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HOUSING MARKETS IN CALIFORNIA, NEW JERSEY AND ILLINOIS STILL HAVE ELEVATED RISK OF DOWNTURNS IN SECOND QUARTER OF 2024

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New York City and Chicago Areas Remain Vulnerable to Housing Issues Despite Strong Overall Markets; South Region Faces Less Exposure While West Has More

IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — ATTOM, a leading curator of land, property, and real estate data and analytics, today released a Special Housing Risk Report spotlighting county-level housing markets around the United States that are more or less vulnerable to declines, based on home affordability, underwater mortgages and other measures in the second quarter of 2024. The report shows that California, New Jersey and Illinois once again had the highest concentrations of the most-at-risk markets in the country, with some of the biggest clusters in the New York City and Chicago areas, as well as inland California. Less-vulnerable markets remained spread mainly throughout the South, along with parts of the Midwest.

The second-quarter patterns – derived from gaps in home affordability, underwater mortgages, foreclosures and unemployment – revealed that nearly half of the counties around the U.S. considered most exposed to potential drop-offs were in California, New Jersey and Illinois. As with earlier periods over the past few years, those concentrations dominated the list of areas more at risk of downturns.

County-level housing markets on that list included seven in around New York City, five in the Chicago metro area and 12 in areas of California mostly away from the Pacific coast. The rest were scattered largely around the South as well as other parts of the Midwest and Northeast.

At the other end of the risk spectrum, close to half the markets considered least likely to decline fell in Virginia, Wisconsin and Tennessee. They included four in the Washington, DC, area and three each in the Richmond, VA, and Nashville, TN, metro areas.

“The housing market boom continues to gain momentum, thanks to another Springtime boost. However, some markets show signs of potential instability, which suggests a mixed level of risk, particularly in certain regions that repeatedly show signs of concern,” said Rob Barber, CEO of ATTOM. “While these observations don’t indicate immediate red flags or warning signs of an impending downturn, they do highlight areas of relative risk. With the housing market still facing challenges, it’s crucial to closely monitor regions where key indicators suggest a higher likelihood of issues.”

Counties were considered more or less at risk based on the percentage of homes facing possible foreclosure, the portion with mortgage balances that exceeded estimated property values, the percentage of average local wages required to pay for major home ownership expenses on median-priced single-family homes and local unemployment rates. The conclusions were drawn from an analysis of the most recent home affordability, equity and foreclosure reports prepared by ATTOM. Unemployment rates came from federal government data. Rankings were based on a combination of those four categories in 589 counties around the United States with sufficient data to analyze in the second quarter of 2024. Counties were ranked in each category, from lowest to highest, with the overall conclusion based on a combination of the four ranks. See below for the full methodology.

Significant gaps in risk continued in different parts of the U.S. during the second quarter of 2024 as key housing market metrics have gotten either better or worse this year. Those measures included home prices, equity and affordability.

Vulnerable housing markets still clustered around Chicago, New York City and inland California
The metropolitan areas around New York, NY, and Chicago, IL, as well as broad stretches of California, had 24 of the 51 U.S. counties considered most vulnerable in the second quarter of 2024 to housing market troubles. The counties were among 589 around the nation with enough data to analyze. (The report includes 51 counties at either end of the risk spectrum, instead of the usual 50 that have been included in prior reports, because of ties in rankings).

The most at-risk counties included three in New York City (Kings County, which covers Brooklyn, Richmond County, which covers Staten Island, and Bronx County) and four in the New York City suburbs (Essex, Passaic, Sussex and Union counties, all in New Jersey). It also included Cook, Kendall, McHenry and Will counties in Illinois and Lake County in Indiana.

Another 12 were in California: Butte County (Chico), Humboldt County (Eureka), Solano County (outside Sacramento) and Shasta County (Redding) in the northern part of the state, plus Kern County (Bakersfield), Kings County (outside Fresno), Madera County (outside Fresno), Merced County, San Joaquin County (Stockton) and Stanislaus County (Modesto) in central California. Two others, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, were in southern California.

At-risk counties have worse levels of affordability, underwater mortgages, foreclosures and unemployment
Major home-ownership costs (mortgage payments, property taxes and insurance) on median-priced single-family homes were considered seriously unaffordable in 33 of the 51 counties deemed most vulnerable to market drop-offs in the second quarter of 2024. That means those expenses consumed at least 43 percent of average local wages. Nationwide, major expenses on typical homes sold in the second quarter required 35.1 percent of average local wages.

