Bank of America - BAC STOCK NEWS

Bank of America announced the appointments of Lindsay Hans and Eric Schimpf as presidents and co-heads of Merrill Wealth Management, effective March 30, 2023. They will oversee over 25,000 employees and report to CEO Brian Moynihan. Merrill's client balances were $2.8 trillion as of December 31, 2022. Hans previously led Private Wealth Management, while Schimpf has extensive experience since joining Merrill in 1994. They replace Andy Sieg, who oversaw significant growth in the department since 2017. This leadership change aims to continue Merrill's legacy and strengthen client services.

Bank of America announced the retirement of Benito Almanza, who will step down as Phoenix and Arizona President on April 6 after 45 years with the company. He is succeeded by Scott Vanderpool, currently the Phoenix market executive who has been with Bank of America since 2007. Vanderpool will oversee the bank's resources in the region and focus on economic mobility and community development. During his tenure, Almanza directed nearly $125 million in philanthropic investments in Arizona. Both leaders expressed their commitment to continued growth and community improvement in Phoenix.

Bank of America announced that over 10 million clients have engaged with its innovative Life Plan since its launch in late 2020. Users have collectively added more than $55 billion to their accounts by utilizing this personalized digital experience. Popular financial goals among users include budgeting, improving credit, and saving for large purchases, with 63% of users being Millennials and Gen Z. Digital interactions surged, with over 11.6 billion logins in 2022, reflecting a growing reliance on digital banking tools.

Beginning in 2024, Bank of America will be the presenting partner of the Boston Marathon, marking a significant decade-long agreement. This partnership aims to enhance community engagement and promote a healthy lifestyle through running. The collaboration underscores shared values in community support and leadership. Bank of America has previously shown substantial economic impact through its sponsorship of events like the Chicago Marathon, generating over $386 million for local economies. This strategic move is expected to broaden the Marathon's reach and impact on a global scale.

Bank of America Institute's recent analysis reveals a significant increase in housing costs in the U.S., with median rent payments rising by 8% and mortgage payments by 7% year-over-year as of February 2023. Particularly in the Sun Belt cities like Phoenix and Tampa, rent increased by 26% and 23%, respectively, well above the national average. This surge contrasts with slower growth in cities outside this region, such as San Francisco, which saw only 2.5% rent growth. Factors driving these trends include domestic migration, affordability, job creation, and higher-paid positions in technology and finance, which have intensified housing demand in the Sun Belt.

Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) announced the authorization of cash dividends for its preferred stock series on March 13, 2023. The dividends are as follows: 7.25% Non-Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock Series L ($18.125), payable on May 1, 2023; Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock Series Z ($32.500), payable on April 24, 2023; and several others with varying dividend rates and payment dates in April and May. Notably, all dividends are scheduled for payment either quarterly or semi-annually, reflecting Bank of America's ongoing commitment to returning value to shareholders. Bank of America remains a leader in financial services.

The BFM Fund, a seed-stage venture fund in Portland, has received an equity investment from Bank of America. This fund, led by a women of color team, targets investments in Black founders and aims to address funding gaps for minority-owned businesses across the U.S. The BFM Fund's portfolio includes startups like Saysh, Hued, and Glow Up Games. Although the exact investment amount is undisclosed, Bank of America is a significant investor in the fund's first close. The initiative aligns with Bank of America’s commitment to drive economic equity and support diverse entrepreneurs, contributing to broader economic growth.

On March 2, 2023, Bank of America (NYSE: BAC) announced it has received the J.D. Power Financial Health Support Certification for the second consecutive year, recognizing its excellence in customer satisfaction regarding financial health support. This certification highlights the bank's commitment to enhancing client financial wellness through comprehensive support and educational resources. The certification measures customer experiences, guiding clients in managing budgets and achieving financial goals. The bank has strengthened its offerings, focusing on five key pillars: simplifying finances, managing money, leveraging expert advice, building financial knowledge, and providing timely assistance.