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  • MIL-OSI: Medallion Bank Reports 2024 Third Quarter Results and Declares Series F Preferred Stock Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SALT LAKE CITY, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Medallion Bank (Nasdaq: MBNKP, the “Bank”), an FDIC-insured bank specializing in consumer loans for the purchase of recreational vehicles, boats, and home improvements, as well as loan products and services offered through fintech strategic partners, today announced its results for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. The Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of Medallion Financial Corp. (Nasdaq: MFIN).

    2024 Third Quarter Highlights

    • Net income of $15.5 million, compared to $17.2 million in the prior year quarter.
    • Net interest income of $53.2 million, compared to $48.7 million in the prior year quarter.
    • Net interest margin of 8.44%, compared to 8.70% in the prior year quarter.
    • Total provision for credit losses was $20.2 million, compared to $14.0 million in the prior year quarter. Total provision for credit losses included $2.2 million of net taxi medallion recoveries, compared to $1.7 million of net taxi medallion recoveries in the prior year quarter.
    • Annualized net charge-offs were 2.31% of average loans outstanding, compared to 1.97% in the prior year quarter.
    • Annualized return on assets and return on equity were 2.47% and 16.72%, respectively, compared to 3.06% and 20.46% for the prior year period.
    • The total loan portfolio grew 13% from September 30, 2023 to $2.4 billion as of September 30, 2024.
    • Total assets were $2.6 billion and the Tier 1 leverage ratio was 15.66% at September 30, 2024.

    Donald Poulton, President and Chief Executive Officer of Medallion Bank, stated, “Earnings grew over the sequential quarter as combined recreation and home improvement loan origination volumes reached their anticipated peak for 2024. Net interest income rose to $53 million on more than $72 million of total interest income. As is typical for the time of year, delinquency rose compared to the second quarter while the net charge-off rate was essentially flat. Aided by the new fintech relationship announced in September, we originated $40 million in loans through our fintech strategic partners during the quarter. The strategic partnership program, which we have approached with caution and patience, is expected to grow steadily in the coming periods as our partners grow. Though overall demand for our products remains strong, we continue to prioritize credit quality and managed growth that maintains our market position.”

    Recreation Lending Segment

    • The Bank’s recreation loan portfolio grew 15% to $1.555 billion as of September 30, 2024, compared to $1.346 billion at September 30, 2023. Loan originations were $139.1 million, compared to $92.6 million in the prior year quarter.
    • Net interest income was $40.2 million, compared to $36.5 million in the prior year quarter.
    • Recreation loans were 65% of loans receivable as of September 30, 2024, compared to 64% at September 30, 2023.
    • Delinquencies 30 days or more past due were $64.6 million, or 4.15%, of recreation loans as of September 30, 2024, compared to $51.4 million, or 3.82%, at September 30, 2023.
    • Annualized net charge-offs were 3.18% of average recreation loans outstanding, compared to 2.67% in the prior year quarter.
    • The provision for recreation credit losses was $17.5 million and the allowance for credit losses was 4.53% of the outstanding balance, compared to $11.9 million and 4.24% of the outstanding balance in the prior year quarter.

    Home Improvement Lending Segment

    • The Bank’s home improvement loan portfolio grew 8% to $814.1 million as of September 30, 2024, compared to $750.5 million at September 30, 2023. Loan originations were $96.5 million, compared to $79.3 million in the prior year quarter.
    • Net interest income was $12.6 million, compared to $11.9 million in the prior year quarter.
    • Home improvement loans were 34% of loans receivable as of September 30, 2024, compared to 36% at September 30, 2023.
    • Delinquencies 30 days or more past due were $8.3 million, or 1.02%, of home improvement loans as of September 30, 2024, compared to $6.8 million, or 0.90%, at September 30, 2023.
    • Annualized net charge-offs were 1.76% of average home improvement loans outstanding, compared to 1.61% in the prior year quarter.
    • The provision for home improvement credit losses was $4.9 million and the allowance for credit losses was 2.42% of the outstanding balance, compared to $3.9 million and 2.31% of the outstanding balance in the prior year quarter.

    Series F Preferred Stock Dividend

    On October 24, 2024, the Bank’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.50 per share on the Bank’s Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series F, which trades on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol “MBNKP.” The dividend is payable on January 2, 2025, to holders of record at the close of business on December 16, 2024.

    About Medallion Bank

    Medallion Bank specializes in providing consumer loans for the purchase of recreational vehicles, boats, and home improvements, along with loan origination services to fintech strategic partners. The Bank works directly with thousands of dealers, contractors and financial service providers serving their customers throughout the United States. Medallion Bank is a Utah-chartered, FDIC-insured industrial bank headquartered in Salt Lake City and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Medallion Financial Corp. (Nasdaq: MFIN).

    For more information, visit www.medallionbank.com 

    Please note that this press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties relating to business performance, cash flow, costs, sales, net investment income, earnings, returns and growth. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “remains,” “anticipated,” “expected,” “continue,” “maintain” or the negative versions of these words or other comparable words or phrases of a future or forward-looking nature. These statements may relate to our future earnings, returns, capital levels, sources of funding, growth prospects, asset quality and pursuit and execution of our strategy. Medallion Bank’s actual results may differ significantly from the results discussed in such forward-looking statements. For a description of certain risks to which Medallion Bank is or may be subject, please refer to the factors discussed under the captions “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” included in Medallion Bank’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and in its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, filed with the FDIC. Medallion Bank’s Form 10-K, Form 10-Qs and other FDIC filings are available in the Investor Relations section of Medallion Bank’s website. Medallion Bank’s financial results for any period are not necessarily indicative of Medallion Financial Corp.’s results for the same period.  

    Company Contact:
    Investor Relations
    212-328-2176
    InvestorRelations@medallion.com 

    MEDALLION BANK
    STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
    (UNAUDITED)
     
      Three Months Ended September 30,   Nine Months Ended September 30,
    (In thousands) 2024   2023   2024   2023
    Total interest income $ 72,352   $ 62,193   $ 202,079   $ 173,414
    Total interest expense   19,193     13,446     50,470     33,384
    Net interest income   53,159     48,747     151,609     140,030
    Provision for credit losses   20,153     14,024     55,345     26,740
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   33,006     34,723     96,264     113,290
    Other non-interest income   645     968     2,116     1,263
    Non-interest expense              
    Salaries and benefits   5,035     5,024     14,971     14,004
    Loan servicing   3,158     3,007     9,074     8,723
    Collection costs   1,604     1,509     4,578     4,473
    Regulatory fees   961     1,021     2,826     2,484
    Professional fees   368     450     1,185     1,612
    Information technology   317     252     858     750
    Occupancy and equipment   193     211     626     625
    Other   875     839     2,685     2,705
    Total non-interest expense   12,511     12,313     36,803     35,376
    Income before income taxes   21,140     23,378     61,577     79,177
    Provision for income taxes   5,661     6,222     16,583     21,268
    Net income $ 15,479   $ 17,156   $ 44,994   $ 57,909
    Less: Preferred stock dividends   1,512     1,512     4,535   $ 4,535
    Net income attributable to common shareholder $ 13,967   $ 15,644   $ 40,459   $ 53,374
     
    MEDALLION BANK
    BALANCE SHEETS
    (UNAUDITED)
     
    (In thousands) September 30, 2024   December 31, 2023   September 30, 2023
    Assets          
    Cash and federal funds sold $ 148,446     $ 110,043     $ 100,192  
    Investment securities, available-for-sale   56,754       54,282       53,175  
    Loans, inclusive of net deferred loan acquisition cost and fees   2,374,673       2,100,338       2,101,786  
    Allowance for credit losses   (90,784 )     (79,283 )     (75,094 )
    Loans, net   2,283,889       2,021,055       2,026,692  
    Loan collateral in process of foreclosure   3,424       4,165       7,658  
    Fixed assets and right-of-use lease assets, net   9,275       8,140       7,705  
    Deferred tax assets   13,338       12,761       11,634  
    Accrued interest receivable   14,013       13,439       13,405  
    Other assets   38,472       38,171       37,595  
    Total assets $ 2,567,611     $ 2,262,056     $ 2,258,056  
    Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity          
    Liabilities          
    Deposits and other funds borrowed $ 2,143,132     $ 1,866,657     $ 1,865,096  
    Accrued interest payable   4,880       4,029       3,052  
    Income tax payable   25,559       21,219       30,472  
    Other liabilities   17,301       17,509       18,397  
    Due to affiliates   1,038       849       942  
    Total liabilities   2,191,910       1,910,263       1,917,959  
    Shareholder’s Equity          
    Series E Preferred stock   26,303       26,303       26,303  
    Series F Preferred stock   42,485       42,485       42,485  
    Common stock   1,000       1,000       1,000  
    Additional paid in capital   77,500       77,500       77,500  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax   (3,080 )     (4,529 )     (5,794 )
    Retained earnings   231,493       209,034       198,603  
    Total shareholders’ equity   375,701       351,793       340,097  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 2,567,611     $ 2,262,056     $ 2,258,056  

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Expand Energy Corporation Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results, Provides Preliminary 2025 Capital and Operating Plan and Announces Enhanced Capital Return Framework

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OKLAHOMA CITY, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Expand Energy Corporation (NASDAQ: EXE) (“Expand Energy” or the “company”) today reported third quarter 2024 financial and operating results. In addition, the company provided its preliminary 2025 capital and operating plan and announced details regarding its enhanced capital return framework. On October 1, 2024, Expand Energy announced the completion of the previously disclosed merger between Chesapeake Energy Corporation (“Chesapeake”) and Southwestern Energy Company (“Southwestern”).

    Legacy Chesapeake Third Quarter Highlights

    • Net cash provided by operating activities of $422 million
    • Net loss of $114 million, or $0.85 per fully diluted share; adjusted net income(1)of $22 million, or $0.16 per share
    • Adjusted EBITDAX(1)of $365 million
    • Produced approximately 2.65 bcf/d net (100% natural gas)

    Expand Energy Highlights

    • Raised annual synergy target by $100 million; expected to achieve approximately $225 million in 2025 and approximately $500 million in annual synergies by year end 2027
    • Upgraded at the start of fourth quarter to Investment Grade credit rating from S&P (BBB-) and Fitch (BBB-)
    • Quarterly base dividend of $0.575 per common share to be paid in December 2024, 15th straight quarter paying a dividend
    • 2025 capital expenditures expected to be approximately $2.7 billion, yielding net production of approximately 7 bcf/day (~91% natural gas)
    • Enhanced capital return framework to more effectively return cash to shareholders and reduce net debt; announced new $1 billion share repurchase authorization

    (1) Definitions of non-GAAP financial measures and reconciliations of each non-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure are included at the end of this news release.

    “Our strong third quarter results, recent Investment Grade rating and preliminary 2025 outlook demonstrate the power of our advantaged portfolio and resilient financial foundation,” said Nick Dell’Osso, Expand Energy’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our integration efforts are already delivering, allowing us to raise our annual synergy expectations by 25% to $500 million, as we drive to lower our breakeven costs and more efficiently reach markets in need. As the largest domestic producer of natural gas, and a top producer globally, we are built to answer the call for affordable, reliable, lower carbon energy and expand opportunity for all stakeholders.”
    Operations Update

    In the third quarter, legacy Chesapeake operated an average of seven rigs to drill 30 wells and turned seven wells in line, resulting in net production of approximately 2.65 bcfe per day (100% natural gas). Additionally, the company built an inventory of 18 drilled but uncompleted (“DUCs”) wells and 12 deferred turn in lines (“TILs”). A detailed breakdown of third quarter production, capital expenditures and activity can be found in supplemental slides which have been posted at https://investors.expandenergy.com/events-presentations.

    Expand Energy continues to execute its previously disclosed plan to defer completions and new TILs. As of October 1, 2024, the combined company had 58 DUCs, excluding working inventory, and 58 deferred TILs. The company intends to prudently activate production as market conditions warrant.

    Expand Energy is currently running 12 rigs (8 in Haynesville, 2 in Northeast Appalachia, and 2 in Southwest Appalachia) and 6 completion crews (3 in Haynesville, 2 in Northeast Appalachia, and 1 in Southwest Appalachia). At current market conditions, the company expects to drop two rigs in the first quarter of 2025.

    Annual Synergy Outlook and Preliminary 2025 Capital & Operating Program

    Expand Energy increased its expected annual synergy outlook by $100 million to $500 million. The company expects to achieve approximately $225 million in synergies in 2025 and to achieve the full $500 million in annual synergies by year end 2027.

    In 2025, at current market conditions, the company expects to run 10 to 12 rigs and invest approximately $2.7 billion yielding an estimated daily production of approximately 7 bcfe per day. Expand Energy will provide complete guidance in early 2025.

    Shareholder Returns Update

    Expand Energy plans to pay its quarterly base dividend of $0.575 per share on December 4, 2024 to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 14, 2024.

    The company announced today its enhanced capital return framework which is designed to more effectively return cash to shareholders and reduce net debt. The plan is expected to go into effect January 1, 2025, and prioritizes the base dividend of $2.30 per share and $500 million of annual net debt reduction. Once both have been funded, it is anticipated that 75% of remaining free cash flow be distributed as market conditions warrant, between share repurchases and additional dividend payments. The remaining free cash flow would be maintained on the balance sheet.

    In conjunction with the enhanced framework, Expand Energy’s Board of Directors approved a $1 billion repurchase authorization.

    Conference Call Information

    A conference call to discuss the results and preliminary 2025 plan has been scheduled for 9 a.m. EDT on October 30, 2024. Participants can view the live webcast here. Participants who would like to ask a question, can register here, and will receive the dial-in info and a unique PIN to join the call. Links to the conference call will be provided on Expand Energy’s website. A replay will be available on the website following the call.

    Financial Statements, Non-GAAP Financial Measures and 2024 Guidance and Outlook Projections

    Reconciliations of each non-GAAP financial measure used in this news release to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure are provided below. Additional detail on the company’s 2024 third quarter financial and operational results, along with non-GAAP measures that adjust for items typically excluded by certain securities analysts, are available on the company’s website. Non-GAAP measures should not be considered as an alternative to GAAP measures. Management’s updated guidance for 2024 and preliminary plan for 2025 can be found on the company’s website at www.expandenergy.com.

    Expand Energy Corporation (NASDAQ: EXE) is the largest independent natural gas producer in the United States, powered by dedicated and innovative employees focused on disrupting the industry’s traditional cost and market delivery model to responsibly develop assets in the nation’s most prolific natural gas basins. Expand Energy’s returns-driven strategy strives to create sustainable value for its stakeholders by leveraging its scale, financial strength and operational execution. Expand Energy is committed to expanding America’s energy reach to fuel a more affordable, reliable, lower carbon future.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements include our current expectations or forecasts of future events, including matters relating to the combined company after the merger with Southwestern Energy Company (“Southwestern”), armed conflict and instability in Europe and the Middle East, along with the effects of the current global economic environment, and the impact of each on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, actions by, or disputes among or between, members of OPEC+ and other foreign oil-exporting countries, market factors, market prices, our ability to meet debt service requirements, our ability to continue to pay cash dividends, the amount and timing of any cash dividends and our ESG initiatives. Forward-looking and other statements in this release regarding our environmental, social and other sustainability plans and goals are not an indication that these statements are necessarily material to investors or required to be disclosed in our filings with the SEC. In addition, historical, current, and forward-looking environmental, social and sustainability-related statements may be based on standards for measuring progress that are still developing, internal controls and processes that continue to evolve, and assumptions that are subject to change in the future. Forward-looking statements often address our expected future business, financial performance and financial condition, and often contain words such as “expect,” “could,” “may,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “ability,” “believe,” “seek,” “see,” “will,” “would,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “target,” “guidance,” “outlook,” “opportunity” or “strategy.” The absence of such words or expressions does not necessarily mean the statements are not forward-looking.

    Although we believe the expectations and forecasts reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, they are inherently subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. No assurance can be given that such forward-looking statements will be correct or achieved or that the assumptions are accurate or will not change over time. Particular uncertainties that could cause our actual results to be materially different than those expressed in our forward-looking statements include:

    • conservation measures and technological advances could reduce demand for natural gas and oil;
    • negative public perceptions of our industry;
    • competition in the natural gas and oil exploration and production industry;
    • the volatility of natural gas, oil and NGL prices, which are affected by general economic and business conditions, as well as increased demand for (and availability of) alternative fuels and electric vehicles;
    • risks from regional epidemics or pandemics and related economic turmoil, including supply chain constraints;
    • write-downs of our natural gas and oil asset carrying values due to low commodity prices;
    • significant capital expenditures are required to replace our reserves and conduct our business;
    • our ability to replace reserves and sustain production;
    • uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of natural gas, oil and NGL reserves and projecting future rates of production and the amount and timing of development expenditures;
    • drilling and operating risks and resulting liabilities;
    • our ability to generate profits or achieve targeted results in drilling and well operations;
    • leasehold terms expiring before production can be established;
    • risks from our commodity price risk management activities;
    • uncertainties, risks and costs associated with natural gas and oil operations;
    • our need to secure adequate supplies of water for our drilling operations and to dispose of or recycle the water used;
    • pipeline and gathering system capacity constraints and transportation interruptions;
    • our plans to participate in the LNG export industry;
    • terrorist activities and/or cyber-attacks adversely impacting our operations;
    • risks from failure to protect personal information and data and compliance with data privacy and security laws and regulations;
    • disruption of our business by natural or human causes beyond our control;
    • a deterioration in general economic, business or industry conditions;
    • the impact of inflation and commodity price volatility, including as a result of armed conflict and instability in Europe and the Middle East, along with the effects of the current global economic environment, on our business, financial condition, employees, contractors, vendors and the global demand for natural gas and oil and on U.S. and global financial markets;
    • our inability to access the capital markets on favorable terms;
    • the limitations on our financial flexibility due to our level of indebtedness and restrictive covenants from our indebtedness;
    • our actual financial results after emergence from bankruptcy may not be comparable to our historical financial information;
    • risks related to acquisitions or dispositions, or potential acquisitions or dispositions, including risks related to the merger with Southwestern, such as risks related to loss of management personnel, other key employees, customers, suppliers, vendors, landlords, joint venture partners and other business partners following the merger; risks related to disruption of management time from ongoing business operations due to integration; the risk of any litigation relating to the transaction; the risk that problems may arise in successfully integrating the businesses of the companies, which may result in the combined company not operating as effectively and efficiently as expected; and the risk that the combined company may be unable to achieve synergies or other anticipated benefits of the transaction or it may take longer than expected to achieve those synergies or benefits;
    • our ability to achieve and maintain ESG certifications, goals and commitments;
    • legislative, regulatory and ESG initiatives, addressing environmental concerns, including initiatives addressing the impact of global climate change or further regulating hydraulic fracturing, methane emissions, flaring or water disposal;
    • federal and state tax proposals affecting our industry;
    • risks related to an annual limitation on the utilization of our tax attributes, as well as trading in our common stock, additional issuance of common stock, and certain other stock transactions, which could lead to an additional, potentially more restrictive, annual limitation; and
    • other factors that are described under Risk Factors in Item 1A of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

    We caution you not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this release, which speak only as of the filing date, and we undertake no obligation to update this information. We urge you to carefully review and consider the disclosures in this release and our filings with the SEC that attempt to advise interested parties of the risks and factors that may affect our business.

