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Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI: EZCORP Reports First Quarter Fiscal 2025 Results Record PLO Drives Strong Increase in Net Income

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EZCORP, Inc. (NASDAQ: EZPW), a leading provider of pawn transactions in the United States and Latin America, today announced results for its first quarter ended December 31, 2024.

    Unless otherwise noted, all amounts in this release are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and comparisons shown are to the same period in the prior year.

    FIRST QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS

    • Pawn loans outstanding (PLO) up 13% to $274.8 million.
    • Net income increased 9% to $31.0 million. On an adjusted basis1, net income increased 14% to $32.6 million.
    • Diluted earnings per share increased 11% to $0.40. On an adjusted basis, diluted earnings per share increased 17% to $0.42.
    • Adjusted EBITDA increased 12% to $53.0 million.
    • Total revenues increased 7% to $320.2 million, while gross profit increased 7% to $185.4 million.

    CEO COMMENTARY AND OUTLOOK

    Lachie Given, Chief Executive Officer, stated, “Fiscal 2025 is off to a strong start as we build on our momentum from 2024. Customer demand for immediate cash solutions and high quality, cost-effective secondhand goods remains high, as reflected by another quarter of record revenues and PLO. We also continued to drive meaningful improvements to our bottom line and deliver on the operating leverage inherent in our business, with adjusted EBITDA increasing 12% and adjusted diluted EPS increasing 17%.

    “Our consistent performance across geographies underscores the strength of our operations and customer-focused strategy. In the U.S., PLO grew 15%, driven by strong loan demand and higher average loan size. In Latin America, PLO rose 19% on a constant currency basis, with revenues up 18%, reflecting robust customer demand for loans and secondhand goods, as well as our outstanding customer service. Our EZ+ Rewards program also continues to perform exceptionally well, which accounted for 77% of all transacting customers. These results demonstrate the momentum we are gaining across markets and the success of our strategic initiatives.”

    “We are proud of the solid foundation we have built, which will enable us to continue driving growth both organically and through strategic M&A. Looking ahead, we plan to continue delivering exceptional service to our customers and enhancing value for our shareholders. We remain deeply committed to our core values of People, Pawn and Passion, and believe we are very well-positioned to deliver another record year of performance in fiscal 2025,” concluded Given.

    CONSOLIDATED RESULTS

    Three Months Ended December 31 As Reported   Adjusted1
    in millions, except per share amounts 2024
    		   2023
    		   2024
    		   2023
                   
    Total revenues $ 320.2     $ 300.0     $ 329.7     $ 300.0  
    Gross profit $ 185.4     $ 172.6     $ 190.2     $ 172.6  
    Income before tax $ 41.4     $ 37.7     $ 43.4     $ 37.8  
    Net income $ 31.0     $ 28.5     $ 32.6     $ 28.6  
    Diluted earnings per share $ 0.40     $ 0.36     $ 0.42     $ 0.36  
    EBITDA (non-GAAP measure) $ 50.8     $ 47.1     $ 53.0     $ 47.2  
                                   
    • PLO increased 13% to $274.8 million, up $31.6 million. On a same-store2 basis, PLO increased 12% due to increase in average loan size, continued strong pawn demand and improved operational performance.
    • Total revenues and gross profit increased 7%, reflecting improved pawn service charge (PSC) revenues as a result of higher average PLO in addition to higher merchandise sales and merchandise sales gross profit.
    • PSC increased 10% as a result of higher average PLO.
    • Merchandise sales gross margin remains within our target range at 35%, down from 36%. Aged general merchandise was 2.1% of total general merchandise inventory. 
    • Net inventory increased 21%, due to the increase in PLO and decrease in inventory turnover to 2.7x, from 3.0x.
    • Store expenses increased 5% and 3% on a same-store basis.
    • General and administrative expenses increased 13%, primarily due to labor (including incentive compensation) and, to a lesser extent, ongoing support costs related to Workday.
    • Income before taxes was $41.4 million, up 10% from $37.7 million, and adjusted EBITDA increased 12% to $53.0 million.
    • Diluted earnings per share increased 11% to $0.40. On an adjusted basis, diluted earnings per share increased 17% to $0.42.
    • Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the quarter was $174.5 million, up from $170.5 million as of September 30, 2024. The increase was primarily due to cash from operating activities, partially offset by increase in earning assets, capital expenditures, taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards and share repurchases.

    SEGMENT RESULTS

    U.S. Pawn

    • PLO ended the quarter at $220.2 million, up 15% on a total and same-store basis due to increase in average loan size, increased loan demand and improved operational performance.
    • Total revenues increased 7% and gross profit increased 9%, reflecting higher PSC and merchandise sales.
    • PSC increased 11% as a result of higher average PLO.
    • Merchandise sales increased 3%, and gross margin was flat at 37%. Aged general merchandise increased to 2.6%, or $1.2 million of total general merchandise inventory. Excluding our three Max Pawn luxury stores in Las Vegas, aged general merchandise was 1%.
    • Net inventory increased 17%, in line with the growth in PLO. Inventory turnover decreased to 2.5x, from 2.7x.
    • Store expenses increased 8% (5% on a same-store basis), primarily due to labor costs (including higher health benefits) supporting more store activity, offset by a decrease in expenses related to our loyalty program.
    • Segment contribution increased 11% to $52.9 million.
    • During the quarter, segment store count remained at 542.

    Latin America Pawn

    • PLO improved to $54.6 million, up 4% (19% on constant currency basis). On a same-store basis, PLO increased 2% (17% on a constant currency basis) due to improved operational performance and increased loan demand.
    • Total revenues were up 7% (18% on constant currency basis), and gross profit increased 4% (14% on a constant currency basis), mainly due to increased PSC and higher merchandise sales.
    • PSC increased to $29.2 million, up 7% (17% on a constant currency basis) as a result of higher average PLO.
    • Merchandise sales increased 7% (19% on constant currency basis) and merchandise sales gross margin decreased to 30% from 32%. Aged general merchandise decreased to 1.4% from 1.6% of total general merchandise inventory.
    • Net inventory increased 35% (57% on a constant currency basis) due to increase in PLO and decrease in inventory turnover to 3.1x, from 3.8x.
    • Store expenses were flat (11% increase on a constant currency basis) and on a same-store basis decreased 2% (9% increase on a constant currency basis), primarily due to labor and rent.
    • Segment contribution increased 14% to $11.6 million (24% on a constant currency basis). On an adjusted basis, segment contribution was up 22% to $12.5 million.
    • During the quarter, segment store count increased by four de novo stores to 741.

    FORM 10-Q

    EZCORP’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The report is available in the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at http://investors.ezcorp.com. EZCORP shareholders may obtain a paper copy of the report, free of charge, by sending a request to the investor relations contact below.

    CONFERENCE CALL
    EZCORP will host a conference call on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at 8:00 am Central Time to discuss First Quarter Fiscal 2025 results. Analysts and institutional investors may participate on the conference call by registering online at https://register.vevent.com/register/BI86f9072cf4c447ae86954e0a22daa957. Once registered you will receive the dial-in details with a unique PIN to join the call. The conference call will be webcast simultaneously to the public through this link: http://investors.ezcorp.com. A replay of the conference call will be available online at http://investors.ezcorp.com shortly after the end of the call. 

    ABOUT EZCORP

    Formed in 1989, EZCORP has grown into a leading provider of pawn transactions in the United States and Latin America. We also sell pre-owned and recycled merchandise, primarily collateral forfeited from pawn lending operations and merchandise purchased from customers. We are dedicated to satisfying the short-term cash needs of consumers who are both cash and credit constrained, focusing on an industry-leading customer experience. EZCORP is traded on NASDAQ under the symbol EZPW and is a member of the S&P 1000 Index and Nasdaq Composite Index. 

    Follow us on social media:

    Facebook EZPAWN Official https://www.facebook.com/EZPAWN/

    EZCORP Instagram Official https://www.instagram.com/ezcorp_official/

    EZPAWN Instagram Official https://www.instagram.com/ezpawnofficial/

    EZCORP LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ezcorp/

    FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

    This announcement contains certain forward-looking statements regarding the Company’s strategy, initiatives and expected performance. These statements are based on the Company’s current expectations as to the outcome and timing of future events. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, including all statements regarding the Company’s strategy, initiatives and future performance, that address activities or results that the Company plans, expects, believes, projects, estimates or anticipates, will, should or may occur in the future, including future financial or operating results, are forward-looking statements. Actual results for future periods may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements due to a number of uncertainties and other factors, including operating risks, liquidity risks, legislative or regulatory developments, market factors, current or future litigation and risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. For a discussion of these and other factors affecting the Company’s business and prospects, see the Company’s annual, quarterly and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operating results over time.

    Contact:
    Email: Investor_Relations@ezcorp.com
    Phone: (512) 314-2220

    Note: Percentages are calculated from the underlying numbers in thousands and, as a result, may not agree to the percentages calculated from numbers in millions. Numbers may not foot or cross foot due to rounding.
    1“Adjusted” basis, which is a non-GAAP measure, excludes certain items. “Constant currency” basis, which is a non-GAAP measure, excludes the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. For additional information about these calculations, as well as a reconciliation to the most comparable GAAP financial measures, see “Non-GAAP Financial Information” at the end of this release.
    2“Same-store” basis, which is a financial measure, includes stores open the entirety of the comparable periods.

       
    EZCORP, Inc.
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
    (Unaudited)
       
      Three Months Ended
    December 31,
    (in thousands, except per share amounts) 2024   2023
    Revenues:      
    Merchandise sales $ 186,343     $ 179,403  
    Jewelry scrapping sales   16,732       14,082  
    Pawn service charges   117,052       106,449  
    Other revenues   43       57  
    Total revenues   320,170       299,991  
    Merchandise cost of goods sold   121,824       115,210  
    Jewelry scrapping cost of goods sold   12,942       12,208  
    Gross profit   185,404       172,573  
    Operating expenses:      
    Store expenses   116,451       110,555  
    General and administrative   18,669       16,543  
    Depreciation and amortization   8,335       8,565  
    Loss (gain) on sale or disposal of assets and other   8       (172 )
    Total operating expenses   143,463       135,491  
    Operating income   41,941       37,082  
    Interest expense   3,147       3,440  
    Interest income   (2,093 )     (2,639 )
    Equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliates   (1,475 )     (1,153 )
    Other expense (income)   978       (271 )
    Income before income taxes   41,384       37,705  
    Income tax expense   10,368       9,235  
    Net income $ 31,016     $ 28,470  
           
    Basic earnings per share $ 0.57     $ 0.52  
    Diluted earnings per share $ 0.40     $ 0.36  
           
    Weighted-average basic shares outstanding   54,827       55,076  
    Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding   83,347       86,812  
                   
    EZCORP, Inc.
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (Unaudited)
               
    (in thousands, except share and per share amounts) December 31,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2023    		   September 30,
    2024
               
    Assets:          
    Current assets:          
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 174,506     $ 218,516     $ 170,513  
    Restricted cash   9,386       8,470       9,294  
    Pawn loans   274,824       243,252       274,084  
    Pawn service charges receivable, net   45,198       40,002       44,013  
    Inventory, net   199,481       164,927       191,923  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets   36,562       44,001       39,171  
    Total current assets   739,957       719,168       728,998  
    Investments in unconsolidated affiliates   13,555       10,125       13,329  
    Other investments   51,903       51,220       51,900  
    Property and equipment, net   63,231       68,998       65,973  
    Right-of-use assets, net   227,810       231,103       226,602  
    Goodwill   304,722       303,799       306,478  
    Intangible assets, net   57,093       56,977       58,451  
    Deferred tax asset, net   24,990       25,984       25,362  
    Other assets, net   15,872       13,819       16,144  
    Total assets $ 1,499,133     $ 1,481,193     $ 1,493,237  
               
    Liabilities and equity:          
    Current liabilities:          
    Current maturities of long-term debt, net $ 103,205     $ 34,307     $ 103,072  
    Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities   68,682       69,386       85,737  
    Customer layaway deposits   24,216       18,324       21,570  
    Operating lease liabilities, current   57,900       57,980       58,998  
    Total current liabilities   254,003       179,997       269,377  
    Long-term debt, net   224,505       326,223       224,256  
    Deferred tax liability, net   2,186       372       2,080  
    Operating lease liabilities   182,228       188,475       180,616  
    Other long-term liabilities   12,317       11,243       12,337  
    Total liabilities   675,239       706,310       688,666  
    Commitments and contingencies          
    Stockholders’ equity:          
    Class A Non-voting Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share; shares authorized: 100 million; issued and outstanding: 52,050,550 as of December 31, 2024; 52,272,594 as of December 31, 2023; and 51,582,698 as of September 30, 2024   520       523       516  
    Class B Voting Common Stock, convertible, par value $0.01 per share; shares authorized: 3 million; issued and outstanding: 2,970,171   30       30       30  
    Additional paid-in capital   345,783       343,870       348,366  
    Retained earnings   536,427       457,929       507,206  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (58,866 )     (27,469 )     (51,547 )
    Total equity   823,894       774,883       804,571  
    Total liabilities and equity $ 1,499,133     $ 1,481,193     $ 1,493,237  
                           
    EZCORP, Inc.
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
    (Unaudited)
       
      Three Months Ended
    December 31,
    (in thousands) 2024   2023
       
    Operating activities:      
    Net income $ 31,016     $ 28,470  
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:      
    Depreciation and amortization   8,335       8,565  
    Amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs   382       417  
    Non-cash lease expense   14,421       14,744  
    Deferred income taxes   478       345  
    Other adjustments   (617 )     (857 )
    Provision for inventory reserve   59       (156 )
    Stock compensation expense   2,597       2,264  
    Equity in net income from investment in unconsolidated affiliates   (1,475 )     (1,153 )
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of business acquisitions:      
    Pawn service charges receivable   (1,368 )     (1,000 )
    Inventory   (2,384 )     2,066  
    Prepaid expenses, other current assets and other assets   1,375       (5,823 )
    Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities   (38,737 )     (33,991 )
    Customer layaway deposits   2,909       (719 )
    Income taxes   9,000       8,309  
    Net cash provided by operating activities   25,991       21,481  
    Investing activities:      
    Loans made   (247,225 )     (216,978 )
    Loans repaid   135,190       123,021  
    Recovery of pawn loan principal through sale of forfeited collateral   101,850       98,209  
    Capital expenditures, net   (5,609 )     (7,184 )
    Investment in other investments   —       (15,000 )
    Dividends from unconsolidated affiliates   1,902       1,745  
    Other   (148 )     (677 )
    Net cash used in investing activities   (14,040 )     (16,864 )
    Financing activities:      
    Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards   (3,971 )     (3,253 )
    Purchase and retirement of treasury stock   (3,000 )     (3,007 )
    Payments of finance leases   (131 )     (132 )
    Net cash used in financing activities   (7,102 )     (6,392 )
    Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash   (764 )     (207 )
    Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash   4,085       (1,982 )
    Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period   179,807       228,968  
    Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period $ 183,892     $ 226,986  
           
    EZCORP, Inc.
    OPERATING SEGMENT RESULTS
       
      Three Months Ended December 31, 2024
    (Unaudited)
    (in thousands) U.S. Pawn   Latin America
    Pawn    		   Other
    Investments    		   Total Segments   Corporate
    Items    		   Consolidated
                           
