Category: Commerce

  • US curbs chip design software, chemicals, other shipments to China

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The United States has ordered a broad swathe of companies to stop shipping goods to China without a license and revoked licenses already granted to certain suppliers, said three people familiar with the matter.

    The new restrictions – which are likely to escalate tensions with Beijing – appear aimed at choke points to prevent China from getting products necessary for key sectors, one of the people said.

    Products affected include design software and chemicals for semiconductors, butane and ethane, machine tools, and aviation equipment, the people said.

    Many companies received letters from the U.S. Department of Commerce over the last few days informing them of the new restrictions.

    Firms that supply electronic design automation (EDA) software for semiconductors were sent letters last Friday that licenses would now be needed to ship to Chinese customers, two of the sources said.

    The electronic design automation software makers include Cadence, Synopsys and Siemens EDA, one said.

    The two sources said the Commerce Department will review requests for licenses to ship to China on a case-by-case basis, suggesting the action was not an outright ban.

    It is unclear whether the new restrictions are part of a broader strategy to create leverage for trade talks during a pause in the imposition of higher tariffs.

    The Commerce Department said it is reviewing exports of strategic significance to China, while noting “in some cases, Commerce has suspended existing export licenses or imposed additional license requirements while the review is pending.”

    The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

    Shares of Cadence, which declined to comment, closed down 10.7% and shares of Synopsys fell 9.6%.

    Synopsys’ CEO Sassine Ghazi said in a call with analysts that the company had not received a letter nor had it heard from the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security, which enforces export controls.

    “We are aware of the reporting and speculations, but Synopsys has not received a notice from BIS … We have not received a letter,” Ghazi said.

    After the market closed, Synopsys reaffirmed its revenue forecast for 2025. Its shares and those of Cadence bounced back 3.5% in trading after the close.

    Siemens EDA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

    Any move to strip the software makers of their Chinese customers could deal a blow to their bottom line and to their Chinese chip design customers, which heavily rely on top-of-the-line U.S. software.

    “They are the true choke point,” said a former Commerce Department official, who added that rules restricting the export of EDA tools to China have been under consideration since the first Trump administration, but were ruled out as too aggressive.

    Synopsys relies on China for about 16% of its annual revenue, and China accounts for about 12% of annual revenue for Cadence.

    Synopsys, which partners with chip companies such as Nvidia, Qualcomm and Intel, provides software and hardware used for designing advanced processors.

    The Financial Times earlier reported that the Trump administration had ordered the software firms to stop selling their services to Chinese groups.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell on Trade Court Decision Striking Down Trump’s Global Tariffs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    05.28.25

    Cantwell on Trade Court Decision Striking Down Trump’s Global Tariffs

    EDMONDS, WA– Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, praised the U.S. Court of International Trade for striking down Donald Trump’s global tariffs, which amounted to massive new taxes on American consumers:

    “I am glad the Court of International Trade unanimously recognized that the President exceeded his authority. We need trade to flow through our ports. The remaining 10 percent global tariffs on Europe and 30 percent tariff on China should be lifted to lower prices for American families and to stabilize supply chains for US manufacturers. And Congress and the courts should take a close look at the other tariffs the president has planned.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Board of Commissioners

    Source: Tertiary Education Commission

     Our Board:

    sets our strategic direction, makes decisions about funding allocations and provides guidance on our operations
    monitors the performance of the Chief Executive and the organisation
    oversees management of strategic risk.

    Dr Alan Bollard CNZM, Chair

    Alan Bollard is Chair of the New Zealand Portrait Gallery. He is New Zealand Governor of the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia, a Director of China Construction Bank (NZ), and Chair of the New Zealand Pacific Economic Cooperation Council.
    He has been Chair of the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, Professor of Pacific Region Business at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington, and Chair of the Centres for Asia-Pacific Excellence.
    Alan was the Director of the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research from 1987 to 1994, Chair of the New Zealand Commerce Commission from 1994 to 1998, and the Secretary to the Treasury between 1998 and 2020. From 2002 to 2012, he was the Governor of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. He was the Executive Director of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in Singapore from 2012 to 2018.
    Alan has published a number of economics and popular books. He is a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, a Fellow of Royal Society Te Apārangi, and has honorary doctorate degrees from the University of Auckland and Massey University.
    Robin Hapi CNZM, Deputy Chair

    Robin Hapi was a former Commissioner of the Tertiary Education Commission from 2007 to 2013 and joins TEC for a second time from February 2025. This follows a term of 12 years as Amokapua/Chair of Te Wānanga o Raukawa. He has served on several Boards and led a range of commercial and not-for-profit entities.
    Robin is currently Chair of Tū Ātea Ltd and Co-Chair of the Pūhoro STEMM Academy. His previous service includes positions on the Boards of Te Mātāwai, Kāinga Ora Homes and Communities, WorkSafe NZ and the Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency; he has also been Chair of the Māori Economic Development Advisory Board, Chair of BERL and Deputy Chair of Callaghan Innovation. 
    Robin is an old boy of Hato Pāora College and an alumni of Massey University, where he graduated with a Master of Business Administration with Distinction. In December 2015 Robin was awarded the Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in recognition of his contribution to governance, community and Māori, and in 2022 he received the Dame Mira Szászy Lifetime award from the University of Auckland Business School for his contribution to governance. Robin is also a Distinguished Fellow of the NZ Institute of Directors.
    Robin is of Ngāti Kahungunu descent and affiliates to Kahurānaki Marae, Te Hauke.
    Dr Alastair MacCormick, Commissioner, Chair Whatitata Whakau – Risk and Assurance Committee

    TEC’s longest serving Commissioner, Alastair was first appointed to the TEC Board of Commissioners in May 2017, and appointed as Chair of the Whatitata Whakau – Risk and Assurance Committee in August 2017.
    Alastair is an Emeritus Professor of the University of Auckland. He holds a Doctorate in Management Science from Yale University and an MCom in Economics and a BSc in Mathematics and Physics from Auckland. For a decade he was Dean of Business and Economics at the University of Auckland and subsequently Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic).
    Alastair also served over nine years on the Grants Committee of Callaghan Innovation for the Government support of Private Sector R&D and is a professional director with global experience in both public, private and listed companies.
    Alastair’s generosity with his time and expertise is demonstrated in his role as Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Elizabeth Knox Home and Hospital (a voluntary role which Alastair has supported for almost 40 years) along with founding the New Zealand Education and Scholarship Trust in 1991. He has also spent 14 years on the Board of Trustees for Auckland Grammar School, serving as Chair of the Board for six years.
    Alastair was awarded a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in The Queen’s Birthday and Platinum Jubilee Honours for services to tertiary education and the community.
    Kirk Hope, Commissioner

    “People are our greatest asset and the drivers of our economy.  Business needs a training and development system to ensure everyone can reach their potential and New Zealand continues to prosper”. 

    Appointed in November 2019, Kirk brings strong current business sector knowledge to the TEC Board table. Kirk is the Chief Executive of the Financial Services Council. Previously, he was the Chief Executive of BusinessNZ, New Zealand’s largest business advocacy group with approximately 80,000 business connections.
    It is not just his knowledge and understanding of business that Kirk brings to TEC. He has held the positions of CEO of the New Zealand Bankers’ Association, Executive Director of the Financial Services Federation, along with several executive positions in both government and banking industries.
    The pairing of business acumen with a strong financial base, a Master’s in Law, an honours degree in political science, easily makes Kirk a great fit for TEC.
    Kirk’s passion is giving back, so sometime in the future we could see him sharing his wealth of knowledge and business expertise through teaching – perhaps that will be after he finishes PhD in economic history (a long term goal) or when he isn’t surfing.
    Samuelu (Sam) Sefuiva, Commissioner, Chair Ohu Tangata – People and Culture Committee

    Sam has over 30 years’ experience in public policy, strategic and business advice, cultural and economic development and executive leadership. He has a strong professional and personal interest in the Pacific region particularly in human rights, social enterprise and public policy. Sam joined the TEC Board in January 2023.
    Sam has mentored, led and facilitated senior executives in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific in improving international, regional and domestic non-government and community enterprise environments. His strengths are in high level policy advice and relations, strategic thinking, business planning and facilitation.
    Currently his leadership roles include: Mana Whakapai-AMPTI (consortium) Manager, Auckland Māori and Pasifika Trades Training Initiative; Trustee, Digital Wings Trust; and Trustee Black Grace (Dance) Trust. Previously, Sam was Chief Advisor to the Race Relations Commissioner at the NZ Human Rights Commission.
    Sam enjoys spending time with his family and including grandchildren, his wider Samoan fanau and village (Salani, Falealili), as well as some passive recreational activities such as reading, surfing, fishing.
    Deidre Shea, Commissioner

    “Accessible, quality educational opportunities for all New Zealanders throughout their lives are key to the health and success of our communities and our nation. I am privileged to be able to contribute to this as a member of TEC’s board.”

    Commissioned in 2023, Deidre received her Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2022 Queen’s Birthday honours for services to Education.
    Deidre held leadership roles with Ōnehunga High School (OHS) from 1995 and was Principal from 2007 until 2022. Her leadership extended to the Auckland Secondary School Principals’ Association from 2008 to 2015 and the Secondary Principals’ Association of New Zealand (SPANZ) 2014 to 2023. She became President of SPANZ from 2019 to 2021, leading through numerous challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic.
    Deidre is committed to excellent, lifelong educational opportunities for all. She has overseen the establishment of a Construction School at OHS in 2005, followed by a Services Academy in 2007 and later a Health Science Academy. OHS operates the nation’s largest school-based Adult and Community Education programme.
    Deidre has chaired Te Hikoi (formerly the AIMHI Alternative Education consortium) for the past decade. 
    Bharat Guha, Commissioner

    Bharat Guha is the current Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the Invercargill Licensing Trust. He is a chartered accountant with extensive experience in the education and hospitality sector.
    Bharat has held numerous senior positions as CEO, Deputy CEO and CFO in different New Zealand and overseas organisations. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Bharat was based in London, working as the Group CFO for an LSE-listed company with branches in the UK, Malaysia, Singapore and Nepal.
    Bharat was recognised as a Fellow of the Australia New Zealand Chartered Accountants for his financial work on the Zero Fee Scheme for the Southern Institute of Technology. In addition, he has developed and led successful government–private tertiary institution partnerships for attracting international students to New Zealand.
    Bharat is a graduate of the University of Otago, undertaking a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Information Systems) and a Master in Business Administration. He also completed the Executive Leadership Programme at Oxford University and the Southland Leadership Academy.
    Bharat is committed and passionate about ensuring the future growth of tertiary education in New Zealand.
    Sharon McGuire, Commissioner

    Sharon McGuire has a strong commercial background and knowledge of the polytechnic and broader tertiary sector. She also has governance experience with several entities. Her tertiary experience includes being a director for regional economic development with the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology.
    Sharon’s commercial experience includes working as a general manager in the hotels sector, as a director of a major sports franchise, work with Chambers of Commerce, and as a business owner specialising in project services and advising on business viability.
    Sharon has held senior executive roles and is an experienced Director in the Not-for-Loss sector. Sharon is a great supporter of community organisations, and was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow for services to Rotary and the wider community.
     Top

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI China: Confucius Institute Ljubljana celebrates 15th anniversary

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Members of the Chinese Yangqin Art Troupe perform during the 15th anniversary celebration of the Confucius Institute Ljubljana in Ljubljana, Slovenia, on May 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Over 100 distinguished guests from the business, education, and cultural sectors of both China and Slovenia gathered in Ljubljana on Tuesday to mark the 15th anniversary of the Confucius Institute Ljubljana.

    Zhao Binghui, charge d’affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Slovenia, spoke highly of the Institute’s contributions to deepening multi-level and multi-field exchanges between China and Slovenia by promoting high-quality Chinese language education and organizing diverse cultural activities over the past 15 years.

    The Institute was jointly established by the Shanghai University of International Business and Economics (SUIBE) and the University of Ljubljana in May 2010.

    To date, the Institute has established five Confucius Classrooms and 26 teaching centers throughout Slovenia, providing Chinese language education from kindergarten to university level. “Language is a bridge for exchanges and mutual learning of civilizations,” he noted.

    Qi Ming, chairman of SUIBE, also emphasized the Institute’s role as a vital bridge between the two universities, helping foster mutual understanding between the Chinese and Slovenian peoples. He noted the partnership has led to diverse collaborations, including faculty and student exchanges, as well as joint research initiatives.

    Meanwhile, Danijela Voljc, the Slovenian director of the Institute, said that over 600 Slovenians are currently studying Chinese through its programs. Over the past 15 years, the Institute has trained several thousand more students, bringing Chinese and Slovenian cultures closer together, the director added.

    Since 2012, Chinese has been officially included in Slovenia’s national education system.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s Used Car Exports to Belt and Road Countries Continue to Rise

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    CHENGDU, May 29 (Xinhua) — China’s used car exports to countries along the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) continue to grow, with deals worth more than 1 billion yuan (about 139 million U.S. dollars) concluded at a business meeting on used car exports in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province, on Wednesday.

    The business meeting was attended by about 40 trade organizations and buyers from 10 countries, including Russia, Iran, Vietnam and Nigeria.

    “Everyone at the meeting came here with the obvious intention of buying,” said Huang Ruoyu, a spokesman for the China Automobile Dealers Association, adding that Belt and Road countries, which are currently upgrading their own auto markets, are increasingly looking to China for low-cost supplies.

    In March 2024, China completely lifted restrictions on used car exports, speeding up access to Belt and Road countries where car consumption is growing, said Qiao Fang, deputy director of the Sichuan Provincial Bureau of Commerce.

    According to Qiao Fang, Sichuan Province exported more than 10,000 used cars worth 1.4 billion yuan in the first four months of 2025, up 32 percent from a year earlier. Used car exports have become a new engine for Sichuan’s trade growth, she added.

    The meeting also saw the release of a number of documents and the announcement of the creation of contact centers in six countries, including Russia, Iran, Georgia and others, to ensure the sustainability of global supply chains.

    China began exporting used cars in May 2019. Sichuan Province received approval to do so at the end of 2022. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government Launches He Ara Whakahihiko Capability Fund

    Source: Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE)

    The New Zealand Government has unveiled the He Ara Whakahihiko Capability Fund, a new investment initiative designed to accelerate the growth of the Māori economy through science, innovation, and technology.

    Formed through the merger of the Te Pūnaha Hihiko – Vision Mātauranga Capability Fund and the He Aka Ka Toro Navigation Fund, He Ara Whakahihiko represents a streamlined, future-focused approach to public investment. The fund aims to strengthen the capability of the science system and the Māori economy to collaborate as a powerful engine of economic growth.

    The fund will back science projects that foster effective partnerships between Māori-facing organisations and established research organisations, with a strong emphasis on commercialisation and measurable economic outcomes.

    He Ara Whakahihiko is structured around 2 focused funding streams:

    • Ara Whaihua – Impact Pathways for Research: Supporting 12-month, implementation-ready research programmes with a clear path to commercialisation.
    • Rangapū Rangahau – Research Partnerships: Investing in 2-year science initiatives that build enduring connections between Māori-facing organisations and the science and innovation ecosystem.

    Aligned with the Government’s broader vision for science investment, He Ara Whakahihiko is a bold step toward a more innovative and economically vibrant New Zealand.

    In parallel, an additional $1.982 million annually will be administered by the Health Research Council of New Zealand to grow Māori health research capability.

    More information about the fund is on the MBIE website:

    He Ara Whakahihiko Capability Fund

    Read the Minister’s announcement:

    New science fund to boost Māori economy(external link) — Beehive.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s vast market unlocks opportunities for ASEAN amid global trade headwinds

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    At a fully automated production line in south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, cans of energy drinks rolled off conveyors, destined for shelves across China.

    Operated by Thai conglomerate T.C. Pharmaceutical Industries Co., Ltd., this 1.3-billion-yuan (about 180.8 million U.S. dollars) facility with four automated production lines exemplifies the deepening foothold of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in China’s consumer market.

    Launched in January this year, the plant generated 75 million yuan in first-quarter output value, matching expectations.

    “China’s 1.4-billion-strong market, undergoing dual upgrades in consumption and industrial chains, is unlocking opportunities for high-level opening up,” said Bai Ming, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation. “ASEAN, as our close neighbor, is uniquely positioned to share these dividends.”