    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited)
     
    ($ in millions, except per share data) September 30, 2024   December 31, 2023
    Assets      
    Current assets:      
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,044     $ 1,079  
    Restricted cash   76       74  
    Accounts receivable, net   261       593  
    Derivative assets   199       637  
    Other current assets   217       226  
    Total current assets   1,797       2,609  
    Property and equipment:      
    Natural gas and oil properties, successful efforts method      
    Proved natural gas and oil properties   12,373       11,468  
    Unproved properties   1,806       1,806  
    Other property and equipment   518       497  
    Total property and equipment   14,697       13,771  
    Less: accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization   (4,743 )     (3,674 )
    Total property and equipment, net   9,954       10,097  
    Long-term derivative assets   15       74  
    Deferred income tax assets   1,038       933  
    Other long-term assets   588       663  
    Total assets $ 13,392     $ 14,376  
           
    Liabilities and stockholders’ equity      
    Current liabilities:      
    Accounts payable $ 264     $ 425  
    Accrued interest   41       39  
    Derivative liabilities   5       3  
    Other current liabilities   589       847  
    Total current liabilities   899       1,314  
    Long-term debt, net   2,017       2,028  
    Long-term derivative liabilities         9  
    Asset retirement obligations, net of current portion   271       265  
    Other long-term liabilities   17       31  
    Total liabilities   3,204       3,647  
    Contingencies and commitments      
    Stockholders’ equity:      
    Common stock, $0.01 par value, 450,000,000 shares authorized: 135,107,576 and 130,789,936 shares issued   1       1  
    Additional paid-in capital   5,778       5,754  
    Retained earnings   4,409       4,974  
    Total stockholders’ equity   10,188       10,729  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 13,392     $ 14,376  
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited)
     
      Three Months Ended
    September 30,
      Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
    ($ in millions, except per share data)              
    Revenues and other:              
    Natural gas, oil and NGL $ 407     $ 682     $ 1,374     $ 2,784  
    Marketing   193       724       641       1,987  
    Natural gas and oil derivatives   46       106       207       1,195  
    Gains on sales of assets   2             12       807  
    Total revenues and other   648       1,512       2,234       6,773  
    Operating expenses:              
    Production   50       73       158       293  
    Gathering, processing and transportation   152       192       479       663  
    Severance and ad valorem taxes   11       27       58       136  
    Exploration   2       4       7       19  
    Marketing   192       723       656       1,985  
    General and administrative   39       29       133       95  
    Separation and other termination costs               23       3  
    Depreciation, depletion and amortization   335       382       1,082       1,148  
    Other operating expense, net   22       3       55       15  
    Total operating expenses   803       1,433       2,651       4,357  
    Income (loss) from operations   (155 )     79       (417 )     2,416  
    Other income (expense):              
    Interest expense   (20 )     (23 )     (59 )     (82 )
    Losses on purchases, exchanges or extinguishments of debt               (2 )      
    Other income   17       15       58       48  
    Total other income (expense)   (3 )     (8 )     (3 )     (34 )
    Income (loss) before income taxes   (158 )     71       (420 )     2,382  
    Income tax expense (benefit)   (44 )     1       (105 )     532  
    Net income (loss) $ (114 )   $ 70     $ (315 )   $ 1,850  
    Earnings (loss) per common share:              
    Basic $ (0.85 )   $ 0.53     $ (2.39 )   $ 13.86  
    Diluted $ (0.85 )   $ 0.49     $ (2.39 )   $ 12.90  
    Weighted average common shares outstanding (in thousands):              
    Basic   133,794       132,153       131,958       133,460  
    Diluted   133,794       142,348       131,958       143,463  
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)
     
      Three Months Ended
    September 30,
      Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
    ($ in millions)   2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Cash flows from operating activities:              
    Net income (loss) $ (114 )   $ 70     $ (315 )   $ 1,850  
    Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:              
    Depreciation, depletion and amortization   335       382       1,082       1,148  
    Deferred income tax expense (benefit)   (44 )     (80 )     (105 )     319  
    Derivative gains, net   (46 )     (106 )     (207 )     (1,195 )
    Cash receipts on derivative settlements, net   207       216       695       167  
    Share-based compensation   10       9       29       25  
    Gains on sales of assets   (2 )           (12 )     (807 )
    Losses on purchases, exchanges or extinguishments of debt               2        
    Other   (9 )     6       (16 )     35  
    Changes in assets and liabilities   85       9       30       368  
    Net cash provided by operating activities   422       506       1,183       1,910  
    Cash flows from investing activities:              
    Capital expenditures   (298 )     (423 )     (1,021 )     (1,450 )
    Receipts of deferred consideration               116        
    Contributions to investments   (26 )     (61 )     (71 )     (149 )
    Proceeds from divestitures of property and equipment   5       4       17       1,967  
    Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities   (319 )     (480 )     (959 )     368  
    Cash flows from financing activities:              
    Proceeds from Credit Facility                     1,125  
    Payments on Credit Facility                     (2,175 )
    Funds held for transition services         (6 )           91  
    Proceeds from warrant exercise               1        
    Debt issuance and other financing costs               (4 )      
    Cash paid to repurchase and retire common stock         (132 )           (313 )
    Cash paid for common stock dividends   (78 )     (77 )     (254 )     (412 )
    Net cash used in financing activities   (78 )     (215 )     (257 )     (1,684 )
    Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash   25       (189 )     (33 )     594  
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period   1,095       975       1,153       192  
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period $ 1,120     $ 786     $ 1,120     $ 786  
                   
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,044     $ 713     $ 1,044     $ 713  
    Restricted cash   76       73       76       73  
    Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 1,120     $ 786     $ 1,120     $ 786  
    NATURAL GAS, OIL AND NGL PRODUCTION AND AVERAGE SALES PRICES (unaudited)
     
      Three Months Ended September 30, 2024
      Natural Gas   Oil   NGL   Total
      MMcf
    per day
      $/Mcf   MBbl
    per day
      $/Bbl   MBbl
    per day
      $/Bbl   MMcfe
    per day
      $/Mcfe
    Marcellus 1,531   1.51           1,531   1.51
    Haynesville 1,116   1.88           1,116   1.88
    Total 2,647   1.67           2,647   1.67
                                   
    Average NYMEX Price     2.16                      
    Average Realized Price (including realized derivatives)     2.51                   2.51
      Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
      Natural Gas   Oil   NGL   Total
      MMcf
    per day
      $/Mcf   MBbl
    per day
      $/Bbl   MBbl
    per day
      $/Bbl   MMcfe
    per day
      $/Mcfe
    Marcellus 1,734   1.63           1,734   1.63
    Haynesville 1,568   2.15           1,568   2.15
    Eagle Ford 76   2.52   9   82.33   10   25.76   193   6.36
    Total 3,378   1.89   9   82.33   10   25.76   3,495   2.12
                                   
    Average NYMEX Price     2.55       82.26                
    Average Realized Price (including realized derivatives)     2.58       82.33       25.76       2.79
      Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024
      Natural Gas   Oil   NGL   Total
      MMcf
    per day
      $/Mcf   MBbl
    per day
      $/Bbl   MBbl
    per day
      $/Bbl   MMcfe
    per day
      $/Mcfe
    Marcellus 1,601   1.65           1,601   1.65
    Haynesville 1,261   1.88           1,261   1.88
    Total 2,862   1.75           2,862   1.75
                                   
    Average NYMEX Price     2.10                      
    Average Realized Price
    (including realized derivatives)
        2.64                   2.64
      Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
      Natural Gas   Oil   NGL   Total
      MMcf
    per day
      $/Mcf   MBbl
    per day
      $/Bbl   MBbl
    per day
      $/Bbl   MMcfe
    per day
      $/Mcfe
    Marcellus 1,845   2.24           1,845   2.24
    Haynesville 1,569   2.26           1,569   2.26
    Eagle Ford 96   2.22   26   77.41   12   25.61   323   7.82
    Total 3,510   2.25   26   77.41   12   25.61   3,737   2.73
                                   
    Average NYMEX Price     2.69       77.39                
    Average Realized Price
    (including realized derivatives)
        2.56       72.10       25.61       2.99
    CAPITAL EXPENDITURES ACCRUED (unaudited)
     
      Three Months Ended
    September 30,
      Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
    ($ in millions)              
    Drilling and completion capital expenditures:              
    Marcellus $ 82     $ 91     $ 280     $ 324  
    Haynesville   151       191       477       704  
    Eagle Ford         9             222  
    Total drilling and completion capital expenditures   233       291       757       1,250  
    Non-drilling and completion – field   32       48       106       100  
    Non-drilling and completion – corporate   24       18       73       56  
    Total capital expenditures $ 289     $ 357     $ 936     $ 1,406  
    NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
     

    As a supplement to the financial results prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, Expand Energy’s quarterly earnings releases contain certain financial measures that are not prepared or presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures include Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Common Share, Adjusted EBITDAX, Free Cash Flow, Adjusted Free Cash Flow and Net Debt. A reconciliation of each financial measure to its most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is included in the tables below. Management believes these adjusted financial measures are a meaningful adjunct to earnings and cash flows calculated in accordance with GAAP because (a) management uses these financial measures to evaluate the company’s trends and performance, (b) these financial measures are comparable to estimates provided by certain securities analysts, and (c) items excluded generally are one-time items or items whose timing or amount cannot be reasonably estimated. Accordingly, any guidance provided by the company generally excludes information regarding these types of items.

    Expand Energy’s definitions of each non-GAAP measure presented herein are provided below. Because not all companies or securities analysts use identical calculations, Expand Energy’s non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies or securities analysts.

    Adjusted Net Income: Adjusted Net Income is defined as net income (loss) adjusted to exclude unrealized (gains) losses on natural gas and oil derivatives, (gains) losses on sales of assets, and certain items management believes affect the comparability of operating results, less a tax effect using applicable rates. Expand Energy believes that Adjusted Net Income facilitates comparisons of the company’s period-over-period performance, which many investors use in making investment decisions and evaluating operational trends and performance. Adjusted Net Income should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income (loss) as presented in accordance with GAAP.

    Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Common Share: Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Common Share is defined as diluted earnings (loss) per common share adjusted to exclude the per diluted share amounts attributed to unrealized (gains) losses on natural gas and oil derivatives, (gains) losses on sales of assets, and certain items management believes affect the comparability of operating results, less a tax effect using applicable rates. Expand Energy believes that Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Common Share facilitates comparisons of the company’s period-over-period performance, which many investors use in making investment decisions and evaluating operational trends and performance. Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Common Share should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, earnings (loss) per common share as presented in accordance with GAAP.

    Adjusted EBITDAX: Adjusted EBITDAX is defined as net income (loss) before interest expense, income tax expense (benefit), depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, exploration expense, unrealized (gains) losses on natural gas and oil derivatives, separation and other termination costs, (gains) losses on sales of assets, and certain items management believes affect the comparability of operating results. Adjusted EBITDAX is presented as it provides investors an indication of the company’s ability to internally fund exploration and development activities and service or incur debt. Adjusted EBITDAX should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income (loss) as presented in accordance with GAAP.

    Free Cash Flow: Free Cash Flow is defined as net cash provided by (used in) operating activities less cash capital expenditures. Free Cash Flow is a liquidity measure that provides investors additional information regarding the company’s ability to service or incur debt and return cash to shareholders. Free Cash Flow should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, or any other measure of liquidity presented in accordance with GAAP.

    Adjusted Free Cash Flow: Adjusted Free Cash Flow is defined as net cash provided by (used in) operating activities less cash capital expenditures and cash contributions to investments, adjusted to exclude certain items management believes affect the comparability of operating results. Adjusted Free Cash Flow is a liquidity measure that provides investors additional information regarding the company’s ability to service or incur debt and return cash to shareholders and is used to determine Expand Energy’s returns framework payout. Adjusted Free Cash Flow should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, or any other measure of liquidity presented in accordance with GAAP.

    Net Debt: Net Debt is defined as GAAP total debt excluding premiums, discounts, and deferred issuance costs less cash and cash equivalents. Net Debt is useful to investors as a widely understood measure of liquidity and leverage, but this measure should not be considered as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, total debt presented in accordance with GAAP.

    RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME (LOSS) TO ADJUSTED NET INCOME (unaudited)
     
      Three Months Ended
    September 30,
      Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
    ($ in millions)   2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Net income (loss) (GAAP) $ (114 )   $ 70     $ (315 )   $ 1,850  
                   
    Adjustments:              
    Unrealized (gains) losses on natural gas and oil derivatives   160       110       489       (931 )
    Separation and other termination costs               23       3  
    Gains on sales of assets   (2 )           (12 )     (807 )
    Other operating expense, net   23       3       58       18  
    Losses on purchases, exchanges or extinguishments of debt               2        
    Other   (4 )     (4 )     (17 )     (19 )
    Tax effect of adjustments(a)   (41 )     (24 )     (125 )     403  
    Adjusted net income (Non-GAAP) $ 22     $ 155     $ 103     $ 517  
    (a) The three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023 include a tax effect attributed to the reconciling adjustments using a statutory rate of 23%.
    RECONCILIATION OF EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE TO ADJUSTED DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (unaudited)
     
      Three Months Ended
    September 30,
      Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
    ($/share)   2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Earnings (loss) per common share (GAAP) $ (0.85 )   $ 0.53     $ (2.39 )   $ 13.86  
    Effect of dilutive securities         (0.04 )           (0.96 )
    Diluted earnings (loss) per common share (GAAP) $ (0.85 )   $ 0.49     $ (2.39 )   $ 12.90  
                   
    Adjustments:              
    Unrealized (gains) losses on natural gas and oil derivatives   1.20       0.78       3.70       (6.49 )
    Separation and other termination costs               0.17       0.02  
    Gains on sales of assets   (0.02 )           (0.09 )     (5.63 )
    Other operating expense, net   0.17       0.02       0.44       0.13  
    Losses on purchases, exchanges or extinguishments of debt               0.01        
    Other   (0.03 )     (0.03 )     (0.13 )     (0.13 )
    Tax effect of adjustments(a)   (0.31 )     (0.17 )     (0.95 )     2.81  
    Effect of dilutive securities               (0.03 )      
    Adjusted diluted earnings per common share (Non-GAAP) $ 0.16     $ 1.09     $ 0.73     $ 3.61  
    (a) The three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023 include a tax effect attributed to the reconciling adjustments using a statutory rate of 23%.
    RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME (LOSS) TO ADJUSTED EBITDAX (unaudited)
     
      Three Months Ended
    September 30,
      Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
    ($ in millions)              
    Net income (loss) (GAAP) $ (114 )   $ 70     $ (315 )   $ 1,850  
                   
    Adjustments:              
    Interest expense   20       23       59       82  
    Income tax expense (benefit)   (44 )     1       (105 )     532  
    Depreciation, depletion and amortization   335       382       1,082       1,148  
    Exploration   2       4       7       19  
    Unrealized (gains) losses on natural gas and oil derivatives   160       110       489       (931 )
    Separation and other termination costs               23       3  
    Gains on sales of assets   (2 )           (12 )     (807 )
    Other operating expense, net   23       3       58       18  
    Losses on purchases, exchanges or extinguishments of debt               2        
    Other   (15 )     (13 )     (57 )     (36 )
    Adjusted EBITDAX (Non-GAAP) $ 365     $ 580     $ 1,231     $ 1,878  
    RECONCILIATION OF NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES TO ADJUSTED FREE CASH FLOW (unaudited)
     
      Three Months Ended
    September 30,
      Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
    ($ in millions)              
    Net cash provided by operating activities (GAAP) $ 422     $ 506     $ 1,183     $ 1,910  
    Cash capital expenditures   (298 )     (423 )     (1,021 )     (1,450 )
    Free cash flow (Non-GAAP)   124       83       162       460  
    Cash contributions to investments   (26 )     (61 )     (71 )     (149 )
    Free cash flow associated with divested assets(a)         (57 )           (195 )
    Adjusted free cash flow (Non-GAAP) $ 98     $ (35 )   $ 91     $ 116  
    (a) In March and April of 2023, we closed two divestitures of certain Eagle Ford assets. Due to the structure of these transactions, both of which had an effective date of October 1, 2022, the cash generated by these assets was delivered to the respective buyers through a reduction in the proceeds we received at the closing of each transaction. Additionally, in August 2023, we entered into an agreement to sell the final portion of our Eagle Ford assets, with an economic effective date of February 1, 2023. Included within the adjustment above reflects the cash flows from the three months ended September 30, 2023, associated with the final portion of our Eagle Ford assets as the cash generated by those assets were delivered to the buyer through a reduction in the proceeds we received once the transaction closed during the fourth quarter of 2023.
    RECONCILIATION OF TOTAL DEBT TO NET DEBT (unaudited)
     
    ($ in millions) September 30, 2024
    Total debt (GAAP) $ 2,017  
    Premiums and issuance costs on debt   (67 )
    Principal amount of debt   1,950  
    Cash and cash equivalents   (1,044 )
    Net debt (Non-GAAP) $ 906  
    INVESTOR CONTACT: MEDIA CONTACT: EXPAND ENERGY CORPORATION
    Chris Ayres Brooke Coe 6100 North Western Avenue
    (405) 935-8870 (405) 935-8878 P.O. Box 18496
    ir@expandenergy.com media@expandenergy.com Oklahoma City, OK 73154

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: EXL Reports 2024 Third Quarter Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    2024 Third Quarter Revenue of $472.1 Million, up 14.9% year-over-year

    Q3 Diluted EPS (GAAP) of $0.33, up 24.2% from $0.26 in Q3 of 2023

    Q3 Adjusted Diluted EPS (Non-GAAP) (1)of $0.44, up 16.3% from $0.37 in Q3 of 2023

    NEW YORK, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ExlService Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXLS), a leading data analytics and digital operations and solutions company, today announced its financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2024.

    Rohit Kapoor, chairman and chief executive officer, said, “We are pleased with our third quarter results. We delivered revenue and adjusted diluted EPS growth of 15% and 16% respectively. The ongoing execution of our data and AI-led strategy enabled us to accelerate our growth, achieving double-digit growth across both our data analytics and digital operations and solutions businesses during the quarter. As we continue to expand our data modernization and AI solution set with innovations such as industry-specific large language models (LLMs), we are well positioned to continue our momentum into the fourth quarter and beyond.”

    Maurizio Nicolelli, chief financial officer, said, “Based on our strong year-to-date performance and current visibility for the remainder of the year, we are raising the full-year guidance range for revenue and EPS. We now expect revenue to be in the range of $1.825 billion to $1.835 billion, up from our prior guidance of $1.805 billion to $1.830 billion. This represents 12% to 13% year-over-year growth on a reported currency basis and approximately 12% on a constant currency basis. We now expect our adjusted diluted earnings per share for 2024 to be in the range of $1.61 to $1.63, up from our prior guidance of $1.59 to $1.62, representing growth of 13% to 14% over the prior year.”

    __________________________________________________________

    (1) Reconciliations of adjusted (non-GAAP) financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures, where applicable, are included at the end of this release under “Reconciliation of Adjusted Financial Measures to GAAP Measures.” These non-GAAP measures, including adjusted diluted EPS and constant currency measures, are not measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.

    Financial Highlights: Third Quarter 2024

    • Revenue for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 increased to $472.1 million compared to $411.0 million for the third quarter of 2023, an increase of 14.9% on a reported basis and 14.5% on a constant currency basis. Revenue increased by 5.3% sequentially on a reported basis and 4.9% on a constant currency basis, from the second quarter of 2024.
        Revenue   Gross Margin
        Three months ended
      Three months ended
    Reportable Segments   September 30,
    2024

      September 30,
    2023

      June 30,
    2024

      September 30,
    2024

      September 30,
    2023

      June 30,
    2024

        (dollars in millions)        
    Insurance   $ 157.6     $ 136.4     $ 149.3       36.3 %     36.6 %     36.0 %
    Healthcare     30.5       26.2       28.1       33.6 %     36.8 %     33.1 %
    Emerging Business     80.0       65.3       77.2       40.2 %     42.4 %     41.6 %
    Analytics     204.0       183.1       193.8       38.5 %     37.0 %     36.7 %
    Revenues, net   $ 472.1     $ 411.0     $ 448.4       37.8 %     37.7 %     37.1 %
     
    • Operating income margin for each of the quarter ended September 30, 2024 and the third quarter of 2023, was 14.7%, and 13.7% for the second quarter of 2024. Adjusted operating income margin for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, was 19.9%, compared to 20.0% for the third quarter of 2023 and 19.8% for the second quarter of 2024.
    • Diluted earnings per share for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, was $0.33, compared to $0.26 for the third quarter of 2023 and $0.28 for the second quarter of 2024. Adjusted diluted earnings per share for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, was $0.44, compared to $0.37 for the third quarter of 2023 and $0.40 for the second quarter of 2024.

    Business Highlights: Third Quarter 2024

    • Won 13 new clients in the third quarter of 2024, with 8 clients in digital operations and solutions business and 5 clients in analytics.
    • Launched the EXL Insurance LLM, developed using NVIDIA AI software. This LLM addresses the highly specialized needs of the insurance industry, leveraging EXL’s 25 years of experience in the industry and a proprietary data set with more than a decade of claims-related data.
    • Expanded partnership with Databricks to deploy new data management and generative AI solutions into the Databricks ecosystem, speeding the development of cutting-edge data management solutions for EXL clients.
    • Recognized as a Major Player in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Data Modernization Services 2024 Vendor Assessment based on our core value propositions, execution and innovation capabilities, go-to-market strategy, and market impact.
    • Named by Newsweek as one of America’s Most Reliable Companies 2025 based on parameters including: Likelihood of Recommendation, Ease of Doing Business, Value for Money, Consistency of Deliverables, and Reputation for Dependability.

