Category: Artificial Intelligence

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Schools to accelerate maths achievement

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Students who need extra help with maths are set to benefit from a targeted acceleration programme that will give them more confidence in the classroom, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.

    “Last year, significant numbers of students did not meet the foundational literacy and numeracy level required to gain NCEA. To achieve our goal of getting 80 per cent of our kids to curriculum by the time they get to high school, we need to be relentlessly focused on teaching the basics brilliantly at school.

    “We are ensuring more kids who need extra support, get it. 145 English and Māori medium schools across the country have been identified to take part in the $3 million intensive trial which aims to bring 3000 Year 7 and 8 students up to the required curriculum level in maths,” Ms Stanford says.

    The 12-week trial will take place in Term 1 and 2 and involve small group tutoring and supervised online tuition for 30 minutes, up to four times a week for each child.

    Schools participating will receive funding for staff involved based on the number of children taking part. It will be used to pay for staffing as well as cover costs associated with an AI tutoring tool. An evaluation of the trial will inform how to scale it up nationwide by next year.

    “Every year 65,000 young New Zealanders start school, we must ensure they’re getting off to the very best possible start. That’s why primary school students will now benefit from explicit teaching through structured mathematics and a clear, detailed and knowledge-rich curriculum based on the science of learning.

    “We are laser focused on lifting student achievement and closing the equity gap in our education system so all children are equipped with the knowledge, skills and competencies needed to grow the New Zealand of the future,” Ms Stanford says. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Ultimate Microsoft 365 community event returns May 6-8

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Ultimate Microsoft 365 community event returns May 6-8

    It’s an incredible time for our customers as we continue to see the future of work come to life with Microsoft 365 Copilot product announcements and enhancements. But as much as we focus on pushing the boundaries of technology, we never lose sight of the fact that this journey is about you: our customers who use these tools to power work, teams, and businesses––and our partners who have built their businesses around helping people get the most out of Microsoft solutions. We’re always listening to your feedback, learning from your experiences, and working to make our products better for you.

    When it comes to collaboration, we know how important it is to bring together teams, customers, partners, and individuals across both digital and hybrid spaces. However, there’s still something special about meeting face to face. That’s why I’m excited to welcome you back to the Microsoft 365 Community Conference (#M365Con).

    Taking place May 6 through May 8 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, the Microsoft 365 Community Conference is your front-row seat to the future of work. Whether you’re a longtime Microsoft enthusiast or new to the ecosystem, we’ll meet you where you are and help you go further.

    Expect a jam-packed agenda with a variety of sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities. We’ll share more details on the agenda and speakers soon. For now, following are the key details you should know.

    What you can expect

    You’ll do more at #M365Con than sit back and listen—you’ll actively participate in an experience that’s designed to inspire, engage, and empower, with more than 200 sessions, including keynotes, breakouts, workshops, and roundtables. More than 100 sessions will be led directly by Microsoft.

    Keynotes will explore the future of work and the Microsoft 365 product roadmap that’s redefining how we work today. Breakout sessions will dive deeper into Microsoft 365 Copilot, Microsoft 365 apps including Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Viva, and more. And if you’re eager to get hands-on and technical, workshops will explore topics in depth, improving your skills and enhancing your expertise.

    Attendees will also have more opportunities to get up close and personal with Microsoft’s product makers, who are building the tools you use every day. You can ask your burning questions, share product feedback, and engage in open dialogue about what matters most to you.

    #M365Con is also an opportunity for our partners to gain new insights about what’s in store for the future of work, strengthen relationships, and attend with customers to explore the right solutions to level-up their AI transformation. This is a chance to connect with top Microsoft leaders, explore partner-focused content, and deepen collaboration by engaging with key customers and Microsoft executives.

    There’s no doubt that the Microsoft 365 Community Conference isn’t just an event––it’s a springboard for game-changing ideas, connections, and growth that stays with you long after the sessions end.

    Who you’ll hear from

    This event brings together an exciting team of Microsoft executives and product makers as well as the depth and breadth of the global Microsoft 365 community, including an amazing roster of Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals (MVPs). You’ll also have access to industry experts and solution-providers from across the tech world, who will share how Microsoft tools fit into the broader landscape of digital transformation.

    But perhaps most importantly, you’ll hear from a community of your peers. From discussing the latest product features, to sharing success stories or troubleshooting challenges in the era of generative AI. These conversations will help you learn from the experiences of others.

    Who should attend?

    If you use Microsoft 365 in your work or business, or are passionate about staying at the forefront of technology, the Microsoft 365 Community Conference is for you. This event welcomes everyone—from IT professionals and business leaders to educators and enthusiasts—who want to harness the full potential of Microsoft tools.

    Whether you’re responsible for driving adoption of AI at work, seeking ways to optimize workflows, or aiming to elevate your business with the latest innovations, you’ll find sessions and resources tailored to your needs. It’s also an incredible opportunity for those who teach about or build their businesses on Microsoft products, as well as anyone who simply loves discovering how technology can transform the way we work.

    What you’ll take home with you

    When you leave the Microsoft 365 Community Conference, you’ll take back much more than presentation notes and LinkedIn connections. You’ll gain:

    • Knowledge about the tools you use and best practices to strengthen your business, add value to your team, and build your career.
    • A sense of how AI is already transforming the way we work and what’s on the horizon.
    • A clear view of the Microsoft product roadmap—what features you can use now and what will soon be available to you.
    • The best business solutions for driving successful business outcomes, uncovered through collaborating one-on-one with key customers and Microsoft executives.
    • A stronger connection to our global community of tech enthusiasts who are passionate about helping their teams and businesses achieve their best work together.

    Microsoft 365 Community Conference

    Join us May 6 through May 8 in Las Vegas.

    If you’re ready to take your career and your business to the next level, now’s the time to register. Save $150 with our exclusive customer code SAVE150, plus save more with early bird pricing through March 3.

    MIL OSI Global Banks

  • MIL-OSI Banking: 5 ways that AI modernization is transforming trade financing

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: 5 ways that AI modernization is transforming trade financing

    The newest wave of business and operating model transformation in corporate banking is underway in one of the oldest domains of international commerce: trade finance. Underpinning the great majority of global commerce, trade finance provides the financial instruments and products for importers and exporters to conduct business reliability and with minimum risk. Long underinvested in, trade finance is now undergoing rapid and fundamental change, thanks to the advent of cloud and AI technologies. 

    Helping banks and other financial institutions modernize and take full advantage of cloud and AI technologies is central to our work at Microsoft Cloud for Financial Services. We offer a secure, compliant, scalable infrastructure tailored to support financial services and unlock new benefits and opportunities. 

    Microsoft Cloud for Financial Services

    Unlock business value and deepen customer relationships

    How data became the third leg of bank business models 

    From its inception, banking has always been a business of data—its movement and processing, and the insights derived therefrom.  

    As financial intermediaries, banks survived for centuries based on data at the heart of a two-sided business model: taking deposits (liability ledger) and making loans (risk assets). Profit was the lucrative spread between these two pillars. Business cycles and financial crises have come and gone but this fundamental model has not changed. 

    Technology has been integral to data management since the rudiments of data processing automation and Management Information System (MIS) dashboards. The rise of the modern real-time data economy, however, completely alters the environment in which banks operate.  

    Retail banking was first to transform by monetizing fragmented data in correlation with context and other factors. That beginning marked a signpost to a new space where the value of insights became the third important leg of bank business models. With the power of AI and the simplicity of natural language copilots, we are at the start of a new epoch which marks a profound transformation in banking. 

    Developing this trajectory, it is clear that Business-to-Business (B2B) flows contain much richer datasets to be monetized across a broader spectrum of economic activity, from local Main Street to global supply chains. Corporate banking is the epicenter of this next wave of B2B value creation through its main business lines: working capital management, payments and transaction banking, and, in particular, trade finance.  

    Unlocking B2B data insights is driving banking transformation 

    Trade finance is a natural starting place for bank modernization. It is unusually rich in untapped B2B details, it is super relevant to a bank’s overall commercial banking proposition, and it offers the most easily addressed “low hanging fruit” for return on investment (ROI) due to the prevalence of so many manual processes. 

    Note that this near-term upside should not be confused with the industry’s longer-term policy agenda on “trade digitization,” which focuses on transitioning from traditional, paper-based processes to digital formats. Global bodies such as the Bankers Association for Finance and Trade (BAFT), the International Trade and Forfaiting Association (ITFA), and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) will, in due course, develop legal frameworks that facilitate this transition. But before that, there is a clear business case within banks to adopt currently available new technologies in a race to transform client experience, improve operating efficiency, and gain marketplace advantage from B2B data insights. 

    Banks are naturally rich in B2B data as a consequence of their existing franchises and the daily flow of transactions through their processing systems. Yet, insights from the graph of these non-linear B2B relationships languish trapped and untapped in legacy silos. With this in mind, Microsoft has been leading the development of new AI-focused technologies for knowledge workers in today’s modern banking environment. These include natural language copilots, starting with Microsoft 365 Copilot, custom copilots built with Microsoft Copilot Studio, and Agentic AI for more complex tasks. Concurrently, solutions like Microsoft Fabric can unify data for analysis and action from disparate sources irrespective of the technical environments in which they sit.  

    Microsoft’s data tools unlock data insights and help make trade finance processes more efficient and accessible. Importantly, they are all designed with the same security, compliance, and content entitlements that are already established within banks, so getting started is easier. 

    A benefits-driven roadmap for trade finance modernization 

    The roadmap that banks are adopting for trade finance modernization follows five simple steps, starting with the basics of helping colleagues do their work better: 

    1. Generative AI copilots can transform operations and drive new efficiencies in many powerful ways. For example, copilots can help front-office trade sales and relationship managers identify new financing opportunities when advising clients. Natural language queries can convert a daunting amount of manual research into simple and repeatable investigative questions. A client’s Annual Report, 10-K filings, and other sources can be analyzed in real time with opportunities summarized for action.
      Microsoft’s Financial Meeting Prep on Microsoft Teams, launched with LSEG, shows the simplicity of how this could work in trade finance. Financial Meeting Prep helps organize more effective meetings through a single view of all relevant content. It drives better meeting outcomes and improves engagement, job satisfaction, and revenue growth. By the same token, trade finance product managers can transform how they conduct research in developing and managing new products with Copilot for project. Mundane tasks, like generating monthly product performance reports, can be automated with conversational copilots that are embedded in familiar tools like Copilot in Excel and Copilot for Power BI. This provides all users with proactive drilldown capabilities to discover desired insights without reversion to a lot of manual rework.
    2. Improved internal collaboration can be achieved with modern office tools. Many banks have legacy processes designed for linear workflows—for example, sending credit applications as email attachments to multiple stakeholders for approval. This process is cumbersome, often involving a lot of back and forth to reconcile a “golden truth” of client exposure sourced from multiple systems. Redesigning these team workflows with modern technology like Copilot Pages provides a single, persistently updated canvas that allows for multiparty interactive collaboration that integrates all relevant data.  
    3. Operational efficiencies can be greatly enhanced with AI. Consider Letters of Credit processing, a mainstay of classical trade finance which remains paper-based to this day, with literally billions of pieces of paper circulating between parties at any given time. Banks must examine all these documents for compliance—a costly effort requiring a skilled workforce. To ease this burden, Microsoft partners leverage Azure technologies to automate much of the work, freeing bank staff to deal with exceptions rather than the bulk of mundane examination. Microsoft Document Intelligence Read Optical Character Recognition (OCR) dematerializes trade documents while AI algorithms spot compliance issues, detect signs of trade-based money laundering (TBML), and meet other requirements to complete a transaction before payment. The result is improved quality and profitability, as well as new data insight APIs from digitized trade documentation. The next wave of this process will apply semi-autonomous Agentic AI that further understands context and can complete multiple assignments digitally. 
    4. Knowledge Management tools using natural language can advance the effectiveness of staff and banking operations. Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) technology will reason over a bank’s broad SharePoint catalogue of material and surface only relevant information for a given request. This will be especially useful in training bank staff who are not familiar with the day-to-day technicalities of trade finance. For example, legal documentation can be surfaced as needed for each appropriate use case. In certain circumstances, this could be extended as curated material directly to clients. Using natural language copilots can simplify how staff and clients learn and understand trade finance, which historically has been a specialized field.  
    5. Customer service tools can enhance the customer experience. One of the greatest areas for improvement with natural language processing and copilots is client service problem resolution. Agent-first workflow tools, such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 Contact Center, immeasurably improve efficiency by putting all the facts at an agent’s fingertips. Accessing a bank’s catalogue of products, an agent can also upsell solutions while reducing time spent on “swivel chairing” between different systems. These tools can also be designed to enable client self-help functions that reduce mundane repetitive calls to the bank, like status of a shipment or payment. Client queries with an agent can be in written form, spoken through Interactive Voice Response (IVR), or conversed with an avatar.  

    Get started on your modernization journey 

    Trade finance AI is not just for big banks that finance global supply chains. In fact, the impact of AI automation could be greater for regional and smaller banks where skilled staff are fewer and transactions are less frequent, but where client needs require receivables discounting, performance bonds, or other working capital assistance. Moreover, increasing demand for trade financing by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing nations is a significant driver of market growth.  

    The benefits of modernization impact banks of every size and geography. To help understand how your organization can explore the new opportunities, begin by engaging with your Microsoft representative. They can help develop strategies and solutions that deliver immediate and long-term benefits to meet your bank’s unique needs.

    Empower your organization with Microsoft Cloud for Financial Services

    MIL OSI Global Banks

  • MIL-OSI Banking: How using AI to integrate data sources can improve shopper experiences

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: How using AI to integrate data sources can improve shopper experiences

    Transforming the customer experience requires a solid foundation of data that is accurate, accessible, and secure. A strong data estate also helps future proof organizations, letting you realize the full potential of the latest technology innovations, like AI, and ensure a unified and effective experience across the customer journey.

    Retailers collect vast amounts of data from multiple sources—inventory and staffing, product development, sales, marketing, and more. By unifying this data, retailers can better understand customer preferences, anticipate their needs, and provide memorable shopping experiences that build loyalty. Meanwhile, consumer goods (CG) companies can better monitor manufacturing equipment to reduce downtime, monitor supply chains, anticipate new product trends, and better meet customer needs. It also effectively boosts revenue and balances costs by providing business leaders with insights that drive better decision-making and resource management.

    Get the e-book to optimize shopper experiences >

    Data challenges holding organizations back

    Gaining a unified view of data comes with several key challenges. Fragmented data is a common cross-industry challenge for both retailers and CG companies. Retailers pull omnichannel data from various sources, including e-commerce sites, in-store sales, social media, supply chain systems, and customer service interactions. For consumer goods companies, data comes from research and development (R&D), marketing, sales, industrial equipment (including sustainability data), and supply chain management tools. All of this data is scattered across many sources and comes in a variety of formats, making integration a complex and time-consuming task.

    The result? Disconnected insights that prevent business leaders from making timely, informed decisions.

    Without a unified data source, retailers struggle to understand customer preferences, predict shopping trends, or manage inventory accurately, while CG companies face machine downtime, supply chain disruptions, and extended product lifecycle management cycles. This lack of cohesion hinders business growth, as it’s harder to provide personalized offers or stock the right products. It also affects profit margins, as data silos lead to inefficiencies and redundancies that could be eliminated.

    On top of that, fragmented data can weaken customer loyalty when the shopping experience becomes inconsistent and lacks personalization. It also makes it harder for customer-facing employees at all levels to access, manage, and store information accurately, raising security and compliance concerns.

    In retail, consider a furniture store as an example. A shopper browses the website, showing interest in specific items and adding a few to their cart. Later, they visit the physical store, hoping to see those items in person. However, the store associate has no record of the shopper’s online activity and can’t offer personalized recommendations. Frustrated by the lack of connectivity between the online and in-store experiences, the shopper leaves without purchasing, impacting revenue and customer loyalty.

    In consumer goods, a company operating large factories might struggle to track real-time performance and maintenance needs without connected data on equipment. When a machine breaks down, production halts, causing costly delays. By integrating real-time data into a unified system, the company could better anticipate issues, schedule preventative maintenance, reduce downtime, and improve efficiency and profitability.

    These challenges can significantly hinder growth for retailers, CG companies, and those in both categories. For retailers, the disconnect between online and in-store experiences can lead to missed sales opportunities, customer frustration, and diminished brand loyalty. For CG companies, the inability to accurately forecast demand, track sustainability data, and gain actionable insights creates inefficiencies that hurt profitability, reputation, and competitiveness. Ultimately, the lack of a unified data strategy stifles growth by preventing companies from making informed decisions, optimizing operations, and delivering seamless customer experiences.

    Using data to create seamless, connected customer experiences

    Fragmented operational data significantly impacts the customer experience, and retailers and CG companies need a comprehensive data estate to remain competitive and meet growing expectations.

    A unified platform for data helps consolidate all relevant data into a single source of truth, providing a 360-degree view of the business and its customers. This robust data foundation enables businesses to integrate AI and other advanced technologies to be better equipped to unlock insights, enhance personalization, and optimize the customer journey.

    A comprehensive data view also allows retailers to anticipate better and meet customer needs. Returning to the furniture store scenario, imagine if the shopper’s online purchasing history was available to the in-store associate. When the shopper arrives, the associate can seamlessly guide them to their preferred items in the store and even offer a relevant promotion.

    In the CG scenario, having a single source of truth for data would make it easier to predict maintenance needs for equipment, reducing costly downtime and ensuring production stays on track to meet demand. In both scenarios, bringing data together helps create a more seamless, responsive experience that drives customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and overall business performance.

