Monthly Archives: April 2020

Linde Completes Divestment of Selected Businesses in Northern Europe

GUILDFORD, UK / ACCESSWIRE / April 30, 2020 / Linde (NYSE:LIN) (FWB:LIN) today announced it has completed the divestment of selected non-core assets in Northern Europe to Gasum, a Nordic gas sector and energy market expert.

The divestment includes Linde's Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and biogas business in Scandinavia, plus its marine bunkering business in Germany. The businesses generate annual revenues of approximately EUR 100m and employ 35 people. As of May 1, 2020 all employees, customer and supplier contracts will be transferred to Gasum.

About Linde

Linde is a leading global industrial gases and engineering company with 2019 sales of $28 billion (€25 billion). We live our mission of making our world more productive every day by providing high-quality solutions, technologies and services which are making our customers more successful and helping to sustain and protect our planet.

The company serves a variety of end markets including aerospace, chemicals, food and beverage, electronics, energy, healthcare, manufacturing and primary metals. Linde's industrial gases are used in countless applications, from life-saving oxygen for hospitals to high-purity & specialty gases for electronics manufacturing, hydrogen for clean fuels and much more. Linde also delivers state-of-the-art gas processing solutions to support customer expansion, efficiency improvements and emissions reductions.

For more information about the company and its products and services, please visit www.linde.com.

Contacts:

Investor Relations
Juan Pelaez
Phone: +1 203 837 2213
Email: juan.pelaez@linde.com

Media Relations
Anna Davies
Phone: +44 1483 244705
Email: anna.davies@linde.com

SOURCE: Linde plc

ReleaseID: 587746

Carter Bank & Trust Announces First Quarter 2020 Financial Results

MARTINSVILLE, VA / ACCESSWIRE / April 30, 2020 / Carter Bank & Trust (the "Bank") (NASDAQ:CARE) today announced net income of $4.4 million, or $0.17 diluted earnings per share, for the first quarter of 2020, as compared to net income of $3.6 million, or $0.14 diluted earnings per share, in the fourth quarter of 2019 and net income of $7.5 million, or $0.29 diluted earnings per share, for the first quarter of 2019. Pre-tax pre-provision earnings1 were $9.5 million, $2.4 million and $9.6 million for the quarters ended March 31, 2020, December 31, 2019 and March 31, 2019, respectively.

First Quarter 2020 Financial Highlights

First quarter net income of $4.4 million, or $0.17 diluted earnings per share, as compared to net income of $3.6 million, or $0.14 diluted earnings per share, in the fourth quarter of 2019 and net income of $7.5 million, or $0.29 diluted earnings per share, over the same quarter of 2019;
Net interest income declined $1.2 million, or 4.1%, to $27.3 million as compared to the linked quarter primarily due to balance sheet repricing driven by the impact of the lower interest rate environment and one less day in the first quarter, offset by an seven basis point decrease in funding costs compared to the fourth quarter of 2019, and decreased $0.6 million, or 2.3%, over the same quarter in 2019;
Net interest margin, on a fully taxable equivalent basis, declined nine basis points to 2.97% over the linked quarter and decreased 12 basis points over the same quarter last year;
Solid portfolio loan growth of $55.1 million, or 7.6% on an annualized basis, as compared to the linked quarter, and growth of $94.3 million, or 3.3%, as compared to March 31, 2019;
Total deposits decreased $31.3 million to $3.5 billion as of March 31, 2020 as compared to December 31, 2019 due to the intentional runoff of $72.7 million of higher cost certificates of deposits. Noninterest-bearing and interest bearing demand deposits, money market accounts and savings, increased by $41.4 million, or 2.7%, as compared to linked quarter;
The provision for loan losses totaled $4.8 million for the period ended March 31, 2020 and $1.6 million for the same period of 2019. Included is the impact of a reserve build of $2.6 million, or $(0.08) per share, driven by economic and market conditions as a result of COVID-19;
The Bank has elected to take advantage of Section 4014 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security ("CARES") Act provision to temporarily delay adoption of the Current Expected Credit Losses ("CECL") methodology. This delay expires at the earlier of December 31, 2020 or the date on which the national emergency declaration related to COVID-19 is terminated;
Nonperforming loans declined $1.6 million, or 4.0% as compared to December 31, 2019 and decreased $9.1 million, or 18.4%, from March 31, 2019. Nonperforming loans as a percentage of total portfolio loans were 1.38%, 1.46% and 1.74% as of March 31, 2020, December 31, 2019 and March 31, 2019, respectively.

Important Note Regarding Financial Results

The financial results reported in this release are subject to amendment due to a pending appraisal regarding collateral for one impaired loan relationship and the impact that the results of that appraisal may have on the Bank's financial results as of and for the periods ended December 31, 2019 and March 31, 2020. Due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the process of obtaining the independent appraisal and evaluating the collateral has been slowed. Please reference the Bank's Form 12b-25 filed with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") on March 16, 2020.

Litz H. Van Dyke, Chief Executive Officer, stated, "We recognize that the emergence of COVID-19 and the dramatic steps we all must take to curtail its spread, will create financial and other challenges for our customers and communities in these unprecedented times. We are committed to providing financial flexibility to our individual and business customers to help them deal with the challenges from this crisis. For our customers, we have offered payment deferrals, participation in the small business Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), fee waivers, as well as other relief actions. For our employees, we've enabled approximately 20% of our workforce to work remotely. For those whose jobs are not conducive to them working remotely, we have taken significant steps to ensure their safety."

Van Dyke added, "I'm incredibly proud of the efforts our employees are making to support our customers and each other. Our priority is to be there to serve our customers while maintaining a safe environment for our employees."

Operating Highlights

Net interest income decreased $0.6 million, or 2.3%, to $27.3 million during the first quarter of 2020 as compared to the same period of 2019. The net interest margin, on a fully taxable equivalent basis, decreased 12 basis points to 2.97% over the past twelve months. The decreases in short-term interest rates had a negative impact on both net interest income and net interest margin, but are offset by a lower cost of funds. The yield on interest-earning assets decreased 18 basis points, offset by a five basis point decline in funding costs as compared to the same period of 2019.

The provision for loan losses totaled $4.8 million for the period ended March 31, 2020 and $1.6 million for the same period of 2019. The Bank was subject to the adoption of the CECL accounting method under Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Update 2016-03 and related amendments, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326). However, the Bank elected under the CARES Act to defer the implementation of CECL until the earlier of when the national emergency related to the outbreak of COVID-19 ends or December 31, 2020. Included in the provision expense for the period ended March 31, 2020 is the impact of a reserve build of $2.6 million, or $(0.08) per share, driven by economic and market conditions as a result of COVID-19. This represents a 195% increase in the provision expense as compared to the same period of 2019. The Bank adjusted qualitative risk factors under its incurred loss model for economic conditions, changes in payment deferral procedures, expected changes in collateral values due to reduced cash flows and external factors such as government actions. Management believes the uncertainty regarding customers' ability to repay loans could be adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic given higher unemployment rates, requests for payment deferrals, temporary business shutdowns and reduced consumer and business spending.

At March 31, 2020, nonperforming loans were $40.5 million, a decrease of $1.6 million, or 4.0% as compared to December 31, 2019. Net charge-offs were $0.6 million in the first quarter of 2020 as compared to $1.3 million in the same period of 2019. As a percentage of total portfolio loans, on an annualized basis, net charge-offs were 0.08% and 0.18% for the quarters ending March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Nonperforming loans as a percentage of total portfolio loans were 1.38%, 1.46% and 1.74% as of March 31, 2020, December 31, 2019 and March 31, 2019, respectively.

Noninterest income at March 31, 2020, excluding net securities gains, increased $2.0 million, or 52.1%, as compared to the same period of 2019. The increase was primarily due to $1.0 million of higher insurance commissions, related to the adoption of ASU 2014-09, Topic 606 by our provider, $0.4 million of commercial loan interest rate swap fees, included in other income, $0.5 million of higher service charges and debit card interchange fees, which were offset by lower Other Real Estate Owned ("OREO") income of $0.2 million due to the sale of several large commercial properties over the last 12 months that generated income. Securities gains of $1.2 million and $31 thousand were realized during the first quarter of 2020 and 2019, respectively, to take advantage of market opportunities and reposition and diversify holdings in the securities portfolio.

Total noninterest expense increased $2.6 million, or 11.9%, to $24.7 million as compared to $22.1 million in the same period of 2019. The increase was primarily driven by salaries and employee benefits and occupancy expenses. The increase of $1.5 million in salaries and benefits were primarily attributable to a $0.7 million increase of normal merit increases and a $0.7 million decrease in salary deferrals on new loan originations in the first quarter of 2020. There have not been any permanent or temporary reductions in employees as a result of COVID-19. The $0.4 million increase in occupancy expense is a result of higher depreciation for software and equipment for ancillary products and services. The $0.4 million increase in advertising is related to our deposit acquisition strategy. The $0.9 million increase in the unfunded loan commitment reserve was due to several new commitments approved during the first quarter of 2020 and increased commitments on existing lines of credit. Offsetting these increases were decreases of $0.6 million in FDIC insurance expense, legal and professional fees and data processing.

