 2013 rose 38.2% from the first quarter of 2013 and 12.8% from the second quarter of 2012. Seasonal fluctuations in revenue drove much of the increase in net income on a linked-quarter basis. Busey Wealth Management's net income for the first six months of 2013 was $2.0 million as compared to $1.9 million for the first six months of 2012. Growth in assets under management accompanied by market trends positively impacted the quarter-over-quarter and year-over-year results. Assets under management increased to $4.5 billion as of June 30, 2013 compared to $4.0 billion at June 30, 2012.  FirsTech's net income of $0.3 million for the second quarter of 2013 was comparable with the first quarter of 2013, and slightly higher than the $0.2 million recorded for the second quarter of 2012. FirsTech's year-to-date net income of $0.5 million remained consistent with the comparable period of 2012.

Other specific areas of operating performance are detailed as follows:

  • Net interest income increased to $25.2 million in the second quarter of 2013 from $24.6 million in the first quarter of 2013 and remained relatively stable compared to the $25.3 million recorded in the second quarter of 2012. Net interest income for the first six months of 2013 was $49.8 million compared to $51.0 million for the same period of 2012.
  • Net interest margin rose to 3.17% for the second quarter of 2013 as compared to 3.10% for the first quarter of 2013 but fell from 3.21% for the second quarter of 2012. The net interest margin for the first six months of 2013 decreased to 3.14% compared to 3.26% for the same period of 2012. Compared to the first quarter of 2013, net interest margin has improved and the Company is encouraged by a growing loan-to-deposit ratio.
  • Gain on sale of loans decreased to $2.8 million in the second quarter of 2013 compared to $3.5 million in the first quarter of 2013 and $3.3 million in the second quarter of 2012. Refinance activity declined during the second quarter due to increased interest rates; although, with generally robust production activity for the first six months of 2013, gains on sale of loans of $6.3 million exceeded the $5.7 million recorded for the first six months of 2012. While the Company expects total production volume to decrease in the second half of the year due to increased interest rates, these fee revenues will continue to provide a good balance to our revenue stream and represent a valued service to our clients and communities to refinance and purchase homes.
  • Other non-interest income remained steady at $1.1 million for the second and first quarters of 2013 but decreased from $1.4 million in the second quarter of 2012.  Other non-interest income for the first six months of 2013 decreased to $2.2 million from $4.8 million for the comparable period of 2012. The year-over-year results included a significant fluctuation in private equity fund income. In the first six months of 2012, the Company recognized $2.4 million compared to minimal amounts recognized in the same period of 2013. We have successfully invested in various private equity funds for more than ten years.
  • Salaries and wages and employee benefits decreased to $15.7 million in the second quarter of 2013 as compared to $16.8 million in the first quarter of 2013 and $16.3 million in the second quarter of 2012.  In the first six months of 2013, salaries and wages and employee benefits totaled $32.5 million as compared to $31.3 million for the same period of 2012. During 2012, we engaged in a strategic investment in talent to build out targeted areas of our business to support growth initiatives.  We also committed to a careful examination of all areas of the Company, seeking sensible opportunities to reduce cost and enhance efficiency. That evaluation resulted in personnel reductions and other cost containment efforts in early 2013 which contributed to the second quarter decrease from the first quarter. As disclosed in the proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders held on May 22, 2013, our senior management also proposed a reduction in the compensation of our named executive officers to the appropriate oversight committee of the board of directors.  The reduction was approved and became effective in April of 2013.  Senior management sought to emphasize their individual commitments to the discipline required to support efficiency initiatives and the future long-term success of the Company.
  • Data processing expense remained comparable at $2.6 million in the second and first quarter of 2013 and the second quarter of 2012. In the first six months of 2013, data processing expense totaled $5.2 million as compared to $4.8 million for the same period of 2012 as the Company continues to enhance systems to better support customer needs. 
  • OREO expense decreased to $0.1 million in the second quarter of 2013 as compared to $0.5 million in the first quarter of 2013 and the second quarter of 2012. OREO expense for the first six months of 2013 increased to $0.6 million from $0.5 million for the comparable period of 2012. This expense fluctuates based on commercial properties held throughout the year. At June 30, 2013 and March 31, 2013, OREO balances totaled $2.6 million compared to $7.8 million at June 30, 2012.
  • Our quarterly efficiency ratio improved to 64.91% for the second quarter of 2013 from 68.83% the first quarter of 2013 and 69.68% in the second quarter of 2012. The efficiency ratio for the first six months of 2013 was 66.87%, as compared to 64.59% for the same period of 2012. Efficiency ratios have been influenced throughout the past two years by a number of events (such as our core conversion and branch closures), which have been discussed either above or in previous earnings releases.  The process of examining appropriate avenues to improve efficiency is expected to continue as a focus in future periods. Peer data from Federal Reserve System sources indicate efficiency ratios for peers averaged between 65% and 67% during 2011 and 2012. 