    Revenues:                      
    Merchandise sales $ 128,800     $ 57,543     $ —     $ 186,343     $ —     $ 186,343  
    Jewelry scrapping sales   15,498       1,234       —       16,732       —       16,732  
    Pawn service charges   87,876       29,176       —       117,052       —       117,052  
    Other revenues   27       16       —       43       —       43  
    Total revenues   232,201       87,969       —       320,170       —       320,170  
    Merchandise cost of goods sold   81,556       40,268       —       121,824       —       121,824  
    Jewelry scrapping cost of goods sold   11,968       974       —       12,942       —       12,942  
    Gross profit   138,677       46,727       —       185,404       —       185,404  
    Segment and corporate expenses (income):                      
    Store expenses   83,089       33,362       —       116,451       —       116,451  
    General and administrative   —       —       —       —       18,669       18,669  
    Depreciation and amortization   2,717       2,046       —       4,763       3,572       8,335  
    Loss on sale or disposal of assets and other   —       8       —       8       —       8  
    Interest expense   —       —       —       —       3,147       3,147  
    Interest income   —       (202 )     (594 )     (796 )     (1,297 )     (2,093 )
    Equity in net (income) loss of unconsolidated affiliates   —       —       (1,623 )     (1,623 )     148       (1,475 )
    Other (income) expense   (11 )     (71 )     —       (82 )     1,060       978  
    Segment contribution $ 52,882     $ 11,584     $ 2,217     $ 66,683          
    Income (loss) before income taxes             $ 66,683     $ (25,299 )   $ 41,384  
                                       

            

      Three Months Ended December 31, 2023
    (Unaudited)
    (in thousands) U.S. Pawn   Latin America
    Pawn    		   Other
    Investments    		   Total Segments   Corporate
    Items    		   Consolidated
                           
    Revenues:                      
    Merchandise sales $ 125,513     $ 53,890     $ —     $ 179,403     $ —     $ 179,403  
    Jewelry scrapping sales   12,815       1,267       —       14,082       —       14,082  
    Pawn service charges   79,073       27,376       —       106,449       —       106,449  
    Other revenues   37       16       4       57       —       57  
    Total revenues   217,438       82,549       4       299,991       —       299,991  
    Merchandise cost of goods sold   78,709       36,501       —       115,210       —       115,210  
    Jewelry scrapping cost of goods sold   11,284       924       —       12,208       —       12,208  
    Gross profit   127,445       45,124       4       172,573       —       172,573  
    Segment and corporate expenses (income):                      
    Store expenses   77,255       33,300       —       110,555       —       110,555  
    General and administrative   —       —       —       —       16,543       16,543  
    Depreciation and amortization   2,624       2,339       —       4,963       3,602       8,565  
    Loss (gain) on sale or disposal of assets and other   26       (196 )     —       (170 )     (2 )     (172 )
    Interest expense   —       —       —       —       3,440       3,440  
    Interest income   —       (420 )     (573 )     (993 )     (1,646 )     (2,639 )
    Equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliates   —       —       (1,153 )     (1,153 )     —       (1,153 )
    Other (income) expense   —       (48 )     1       (47 )     (224 )     (271 )
    Segment contribution $ 47,540     $ 10,149     $ 1,729     $ 59,418          
    Income (loss) before income taxes             $ 59,418     $ (21,713 )   $ 37,705  
                           
    EZCORP, Inc.
    STORE COUNT ACTIVITY
    (Unaudited)
       
      Three Months Ended December 31, 2024
      U.S. Pawn
    		   Latin America
    Pawn
    		   Consolidated
                           
    As of September 30, 2024   542       737       1,279  
    New locations opened   —       4       4  
    As of December 31, 2024   542       741       1,283  
                           
      Three Months Ended December 31, 2023
      U.S. Pawn
    		   Latin America
    Pawn
    		   Consolidated
                           
    As of September 30, 2023   529       702       1,231  
    New locations opened   —       5       5  
    Locations acquired   1       —       1  
    As of December 31, 2023   530       707       1,237  
                           

    Non-GAAP Financial Information (Unaudited)

    In addition to the financial information prepared in conformity with accounting U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), we provide certain other non-GAAP financial information on a constant currency (“constant currency”) and adjusted basis. We use constant currency results to evaluate our Latin America Pawn operations, which are denominated primarily in Mexican pesos, Guatemalan quetzales and other Latin American currencies. We believe that presentation of constant currency and adjusted results is meaningful and useful in understanding the activities and business metrics of our operations and reflects an additional way of viewing aspects of our business that, when viewed with GAAP results, provides a more complete understanding of factors and trends affecting our business. We provide non-GAAP financial information for informational purposes and to enhance understanding of our GAAP consolidated financial statements. We use this non-GAAP financial information primarily to evaluate and compare operating results across accounting periods.

    Readers should consider the information in addition to, but not instead of or superior to, our financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. This non-GAAP financial information may be determined or calculated differently by other companies, limiting the usefulness of those measures for comparative purposes.

    Constant currency results reported herein are calculated by translating consolidated balance sheet and consolidated statement of operations items denominated in local currency to U.S. dollars using the exchange rate from the prior-year comparable period, as opposed to the current period, in order to exclude the effects of foreign currency rate fluctuations. In addition, we have an equity method investment that is denominated in Australian dollars and is translated into U.S. dollars. We used the end-of-period rate for balance sheet items and the average closing daily exchange rate on a monthly basis during the appropriate period for statement of operations items. The end-of-period and approximate average exchange rates for each applicable currency as compared to U.S. dollars as of and for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:

           
      December 31,   Three Months Ended
    December 31,
      2024
    		   2023
    		   2024
    		   2023
                                   
    Mexican peso   20.8       17.0       20.1       17.5  
    Guatemalan quetzal   7.5       7.7       7.5       7.6  
    Honduran lempira   25.0       24.3       24.8       24.4  
    Australian dollar   1.6       1.5       1.5       1.5  
                                   

    Our statement of operations constant currency results reflect the monthly exchange rate fluctuations and so are not directly calculable from the above rates. Constant currency results, where presented, also exclude the foreign currency gain or loss.

    Miscellaneous Non-GAAP Financial Measures

      Three Months Ended
    December 31,
    (in millions) 2024   2023
           
    Net income $ 31.0     $ 28.5  
    Interest expense   3.1       3.4  
    Interest income   (2.1 )     (2.6 )
    Income tax expense   10.4       9.2  
    Depreciation and amortization   8.3       8.6  
    EBITDA $ 50.8     $ 47.1  
                   

            

      Total
    Revenues    		   Gross
    Profit    		   Income
    Before Tax    		   Tax Effect   Net
    Income    		   Diluted
    EPS    		   EBITDA
                               
    2025 Q1 Reported $ 320.2     $ 185.4     $ 41.4     $ 10.4     $ 31.0     $ 0.40     $ 50.8  
    FX Impact   —       —       1.0       0.2       0.8       0.01       1.0  
    Constant Currency   9.5       4.8       1.0       0.2       0.8       0.01       1.2  
    2025 Q1 Adjusted $ 329.7     $ 190.2     $ 43.4     $ 10.8     $ 32.6     $ 0.42     $ 53.0  
                                                           
      Total
    Revenues    		   Gross
    Profit    		   Income
    Before Tax    		   Tax Effect   Net
    Income    		   Diluted
    EPS    		   EBITDA
                               
    2024 Q1 Reported $ 300.0     $ 172.6     $ 37.7     $ 9.2     $ 28.5     $ 0.36     $ 47.1  
    FX Impact   —       —       0.1       —       0.1       —       0.1  
    2024 Q1 Adjusted $ 300.0     $ 172.6     $ 37.8     $ 9.2     $ 28.6     $ 0.36     $ 47.2  
                                                           
      Three Months Ended
    December 31, 2024
    (in millions) U.S. Dollar
    Amount    		   Percentage
    Change YOY
           
    Consolidated revenues $ 320.2       7 %
    Currency exchange rate fluctuations   9.5      
    Constant currency consolidated revenues $ 329.7       10 %
           
    Consolidated gross profit $ 185.4       7 %
    Currency exchange rate fluctuations   4.8      
    Constant currency consolidated gross profit $ 190.2       10 %
           
    Consolidated net inventory $ 199.5       21 %
    Currency exchange rate fluctuations   8.5      
    Constant currency consolidated net inventory $ 208.0       26 %
           
    Latin America Pawn gross profit $ 46.7       4 %
    Currency exchange rate fluctuations   4.8      
    Constant currency Latin America Pawn gross profit $ 51.5       14 %
           
    Latin America Pawn PLO $ 54.6       4 %
    Currency exchange rate fluctuations   8.1      
    Constant currency Latin America Pawn PLO $ 62.7       19 %
           
    Latin America Pawn PSC revenues $ 29.2       7 %
    Currency exchange rate fluctuations   2.8      
    Constant currency Latin America Pawn PSC revenues $ 32.0       17 %
           
    Latin America Pawn merchandise sales $ 57.5       7 %
    Currency exchange rate fluctuations   6.6      
    Constant currency Latin America Pawn merchandise sales $ 64.1       19 %
           
    Latin America Pawn segment profit before tax $ 11.6       14 %
    Currency exchange rate fluctuations   0.9      
    Constant currency Latin America Pawn segment profit before tax $ 12.5       24 %
                   

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Trusted Ally and Regional Role Model

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

    It was important to me that on my first foreign trip as Secretary I made a stop in San José. Costa Rica is a model for what other countries in the region and around the world can one day become. I am grateful to President Rodrigo Chaves for his warmth and hospitality. — Secretary of State Marco Rubio

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqJzbvQTCO4

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed & Whitehouse: Trump’s Shutdown of USAID Will Cause Human Suffering Abroad & Weaken U.S. National Security

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    WASHINGTON, DC – Recognizing that diplomacy and development play a key role alongside defense when it comes to U.S. national security, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) joined Tim Kaine (D-VA) and 34 of their colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing their deep concern regarding the growing chaos and dysfunction at the U.S. Department of State and the Trump Administration’s illegal attempt to destroy the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

    USAID is a critical pillar of U.S. national security strategy, providing lifesaving aid and development support around the world to help ensure stability. Yesterday, personnel at USAID were not permitted to enter the agency’s headquarters, and Elon Musk announced that President Donald Trump agreed to close the agency and move it under the State Department – which Trump has no legal authority to do. The Trump Administration, led by Mr. Musk, has also furloughed thousands of senior career civil servants, including two top security officials who denied Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency access to classified documents and systems.

    “…We are deeply concerned by reports of not only growing chaos and dysfunction at the Department of State, but the Administration’s brazen and illegal attempts to destroy the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Mass personnel furloughs of dubious legality and abrupt, blanket stop-work orders without regard to relevant appropriations laws are causing immediate harm to U.S. national security, placing U.S. citizens at risk, disrupting life-saving work and breaking the U.S. government’s contractual obligations to private sector partners,” wrote the 37 U.S. Senators.

    The senators continued, “The Administration’s failure to consult with Congress prior to taking these steps violates the law and impedes Congress’s constitutional duty to conduct oversight of funding, personnel and the nation’s foreign policy. The Administration’s failure to expend funds appropriated on a bipartisan basis by Congress would violate the Impoundment Control Act.”

    “Foreign assistance is critical to supporting U.S. strategic interests around the world. Foreign assistance protects U.S. national security, advances U.S. values, and ensures the U.S. is the partner of choice for everything from defense procurement to cutting edge scientific research. China, Russia and Iran are already moving rapidly to exploit the vacuum and instability left by the U.S.’s sudden global retreat,” wrote the senators.

    They continued, “Every Administration has the right to review and adjust ongoing assistance programming. However, attempting to arbitrarily turn off core functions of a critical U.S. national security agency, without Congressional consideration or any metric-based review and absent legal authority to do so, is unprecedented and deeply disturbing.”

    In addition to Kaine, Reed, and Whitehouse, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Gary Peters (D-MI), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Angus S. King (I-ME), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Chris Coons (D-DE), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), and Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA).

    The full text of the letter follows.

    Dear Secretary Rubio:

    The effective administration of U.S. foreign assistance is critical to advancing core U.S. national security priorities, including countering the influence of China, Russia and Iran. As you acknowledged at your confirmation hearing, pushing back on China in particular is a top bipartisan priority. 

    As such, we are deeply concerned by reports of not only growing chaos and dysfunction at the Department of State, but the Administration’s brazen and illegal attempts to destroy the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Mass personnel furloughs of dubious legality and abrupt, blanket stop-work orders without regard to relevant appropriations laws are causing immediate harm to U.S. national security, placing U.S. citizens at risk, disrupting life-saving work and breaking the U.S. government’s contractual obligations to private sector partners.

    The Administration’s failure to consult with Congress prior to taking these steps violates the law and impedes Congress’s constitutional duty to conduct oversight of funding, personnel and the nation’s foreign policy. The Administration’s failure to expend funds appropriated on a bipartisan basis by Congress would violate the Impoundment Control Act.

    Foreign assistance is critical to supporting U.S. strategic interests around the world. Foreign assistance protects U.S. national security, advances U.S. values, and ensures the U.S. is the partner of choice for everything from defense procurement to cutting edge scientific research. China, Russia and Iran are already moving rapidly to exploit the vacuum and instability left by the U.S.’s sudden global retreat.

    Every Administration has the right to review and adjust ongoing assistance programming. However, attempting to arbitrarily turn off core functions of a critical U.S. national security agency, without Congressional consideration or any metric-based review and absent legal authority to do so, is unprecedented and deeply disturbing.

    We request immediate clarification on the following:

    Status of USAID:

    1.         Confirmation of your understanding that any effort to abolish USAID or merge USAID into the Department of State absent Congressional consultation and approval is illegal.

    2.         Confirmation of your understanding that adversaries such as China, Russia and Iran are quickly moving into the vacuum left by suspended USAID programs. 

    3.         The Department of State’s assessment of Mr. Elon Musk’s financial ties to China and the impact of these ties to the decision-making process of Mr. Musk and his employees.

    4.         Confirmation that neither you nor any member of your leadership team are taking direction from Mr. Musk with regards to the work of the Department of State or USAID, personnel or financial decisions for either agency, or any other matters relevant to U.S. national security. 

    5.         Confirmation of the names and employment status of individuals directed by Mr. Musk to engage with USAID staff, the qualifications of these individuals, and the level of their security clearances – if any.

    Personnel:

    1.         Confirmation of your understanding that any unauthorized access by or disclosure of classified information to individuals without appropriate security clearance could be considered a criminal offense.

    2.         The legal authority and rationale under which, on January 28, more than 50 senior career civil and foreign service USAID officials were placed on administrative leave. This move was not only unprecedented, but also inconsistent with the Office of Personnel Management’s own guidelines for the use of administrative leave.

    3.         The legal authority under which, on January 28, approximately 390 USAID Institutional Support Contractors (ISCs) were given stop-work orders, and clarification of which Administration official directed the implementation of this termination.

    4.         Whether any Department of State career civil and foreign service or contractors have been placed on administrative leave or removed from their roles as a result of or relating to the assistance freeze or any directives from the Office of Foreign Assistance.

    5.         Clarification of which Administration official directed the implementation of this mass furlough.

    6.         Clarification of whether these individuals were directed to be terminated without cause.

    7.         Confirmation that personnel will not face retaliation or retribution for performing their duties under the previous Administration’s policy direction.

    8.         Under what authorities and by which official’s directive career civil service, foreign service, and Personal Services Contractors (PSC), and those under other hiring authorities have been removed from their roles or limited in their ability to execute their work.

    9.         Confirmation that further career civil service, foreign service and USAID contractors will not be removed from their roles without cause or receive stop work orders.