    Activating the power of data across your retail organization

    The value of data unification goes far beyond the retail stores and the factory floors. A single, unified data platform also simplifies data access and management across the organization. Whether employees are in brick-and-mortar locations, in headquarters, or working remotely, they can securely access relevant insights, enabling better decisions at every level and enhancing operational efficiency.

    The advantages of data unification extend beyond front-line operations, providing significant benefits for both leadership and IT teams.

    Explore Retail data solutions in Microsoft Fabric >

    Empowering leaders and executives with insights

    Unified data platforms equip C-suite executives with real-time insights into customer behavior, purchasing trends, and inventory movement. These tools enable leaders to:

    • Make strategic, data-driven decisions that drive revenue growth.
    • Identify high-performing products and emerging market demands.
    • Pinpoint new revenue streams, such as personalized service offerings or targeted loyalty programs.
    • Allocate resources effectively, focusing on impactful areas like expanding popular product lines or enhancing store layouts based on foot traffic data.

    Unlocking advanced capabilities for IT teams

    A consolidated data foundation for IT teams opens doors to innovative technologies that enhance customer experiences. With comprehensive data at their disposal, IT teams can:

    • Implement AI-powered solutions like intelligent product recommendations and predictive restocking alerts.
    • Develop sophisticated digital tools like web-based concierge services to offer real-time personalized assistance.
    • Ensure seamless, efficient customer interactions that strengthen satisfaction and loyalty.

    By harnessing the full power of your data, your organization can empower all employees to make more data-driven decisions, enhance operational efficiency, and improve customer experiences.

    Transform a strong data estate into innovation

    In today’s shopping landscape, you most likely have all the data needed to serve your customers better than ever before. You can turn that data into clear and actionable insights with a robust strategy and the right technology solutions. A unified data platform lets you harness the full potential of your information, helping you streamline operations, improve customer experiences, and drive growth.

    For a deeper dive into how unified data can transform your business, check out our comprehensive e-book. To learn more about how Microsoft solutions help businesses drive efficiency and growth, visit Microsoft Cloud for Retail and learn more about Microsoft for consumer goods.

    Register for a no-cost Microsoft Fabric trial to organize and unify your data and begin unlocking its true potential.

    Optimize Shopper Experiences with a Strong Data Estate

    MIL OSI Global Banks

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Xbox Developer_Direct 2025 recap: Everything we announced

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Xbox Developer_Direct 2025 recap: Everything we announced

    In addition to Xbox Cloud Gaming, all the games in our show also support Xbox Play Anywhere, meaning when you buy them through the store on Xbox or Windows, they’re yours to play on Xbox and Windows PC at no additional cost, and your game progress and achievements are saved across Xbox and Windows PC.

    Here’s a summary of everything we announced and covered during Developer_Direct today:

    DOOM: The Dark Ages – Launching May 15, 2025

    Xbox Series X|S, Xbox App for Windows PC, Steam, PlayStation 5, and play it day one with Game Pass*

    [embedded content]

    The team at id Software shared a deep dive into DOOM: The Dark Ages and revealed that the cinematic, epic first-person shooter will launch on May 15, 2025.

    DOOM: The Dark Ages, a prequel to the critically acclaimed DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal, is set in a dark fantasy/sci-fi world with DOOM’s immediately recognizable hellish twist. In the segment, three core pillars of the game were explored: Combat, which dug into deadly new weapons of mass destruction the Slayer can wield; Exploration, which offered a glimpse at an incredible new medieval-inspired setting that will take players to never-before-seen dark and sinister realms; and Story, which gave an overview of the characters and stakes the Slayer will face in his journey to turn the tides of a war.

    This is the most ambitious DOOM game to date. id Software is seizing the chance to present both newcomers and long-time fans alike with an epic adventure as the super weapon in a medieval war against hell itself. Find out more about the game, with extra information from the developers in our Xbox Wire article.

    South of Midnight – Launching April 8, 2025

    Xbox Series X|S, Xbox App for Windows PC, Steam, cloud, and play it day one with Game Pass*

    [embedded content]

    Compulsion Games took us behind the scenes at their studio in Montreal, Canada to learn more about South of Midnight, their new third-person action adventure game which releases on April 8, 2025.

    In Compulsion’s segment, we learned more about the journey of Hazel, the game’s protagonist, which leads her into a darkly magical world where she discovers her new abilities as a Weaver. Her story is filled with macabre Southern Gothic folklore and encounters with mythical larger-than-life creatures that shape her growth and understanding of her newfound powers.

    You can see more of South of Midnight’s hand-crafted art style, world building, and combat in South of Midnight’s new story trailer and get ready to explore the American Deep South with Hazel by pre-ordering today – and play up to five days early with the South of Midnight Premium Edition. Find out more about the game’s story in our exclusive Xbox Wire article here.

    Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – Launching April 24, 2025

    Xbox Series X|S, Xbox App for Windows PC, and play it day one with Game Pass* (see developer website for other platforms)

    [embedded content]

    We visited Montpellier, France, home of Sandfall Interactive, as they develop their first game, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. This turn-based RPG is set in a fantasy version of late 19th Century France, where the world is facing an existential threat, one year at a time. The developer shared a deeper look at the game’s innovative mechanics, such as the “Reactive Turn-Based” system, and the unique art direction that brings the game’s world to life. We even got a first look at Expedition 33’s expansive overworld map.

    As the coup de grace, Sandfall Interactive confirmed the game’s release date: our journey to stop the Paintress begins April 24. For more on the team’s creative vision and deep customization options, we’ve got more on Xbox Wire here.

    NINJA GAIDEN 4 – Launching Fall 2025

    Xbox Series X|S, Xbox App for Windows PC, Steam, cloud, PlayStation 5, and play it day one with Game Pass*

    [embedded content]

    Team NINJA announced the return of a beloved franchise with the reveal of NINJA GAIDEN 4. After more than a decade, the masters of action at Team NINJA and PlatinumGames have partnered with Xbox Game Studios Publishing to bring us an exciting new chapter in the NINJA GAIDEN series, a series with a long history on Xbox.

    We were introduced to Yakumo, a new protagonist whose objective lies at the heart of a devastated Tokyo. On his mission, Yakumo will not only encounter fiends and demons , but also the legendary master ninja himself: Ryu Hayabusa. Gameplay footage showed that Yakumo will introduce players to a stylish new take on ninja action with Bloodbind Ninjutsu, alongside legacy techniques like the Flying Swallow and Izuna Drop. Ryu will also return as a playable character with a revamped arsenal that stays true to his signature brutality and precision.

    During the segment, developers from both PlatinumGames and Team NINJA shared details about the game’s story, the setting in a near-future Tokyo, and its action-packed combat mechanics. We also got a glimpse into the creative process behind this highly anticipated title, which will be released in Fall 2025, and can be wishlisted on Xbox, PC, and PlayStation 5. For the latest information, follow Team Ninja on social media (YouTube, X, Facebook, Instagram). Check out an exclusive interview with the developers on Xbox Wire.

    NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black – Available Today!

    Xbox Series X|S, Xbox App for Windows PC, and play it day one with Game Pass*

    [embedded content]

    The highly-acclaimed and legendary game from 2008 returns graphically remastered! NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black features the high-speed ninja action of iconic hero Ryu Hayabusa and his deadly Dragon Sword. Embark on a global battle against formidable foes, engage in relentless combat, and play as additional characters Momiji, Ayana and Rachel.

    Looking Ahead

    As with every Developer_Direct, today’s show marks just a selection of the games coming to Xbox this year. Next up is Avowed, Obsidian Entertainment’s upcoming fantasy RPG, which launches on February 18, 2025 for Xbox Series X|S, the Xbox app for Windows PC, Battle.net, Steam, cloud, and will be available on day one with Game Pass. With our own studios and incredible partners working on new experiences, stay tuned to Xbox Wire and Xbox social channels this year to see why there’s never been a better time to be an Xbox player.

    *Game catalog varies by plan – Xbox.com/gamepass.

    MIL OSI Global Banks

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Podcast: Staying curious at the forefront of AI

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Podcast: Staying curious at the forefront of AI

    Subscribe
    Amazon | Apple | YouTube Music | iHeartRadio | Spotify

    Episodes

    Season 4, Episode 2

    View full transcript

    Season 4, Episode 1

    View full transcript


    Season 3, Episode 11

    View full transcript

    Season 3, Episode 10

    View full transcript

    Season 3, Episode 9

    View full transcript

    Season 3, Episode 8

    View full transcript

    Season 3, Episode 7

    View full transcript

    Season 3, Episode 6

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    Season 3, Episode 5

    View full transcript

    Season 3, Episode 4

    View full transcript

    Season 3, Episode 3

    View full transcript

    Season 3, Episode 2

    View full transcript

    Season 3, Episode 1

    View full transcript


    Season 2, Episode 7

    View full transcript

    Season 2, Episode 6

    View full transcript

    Season 2, Episode 5

    View full transcript

    Season 2, Episode 4

    View full transcript

    Season 2, Episode 3

    View full transcript

    Season 2, Episode 2

    View full transcript

    Season 2, Episode 1

    View full transcript


    Season 1, Episode 6

    View full transcript

    Season 1, Episode 5

    View full transcript

    Season 1, Episode 4

    View full transcript

    Season 1, Episode 3

    View full transcript

    Season 1, Episode 2

    View full transcript

    Season 1, Episode 1

    View full transcript

    Series trailer

    About

    Microsoft President and Vice Chair Brad Smith speaks with leaders in government, business and culture to explore the world’s most critical challenges at the intersection of technology and society.

    As a 30-year veteran of an industry driven by disruption, Brad Smith hosts candid conversations with his guests that examine, reframe and explore potential solutions to the digital issues shaping our world today, including cybersecurity, privacy, digital inclusion, environmental sustainability, artificial intelligence and human rights.

    MIL OSI Global Banks

  • MIL-OSI: Prospera Energy Inc. Announces Loan Amendment and Shares for Debt Settlement

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, Jan. 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Prospera Energy Inc. (TSX.V: PEI, OTC: GXRFF) (“Prospera“, “PEI” or the “Corporation“)

    Loan Amendment Update
    The Corporation is pleased to announce the amendment of its $12,200,000 promissory note, originally dated July 7th, 2024, in collaboration with its principal lender. As part of this amendment, an additional $750,000 has been added to the principal balance, increasing the total to $12,950,000 as of January 23rd, 2025. The original terms of the note remain unchanged, including a 12% interest rate and a two-year maturity period. This amendment is subject to TSXV acceptance.

    The proceeds from the increased loan will be utilized to execute a twelve to fifteen-well workover program in Prospera’s Heart’s Hill and Luseland properties. This program targets low-risk production opportunities by selecting capital efficient projects, driving additional cash flow and production sustainability.

    Shares for Debt
    Prospera has entered into an additional agreement to settle a trade payable with a critical vendor totaling $75,000 through the issuance of 1,250,000 common shares at a deemed price of $0.06 per share. This vendor is a key partner and is committed to the company’s future development plans. The shares will be subject to a trading restriction of four months and a day from the date of issuance and are subject to TSXV acceptance.

    About Prospera
    Prospera Energy Inc. is a publicly traded Canadian energy company specializing in the exploration, development, and production of crude oil and natural gas. Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Prospera is dedicated to optimizing recovery from legacy fields using environmentally safe and efficient reservoir development methods and production practices. The company’s core properties are strategically located in Saskatchewan and Alberta, including Cuthbert, Luseland, Hearts Hill, and Brooks. Prospera Energy Inc. is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol PEI and the U.S. OTC Market under GXRFF.

    For Further Information:
    Shawn Mehler, PR
    Email: investors@prosperaenergy.com

    Chris Ludtke, CFO
    Email: cludtke@prosperaenergy.com

    Shubham Garg, Chairman of the Board
    Email: sgarg@prosperaenergy.com

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
    This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to the future operations of the Corporation and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as “will,” “may,” “should,” “anticipate,” “expects” and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding future plans and objectives of the Corporation, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.

    Although Prospera believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because Prospera can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include, but are not limited to, risks associated with the oil and gas industry in general (e.g., operational risks in development, exploration and production; delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures; the uncertainty of reserve estimates; the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to production, costs and expenses, and health, safety and environmental risks), commodity price and exchange rate fluctuations and uncertainties resulting from potential delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures.

    The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Prospera. As a result, Prospera cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will materialize, and the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward- looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and Prospera does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by Canadian securities law.

    Neither TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Interview – ABC Radio Sydney Breakfast

    Source: Australian Ministers for Education

    CRAIG REUCASSEL, HOST: Dr. Anne Aly is the Minister for Early Childhood Education. She joins us now. Morning, Minister.

    MINISTER ANNE ALY: Good morning, Craig.

    REUCASSEL: Do you understand Kirsten’s frustration with the way this pay rise works?

    ALY: I do. I understand that for smaller organisations, smaller early childhood education centres, this can be quite an arduous task, which is why we’ve included $10 million for the sector to help them navigate the process. So, there’s $10 million out there. I heard that Kirsten’s looking at paying $4,500. That’s one option. There are a whole range of other options as well, and I would encourage her and the committee to contact the Department and they can steer them in the right direction of where they can get the assistance for applying for that grant.

    REUCASSEL: So, my understanding is that this is – my understanding is that $4,500 is an industry organisation that’s linked and has been actually directed through the department. Are there free options here or is there always some kind of payment required by – I think this is a small centre of about 40 children, so, you know, it’s not a large one.

    ALY: No, you’re right. But there are other options and I’d encourage them to contact the Department and have a look at some other options. I did just want to address the issue of it being a grant. Grants are a very normal way for the government to distribute funding. This is a $3.6 billion investment into the sector and the reason that it was done as a grant is to ensure that accountability, to ensure that the money goes into the pockets of that critical early childhood education workforce sector and that it is done efficiently and with accountability and with transparency.

    REUCASSEL: Yeah, I understand the efficiency and making it transparent and making sure that we’re aware it’s going to the right people is very important. But as you say a big part of it was getting into the pockets of the early childhood educators. What proportion of early childhood educators have received this grant at this date?

    ALY: So, right now, at this date, over 50 per cent of services have applied. Now that’s 50 per cent of services have applied in two months. I think that’s pretty good tracking when you look at it in that way. There are around 31,000 – we estimate around 31,000 workers have received that pay rise.

    REUCASSEL: Okay. Now in terms of this, if Kirsten’s organisation is slow at getting this done, you know, because they’re a small, you know, community run, not-for-profit, just say they get it in six months’ time. Do the workers get paid back for that six-month time? Is there retrospective?

    ALY: Absolutely, absolutely. You know, recognising that for some smaller organisations that perhaps don’t have agreements in place, that is why we backdated the grant. So, they’ve got right up until the end of this financial year to apply. And if they apply before the end of this financial year, every single worker that they have at their centre will get their pay backdated to December 1st of last year.

    REUCASSEL: Kirsten’s other frustration with this was she said, here’s the kicker, it’s going to end in two years. Are we going to see child care workers at the end of two years basically getting a 10 to 15 per cent pay cut?

    ALY: Well, let me tell you why we did it in this way, Craig, because there is a rationale to it. Okay. So, one of the first things that we did in government was we introduced legislation. Tony Burke, the relevant Minister, introduced legislation to the Fair Work Commission that enabled them to undertake what’s called gender under evaluation decisions. Right now, with the Fair Work Commission, there is a gender under evaluation process in place that will determine what is a fair and just increase to the award wage of early childhood educators. That process is going to take two years, which means that it will be sometime in the middle of next year. We recognise that there is a workforce crisis, that families and children and parents are missing out of early childhood education and care because of worker retention. That is why this grant is called a worker retention grant. So, we decided we would fund a wage increase for two years through a grant process, which is a normal way of getting government money out, until the Fair Work Commission can make this determination with its gender under evaluation case.

    REUCASSEL: Ok, so I understand. So, you’re hoping that the Fair Work’s gender under evaluation survey comes in place before the end of this two years, and therefore the wages are increased so that there’s not a sudden drop there. Do you think you were clear enough when you were setting this out at the beginning, because one of Kirsten’s complaints, and to be honest, maybe this is a criticism of the media, not necessarily of the government, was that they had no idea. This wasn’t how it was presented. It was presented, hey, there’s this pay rise coming for child care workers, you know, as if it’s just going to appear in their pay. And it didn’t necessarily suggest the problems. I mean, I look at the press release that was put out by yourself and the Honourable Jason Clare when this came out. It talked about this being phased in over two years. It didn’t necessarily say it was ending in two years. I must admit it didn’t give the impression of what was behind this.

    ALY: Well, you know, to be honest, I can’t control how the media reports the announcements that we make. I know –

    REUCASSEL: No, but as I said, I’m talking about your press release. Your press release also was fairly misleading.

    ALY: There are a couple of -there are quite a few press releases out there as well as information on the Department website. I know that in every media interview that I’ve done, I’ve explained that it’s a two-year grant, that every interview that Jason Clare has done, he’s explained that it’s a two year grant and every statement that the Prime Minister has made has explained that it is a two year grant. It is called a worker retention payment for a reason, because it is specifically to retain that critical workforce with the understanding that there is a current case before the Fair Work Commission that will take two years to work through.

    REUCASSEL: Yesterday when we discussed this, Georgie Dent from the Parenthood called in and said that it has been successful in actually retaining workers or getting workers. Has it kept workers in the early childhood sector? Has it overcome the kind of shortage there?

    ALY: Well, as Georgie said, there’s been a 22 per cent drop in job vacancies in the early childhood education care sector. Now, in the time that I’ve been the Minister for Early Childhood Education and Care, every single centre that I went and visited had vacancies. To see a 22 per cent drop in vacancies since the announcement of the wage increase is pretty phenomenal. So, it is doing what it was intended to do.