    2024 Guidance
    Based on current visibility, and a U.S. dollar to Indian rupee exchange rate of 84.0, U.K. pound sterling to U.S. dollar exchange rate of 1.30, U.S. dollar to the Philippine peso exchange rate of 58.0 and all other currencies at current exchange rates, we are providing the following guidance for the full year 2024:

    • Revenue of $1.825 billion to $1.835 billion, representing an increase of 12% to 13% on a reported currency basis and approximately 12% on a constant currency basis from 2023.
    • Adjusted diluted earnings per share of $1.61 to $1.63, representing an increase of 13% to 14% from 2023.

    Conference Call

    ExlService Holdings, Inc. will host a conference call on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, at 10:00 A.M. ET to discuss the company’s quarterly operating and financial results. The conference call will be available live via the internet by accessing the investor relations section of EXL’s website at ir.exlservice.com, where an accompanying investor-friendly spreadsheet of historical operating and financial data can also be accessed. Please access the website at least fifteen minutes prior to the call to register, download and install any necessary audio software.

    Please note that there is a new system to access the live call-in order to ask questions. To join the live call, please register here. For those who cannot access the live broadcast, a replay will be available on the EXL website ir.exlservice.com for a period of approximately twelve months.

    About ExlService Holdings, Inc.

    EXL (Nasdaq: EXLS) is a leading data analytics and digital operations and solutions company. We partner with clients using a data and AI-led approach to reinvent business models, drive better business outcomes and unlock growth with speed. EXL harnesses the power of data, analytics, AI, and deep industry knowledge to transform operations for the world’s leading corporations in industries including insurance, healthcare, banking and financial services, media and retail, among others. EXL was founded in 1999 with the core values of innovation, collaboration, excellence, integrity and respect. We are headquartered in New York and have more than 57,000 employees spanning six continents. For more information, visit www.exlservice.com.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You should not place undue reliance on those statements because they are subject to numerous uncertainties and factors relating to EXL’s operations and business environment, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond EXL’s control. Forward-looking statements include information concerning EXL’s possible or assumed future results of operations, including descriptions of its business strategy. These statements may include words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate” or similar expressions. These statements are based on assumptions that we have made in light of management’s experience in the industry as well as its perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate under the circumstances. You should understand that these statements are not guarantees of performance or results. They involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Although EXL believes that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, you should be aware that many factors could affect EXL’s actual financial results or results of operations and could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. These factors, which include our ability to maintain and grow client demand, our ability to hire and retain sufficiently trained employees, and our ability to accurately estimate and/or manage costs, rising interest rates, rising inflation, recessionary economic trends, and ability to successfully integrate strategic acquisitions, are discussed in more detail in EXL’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including EXL’s Annual Report on Form 10-K. You should keep in mind that any forward-looking statement made herein, or elsewhere, speaks only as of the date on which it is made. New risks and uncertainties come up from time to time, and it is impossible to predict these events or how they may affect EXL. EXL has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date hereof, except as required by applicable law.

    EXLSERVICE HOLDINGS, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
    (In thousands, except per share amount and share count)
     
      Three months ended September 30,   Nine months ended September 30,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Revenues, net $ 472,073     $ 410,971     $ 1,356,946     $ 1,216,610  
    Cost of revenues(1)   293,806       256,002       849,336       760,691  
    Gross profit(1)   178,267       154,969       507,610       455,919  
    Operating expenses:              
    General and administrative expenses   57,495       52,213       167,195       144,564  
    Selling and marketing expenses   37,568       30,943       108,982       88,674  
    Depreciation and amortization expense   13,799       11,583       39,055       38,192  
    Total operating expenses   108,862       94,739       315,232       271,430  
    Income from operations   69,405       60,230       192,378       184,489  
    Foreign exchange gain, net   278       409       673       838  
    Interest expense   (5,526 )     (3,405 )     (14,145 )     (10,030 )
    Other income, net   4,374       778       11,876       6,594  
    Income before income tax expense and earnings from equity affiliates   68,531       58,012       190,782       181,891  
    Income tax expense   15,460       14,161       43,086       37,773  
    Income before earnings from equity affiliates   53,071       43,851       147,696       144,118  
    Gain/(loss) from equity-method investment   (34 )     25       (71 )     157  
    Net income $ 53,037     $ 43,876     $ 147,625     $ 144,275  
    Earnings per share:              
    Basic $ 0.33     $ 0.26     $ 0.90     $ 0.87  
    Diluted $ 0.33     $ 0.26     $ 0.90     $ 0.86  
    Weighted average number of shares used in computing earnings per share:              
    Basic   161,732,872       166,159,619       163,197,767       166,707,599  
    Diluted   163,187,733       167,688,374       164,620,081       168,591,612  

    (1) Exclusive of depreciation and amortization expense.

    EXLSERVICE HOLDINGS, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
    (In thousands, except per share amount and share count)
     
      As of
      September 30, 2024   December 31, 2023
           
    Assets      
    Current assets:      
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 150,102     $ 136,953  
    Short-term investments   175,648       153,881  
    Restricted cash   7,342       4,062  
    Accounts receivable, net   340,904       308,108  
    Other current assets   93,693       76,669  
    Total current assets   767,689       679,673  
    Property and equipment, net   107,395       100,373  
    Operating lease right-of-use assets   71,796       64,856  
    Restricted cash   5,820       4,386  
    Deferred tax assets, net   106,881       82,927  
    Goodwill   427,663       405,639  
    Other intangible assets, net   51,291       50,164  
    Long-term investments   14,184       4,430  
    Other assets   57,113       49,524  
    Total assets $ 1,609,832     $ 1,441,972  
    Liabilities and stockholders’ equity      
    Current liabilities:      
    Accounts payable $ 4,082     $ 5,055  
    Current portion of long-term borrowings   4,891       65,000  
    Deferred revenue   12,472       12,318  
    Accrued employee costs   110,677       117,137  
    Accrued expenses and other current liabilities   105,159       114,113  
    Current portion of operating lease liabilities   16,904       12,780  
    Total current liabilities   254,185       326,403  
    Long-term borrowings, less current portion   339,828       135,000  
    Operating lease liabilities, less current portion   62,336       58,175  
    Deferred tax liabilities, net   3,245       1,495  
    Other non-current liabilities   42,675       31,462  
    Total liabilities   702,269       552,535  
    Commitments and contingencies      
    Stockholders’ equity:      
    Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 15,000,000 shares authorized, none issued          
    Common stock, $0.001 par value; 400,000,000 shares authorized, 205,317,002 shares issued and 160,880,592 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2024 and 203,410,038 shares issued and 165,277,880 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2023   205       203  
    Additional paid-in capital   572,430       508,028  
    Retained earnings   1,231,288       1,083,663  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (122,593 )     (127,040 )
    Total including shares held in treasury   1,681,330       1,464,854  
    Less: 44,436,410 shares as of September 30, 2024 and 38,132,158 shares as of December 31, 2023, held in treasury, at cost   (773,767 )     (575,417 )
    Total stockholders’ equity   907,563       889,437  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 1,609,832     $ 1,441,972  

    EXLSERVICE HOLDINGS, INC.

    Reconciliation of Adjusted Financial Measures to GAAP Measures

    In addition to its reported operating results in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), EXL has included in this release certain financial measures that are considered non-GAAP financial measures, including the following:

    1. Adjusted operating income and adjusted operating income margin;
    2. Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin;
    3. Adjusted net income and adjusted diluted earnings per share; and
    4. Revenue growth on constant currency basis.

    These non-GAAP financial measures are not based on any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles, should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP, and may be different from non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. Accordingly, the financial results calculated in accordance with GAAP and reconciliations from those financial statements should be carefully evaluated. EXL believes that providing these non-GAAP financial measures may help investors better understand EXL’s underlying financial performance. Management also believes that these non-GAAP financial measures, when read in conjunction with EXL’s reported results, can provide useful supplemental information for investors analyzing period-to-period comparisons of the Company’s results and comparisons of the Company’s results with the results of other companies. Additionally, management considers some of these non-GAAP financial measures to determine variable compensation of its employees. The Company believes that it is unreasonably difficult to provide its earnings per share financial guidance in accordance with GAAP, or a qualitative reconciliation thereof, for a number of reasons, including, without limitation, the Company’s inability to predict its future stock-based compensation expense under ASC Topic 718, the amortization of intangibles associated with future acquisitions and the currency fluctuations and associated tax effects. As such, the Company presents guidance with respect to adjusted diluted earnings per share. The Company also incurs significant non-cash charges for depreciation that may not be indicative of the Company’s ability to generate cash flow.

    EXL non-GAAP financial measures exclude, where applicable, stock-based compensation expense, amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, restructuring costs, litigation settlement costs and associated legal fees, effects of termination of leases, certain defined social security contributions, allowance for certain material expected credit losses, other acquisition-related expenses or benefits and effect of any non-recurring tax adjustments. Acquisition-related expenses or benefits include, changes in the fair value of contingent consideration, external deal costs, integration expenses, direct and incremental travel costs and non-recurring benefits or losses. Our adjusted net income and adjusted diluted EPS also excludes the effects of income tax on the above pre-tax items, as applicable. The effects of income tax of each item is calculated by applying the statutory rate of the local tax regulations in the jurisdiction in which the item was incurred.

    A limitation of using non-GAAP financial measures versus financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP is that non-GAAP financial measures do not reflect all of the amounts associated with our operating results as determined in accordance with GAAP and exclude costs that are recurring, namely stock-based compensation and amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets. EXL compensates for these limitations by providing specific information regarding the GAAP amounts excluded from non-GAAP financial measures to allow investors to evaluate such non-GAAP financial measures.

    EXL’s primary exchange rate exposure is with the Indian rupee, the Philippine peso, the U.K. pound sterling and the South African rand. The average exchange rate of the U.S. dollar against the Indian rupee increased from 82.69 during the quarter ended September 30, 2023 to 83.79 during the quarter ended September 30, 2024, representing a depreciation of 1.3% against the U.S. dollar. The average exchange rate of the U.S. dollar against the Philippine peso increased from 56.02 during the quarter ended September 30, 2023 to 56.84 during the quarter ended September 30, 2024, representing a depreciation of 1.5% against the U.S. dollar. The average exchange rate of the U.K. pound sterling against the U.S. dollar increased from 1.26 during the quarter ended September 30, 2023 to 1.31 during the quarter ended September 30, 2024, representing an appreciation of 4.4% against the U.S. dollar. The average exchange rate of the U.S. dollar against the South African rand decreased from 18.49 during the quarter ended September 30, 2023 to 17.74 during the quarter ended September 30, 2024, representing an appreciation of 4.1% against the U.S. dollar.

    The following table shows the reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, and the three months ended June 30, 2024:

    Reconciliation of Adjusted Operating Income and Adjusted EBITDA
    (Amounts in thousands)
     
      Three months ended
      September 30,   June 30,
        2024       2023       2024  
    Net Income (GAAP) $ 53,037     $ 43,876     $ 45,825  
    add: Income tax expense   15,460       14,161       13,873  
    add/(subtract): Foreign exchange gain, net, interest expense,
    gain/(loss) from equity-method investment and other income/(loss), net
      908       2,193       1,751  
    Income from operations (GAAP) $ 69,405     $ 60,230     $ 61,449  
    add: Stock-based compensation expense   21,232       17,067       18,095  
    add: Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles   3,449       3,157       3,077  
    add: Restructuring and litigation settlement costs (a)               6,174  
    add: Allowance for expected credit losses (b)         1,700        
    Adjusted operating income (Non-GAAP) $ 94,086     $ 82,154     $ 88,795  
    Adjusted operating income margin as a % of Revenue (Non-GAAP)   19.9 %     20.0 %     19.8 %
    add: Depreciation on long-lived assets   10,350       8,426       9,833  
    Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP) $ 104,436     $ 90,580     $ 98,628  
    Adjusted EBITDA margin as a % of revenue (Non-GAAP)   22.1 %     22.0 %     22.0 %

    (a) To exclude effects of employee severance costs and outplacement support costs of $4,762 and litigation settlement costs and associated legal fees of $1,412 during the three months ended June 30, 2024.

    (b) To exclude the effects of material allowance for expected credit losses on accounts receivables related to a customer bankruptcy event during the three months ended September 30, 2023.

    Reconciliation of Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share
    (Amounts in thousands, except per share amount)
     
      Three months ended
      September 30,   June 30,
        2024       2023       2024  
    Net income (GAAP) $ 53,037     $ 43,876     $ 45,825  
    add: Stock-based compensation expense   21,232       17,067       18,095  
    add: Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles   3,449       3,157       3,077  
    add: Restructuring and litigation settlement costs (a)               6,174  
    add: Effects of changes in fair value of contingent consideration         2,500        
    add: Allowance for expected credit losses (b)         1,700        
    subtract: Tax impact on stock-based compensation expense (c)   (5,830 )     (4,340 )     (4,619 )
    subtract: Tax impact on amortization of acquisition-related intangibles   (866 )     (771 )     (765 )
    subtract: Tax impact on restructuring and litigation settlement costs               (1,588 )
    subtract: Tax impact on allowance for expected credit losses         (429 )      
    Adjusted net income (Non-GAAP) $ 71,022     $ 62,760     $ 66,199  
    Adjusted diluted earnings per share (Non-GAAP) $ 0.44     $ 0.37     $ 0.40  

    (a) To exclude effects of employee severance costs and outplacement support costs of $4,762 and litigation settlement costs and associated legal fees of $1,412 during the three months ended June 30, 2024.

    (b) To exclude the effects of material allowance for expected credit losses on accounts receivables related to a customer bankruptcy event during the three months ended September 30, 2023.

    (c) Tax impact includes $1,673 and $462 during the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 respectively, and $18 during the three months ended June 30, 2024, related to discrete benefits recognized in income tax expense in accordance with ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation.

    Contacts:
    Investor Relations
    John Kristoff
    Vice President, Investor Relations
    +1 212 209 4613
    ir@exlservice.com

    Media – US
    Keith Little
    Assistant Vice President, Media Relations
    +1 703 598 0980
    media.relations@exlservice.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Qorvo® Announces Fiscal 2025 Second Quarter Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GREENSBORO, N.C., Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Qorvo® (Nasdaq:QRVO), a leading global provider of connectivity and power solutions, today announced financial results for the Company’s fiscal 2025 second quarter ended September 28, 2024.

    On a GAAP basis, revenue for Qorvo’s fiscal 2025 second quarter was $1.047 billion, gross margin was 42.6%, operating income was $9.7 million, and loss per share was $0.18. On a non-GAAP basis, gross margin was 47.0%, operating income was $212.2 million, and diluted earnings per share was $1.88.

    Bob Bruggeworth, president and chief executive officer of Qorvo, said, “In the September quarter, ACG successfully supported our largest customer’s seasonal smartphone ramp. In HPA, we expanded our D&A business while building a broad-based business in power management. In CSG, we maintained our leadership in Wi-Fi applications while investing to grow in diverse businesses including automotive solutions and SoCs for ultra-wideband and Matter. HPA and CSG are on pace to achieve mid-teen year-over-year growth in fiscal 2025.”

    Financial Commentary and Outlook

    Grant Brown, chief financial officer of Qorvo, said, “In the September quarter, we exceeded the midpoint of guidance in revenue, gross margin and EPS. Looking forward, the flagship and premium tiers in the smartphone market are holding up well, however, content and ramp profiles vary by model, and we are experiencing unfavorable mix. We expect this to continue in the second half of fiscal 2025. In addition, in the mid and entry tiers of Android 5G smartphones, mix has shifted toward entry-tier 5G at the expense of mid-tier 5G. In our current view, we don’t expect this mix shift in Android 5G from mid-tier to entry-tier to reverse. As a result, we are taking appropriate actions, including factory consolidation and operating expense reductions as well as focusing on opportunities that align with our long-term profitability objectives. We currently expect full-year fiscal 2025 revenue and gross margin will be slightly down versus fiscal 2024.”

    Qorvo’s current outlook for the December 2024 quarter is:

    • Quarterly revenue of approximately $900 million, plus or minus $25 million
    • Non-GAAP gross margin of approximately 45%
    • Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share between $1.10 and $1.30

    See “Forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures” below. Qorvo’s actual quarterly results may differ from these expectations and projections, and such differences may be material.

    Selected Financial Information

    The following tables set forth selected GAAP and non-GAAP financial information for Qorvo for the periods indicated. See the more detailed financial information for Qorvo, including reconciliations of GAAP and non-GAAP financial information, attached.

    SELECTED GAAP RESULTS
    (In millions, except for percentages and EPS)
    (Unaudited)
                           
      Q2 Fiscal 2025   Q1 Fiscal 2025   Q2 Fiscal 2024   Sequential Change   Year-over-Year Change
    Revenue $ 1,046.5     $ 886.7     $ 1,103.5     $ 159.8     $ (57.0 )
    Gross profit $ 445.3     $ 332.3     $ 489.7     $ 113.0     $ (44.4 )
    Gross margin   42.6 %     37.5 %     44.4 %   5.1 ppt   (1.8) ppt
    Operating expenses $ 435.6     $ 327.7     $ 338.3     $ 107.9     $ 97.3  
    Operating income $ 9.7     $ 4.6     $ 151.4     $ 5.1     $ (141.7 )
    Net (loss) income $ (17.4 )   $ 0.4     $ 97.5     $ (17.8 )   $ (114.9 )
    Weighted-average diluted shares   94.9       96.5       98.6       (1.6 )     (3.7 )
    Diluted EPS (loss per share) $ (0.18 )   $ 0.00     $ 0.99     $ (0.18 )   $ (1.17 )
                           
                           
    SELECTED NON-GAAP RESULTS(1)
    (In millions, except for percentages and EPS)
    (Unaudited)
                           
      Q2 Fiscal 2025   Q1 Fiscal 2025   Q2 Fiscal 2024   Sequential Change   Year-over-Year Change
    Revenue $ 1,046.5     $ 886.7     $ 1,103.5     $ 159.8     $ (57.0 )
    Gross profit $ 492.0     $ 362.7     $ 525.2     $ 129.3     $ (33.2 )
    Gross margin   47.0 %     40.9 %     47.6 %     6.1 ppt       (0.6) ppt  
    Operating expenses $ 279.8     $ 264.5     $ 245.8     $ 15.3     $ 34.0  
    Operating income $ 212.2     $ 98.1     $ 279.4     $ 114.1     $ (67.2 )
    Net income $ 179.8     $ 83.5     $ 235.5     $ 96.3     $ (55.7 )
    Weighted-average diluted shares   95.8       96.5       98.6       (0.7 )     (2.8 )
    Diluted EPS $ 1.88     $ 0.87     $ 2.39     $ 1.01     $ (0.51 )

    (1) Adjusted for stock-based compensation expense, amortization of intangible assets, restructuring-related charges, acquisition and integration-related costs, goodwill and other asset impairments, gain or loss on assets, other expense or income, gain or loss on investments, and an adjustment of income taxes.

    SELECTED GAAP RESULTS BY OPERATING SEGMENT
    (In millions, except percentages)
    (Unaudited)
      Q2 Fiscal 2025   Q1 Fiscal 2025   Q2 Fiscal 2024   Sequential Change   Year-over-Year Change
    Revenue                  
    HPA $ 148.3     $ 129.5     $ 149.8       14.5 %     (1.0 )%
    CSG   146.8       114.9       103.6       27.8 %     41.7 %
    ACG   751.4       642.3       850.1       17.0 %     (11.6 )%
    Total revenue $ 1,046.5     $ 886.7     $ 1,103.5       18.0 %     (5.2 )%
    Operating income (loss)                      
    HPA $ 13.1     $ 4.9     $ 25.4       167.3 %     (48.4 )%
    CSG   (9.0 )     (19.5 )     (27.7 )     53.8 %     67.5 %
    ACG   215.1       116.4       284.8       84.8 %     (24.5 )%
    All other(1)   (209.5 )     (97.2 )     (131.1 )     (115.5 )%     (59.8 )%
    Total operating income $ 9.7     $ 4.6     $ 151.4       110.9 %     (93.6 )%
    Operating income (loss) as a % of revenue                          
    HPA   8.8 %     3.8 %     17.0 %     5.0 ppt       (8.2) ppt  
    CSG   (6.1 )     (17.0 )     (26.7 )     10.9 ppt       20.6 ppt  
    ACG   28.6       18.1       33.5       10.5 ppt       (4.9) ppt  
    Total operating income as a % of revenue   0.9 %     0.5 %     13.7 %     0.4 ppt       (12.8) ppt  

    (1) Includes stock-based compensation expense, amortization of intangible assets, restructuring-related charges, acquisition and integration-related costs, goodwill and other asset impairments, gain or loss on assets, other expense or income, and other miscellaneous corporate overhead expenses.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    In addition to disclosing financial results calculated in accordance with United States (U.S.) generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), this earnings release contains some or all of the following non-GAAP financial measures: (i) non-GAAP gross profit and gross margin, (ii) non-GAAP operating expenses, operating income and operating margin, (iii) non-GAAP net income, (iv) non-GAAP net income per diluted share, (v) free cash flow, (vi) EBITDA, (vii) non-GAAP return on invested capital (ROIC), and (viii) net debt or positive net cash. Each of these non-GAAP financial measures is either adjusted from GAAP results to exclude certain expenses or derived from multiple GAAP measures, which are outlined in the “Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures” tables, attached, and the “Additional Selected Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Reconciliations” tables, attached.

