Tanzania Tourism Sees Dramatic Increase in Visitor Numbers and Revenues
The United Nations Tourism body, UN Tourism, has ranked Tanzania the fastest growing Africa destination in 2024, with a 48 per cent increase compared to the pre-COVID-19 period. Ethiopia had the second-fasted growth rate of 40 per cent, Morocco saw 35 per cent, Kenya 11 per cent, and Tunisia saw tourism growth of 9 per cent.
Tanzania's Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr Pindi Chana, highlighted that growing tourism volumes and value was a flagship policy of Her Excellency, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, and that a goal to grow combined international and domestic tourism volumes to 5 million had already been exceeded.
'These results stem from the vision and commitment of our President, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, who championed promotional campaigns such as The Royal Tour and Amazing Tanzania,' Dr Chana explained. 'This progress has positioned Tanzania 9th globally and 3rd in Africa in tourism revenue growth compared to the pre-COVID-19 era,' she said.
Tourism earnings have also witnessed a major jump, with revenues from international tourists increasing from $1.3 billion in 2021 to $3.9 billion in 2024—a growth rate of 200 percent. Domestic tourism revenues also rose from TZS11 billion in 2021 to TZS209 billion in 2024, reflecting a surge of over 350 per cent.
The President of Tanzania, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, has personally championed tourism growth in Tanzania. From her decision to roll out mass Covid vaccinations in 2021, which reversed the previous government's policies and reopened Tanzania to international travel, to her participation in events like the World Travel and Tourism Council Global Summit, where she addressed the audience as a keynote speaker, President Samia Suluhu's government has made tourism growth a strategic investment priority.
This investment has begun to generate global recognition for Tanzania as a tourist destination, with the country winning several awards at the prestigious World Travel Awards (WTA), including Africa's Leading Destination (2024) and World's Leading Safari Destination (2024).
Serengeti National Park retained its title as the best safari destination globally for the sixth consecutive year since 2019. Mount Kilimanjaro was named Africa's Leading Tourist Attraction in 2024, while Serengeti was ranked the world's second-best safari destination by The Times of India. Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) also received international recognition for service quality from the European Society for Quality Research (ESQR), winning the award for the fifth time in a row (2020–2024), while the Tanzania Tourist Board was named Africa's Best Tourism Board. Additionally, Tanzania has been selected to host the African edition of the World Travel Awards in June 2025.
Tanzania has achieved major progress in wildlife protection and management through anti-poaching operations, intensified patrols, and the adoption of modern technology.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI), Tanzania leads in Africa and globally with around 17,000 lions, 225,000 buffaloes, and 24,000 leopards.
The population of black rhinos rose from 163 in 2021 to 263 in 2025, a 61 per cent increase, while elephant poaching incidents dropped by nearly 90 percent.
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Birks Group Inc. Reports Fiscal 2025 Results
MONTREAL--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Birks Group Inc. (the 'Company' or 'Birks Group') (NYSE American: BGI), today reported its financial results for the fiscal year ended March 29, 2025. All figures presented herein are in Canadian dollars. For the fiscal year ended March 29, 2025 ('fiscal 2025'), the Company reported net sales of $177.8 million, a decrease of $7.5 million or 4.0%, from the comparable fiscal year ended March 30, 2024 ('fiscal 2024'). Comparable store sales for fiscal 2025 decreased by 3.4% compared to the corresponding period in fiscal 2024. The decrease in net sales and comparable store sales is mainly due to lower sales of branded jewelry due to the exit of a jewelry brand from two stores. When excluding the third-party jewelry brand movement, the comparable store sales increased by 6.9%, mainly driven by timepiece sales. The Company reported gross profit of $66.3 million, or 37.3% of net sales, compared to $73.6 million, or 39.7% of net sales in fiscal 2024, due to lower sales volume resulting from the exit of a jewelry brand from two stores. Gross profit as a percentage of sales for fiscal 2025 was 37.3%, a decrease of 240 basis points from the gross profit as a percentage of sales of 39.7% for fiscal 2024 as a result of the sales mix with decreased sales from third-party branded jewelry, as well as a foreign exchange loss. Mr. Jean-Christophe Bédos, President and Chief Executive Officer of Birks Group, commented: 'Although our net sales and comparable store sales for fiscal 2025 are lower than fiscal 2024, when excluding the effect of third-party jewelry brand movement, comparable store sales are positive year-over-year, as