Overview and Strategy:

As the economy continues to emerge from recession, we continue to believe that long-term success will be driven by our commitment to our Pillars – our customers, associates, communities and shareholders. To honor this commitment, we initiated an internal review of our cost structure in early 2013, and the results of our efforts continue to materialize. We are encouraged by the positive momentum occurring in our commercial loan portfolio and assets under management. The growing loan pipeline discussed in previous releases has begun to translate into increased loans. Additionally, our emphasis on maximizing shareholder value is evidenced this period by the increase in earnings per share on a quarterly and year-over-year basis. We acknowledge that true progress requires constant adjustment and renewed commitment to our common purpose, and have underscored our unwavering drive for success with the discipline to contain costs.     

As we execute our growth strategy, it is critical to convert new relationships into long-term customers - which in turn, increases shareholder value. Since our product is service, we launched the Net Promoter ® System (NPS) in 2012 to gather feedback that will aid Busey Bank in improving customer relationships. Information shared by customers with friends and family enhances Busey Bank's reputation for premier customer service in an authentic and relevant way, and opens up new avenues to further enhance our customer service.  

In addition, we remain innovative in our product offerings.  In the second quarter, we introduced Mobile Deposit and Mobile Accept.  Mobile Deposit offers our mobile banking customers the ability to deposit paper checks by taking a picture of them and submitting them electronically through their smartphone.  Mobile Accept is a mobile payment application that allows merchants to quickly and securely swipe any credit or signature debit card for processing on a smartphone or tablet. We are pleased to meet the growing needs of our customer base through these secure, convenient platforms. 

We are working every day to ensure we continue to gain the trust and respect of our Pillars and that commitment earned us the unsolicited recognition of being named to Forbes 2013 list of America's 100 Most Trustworthy Companies 3 . In addition, we were recently recognized as a 2013 Illinois Bank Community Service Award recipient by the Illinois Bankers Association as a result of our strong community commitment.  Busey and its associates give more than $1.0 million and countless volunteer hours each year to make a positive difference in our communities. We remain dedicated to bridging community needs through strong financial support and volunteer efforts, helping those in need and making a lasting impact for future generations.

Busey and Trevett Capital Partners were also recently recognized by Gulfshore Life magazine—one of southwest Florida's leading publications.  Busey was voted Best Mortgage Lender in Lee County, and Trevett Capital Partners was honored as the Best Financial Advisor in Lee County.

3 © 2013, Forbes Media LLC. Used with Permission.

With our strong capital position, a stable platform of earnings and an improving credit dynamic, we are actively engaged in growing our Company and communities through both organic and external measures.  We understand there is still great work to be done and embrace the resolve to drive our business in a continually positive direction for the success of our Pillars - our customers, associates, communities and you, our shareholders. 