    In managing Qorvo’s business on a consolidated basis, management develops an annual operating plan, which is approved by our Board of Directors, using non-GAAP financial measures. In developing and monitoring performance against this plan, management considers the actual or potential impacts on these non-GAAP financial measures from actions taken to reduce costs with the goal of increasing gross margin and operating margin. In addition, management relies upon these non-GAAP financial measures to assess whether research and development efforts are at an appropriate level, and when making decisions about product spending, administrative budgets, and other operating expenses. Also, we believe that non-GAAP financial measures provide useful supplemental information to investors and enable investors to analyze the results of operations in the same way as management. We have chosen to provide this supplemental information to enable investors to perform additional comparisons of our operating results, to assess our liquidity and capital position and to analyze financial performance excluding the effect of expenses unrelated to operations, and stock-based compensation expense, which may obscure trends in Qorvo’s underlying performance.

    We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures offer an additional view of Qorvo’s operations that, when coupled with the GAAP results and the reconciliations to corresponding GAAP financial measures, provide a more complete understanding of Qorvo’s results of operations and the factors and trends affecting Qorvo’s business. However, these non-GAAP financial measures should be considered as a supplement to, and not as a substitute for, or superior to, the corresponding measures calculated in accordance with GAAP.

    Our rationale for using these non-GAAP financial measures, as well as their impact on the presentation of Qorvo’s operations, are outlined below:

    Non-GAAP gross profit and gross margin. Non-GAAP gross profit and gross margin exclude amortization of intangible assets, stock-based compensation expense, restructuring-related charges, acquisition and integration-related costs, and certain other expense (income). We believe that exclusion of these costs in presenting non-GAAP gross profit and gross margin facilitates a useful evaluation of our historical performance and projected costs and the potential for realizing cost efficiencies.

    We view amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, such as the amortization of the cost associated with an acquired company’s research and development efforts, trade names, and customer relationships, as items arising from pre-acquisition activities, determined at the time of an acquisition, rather than ongoing costs of operating Qorvo’s business. While these intangible assets are continually evaluated for impairment, amortization of the cost of purchased intangible assets is a static expense, which is not typically affected by operations during any particular period. Although we exclude the amortization of purchased intangible assets from these non-GAAP financial measures, management believes that it is important for investors to understand that such intangible assets were recorded as part of purchase price accounting and contribute to revenue generation.

    We believe that presentation of non-GAAP gross profit and gross margin and other non-GAAP financial measures that exclude the impact of stock-based compensation expense assists management and investors in evaluating the period-over-period performance of Qorvo’s ongoing operations because (i) the expenses are non-cash in nature, and (ii) although the size of the grants is within our control, the amount of expense varies depending on factors such as short-term fluctuations in stock price volatility and prevailing interest rates, which can be unrelated to the operational performance of Qorvo during the period in which the expense is incurred and generally are outside the control of management. Moreover, we believe that the exclusion of stock-based compensation expense in presenting non-GAAP gross profit and gross margin and other non-GAAP financial measures is useful to investors to understand the impact of the expensing of stock-based compensation to Qorvo’s gross profit and gross margins and other financial measures in comparison to prior periods. We also believe that the adjustments to profit and margin related to restructuring-related charges, and acquisition and integration-related costs do not constitute part of Qorvo’s ongoing operations and therefore the exclusion of these items provides management and investors with better visibility into the actual costs required to generate revenues over time and facilitates a useful evaluation of our historical and projected performance. We believe disclosure of non-GAAP gross profit and gross margin has economic substance because the excluded expenses do not represent continuing cash expenditures and, as described above, we have little control over the timing and amount of the expenses in question.

    Non-GAAP operating expenses, operating income and operating margin. Non-GAAP operating expenses, operating income and operating margin exclude stock-based compensation expense, amortization of intangible assets, acquisition and integration-related costs, goodwill and other asset impairments, restructuring-related charges, (gain) loss on assets and certain other expense (income). We believe that presentation of a measure of operating expenses, operating income and operating margin that excludes amortization of intangible assets and stock-based compensation expense is useful to both management and investors for the same reasons as described above with respect to our use of non-GAAP gross profit and gross margin. We believe that acquisition and integration-related costs, goodwill and other asset impairments, restructuring-related charges, (gain) loss on assets and certain other expense (income) do not constitute part of Qorvo’s ongoing operations and therefore, the exclusion of these costs provides management and investors with better visibility into the actual costs required to generate revenues over time and facilitates a useful evaluation of our historical and projected performance. We believe disclosure of non-GAAP operating expenses, operating income and operating margin has economic substance because the excluded expenses are either unrelated to ongoing operations or do not represent current cash expenditures.

    Non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP net income per diluted share. Non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP net income per diluted share exclude the effects of stock-based compensation expense, amortization of intangible assets, acquisition and integration-related costs, goodwill and other asset impairments, restructuring-related charges, (gain) loss on assets, certain other expense (income), gain or loss on investments, and also reflect an adjustment of income taxes. The income tax adjustment primarily represents the use of research and development tax credit carryforwards, deferred tax expense (benefit) items not affecting taxes payable, adjustments related to the deemed and actual repatriation of historical foreign earnings, non-cash expense (benefit) related to uncertain tax positions and other items unrelated to the current fiscal year or that are not indicative of our ongoing business operations. We believe that presentation of measures of net income and net income per diluted share that exclude these items is useful to both management and investors for the reasons described above with respect to non-GAAP gross profit and gross margin and non-GAAP operating expenses, operating income and operating margin. We believe disclosure of non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP net income per diluted share has economic substance because the excluded expenses are either unrelated to ongoing operations or do not represent current cash expenditures.

    Free cash flow. Qorvo defines free cash flow as net cash provided by operating activities during the period minus property and equipment expenditures made during the period, and free cash flow margin is calculated as free cash flow as a percentage of revenue. We use free cash flow as a supplemental financial measure in our evaluation of liquidity and financial strength. Management believes that this measure is useful as an indicator of our ability to service our debt, meet other payment obligations and make strategic investments. Free cash flow should be considered in addition to, rather than as a substitute for, net income as a measure of our performance and net cash provided by operating activities as a measure of our liquidity. Additionally, our definition of free cash flow is limited, in that it does not represent residual cash flows available for discretionary expenditures due to the fact that the measure does not deduct the payments required for debt service and other contractual obligations. Therefore, we believe it is important to view free cash flow as a measure that provides supplemental information to our entire statement of cash flows.

    EBITDA. Qorvo adjusts GAAP net income for interest expense, interest income, income tax expense (benefit), depreciation and intangible amortization expense, stock-based compensation and other charges that are not representative of Qorvo’s ongoing operations (including goodwill and other asset impairments, investment activity, acquisition-related costs and restructuring-related costs) when presenting EBITDA. Management believes that this measure is useful to evaluate our ongoing operations and as a general indicator of our operating cash flow (in conjunction with a cash flow statement which also includes among other items, changes in working capital and the effect of non-cash charges).

    Non-GAAP ROIC. Return on invested capital (ROIC) is a non-GAAP financial measure that management believes provides useful supplemental information for management and the investor by measuring the effectiveness of our operations’ use of invested capital to generate profits. We use ROIC to track how much value we are creating for our shareholders. Non-GAAP ROIC is calculated by dividing annualized non-GAAP operating income, net of an adjustment for income taxes (as described above), by average invested capital. Average invested capital is calculated by subtracting the average of the beginning balance and the ending balance of equity plus net debt, less certain goodwill.

    Net debt or positive net cash. Net debt or positive net cash is defined as unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments minus any borrowings under our credit facility and the principal balance of our senior unsecured notes. Management believes that net debt or positive net cash provides useful information regarding the level of Qorvo’s indebtedness by reflecting cash and investments that could be used to repay debt.

    Inventory days on hand. Inventory days on hand is defined as (a) average net inventory for the period, divided by (b) the result of non-GAAP cost of goods sold for the period divided by the number of days in the period.

    Forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures. Our earnings release contains forward-looking free cash flow, gross margin, income tax rate and diluted earnings per share. We provide these non-GAAP measures to investors on a prospective basis for the same reasons (set forth above) that we provide them to investors on a historical basis. We are unable to provide a reconciliation of the forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable forward-looking GAAP financial measures without unreasonable effort due to variability and difficulty in making accurate projections for items that would be required to be included in the GAAP measures, such as stock-based compensation, acquisition and integration-related costs, restructuring-related charges, gain or loss on assets, goodwill and other asset impairments, gain or loss on investments and the provision for income taxes, which could have a potentially significant impact on our future GAAP results.

    Limitations of non-GAAP financial measures. The primary material limitations associated with the use of non-GAAP financial measures as an analytical tool compared to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures are these non-GAAP financial measures (i) may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies in our industry, and (ii) exclude financial information that some may consider important in evaluating our performance, thus limiting their usefulness as a comparative tool. We compensate for these limitations by providing full disclosure of the differences between these non-GAAP financial measures and the corresponding GAAP financial measures, including a reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures to the corresponding GAAP financial measures, to enable investors to perform their own analysis of our gross profit and gross margin, operating expenses, operating income, net income, net income per diluted share and net cash provided by operating activities. We further compensate for the limitations of our use of non-GAAP financial measures by presenting the corresponding GAAP measures more prominently.

    Qorvo will conduct a conference call at 5:00 p.m. ET today to discuss today’s press release. The conference call will be broadcast live over the Internet and can be accessed by any interested party at the following URL: https://ir.qorvo.com (under “Events & Presentations”). A telephone playback of the conference call will be available approximately two hours after the call’s completion and can be accessed by dialing 1-412-317-0088 and using the passcode 2723791. The playback will be available through the close of business November 5, 2024.

    About Qorvo

    Qorvo (Nasdaq:QRVO) supplies innovative semiconductor solutions that make a better world possible. We combine product and technology leadership, systems-level expertise and global manufacturing scale to quickly solve our customers’ most complex technical challenges. Qorvo serves diverse high-growth segments of large global markets, including automotive, consumer, defense & aerospace, industrial & enterprise, infrastructure and mobile. Visit www.qorvo.com to learn how our diverse and innovative team is helping connect, protect and power our planet.

    Qorvo is a registered trademark of Qorvo, Inc. in the U.S. and in other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

    This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about our plans, objectives, representations and contentions, and are not historical facts and typically are identified by terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “forecast”, “predict,” “potential,” “continue” and similar words, although some forward-looking statements are expressed differently. You should be aware that the forward-looking statements included herein represent management’s current judgment and expectations as of the date the statement is first made, but our actual results, events and performance could differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. We caution you not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements. We do not intend to update any of these forward-looking statements or publicly announce the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements, other than as is required under U.S. federal securities laws. Our business is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including those relating to fluctuations in our operating results on a quarterly and annual basis; our substantial dependence on developing new products and achieving design wins; our dependence on several large customers for a substantial portion of our revenue; a loss of revenue if defense and aerospace contracts are canceled or delayed; our dependence on third parties; risks related to sales through distributors; risks associated with the operation of our manufacturing facilities; business disruptions; poor manufacturing yields; increased inventory risks and costs, due to timing of customers’ forecasts; our inability to effectively manage or maintain relationships with chipset suppliers; our ability to continue to innovate in a very competitive industry; underutilization of manufacturing facilities; unfavorable changes in interest rates, pricing of certain precious metals, utility rates and foreign currency exchange rates; our acquisitions, divestitures and other strategic investments failing to achieve financial or strategic objectives; our ability to attract, retain and motivate key employees; warranty claims, product recalls and product liability; changes in our effective tax rate; enactment of international or domestic tax legislation, or changes in regulatory guidance; changes in the favorable tax status of certain of our subsidiaries; risks associated with social, environmental, health and safety regulations, and climate change; risks from international sales and operations; economic regulation in China; changes in government trade policies, including imposition of tariffs and export restrictions; we may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our debt; restrictions imposed by the agreements governing our debt; our reliance on our intellectual property portfolio; claims of infringement of third-party intellectual property rights; security breaches, failed system upgrades or regular maintenance and other similar disruptions to our IT systems; theft, loss or misuse of personal data by or about our employees, customers or third parties; provisions in our governing documents and Delaware law may discourage takeovers and business combinations that our stockholders might consider to be in their best interests; and volatility in the price of our common stock. These and other risks and uncertainties, which are described in more detail under “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 30, 2024, and Qorvo’s subsequent reports and statements that we file with the SEC, could cause actual results and developments to be materially different from those expressed or implied by any of these forward-looking statements.

    Financial Tables to Follow

    QORVO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
    (In thousands, except per share data)
    (Unaudited)
     
      Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
      September 28, 2024   September 30, 2023   September 28, 2024   September 30, 2023
    Revenue $ 1,046,509     $ 1,103,493     $ 1,933,180     $ 1,754,657  
                   
    Costs and expenses:              
    Cost of goods sold   601,203       613,803       1,155,570       1,035,897  
    Research and development   201,050       174,947       388,652       338,037  
    Selling, general and administrative   107,760       103,696       222,683       209,119  
    Other operating expense   126,821       59,619       151,994       68,312  
    Total costs and expenses   1,036,834       952,065       1,918,899       1,651,365  
                   
    Operating income   9,675       151,428       14,281       103,292  
    Interest expense   (22,594 )     (17,121 )     (39,688 )     (34,382 )
    Other income, net   15,422       5,211       27,187       18,927  
                   
    Income before income taxes   2,503       139,518       1,780       87,837  
    Income tax expense   (19,938 )     (42,057 )     (18,801 )     (33,956 )
    Net (loss) income $ (17,435 )   $ 97,461     $ (17,021 )   $ 53,881  
                   
    Net (loss) income per share:              
    Basic $ (0.18 )   $ 1.00     $ (0.18 )   $ 0.55  
    Diluted $ (0.18 )   $ 0.99     $ (0.18 )   $ 0.54  
                   
    Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding:              
    Basic   94,886       97,945       95,116       98,167  
    Diluted   94,886       98,590       95,116       98,892  
    QORVO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
    (In thousands, except per share data)
    (Unaudited)
     
      Three Months Ended
      September 28, 2024   June 29, 2024   September 30, 2023
               
    GAAP operating income $ 9,675     $ 4,606     $ 151,428  
    Stock-based compensation expense   38,181       42,366       39,053  
    Amortization of intangible assets   29,482       30,474       29,963  
    Restructuring-related charges   34,396       19,574       8,418  
    Acquisition and integration-related costs   1,211       2,582       852  
    Goodwill impairment   96,458             48,000  
    Other expense (income)   2,811       (1,477 )     1,712  
    Non-GAAP operating income $ 212,214     $ 98,125     $ 279,426  
               
    GAAP net (loss) income $ (17,435 )   $ 414     $ 97,461  
    Stock-based compensation expense   38,181       42,366       39,053  
    Amortization of intangible assets   29,482       30,474       29,963  
    Restructuring-related charges   34,396       19,574       8,418  
    Acquisition and integration-related costs   1,211       2,582       852  
    Goodwill impairment   96,458             48,000  
    Other expense (income)   379       (3,446 )     2,616  
    Loss on investments   780       2,499       1,574  
    Adjustment of income taxes   (3,611 )     (10,939 )     7,576  
    Non-GAAP net income $ 179,841     $ 83,524     $ 235,513  
               
    GAAP weighted-average outstanding diluted shares   94,886       96,510       98,590  
    Dilutive stock-based awards   867              
    Non-GAAP weighted-average outstanding diluted shares   95,753       96,510       98,590  
               
    Non-GAAP net income per share, diluted $ 1.88     $ 0.87     $ 2.39  
    QORVO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
    (Unaudited)
     
      Three Months Ended
    (in thousands, except percentages) September 28, 2024   June 29, 2024   September 30, 2023
    GAAP gross profit/margin $ 445,306       42.6 %   $ 332,304       37.5 %   $ 489,690       44.4 %
    Stock-based compensation expense   6,047       0.6       5,186       0.6       7,481       0.7  
    Amortization of intangible assets   25,523       2.4       25,827       2.9       25,591       2.3  
    Restructuring-related charges   15,414       1.4                   2,482       0.2  
    Acquisition and integration-related costs   636       0.1       1,925       0.2       1        
    Other income   (885 )     (0.1 )     (2,586 )     (0.3 )            
    Non-GAAP gross profit/margin $ 492,041       47.0 %   $ 362,656       40.9 %   $ 525,245       47.6 %
      Three Months Ended
    Non-GAAP Operating Income September 28, 2024
    (as a percentage of revenue)  
       
    GAAP operating income   0.9 %
    Stock-based compensation expense   3.7  
    Amortization of intangible assets   2.8  
    Restructuring-related charges   3.3  
    Acquisition and integration-related costs   0.1  
    Goodwill impairment   9.2  
    Other expense   0.3  
    Non-GAAP operating income   20.3 %
      Three Months Ended
    Free Cash Flow(1) September 28, 2024
    (in millions)  
       
    Net cash provided by operating activities $ 127.8  
    Purchases of property and equipment   (33.0 )
    Free cash flow $ 94.8  

    (1) Free Cash Flow is calculated as net cash provided by operating activities minus property and equipment expenditures.

    QORVO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    ADDITIONAL SELECTED NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RECONCILIATIONS
    (In thousands)
    (Unaudited)
     
      Three Months Ended
      September 28, 2024   June 29, 2024   September 30, 2023
    GAAP research and development expense $ 201,050     $ 187,602     $ 174,947  
    Less:          
    Stock-based compensation expense   13,468       12,727       11,519  
    Acquisition and integration-related costs   2       2       2  
    Non-GAAP research and development expense $ 187,580     $ 174,873     $ 163,426  
               
      Three Months Ended
      September 28, 2024   June 29, 2024   September 30, 2023
    GAAP selling, general and administrative expense $ 107,760     $ 114,923     $ 103,696  
    Less:          
    Stock-based compensation expense   18,488       24,322       20,030  
    Amortization of intangible assets   3,959       4,647       4,372  
    Acquisition and integration-related costs   1              
    Non-GAAP selling, general and administrative expense $ 85,312     $ 85,954     $ 79,294  
               
      Three Months Ended
      September 28, 2024   June 29, 2024   September 30, 2023
    GAAP other operating expense $ 126,821     $ 25,173     $ 59,619  
    Less:          
    Stock-based compensation expense   178       131       23  
    Restructuring-related charges   18,982       19,574       5,936  
    Acquisition and integration-related costs   572       655       849  
    Goodwill impairment   96,458             48,000  
    Other expense   3,696       1,109       1,712  
    Non-GAAP other operating expense $ 6,935     $ 3,704     $ 3,099  
               
      Three Months Ended
      September 28, 2024   June 29, 2024   September 30, 2023
    GAAP total operating expense $ 435,631     $ 327,698     $ 338,262  
    Less:          
    Stock-based compensation expense   32,134       37,180       31,572  
    Amortization of intangible assets   3,959       4,647       4,372  
    Restructuring-related charges   18,982       19,574       5,936  
    Acquisition and integration-related costs   575       657       851  
    Goodwill impairment   96,458             48,000  
    Other expense   3,696       1,109       1,712  
    Non-GAAP total operating expense $ 279,827     $ 264,531     $ 245,819  
    QORVO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (In thousands)
    (Unaudited)
     
      September 28, 2024   March 30, 2024
    ASSETS      
    Current assets:      
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,096,452     $ 1,029,258  
    Accounts receivable, net   580,963       412,960  
    Inventories   694,457       710,555  
    Other current assets   160,587       133,983  
    Assets of disposal group held for sale         159,278  
    Total current assets   2,532,459       2,446,034  
           
    Property and equipment, net   846,540       870,982  
    Goodwill   2,437,790       2,534,601  
    Intangible assets, net   445,715       509,383  
    Long-term investments   24,804       23,252  
    Other non-current assets   215,767       170,383  
    Total assets $ 6,503,075     $ 6,554,635  
           
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY      
    Current liabilities:      
    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 675,581     $ 589,760  
    Current portion of long-term debt   412,179       438,740  
    Other current liabilities   245,977       113,215  
    Liabilities of disposal group held for sale         88,372  
    Total current liabilities   1,333,737       1,230,087  
           
    Long-term debt   1,549,244       1,549,272  
    Other long-term liabilities   209,925       218,904  
    Total liabilities   3,092,906       2,998,263  
           
    Stockholders’ equity   3,410,169       3,556,372  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 6,503,075     $ 6,554,635  

    At Qorvo®
    Doug DeLieto
    VP, Investor Relations
    1.336.678.7968

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Gibson Energy Announces 2024 Third Quarter Results and 2024 Record Crude Volumes at Edmonton Terminal

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    All financial figures are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted

    CALGARY, Alberta, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gibson Energy Inc. (TSX:GEI) (“Gibson” or the “Company”) announced today its financial and operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024.