a result of a strong retail performance and product offering particularly in our third-party branded timepieces. In fiscal 2025, we opened two new stores under the TimeVallée and Birks brands and continued to benefit from the fiscal 2024 renovations in our Chinook and Laval locations. These initiatives along with our recent announcement of the acquisition of the watch and jewelry business of European Boutique will continue to generate greater sales and contribute to improve our results.' Mr. Bédos further commented: 'I would like to thank our teams for their tireless efforts. The results achieved in fiscal 2025 are a testament to our commitment to our customers and I am grateful for the unwavering efforts of all our employees and the implementation of various initiatives during this past year to enhance our product offering and customer experience.' Financial overview for the fiscal year ended March 29, 2025: Total net sales for fiscal 2025 were $177.8 million compared to $185.3 million in fiscal 2024, a decrease of $7.5 million, or 4.0%. The decrease in net sales in fiscal 2025 was primarily driven by the results of the Company's retail channel. Net retail sales in fiscal 2025 were $7.3 million lower than fiscal 2024, primarily due to the decrease in third-party branded jewelry sales, following the exit of a jewelry brand from two stores, partially offset by an increase in branded timepiece sales throughout the retail network; Comparable store sales decreased by 3.4% in fiscal 2025 compared to fiscal 2024 mainly due to lower third-party branded jewelry sales following the exit of a jewelry brand from two stores, partially offset by an increase in third-party branded timepiece sales and an increase in average sales transaction value. When excluding the third-party jewelry brand movement, the comparable store sales increased by 6.9%, mainly driven by timepiece sales; Total gross profit for fiscal 2025 was $66.3 million, or 37.3% of net sales, compared to $73.6 million, or 39.7% of net sales, in fiscal 2024. This decrease in gross profit was primarily due to the decreased sales volume experienced during fiscal 2025, due to third-party branded jewelry sales following the exit of a jewelry brand from two stores, and a foreign exchange loss due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar, partially offset by the increased sales of third-party branded timepieces. The decrease of 240 basis points in gross margin percentage resulted primarily from the sales mix with decreased sales from third-party branded jewelry, as well as a foreign exchange loss, partially offset by an increase in branded timepiece sales; SG&A expenses in fiscal 2025 were $59.5 million, or 33.5% of net sales, compared to $65.7 million, or 35.5% of net sales, in fiscal 2024, a decrease of $6.2 million. The main drivers of the decrease in SG&A expenses in fiscal 2025 include lower occupancy costs ($2.7 million) mainly due to store closures and store lease modifications, lower marketing costs ($2.3 million) mainly due to lower brand development initiatives, lower compensation costs ($0.5 million) mainly due to lower sales volume and head count reductions, lower general operating costs ($0.4 million) and lower non-cash based compensation expense ($0.3 million) mainly due to fluctuations in the Company's stock price during the fiscal year. As a percentage of sales, SG&A expenses in fiscal 2025 decreased by 200 basis points as compared to fiscal 2024, reflecting the Company's focus on cost management and containment; The Company's adjusted EBITDA (1) for fiscal 2025 was $9.2 million, a decrease of $0.8 million, compared to adjusted EBITDA (1) of $10.0 million for fiscal 2024; The Company's reported operating loss for fiscal 2025 was $5.5 million, a decrease of $6.7 million, compared to a reported operating income of $1.2 million for fiscal 2024. The operating loss in fiscal 2025 includes an impairment of long-lived assets of $4.6 million related to the write-down of capitalized software costs associated with the delay in completing the implementation of the Company's ERP system; The Company's recognized interest and other financing costs were $9.7 million in fiscal 2025, an increase of $1.7 million, compared to recognized interest and other financing costs of $8.0 million in fiscal 2024. This increase is mainly due to an increase in the average amount outstanding on the amended credit facility, additional borrowings, and a foreign exchange loss of $1.0 million in fiscal 2025 versus a foreign exchange gain of $0.2 million in fiscal 2024 on our U.S. dollar denominated debt; The Company recognized a net loss for fiscal 2025 of $12.8 million, or $0.66 per share, compared to a net loss for fiscal 2024 of $4.6 million, or $0.24 per share. (1) This is a non-GAAP financial measure defined below under 'Non-GAAP Measures' and accompanied by a reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. Expand About Birks Group Inc. Birks Group is a leading designer of fine jewelry and an operator of luxury jewelry, timepieces and gifts retail stores in Canada. The Company operates 17 stores under the Maison Birks brand in most major metropolitan markets in