Financial Condition

Total assets were $4.0 billion at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. Total portfolio loans increased $55.1 million, or 7.6% on an annualized basis, to $2.9 billion as of March 31, 2020 as compared to December 31, 2019. Nonperforming loans decreased $1.6 million to $40.5 million, or 4.0% as of March 31, 2020 as compared to $42.1 million at December 31, 2019. OREO decreased $0.2 million at March 31, 2020 as compared to December 31, 2019. Closed retail bank offices carrying values declined $0.5 million from December 31, 2019 and have a remaining book value of $2.5 million at March 31, 2020.

Federal Reserve Bank excess reserves decreased $28.2 million at March 31, 2020 as compared to December 31, 2019 due to active balance sheet management. This excess cash was deployed into higher yielding and diversified securities, funded loan growth, and also funded the planned decrease in higher cost certificates of deposits.

The securities portfolio decreased $12.6 million and is currently 18.2% of total assets at March 31, 2020 as compared to 18.5% of total assets at December 31, 2019. The decrease is a result of loan growth and active balance sheet management. We have further diversified the securities portfolio as to bond types, maturities and interest rate structures.

Total deposits decreased $31.3 million to $3.5 billion as of March 31, 2020 as compared to December 31, 2019 due to the intentional runoff of $72.7 million of higher cost certificates of deposits. Core deposits, including noninterest-bearing and interest-bearing demand deposits, money market accounts and savings, increased by $41.4 million, or 2.7%, as compared to December 31, 2019. Noninterest-bearing deposits comprised 16.1% and 15.8% of total deposits at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively

The allowance for loan losses was 1.46% of total portfolio loans as of March 31, 2020 as compared to 1.34% as of December 31, 2019. General reserves as a percentage of total loans were 1.22% at March 31, 2020 as compared to 1.13% as of December 31, 2019. Included in the allowance is a reserve build of $2.6 million driven by economic and market conditions as a result of COVID-19. The allowance for loan losses was 106.1% of nonperforming loans as of March 31, 2020 as compared to 92.0% of nonperforming loans as of December 31, 2019. In the view of management, the allowance for loan losses is adequate to absorb probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio. For further information regarding the Bank's decision to defer CECL under Section 4014 of the CARES Act, as well as further detail on the increase in provision during the first quarter of 2020, please see the discussion above under Provision for Loan Losses.

The Bank is providing deferrals to customers under Section 4013 of the CARES Act and regulatory interagency statements on loan modifications. These deferrals typically provide deferrals of both principal and interest for up to 180 days. At the end of the deferral period, for term loans, payments will be applied to accrued interest first and will resume principal payments once accrued interest is current. Deferred principal will be due at maturity. For interest only loans, such as lines of credit, deferred interest will be due at maturity. As of April 28, 2020, we have had 380 commercial customers opt for deferrals with an aggregate principal balance of $1.1 billion. Approximately $454.8 million of these modifications were in the hospitality industry comprised of deferrals on 81 loans. The average deferment period for these customers has been 4.4 months.

The Bank remains well capitalized. The Bank's Tier 1 Capital ratio decreased to 13.03% as of March 31, 2020 as compared to 13.46% as of December 31, 2019. The Bank's leverage ratio was 10.47% at March 31, 2020 as compared to 10.33% as of December 31, 2019. The Bank's Total Risk-Based Capital ratio was 14.29% at March 31, 2020 as compared to 14.71% at December 31, 2019.

Total capital of $474.8 million at March 31, 2020, reflects an increase of $1.7 million as compared to December 31, 2019. The increase in equity during the first quarter of 2020 is due to net income of $4.4 million and a $0.6 million increase in other comprehensive income due to changes in fair value of investment securities. These increases were offset by $3.7 million special dividend paid in March of 2020. The remaining difference of $0.4 million is related to restricted stock activity during the quarter.

At March 31, 2020, funding sources accessible to the Bank include borrowing availability at the FHLB, equal to 25% of the Bank's assets approximating $1.0 billion, subject to the amount of eligible collateral pledged, federal funds unsecured lines with six other correspondent financial institutions in the amount of $115.0 million and access to the institutional CD market through brokered CDs and QwickRate. In addition to the above resources, the Bank also has $605.4 million of unpledged available-for-sale investment securities as an additional source of liquidity.

About Carter Bank & Trust

Headquartered in Martinsville, VA, Carter Bank & Trust is a state-chartered community bank in Virginia and trades on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol CARE. The Bank has $4.0 billion in assets and 99 branches in Virginia and North Carolina. For more information visit www.CBTCares.com.

Important Note Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Statements included in this press release include non-GAAP financial measures and should be read along with the accompanying tables in our definitions and reconciliations of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures. This press release and the accompanying tables discuss financial measures, such as adjusted noninterest expense, adjusted efficiency ratio, and net interest income on a fully taxable equivalent basis, which are all non-GAAP measures. We believe that such non-GAAP measures are useful because they enhance the ability of investors and management to evaluate and compare the Bank's operating results from period to period in a meaningful manner. Non-GAAP measures should not be considered as an alternative to any measure of performance as promulgated under GAAP, nor are they necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other companies. Investors should consider the Bank's performance and financial condition as reported under GAAP and all other relevant information when assessing the performance or financial condition of the Bank. Non-GAAP measures have limitations as analytical tools, and investors should not consider them in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the Bank's results or financial condition as reported under GAAP.

Important Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This information contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally relate to our financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, outlook for earnings, revenues, expenses, capital and liquidity levels and ratios, asset levels, asset quality, financial position, and other matters regarding or affecting Carter Bank & Trust and its future business and operations, and specifically including information related to the pending appraisal of collateral for one impaired loan relationship and potential impacts on the Bank's financial results. Forward looking statements are typically identified by words or phrases such as "will likely result," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "forecast," "project," "intend," " believe," "assume," "strategy," "trend," "plan," "outlook," "outcome," "continue," "remain," "potential," "opportunity," "believe," "comfortable," "current," "position," "maintain," "sustain," "seek," "achieve" and variations of such words and similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as will, would, should, could or may. Although we believe the assumptions upon which these forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, any of these assumptions could prove to be inaccurate and the forward-looking statements based on these assumptions could be incorrect. The matters discussed in these forward-looking statements are subject to various risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results and trends to differ materially from those made, projected, or implied in or by the forward-looking statements depending on a variety of uncertainties or other factors including, but not limited to: credit losses; cyber-security concerns; rapid technological developments and changes; the Bank's liquidity and capital positions; the potential adverse effects of unusual and infrequently occurring events, such as weather-related disasters, terrorist acts or public health events (such as the current COVID-19 pandemic), and of governmental and societal responses thereto; these potential adverse effects may include, without limitation, adverse effects on the ability of the Bank's borrowers to satisfy their obligations to the Bank, on the value of collateral securing loans, on the demand for the Bank's loans or its other products and services, on incidents of cyberattack and fraud, on the Bank's liquidity or capital positions, on risks posed by reliance on third-party service providers, on other aspects of the Bank's business operations and on financial markets and economic growth; sensitivity to the interest rate environment including a prolonged period of low interest rates, a rapid increase in interest rates or a change in the shape of the yield curve; a change in spreads on interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities; regulatory supervision and oversight; legislation affecting the financial services industry as a whole, and Carter Bank & Trust, in particular; the outcome of pending and future litigation and governmental proceedings; increasing price and product/service competition; the ability to continue to introduce competitive new products and services on a timely, cost-effective basis; managing our internal growth and acquisitions; the possibility that the anticipated benefits from acquisitions cannot be fully realized in a timely manner or at all, or that integrating the acquired operations will be more difficult, disruptive or more costly than anticipated; containing costs and expenses; reliance on significant customer relationships; general economic or business conditions; deterioration of the housing market and reduced demand for mortgages; deterioration in the overall macroeconomic conditions or the state of the banking industry that could warrant further analysis of the carrying value of goodwill and could result in an adjustment to its carrying value resulting in a non-cash charge to net income; re-emergence of turbulence in significant portions of the global financial and real estate markets that could impact our performance, both directly, by affecting our revenues and the value of our assets and liabilities, and indirectly, by affecting the economy generally and access to capital in the amounts, at the times and on the terms required to support our future businesses. Many of these factors, as well as other factors, are described in our filings with the FDIC. Forward-looking statements are based on beliefs and assumptions using information available at the time the statements are made. We caution you not to unduly rely on forward-looking statements because the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and projections about future events may, and often do, differ materially from actual results. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as to the date on which it is made, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect developments occurring after the statement is made.

