Dec. 4, 2023

This paid piece is sponsored by MarketBeat.

Pathward Financial Inc. (NASDAQ: CASH): On Nov. 1, Pathward Financial joined other companies nationwide to celebrate Certification Nation Day. The event, designated by Great Place to Work, recognizes companies that are Great Place to Work-Certified. Pathward received the designation in April. Some reasons for the award included its remote first positioning, community outreach and competitive benefits.

In other news, on Nov. 16, Pathward announced a 5-cent-per-share dividend. The dividend will be paid Jan. 2, to shareholders of record Dec. 12.

SAB Biotherapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: SABS): On Nov. 14, SAB Biotherapeutics announced it had completed funding the second tranche of its previously announced financing program. The program has netted the pre-clinical-stage company $67.1 million, which it is using to fund the development of its lead therapeutic, SAB-142, a potential disease-modifying treatment for Type 1 diabetes and other autoimmune conditions.

First Interstate BancSystem Inc. (NASDAQ: FIBK): With many investors showing concern about the commercial real estate market, First Interstate BancSystem’s loan portfolio dropped by $50.1 million in the current quarter, down to $18.2 billion. However, CEO Kevin Riley noted in remarks during the bank’s earnings call that the decline is not related to the bank’s conservative lending standards but rather a decline in demand at current market rates.

The Bancorp Inc. (NASDAQ: TBBK): The Bancorp CEO Damian Kozlowski was featured in the CEO Series of SiouxFalls.Business. Kozlowski explained the bank’s leadership role in the growing financial technology market and why the company chose Sioux Falls as its headquarters.

Wells Fargo & Co. (NYSE: WFC): As we enter a season of giving thanks, Wells Fargo announced that it will use a $750,000 grant to partner with Team Rubicon to create the Team Rubicon TRades Academy. The veteran-led program will provide trainees with trade skills, including contracting, electrical, plumbing and HVAC, to address the critical need for credentialed contractors in communities nationwide, particularly in the aftermath of natural disasters.

NorthWestern Energy (NASDAQ: NWE): In November, NorthWestern completed its $7.8 million Chamberlain switchyard. The two-year project, done in conjunction with East River Electric, the Madison, South Dakota-based electric cooperative, will provide redundancy and improved reliability on the transmission system in the switchyard’s service area.

CNH Industrial NV (NYSE: CNHI): CNH Industrial took home the most medals at the Farm Machine 2024 awards. The company won eight medals overall, including the Best Combine Harvester for its New Holland CR11 model, the Best Upper Class Tractor for its New Holland T7.270 Methane Power CNG Tractor and the Best Utility Tractor for its Case 1H Farmall 75C Electric Tractor. The awards were announced at the Agritechnica show in Hanover, Germany.

Citigroup Inc. (NYSE: C): In a transaction initially announced in January 2022, Citigroup announced the successful completion of its sale and full migration of its consumer business in Indonesia to UOB Indonesia. The sale includes retail banking, credit card and unsecured lending businesses. The company also will be transferring employees to UOBI. Citi will continue to serve its institutional banking clients in Indonesia.

McDonald’s Corp. (NYSE: MCD): McDonald’s is partnering with Crocs to create a limited-edition line of shoes, socks and Jibbitz charms. The shoes feature the iconic McDonald’s characters Grimace, Birdie and Hamburglar. The collection is available at Crocs retail locations and select wholesale partners.

Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT): On Nov. 16, Walmart announced its third quarter earnings report. The retailer, considered a proxy for the retail sector, sent stocks plummeting as it lowered its guidance for the coming quarter, citing consumers who are cutting back on discretionary purchases and sticking to staple items.

Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT): As part of Target’s quarterly earnings announcement, the retailer announced the hiring of 100,000 seasonal workers. The company also said it would have over 10,000 new items between its house and national brands.

Macy’s Inc. (NYSE: M): In time for the holiday season, Macy’s announced an expansion of its Disney products to celebrate Disney’s 100th anniversary. The Disney collection will include a Disney Princess collection, including role-play costumes, accessories, character dolls, jewelry, apparel and toys.

Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN): On Nov. 28, Amazon.com announced that its Amazon Web Services division is expanding its partnership with Nvidia Co. (NASDAQ: NVDA) to deliver the most-advanced infrastructure, software and services to power customers’ generative AI innovations.

Costco Wholesale Corp. (NASDAQ: COST): Costco reported net sales of $18.53 billion for the retail month of October, which ended Oct. 29. That was a 4.5 percent increase from the $17.73 billion the company reported in October 2022.

Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F): Ford Motor’s October sales report showed a year-over-year decline in total vehicle sales. However, the report also showed a 10 percent increase in the sale of fully electric vehicles and a gain of 37 percent in hybrid models.

General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM): General Motors’ GM Ventures division announced a partnership with Minneapolis-based Niron Magnetics to pursue affordable, sustainable EV motor magnets. Battery production is one obstacle to EV adoption. And motor magnets, which rely on rare earth metals, are a key component in battery production.