    “Gibson delivered strong results in the third quarter, driven by the continued strength and stability of our Infrastructure segment, which now represents over 85% of our business, and saw 2024 record third party crude volumes at our Edmonton Terminal in the third quarter, driven by deliveries onto the Trans Mountain Expansion pipeline,” said Curtis Philippon, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Since joining Gibson in August, I have had the opportunity to visit all of our operations. Gibson’s critical energy infrastructure spans from touching one in four barrels produced in Western Canada to exporting Permian & Eagle Ford barrels through one of the largest crude export terminals in the United States. It is impressive to see firsthand our asset base and meet the passionate talented teams that support it.”

    Financial Highlights:

    • Revenue of $2,900 million in the third quarter, a $325 million or 10% decrease relative to the third quarter of 2023, due to lower revenues within the Marketing segment driven by Crude Marketing sales volume
    • Infrastructure adjusted EBITDA(1) of $150 million in the third quarter, a $10 million or 7% increase from the third quarter of 2023, primarily driven by a full quarter of contribution from the Gateway Terminal
    • Marketing adjusted EBITDA(1) of $14 million in the third quarter, a $10 million or 41% decrease from the third quarter of 2023, due to lower contributions from the Refined Products business resulting from compressed refining margins and the Crude Marketing business due to fewer opportunities
    • Adjusted EBITDA(1) on a consolidated basis of $151 million in the third quarter, a $2 million or 1% increase over the third quarter of 2023, as higher Infrastructure adjusted EBITDA(1) offset lower Marketing results
    • Net income of $54 million in the third quarter, a $33 million or 161% increase over the third quarter of 2023, primarily due to one-time transaction and finance costs incurred in relation to the acquisition of the Gateway Terminal in the comparative period, and the factors noted above, partially offset by higher depreciation, amortization, income tax expense and foreign exchange losses
    • Distributable cash flow(1) of $88 million in the third quarter, a $5 million or 5% decrease from the third quarter of 2023, primarily due to higher current income tax expense
    • Dividend payout ratio(2) on a trailing twelve-month basis of 65%, below the Company’s 70% – 80% target
    • Net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio(2) at September 30, 2024 of 3.2x, within the Company’s 3.0x – 3.5x target

    Strategic Developments and Highlights:

    • On July 15, 2024, Gibson announced the extension of a long-term contract with an investment grade global E&P company at its Gateway Terminal which further enhanced the quality of the Company’s cash flows, as well as the sanction of a connection to the Cactus II Pipeline, providing customers with access to up to approximately 700,000 barrels per day of incremental supply

    (1) Adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow are non-GAAP financial measures. See the “Specified Financial Measures” section of this release.
    (2) Net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio and dividend payout ratio are non-GAAP financial ratios. See the “Specified Financial Measures” section of this release.

    Management’s Discussion and Analysis and Financial Statements
    The 2024 third quarter Management’s Discussion and Analysis and unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements provide a detailed explanation of Gibson’s financial and operating results for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2024, as compared to the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2023. These documents are available at www.gibsonenergy.com and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

    Earnings Conference Call & Webcast Details
    A conference call and webcast will be held to discuss the 2024 third quarter financial and operating results at 7:00am Mountain Time (9:00am Eastern Time) on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.

    To register for the call, view dial-in numbers, and obtain a dial-in PIN, please access the following URL:

    Registration at least five minutes prior to the conference call is recommended. 

    This call will also be broadcast live on the Internet and may be accessed directly at the following URL:

    The webcast will remain accessible for a 12-month period at the above URL.

    Supplementary Information
    Gibson has also made available certain supplementary information regarding the 2024 third quarter financial and operating results, available at www.gibsonenergy.com.

    About Gibson
    Gibson is a leading liquids infrastructure company with its principal businesses consisting of the storage, optimization, processing, and gathering of liquids and refined products. Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, the Company’s operations are located across North America, with core terminal assets in Hardisty and Edmonton, Alberta, Ingleside, Texas, and a facility in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.

    Gibson shares trade under the symbol GEI and are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. For more information, visit www.gibsonenergy.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information and statements (collectively, forward-looking statements). All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. The use of any of the words ‘‘anticipate’’, ‘‘plan’’, ‘‘contemplate’’, ‘‘continue’’, ‘‘estimate’’, ‘‘expect’’, ‘‘intend’’, ‘‘propose’’, ‘‘might’’, ‘‘may’’, ‘‘will’’, ‘‘shall’’, ‘‘project’’, ‘‘should’’, ‘‘could’’, ‘‘would’’, ‘‘believe’’, ‘‘predict’’, ‘‘forecast’’, ‘‘pursue’’, ‘‘potential’’ and ‘‘capable’’ and similar expressions are intended to identify forward looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. No assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this press release should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company does not undertake any obligations to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements except as required by securities law. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of numerous risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the risks and uncertainties described in “Forward-Looking Information” and “Risk Factors” included in the Company’s Annual Information Form and Management’s Discussion and Analysis, each dated February 20, 2024, as filed on SEDAR+ and available on the Gibson website at www.gibsonenergy.com.

    For further information, please contact:

    Investor Relations:
    (403) 776-3077
    investor.relations@gibsonenergy.com

    Media Relations:
    (403) 476-6334
    communications@gibsonenergy.com

    Specified Financial Measures

    This press release refers to certain financial measures that are not determined in accordance with GAAP, including non-GAAP financial measures and non-GAAP financial ratios. Readers are cautioned that non-GAAP financial measures and non-GAAP financial ratios do not have standardized meanings prescribed by GAAP and, therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other entities. Management considers these to be important supplemental measures of the Company’s performance and believes these measures are frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies in industries with similar capital structures.

    For further details on these specified financial measures, including relevant reconciliations, see the “Specified Financial Measures” section of the Company’s MD&A for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, which is incorporated by reference herein and is available on Gibson’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca and Gibson’s website at www.gibsonenergy.com.

    a) Adjusted EBITDA

    Noted below is the reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP measures of the Company’s segmented and consolidated adjusted EBITDA for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, and 2023:

    Three months ended September 30, Infrastructure Marketing Corporate and Adjustments Total
    ($ thousands) 2024   2023   2024   2023   2024   2023   2024   2023  
                           
    Segment profit 150,271   137,727   14,183   17,900       164,454   155,627  
    Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative financial instruments (1,553 ) 740   25   6,059       (1,528 ) 6,799  
    General and administrative         (13,004 ) (14,258 ) (13,004 ) (14,258 )
    Adjustments to share of profit from equity accounted investees 1,166   1,432           1,166   1,432  
    Executive transition costs             251     251    
    Renewable power purchase agreement         (175 )   (175 )  
    Other                
    Adjusted EBITDA 149,884   139,899   14,208   23,959   (12,928 ) (14,258 ) 151,164   149,600  
                           
    Nine months ended September 30, Infrastructure Marketing Corporate and Adjustments Total
    ($ thousands) 2024   2023   2024   2023   2024   2023   2024   2023  
                         
    Segment profit 446,566   336,483   69,391   123,962       515,957   460,445  
    Unrealized loss (gain) on derivative financial instruments 3,746   740   (1,884 ) (6,872 )     1,862   (6,132 )
    General and administrative         (51,920 ) (38,677 ) (51,920 ) (38,677 )
    Adjustments to share of profit from equity accounted investees 4,071   4,293           4,071   4,293  
    Executive transition costs         10,665     10,665    
    Renewable power purchase agreement         (175 )   (175 )  
    Other           218     218  
    Adjusted EBITDA 454,383   341,516   67,507   117,090   (41,430 ) (38,459 ) 480,460   420,147  
                                     
      Three months ended September 30,
     
    ($ thousands) 2024   2023  
         
    Net Income 53,916   20,633  
         
    Income tax expense 14,573   7,678  
    Depreciation, amortization, and impairment charges 44,289   38,542  
    Finance costs, net 32,545   50,222  
    Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative financial instruments (1,528 ) 6,799  
    Corporate unrealized (gain) loss on derivative financial instruments (1) (1,934 ) 430  
    Stock based compensation 4,747   6,455  
    Acquisition and integration costs   19,959  
    Adjustments to share of profit from equity accounted investees 1,166   1,432  
    Corporate foreign exchange loss (gain) and other 3,139   (2,550 )
    Executive transition costs 251    
    Adjusted EBITDA 151,164   149,600  
             
      Nine months ended September 30,
     
    ($ thousands) 2024   2023  
           
    Net Income 157,737   160,910  
           
    Income tax expense 46,205   50,864  
    Depreciation, amortization, and impairment charges 131,452   94,788  
    Finance costs, net 104,285   80,357  
    Unrealized loss (gain) on derivative financial instruments 1,862   (6,132 )
    Corporate unrealized loss (gain) on derivative financial instruments (1) 6,707   430  
    Stock based compensation 15,158   15,344  
    Acquisition and integration costs 1,371   19,959  
    Adjustments to share of profit from equity accounted investees 4,071   4,293  
    Corporate foreign exchange loss (gain) and other 947   (666 )
    Executive transition costs 10,665    
    Adjusted EBITDA 480,460   420,147  
             

    b) Distributable Cash Flow

    The following is a reconciliation of distributable cash flow from operations to its most directly comparable GAAP measure, cash flow from operating activities:

      Three months ended September 30,
      Nine months ended September 30,
     
    ($ thousands) 2024   2023   2024   2023  
             
    Cash flow from operating activities 404,794   190,015   531,178   419,254  
    Adjustments:        
    Changes in non-cash working capital and taxes paid (258,264 ) (61,420 ) (64,620 ) (14,921 )
    Replacement capital (13,023 ) (12,876 ) (24,260 ) (25,702 )
    Cash interest expense, including capitalized interest (34,045 ) (32,290 ) (102,405 ) (65,677 )
    Acquisition and integration costs (1)   19,959   1,371   19,959  
    Executive transition costs 7,433     10,665    
    Lease payments (8,144 ) (8,575 ) (24,178 ) (26,268 )
    Current income tax (10,582 ) (1,860 ) (23,633 ) (23,800 )
    Distributable cash flow 88,169   92,953   304,118   282,845  
                     
    Twelve months ended September 30,
     
    ($ thousands) 2024   2023  
         
    Cash flow from operating activities 686,780   489,312  
    Adjustments:    
    Changes in non-cash working capital and taxes paid (57,133 ) 47,812  
    Replacement capital (34,486 ) (32,559 )
    Cash interest expense, including capitalized interest (136,861 ) (81,966 )
    Acquisition and integration costs (1) 3,454   19,959  
    Executive transition costs 10,665    
    Lease payments (33,806 ) (34,035 )
    Current income tax (31,550 ) (37,218 )
    Distributable cash flow 407,063   371,305  
             

    c) Dividend Payout Ratio

    Twelve months ended September 30,
     
      2024   2023  
    Distributable cash flow 407,063   371,305  
    Dividends declared 263,050   226,755  
    Dividend payout ratio 65 % 61 %
             

    d) Net Debt To Adjusted EBITDA Ratio

      Twelve months ended September 30,
     
      2024   2023  
         
    Current and long-term debt 2,528,454   2,645,904  
    Lease  liabilities 50,246   67,862  
    Less: unsecured hybrid debt (450,000 ) (450,000 )
    Less: cash and cash equivalents (55,584 ) (54,464 )
         
    Net debt 2,073,116   2,209,302  
    Adjusted EBITDA 650,141   557,481  
    Net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio 3.2   4.0  
             

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Enovix and Leading Smartphone OEM Execute Development Agreement for Mass Production in 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FREMONT, Calif., Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enovix Corporation (“Enovix”) (Nasdaq: ENVX), a global high-performance battery company, announced today that it executed a development agreement with one of the leading global smartphone OEMs with top 5 market share in China. Under the terms of the agreement and subject to applicable milestones, the companies will develop a 100% active silicon anode battery customized for specific smartphone models targeted for launch in Q4 2025. The company now has agreements with 2 of the leading smartphone OEMs and has further sales momentum building in IoT and EV markets.

    Enovix’s CEO Raj Talluri commented, “We are thrilled to formalize this relationship, and we see it as a proof point of smartphones needing batteries with much higher energy density and capacity to satisfy the needs of AI enabled apps. Upon meeting specified milestones in this new agreement, we will enter the smartphone market in 2025 with high-volume production out of Fab2 in Malaysia.”

    About Enovix

    Enovix is on a mission to deliver high-performance batteries that unlock the full potential of technology products. Everything from IoT, mobile, and computing devices, to the vehicle you drive, needs a better battery. Enovix partners with OEMs worldwide to usher in a new era of user experiences. Our innovative, materials-agnostic approach to building a higher performing battery without compromising safety keeps us flexible and on the cutting-edge of battery technology innovation.

    Enovix is headquartered in Silicon Valley with facilities in India, Korea and Malaysia. For more information visit www.enovix.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

    Forward Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, about us and our industry that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements generally relate to future events or our future financial or operating performance. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as “believe”, “will”, “may”, “estimate”, “continue”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “should”, “plan”, “expect”, “predict”, “could”, “potentially”, “target”, “project”, “believe”, “continue” or the negative of these terms or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the applicable OEM agreement, including, without limitation, with respect to our ability to successfully develop a 100% active silicon anode battery customized for a specific smartphone model, our ability to satisfy applicable contract milestones and other terms, and our ability to achieve high-volume production out of Fab2 in Malaysia in 2025. Actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements as a result of certain risks and uncertainties. For additional information on these risks and uncertainties and other potential factors that could affect our business and financial results or cause actual results to differ from the results predicted, please refer to our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including in the “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” sections of our most recently filed annual periodic reports on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other documents that we have filed, or that we will file, with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements made by us in this press release speak only as of the date on which they are made and subsequent events may cause these expectations to change. We disclaim any obligations to update or alter these forward-looking statements in the future, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

    For media and investor inquiries, please contact:
    Enovix Corporation
    Robert Lahey
    Email: ir@enovix.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Gibson Energy Declares Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    All financial figures are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted

    CALGARY, Alberta, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gibson Energy Inc. (TSX:GEI) (“Gibson” or the “Company”) announced today that its Board of Directors has approved a quarterly dividend of $0.41 per common share payable on January 17, 2025, to shareholders of record at the close of business December 31, 2024. This dividend is designated as an eligible dividend for Canadian income tax purposes. For non-resident shareholders, Gibson’s dividends are subject to Canadian withholding tax.

    About Gibson
    Gibson is a leading liquids infrastructure company with its principal businesses consisting of the storage, optimization, processing, and gathering of liquids and refined products. Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, the Company’s operations are located across North America, with core terminal assets in Hardisty and Edmonton, Alberta, Ingleside, Texas, and a facility in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.

    Gibson shares trade under the symbol GEI and are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. For more information, visit www.gibsonenergy.com.

    For further information, please contact:

    Investor Relations:
    (403) 776-3077
    investor.relations@gibsonenergy.com

    Media Relations:
    (403) 476-6334
    communications@gibsonenergy.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Economics: How the B20 is turning policy into action for a sustainable future

    Source: International Chamber of Commerce

    Headline: How the B20 is turning policy into action for a sustainable future

    As a B20 Network Partner, ICC supported the Brazilian National Confederation of Industry (CNI) in the fulfilment of the theme – contributing to the development of impactful policy recommendations, leveraging the participation of 11 ICC Executive Board members across a range of Task Forces, and ICC and World Chambers Federation leadership in the B20 International Business Advisory Caucus.

    The B20 is a global platform for the international business community to support the work of the G20 process. Here’s how ICC is working to help the B20 turn policy into action.

    Improving representation of women in B20 Task Forces

    As a partner institution of a new B20 initiative to help increase the representation of women in B20 membership and leadership, ICC pledged to support B20 presidencies by proposing women candidates eligible to chair B20 task forces and encouraging women to become B20 members through the mobilisation of the global ICC network in over 170 countries. The SheLeads B20 initiative aims to achieve 50% female representation by 2030. ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO, who co-chaired a B20 Task Force on Finance and Infrastructure, signed the pledge on behalf of ICC, together with representatives from the OECD, Business at OECD, and International Organisation of Employers (IOE). Prominent women leaders, ICC Honorary Chair Maria Fernanda Garza, ICC Board Member Lama Al-Sulaiman and ICC World Chambers Federation First Vice-Chair Marie Christine Oghly co-chaired B20 Brazil Task Forces on Integrity and Compliance, Employment and Education, and Women, Diversity and Inclusion in Business respectively. Five additional female ICC Board Members (Candace Johnson, Rebecca Enonchong, Marienne Coutinho, Marjorie Yang, and Patricia Nzolantima) were also Members of B20 Task Forces this year.

    Women in trade

    ICC is also a proud supporter of B20 Brazil’s Women in Trade legacy initiative. Working in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the initiative saw the G20 and B20 partner to share knowledge and best practices for inclusive trade policy designed to increase women’s participation in international trade.

    Combatting food loss and waste

    The Summit also saw the launch of an ICC-B20 Global Challenge against Food Loss and Waste to address food insecurity. The Initiative aims to identify, through a global challenge, private sector projects that can contribute to tackle the most critical issues related to food loss and waste.

    Following a consultation phase, businesses worldwide will be invited to submit proposals aimed at addressing the five biggest challenges related to food loss and waste. The highest-ranking projects will be presented at the FAO World Food Forum in October 2025, providing an opportunity for further visibility and engagement with key stakeholders. A founding member of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, one of the Brazilian G20 Presidency’s key initiatives, ICC is committed to leveraging the unique expertise and network of the private sector to support and scale integrated solutions to sustainably and equitably feed the world.

    Addressing B20 participants on a panel looking at how B20 Brazil legacy initiatives are turning policy into action, ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO said:

    “Through the ICC-B20 Global Challenge against Food Loss and Waste, we aim to act as a bridge between the B20 and G20, ensuring public-private collaboration to achieve lasting solutions to poverty and hunger worldwide.”

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Video: Department of State Daily Press Briefing – October 29, 2024

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    Spokesperson Matthew Miller leads the Department Press Briefing, at the Department of State, on October 29, 2024.

    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/StateDept
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/statedept
    Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/statephotos/

    Subscribe to the State Department Blog: https://www.state.gov/blogs
    Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
    Subscribe to The Week at State e-newsletter: http://ow.ly/diiN30ro7Cw

    State Department website: https://www.state.gov/
    Careers website: https://careers.state.gov/
    White House website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/
    Terms of Use: https://state.gov/tou

    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmJNcMSQbh4

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schumer, Gillibrand Secure Nearly $12 Million To Replace Bridge Street Bridge Over Schoharie Creek

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

    Senators Say Fed $$ Will Support Critical Replacement Of 100-Year-Old Bridge Via Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Competitive “Bridge Investment Program”

    Schumer, Gillibrand: The Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law Is Helping Bridge The Gap To Build Long Overdue Projects The Capital Region!

    U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced $11,600,000 for Schoharie County to replace the Bridge Street bridge over Schoharie Creek as a recipient of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) highly competitive Bridge Investment Program. The federal funding, created in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Law championed by the senators, will help replace the aging bridge, which is a vital connector in Schoharie County.

    “The Bridge Street bridge is a vital connector in Schoharie County, but after 100 years of use, it is nearing the end of its useful life. This $11.6 million will boost efforts to replace the bridge and restore this vital connector for Schoharie County,” said Senator Schumer. “The next closest bridge over Schoharie Creek is more than 20 minutes away. When considering emergency vehicles, that 20 minutes is vital. New York State has already put a weight restriction on the bridge due to its condition, and it’s vital that we build a replacement bridge as soon as possible to keep people safe and to maximize ease of transport and economic efficiency. I fought to create the Bridge Investment Program in our Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law because I know how important boosting federal investment in bridges is to protecting travelers’ safety while creating good-paying jobs. I’m proud that the law is continuing to deliver for the Capital Region.”