Canada, one retail location in Montreal under the Birks brand, one retail location in Montreal under the TimeVallée brand, one retail location in Calgary under the Brinkhaus brand, one retail location in Vancouver under the Graff brand, one retail location in Vancouver under the Patek Philippe brand, four retail locations in Laval, Ottawa and Toronto under the Breitling brand, four retail locations in Toronto under the European Boutique brand, one retail location in Toronto under the Omega brand and one retail location in Toronto under the Montblanc brand. Birks was founded in 1879 and has become Canada's premier designer and retailer of fine jewelry, timepieces and gifts. Additional information can be found on Birks' web site, NON-GAAP MEASURES The Company reports financial information in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ('U.S. GAAP'). The Company's performance is monitored and evaluated using various sales and earnings measures that are adjusted to include or exclude amounts from the most directly comparable GAAP measure ('non-GAAP measures'). The Company presents such non-GAAP measures in reporting its financial results to assist in business decision-making and to provide key performance information to senior management. The Company believes that this additional information provided to investors and other external stakeholders will allow them to evaluate the Company's operating results using the same financial measures and metrics used by the Company in evaluating performance. The Company does not, nor does it suggest that investors and other external stakeholders should, consider non-GAAP measures in isolation from, or as a substitute for, financial information prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. In addition to our results determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, we use non-GAAP measures including 'EBITDA' and 'Adjusted EBITDA'. EBITDA 'EBITDA' is defined as net income (loss) before interest expense and other financing costs, income taxes expense (recovery) and depreciation and amortization. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward- looking statements which can be identified, for example, by their use of words such as 'plans,' 'expects,' 'believes,' 'will,' 'anticipates,' 'intends,' 'projects,' 'estimates,' 'could,' 'would,' 'may,' 'planned,' 'goal,' and other words of similar meaning. All statements that address expectations, possibilities or projections about the future, including without limitation, statements about anticipated economic conditions, generation of shareholder value, and our strategies for growth, performance drivers, expansion plans, sources or adequacy of capital, expenditures and financial results are forward-looking statements. Because such statements include various risks and uncertainties, actual results might differ materially from those projected in the forward- looking statements and no assurance can be given that the Company will meet the results projected in the forward-looking statements. Accordingly, the reader should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to the following: (i) a decline in consumer spending or deterioration in consumer financial position; (ii) economic, political and market conditions, including the economies of Canada and the U.S. and the influence of inflation on consumer spending, which could adversely affect the Company's business, operating results or financial condition, including its revenue and profitability, through the impact of changes in the real estate markets, changes in the equity markets and decreases in consumer confidence and the related changes in consumer spending patterns, the impact on store traffic, tourism and sales as well as the recently imposed tariffs (and retaliatory measures), possible changes therefrom and other trade restrictions; (iii) the impact of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, increases in commodity prices and borrowing costs and their related impact on the Company's costs and expenses; (iv) the Company's ability to maintain and obtain sufficient sources of liquidity to fund its operations, to achieve planned sales, gross margin and net income, to keep costs low, to implement its business strategy, maintain relationships with its primary vendors, to source raw materials, to mitigate fluctuations in the availability and prices of the Company's merchandise, to compete with other jewelers, to succeed in its marketing initiatives (including with respect to Birks branded products), and to have a successful customer service program; (v) the Company's plan to evaluate the productivity of existing stores, close unproductive stores and open new stores in new prime retail locations, renovate existing stores and invest in its website and e-commerce platform; (vi) the Company's ability to execute its strategic vision; and (vii) the Company's ability to invest in and finance capital expenditures; (viii) the Company's ability to maintain its listing on the NYSE American exchange or to list its shares on another national securities exchange; and (ix) the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. Information concerning the above