Finance
PBCO Financial Corporation Reports Fourth Quarter and Annual 2024 Results
MEDFORD, Ore., January 23, 2025–(BUSINESS WIRE)–PBCO Financial Corporation (OTCPK: “PBCO”), the holding company (Company) of People’s Bank of Commerce (Bank), today reported net income of $2.7 million and earnings per share of $0.51 for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to net income of $1.9 million and $0.36 per share for the third quarter of 2024. For the year ended 2024, earnings per share were $1.52 compared to $0.19 in 2023.
Highlights
-
Net interest margin of 3.67% which increased by 16 basis points compared to prior quarter and 48 basis points over the same quarter prior year
-
Return on average assets increased to 1.34% compared to 0.97% in the prior quarter
-
7.0% increase in total deposits compared to prior year
-
Tangible book value per share increased to $15.84, compared to $13.86 at the prior year-end
“2024 was a pivotal year for the Bank after taking action on two key strategic business decisions at the end of 2023. We sold a portion of the investment securities portfolio to reposition our balance sheet and improve the net interest margin and we dissolved our mortgage department which contributed to improved operating efficiency,” reported Julia Beattie, President & CEO. “I am pleased that we were able to achieve our goals of improved profitability and positive deposit growth during my first full year as CEO, and I look forward to building on this progress moving forward,” added Beattie.
During 2024, the Bank’s loan portfolio increased 5.8% year-over-year, while the yield on the loan portfolio increased to 6.06% during the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to 5.68% in the fourth quarter of 2023. “Loan growth was relatively flat during the 2nd half of 2024, primarily due to prepayments that occurred in December 2024, but the loan pipeline remained strong at year-end,” added Beattie.
Total deposits grew 1.6% during the fourth quarter and 7.0% for the year ended 2024.
The investment portfolio decreased 5.0% to $132.6 million during the fourth quarter of 2024 from $139.6 million at the end of the third quarter. Due to higher market rates on investments during the quarter, the Company’s AOCI book loss increased to $12.3 million at the end of the fourth quarter compared to $10.0 million at the end of the third quarter.
Non-interest income was $1.9 million in the fourth quarter, down $112 thousand from the third quarter of 2024. Revenue from Steelhead, the Bank’s factoring division, was relatively unchanged compared to prior quarter, while other non-interest income was down $116 thousand due to a non-recurring recovery of expenses in the third quarter from a non-performing loan. For the year, non-interest income was down $1.2 million versus 2023.
Finance
BofA revises Harley-Davidson stock price after latest announcement
Harley-Davidson’s new CEO wants to transform how people think about the iconic motorcycle brand, so the company is trying something different.
This week, Harley announced a new strategy that focuses on lower-priced bikes, rather than relying on older, more affluent customers to buy its higher-margin touring models.
“Back to the Bricks builds on our core strengths and competitive advantages, harnessing the passion of our riders to deliver profitable growth for the Company and both our dealers and shareholders,” Harley CEO Artie Starrs said this week. “As we drive towards this new phase of growth, we remain committed to the craftsmanship and dedication that define our brand.”
Entry-level Harley-Davidsons cost about $13,000, while the higher-end Adventure Touring models average about $23,250, and the Premium Range &CVO models cost about $38,500, according to Reuters.
Harley’s new strategy targets a core profit of over $350 million from its motorcycle business by 2027 and over $150 million in cost reductions.
To kick off the new strategy, Harley is introducing Sprint, a new entry-level model powered by a smaller 440cc engine, later in the year.
What is Harley-Davidson’s “Back to the Bricks” strategy?
Harley’s new strategy relies on more than just pushing buyers toward cheaper vehicles to increase volume. The 123-year-old company has a set of five pillars on which it is building its future.
Harley-Davidson “Back to the Bricks” 5-point plan
-
Deep appreciation of Harley-Davidson’s competitive advantages and legacy: The Company’s iconic brand, diversified and powerful revenue channels, and best-in-class dealer network provide a powerful foundation for growth.