Carter Bank & Trust
Wendy Bell, 276-656-1776
Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
wendy.bell@CBTCares.com

CARTER BANK & TRUST
CONSOLIDATED SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)

(Dollars in Thousands, except per share data)

 
March 31,
 
 
December 31,
 
 
March 31,
 

 

 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
2019
 

ASSETS

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Cash and Due From Banks

 
$
48,706
 
 
$
41,386
 
 
$
42,493
 

Interest-Bearing Deposits in Other Financial Institutions

 
 
3,667
 
 
 
45,156
 
 
 
60,430
 

Federal Reserve Bank Excess Reserves

 
 
11,028
 
 
 
39,270
 
 
 
84,644
 

Total Cash and Cash Equivalents

 
 
63,401
 
 
 
125,812
 
 
 
187,567
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Securities, Available-for-Sale, at Fair Value

 
 
729,973
 
 
 
742,617
 
 
 
798,669
 

Loans Held-for-Sale

 
 
29,689
 
 
 
19,714
 
 
 
6,285
 

Portfolio Loans

 
 
2,939,899
 
 
 
2,884,766
 
 
 
2,845,606
 

Allowance for Loan Losses

 
 
(42,942
)
 
 
(38,762
)
 
 
(39,572
)

Portfolio Loans, net

 
 
2,896,957
 
 
 
2,846,004
 
 
 
2,806,034
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Bank Premises and Equipment, net

 
 
88,986
 
 
 
85,942
 
 
 
86,751
 

Other Real Estate Owned, net

 
 
18,117
 
 
 
18,324
 
 
 
30,592
 

Goodwill

 
 
62,192
 
 
 
62,192
 
 
 
62,192
 

Federal Home Loan Bank Stock, at Cost

 
 
5,093
 
 
 
4,113
 
 
 

 

Bank Owned Life Insurance

 
 
52,950
 
 
 
52,597
 
 
 
51,522
 

Other Assets

 
 
54,505
 
 
 
48,793
 
 
 
53,051
 

TOTAL ASSETS

 
$
4,001,863
 
 
$
4,006,108
 
 
$
4,082,663
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

LIABILITIES

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Deposits:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Noninterest-Bearing Demand

 
$
557,511
 
 
$
554,875
 
 
$
559,924
 

Interest-Bearing Demand

 
 
305,214
 
 
 
286,561
 
 
 
260,922
 

Money Market

 
 
156,140
 
 
 
140,589
 
 
 
112,526
 

Savings

 
 
566,414
 
 
 
561,814
 
 
 
600,450
 

Certificates of Deposits

 
 
1,887,716
 
 
 
1,960,406
 
 
 
2,084,444
 

Total Deposits

 
 
3,472,995
 
 
 
3,504,245
 
 
 
3,618,266
 

FHLB Borrowings

 
 
35,000
 
 
 
10,000
 
 
 

 

Other Liabilities

 
 
19,047
 
 
 
18,752
 
 
 
14,628
 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

 
 
3,527,042
 
 
 
3,532,997
 
 
 
3,632,894
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Common Stock, Par Value $1.00 Per Share, Authorized 100,000,000 Shares;

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

26,385,754 outstanding at March 31, 2020,

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

26,334,229 outstanding at December 31, 2019 and 26,308,087 at March 31, 2019

 
 
26,386
 
 
 
26,334
 
 
 
26,308
 

Additional Paid-in-Capital

 
 
142,792
 
 
 
142,492
 
 
 
142,183
 

Retained Earnings

 
 
304,892
 
 
 
304,158
 
 
 
285,124
 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 
 
751
 
 
 
127
 
 
 
(3,846
)

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

 
 
474,821
 
 
 
473,111
 
 
 
449,769
 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

 
$
4,001,863
 
 
$
4,006,108
 
 
$
4,082,663
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

PROFITABILITY RATIOS (ANNUALIZED)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Return on Average Assets

 
 
0.44
%
 
 
0.65
%
 
 
0.75
%

Return on Average Shareholders' Equity

 
 
3.70
%
 
 
5.76
%
 
 
6.89
%

Portfolio Loan to Deposit Ratio

 
 
84.65
%
 
 
82.32
%
 
 
78.65
%

Allowance to Total Portfolio Loans

 
 
1.46
%
 
 
1.34
%
 
 
1.39
%

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

CAPITALIZATION RATIOS

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Shareholders' Equity to Assets

 
 
11.86
%
 
 
11.81
%
 
 
11.02
%

Tier 1 Leverage Ratio

 
 
10.47
%
 
 
10.33
%
 
 
9.77
%

Risk-Based Capital – Tier 1

 
 
13.03
%
 
 
13.46
%
 
 
13.51
%

Risk-Based Capital – Total

 
 
14.29
%
 
 
14.71
%
 
 
14.76
%

CARTER BANK & TRUST
CONSOLIDATED SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
INCOME STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

(Dollars in Thousands, except per share data)

 
Quarter-to-Date
 

 

 
March 31,
 
 
December 31,
 
 
March 31,
 

 

 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
2019
 

Interest Income

 

37,836
 
 

39,759
 
 

39,139
 

Interest Expense

 
 
10,572
 
 
 
11,333
 
 
 
11,243
 

NET INTEREST INCOME

 
 
27,264
 
 
 
28,426
 
 
 
27,896
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Provision for Loan Losses

 
 
4,798
 
 
 
(982
)
 
 
1,627
 

NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER

 
 
22,466
 
 
 
29,408
 
 
 
26,269
 

PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

NONINTEREST INCOME

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Gains on Sales of Securities, net

 
 
1,214
 
 
 
606
 
 
 
31
 

Service Charges, Commissions and Fees

 
 
1,650
 
 
 
1,733
 
 
 
1,226
 

Debit Card Interchange Fees

 
 
1,243
 
 
 
1,326
 
 
 
1,174
 

Insurance

 
 
1,309
 
 
 
128
 
 
 
274
 

Bank Owned Life Insurance Income

 
 
353
 
 
 
357
 
 
 
361
 

Other Real Estate Owned Income

 
 
139
 
 
 
72
 
 
 
290
 

Other

 
 
1,044
 
 
 
287
 
 
 
448
 

TOTAL NONINTEREST INCOME

 
 
6,952
 
 
 
4,509
 
 
 
3,804
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

NONINTEREST EXPENSE

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Salaries and Employee Benefits

 
 
13,581
 
 
 
15,083
 
 
 
12,035
 

Occupancy Expense, net

 
 
3,249
 
 
 
3,082
 
 
 
2,827
 

FDIC Insurance Expense

 
 
544
 
 
 
549
 
 
 
714
 

Other Taxes

 
 
746
 
 
 
746
 
 
 
643
 

Advertising Expense

 
 
606
 
 
 
738
 
 
 
171
 

Telephone Expense

 
 
574
 
 
 
578
 
 
 
505
 

Professional and Legal Fees

 
 
437
 
 
 
1,560
 
 
 
649
 

Data Processing

 
 
486
 
 
 
493
 
 
 
750
 

Losses on Sales and Write-downs of Other Real Estate Owned, net

 
 
189
 
 
 
4,163
 
 
 
188
 

Losses on Sales and Write-downs of Bank Premises, net

 
 
12
 
 
 
165
 
 
 
170
 

Debit Card Expense

 
 
554
 
 
 
593
 
 
 
710
 

Tax Credit Amortization

 
 
272
 
 
 
576
 
 
 
563
 

Unfunded Loan Commitment Expense

 
 
982
 
 
 
(255
)
 
 
45
 

Other Real Estate Owned Expense

 
 
140
 
 
 
265
 
 
 
97
 

Other

 
 
2,376
 
 
 
2,150
 
 
 
2,043
 

TOTAL NONINTEREST EXPENSE

 
 
24,748
 
 
 
30,486
 
 
 
22,110
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

 
 
4,670
 
 
 
3,431
 
 
 
7,963
 

Income Tax Provision (Benefit)

 
 
247
 
 
 
(175
)
 
 
422
 

NET INCOME

 

4,423
 
 

3,606
 
 

7,541
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Shares Outstanding, at End of Period

 
 
26,385,754
 
 
 
26,334,229
 
 
 
26,308,087
 

Average Shares Outstanding-Basic

 
 
26,362,906
 
 
 
26,334,069
 
 
 
26,293,108
 

Average Shares Outstanding-Diluted

 
 
26,368,622
 
 
 
26,362,129
 
 
 
26,295,226
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

PER SHARE DATA

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Basic Earnings Per Common Share

 

0.17
 
 

0.14
 
 

0.29
 

Diluted Earnings Per Common Share

 