The highest percentages in the most at-risk markets were in Kings County (Brooklyn), NY (111.8 percent of average local wages needed for major ownership costs); Riverside County, CA (74.4 percent); Washington County (St. George), UT (70.4 percent); Richmond County (Stated Island), NY (66.8 percent) and Passaic County, NY (outside New York City) (65.3 percent).

At least 5 percent of residential mortgages were underwater in the second quarter of 2024 in 34 of the 51 most-at-risk counties. Nationwide, 5.1 percent of mortgages fell into that category, with homeowners owing more on their mortgages than the estimated value of their properties. Those with the highest underwater rates among the 51 most at-risk counties were Tangipahoa Parish, LA (east of Baton Rouge) (26.1 percent underwater); Peoria County, IL (16.3 percent); Lake County (Gary), IN (13.2 percent); Orleans Parish (New Orleans), LA (13.1 percent) and Montgomery County (Dayton), OH (10.9 percent).

More than one of every 1,000 residential properties faced a foreclosure action in the second quarter of 2024 in 39 of the 51 most vulnerable counties. Nationwide, one in 1,575 homes were in that position.

The highest foreclosure-case rates in those counties were in Charlotte County (Punta Gorda), FL (one in 464 residential properties facing possible foreclosure); Cumberland County (Vineland), NJ (one in 484); Sussex County, NJ (outside New York City) (one in 486); Dorchester County, SC (outside Charleston) (one in 513) and Gregg County (Longview), TX (one in 579).

The June 2024 unemployment rate was at least 5 percent in 35 of the 51 most at-risk counties, while the nationwide figure stood at 4.1 percent. The highest rates in those counties were all in central California: Merced County (9.4 percent); Kern County (Bakersfield) (9 percent); Kings County (outside Fresno) (8.5 percent); Madera County (outside Fresno) (7.5 percent) and Stanislaus County (Modesto) (7.1 percent).

Counties least at risk spread mainly throughout South and Midwest
Twenty-three of the 51 counties considered least vulnerable to housing market problems from among the 589 reviewed in the second-quarter report were in the South while 15 were in Midwest. The Northeast had 11 while the West had just two.

Virginia had eight of the least-at-risk counties in the second quarter: Alexandria City, Arlington and Fairfax and Loudoun, all in the Washington, DC, metro area; Chesterfield, Henrico and Richmond City in the Richmond, VA, area, and Albemarle County (Charlottesville).

Wisconsin also had eight. They were Brown County (Green Bay), Outagamie County (outside Green Bay), Dane County (Madison), Rock County (outside Madison), Eau Claire County, La Crosse County, Washington County (outside Milwaukee) and Winnebago County (Oshkosh). Five more were in Tennessee. They included Davidson, Rutherford and Williamson counties in the Nashville metro area, and Blount and Knox County in the Knoxville area.

Better market measures benefit less-vulnerable counties
Major ownership costs on median-priced single-family homes were seriously unaffordable in 18 of the 51 counties that were considered least vulnerable to market problems in the second quarter of 2024 (compared to 33 of the most at-risk counties).

The lowest levels were in Morgan County, AL (outside Huntsville) (23.9 percent of average local wages needed for major ownership costs); Dauphin County (Harrisburg), PA (25.2 percent); Richmond City/County, VA (25.9 percent); Shawnee County (Topeka), KS (27.3 percent) and Madison County (Huntsville), AL (27.8 percent).

More than 5 percent of residential mortgages were underwater in the second quarter of 2024 (with owners owing more than their properties were worth) in only six of the 51 least-at-risk counties. Those with the lowest rates were Chittenden County (Burlington), VT (1 percent underwater); Hillsborough County (Manchester), NH (1.7 percent); Rockingham County (Portsmouth), NH (1.7 percent); Williamson County, TN (outside Nashville) (1.8 percent) and Loudoun County, VA (outside Washington, DC) (1.8 percent).

More than one in 1,000 residential properties faced a foreclosure action during the second quarter of 2024 in none of the least-at-risk counties. Those with the lowest rates were Chittenden County (Burlington), VT (one in 73,209 residential properties faced possible foreclosure); Johnson County (Overland Park), KS (one in 25,211); Dane County (Madison), WI (one in 25,042); Medina County, OH (outside Akron) (one in 18,785) and Alexandria City/County, VA (one in 13,376).