    “Infrastructure like the Bridge Street bridge helps local economies thrive, plays a vital role in protecting public safety, and connects communities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Bridge Street serves as a crucial overpass for emergency vehicles, farm vehicles, and citizens of Schoharie County, and its replacement is long overdue. I’m proud to have fought for the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and helped secure this funding for the Capital Region. I will continue working to deliver federal dollars to New York for the improvement of our infrastructure.”

    “We are deeply grateful to Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, Lieutenant Governor Delgado, Congresswoman Stefanik and all the bipartisan supporters for securing the $11.6 million needed for Schoharie’s new Bridge Street Bridge. This bridge is essential for our town—it boosts the safety and efficiency of our roads, ensures emergency responders can act quickly, supports our farmers who rely on it, and links our community hubs. This investment is a big win for everyone in Schoharie County, showing a strong commitment to enhancing our critical infrastructure,” said Benjamin Oevering, Supervisor, Town of Schoharie.

    The Bridge Street bridge is a vital connector in Schoharie County, but after 100 years of use, it is nearing the end of its useful life. The federal funding secured by the senators will help the county build a new bridge, increasing safety and creating jobs. New York State has put a weight restriction on the bridge due to its condition, and the County is concerned that further disrepair could eventually limit its use by emergency vehicles. The nearest bridge is approximately 10 miles away, adding 20-25 minutes in commute time. The senators also said that farm vehicles use the bridge regularly, and the bridge is vital to the County’s thriving rural agriculture economy.

    The senators explained that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act included $12.5 billion appropriated annually over five years (FY 22-26) to help plan, replace, rehabilitate, protect, and preserve some of the nation’s largest bridges, ensuring that they remain operational, support local economies, strengthen supply chains, and improve safety. The Capital Region was one of the first in the nation to tap into this federal funding when Schumer and Gillibrand secured $21 million to repair and modernize the Castleton-on-Hudson Bridge in April 2023.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tillis to Lead Legislation to Replenish the SBA Disaster Loan Program Following Hurricanes Helene and Milton

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), along with Senators Ted Budd (R-NC), Tim Scott (R-SC), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), and Rick Scott (R-FL), announced plans to introduce legislation that would replenish the Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Program. The Senators plan to seek passage of the legislation when Congress returns to session.

    On October 15th, the SBA announced the Disaster Loan Fund had run out of money. Senator Tillis previously wrote an op-ed in The Hill urging Congress to return and quickly pass a disaster recovery package to replenish the fund, writing in part: “…Few Helene victims have flood insurance, so the SBA’s various disaster recovery programs are key to long-term recovery. By utilizing these programs, victims can access low-interest loans to replace lost property or repair or rebuild their homes or small businesses. The loans can also be used to provide a financial cushion for small businesses that face an economic loss in the months ahead due to the storm.” 

    “The SBA Disaster Loan Program running out of funds risks delays in processing the loans of those affected by Helene and Milton and their ability to get their lives back on track,” said Senator Tillis. “That is why I am leading legislation to replenish this fund when Congress returns to Washington, and I look forward to working across the aisle to pass a long-term disaster aid package that will provide additional resources to help make the victims of these hurricanes whole again.”

    “The citizens of Western North Carolina are some of the toughest and most resilient people in this country,” said Senator Budd. “As they recover and rebuild their communities, they must be able to access disaster loans from SBA. This recovery will take many years, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to cut through the delays and provide WNC with the resources they need as quickly as possible.” 

    “Hurricane Helene brought a level of devastation to South Carolina we haven’t seen since Hugo. With a natural disaster of this magnitude, Congress should take the opportunity to show leadership and help ease the pain of those who have lost everything,” said Senator Tim Scott. “Communities back home and in surrounding states have come together to recover, but it will take every possible effort to get us back to where we were.”

    “Hurricanes Francine, Helene, and Milton hit us hard, but Louisianans and Americans are resilient,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This funding is essential to help small businesses recover from these storms and support our local economies.”

    “We cannot allow frontline federal agencies, like the SBA, to run out of disaster relief funds. This is especially important in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton which devastated Florida, North Carolina and communities across the Southeast U.S.,” said Senator Rick Scott. “I continue to call on Leader Schumer to immediately reconvene the Senate so we can fund disaster relief functions at FEMA, the SBA, USDA and other agencies to get folks what they need and deserve. I won’t stop fighting to get this done and am proud to join my colleagues to introduce a bill that funds SBA disaster loans and makes sure the federal government is a reliable partner as families continue their recovery.” 

    The Restoring an Economic Lifeline with Immediate Emergency Funding (Relief) Act would appropriate $550 million to fund the SBA Disaster Loan Program Account, which would provide $2.475B in lending capacity projected to last until the end of 2024.

    Read text of the bill HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER ANNOUNCES FIVE NEW YORK TEAMS ADVANCE TO NEXT ROUND OF NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION “INNOVATION ENGINES” PROGRAM – CREATED BY SCHUMER’S CHIPS & SCIENCE LAW – TO COMPETE FOR UP TO $160 MILLION…

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

    Last Year, Schumer-Supported And Binghamton University-Led Battery Research Hub Won Inaugural NSF Engines Competition, And This Year Even More From NY Are Competing For Funding As The Contest Launches For Second Year

    Schumer Says 5 NY-Based Projects Were Selected – The Most Of Any State – Ranging From University At Buffalo AI Research To Rochester’s Laser Lab To Cornell’s New Technology For Upstate Dairy Farmers And More; All To Spur New Innovations And Good-Paying Jobs

    Schumer: NY Is Leading The Charge To Boost American Innovation And Economic Leadership!

    U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer today announced that five New York teams have advanced to the next round of consideration for federal investment through the National Science Foundation’s Regional “Innovation Engines” Competition (NSF Engines), which was created by his CHIPS & Science Law.

    The five teams include projects ranging from the University of Rochester’s effort to develop cutting-edge laser technology, to the University at Buffalo-led AI for Health Equity, to Cornell University leading sustainable dairy innovation, to FuzeHub strengthening Upstate NY’s microelectronics manufacturing, to CUNY bolstering the tristate region’s biotechnology sector.  Schumer said these five projects in NY, along with a total of 71 teams across the country, will now submit full proposals to compete for up to $160 million in federal investment from the CHIPS & Science Law. You can read more about this year’s competition here. 

    “I created the NSF Regional Innovation Engines program in my CHIPS & Science Law with New York’s world-renowned universities and innovation ecosystem in mind. I’m thrilled to see five NY-based teams reach the next round in the competition for major federal investment to boost American innovation, new jobs, and economic leadership,” said Senator Schumer. “From Buffalo pioneering the next generation of AI to Cornell discovering new technology to help our Upstate dairy farmers to Rochester powering the future of laser development, these projects show how NY can lead our nation in developing the technology and jobs of the future. The NSF is saying what I have long known: keeping America at the cutting edge of innovation across industries begins in New York. This major federal funding can help translate more research and development at New York’s universities into new businesses and new, good-paying jobs across the state, boosting New York to further lead the charge in powering America’s economic preeminence.”

       

    More details on the five New York-based proposals can be found below:

    • The University of Rochester’s proposal, officially named “STELLAR: Advancing Laser Technologies in the Rochester NY/Finger Lakes Region,” is focused on establishing a diverse coalition of partners in the Rochester-Finger Lakes region to accelerate laser discovery, technological advancement, education, and company creation, drive manufacturing and boost workforce development in order to help recapture U.S. national competitiveness and strengthen our security. The STELLAR Engine will foster laser-oriented workforce development, particularly in underserved communities in Rochester and rural communities in the Finger Lakes, accelerate use-inspired R&D, entrepreneurship, and regional business development that will create jobs, build a laser science and technology talent pipeline, bolster the supply chain, and grow and sustain the region’s economy.
    • The University at Buffalo’s proposal, officially named “AI for Health Equity,” will work to utilize artificial intelligence to develop cutting-edge health care solutions, further highlighting Western New York’s leadership in building an AI innovation ecosystem, something Schumer has actively pushed for. The project aims to boost new start-up companies and help partners commercialize AI technology centered on health and wellness. This new technology will aid health care providers and serve as personal assistance to community members. Eventually, the project will expand so that its technology can serve communities beyond Western NY and across the country.
    • Cornell University’s proposal, officially named “Sustainable Utilization of Scalable Technologies & Advanced Innovation for NetZero NY (SUSTAIN Dairy),” aims to reduce waste, create new dairy products, and develop new rural and workforce development opportunities. It is one of five projects in this round that is focused on agriculture and the only project focused on dairy. This proposal aims to develop a holistic, science-based framework for achieving net zero by 2050 from farm to fork through an advanced dairy innovation ecosystem. With dairy manufacturing and family farms scattered throughout rural New York, achieving place-based innovation that builds community wealth is vital for the future success of Upstate New York.
    • CUNY-ARC’s proposal, officially named “Tech-Enabled, Bioinspired & Biomanufacturing Ecosystem (Tri-State Tech-Biome),” aims to address critical regional challenges by creating an ecosystem that accelerates the innovation and commercialization of bio-inspired technologies and materials derived from renewable feedstocks. This work is being done in coordination with industry players and leading research universities in the region.
    • FuzeHub’s proposal, officially named “A Materials Innovation Engine for Manufacturing Sustainability,” will work to mitigate the negative impacts on the environment from manufacturing industries by replacing toxic or scarce components with advanced materials. FuzeHub competed last year for this award as well and was asked to resubmit.

    “I proudly supported the CHIPS and Science Act to pave the way for critical investments like the National Science Foundation’s Regional Innovative Engines program,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “With the University of Rochester’s STELLAR engine advancing to the next phase, we celebrate Rochester’s legacy in optics and photonics and our designation as a Regional Tech Hub. This milestone honors our community’s pioneering spirit, and I look forward to working with the NSF to elevate Rochester’s role in shaping the future of technology.”

    “I am very pleased that our Science, Technology, and Engineering for Laser and Laser Applications Research (STELLAR) proposal will be advancing to the next stage and can continue to compete for transformative funding focused on creating and growing a diverse, workforce-focused laser ecosystem in Rochester and Upstate New York,” said Thomas Brown, the Director of the University’s Institute of Optics. “Our proposal is the only one to address declining U.S. leadership in laser manufacturing, since lasers are a fundamental enabling technology underpinning the entire internet, chip manufacturing, and a host of other technologies. I particularly thank Senator Schumer for his vision in establishing the regional innovation engines program at the National Science Foundation through his landmark CHIPS and Science Act, our many academic, industry and community partners, and the NSF for their consideration of support.”

    “The NSF Regional Innovation Engines program, created through the CHIPS and Science Act, is strengthening our nation’s manufacturing sector and boosting our global competitiveness,” said Congressman Kennedy. “At the forefront of this progress are five New York based teams that have made it to the next round of the process to receive game-changing federal funding to build on the progress Western New York has made to become a national-leader in the tech space. These teams are making our state and region a leader in innovative manufacturing while creating good-paying union jobs.”

    “As the home of Empire AI, UB is dedicated to leveraging our game-changing artificial intelligence research to alleviate health disparities in underserved populations throughout our region,” said UB President Satish K. Tripathi. “With an NSF Engines award, UB will be able to harness our AI- informed health innovations to improve the health and well-being of individuals and families across Western New York, ultimately growing participation in our region’s economy. On behalf of all of us at the University at Buffalo, I would like to thank Majority Leader Schumer for his steadfast support of UB. In championing federal research funding for institutions of higher education, Senator Schumer is helping UB fuel impactful innovations, contribute measurably to economic development and enhance health outcomes across the lifespan.”

    Last year, Schumer helped the Binghamton University-led Upstate New York Energy Storage Engine win the esteemed competition in its inaugural year, bringing $15 million in federal funding immediately, with up to $160 million total over the life of the program from the NSF to supercharge growth and cutting-edge research in battery development and manufacturing in Upstate NY. The projects selected this year will build upon the inaugural cohort’s work developing new state-of-the-art technology.

    Schumer created the NSF’s Regional Innovation Engines Program in his CHIPS & Science Law as a program that falls under the newly created NSF Directorate of Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships.  Schumer proposed the creation of this Directorate originally in his bipartisan Endless Frontier Act, with a focus on delivering investment in research, workforce training, and entrepreneurship in key technology areas like AI, semiconductors, quantum computing, biotechnology, climate-smart research, advanced materials, and more. The NSF Regional Innovation Engines program catalyzes and fosters innovation ecosystems across the United States to promote and stimulate economic growth, job creation, and spur regional innovation.

    Each NSF Engine can receive up to $160 million over 10 years; actual amounts will be subject to a given NSF Engine’s status and overall progress, as assessed annually. The teams selected in this recent announcement will submit full proposals to NSF by February 2025, with final awards made next year, pending appropriations.  

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Budd & Wicker Visit Fort Liberty, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ted Budd (R-North Carolina)

    Washington, D.C. — Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) member Ted Budd (R-NC) and Ranking Member Roger Wicker (R-MS) have completed visits to Fort Liberty in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, North Carolina.

    During the visits, they received updates on U.S. Air Force programs, special operations work, and Hurricane Helene response efforts.

    Senator Budd said in a statement:

    “I want to thank Ranking Member Wicker for taking time to visit Fort Liberty and Seymour Johnson Air Force Base this week. During our visit, we thanked troops from the 18th Airborne Corps for their rescue and relief efforts in Western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene, met with leaders from USASOC and JSOC, and dined with servicemembers from North Carolina and Mississippi. At Seymour Johnson, it was my honor to showcase F-15E Strike Eagles and their importance to America’s national security. The Old North State has a proud tradition of supporting our military. That’s why my top priority will always be to make sure the men and women and their families at North Carolina’s military bases have the resources necessary to keep our nation strong and safe.”

    Senator Wicker said:

    “Some of the most important national defense work is happening in North Carolina. It was an honor to meet with some of our country’s best and brightest who are helping their fellow citizens in the wake of Hurricane Helene. During our work on this year’s NDAA, Senator Budd has been a vital legislative contributor by directing the right investments to deter China’s growing aerospace threat. He has used the bill to keep his state’s role central in advancing our country’s fighting force. I am excited to continue collaborating with Senator Budd on our shared goal of restoring America’s military might and defense industrial base.”

    Photo:

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Paraguay Subscribes to IMF’s Special Data Dissemination Standard

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    October 29, 2024

    Washington, DC: On October 28, Paraguay subscribed to the IMF’s Special Data Dissemination Standard (SDDS), joining 48 other countries currently subscribed to the SDDS. Subscription to the SDDS is expected to improve the country’s capacity on data compilation and dissemination, facilitate the macro-economic policy making process, help build up market confidence on the country’s institutional capacity, and contribute to the economic and financial stability.

    Paraguay’s achievement builds on its strong performance in the IMF’s Enhanced General Data Dissemination System (e-GDDS) since 2017 and stands to set an example for its peers.

    Bert Kroese, Chief Statistician and Data Officer, and Director of the IMF’s Statistics Department, welcomed the key achievement in the country’s statistical development. “I congratulate the authorities on graduating from the e-GDDS and advancing to the SDDS. It reflects Paraguay’s strong commitment to transparency and is a significant step forward in complying to internationally accepted best practices in data dissemination.”

    “Subscription to the SDDS is also beneficial for the country.  Mr. Kroese added. “The milestone is also a testament to the Fund’s commitment to helping the member countries with capacity development.”

    The SDDS, established by the IMF in March 1996, is intended to guide members in the dissemination of economic and financial data to the public. Subscription to the SDDS enhances the availability of timely statistics according to an advance release calendar (ARC), thereby contributing to sound macroeconomic policies and the proper functioning of financial markets. Although voluntary, a subscribing member commits to observe the standard and to publish information (metadata) about its data dissemination practices.

    In concluding the Tenth Review of the IMF Data Standards Initiatives in February 2022, the IMF Executive Board underscored the important role that the Data Standards Initiatives have played since the mid-1990s in promoting data transparency as a global public good by encouraging countries to voluntarily publish key macroeconomic and financial data. The Tenth Review also stressed the importance of supporting the e-GDDS countries’ advancement toward the SDDS.

    The National Summary Data Page (NSDP) of Paraguay includes the SDDS data categories. Comprehensive documentation on the related statistical practices is published at the IMF’s Dissemination Standards Bulletin Board (DSBB) and information for Paraguay is available at IMF – SDDS Subscribing Countries (DSBB)]

    In addition to the SDDS and the e-GDDS, the Data Standards Initiatives include the SDDS Plus. Detailed information on the Data Standards Initiatives can be found at https://dsbb.imf.org.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Julie Ziegler

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    @IMFSpokesperson

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/10/29/pr-24399-paraguay-paraguay-subscribes-to-imfs-special-data-dissemination-standard

    MIL OSI

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  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: ERO report shows Government’s truancy emphasis is vital

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Associate Education Minister David Seymour says that the Education Review Office’s (ERO) timely report on chronic school absence released today is further evidence of a truancy crisis.  

    “Chronic absence has doubled since 2015. This report reinforces that action is needed to ensure this generation reaches its full potential,” says Associate Minister of Education David Seymour. 

    “Following the announcement of the Stepped Attendance Response (STAR) system I have been travelling across New Zealand holding hui with frontline people engaged in school attendance, such as school leaders and attendance officers.

    “The insights have been valuable, and I’m convinced that we’re on the right track to make school attendance a priority and to turn around the current state of affairs.  

    “It will be mandatory for all schools to have an attendance management plan based on STAR from the beginning of the 2026 school year. The Ministry will work with schools, the Attendance Service, non-government agencies and other government agencies to streamline this. The Ministry will also provide best practice templates for attendance plans and toolkits for dealing with absent students, depending on the reasons for absence. 

    “The ERO report states that there is a lack of understanding of the implications of truancy, interventions are occurring too late and only once non-attendance is firmly embedded, and that there is inadequate information sharing between agencies which puts strain on attendance services. 

    “The Government is addressing these issues. We’ve started a nationwide conversation on truancy. We’re setting frameworks for timely interventions from schools, and I’ve directed the Ministry of Education, with the active co-operation of the Ministry for Social Development, Oranga Tamariki, Police, Kainga Ora, and Te Puni Kōkiri to develop robust information sharing agreements so that staff can share appropriate information once a student has been identified as needing support. 

    “The report also states that schools have had difficulties with the prosecution process. I have directed the Ministry to take a more active role in the prosecution. I reserve the right to look at an infringement scheme in the future if this approach doesn’t work. 

    “The Ministry of Education has also been internally reviewing the effectiveness of its support for the Attendance Service. 

    “Almost every aspect of someone’s adult life will be defined by the education they receive as a child. If we want better social outcomes, we can’t keep ignoring the truancy crisis. This Government has set itself bold targets to address attendance, and it’s a bold approach that is needed for the future.” 

    Note to editors: ERO’s report will be published on https://ero.govt.nz/ from 5.00am Wednesday 30th October.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister lays foundation stone of four Centres of Excellence at National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Guwahati and Mohali

    Source: Government of India

    Prime Minister lays foundation stone of four Centres of Excellence at National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Guwahati and Mohali

    Major boost to Make in India initiative in the healthcare sector: Prime Minister inaugurates five projects under Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for medical devices and bulk drugs at Gujarat, Telangana, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh

    Inauguration of these manufacturing plants would play a key role in manufacturing of advanced medicine and high quality stents and implants and further India’s growth: PM Shri Narendra Modi

    India’s biggest Jan Aushadhi Kendra at AIIMS, New Delhi inaugurated by PM today

    Posted On: 29 OCT 2024 6:21PM by PIB Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple projects related to the health sector, including the Pharma sector, on the occasion of Dhanvantari Jayanti and 9th Ayurveda Day, today at All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi. Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare & Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri J P Nadda, and Ms. Anupriya Patel, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare & Chemicals & Fertilizers were present on the occasion among others.

    The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of four Centres of Excellence at National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) Ahmedabad in Gujarat for medical devices, NIPER Hyderabad in Telangana for bulk drugs, NIPER Guwahati in Assam for phytopharmaceuticals, and NIPER Mohali in Punjab for anti-bacterial anti-viral drug discovery and development.

    Also, in a major boost to Make in India initiative in the healthcare sector, Prime Minister inaugurated five projects under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for medical devices and bulk drugs at Vapi in Gujarat, Hyderabad in Telangana, Bengaluru in Karnataka, Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh and Nalagarh in Himachal Pradesh. These units will manufacture high-end medical devices, such as body implants and critical care equipment, along with important bulk drugs.

    Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister noted that the progress of a nation is directly proportional to the health of its citizens, the Prime Minister highlighted the government’s priority to the health of its citizens and outlined the five pillars of health policy. He listed the five pillars as preventive healthcare, early detection of ailments, free and low-cost treatment and medicines, availability of doctors in small towns and lastly expansion of technology in health services.

    The Prime Minister mentioned that inauguration of these manufacturing plants would play a key role in manufacturing of advanced medicine and high quality stents and implants and further India’s growth.

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi also inaugurated the biggest Jan Aushadhi Kendra of the country at the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi today The main objective of this kendra is providing affordable and quality medicines to the patients visiting AIIMS for treatment of various ailments.

    The Jan Aushadhi Kendra has been set up by the Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) which is the implementing agency of PMBJP. This Kendra, spanning an area of 1,724 square feet, aims to provide over 2,047 quality generic medicines and 300 surgical devices at prices significantly lower than their branded counterparts. Price of Jan Aushadhi Medicines is cheaper by at least 50% and in some cases by 80% to 90% of the market price of branded medicines.

    Reiterating the government’s priority to reduce the cost of treatment, be it the poor or middle class, the Prime Minister mentioned the launch of more than 14,000 PM Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country where medicines are available at 80 percent discount. He informed that the poor and middle class have managed to save Rs 30,000 crore due to availability of affordable medicines through the Janaushadhi Kendras.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Swavlamban 3.0: Raksha Mantri launches ADITI 3.0 challenge and DISC 13 to advance indigenous defence technologies & operational efficiencies

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Swavlamban 3.0: Raksha Mantri launches ADITI 3.0 challenge and DISC 13 to advance indigenous defence technologies & operational efficiencies

    Indian Navy receives over 2,000 proposals from Indian industries under SPRINT challenges; To be completed as 171 contracts

    Swavalamban collaborates with 213 MSMEs & start-ups under iDEX; AoNs worth over Rs 2,000 crore given in 19 cases; Contracts worth Rs 784 crore completed

    Shri Rajnath Singh exhorts innovators & start-ups to come up with products, which can become a necessity for the Armed Forces

    “Govt’s self-reliance efforts have made science, tech & innovation a revolutionary idea in the country”

    Another highlight was the Flag off of ‘Sagarmala Parikrama’ to conduct an autonomous passage of about 1,500 kms from Mumbai to Tuticorin

    Posted On: 29 OCT 2024 6:03PM by PIB Delhi

    The third edition of Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI 3.0) challenge and 13th edition of Defence India Start-up Challenges (DISC 13) were unveiled by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh during Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO) seminar ‘Swavlamban’ at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi on October 29, 2024. These challenges aim to advance indigenous defence technologies and operational efficiencies.

    The ADITI 3.0 features a challenge from the Indian Navy to design a High-Power Microwave Weapon System. The DISC 13 presents seven challenges – three from Indian Army and two each from Indian Navy & Indian Air Force – in the domains of Artificial Intelligence, military communication and autonomous bots among others.

    Raksha Mantri also felicitated iDEX winners and Hackathon awardees on the occasion. In his address, he stated that in the last two sessions of ‘Swavlamban’, Indian Navy has received over 2,000 proposals from Indian industries under the SPRINT challenges, which were unveiled by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during Swavlamban 1.0 in July 2022. SPRINT stands for Supporting Pole-Vaulting in R&D through iDEX, Naval Innovation & Indigenisation Organisation and Technology Development Acceleration Cell.

    Shri Rajnath Singh said that these proposals have been converted into 155 challenges, which will help in completing 171 contracts. In addition, the Swavalamban initiative has collaborated with 213 MSMEs and start-ups under iDEX. Till now, Acceptance of Necessity of more than Rs 2,000 crore has been given in 19 cases, of which contracts worth up to Rs 784 crore have been completed.

    Raksha Mantri congratulated the winners for their innovative solutions to the challenges given by the Armed Forces, terming their feats as extraordinary. He exhorted them to think ahead and come out with products, which are not immediately needed, but can become a necessity for the Armed Forces after they are actually developed.

    Citing the success of digital transactions, Shri Rajnath Singh stated that today India has emerged as the world’s largest country in terms of the value of digital payments. He also spoke of the Jan Dhan, Aadhaar and Mobile Trinity, which has made the delivery of government schemes easy and transparent. “You don’t wait for the right time, you bring the right time. You’re fully capable. You must come up with new ideas through innovation,” he said, assuring all possible help of the Government in this endeavour.

    Raksha Mantri highlighted the self-reliance efforts being made by the Government, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, stating that the changes brought about in the last few years have created an innovative culture in India, keeping national security in mind. “There was a time when we had become so dependent on imports for arms and equipment that innovative ideas could never take birth. Even if there were ideas, there was no system to execute them. It is a result of our Prime Minister’s farsightedness that the situation has improved rapidly in the last few years. Today, we also have a concrete ecosystem, and we are moving rapidly towards self-reliance,” he said. He described the Indian Navy as an Innovative Navy, commending its efforts towards achieving self-reliance.

    Acknowledging the vital contribution of both public & private sectors in realising the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, Shri Rajnath Singh reasserted the Government’s commitment to march ahead on the road to progress by taking all the stakeholders together. “Our public sector was already involved in the defence sector. But, when we came to power, we realised that a bird fly cannot fly with one wing, and there is a need to strengthen the other wing as well. We are making efforts to increase the participation of the private sector in the defence industrial ecosystem. Our DPSUs are moving rapidly towards achieving the goal of self-reliance. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited recently achieved the status of ‘Maharatna’ by increasing its capacity. I am quite satisfied with the performance of our DPSUs. I appeal to our DPSUs and the private sector to continuously achieve new heights on the strength of ‘Continuous Innovation’,” he said.

    Raksha Mantri added that the Government’s concerted efforts have not only reduced import dependency & ensured public and private sectors to work together for ‘Aatmanirbharta in defence, it has also resulted in the emergence of science, technology, innovation & self-reliance as a revolutionary idea throughout the country. He was of the view that the idea of innovation & self-reliance has blossomed, and the Government’s efforts have awakened this consciousness among the youth.

    Shri Rajnath Singh credited the innovation in the youth for the rise in the number of start-ups in the country, which has crossed over one lakh – more than 100 being unicorns. “Start-ups are playing a big role in defence manufacturing. Our youth have realised that they can make the country self-reliant through innovation,” he said.

    Speaking on the occasion, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi reiterated the Indian Navy’s commitment to safeguard national maritime interests, adding that to facilitate this journey, a solemn resolve has been made to become a ‘Fully Aatmanirbhar Force’ by 2047. He mentioned that through collaborative efforts of Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) and NIIO, 173 challenges presented to the Industry by the Navy, including all the 75 challenges launched by the Prime Minister as part of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahostsav’ have been converted into pragmatic solutions and positive outcomes.

    “The overwhelming success of our previous two editions has inspired us to expand the scope and scale of this year’s edition through the launch of new transformational technology challenges and a Hackathon. This landmark edition is also witnessing the largest ever participation of delegates from across our defence sector, including counterparts from the Army, Air Force and Coast Guard as well as Central Armed Police Forces, Defence PSUs and DRDO,” the Chief of the Naval Staff said.

    On the occasion, Raksha Mantri witnessed the innovation and futuristic technologies developed by the iDEX winners and innovators. Another highlight was the Flag-off of the ‘Sagarmala Parikrama’ to conduct an autonomous passage of about 1,500 kms from Mumbai to Tuticorin. Towards adding streamlined focus in developing manufacturing capability for niche products like semiconductors, an MoU was exchanged between Bharat Electronics Limited, 3rdiTech and Bharat Semiconductors.

    Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Defence Secretary-designate Shri RK Singh, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff Lt Gen JP Mathew, other senior civil & military officials of Ministry of Defence, President, Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers Shri Rajinder Singh Bhatia, industry leaders and academia were present on the occasion.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Raksha Mantri reviews the performance of DPSUs; Receives dividend cheques amounting to Rs 1,620 crore

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 29 OCT 2024 6:01PM by PIB Delhi

    Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh reviewed the performance of Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) at South Block, New Delhi on October 29, 2024. He emphasised the importance of development of new technology by DPSUs & indigenisation and lauded the role of DPSUs in preparedness of the Armed Forces.

    Raksha Mantri directed the DPSUs to put dedicated efforts and resources towards Research & Development (R&D), Export & Indigenisation. He further exhorted them on increasing the production capacity, quality of products and timely deliveries to Armed forces.

    Shri Rajnath Singh congratulated CMD, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on getting the Maharatna Status & becoming the 14th Maharatna PSU of India and first among the DPSUs. He also encouraged other DPSUs to become maharatna and navratna. Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar briefed the minister about the overview of DPSUs including financial performance, present status & category of DPSUs and further efforts by them in the areas of R&D & Indigenisation etc.

    At the end of the review, DPSUs namely HAL, Bharat Electronics Limited, BEML Limited, Bharat Dynamics Limited, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd and Goa Shipyard Limited handed over Dividend Cheques amounting to Rs. 1620 Cr to Raksha Mantri.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Seeds of Tomorrow

    Source: Government of India

    Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

    Seeds of Tomorrow


    Nurturing Dreams on World Thrift Day

    Posted On:
    29 OCT 2024 5:36PM by PIB Delhi

    Seeds of Tomorrow

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India’s Cyber Swachhta Abhiyaan, a step to build safer Digital India by educating and empowering the youth

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 29 OCT 2024 5:52PM by PIB Delhi

     The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) and the United Service Institution of India (USI) organized the Quad Cyber Challenge as part of the “Cyber Swachhta Abhiyaan” – India’s Cyber Hygiene Campaign. The Quad Cyber Challenge event was announced by the Quad Leaders’ to strengthen responsible cyber ecosystems, promote public resources, and raise cyber security awareness. The theme of this year’s Challenge is promoting cyber security education and building a strong workforce. In this event, eminent cyber security experts undertook awareness workshops for students and faculty members, not only to motivate them to adopt cyber hygiene habits, but also to opt for cyber security as a career option.

    This event has been supported by Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan and had participation of Principals, Faculties and Students from ten Kendriya Vidyalaya Schools.

    The speakers highlighted that Cyber Security is a priority area for our country and that the role of Education in Cyber Security is paramount and plays a pivotal role in combating cyber threats. Hence, Schools must include cyber security awareness modules in their curriculum not only for promoting cyber security education but also to encourage the students to take up Cyber Security as a career option.

    The National Cyber Security Coordinator of India encouraged students to develop cyber hygiene and highlighted that the Cyber Swachhta Abhiyaan is a significant step towards building a cyber-secure India. By educating and empowering our youth, we can create a generation that is well-equipped to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. The Quad Cyber Challenge is an international collaborative step to thematically take up the awareness campaigns in building cyber security and resilience in respective countries.

    The eminent speakers in the event conducted awareness workshops for students and faculty members, not only to motivate them to adopt better practices in cyber domain, but also encourage them to choose cyber security domains in their future career paths, especially for women. The Experts talked about Cyber Law, Cybercrime & investigation aspects, Digital Forensics, Cyber Security career options and online safety initiatives for children.  

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh exhorts Officials to contribute a few hours a week for Shramdaan to maintain cleanliness at workplaces

    Source: Government of India

    Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh exhorts Officials to contribute a few hours a week for Shramdaan to maintain cleanliness at workplaces

    Shri Rajnath Singh Felicitates Swachhata Veers

    Posted On: 29 OCT 2024 5:40PM by PIB Delhi

    Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh exhorted the officials in Ministry of Defence to contribute individually towards a few hours of shramdaan every week to maintain cleanliness at the workplace, emphasizing that a cleaner and decluttered workplace leads to enhanced productivity. He administered the swachhata pledge to officials in South Block today on 29 October 2024, and inspected the office premises, including the recently renovated corridor at Gate No. 09 and beautified courtyard.

    Raksha Mantri also felicitated the Swachhata Veers whose tireless efforts have been crucial in maintaining hygiene and cleanliness of the South Block premises.

    The Campaign was conducted with a three-pronged approach of general upkeep and cleanliness drive with beautification of building, corridors and courtyards; weeding out of old records, scrapping and disposal of old equipment and furniture; and Clearance and redress of VIP references and grievances.

    The Ministry of Defence and its subordinate offices together conducted Swachhata Abhiyan at 3,832 locations/sites across the country. The overarching thrust of the Campaign has been on gainful utilization of available resources and generation of revenue from disposal of scrap.

     Keeping with this spirit, obsolete office equipment/IT equipment in the organizations were condemned and revenue was generated by way of their disposal during the Campaign. More than 2.81 Lakh square feet of space has been freed pan India for better utilization.  A total of 36,444 physical files has been reviewed. 169 public grievances on CPGRAMS and 45 MP/VIP references have been addressed during the Campaign.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Inaugurates, Lays Foundation Stone of several projects and Launches various Health Programmes across 4 Ministries on Dhanvantari Jayanti, significantly enhancing health infrastructure across the country

    Source: Government of India

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Inaugurates, Lays Foundation Stone of several projects and Launches various Health Programmes across 4 Ministries on Dhanvantari Jayanti, significantly enhancing health infrastructure across the country

    Various initiatives amounting to more than Rs. 12,855 Cr, include projects worth more than Rs. 5502 Cr under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare; Rs. 5187 Cr under Dept. of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers; Rs. 1641 under ESIC, Ministry of Labour and Employment and Rs. 525.14 Cr under the Ministry of AYUSH

    Prime Minister Unveils Comprehensive Five-Pillar Health Policy Focused on Preventive Care and Accessibility

    Prime Minister Launches Expansion of Health Coverage under AB-PMJAY for citizens of and above 70 years, at a cost of Rs. 3437 Crore

    Every senior citizen in the country aged 70 and above will receive free hospital treatment through the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card: Prime Minister

    “Health is regarded as the greatest wealth, a concept that is gaining global recognition through Yoga”

    Prime Minister Reiterates Commitment to add 75,000 New MBBS and MD Seats to Meet Rising Demand

    Prime Minister Inaugurates Phase-II of India’s First All India Institute of Ayurveda in New Delhi, Central Drugs Testing Laboratory in Bhubaneswar, Odisha; 3 Government Medical Colleges in Madhya Pradesh; 5 projects under PLI Scheme for medical devices and drugs; 4 Centers of Excellence of AYUSH; and many projects at various AIIMS; Inaugurates ESIC hospital at Indore

    Prime Minister lays Foundation Stone for 5 Nursing Colleges in Madhya Pradesh; 21 Critical Care Blocks under PM-ABHIM in 5 States; 2 Yoga & Naturopathy Institutes in Odisha & Chhattisgarh; upgradation projects at AIIMS New Delhi and Bilaspur; 06 ESI hospitals in 5 States and 4 Centres of Excellence at NIPERs in 4 States

    Prime Minister Launches U-WIN portal for digitalization of Immunization services for pregnant women and children, enhancing access to health services and providing citizens with secure digital identities

    Prime Minister Launches Nationwide Campaign “Desh Ka Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyan” to promote Health Awareness among Citizens

    Posted On: 29 OCT 2024 5:30PM by PIB Delhi

    In a landmark development aimed at strengthening India’s healthcare infrastructure and providing quality healthcare services across the country, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of several health infrastructure projects, and launched various health programmes across the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Ministry of Ayush, Dept. of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, and Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) under Ministry of Labour & Employment at an event at All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), here today. The total outlay of these projects amounts to more than 12,855 cr.

    Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda; Union Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya; Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH and Union MoS for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav; Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel; Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Smt. Shobha Karandlaje and Shri Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, South Delhi MP (Lok Sabha) were also present on the occasion.

    Today marks 9th ‘Ayurveda Day’, which is celebrated in India and many other countries on the occasion of Dhanvantari Jayanti. It is a day to celebrate the birth of Lord Dhanvantari, God of Ayurveda. Quoting sages and saints, Prime Minister emphasized that “health is regarded as the greatest wealth, a concept that is gaining global recognition through Yoga”. He expressed joy that Ayurveda Diwas is now celebrated in over 150 countries, highlighting the increasing global interest in Ayurveda and India’s ancient contributions to the world.

    Prime Minister said that in the past decade, the country had witnessed beginning of a new chapter in the health sector with amalgamation of knowledge of Ayurveda with Modern medicine, adding that the All India Institute of Ayurveda had been a focal point of this chapter. He noted that it would be possible to see ancient techniques like Panchakarma infused with modern technology in this institute along with advanced research studies in the fields of Ayurveda and medical science.

    Prime Minister underscored that “a nation’s progress is closely linked to the health of its citizens”, outlining the government’s commitment to healthcare through five key pillars: preventive healthcare, early disease detection, affordable treatment and medications, increased doctor availability in smaller towns, and technological advancements in health services. He stated that India’s approach to health is holistic and highlighted recent projects worth over ₹13,000 crores, including four Centers of Excellence under the Ayush Health scheme, drone service expansions, new infrastructure at various AIIMS, and the establishment of medical colleges. He expressed satisfaction with hospitals being built for laborers, which will serve as dedicated treatment centres. The inauguration of pharmaceutical units aimed at manufacturing advanced medicines and quality stents and implants was also mentioned.

    Reflecting on the struggles many families face due to illness, especially in poorer households, Shri Modi noted that people previously had to sell their possessions for medical care. He said that “to alleviate this burden, the government introduced the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, which covers up to ₹5 lakh in hospitalization costs for the poor”. He highlighted that around 4 crore individuals have benefited from this scheme, ensuring that they receive treatment without financial strain. He expressed pride in expanding the Ayushman Yojana to include free treatment for all citizens over 70 years old, through the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card, which is universally accessible regardless of income.

    Reiterating the focus on reducing healthcare costs for both the poor and middle class, Prime Minister noted launch of over 14,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras, providing medicines at an 80% discount and saving citizens ₹30,000 crores. He highlighted reductions in the prices of medical devices like stents and knee implants, preventing a loss of over ₹80,000 crores for the public. He also mentioned the free dialysis scheme and the Mission Indradhanush yojana, aimed at preventing severe diseases and protecting mothers and newborns.

    Prime Minister emphasized the importance of timely diagnosis to mitigate health risks and mentioned the establishment of nearly two lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, facilitating early detection of diseases like cancer and diabetes. He noted that these centres help millions access timely treatment, ultimately reducing costs. Additionally, the government is leveraging technology through the e-Sanjeevani scheme, which has enabled over 30 crore online consultations, significantly lowering healthcare expenses. He announced the launch of the U-win platform, enhancing access to health services in India by providing citizens with secure digital identities. The Made-in-India digital platform will benefit 2.9 crore pregnant women and 2.6 crore infants annually by fully digitalising the complete vaccination process. It will ensure the timely administration of life-saving vaccines to women and children (from birth to 16 years) against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s flagship Universal Immunization Programme (UIP).

     

    Prime Minister concluded his address by reflecting on the substantial progress in India’s healthcare over the last decade compared to the previous decades, noting the record establishment of new AIIMS and medical colleges. He cited recent inaugurations in states like Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh, as well as new medical colleges being developed. He assured that the increasing number of hospitals correlates with a rise in medical education opportunities, promising that no child’s dream of becoming a doctor would be hindered by lack of options in India, with nearly 1 lakh new MBBS and MD seats added in the past decade and a commitment to announce an additional 75,000 seats in the next five years.

    Speaking on the occasion, Shri JP Nadda said, “the health policy presented today by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has two special features. The first characteristic is that it is holistic; In this, all aspects of preventive, promotional, curative, rehabilitative and palliative have been taken care of. The second feature is that the effort made in bringing all the genres together under one roof is very significant and will always be remembered.”

    He also reiterated that the Union Government will provide a health cover of ₹ 5 lakh to any elderly person above 70 years of age, any woman, any caste, any community, and any area, and will make arrangements for their treatment free of cost, adding that this facility will be available throughout their life.

    Shri Prataprao Jadhav noted that since 2014, Ayurveda’s involvement in global health has gained a new dimension and credited the Prime Minister for his exemplary contribution towards this. He informed that ‘Support Ayurveda’ initiative has been launched with the aim of spreading global awareness of Ayurveda.