    Despite global trade headwinds, China-ASEAN trade surged 9.2 percent year on year to 2.38 trillion yuan in the first four months of 2025, with ASEAN retaining its position as China’s top trading partner, according to China’s General Administration of Customs (GAC).

    Guangxi, the country’s gateway to ASEAN, brings this partnership to life. At a center for China-ASEAN specialty commodities in Nanning, capital of Guangxi, Singaporean specialty dishes and Thai spices sit alongside Cambodian rice — all purchasable with a quick QR code scan.

    Since its launch in 2022, the center has featured over 5,500 types of products, serving as a one-stop platform for cross-border trade. Malaysian durian mooncakes find their way to Chinese dining tables via promotional livestreaming, while Chinese cosmetics gain traction in ASEAN markets thanks to multilingual influencers’ skillful introduction.

    Such centers tackled what was previously a headache for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in ASEAN — a lack of access to efficient cross-border industrial chains and storage solutions.

    “By providing these solutions and value-added supporting services, the center helps SMEs in ASEAN capitalize on China’s ultra-large market, facilitating smoother exchanges of high-quality products between China and ASEAN countries,” said Lu Chunmei, a deputy general manager at the center.

    This growing trade between China and ASEAN is also reshaping careers. In the bustling cross-border e-commerce training base of Guangxi International Business Vocational College, Indonesian student Putriyani enthusiastically showcased Chinese specialty products to global buyers via livestreaming. Nearby, her classmates from Vietnam, Thailand and Laos could be seen promoting products in their native languages.

    As the first college in Guangxi to offer cross-border e-commerce training programs, this institution graduates some 300 professionals annually, nurturing a talent pool fluent in both ASEAN languages and digital trade.

    “As the combined population of China and ASEAN accounts for about a quarter of the world’s total, their integrated development has continuously unleashed market potential, establishing an exemplary model of cooperation amid global headwinds,” said Lyu Daliang, spokesperson for the GAC.

    This synergy is set to deepen with the recent completion of negotiations on the Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA), the world’s largest free trade zone among developing countries. The upgraded pact will introduce nine new chapters, including digital economy and support for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises that account for the majority of ASEAN’s business entities.

    Feng Gui, a law professor at Guangxi University of Finance and Economics, said the conclusion of CAFTA 3.0 negotiations will significantly enhance industrial capacity, technological collaboration and trade ties between China and ASEAN, accelerating their economic growth and industrialization.

    “This breakthrough provides renewed support for the multilateral trading system while charting the right pathway for the majority of countries committed to preserving free trade principles,” he added. 

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s second-hand cars speed into Belt and Road markets, with Sichuan fair sealing major deals

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    China’s second-hand car exports to Belt and Road partner countries are surging, with deals worth over 1 billion yuan (about 139 million U.S. dollars) at a trade event held on Wednesday in Chengdu, capital of southwest China’s Sichuan Province, underscoring rising global demand for China’s quality used cars at competitive prices.

    The growth follows China’s full opening of used car exports in March 2024, accelerating access to Belt and Road markets where auto consumption is growing, as highlighted at the First Sichuan Used Car Export Supply-Demand Matchmaking Conference, which drew nearly 40 trade groups and buyers from 10 countries including Russia, Iran, Vietnam and Nigeria.

    “Buyers arrived with clear purchase needs,” said Huang Ruoyu, who oversees the used car export branch at the China Automobile Dealers Association, adding that Belt and Road partner countries now experiencing auto market upgrades increasingly favor China’s cost-effective offerings.

    Georgii Ruabtsev, vice president of the Russian-Asian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, called the event a “bridge” for global demand, while proposing a joint China-Russia used car trading platform.

    Iman Ashtari Talkhestani, representing Iran’s Tehran Car Dealers and Exhibitions Union, emphasized investment opportunities by noting that Iran’s used car market is growing rapidly and promising strong returns in the short and long term.

    Sichuan exported over 10,000 used cars worth 1.4 billion yuan from January to April 2025, a 32 percent increase year on year, according to Qiao Fang, deputy head of the Sichuan Provincial Department of Commerce, who added that used car exports have become Sichuan’s new trade growth engine.

    The province also released an overseas cooperation opportunity list and an industry self-discipline convention at the conference, while setting up contact centers in six countries to drive sustainable global supply chains.

    China has launched exports of second-hand cars in May 2019, with an expansion in late 2022 that allowed Sichuan to conduct exports of second-hand cars. 

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Opens Business Recovery Center in Harlingen

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today the opening of a Business Recovery Center (BRC) in Cameron County to assist small businesses, private nonprofit (PNP) organizations, and residents who sustained economic losses and physical damage from severe storms and flooding occurring March 26-28.

    Beginning Thursday, May 29, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the Business Recovery Center in Harlingen to answer questions and assist with the disaster loan application process. No appointment is necessary, walk-ins are welcome. Those who prefer to schedule an in-person appointment in advance can do so at appointment.sba.gov.

    The center’s hours of operation are as follows:

    CAMERON COUNTY
    Business Recovery Center
    Harlingen Chamber of Commerce
    311 E. Tyler Ave.
    Harlingen, TX  78559

    Opens at 12 p.m., Thursday, May 29

    Mondays – Thursdays, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
    Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

    “SBA’s Business Recovery Centers have consistently proven their value to business owners following a disaster,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “Business owners can visit these centers to meet face-to-face with specialists who will guide them through the disaster loan application process and connect them with resources to support their recovery.”

    Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

    Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

    Applicants may be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include insulating pipes, walls and attics, weather stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows to help protect property and occupants from future disasters.

    The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and private nonprofit organizations impacted by financial losses directly related to these disasters. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    Interest rates are as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.62% for nonprofits, and 2.75% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA determines eligibility and sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The deadline to return physical damage applications is July 21, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Feb. 23, 2026.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Excellence celebrated at first-ever Minister for Manufacturing Awards

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Exceptional Kiwi businesses and outstanding individuals who are driving industry productivity, innovation and job creation have been honoured at New Zealand’s inaugural Minister for Manufacturing Awards. 
     
    “Manufacturing fuels the economy by contributing over 8.4 percent to New Zealand’s GDP, generating more than 250,000 jobs and reinforcing our position as a global competitor,” Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing Chris Penk says. 
     
    “The 2025 Minister for Manufacturing Awards celebrated the prosperity this industry drives and most importantly, the outstanding people behind it.” 
     
    Held yesterday evening at Christchurch’s premier industry showcase, SouthMACH, the event was hosted by Mr Penk in collaboration with Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa.
     
    “The calibre of finalists and winners reflects the strength and diversity of New Zealand’s manufacturing sector – from suppliers of sustainably harvested timber, to developers of ground-breaking recycling technologies and producers of life-saving medical equipment,” Mr Penk says.  
     
    “These businesses are led by innovative thinkers and powered by skilled, hard-working Kiwis. Their success is something we can all take pride in and shows that manufacturing will continue to play a significant role in shaping New Zealand into a world-class economy.” 

    The awards recognise excellence across four key categories. The winners are: 

    • Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year supported by Enztec: 
      Michael Vitale – Pacific Steel 
      Michael is working towards his Mechanical Engineering apprenticeship through Competenz at Pacific Steel. His early completion of theory components and impressive focus on health and safety in example projects shows remarkable dedication, and his success has encouraged the company to open apprenticeships to other operations employees.  
       
    • Excellence in Manufacturing Leadership supported by Lawson Williams Consulting:  
      Nathan Hay  Argus ManuTech 
      Nathan Hay is a passionate manufacturing leader who has championed technology adoption, grown the workforce and empowered his team through focused upskilling. Mr Hays has led impactful partnerships, including med-tech ventures with MARS Bioimaging, that highlight how progressive manufacturing can drive positive social and environmental outcomes.
       
    • Excellence in Process Innovation supported by Swell Group: 
      Breadcraft Wairarapa Ltd  
      Breadcraft Wairarapa is a fourth-generation artisan bakery that’s been proudly baking in Masterton since 1942. Through innovative brands like Rebel Bakehouse, they’re combining tradition, sustainability and creativity to lead New Zealand’s baking evolution.  
       
    • Manufacturer of the Year supported by BNZ: 
      Douglas Pharmaceuticals  
      Douglas Pharmaceuticals specialises in high-barrier prescription medicines, produced in FDA and TGA-certified GMP facilities. They have grown from a family business into a people-focused industry leader that is continually innovating and delivering strong financial results. Douglas Pharmaceuticals sets the benchmark for New Zealand manufacturing and is a worthy recipient of this award.  

    “I offer my heartfelt congratulations to the outstanding businesses and individuals honoured at the awards ceremony, and a sincere thanks to everyone who entered and attended,” Mr Penk says.  
     
    “Your dedication to building a thriving industry inspires the future generations of Kiwi makers and creators. I look forward to celebrating your achievements again at future Minister for Manufacturing Awards.” 

    Notes to editors: 

    For more information about the awards and finalists, visit the AMANZ website:  https://www.amanz.nz/news/meet-our-finalists-minister-for-manufacturing-awards-2025/ 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI Economics: One Year In: How the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo Is Changing the Way People Do Laundry

    Source: Samsung

    Since debuting in February 2024, Samsung Electronics’ Bespoke AI Laundry Combo1 has sold more than 100,000 units in Korea and won 21 major awards,2 building a strong presence in the all-in-one washer-dryer market.
     
    Designed to boost convenience and make smarter use of time and space, the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo is reshaping daily life. Samsung Newsroom took an inside look at how that transformation is taking place and why.
     
     
    Wash and Dry in One Go — A Simpler Routine for Better Living
    According to a Samsung survey3 of 206 buyers in Korea who purchased all-in-one washer-dryers released in 2024, respondents cited the following top reasons for their purchase — no laundry transfer needed (23%), saving space (21%), single installation for both washing and drying (12%), and one-step operation from wash to dry (11%).
     

     
    As laundry becomes simpler and more convenient, how and when people do it is evolving. Compared to before purchasing all-in-one models, people are washing their clothes more frequently. Dual-income households, in particular, are increasingly doing their laundry on weeknights after work.
     

     

     
    As washing and drying are completed in a single automated cycle, the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo allows users to simply load their clothes, press start and walk away. There’s no need to wait around or manually move wet clothes to a separate dryer. Furthermore, the Auto Open Door feature even opens the door automatically once drying is complete, releasing moisture quickly and enhancing hygiene and convenience.
     
     
    Simple Setup, Smarter Use of Space and AI-Optimized Cycles
    The Bespoke AI Laundry Combo also offers improved space efficiency and greater flexibility in installation. Unlike conventional setups that require separate space for both washer and dryer units, the all-in-one unit reduces spatial demand by around 40%,4 with no need to stack two machines or place them side-by-side. Its lower height also allows for extra shelving in laundry or utility rooms.
     
    ▲ The Bespoke AI Laundry Combo reduces spatial demand by around 40% compared to conventional washer and dryer setups.
     
    In addition, the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo’s AI-powered features significantly boost efficiency. AI Wash & Dry5 automatically selects the best wash and dry settings based on weight, fabric type and soil level, removing the need for manual configuration.
     
    In the survey, customers in Korea expressed high satisfaction6 with features like the Flex Auto Dispense System7 (91%) and AI Energy Mode8 (89%). The Flex Auto Dispense System adjusts the detergent amount to suit the load of laundry when detergent is pre-filled in the compartment, reducing maintenance hassle and preventing overuse or underuse of detergent, which is a common issue with conventional washing machines.
     
    Energy efficiency has also improved, as the 2025 Bespoke AI Laundry Combo consumes 45% less electricity per kilogram than the minimum required for top-rated front-load washers in Korea.9 With AI Energy Mode, users can reduce energy consumption by up to 60% without compromising performance.10
     
    Samsung continues to drive the popularization of all-in-one washer-dryers by introducing products with industry-leading drying capacity.11 The 2025 Bespoke AI Laundry Combo increases capacity by 3kg to a total of 18kg, while reducing drying time by 20 minutes to complete a full wash-and-dry cycle in as little as 79 minutes.12
     
    “We are committed to introducing more products like the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo that bring meaningful changes to users’ daily lives,” said Jong-Hun Sung, Vice President and Head of Clothing Care R&D Group at Digital Appliances (DA) Business, Samsung Electronics. “With our innovative technology and focus on personalized user experiences, we aim to open a new chapter in home appliances.”
     
    As laundry becomes an increasingly seamless experience, Samsung will continue to enable a smarter, more convenient way of living, one cycle at a time.
     
     
    1 All information regarding the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo in this article is based on products launched in South Korea. Product specifications may vary by country and region of release. For accurate information, please refer to the official sales outlet or the manufacturer’s website in your country.
    2 Recognitions include Winner of the iF Design Award (2024, 2025), Finalist of the IDEA Design Award (2024), Bronze for the Good Design Award by the Korea Institute of Design Promotion (2024), Winner of the Korea Innovation Frontier Award by the Korean Standards Association (2024), Honoree at the CES Innovation Awards (2024), Winner of the Ergonomic Design Award by the Ergonomics Society of Korea (2024), Korea Green Product of the Year by the Korea Green Purchasing Network (2024), Winner of the Jang Young-Shil Award by Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT (2024), Winner of the Korea Electronics Show Innovation Award (2024), No.1 in INNO STAR and GREEN STAR by Korea Management Registrar Inc. (2024, 2025), No.1 in Home Appliance A/S in the KS-SQI and KSQI by the Korean Standards Association and Korea Management Association Consultants respectively (2024), No.1 in the Washer-Dryer Category in the KS-QEI by the Korean Standards Association (2024), Winner of the Korea Brand Hall of Fame by the Institute for Industrial Policy Studies (2025), Winner of the Canstar Blue Most Innovative Award in Australia (2025), and No.1 in the Washer-Dryer Category by Consumer Reports in the United States (2024, 2025).
    3 Based on an online survey conducted on 206 buyers of all-in-one washer-dryers in Korea, including 154 who purchased Samsung’s Bespoke AI Laundry Combo. Participants included purchase decision-makers, primary users and buyers of models released in 2024.
    4 When installing the Bespoke AI Washer (25kg) and Dryer (22kg) in a stacked configuration, the required height is 1,890mm. In a side-by-side configuration, the required width is 980mm. In comparison, the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo has a height of 1,110mm and width of 686mm.
    5 Detects fabric type under AI Wash & Dry mode for loads up to 3kg. Detects soil level under the same mode for loads up to 9kg. Detects a total of five fabric types — normal, towels, delicates, denim and outdoor — and when multiple fabric types are mixed, identifies them as either “normal” or the type that most closely matches.
    6 Research Methodology: Satisfaction levels for each of the 2024 Bespoke AI Laundry Combo’s 14 features were measured using a 7-point scale. The results reflect the proportion of respondents who selected the top two ratings: “Very satisfied” and “Satisfied.”
    7 Based on a 5kg laundry load using the standard wash cycle, with the detergent amount set to “normal” and concentration set to “regular.” Results are based on internal testing and may vary depending on actual usage conditions. When filling the main and optional compartments with regular detergent, the auto-dispense system can operate for up to 13 weeks per refill under a usage rate of three cycles per week.
    8 AI Energy Mode activates immediately when “Maximum Saving” is selected as the monthly usage target within the SmartThings Energy service. When “Progressive tier” or “Custom” settings are selected, operation time and energy savings may vary depending on the user-defined conditions. To manage energy use based on tiered electricity pricing, a separate smart meter may be required depending on the user environment. AI Energy Mode is available exclusively via SmartThings, which may have limitations depending on the supported environment and usage conditions.
    9 Based on data for front-load (or electric) washing machines listed on the Korea Energy Agency website. The minimum standard for Grade 1 energy efficiency is 45.8 Wh/kg. The 2025 Bespoke AI Laundry Combo’s energy efficiency rate is 24.9 Wh/kg.
    10 Conducted using 3kg of standardized test fabric in accordance with KS C IEC 60456, with the fabric type identified as “normal” and the water temperature set to 20°C. Power consumption was compared with AI Energy Mode (set to “Maximum Saving”) turned on and off. Test model: WD25DB8995BZ; Reference model: WD90F25***.
    11 As of March 5, 2025, the 2025 Bespoke AI Laundry Combo’s 25kg washing capacity is the largest among household washing machines registered with the Korea Energy Agency. Its 18kg drying capacity is the largest among front-load models as of March 10, 2025.
    12 Based on DOE standard test fabric composed of 50% cotton and 50% polyester, using the Quick Cycle. Actual results may vary depending on fabric type, moisture content, characteristics, and laundry load in real-world usage conditions.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Thermomix pays penalties for allegedly misleading customers over NDIS endorsement

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    Vorwerk Australia Pty Ltd, trading as Thermomix in Australia, has paid $79,200 in penalties after the ACCC issued it with four infringement notices for allegedly making false or misleading representations to consumers online, suggesting two of its household appliances were endorsed by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

    In November 2024, the ACCC put businesses on notice of its focus on problematic advertising practices targeting NDIS participants. Since then, it has taken compliance and enforcement action against a number of businesses.