    REUCASSEL: Thank you for speaking to us, Minister. I think I understand it more. We’ll see whether it’s calmed Kirsten down, despite the amount of paperwork that has to be done at this point. But thanks for at least explaining it. And I do want to check in maybe at the end of this process. I want to find out how many child care centres have managed to do the application because, you know, we want it to be 100 per cent. This is meant to be getting to all child care workers, not just some.

    ALY: Absolutely. And that’s our intention, that every single worker who does this vital work deserves this pay rise.

    REUCASSEL: Alright. Thanks for speaking to us. Anne Aly is the Federal Minister for Early Childhood Education there. 

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘Entire Pacific region at risk’, says UNAIDS on Fiji HIV outbreak

    RNZ Pacific

    Fiji’s Minister for Health and Medical Services has declared an HIV outbreak.

    Dr Ratu Atonio Rabici Lalabalavu announced 1093 new HIV cases from the period of January to September 2024.

    “This declaration reflects the alarming reality that HIV is evolving faster than our current services can cater for,” he said.

    “We need the support of every Fijian. Communities, civil society, faith-based organizations, private sector partners, and international allies must join us in raising awareness, reducing stigma, and ensuring everyone affected by HIV receives the care and support they need.”

    In early December, the Fiji Medical Association called on the government to declare an HIV outbreak “as a matter of priority”.

    As of mid-December, 19 under-fives were diagnosed with HIV in Fiji.

    The UN Development Programme has recently delivered 3000 antiretroviral drugs to Fiji to support the HIV response.

    World’s largest epidemic
    A report released in mid-2024 showed that in 2023, 6.7 million people living with HIV were residing in Asia and the Pacific, making it the world’s largest epidemic after eastern and southern Africa.

    “Among countries with available data, HIV epidemics are growing in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Fiji, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Papua New Guinea and the Philippines,” the report said.

    The regional director of UNAIDS Asia Pacific Eamonn Murphy said rising new infections in Fiji “put the entire Pacific region at risk”.

    “Prioritisation of HIV by the government is critical for not only the people of Fiji, but the entire Pacific,” he said.

    “Political will is the essential first step. There must also be community leadership and regional solidarity to ensure these strategies work.”

    UNAIDS said the 1093 cases from January to September was three times as many as there were in 2023.

    Preliminary Ministry of Health numbers show that among the newly-diagnosed individuals who are currently receiving antiretroviral therapy, half contracted HIV through injecting drug use. Over half of all people living with HIV who are aware of their status are not on treatment.

    Second-fastest growth
    “Fiji has the second fastest growing HIV epidemic in the Asia and the Pacific region,” Murphy said.

    He said the data does not just tell the story about a lack of services, but it indicates that even when people know they are HIV-positive, they are fearful to receive care.

    “There must be a deliberate effort to not only strengthen health systems, but to respond to the unique needs of the most affected populations, including people who use drugs.

    “Perpetuating prejudice against any group will only slow progress.”

    UNAIDS also said the HIV Outbreak Response Plan called for a combination of prevention approaches.

    Since the sexual transmission of HIV remains a significant factor, other key approaches are condom distribution and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a treatment taken by an HIV-negative person to reduce the risk of contracting HIV if they are exposed.

    UNAIDS support
    Through the Australian government’s Indo-Pacific HIV Partnership, UNAIDS is supporting Fiji to scale up prevention approaches.

    United Nations Resident Coordinator in Fiji Dirk Wagener said the outbreak declaration and the launch of high-impact interventions, such as needle syringe programmes and PrEP, marked a critical turning point in Fiji’s efforts to combat the epidemic.

    “The Joint UN Team on HIV, with UNAIDS as its secretariat, stands ready to provide coordinated and sustained support to ensure the success of these strategies and to protect the most vulnerable.”

    The HIV Surge Strategy includes tactics for Fiji to achieve the Global AIDS Strategy targets — 95 percent of all people living with HIV aware their status, 95 percent of diagnosed people on antiretroviral therapy, and 95 percent of people on treatment achieving a suppressed viral load.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI China: Mainland official visits Taiwan business people, compatriots ahead of Spring Festival

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    The Chinese mainland’s top Taiwan affairs official has extended festive greetings to representatives of the Taiwan business community ahead of the Spring Festival, and reaffirmed the mainland’s commitment to deepening cross-Strait integrated development and delivering benefits to Taiwan compatriots.
    Song Tao, head of both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, made the remarks during his visit to Taiwan enterprises and cross-Strait exchange events with nearly 400 Taiwan businesspeople and compatriots in Shenzhen, a technology hub in southern China, and Xiamen, a coastal city located near Taiwan, from Tuesday to Thursday.
    Song learned about the business operations and development of Taiwan enterprises and listened to their opinions and suggestions. He emphasized that the mainland will continue to refine policies and mechanisms to promote cross-Strait economic and cultural exchanges and cooperation, while further advancing cross-Strait integrated development.
    The shared values of peace, harmony and the pursuit of a better life among people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait remain the foundation of the development of cross-Strait relations, Song said.
    He expressed the hope that Taiwan compatriots will uphold the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, firmly oppose “Taiwan independence” separatism and external interference, and work together to expand cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, and achieve integrated development.
    “The warm atmosphere of Spring Festival brings a sense of comfort. The mainland’s support for Taiwan enterprises and compatriots has given those from Taiwan and Taiwan-funded businesses in Fujian greater confidence to continue their investments and support the cross-Strait integrated development,” said Wu Chia-ying, executive vice president of the Association of Taiwan Investment Enterprises on the Mainland. Wu attended a cross-Strait exchange event celebrating Spring Festival in Xiamen, east China’s Fujian Province, on Thursday.
    Designated as a demonstration zone for cross-Strait integrated development, Fujian saw 920,000 trips by Taiwan compatriots in the past year, and 8,817 trips were operated on direct routes between Fujian’s coastal areas and Kinmen and Mazu, transporting over 1.37 million passengers, marking year-on-year increases of 67.2 percent and 78.8 percent, respectively.
    In 2024, the mainland achieved its primary goals for economic and social development, shaping new advantages for cross-strait economic cooperation and providing new opportunities for Taiwan compatriots and businesses to deepen their engagement in the mainland, Song said.
    Last year, 7,941 Taiwan-funded companies were newly opened on the mainland, and the trade volume across the Strait reached 292 billion U.S. dollars, up 9.4 percent year on year, according to the Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs.
    Guangdong Province, where Shenzhen is located, serves as the front line of China’s reform and opening up and is geographically close to Taiwan. It has become one of the first destinations for Taiwan compatriots and businesses venturing into the mainland.
    “Most of the Taiwan businesses in Guangdong were engaged in manufacturing in the past. But now they can leverage their advantages to make forays in the service industry, semi-conductors and artificial intelligence here,” said Jeff Chen, president of the Dongguan Taiwanese Business Association.
    Guangdong is a representative example of Taiwan businesses seeking success on the mainland. Official statistics reveal that by the end of 2024, Guangdong had introduced nearly 35,000 Taiwan enterprises, involving more than 94 billion U.S. dollars of investment.
    Hsu Fu-hsien, president of the Taiwanese association in Shenzhen, who also manages a manufacturing company, has been settled in Shenzhen for 35 years. “I benefited a lot from the reform and opening up in the 1990s. We are now keeping in pace with the times to invest more in automation and innovation,” he said.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Expressing Firm Determination to Solve Global Environmental Problems and Promote Business Transformation Using AI

    Source: Panasonic

    Headline: Expressing Firm Determination to Solve Global Environmental Problems and Promote Business Transformation Using AI

    He introduced the example of Panasonic HX, which efficiently supplies renewable energy by controlling the coordination of pure hydrogen fuel cells, solar cells, and storage batteries using an advanced energy management system while responding to changes in electric power demand and weather conditions. This solution is already in operation at the Kusatsu site in Japan and a manufacturing site in the UK, and it will be deployed in an office building in Munich, Germany, this spring.
    Kusumi also spoke about the OASYS residential central air conditioning system to be released in the US market, which air conditions and ventilates an entire house using a combination of a mini split air conditioner, an energy recovery ventilator, and transfer fans using a DC motor-driven ventilation system. He pointed out that it is at least 50% more energy efficient*1 than conventional air-conditioning systems.
    *1: Conventional air-conditioning systems use a heat pump cooling system (14.2 SEER2) and a gas furnace (80% AFUE) for houses that are performance-compliant with IECC 2015. OASYS uses Panasonic’s mini split air conditioners and transfer fans for both cooling and heating functions in houses that are performance-compliant with OASYS-required specifications (estimated by converting gas energy consumption to electricity).
    In recent years, electric vehicles (EVs) have taken the spotlight for their contribution to reducing CO2 emissions. Regarding automotive cylindrical lithium-ion batteries that support the widespread use of EVs, Kusumi mentioned that Panasonic has supplied a total of 15 billion cells to power over 3 million EVs. He also introduced the 2170 cell with the world’s highest energy density,*2 the high-capacity 4680 cell, whose mass production will begin soon, and the company’s collaboration with major carmakers. Furthermore, he mentioned the partnership with Redwood Materials Inc. in the US for the purchase of recycled cathode active materials and copper foil. JB Straubel, CEO of Redwood Materials, joined Kusumi and offered words of encouragement, “Panasonic is an incredible leader when it comes to technology and their commitment to sustainability.”
    *2: As of January 8, 2025, survey by Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd.
    Upcoming issues will introduce key figures engaged in Panasonic HX, OASYS, and the automotive cylindrical lithium-ion battery business.

    MIL OSI Global Banks

  • MIL-OSI Security: Comm, Clear and Connected: The 8th Communication Squadron keeps Beverly Pack 25-1 connected

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    Secure and seamless communication is important to complete day-to-day military operations. It’s required when they are executed from afar.

    The 8th Communications Squadron successfully tested their extended capabilities for the first time during Exercise Beverly Pack 25-1, simultaneously connecting operations at Kunsan Air Base and a simulated forward operating base through an expeditionary communications team Jan. 12-16. The exercise marks the largest-scale agile combat employment generation, deployment, and sustainment exercise within Seventh Air Force.

    “The 8th expeditionary communications team consists of four AFSCs within the communications career field who are dedicated to providing ACE support and capability,” said 1st Lt. Mackenzie Clay, 8th CS operations flight commander. “They were given orders to provide C4I (command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence) for the wing, simulating and testing all the equipment in the flyaway kits to ensure constant communication between operational forces and wing leadership.”
    The Communication Flyaway Kits, consisting of tactical satellite communications and network devices, are designed by coordinating with other units and assessing deployment requirements to sustain operations at Kunsan and at simulated locations. They are imperative to integrate plans and agencies during exercises and any potential contingency operations.

    “The team operates on mission-type orders to provide C4I, communicating through the Emergency Operations Center via the primary, alternate, contingency and emergency (PACE) plan,” said SrA Luis Del Carmen Diaz, expeditionary communications operator. “Through the use of the Communication Flyaway Kit package, the 8 CS can provide short and long range Non-Classified and Secret Internet Protocol Router (NIPR and SIPR) Networks as well as mission partner environment communication capabilities.”

    Expeditionary communications teams and other CS assets are necessary for ACE operations: they help provide integral information regarding locations and statuses of adversaries and friendly forces. Providing the fullest picture of the operational scenario, they are a necessary component for quality decision-making which enables dispersed forces to adapt and prevail.

    “We are continuously testing our equipment and ideas to bring faster speeds, options, and sizes to support ourselves and our allies,’ said SSgt Guillerma Khan, expeditionary communications NCOIC. “Mobility is essential, and our assets are the glue between us and any given location. The ability to communicate on-the-go pushes us further ahead of our adversaries.”

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: COMLOG WESTPAC Sailors take E-7 Navy-wide advancement exam. [Image 4 of 5]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on


    SINGAPORE (Jan. 16, 2025) Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Jeffrey Bowman, attached to Motor Vessel Carolyn Chouest, participates in the E-7 Navy-wide advancement exam at Sembawang Naval Installation, Jan. 16, 2025. COMLOG WESTPAC supports deployed surface units and aircraft carriers, along with regional partners, to facilitate patrols in the South China Sea, participation in Naval exercises and responses to natural disasters. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordan Jennings/Released)

    Date Taken: 01.16.2025
    Date Posted: 01.21.2025 03:35
    Photo ID: 8836748
    VIRIN: 250116-N-YV347-1036
    Resolution: 8256×5504
    Size: 6.73 MB
    Location: SG

    Web Views: 11
    Downloads: 2

    PUBLIC DOMAIN  

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Chief of Staff, NAVELSG Visits COMLOG WESTPAC, January 23, 2025 [Image 1 of 3]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on


    SINGAPORE (Jan. 23, 2025) Capt. James Bach, left of center, Chief of Staff, Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group, delivers a command capabilities brief to staff and personnel assigned to Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/ Task Force 73 (COMLOGWESTPAC/CTF 73), during a scheduled visit to Sembawang Naval Installation, Jan. 23, 2025. COMLOG WESTPAC supports deployed surface units and aircraft carriers, along with regional Allies and partners, to facilitate patrols in the South China Sea, participation in naval exercises and responses to natural disasters. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Moises Sandoval/Released)

    Date Taken: 01.23.2025
    Date Posted: 01.23.2025 22:49
    Photo ID: 8840610
    VIRIN: 250123-N-ED646-1007
    Resolution: 8256×5504
    Size: 4.11 MB
    Location: SG

    Web Views: 1
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN  

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Economics: [Galaxy Unpacked 2025] Highlights From Galaxy Unpacked: A New Era of AI Integration

    Source: Samsung

    Galaxy Unpacked 2025 in San Jose, California, set the stage for the next wave of AI-powered experiences with Galaxy AI.
     
    On January 22, Samsung Electronics announced the release of the Galaxy S25 series, featuring significant hardware upgrades and ushering in a new era of AI-driven innovation. These advancements empower users to unlock new realms of creativity, forge deeper connections and streamline everyday tasks like never before.
     
    The Galaxy S25 series transcends the concept of a smartphone to become a platform for AI integration, with Galaxy AI set to redefine everyday experiences through personalized, meaningful and human-like interactions.
     

     
    ▲ TM Roh, President and Head of the MX Business at Samsung Electronics, delivers his keynote address at Galaxy Unpacked 2025.
     
    “The Galaxy S25 series has set a new standard of mobile AI innovation though an AI OS we built from the ground up,” said TM Roh, President and Head of the Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics, during his keynote address. “Thanks to One UI 7 and its integrated AI agents, users can effortlessly enjoy a more personalized, intuitive and natural mobile experience than ever before.”
     
    Samsung Newsroom explored how the Galaxy S25 series is setting new standards with intuitive solutions that reshape the way people interact with technology.
     

    New Ways To Get Things Done: AI That Learns, Adapts and Delivers
    At the heart of the Galaxy S25 series is the evolution of its AI capabilities, powered by the next-generation One UI 7 operating system. This upgrade introduces advanced features designed to make tasks easy and intuitive. For example, the newly introduced Now Brief learns user routines and delivers customized information like exercise updates, translations, music and more, directly to the lock screen, eliminating the need to toggle between multiple apps.
     
    ▲ Drew Blackard, VP of Product Management at Samsung Electronics America, introduces the audience to the Galaxy S25 series’ many advanced Galaxy AI features.
     
    Another game-changing feature is AI Select, introduced for the first time on the Galaxy S25 series. Accessible through the Edge Panel, AI Select functions as a personal AI assistant, capable of summarizing lengthy articles in seconds or aiding in creative tasks like generating colorful images with Drawing Assist.
     
    With One UI 7, the Galaxy S25 series’ built-in multimodal AI recognizes natural language, images and text, enabling users to interact naturally and achieve more with minimal effort. This means its intelligent features can be triggered by simple voice commands. For instance, saying “My eyes are tired” prompts the Galaxy S25 series to activate the blue light filter, while “Find a photo of Max from last winter in a red coat, eating cake” searches the Gallery app to locate the desired image.
     

     
    ▲ Gallery Search (top) and the music recognition capability added to Circle to Search (bottom)
     
    Circle to Search has also been enhanced to identify music playing on-screen without needing to open a separate app.
     
    While watching YouTube videos, users can also issue voice commands like “List the place mentioned in this video and save it as a Note,” and Galaxy AI, powered by Google’s Gemini, seamlessly saves the location directly to Samsung Notes.
     
    ▲ Sissi Hsiao, VP at Google and GM for Gemini Experiences, discusses the collaboration between Samsung Electronics and Google.
     
    The Galaxy S25 series features a Personal Data Engine, developed in partnership with Oxford Semantic Technologies, which contextually understands user preferences and routines while safeguarding data. What’s more, the Galaxy S25 series adopts C2PA (Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity) standards, reinforcing transparency and trust and ensuring privacy remains a top priority in this AI-driven digital era.
     
    ▲ Jay Kim, EVP and Head of Customer Experience Office at Mobile eXperience Business, Samsung Electronics, explains the evolution of One UI into an integrated AI platform.
     
    Samsung continues to advance Galaxy AI through strategic partnerships with third-party app developers and AI solution providers, cementing its position at the forefront of secure AI innovation.
     
     
    New Ways To Play: Power, Performance and Visual Excellence
    The Galaxy S25 series is powered by the Snapdragon® 8 Elite for Galaxy processor (AP), delivering a significant leap in speed and efficiency. With 40% improved NPU performance, 37% enhanced GPU performance and 30% upgraded GPU performance compared to its predecessor, this processor drives the series’ advanced AI capabilities.
     