0.17
 
 

0.14
 
 

0.29
 

Book Value

 

18.00
 
 

17.97
 
 

17.10
 

Tangible Book Value2

 

15.64
 
 

15.60
 
 

14.73
 

Market Value

 

9.18
 
 

23.72
 
 

19.19
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

PROFITABILITY RATIOS (non-GAAP)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Net Interest Margin (FTE)3

 
 
2.97
%
 
 
3.06
%
 
 
3.09
%

Core Efficiency Ratio4

 
 
74.00
%
 
 
76.13
%
 
 
67.01
%

CARTER BANK & TRUST
CONSOLIDATED SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
NET INTEREST MARGIN (FTE) (QTD AVERAGES)
(Unaudited)

(Dollars in Thousands)

 
March 31, 2020
 
 
December 31, 2019
 
 
March 31, 2019
 

ASSETS

 
Average Balance
 
 
Income/ Expense
 
 
Rate
 
 
Average Balance
 
 
Income/ Expense
 
 
Rate
 
 
Average Balance
 
 
Income/ Expense
 
 
Rate
 

Interest-Bearing Deposits with Banks

 

62,960
 
 

210
 
 
 
1.32
%
 

97,512
 
 

410
 
 
 
1.67
%
 

172,155
 
 

1,021
 
 
 
2.41
%

Tax-Free Investment Securities

 
 
21,452
 
 
 
204
 
 
 
3.80
%
 
 
20,337
 
 
 
207
 
 
 
4.04
%
 
 
110,955
 
 
 
1,018
 
 
 
3.72
%

Taxable Investment Securities

 
 
712,104
 
 
 
4,503
 
 
 
2.52
%
 
 
730,444
 
 
 
4,723
 
 
 
2.57
%
 
 
701,390
 
 
 
4,122
 
 
 
2.38
%

Tax-Free Loans

 
 
337,857
 
 
 
2,660
 
 
 
3.15
%
 
 
355,639
 
 
 
2,830
 
 
 
3.16
%
 
 
401,066
 
 
 
3,314
 
 
 
3.35
%

Taxable Loans

 
 
2,584,917
 
 
 
30,797
 
 
 
4.74
%
 
 
2,558,192
 
 
 
32,167
 
 
 
4.99
%
 
 
2,396,152
 
 
 
30,574
 
 
 
5.17
%

Federal Home Loan Bank Stock

 
 
4,418
 
 
 
64
 
 
 
5.85
%
 
 
4,081
 
 
 
60
 
 
 
5.83
%
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 

%

Total Interest-Earning Assets

 

3,723,708
 
 

38,438
 
 
 
4.11
%
 

3,766,205
 
 

40,397
 
 
 
4.26
%
 

3,781,718
 
 

40,049
 
 
 
4.29
%

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

LIABILITIES

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Deposits:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

   Interest-Bearing Demand

 

297,395
 
 

446
 
 
 
0.60
%
 

245,887
 
 

364
 
 
 
0.59
%
 

271,214
 
 

641
 
 
 
0.96
%

   Money Market

 
 
154,564
 
 
 
271
 
 
 
0.71
%
 
 
154,381
 
 
 
358
 
 
 
0.92
%
 
 
90,601
 
 
 
243
 
 
 
1.09
%

   Savings

 
 
562,712
 
 
 
145
 
 
 
0.10
%
 
 
563,401
 
 
 
148
 
 
 
0.10
%
 
 
606,317
 
 
 
486
 
 
 
0.33
%

   Certificates of Deposit

 
 
1,918,841
 
 
 
9,633
 
 
 
2.02
%
 
 
1,994,916
 
 
 
10,403
 
 
 
2.07
%
 
 
2,098,658
 
 
 
9,854
 
 
 
1.90
%

Total Interest-Bearing Deposits

 

2,933,512
 
 

10,495
 
 
 
1.44
%
 

2,958,585
 
 

11,273
 
 
 
1.51
%
 

3,066,790
 
 

11,224
 
 
 
1.48
%

Borrowings:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

   FED Funds Purchased

 
 
220
 
 
 
1
 
 
 
1.59
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

   FHLB Borrowings

 
 
17,418
 
 
 
59
 
 
 
1.33
%
 
 
9,239
 
 
 
39
 
 
 
1.67
%
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 

%

   Other Borrowings

 
 
1,481
 
 
 
18
 
 
 
4.81
%
 
 
1,547
 
 
 
21
 
 
 
5.39
%
 
 
954
 
 
 
20
 
 
 
8.50
%

Total Borrowings

 
 
19,119
 
 
 
78
 
 
 
1.64
%
 
 
10,786
 
 
 
60
 
 
 
2.21
%
 
 
954
 
 
 
20
 
 
 
8.50
%

Total Interest-Bearing Liabilities

 

2,952,631
 
 

10,573
 
 
 
1.44
%
 

2,969,371
 
 

11,333
 
 
 
1.51
%
 

3,067,744
 
 

11,244
 
 
 
1.49
%

Net Interest Income

 
 
 
 
 

27,865
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

29,064
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

28,805
 
 
 
 
 

Net Interest Margin

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2.97
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.06
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.09
%

CARTER BANK & TRUST
CONSOLIDATED SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
LOANS AND LOANS HELD-FOR-SALE
(Unaudited)

 

 
March 31,
 
 
December 31,
 
 
March 31,
 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
2019
 

Commercial

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Commercial Real Estate

 
$
1,372,819
 
 
$
1,385,696
 
 
$
1,444,692
 

Commercial and Industrial

 
 
263,268
 
 
 
255,551
 
 
 
249,381
 

Obligations of State and Political Subdivisions

 
 
355,585
 
 
 
364,869
 
 
 
421,120
 

Commercial Construction

 
 
348,596
 
 
 
326,654
 
 
 
247,968
 

Total Commercial Loans

 
 
2,340,268
 
 
 
2,332,770
 
 
 
2,363,161
 

Consumer

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Residential Mortgages

 
 
513,013
 
 
 
461,572
 
 
 
392,712
 

Other Consumer

 
 
73,242
 
 
 
73,688
 
 
 
71,622
 

Consumer Construction

 
 
13,376
 
 
 
16,736
 
 
 
18,111
 

Total Consumer Loans

 
 
599,631
 
 
 
551,996
 
 
 
482,445
 

Total Portfolio Loans

 
 
2,939,899
 
 
 
2,884,766
 
 
 
2,845,606
 

Loans Held-for-Sale

 
 
29,689
 
 
 
19,714
 
 
 
6,285
 

Total Loans

 
$
2,969,588
 
 
$
2,904,480
 
 
$
2,851,891
 

CARTER BANK & TRUST
CONSOLIDATED SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
ASSET QUALITY DATA
(Unaudited)

(Dollars in Thousands)

 
March 31,
 
 
December 31,
 
 
March 31,
 

Nonperforming Loans

 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
2019
 

Commercial Real Estate

 
$
299
 
 
$
1,017
 
 
$
545
 

Commercial and Industrial

 
 
115
 
 
 
77
 
 
 
1,359
 

Obligations of State and Political Subdivisions

 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 

Commercial Construction

 
 
3,080
 
 
 
3,210
 
 
 
2,301
 

Residential Mortgages

 
 
3,163
 
 
 
2,857
 
 
 
1,511
 

Other Consumer

 
 
236
 
 
 
267
 
 
 
76
 

Consumer Construction

 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 

Total Nonperforming Loans

 
 
6,893
 
 
 
7,428
 
 
 
5,792
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Nonperforming Troubled Debt Restructurings

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Commercial Real Estate

 
 
29,064
 
 
 
30,073
 
 
 
36,069
 

Commercial and Industrial

 
 
290
 
 
 
390
 
 
 

 

Obligations of State and Political Subdivisions

 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 

Commercial Construction

 
 
4,210
 
 
 
4,242
 
 
 
7,437
 

Residential Mortgages

 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 
272
 

Other Consumer

 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 

Consumer Construction

 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 

Total Nonperforming Troubled Debt Restructurings

 
 
33,564
 
 
 
34,705
 
 
 
43,778
 

Total Nonperforming Loans and Troubled Debt Restructurings

 
 
40,457
 
 
 
42,133
 
 
 
49,570
 

Other Real Estate Owned

 
 
18,117
 
 
 
18,324
 
 
 
30,592
 

Total Nonperforming Assets

 
$
58,574
 
 
$
60,457
 
 
$
80,162
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
March 31,
 
 
December 31,
 
 
March 31,
 

 

 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
2019
 

Nonperforming Loans

 
$
40,457
 
 
$
42,133
 
 
$
49,570
 

Other Real Estate Owned

 
 
18,117
 
 
 
18,324
 
 
 
30,592
 

Nonperforming Assets

 
 
58,574
 
 
 
60,457
 
 
 