    The ACCC alleges that in November 2024 and March 2025, Thermomix made false or misleading representations on its website promoting the Thermomix TM6 cooking product and Kobold cordless vacuum and mop as being endorsed through the NDIS or registered by an entity administering the NDIS.

    This included allegedly describing the products as ‘NDIS approved’, ‘NDIS-registered product’, ‘NDIS-consumables’, ‘NDIS assistive technology’, and ‘NDIS equipment’.

    “The NDIS does not provide specific approval for any particular goods or services. Each NDIS participant has unique needs, and what’s funded under their plan is determined individually, not through a list of approved products. There are no categories of goods or services which are automatically NDIS approved or funded for all NDIS participants,” ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said.

    “Misleading consumers experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage is of concern to us, and we will not hesitate to take appropriate action.”

    The Australian Government’s NDIS (Fair Price and Australian Consumer Law) Taskforce is comprised of the ACCC, the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission and the NDIA. The taskforce was established in December 2023 to address potential breaches of Australian Consumer Law amid concerns that NDIS participants were being charged more for goods and services than other consumers.

    Any person who thinks a business has made false or misleading statements about products or services, including whether they are endorsed or approved by the NDIS, or who considers their consumer rights have not been met, can make a report to the ACCC.

    Further information for NDIS participants is available on the ACCC website.

    Note to editors

    The ACCC can issue an infringement notice when it has reasonable grounds to believe a person or business has contravened certain consumer protection provisions in the Australian Consumer Law.

    The payment of a penalty specified in an infringement notice is not an admission of a contravention of the Australian Consumer Law. The Australian Consumer Law sets the penalty amount.

    What false or misleading advertising about the NDIS might look like

    Examples of concerning advertising that may be false or misleading include:

    • The use of the words ‘NDIS approved’ as the NDIS does not have the function of approving or endorsing particular goods or services.
    • Advertising suggesting NDIS funds will cover “all inclusive” holidays, when general costs associated with holidays would not be covered by NDIS funding.
    • Meal delivery services suggesting the cost of meals is covered by the NDIS, when the NDIS does not cover food expenses.
    • Advertising that provides instructions on how to use NDIS funding codes to cover costs of recreational services that are not covered by the NDIS – for example, going to the movies or a theme park.
    • Advertising that suggests a business is affiliated or endorsed by the NDIS, by using NDIS in its business name or in the description of its services, for example ‘NDIS therapies’.

    Background

    Vorwerk Australia Pty Ltd is the sole Australian distributor of Thermomix products in Australia and the owner of TheMix Shop, an ecommerce store for Thermomix and Kobold products.

    In November 2024, Vorwerk International AG, the Germany-based manufacturer of Thermomix and Kobold appliances, completed an acquisition of The Mix Australia Pty Ltd, which held the sole official licence to distribute Thermomix appliances in Australia and operated the ecommerce store TheMix Shop. After the acquisition, The Mix Australia Pty Ltd was renamed as Vorwerk Australia Pty Ltd.

    In December 2024, the ACCC instituted proceedings against registered NDIS provider Ausnew Home Care Service Pty Ltd, for alleged false and misleading representations, including statements that certain products were ‘NDIS approved’ relating to aged care and disability products. The matter remains before the Court.

    Last week, Bedding retailer Bedshed paid $39,600 in penalties for allegedly making false and misleading representations that some of the products it sold were ‘NDIS approved’ and ‘NDIS permitted’.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Dr. Rand Paul Introduces Bill to Unleash Free Market Solutions in the Agriculture, Energy and Automotive Sectors

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Rand Paul
     
     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
    May 28, 2025
    Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343
    Washington, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) introduced the Fuel Choice and Deregulation Act of 2025.  This legislation breaks down burdensome federal mandates and empowers American consumers—not Washington bureaucrats—to drive the future of energy and transportation, save taxpayer dollars, and reduce our deficit. 
    “For decades, unelected regulators in Washington have distorted energy and automotive markets by picking winners and losers—driving up costs, stifling competition, and burdening consumers,” said Dr. Paul. “The Fuel Choice and Deregulation Act restores market freedom by removing arbitrary barriers to innovation, expanding consumer access to affordable fuel options, and encouraging domestic energy production. It’s a commonsense step toward lowering energy costs, reducing regulatory bloat, and ending our dependence on foreign oil.”
    Key Provisions of the Fuel Choice and Deregulation Act of 2025:
    Consumer Freedom – Lifts restrictions that prevent older vehicles from using alternative fuels, expanding fuel options for millions of Americans.
    Lower Fuel Costs – Increases availability of biofuels and allows higher ethanol blends to create a more competitive fuel market and drive down fuel costs.
    Support for Rural America – Eliminates restrictions on biomass fuel production, opening new markets for U.S. farmers.
    Reduced Regulatory Burdens – Automakers producing fuel-flexible vehicles will be considered compliant with EPA regulations, lowering compliance costs, and encouraging investments in clean energy technologies.
    This legislation is a win for the free market, a win for innovation, and a win for the American consumer.  It’s time we get Washington out of the way and let American ingenuity lead.
    You can read it HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Weber Joins Galveston Business Leaders in Push to Preserve Pro-Growth Tax Cuts

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Randy Weber (14th District of Texas)

    Galveston, TX – U.S. Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14) sat down with local business leaders, the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the Galveston-Texas City Pilots for a U.S. Camber of Commerce roundtable discussion focused on protecting hardworking Texans from looming tax hikes. With key provisions of President Trump’s historic 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) set to expire at the end of the year, Rep. Weber and local stakeholders made the case for extending these pro-growth tax policies that have fueled job creation and economic opportunity across Southeast Texas.

    “As a former small business owner, I know firsthand what it takes to make payroll, grow a company, and support workers,” said Rep. Weber. “Local job creators shouldn’t be punished with higher taxes. The 2017 tax cuts were a game-changer for our economy, and now we’re working to make them permanent. Texans want less government, lower taxes, and more freedom to build their businesses. We’re putting small businesses first, right where they belong.”

    “The Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce was honored to host the U.S. Chamber’s Roundtable with Congressman Randy Weber. We are grateful for the Galveston-Texas City Pilots and the local business leaders who participated in a substantial discussion around the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, tariffs and issues crucial to the region,” said Gina Spagnola, President and CEO of the Galveston Regional Chamber.  “Lending their voices and vision proved how important this community is to Texas. As a former small business owner, the Congressman knows businesses in every sector collectively shape our economy and we are grateful for his incredible leadership and unwavering commitment.” 

    “The U.S. Chamber thanks Congressman Weber for working tirelessly to ensure Americans everywhere continue to benefit from the pro-growth policies enacted in the Tax Cuts and Jobs act of 2017. I am grateful to the Galveston Regional Chamber for partnering in today’s discussion which highlighted these tax provisions included in the recent House passage of the budget bill. The impact on businesses of all sizes in this district help to fuel, feed and transport resources across the nation,” said Monique Thierry, Vice President, Southwest/South Central region, U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “Congressman Weber is once again demonstrating his commitment to the workers, families, and businesses of Texas 14th District.”

    On May 22, the House passed H.R. 1 – the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, legislation that would lock in the 2017 Trump tax cuts for families, small businesses, and workers. The bill now heads to the Senate.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Supreme Service Solutions LLC Voluntarily Recalls Supreme Vegetable Products Because of Possible Health Risk

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Summary

    Company Announcement Date:
    May 26, 2025
    FDA Publish Date:
    May 28, 2025
    Product Type:
    Food & BeveragesProduceFoodborne Illness
    Reason for Announcement:

    Recall Reason Description
    Due to possible contamination with Salmonella

    Company Name:
    Supreme Service Solutions, LLC.
    Brand Name:

    Brand Name(s)
    Supreme Produce

    Product Description:

    Product Description
    Fresh cucumbers and salad and vegetable trays containing fresh cucumbers.

    Company Announcement
    Summary of Recall: Supreme Service Solutions LLC. (dba Supreme Produce) is voluntarily recalling items purchased from Bedner Growers Inc. (purchased from Kroger and its affiliates ) due to possible contamination with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.
    The recalled cucumbers also were sold to a wholesale distributor, which has been directed to further contact its customers with recall instructions. The potential contamination was discovered by Bedner Browers, Inc., who initiated their recall after the US Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) notified Bedner Browers, Inc. that the cucumbers have been linked by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to a Salmonella outbreak that has resulted in 26 illnesses in AL, CA, CO, FL, IL, KS, KY, MI, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, and VA.
    Recalled produce was distributed to Kroger and its affiliated retail stores located in IN, IL, OH, KY, TN, MS, MO, AR and, MI.
    Products are packaged in clear-plastic grab-n-go containers of various sizes with the appearance of cut produce.
    Retail packaged items and impacted code dates:

    Product 

    UPC 

    Purchase Dates

    Cucumber Bowl with Ranch Dip

    850054894519

    05/08/2025 to 05/21/2025

    Cucumber Slices W/Tajin

    850053685699

    05/08/2021 to 05/21/2025

    Fruit and Veg Tray

    850065403748

    05/08/2025 to 05/21/2025

    Cucumber Carrot Ranch Pack

    850065403557

    05/08/2025 to 05/21/2025

    Large Vegetable Tray

    850054894571

    05/08/2025 to 05/21/2025

    Vegetable Bowl $5

    850065403380

    05/08/2025 to 05/21/2025

    Vegetable Bowl $10

    860010507131

    05/08/2025 to 05/21/2025

    Vegetable Ranch Tray No Dip Small

    850054894335

    05/08/2025 to 05/21/2025

    Chef Salad

    850065403328

    05/08/2025 to 05/21/2025

    Family Cobb Salad

    850054894625

    05/08/2025 to 05/21/2025

    Individual Garden Salad

    850054894618

    05/08/2025 to 05/21/2025

    Individual Greek Salad

    850054894649

    05/08/2025 to 05/21/2025

    Family Garden Salad

    850054894601

    05/08/2025 to 05/21/2025

    Individual Cobb Salad

    850054894632

    05/08/2025 to 05/21/2025

    Southwest Salad

    850065403069

    05/08/2025 to 05/21/2025

    Cucumber w/Ranch Snack Cup

    850065403144

    05/08/2025 to 05/21/2025

    Labels Example*: see attached
    *Note: Address line will be specific to store of purchase.
    There have been no illnesses or consumer complaints reported to date for items purchased from Supreme Produce.
    What You Should Do:Consumers should not consume and discard the product. The product(s) involved is past its shelf life and should already be out of distribution, but if consumers have any product they question, do not consume it, but rather discard it. Consumers with questions or concerns about their health should contact their Physician.
    Asking Questions?Consumers who have purchased the recalled products may obtain additional information by contacting Bedner Growers, Inc. at 866-222-9180, M-F 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EDT.
    Link to FDA Outbreak Advisory

    Company Contact Information

    Consumers:
    Bedner Growers, Inc.
    866-222-9180

    Content current as of:
    05/28/2025

    Regulated Product(s)

    Topic(s)

    Follow FDA

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Secures Nearly $9 Million in Fraud and Money Laundering Proceeds from Fraudulently Obtained Paycheck Protection Program Loans

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEWARK, N.J. – On May 14, 2025, U.S. District Judge Michael E. Farbiarz entered a final judgment forfeiting to the United States approximately $7 million in fraud and money laundering proceeds, as well as a real property purchased with laundered fraud proceeds that has an estimated market value of nearly $2 million, United States Attorney Alina Habba announced.

    On May 6, 2024, the U.S. Attorney’s Office filed a civil forfeiture complaint against approximately $7 million in seized and frozen U.S. currency, as well as a real property in Cresskill, New Jersey, that was purchased with nearly $1 million in laundered fraud proceeds, alleging that the assets were the proceeds of fraud and money laundering offenses. As alleged in the complaint, between April 2020 and August 2020, Jae H. Choi (“Choi”) fraudulently obtained Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans totaling approximately $8,971,457, and then laundered those fraud proceeds through various financial accounts held in the names of Choi’s nominees, including Choi’s relative and various corporate entities that Choi controlled. According to the civil forfeiture complaint, Choi then spent the laundered fraud proceeds on personal expenses and purchased the Cresskill real property.

    United States Attorney Habba credited special agents of the Internal Revenue Service –Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan, special agents of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General’s Boston New York Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Amy Connelly, postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Christopher A. Nielsen, and special agents of the U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General’s Eastern Region, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Amaleka McCall-Braithwaite, with the investigation.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter A. Laserna of the Bank Integrity, Money Laundering, and Recovery Unit of the Criminal Division in Newark.

                                                                            ###

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: Quorum Announces Q1 2025 Results and Board Changes

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, May 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Quorum Information Technologies Inc. (TSX-V: QIS) (“Quorum”), a North American SaaS Software and Services company providing essential enterprise solutions that automotive dealerships and Original Equipment Manufacturers (“OEMs”) rely on for their operations, released its results today for the first quarter of 2025, ended March 31, 2025. Financial references are expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated. Please refer to the MD&A and Financial Statements posted onto SEDAR related to non-IFRS measures and risk factors.

    “I am pleased to announce that in Q1 2025, Quorum achieved consistent revenue year over year, in a quarter where tariffs are starting to impact the automotive industry in North America,” stated Maury Marks, President and CEO. “Quorum continued to pursue a strategy of profitable growth which delivered an Adjusted EBITDA1 margin of 15% in Q1 2025 and a Cash EBITDA2 margin of 10%, along with 1% organic growth in recurring revenues. Quorum has implemented $1.3 million in annual savings that will be fully realized in Q3 2025 including a BDC gross margin improvement plan, office lease cost savings, third-party service provider savings and other cost improvements. We are also pleased to announce that during Q1 2025 we paid down $0.3 million on our BDC Capital Cash Flow Loan and an additional $0.5 million on May 8, 2025.”

    “I would like to sincerely thank our employees, whose efforts were crucial in delivering our Q1 2025 plan and solid quarterly results,” said Mr. Marks. “Their efforts are complemented by our integrated suite of 13 essential software solutions and services. This product suite is fundamental to our profitable growth strategy, as it facilitates product cross-selling and plays a vital role in driving the success of our dealerships, thereby increasing value for both Quorum and its customers.”

    Consolidated Results for Q1 2025

        Q1 2025
    % Change 
    Q1 2024
    Total Revenue   $10,154,768   1%   $10,062,791  
    SaaS Revenue   $7,232,390   1%   $7,196,236  
    BDC Revenue   $2,610,657   4%   $2,513,570  
    Recurring Revenue   $9,843,047   1%   $9,709,806  
    Gross Margin   $4,825,306   (5%)   $5,085,481  
    Gross Margin %   48%       51%  
    Net Income   $52,533   (95%)   $1,123,921  
    Net Income per Share   $0.001       $0.015  
    Adjusted EBITDA   $1,522,635   (29%)   $2,141,695  
    Adjusted EBITDA Margin   15%       21%  
    Cash EBITDA   $1,020,628   (27%)   $1,396,262  
    Cash EBITDA Margin   10%       14%  

    ________________________
    1 Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) – Net income before interest and financing costs, taxes, depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation, impairment, gain on bargain purchase, one-time acquisition-related expenses and restructuring fees.
    2 Cash EBITDA (non-GAAP) – Adjusted EBITDA less stock-based compensation, one-time acquisition-related expense, repayment of lease liability, purchase of property and equipment and software development costs.


    First Quarter Results

    • Total revenue increased by 1% to $10.2 million in Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024.
    • SaaS revenue increased by 1% to $7.2 million in Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024.
    • BDC revenue increased by 4% to $2.6 million in Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024.
    • Gross margin decreased by 5% to $4.8 million in Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024.
    • Adjusted EBITDA was $1.5 million in Q1 2025, a decrease of $0.6 million compared to Q1 2024.
    • Cash EBITDA was $1.0 million in Q1 2025, a decrease of $0.4 million compared to Q1 2024.