    ▲ Kareen Stephens, Senior Marketing Manager at Samsung Electronics America, explains how powerful the performance of Galaxy S25 series’ mobile AP is
     
    Designed with gamers in mind, the Galaxy S25 series opens up new possibilities for mobile gaming. ProScaler, a display feature that utilizes AI-powered algorithmic processing, reduces noise and enhances the clarity of on-screen visuals, enabling smoother, more immersive gameplay. Along with Vulkan and game engine optimizations, the series offers a 40% boost in Ray Tracing performance, raising the bar for mobile gaming visuals.
     
    Heat dissipation is another standout capability, with a vapor chamber roughly 40% larger than before.1 This advancement ensures more efficient heat management, even during intense gaming sessions.
     
    Additionally, the Galaxy S25 series offers longer battery life and faster charging. Wireless charging speeds have increased to 25W (up from 15W), and the charging time for the 5000mAh battery has been halved — from two hours to just one.
     
    The Galaxy S25 Ultra boasts premium durability with a new glass-ceramic cover and a more robust display equipped with Corning® Gorilla® Armor 2.
     
    ▲ Spectators listen attentively to the speakers’ presentations during Galaxy Unpacked 2025
     

    New Ways To Create: Unlocking New Camera Possibilities With AI
    The Galaxy S25 series revolutionizes mobile photography with an upgraded ProVisual Engine that delivers unprecedented AI camera capabilities. AI learning has evolved to capture intricate details, from hair texture to the sparkle in one’s eyes, adding life-like vibrancy to every shot.
     
    ▲ Rachel Roberts, Senior Manager of Smartphone Product Management at Samsung Electronics America, discusses the ProVisual Engine and the Galaxy S25 series’ elite camera performance
     
    With improved AP performance, the series takes Nightography to new heights, creating clearer night photos. The Galaxy S25 Ultra also features the series’ first 50MP ultra-wide-angle camera, offering an expansive field of view for capturing stunning landscapes and group shots.
     
    Video creation is equally innovative with enhanced AI-powered video editing tools. The Audio Eraser feature, for example, eliminates distracting sounds from videos so users can capture special moments to perfection.
     

    New Ways To Stay Healthy: AI for Smarter Health Management
    Samsung Health leverages AI to track and analyze key health metrics, including sleep, heart health, diet and exercise, providing a comprehensive approach to well-being. Using these health measurements, it offers tailored insights to guide users to the best versions of themselves.
     
    ▲ Praveen Raja, VP and Head of Digital Health at Samsung Research America, highlights how Samsung Health has evolved into a personalized health management platform
     
    Moving forward, Samsung Health envisions providing users with end-to-end health solutions, enabling them to manage their health from the comfort of their home.
     
    Beyond physical health, Samsung Health also plans to support mental well-being with tools for stress and mental health management, and ultimately evolve into a holistic solution for both the body and mind.
     

    New Ways To Manage Homes: The Future of Smart Ecosystems
    Galaxy AI and SmartThings enhance home management through a connected smart ecosystem, driven by AI-powered automation and personalization. SmartThings and Bixby align home environments with daily routines, leveraging voice commands and wearable data to optimize convenience and deliver a personalized smart home experience.
     
    ▲ A demonstration of how Galaxy AI and SmartThings have come together to provide a seamlessly connected home management solution
     
    Advanced AI features from Galaxy AI and SmartThings extend home management to include the well-being of family members and pets. For example, these tools allow users to monitor their pets remotely while away and even keep them company by turning the TV on for them. Preparations for pet healthcare services, such as connecting users to pre-veterinarian consultation services, are underway as well.
     
    As one of the initial members of the Connectivity Standards Alliance, Samsung has partnered with the Alliance to support, develop and promote Matter, the connectivity standard for smart home and IoT devices, designed to ensure interoperability, accessibility and security across the smart home ecosystem.
     

    New Efforts for Sustainability: Embracing a More Circular Approach to the Latest Galaxy Smartphones
    Samsung continues to prioritize sustainability with initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact. The company aims to incorporate at least one recycled material in every module of every mobile product by 2030.2
     
    In addition, Galaxy S25 will be the first Galaxy smartphone to include recycled cobalt sourced from the batteries of previously used Galaxy devices through the Circular Battery Supply Chain with each Galaxy S25 battery featuring a minimum of 50% recycled cobalt.3 These efforts reflect Samsung’s broader goal of exploring how technology can do more for people and the planet, creating a balance between innovation and environmental responsibility.
     
    ▲ Cassie Smith, Senior Manager of Corporate Sustainability at Samsung Electronics America, highlights Samsung’s circular economy efforts
     
    Galaxy Unpacked 2025 came to an end with a teaser video offering a sneak peek of the slimmer but nonetheless powerful Galaxy S25 Edge, heightening the crowd’s expectations of what new innovations Samsung holds in store ahead.
     
    Watch the full replay of this January’s Galaxy Unpacked 2025 showcase in the video below. Stay tuned to Samsung Newsroom for complete coverage of the event and an in-depth look at how the Galaxy S25 series and Galaxy AI are shaping the future of mobile innovation.

     
    1 Based on Galaxy S25 Ultra model2During Samsung Galaxy Unpacked January 2024, we announced that we will incorporate at least one recycled material in every module of every mobile product by 2030. Samsung defines a module of a smartphone as the Antenna, Battery, Camera, Display, Mechanical Components, Motor, PBA/FPCB, Speaker, Wireless Charger Module and Packaging.3 A minimum of 25% of the Galaxy S25 battery is cobalt by weight, 50% of which is recycled cobalt.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: [Galaxy Unpacked 2025] Experience Zone Excitement All Around: Galaxy Unpacked 2025 Strikes Awe in Guests With New AI-Powered Possibilities

    Source: Samsung

    Galaxy Unpacked 2025 in San Jose, California, saw Samsung Electronics unveil the next generation of mobile AI with the Galaxy S25 series.
     
    [Galaxy Unpacked 2025] Highlights From Galaxy Unpacked: A New Era of AI Integration
     
    ▲ Galaxy enthusiasts crowd the Galaxy Unpacked 2025 Experience Zone as they try the Galaxy S25 series out for themselves.
     
    At the end of the hour-long visual spectacle at the SAP Center, Samsung opened the floor to welcome guests into the Experience Zone hidden behind the main stage. Excitement buzzed throughout the space as attendees explored the innovative technologies packed into Samsung’s latest flagship smartphones. They shared their first impressions, praising the upgraded devices and advanced AI features.
     
    ▲ Andrea and Geraldine Tshibuabua, an influencer duo of twin sisters from Belgium known as the Angetwins
     
    “I’m really impressed with the Now Brief feature. If I’m scheduled to go somewhere in the morning, all I need to do is take a quick look at my phone to be informed on what I have planned for the day,” said Andrea and Geraldine Tshibuabua (@angetwins), an influencer duo of twin sisters from Belgium. “We also love the Galaxy S25’s AI-powered photo editing features, especially the Best Face feature that allows us to pick our best shots in case we blink in some of them. It’s also amazing that we can remove unwanted objects in the backgrounds of photos as well.”
     
    ▲ Pawel Warzecha, a Polish content creator and magazine reporter known as Mobzilla
     
    “Audio Eraser is a really great feature that is useful not just for content creators like me, but ordinary people who want to film their kids playing in the playground or themselves singing a silly song,” said Pawel Warzecha (@MobzillaTV), a tech content creator from Poland. “It was fascinating to catch a glimpse of the Galaxy S25 Edge as well,” added the influencer, who also reports for Lounge Magazyn, a Polish lifestyle magazine.
     
    ▲ Samsung Members Stars Mica Moreno from Argentina
     
    The praise was echoed by a delighted young Samsung Members Star who just graduated from university, majoring in actuarial science. “It’s always an honor to be part of these great events organized by Samsung. As a Samsung Member, it’s such a pleasure for me to be creating content for Samsung and many young Argentinians,” said Mica Moreno from Argentina.
    Explore more behind-the-scenes moments and watch the full replay of Galaxy Unpacked 2025 below.
     

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Google should increase uptake of its Workspace platform with free AI, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Google should increase uptake of its Workspace platform with free AI, says GlobalData

    Posted in Technology

    Google has elevated its Workspace platform by offering AI capabilities for free to subscribers of Workspace Business and Enterprise plans. Previously, plan subscribers could purchase an add-on of AI features ranging from $20 to $30 per user per month. The list of capabilities includes the Gemini assistant within Google Workspace apps; the Gemini standalone app; and the NotebookLM Plus research assistant. The free AI offering should help Google increase the uptake of the platform says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    Gregg Willsky, Principal Analyst, Enterprise Technology & Services at GlobalData, comments: “Google has significantly enhanced the value proposition for Workspace. Despite a nominal increase of $2 per user per month in the cost of the plans, the overall price tag has been substantially lowered while providing an inventory of meaningful AI features.”

    The announcement comes at a pivotal moment for AI. Rivals have been aligned in stuffing their team collaboration platforms full of AI features but have diverged when it comes to affixing a price tag to those features. Two paths have been taken – either charging an extra monthly per-user fee or including features as part of established subscriptions at no additional cost.

    Willsky continues: “So, the question becomes, should AI features cost extra or not? There is no easy answer and not necessarily a right or wrong one. Given the great expense of delivering AI features, it may be unsustainable to offer them for free. On the other hand, it is possible that the allure of receiving AI capabilities at no cost has spurred adoption of those platforms to such a degree that the extra subscription revenue more than makes up for the added expense.”

    Unfortunately, it’s not clear if hard data exists to support either scenario. What is clear is that AI is quickly being woven into the fabric of society. Soon, AI features will be regarded as ‘standard issue’ on team collaboration platforms and no longer worthy of commanding a premium. However, the costs incurred in providing them will remain.

    Willsky concludes: “Google’s announcement mirrors the most likely scenario – additional fees for AI will evaporate only to be baked into a higher platform subscription price. As the saying goes, there is no such thing as a free lunch.”

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI: Nokia Deepfield to provide London Internet Exchange members with advanced DDoS protection

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release

    Nokia Deepfield to provide London Internet Exchange members with advanced DDoS protection

    • The London Internet Exchange (LINX) becomes the first UK-based internet exchange point (IXP) to offer advanced DDoS protection with high performance and scale, ensuring minimal impact on member connectivity and services.
    • Nokia Deepfield Defender provides crucial service when network operators can experience more than 100 DDoS attacks in a day.
    • Nokia 2024 report found DDoS traffic continues to grow at a higher rate than any other type of network traffic, increasing 166% between June 2023 and June 2024.

    27 January 2025
    Espoo, Finland – Nokia has been selected by global Internet Exchange Point, the London Internet Exchange (LINX), to deliver advanced network protection capabilities against the latest and future generations of DDoS threats and attacks. With Nokia Deepfield DDoS security, LINX becomes the first UK-based IXP to offer advanced DDoS protection with trusted performance, scale and mitigation granularity, ensuring minimal impact on member connectivity and services.

    DDoS is malicious traffic that aims to deny access, degrade services or stop connectivity for individual users, internet hosts and service provider network infrastructure. The Nokia Threat Intelligence Report, released in October 2024, found that the number and frequency of DDoS attacks have grown from one or two a day to well over 100 per day in many networks, with botnet DDoS continuing to be the primary source of DDoS attacks. To combat sophisticated DDoS attacks, service and cloud providers need a more intelligent, cost-effective, scalable and adaptable defense strategy.

    Deepfield Defender is a software-based DDoS detection and mitigation solution that combines real-time network telemetry with Nokia’s patented Deepfield Secure Genome®, a continuously updated data feed that tracks the security context of the global internet. Using AI-driven, automated DDoS detection by Deepfield Defender and the dynamically configured, high-scale DDoS mitigation performed by 7750 Defender Mitigation System (DMS), attacks are blocked before they can impact LINX’s members or services. Introducing Deepfield Defender will also equip LINX with advanced network security analytics and reporting capabilities.

    Mike Hellers, Head of Product Development at LINX, said: “With Nokia Deepfield, LINX will gain significant cyber security capabilities. We are proud to be the first UK IXP to deliver this next generation of advanced DDoS protection to our members, which, in turn, will be providing essential or critical services to their customers.”

    Paul Alexander, VP and Country General Manager UK&I, Nokia, said: “The past year has accelerated massive and transformative changes to the internet, bringing with it an incredible rise in DDoS attacks – they are more potent, frequent, and sophisticated than ever. With Nokia, LINX will obtain critical DDoS security-related visibility, leveraging Nokia Deepfield’s big data approach and using Deepfield Defender and 7750 DMS to access a more intelligent, cost-effective, scalable and adaptable defence strategy.”

    LINX will initially offer the advanced DDoS service to any network connected to their LON1 interconnection fabric in London.

    Resources and additional information
    Webpage: Nokia Deepfield Defender
    Webpage: Nokia Deepfield Genome
    Webpage: Nokia 7750 Defender Mitigation System
    Webpage: Nokia FP Network Processor Technology
    Webpage: DDoS Security
    Webpage: Nokia Deepfield Global DDoS Threat Alliance (GDTA)
    Webpage: Nokia Threat Intelligence Report 2024

    About Nokia 
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together. 

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.  

    With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

    About The London Internet Exchange (LINX)
    The London Internet Exchange (LINX) is one of the world’s leading Internet Exchange Points (IXPs), enabling networks to interconnect and exchange network traffic efficiently. Founded in 1994, LINX operates a mutually owned membership organisation, providing a neutral and reliable environment for its members to connect, keeping traffic local.

    With robust, state-of-the-art infrastructure spanning multiple locations in the UK, LINX also operate interconnection hubs in the US and Africa, while also powering facilities in the Middle East for strategic partner Center3.

    LINX facilitates high-performance peering services, cloud connect and more for over 850 global networks, including internet service providers (ISPs), content delivery networks (CDNs), gaming, and large enterprise and financial networks. Members benefit from seamless traffic exchange, reduced latency, and cost efficiencies, all while contributing to the growth of an open and collaborative internet ecosystem.

    As a leader in the industry for over 30 years, LINX is committed to innovation, transparency, and maintaining its position as a critical hub for the global internet community.

    www.linx.net

    # # #
    Media inquiries
    Nokia Communications, Corporate
    Email: Press.Services@nokia.com

    Follow us on social media
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    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Exchange Fund Position at end-December 2024

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Exchange Fund Position at end-December 2024
    Exchange Fund Position at end-December 2024
    *******************************************

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) today (January 27) published the unaudited financial position of the Exchange Fund at end-December 2024.           The Exchange Fund recorded an investment income of HK$219.0 billion in 2024. The main components were:      

    gains on bonds of HK$135.6 billion;
    gains on Hong Kong equities of HK$21.8 billion;
    gains on other equities of HK$68.7 billion;
    negative currency translation effect of HK$35.6 billion on non-Hong Kong dollar assets (Note 1); and
    gains on other investments of HK$28.5 billion (Note 2).

          Fees on placements by the Fiscal Reserves and placements by HKSAR Government funds and statutory bodies were HK$13.2 billion (Note 3) and HK$15.7 billion respectively in 2024, with the rate of fee payment at 3.7 per cent for 2024.           The Abridged Balance Sheet shows that the total assets of the Exchange Fund increased by HK$65.9 billion, from HK$4,016.5 billion at the end of 2023 to HK$4,082.4 billion at the end of 2024. Accumulated surplus stood at HK$731.6 billion at end-December 2024.           The Exchange Fund recorded an investment return of 5.3 per cent in 2024 (Note 4). Specifically, the Investment Portfolio achieved a rate of return of 7.2 per cent and the Backing Portfolio gained 4.1 per cent. The Long-Term Growth Portfolio (LTGP) recorded an annualised internal rate of return of 11.5 per cent since its inception in 2009 up to the end of September 2024.           Commenting on the performance of the Exchange Fund in 2024, Mr Eddie Yue, Chief Executive of the HKMA, said, “Global financial markets performed broadly well in 2024. Major economies recorded stable growth, while inflation eased closer to policy targets. Major central banks progressively lowered their policy rates. This was positive to the investment environment.           Major equity markets rose notably in 2024, with US equities making strong gains in the first three quarters on the back of a generally positive economic and inflationary fundamentals, and the fervor around the artificial intelligence industry. However, markets became more volatile in the fourth quarter and retreated from their highs as investors turned more cautious amidst concerns over rising inflation and bond yields. In the Mainland and Hong Kong, investor confidence improved, following the Central Government’s announcements of a series of policy measures in the third quarter to stimulate the economy and equity market. Nevertheless, the two equity markets softened in the fourth quarter as market participants remained somewhat uncertain about the real economic growth. Meanwhile, global bond markets experienced higher volatility. Although major central banks have affirmed their general policy direction of lowering interest rates, the pace and magnitude of rate cuts have changed a few times during the year. Entering the fourth quarter, as markets began to focus on the US fiscal policy in the coming year, US Treasury yields rose sharply and weighed on bond prices. Furthermore, the US dollar strengthened against other major currencies in 2024, particularly in the fourth quarter, as a result of the interest rate movements and the relatively strong performance of the US economy. In view of these two factors, the Exchange Fund as a whole recorded some valuation loss in the fourth quarter of 2024.           For 2024 as a whole, the Exchange Fund achieved a decent investment income. The bond portfolio has benefited from substantial interest income as a result of persistently high yields. The equity portfolio has also performed well. However, the US dollar strengthened against other major currencies, leading to a negative currency translation effect on our non-Hong Kong dollar assets.”           Mr Yue said, “Looking ahead to 2025, the global financial markets remain uncertain. Interest rate policies will continue to be the focus of the markets. According to the latest projections in December, the US Fed forecasted half a percentage point of rate cut in total in 2025. This is smaller than the previous projection of one percentage point, and reflects the Fed’s more cautious stance towards inflation. Meanwhile, the new US administration’s policies on the economy, tax and trade could add uncertainties to the inflation path. This in turn affects how much room the Fed has in adjusting monetary policy.           Furthermore, any escalation in trade frictions among major economies or geopolitical situation could impact real economic activities, and may also trigger volatility in the financial markets.           Given these challenges we face, the HKMA will, as always, adhere to the principle of capital preservation first while maintaining long-term growth. We will continue to manage the Exchange Fund with prudence and flexibility, implement appropriate defensive measures, and maintain a high degree of liquidity. We will also continue to diversify our investments to strive for higher long-term returns, ensuring that the Exchange Fund remains effective in achieving its purpose of maintaining monetary and financial stability of Hong Kong.” Note 1: This is primarily the effect of translating foreign currency assets into Hong Kong dollar after deducting the portion for currency hedging.Note 2: This is the valuation change of investments held by investment holding subsidiaries of the Exchange Fund. This figure reflects the valuations at the end of September 2024. Valuation changes of these investments from October to December are not yet available.Note 3: This does not include the 2024 fee payment to the Future Fund because such amount will only be disclosed when the composite rate for 2024 is available.Note 4: This return excludes the performance of the Strategic Portfolio and only includes the performance of LTGP up to the end of September 2024. The audited full year return will be disclosed in the 2024 annual report.