    Details of Projects:

    Various projects and facilities falling under the Union Health Ministry amounting to more than Rs. 1133 Cr were inaugurated by the Prime Minister today. These include three Medical Colleges at Mandsaur, Neemuch and Seoni in Madhya Pradesh; facility and service extensions at AIIMS in Bilaspur (Himachal Pradesh); Kalyani (West Bengal), Patna (Bihar), Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh), Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), Guwahati (Assam), and New Delhi where a Jan Aushadhi Kendra was inaugurated; a Super Speciality Block in Government Medical Colleges at Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh); a Central Drugs Testing Laboratory (CDTL) in Gothapatna, Bhubaneswar, Odisha and a Critical Care Block in Bargarh, Odisha.

    In addition, Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for various health infrastructure projects amounting to more than Rs. 925 cr. These include five Nursing Colleges in Madhya Pradesh (Shivpuri, Ratlam, Khandwa, Rajgarh, and Mandsaur); 21 Critical Care Blocks in states of Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Manipur & Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan under PM-ABHIM; and several facilities and service extensions at AIIMS, New Delhi and AIIMS Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh.

    With the aim of enhancing access to health services in India by providing citizens with fully digitalized immunization services for pregnant women and children and secure digital identities, Prime Minister launched the U-WIN portal today. This Made-in-India digital platform will benefit 2.9 crore pregnant women and 2.6 crore infants annually by fully digitalizing the complete vaccination process. It will ensure the timely administration of life-saving vaccines to pregnant women and children (from birth to 16 years) against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases. As a major addition to the flagship scheme AB PM-JAY, Prime Minister launched expansion of health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 yrs and above, regardless of their income, at a cost of Rs. 3437 crores.  

    To extend the reach of healthcare services to hard-to-reach areas, Prime Minister launched drone services at 11 Tertiary Care Institutions. These are AIIMS Rishikesh (Uttarakhand), AIIMS Bibinagar (Telangana), AIIMS Guwahati (Assam), AIIMS Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), AIIMS Jodhpur (Rajasthan), AIIMS Patna (Bihar), AIIMS Bilaspur (Himachal Pradesh), AIIMS Raebareli (Uttar Pradesh, AIIMS Raipur (Chhattisgarh), RIMS Imphal (Manipur) and AIIMS Mangalagiri (Andhra Pradesh). A Helicopter Emergency Medical Services from AIIMS Rishikesh was also launched which will help to deliver speedy medical care by stabilizing and treating trauma victims during flight and onsite. It will cover Uttarakhand and nearby areas within 100 nautical miles. In addition, Prime Minister launched a portal for Allied Healthcare professionals and institutes. This is a centralized database of existing Allied and Healthcare Professionals and institutes. Moreover, State specific Action Plan on Climate Change and Human Health (SAPCCHH) for each State and UT was also launched, which lays out adaptation strategies towards developing climate resilient healthcare services in these States/UTs.

    Under the Dept. of Pharmaceuticals, five projects under Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for Medical Devices and bulk drugs was inaugurated at Vapi (Gujarat); Sultanpur, (Hyderabad); Bengaluru, (Karnataka); Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh) and Nalagarh (Himachal Pradesh). These units will manufacture high-end medical devices, such as body implants and critical care equipment, along with important bulk drugs like Penicillin-G and Clavulanic Acid. These initiatives support India’s goal of reducing import dependence and enhancing local manufacturing capabilities in medical devices and bulk drugs. Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of four Centres of Excellence at NIPER –Ahmedabad (Gujarat) for Medical Devices; NIPER Hyderabad (Telangana) for Bulk Drugs; NIPER, Guwahati (Assam) for Phytopharmaceuticals; and NIPER – Mohali (Punjab) for Anti-Bacterial Anti-Viral Drug Discovery and Development. The total outlay for the Dept. of Pharmaceutical projects is about Rs. 5187 crores.

    In addition, under Ministry of Labour and Employment, Prime Minister inaugurated a 300 bedded ESIC Hospital which is upgradable to 500 beds at Indore (Madhya Pradesh), and laid the foundation stone for various ESI Hospitals across Faridabad (Haryana), Bommasandra (Karnataka) & Narasapur, Indore (Madhya Pradesh), Meerut (Uttar Pradesh), and Atchutapuram (Andhra Pradesh) at a cumulative cost of Rs 1641 crores. These projects will bring healthcare benefits to 55 lakh ESI beneficiaries.

    Under the Ministry of AYUSH, Prime Minister inaugurated Phase II of the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), originally dedicated in 2017, which includes a 150-bedded Panchakarma hospital, an Ayurvedic pharmacy, a sports medicine unit, and extensive accommodation facilities, all at a cost of over ₹289 crores. To enhance India’s health and wellness solutions, he also laid the foundation for two Central Research Institutes in Yoga and Naturopathy in Odisha and Chhattisgarh, and launched four Centers of Excellence focused on diabetes research, sustainable Ayurvedic solutions, Ayurvedic botanical research, and systems medicine for rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, a nationwide health awareness campaign, “Desh Ka Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyan,” was launched with 470,000 volunteers, aiming to revolutionize public health awareness and attempt multiple Guinness World Records.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Vigilance Department of RINL organises Walkathon at Visakhapatnam Steel Plant as Part of Vigilance Awareness Week 2024 at Visakhapatnam Steel Plan

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 29 OCT 2024 5:07PM by PIB Delhi

    In alignment with the guidelines set by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), the Vigilance Department of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), the corporate entity of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant organized a Walkathon in association with the Sports Department at Col. CK. Naidu Ukku Stadium of Visakhapatnam Steel plant, today.

    This event was held as part of the observance of Vigilance Awareness Week 2024 at Visakhapatnam Steel Plant and saw enthusiastic participation from over 300 school children from various institutions of Ukkunagaram along with their parents for about 4 kilometre stretch in the Ukkunagaram township.

    Addressing the jubilant gathering, Dr. S. Karuna Raju, IAS, Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO), RINL underscored the significance of vigilance in various aspects of life. Dr. S. Karuna Raju encouraged students to be vigilant in their learning, conduct & behavior, Relationships, Social interactions, Safety & Security, Health, Finance, environment and at public places.

    Dr. S Karuna Raju, IAS, CVO, RINL emphasized the importance of cultivating honesty and maintaining integrity to curb corruption. He emphasized that today’s students are the leaders of tomorrow, destined to shape fields such as science & technology, education, industries, public services, governance and politics. He encouraged students to develop the habits of honesty and integrity from an early age, explaining how these values are crucial in building a fair and just society.

    Dr. S Karuna Raju, IAS, CVO, RINL inspired all to use technology responsibly and to always act with ethical principles, reinforcing that a corruption-free society begins with individual commitment to truth and transparency and these values are foundational to building a strong and principled nation.

    The Walkathon event successfully highlighted the role of awareness and integrity, reinforcing the message of vigilance and ethical conduct among the younger generation and public.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Launches, Inaugurates and Lays Foundation Stone of Multiple Health Sector Projects Worth Over Rs. 12,850 Crore on Dhanvantari Jayanti and 9th Ayurveda Day

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Launches, Inaugurates and Lays Foundation Stone of Multiple Health Sector Projects Worth Over Rs. 12,850 Crore on Dhanvantari Jayanti and 9th Ayurveda Day

    PM Inaugurates and Lays foundation Stone of 7 ESIC Projects worth Rs. 1,641 Crore Benefitting 55 Lakh Beneficiaries

    Prime Minister has Linked Health with Development, Crafting a ‘Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya’ Health Model: Dr. Mandaviya

    ESIC Beneficiaries to Receive Treatment at AB-PMJAY Empanelled Hospitals: Union Minister

    Number of ESIC beneficiaries has Doubled in last 10 Years: Union Minister

    ESIC Network has Expanded from 393 Districts in 2014 to 674 Districts in 2024: Union Minister

    Posted On: 29 OCT 2024 5:04PM by PIB Delhi

    In a momentous event coinciding with Dhanvantari Jayanti and the 9th Ayurveda Day, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched, inaugurated, and laid the foundation stone of multiple healthcare projects worth over Rs. 12,850 crore at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi today. These initiatives signify a substantial boost to healthcare infrastructure across India, aligned with the Prime Minister’s mission of ensuring quality healthcare services nationwide. Notably, seven of these projects pertain to the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, benefiting a vast segment of workers and their families.

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the ESIC Hospital in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, and laid the foundation for six additional ESI hospitals across the country. Collectively, these projects are worth Rs. 1,641 crore and will enhance healthcare access for approximately 55 lakh ESI beneficiaries and their families.

    Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister highlighted the unprecedented progress made in India’s healthcare sector over the past decade, contrasting it with the limited achievements in the previous six to seven decades and said, “In the last 10 years, we have seen a record number of new AIIMS and medical colleges being established”. Referring to today’s occasion, the Prime Minister said that hospitals were inaugurated in Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh.

    Prime Minister also mentioned the foundation stone laying for new medical colleges in Narsapur and Bommasandra in Karnataka, Pithampur in Madhya Pradesh, Achitapuram in Andhra Pradesh, and Faridabad in Haryana. “Additionally, work has begun on the new ESIC Hospital in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, and a new hospital was inaugurated in Indore”, he added.

    Speaking during the event, Union Minister of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted the transformative impact of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision, which has integrated healthcare as a cornerstone of India’s development strategy.

    He said, “Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has linked health with development, crafting a ‘Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya’ health model that ensures healthcare is accessible, affordable, and available to every citizen.”

    Highlighting the substantial growth in ESIC’s services during the past decade, Dr. Mandaviya stated, “ESIC network has expanded from 393 districts in 2014 to 674 districts across the country. Where under 2 crore families benefitted from health security before 2014, that number has now nearly doubled to almost 4 crore families today.”

    He added, “Similarly, the number of ESIC beneficiaries has almost doubled in the last 10 years, rising from less than 8 crore in 2014 to about 15 crore in 2024. This underscores the success of the government’s efforts in improving quality healthcare for India’s workforce.”

    Dr. Mandaviya stated that, in the coming days, Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) will be integrated with Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). He mentioned that this integration will expand healthcare access for ESIC beneficiaries by enabling them to seek treatment at AB-PMJAY empanelled hospitals nationwide.

    The six new ESI hospitals, for which the foundation stones were laid today, will offer modern facilities and essential medical services:

    1. Bommasandra, Karnataka – 200 bedded ESI hospital
    2. Narsapur, Karnataka – 100 bedded ESI hospital
    3. Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh – 100 bedded ESI hospital
    4. Meerut, Uttar Pradesh – 100 bedded ESI hospital
    5. Atchutapuram, Andhra Pradesh – 30 bedded ESIS hospital
    6. Faridabad, Haryana – Upgraded ESIC Medical College and Hospital, with additional 500 beds, expanding its capacity from 650 to 1150 beds

    Additionally, the 300 bedded ESIC Hospital at Indore, Madhya Pradesh, inaugurated by the Prime Minister, is designed to be expandable to 500 beds. It will benefit around 14 lakh Insured Persons and beneficiaries.

    These ESIC health facilities will provide modern healthcare facilities such as Modular Operation Theatre Complexes, Intensive Care Units, Labour Room Complexes, NICU, PICU, and advanced imaging services. Each facility will be equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology, including liquid medical oxygen plants, CSSD/TSSU units, and Nurse Call systems, catering to both outpatient (OPD) and inpatient (IPD) services.

    Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare & Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri J P Nadda, Union Minister of State (I/C) for Ministry of Ayush & Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Smt. Anupriya Patel and Union Minister of State for Labour & Employment and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Sushri Shobha Karandlaje were present on the occasion among others. 

    Full event can be viewed at – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlxy0QfqOZA

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    Himanshu Pathak

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Organizes Nationwide “Run for Unity” to Celebrate National Unity and Integrity

    Source: Government of India

    Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Organizes Nationwide “Run for Unity” to Celebrate National Unity and Integrity

    Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal and MoS Shri Shantanu Thakur Lead Runs across Key Port Cities

    Eminent Marathoner Sunita Godara Inspires over 1,000 Participants in New Delhi’s run for Unity

    Posted On: 29 OCT 2024 4:43PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) organized a nationwide “Run for Unity” event to honor the spirit of unity and national integrity on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary. Held in New Delhi and across major ports and subsidiaries, the event drew participants from all walks of life.

    Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal took part in the run in Guwahati, while Minister of State Shri Shantanu Thakur led the Kolkata event, organized by Kolkata Port. In New Delhi, the event saw the enthusiastic participation of Shri TK, Ramachandran, Secretary, MoPSW joined by more than 1,000 participants, including Khelo India athletes, yoga enthusiasts, senior citizens, and runners from Skechers. Renowned international marathoner and 1992 Asian Marathon Championship winner, Sunita Godara, led the Unity Run, inspiring participants with her legacy of endurance and determination.

    In his message, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said, “The ‘Run for Unity’ is not just a run, but a reflection of our collective commitment to uphold Sardar Patel’s vision of a unified India. Through this event, we are reminded of the strength that lies in our unity and the importance of coming together for our nation’s progress.”

    Minister of State Shantanu Thakur added, “Today’s event highlights the diverse fabric of India as citizens of all ages and backgrounds come together to honor our legacy. We are proud to celebrate the indomitable spirit of India’s unity, which remains our guiding strength in all pursuits, including maritime excellence.”

    The “Run for Unity” serves as a tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to fostering unity and community spirit nationwide.

    The Run for Unity brings together people from all walks of life in celebration of national cohesion. It highlights our commitment to promoting physical fitness, community engagement, and above all, the enduring unity that underpins our nation’s progress’, mentioned, Shri TK Ramachandran, IAS-Secretary, MoPSW

    The event concluded with a strong message of national solidarity, resonating across all ports and communities involved. This celebration of unity serves as a reminder of the Ministry’s dedication to building a resilient, cohesive maritime community, contributing to a prosperous and united nation.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal flags off ‘Run for Unity’ on the eve of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal flags off ‘Run for Unity’ on the eve of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas

    Minister in the Govt of Assam, Keshab Mahanta as well as the MP for Guwahati LSC, Bijuli Kalita Medhi also joined the event

     Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel’s invaluable contribution towards the unity of India laid the foundation for country’s path towards a strength & prosperity: Shri Sarbananda Sonowal

    Posted On: 29 OCT 2024 4:13PM by PIB Delhi

    The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off ‘Run for Unity’ here today from the Sarusajai sports complex. Organised on the eve of ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas,’ Shri Sonowal highlighted the invaluable contribution of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel towards unifying the country and laying the foundation for a strong and prosperous nation. The Union Minister was joined by the Minister in the Govt of Assam, Shri Keshab Mahanta along with the MP (Guwahati), Bijuli Kalita Medhi. The event was organised by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Govt of India along with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), with support from the Govt of Assam.

    Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, said, “Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the “Iron Man of India,” restored the unity and integrity of the nation, laying the foundation for a strong and prosperous India. On the eve of his birth anniversary, we are celebrating ‘Run for Unity’ to bring home the idea of nationhood. The invaluable contribution of Sardar Patel towards integrating and unifying the country at great peril ensured a strong foundation for the India story to take shape. Thanks to this foundation, we are moving ahead to realise the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat by 2047. With the blessing of Sardar Patel, The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji is leading the country with the motto of ‘EK BHARAT, SHRESTH BHARAT.’ It gives me immense pleasure to witness all of you, especially the youth, to celebrate the great ideals of Sardar Patel via this ‘Run for Unity.’ The enduring contributions of Bharat Ratna Sardar Patel will continue to inspire every citizen of the country.”

    The run was joined by people from all sections of the society, with predominant participation from the youth and school students. The runners enthusiastically participated, followed the run-in trail built around the Sarusajai stadium to complete it and expressed their will to align with the idea of the run as well as that of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.

    The Rashtriya Ekta Diwas or the National Unity Day has been celebrated on the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel on 31st October since 2015. On this occasion, the people of the country remember the great icon of nationalism and pledge for unity and integrity of India. Earlier this week, the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi during the radio broadcast of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ called upon to celebrate ‘Run for Unity’ today instead of 31 October on account of Deepawali festival.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ARMY COMMANDERS’ CONFERENCE CONCLUDES: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS MINISTER ADDRESSES SENIOR LEADERSHIP OF INDIAN ARMY

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 29 OCT 2024 4:12PM by PIB Delhi

    The second phase of the Army Commanders’ Conference concluded today in New Delhi. This phase, conducted on 28th and 29th of October 2024, witnessed the Indian Army’s senior leadership deliberating on critical strategic issues affecting both border security and the hinterland.

    A key highlight of the conference was the address by Hon’ble External Affairs Minister (EAM), Dr S Jaishankar, on the theme of the ‘Evolving Geopolitical Landscape and Opportunities for the Indian Armed Forces’. Dr Jaishankar underscored the intricate global and geopolitical dynamics that impact India and highlighted the country’s expectations from the Armed Forces and the preparedness required to address the contradictions and challenges of the current world order. He appreciated the Indian Army for remaining vigilant and urged leadership to be prepared to adapt to rapidly evolving geopolitical threats and opportunities and emphasised the importance of technological advancements and the lessons drawn from ongoing global conflicts in shaping India’s strategic posture.

    Over the last two days, the Indian Army’s senior hierarchy engaged in in-depth discussions on operational and administrative issues. The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Anil Chauhan, addressed the gathering, reflecting on the recent success of the Joint Commanders’ Conference in Lucknow. Reviewing the current security situation, General Chauhan stressed the importance of jointness and the roadmap for enhanced integration across domains, which is critical for future warfare and effective operations. He outlined the step-by-step approach towards integration, starting with Cross-Service Cooperation, progressing to a ‘Joint Culture’, and ultimately achieving full integration for joint operations. He reiterated the need for operational readiness to counter emerging challenges, underscoring modernisation and strategic autonomy as pivotal goals, especially within the framework of Vision 2047.

    Additionally, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, addressed the audience, discussing the rapidly shifting dynamics in geopolitics, technology, and tactics. Admiral Tripathi emphasised the need for the Armed Forces to remain proactive and adaptable to these changes, particularly within the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific regions. He highlighted the Indian Navy’s preparedness to tackle maritime challenges and their cascading effects on land operations, underscoring the importance of maintaining operational superiority in these strategic waters.

    During the conference, the Army leadership also deliberated on welfare measures and financial security schemes for soldiers, veterans, and their families, while various Boards of Governors met to discuss these critical issues.

    The conference concluded with the distribution of awards to Military Stations in several categories for Green Military Station and Aviation Flight Safety, highlighting the Army’s commitment to environmental sustainability and safety. The awards for Green Military Stations were conferred as follows:

    • Military Station (Population >10,000): Patiala (1st Position) and Jodhpur (2nd Position).
    • Military Station (Population 5,000-10,000): Bagrakote (1st Position) and Bhuj (2nd Position).
    • Military Station (Population <5,000): Kannur (1st Position) and Umroi (2nd Position).
    • Avshesh Mukt Sainya Abhiyaan (Best Waste Disposal Mechanism): Sevoke Road (1st Position) and Pratap Pur (2nd Position).
    • Best Transformative Station: Suratgarh (1st Position) and Abohar (2nd Position).

     

    In the realm of Aviation Flight Safety, 257 Army Aviation Squadron and 663 Army Aviation Squadron were awarded best-in-flight safety trophies.

    This conference reaffirmed the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to readiness and adaptability, as the senior leadership resolved to accelerate ongoing transformational initiatives and actively contribute to various national endeavours. Emphasising a forward-looking approach, the Indian Army remains fully dedicated to preparing for present and emerging challenges, ensuring a progressive, resilient, and future-ready force aligned with India’s strategic interests

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister condoles loss of lives in a bus accident in Sikar, Rajasthan

    Source: Government of India

    Prime Minister condoles loss of lives in a bus accident in Sikar, Rajasthan

    Announces ex-gratia from PMNRF

    Posted On: 29 OCT 2024 7:32PM by PIB Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today condoled the loss of lives in a bus accident in Sikar, Rajasthan.   Prime Minister  Modi also announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs. 50,000 to the injured.

    The Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased in the mishap in Sikar, Rajasthan. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000.”

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister pays tribute to tribal leader Shri Kartik Oraon on his birth centenary

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 29 OCT 2024 9:16AM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today paid tributes to tribal leader Shri Kartik Oraon on his birth centenary. Shri Modi hailed Shri Oraon as a great leader who dedicated his entire life for the rights and self-respect of the tribal community and being a vocal spokesperson of the tribal society to protect the tribal culture and identity.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Ministers greets the nation on occasion of Ayurveda Day

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 29 OCT 2024 8:54AM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today greeted the nation on the occasion of Ayurveda Day. He remarked that the auspicious occasion of Lord Dhanvantari’s birth anniversary is associated with the utility and contribution of Ayurveda in our great culture. Shri Modi expressed confidence that Ayurveda – an ancient system of medicine will continue to be useful for the healthy life of the entire humanity.

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