    Board Changes

    Quorum is also pleased to announce the appointment of Steve Hammond to the Board of Directors. Steve will be taking the place of Scot Eisenfelder who will not be standing for election at the upcoming AGM after serving on Quorum’s board for 16 years. Steve brings decades of experience as an operator of enterprise software businesses, primarily in the utilities and healthcare verticals.

    “Since joining Quorum’s Board of Directors in 2009, Scot has provided invaluable strategic leadership and deep automotive expertise that have been instrumental in shaping Quorum’s success,” stated Mr. Marks. “His mentorship has also significantly influenced my growth as a leader. On behalf of myself and the Board of Directors, we would like to sincerely thank Scot for his contributions over the last 16 years.”

    Quorum Q1 2025 Results Conference Call Details and Investor Presentation

    Maury Marks, President and Chief Executive Officer and Marilyn Bown, Chief Financial Officer will present the Q1 2025 Results at a conference call with concurrent audio webcast, scheduled for:

    An updated Investor Presentation, replay of the results conference call, and transcripts of the conference call, will also be available at www.QuorumInformationSystems.com.

    About Quorum Information Technologies Inc.

    Quorum is a North American SaaS Software and Services company providing essential enterprise solutions that automotive dealerships and Original Equipment Manufacturers (“OEMs”) rely on for their operations, including:

    • Quorum’s Dealership Management System (DMS), which automates, integrates, and streamlines key processes across departments in a dealership, and emphasizes revenue generation and customer satisfaction.
    • DealerMine CRM, a sales and service Customer Relationship Management (“CRM”) system and set of Business Development Centre services that drives revenue into the critical sales and service departments in a dealership.
    • Autovance, a modern retailing platform that helps dealerships attract more business through Digital Retailing, improve in-store profits and closing rates through its desking tool and maximize their efficiency and Customer Satisfaction Index through Autovance’s F&I menu solution.
    • Accessible Accessories, a digital retailing platform that allows franchised dealerships to efficiently increase their vehicle accessories revenue. 
    • VINN Automotive, a premier automotive marketplace that streamlines the vehicle research and purchase process for vehicle shoppers while helping retailers sell more efficiently. 

    Contacts:

    Maury Marks
    President and Chief Executive Officer
    403-777-0036
    Maury.Marks@QuorumInfoTech.com

    Marilyn Bown
    Chief Financial Officer
    403-777-0036
    Marilyn.Bown@QuorumInfoTech.com

    Forward-Looking Information

    This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (“forward-looking information”) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “plan”, “intend”, “objective”, “continuous”, “ongoing”, “estimate”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “should” or similar words suggesting future outcomes. Quorum believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking information should not be unduly relied upon.

    Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and involves a number of risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking information necessarily involves known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause Quorum’s actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking information.

    Quorum has filed its Q1 2025 unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements and notes thereto as at and for the three months ended March 31, 2025, and accompanying management and discussion and analysis in accordance with National Instrument 51-102 – Continuous Disclosure Obligations adopted by the Canadian securities regulatory authorities.

    Quorum Information Technologies Inc. is traded on the Toronto Venture Exchange (TSX-V) under the symbol QIS. For additional information please go to www.QuorumInformationSystems.com.

    Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) has reviewed this release and neither accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    PDF available: http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/05b3f1e3-78f2-4e2b-9c8b-df995ca89b19

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-Evening Report: Behind the wellness industry’s scented oils and soothing music are often underpaid, exploited workers

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rawan Nimri, Lecturer in Tourism and Hospitality, Griffith University

    Prostock Studio/Shutterstock

    Wellness tourism is booming. Think yoga retreats in Bali, digital detox weekends in a rainforest, or a break on a luxury island to “find yourself”.

    It’s no longer just about taking selfies at the beach or in front of Instagrammable landmarks. Travellers today want to invest in activities aimed at improving their mental, spiritual and physical wellbeing. And, they’re willing to pay for these experiences.

    Global spending on wellness tourism is projected to hit US$8.5 trillion by 2027. Rather than being a passing fad, spending in this sector is forecast to nearly triple by 2035. This is big business.

    The Wellness Tourism Association says 90% of travellers report wellness activities are an essential part of their travel itineraries.

    Behind the luxe retreat

    But, while holidaymakers pursue their zen, the workforce is largely overlooked. The massage therapists, spa staff, yoga instructors and retreat hosts – often women, migrants and workers from the Global South – frequently experience substandard, undignified working conditions.

    Our new report, In Decent or Dirty Work?, examines an often overlooked part of the wellness industry. We propose a model to shift the industry from “dirty to decent” in line with the United Nations’ sustainable development goal eight supporting “decent work and economic growth”.

    The 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) were adopted by all UN member states in 2015. They support ending poverty and other deprivations as part of improving health and education, reducing inequality and encouraging economic growth – while tackling climate change and protecting the environment. These goals are designed to help businesses and governments develop sustainable and inclusive economies.

    Progress towards decent work in wellness tourism is undermined by workers in some cases facing low pay, insecure employment and poor working conditions.

    Wellness is often viewed as feminised work, rather than skilled or professional. Workers are expected to be calm, warm and nurturing, as well as emotionally available while juggling demanding workloads and unpredictable hours.

    Weak regulation

    Gaps in standards and regulation leave workers vulnerable. For example, Massage and Myotherapy Australia has raised concerns about exploitative contracting and loose employment arrangements. Without regulated certification, enforcement of fair contracts, and professional recognition, many workers experience underemployment or unsafe conditions.

    Wellness workers are often underpaid and sometimes treated with disrespect by clients.
    Shellygraphy/Shutterstock

    Research shows workers at some spas even describe their roles as feeling uncomfortably close to sex work, especially in settings where the boundaries are blurred and expectations can cross a moral line.

    The case of the Melbourne business penalised for underpaying migrant workers and reports of Asian massage therapists being asked regularly for “happy endings” reflect the devaluation and gendered risks for this workforce.

    Sociologists call this “dirty work” – jobs that are not physically messy but carry an emotional or moral burden. And while these roles are pivotal to customers’ experiences, the people doing them are often invisible. This makes it even harder to push for better training or fairer conditions.

    Proposed changes

    To improve the wellness industry’s sustainability and fairness, our research proposes three key changes.

    On an individual level, workers need to be empowered. Workers who have a connection with their job will gain personal fulfilment from helping clients with their health and relaxation. Satisfied workers means happier customers and superior work quality.

    However, workers should also receive external support to help improve job satisfaction.

    For example, management regularly reinforcing the value of staff to a business can enhance a worker’s sense of dignity. Additionally, protecting workers from such threats as immoral requests by customers, is key to cultivating the sense of a safe and dignified workplace.

    At the macro-level, policies, social structures and public perceptions shape how wellness work is valued. Without professional accreditation or recognition, these jobs will remain undervalued. Broader changes, like government reforms and public campaigns, would lift professional recognition and support dignity.

    Employees’ working conditions should be examined. Decent work – as per the UN sustainable development goals – means providing fair pay, safe environments, recognition and genuine opportunities for employees to develop and thrive at work.

    Also, investing in better training and standards benefits everyone, whether workers, businesses or customers.

    As Andrew Gibson, co-founder of the Wellness Tourism Association, said: “I don’t think wellness is a fad, but rather it’s a change in society, and what society now expects”.

    Leonie Lockstone-Binney receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

    Liz Simmons, Rawan Nimri, and Tom Baum do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    ref. Behind the wellness industry’s scented oils and soothing music are often underpaid, exploited workers – https://theconversation.com/behind-the-wellness-industrys-scented-oils-and-soothing-music-are-often-underpaid-exploited-workers-257455

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI: HP Inc. Reports Fiscal 2025 Second Quarter Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALO ALTO, Calif., May 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HP (NYSE: HPQ)

    • Second quarter GAAP diluted net earnings per share (“EPS”) of $0.42, down 31% from the prior year period
    • Second quarter non-GAAP diluted net EPS of $0.71, down 13% from the prior year period
    • Second quarter net revenue of $13.2 billion, up 3.3% from the prior-year period
    • Second quarter net cash provided by operating activities of $38 million, free cash flow of $(95) million
    • Second quarter returned $0.4 billion to shareholders in the form of dividend and share repurchases
    HP Inc.’s fiscal 2025 second quarter financial performance
        Q2 FY25   Q2 FY24   Y/Y
    GAAP net revenue ($B)   $ 13.2     $ 12.8     3.3 %
    GAAP operating margin     4.9 %     7.4 %   (2.5 )pts
    GAAP net earnings ($B)   $ 0.4     $ 0.6     (33 )%
    GAAP diluted net EPS   $ 0.42     $ 0.61     (31 )%
    Non-GAAP operating margin     7.3 %     8.8 %   (1.5 )pts
    Non-GAAP net earnings ($B)   $ 0.7     $ 0.8     (17 )%
    Non-GAAP diluted net EPS   $ 0.71     $ 0.82     (13 )%
    Net cash provided by operating activities ($B)   $ 0.0     $ 0.6     (94 )%
    Free cash flow ($B)   $ (0.1 )   $ 0.5     (120 )% 
     
    Notes to table
    Information about HP Inc.’s use of non-GAAP financial information is provided under “Use of non-GAAP financial information” below.
     

    Net revenue and EPS results
    HP Inc. and its subsidiaries (“HP”) announced fiscal 2025 second quarter net revenue of $13.2 billion, up 3.3% (up 4.5% in constant currency) from the prior-year period.

    “In Q2, we delivered solid revenue growth, led by strong Commercial performance in Personal Systems and continued momentum behind our future of work strategy,” said Enrique Lores, President and CEO, HP Inc. “While results in the quarter were impacted by a dynamic regulatory environment, we responded quickly to accelerate the expansion of our manufacturing footprint and further reduce our cost structure. These decisive actions strengthen our foundation and position us to deliver long-term sustainable growth.”

    “In light of the increased macroeconomic uncertainty, we have adjusted our outlook to reflect moderated demand and the net impact of trade-related costs,” said Karen Parkhill, CFO, HP Inc. “We are executing targeted mitigation strategies, and assuming current conditions remain, we expect to fully offset these costs by Q4.”

    Second quarter GAAP diluted net EPS was $0.42, down from $0.61 in the prior-year period and below the previously provided outlook of $0.62 to $0.72. Second quarter non-GAAP diluted net EPS was $0.71, down from $0.82 in the prior-year period and below the previously provided outlook of $0.75 to $0.85. Second quarter non-GAAP net earnings and non-GAAP diluted net EPS excludes after-tax adjustments of $272 million, or $0.29 per diluted share, related to restructuring and other charges, acquisition and divestiture charges, amortization of intangible assets, certain litigation charges, non-operating retirement-related credits, tax adjustments, and the related tax impact on these items.

    Asset management
    HP’s net cash provided by operating activities in the second quarter of fiscal 2025 was $38 million. Accounts receivable ended the quarter at $4.3 billion, up 2 days quarter over quarter to 30 days. Inventory ended the quarter at $8.2 billion, down 2 days quarter over quarter to 70 days. Accounts payable ended the quarter at $15.2 billion, down 9 days quarter over quarter to 130 days.

    HP generated $(95) million of free cash flow in the second quarter. Free cash flow includes net cash provided by operating activities of $38 million adjusted for net investments in leases from integrated financing of $50 million and net investments in property, plant, equipment and purchased intangible of $183 million.

    HP’s dividend payment of $0.2894 per share in the second quarter resulted in cash usage of $273 million. HP also utilized $100 million of cash during the quarter to repurchase approximately 3.0 million shares of common stock in the open market. HP exited the quarter with $2.7 billion in gross cash, which includes cash and cash equivalents of $2.7 billion, restricted cash of $33 million and short-term investments of $3 million included in other current assets. Restricted cash is related to amounts collected and held on behalf of a third party for trade receivables previously sold.

    Fiscal 2025 second quarter segment results

    • Personal Systems net revenue was $9.0 billion, up 7% year over year (up 8% in constant currency) with a 4.5% operating margin. Consumer PS net revenue was up 2% and Commercial PS net revenue was up 9%. Total units were up 6% with Consumer PS units down 2% and Commercial PS units up 11%.
    • Printing net revenue was $4.2 billion, down 4% year over year (down 3% in constant currency) with a 19.5% operating margin. Consumer Printing net revenue was down 3% and Commercial Printing net revenue was down 3%. Supplies net revenue was down 5% (down 3% in constant currency). Total hardware units were up 1%, with Consumer Printing units up 3% and Commercial Printing units down 2%.

    Outlook
    For the fiscal 2025 third quarter, HP estimates GAAP diluted net EPS to be in the range of $0.57 to $0.69 and non-GAAP diluted net EPS to be in the range of $0.68 to $0.80. Fiscal 2025 third quarter non-GAAP diluted net EPS estimates exclude $0.11 per diluted share, primarily related to restructuring and other charges, acquisition and divestiture charges, amortization of intangible assets, certain litigation impacts, non-operating retirement-related credits, tax adjustments, and the related tax impact on these items.

    For fiscal 2025, HP estimates GAAP diluted net EPS to be in the range of $2.32 to $2.62 and non-GAAP diluted net EPS to be in the range of $3.00 to $3.30. Fiscal 2025 non-GAAP diluted net EPS estimates exclude $0.68 per diluted share, primarily related to restructuring and other charges, acquisition and divestiture charges, amortization of intangible assets, certain litigation impacts, non-operating retirement-related credits, tax adjustments, and the related tax impact on these items. For fiscal 2025, HP anticipates generating free cash flow in the range of $2.6 to $3.0 billion.  HP’s outlook reflects the added cost driven by the current U.S. tariffs in place, and associated mitigations.

    More information on HP’s earnings, including additional financial analysis and an earnings overview presentation, is available on HP’s Investor Relations website at investor.hp.com.

    HP’s FY25 Q2 earnings conference call is accessible via audio webcast at www.hp.com/investor/2025Q2Webcast.

    About HP Inc.
    HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) is a global technology leader and creator of solutions that enable people to bring their ideas to life and connect to the things that matter most. Operating in more than 170 countries, HP delivers a wide range of innovative and sustainable devices, services and subscriptions for personal computing, printing, 3D printing, hybrid work, gaming, and more. For more information, please visit http://www.hp.com.

    Use of non-GAAP financial information
    To supplement HP’s consolidated condensed financial statements presented on a generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) basis, HP provides net revenue on a constant currency basis, non-GAAP total operating expense, non-GAAP operating profit, non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP other income and expenses, non-GAAP tax rate, non-GAAP net earnings, non-GAAP diluted net EPS, free cash flow, gross cash and net cash (debt) financial measures. HP also provides forecasts of non-GAAP diluted net EPS and free cash flow. Reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures are included in the tables below or elsewhere in the materials accompanying this news release. In addition, an explanation of the ways in which HP’s management uses these non-GAAP measures to evaluate its business, the substance behind HP’s decision to use these non-GAAP measures, the material limitations associated with the use of these non-GAAP measures, the manner in which HP’s management compensates for those limitations, and the substantive reasons why HP’s management believes that these non-GAAP measures provide useful information to investors is included under “Use of non-GAAP financial measures” after the tables below. This additional non-GAAP financial information is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net revenue, operating expense, operating profit, operating margin, other income and expenses, tax rate, net earnings, diluted net EPS, cash provided by operating activities or cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash prepared in accordance with GAAP.

    Forward-looking statements
    This document contains forward-looking statements based on current expectations and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties. If the risks or uncertainties ever materialize or the assumptions prove incorrect, they could affect the business and results of operations of HP Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries which may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and assumptions.

    All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, projections of net revenue, margins, expenses, effective tax rates, net earnings, net earnings per share, cash flows, benefit plan funding, deferred taxes, share repurchases, foreign currency exchange rates or other financial items; any projections of the amount, timing or impact of cost savings or restructuring and other charges, planned structural cost reductions and productivity initiatives; any statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations, including, but not limited to, our business model and transformation, our sustainability goals, our go-to-market strategy, the execution of restructuring plans and any resulting cost savings (including the fiscal 2023 plan), net revenue or profitability improvements or other financial impacts; any statements concerning the expected development, demand, performance, market share or competitive performance relating to products or services; any statements concerning potential supply constraints, component shortages, manufacturing disruptions or logistics challenges; any statements regarding current or future macroeconomic trends or events, including global trade policies, and the impact of those trends and events on HP and its financial performance; any statements regarding pending investigations, claims, disputes or other litigation matters; any statements of expectation or belief as to the timing and expected benefits of acquisitions and other business combination and investment transactions; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Forward-looking statements can also generally be identified by words such as “future,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “predicts,” “projects,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “can,” “may,” and similar terms.

    Risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could affect our business and results of operations include factors relating to HP’s ability to execute on its strategic plans, including the previously announced initiatives, business model changes and transformation; the development and transition of new products and services and the enhancement of existing products and services to meet evolving customer needs and respond to emerging technological trends, including artificial intelligence; the use of artificial intelligence; the impact of macroeconomic and geopolitical trends, changes and events, including global trade policies, the ongoing military conflict in Ukraine, continued instability in the Middle East or tensions in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea and the regional and global ramifications of these events; volatility in global capital markets and foreign currency, increases in benchmark interest rates, the effects of inflation and instability of financial institutions; risks associated with HP’s international operations and the effects of business disruption events, including those resulting from climate change; the need to manage (and reliance on) third-party suppliers, including with respect to supply constraints and component shortages, and the need to manage HP’s global, multi-tier distribution network and potential misuse of pricing programs by HP’s channel partners, adapt to new or changing marketplaces and effectively deliver HP’s services; the execution and performance of contracts by HP and its suppliers, customers, clients and partners, including logistical challenges with respect to such execution and performance; the competitive pressures faced by HP’s businesses; the impact of third-party claims of IP infringement; successfully innovating, developing and executing HP’s go-to-market strategy, including online, omnichannel and contractual sales, in an evolving distribution, reseller and customer landscape; successfully competing and maintaining the value proposition of HP’s products, including supplies and services; challenges to HP’s ability to accurately forecast inventories, demand and pricing, which may be due to HP’s multi-tiered channel, sales of HP’s products to unauthorized resellers or unauthorized resale of HP’s products or our uneven sales cycle; the hiring and retention of key employees; the results of our restructuring plans (including the fiscal 2023 plan), including estimates and assumptions related to the cost (including any possible disruption of HP’s business) and the anticipated benefits of our restructuring plans; the protection of HP’s intellectual property assets, including intellectual property licensed from third parties; disruptions in operations from system security risks, data protection breaches, or cyberattacks; HP’s ability to maintain its credit rating, satisfy its debt obligations and complete any contemplated share repurchases, other capital return programs or other strategic transactions; changes in estimates and assumptions HP makes in connection with the preparation of its financial statements; the impact of changes to federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations, including environmental regulations and tax laws; integration and other risks associated with business combination and investment transactions; our aspirations related to environmental, social and governance matters; potential impacts, liabilities and costs from pending or potential investigations, claims and disputes; the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting; and other risks that are described in HP’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2024 and HP’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). HP’s fiscal 2023 plan includes HP’s efforts to take advantage of future growth opportunities, including but not limited to, investments to drive growth, investments in our people, improving product mix, driving structural cost savings and other productivity measures. Structural cost savings represent gross reductions in costs driven by operational efficiency, digital transformation, and portfolio optimization. These initiatives include but are not limited to workforce reductions, platform simplification, programs consolidation and productivity measures undertaken by HP, which HP expects to be sustainable in the longer-term. These structural cost savings are net of any new recurring costs resulting from these initiatives and exclude one-time investments to generate such savings. HP’s expectations on the longer-term sustainability of such structural cost savings are based on its current business operations and market dynamics and could be significantly impacted by various factors, including but not limited to HP’s evolving business models, future investment decisions, market environment and technology landscape.

    As in prior periods, the financial information set forth in this document, including any tax-related items, reflects estimates based on information available at this time. While HP believes these estimates to be reasonable, these amounts could differ materially from reported amounts in HP’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2025, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ending July 31, 2025, and HP’s other filings with the SEC. The forward-looking statements in this document are made as of the date of this document and HP assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements.

    HP’s Investor Relations website at investor.hp.com contains a significant amount of information about HP, including financial and other information for investors. HP encourages investors to visit its website from time to time, as information is updated, and new information is posted. The content of HP’s website is not incorporated by reference into this document or in any other report or document HP files with the SEC, and any references to HP’s website are intended to be inactive textual references only.

     
    HP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
    (Unaudited)
    (In millions, except per share amounts)
     
        Three months ended
        April 30, 2025   January 31, 2025   April 30, 2024
    Net revenue:            
    Products   $ 12,423     $ 12,695     $ 12,043  
    Services     797       809       757  
    Total net revenue     13,220       13,504       12,800  
    Cost of net revenue:            
    Products     10,007       10,194       9,324  
    Services     474       470       453  
    Total cost of net revenue     10,481       10,664       9,777  
    Gross profit     2,739       2,840       3,023  
    Research and development     401       397       436  
    Selling, general and administrative     1,480       1,459       1,462  
    Restructuring and other charges     122       70       71  
    Acquisition and divestiture charges     17       6       22  
    Amortization of intangible assets     65       63       80  
    Total operating expenses     2,085       1,995       2,071  
    Earnings from operations     654       845       952  
    Interest and other, net     (148 )     (141 )     (155 )
    Earnings before taxes     506       704       797  
    Provision for taxes     (100 )     (139 )     (190 )
    Net earnings   $ 406     $ 565     $ 607  
                 
    Net earnings per share:            
    Basic   $ 0.43     $ 0.60     $ 0.62  
    Diluted   $ 0.42     $ 0.59     $ 0.61  
                 
    Cash dividends declared per share   $     $ 0.58     $  
                 
    Weighted-average shares used to compute net earnings per share:            
    Basic     950       948       984  
    Diluted     956       957       990  
    HP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
    (Unaudited)
    (In millions, except per share amounts)
     
        Six months ended
        April 30, 2025   April 30, 2024
    Net revenue:        
    Products   $ 25,118     $ 24,462  
    Services     1,606       1,523  
    Total net revenue     26,724       25,985  
    Cost of net revenue:        
    Products     20,201       19,195  
    Services     944       879  
    Total cost of net revenue     21,145       20,074  
    Gross profit     5,579       5,911  
    Research and development     798       835  
    Selling, general and administrative     2,939       2,845  
    Restructuring and other charges     192       134  
    Acquisition and divestiture charges     23       49  
    Amortization of intangible assets     128       161  
    Total operating expenses     4,080       4,024  
    Earnings from operations     1,499       1,887  
    Interest and other, net     (289 )     (297 )
    Earnings before taxes     1,210       1,590  
    Provision for taxes     (239 )     (361 )
    Net earnings   $ 971     $ 1,229  
             
    Net earnings per share:        
    Basic   $ 1.02     $ 1.24  
    Diluted   $ 1.02     $ 1.23  
             
    Cash dividends declared per share   $ 0.58     $ 0.55  
             
    Weighted-average shares used to compute net earnings per share:        
    Basic     949       990  
    Diluted     956       996  
    HP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    ADJUSTMENTS TO GAAP NET EARNINGS, EARNINGS FROM OPERATIONS,
    OPERATING MARGIN AND DILUTED NET EARNINGS PER SHARE
    (Unaudited)
    (In millions, except per share amounts)
     
        Three months ended
        April 30, 2025   January 31, 2025   April 30, 2024
        Amounts   Diluted
    net earnings
    per share
      Amounts   Diluted
    net earnings
    per share
      Amounts   Diluted
    net earnings
    per share
    GAAP net earnings   $ 406     $ 0.42     $ 565     $ 0.59     $ 607     $ 0.61  
    Non-GAAP adjustments:                        
    Restructuring and other charges     122       0.13       70       0.07       71       0.07  
    Acquisition and divestiture charges     17       0.01       6       0.01       22       0.02  
    Amortization of intangible assets     65       0.07       63       0.07       80       0.08  
    Certain litigation charges(a)     103       0.11                          
    Non-operating retirement-related credits     (6 )     (0.01 )     (5 )     (0.01 )     (3 )      
    Tax adjustments(b)     (29 )     (0.02 )     5       0.01       35       0.04  
    Non-GAAP net earnings   $ 678     $ 0.71     $ 704     $ 0.74     $ 812     $ 0.82  
                             
    GAAP earnings from operations   $ 654         $ 845         $ 952      
    Non-GAAP adjustments:                        
    Restructuring and other charges     122           70           71      
    Acquisition and divestiture charges     17           6           22      
    Amortization of intangible assets     65           63           80      
    Certain litigation charges(a)     103                          
    Non-GAAP earnings from operations   $ 961         $ 984         $ 1,125      
                             
    GAAP operating margin     4.9 %         6.3 %         7.4 %    
    Non-GAAP adjustments     2.4 %         1.0 %         1.4 %    
    Non-GAAP operating margin     7.3 %         7.3 %         8.8 %    
     
    (a) HP incurs settlement expenses from backward-looking claims that arise from certain existing or threatened Standard Essential Patent (“SEP”) litigation that are distinctive and substantial when compared to other intellectual property litigation that HP incurs in the ordinary course of business. HP excludes these SEP litigation expenses for purposes of calculating these non-GAAP measures. For the third and fourth quarters of fiscal year 2024, the SEP litigation expenses were $18 million and $40 million, respectively. Consequently, the revised non-GAAP diluted net earnings per share for the third and fourth quarters of fiscal year 2024 are $0.84 and $0.96, respectively.
    (b) Includes tax impact on non-GAAP adjustments.
    HP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    ADJUSTMENTS TO GAAP NET EARNINGS, EARNINGS FROM OPERATIONS,
    OPERATING MARGIN AND DILUTED NET EARNINGS PER SHARE
    (Unaudited)
    (In millions, except per share amounts)
     
        Six months ended
        April 30, 2025   April 30, 2024
        Amounts   Diluted
    net earnings
    per share
      Amounts   Diluted
    net earnings
    per share
    GAAP net earnings   $ 971     $ 1.02     $ 1,229     $ 1.23  
    Non-GAAP adjustments:                
    Restructuring and other charges     192       0.20       134       0.14  
    Acquisition and divestiture charges     23       0.03       49       0.05  
    Amortization of intangible assets     128       0.13       161       0.16  
    Certain litigation charges(a)     103       0.11              
    Non-operating retirement-related credits     (11 )     (0.01 )     (5 )     (0.01 )
    Tax adjustments(b)     (24 )     (0.03 )     52       0.06  
    Non-GAAP net earnings   $ 1,382     $ 1.45     $ 1,620     $ 1.63  
                     
    GAAP earnings from operations   $ 1,499         $ 1,887      
    Non-GAAP adjustments:                
    Restructuring and other charges     192           134      
    Acquisition and divestiture charges     23           49      
    Amortization of intangible assets     128           161      
    Certain litigation charges(a)     103                
    Non-GAAP earnings from operations   $ 1,945         $ 2,231      
                     
    GAAP operating margin     5.6 %         7.3 %    
    Non-GAAP adjustments     1.7 %         1.3 %    
    Non-GAAP operating margin     7.3 %         8.6 %    
     
    (a) HP incurs settlement expenses from backward-looking claims that arise from certain existing or threatened SEP litigation that are distinctive and substantial when compared to other intellectual property litigation that HP incurs in the ordinary course of business. HP excludes these SEP litigation expenses for purposes of calculating these non-GAAP measures. For the nine months ended fiscal year 2024 and fiscal year 2024, the SEP litigation expenses were $18 million and $58 million, respectively. Consequently, the revised non-GAAP diluted net earnings per share for the nine months ended fiscal year 2024 and fiscal year 2024 are $2.47 and $3.43, respectively.
    (b) Includes tax impact on non-GAAP adjustments.
    HP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
    (Unaudited)
    (In millions)
     
        As of
        April 30, 2025   October 31, 2024
    ASSETS        
    Current assets:        
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash   $ 2,730     $ 3,253  
    Accounts receivable, net     4,336       5,117  
    Inventory     8,175       7,720  
    Other current assets     4,217       4,670  
    Total current assets     19,458       20,760  
    Property, plant and equipment, net     2,951       2,914  
    Goodwill     8,713       8,627  
    Other non-current assets     7,677       7,608  
    Total assets   $ 38,799     $ 39,909  
             
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT        
    Current liabilities:        
    Notes payable and short-term borrowings   $ 1,446     $ 1,406  
    Accounts payable     15,195       16,903  
    Other current liabilities     9,915       10,378  
    Total current liabilities     26,556       28,687  
    Long-term debt     9,291       8,263  
    Other non-current liabilities     4,228       4,282  
    Stockholders’ deficit     (1,276 )     (1,323 )
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit   $ 38,799     $ 39,909  
    HP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
    (Unaudited)
    (In millions)
     
        Three months ended
        April 30, 2025   April 30, 2024
    Cash flows from operating activities:        
    Net earnings   $ 406     $ 607  
    Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:        
    Depreciation and amortization     205       209  
    Stock-based compensation expense     140       94  
    Restructuring and other charges     122       71  
    Deferred taxes on earnings     (60 )     5  
    Other, net     37       7  
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:        
    Accounts receivable     (115 )     (552 )
    Inventory     279       (631 )
    Accounts payable     (1,302 )     1,104  
    Net investment in leases from integrated financing     (50 )     (19 )
    Taxes on earnings     (133 )     (177 )
    Restructuring and other     (75 )     (57 )
    Other assets and liabilities     584       (80 )
    Net cash provided by operating activities     38       581  
    Cash flows from investing activities:        
    Investment in property, plant, equipment and purchased intangible     (183 )     (119 )
    Purchases of available-for-sale securities and other investments     (3 )      
    Maturities and sales of available-for-sale securities and other investments     9        
    Collateral (posted) returned for derivative instruments     (540 )     70  
    Payment made in connection with business acquisitions, net of cash acquired     (116 )      
    Net cash used in investing activities     (833 )     (49 )
    Cash flows from financing activities:        
    Proceeds from short-term borrowings with original maturities less than 90 days, net           (100 )
    Proceeds from debt, net of issuance costs     1,076       94  
    Payment of debt     (52 )     (53 )
    Stock-based award activities and others     (26 )     (4 )
    Repurchase of common stock     (100 )     (100 )
    Cash dividends paid     (273 )     (269 )
    Settlement of cash flow hedges     6        
    Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities     631       (432 )
    (Decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash     (164 )     100  
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period     2,894       2,417  
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period   $ 2,730     $ 2,517  
    HP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
    (Unaudited)
    (In millions)
     
        Six months ended
        April 30, 2025   April 30, 2024
    Cash flows from operating activities:        
    Net earnings   $ 971     $ 1,229  
    Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:        
    Depreciation and amortization     402       414  
    Stock-based compensation expense     332       271  
    Restructuring and other charges     192       134  
    Deferred taxes on earnings     (83 )      
    Other, net     72       (13 )
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:        
    Accounts receivable     851       (106 )
    Inventory     (472 )     (678 )
    Accounts payable     (1,699 )     360  
    Net investment in leases from integrated financing     (48 )     (81 )
    Taxes on earnings     (121 )     (128 )
    Restructuring and other     (149 )     (144 )
    Other assets and liabilities     164       (556 )
    Net cash provided by operating activities     412       702  
    Cash flows from investing activities:        
    Investment in property, plant, equipment and purchased intangible     (485 )     (277 )
    Purchases of available-for-sale securities and other investments     (6 )      
    Maturities and sales of available-for-sale securities and other investments     14        
    Collateral posted for derivative instruments     (540 )      
    Payment made in connection with business acquisitions, net of cash acquired     (116 )      
    Net cash used in investing activities     (1,133 )     (277 )
    Cash flows from financing activities:        
    Proceeds from debt, net of issuance costs     1,158       186  
    Payment of debt     (102 )     (102 )
    Stock-based award activities and others     (118 )     (80 )
    Repurchase of common stock     (200 )     (600 )
    Cash dividends paid     (546 )     (544 )
    Settlement of cash flow hedges     6        
    Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities     198       (1,140 )
    Decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash     (523 )     (715 )
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period     3,253       3,232  
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period   $ 2,730     $ 2,517  
    HP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    SEGMENT/BUSINESS UNIT INFORMATION
    (Unaudited)
    (In millions)
     