80,162
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Troubled Debt Restructurings (Nonaccruing)

 
 
33,564
 
 
 
34,705
 
 
 
43,778
 

Troubled Debt Restructurings (Accruing)

 
 
107,694
 
 
 
109,265
 
 
 
114,259
 

Total Troubled Debt Restructurings

 
$
141,258
 
 
$
143,970
 
 
$
158,037
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Nonperforming Loans to Total Portfolio Loans

 
 
1.38
%
 
 
1.46
%
 
 
1.74
%

Nonperforming Assets to Total Portfolio Loans plus Other Real Estate Owned

 
 
1.98
%
 
 
2.08
%
 
 
2.79
%

Allowance for Loan Losses to Total Portfolio Loans

 
 
1.46
%
 
 
1.34
%
 
 
1.39
%

Allowance for Loan Losses to Nonperforming Loans

 
 
106.14
%
 
 
92.00
%
 
 
79.83
%

Net Loan Charge-offs (Recoveries)

 
$
618
 
 
$
3,841
 
 
$
1,254
 

Net Loan Charge-offs (Recoveries) (Annualized) to Average Loans

 
 
0.09
%
 
 
0.13
%
 
 
0.18
%

CARTER BANK & TRUST
CONSOLIDATED SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES
(Unaudited)

 

 
Year-to-Date
 

 

 
March 31,
 
 
December 31,
 
 
March 31,
 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
2019
 

Balance Beginning of Year

 
$
38,762
 
 
$
39,199
 
 
$
39,199
 

Provision for Loan Losses

 
 
4,798
 
 
 
3,404
 
 
 
1,627
 

Charge-offs:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Real Estate Loans

 
 
5
 
 
 
659
 
 
 
448
 

Consumer Loans

 
 
1,527
 
 
 
4,401
 
 
 
928
 

Commercial Loans

 
 
38
 
 
 
22
 
 
 

 

Total Charge-offs

 
 
1,570
 
 
 
5,082
 
 
 
1,376
 

Recoveries:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Real Estate Loans

 
 
707
 
 
 
639
 
 
 

 

Consumer Loans

 
 
244
 
 
 
602
 
 
 
122
 

Commercial Loans

 
 
1
 
 
 

 
 
 

 

Total Recoveries

 
 
952
 
 
 
1,241
 
 
 
122
 

Total Net Charge-offs

 
 
618
 
 
 
3,841
 
 
 
1,254
 

Balance End of Year

 
$
42,942
 
 
$
38,762
 
 
$
39,572
 

CARTER BANK & TRUST
CONSOLIDATED SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in Thousands, except per share data)

DEFINITIONS AND RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES:

1Pre-tax pre-provision earnings are computed as net interest income plus noninterest income minus noninterest expense before the provision for loan losses and income tax provision.

2Tangible Equity

 

 
Quarter-to-Date
 

 

 
March 31,
 
 
December 31,
 
 
March 31,
 

 

 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
2019
 

Total Shareholders' Equity

 
$
474,821
 
 
$
473,111
 
 
$
449,769
 

Less: Goodwill

 
 
62,192
 
 
 
62,192
 
 
 
62,192
 

Tangible Equity

 
 
412,629
 
 
 
410,919
 
 
 
387,577
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Shares Outstanding at End of Period

 
 
26,385,754
 
 
 
26,334,229
 
 
 
26,308,087
 

Tangible Book Value Per Common Share

 
$
15.64
 
 
$
15.60
 
 
$
14.73
 

3Net interest income has been computed on a fully taxable equivalent basis ("FTE") using a 21% federal income tax rate for the 2020 and 2019 periods.

Net Interest Income (FTE) (Non-GAAP)

 
Quarter-to-Date
 

 

 
March 31,
 
 
December 31,
 
 
March 31,
 

 

 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
2019
 

Interest Income

 
$
37,836
 
 
$
39,759
 
 
$
39,139
 

Interest Expense

 
 
(10,572
)
 
 
(11,333
)
 
 
(11,243
)

Net Interest Income

 
 
27,264
 
 
 
28,426
 
 
 
27,896
 

Tax Equivalent Adjustment3

 
 
601
 
 
 
638
 
 
 
909
 

NET INTEREST INCOME (FTE) (Non-GAAP)

 
$
27,865
 
 
$
29,064
 
 
$
28,805
 

Net Interest Income (Annualized)

 
 
110,537
 
 
 
115,308
 
 
 
116,820
 

Average Earning Assets

 
 
3,723,708
 
 
 
3,766,205
 
 
 
3,781,718
 

NET INTEREST MARGIN (FTE) (Non-GAAP)

 
 
2.97
%
 
 
3.06
%
 
 
3.09
%

4Core Efficiency Ratio (Non-GAAP)

 

 
Quarter-to-Date
 

 

 
March 31,
 
 
December 31,
 
 
March 31,
 

 

 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
2019
 

NONINTEREST EXPENSE

 
$
24,748
 
 
$
30,486
 
 
$
22,110
 

Less: Losses on Sales and Write-downs of Other Real Estate Owned, net

 
 
(189
)
 
 
(4,163
)
 
 
(188
)

Less: Losses on Sales and Write-downs of Bank Premises, net

 
 
(12
)
 
 
(165
)
 
 
(170
)

Less: Tax Credit Amortization

 
 
(272
)
 
 
(576
)
 
 
(563
)

Less: Conversion Expense

 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 
(2
)

Plus: FDIC Assessment Credits

 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 

Plus: Conversion Vacation Accrual

 
 
288
 
 
 
(539
)
 
 
269
 

CORE NONINTEREST EXPENSE (Non-GAAP)

 
$
24,563
 
 
$
25,043
 
 
$
21,456
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

NET INTEREST INCOME

 
$
27,264
 
 
$
28,426
 
 
$
27,896
 

Plus: Taxable Equivalent Adjustment3

 
 
601
 
 
 
638
 
 
 
909
 

NET INTEREST INCOME (FTE) (Non-GAAP)

 
$
27,865
 
 
$
29,064
 
 
$
28,805
 

Less: Gains on Sales of Securities, net

 
 
(1,214
)
 
 
(606
)
 
 
(31
)

Less: Other Real Estate Owned Income

 
 
(139
)
 
 
(72
)
 
 
(290
)

Less: Other Gains

 
 
(269
)
 
 

 
 
 
(271
)

Noninterest Income

 
 
6,952
 
 
 
4,509
 
 
 
3,804
 

CORE NET INTEREST INCOME (FTE) (Non-GAAP) plus NONINTEREST INCOME

 
$
33,195
 
 
$
32,895
 
 
$
32,017
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

CORE EFFICIENCY RATIO (Non-GAAP)

 
 
74.00
%
 
 
76.13
%
 
 
67.01
%

SOURCE: Carter Bank & Trust

ReleaseID: 587610

Bluebird Plans 2020 Canegrass Drill Program Following Corporate Review

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / April 30, 2020 / BlueBird Battery Metals Inc. (TSXV:BATT)(OTC PINK:BBBMF) (the "Company" or "BlueBird") is pleased to announce that, following its review of battery metal trends, the Company will focus its initial 2020 exploration activity on its Canegrass project. The results of the review indicate battery makers are trending away from the initial widespread use of lithium dominated batteries, to newer designs which use up to 80% nickel, 10% cobalt and 10% manganese, and produce the longest lifespan and vehicle range. Bluebird's Canegrass project has returned high-grade nickel, as well as significant copper and cobalt values, and is located in Western Australia – rated the World's number one mining jurisdiction by the Fraser Institute.

Peter Dickie, President and CEO of Bluebird, commented, "The 2018 drill program at Canegrass produced exceptional results, including BBRC-001 which returned 12 m averaging 1.17% Ni, 0.93% Cu, 0.05% Co, together with significant PGE and Vanadium credits. On the back of this success, we are finalizing plans for an expanded drill program to be carried out as soon as conditions permit in 2020."

Corporate Review Highlights

Robust Longterm EV Sales Outlook Due to Global Decarbonization. Driven by government and consumer need to decarbonize, along with falling battery prices, annual passenger EV sales expected to hit 10 million in 2025, up from 2.3 million in 2019[1].
Battery Megafactory Boom Continues. 115 battery megafactories [2] are in the pipleline worldwide, up from just 3 in 2015. Electric Vehicle ("EV")
Battery Design Changes Favour Nickel, Manganese and Cobalt. To overcome travel distance shortcomings in current electric vehicles, battery makers are moving away from lithium ion phosphate batteries and embracing newer designs based on NMC111 (equal parts nickel, cobalt, manganese) and NMC811 (80% nickel, 10% manganese, 10% cobalt).[3]
Western Australia Now World's Top-Rated Mining Jurisdiction. Large proportion of battery metal supply from higher-risk jurisdictions, including estimated 33%[4] of nickel supply from Indonesia and the Phillipines, and 65%[5] of cobalt supply coming from the DRC. Battery manufacturers are demanding greater security of supply and Western Australia, a major nickel supplier, has now become the number one rated mining jurisdiction in the world[6].