    10.       Whether, upon full resumption of legally mandated foreign assistance activities, the Administration intends to re-hire contractors who have been removed from their roles.

    11.       Any additional guidance provided to State and USAID staff regarding the foreign assistance freeze, including confirmation of whether direct hires, contractors, or implementing organizations have been directed not to speak publicly about the foreign assistance freeze.

    12.       Public identification of the individual currently serving as the Director or Acting Director of the State Department’s Office of Foreign Assistance and as Acting Deputy Administrator of USAID, and the dates upon which this individual was appointed to each position.

    13.       Confirmation of your understanding that the State Department’s Director of Foreign Assistance has no authority to issue personnel directives for USAID.

    Resumption of Foreign Assistance:

    1.         The specific process and anticipated timeframe for activities to receive exemptions or waivers, as referenced in your January 28, 2025 directive to State and USAID staff.

    2.         The mechanisms and metrics established for this waiver process.

    3.         The timeline for full resumption of legally mandated foreign assistance activities.

    4.         Clarification of what risk assessment or analysis of potential risk to U.S. national security interests were conducted prior to the decision to freeze foreign assistance activities.

    5.         Confirmation of the Department of State’s obligation to comply with U.S. contract law and your responsibility as Secretary of State ensure the Department honors its commitments to contracting partners.

    We welcome your urgent attention to these questions. We and our staff stand ready to work with you to ensure U.S. foreign assistance funding continues to be deployed effectively to protect American citizens, at home and abroad.

    Respectfully,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Commerce Committee Advances Schatz-Cruz Bipartisan Legislation To Keep Kids Safe, Healthy, Off Social Media

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz

    Bill Now Moves To Full Senate For Consideration

    WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee approved the Kids Off Social Media Act. Authored by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a senior member of the Senate Commerce Committee, Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and Katie Britt (R-Ala.), the bipartisan legislation will keep kids off social media and help protect them from its harmful impacts. To do that, the bill would set a minimum age of 13 to use social media platforms and prevent social media companies from feeding algorithmically-targeted content to users under the age of 17. In addition to Schatz, Cruz, Murphy, and Britt, the Kids Off Social Media Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Angus King (I-Maine), Mark Warner (D-Va.), and John Curtis (R-Utah).

    “There is no good reason for a nine-year-old to be on Instagram or Snapchat. The growing evidence is clear: social media is making kids more depressed, more anxious, and more suicidal. Yet tech companies refuse to anything about it because it would hurt their bottom line. This is an urgent health crisis, and Congress must act with the boldness and urgency it demands,” said Senator Schatz. “Protecting kids online is not a partisan issue, and our bipartisan coalition – which includes several parents of kids and teenagers – represents the millions of parents across the country who’ve long been asking for help.”

    Upon the introduction of the Kids Off Social Media Act, Senator Cruz said, “Every parent I know is concerned about the online threats to kids—from predators to videos promoting self-harm, risky behavior, or low self-esteem. Many families have suffered due to Big Tech’s failure to take responsibility for its products. The Kids Off Social Media Act addresses these issues by supporting families in crisis and empowering teachers to better manage their classrooms. I am proud to work with Senator Schatz on this bipartisan legislation to combat the harms social media poses to children, especially in schools. As Chairman of the Commerce Committee, I am confident we can swiftly move this legislation and similar measures through committee and urge Congress to heed the calls of parents everywhere by delivering this bill to President Trump’s desk to help protect America’s youth.”

    Specifically, the Kids Off Social Media Act would:

    • Prohibit social media platforms from allowing children under the age of 13 to create or maintain social media accounts;
    • Prohibit social media companies from pushing targeted content using algorithms to users under the age of 17;
    • Provide the FTC and state attorneys general authority to enforce the provisions of the bill; and
    • Follow existing CIPA framework, with changes, to require schools to work in good faith to limit social media on their federally-funded networks, which many schools already do.

    Parents overwhelmingly support the mission of the Kids Off Social Media Act. A survey conducted by Count on Mothers shows that over 90 percent of mothers agree that there should be a minimum age of 13 for social media. Additionally, 87 percent of mothers agree that social media companies should not be allowed to use personalized recommendation systems to deliver content to children. Pew finds similar levels of concern from parents, reporting that 70 percent or more of parents worry that their teens are being exposed to explicit content or wasting too much time on social media, with two-thirds of parents saying that parenting is harder today compared to 20 years ago—and many of them cited social media as a contributing factor.

    The Kids Off Social Media Act is supported by Public Citizen, National Organization for Women, National Association of Social Workers, National League for Nursing, National Association of School Nurses, KidsToo, Count on Mothers, American Federation of Teachers, American Counseling Association, National Federation of Families, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, National Council for Mental Wellbeing, Parents Television and Media Council, Tyler Clementi Foundation, Parents Who Fight, Conservative Ladies of America, David’s Legacy Foundation, Digital Progress, HAS Coalition, Parents Defending Education Action, Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee, and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

    A copy of the legislation is available here. For more information on the Kids Off Social Media Act, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján, Cohen Reintroduce Bicameral Legislation to Improve Roadway Safety and Uplift Victim Voices at DOT

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, reintroduced the DOT Victim and Survivor Advocate Act to create a new role designated as the “National Roadway Safety Advocate” at the Department of Transportation (DOT) who will be responsible for working directly with roadway safety crash victims, survivors, and their families. Specifically, this new role will be responsible for building relationships with victims and survivors, providing education on DOT activities, and providing the victim perspective to the Secretary of Transportation and other DOT officials throughout the process of Department decision-making. U.S. Representative Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

    After suffering from a traffic crash, victim-advocates often don’t know where to go to make their voice heard and prevent crashes like theirs from happening to others. In addition, latest projections from the National Highway and Traffic Administration (NHTSA) estimate that 40,990 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2023 and millions more each year are involved in non-fatal crashes. Many of these crashes are preventable with the right policies in place to save lives.

    “In New Mexico and across the country, far too many families know the pain of losing a loved one to a traffic crash. More must be done to address traffic safety issues, and that includes having an advocate for victims at the Department of Transportation,” said Senator Luján. “I’m proud to partner Representative Cohen to reintroduce the DOT Victim and Survivor Advocate Act to make this position a reality and ensure victims have a permanent seat at the table. As a victim and survivor of a drunk driving crash myself, I understand the necessity and importance of improving roadway safety and providing victims of roadway safety crashes with the support they deserve. I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this bill signed into law.”

    “Traffic accident victims and their families deserve an advocate in the Department of Transportation to listen to their ideas for improving roadway safety, especially after the experience of suffering from a traffic accident. The DOT Victim and Survivor Advocate Act will help ensure that victim-advocates have a point of contact to work with at DOT and give them a permanent and respected voice in DOT decision-making.  I’m pleased to partner with Senator Luján on this important legislation,” said Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9).

    This legislation is supported by a number of New Mexican advocates, including Eric Hein, IST Board Member; Barbara Toth, Vulnerable Road Users NM; and Linda Unruh, Bobby’s Law, NM. National supporters of this legislation include Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, National Safety Council, Truck Safety Coalition, League of American Bicyclists, Institute for Safer Trucking, Families for Safe Streets, AnnaLeah & Mary For Truck Safety, Stop Underrides – In Loving Memory of Roya, StopDistractions.org, The Kiefer Foundation, Safe Kids Worldwide. Quotes from supporters are available here.

    Senator Luján is a longtime advocate of comprehensive safety measures to save lives and keep our roadways safe. In 2021, Luján championed the HALT/RIDE Act, which was included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and implements drunk and impaired driving measures to prevent drunk driving and help save thousands of lives each year. In March 2024, Luján called on the U.S. Department of Transportation to swiftly move forward with its rulemaking process to implement the HALT/RIDE Act, and to do so in a way that protects’ drivers privacy. Since the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Luján has supported a number of efforts encouraging the Department of Transportation to make positive progress to make our roadways safer, including putting an end to underride crashes and distracted driving, and completing vital rulemakings.

    Full text of the legislation is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with premiers on the Canada-U.S. relationship and economic prosperity

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the Minister of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs, Dominic LeBlanc, the Minister of Transport and Internal Trade, Anita Anand, and Canada’s Ambassador to the United States, Kirsten Hillman, met virtually with Canada’s premiers to discuss the Canada-U.S. relationship and economic prosperity.

    The Prime Minister provided an update on his recent conversations with the President of the United States of America, Donald J. Trump, during which the President decided to pause the implementation of U.S. tariffs against Canadian goods for a period of 30 days. The Prime Minister and the premiers reiterated their determination to continue engaging with U.S. partners at the federal, state, and local levels to prevent the imposition of any tariffs on Canadian exports and emphasize the benefits of Canada-U.S. co-operation. The Prime Minister welcomed the premiers’ upcoming mission to Washington, D.C., under the auspices of the Council of the Federation, as a significant opportunity for engagement and advocacy.

    The Prime Minister and Minister LeBlanc discussed progress in the implementation of Canada’s $1.3 billion border plan. The Government of Canada has been redoubling its efforts to uphold border security with new helicopters and technology, enhanced co-ordination with U.S. law enforcement agencies, increased resources to stop the flow of fentanyl, and nearly 10,000 frontline personnel working on protecting the border. This Monday, the Prime Minister announced further commitments to appoint a Fentanyl Czar, list cartels as terrorists, ensure 24/7 eyes on the border, and launch a Canada-U.S. Joint Strike Force to combat organized crime, fentanyl, and money laundering. The Prime Minister also signed a new intelligence directive on organized crime and fentanyl, backed with an investment of $200 million. The Prime Minister thanked premiers for their ongoing efforts to complement Canada’s border plan and committed to continue working in close partnership as the Government of Canada implements the recently announced new measures.

    With the current pause in the proposed U.S. tariffs, First Ministers recognized the important opportunity to build a long-term prosperity agenda for Canada. They welcomed the positive conversations that took place at the meeting of the Committee on Internal Trade in Toronto, Ontario, on January 31, 2025. First Ministers endorsed the recommendations of Internal Trade Ministers to strengthen the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, advance mutual recognition and labour mobility, and explore opportunities to open new domestic markets in key sectors. They looked forward to making progress on these important priorities.

    The Prime Minister also highlighted the upcoming Canada-U.S. Economic Summit that the Council on Canada-U.S. Relations will hold in Toronto on February 7, 2025. Building on the Council’s work to date, the Summit will bring together Canadian leaders in trade, business, public policy, and organized labour to explore ways to grow Canada’s economy, make it easier to build and trade within the country, diversify export markets, and rejuvenate productivity.

    The Prime Minister and the premiers agreed to remain in close contact and to continue standing up for Canadian consumers, jobs, and businesses. They agreed to reconvene in two weeks’ time, or sooner if necessary, to discuss next steps in Canada’s engagement with the United States.

    Associated Links

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Boston arrests Brazilian fugitive, immigration absconder wanted for failure to serve her sentence after felony bank fraud conviction

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    BOSTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement apprehended a foreign fugitive and criminal alien Jan. 31 wanted in Brazil for failure to serve a sentence after her conviction for bank fraud. ICE is withholding the name and likeness of this alien offender due to privacy issues concerning this individual.

    A Brazilian court convicted the criminal alien August 2015 of felony bank fraud and sentenced her to two years and eight months incarceration.

    U.S. Customs and Border Protection arrested the criminal alien May 2018 as she attempted to unlawfully entered the United States near Nogales, Arizona, released her on an order of recognizance and enrolled her in ICE’s Alternatives to Detention program. Those who are released from custody must comply with the terms and conditions of their release, including appearances at all scheduled court hearings and compliance with program requirements. The alien failed to comply with the requirements and later that month and was reclassified as an absconder.

    “ICE deportation officers are in the field every day ensuring that criminal aliens trying to evade justice, like this individual, are held accountable for their actions,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “ICE Boston is committed to locating and apprehending these fugitives and ensuring they are made to and face the consequences of their criminal conduct.”

    The criminal alien will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.

     Members of the public with information regarding foreign fugitives from justice can report crimes or suspicious activity by dialing the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    Learn more about the ICE ERO Boston mission to increase public safety in our communities on X, @EROBoston.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office and U.S. Border Patrol Announce Arrest in Smuggling Case Involving Unaccompanied Juveniles

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Mexican national faces federal charges after U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested him for allegedly attempting to smuggle two undocumented juveniles through New Mexico.

    According to the complaint, on January 23, 2025, Border Patrol agents encountered Jesus Antonio Rodriguez-Bermudez, a Mexican national who had entered the United States illegally in December 2024, driving on New Mexico State Road 26, a highway that has been exploited by smugglers. After observing suspicious driving behavior, agents conducted a traffic stop. During the stop, agents discovered two unaccompanied juvenile males concealed under a blanket in the back of the vehicle. It was later determined that the two juveniles are brothers, ages 7 and 9.

    When questioned by the agents, Rodriguez-Bermudez allegedly admitted to transporting the juveniles, who were not U.S. citizens, from El Paso, Texas to Albuquerque, New Mexico as part of a smuggling scheme.

    Rodriguez-Bermudez will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been set. If convicted, Rodriguez-Bermudez faces up to 10 years in prison.

    U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Chief Patrol Agent Anthony Scott Good of the U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector made the announcement today.

    The U.S. Border Patrol investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Ry Ellison is prosecuting the case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marshals Arrest Violent Illegal Immigrant

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Atlanta, GA – On January 30, 2025, Marcel Pierre Grant, a citizen of Jamaica with a history of violence and illegal immigration, was captured by the United States Marshals Service in Atlanta, Georgia.

    Despite being deported, over many years, Marcel Grant has committed numerous, serious crimes.

    In 2001, Marcel Grant was charged with carrying and possessing a firearm in public. In 2002, he was arrested for armed robbery with a firearm, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, bank robbery utilizing a firearm, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, and numerous other crimes. In 2003, he was charged with conspiracy to commit aggravated bank robbery and use of a firearm during a crime of violence. In 2006, he was arrested as a deportable alien.

    More recently, in 2022, Grant was arrested for illegal re-entry of a previously removed alien. He was also detained for possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of a felony, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, and possession of methamphetamine. In 2023, he was again charged with possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of a felony and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.

    Despite his long history, in 2024, Grant was released from custody. He remained in the United States. Grant was required to submit to monitoring under the authority of United States Probation. However, Grant failed to follow the guidelines of this monitoring.

    Due to Grant’s failure to comply, the U.S. Marshals became responsible for the case. On January 30, 2025, Grant was arrested without incident. The arrest unit included officers from the U.S. Marshals Service for the Northern District of Georgia and the Southeast Regional Fugitive Taskforce.

    As of today, Grant is being detained and will soon answer for his crimes.

    About Grant’s arrest, United States Marshal Thomas Brown said, “Let the message go out to all criminals, both foreign and domestic. If you do harm to the citizens of the United States, you will not be allowed a moment of peace. You will not find shelter. If you illegally come to our communities to wreak havoc, you will be caught, and you will answer for your crimes.”

    The U.S. Marshals Service is the primary federal agency charged with conducting fugitive investigations throughout the country. The U.S. Marshals Service regularly works in concert with other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to seek out and arrest violent fugitives and sex offenders. The U.S. Marshals Service has established task forces throughout the nation, and professional relationships worldwide, to facilitate the apprehension of fugitives.