        Three months ended   Change (%)
        April 30, 2025   January 31, 2025   April 30, 2024   Q/Q   Y/Y
    Net revenue:                    
    Commercial PS   $ 6,786     $ 6,645     $ 6,242     2 %   9 %
    Consumer PS     2,238       2,579       2,184     (13 )%   2 %
    Personal Systems     9,024       9,224       8,426     (2 )%   7 %
    Supplies     2,725       2,826       2,864     (4 )%   (5 )%
    Commercial Printing     1,167       1,144       1,205     2 %   (3 )%
    Consumer Printing     289       299       299     (3 )%   (3 )%
    Printing     4,181       4,269       4,368     (2 )%   (4 )%
    Corporate Investments(a)     16       11       5     NM     NM  
    Total segment net revenue     13,221       13,504       12,799     (2 )%   3 %
    Other(a)     (1 )           1     NM     NM  
    Total net revenue   $ 13,220     $ 13,504     $ 12,800     (2 )%   3 %
                         
    Earnings before taxes:                    
    Personal Systems(b)   $ 409     $ 507     $ 508          
    Printing     814       810       829          
    Corporate Investments     (37 )     (27 )     (30 )        
    Total segment earnings from operations     1,186       1,290       1,307          
    Corporate and unallocated cost and other     (85 )     (114 )     (88 )        
    Stock-based compensation expense     (140 )     (192 )     (94 )        
    Restructuring and other charges     (122 )     (70 )     (71 )        
    Acquisition and divestiture charges     (17 )     (6 )     (22 )        
    Amortization of intangible assets     (65 )     (63 )     (80 )        
    Certain litigation charges(b)     (103 )                    
    Interest and other, net     (148 )     (141 )     (155 )        
    Total earnings before taxes   $ 506     $ 704     $ 797          
     
    (a) “NM” represents not meaningful.
    (b) HP has reclassified certain litigation charges arising from SEP litigations from Personal Systems to Corporate.
    HP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    SEGMENT/BUSINESS UNIT INFORMATION
    (Unaudited)
    (In millions)
     
        Six months ended   Change (%)
        April 30, 2025   April 30, 2024   Y/Y
    Net revenue:            
    Commercial PS   $ 13,431     $ 12,287     9 %
    Consumer PS     4,817       4,948     (3 )%
    Personal Systems     18,248       17,235     6 %
    Supplies     5,551       5,727     (3 )%
    Commercial Printing     2,311       2,432     (5 )%
    Consumer Printing     588       584     1 %
    Printing     8,450       8,743     (3 )%
    Corporate Investments(a)     27       7     NM  
    Total segment net revenue     26,725       25,985     3 %
    Other(a)     (1 )         NM  
    Total net revenue   $ 26,724     $ 25,985     3 %
                 
    Earnings before taxes:            
    Personal Systems(b)   $ 916     $ 1,045      
    Printing     1,624       1,701      
    Corporate Investments     (64 )     (67 )    
    Total segment earnings from operations     2,476       2,679      
    Corporate and unallocated cost and other     (199 )     (177 )    
    Stock-based compensation expense     (332 )     (271 )    
    Restructuring and other charges     (192 )     (134 )    
    Acquisition and divestiture charges     (23 )     (49 )    
    Amortization of intangible assets     (128 )     (161 )    
    Certain litigation charges(b)     (103 )          
    Interest and other, net     (289 )     (297 )    
    Total earnings before taxes   $ 1,210     $ 1,590      
     
    (a) “NM” represents not meaningful.
    (b) HP has reclassified certain litigation charges arising from SEP litigations from Personal Systems to Corporate.
    HP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    SEGMENT OPERATING MARGIN SUMMARY
    (Unaudited)
     
        Three months ended   Change (pts)
        April 30, 2025   January 31, 2025   April 30, 2024   Q/Q
      Y/Y
    Segment operating margin:                        
    Personal Systems(a)   4.5 %   5.5 %   6.0 %   (1.0 )pts   (1.5 )pts
    Printing   19.5 %   19.0 %   19.0 %   0.5 pts   0.5 pts
    Corporate Investments(c)   NM     NM     NM     NM     NM  
    Total segment   9.0 %   9.6 %   10.2 %   (0.6 )pts   (1.2 )pts
        Six months ended   Change (pts)
        April 30, 2025   April 30, 2024   Y/Y
    Segment operating margin:              
    Personal Systems(b)   5.0 %   6.1 %   (1.1 )pts
    Printing   19.2 %   19.5 %   (0.3 )pts
    Corporate Investments(c)   NM     NM     NM  
    Total segment   9.3 %   10.3 %   (1.0 )pts
     
    (a) HP has reclassified certain litigation charges arising from SEP litigations from Personal Systems to Corporate. For the third and fourth quarters of fiscal year 2024, the SEP litigation expenses were $18 million and $40 million, respectively. Consequently, the revised Segment operating margin for Personal Systems for the third and fourth quarters of fiscal year 2024 are 6.6% and 6.2%, respectively and the revised Total segment operating margin for the third and fourth quarters of fiscal year 2024 are 9.6% and 10.2%, respectively.
    (b) HP has reclassified certain litigation charges arising from SEP litigations from Personal Systems to Corporate. For the nine months ended fiscal year 2024 and fiscal year 2024, the SEP litigation expenses were $18 million and $58 million, respectively. Consequently, the revised Segment operating margin for the nine months ended fiscal year 2024 and fiscal year 2024 are 6.2%, respectively and the revised Total segment operating margin for the nine months ended fiscal year 2024 and fiscal year 2024 are 10.1%, respectively.
    (c) “NM” represents not meaningful.
    HP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CALCULATION OF DILUTED NET EARNINGS PER SHARE
    (Unaudited)
    (In millions, except per share amounts)
     
        Three months ended
        April 30, 2025   January 31, 2025   April 30, 2024
    Numerator:            
    GAAP net earnings   $ 406     $ 565     $ 607  
    Non-GAAP net earnings   $ 678     $ 704     $ 812  
                 
    Denominator:            
    Weighted-average shares used to compute basic net earnings per share     950       948       984  
    Dilutive effect of employee stock plans(a)     6       9       6  
    Weighted-average shares used to compute diluted net earnings per share     956       957       990  
                 
    GAAP diluted net earnings per share   $ 0.42     $ 0.59     $ 0.61  
    Non-GAAP diluted net earnings per share   $ 0.71     $ 0.74     $ 0.82  
     
    (a) Includes any dilutive effect of restricted stock units, stock options and performance-based awards.
    HP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CALCULATION OF DILUTED NET EARNINGS PER SHARE
    (Unaudited)
    (In millions, except per share amounts)
        Six months ended
        April 30, 2025   April 30, 2024
    Numerator:        
    GAAP net earnings   $ 971     $ 1,229  
    Non-GAAP net earnings   $ 1,382     $ 1,620  
             
    Denominator:        
    Weighted-average shares used to compute basic net earnings per share     949       990  
    Dilutive effect of employee stock plans(a)     7       6  
    Weighted-average shares used to compute diluted net earnings per share     956       996  
             
    GAAP diluted net earnings per share   $ 1.02     $ 1.23  
    Non-GAAP diluted net earnings per share   $ 1.45     $ 1.63  
     
    (a) Includes any dilutive effect of restricted stock units, stock options and performance-based awards.
     

    Use of non-GAAP financial measures

    To supplement HP’s consolidated condensed financial statements presented on a GAAP basis, HP provides net revenue on a constant currency basis, non-GAAP total operating expense, non-GAAP operating profit, non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP other income and expenses, non-GAAP tax rate, non-GAAP net earnings, non-GAAP diluted net EPS, free cash flow, gross cash and net cash (debt). HP also provides forecasts of non-GAAP diluted net EPS and free cash flow.

    These non-GAAP financial measures are not computed in accordance with, or as an alternative to, GAAP in the United States. Reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures are included in the tables above or elsewhere in the materials accompanying this news release.

    Use and economic substance of non-GAAP financial measures

    Net revenue on a constant currency basis excludes the effect of foreign currency exchange fluctuations calculated by translating current period revenues using monthly exchange rates from the comparative period and excluding any hedging impact recognized in the current period. Non-GAAP operating margin is defined to exclude the effects of any amounts relating to restructuring and other charges, acquisition and divestiture charges, amortization of intangible assets and certain litigation charges. Non-GAAP net earnings and non-GAAP diluted net EPS consist of net earnings or diluted net EPS excluding those same charges, non-operating retirement related (credits)/charges, debt extinguishment costs (benefit), tax adjustments and the amount of additional taxes or tax benefits associated with each non-GAAP item.

    HP’s management uses these non-GAAP financial measures for purposes of evaluating HP’s historical and prospective financial performance, as well as HP’s performance relative to its competitors. HP’s management also uses these non-GAAP measures to further its own understanding of HP’s segment operating performance. HP believes that excluding the items mentioned above for these non-GAAP financial measures allows HP’s management to better understand HP’s consolidated financial performance in relation to the operating results of HP’s segments, as HP’s management does not believe that the excluded items are reflective of ongoing operating results. More specifically, HP’s management excludes each of those items mentioned above for the following reasons:

    • Restructuring and other charges are (i) costs associated with a formal restructuring plan and are primarily related to employee separation from service and early retirement costs and related benefits, costs of real estate consolidation and other non-labor charges; and (ii) other charges, which includes non-recurring costs including those as a result of information technology rationalization efforts and transformation program management and are distinct from ongoing operational costs. HP excludes these restructuring and other charges (and any reversals of charges recorded in prior periods) for purposes of calculating these non-GAAP measures because HP believes that these costs do not reflect expected future operating expenses and excluding such expenses for purposes of calculating these non-GAAP measures is useful to management and investors in evaluating HP’s current operating performance and comparing operating performance to other periods.
    • HP incurs cost related to its acquisitions and divestitures, which it would not have otherwise incurred as part of its operations. The charges are direct expenses such as third-party professional and legal fees, integration and divestiture-related costs, as well as non-cash adjustments to the fair value of certain acquired assets such as inventory and certain compensation charges related to cash settlement of restricted stock units and performance-based restricted stock units towards acquisitions. These charges related to acquisitions and divestitures are inconsistent in amount and frequency and are significantly impacted by the timing and nature of HP’s acquisitions or divestitures. HP believes that eliminating such expenses for purposes of calculating these non-GAAP measures is useful to management and investors in evaluating HP’s current operating performance and comparing operating performance to other periods.
    • HP incurs charges relating to the amortization of intangible assets. Those charges are included in HP’s GAAP earnings, operating margin, net earnings and diluted net EPS. Such charges are significantly impacted by the timing and magnitude of HP’s acquisitions and any related impairment charges. Consequently, HP excludes these charges for purposes of calculating these non-GAAP measures because HP believes doing so is useful to management and investors in evaluating HP’s current operating performance and comparing operating performance to other periods.
    • HP incurs settlement expenses from backward-looking claims that arise from certain existing or threatened SEP litigation that are distinctive and substantial when compared to other intellectual property litigation that HP incurs in the ordinary course of business. Consequently, HP excludes these SEP litigation expenses for purposes of calculating these non-GAAP measures because HP believes doing so is useful to management and investors in evaluating HP’s current operating performance and comparing operating performance to other periods.
    • HP incurs debt extinguishment (benefit)/costs includes certain (gain)/loss related to repurchase of certain of its outstanding U.S. dollar global notes or termination of commitments under revolving credit facilities. These (gain)/loss resulting from debt redemption transactions are partially or more than offset by costs such as bond repurchase premiums, bank fees, unpaid accrued interests, etc. HP excludes these (benefit)/costs for the purposes of calculating these non-GAAP measures because HP believes doing so is useful to management and investors in evaluating HP’s current operating performance and comparing operating performance to other periods.
    • Non-operating retirement-related (credits)/charges includes certain market-related factors such as interest cost, expected return on plan assets, amortized actuarial gains or losses, associated with HP’s defined benefit pension and post-retirement benefit plans. The market-driven retirement-related adjustments are primarily due to the changes in the value of pension plan assets and liabilities which are tied to financial market performance and HP considers these adjustments to be outside the operational performance of the business. Non-operating retirement-related (credits)/charges also include certain plan curtailments, settlements and special termination benefits related to HP’s defined benefit pension and post-retirement benefit plans. HP believes that eliminating such adjustments for purposes of calculating non-GAAP measures is useful to management and investors in evaluating HP’s current operating performance and comparing operating performance to other periods.
    • HP recorded tax adjustments including tax expenses and benefits from internal reorganizations, realizability of certain deferred tax assets, various tax rate and regulatory changes, and tax settlements across various jurisdictions. HP excludes these adjustments for the purposes of calculating these non-GAAP measures because HP believes doing so is useful to management and investors in evaluating HP’s current operating performance and comparing operating performance to other periods.

    Free cash flow is a non-GAAP measure that is defined as cash flow provided by (used in) operating activities adjusted for net investment in leases from integrated financing and net investments in property, plant, equipment and purchased intangible. Gross cash is a non-GAAP measure that is defined as cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash plus short-term investments and certain long-term investments that may be liquidated within 90 days pursuant to the terms of existing put options or similar rights. HP’s management uses free cash flow and gross cash for the purpose of determining the amount of cash available for investment in HP’s businesses, repurchasing stock and other purposes. HP’s management also uses free cash flow and gross cash to evaluate HP’s historical and prospective liquidity. Because gross cash includes liquid assets that are not included in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, HP believes that gross cash provides a helpful assessment of HP’s liquidity. Because free cash flow includes net cash provided by (used in) operating activities adjusted for net investment in leases from integrated financing and net investments in property, plant, equipment and purchased intangible. HP believes that free cash flow provides a useful assessment of HP’s liquidity and capital resources. Net cash (debt) is defined as gross cash less gross debt after adjusting the effect of unamortized premium/discount on debt issuance, debt issuance costs and gains/losses on interest rate swaps.

    Key Growth Areas
    Key Growth Areas represent HP’s businesses which management expects to collectively grow at a rate faster than HP’s core business with accretive margins in the longer term. HP’s Key Growth Areas are comprised of:

    Hybrid Systems: Video conferencing solutions, cameras, headsets, voice, and related software capabilities

    Advanced Compute Solutions: Diverse portfolio encompassing high-performance computing, mobile and desktop workstations, retail workstations, retail solutions, and emerging technologies to address complex computational tasks, data-intensive applications, and evolving industry needs.

    AI PC: PCs, excluding Workstations, equipped with dedicated hardware components like Neural Processing Units (NPUs), are designed to facilitate and enhance the execution of AI and machine learning tasks.

    Workforce Solutions: Managed services (Managed Print Service and Device-as-a-Service), digital services and lifecycle services

    Consumer Subscriptions: Instant Ink services, other consumer subscriptions and consumer digital services

    Industrial Graphics: Large Format Industrial, Page Wide Press (PWP), Indigo and Page Wide Industrial packaging solutions and supplies

    3D & Personalization: Portfolio of additive manufacturing solutions and supplies including end-to-end solutions such as moulded fiber, footwear and orthotics

    Material limitations associated with use of non-GAAP financial measures
    These non-GAAP financial measures may have limitations as analytical tools, and these measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of HP’s results as reported under GAAP. Some of the limitations in relying on these non-GAAP financial measures are:

    • Items such as amortization of intangible assets, though not directly affecting HP’s cash position, represent the loss in value of intangible assets over time. The expense associated with this change in value is not included in non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP net earnings and non-GAAP diluted net EPS, and therefore does not reflect the full economic effect of the change in value of those intangible assets.
    • Items such as restructuring and other charges, acquisition and divestiture charges, amortization of intangible assets, certain litigation charges are excluded from non-GAAP operating margin. In addition, non-operating retirement-related (credits)/charges, debt extinguishment costs (benefit) and tax adjustments are excluded from non-GAAP other income and expenses, non-GAAP tax rate, non-GAAP net earnings and non-GAAP diluted net EPS. These items can have a material impact on the equivalent GAAP earnings measure and cash flows.
    • HP may not be able to immediately liquidate the short-term and certain long-term investments included in gross cash, which may limit the usefulness of gross cash as a liquidity measure.

    Other companies may calculate the non-GAAP financial measures differently than HP, limiting the usefulness of those measures for comparative purposes.

    Compensation for limitations associated with use of non-GAAP financial measures

    HP accounts for the limitations on its use of non-GAAP financial measures by relying primarily on its GAAP results and using non-GAAP financial measures only supplementally. HP also provides reconciliations of each non-GAAP financial measure to its most directly comparable GAAP measure within this news release and in other written materials that include these non-GAAP financial measures, and HP encourages investors to review those reconciliations carefully.