Peter Dickie, President and CEO of Bluebird, added, "Thanks to the continued desire for global decarbonization towards a green economy, the long term prospects for the battery sector are robust. With 115 battery megafactories under construction, and manufacturers beginning to turn to battery chemistries focused on nickel, manganese and cobalt, we are particularly excited about the potential of our project portfolio in Western Australia. Following a detailed project review, we are in the planning stage for a series of work programs aimed at advancing our Canegrass project, which is host to the full suite of battery metals, including high-grade nickel."

Project Review Highlights

Canegrass Project Hosts Multiple Battery Metals, Including High-Grade Nickel. Canegrass, located in the Windimurra Complex of Western Austra, has been identified as the company's priority project going forward, with drilling in 2018 encountering near surface, high-grade nickel mineralization, as well as cobalt, copper, platinum and palladium.
Clear Advancement Path for Canegrass. Additional, high-priority drill targets have been identified at Canegrass, together with follow up drilling to the successful 2018 drill holes. The project is road accessible and has no aboriginal title challenges.
Drilling Planned for 2020. Following the successful drilling program in 2018, downhole geophysics, along with additional review of surface work, has produced several new and follow-up drill targets warranting further exploration. A drill program is planned for 2020, as soon as conditions permit.
Ashburton Project Hosts Significant Cobalt-Manganese Mineralization. Comprehensive sampling at Bluebird's Ashburton project, located in the Pilbarra District of Western Australia, has encountered significant cobalt-manganese mineralization. The Company is reviewing fieldwork options to determine the next stage of advancement.

Canegrass Project – 2018 Drill Program Highlights

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Nathan Tribble, P.Geo., a director of the Company and a Qualified Person pursuant to National Instrument 43-101. The qualified person has not yet visited the Ashburton Project, and therefore has not yet verified the data disclosed, including sampling, analytical, and test data underlying the information or opinions contained in the written disclosure.

About BlueBird Battery Metals

BlueBird Battery Metals (TSXV:BATT)(OTC PINK:BBBMF) is a Canadian publicly listed company focused on the global exploration and development of strategic battery metals projects, primarily nickel, cobalt, and copper in safe jurisdictions. BlueBird's goal is to pursue a business model that offers direct and long-term leverage to the price appreciation of battery metals, several of which have vulnerable supply chains, and are part of an emerging sector with extraordinary potential. BlueBird is currently advancing a portfolio of battery metals focused assets in Western Australia and reviewing new acquisition opportunities to add to the Company's project portfolio.

On Behalf of the Board of BlueBird Battery Metals Inc.

Peter Dickie
President and CEO
For more information, please contact 1-855-584-0160 or info@bluebirdbatterymetals.com.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange, the Toronto Stock Exchange nor their Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward Looking Statements: Statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements, which are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainness and other factors that may cause the actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in our forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results may vary, and we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements.

[1] Bloomberg NEF, 2019

[2] Benchmark Minerals, December 2019

[3] Adamas Intelligence "EV Battery Capacity and Battery Metals Tracker"

[4] US Geological Survey, 2019

[5] US Geological Survey, 2019

[6] Fraser Institute "Annual Survey of Mining Companies, 2019"

SOURCE: BlueBird Battery Metals Inc.

ReleaseID: 587690

Xander Neff, From Homeless Veteran to Entrepreneur

Growing up in a poor family, Xander was forced to start working at a very young age. At just 14, Xander worked on a farm performing duties like cutting grass, hauling hay, clearing trails, and taking care of a farm.

United States – April 30, 2020

This hard-working entrepreneur from West Virginia has worked hard all his life to get to where he is. He always put one foot forward and never looked back in regards to his day to day life. Growing up in a poor family, he was forced to start working at a very young age. At just 14, Xander worked on a farm performing duties like cutting grass, hauling hay, clearing trails, and taking care of a farm. By the age of 15, he was out working three jobs at once. He was working at the fast-food restaurant, Dairy Queen, Helping to maintain and run a Marina at Summersville Lake, all while continuing to work on the farm. Although it was a lot of work for a child at such a young age, Xander never complained. He was a hard worker and very disciplined which you don’t see often in comparison to others that young.

Xander’s future wasn’t set in stone at that point, but he did enjoy spending time outdoors performing different activities with friends such as swimming and snowboarding. One of the times Xander went snowboarding with his friends, his helmet malfunctioned and he ended up in the hospital with a serious brain injury. It was discovered that he could not move his legs. He wasn’t able to move half of his body and he was in shock. No one expected that. He was told that he would probably never be able to walk again. Xander knew that that wasn’t an option, he still had big plans for the future, one of those being participating and moving up in a tv show called Ninja Warrior that tests both physical and mental strength. It was a show that he watched ever since he was a young boy.

He worked hard every day until one day, he was able to wiggle his toes. He started crying, he anticipated that this day would come, but it was never certain. This was only two months after the traumatizing accident. Xander proceeded to turn more heads as he moved onto the next chapter of his life. He joined the United States Army in 2013. Xander was selected to continue on with his training at the Lackland Airforce Base in San Antonio, Texas. He was going to take on the job as a Military Working Dog Handler, helping to professionally train the dogs. Just as everything was looking up, he injured himself and rushed into surgery. That was the end of his military career.

Even at this low, Xander was not finished yet. Though now homeless, he knew that someday his day would come and it ended up happening sooner than he thought. He was offered a job and flew to Las Vegas. Later down the line he was introduced to the modeling world when attending a photo shoot with a friend. He went in front of the camera for the first time ever, and fell in love. He knew that this was the right move for him. Appearing in magazines and book covers, his success in the industry was flourishing. He researched and learned all he needed from experts in the industry. He weighed out all of the pros and cons and decided to proceed with the start of something new, something he’s always dreamed of, his own business. At 26, this businessman took an idea and transformed it into a reality with the creation of the high-end modeling agency known to be the best. He named it XK Luxury LLC. and pretty soon, it started growing. Without the expertise of Xander, the business wouldn’t be where it is today. He continues to amaze people every day by simply telling his inspiring story in hopes that others too, will find what they need in themselves to pull through with their ideas.

Xander wants those who follow him to fall in love with the idea that anyone can accomplish what he has. He wants to be remembered because of his amazing story. He faced every David and Goliath challenge head-on, which resulted in him coming out a victor.

To support Xander Neff, click here to find all links to his platforms.

Contact Info:
Name: Dave Viii
Email: Send Email
Organization: Startup Fortune
Website: https://startupfortune.com

Release ID: 88952983

Seven Aces Limited Announces Financial Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2019

TORONTO / ACCESSWIRE / April 30, 2020 / Seven Aces Limited (the "Company" or "Aces") (TSXV:ACES)(OTC PINK:ACEXF) is pleased to announce the filing of its financial results for the year ending December 31, 2019. For more information, please see the consolidated financial statements of the Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2019 and the related management's discussion and analysis, which are available electronically on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) under Aces' issuer profile at. All figures are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.

"2019 was a year of growth through acquisition," said Manu K. Sekhri, Chief Executive Officer of Aces. "We continued with our acquisition strategy in Georgia and we purchased over 4.6 million shares as part of our NCIB at attractive prices, which is accretive to all shareholders".

Highlights – Year Ended December 31, 2019(1)

Generated gaming revenues of approximately $79.3 million for year ended December 31, 2019, compared to approximately $59.7 million for the 10-month period ended December 31, 2018(2), representing an increase of approximately 33% (approximately 11% on an annualized basis).
Generated Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $26.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, compared to approximately $22.7 million for the 10-month period ended December 31, 2018.
Generated positive cash flow from operations of approximately $15.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, compared to approximately $14.0 million for the 10-month period ended December 31, 2018.
Repurchased over 4.6 million shares through the Company's normal course issuer bid at an average price of $0.91 per share.
Closed nine acquisitions for a total purchase price of approximately $13.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2019.

Note:

(1)

(2)

These reported figures are based on consolidated results and do not reflect the impact of the non-controlling interest.

The Company changed its financial year-end from February 28th to December 31st, as announced by the Corporation on January 14, 2019.

About Seven Aces Limited

Seven Aces Limited is a gaming company, with a vision of building a diversified portfolio of world class gaming operations. The Company looks to enhance shareholder value by growing organically and through acquisitions. Currently, the Company is the largest route operator of skill-based gaming machines in the State of Georgia, United States of America.

For more information about ACES is available online at www.sevenaces.com.