and other risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially is set forth under the captions 'Risk Factors' and 'Operating and Financial Review and Prospects' and elsewhere in the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 25, 2025 and subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this statement or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. BIRKS GROUP INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands) As of March 29, 2025 March 30, 2024 Assets Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,509 $ 1,783 Accounts receivable and other receivables 6,608 8,455 Inventories 116,277 99,067 Prepaids and other current assets 2,072 2,913 Total current assets 126,466 112,218 Long-term receivables 1,084 1,571 Equity investment in joint venture 5,169 4,122 Property and equipment 25,380 25,717 Operating lease right-of-use asset 34,964 51,753 Intangible assets and other assets 3,017 7,887 Total non-current assets 69,614 91,050 Total assets $ 196,080 $ 203,268 Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity (Deficiency) Current liabilities Bank indebtedness $ 73,630 $ 63,372 Accounts payable 58,114 43,011 Accrued liabilities 6,053 6,112 Current portion of long-term debt 4,860 4,352 Current portion of operating lease liabilities 6,929 6,430 Total current liabilities 149,586 123,277 Long-term debt 21,374 22,587 Long-term portion of operating lease liabilities 38,629 59,881 Other long-term liabilities 4,502 2,672 Total long-term liabilities 64,505 85,140 Stockholders' equity (deficiency): Class A common stock – no par value, unlimited shares authorized, issued and outstanding 11,876,717 (11,447,999 as of March 30, 2024) 42,854 40,725 Class B common stock – no par value, unlimited shares authorized, issued and outstanding 7,717,970 57,755 57,755 Preferred stock – no par value, unlimited shares authorized, none issued — — Additional paid-in capital 19,719 21,825 Accumulated deficit (138,295 ) (125,476 ) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (44 ) 22 Total stockholders' equity (deficiency) (18,011 ) (5,149 ) Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficiency) $ 196,080 $ 203,268 Expand
Business Wire
an hour ago
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Affinity Bancshares, Inc. Announces Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results
COVINGTON, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Affinity Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ:'AFBI') (the 'Company'), the holding company for Affinity Bank (the 'Bank'), today announced net income of $2.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025, as compared to $1.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024. Expand At or for the three months ended, Performance Ratios: June 30, 2025 March 31, 2025 December 31, 2024 September 30, 2024 June 30, 2024 Net income (in thousands) $ 2,152 $ 1,831 $ 1,345 $ 1,730 $ 1,031 Diluted earnings per share 0.33 0.28 0.20 0.26 0.16 Operating income (1) 2,316 1,996 1,738 1,883 1,763 Adjusted diluted earnings per share (1) 0.36 0.30 0.26 0.29 0.27 Common book value per share 19.66 19.25 20.14 20.02 19.49 Tangible book value per share (1) 16.80 16.40 17.30 17.18 16.64 Total assets (in thousands) 933,799 912,496 866,817 878,561 873,582 Return on average assets 0.94 % 0.83 % 0.61 % 0.78 % 0.48 % Return on average equity 7.01 % 5.68 % 4.14 % 5.43 % 3.33 % Equity to assets 13.29 % 13.40 % 14.90 % 14.61 % 14.32 % Tangible equity to tangible assets (1) 11.58 % 11.65 % 13.08 % 12.80 % 12.49 % Net interest margin 3.57 % 3.52 % 3.56 % 3.52 % 3.71 % Efficiency ratio 65.72 % 68.55 % 75.95 % 71.48 % 78.74 % (1) Non-GAAP measure - see 'Explanation of Certain Unaudited Non-GAAP Financial Measures' for more information and reconciliation to GAAP. Expand Net Income Net income was $4.0 million for six months ended June 30, 2025 as compared to $2.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024, as a result of an increase in net interest income along with a decrease in noninterest expenses offset by a decrease in noninterest income. Operating income for the six months ended June 30, 2025 was $4.3 million as compared to $3.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024. Net income was $2.2 million for three months ended June 30, 2025 as compared to $1.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024, as a result of an increase in net interest income along with a decrease in noninterest expenses offset by a decrease in noninterest income. Operating income for the three months ended June 30, 2025 was $2.3 million as compared to $1.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024. Results of Operations Net interest income was $15.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025 compared to $14.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024. The increase was due to an increase in interest income on loans and interest-earning deposits offset by increases in deposit and borrowing costs and a decrease in interest income on investment securities. Net interest margin for the six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024 remained stable at 3.55%. Noninterest income decreased $269,000 to $1.