    Usefulness of non-GAAP financial measures to investors

    HP believes that providing net revenue on a constant currency basis, non-GAAP total operating expense, non-GAAP operating profit, non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP other income and expenses, non-GAAP tax rate, non-GAAP net earnings, non-GAAP diluted net EPS, free cash flow, gross cash and net cash (debt) to investors in addition to the related GAAP financial measures provides investors with greater insight to the information used by HP’s management in its financial and operational decision making and allows investors to see HP’s results “through the eyes” of management. HP further believes that providing this information better enables HP’s investors to understand HP’s operating performance and financial condition and to evaluate the efficacy of the methodology and information used by HP’s management to evaluate and measure such performance and financial condition. Disclosure of these non-GAAP financial measures also facilitates comparisons of HP’s operating performance with the performance of other companies in HP’s industry that supplement their GAAP results with non-GAAP financial measures that may be calculated in a similar manner.

    Editorial contacts

    HP Inc. Media Relations
    MediaRelations@hp.com

    HP Inc. Investor Relations
    InvestorRelations@hp.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: S. 1047, Assisting Small Businesses Not Fraudsters Act

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    S. 1047 would clarify that small businesses with associates who are convicted of falsely receiving financial assistance from the Small Business Administration (SBA) for programs related to COVID-19 are ineligible for future financial assistance. Under current law, those people are already ineligible for future funding from the SBA.

    The SBA currently requires applicants for loans and grants to disclose whether they are being investigated for or have been convicted of defrauding a federal agency. In addition, the agency uses federal databases to identify applicants previously convicted of fraud and provides lenders with pre-approval screening to detect fraud before financial assistance is awarded.

    Because the SBA already reviews applications to verify that applicants who have falsely received assistance do not receive additional federal assistance, CBO estimates that implementing S. 1047 would have insignificant costs. Any related spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

    The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Aurora Swanson. The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: Core Specialty Announces Changes to its Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CINCINNATI, May 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Core Specialty Insurance Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“Core Specialty” or the “Company”) announced today that Patrick Gordon has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Company effective immediately, in replacement of Marc Stad. Mr. Stad has served on the Company’s Board since the Company’s recapitalization in November 2020 as a director designated by Dragoneer Investment Group (‘Dragoneer”). The Board and management of the Company are grateful for his many contributions and wish him the very best in the years ahead.

    Mr. Gordon currently serves as Principal at Dragoneer, a position he has held since 2018 where he is focused on private investing. Prior to joining Dragoneer, Mr. Gordon’s previous roles were with Google, Stripe, and Parthenon Capital serving in operations and investment management roles. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and Science from Harvard College and a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School, where he was a George F. Baker Scholar.

    Commenting on changes to Core Specialty’s Board, Jeff Consolino, Core Specialty’s Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer, said, “We appreciate Marc Stad’s leadership on our board. From inception, Core Specialty has greatly benefitted from Dragoneer’s history of partnering with management teams in companies characterized by sustainable differentiation and superior economic models. Dragoneer has substantial committed capital, a long track record of successfully identifying category and industry leaders and deep experience in the public markets and Patrick Gordon’s skills and experience will continue to drive these benefits to Core Specialty. Mr. Gordon will be an excellent fit with the Core Specialty Board.”

    About Core Specialty

    Core Specialty offers a diversified range of specialty insurance products for small to mid-sized businesses. From its underwriting offices spanning the U.S., the company focuses on niche markets, local distribution, and superior underwriting knowledge; offering traditional as well as innovative insurance solutions to meet the needs of its customers and brokers. Core Specialty is an insurance holding company operating through StarStone Specialty Insurance Company, a U.S. excess & surplus lines insurer, StarStone National Insurance Company, Lancer Insurance Company, Lancer Insurance Company of New Jersey and American Surety Company, each of which is a U.S. admitted markets insurer, and Standard Life and Accident Insurance Company, a life, accident and health insurer. For further information about Core Specialty, please visit www.corespecialty.com.

    About Dragoneer Investment Group

    Dragoneer Investment Group is a growth-oriented investment firm with over $25 billion under management and a flexible mandate to invest in high-quality businesses in both the public and private markets. For over a decade, Dragoneer has partnered with management teams growing exceptional companies, characterized by sustainable differentiation and superior economic models. The firm seeks to deliver attractive returns while maintaining a focus on capital preservation and margin of safety.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: SR 165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge planning study online open house available May 28 to June 17

    Source: Washington State News 2

    CARBONADO – People can now provide input on the future of State Route 165 at the Carbon River in Pierce County in an online open house.

    The Washington State Department of Transportation published an online open house today, Wednesday, May 28 that focuses on data-driven recommendations that address safety concerns and long-term transportation needs for SR 165 across the Carbon River Valley.

    The online open house accompanies two in-person open house events scheduled in June. The same information will be available both in-person and online. The open house events are part of a WSDOT SR 165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge planning study.

    SR 165 Carbon River- Fairfax Bridge Planning Study online open house

    When:  Wednesday, May 28 to Tuesday, June 17

    Where:  engage.wsdot.wa.gov/sr-165-fairfax-bridge/

    Details:  The online open house gives people the opportunity to view proposed recommendations and provide comments through June 17. 

    Free internet access

    Free, temporary internet access is available to those who do not have broadband service in locations throughout the state. To find the nearest Drive-In WiFi Hotspot visit the Department of Commerce website.

    Free WiFi access is available at these locations for people who wish to participate in the online open house:

    • Buckley Pierce County Library, 123 S. River Ave., Buckley, WA 98321
    • Orting Pierce County Library, 202 Washington Ave. S., Orting, WA 98360

    SR 165 Carbon River- Fairfax Bridge Planning Study in-person open houses

    When:  4 to 6:30 p.m., Monday, June 2

    Where:  Carbonado School, 301 O’Ferrell Drive, Carbonado, WA 98323 

    When:  5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 11

    Where:  Wilkeson Elementary School, 640 Railroad Ave., Wilkeson, WA 98396  

    Details:  There is no formal presentation. Attendees are welcome to drop by anytime during the events. Project team members will be available to answer questions about the study and the options presented.

    Background

    WSDOT permanently closed the bridge on April 22. Recent inspections of the 103-year-old bridge revealed new deterioration of steel supports across the bridge. Since 2009, the bridge operated under vehicle weight restrictions. The structural challenges the bridge faced were brought on by years of deferred preservation due to lack of funding. 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: 14 Arrested on Complaints Alleging More Than $25 Million in COVID-19 Relief and Small Business Loans Were Fraudulently Obtained

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – Fourteen defendants – including San Fernando Valley and Glendale residents – were arrested on two federal criminal complaints alleging they fraudulently obtained more than $25 million in taxpayer-funded COVID-19 relief funds and federally-guaranteed small business loans.

    The 18 total defendants named in the complaints – four defendants are believed to be in Armenia – are charged with conspiracy to defraud the government with respect to claims; false, fictitious, or fraudulent claims; wire fraud and attempted wire fraud; bank fraud and attempted bank fraud; money laundering conspiracy; laundering of monetary instruments; engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity; and/or structuring financial transactions to evade reporting requirements.

    The defendants arrested today include:

    • Vahe Margaryan, a.k.a. “William McGrayan,” 42, of Tujunga, who allegedly orchestrated a scheme to defraud numerous banks and the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Preferred Lender Program, a program designed to help small businesses that otherwise might not obtain financing. McGrayan allegedly directed owners of sham corporations to open bank accounts, make false statements, and concoct documents, including phony resumes and financial statements, to support loan applications to buy other sham corporations. McGrayan allegedly paid for phony tax returns that falsely reported millions in revenue and tens of thousands in tax due and owing. McGrayan, whose alleged criminal activity lasted from 2018 until January 2025, then directed the laundering of millions in fraud proceeds through various bank accounts.
    • Sarkis Gareginovich Sarkisyan, 37, a.k.a. “Samuel Shaw,” of Glendale, who allegedly, among other offenses, submitted a false application and bogus documents to obtain a loan under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which provided low-interest, forgivable loans to help small businesses retain their workforce and cover expenses. Sarkisyan allegedly applied in April 2021 on behalf of a fake business that received more than $700,000 in PPP funds.
    • Mery Babayan, 32, a.k.a. “Mery Diamondz,” of Van Nuys, together with co-defendants Margaryan and Hovannes Hovannisyan, 48, a.k.a. “John Harvard,” of Panorama City, in May 2021 allegedly defrauded a bank by representing the nonexistent sale of a sham business to another sham company to obtain an approximately $3 million federally guaranteed loan through the SBA’s Preferred Lending Program.
    • Felix Parker, 77, of North Hollywood, who in January 2023 allegedly made false statements and submitted fraudulent documents, including fake tax returns that falsely reported that his shell company, Canmar Promo, earned millions of dollars annually and owed tens of thousands in federal income taxes. Parker allegedly obtained more than $2 million in government-guaranteed funds earmarked to help small businesses.
    • Axsel Markaryan, 47, a.k.a. “Axel Mark,” of Pacoima, who in June 2023 allegedly fraudulently obtained more than $5 million in SBA loans via the submission of false statements and the submission of fake documents, including bogus tax returns. After the loans were obtained, Markaryan and his co-schemers in November 2023 laundered the money, including sending at least $100,000 to a co-schemer in Armenia.

    As a result of today’s takedown, law enforcement seized approximately $20,000 in cash, two money-counting machines, paper cash bands or currency straps in denominations of $2,000 and $10,000, multiple cell phones, multiple laptops, two loaded semi-automatic 9mm handguns, and boxes of 9mm ammunition.

    “Today’s enforcement action is intended to send a message to all criminals who take advantage of government programs designed to help those who need them most,” said United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “If you took COVID-19 or SBA money you weren’t entitled to, your door could be the next one we visit. Together with our law enforcement partners, my office will aggressively prosecute individuals who cheat the system meant to protect and support law-abiding citizens.”

    “Scheming to fraudulently obtain federal funds that were meant to provide assistance to the nation’s small businesses is unacceptable,” said the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General (SBA-OIG) Western Region Acting Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Huang. “OIG will continue to ardently investigate fraudulently obtained SBA program funds, including COVID-19 pandemic-related loans, to protect taxpayers from fraud, waste, and abuse. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and pursuit of justice.”

    “This transnational criminal network sought to defraud the government of millions of dollars and almost succeeded,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles Acting Special Agent in Charge John Pasciucco. “Through the diligent work of the El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force and our federal partners, HSI is continuing to identify these criminal groups looking to profit from the pandemic and will use all available resources to criminally prosecute or remove them from the country.”

    “Today, 14 individuals were arrested in connection with a fraudulent loan scheme in which they allegedly obtained in excess of $25 million through the SBA Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loan programs, and other federal funding programs,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher, Los Angeles Field Office. “These programs were established to assist individuals and businesses in need of financial assistance and instead were pilfered by the named defendants. IRS-CI is dedicated to identifying and dismantling criminal organizations that prey on assistance programs set up for the benefit of our law-abiding citizens.”

    A criminal complaint contains allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    If convicted, each defendant would face a statutory maximum sentence of decades in federal prison.

    On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolster efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus

    On September 15, 2022, the Attorney General selected the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Central and Eastern Districts of California to jointly head one of the three national COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force Teams. The Department of Justice established the Strike Force to enhance existing efforts to combat and prevent COVID-19 related financial fraud. The Strike Force combines law enforcement and prosecutorial resources and focuses on large-scale, multistate pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors, as well as those who committed instances of pandemic relief fraud. The Strike Force uses prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds. Additional information regarding the Strike Force may be found at https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-announces-covid-19-fraud-strike-force-teams

    Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at (866) 720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form

    SBA-OIG, IRS Criminal Investigation, and HSI are investigating these matters.

    The cases announced today were investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General and Homeland Security Investigations’ (HSI) El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force, a multi-agency task force that includes federal and state investigators who are focused on financial crimes in Southern California. 

    Assistant United States Attorneys Mark Aveis and Gregg Marmaro of the Major Frauds Section and Maxwell Coll of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section are prosecuting these cases.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Restaurant management company settles False Claims Act allegations involving Paycheck Protection loan

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Both Management Services, Inc., located in Virginia Beach, has agreed to pay $750,000 to settle False Claims Act allegations that it certified that it was eligible to receive first and second draw loans under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for which it was not eligible.

    The PPP offered loans to eligible small businesses for economic relief during the COVID-19 pandemic. Only businesses with fewer than 500 employees (or fewer than an industry-based size standard, if applicable) were eligible for PPP loans. Under the Small Business Administration’s “affiliation rules,” businesses under common ownership or control were required to add their employee counts together when determining their size for purposes of eligibility. The PPP allowed certain eligible borrowers that previously received a PPP loan to apply for a second draw PPP loan with the same general loan terms as their first draw PPP loan.

    The settlement began with a lawsuit involving Both Management Services, Inc.’s second draw PPP loan, United States ex rel. Verity Investigation, LLC v. Both Management Services, Inc., , which was filed under the whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act.

    The settlement resolves allegations that Both Management Services, Inc. obtained two PPP loans by falsely representing the total number of its employees and/or its affiliates’ employees. The United States alleged that Both Management Services, Inc. falsely certified it was eligible, on the date of both applications, to receive PPP loans and forgiveness.

    This resolution was the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and the Small Business Administration.

    The matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney John E. Beerbower.

    A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Case records may be found on PACER under case number 2:24-cv-474.

    The civil claims settled are allegations only; there has been no determination of civil liability.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Dan Goldman Leads Bipartisan Effort to Protect Federal Judges From Doxxing and Threats

    Source: US Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

    Bipartisan Appropriations Letter Urges Congress to Fund Grant to Scrub Judges’ Personal Information from the Internet 

     

    Threats Against Judges Have Risen Over 100% in the Last 6 Weeks, Coinciding with Harsh Rhetoric from Trump Administration 

     

    Read the Letter Here 

    Washington, D.C – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) and Congresswoman Mikie Sherill (NJ-11) led a bipartisan group of 39 of their colleagues in writing to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and Science Chairman Hal Rogers (KY-05) and Ranking Member Grace Meng (NY-06) requesting that they provide $10 million for a program within the bipartisan Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act of 2022 for state and local governments to remove the personal information of federal judges and their families from the internet, such as property tax records that would list addresses. 

    “As Donald Trump has escalated his attacks on federal judges, their safety and security are increasingly at risk. If judges alter their decisions out of fear for the safety of themselves and their families, then we no longer live under the rule of law,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. In order to enhance the security of federal judges, it is vital for Congress to fund this essential grant program and ensure that sensitive personal information, including home addresses, financial records, and details about family members, is kept private.” 

    Between 2015 and 2021, threats against federal judges rose by more than 450%, from 926 incidents in 2015 to 4,511 in 2021. The Trump administration’s recent rhetoric against individual judges who have rendered unfavorable rulings has only supercharged that trend, with threats against judges rising over 100% in the last six weeks alone. 

    “Time is of the essence in implementing the Anderl Act’s protections for our federal judges and their families, as members of the Federal judiciary have been exposed to an increased number of personal threats in connection to their role,” the Members wrote. 

    Named after Daniel Anderl—the son of a federal judge who was murdered by a disgruntled attorney who obtained the judge’s home address online—the law’s provisions authorizing anti-doxxing grants for state and local governments have never been funded. 

    “The importance of the Anderl Act to our federal judiciary and to our federal legal system cannot be overstated. It is critical that Congress take action to protect all our public servants on the federal bench and prevent this type of violence and threats in the future. Our judiciary, and by extension, our democracy, cannot continue to bear this burden alone,” the Members concluded. 

    Read the letter here or below:

    Dear Chair Rogers and Ranking Member Meng: 

    As you begin consideration of the Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies appropriations bill, we ask that within the accounts funding the Department of Justice State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance account, you provide $10 million for the state and local government grant program authorized in Section 5934(c) of the Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-263). 

    This program permits the Attorney General to make grants to States or units of local governments so they can remove personal information about federal judges and their families from their websites, such as property tax records that would list federal judges’ addresses. 