For further information please contact:

Ryan Bouskill
Chief Financial Officer
Tel. (647) 228-8668
ryan@sevenaces.com

Stephanie Lippa
Office Manager
Tel. (416) 477-3411
stephanie@sevenaces.com

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release may contain forward-looking statements or "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws ("forward-looking statements"). Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or describes a "goal", or variation of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved.

All forward-looking statements reflect the Company's beliefs and assumptions based on information available at the time the statements were made. Actual results or events may differ from those predicted in these forward-looking statements. All of the Company's forward-looking statements are qualified by the assumptions that are stated or inherent in such forward-looking statements, including the assumptions listed below. Although the Company believes that these assumptions are reasonable, this list is not exhaustive of factors that may affect any of the forward-looking statements. The key assumptions that have been made in connection with the forward-looking statements include the following: the digital gaming terminals being fully-licensed by the Georgia Lottery Corporation; the continuation of the Company's acquisition strategy in the Georgia gaming market; the growing footprint of Lucky Bucks in the Georgia gaming market; generating value for the shareholders of the Company; the regulatory regime governing the business of Lucky Bucks in Georgia; the Company's normal course issuer bid; the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and Canadian dollar; the ability to grow the business and deliver returns for shareholders; the availability of high growth and high margin opportunities; continuing to add high performing locations; and the execution of the Company's business strategy and acquisition pipeline.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, future events, conditions, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, prediction, projection, forecast, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the Company's ability to continuing to execute a growth strategy through acquisitions and the Company's ability to generate higher margins and significant growth in cash flows. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Non-IFRS Financial Measures

Statements in this news release make reference to Adjusted EBITDA, which is a non-IFRS (as defined herein) financial measure that the Company believes is appropriate to provide meaningful comparison with, and to enhance an overall understanding of, the Company's past financial performance and prospects for the future. The Company believes that Adjusted EBITDA provides useful information to both management and investors by excluding specific expenses and items that management believe are not indicative of Aces' core operating results. Adjusted EBITDA is a financial measure that does not have a standardized meaning under International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). Adjusted EBITDA is defined as earnings before financing costs, income taxes, depreciation, amortization of property and equipment and intangible assets, stock-based compensation, foreign exchange, impairment, gain/loss on settlement of accounts payable, financing income, business acquisition costs, warrant fair value adjustment and derivative asset fair value adjustment. As there is no standardized method of calculating Adjusted EBITDA, it may not be directly comparable with similarly titled measures used by other companies. The Company considers Adjusted EBITDA to be a relevant indicator for measuring trends in performance and its ability to generate funds to service its debt and to meet its future working capital and capital expenditure requirements. Adjusted EBITDA is not a generally accepted earnings measure and should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to net income (loss), cash flows or other measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

SOURCE: Seven Aces Limited

ReleaseID: 587723

Cannabis Global Announces Significant Breakthrough in Study Involving THC-V Infusion Technologies for Beverages

LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / April 30, 2020 / Cannabis Global, Inc. (OTC PINK:MCTC) ("Cannabis Global" or the "Company"), a cannabinoid and hemp extract science-forward company developing infusion and delivery technologies, is excited to announce a research breakthrough in the field of cannabinoid sciences resulting from the Company's "Project Varin", which began earlier this year. The research program has yielded a new tetrahydrocannabivarin (THC-V) delivery system providing for sustained release of the cannabinoid over a predetermined period of time and two other delivery systems for immediate release.

Project Varin is a program to develop new delivery systems for varin cannabinoids. THC-V, which is one of the best known Varins, is becoming known within the cannabinoid sciences arena as the "Skinny Cannabinoid" due to its purported appetite suppression qualities, and its possible use as a treatment against obesity-associated glucose intolerance.

The technology being developed through this study will be implemented in coffee and tea products to be released in May 2020. THC-V is similar in chemical structure to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), but is non-psychoactive and not scheduled as a controlled substance.

"While these developments add to our growing list of intellectual property, these are much more than technologies that will sit on a shelf," commented Arman Tabatabaei, CEO of Cannabis Global. "We have already integrated both the sustained and immediate release versions into beverage products that we expect to be available to consumers next month. We believe the field of minor and exotic cannabinoids will grow substantially this year with several product introductions. We are extremely excited at the prospect of being a first mover in this emerging market segment."

The most significant of the developments produced a sustained release polymeric nanoparticle at ultra-high level loading, meaning the particles are mainly made of pure THC-V. These particles are designed to release the THC-V in a delayed manner. When used with immediate-release particles, they hold the promise to provide sustained dosing over many hours.

Other versions of the THC-V infusion technology are designed to provide immediate release via formulations that utilize none of the chemicals, such as emulsifiers and surfactants, that are often used in cannabinoid infusion delivery vehicles. The nano-particle versions were developed based on the Company's pending patents filed late last year. The Company utilized both botanically derived and pharmaceutical-grade synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol to develop these infusion technologies.

About Cannabis Global, Inc.

Cannabis Global, Inc. (OTC PINK:MCTC) is a Nevada registered, fully reporting and audited publicly-traded company. With the hemp and cannabis industries moving very quickly and with a growing number of market entrants, Cannabis Global plans to concentrate its efforts on the middle portions of the hemp and cannabis value chain. The Company plans to actively pursue R&D programs and productization for exotic cannabinoid isolation, bioenhancement of cannabinoids and polymeric solid nanoparticles and nanofibers for addition into consumer products and for dermal application. The Company was reorganized during June of 2019 and announced its intent to enter the fast-growing cannabis sector. The Company is headed and managed by a group of highly experienced cannabis industry pioneers and entrepreneurs.

Forward-looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" which are not purely historical and may include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such forward-looking statements include, among other things, the development, costs and results of new business opportunities and words such as "anticipate", "seek", intend", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "project", "plan", or similar phrases may be deemed "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Such factors include, among others, the inherent uncertainties associated with new projects, the future U.S. and global economies, the impact of competition, and the Company's reliance on existing regulations regarding the use and development of cannabis-based products. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that any beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any such beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions will prove to be accurate. Investors should consult all of the information set forth herein and should also refer to the risk factors disclosure outlined in our annual report on Form 10-k, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other periodic reports filed from time-to-time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For more information, please visit www.sec.gov.

For more information, please contact:

Arman Tabatabaei,
IR@cannabisglobalinc.com

SOURCE: MCTC Holdings, Inc

ReleaseID: 587722

Stabilis Energy Announces First Quarter 2020 Earnings Release Call

HOUSTON, TX / ACCESSWIRE / April 30, 2020 / Stabilis Energy, Inc. (OTCQX:SLNG) ("Stabilis") today announced that it will release first quarter 2020 financial results on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 after the market closes. In conjunction with the release, Stabilis has scheduled a conference call on Thursday, May 7, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. eastern time (9:00 a.m. central). Individuals in the United States and Canada who wish to participate in the conference call should dial +1 844-602-0380.  International callers should dial +1 862-298-0970.

Participants may also participate in a live audio webcast by visiting the following website at: https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/2256/34622.

A replay of the call will be available until May 14, 2020. Individuals in the United States and Canada who wish to listen to the replay should dial +1 877-481-4010; passcode 34622. International callers should dial +1 919-882-2331; passcode 34622.

A replay of the call also will be available on the Stabilis website (www.stabilisenergy.com).

About Stabilis Energy

Stabilis Energy, Inc. is a vertically integrated provider of distributed liquefied natural gas ("LNG") production, distribution and fueling services to multiple end markets in North America. We have safely delivered over 200 million gallons of LNG through more than 20,000 truck deliveries during our 15-year operating history, which we believe makes us one of the largest and most experienced small-scale LNG providers in North America. We provide LNG to customers in diverse end markets, including the industrial, energy, mining, utility, pipeline, commercial, and high horsepower transportation markets. Our customers use LNG as an alternative to traditional fuel sources, such as distillate fuel oil and propane, to lower fuel costs and reduce harmful environmental emissions. Our customers also use LNG as a "virtual pipeline" solution when natural gas pipelines are not available or are curtailed. To learn more, visit www.stabilisenergy.com.

Stabilis Contact:

Andrew Puhala
Chief Financial Officer
832-456-6500
ir@stabilisenergy.com

SOURCE: Stabilis Energy, Inc.

ReleaseID: 587608

USF adds ROI Amplified CEO Zack Bowlby to Their Digital Marketing Advisory Board

s, to make up a quality USF hand-pick their board members to ensure varied industry backgrounds, differing points of view, and distinctive leadership qualitieteam

Tampa, Florida – April 30, 2020 /MarketersMedia/

USF is proud to announce the addition of ROI Amplified CEO Zack Bowlby to their Digital Marketing Advisory Board. USF works tirelessly to hand-pick each board member to ensure they come from varied backgrounds, that they have differing points of view, along with distinctive leadership qualities, to create a team of experts who offer dynamic perspectives and innovative advice in their particular area of focus. Currently, the board is working collaboratively to offer constructive feedback along with strategic direction, guide quality improvement, and assess program efficacy.