\s\ Van A. Dukeman
President & Chief Executive Officer
First Busey Corporation

SELECTED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 1
( dollars in thousands, except per share data )
           
  For the
Three Months Ended
For the
Six Months Ended
  June 30,
2013
March 31,
2013
June 30,
2012
June 30,
2013
June 30,
2012
EARNINGS & PER SHARE DATA          
Net income $ 7,440 $ 6,433 $ 4,888 $ 13,873 $ 12,531
Income available to common shareholders 2 6,532 5,525 3,980 12,057 10,715
Revenue 3 41,028 41,224 40,980 82,252 84,558
Fully-diluted earnings per share 0.08 0.06 0.05 0.14 0.12
Cash dividends paid per share 4 0.04  -- 0.04 0.04 0.08
           
Net income by operating segment          
Busey Bank $ 6,487 $ 5,793 $ 4,187 $ 12,280 $ 10,217
Busey Wealth Management 1,133 820 1,004 1,953 1,867
FirsTech 286 262 244 548 509
           
AVERAGE BALANCES          
Assets $ 3,544,702 $ 3,558,737 $ 3,521,800 $ 3,551,681 $ 3,493,603
Earning assets 3,270,472 3,288,740 3,239,363 3,279,556 3,211,305
Deposits 2,912,104 2,928,737 2,878,173 2,920,374 2,846,984
Interest-bearing liabilities 2,570,226 2,597,596 2,559,924 2,583,836 2,543,010
Stockholders' equity - common 340,282 337,555 340,575 338,926 339,120
Tangible stockholders' equity - common 307,976 304,461 305,012 306,228 303,143
           
PERFORMANCE RATIOS          
Return on average assets 5 0.74% 0.63% 0.45% 0.68% 0.62%
Return on average common equity 5 7.70% 6.64% 4.70% 7.17% 6.35%
Return on average tangible common equity 5 8.51% 7.36% 5.25% 7.94% 7.11%
Net interest margin 5, 7 3.17% 3.10% 3.21% 3.14% 3.26%
Efficiency ratio 6 64.91% 68.83% 69.68% 66.87% 64.59%
Non-interest revenue as a % of total revenues 3 38.47% 40.37% 38.33% 39.42% 39.72%
           
1 Results are unaudited          
2 Net income available to common shareholders, net of preferred dividend          
3 Total revenue, net of interest expense and security gains          
4 The Company accelerated payment of its first quarter 2013 dividend to December 2012 to provide its shareholders with certainty as to the tax treatment of such dividend
5 Annualized and calculated based on net income available to common shareholders          
6 Net of security gains and intangible charges          
7 On a tax-equivalent basis, assuming a federal income tax rate of 35%          
   
   
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets As of 
(Unaudited, in thousands, except per share data 1 ) June 30,
2013
December 31,
2012
June 30,
2012
       
Assets      
Cash and due from banks $ 251,204 $ 351,255 $ 320,349
Investment securities 921,565 1,001,497 980,785
Net loans, including loans held for sale 2,110,607 2,025,098 1,971,065
Premises and equipment 69,377 71,067 70,119
Goodwill and other intangibles 31,824 33,389 35,050
Other assets 126,812 135,750 147,355
Total assets $ 3,511,389 $ 3,618,056 $ 3,524,723
       
Liabilities & Stockholders' Equity      
Non-interest-bearing deposits $ 514,118 $ 611,043 $ 555,560
Interest-bearing deposits 2,356,818 2,369,249 2,339,550
Total deposits $ 2,870,936 $ 2,980,292 $ 2,895,110
       
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase 148,238 139,024 119,115
Long-term debt  --  7,000 14,417
Junior subordinated debt owed to unconsolidated trusts 55,000 55,000 55,000
Other liabilities 27,185 27,943 26,234
Total liabilities $ 3,101,359 $ 3,209,259 $ 3,109,876
Total stockholders' equity $ 410,030 $ 408,797 $ 414,847
Total liabilities & stockholders' equity $ 3,511,389 $ 3,618,056 $ 3,524,723
       
Per Share Data      
Book value per common share $ 3.89 $ 3.88 $ 3.95
Tangible book value per common share 2 $ 3.52 $ 3.49 $ 3.55
Ending number of common shares outstanding 86,698 86,671 86,631
       
1 Unaudited except for amounts reported as of December 31, 2012      
2 Total common equity less goodwill and intangibles divided by shares outstanding as of period end      
     
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations For the For the
(Unaudited, in thousands, except per share data) Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
  2013 2012 2013 2012
         