    If you have further questions about the United States Marshals, please call (703)740-1699. The U.S. Marshals for the Northern District of Georgia can be reached at (404) 331-6833.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: SiriusPoint Announces Date for Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Earnings Release

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HAMILTON, Bermuda, Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SiriusPoint Ltd. (NYSE: SPNT) (“SiriusPoint” or the “Company”) today announced that it is planning to release its fourth quarter and full year 2024 financial results after the market close on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. The Company will also hold a webcast, which can also be accessed as a conference call, to discuss its financial results at 8:30 am (Eastern Time) on Wednesday, February 19, 2025.

    The webcast of the live conference call can be accessed by logging onto the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at www.siriuspt.com. The online replay of the webcast will be available on the Company’s website immediately following the call.

    The conference call can be accessed by dialing 1-877-451-6152 (domestic) or 1-201-389-0879 (international) and asking for the SiriusPoint Ltd. Fourth Quarter 2024 Earnings Call. A replay will be available at the conclusion of the call and can be accessed by dialing 1-844-512-2921, or for international callers 1-412-317-6671, and providing the passcode 13750607. The replay will be available until 11:59 pm (Eastern Time) on March 5, 2025.

    About SiriusPoint

    SiriusPoint is a global underwriter of insurance and reinsurance providing solutions to clients and brokers around the world. Bermuda-headquartered with offices in New York, London, Stockholm and other locations, we are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (SPNT). We have licenses to write Property & Casualty and Accident & Health insurance and reinsurance globally. Our offering and distribution capabilities are strengthened by a portfolio of strategic partnerships with Managing General Agents and Program Administrators within our Insurance & Services segment. With over $2.7 billion total capital, SiriusPoint’s operating companies have a financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) from AM Best, S&P and Fitch, and A3 from Moody’s. For more information, please visit www.siriuspt.com.

    Contacts

    Investor Relations
    Liam Blackledge, SiriusPoint
    liam.blackledge@siriuspt.com
    +44 203 772 3082

    Media
    Sarah Hills, Rein4ce
    sarah.hills@rein4ce.co.uk
    +44 771 888 2011

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Palomar Holdings, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results Release Date and Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LA JOLLA, Calif., Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Palomar Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: PLMR) (the “Company”) today announced that it will release its fourth quarter and full year 2024 results after the market close on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, and will host a conference call at 12:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) the following day, Thursday, February 13, 2025.

    The conference call can be accessed live by dialing 1-877-423-9813 or for international callers, 1-201-689-8573, and requesting to be joined to the Palomar Fourth Quarter 2024 Earnings Conference Call. A replay will be available starting at 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on February 13, 2025, and can be accessed by dialing 1-844-512-2921, or for international callers, 1-412-317-6671. The passcode for the replay is 13751157. The replay will be available until 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time) on February 20, 2025.

    Interested investors and other parties may also listen to a simultaneous webcast of the conference call by logging onto the investor relations section of the Company’s website at https://ir.palomarspecialty.com/. The online replay will remain available for a limited time beginning immediately following the call.

    About Palomar Holdings, Inc.

    Palomar Holdings, Inc. is the holding company of subsidiaries Palomar Specialty Insurance Company (“PSIC”), Palomar Specialty Reinsurance Company Bermuda Ltd., Palomar Insurance Agency, Inc., Palomar Excess and Surplus Insurance Company (“PESIC”), and Palomar Underwriters Exchange Organization, Inc. Palomar’s consolidated results also include Laulima Exchange, a variable interest entity for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Palomar is an innovative specialty insurer serving residential and commercial clients in five product categories: Earthquake, Inland Marine and Other Property, Casualty, Fronting, and Crop. Palomar’s insurance subsidiaries, Palomar Specialty Insurance Company, Palomar Specialty Reinsurance Company Bermuda Ltd., and Palomar Excess and Surplus Insurance Company, have a financial strength rating of “A” (Excellent) from A.M. Best.

    To learn more, visit PLMR.com

    Follow Palomar on LinkedIn: @PLMRInsurance

    Contact
    Media Inquiries
    Lindsay Conner
    1-551-206-6217
    lconner@plmr.com

    Investor Relations
    Jamie Lillis
    1-203-428-3223
    investors@plmr.com   
    Source: Palomar Holdings, Inc.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Weatherford Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Fourth quarter revenue of $1,341 million decreased 5% sequentially and 2% year-over-year; full year revenue of $5,513 million increased 7% from prior year, driven by international revenue growth of 10%
    • Fourth quarter operating income of $198 million decreased 19% sequentially and 8% year-over-year; full year operating income of $938 million increased 14% from prior year
    • Fourth quarter net income of $112 million, an 8.4% margin, decreased 29% sequentially and 20% year-over-year; full year net income of $506 million, a 9.2% margin, increased by 21% from prior year
    • Fourth quarter adjusted EBITDA* of $326 million, a 24.3% margin, decreased 8%, or 88 basis points, sequentially and increased 2%, or 74 basis points, year-over-year; full year adjusted EBITDA* of $1,382 million, a 25.1% margin, increased 17%, or 197 basis points, from prior year
    • Fourth quarter cash provided by operating activities of $249 million and adjusted free cash flow* of $162 million; full year cash provided by operating activities of $792 million and adjusted free cash flow* of $524 million
    • Shareholder return of $67 million for the quarter, which included dividend payments of $18 million and share repurchases of $49 million
    • Board approved quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per share, payable on March 19, 2025, to shareholders of record as of February 21, 2025

    *Non-GAAP – refer to the section titled Non-GAAP Financial Measures Defined and GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciled

    HOUSTON, Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Weatherford International plc (NASDAQ: WFRD) (“Weatherford” or the “Company”) announced today its results for the fourth quarter of 2024 and full year 2024.

    Revenues for the fourth quarter of 2024 were $1,341 million, a decrease of 5% sequentially and 2% year-over-year. Operating income was $198 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $243 million in the third quarter of 2024 and $216 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. Net income in the fourth quarter of 2024 was $112 million, with an 8.4% margin, a decrease of 29%, or 279 basis points, sequentially, and a decrease of 20%, or 193 basis points, year-over-year. Adjusted EBITDA* was $326 million, a 24.3% margin, a decrease of 8%, or 88 basis points, sequentially, and an increase of 2%, or 74 basis points, year-over-year. Basic income per share in the fourth quarter of 2024 was $1.54 compared to $2.14 in the third quarter of 2024 and $1.94 in the fourth quarter of 2023. Diluted income per share in the fourth quarter of 2024 was $1.50 compared to $2.06 in the third quarter of 2024 and $1.90 in the fourth quarter of 2023.

    Fourth quarter 2024 cash flows provided by operating activities were $249 million, compared to $262 million in the third quarter of 2024, and $375 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. Adjusted free cash flow* was $162 million, a decrease of $22 million sequentially, and $153 million year-over-year. Capital expenditures were $100 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $78 million in the third quarter of 2024, and $67 million in the fourth quarter of 2023.

    Revenue for the full year 2024 was $5,513 million, compared to revenues of $5,135 million in 2023. Operating income for the full year was $938 million, compared to $820 million in 2023. The Company’s full year 2024 net income was $506 million, compared to $417 million in 2023. Full year cash flows provided by operations were $792 million, compared to $832 million in 2023. Adjusted free cash flow* for the full year was $524 million compared to $651 million in 2023. Capital expenditures for the full year 2024 were $299 million, compared to $209 million in 2023.

    Girish Saligram, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “The fourth quarter witnessed a significant drop in activity levels in Latin America and a more cautious tone in a few key geographies. Despite a challenging environment in the fourth quarter, the overall full year 2024 was another one of setting new operational highs, and I would like to express my gratitude to the One Weatherford team for that. We ended the year with the best safety record we have ever had, strong margin expansion and solid cash generation.

    While the activity outlook continues to evolve, margins and cash flow performance continue to be the cornerstone of our financial and strategic objectives. We are well-positioned to deliver another year of strong cash flow generation in 2025. While there is some temporary activity reduction, we continue to believe in the industry’s mid to long-term resilience and remain committed to our goal of achieving EBITDA margins in the high 20’s over the next few years.”

    *Non-GAAP – refer to the section titled Non-GAAP Financial Measures Defined and GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciled

    Operational & Commercial Highlights

    • ADNOC awarded Weatherford a three-year contract for the provision of rigless services as part of the reactivation of ADNOC’s onshore strings.
    • Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) awarded Weatherford a Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) services contract focused on improving operational efficiency, enhancing safety, accelerating well-delivery timelines, and reducing costs by deploying Weatherford’s innovative VictusTM Intelligent MPD system.
    • KOC awarded Weatherford a one-year contract to provide and operate two onshore Real Time Decision Centers.
    • A National Oil Company (NOC) in Qatar awarded Weatherford a five-year contract to provide fishing and drilling tools, with a five-year extension option.
    • An NOC in Asia awarded Weatherford a three-year contract for the provision of Wireline conveyance and tooling services and a three-year contract for Tubular Running Services (TRS) in onshore India.
    • OMV Petrom awarded Weatherford a two-year contract for openhole and cased-hole logging services in Romania.
    • A major operator in Asia awarded Weatherford a three-year contract for providing ModusTM MPD services for two zones in North and South Sumatra, and awarded a five-year contract to provide openhole and cased-hole Wireline in onshore Indonesia.
    • Khalda awarded Weatherford a three-year contract to deploy up to 300 wells in Egypt using CygNet® SCADA and ForeSite® platform.
    • Azule Energy awarded Weatherford a three-year contract to provide TRS for the NGC Project in offshore Angola. This is in addition to the recently awarded TRS contract in block 15/06 in the deepwater block.
    • PTTEP awarded Weatherford a 24-month contract to provide openhole Wireline Services in onshore Thailand.
    • A major operator in Asia awarded Weatherford with a four-year contract to provide Rotating Control Devices to enable MPD in offshore Indonesia.
    • Shell Petroleum Development Company awarded Weatherford a three-year contract to provide Well Completions and other related specialized services in onshore Nigeria.

    Technology Highlights
    On January 14, 2025, at the annual IKTVA forum held at Dahan Dharan Expo, Weatherford signed an agreement with SPARK, a fully integrated industrial ecosystem aimed at making Saudi Arabia a global energy hub. This strategic partnership, aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, enhances Weatherford’s local presence, boosts production capabilities, and supports the region’s energy goals. By advancing local content, fostering talent, and driving innovation, Weatherford demonstrates its commitment to economic growth and to supporting Saudi Arabia’s leadership in energy innovation.

    • Drilling & Evaluation (“DRE”)
      • In the North Sea, Weatherford successfully deployed the world’s first Dual Advanced Kickover Tool for Equinor. The unique solution enables gas lift valve replacements in just a single run, which significantly increases efficiency and reduces cost of conventional systems.
      • In Saudi Arabia, Weatherford deployed its compact wireline logging tools with shuttle technology to achieve a record total depth for Aramco. This extended reach well features the longest horizontal section, measuring 23,000 feet.
    • Well Construction and Completions (“WCC”)
      • In deepwater Brazil, Weatherford successfully installed the first OptiRoss® RFID Multi-Cycle Sliding Sleeve Valve for a major operator. The system enhances acid stimulation efficiency, improving production and boosting the reservoir’s oil recovery factor.
      • In the Middle East, Weatherford successfully deployed its market-leading Optimax Tubing Retrievable Safety Valve for an NOC. This deployment enabled gas lift valve replacements in a single run, significantly increasing efficiency and reducing costs compared to conventional systems.
    • Production and Intervention (“PRI”)
      • In the Middle East, Weatherford’s Alpha1Go remote re-entry system was deployed for an NOC, optimizing rig site operations by significantly reducing whipstock preparation time and minimizing red-zone exposure. This deployment improved both efficiency and safety, demonstrating the system’s effectiveness in facilitating well re-entry operations and real-time team collaboration in various rig environments.
      • In US land operations, Weatherford successfully deployed its first Reclaim Dual Barrier Plug and Abandon (P&A) system for a major operator. This innovative dual barrier P&A system safely and reliably abandons wells without the need to pull tubing. By eliminating the requirement for conventional drilling rigs, it significantly reduces costs and minimizes the carbon footprint.

    Shareholder Return

    During the fourth quarter of 2024, Weatherford repurchased shares for approximately $49 million and paid dividends of $18 million, resulting in total shareholder return of $67 million. Since the inception of the shareholder return program introduced earlier in 2024, the Company repurchased shares for approximately $99 million and paid dividends of $36 million, resulting in total shareholder return of $135 million.

    On January 29, 2025, our Board declared a cash dividend of $0.25 per share of the Company’s ordinary shares, payable on March 19, 2025, to shareholders of record as of February 21, 2025.

    Results by Reportable Segment

    Drilling and Evaluation (“DRE”)

        Three Months Ended   Variance     Twelve Months Ended   Variance
    ($ in Millions)   Dec 31,
    2024    		   Sep 30,
    2024    		   Dec 31,
    2023    		   Seq.     YoY   Dec 31,
    2024    		   Dec 31,
    2023    		   YoY
    Revenue   $ 398     $ 435     $ 382     (9 )%   4 %   $ 1,682     $ 1,536     10 %
    Segment Adjusted EBITDA   $ 96     $ 111     $ 97     (14 )%   (1 )%   $ 467     $ 422     11 %
    Segment Adj EBITDA Margin     24.1 %     25.5 %     25.4 %   (140) bps   (127) bps     27.8 %     27.5 %   29 bps

    Fourth quarter 2024 DRE revenue of $398 million decreased by $37 million, or 9% sequentially, primarily from lower activity in Latin America, partly offset by higher international Wireline activity. Year-over-year DRE revenues increased by $16 million, or 4%, primarily from higher activity in North America and higher international Wireline activity, partly offset by lower activity in Latin America.

    Fourth quarter 2024 DRE segment adjusted EBITDA of $96 million decreased by $15 million, or 14% sequentially, primarily driven by lower activity in Latin America, partly offset by higher international Wireline activity. Year-over-year DRE segment adjusted EBITDA decreased by $1 million, or 1%, primarily due to lower activity in Latin America, partly offset by improved performance in Middle East/North Africa/Asia.

    Full year 2024 DRE revenues of $1,682 million increased by $146 million, or 10% compared to 2023, as higher Wireline and Drilling-related services activity were partly offset by lower Drilling Services in Latin America.

    Full year 2024 DRE segment adjusted EBITDA of $467 million increased by $45 million, or 11% compared to 2023, as higher MPD and Wireline activity were partly offset by lower activity in Latin America.

    Well Construction and Completions (“WCC”)

        Three Months Ended   Variance     Twelve Months Ended   Variance
    ($ in Millions)   Dec 31,
    2024    		   Sep 30,
    2024    		   Dec 31,
    2023    		   Seq.     YoY   Dec 31,
    2024    		   Dec 31,
    2023    		   YoY
    Revenue   $ 505     $ 509     $ 480     (1 )%   5 %   $ 1,976     $ 1,800     10 %
    Segment Adjusted EBITDA   $ 148     $ 151     $ 131     (2 )%   13 %   $ 564     $ 455     24 %
    Segment Adj EBITDA Margin     29.3 %     29.7 %     27.3 %   (36) bps   202 bps     28.5 %     25.3 %   326 bps

    Fourth quarter 2024 WCC revenue of $505 million decreased by $4 million, or 1% sequentially, primarily due to lower activity in Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa/Russia, partly offset by higher Completions and TRS activity in Middle East/North Africa/Asia. Year-over-year WCC revenues increased by $25 million, or 5%, primarily due to higher activity in Middle East/North Africa/Asia and higher Liner Hangers and Well Services activity in Latin America, partly offset by lower activity in North America.