The June 2024 unemployment rate was less than 4 percent in all of the least-at-risk counties. The lowest rates among those counties were in Chittenden County (Burlington), VT (1.9 percent); Arlington County, VA (2.2 percent); Merrimack County (Concord), NH (2.2 percent); Cass County (Fargo), ND (2.3 percent) and Cumberland County (Portland) ME (2.3 percent).

Report methodology
The ATTOM Special Market Impact Report is based on ATTOM’s second-quarter 2024 residential foreclosure, home affordability and underwater property reports, plus June 2024 unemployment figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (Press releases for affordability, foreclosure and underwater-property reports show the methodology for each.) Counties with sufficient data to analyze were ranked based on the second-quarter percentage of residential properties with a foreclosure filing, the percentage of average local wages needed to afford the major expenses of owning a median-priced home and the percentage of properties with outstanding mortgage balances that exceeded their estimated market values, along with June 2024 county-level unemployment rates. Ranks then were added up to develop a composite ranking across all four categories. Equal weight was given to each category. Counties with the lowest composite rank were considered most vulnerable to housing market problems. Those with the highest composite rank were considered least vulnerable.

About ATTOM
ATTOM provides premium property data and analytics that power a myriad of solutions that improve transparency, innovation, digitization and efficiency in a data-driven economy. ATTOM multi-sources property tax, deed, mortgage, foreclosure, environmental risk, natural hazard, and neighborhood data for more than 155 million U.S. residential and commercial properties covering 99 percent of the nation’s population. A rigorous data management process involving more than 20 steps validates, standardizes, and enhances the real estate data collected by ATTOM, assigning each property record with a persistent, unique ID — the ATTOM ID. The 30TB ATTOM Data Warehouse fuels innovation in many industries including mortgage, real estate, insurance, marketing, government and more through flexible data delivery solutions that include ATTOM Cloudbulk file licensesproperty data APIsreal estate market trendsproperty navigator and more. Also, introducing our newest innovative solution, making property data more readily accessible and optimized for AI applications– AI-Ready Solutions

Media Contact:
Megan Hunt
megan.hunt@attomdata.com

Data and Report Licensing:
datareports@attomdata.com

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SOURCE ATTOM

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The Inner Circle acknowledges Russell E. Jones as a Pinnacle Professional Member

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CHANDLER, Ariz., July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Russell E. Jones is acknowledged as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence for his contributions to Pioneering Innovation in Software Engineering and Communications.

With over three decades of experience in software engineering and software quality engineering, Russell E. Jones continues to lead transformative innovations in the field of communications as the Executive Director of Integration, Verification, and Validation at Iridium Communications Inc.. Since stepping into this role in 2021, Mr. Jones has overseen critical processes that ensure the seamless integration and functionality of the company’s sophisticated communication systems.

His promotion to this key leadership position followed a successful tenure as Director of SV Software Engineering at Iridium, where his leadership was pivotal in advancing the company’s technological capabilities. Before joining Iridium, Mr. Jones gained extensive experience in systems engineering and software testing through impactful roles at Motorola and Boeing, further solidifying his reputation as an innovator in the field.

Mr. Jones’s academic foundation includes an Associate of Arts in Electronics Technology (1990) and a Bachelor of Science in Technical Management (2001), both from DeVry University. These credentials have been instrumental in shaping his career, which has spanned satellite testing, systems engineering, and software integration.

Throughout his journey, Mr. Jones credits his family’s unwavering love and support and his mother and father’s influence for instilling the values of hard work and resourcefulness—traits that have been the cornerstone of his success.

Looking to the future, Mr. Jones is passionate about educating the next generation of engineers. His vision includes addressing educational gaps by teaching courses, presenting at conferences, and advocating for the inclusion of testing and integration in academic curricula. His goal is to inspire future leaders while continuing to contribute to the advancement of technology at Iridium.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, editorialteam@continentalwhoswho.com

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SOURCE The Inner Circle

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Vision Marine Technologies Announces Next Phase of Its Marine Technology Strategy

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Company plans to leverage its integrated operating platform to support technology development, commercialization and long-term growth.

BOISBRIAND, QC, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Vision Marine Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: VMAR; TSXV: VMAR) (“Vision Marine” or the “Company”), a marine technology company combining proprietary high-voltage electric propulsion technology with an integrated marine retail, marina and service platform through Nautical Ventures, today announced the next phase of its long-term strategy to advance and commercialize marine technologies through its operating platform.