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025, primarily due to lower service charges on deposit accounts and the absence of a gain on the sale of other real estate recorded in 2024. Non-interest expense decreased $1.5 million to $10.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025 compared to the 2024 period, due mainly to a decrease in other fees. Net interest income was $7.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025 compared to $7.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024. The increase was due to an increase in interest income on loans and interest-earning deposits, partially offset by increases in deposit and a decrease in interest income on investment securities. Net interest margin for the three months ended June 30, 2025 decreased to 3.57% from 3.71% for the three months ended June 30, 2024. The decrease in the margin relates to a decrease in our yield on earning assets decreasing 11 basis points while our deposits and borrowing cost of funds only decreased three basis points. Noninterest income decreased $166,000 to $540,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2025, primarily due to lower service charges on deposit accounts and the absence of a gain on the sale of other real estate recorded in 2024. Non-interest expense decreased $1.3 million to $5.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025 compared to the 2024 period, due mainly to a decrease in other fees. Financial Condition Total assets increased $67.0 million to $933.8 million at June 30, 2025 from $866.8 million at December 31, 2024, as we experienced loan growth and an increase in interest earning deposits which was funded from growth in our deposits. Total gross loans increased $17.0 million to $731.1 million at June 30, 2025 from $714.1 million at December 31, 2024. The increase was due to steady loan demand in construction and consumer loans, and commercial loans secured by real estate - owner occupied. Non-owner occupied office loans totaled $39.9 million at June 30, 2025; the average LTV on these loans is 48.8%, including $15.8 million medical/dental tenants and $24.1 million to other various tenants. Investment securities held-to-maturity unrealized gains were $240,000, net of tax. Investment securities available-for-sale unrealized losses were $5.0 million, net of tax. Cash and cash equivalents increased $48.2 million to $89.7 million at June 30, 2025 from $41.4 million at December 31, 2024. Deposits increased by $75.9 million to $749.3 million at June 30, 2025 compared to $673.5 million at December 31, 2024, with a $42.5 million net increase in demand deposits and a $33.4 million increase in certificates of deposits. Borrowings decreased by $4.8 million to $54.0 million at June 30, 2025 compared to $58.8 million at December 31, 2024 as an advance from the Bank Term Funding program was paid in full in first quarter of 2025. Equity decreased $5.0 million to $124.1 million at June 30, 2025 from $129.1 million at December 31, 2024 from payment of $1.50 per share dividend that was declared and paid in first quarter, along with $2.1 million common stock repurchases. Asset Quality Non-performing loans decreased to $4.6 million at June 30, 2025 from $4.8 million at December 31, 2024. The allowance for credit losses as a percentage of non-performing loans was 187.1% at June 30, 2025, as compared to 177.9% at December 31, 2024. Allowance for credit losses to total loans decreased to 1.17% at June 30, 2025 from 1.19% at December 31, 2024. Net loan charge-offs were $79,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2025, as compared to net loan charge-offs of $460,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2024. About Affinity Bancshares, Inc. The Company is a Maryland corporation based in Covington, Georgia. The Company's banking subsidiary, Affinity Bank, opened in 1928 and currently operates a full-service office in Atlanta, Georgia, two full-service offices in Covington, Georgia, and a loan production office serving the Alpharetta and Cumming, Georgia markets. Forward-Looking Statements In addition to historical information, this release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which describe the future plans, strategies and expectations of the Company. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as 'estimate,' 'project,' 'believe,' 'intend,' 'anticipate,' 'assume,' 'plan,' 'seek,' 'expect,' 'will,' 'may,' 'should,' 'indicate,' 'would,' 'contemplate,' 'continue,' 'target' and words of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. In addition, these forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions with respect to future business strategies and decisions that are subject to change. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on such statements. We are under no duty to and do not take any obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date of this report. Factors which could have a material adverse effect on the operations of the Company and its subsidiaries include, but are not limited to, changes in general economic conditions, interest rates and inflation; changes in asset quality; our ability to access cost-effective funding; fluctuations in real estate values; changes in laws or regulations; changes in liquidity, including the size and composition of our deposit portfolio and the percentage of uninsured deposits in the portfolio; changes in technology; failures or breaches of our IT security systems; our ability to introduce new products and services and capitalize on growth opportunities; changes in the value of our goodwill and other intangible assets; our ability to successfully integrate acquired operations or assets; changes in accounting policies and practices; our ability to retain key employees; and the effects of natural disasters and geopolitical events, including terrorism, conflict and acts of war. These risks and other uncertainties are further discussed in the reports that the Company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Average Balance Sheets The following tables set forth average balance sheets, average annualized yields and costs, and certain other information for the periods indicated. No tax-equivalent yield adjustments have been made, as the effects would be immaterial. All average balances are monthly average balances. Non-accrual loans were included in the computation of average balances. The yields set forth below include the effect of deferred fees, discounts, and premiums that are amortized or accreted to interest income or interest expense. For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 2024 (Dollars in thousands) Interest-earning assets: Loans $ 720,966 $ 21,843 6.11 % $ 673,282 $ 19,978 5.97 % Investment securities held-to-maturity 27,082 832 6.20 % 34,225 1,056 6.20 % Investment securities available-for-sale 39,465 679 3.47 % 47,875 942 3.96 % Interest-earning deposits and federal funds 65,896 1,385 4.24 % 50,527 1,296 5.16 % Other investments 6,206 189 6.14 % 5,467 171 6.29 % Total interest-earning assets 859,615 24,928 5.85 % 811,376 23,443 5.81 % Non-interest-earning assets 47,862 51,633 Total assets $ 907,477 $ 863,009 Interest-bearing liabilities: Interest-bearing checking accounts $ 82,740 $ 182 0.44 % $ 88,584 $ 217 0.49 % Money market accounts 161,502 2,421 3.02 % 143,243 2,258 3.17 % Savings accounts 81,370 1,147 2.84 % 74,093 1,054 2.86 % Certificates of deposit 247,512 5,021 4.09 % 219,315 4,571 4.19 % Total interest-bearing deposits 573,124 8,771 3.09 % 525,235 8,100 3.10 % FHLB advances and other borrowings 54,426 1,042 3.86 % 58,145 1,025 3.55 % Total interest-bearing liabilities 627,550 9,813 3.15 % 583,380 9,125 3.15 % Non-interest-bearing liabilities 152,991 156,177 Total liabilities 780,541 739,557 Total stockholders' equity 126,936 123,452 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 907,477 $ 863,009 Net interest rate spread 2.70 % 2.66 % Net interest income $ 15,115 $ 14,318 Net interest margin 3.55 % 3.55 % Expand AFFINITY BANCSHARES, INC. Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) June 30, 2025 (Dollars in thousands except per share amounts) Assets Cash and due from banks $ 5,876 $ 7,092 Interest-earning deposits in other depository institutions 83,790 34,333 Cash and cash equivalents 89,666 41,425 Investment securities available-for-sale 40,739 36,502 Investment securities held-to-maturity (estimated fair value of $24,724 net of allowance for credit losses of $37 at June 30, 2025 and estimated fair value of $27,286 net of allowance for credit losses of $45 at December 31, 2024) 24,366 27,299 Other investments 6,243 6,175 Loans 731,135 714,115 Allowance for credit loss on loans (8,542 ) (8,496 ) Net loans 722,593 705,619 Premises and equipment, net 3,075 3,261 Bank owned life insurance 16,690 16,487 Intangible assets 18,080 18,175 Other assets 12,347 11,874 Total assets $ 933,799 $ 866,817 Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Liabilities: Non-interest-bearing checking $ 151,882 $ 151,395 Interest-bearing checking 83,713 73,841 Money market accounts 167,859 148,752 Savings accounts 89,084 76,053 Certificates of deposit 256,800 223,440 Total deposits 749,338 673,481 Federal Home Loan Bank advances and other borrowings 54,000 58,815 Accrued interest payable and other liabilities 6,361 5,406 Total liabilities 809,699 737,702 Stockholders' equity: Common stock (par value $0.01 per share, 40,000,000 shares authorized; 6,295,339 issued and outstanding at June 30, 2025 and 6,409,598 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2024) 63 64 Preferred stock (10,000,000 shares authorized, no shares outstanding) — — Additional paid in capital 61,197 62,355 Unearned ESOP shares (3,915 ) (4,378 ) Retained earnings 71,756 76,786 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (5,001 ) (5,712 ) Total stockholders' equity 124,100 129,115 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 933,799 $ 866,817 Expand AFFINITY BANCSHARES, INC. Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited) Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 2024 2025 2024 (Dollars in thousands except per share amounts) Interest income: Loans, including fees $ 11,195 $ 10,479 $ 21,843 $ 19,978 Investment securities 858 1,095 1,700 2,169 Interest-earning deposits 770 648 1,385 1,296 Total interest income 12,823 12,222 24,928 23,443 Interest expense: Deposits 4,525 4,099 8,771 8,100 FHLB advances and other borrowings 520 555 1,042 1,025 Total interest expense 5,045 4,654 9,813 9,125 Net interest income before provision for credit losses 7,778 7,568 15,115 14,318 Provision for credit losses 17 213 67 213 Net interest income after provision for credit losses 7,761 7,355 15,048 14,105 Noninterest income: Service charges on deposit accounts 337 391 653 786 Net gain on sale of other real estate owned — 135 — 135 Other 203 180 368 369 Total noninterest income 540 706 1,021 1,290 Noninterest expenses: Salaries and employee benefits 3,260 3,417 6,619 6,596 Occupancy 595 615 1,200 1,233 Data processing 550 508 1,093 1,019 Other 1,062 2,179 1,914 3,442 Total noninterest expenses 5,467 6,719 10,826 12,290 Income before income taxes 2,834 1,342 5,243 3,105 Income tax expense 682 311 1,260 739 Net income $ 2,152 $ 1,031 $ 3,983 $ 2,366 Weighted average common shares outstanding Basic 6,312,589 6,416,628 6,358,888 6,416,628 Diluted 6,457,397 6,544,450 6,504,838 6,534,751 Basic earnings per share $ 0.34 $ 0.16 $ 0.63 $ 0.37 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.33 $ 0.16 $ 0.61 $ 0.36 Expand Explanation of Certain Unaudited Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reported amounts are presented in accordance with GAAP. Additionally, the Company believes the following information is utilized by regulators and market analysts to evaluate a company's financial condition and, therefore, such information is useful to investors. These disclosures should not be viewed as a substitute for financial results in accordance with GAAP, nor are they necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures which may be presented by other companies. Refer to the Non-GAAP Reconciliation tables below for details on the earnings impact of these items. For the Three Months Ended For the Year Ended Non-GAAP Reconciliation June 30, 2025 March 31, 2025 December 31, 2024 September 30, 2024 June 30, 2024 June 30, 2025 June 30, 2024 Operating net income reconciliation Net income (GAAP) $ 2,152 $ 1,831 $ 1,345 $ 1,730 $ 1,031 $ 3,983 $ 2,366 Net loss on securities available for sale — — 385 — — — — ESOP Compensation expense related to dividend 210 211 — — — 421 Merger-related expenses — — 119 196 939 — 989 Income tax expense (46 ) (46 ) (111 ) (43 ) (207 ) (93 ) (218 ) Operating net income $ 2,316 $ 1,996 $ 1,738 $ 1,883 $ 1,763 $ 4,311 $ 3,137 Weighted average diluted shares 6,457,397 6,547,817 6,620,602 6,611,468 6,544,450 6,504,838 6,534,751 Adjusted diluted earnings per share $ 0.36 $ 0.30 $ 0.26 $ 0.29 $ 0.27 $ 0.66 $ 0.48 Tangible book value per common share reconciliation Book Value per common share (GAAP) $ 19.66 $ 19.25 $ 20.14 $ 20.02 $ 19.49 $ 19.52 $ 19.49 Effect of goodwill and other intangibles (2.86 ) (2.85 ) (2.84 ) (2.84 ) (2.85 ) (2.84 ) (2.85 ) Tangible book value per common share $ 16.80 $ 16.40 $ 17.30 $ 17.18 $ 16.64 $ 16.68 $ 16.64 Tangible equity to tangible assets reconciliation Equity to assets (GAAP) 13.29 % 13.40 % 14.90 % 14.61 % 14.32 % 13.29 % 14.32 % Effect of goodwill and other intangibles (1.71 )% (1.75 )% (1.81 )% (1.81 )% (1.83 )% (1.71 )% (1.83 )% Tangible equity to tangible assets (1) 11.58 % 11.65 % 13.08 % 12.80 % 12.49 % 11.58 % 12.49 % (1) Tangible assets is total assets less intangible assets. Tangible equity is total equity less intangible assets. Expand
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Certain DWS Closed-End Funds Announce Extension of Share Repurchases and The Central and Eastern Europe Fund, Inc. Announces Extension of Minimum Period for Partial Advisory Fee Waiver
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Central and Eastern Europe Fund, Inc. (NYSE: CEE), The European Equity Fund, Inc. (NYSE: EEA), and The New Germany Fund, Inc. (NYSE: GF) (each, a 'Fund,' and collectively, the 'Funds') each announced today that its Board of Directors has approved an extension of the current repurchase authorization permitting open market share repurchases for an additional twelve-month period. Each Fund may continue to purchase outstanding shares of its common stock in open-market transactions over the twelve-month period from August 1, 2025 through July 31, 2026 when the Fund's shares trade at a discount to net asset value ('NAV') and such purchases are deemed to be in the best interests of the Fund. The amount and timing of the repurchases will be at the discretion of DWS Investment Management Americas, Inc., the Funds' administrator, and subject to market conditions and investment considerations. Any purchases will be made at prices that will be accretive to each Fund's NAV. The authorization of the extension of the Funds' repurchase programs follows the current repurchase programs, which commenced on August 1, 2024 and continue through July 31, 2025. Results of repurchases under each Fund's program appear in the Fund's shareholder reports. In addition, each Fund announced that its Board continues to reserve its discretion to determine if it would be appropriate to initiate a tender offer during the twelve-month period from August 1, 2025 through July 31, 2026. Each