    Fourth quarter 2024 WCC segment adjusted EBITDA of $148 million decreased by $3 million, or 2% sequentially, primarily due to lower activity in Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa/Russia, partly offset by higher Completions and TRS activity in Middle East/North Africa/Asia. Year-over-year WCC segment adjusted EBITDA increased by $17 million, or 13%, primarily due to higher activity in Middle East/North Africa/Asia, partly offset by lower activity in Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa/Russia.

    Full year 2024 WCC revenues of $1,976 million increased by $176 million, or 10% compared to 2023, primarily from higher activity in Middle East/North Africa/Asia and Latin America, partly offset by lower activity in North America.

    Full year 2024 WCC segment adjusted EBITDA of $564 million increased by $109 million, or 24% compared to 2023, primarily due to improved fall through in major product lines across all geographies.

    Production and Intervention (“PRI”)

        Three Months Ended   Variance       Twelve Months Ended   Variance  
    ($ in Millions)   Dec 31,
    2024    		   Sep 30,
    2024    		   Dec 31,
    2023    		   Seq.     YoY     Dec 31,
    2024    		   Dec 31,
    2023    		   YoY  
    Revenue   $ 364     $ 371     $ 386     (2 )%   (6 )%   $ 1,452     $ 1,472     (1 )%
    Segment Adjusted EBITDA   $ 78     $ 83     $ 88     (6 )%   (11 )%   $ 319     $ 323     (1 )%
    Segment Adj EBITDA Margin     21.4 %     22.4 %     22.8 %   (94) bps   (137) bps     22.0 %     21.9 %   3 bps

    Fourth quarter 2024 PRI revenue of $364 million decreased by $7 million, or 2% sequentially, primarily due to lower activity in Latin America and lower Intervention Services and Drilling Tools (ISDT) activity in Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa/Russia and North America. Year-over-year PRI revenue decreased by $22 million, or 6%, as lower activity in Middle East/North Africa/Asia and Latin America was partly offset by higher Artificial Lift activity in North America.

    Fourth quarter 2024 PRI segment adjusted EBITDA of $78 million, decreased by $5 million, or 6% sequentially, primarily from lower activity in Latin America and lower ISDT activity in Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa/Russia and North America, partly offset by higher Artificial Lift activity in Middle East/North Africa/Asia. Year-over-year PRI segment adjusted EBITDA decreased by $10 million, or 11% year-over-year, primarily due to lower activity in Latin America and Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa/Russia, partly offset by better ISDT and Artificial Lift fall through in North America.

    Full year 2024 PRI revenues of $1,452 million decreased by $20 million, or 1% compared to 2023, primarily due to lower international Pressure Pumping and Digital Solutions activity, partly offset by higher ISDT activity in Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa/Russia and Middle East/North Africa/Asia.

    Full year 2024 PRI segment adjusted EBITDA of $319 million decreased by $4 million, or 1% compared to 2023, as lower activity in international Pressure Pumping and Digital Solutions was partly offset by improved performance in Artificial Lift.

    Revenue by Geography

        Three Months Ended   Variance   Twelve Months Ended   Variance
    ($ in Millions)   Dec 31,
    2024    		   Sep 30,
    2024    		   Dec 31,
    2023    		   Seq.   YoY   Dec 31,
    2024    		   Dec 31,
    2023    		   YoY
    North America   $ 261   $ 266   $ 248   (2 )%   5 %   $ 1,046   $ 1,068   (2 )%
                                     
    International   $ 1,080   $ 1,143   $ 1,114   (6 )%   (3 )%   $ 4,467   $ 4,067   10 %
    Latin America     312     358     342   (13 )%   (9 )%     1,393     1,387   — %
    Middle East/North Africa/Asia     542     542     547   — %   (1 )%     2,123     1,815   17 %
    Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa/Russia     226     243     225   (7 )%   — %     951     865   10 %
    Total Revenue   $ 1,341   $ 1,409   $ 1,362   (5 )%   (2 )%   $ 5,513   $ 5,135   7 %


    North America

    Fourth quarter 2024 North America revenue of $261 million decreased by $5 million, or 2% sequentially, primarily due to activity decreases in the North and South regions, partly offset by activity increase offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. Year-over-year, North America increased by $13 million, or 5%, primarily from higher Artificial Lift and Wireline activity, partly offset by a decrease in activity across the WCC segment.

    Full year 2024 North America revenue of $1,046 million decreased by $22 million, or 2%, compared to 2023, primarily due to lower activity in the WCC and PRI segments, partly offset by higher Wireline activity.

    International

    Fourth quarter 2024 international revenue of $1,080 million decreased 6% sequentially and decreased 3% year-over-year, and full year 2024 international revenue of $4,467 million increased 10%, compared to 2023.

    Fourth quarter 2024 Latin America revenue of $312 million decreased by $46 million, or 13% sequentially, primarily due to lower Drilling-related Services, partly offset by higher Liner Hangers activity. Year-over-year, Latin America revenue decreased by $30 million, primarily due to lower activity in the DRE and PRI segments, partly offset by higher activity in Liner Hangers and Well Services.

    Full year 2024 Latin America revenue of $1,393 million was largely flat, compared to 2023.

    Fourth quarter 2024 revenue of $542 million in Middle East/North Africa/Asia was flat sequentially, as higher activity from Completions and Artificial Lift were largely offset by lower MPD and Integrated Services & Projects. Year-over-year, the Middle East/North Africa/Asia revenue decreased by $5 million, or 1%, primarily due to lower activity in the PRI segment, partly offset by higher Drilling-related services and Completions activity.

    Full year 2024 revenue of $2,123 million in Middle East/North Africa/Asia increased by $308 million, or 17%, compared to 2023, mainly due to increased activity in the DRE and WCC segments, partly offset by lower activity in Digital Solutions, Artificial Lift and Pressure Pumping.

    Fourth quarter 2024 Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa/Russia revenue of $226 million decreased by $17 million, or 7%, sequentially, mainly driven by lower Completions and ISDT activity, partly offset by higher Wireline activity. Year-over-year Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa/Russia revenue was largely flat due to increased activity in the DRE segment, largely offset by lower activity in the WCC and PRI segments.

    Full year 2024 Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa/Russia revenue of $951 million increased by $86 million, or 10% compared to 2023, due to increased activity in the DRE and WCC segments, partly offset by lower Pressure Pumping and Artificial Lift activity.

    About Weatherford
    Weatherford delivers innovative energy services that integrate proven technologies with advanced digitalization to create sustainable offerings for maximized value and return on investment. Our world-class experts partner with customers to optimize their resources and realize the full potential of their assets. Operators choose us for strategic solutions that add efficiency, flexibility, and responsibility to any energy operation. The Company conducts business in approximately 75 countries and has approximately 19,000 team members representing more than 110 nationalities and 330 operating locations. Visit weatherford.com for more information and connect with us on social media.

    Conference Call Details

    Weatherford will host a conference call on Thursday, February 6, 2025, to discuss the Company’s results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2024. The conference call will begin at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (7:30 a.m. Central Time).

    Listeners are encouraged to download the accompanying presentation slides which will be available in the investor relations section of the Company’s website.

    Listeners can participate in the conference call via a live webcast at https://www.weatherford.com/investor-relations/investor-news-and-events/events/ or by dialing +1 877-328-5344 (within the U.S.) or +1 412-902-6762 (outside of the U.S.) and asking for the Weatherford conference call. Participants should log in or dial in approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the call.

    A telephonic replay of the conference call will be available until February 20, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. To access the replay, please dial +1 877-344-7529 (within the U.S.) or +1 412-317-0088 (outside of the U.S.) and reference conference number 9530137. A replay and transcript of the earnings call will also be available in the investor relations section of the Company’s website.

    Contacts
    For Investors:
    Luke Lemoine
    Senior Vice President, Corporate Development & Investor Relations
    +1 713-836-7777
    investor.relations@weatherford.com

    For Media:
    Kelley Hughes
    Senior Director, Communications & Employee Engagement
    media@weatherford.com

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This news release contains projections and forward-looking statements concerning, among other things, the Company’s quarterly and full-year revenues, adjusted EBITDA*, adjusted EBITDA margin*, adjusted free cash flow*, net leverage*, shareholder return program, forecasts or expectations regarding business outlook, prospects for its operations, capital expenditures, expectations regarding future financial results, and are also generally identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “outlook,” “budget,” “intend,” “strategy,” “plan,” “guidance,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs of Weatherford’s management and are subject to significant risks, assumptions, and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated in our forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are only predictions and may differ materially from actual future events or results, based on factors including but not limited to: global political disturbances, war, terrorist attacks, changes in global trade policies and tariffs, weak local economic conditions and international currency fluctuations; general global economic repercussions related to U.S. and global inflationary pressures and potential recessionary concerns; various effects from conflicts in the Middle East and the Russia Ukraine conflict, including, but not limited to, nationalization of assets, extended business interruptions, sanctions, treaties and regulations imposed by various countries, associated operational and logistical challenges, and impacts to the overall global energy supply; cybersecurity issues; our ability to comply with, and respond to, climate change, environmental, social and governance and other sustainability initiatives and future legislative and regulatory measures both globally and in specific geographic regions; the potential for a resurgence of a pandemic in a given geographic area and related disruptions to our business, employees, customers, suppliers and other partners; the price and price volatility of, and demand for, oil and natural gas; the macroeconomic outlook for the oil and gas industry; our ability to generate cash flow from operations to fund our operations; our ability to effectively and timely adapt our technology portfolio, products and services to remain competitive, and to address and participate in changes to the market demands, including for the transition to alternate sources of energy such as geothermal, carbon capture and responsible abandonment, including our digitalization efforts; our ability to effectively execute our capital allocation framework; our ability to return capital to shareholders, including those related to the timing and amounts (including any plans or commitments in respect thereof) of any dividends and share repurchases; and the realization of additional cost savings and operational efficiencies.

    These risks and uncertainties are more fully described in Weatherford’s reports and registration statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the risk factors described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on any of the Company’s forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to correct or update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law, and we caution you not to rely on them unduly.

    *Non-GAAP – refer to the section titled Non-GAAP Financial Measures Defined and GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciled

    Weatherford International plc
    Selected Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
                         
        Three Months Ended   Year Ended
    ($ in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)   December
    31, 2024    		   September
    30, 2024    		   December
    31, 2023    		   December
    31, 2024    		   December
    31, 2023
    Revenues:                    
    DRE Revenues   $ 398     $ 435     $ 382     $ 1,682     $ 1,536  
    WCC Revenues     505       509       480       1,976       1,800  
    PRI Revenues     364       371       386       1,452       1,472  
    All Other     74       94       114       403       327  
    Total Revenues     1,341       1,409       1,362       5,513       5,135  
                         
    Operating Income:                    
    DRE Segment Adjusted EBITDA[1]   $ 96     $ 111     $ 97     $ 467     $ 422  
    WCC Segment Adjusted EBITDA[1]     148       151       131       564       455  
    PRI Segment Adjusted EBITDA[1]     78       83       88       319       323  
    All Other[2]     11       23       13       84       38  
    Corporate[2]     (7 )     (13 )     (8 )     (52 )     (52 )
    Depreciation and Amortization     (83 )     (89 )     (83 )     (343 )     (327 )
    Share-based Compensation     (10 )     (10 )     (9 )     (45 )     (35 )
    Other Charges     (35 )     (13 )     (13 )     (56 )     (4 )
    Operating Income     198       243       216       938       820  
                         
    Other Expense:                    
    Interest Expense, Net of Interest Income of $12, $13, $12, $56 and $59     (25 )     (24 )     (31 )     (102 )     (123 )
    Loss on Blue Chip Swap Securities     —       —       —       (10 )     (57 )
    Other Expense, Net     (4 )     (41 )     (36 )     (87 ) —   (134 )
    Income Before Income Taxes     169       178       149       739       506  
    Income Tax Provision     (45 )     (12 )     (2 )     (189 )     (57 )
    Net Income     124       166       147       550       449  
    Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests     12       9       7       44       32  
    Net Income Attributable to Weatherford   $ 112     $ 157     $ 140     $ 506     $ 417  
                         
    Basic Income Per Share   $ 1.54     $ 2.14     $ 1.94     $ 6.93     $ 5.79  
    Basic Weighted Average Shares Outstanding     72.6       73.2       72.1       73.0       71.9  
                         
    Diluted Income Per Share[3]   $ 1.50     $ 2.06     $ 1.90     $ 6.75     $ 5.66  
    Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding     74.5       75.2       73.9       74.9       73.7  
                                             
    [1]   Segment adjusted EBITDA is our primary measure of segment profitability under U.S. GAAP ASC 280 “Segment Reporting” and represents segment earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, share-based compensation and other adjustments. Research and development expenses are included in segment adjusted EBITDA.
    [2]   All Other includes results from non-core business activities (including integrated services and projects), and Corporate includes overhead support and centrally managed or shared facilities costs. All Other and Corporate do not individually meet the criteria for segment reporting.
    [3]   Included the maximum potentially dilutive shares contingently issuable for an acquisition consideration during the three months ended September 30, 2024, the value of which was adjusted out of Net Income Attributable to Weatherford in calculating diluted income per share.
    Weatherford International plc
    Selected Balance Sheet Data (Unaudited)
           
    ($ in Millions) December 31, 2024   December 31, 2023
    Assets:      
    Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 916   $ 958
    Restricted Cash   59     105
    Accounts Receivable, Net   1,261     1,216
    Inventories, Net   880     788
    Property, Plant and Equipment, Net   1,061     957
    Intangibles, Net   325     370
           
    Liabilities:      
    Accounts Payable   792     679
    Accrued Salaries and Benefits   302     387
    Current Portion of Long-term Debt   17     168
    Long-term Debt   1,617     1,715
           
    Shareholders’ Equity:      
    Total Shareholders’ Equity   1,283     922
               
    Weatherford International plc
    Selected Cash Flows Information (Unaudited)
                         
        Three Months Ended   Year Ended
    ($ in Millions)   December
    31, 2024    		   September
    30, 2024    		   December
    31, 2023    		   December
    31, 2024    		   December
    31, 2023
    Cash Flows From Operating Activities:                    
    Net Income   $ 124     $ 166     $ 147     $ 550     $ 449  
    Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities:                    
    Depreciation and Amortization     83       89       83       343       327  
    Foreign Exchange Losses (Gain)     (2 )     35       43       56       116  
    Loss on Blue Chip Swap Securities     —       —       —       10       57  
    Gain on Disposition of Assets     (2 )     (1 )     —       (35 )     (11 )
    Deferred Income Tax Provision (Benefit)     —       (19 )     (19 )     8       (86 )
    Share-Based Compensation     10       10       9       45       35  
    Changes in Accounts Receivable, Inventory, Accounts Payable and Accrued Salaries and Benefits     24       30       151       (120 )     (84 )
    Other Changes, Net     12       (48 )     (39 )     (65 )     29  
    Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities     249       262       375       792       832  
                         
    Cash Flows From Investing Activities:                    
    Capital Expenditures for Property, Plant and Equipment     (100 )     (78 )     (67 )     (299 )     (209 )
    Proceeds from Disposition of Assets     13       —       7       31       28  
    Purchases of Blue Chip Swap Securities     —       —       —       (50 )     (110 )
    Proceeds from Sales of Blue Chip Swap Securities     —       —       —       40       53  
    Business Acquisitions, Net of Cash Acquired     —       (15 )     —       (51 )     (4 )
    Other Investing Activities     1       1       (71 )     36       (47 )
    Net Cash Used In Investing Activities     (86 )     (92 )     (131 )     (293 )     (289 )
                         
    Cash Flows From Financing Activities:                    
    Repayments of Long-term Debt     (23 )     (5 )     (80 )     (287 )     (386 )
    Distributions to Noncontrolling Interests     (20 )     (10 )     (31 )     (39 )     (52 )
    Tax Remittance on Equity Awards     (22 )     —       (2 )     (31 )     (56 )
    Share Repurchases     (49 )     (50 )     —       (99 )     —  
    Dividends Paid     (18 )     (18 )     —       (36 )     —  
    Other Financing Activities     (1 )     (6 )     (13 )     (19 )     (20 )
    Net Cash Used In Financing Activities   $ (133 )   $ (89 )   $ (126 )   $ (511 )   $ (514 )

                      

    Weatherford International plc
    Non-GAAP Financial Measures Defined (Unaudited)

    We report our financial results in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). However, Weatherford’s management believes that certain non-GAAP financial measures (as defined under the SEC’s Regulation G and Item 10(e) of Regulation S-K) may provide users of this financial information additional meaningful comparisons between current results and results of prior periods and comparisons with peer companies. The non-GAAP amounts shown in the following tables should not be considered as substitutes for results reported in accordance with GAAP but should be viewed in addition to the Company’s reported results prepared in accordance with GAAP.