     
    Ends/Monday, January 27, 2025Issued at HKT 16:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI China: Iranian drones equipped with homegrown AI-powered missiles

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A top Iranian military commander said Sunday the country’s drones have been equipped with homegrown missiles that employ artificial intelligence (AI) technology, the official news agency IRNA reported.

    Commander of the Navy of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Alireza Tangsiri made the remarks in an address to reporters in the southern Iranian province of Bushehr while he was elaborating on a two-day large-scale naval drill held by his forces in Iran’s southern waters.

    He said the IRGC Navy equipped two homegrown combat drones Mohajer-6 and Ababil-5 with the domestically developed “Qaem and Almas” missiles incorporating AI technology.

    Tangsiri added the IRGC Navy and Iran’s Defense Ministry are developing AI-empowered cruise missiles with operational ranges of over 1,000 km and the ability to hit targets at different altitudes.

    According to Tangsiri, the drill starting on Friday off the coasts of Bushehr and Khuzestan provinces aimed to show “peace and friendship” to neighbors and show that Iran and regional states could ensure security and confront any threat.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Mobile broadcasting assets to backup local radio during natural disasters and power outages

    Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

    The Albanese Government is strengthening vital broadcasting infrastructure that can be deployed rapidly during natural disasters and emergencies to help keep communities safer, connected and informed.
     
    The Government’s $20 million Broadcasting Resilience Program (BRP) has already provided emergency power backup batteries and upgraded satellite inputs to 98 ABC AM and FM radio sites across Australia used for emergency broadcasting.
     
    The BRP is also funding five mobile broadcast assets (MBAs) that can be transported to affected sites at short notice in the event transmission fails, including during power outages caused by severe weather.
     
    The MBAs also serve as a power supply to charge essential devices such as mobile phones, enabling people to access vital services and keep in touch with loved ones during emergencies.
     
    The MBAs will be housed at five strategic locations around the country: 

    • Bald Hills (Brisbane), serving south eastern Queensland and north eastern New South Wales;
    • Gungahlin (Canberra), serving the Australian Capital Territory, southern NSW and eastern Victoria;
    • Hamersley (Perth), serving Western Australia;
    • Mt Bellenden-Ker (northern Queensland), serving northern Queensland and the Northern Territory; and
    • Pimpala (Adelaide), serving South Australia and western Victoria.

    The sites were chosen by BAI based on previous natural disasters, ease of access to the region and the ability to service and store units between events.
     
    The BRP is improving the resilience of broadcast transmission infrastructure used for emergency broadcasting, supporting ABC services and commercial broadcasters co-located on site.
     
    These upgrades have already kept ABC local radio services running for hundreds of hours during emergency events.
     
    The BRP is part of the Albanese Government’s Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia, which includes $400 million to improve mobile coverage and increase the resilience of communications services across Australia.
     
    For more information on the Plan, visit: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/media-communications-arts/better-connectivity-plan-regional-and-rural-australia 
     
    For more information on the BRP, visit: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/media-communications-arts/better-connectivity-plan-regional-and-rural-australia/broadcasting-resilience-program 
     
    Quotes attributable to the Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
     
    “The safety of Australians is the Albanese Government’s number one priority. 
     
    “During natural disasters and emergencies, access to timely and accurate information can mean the difference between life and death. 
     
    “The Broadcasting Resilience Program has already upgraded 98 ABC broadcasting sites around Australia.
     
    “As part of the BRP, five new mobile broadcast assets will also be available for rapid deployment to disaster-struck areas when emergency broadcasting transmission fails.
     
    “This will help even more communities around Australia stay safe, connected and informed should disaster strike.”

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement from Minister McLean on International Day of Education 2025

    Statement from Minister McLean on International Day of Education 2025
    jlutz

    Minister of Education Jeanie McLean has issued the following statement:

    “Today, we celebrate International Day of Education. This year’s theme, Artificial Intelligence and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation, encourages us to reflect on the role of education in preparing the next generation to understand the impact of artificial intelligence and to make thoughtful decisions about how they engage with technology.

    “In the Yukon, we are proud to prioritize digital literacy in our schools. Beginning in Grade 6, students are introduced to the responsible and ethical use of digital tools. As technology continues to advance, it’s critical that we not only teach students to use these tools effectively but also empower them to maintain their autonomy in a world increasingly shaped by automation and artificial intelligence.

    “By fostering critical thinking, problem-solving and creativity through digital literacy programs, we are helping ensure that Yukon students are informed and active participants when using technology. These skills are essential as artificial intelligence continues to transform various aspects of day-to-day life. The principles of digital literacy being taught today lay the groundwork for students to embrace the digital world with confidence, responsibility and critical awareness.

    “On this International Day of Education, join me in celebrating Yukon students and supporting them as they work toward a bright and promising future.”

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI: Radix Adds World-Class Supply Chain Resilience to Best-In-Class Asset Performance Management

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, Jan. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Radix, a global technology solutions company at the forefront of industrial digital transformation, unlocks data with actionable insights at scale with speed, and sustainability to drive optimal asset performance in industries such as Energy, Chemical, Manufacturing, Oil & Gas, Power Generation and Distribution, Pulp & Paper, and Metals, Mining & Minerals. 

    Radix supply chain and asset performance competencies drives resilience, visibility, and performance, across all industry verticals. With its “on the ground,” world-class industry experts and data-driven transformation capabilities, Radix bolsters the total product lifecycle and boosts the decision-making capability within the entire Supply Chain spectrum. 

    Grant Belden, Vice President of Supply Chain and recent addition at Radix, spearheads the Radix supply chain division. Belden joins Radix bringing 25 years of “end to end” supply chain experience in industry experience with commercial, planning, sales and operational planning, procurement, logistics and warehousing – all on a global scale.

    “Radix is and has always been about being on the ground with our customers to help them achieve new levels of operational success. Grant’s robust Supply Chain leadership experience deepens the team’s expertise and impact with a wealth of Sales and Operational Planning leadership experience and capabilities,” says Keith Stentiford, SVP of Infrastructure North America.

    “Radix is uniquely built with data intelligence and people in mind, supported by a large team of in-house engineers and data scientists experts,” says Alexander Clausbruch, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, of Radix North America. “Our deep industry knowledge, and ‘skin in the game’ capabilities empower our customers’ digital transformation journey to accelerate, scale, and better navigate the various phases of the supply chain from end to end. I am proud of our team and our growth as we continue to be on the ground with our customers expanding our footprint in North America and around the world.” 

    “Radix provides executives, managers, and field operators across supply chain ecosystems with clear roadmaps and implementation services to optimize and navigate the most critical aspects of their Supply Chain and Asset Management operations,” said Tim Brown, Academic Program Director for AI at the Georgia Institute of Technology and previous Managing Director of the Georgia Tech Supply Chain and Logistics Institute. 

    According to Belden, Radix’s value within the supply chain spectrum is unique. “Where most Supply Chain point providers stop and hand off services within the larger supply chain process, Radix continues by empowering operations with industry-leading Asset Performance Management. As a result, we provide the value and industrial intelligence that companies need to seamlessly manage the entire product lifecycle.” 
      
    The Radix Supply Chain team will attend the Manifest Supply Chain event in Las Vegas from February 10 to 12 – showcasing the tangible impact of Radix Supply Chain visibility, and the resilience that comes from Radix’s best-in-class Asset Performance Management services and solutions.    

    About Radix  

    Founded in 2010, Radix is a privately held global technology solutions company providing consulting, engineering, operations technology, and data and software technology solutions. Radix combines key capabilities and practices to empower customers to thrive along their digital transformation journey. Radix provides technology-based, data-driven solutions to industrial and non-industrial companies worldwide. Radix has experience leading projects in more than 30 countries and has more than 1,700+ employees around the globe, with North American headquarters in Houston, Texas, main headquarters in Rio de Janeiro, additional offices in Sao Paulo and Belo Horizonte, and a presence in Singapore and Amsterdam. To learn more, visit www.radixeng.com.

    For more information:
    Citalouise Geiggar, Ph.D.
    citalouise.geiggar@radixeng.com 
    Radix

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/85916472-18aa-44c2-aefb-52618b3185c0

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Russia: A new building of the St. Petersburg HSE has opened in the historic building of the Rope Shop

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    The famous monument of constructivism — the Rope Shop of the Krasny Gvozdilshchik Plant — has become the new building of the National Research University Higher School of Economics — Saint Petersburg. About four thousand students will study in the building on the 25th Line of Vasilievsky Island.

    Press service of the National Research University Higher School of Economics

    The grand opening ceremony of the new building, timed to coincide with Russian Students’ Day, took place on Saturday, January 25. The event was attended by government officials, members of the HSE – St. Petersburg Board of Trustees, industrial partners, students and teachers. The symbolic red ribbon was cut by the Minister of Education of the Russian Federation Sergey Kravtsov, Vice-Governor of St. Petersburg Vladimir Knyaginin, Rector of HSE Nikita Anisimov and Director of HSE – St. Petersburg Anna Tyshetskaya.

    The new educational space “Rope Workshop” is more than 20 thousand square meters of modern classrooms, coworking spaces, rooms for practical and project work, museum and exhibition spaces. The building will accommodate students of the joint School of Informatics, Physics and Technology with VK, the School of Design, as well as educational programs in the areas of “Media Communications”, “Sociology”, “State and Municipal Administration”.

    “Today is a significant event not only for St. Petersburg, but for our entire country — the opening of the new building of the Higher School of Economics. I would like to thank the government of St. Petersburg for the attention paid to the city’s education system. Today, the Higher School of Economics is one of the leading Russian universities. It has very high quality and standards of education, a very strong teaching staff and, accordingly, high competition for admission. I am sure that students from all regions of our country, as well as from other countries, will study in the new building of the university. It is important that the areas that will be presented here are very relevant and in demand by the leading sectors of the domestic economy,” emphasized the Minister of Education of the Russian Federation Sergey Kravtsov.

    Vice-Governor of Saint Petersburg Vladimir Knyaginin congratulated the students of the Saint Petersburg HSE on the holiday and noted the importance of integrating the educational space into the urban environment. “I am pleased that engineers, builders, designers, architects treated the heritage with care, and we really have a pearl of constructivism that will work for the city, for students, for all of us. The Higher School of Economics in Saint Petersburg is growing with such wonderful objects, and I am looking forward to the opening of the Patriotic Institute building. It seems to me that these will be two wonderful architectural masterpieces, newly opened to the city, its residents and tourists,” Vladimir Knyaginin noted.

    HSE Rector Nikita Anisimov emphasized that Russian Students’ Day is an important holiday for everyone, and celebrating it in St. Petersburg is especially symbolic, because it is here that the traditions of Russian education were formed. “Dear students, teachers, graduates, friends, honored guests! I sincerely congratulate you on our common holiday: St. Tatyana’s Day, Russian Students’ Day. The day when we open our hearts to the future. You, students, are our future. Of course, we pass on our experience, our knowledge, our opportunities to you, but the future is yours. The spirit of education has always lived and will live within the university walls. The traditions of this day were laid here, in the capital of the Russian Empire, in St. Petersburg, in the city where we are opening this building today. Remember – our university is always open for you 24/7, this is your home. Happy holiday!” HSE Rector Nikita Anisimov addressed the students.

    Director of the National Research University Higher School of Economics in St. Petersburg Anna Tyshetskaya congratulated those gathered on the occasion and noted that the opening of the building in the historic building of the Rope Workshop will become an incentive for the development of new areas. “Together with our partners, we are presenting a new approach to organizing the educational process. The key concept is the integration of the competencies of the Higher School of Economics and leading technology companies. In addition to standard classrooms and laboratories, we have created spaces that unite the educational and business environment. The new building will house an IT cluster, media communications, and design. In 2025, several new areas of training will open, including a program in architecture. Thus, a new technological and creative educational cluster is being formed on Vasilievsky Island,” emphasized Director of the National Research University Higher School of Economics in St. Petersburg Anna Tyshetskaya.

    The restoration of the famous constructivist monument, where the students of the HSE in St. Petersburg will study, was carried out by the Setl Group company. The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the holding company, Maxim Shubarev, is a member of the Board of Trustees of the National Research University Higher School of Economics – St. Petersburg. “It is pleasant to realize that the restoration of the Rope Shop allowed us not only to return an iconic cultural heritage site to the city, but also, thanks to our long-standing partner, the Higher School of Economics, to fill its space with the spirit of science and education. The architectural monument has become an Alma Mater and today opened its doors to students of this respected educational institution. I hope that the amazing and rich history of this building will create a special atmosphere here that motivates knowledge, and will contribute to new discoveries, achievements and creative processes,” said Maxim Shchubarev.

    After the ceremony, HSE St. Petersburg Director Anna Tyshetskaya gave guests a tour of the Rope Workshop. The first floor of the educational space houses the workshops and studios of the School of Design. In 2025, the educational program “Architecture” will open here in partnership with leading design companies and museum institutions of the federal level.

    Part of the Rope Workshop space will be occupied by representative offices of industrial partners of the HSE St. Petersburg: VK, BIOCAD, t2, Yadro, 1C, Yandex, Gazprom Neft, Lesta Igri, RBC and others. The integration of the business environment into the educational process will allow students from the first year to work on real cases and tasks of leading Russian companies.

    As part of a strategic partnership with VK, a new School of Informatics, Physics and Technology will begin operating in 2025, where information systems developers, system architects, ML researchers and ML developers will be trained. The programs were designed under the guidance of leading experts from HSE – St. Petersburg and VK and will allow future specialists to gain relevant knowledge and practical business experience.

    In addition, in 2025, the new building will open the “Programming and Engineering of Computer Games” program. The leading game developer in the CIS, “Lesta Igri”, will act as an industrial partner. On the day of the opening of the Rope Workshop, the Director of Business Development of the group of companies, Gaukhar Aldyyarova, and the Director of the National Research University Higher School of Economics – St. Petersburg, Anna Tyshetskaya, signed an agreement on strategic partnership aimed at developing research activities and training specialists.

    The Yakov Chernikhov Museum of Architecture is located under the unique metal trusses of the Rope Shop. The cultural and educational space is being created to popularize Russian architecture and the legacy of Yakov Chernikhov, whose work is inextricably linked with Leningrad. It is planned to hold open educational events for residents of St. Petersburg and tourists on the museum site.

    After the tour of the new building, guests, students and teachers took part in a large-scale cultural and educational marathon. The celebration in honor of Russian Students’ Day was opened by musician, presenter and blogger Alexander Pushnoy. He moderated the discussion “Artificial Intelligence in Education, Creativity and Content”. VK and industry experts, designers, scientists, teachers and students of the HSE St. Petersburg discussed the role, application and benefits of AI in various professional fields. The event was broadcast exclusively on VK Video. About two thousand people will be able to attend master classes, lectures, expert discussions with leading representatives of science, business and the media sphere throughout the day.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Beyond the Console: Kenneth Attocknie’s Mission to Bridge Cultures at NASA

    Source: NASA

    From the Mission Control Center to community celebrations, Kenneth Attocknie blends safety expertise with a commitment to cultural connection. 
    For the past 25 years at NASA, Attocknie has dedicated his career to safeguarding the International Space Station and supporting real-time mission operations at Johnson Space Center in Houston.  
    As a principal safety engineer in the Safety and Mission Assurance Directorate, Attocknie ensures the safe operation of the space station’s environmental control and life support system. This system is vital for maintaining the life-sustaining environment aboard the orbiting laboratory— a critical foundation for similar systems planned for future Artemis missions. 

    As a contractor with SAIC, Attocknie has served as a flight controller, astronaut crew office engineer, and astronaut crew instructor. He joined NASA just as the first two modules of the space station, Zarya and Unity, connected in space on Dec. 6, 1998.  
    “I’ve supported the space station ever since and have been blessed to witness the remarkable progression of this amazing orbiting experiment,” he said. “I feel I have found a way to contribute positively to NASA’s mission: to improve life for all people on our planet.” 
    He also contributed to closing out the Space Shuttle Program and worked in system safety for the Constellation program. 
    As part of SAIC’s Employee Resource Group, Attocknie supports the Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement project, which uses project-based learning to inspire high school students from underrepresented communities to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. He continues to advocate for Native Americans as a member of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, helping NASA engage with college students across Indian Country. 