Board intends to continue to consider this matter on a regular basis. In addition, CEE announced today that the Fund's investment advisor, DWS International GmbH, has voluntarily agreed to continue to waive 50% of its advisory fee until further notice but at least until December 31, 2025. Previously, such partial fee waiver was to continue until further notice but at least through September 30, 2025. Important Information Closed-end funds, unlike open-end funds, are not continuously offered. There is a one-time public offering and once issued, shares of closed-end funds are sold in the open market through a stock exchange. Shares of closed-end funds frequently trade at a discount to net asset value. The price of the fund's shares is determined by a number of factors, several of which are beyond the control of the fund. Therefore, the fund cannot predict whether its shares will trade at, below or above net asset value. The Central and Eastern Europe Fund, Inc. is non-diversified and can take larger positions in fewer issues, increasing its potential risk. Investing in foreign securities presents certain risks, such as currency fluctuations, political and economic changes, and market risks. Emerging markets tend to be more volatile and less liquid than the markets of more mature economies, and generally have less diverse and less mature economic structures and less stable political systems than those of developed countries. Any fund that focuses in a particular segment of the market or region of the world will generally be more volatile than a fund that invests more broadly. This fund is non-diversified and can take larger positions in fewer issues, increasing its potential risk. The European Equity Fund, Inc. is diversified and primarily focuses its investments in equity securities of issuers domiciled in Europe, thereby increasing its vulnerability to developments in that region. The New Germany Fund, Inc. is diversified and primarily focuses its investments in Germany, thereby increasing its vulnerability to developments in that country. Investing in foreign securities, particularly of emerging markets, presents certain risks, such as currency fluctuations, and risks of currency and capital controls, political and economic changes, and market risks. Any fund that concentrates in a particular segment of the market or a particular geographical region will generally be more volatile than a fund that invests more broadly. War, terrorism, sanctions, economic uncertainty, trade disputes, public health crises and related geopolitical events have led, and, in the future, may lead to significant disruptions in US and world economies and markets, which may lead to increased market volatility and may have significant adverse effects on the Funds and their investments. The European Union, the United States and other countries have imposed sanctions on Russia in response to Russian military and other actions in recent years. These sanctions have adversely affected Russian individuals, issuers and the Russian economy. Russia, in turn, has imposed sanctions targeting Western individuals, businesses and products. The various sanctions have adversely affected, and may continue to adversely affect, not only the Russian economy, but also the economies of many countries in Europe, including countries in Central and Eastern Europe. In the case of the Central and Eastern Europe Fund, Inc., Russia's invasion of Ukraine has materially adversely affected, and may continue to materially adversely affect, the value and liquidity of the Fund's portfolio. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the laws of such state or jurisdiction. Certain statements contained in this release may be forward-looking in nature. These include all statements relating to plans, expectations, and other statements that are not historical facts and typically use words like 'expect,' 'anticipate,' 'believe,' 'intend,' and similar expressions. Such statements represent management's current beliefs, based upon information available at the time the statements are made, with regard to the matters addressed. All forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, such statements. Management does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements: (i) the effects of adverse changes in market and economic conditions; (ii) legal and regulatory developments; and (iii) other additional risks and uncertainties, including public health crises (including the recent pandemic spread of the novel coronavirus), war, terrorism, trade disputes and related geopolitical events. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. NOT FDIC/ NCUA INSURED • MAY LOSE VALUE • NO BANK GUARANTEE NOT A DEPOSIT • NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY DWS Distributors, Inc. 222 South Riverside Plaza Chicago, IL 60606-5808 Tel (800) 621-1148 © 2025 DWS Group GmbH & Co. KGaA. All rights reserved The brand DWS represents DWS Group GmbH & Co. KGaA and any of its subsidiaries such as DWS Distributors, Inc. which offers investment products or DWS Investment Management Americas, Inc. and RREEF America L.L.C. which offer advisory services. (R-106684-1) (07/25)
