MGT Capital Investments, Inc. (OTCQB: MGTI) announced a non-binding letter of intent to merge with Bit5ive LLC, aiming to create a significant player in Bitcoin mining infrastructure. The merger involves MGT issuing 70% to 80% of its stock to Bit5ive’s members, with Robert Collazo becoming CEO. MGT is also raising $1.5 million through convertible notes, generating $1,335,000 in net proceeds. However, the completion of the merger is subject to various conditions, including a financial audit of Bit5ive.
Fannie Mae's Home Purchase Sentiment Index (HPSI) fell by 0.8 points in August to 62.0, marking six consecutive months of decline. The index is down 13.7 points year-over-year, reflecting heightened concerns over home affordability due to rising prices and mortgage rates. While 73% of respondents viewed it as a 'bad time to buy,' home-selling sentiment also waned. Expectations for home prices turned neutral, with an increasing number anticipating price declines. Additionally, the sentiment about mortgage rates showed a slight increase in those expecting them to drop.
Fannie Mae's August 2022 Economic Outlook forecasts a challenging housing market, driven by rising mortgage rates and elevated inflation. The report predicts a 16.2% decline in total home sales for 2022, with mortgage origination expected to fall from $4.47 trillion in 2021 to $2.47 trillion in 2022 and $2.29 trillion in 2023. Despite a robust labor market, the outlook indicates a modest recession likely due to tighter monetary policies affecting investment and consumer spending.
AmBase Corporation (OTC: ABCP) reported a net loss of $983,000 or $0.02 per share for Q2 2022, improving from a loss of $1,234,000 or $0.03 per share in Q2 2021. For the first half of 2022, the net loss was $2,040,000 or $0.05 per share, compared to $2,869,000 or $0.07 in the same period last year. Operating expenses for Q2 2022 were $983,000, down from $1,234,000 in Q2 2021. The results indicate a slight improvement in performance year-over-year, despite ongoing challenges.
Woodlands Financial Services Company (OTC: WDFN) declared a quarterly cash dividend of 28 cents per share on July 25, 2022. The dividend is payable on August 26, 2022, to shareholders on record as of August 12, 2022. This reflects the company's commitment to providing returns to its shareholders. Woodlands Financial Services operates Woodlands Bank and Woodlands Stock Corporation, offering banking and trust services mainly in Lycoming and Clinton Counties.
Santa Cruz County Bank (OTCQX: SCZC) announced a first-ever $5 million Share Repurchase Program, authorized by its Board of Directors and approved by regulatory agencies. The initiative, which allows the bank to buy back shares in open market transactions until May 20, 2023, aims to enhance shareholder value. Chairman William J. Hansen cited the bank's strong financial performance and balance sheet as justification for the program. These repurchases will ultimately reduce the number of outstanding shares, demonstrating a commitment to investors.
Santa Cruz County Bank (OTC: SCZC) reported record financial results for Q2 2022, with net income of $6.37 million, an 18% increase from Q1 2022 and a 20% year-over-year growth. Assets reached $1.76 billion, representing an 8% increase from the previous year. Gross loans rose 19% to $1.19 billion, while deposits grew 9% to $1.56 billion. The bank's net interest margin was 3.90%, slightly down from 4.07% year-on-year. The launch of a new Asset-Based Lending Division aims to diversify offerings and enhance growth prospects.
On May 23, 2022, Santa Cruz County Bank (OTCQX: SCZC) launched its new Asset-Based Lending Division, directed by industry veterans Lee Shodiss and Shelly Medina. This division will focus on serving business clients and emerging growth companies in need of liquidity and flexible credit options. The division aims to bolster the bank's growth and support small businesses, particularly in the technology sector of Silicon Valley. President and CEO Krista Snelling highlighted the opportunity for capital support stemming from the pandemic's impact on working capital needs.
Santa Cruz County Bank (OTCQX: SCZC) announced the appointment of Randy Lagomarsino as Vice President and Senior Relationship Manager for its Silicon Valley region. Based in Cupertino, he brings 17 years of banking experience, having held key positions at major financial institutions including Wells Fargo and US Bank. His expertise in sales and lending is expected to enhance the bank's business development efforts in the Greater Bay Area. Executive Vice President Jon Sisk expressed confidence in Lagomarsino's alignment with the bank's relationship-focused mission.