    Adjusted EBITDA* – Adjusted EBITDA* is a non-GAAP measure and represents consolidated income before interest expense, net, income taxes, depreciation and amortization expense, and excludes, among other items, restructuring charges, share-based compensation expense, as well as other charges and credits. Management believes adjusted EBITDA* is useful to assess and understand normalized operating performance and trends. Adjusted EBITDA* should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for consolidated net income and should be viewed in addition to the Company’s reported results prepared in accordance with GAAP.

    Adjusted EBITDA Margin* – Adjusted EBITDA margin* is a non-GAAP measure which is calculated by dividing consolidated adjusted EBITDA* by consolidated revenues. Management believes adjusted EBITDA margin* is useful to assess and understand normalized operating performance and trends. Adjusted EBITDA margin* should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for consolidated net income margin and should be viewed in addition to the Company’s reported results prepared in accordance with GAAP.

    Adjusted Free Cash Flow* – Adjusted Free Cash Flow* is a non-GAAP measure and represents cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities, less capital expenditures plus proceeds from the disposition of assets. Management believes adjusted free cash flow* is useful to understand our performance at generating cash and demonstrates our discipline around the use of cash. Adjusted free cash flow* should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for cash flows provided by operating activities and should be viewed in addition to the Company’s reported results prepared in accordance with GAAP.

    Net Debt* – Net Debt* is a non-GAAP measure that is calculated taking short and long-term debt less cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash. Management believes the net debt* is useful to assess the level of debt in excess of cash and cash and equivalents as we monitor our ability to repay and service our debt. Net debt* should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for overall debt and total cash and should be viewed in addition to the Company’s results prepared in accordance with GAAP.​

    Net Leverage* – Net Leverage* is a non-GAAP measure which is calculated by dividing by taking net debt* divided by adjusted EBITDA* for the trailing 12 months. Management believes the net leverage* is useful to understand our ability to repay and service our debt. Net leverage* should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for the individual components of above defined net debt* divided by consolidated net income attributable to Weatherford and should be viewed in addition to the Company’s reported results prepared in accordance with GAAP.

    *Non-GAAP – as defined above and reconciled to the GAAP measures in the section titled GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciled

    Weatherford International plc
    GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciled (Unaudited)
     
                         
        Three Months Ended   Year Ended
    ($ in Millions, Except Margin in Percentages)   December
    31, 2024    		   September
    30, 2024    		   December
    31, 2023    		   December
    31, 2024    		   December
    31, 2023
    Revenues   $ 1,341     $ 1,409     $ 1,362     $ 5,513     $ 5,135  
    Net Income Attributable to Weatherford   $ 112     $ 157     $ 140     $ 506     $ 417  
    Net Income Margin     8.4 %     11.1 %     10.3 %     9.2 %     8.1 %
    Adjusted EBITDA*   $ 326     $ 355     $ 321     $ 1,382     $ 1,186  
    Adjusted EBITDA Margin*     24.3 %     25.2 %     23.6 %     25.1 %     23.1 %
                         
    Net Income Attributable to Weatherford   $ 112     $ 157     $ 140     $ 506     $ 417  
    Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests     12       9       7       44       32  
    Income Tax Provision     45       12       2       189       57  
    Interest Expense, Net of Interest Income of $12, $13, $12, $56 and $59     25       24       31       102       123  
    Loss on Blue Chip Swap Securities     —       —       —       10       57  
    Other Expense, Net     4       41       36       87       134  
    Operating Income     198       243       216       938       820  
    Depreciation and Amortization     83       89       83       343       327  
    Other Charges[1]     35       13       13       56       4  
    Share-Based Compensation     10       10       9       45       35  
    Adjusted EBITDA*   $ 326     $ 355     $ 321     $ 1,382     $ 1,186  
                         
    Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities   $ 249     $ 262     $ 375     $ 792     $ 832  
    Capital Expenditures for Property, Plant and Equipment     (100 )     (78 )     (67 )     (299 )     (209 )
    Proceeds from Disposition of Assets     13       —       7       31       28  
    Adjusted Free Cash Flow*   $ 162     $ 184     $ 315     $ 524     $ 651  
    [1]   Other charges in the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024, primarily included severance and restructuring costs and fees to third-party financial institutions related to collections of certain receivables from our largest customer in Mexico.
         

    *Non-GAAP – as reconciled to the GAAP measures above and defined in the section titled Non-GAAP Financial Measures Defined

    Weatherford International plc
    GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciled Continued (Unaudited)
     
                   
         
    ($ in Millions)   December
    31, 2024    		   September
    30, 2024    		   December
    31, 2023    		  
    Current Portion of Long-term Debt   $ 17   $ 21   $ 168  
    Long-term Debt     1,617     1,627     1,715  
    Total Debt   $ 1,634   $ 1,648   $ 1,883  
                   
    Cash and Cash Equivalents   $ 916   $ 920   $ 958  
    Restricted Cash     59     58     105  
    Total Cash   $ 975   $ 978   $ 1,063  
                   
    Components of Net Debt              
    Current Portion of Long-term Debt   $ 17   $ 21   $ 168  
    Long-term Debt     1,617     1,627     1,715  
    Less: Cash and Cash Equivalents     916     920     958  
    Less: Restricted Cash     59     58     105  
    Net Debt*   $ 659   $ 670   $ 820  
                   
    Net Income for trailing 12 months   $ 506   $ 534   $ 417  
    Adjusted EBITDA* for trailing 12 months   $ 1,382   $ 1,377   $ 1,186  
                   
    Net Leverage* (Net Debt*/Adjusted EBITDA*)     0.48 x   0.49 x   0.69 x
                         

    *Non-GAAP – as reconciled to the GAAP measures above and defined in the section titled Non-GAAP Financial Measures Defined

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Peters Reintroduces Bipartisan Legislation to Help Prevent Future Infant Formula Shortages

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to help prevent future infant formula shortages. Peters’ bill is in response to the bacterial contaminations at an infant formula manufacturing plant, the deaths of 9 infants, and infant formula recalls that triggered a nationwide shortage in 2022. Peters’ Protect Infant Formula from Contamination Act – which he introduced with U.S. Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) – aims to strengthen the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) oversight of infant formula manufacturing to improve the safety of our nation’s infant formula supply and ensure American families have access to safe, affordable formula.

    “As a father and grandfather, I was devastated for the parents who lost their children. Parents deserve to know with complete confidence that the formula they are giving their babies is safe. I’m working to make sure something like that never, ever happens again,” said Senator Peters. “This commonsense bill would help intercept contaminated formula from reaching the shelves in the first place by allowing the FDA to have a hand in testing for dangerous bacteria. Doing so will help protect our children, but also prevent families from facing another nationwide shortage where folks were struggling to both find and afford infant formula.”

    Between September 2021 and February 2022, the FDA received reports of infants who were sickened after consuming powdered infant formula products manufactured by a facility in Michigan. The FDA initiated an onsite inspection at the facility and commenced an investigation that revealed insanitary conditions, including the presence of five different strains of Cronobacter sakazakii within the facility. In February 2022, the FDA warned consumers not to use certain products manufactured at this facility and the company issued a voluntary recall. In addition, in 2023, FDA issued warning letters to three additional infant formula manufacturers to improve conditions at their plants. Peters’ bipartisan legislation would improve the FDA’s ability to help prevent future bacterial contaminations and minimize the supply chain disruptions if product recalls do occur.  

    Peters’ Protect Infant Formula from Contamination Act would take a three-pronged approach to reduce the risk of infant formula contamination from the bacteria Cronobacter sakazakii that triggered a nationwide formula shortage. Specifically, the bill would: 

    • Require infant formula manufacturers to conduct testing for Cronobacter or Salmonella in infant formula marketed for consumption: Under current law, infant formula manufacturers are required to notify the FDA if their product is contaminated, but only if the product has left their control. Knowledge about such incidents would enable the FDA to more effectively and proactively target its inspections, import controls, and finished product testing requirements for manufacturers.   

    • Require infant formula manufacturers to share positive contaminant results with the FDA: The bill would require manufacturers to share contaminant information with the FDA, supporting the FDA’s efforts to quickly identify the strains and origins of contamination, and detect other potentially contaminated products. This requirement would have helped the FDA identify related Cronobacter or Salmonella strains during the contaminations and formula recalls in 2021.    

    • Require infant formula manufacturers to consult with the FDA on how to properly dispose of contaminated products: Bacteria can live and spread across multiple surfaces in the process of removing infected product from a facility. The safe, comprehensive disposal of contaminated products is critical to ensuring that recontamination risks are eliminated and do not impact other product batches. The bill would ensure the highest, science-backed standards and methods of disposal are made available to manufacturers with impacted products. 

    Additionally, the bill would require the FDA to issue a progress report to Congress on its implementation of the recommendations it provided in the Long-Term National Strategy to improve the safety and security of our nation’s infant formula supply. In January 2025, the FDA released its Long-Term National Strategy to Increase the Resiliency of the U.S. Infant Formula Market to secure a safe, consistent, and diversified infant formula supply, addressing vulnerabilities exposed by the 2022 formula shortage. Among other recommendations, the FDA’s strategy calls for the testing authorities included in Peters’ Protect Infant Formula from Contamination Act.

    The Protect Infant Formula from Contamination Act is supported by numerous key stakeholders including the Association of Maternal and Child Health, First Focus, Zero to Three, March of Dimes, MomsRising, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

    “As the nonprofit organization leading the fight for the health of all moms and babies, March of Dimes is proud to endorse the Protecting Infant Formula from Contamination Act (PIFCA). This critical legislation would strengthen the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) oversight of infant formula manufacturing, ensuring American families have access to a safe, secure, and affordable formula supply,” said Stacey Y. Brayboy, March of Dimes, SVP Public Policy & Government Affairs. “March of Dimes supports the bill’s comprehensive three-pronged approach to enhance FDA surveillance, improve the safety and security of the infant formula supply chain, and address risks like Cronobacter sakazakii contamination, which has tragically caused infant deaths and recalls. By reducing the likelihood of future shortages and promoting safe manufacturing practices, this legislation is vital to protecting babies and supporting families. We thank Senators Gary Peters and John Hoeven for their leadership and urge Congress to act swiftly to pass this important measure.”

    “The Protect Infant Formula from Contamination Act is a crucial step in improving food safety standards for infant formula,” said Livleen Gill, President of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. “The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics believes it is vital to ensure safe, nutritious formula for families, especially for those returning to work or facing breastfeeding challenges. By implementing a rigorous process to monitor and prevent potential contamination, this legislation would reduce the risk of illness and provide parents with greater peace of mind.”

    The Protect Infant Formula from Contamination Act is a sensible step to enhance transparency, safety, and consumer trust by ensuring that manufactures notify the FDA when they find a formula product has been contaminated with harmful bacteria. By passing this law, Congress will help to ensure a swifter, more targeted federal response, enhancing the stability and safety of our infant formula supply,” said Sarah Sorscher, Director of Regulatory Affairs at the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville, Lee Celebrate America’s Role in Creating the Panama Canal

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) in introducing a resolution recognizing the great American achievement of creating the Panama Canal, the vital importance of the Canal in America’s trade, national security, and geopolitical interests, and the necessity to ensure the neutrality of the Canal from interference by global adversaries like China.

    “The Panama Canal would not exist without America,” said Sen. Tuberville. “Connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans is integral to our global supply chain and national security interests. Now, more than ever, we cannot let our foreign adversaries, like China, have a foot in the door here. I’m glad Congress and the White House are putting America’s interests first when it comes to the Panama Canal.”

    Joining U.S. Senators Tuberville and Lee in cosponsoring the resolution are U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Rick Scott (R-FL).

    Full text of the resolution can be found here. 

    BACKGROUND:

    Sen. Tuberville has sounded the alarm of the growing Chinese influence in Panama since his visit in 2023. Over the last two years, he has led multiple trips to the country and met with a plethora of Panamanian officials as well as questioned DOD officials on American involvement in the country. 

    MORE:

    ICYMI: Tuberville Joins “Sunday Morning Futures” With Maria Bartiromo

    ICYMI: Tuberville Joins Kudlow on Fox Business Network

    1819 News: Tuberville Warns of ISIS Fighters Crossing Southern Border—‘They’re Coming by the Droves’

    Tuberville Questions Top Defense Nominees on Recruiting and Readiness

    Tuberville Discusses Panama Visit, Growing Threat from China During Senate Armed Services Hearing

    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Takes Action to Protect Conservatives, Taxpayers from Political Discrimination by Banks

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) to reintroduce the Fair Access to Banking Act, which protects fair access to financial services and ensures banks operate in a safe and sound manner. The legislation requires that lending and services decisions must be based on impartial, risk-based analysis, not political or reputational favoritism. 

    In recent years, prominent American banks have engaged in a discriminatory practice, referred to as debanking. Banks and financial institutions use their economic standing to categorically exclude law-abiding, legal industries by refusing to lend or provide services to them. This includes industries such as firearms, ammunition, crypto, federal prison contractors, as well as energy producers. 

    “Banks should make lending decisions based solely on economic factors – not woke political concerns,” said Sen. Tuberville. “Big banks are bowing to pressure from woke activists who oppose loans being given to businesses that don’t fall in line with the left’s agenda. No financial institution should be pressured to cut off lending to a legitimate business. Financial discrimination is un-American and unacceptable. I’m proud to support the Fair Access to Banking Act to push back against attempts to weaponize the banking sector for political reasons.”

    “When progressives failed at banning these entire industries, what they did instead is they turned to weaponizing banks as sort of a backdoor to carry out their activist goals,” said Sen. Cramer. “Financial institutions are backed by taxpayers, for crying out loud! They should be obligated to provide services in an unbiased, risk-based manner. The Fair Access to Banking Act ensures that banks provide fair access to services and enacts strict penalties for categorically discriminating against legal industries and individuals.”

    The Fair Access to Banking Act is endorsed by several organizations, including the National Shooting Sports Foundation, National Rifle Association, North Dakota Petroleum Council, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, The Digital Chamber, Blockchain Association, Independent Petroleum Association of America, Online Lenders Alliance, Day 1 Alliance, GEO Group, the Lignite Energy Council, and National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors.