    Attocknie strives to contribute to a space exploration legacy that uplifts and unites cultures, paving the way for a future in human spaceflight that honors and empowers all. 
    A member of the Comanche and Caddo tribes of Oklahoma, he has made it his mission to create a cross-cultural exchange between NASA and Native communities to provide opportunities for Natives to visit Johnson.  
    One of his proudest moments was organizing a Native American Heritage Month event with NASA’s Equal Opportunity and Diversity Office. The celebration brought together Native dancers and singers from Oklahoma and Texas to honor their heritage at Johnson.  
    “Seeing the Johnson community rally around this event was amazing,” said Attocknie. “It was a profound experience to share and celebrate my culture here.” 

    Overcoming challenges and setbacks has been part of his NASA experience as well. “Finding and achieving my purpose is always an ongoing journey,” he said. “Accepting what might seem like a regression is the first step of growth. There’s always a lesson to be found, and every disappointment can fuel a new ambition and direction. Ride the waves, be humble, learn lessons, and above all, always keep going.” 
    He believes that NASA’s mission is deeply connected to diversity and inclusion. “You can’t truly benefit humankind if you don’t represent humankind,” said Attocknie. “The status quo may feel comfortable, but it leads to stagnation and is the antithesis of innovation.” 

    Attocknie’s hope for the Artemis Generation? “A healthier planet, society, and the desire to pass on lessons of stewardship for our environment. All life is precious.” 
    He sees NASA as a gateway to a brighter future: “NASA can truly harness its influence to be an example for our planet, not only in the new heavenly bodies we journey to but also in the new human spirits we touch.” 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: Microchip Technology Announces Financial Results for Second Quarter of Fiscal Year 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Net sales of $1.164 billion, down 6.2% sequentially and down 48.4% from the year ago quarter. The midpoint of our guidance provided on August 1, 2024 was net sales of $1.150 billion.
    • Revenue, gross profit and non-GAAP gross profit were positively impacted by a $13.3 million legal settlement. This settlement also positively impacted GAAP and non-GAAP EPS by $0.02 per diluted share.
    • On a GAAP basis: gross profit of 57.4%; operating income of $146.6 million and 12.6% of net sales; net income of $78.4 million; and EPS of $0.14 per diluted share. Our guidance provided on August 1, 2024 was for GAAP EPS of $0.10 to $0.14 per diluted share.
    • On a Non-GAAP basis: gross profit of 59.5%; operating income of $340.8 million and 29.3% of net sales; net income of $250.2 million; and EPS of $0.46 per diluted share. Our guidance provided on August 1, 2024 was for Non-GAAP EPS of $0.40 to $0.46 per diluted share.
    • Returned approximately $261.0 million to stockholders in the September quarter through dividends of $243.7 million and the repurchase of $17.3 million, or 0.2 million shares of our common stock, at an average price of $76.86 per share under our previously announced $4.0 billion stock buyback program. Cumulatively repurchased $2.444 billion, or 31.4 million shares, over the last twelve quarters.
    • Record quarterly dividend declared today for the December quarter of 45.5 cents per share, an increase of 3.6% from the year ago quarter.

    CHANDLER, Ariz., Nov. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — (NASDAQ: MCHP) – Microchip Technology Incorporated, a leading provider of smart, connected, and secure embedded control solutions, today reported results for the three months ended September 30, 2024, as summarized in the table below.

      Three Months Ended September 30, 2024(1)
    Net sales $1,163.8      
      GAAP % Non-GAAP(2) %
    Gross profit $668.5 57.4% $692.9 59.5%
    Operating income $146.6 12.6% $340.8 29.3%
    Other expense $(55.1)   $(53.3)  
    Income tax provision $13.1   $37.3  
    Net income $78.4 6.7% $250.2 21.5%
    Net income per diluted share $0.14   $0.46  
             

    (1) In millions, except per share amounts and percentages of net sales.
    (2) See the “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of this release.

    Net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2025 were $1.164 billion, down 48.4% from net sales of $2.254 billion in the prior year’s second fiscal quarter.

    GAAP net income for the second quarter of fiscal 2025 was $78.4 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, down from GAAP net income of $666.6 million, or $1.21 per diluted share, in the prior year’s second fiscal quarter. For the second quarters of fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2024, GAAP net income was adversely impacted by amortization of acquired intangible assets associated with our previous acquisitions.

    Non-GAAP net income for the second quarter of fiscal 2025 was $250.2 million, or $0.46 per diluted share, down from non-GAAP net income of $889.3 million, or $1.62 per diluted share, in the prior year’s second fiscal quarter. For the second quarters of fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2024, our non-GAAP results exclude the effect of share-based compensation, cybersecurity incident expenses, other manufacturing adjustments, expenses related to our acquisition activities (including intangible asset amortization, severance, and other restructuring costs, and legal and other general and administrative expenses associated with acquisitions including legal fees and expenses for litigation and investigations related to our Microsemi acquisition), professional services associated with certain legal matters, and losses on the settlement of debt. For the second quarters of fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2024, our non-GAAP income tax expense is presented based on projected cash taxes for the applicable fiscal year, excluding transition tax payments under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. A reconciliation of our non-GAAP and GAAP results is included in this press release.

    Microchip announced today that its Board of Directors declared a record quarterly cash dividend on its common stock of 45.5 cents per share, up 3.6% from the year ago quarter. The quarterly dividend is payable on December 6, 2024 to stockholders of record on November 22, 2024.

    “Our September quarter results were consistent with our guidance, as we continued to navigate through an inventory correction that’s occurring in the midst of macro weakness for many manufacturing businesses, accentuated by heightened weakness in our European business which is concentrated with Industrial and Automotive customers,” said Ganesh Moorthy, President and Chief Executive Officer. “The ‘green shoots’ we saw in recent quarters have progressed unevenly with essentially flat sequential bookings, normalized cancellation rates and much higher expedite requests, which we believe are all positive signs for a potential bottom formation despite limited visibility.”

    Eric Bjornholt, Microchip’s Chief Financial Officer, said, “Our September quarter results reflect continued customer destocking efforts and sluggish end-market demand. We are maintaining strong cost discipline and balance sheet management while taking actions to ensure operational readiness for the anticipated market recovery.”

    Rich Simoncic, Microchip’s Chief Operating Officer, said, “Our Total System Solutions approach is driving strong execution and seeing growing adoption in AI-accelerated servers in the data center markets. Our PCIe switches, SSD controllers, CXL solutions, and associated power and timing products are key to continuing to strengthen our data center portfolio. With our expanding capabilities, we believe we are well-positioned to capitalize on opportunities in this growth market.”

    Mr. Moorthy concluded, “For the December quarter, we expect net sales between $1.025 billion and $1.095 billion. While substantial inventory destocking has occurred, we continue to face macro uncertainties in what is historically our seasonally weakest quarter. Our design-in momentum continues to remain strong, driven by our Total System Solutions strategy and key market megatrends.”

    Third Quarter Fiscal Year 2025 Outlook:

    The following statements are based on current expectations. These statements are forward-looking, and actual results may differ materially.

      Microchip Consolidated Guidance
    Net Sales $1.025 to $1.095 billion    
      GAAP Non-GAAP Adjustments(1) Non-GAAP(1)
    Gross Profit 56.2% to 58.1% $8.4 to $9.4 million 57.0% to 59.0%
    Operating Expenses(2) 49.1% to 51.4% $170.0 to $174.0 million 33.2% to 34.8%
    Operating Income 4.8% to 9.1% $178.4 to $183.4 million 22.2% to 25.8%
    Other Expense, net $69.3 to $69.7 million ($0.2) to $0.2 million $69.5 million
    Income Tax Provision $1.0 to $13.0 million(3) $12.6 to $21.1 million $22.1 to $25.6 million(4)
    Net Income (loss) ($21.1) to $16.5 million $157.0 to $170.9 million $135.9 to $187.4 million
    Diluted Common Shares Outstanding Approximately 537.3 to 543.0 million shares   Approximately 543.0 million shares
    Earnings (Loss) per Diluted Share ($0.04) to $0.03 $0.29 to $0.32 $0.25 to $0.35
           
    (1)  See the “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of this release for information regarding our non-GAAP guidance.
    (2) We are not able to estimate the amount of certain Special Charges and Other, net that may be incurred during the quarter ending December 31, 2024. Therefore, our estimate of GAAP operating expenses excludes certain amounts that may be recognized as Special Charges and Other, net in the quarter ending December 31, 2024.
    (3) The forecast for GAAP tax expense excludes any unexpected tax events that may occur during the quarter, as these amounts cannot be forecasted.
    (4) Represents the expected cash tax rate for fiscal 2025, excluding any transition tax payments associated with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
       

    Capital expenditures for the quarter ending December 31, 2024 are expected to be about $20 million. Capital expenditures for all of fiscal 2025 are expected to be about $150 million. We are selectively adding capital equipment to maintain, grow and operate our internal manufacturing capabilities to support the expected growth of our business.

    Under the GAAP revenue recognition standard, we are required to recognize revenue when control of the product changes from us to a customer or distributor. We focus our sales and marketing efforts on creating demand for our products in the end markets we serve and not on moving inventory into our distribution network. We also manage our manufacturing and supply chain operations, including our distributor relationships, towards the goal of having our products available at the time and location the end customer desires.

    Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures:  Our non-GAAP adjustments, where applicable, include the effect of share-based compensation, cybersecurity incident expenses, other manufacturing adjustments, expenses related to our acquisition activities (including intangible asset amortization, severance, and other restructuring costs, and legal and other general and administrative expenses associated with acquisitions including legal fees and expenses for litigation and investigations related to our Microsemi acquisition), professional services associated with certain legal matters, and losses on the settlement of debt. For the second quarters of fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2024, our non-GAAP income tax expense is presented based on projected cash taxes for the fiscal year, excluding transition tax payments under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

    We are required to estimate the cost of certain forms of share-based compensation, including employee stock options, restricted stock units, and our employee stock purchase plan, and to record a commensurate expense in our income statement. Share-based compensation expense is a non-cash expense that varies in amount from period to period and is affected by the price of our stock at the date of grant. The price of our stock is affected by market forces that are difficult to predict and are not within the control of management. Our other non-GAAP adjustments are either non-cash expenses, unusual or infrequent items, or other expenses related to transactions. Management excludes all of these items from its internal operating forecasts and models.

    We are using non-GAAP operating expenses in dollars, including non-GAAP research and development expenses and non-GAAP selling, general and administrative expenses, non-GAAP other expense, net, and non-GAAP income tax rate, which exclude the items noted above, as applicable, to permit additional analysis of our performance.

    Management believes these non-GAAP measures are useful to investors because they enhance the understanding of our historical financial performance and comparability between periods. Many of our investors have requested that we disclose this non-GAAP information because they believe it is useful in understanding our performance as it excludes non-cash and other charges that many investors feel may obscure our underlying operating results. Management uses non-GAAP measures to manage and assess the profitability of our business and for compensation purposes. We also use our non-GAAP results when developing and monitoring our budgets and spending. Our determination of these non-GAAP measures might not be the same as similarly titled measures used by other companies, and it should not be construed as a substitute for amounts determined in accordance with GAAP. There are limitations associated with using these non-GAAP measures, including that they exclude financial information that some may consider important in evaluating our performance. Management compensates for this by presenting information on both a GAAP and non-GAAP basis for investors and providing reconciliations of the GAAP and non-GAAP results.

    Generally, gross profit fluctuates over time, driven primarily by the mix of products sold and licensing revenue; variances in manufacturing yields; fixed cost absorption; wafer fab loading levels; costs of wafers from foundries; inventory reserves; pricing pressures in our non-proprietary product lines; and competitive and economic conditions. Operating expenses fluctuate over time, primarily due to net sales and profit levels.

    Diluted Common Shares Outstanding can vary for, among other things, the trading price of our common stock, the exercise of options or vesting of restricted stock units, the potential for incremental dilutive shares from our convertible debentures (additional information regarding our share count is available in the investor relations section of our website under the heading “Supplemental Financial Information”), and repurchases or issuances of shares of our common stock. The diluted common shares outstanding presented in the guidance table above assumes an average Microchip stock price in the December 2024 quarter between $75 and $85 per share (however, we make no prediction as to what our actual share price will be for such period or any other period and we cannot estimate what our stock option exercise activity will be during the quarter).

    MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
    (in millions, except per share amounts; unaudited)
     
      Three Months Ended September 30,   Six Months Ended September 30,
      2024   2023   2024   2023
    Net sales $ 1,163.8     $ 2,254.3     $ 2,405.1     $ 4,542.9  
    Cost of sales   495.3       726.9       999.7       1,457.1  
    Gross profit   668.5       1,527.4       1,405.4       3,085.8  
                   
    Research and development   240.7       292.6       482.4       591.1  
    Selling, general and administrative   157.0       196.6       307.5       400.2  
    Amortization of acquired intangible assets   122.7       151.4       245.7       302.9  
    Special charges and other, net   1.5       1.8       4.1       3.5  
    Operating expenses   521.9       642.4       1,039.7       1,297.7  
                   
    Operating income   146.6       885.0       365.7       1,788.1  
                   
    Other expense, net   (55.1 )     (51.4 )     (112.4 )     (106.2 )
    Income before income taxes   91.5       833.6       253.3       1,681.9  
    Income tax provision   13.1       167.0       45.6       348.9  
    Net income $ 78.4     $ 666.6     $ 207.7     $ 1,333.0  
                   
    Basic net income per common share $ 0.15     $ 1.23     $ 0.39     $ 2.45  
    Diluted net income per common share $ 0.14     $ 1.21     $ 0.38     $ 2.42  
                   
    Basic common shares outstanding   536.7       543.1       536.7       544.1  
    Diluted common shares outstanding   542.0       549.2       542.4       550.3  
                                   
    MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (in millions; unaudited)
     
    ASSETS
      September 30,   March 31,
      2024   2024
    Cash and short-term investments $ 286.1   $ 319.7
    Accounts receivable, net   1,044.3     1,143.7
    Inventories   1,339.6     1,316.0
    Other current assets   235.5     233.6
    Total current assets   2,905.5     3,013.0
           
    Property, plant and equipment, net   1,171.2     1,194.6
    Other assets   11,545.6     11,665.6
    Total assets $ 15,622.3   $ 15,873.2
           
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
           
    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 1,339.4   $ 1,520.0
    Current portion of long-term debt   1,946.3     999.4
    Total current liabilities   3,285.7     2,519.4
           
    Long-term debt   4,476.6     5,000.4
    Long-term income tax payable   590.4     649.2
    Long-term deferred tax liability   29.8     28.8
    Other long-term liabilities   963.9     1,017.6
           
    Stockholders’ equity   6,275.9     6,657.8
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 15,622.3   $ 15,873.2
               
    MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP MEASURES
    (in millions, except per share amounts and percentages; unaudited)
     
    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP GROSS PROFIT TO NON-GAAP GROSS PROFIT
      Three Months Ended September 30,   Six Months Ended September 30,
      2024   2023   2024   2023
    Gross profit, as reported $ 668.5     $ 1,527.4     $ 1,405.4     $ 3,085.8  
    Share-based compensation expense   4.3       7.4       10.9       14.2  
    Cybersecurity incident expenses   20.1             20.1        
    Non-GAAP gross profit $ 692.9     $ 1,534.8     $ 1,436.4     $ 3,100.0  
    GAAP gross profit percentage   57.4 %     67.8 %     58.4 %     67.9 %
    Non-GAAP gross profit percentage   59.5 %     68.1 %     59.7 %     68.2 %
                                   
    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES TO NON-GAAP RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES
      Three Months Ended September 30,   Six Months Ended September 30,
      2024   2023   2024   2023
    Research and development expenses, as reported $ 240.7     $ 292.6     $ 482.4     $ 591.1  
    Share-based compensation expense   (26.9 )     (23.7 )     (50.2 )     (46.6 )
    Other adjustments         (0.2 )           (0.4 )
    Non-GAAP research and development expenses $ 213.8     $ 268.7     $ 432.2     $ 544.1  
    GAAP research and development expenses as a percentage of net sales   20.7 %     13.0 %     20.1 %     13.0 %
    Non-GAAP research and development expenses as a percentage of net sales   18.4 %     11.9 %     18.0 %     12.0 %
                                   
    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES TO NON-GAAP SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
      Three Months Ended September 30,   Six Months Ended September 30,
      2024   2023   2024   2023
    Selling, general and administrative expenses, as reported $ 157.0     $ 196.6     $ 307.5     $ 400.2  
    Share-based compensation expense   (15.1 )     (14.3 )     (29.2 )     (29.1 )
    Cybersecurity incident expenses   (1.3 )           (1.3 )      
    Other adjustments   (2.1 )     (0.6 )     (3.4 )     0.5  
    Professional services associated with certain legal matters   (0.2 )     (0.3 )     (0.7 )     (0.8 )
    Non-GAAP selling, general and administrative expenses $ 138.3     $ 181.4     $ 272.9     $ 370.8  
    GAAP selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales   13.5 %     8.7 %     12.8 %     8.8 %
    Non-GAAP selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales   11.9 %     8.0 %     11.3 %     8.2 %
                                   
    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP OPERATING EXPENSES TO NON-GAAP OPERATING EXPENSES
      Three Months Ended September 30,   Six Months Ended September 30,
      2024   2023   2024   2023
    Operating expenses, as reported $ 521.9     $ 642.4     $ 1,039.7     $ 1,297.7  
    Share-based compensation expense   (42.0 )     (38.0 )     (79.4 )     (75.7 )
    Cybersecurity incident expenses   (1.3 )           (1.3 )      
    Other adjustments   (2.1 )     (0.8 )     (3.4 )     0.1  
    Professional services associated with certain legal matters   (0.2 )     (0.3 )     (0.7 )     (0.8 )
    Amortization of acquired intangible assets(1)   (122.7 )     (151.4 )     (245.7 )     (302.9 )
    Special charges and other, net   (1.5 )     (1.8 )     (4.1 )     (3.5 )
    Non-GAAP operating expenses $ 352.1     $ 450.1     $ 705.1     $ 914.9  
    GAAP operating expenses as a percentage of net sales   44.8 %     28.5 %     43.2 %     28.6 %
    Non-GAAP operating expenses as a percentage of net sales   30.3 %     20.0 %     29.3 %     20.1 %
                                   

    (1) Amortization of acquired intangible assets consists of core and developed technology and customer-related acquired intangible assets in connection with business combinations. Such charges are excluded for purposes of calculating certain non-GAAP measures.