Interest and fees on loans $ 23,200 $ 24,512 $ 46,161 $ 50,038
Interest on investment securities 4,260 4,713 8,414 9,283
Total interest income $ 27,460 $ 29,225 $ 54,575 $ 59,321
         
Interest on deposits 1,824 3,318 3,921 7,066
Interest on short-term borrowings 46 85 99 172
Interest on long-term debt 44 220 125 446
Junior subordinated debt owed to unconsolidated trusts 301 328 602 665
Total interest expense $ 2,215 $ 3,951 $ 4,747 $ 8,349
         
Net interest income $ 25,245 $ 25,274 $ 49,828 $ 50,972
Provision for loan losses 2,000 4,500 4,000 9,500
Net interest income after provision for loan losses $ 23,245 $ 20,774 $ 45,828 $ 41,472
         
Trust fees 4,713 4,090 9,921 9,285
Commissions and brokers' fees 569 564 1,109 1,070
Fees for customer services 4,550 4,316 8,716 8,508
Remittance processing 2,085 2,111 4,183 4,278
Gain on sales of loans 2,763 3,256 6,260 5,669
Net security gains  --  64  --  64
Other 1,103 1,369 2,235 4,776
Total non-interest income $ 15,783 $ 15,770 $ 32,424 $ 33,650
         
Salaries and wages 12,781 13,148 26,341 25,259
Employee benefits 2,947 3,122 6,174 6,018
Net occupancy expense 2,103 2,156 4,285 4,361
Furniture and equipment expense 1,222 1,310 2,476 2,582
Data processing expense 2,568 2,639 5,207 4,798
Amortization expense 783 827 1,566 1,654
Regulatory expense 617 620 1,263 1,246
OREO expense 58 510 601 515
Other operating expenses 4,722 5,447 9,455 10,548
Total non-interest expense $ 27,801 $ 29,779 $ 57,368 $ 56,981
         
Income before income taxes $ 11,227 $ 6,765 $ 20,884 $ 18,141
Income taxes 3,787 1,877 7,011 5,610
Net income $ 7,440 $ 4,888 $ 13,873 $ 12,531
Preferred stock dividends and discount accretion $ 908 $ 908 $ 1,816 $ 1,816
Income available for common stockholders $ 6,532 $ 3,980 $ 12,057 $ 10,715
         
Per Share Data        
Basic earnings per common share $ 0.08 $ 0.05 $ 0.14 $ 0.12
Fully-diluted earnings per common share $ 0.08 $ 0.05 $ 0.14 $ 0.12
Diluted average common shares outstanding 86,730 86,637 86,717 86,633

Corporate Profile

First Busey Corporation (Nasdaq: BUSE ) is a $3.5 billion financial holding company headquartered in Champaign, Illinois. Busey Bank, First Busey Corporation's wholly-owned bank subsidiary, is also headquartered in Champaign, Illinois and has twenty-eight banking centers serving Illinois, a banking center in Indianapolis, Indiana, and seven banking centers serving southwest Florida. Trevett Capital Partners, a wealth management division of Busey Bank, provides asset management, investment and fiduciary services to high net worth clients in southwest Florida. The wealth management professionals of Trevett Capital Partners can be reached through trevettcapitalpartners.com. Busey Bank had total assets of $3.4 billion as of June 30, 2013. 

In addition, First Busey Corporation owns a retail payment processing subsidiary, FirsTech, Inc., through Busey Bank, which processes over 22 million transactions per year using online bill payment, lockbox processing and walk-in payments at its 3,100 agent locations in 38 states. More information about FirsTech, Inc. can be found at firstechinc.com .

Busey Wealth Management is a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Busey Corporation. Through Busey Trust Company, Busey Wealth Management provides asset management, investment and fiduciary services to individuals, businesses and foundations. As of June 30, 2013, Busey Wealth Management managed approximately $4.5 billion in assets.

Busey Bank and Busey Wealth Management deliver financial services through busey.com .