The initiative establishes a framework through which Vision Marine intends to pursue internal development, technology partnerships and selected strategic opportunities, which may include mergers or acquisitions, that complement its existing capabilities and relate to the recreational boating industry.

The initiative builds upon the strategy presented by Vision Marine in May 2026: connecting proprietary marine technology with direct retail distribution, vessel integration capabilities, marina infrastructure, service operations and established customer relationships.

Over the past year, Vision Marine has integrated and expanded the Nautical Ventures platform, commercially launched and begun customer deliveries of its E-Motion™ 180 high-voltage electric propulsion system, expanded its intellectual property portfolio, continued optimizing its real estate and operating structure, and completed its previously announced at-the-market equity offering program. As previously disclosed, the Company currently has no active ATM program.

As previously disclosed, net cash provided by operating activities totaled approximately US$2.4 million for the nine-month period ended May 31, 2026. This result was supported by working-capital management, including the reduction and monetization of inventory. Management believes this reflects its focus on operational discipline and capital efficiency. Net cash provided by operating activities is distinct from net income and should not be interpreted as profitability.

The Company intends to use its existing customer relationships, distribution channels and service infrastructure to evaluate and, where appropriate, commercialize complementary marine technologies.

By combining technology development and vessel integration with retail distribution, marina operations, service, rentals and direct customer engagement, Vision Marine intends to evaluate whether new technologies can be introduced and supported through its existing operations. Any such initiatives will remain subject to customer demand, technical development and integration requirements, operating costs, financing availability, market conditions, regulatory approvals and disciplined capital allocation. There can be no assurance that these initiatives will result in commercialization, additional revenue or anticipated financial benefits.

“We are not beginning from a concept. We are expanding from a platform that is already in operation,” said Alexandre Mongeon, Chief Executive Officer of Vision Marine. “Vision Marine now connects proprietary technology with vessel integration, retail distribution, marina infrastructure, service capabilities and direct customer access. Our objective is to use these capabilities to evaluate and, where appropriate, support the development and commercialization of complementary marine technologies.”

“Proprietary electric propulsion remains central to Vision Marine’s technology strategy,” continued Mongeon. “We intend to evaluate complementary technologies that could improve vessel integration, energy management, connectivity, serviceability and the overall ownership experience. Our objective is to strengthen our marine technology platform through internal development, strategic partnerships and carefully selected strategic opportunities, while maintaining disciplined capital allocation.”

Vision Marine intends to prioritize initiatives that it believes complement its existing platform and may provide commercial value. In evaluating potential opportunities, the Company will consider expected costs, technical and operational requirements, financing needs, integration risks and potential financial benefits. There can be no assurance that any initiative will expand recurring revenue, improve margins or strengthen cash generation.

This announcement does not constitute the announcement of any acquisition, merger or definitive transaction. There can be no assurance that any evaluation or discussion will result in a completed transaction. Any material transaction will be disclosed in accordance with applicable securities laws and the requirements of Nasdaq and the TSX Venture Exchange.

About Vision Marine Technologies Inc.

Vision Marine Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: VMAR; TSXV: VMAR) is a marine technology company specializing in high-voltage electric propulsion systems and recreational boating solutions. Its E-Motion™ electric powertrain technology is designed to provide a marine-specific, integration-ready propulsion solution for boat manufacturers. Through Nautical Ventures, Vision Marine also operates an integrated marine retail, marina, service and rental platform supporting both electric and internal-combustion recreational boating. For more information, visit visionmarinetechnologies.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws and the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, without limitation, statements regarding Vision Marine’s business strategy; the advancement and commercialization of marine technologies; internal development initiatives; potential technology partnerships, investments, mergers, acquisitions and other strategic opportunities; the anticipated use and potential benefits of the Company’s operating platform; the introduction and commercialization of complementary technologies; the potential expansion of recurring revenue; potential improvements in margins and cash generation; and the Company’s capital allocation priorities and long-term growth objectives.

Forward-looking statements can often be identified by words such as “expects,” “plans,” “believes,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “continues,” “estimates,” “projects,” “potential,” “opportunity,” “may,” “could,” “would,” “will” and similar expressions or variations of such words and phrases.