    Joining U.S. Senators Tuberville and Cramer in cosponsoring this bill are U.S. Senators Jim Banks (R-IN), John Barrasso (R-WY), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Boozman (R-AR), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), John Curtis (R-UT), Steve Daines (R-MT), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Jim Justice (R-WV), John Kennedy (R-LA), James Lankford (R-OK), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jim Risch (R-ID), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Roger Wicker (R-MS).

    U.S. Representative Andy Barr (R-KY) introduced similar legislation in the House of Representatives. 

    Click here for bill text. 

    BACKGROUND:

    Specifically, this legislation penalizes banks and credit unions with over $10 billion in total consolidated assets, or their subsidiaries, if they refuse to do business with any legally compliant, credit-worthy person. It also prevents payment card networks from discriminating against any qualified person because of political or reputational considerations. The bill requires qualified banks to provide written justification for why they are denying a person financial services. Further, the Fair Access to Banking Act would penalize providers who fail to comply with the law by disqualifying institutions from using discount window lending programs, terminating status as an insured depository institution or credit union, or imposing a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per violation. 

    The bill is based on President Trump’s Fair Access Rule, which was introduced during his first administration and required financial institutions to make individual risk assessments rather than broad decisions regarding entire industries or categories of customers. The Biden administration paused the rule’s implementation in early 2021.

    The Senators’ legislation is a response to United States banks and financial institutions increasingly using their economic standing to categorically discriminate against legal industries and conservatives. For example, Citigroup instituted a policy in 2018 to withhold project-related financing for coal plants, and in 2020, five of the country’s largest banks announced they would not provide loans or credit to support oil and gas drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, despite explicit congressional authorization. Such exclusionary practices also extend to industries protected by the Second Amendment, with Capital One, among other banks, previously including “ammunitions, firearms, or firearm parts” in the prohibited payments section of its corporate policy manual, and payment services like Apple Pay and PayPal denying their services for transactions involving firearms or ammunition. First Lady Melania Trump and technology companies alike allege banks have debanked them or refused to do business. During his address to the World Economic Forum in January, President Trump highlighted big banks and their discriminatory practices of targeting conservatives.  

    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Takes Action to Protect Women’s Olympic Sports in Honor of National Girls and Women in Sports Day

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) reintroduced the Protection of Women in Olympic and Amateur Sports Act to prohibit any governing body recognized by the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) from allowing men to participate in any athletic event intended for females. The bill modifies eligibility requirements for amateur sports governing organizations. Senator Tuberville re-introduced the legislation on National Girls and Women in Sports Day and as part of his continuing fight to protect Title IX and save women’s sports.

    Representative Greg Steube (R-FL-17) introduced the House version of this bill.

    “Men should not be competing in women’s sports at any level,” said Senator Tuberville. “We were all deeply disturbed last summer to see videos of men boxing against women in the Olympics. This is not only dangerous, but it is incredibly unfair to the young women who have trained their whole lives to compete. Whether in little league or the Olympics, it’s unsafe, it’s unfair, and it’s just plain wrong. I am proud to introduce this bill and hope to see it signed into law long before the United States hosts the 2028 Summer Olympics so we can all enjoy watching safe, fair competition.” 

    “From the swimming pool to the boxing ring, far-left activists have hijacked the rulebook to push their extremist agenda onto sports governing bodies. Not only is this antithetical to the principles of fair competition, but it constitutes a direct assault on the future of women’s sports altogether,” said Rep. Steube. “It is more important than ever that we stand up for common sense by prohibiting biological males from competing in female athletics. That is why I have reintroduced The Protection of Women in Olympic and Amateur Sports Act to protect the integrity of women’s sports from woke ideologues.”

    The Protection of Women in Olympic and Amateur Sports Act boasts the support of a broad coalition of organizations, key stakeholders, and women’s groups.

    “As an athlete who has experienced the injustice of competing against a male firsthand, I’m grateful for the leadership of Representative Steube and Senator Tuberville. They have made it clear that they will fight for fairness, privacy, and safety for girls and women in sports,” said Riley Gaines, 12x NCAA All American Swimmer and Independent Women’s Forum Ambassador.

    “Women and girls deserve the opportunity to compete in sports on a level playing field, free from unfair competition with male athletes in their own categories. With no national governing body of Olympic sports currently barring all males from women’s categories, this glaring inequity undermines opportunities for female athletes and the integrity of women’s sports. Congressman Steube’s Protection of Women in Olympic and Amateur Sports Act is a vital step to ensure fairness, empower women, and preserve the future of women’s athletics.” —Independent Council on Women’s Sports

    “It’s obvious that men do not belong in women’s sports. Yet despite the overwhelming support for this position among the American people, too many sports bodies still allow men who claim to be women to compete against female athletes. This is incredibly unfair to women, and it needs to end. APP is grateful to Congressman Steube and Senator Tuberville for their long-standing leadership in defense of women’s sports, and we are proud to once again support this legislation.” —Terry Schilling, President of American Principles Project

    “On numerous occasions, women have been sidelined and victimized due to extreme transgender ideology. It’s time to keep men out of women’s sports. We applaud Representative Steube for his leadership on this issue and urge all members of Congress—regardless of party—to vote for The Protection of Women in Olympic and Amateur Sports Act.” —Kris Ullman, President of Eagle Forum

    “Women’s Liberation Front applauds Rep. Steube’s legislation aimed at preserving women’s sports for women and girls. The world witnessed the travesty carried out in Women’s Olympic Boxing in 2024 when the International Olympic Committee allowed men to box women. The men of course won, robbing real women of medals and titles they trained for years to win. We appreciate this legislation as a return to sanity and a decisive move to protect women’s sports.” —Women’s Liberation Front

    “Women and girls should never be reduced to spectators in their own sports. Allowing men to deprive women of medals, podium spots, public recognition, and opportunities to compete is unfair and unacceptable. Our laws must acknowledge the clear biological differences between men and women in order to preserve equal athletic opportunities for female athletes. Women and girls deserve a fair and level playing field. We applaud Rep. Steube for his leadership on this bill,” said Matt Sharp, Director of the Center for Public Policy and senior counsel for the Alliance Defending Freedom

    “I appreciate Senator Tuberville and Representative Steube for their leadership on protecting women and girls in athletics. Allowing even a single female athlete to be displaced by a male is discriminatory, risky, and unfair. And it must be stopped. That is precisely what lifelong sports advocate Senator Ted Stevens would want — equality in sports, preserving the safety, fairness and equal opportunity for female athletes. This bill will do just that,” said Paula Scanlan, Independent Women’s Voice Ambassador. 

    “As a former athlete who was forced to compete against a male, resulting in a life-altering injury, it’s crucial to recognize that allowing men’s participation in women’s sports not only deprives women of opportunities but also exposes them to significant danger. I deeply admire Representative Steube and Senator Tuberville for their leadership in addressing this issue and standing up for fairness and safety, especially for women,” said Payton McNabb, Independent Women’s Voice Ambassador. 

    Read the bill here.

    BACKGROUND:

    USA Boxing updated their National Rule Book to add a Transgender definition and link to a new Transgender Policy, effective on January 1, 2024. The policy states: “a boxer who transitions from male to female is eligible to compete in the female category” with certain conditions.

    Under the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act, Congress chartered the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) and allowed the organization to recognize governing bodies for individual sports. USA Boxing has been recognized by the USOC as the official governing body for boxing. The Act sets out a variety of requirements that must be followed by these individual governing bodies in order to be certified by USOC.

    In February 2024, Senator Tuberville originally introduced the Protection of Women in Olympic and Amateur Sports Act during the 118th Congress. Representative Greg Steube introduced the House version.

    Fighting for Women’s Sports:

    As a former educator, mentor, and coach for more than 40 years, Senator Tuberville is concerned about the future of girls’ and women’s sports. He began his career coaching high school girls’ basketball shortly after the enactment of Title IX and witnessed the law’s positive impacts firsthand. Senator Tuberville has been a vocal advocate of preserving Title IX and urged Joe Biden’s Department of Education officials to keep the protections in place. 

    In January 2025, Senator Tuberville led 36 Republican colleagues in re-introducing the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025 to preserve Title IX protections for female athletes and ensure fair, safe competition in women’s sports across the country. Senator Tuberville’s bill passed the House in January 2025.

    MORE:

    ICYMI: Tuberville Joins “The Megyn Kelly Show” to Advocate for Senate Leadership to Schedule Title IX Legislation for a Vote

    ICYMI: Tuberville in OutKick: Senate to Consider My Bill, the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act

    Tuberville Introduces Hallmark Legislation to Preserve Title IX, Protect Women’s Sports

    ICYMI: Tuberville Joins Harris Faulkner on Fox News to Discuss Title IX, Save Women’s Sports

    Tuberville Leads Colleagues in Fight to Save Title IX, Women’s Sports

    Tuberville, Blackburn Urge NCAA President to Keep Men Out of Women’s Sports

    The Globalist-Left’s Assault on Female Athletics

    Tuberville Sponsors Resolution to Overturn Biden’s Attack on Title IX, Save Women’s Sports

    Tuberville Takes Action to Recognize October 10th as ‘American Girls in Sports Day’

    Tuberville Demands Answers on Biden Administration’s Radical Rewrite of Title IX

    ICYMI: Tuberville Joins Lou Holtz: There’s an Attack on Title IX

    ICYMI: Tuberville on Newsmax: Democrats are Trying to Destroy Women’s Sports, Title IX

    Tuberville Leads Roundtable on Protecting Title IX and Saving Women’s Sports

    ICYMI: Tuberville Hosts Roundtable About Saving Women’s Sports

    What Democrats’ Vote Against Women Reveals About the Future of Sports

    Tuberville Forces Senate Vote to Protect Women’s Sports

    Tuberville Demands Answers from NCAA, Dept of Ed on Title IX

    Tuberville Introduces Legislation to Prohibit Men from Competing in Women’s Olympic Sports

    Senator Tuberville joins Fox and Friends to discuss the 50th Anniversary of Inflation and Title IX

    Tuberville Calls for Fairness in Women’s Sports

    Ahead of 50th Anniversary of Title IX, Senator Tuberville Warns Biden Admin is Hacking Away at Women’s Progress

    Senator Tuberville: Biden Title IX Modifications Will Destroy ‘Opportunities For Generations Of Women And Girls’

    Biden executive order will ruin women’s sports and erode Title IX

    Dr. Ben Carson, Sen. Tuberville Break Down Why They Think Trans Athletes Shouldn’t Compete In Women’s Sports

    U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville says Biden administration pushing women to the sidelines

    Tuberville on Biden Administration’s Upcoming Title IX Proposed Rule: ‘It would take a wrecking ball to the five decades of Title IX success and tilt what was a level playing field to the far left’

    Tuberville Presses Under Secretary of Education Nominee on Title IX, Free Speech on Campus

    Tuberville: The Real March Madness

    Tuberville Warns Secretary Cardona Against Weakening Title IX Protections 

    Tuberville Emphasizes Importance of Title IX Protections

    Tuberville Offers Amendment Protecting Women’s Title IX Rights

    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn Nursing Hosts Air Force Representatives to Explore Potential Career Paths

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Representatives from the United States Air Force visited the School of Nursing to discuss alternative career and leadership opportunities for graduating seniors.

    The visit was part of UConn’s Leadership Capstone course (NURS 4282), led by Laura Eiss, RN, MSN, NPD, BC, CNE. Through engagement with nurse leaders from various health care settings, students gain valuable insights into the multifaceted roles and responsibilities of nursing leadership in today’s dynamic health care landscape.

    Nursing students were gifted Chick-fil-A to enjoy during the Air Force Nurse Corps presentation (contributed photo)

    Lieutenant Colonel Krisha Prentice and Master Sergeant Andrew Magathan, recruiters from the Air Force Nurse Corps, presented various benefits of joining the Air Force, including housing vouchers, scholarships, loan repayment programs, and opportunities for advanced specialization in areas such as surgery, obstetrics, and medical-surgical nursing through the Nurse Transitioning Program (NTC). They also highlighted pathways for nurses pursuing advanced degrees like CRNA, NFP, and NP-Maternal Health.

    MSgt. Magathan and Lt. Col. Krisha Prentice (contributed photo)

    Lt. Col. Prentice shared her experience leading over 350 nurses and staff, emphasizing the dynamic and impactful roles available in the Air Force. MSgt. Magathan underscored the global nature of being a nurse in the Air Force, stating that nurses collaborate with other military branches worldwide. 

    “Many of our students already know they are going to pursue advanced degrees, and for many the financial implications from a 4-year undergrad degree might be a barrier,” says Eiss. “This provides a path for some they may not even knew existed.” 

    The capstone course will continue with presentations from Global Experience students returning from Belgium and from state health care executives to further explore diverse career opportunities. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three Individuals Sentenced for Harboring Aliens Arriving in Puerto Rico from the Dominican Republic

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The last of three defendants was sentenced today to prison for harboring aliens that arrived in Puerto Rico from the Dominican Republic.

    Together, defendants Katia Janette Nieves, Junior Melo, and Iris J. Nieves-Ríos coordinated the pickup in August 2023 of at least 50 individuals arriving unlawfully via boat on the west side of Puerto Rico from the Dominican Republic. Despite knowing that these individuals were aliens not lawfully in the United States, the defendants transported them to a residence in San Juan, Puerto Rico, harbored them, and demanded money from family members in order to release the individuals.

    Junior Melo was sentenced on December 16, 2024, to 72 months in prison and five years of supervised release. Katia Janette Nieves was sentenced on January 15, 2025, to 72 months in prison and five years of supervised release. Iris J. Nieves-Ríos was sentenced today to 24 months in prison and five years of supervised release.

    U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow of the District of Puerto Rico; and Joseph González, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI San Juan Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI and the Puerto Rico Police Bureau investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Daynelle Álvarez-Lora and Assistant U.S. Attorney Linet Suárez prosecuted the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Secures 51-Month Sentence in Vehicular Homicide Case

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Sanostee man was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison and ordered to pay nearly $8,000 in restitution after pleading guilty to two counts of involuntary manslaughter for a fatal drunk-driving crash that occurred on the Navajo Nation.

    According to court documents, at approximately 6:30 a.m. on August 12, 2023, Leonardo Robbie Duncan, 33, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was driving while intoxicated on Navajo Route 36 near Upper Fruitland, New Mexico, when he crossed into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with a vehicle occupied by Jane and John Doe.

    Duncan fled the scene on foot without checking on or assisting the victims. An off-duty Southern Ute Tribal police officer attempted to stop Duncan from leaving but was unsuccessful. John Doe died at the scene; Jane Doe passed away en route to the hospital. Both victims were enrolled members of the Navajo Nation.

    Duncan turned himself in to Navajo Nation Police six hours after the crash. At the time of surrender, his blood-alcohol content was 0.08. At the time of the incident, Duncan was on state probation for Battery on a Household Member and had recently violated this probation with an open-container offense. He also had a prior State conviction for Driving While Intoxicated from 2018.

    Upon his release from prison, Duncan will be subject to three years of supervised release.