Special Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This document may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business of the Company. Forward-looking statements, which may be based upon beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the Company's management and on information currently available to management, are generally identifiable by the use of words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "plan," "intend," "estimate," "may," "will," "would," "could," "should" or other similar expressions. Additionally, all statements in this document, including forward-looking statements, speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any statement in light of new information or future events. A number of factors, many of which are beyond the ability of the Company to control or predict, could cause actual results to differ materially from those in its forward-looking statements. These factors include, among others, the following: (i) the strength of the local and national economy; (ii) changes in state and federal laws, regulations and governmental policies concerning Company's general business (including the impact of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the extensive regulations to be promulgated thereunder, as well as the rules recently adopted by the federal bank regulatory agencies to implement Basel III); (iii) changes in interest rates and prepayment rates of the Company's assets; (iv) increased competition in the financial services sector and the inability to attract new customers; (v) changes in technology and the ability to develop and maintain secure and reliable electronic systems; (vi) the loss of key executives or employees; (vii) changes in consumer spending; (viii) unexpected results of acquisitions; (ix) unexpected outcomes of existing or new litigation involving the Company; (x) the economic impact of any future terrorist threats or attacks; and (xi) changes in accounting policies and practices. These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Additional information concerning the Company and its business, including additional factors that could materially affect the Company's financial results, is included in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

David B. White, CFO 217-365-4047

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You ever notice how the market treats innovation and tradition like they’re these ever-spinning plates in a circus act? Take Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA). Their third-quarter report's got me both nodding in approval and scratching my head. Sure, they sold 18,543 vehicles—down 5.6% from the previous year. But don’t write 'em off just yet. The slumping...

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October Becomes a Beacon for Grieving Families

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October: A Month for Heartfelt Observance There's a profound resonance when October rolls around, especially for families who've faced the heartbreak of pregnancy or infant loss. Thanks to Postpartum Support International (PSI), the month serves as more than just a page in a calendar—it's a solidarity rallying cry for awareness and remembrance. The group's commitment to...

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Ace Hardware Ups the Stakes with Rewards Days Event

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Ace Hardware: Doubling Down with Rewards Ace Hardware's rolling out the red carpet for its loyal customers. Imagine this: exclusive deals on trusted brands and double points on purchases—an incentive any savvy shopper would jump at. From October 6 to 7, those in the Ace Rewards circle have the chance to nab some hefty savings and perks, a move that's more than just a...

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Chorus Elevates Kelsey Ganon to Lead Marketing Strategy

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Chorus Announces Kelsey Ganon as New Marketing Director Chorus is thrilled to introduce Kelsey Ganon as its newly appointed Marketing Communications Director. With a robust background in strategic marketing and branding, Kelsey will play a key role in advancing Chorus's marketing initiatives, launching new products, and strengthening its brand visibility. Kelsey's Proven...

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Market Shifts: Three Companies Slashing Their Dividends

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Understanding Dividend Cuts: The Company's Perspective Companies often pay dividends as a gesture of appreciation toward their shareholders, providing them with added financial rewards. The aim is not only to acknowledge existing investors but to attract potential ones as well. Renowned investor Peter Lynch once expressed the significance of dividends, stating, "Dividends...

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Key Insights on SCOR's Share Capital and Voting Rights Details

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Understanding SCOR's Recent Share Capital Declaration On a notable date, SCOR made a significant announcement regarding its share capital. The communication was essential for understanding the current status of total shares and voting rights. As a leading global reinsurer, SCOR's declarations provide crucial insights into its financial health and operational metrics....

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Rapid7 to Share Third Quarter Financial Insights on November 6

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Rapid7 to Announce Q3 2024 Financial Performance Rapid7, Inc. (NASDAQ: RPD), a prominent figure in extended risk and threat detection, is gearing up to share its financial results for the third quarter of 2024 on an upcoming Wednesday. The announcement is set to take place on November 6, after the financial markets close, marking an important milestone for the company and...

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Insights into Recent Insider Transactions at Gran Tierra Energy

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Recent Insider Transactions at Gran Tierra Energy According to the latest SEC filing, a noteworthy insider transaction recently took place involving Gary Guidry, the President and CEO of Gran Tierra Energy (GTE). This insider purchase is a clear vote of confidence in the company's future. What Happened: On the specified date, Guidry bought 100,000 shares of Gran Tierra...

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