    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP OPERATING INCOME TO NON-GAAP OPERATING INCOME
      Three Months Ended September 30,   Six Months Ended September 30,
      2024   2023   2024   2023
    Operating income, as reported $ 146.6     $ 885.0     $ 365.7     $ 1,788.1  
    Share-based compensation expense   46.3       45.4       90.3       89.9  
    Cybersecurity incident expenses   21.4             21.4        
    Other adjustments   2.1       0.8       3.4       (0.1 )
    Professional services associated with certain legal matters   0.2       0.3       0.7       0.8  
    Amortization of acquired intangible assets(1)   122.7       151.4       245.7       302.9  
    Special charges and other, net   1.5       1.8       4.1       3.5  
    Non-GAAP operating income $ 340.8     $ 1,084.7     $ 731.3     $ 2,185.1  
    GAAP operating income as a percentage of net sales   12.6 %     39.3 %     15.2 %     39.4 %
    Non-GAAP operating income as a percentage of net sales   29.3 %     48.1 %     30.4 %     48.1 %
                                   

    (1) Amortization of acquired intangible assets consists of core and developed technology and customer-related acquired intangible assets in connection with business combinations. Such charges are excluded for purposes of calculating certain non-GAAP measures. The use of acquired intangible assets contributed to our revenues earned during the periods presented.

    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP OTHER EXPENSE, NET TO NON-GAAP OTHER EXPENSE, NET
      Three Months Ended September 30,   Six Months Ended September 30,
      2024   2023   2024   2023
    Other expense, net, as reported $ (55.1 )   $ (51.4 )   $ (112.4 )   $ (106.2 )
    Loss on settlement of debt         3.1             12.2  
    Loss on available-for-sale investments   1.8             1.8        
    Non-GAAP other expense, net $ (53.3 )   $ (48.3 )   $ (110.6 )   $ (94.0 )
    GAAP other expense, net, as a percentage of net sales (4.7) %   (2.3) %   (4.7) %   (2.3) %
    Non-GAAP other expense, net, as a percentage of net sales (4.6) %   (2.1) %   (4.6) %   (2.1) %
                   
    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP INCOME TAX PROVISION TO NON-GAAP INCOME TAX PROVISION
      Three Months Ended September 30,   Six Months Ended September 30,
      2024   2023   2024   2023
    Income tax provision as reported $ 13.1     $ 167.0     $ 45.6     $ 348.9  
    Income tax rate, as reported   14.3 %     20.0 %     18.0 %     20.7 %
    Other non-GAAP tax adjustment   24.2       (19.9 )     35.0       (52.4 )
    Non-GAAP income tax provision $ 37.3     $ 147.1     $ 80.6     $ 296.5  
    Non-GAAP income tax rate   13.0 %     14.2 %     13.0 %     14.2 %
                                   
    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP NET INCOME AND GAAP DILUTED NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE TO NON-GAAP NET INCOME AND NON-GAAP DILUTED NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
      Three Months Ended September 30,   Six Months Ended September 30,
      2024   2023   2024   2023
    Net income, as reported $ 78.4     $ 666.6     $ 207.7     $ 1,333.0  
    Share-based compensation expense   46.3       45.4       90.3       89.9  
    Cybersecurity incident expenses   21.4             21.4        
    Other adjustments   2.1       0.8       3.4       (0.1 )
    Professional services associated with certain legal matters   0.2       0.3       0.7       0.8  
    Amortization of acquired intangible assets   122.7       151.4       245.7       302.9  
    Special charges and other, net   1.5       1.8       4.1       3.5  
    Loss on settlement of debt         3.1             12.2  
    Loss on available-for-sale investments   1.8             1.8        
    Other non-GAAP tax adjustment   (24.2 )     19.9       (35.0 )     52.4  
    Non-GAAP net income $ 250.2     $ 889.3     $ 540.1     $ 1,794.6  
    GAAP net income as a percentage of net sales   6.7 %     29.6 %     8.6 %     29.3 %
    Non-GAAP net income as a percentage of net sales   21.5 %     39.4 %     22.5 %     39.5 %
    Diluted net income per common share, as reported $ 0.14     $ 1.21     $ 0.38     $ 2.42  
    Non-GAAP diluted net income per common share $ 0.46     $ 1.62     $ 1.00     $ 3.26  
    Diluted common shares outstanding, as reported   542.0       549.2       542.4       550.3  
    Diluted common shares outstanding non-GAAP   542.0       549.2       542.4       550.3  
                                   
    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS TO FREE CASH FLOW
      Three Months Ended September 30,   Six Months Ended September 30,
      2024   2023   2024   2023
    GAAP cash flow from operations, as reported $ 43.6     $ 616.2     $ 420.7     $ 1,609.4  
    Capital expenditures   (20.8 )     (74.4 )     (93.7 )     (185.5 )
    Free cash flow $ 22.8     $ 541.8     $ 327.0     $ 1,423.9  
    GAAP cash flow from operations as a percentage of net sales   3.7 %     27.3 %     17.5 %     35.4 %
    Free cash flow as a percentage of net sales   2.0 %     24.0 %     13.6 %     31.3 %
                                   

    Microchip will host a conference call today, November 5, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) to discuss this release. This call will be simulcast over the Internet at www.microchip.com. The webcast will be available for replay until November 26, 2024.

    A telephonic replay of the conference call will be available at approximately 8:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on November 5, 2024 and will remain available until 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on November 26, 2024. Interested parties may listen to the replay by dialing 201-612-7415/877-660-6853 and entering access code 13747161.

    Cautionary Statement:

    The statements in this release relating to continuing to navigate through an inventory correction, macro weakness for many manufacturing businesses, heightened weakness in our European business, that the green shoots we saw in recent quarters have progressed unevenly, our belief that these are all positive signs for a potential bottom formation despite limited visibility, that we are maintaining strong cost discipline and balance sheet management while taking actions to ensure operational readiness for the anticipated market recovery, that our Total System Solutions approach is driving strong execution and seeing growing adoption in AI-accelerated servers in the data center markets, that our PCIe switches, SSD controllers, CXL solutions, and associated power and timing products are key to continuing to strengthen our data center portfolio, that we believe we are well-positioned to capitalize on opportunities in this growth market, that for the December quarter we expect net sales between $1.025 billion and $1.095 billion, that we continue to face macro uncertainties in what is historically our seasonally weakest quarter, that our design-in momentum continues to remain strong, driven by our Total System Solutions strategy and key market megatrends, our third quarter fiscal 2025 guidance for net sales and GAAP and non-GAAP gross profit, operating expenses, operating income, other expense, net, income tax provision, net income, diluted common shares outstanding, earnings per diluted share, capital expenditures for the December 2024 quarter and for all of fiscal 2025, selectively adding capital equipment to maintain, grow and operate our internal manufacturing capabilities to support the expected growth of our business, our belief that non-GAAP measures are useful to investors and our assumed average stock price in the December 2024 quarter are forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially, including, but not limited to: any continued uncertainty, fluctuations or weakness in the U.S. and world economies (including China and Europe) due to changes in interest rates, high inflation or the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic (including lock-downs in China), actions taken or which may be taken by the Biden administration or the U.S. Congress, monetary policy, political, geopolitical, trade or other issues in the U.S. or internationally (including the military conflicts in Ukraine-Russia and the Middle East and the outcome of the U.S. elections in November), further changes in demand or market acceptance of our products and the products of our customers and our ability to respond to any increases or decreases in market demand or customer requests to reschedule or cancel orders; the mix of inventory we hold, our ability to satisfy any short-term orders from our inventory and our ability to effectively manage our inventory levels; the impact that the CHIPS Act will have on increasing manufacturing capacity in our industry by providing incentives for us, our competitors and foundries to build new wafer manufacturing facilities or expand existing facilities; the amount and timing of any incentives we may receive under the CHIPS Act, the impact of current and future changes in U.S. corporate tax laws (including the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017), foreign currency effects on our business; changes in utilization of our manufacturing capacity and our ability to effectively manage our production levels to meet any increases or decreases in market demand or any customer requests to reschedule or cancel orders; the impact of inflation on our business; competitive developments including pricing pressures; the level of orders that are received and can be shipped in a quarter; our ability to realize the expected benefits of our long-term supply assurance program; changes or fluctuations in customer order patterns and seasonality; our ability to effectively manage our supply of wafers from third party wafer foundries to meet any decreases or increases in our needs and the cost of such wafers, our ability to obtain additional capacity from our suppliers to increase production to meet any future increases in market demand; our ability to successfully integrate the operations and employees, retain key employees and customers and otherwise realize the expected synergies and benefits of our acquisitions; the impact of any future significant acquisitions or strategic transactions we may make; the costs and outcome of any current or future litigation or other matters involving our acquisitions (including the acquired business, intellectual property, customers, or other issues); the costs and outcome of any current or future tax audit or investigation regarding our business or our acquired businesses; fluctuations in our stock price and trading volume which could impact the number of shares we acquire under our share repurchase program and the timing of such repurchases; disruptions in our business or the businesses of our customers or suppliers due to natural disasters (including any floods in Thailand), terrorist activity, armed conflict, war, worldwide oil prices and supply, public health concerns or disruptions in the transportation system; and general economic, industry or political conditions in the United States or internationally.

    For a detailed discussion of these and other risk factors, please refer to Microchip’s filings on Forms 10-K and 10-Q. You can obtain copies of Forms 10-K and 10-Q and other relevant documents for free at Microchip’s website (www.microchip.com) or the SEC’s website (www.sec.gov) or from commercial document retrieval services.

    Stockholders of Microchip are cautioned not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date such statements are made. Microchip does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements to reflect events, circumstances or new information after this November 5, 2024 press release, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

    About Microchip:

    Microchip Technology Incorporated is a leading provider of smart, connected and secure embedded control solutions. Its easy-to-use development tools and comprehensive product portfolio enable customers to create optimal designs, which reduce risk while lowering total system cost and time to market. Our solutions serve approximately 116,000 customers across the industrial, automotive, consumer, aerospace and defense, communications and computing markets. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip website at www.microchip.com.

    Note: The Microchip name and logo are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A. and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies.

    INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT:
    Sajid Daudi — Head of Investor Relations….. (480) 792-7385

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Enstar Acquires Bermuda Reinsurer in its Second Property ILS Transaction

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HAMILTON, Bermuda, Nov. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enstar Group Limited (Nasdaq: ESGR) today announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Cavello Bay Reinsurance Limited (“Cavello Bay”), has acquired a Bermuda-domiciled Class 3B insurer and segregated accounts company (the “Reinsurer”).

    The Reinsurer underwrote property reinsurance business between 2020 and 2023 on behalf of third-party investors, assuming the risk through retrocession agreements with a fronting carrier. The Reinsurer had $66 million of shareholders’ equity at the end of July 2024.

    The Reinsurer will be merged into Cavello Bay and a consolidated and amended retrocession agreement between the fronting carrier and Cavello Bay will become effective.

    Dominic Silvester, Chief Executive Officer of Enstar, said: “This acquisition is our second transaction in the property ILS space in recent months, which we see as a growth market for legacy solutions. The deal structure eliminates collateral requirements, demonstrating the benefit of Cavello Bay’s strong balance sheet and financial strength rating.”

    About Enstar 

    Enstar is a NASDAQ-listed leading global insurance group that offers capital release solutions through its network of group companies in Bermuda, the United States, the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, Australia and other international locations. A market leader in completing legacy acquisitions, Enstar has acquired over 120 companies and portfolios since its formation. For further information about Enstar, see www.enstargroup.com

    Cautionary Statement  

    This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of Enstar and its management team. Investors can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They use words such as ‘aim’, ‘ambition’, ‘anticipate’, ‘estimate’, ‘expect’, ‘intend’, ‘will’, ‘project’, ‘plan’, ‘believe’, ‘target’ and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of future events or performance. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Important risk factors regarding Enstar can be found under the heading “Risk Factors” in Enstar’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and Enstar’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 and are incorporated herein by reference. Furthermore, Enstar undertakes no obligation to update any written or oral forward-looking statements or publicly announce any updates or revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein, to reflect any change in its expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions, circumstances or assumptions underlying such statements, except as required by law.

    Contact:

    For Enstar:
    For Investors: Matthew Kirk (investor.relations@enstargroup.com)
    For Media: Jenna Kerr (communications@enstargroup.com)

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Steven Crowder’s MugClub Community Joins Rumble Premium Ahead of the “Election Livestream of the Century: The Rumble on Rumble”

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONGBOAT KEY, Fla., Nov. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rumble (NASDAQ:RUM), the video-sharing platform and cloud services provider, today announced that the popular content creator Steven Crowder will host an Election Night livestream – titled the “The Election Livestream of the Century: The Rumble on Rumble” – beginning at 6:00 p.m. EST and will promote Rumble Premium, the platform’s ad-free subscription product, as his new home for exclusive content. Rumble users who are already subscribers to Crowder’s MugClub will receive access to Rumble Premium automatically. Crowder currently has over 1.6 million subscribers to his Rumble channel.

    “Rumble is the destination for millions of people who want unfiltered coverage of current events and breaking news, and Steven Crowder is one of the favorite content creators they’re looking for,” said Rumble Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Chris Pavlovski. “In addition to an improved ad-free experience, Rumble Premium will give subscribers access to exclusive content.”

    “The coverage of the 2024 United States presidential election promises to be the most watched in world history and people are eager to consume news and commentary free from the influence of corporate media and censors of all kinds. Rumble is the world’s leading free speech video-sharing platform providing access to the content that people seek,” Pavlovski added.

    ABOUT RUMBLE

    Rumble is a high-growth video platform and cloud services provider that is creating an independent infrastructure. Rumble’s mission is to restore the internet to its roots by making it free and open once again. For more information, visit: corp.rumble.com.

    Contact: press@rumble.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: ARB IOT Group Limited Signs a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) To Accelerate Global AI Revolution with Advanced Server Solutions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Nov. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — – ARB IOT Group Limited (“AIGL” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: ARBB) announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (the “MOU”) between its indirect wholly owned subsidiary, ARBIOT Sdn Bhd, with ASUSTeK Computer Inc. (“ASUS”) and ServerSphere to collaborate on global artificial intelligence (AI) server solutions. This strategic partnership aims to combine each party’s expertise and resources to provide comprehensive AI server solutions, accelerating the global AI revolution.

    ASUS is a Taiwan-based multinational computer hardware and consumer electronics company established in 1989. ASUS is considered the world’s No. 1 motherboard and gaming brand, as well as a top-three consumer notebook vendor.

    ServerSphere is a Taiwanese AI server hardware company partnered with Phison Electronics Corporation, a leading Taiwanese company specializing in controllers for NAND flash memory chips.  This partnership enhances ServerSphere’s AI servers with advanced storage technologies, allowing it to effectively meet the evolving demands of the global market.

    The MOU signifies the establishment of a strategic global partnership focusing on developing and promoting AI server solutions worldwide. The cooperation includes hardware supply, software development, assembly, and sales, aiming to jointly expand the global AI market and enhance market competitiveness.

    AIGL’s turnkey AI server solutions arising from this partnership are designed to be user-friendly and accessible, allowing users worldwide to manage, configure, and monitor applications and resources with minimal technical knowledge. AIGL’s solutions offers cost-effective options to customers by optimising resources, reducing operational costs, and improving efficiency. With robust privacy and data protection features, AIGL’s AI servers ensure customer data security, making application development more affordable and secure for businesses globally by offering efficient, scalable, and cost-saving tools.

    The AI servers offer a balanced, cost-effective and flexible solution ideal for data centres, offering an alternative to the H100/200 solutions currently available in the market. By addressing the evolving needs of the global AI data centre market, this new strategic alliance aims to accelerate the adoption of AI technologies globally.

    The MOU not only emphasizes cooperation through the combination of expertise and resources to develop AI server solutions but also seeks to generate further synergies and new business opportunities. The Company will be responsible for assembling, testing, localization, and customization of the AI servers. Additionally, the Company will handle global market sales, promotion, and after-sales support services of the final product globally, and will propose improvement based on market demands to assist in the enhancement and evolution of these AI server products.

    This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the Company’s growth, leveraging combined expertise in AI computing technology and promoting sustainable advanced AI server solutions to accelerate the global AI revolution.

    About ARB IOT Group Limited

    ARB IOT Group Limited is a provider of complete solutions to clients for the integration of Internet of Things (“IoT”) systems and devices from designing to project deployment. We offer a wide range of IoT systems as well as provide customers a substantial range of services such as system integration and system support service. We deliver holistic solutions with full turnkey deployment from designing, installation, testing, pre-commissioning, and commissioning of various IoT systems and devices as well as integration of automated systems, including installation of wire and wireless and mechatronic works.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, such as statements regarding our estimated future results of operations and financial position, our strategy and plans, and our objectives or goals, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We have attempted to identify forward-looking statements by terminology including “anticipates,” “believes,” “can,” “continue,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “potential,” “predicts,” “should,” or “will” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Our actual results may differ materially or perhaps significantly from those discussed herein, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. There are a significant number of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from statements made in this press release, including, but not limited to, those that we discussed or referred to in the Company’s disclosure documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F as well as in our other reports filed or furnished from time to time with the SEC. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made as of the date of this press release and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, other than as required by applicable law.