    U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lawton Man Sentenced to Serve Life in Federal Prison for Murder After Woman’s Body is Found in Wildlife Refuge in Indian Country

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Co-Defendant Previously Sentenced to Serve 96 Months for Accessory After the Fact to Murder

    OKLAHOMA CITY – TEVIN TERRELL SEMIEN, 30, of Lawton, has been sentenced to serve life in federal prison for second-degree murder and illegal possession of a firearm after a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

    According to public record, on May 17, 2023, Karon “Dinkers” Conneywerdy Smith, 68, was found dead in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. Investigators searched Smith’s home, which was within Indian Country, and observed blood consistent with a violent struggle. Smith’s vehicle was missing as well. On May 21, 2023, Texas law enforcement observed Smith’s vehicle driving south of Dallas, Texas. Officers attempted to pull the vehicle over, but the vehicle fled at a high speed and eventually crashed into a lake. The two occupants of the vehicle, later identified as Semien and Nicole Leigh Logsdon, attempted to flee on foot but were apprehended.

    On October 17, 2023, a federal grand jury returned a four-count Indictment against Semien and co-defendant Nicole Leigh Logsdon, 25, also of Lawton. The Indictment charged Semien with one count of first-degree premeditated murder, one alternative count of second-degree murder, and one count of illegally possessing a firearm after a previous felony conviction. Logsdon was separately charged with accessory after the fact to murder.

    On April 22, 2024, Semien pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and being a felon in possession of a firearm. As part of his plea, Semien admitted to deliberately and intentionally killing Smith.

    On January 10, 2024, Logsdon pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact to murder and admitted to helping Semien in his attempt to avoid arrest and prosecution. On July 15, 2024, Logsdon was sentenced to serve 96 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

    At the sentencing hearing on February 3, 2025, U.S. District Judge Stephen P. Friot sentenced Semien to serve life in federal prison. In announcing his sentence, Judge Friot noted the nature and circumstances of the offense, pointing out that Semien’s choices and conduct amounted to an “unfathomably cruel and depraved murder.” Judge Friot also noted Semien’s criminal history.  Public record further reflects that Semien has previous felony convictions which include burglary in Jefferson County, Texas, and conspiracy to commit second degree burglary in Comanche County District Court case number CF-2022-292.

    This case is in federal court because Smith and Logsdon are enrolled members of the Comanche Nation and the murder occurred within Indian Country.

    This case is a result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City, Dallas, and New Orleans field offices; the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation; the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; the Comanche Nation Police Department; the Comanche County Sheriff’s Office; the Lawton Police Department; the U.S. Marshals Service; the Rice, Texas Police Department; and the Navarro County, Texas Sheriff’s Office. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaleigh Blackwell and Trial Attorney Mark Stoneman with DOJ’s Criminal Division (former AUSA with the Western District of Oklahoma) prosecuted the case.

    The case furthers the Department of Justice’s Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons efforts to address violence against Native American individuals. More information about this initiative is at https://www.justice.gov/tribal/mmip.

    Reference is made to public filings for more information. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Guatemalan National Charged with Transportation, Distribution, and Possession of Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    OKLAHOMA CITY – A federal complaint has been unsealed charging GUSTAVO GORDILLO, 41, of Guatemala, with transportation, distribution, and possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

    According to an affidavit filed in support of a criminal complaint, in July 2020, investigators with the Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD) received a cyber tip after files containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) were uploaded to a Google Photos account. The affidavit alleges that the suspect who uploaded the photos, later determined to be Gordillo, lived in Oklahoma City. OCPD detectives investigated the tip, as well as additional tips from Facebook, and learned that Gordillo had communicated with a child living out of state. The affidavit further alleges Gordillo provided CSAM to and received CSAM from the child. In December 2024, additional investigation led law enforcement to a residence in the Oklahoma City metro that was connected with Gordillo. Gordillo was charged by Complaint on January 27, 2025, and was arrested by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and OCPD on January 29, 2025.

    Public records show Gordillo had entered into the United States on a temporary visa that had expired.

    If found guilty as charged in the Complaint, Gordillo faces up to sixty years in federal prison. The public is reminded these charges are merely allegations, and that Gordillo is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

    This case is the result of an investigation by HSI and OCPD. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Edgmon is prosecuting the case.

    Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary Rubio holds a press availability with Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo

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

    Secretary of State Marco A. Rubio holds a press availability with Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo in Guatemala City, Guatemala, on February 5, 2025.

    ———-
    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
    X: https://x.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=h3q8CAubhwg

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Commerce Committee Advances Capito-Backed Bills, Lutnick Nomination

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today voted during a committee markup to advance the nomination of Howard Lutnick to serve as Secretary of Commerce. She also voted to advance several pieces of legislation, including the Rural Broadband Protection Act (RBPA), legislation Senator Capito authored to require a more thorough vetting and verification process for internet service providers (ISP) seeking to participate in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) high-cost programs. Learn more about RBPA here.

    Senator Capito also voted to advance all legislation considered at today’s markup, including several bills she cosponsored:

    The Lutnick nomination, RPBA, as well as the other Capito-backed legislation, now head to the full Senate for consideration.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Capito Votes to Confirm Scott Turner for HUD Secretary

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) issued the following statement after voting to confirm Scott Turner to serve as the next Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Housing and Urban Development (HUD):

    “I have seen firsthand the skills Scott Turner brings to the table when it comes to targeted economic development initiatives. He has a wealth of knowledge, experience, and will respond to the individual challenges that each unique community faces in West Virginia and across America. I was proud to vote to confirm Scott to this position and look forward to working with him and the Trump administration to make sure the needs of West Virginia and rural America are met,” Senator Capito said.

    BACKGROUND:

    Senator Capito previously met with Turner in January to discuss his nomination and learn more about his vision to lead the department including his commitment to address responsiveness issues West Virginians have faced.

    In May 2019, Senator Capito welcomed Turner to Charleston, W.Va. for a series of roundtable discussions focused on economic development.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Barrasso Votes to Confirm Scott Turner as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming John Barrasso

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Senate Majority Whip, today spoke on the Senate Floor prior to voting to confirm Scott Turner, President Donald J. Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

    Click HERE to watch Senator Barrasso’s remarks.

    Sen. Barrasso’s remarks as prepared:

    “The Senate will soon vote on the confirmation of Scott Turner to be the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

    “Scott grew up in Texas. He dreamed of a career in the National Football League. He achieved that dream and so much more.

    “He used his platform as a player to help others achieve their own dreams.

    “These leadership qualities are fundamental to who Scott is. They will serve him well as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

    “Scott also has extensive experience in state and federal governments.

    “After playing in the NFL, he served his community in the Texas legislature.

    “In 2019, Scott oversaw investments in Opportunity Zones under President Trump.

    “In that role, Scott secured more than $50 billion in private investments for over 8,700 economically-distressed communities.

    “These investments helped to revitalize forgotten communities.

    “Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina – the now-Chairman of the Banking Committee – created these Opportunity Zones in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

    “Scott Turner was instrumental in their success. He is the right man to help restore opportunity now.

    “He will put his experience and his leadership skills to work for the American people.

    “I strongly support his nomination.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Families will benefit from new child care spaces at Marysville Elementary school

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    More families in Kimberley will have access to affordable, quality child care with 148 new child care spaces opening soon at Marysville Elementary school.

    “This new child care centre in Kimberley will benefit hard-working families and the whole community for years to come,” said Rohini Arora, B.C.’s parliamentary secretary for child care. “It is a great example of how we are working with community partners to build new child care centres where people need them most throughout B.C.”

    Construction of a new child care centre on school grounds was made possible by more than $8.8 million from the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund. This fund is jointly supported by provincial investments and federal funding under the 2021-22 to 2025-26 Canada-British Columbia Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement.

    “Everyone deserves access to affordable child care close to home. These new spots in Kimberley support our children’s well-being and help meet parents’ needs,” said Jenna Sudds, federal Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. “It’s a significant investment in our children’s future and the strength of our communities.”

    School districts throughout B.C. are partnering with the provincial government to create new child care spaces to help address the child care needs of families within their communities. Child care on school grounds makes life easier for families by requiring only one dropoff and pickup location, streamlining their daily routines, reducing stress and creating a smoother transition for children.

    “This project certainly represents an example of what can be accomplished through exemplary community collaboration,” said Aaron Callaghan, superintendent, Rocky Mountain School District. “Our heartfelt thanks go out to everyone involved in this undertaking, including the City of Kimberley and Columbia Basin Trust. We are especially grateful to our partner, Summit Community Services Society, whose expertise and dedication will now bring this facility to life, providing essential child care services for families in Kimberley.”

    Since 2018, ChildCareBC’s accelerated space creation programs have helped fund the creation of more than 40,000 new licensed child care spaces in B.C., with more than 23,000 of these operational. Funding the creation of new child care spaces is part of the Province’s ChildCareBC plan to build access to affordable, quality, inclusive child care as a core service families can rely on.

    Quote:

    Johnny Strilaeff, president and CEO, Columbia Basin Trust –

    “This new facility represents an incredible achievement for Marysville and the surrounding community, providing local families with greater access to high-quality child care. We are proud to have partnered with Rocky Mountain School District, Summit Community Services Society, the City of Kimberley and the Province to make this project a reality. Supporting projects like this not only helps families thrive, but also strengthens the foundation of our communities across the basin.”

    Learn More:

    For more information about ChildCareBC, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/childcare

    More information about the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund is available here: www.gov.bc.ca/childcare/newspacesfund

    For more information about the Canada-British Columbia Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, visit:
    https://www.canada.ca/en/early-learning-child-care-agreement/agreements-provinces-territories/british-columbia-canada-wide-2021.html

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: B-1B Lancers conduct training mission in support of BTF 25-1

    Source: United States Air Force

    Headline: B-1B Lancers conduct training mission in support of BTF 25-1

    B-1B Lancers assigned to the 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron participated in support of Bomber Task Force 25-1, at Andersen Air force Base, Guam, Feb. 4. BTF missions demonstrate lethality and interoperability in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Honduran Man Pleads Guilty to Immigration Crime

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BECKLEY, W.Va. – Nolvin Alfredo-Diaz, also known as “Alfredo Diaz” and “Nolvin Alfredo Diaz,” 42, a Honduran national, pleaded guilty today to reentry of a removed alien.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 21, 2024, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested Alfredo-Diaz in Lewisburg. Alfredo-Diaz admitted that he was a citizen of Honduras in the United States illegally and that he had previously been deported from the United States. Alfredo-Diaz had no identification documents permitting him legal status in the United States.

    Fingerprints matched Alfredo-Diaz to two prior removals from the United States to Honduras. On December 27, 2006, Alfredo-Diaz was removed from the United States to Honduras following his felony conviction for controlled substance-possession Schedule I, to wit, heroin, in Denver County, Colorado, District Court on September 25, 2006. On September 6, 2007, Alfredo-Diaz was found in Denver, Colorado, and convicted of controlled substance-possession Schedule II, to wit, cocaine, in Denver County, Colorado, District Court on December 20, 2007. On July 21, 2010, Alfredo-Diaz was found in Canon City, Colorado, and was removed from the United States to Honduras on August 5, 2010.

    Alfredo-Diaz never obtained the express consent of the Secretary of U.S. Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States for either of the prior removals, nor did he seek to reenter the United States through other legal means.

    Alfredo-Diaz is scheduled to be sentenced on May 29, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and up to three years of supervised release. Alfredo-Diaz will be subject to deportation proceedings at the conclusion of any sentence.

    “This federal criminal case underscores our office’s commitment to pursuing illegal reentry cases, especially in circumstances where the offender has a criminal history,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “Here, Mr. Diaz has two felony convictions for drug offenses and has been removed from the United States on multiple occasions. This will be Mr. Diaz’s third felony conviction. Our office will diligently and aggressively pursue these types of immigration cases.”

    Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

    United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is prosecuting the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-cr-146.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Guatemalan National Pleads Guilty to Illegally Entering the US After a Prior Removal

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PORTLAND, Maine: A Guatemalan national pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Portland to entering the United States after a prior removal.

    According to court records, in November 2024, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent conducted a records check on Jorge Martinez-Urizar, 50. The check showed that he had been removed from the country on three prior occasions, most recently in July 2005, and that he had not filed any applications or petitions granting him permission to reenter or remain in the United States lawfully. Martinez was removed in 2005 after serving a 70-month sentence in Oregon for a 1999 conviction for assault in the second degree and unlawful use of a weapon.

    Martinez-Urizar faces a maximum prison term of 20 years and a fine up to $250,000.

    ICE investigated the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: 3 men believed to be part of South American Theft Group indicted for federal crimes related to burglary of NFL player’s Cincinnati home

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CINCINNATI – A federal grand jury in Cincinnati has charged defendants believed to be operating as part of a South American Theft Group with transporting stolen goods interstate and falsifying records in a federal investigation. The three men allegedly committed the Dec. 9, 2024, burglary at the home of a local NFL player.

    A federal complaint was filed on Feb. 3 and the indictment was returned today, charging Jordan Francisco Quiroga Sanchez, 22, Bastian Alejandro Orellana Morales, 23, and Sergio Andres Ortega Cabello, 38, all of Chile.

    “Our investigation remains ongoing as these individuals seem to be the alleged tip of the iceberg of South American Theft Groups committing crimes throughout our district and elsewhere,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “We owe it to the victims, whether they are or are not professional athletes, to follow the evidence into these alleged criminal networks and hold the law-breakers accountable. I cannot thank our law enforcement partners enough for their commitment to working together to track down these perpetrators. Today is a day that law enforcement scored and spiked the ball.”

    “South American Theft Groups have been a major concern in the Cincinnati area,” said FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Elena Iatarola. “We appreciate the partnerships of all the agencies involved in the Southwest Ohio South American Theft Group Task Force for their hard work on this investigation.”

    “The Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission was created for – and excels at – these types of complex, multi-jurisdictional cases,” Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said. “I’m proud of the work done so far, and look forward to more results as our task force continues its work.” 

    According to charging documents, law enforcement responded to the NFL player’s home around 8:14pm on Dec. 9, 2024, in reference to a reported burglary. An associate of the homeowner had been dropped off at the residence shortly after 8pm and discovered rooms were unusually messy and a primary bedroom window on the back side of the home had been broken.

    It is believed the burglary likely occurred between 6pm and 8pm. The homeowner was away from his residence playing in an NFL game in Dallas. During a security detail shift change at the home at approximately 6pm, security personnel walked the perimeter of the house and no windows appeared to be broken at that time.

    Continued investigation at the Cincinnati home led investigators to discover a trail camera image of a man carrying luggage and walking through the wooded area behind the home.

    Law enforcement tracked the subjects in various states following the burglary, and subsequently located the vehicle at the La Quinta hotel on University Boulevard in Fairborn. The Ohio State Highway Patrol later stopped the vehicle for a traffic violation.

    Phone analysis shows Cabello allegedly deleted photographs of the stolen goods and the back of the victim’s home during the traffic stop with the Ohio State Highway Patrol, thus falsifying records in a federal investigation. Additional cell phone analysis revealed other photos of the defendants in southeast Florida days after the burglary with luxury luggage and wearing the stolen jewelry.

    Also in the car with the defendants were punch tools to break glass, as well as an old Louisiana State University shirt and a Cincinnati Bengals hat believed to be taken from the victim’s home.

    The men were taken into local custody at the time of the traffic stop.

    Interstate transportation of stolen property is a federal crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Falsification of records in a federal investigation carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years in prison. The three men were previously charged locally and those state charges remain pending.

    Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission’s Southwest Ohio Burglary Task Force; Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey; Ohio State Highway Patrol Superintendent Col. Charles A. Jones; Clark County Sheriff Christopher D. Clark; and Angie M. Salazar, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Detroit; announced the charges.

    Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Springer is representing the United States in this case.

    Charging documents merely contain allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

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