-
Renewed commitment to exclusive dealer network to drive enterprise profitability: Harley-Davidson’s dealers are a competitive advantage. The Company is planning actions to enable dealers to double profitability in 2026 and then double it again by 2029.
-
Immediate actions to recapture share in areas where Harley-Davidson has right to win: Harley-Davidson has strong legacy equity in existing markets including new motorcycles, used motorcycles, Parts & Accessories, and Apparel & Licensing. The Company’s new strategy is focused on positioning the Company to regain share and drive meaningful volume growth in categories where it benefits from credibility, scale, and deep rider connection.
-
Strong financial position with a path to stronger free cash flow and EBITDA margin: Cost and restructuring actions already underway support a path to stronger free cash flow and EBITDA margin over time.
-
Bolstered management team with balance of fresh perspectives and institutional knowledge: Harley-Davidson has made a number of leadership appointments that support the Company as it leverages its innate strengths.
Finance
What is Considered a Good Dividend Stock? 2 Financial Stocks That Fit the Bill
Written by Jitendra Parashar at The Motley Fool Canada
Dividend investing can be one of the simplest ways to build long-term wealth while creating a steady stream of passive income. But in my opinion, a good dividend stock is about much more than just a high yield. Beyond dividend yield, investors should also look for companies with durable businesses, reliable cash flows, and a history of rewarding shareholders consistently over time.
That’s exactly why many investors turn to financial stocks. Banks and asset managers often generate recurring earnings through lending, investing, and wealth management activities, allowing them to support stable dividend payments even during uncertain market conditions.
Two Canadian financial stocks that stand out right now are AGF Management (TSX:AGF.B) and Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSX:TD). Both companies offer attractive dividends backed by solid financial performance and long-term growth strategies. In this article, I’ll explain why these two financial stocks could be worth considering for income-focused investors right now.
AGF Management stock continues to reward shareholders
AGF Management is a Toronto-based asset manager with businesses across investments, private markets, and wealth management. Through these divisions, the company offers equity, fixed income, alternative, and multi-asset investment strategies to retail, institutional, and private wealth clients.
Following a 59% rally over the last 12 months, AGF stock currently trades at $16.67 per share with a market cap of roughly $1.1 billion. At current levels, the stock offers a quarterly dividend yield of 3.3%.
One reason behind AGF’s strong recent performance is its increasingly diversified business model. The company has expanded its investment capabilities and broadened its geographic reach, helping it perform well across varying market environments.
In the first quarter of its fiscal 2026 (ended in February), AGF posted free cash flow of $36 million, up 14% year over year (YoY), driven mainly by higher management, advisory, and administration fees. These fees climbed to $92.5 million as demand for the company’s investment offerings strengthened.
AGF has also been focusing on expanding its alternative investment business and introducing new investment products. With strong cash generation and growing demand for alternative investments, AGF Management looks well-positioned to continue rewarding investors over the long term.
TD Bank stock remains a dependable dividend giant
Toronto-Dominion Bank, or TD Bank, is one of North America’s largest banks, serving millions of customers through its Canadian banking, U.S. retail banking, wealth management and insurance, and wholesale banking operations.
Finance
UK watchdog says car finance legal challenge hearing unlikely before October
-
Maryland39 seconds agoMifepristone ruling could halt mailed abortion pills in ‘shield states’ like Maryland – WTOP News
-
Michigan7 minutes agoList of active weather alerts as storms move through Southeast Michigan
-
Massachusetts13 minutes agoMassachusetts town near Gillette Stadium presses for World Cup security funding
-
Minnesota19 minutes agoProjected Lineup: Wild vs. Avalanche | Minnesota Wild
-
Mississippi24 minutes agoAuburn baseball evens series with Mississippi State on Friday: Recap
-
Missouri31 minutes agoKansas City, Missouri, police investigate deadly shooting at 4th and Holmes
-
Montana37 minutes agoMontana Vista residents confront ‘Pecos West’ developers in tense meeting
-
Nebraska43 minutes agoWhere Are Nebraska Fan’s Heads – CarrikerChronicles.com