Oct. 2, 2023

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Pathward Financial Inc. (NASDAQ: CASH): On Sept. 19, Pathward announced that its director of diversity, equity, inclusion and community impact, Natonya Harbison, was named a DEI Outstanding Leader by the American Bankers Association. The award, part of the association’s inaugural ABA DEI Awards, recognizes a DEI specialist or other leader who actively supports developing and implementing DEI internal initiatives and advocates for DEI practices within the workplace.

SAB Biotherapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: SABS): The clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company updated progress with its SAB-142 novel immunotherapy platform for Type 1 diabetes. The company is on pace to initiate its First-in-Man Phase 1 clinical trial by the end of the year.

First Interstate BancSystem Inc. (NASDAQ: FIBK): On Aug. 28, First Interstate BancSystem announced the appointment of Lorrie Asker as executive vice president and chief banking officer. Asker had been serving as interim CBO since February. In her role, Akser oversees all retail and commercial banking operations across the company’s 14-state footprint.

First Interstate is scheduled to report its third quarter earnings Oct. 24.

The Bancorp Inc. (NASDAQ: TBBK): In a rough year for some banks, The Bancorp has outperformed the market. The stock has posted a 22 percent gain so far this year. The company is projecting earnings growth of 17 percent in the next 12 months, which supports a higher stock price. Investors will get more information when the company reports its third quarter earnings Oct. 26.

Wells Fargo & Co. (NYSE: WFC): On Sept. 26, Wells Fargo announced a partnership with Centerbridge Partners focusing on direct lending to non-sponsor North American middle-market companies. Centerbridge plans to launch Overland Advisors as part of this initiative, providing a new business model for direct lending to these companies.

In other news, the bank’s wealth and investment management division launched Stock Fractions, which allows clients to buy fractional shares of 500 of the most traded equities, starting with as little as $10.

NorthWestern Corp. (NASDAQ: NWE): Effective today, NorthWestern Energy Group Inc. becomes the parent holding company of NorthWestern Corp. The latter owns and operates regulated utility businesses in Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska. However, in early 2024, the company plans to complete a reorganization that will result in the South Dakota and Nebraska utilities becoming a separate direct subsidiary of NorthWestern Energy Group.

CNH Industrial NV (NYSE: CNHI): In late September, CNH Industrial was recognized with five medals at the Agritechnica Innovation Awards, an annual awards ceremony of the DLG German Agricultural Society. In separate news, the company gave investors an update on its $300 million buyback program.

Citigroup Inc. (NYSE: C): On Sept. 21, Citi Commercial Bank issued its first Global Industry Insights Report with the headline being that inflation and ongoing market volatility will be the primary concerns for business leaders of midsized corporations and organizations.

And on Sept. 25, the Citi Foundation announced 50 grant recipients for its inaugural Global Innovation Challenge. The foundation granted a total of $25 million to pilot or expand programs intended to improve food security. One of the winners is Lakota Funds, which is boosting local fresh food production on the Pine Ridge and Rosebud reservations in South Dakota by providing financial support to Native American farmers and ranchers to enhance livestock and crop production.

McDonald’s Corp. (NYSE: MCD): On Sept. 18, McDonald’s issued a $1.52-per-share dividend to shareholders of record Sept. 1. The company is one of the most reliable dividend-paying stocks, having increased its dividend for 46 consecutive years.

Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT): On Sept. 26, Walmart announced its new initiative with Roblox. Walmart Discovered is a truly immersive destination that allows users 13 and older to discover trending virtual items and creators of all sizes.

Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT): On Oct. 1, Ulta Beauty at Target debuted Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty brand. Consumers can buy a special mix of top sellers, new mini sizes and Fenty Snacz — mini sizes and sets curated exclusively for Ulta Beauty at Target.

On Sept. 20, Target announced a quarterly dividend of $1.10 per share that will be paid Dec. 10 to shareholders of record Nov. 15.

Macy’s Inc. (NYSE: M): Macy’s announced its intention to hire more than 38,000 full- and part-time seasonal employees for the upcoming holiday season. In related news, the company and Toys R Us unveiled Geoffrey’s 2023 Hot Toy List for children of every age and interest.

Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN): All eyes will be on Amazon’s e-commerce business in the next quarter. And consumers may be getting a new tool to help them shop. Amazon announced an investment of up to $4 billion in Anthropic. This will allow Amazon to develop a proprietary generative AI solution that will use Amazon’s Trainium and Inferentia chips.

Costco Wholesale Corp. (NASDAQ: COST): On Sept. 26, Costco delivered its third quarter earnings report. The company beat estimates for revenue and earnings. However, the company did report that its core customers are not immune to the effects of inflation. The company is generating more revenue per receipt, but consumers are buying fewer goods — particularly as it relates to discretionary purchases.

Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F): On Sept. 13, the Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Co., announced a $2.3 million investment in mobility solutions focused on expanding access to fresh food in cities where Ford has manufacturing plants. The initiative includes $1.25 million in innovation grants to Feeding American food banks along with over $300,00 to support home meal delivery in a partnership with DoorDash.

General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM): Through its BrightDrop business unit, General Motors delivered 600 BrightDrop Zevo electric vans to Ryder System. The vans will be deployed at four strategic Ryder facilities in California, Texas and New York. Ryder has announced plans to introduce 4,000 BrightDrop vans to its fleet by 2025.

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