    For further information, please contact:

    ARB IOT Group Limited
    Investor Relations Department
    Email: contact@arbiotgroup.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Main Street Financial Services Corp. Announces Earnings for Third Quarter of 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Business Highlights

    • Financial results reflect a full quarter following the completed merger of Main Street Financial Services Corp. (Main Street) and Wayne Savings Bancshares, Inc. (Wayne) on May 31, 2024.
    • Net income for the third quarter of 2024 totaled $3.4 million, or $0.44 per common share
    • Annualized deposit growth of 7.8% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024
    • Annualized loan growth of 4.6% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024
    • Announced implementation of Dividend Reinvestment Plan for shareholders on October 3, 2024
    • Declared cash dividend of $0.14 per share on October 11, 2024

    WOOSTER, Ohio, Nov. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Main Street Financial Services Corp. (OTCQX: MSWV), (the “Company”), the holding company parent of Main Street Bank Corp. reported a net income of $3.4 million, or $0.44 per common share, for the three months ended September 30, 2024. Excluding the merger-related expenses (non-GAAP) for the three months ended September 30, 2024, net income was $3.6 million, or $0.46 per share. Merger-related expenses totaled $0.2 million for the quarter, consisting of legal and professional services.

    The Company announced a merger of equals transaction with Wayne Savings Bancshares, Inc. (“Legacy Wayne”) on February 23, 2023. On May 31, 2024 (the “Merger Date”), the Company completed the transaction, forming a financial holding company with assets of $1.4 billion. On the Merger Date, Legacy Wayne merged with and into Main Street, with Main Street surviving the merger (the “Merger”). Immediately following the Merger, Main Street’s wholly owned bank subsidiary, Main Street Bank Corp., merged with and into Wayne Savings Community Bank, with Wayne Savings Community Bank surviving the merger. Upon completion of the Merger, Wayne Savings Community Bank was renamed Main Street Bank Corp.

    The Merger was accounted for as a reverse merger using the acquisition method of accounting, therefore, Legacy Wayne was deemed the acquirer for financial reporting purposes, even though Main Street was the legal acquirer. Accordingly, Legacy Wayne’s historical financial statements are the historical financial statements of the combined company for all periods before the Merger Date. Our consolidated statements of income for the quarters ended June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2024, include the results from Main Street on and after May 31, 2024. Results for periods before May 31, 2024, reflect only those of Legacy Wayne and do not include the consolidated statements of income of Main Street. Accordingly, comparisons of our results for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, with those of prior periods may not be meaningful. The number of shares issued and outstanding, earnings per share, dividends paid and all references to share quantities of Main Street have been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the equivalent number of shares issued in the Merger.

    The return on average equity and return on average assets for the third quarter of 2024 was 12.58% and 1.00%, compared to 14.41% and 0.91%, for the third quarter of 2023. Excluding merger-related expenses (non-GAAP), return on average equity and return on average assets for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, was 13.21% and 1.05%, respectively.

    President and CEO James R. VanSickle commented “2024 has been the most transformational year in the 125-year history of our bank. The successful merger of Main Street and Wayne has provided long-term value for our shareholders and benefits for our customers, communities and employees. We are pleased with our growth in loans and deposits and our solid earnings during our first full quarter of operations ended on September 30, 2024. We remain optimistic about the increased capabilities, scale and profitability of our combined organization.”

    Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results

    Net interest income was $10.7 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, an increase of 97.6% from $5.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. The net interest margin of 3.28% for the third quarter of 2024 increased 40 basis points from 2.88% for the third quarter of 2023. Loan yields were 6.17% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, an increase of 99 basis points when compared to 5.18% for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. Investment yields increased 111 basis points to 3.45% as of September 30, 2024 when compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2023. The cost of funds for the third quarter of 2024, was 2.64%, an increase of 102 basis points when compared to the third quarter of 2023. The cost of funds increase is largely due to utilizing higher-cost wholesale funding, such as FHLB advances, and shifting deposit composition to higher-yielding product offerings. The cost of total deposits was 2.29% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, a 90 basis point increase when compared to 1.39% for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. The cost of borrowings for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 totaled 5.45%, an increase of 25 basis points when compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2023.

    A provision for credit losses and unfunded commitments of $109,000 was recorded for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. During the quarter, the Company recognized 86,000 in charge-offs and $36,000 in recoveries, reflecting relatively stable asset quality.

    Noninterest income totaled $1.6 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. The Company elected to sell approximately $15 million of the acquired securities portfolio during the quarter, recognizing a gain on sale of investments totaling $702,000.

    Noninterest expense totaled $7.9 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, an increase of $4.1 million when compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2023. The increase reflects a full quarter of combined expenses after completion of the merger. Merger-related noninterest expenses (non-GAAP) totaled $0.2 million for the quarter, consisting of legal and professional services. Excluding merger-related expenses (non-GAAP), the Company’s efficiency ratio was 62.9% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to 58.2% for the quarter ended September 30, 2023.

    September 30, 2024 Financial Condition

    At September 30, 2024, the Company had total assets of $1.39 billion with net loan balances totaling $1.11 billion. Net loans receivable increased by $12.6 million during the third quarter of 2024, or 4.6% annualized, primarily in the commercial loan portfolio. As part of the merger, the Company acquired $430.8 million in loans.

    The allowance for credit losses was $11.8 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $7.3 million at December 31, 2023. The increase is a result of establishing an allowance for credit losses on the acquired non-PCD loan portfolio during the second quarter of 2024. The allowance for credit losses as a percent of total loans was 1.04%, compared to 1.09% as of December 31, 2023. The allowance for credit losses and the related provision for credit losses is based on management’s judgment and evaluation of the loan portfolio. Management believes the current allowance for credit losses is adequate, however, changing economic and other conditions may require future adjustments to the allowance for credit losses.

    Total nonperforming loans (NPLs) was $5.4 million at September 30, 2024, an increase from $0.4 million at December 31, 2023. The NPL to net loan receivable ratio was 0.48% as of September 30, 2024. Past due loan balances of 30 days and more increased from $2.8 million at December 31, 2023, to $13.2 million, or 1.18% of net loans outstanding, at September 30, 2024. The increase in nonperforming and past due loans is due to the impact of the acquired loan portfolio.

    Improvement in Asset Quality Since Merger Announcement: The combined level of classified loans and loans past due 30 or more days was $24.4 million and $19.1 as of December 31, 2022. Since the merger announcement on February 23, 2023, the management teams of both Main Street and Wayne invested a great deal of time ensuring our combined organization utilizes strong underwriting standards and proactively monitors credit quality. Main Street sold approximately $15.2 million of loans in August 2023 and April 2024, of which approximately $12.7 million were classified loans. As of September 30, 2024, the resultant Company has $14.6 of classified loans and $13.2 of loans past due 30 or more days.

    Total liabilities increased to $1.28 billion at September 30, 2024 with deposits totaling $1.10 billion and FHLB advances totaling $140.0 million. Deposits grew by $21.2 million, or 7.8% annualized, during the third quarter of 2024. As part of the merger, the Company acquired $487.4 million in deposits. As of September 30, 2024, the Company held no brokered deposits compared to $116.7 million at December 31, 2024. The Company leverages FHLB advances for short-term funding needs due to their accessibility and alignment with prevailing market rates. As of September 30, 2024, the Company held $140.0 million in FHLB advances.

    Total stockholders’ equity was $111.3 million at September 30, 2024, an increase of $58.4 million when compared to the December 31, 2023 balance. The increase was primarily driven by the merger between Main Street and Wayne. Total stockholders’ equity increased during the third quarter of 2024 by $5.3 million, primarily from net income of $3.4 million and an increase in accumulated other comprehensive income benefit of $2.8 million, partially offset by dividends of $1.1 million.

    Main Street Financial Services Corp. is a holding company headquartered in Wooster, Ohio. Its primary subsidiary, Main Street Bank Corp. was founded in 1899 and provides full-service banking, commercial lending, and mortgage services across its branch infrastructure. Today, Main Street Bank Corp. operates 19 branch locations in Wooster, Ohio, Wheeling, West Virginia and other surrounding communities in Ohio and West Virginia. Additional information about Main Street Bank Corp. is available at www.mymainstreetbank.bank.

    Non-GAAP Disclosure
    This press release includes disclosures of the Company’s return on average equity, return on average assets, net income, and efficiency ratios which are excluding costs related to merger activities which are financial measures not prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP). A non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of historical or future financial performance, financial position or cash flow that excludes or includes amounts that are required to be disclosed by GAAP. The Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide both management and investors a more complete understanding of the underlying operational results and trends and the Company’s marketplace performance. The presentation of this additional information is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the numbers prepared in accordance with GAAP.

    Forward-LookingStatements
    This release contains forward-looking statements that are not historical facts and that are intended to be “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements about the Company’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements contained in this release that are not historical facts and pertain to the Company’s future operating results. When used in this release, the words “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates” and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in these forward-looking statements, because such statements are inherently subject to significant assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond the Company’s control. These include but are not limited to: the possibility of adverse economic developments that may, among other things, increase default and delinquency risks in the Company’s loan portfolios; shifts in interest rates; shifts in the rate of inflation; shifts in the demand for the Company’s loan and other products; unforeseen increases in costs and expenses; lower-than-expected revenue or cost savings in connection with acquisitions; changes in accounting policies; changes in the monetary and fiscal policies of the federal government; and changes in laws, regulations and the competitive environment. Unless legally required, the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Contact Information:
    Matthew Hartzler
    Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
    (330) 264-5767

     
    MAIN STREET FINANCIAL SERVICES CORP.
    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (Dollars in thousands, except share data – unaudited)
      September 30, 2024   December 31, 2023
    ASSETS      
           
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 40,654     $ 20,884  
    Securities, net (1)   152,915       86,405  
    Loans held for sale          
    Loans receivable, net   1,118,781       669,603  
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock   7,420       3,959  
    Premises & equipment, net   11,119       4,904  
    Bank-owned life insurance   22,013       11,706  
    Other assets   40,351       12,486  
    TOTAL ASSETS $ 1,393,252     $ 809,947  
           
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY      
           
    Deposit accounts $ 1,101,999     $ 693,126  
    Other short-term borrowings   25,715       8,743  
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances   140,000       47,000  
    Accrued interest payable and other liabilities   14,218       8,111  
    TOTAL LIABILITIES   1,281,932       756,980  
           
           
    Common stock (7,801,011 shares of $1.00 par value issued)   7,801       398  
    Additional paid-in capital   55,640       36,715  
    Retained earnings   54,133       55,342  
    Treasury Stock, at cost – 0 shares and 1,777,824 shares at      
    September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.         (30,330 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (6,254 )     (9,158 )
    TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY   111,320       52,967  
           
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY $ 1,393,252     $ 809,947  
           
    (1) Includes available-for-sale and held-to-maturity classifications.
    Note: The December 31, 2023 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet has been derived from the audited Consolidated Balance Sheet as of that date.
           
     
    MAIN STREET FINANCIAL SERVICES CORP.
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
    (Dollars in thousands, except share data – unaudited)
                   
                   
      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      September 30,   September 30,
        2024     2023     2024     2023
                   
    Interest income $ 18,930   $ 9,078   $ 41,196   $ 25,550
    Interest expense   8,308     3,673     19,134     8,590
    Net interest income   10,622     5,405     22,062     16,960
    Provision for credit losses   109     138     4,703     526
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   10,513     5,267     17,359     16,434
    Non-interest income   1,600     691     2,994     2,000
    Non-interest expense              
    Salaries and employee benefits   3,799     2,049     8,688     5,949
    Net occupancy and equipment expense   1,465     629     2,970     1,806
    Federal deposit insurance premiums   118     117     440     374
    Franchise taxes   51     98     358     299
    Advertising and marketing   190     49     408     179
    Legal   195     11     508     362
    Professional fees   371     54     1,664     270
    ATM network   79     121     474     320
    Auditing and accounting   193     60     386     180
    Other   1,403     545     2,625     1,337
    Total non-interest expense   7,863     3,733     18,520     11,076
    Income before federal income taxes   4,251     2,225     1,833     7,358
    Provision for federal income taxes   804     452     315     1,562
    Net income $ 3,446   $ 1,773   $ 1,517   $ 5,796
                   
    Earnings per share              
    Basic $ 0.44   $ 0.46   $ 0.27   $ 1.51
    Diluted $ 0.44   $ 0.46   $ 0.27   $ 1.50
                   
     
    MAIN STREET FINANCIAL SERVICES CORP.
    Selected Condensed Consolidated Financial Data
    (Dollars in thousands, except share data – unaudited)
                     
                     
        September   June   March   December
          2024       2024       2024       2023  
                     
    Interest and dividend income   $ 18,930     $ 12,572     $ 9,694     $ 9,545  
    Interest expense     8,308       6,185       4,641       4,330  
    Net interest income     10,622       6,387       5,053       5,215  
    Provision for credit losses     109       4,720       (126 )     4  
    Net interest income after                
    provision for credit losses     10,513       1,666       5,179       5,211  
    Non-interest income     1,600       716       678       1,017  
    Non-interest expense     7,863       6,723       3,934       3,748  
    Income before federal income taxes     4,251       (4,341 )     1,923       2,480  
    Provision for federal income taxes     804       (873 )     384       443  
    Net income   $ 3,446     $ (3,468 )   $ 1,539     $ 2,037  
                     
    Earnings per share – basic   $ 0.44     $ (0.68 )   $ 0.40     $ 0.53  
    Earnings per share – diluted   $ 0.44     $ (0.67 )   $ 0.40     $ 0.53  
    Dividends per share   $ 0.14     $ 0.14     $ 0.14     $ 0.14  
    Return on average assets     1.00 %     -1.38 %     0.76 %     1.02 %
    Return on average equity     12.58 %     -17.16 %     11.63 %     16.90 %
    Shares outstanding at quarter end     7,801,011       7,787,055       3,840,575       3,839,702  
    Book value per share   $ 14.27     $ 13.60     $ 13.81     $ 13.80  
    Tangible equity per share   $ 12.15     $ 11.49     $ 13.36     $ 13.35  
                     
                     
        September   June   March   December
          2023       2023       2023       2022  
                     
    Interest and dividend income   $ 9,078     $ 8,571     $ 7,901     $ 7,518  
    Interest expense     3,673       2,867       2,050       1,248  
    Net interest income     5,405       5,704       5,851       6,270  
    Provision for credit losses     138       170       218       381  
    Net interest income after                
    provision for credit losses     5,267       5,534       5,633       5,889  
    Non-interest income     691       706       603       631  
    Non-interest expense     3,733       3,949       3,394       3,508  
    Income before federal income taxes     2,225       2,291       2,842       3,012  
    Provision for federal income taxes     452       547       563       603  
    Net income   $ 1,773     $ 1,744     $ 2,279     $ 2,409  
                     
    Earnings per share – basic   $ 0.46     $ 0.46     $ 0.60     $ 0.62  
    Earnings per share – diluted   $ 0.46     $ 0.45     $ 0.59     $ 0.63  
    Dividends per share   $ 0.14     $ 0.14     $ 0.14     $ 0.14  
    Return on average assets     0.91 %     0.92 %     1.23 %     1.36 %
    Return on average equity     14.41 %     14.36 %     19.58 %     22.87 %
    Shares outstanding at quarter end     3,837,609       3,837,085       3,831,939       3,825,451  
    Book value per share   $ 12.40     $ 12.64     $ 12.51     $ 11.69  
    Tangible equity per share   $ 11.95     $ 12.20     $ 12.06     $ 11.24  
                     
     
    MAIN STREET FINANCIAL SERVICES CORP.
    Non-GAAP reconciliation
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data – unaudited)
         
      For three months ended   For the nine months ended
      September 30,   September 30,
          2024       2023       2024       2023  
                   
    Net Income as reported – GAAP   $ 3,446     $ 1,773     $ 1,518     $ 5,796  
    Effect of merger related expenses (net of tax benefit)     170       160       5,743       597  
    Net Income non-GAAP   $ 3,616     $ 1,933     $ 7,261     $ 6,393  
                     
    Earnings per share – GAAP   $ 0.44     $ 0.46     $ 0.27     $ 1.51  
    Effect of merger related expenses     0.02       0.04       1.03       0.16  
    Earnings per share non-GAAP   $ 0.46     $ 0.50     $ 1.30     $ 1.67  
                     
    Return on average assets – GAAP     1.00 %     0.91 %     0.19 %     1.02 %
    Effect of merger related expenses     0.05 %     0.08 %     0.72 %     0.10 %
    Return on average assets non-GAAP     1.05 %     0.99 %     0.91 %     1.12 %
                     
    Return on average equity – GAAP     12.58 %     14.41 %     2.66 %     16.06 %
    Effect of merger related expenses     0.62 %     1.29 %     10.06 %     1.65 %
    Return on average equity non-GAAP     13.20 %     15.70 %     12.72 %     17.71 %
                     
    Efficiency Ratio – GAAP     64.34 %     61.24 %     73.92 %     58.42 %
    Effect of merger related expenses     -1.39 %     -3.07 %     -9.90 %     -3.29 %
    Efficiency Ratio non-GAAP     62.9 %     58.17 %     64.02 %     55.13 %
                     

    The MIL Network