    Time is of the essence in implementing the Anderl Act’s protections for our federal judges and their families, as members of the Federal judiciary have been exposed to an increased number of personal threats in connection to their role.  Testifying before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and the Federal Government in February of this year, U.S. Marshals Service Director Ronald Davis said that threats against federal judges have doubled in the past 3 years. In fact, from 2015 to 2021, threats against federal court personnel jumped more than 450 percent, from 926 incidents recorded in 2015 to 4,511 incidents in 2021. 

    Among the incidents demonstrating the unfortunate urgency of these measures is the 2020 murder of Daniel Anderl, for whom the legislation was named. The 20-year-old son of New Jersey District Judge Esther Salas, Daniel was shot and killed at home by a disgruntled lawyer who found the judge’s address on the internet and also critically wounded Judge Salas’ husband. 

    After Judge James Robart’s 2017 decision to block former President Trump’s travel ban, critics posted the judge’s home phone and address online. Judge Robart received 40,000 messages, 1,100 of which were serious enough to be investigated, and so many death threats that U.S. marshals set up camp around his house. Additionally, in 2022, a California man was indicted for attempting to assassinate Justice Brett Kavanaugh. An FBI affidavit stated that the would-be assassin found Justice Kavanaugh’s address online. 

    In his annual year-end report in December, Chief Justice Roberts warned about the rising number of threats to the judiciary’s independence, including calls for violence against judges and “dangerous” suggestions by elected officials to disregard court rulings they disagree with. This warning was followed by another by the U.S. Marshals to federal judges indicating an “unusually high threat level” in March. The importance of the Anderl Act to our federal judiciary and to our federal legal system cannot be overstated. It is critical that Congress take action to protect all our public servants on the federal bench and prevent this type of violence and threats in the future. Our judiciary, and by extension, our democracy, cannot continue to bear this burden alone. 

    Thank you for your consideration of this important request. 

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: US Department of Labor celebrates 50 years of partnering with small businesses to save lives, prevent injuries, strengthen bottom line

    Source: US Department of Labor

    WASHINGTON – For more than half a century, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s On-Site Consultation Program has been helping small and medium-sized businesses protect workers and improve safety at no cost and with complete confidentiality. 

    Launched in 1975, OSHA’s On-Site Consultation Program has grown to serve all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and several U.S. territories. It helps employers identify workplace hazards, improve safety practices, and build strong safety and health programs, all without triggering OSHA enforcement. 

    In the last decade alone, the program averaged nearly 24,000 worksite visits annually – 98 percent to worksites with 250 or fewer employees – and prevented nearly three million workers from exposure to hazards each year. A 2023 OSHA economic analysis estimated that these efforts generate $1.5 billion in national benefits annually through fewer injuries and illnesses, lower workers’ compensation costs, and increased productivity.

    Over its 50 years, the program surpassed one million visits in 2010; supported recovery efforts following national disasters such as 9/11 and Hurricanes Katrina and Maria; launched digital resources like the Small Business Handbook app to make safety information more accessible; and created the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program, which honors small businesses with outstanding safety programs. SHARP status includes a deferral from programmed OSHA inspections and marks a company as an industry leader in workplace safety. Currently, SHARP recognizes approximately 1,000 employers for their exceptional safety leadership.

    As it marks this milestone, OSHA is reaffirming its dedication to practical, science-based solutions that protect workers and support business success for the next 50 years and beyond.

    Learn more about OSHA’s On-Site Consultation Program and how it helps small businesses create safer workplaces.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Armstrong highlights economic, national security benefits of Talon Metals battery minerals facility

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    Gov. Kelly Armstrong today took part in a signing ceremony to celebrate Talon Metals securing a site for its proposed Beulah Minerals Processing Facility on the former Westmoreland Mining coal mine near Beulah. The ceremony marked a milestone in the development of the facility, which will process high-grade nickel and copper ore from the Tamarack mine in Minnesota and other potential sources to produce minerals for batteries.

    “By processing domestically sourced nickel and copper for batteries right here in North Dakota, we will strengthen the U.S. supply chain, reduce our reliance on foreign sources and enhance our economic and national security,” Armstrong said. “We commend Talon for working with Westmoreland to secure a site with existing infrastructure and appreciate the efforts of local leaders, our congressional delegation and the North Dakota Department of Commerce for their instrumental role in the site selection process that landed the project in Beulah.”

    Talon announced plans for the facility in Mercer County in October 2022, supported by a nearly $115 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. The project represents a total investment of up to $365 million and will create up to 150 jobs for workers to process critical minerals for batteries, in addition to construction jobs, according to Talon.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA, SBA and the State of Arkansas Are Adding More Sites to Assist Survivors

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA, SBA and the State of Arkansas Are Adding More Sites to Assist Survivors

    FEMA, SBA and the State of Arkansas Are Adding More Sites to Assist Survivors

    LITTLE ROCK– The state of Arkansas, FEMA and U

    S

    Small Business Administration (SBA) will offer face-to-face help at four additional sites this week for residents affected by the March 14-15 and April 2-22 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding

    Homeowners and renters in Greene, Hot Spring, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Lawrence, Randolph, Sharp and Stone counties and impacted by the March 14-15 storms and tornadoes and may be eligible for FEMA assistance for losses not covered by insurance

    Assistance is also available to eligible residents living in Clark, Clay, Craighead, Crittenden, Desha, Fulton, Hot Spring, Jackson, Miller, Ouachita, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, Sharp, St

    Francis and White counties impacted by the April 2-22 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding

    The four new locations providing survivor assistance include:CLARK COUNTYArkadelphia Recreation Center2555 Twin Rivers DriveArkadelphia, AR 71923Dates: Thursday, May 29 – Saturday, May 31Hours: 8 a

    m

    – 6 p

    m

    DESHA COUNTYMcGhee Municipal Complex901 Holly Street McGhee, AR 71654Dates: Thursday, May 29 – Saturday, May 31Hours: 8 a

    m

    – 6 p

    m

    CRITTENDEN COUNTYRoberta Jackson Neighborhood Center 1300 Polk AvenueWest Memphis, AR 72301Dates: Thursday, May 29 – Saturday, May 31Hours: 8 a

    m

    – 6 p

    m

    FULTON COUNTYFulton County Courthouse154 South Main StreetSalem, AR 72570Dates: Wednesday, May 28 – Saturday, May 31Hours: 8 a

    m

    – 6 p

    m

    Additional locations continuing to provide survivor assistance include: GREENE COUNTY Paragould Community Center3404 Linwood DriveParagould, AR 72112Dates: Tuesday, May 27 – Thursday, May 29Times: 8 a

    m

    – 6 p

    m

    RANDOLPH COUNTYBlack River Technical CollegeAcademic Complex Building, Room AC 1001410 Highway 304 EastPocahontas, AR 72455Dates: Tuesday, May 27 – Thursday, May 29 Hours: 8 a

    m

    – 6 p

    m

    IZARD COUNTYOzarka College – John Miller Auditorium218 College DriveMelbourne, AR 72556Dates: Tuesday, May 27 – Thursday, May 29Hours: 8 a

    m

    – 6 p

    m

    SALINE COUNTYSaline County Career and Technical Campus Auditorium13600 I-30 NorthBenton, AR 72019 Dates: Tuesday, May 27 – Saturday, May 31Times: 8 a

    m

    – 6 p

    m

    JACKSON COUNTYASU-Newport Center for Fine Arts7648 Victory BoulevardNewport, AR 72112 Dates: Tuesday, May 27 – Thursday, May 29Times: 8 a

    m

    – 6 p

    m

    SHARP COUNTY Ash Flat City Hall897 Ash Flat DriveAsh Flat, AR 72513Dates: Tuesday, May 27 – Saturday, May 31Times: 8 a

    m

    – 6 p

    m

    MILLER COUNTYMiller County Office of Emergency Management – Conference Room409 Hazel StreetTexarkana, AR 71854 Dates: Tuesday, May 27 – Saturday, May 31Times: 8 a

    m

    – 6 p

    m

    SHARP COUNTYCity Hall – Cave CityConference Room201 South Main StreetCave City, AR 72521*Entrance and parking at back of buildingDates: Tuesday, May 27 – Thursday, May 29Times: 9 a

    m

    – 6 p

    m

    Survivors can apply to FEMA in several ways including going online to DisasterAssistance

    gov, downloading the FEMA App for mobile devices or calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362

    Calls are accepted every day from 6 a

    m

    to 10 p

    m

    CT

    Help is available in most languages

     If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service

    To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube

    For more information, visit fema

    gov/disaster/4865 or fema

    gov/disaster/4873

    Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at x

    com/FEMARegion6 and at facebook

    com/FEMARegion6/

    erika

    suzuki
    Wed, 05/28/2025 – 12:18

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER REVEALS: AS SUMMER SEASON KICKS OFF, TRUMP’S TARIFF WAR SLAMS UPSTATE NY – CANADIAN BORDER CROSSINGS PLUNGE NEARLY 290,000 & PLUMMET A WHOPPING 22% ACROSS ALL NY PORTS OF ENTRY LAST MONTH -…

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

    New Data Shows Border Crossings Across Upstate NY Are Nose-Diving As Trump’s Tariffs And Ludicrous Comments On Annexing Canada Drive Away Tourists, Putting Billions For NY’s Main Streets At Risk, Jeopardizing Jobs, & Restricting The Summer Tourism Economy

    Schumer Says NY House Republicans Must Stand Up For Upstate NY And The Main Street Hotels, Restaurants & Shops Across NY That Rely On Canadian Tourists And Are Seeing Major Hits To Their Bottom Lines – The House Needs To Act On The Senate-Passed Bill To End Tariff War With Canada

    Schumer: Trump Tariff War & Destructive Comments Are Burning Bridges With Canada, And Blowing A Massive Hole In Upstate NY’s Tourism Economy

    With summer tourism season kicking off and Canadians canceling trips to the United States at record rates because of Trump’s mistreatment of our closest ally and trading partner, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today revealed new data on how Trump’s reckless tariff war is causing border crossings to plummet across all major land ports of entry in Upstate New York. According to Customs & Border Patrol (CBP), almost 290,000 fewer travelers crossed the Upstate New York-Canadian border last month than over the same period in 2024, a whopping 22% decrease.

    “Burning bridges and ruining relationships with our closest ally and key trading partner, Canada, right when summer tourism season is arriving, is about as destructive as it gets. Upstate NY is on the frontlines of Trump’s destructive tariff war, and this shocking new data shows our tourism economy is paying the price from Buffalo to Ogdensburg,” said Leader Schumer. “Instead of lowering costs, Trump’s tariffs are raising prices for families and driving away tourists who spend billions in our shops, hotels, restaurants, and support thousands of NY jobs. If this trend of depressed tourism continues, this could be a summer in Upstate NY that no small business wants to remember.”

    According to new data from CBP, Upstate NY & Canada saw approximately 1,017,500 border crossings in April, compared to 1,307,381 during the same month in 2024, a nearly 22% decrease across road and bridge crossings frequented by tourists.  A breakdown bridge-by-bridge from the Bridge and Tunnel Operators Association shows just how steeply tourism is declining across all the major land ports of entry between Upstate NY and Canada:

    NY-Canada Bridge

    Region

    April 2024 Auto Crossings

    April 2025 Auto Crossings

    Percentage Decline

    Peace Bridge

    Western NY

    366,159

    309,317

    15.52%

    Rainbow Bridge

    Western NY

    174,395

    119,265

    31.61%

    Lewiston-Queenstown Bridge

    Western NY

    239,645

    204,222

    14.78%

    Whirlpool Rapids Bridge

    Western NY

    32,211

    25,377

    21.22%

    Ogdensburg-Prescott International Bridge

    North Country

    43,945

    31,857

    27.51%

    Thousand Islands Bridge

    North Country

    147,814

    117,953

    20.20%

    Seaway Bridge

    North Country

    209,524

    205,518

    1.91%

    Schumer said this steep drop is alarming and called on NY House Republicans to stand up for their constituents and Main Street small businesses – like hotels, restaurants and shops – and take up the resolution which has already passed the Senate to end this reckless, ill-conceived and harmful trade war with Canada.

    Schumer added, “This should be a bright red alarm for NY House Republicans who have stayed silent as Trump’s reckless trade war has wreaked havoc in their districts. To add insult to injury, he makes absurd declarations on annexing our neighbors to the north, which only depresses travel to the U.S. and the purchase of American products. NY House Republicans need to stand up for Upstate NY and should take up the bill which has already passed the Senate to end this reckless trade war with Canada and restore our cherished, friendly and economically dynamic relationship with our next-door neighbor.”

    Across Upstate NY, businesses are already seeing the impacts of fewer Canadian tourists and are worried that it will get worse, and Upstate New York would feel the impact of this decline first and harder than nearly anywhere else in the country. In Western New York, Canadian tourism is nearly 40% of the overall tourism economy in Buffalo. In Central New York, Visit Syracuse says web traffic from Canadians is down by half this year creating major worry for the summer season, approximately 15% of tourism dollars spent in the Syracuse area come from Canadian visitors.

    According to a recent North Country Chamber of Commerce survey, 66% of businesses are already experiencing a dip in Canadian bookings. Canada is the top source of international visitors to the U.S., with 20.4 million visits in 2024, generating $20.5 billion in spending and supporting 140,000 American jobs. Schumer said if there were even a 10% reduction in Canadian travel, it could mean as much as $2 billion in lost spending and 14,000 job losses across America.

    “The Peace Bridge, as a self-funded agency, is reliant on tolls generated by cross border traffic to provide service to the travelling public. We were just beginning to approach normal traffic volumes following the border restrictions imposed during the Covid-19 Pandemic,” said Ron Rienas, Chief Executive Officer of the Peace Bridge Authority. “The decline of car and truck traffic directly impacts our bottom line and that of every international crossing and hampers the ability to make investments to facilitate  the safe and efficient movement of people and commerce.”

    “As Town Supervisor of Plattsburgh, and through ongoing discussions with leaders from other border communities on both sides, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact tariffs are having on our region. The sharp decline in Canadian visitors is hurting families, small businesses, hotels, marinas, golf courses, restaurants, and workers who depend on cross-border tourism to make a living. Beyond the economic toll, these tariffs are eroding the cultural ties that have connected our communities for generations,” said Michael S. Cashman, Plattsburgh Town Supervisor. “This isn’t about politics it’s about real people and the survival of our border region. The harmful rhetoric labeling Canada as a ‘51st state’ only deepens divisions. Canada is our oldest ally and closest friend, and our economies and cultures have long been intertwined for the benefit of us all.”

    Since taking office in January, Trump has damaged the United States’ relationship with Canada by threatening to annex Canada and levying 25% tariffs on Canadian goods. Schumer said this new data on major reductions in bridge crossings shows Trump’s threats to annex Canada and tariff Canadian goods are directly impacting commerce between the two countries, including Canadian tourism across New York State.

    Schumer said he is fighting to end this unnecessary, damaging trade war with Canada and protect tourism, small businesses, and local jobs. Earlier this year, the Senate passed a bipartisan resolution to end tariffs on Canada, and Schumer said this new shocking data shows the urgency for House Republicans to take up and pass it as well. Senate Democrats are also pushing for tariff exemptions for small businesses and putting an end to Trump’s across-the-board tariffs. Schumer said ending this costly trade war is key to protecting American families from price increases and job losses as a result of tariffs on Canada.

    “I am all for addressing trade imbalances, especially with adversaries like China, but these sweeping, ill-conceived tariffs are creating chaos and undermining those goals. Rather than uniting the world against China, Trump has united our allies like Canada against us. The Senate passed a resolution to end this disastrous trade war with Canada, and now it’s time for the House to follow. We need everyone, especially NY House Republicans, to stand up against Trump’s senseless, job-killing trade war that is hurting our tourism industry, New York’s Main Streets, and New Yorkers’ jobs,” concluded Schumer.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fresno Man Pleads Guilty to Paycheck Protection Program Loan Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    FRESNO, Calif. — Gurjeet Bath, 37, of Fresno, pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of theft of government property, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, Bath and other family members operated two trucking businesses: G.S. Bath Inc. and Complete Transportation Solutions (CTS), operating in Fresno County. In 2020 and 2021, Bath applied for and received three PPP loans totaling over $1 million. To obtain the loans, Bath knowingly falsified records to inflate his businesses’ employees and their wages. Bath then used approximately $600,000 of those funds to purchase two parcels of agricultural land in Fresno County.

    This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey A. Spivak is prosecuting the case.

    Bath is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston on Oct. 6, 2025. Bath faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

    MIL Security OSI