These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These factors include, without limitation, the Company’s ability to execute its business strategy; identify, negotiate, finance, complete and integrate potential strategic transactions; develop and commercialize new technologies; generate market acceptance for its products and services; improve operating performance and achieve profitability; manage liquidity, inventory and floor-plan financing requirements; realize anticipated benefits from the integration of Nautical Ventures; maintain relationships with manufacturers, suppliers and commercial partners; protect its intellectual property; comply with applicable regulatory and listing requirements; and respond to competition, economic conditions, capital-market volatility, supply-chain disruptions and changes affecting the recreational marine industry.

Additional risks and uncertainties are described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F, as amended, for the year ended August 31, 2025, and in its subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and on SEDAR+. Readers should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Vision Marine undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

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SOURCE Vision Marine Technologies, Inc

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World-Renowned MAGURA USV Manufacturer UFORCE Partners with RECONCRAFT to Build Combat-Tested Autonomous Maritime Drones in the U.S.

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MAGURA family of drones, made exclusively by UFORCE, holds one of the most impactful and reliable combat records in modern maritime warfare, helping drive the Russian Navy from the Black Sea

LONDON and KYIV, Ukraine and WASHINGTON, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — UFORCE, the Ukraine-origin, UK-based autonomous systems defense technology company built to unify and scale the world’s most combat-proven unmanned platforms, today announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with leading Special Operations combatant craft manufacturer RECONCRAFT, following a ceremony hosted by the Embassy of Ukraine in the United States.

UFORCE USA and RECONCRAFT are partnering to build the world’s most capable autonomous surface vessels as part of the Arsenal of Freedom. UFORCE has also entered the U.S. Drone Dominance competition and related programs in partnership with RECONCRAFT.

The initiative will be led by Sean Plankey, CEO of UFORCE USA. Plankey most recently served as Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Homeland Security, overseeing the United States Coast Guard, and was twice nominated by the President of the United States to lead the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

Through the partnership, UFORCE will work to make available to the United States its combat-proven full-stack aerial, maritime, and ground unmanned systems, advanced autonomy software, and command-and-control technologies.

The company’s MAGURA family of autonomous surface vessels holds one of the most impactful and reliable combat records in modern maritime warfare and contributed to the destruction of more than a dozen Russian warships in the Black Sea. UFORCE’s portfolio also includes the first autonomous surface vessel to successfully down manned helicopters and fighter aircraft in combat.

“Today’s combat environments show that autonomous warfighting capabilities are a must-have. UFORCE is exceptionally positioned to deliver capabilities already tested by some of the world’s most sophisticated militaries under the most demanding battlefield conditions,” said Oleg Rogynskyy, CEO of UFORCE. “Through this partnership with RECONCRAFT, these combat-proven capabilities will become available to the U.S., combining Ukrainian battlefield innovation with American manufacturing excellence.”

“This partnership demonstrates what’s possible when American manufacturing and combat-proven innovation come together,” said Sean Plankey, CEO of UFORCE USA. “Working with RECONCRAFT, we will help ensure these proven autonomous capabilities become available to the U.S. It’s exactly the kind of industrial partnership the Arsenal of Democracy is designed to enable.”

“RECONCRAFT is building multiple combatant craft platforms trusted by U.S. and Partner Special Operations Forces in the world’s most demanding environments,” said Joe Silkowski, Co-Founder of RECONCRAFT. “Partnering with UFORCE combines our manufacturing expertise and capabilities with the combat-proven autonomy of the MAGURA platform, allowing us to deliver greater capability to American warfighters faster than developing a new system from the ground up.”

About UFORCE

UFORCE USA is a U.S. based, wholly owned subsidiary of Ukrainian-origin defense technology operating company UFORCE, built to unify and scale the world’s most battle-proven autonomous systems. UFORCE unified nine leading Ukrainian defense technology developers and manufacturers into a single company, with registered in London and operations in Ukraine. By combining Ukrainian frontline innovation with Western capital, governance, and global distribution, UFORCE delivers next-generation autonomous defense capabilities to allied militaries. The company’s full-stack platform includes hardware systems spanning aerial, maritime and ground unmanned platforms, advanced autonomy software, and command-and-control solutions.

Media Contact: KekstCNC-UFORCE@kekstcnc.com

About RECONCRAFT

RECONCRAFT is the leading designer and manufacturer of combatant craft for U.S. and Foreign Partner forces.  RECONCRAFT’s global headquarters and primary manufacturing campus is located in the Portland, Oregon, area where the skilled team produces highly sophisticated vessels, manned and unmanned, between multiple Programs of Record.

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