“The demand for digital marketing executives who fully understand the digital landscape, along with how to deliver integrated marketing services and solutions, has never been higher,” stated ROI Amplified’s Amber Lantz. “The curriculum offered by this Tampa digital marketing agency at USF was developed in conjunction with top practitioners and the project-based, interdisciplinary curriculum has been specifically designed to offer practical tools and skills, that are able to be applied right away in the workplace.”

There’s no question that a digital marketing program like the one offered here is long overdue. No longer are there limits regarding who is able to guide the class, and there’s no fixed curriculum. Because the things in this industry are changing so quickly, the curriculum continues to evolve, as well. Traditional programs aren’t able to keep up with all these changes, but ROI Amplified delivers innovative education that addresses all the changes that occur on an almost daily basis.

“Our team is honored to have the opportunity to provide these educational experiences to students and others interested in learning about the digital marketing landscape,” continued Lantz. “We are still fine-tuning the offerings with this course to ensure it meets the needs of those entering into this complex and ever-changing marketing landscape.”

Learn more about the new programs offered at USF and the involvement of ROI Amplified by visiting the company’s website and visiting the page regarding this topic of focus or contacting the school to learn more.

ABOUT ROI AMPLIFIED

ROI Amplified is a full-service digital marketing agency located in the heart of downtown Tampa, Florida. ROI Amplified acts as an internal marketing department for medium, enterprise and franchise businesses. Google Ads, Marketing Automation, SEO, Web Design, Email, and Social Media are just some of the marketing services ROI Amplified provides from their extensive customer list.

Contact Info:
Name: Amber Lantz
Email: Send Email
Organization: ROI Amplified
Address: Tampa, Florida, 33602
Phone: (813) 701-5316
Website: https://ROIAmplified.com

Source URL: https://marketersmedia.com/usf-adds-roi-amplified-ceo-zack-bowlby-to-their-digital-marketing-advisory-board/88955735

Source: MarketersMedia

Release ID: 88955735

Argan Oil By The Blessed Seed For Great Face, Body, And Hair Care

The Blessed Seed offers the perfect blend of argan oil, luxury rose, and pure black seed oil for maintaining skin and hair health. The company is the only one in the world to sell black seed oil in four different strengths.

Bristol, United Kingdom – April 30, 2020 / /

According to announcements released by The Blessed Seed and Abdullah Naki Seyfettin Goodwin, the company is trusted by those who seek natural and organic products for skin care and general well-being. Its expertise in manufacturing pure black seed oil comes from a strong belief in spreading the goodness of this oil, which was recommended by the Holy Prophet.

The Blessed Seed has skillfully combined black seed oil with argan oil and rose oil to create a premium oil for maintaining skin health and for hair care. Phenolic compounds in argan oil give it unique anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Along with vitamin E, also present in the oil, these minimize the effects of oxidative stress on the skin and keep its appearance youthful. Regular application of argan oil can help the skin retain its elasticity.

According to sources, black seed oil has historically been used for treating various health conditions and as a general tonic. It was found in the tomb of Tutankhamun, and historical records attest to it being recommended by ancient wise men such as Galen, Pliny the Elder, Dioscorides, and Hippocrates. Today, The Blessed Seed is the only company in the world to offer black seed oil in four different strengths. This simplifies the use of this potent oil by any individual, depending on specific needs.

For more information on the Luxury Rose, Argan & Black Seed Oil and how to order, go to https://theblessedseed.com/shop/luxury-rose-argan-black-seed-oil/

Abdullah Naki Seyfettin Goodwin of The Blessed Seed said, “We all have busy schedules and hectic lives; not everyone has the time to put on a bunch of different products every day. And even if you do, it’s always nice to have an all-in-one product that truly works. In an effort to provide our customers with a unique product, we’ve developed the luxury rose, argan, and black seed oil that can be used for hair, face, and body. Contained in a glass pipette bottle, the oil is easy to use and just pure luxury! You can now pamper yourself to an incredible product at such a reasonable price and reap its properties to the fullest. Our luxury rose, argan, and black seed oil contains carrot tissue oil, grape seed oil, black seed oil, argan oil, vitamin E, and Bulgarian rose oil. And it has multiple outstanding properties that will make you come back for more.”

On the various applications of black seed oil, Abdullah Naki said, “Black seed oil can be added to any drink, making it a drinkable tonic. It could also be used as it is or mixed with honey or yogurt. The oil can also be used topically and applied to the skin directly with soothing motions. It can also be applied as a rub to the chest area. For steam inhalation, add a small amount of black seed oil to a bowl of warm water and breathe in the vapor. Black seed oil is also available in capsule form.”

Contact, location and other product offerings are available at The Blessed Seed

Contact Info:
Name: Abdullah Naki Seyfettin Goodwin
Email: Send Email
Organization: The Blessed Seed
Address: Unit 7, Russell Town Industrial Estate, Russell Town Ave, Bristol, BS5 9LT , United Kingdom
Phone: +44 207 267 7485
Website: https://theblessedseed.com/

Source URL: https://marketersmedia.com/argan-oil-by-the-blessed-seed-for-great-face-body-and-hair-care/88955732

Source:

Release ID: 88955732

Bucky the Dino Goes Green in All New Interactive Children’s Book Adventure Instilling a Love for Nature

Introducing a fun and interactive story about harnessing a love for nature and the actions children can take to help the Earth.

Singapore, Singapore – April 30, 2020 /MarketersMedia/

Bucky the Dino Goes Green, the all new fun and interactive children’s book about taking care of the Earth, is live on global crowdfunding platform Kickstarter and raising funds to bring the project to life.

Bucky is a big buck tooth dinosaur loved by children worldwide. The first self-published book in the series was successfully launched two years ago on Kickstarter and the fun-loving dino is back with an all-new adventure.

“After surveying with parents, I learned that many found it difficult to talk about climate change with their younger children because they did not know how and where to start. As they were afraid it was too complex for them to digest, or it would cause them unnecessary anxiety,” says author and illustrator Wilshia Maruli on the inspiration behind the project. “Hence, I wanted to create this book to act as a stepping stone for parents who want to educate their children about the importance of caring for the environment, by simplifying it into a fun and interesting adventure with Bucky The Dino.”

As the story goes, Bucky is out exploring until one day while having a snack, his sandwich wrapper drops to the ground. After being seen by Mr. Robin, Bucky goes on a journey to find out just what going green means. The book is intended for children ages 3-8, as it focuses on harnessing a love for nature and showing actions they can take on to help the planet. At this age, it is best for parents to focus on strengthening their child’s relationship with nature and making them aware of what is around them. Once older, they will have cultivated a strong habit of protecting the world and appreciating the beauty of nature.

At the end of the book, children will receive a special Bucky’s Go Green Club membership card on the last page, where they can make a pledge by filling in their name and commit to going green! The end of the book also includes a glossary and an infographic with environmental terms and their meanings so they can easily refer to it at any time if they do not remember.

The learning and fun doesn’t stop there though as crowdfunding backers can also opt for the Bucky Go Green Club Reward— an interactive experience where children can immediately apply what they have learnt through the book into their daily life. Children will receive materials they can use to engage in green activities such as planting a terrarium and learning how to craft figures using air dry clay.

“Climate change has been an ongoing problem but many do not act on it because they do not sense the urgency of the situation. Many also have the misconception that even if they did make an effort they would not make an impact, but this is not true. Every action we take makes a difference, no matter how big or small. As it is the future generations  who will truly feel the brunt of climate change, we as adults need to start educating the young ones now in order to inspire change for the future. Even a step as simple as getting this book for your child is a step to helping the Earth,” adds Wilshia. “Why? Stories nurture children’s curiosity more than anything else, and curiosity is the wick in the candle of learning. Through this story they will be exposed and taught about  the importance of going green and taking care of the Earth, which would hopefully then inspire them to be the change makers of the future.”

Bucky the Dino Goes Green is currently live and available to support on Kickstarter: www.kickstarter.com/projects/wilshia/bucky-the-dino-goes-green

About Wilshia Maruli

Wilshia Maruli is a self-published author illustrator from Singapore. She published her first children’s picture book in 2018 called “Bucky The Dino” and since then she has been focusing on writing and illustrating books that help raise awareness on important issues for young children. For more information on Wilshia please visit www.wilshia.com

###

Contact Info:
Name: Mark Winters
Email: Send Email
Organization: Wilshia Maruli
Website: https://www.wilshia.com

Source URL: https://marketersmedia.com/bucky-the-dino-goes-green-in-all-new-interactive-childrens-book-adventure-instilling-a-love-for-nature/88955711

Source: MarketersMedia

Release ID: 88955711