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Category: Economy

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen Helps Introduce Legislation to Ban High-Capacity Gun Magazines

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) helped introduce legislation to reinstate a nationwide ban on the sale, transfer, possession, import, or manufacture of high-capacity gun magazines that hold more than ten rounds. The Keep Americans Safe Act would also authorize a high-capacity magazine buyback program and authorize law enforcement to seize and destroy high-capacity magazines possessed illegally.
    “High-capacity magazines like those used on 1 October in Las Vegas allow those who commit mass shootings to kill more innocent people faster,” said Senator Rosen. “This commonsense legislation will help decrease gun violence, prevent future tragedies, and keep our communities safe.”
    Senator Rosen has been a leader in the fight against gun violence. Following last year’s Supreme Court decision to reverse the bump stock ban implemented during President Trump’s first term, Senator Rosen joined bipartisan legislation to permanently ban bump stocks. She helped introduce the Resources for Victims of Gun Violence Act to provide all victims of gun violence and their loved ones with the resources to help meet medical, legal, financial, and other needs. She also helped pass the historic Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to enhance background checks on firearm purchases for individuals under 21, fund the implementation of red flag laws, combat firearms trafficking, and invest in school safety and mental health programs. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Works to Empower Patients, Boost Transparency Through Improved Data on Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a senior member and former chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, is pushing the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to provide clear and accessible information on inpatient psychiatric facilities (IPFs) to better support patients and their families. While CMS has supported web-based tools to find and compare providers, the agency lacks a tool for comparing IPFs so that families can make fully-informed decisions.

    “This is the kind of information that patients and their families care about…In all states, patients and their families deserve to have access to all IPF inspection/survey reports through a user-accessible website, no matter whether the survey was performed by a state or local survey agency, CMS, or an accrediting organization,” Grassley wrote.

    Grassley is an outspoken advocate for improved oversight and transparency at health care facilities that care for vulnerable Americans, such as nursing homes and IPFs. His past work revealed that inspection reports are completely inaccessible to consumers in most states. Grassley has previously called for improving the quality of information available to the public about nursing homes. He’s also pushed for greater transparency of financial relationships between drug makers and providers and of the misuse of psychotropic drugs in nursing homes and foster youth.

    “Currently, a search for an IPF on the Care Compare website yields little to no information that would allow a consumer to determine the safety of the facility…There is no information regarding assaults, abuses, suicides, and [unauthorized departures], particularly information regarding facilities that have had repeated and/or potentially preventable events. There is no information regarding Medicare Conditions of Participation violations, citations, penalties, or enforcement actions,” Grassley continued.

    Grassley requested the agency provide details on plans to improve public access to IPF data and any possible barriers to CMS’s progress.

    Text of the letter to Acting CMS Administrator Carlton follows:

    February 28, 2025

    VIA ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION

    The Honorable Stephanie Carlton

    Acting Administrator

    Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

    Dear Acting Administrator Carlton:

    I have long advocated for improved oversight and transparency at health care facilities that care for vulnerable Americans, such as nursing homes and inpatient psychiatric facilities (IPFs).[1]  My oversight has resulted in improvements to the Nursing Home Care Compare website, which has been found to help consumers find their way to higher quality nursing homes and encourage providers to improve quality.[2]  Yet, after more than twenty-five years of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) supporting web-based tools for consumers to find and compare providers, the mechanism for comparing IPFs is still lacking. [3]  Like nursing home residents, psychiatric inpatients are at high risk for abuse, neglect, and harm, and the public deserves to be able to readily access information regarding quality, safety, and regulatory citations at IPFs in all states.[4] 

    According to a recent report, it took weeks to compile information regarding safety and regulatory issues at two IPFs because there is no place to readily access that information.[5]  The report noted that, “the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has a robust database of hospital inspections, quality of care and staff ratings.  However, when you try to search many inpatient mental health hospitals, every category says information is not available.”[6]  In response to questions about the lack of information, the prior administration stated that “although CMS doesn’t give star ratings for psychiatric hospitals, consumers can still find valuable quality information by using [other] CMS resources.”[7]  However, a review of those resources found them to be insufficient.[8]

    Currently, a search for an IPF on the Care Compare website yields little to no information that would allow a consumer to determine the safety of the facility.  After searching for an IPF on Care Compare, the website launches a webpage showing that the facility’s “Overall Star Rating” and “Patient Survey Rating” are not available.[9]  Under a drop down, Care Compare primarily presents process measures, including COVID-19 vaccinations for providers, influenza vaccinations and body mass index screenings for patients.[10]  While there is information regarding potentially harmful mechanical restraints and seclusions, there is no data regarding physical holds and chemical restraints, which surveyors have also found to be used inappropriately and with incorrect technique.[11]  There is no information regarding assaults, abuses, suicides, and elopements (unauthorized departures), particularly information regarding facilities that have had repeated and/or potentially preventable events. [12]  There is no information regarding Medicare Conditions of Participation violations, citations, penalties, or enforcement actions.[13]  This is the kind of information that patients and their families care about.

    While Care Compare provides access to inspection reports for nursing homes, this capability is missing from the hospital section of the website.[14]  In all states, patients and their families deserve to have access to all IPF inspection/survey reports through a user-accessible website, no matter whether the survey was performed by a state or local survey agency, CMS, or an accrediting organization, such as The Joint Commission.  While some hospital inspection reports may be accessible through the CMS 2567 Statement of Deficiencies data file, this is not a consumer-facing or readily accessible resource.[15]  Additionally, my past oversight work revealed that inspection reports from accrediting organizations are completely inaccessible to consumers in most states.[16]  Despite my advocacy on the issue, in 2017, CMS reversed course on a proposal to require accrediting organizations to post provider survey reports on their public-facing websites, but noted that, “CMS is committed to ensuring that patients have the ability to review the findings used to determine that a facility meets the health and safety standards required for Medicare participation.”[17]  Seven years later, it still doesn’t appear that patients, or even CMS, have the ability to readily conduct that review.[18]  There also still appears to be incongruity between safety violations and accreditation.[19] 

    For Congress to understand CMS’s current actions to increase the relevance of information regarding IPFs on the Care Compare website as well as any barriers impeding CMS’s progress, please provide answers to the following questions no later than March 14, 2025.

    1. Does CMS plan to take steps to improve how information regarding IPF quality, safety, and regulatory issues are displayed on Care Compare?  If not, why not?  If so, please describe.
    1. Are there any barriers to displaying information regarding patient harm, including abuses, assaults, suicides, and elopements with harm, for IPFs on Care Compare?
    1. Are there any barriers to displaying citations, safety violations, licensure suspensions or limitations, immediate jeopardy findings, Medicare program terminations, monetary penalties, enforcement actions, or any other remediation actions for IPFs on Care Compare?
    1. Are there any barriers to integrating the CMS 2567 Statement of Deficiencies data file in a user-accessible way on Care Compare?
    1. What surveys are included in the CMS 2567 Statement of Deficiencies data file and which surveys are excluded?  For example, does the data file contain surveys conducted by all state and local survey agencies?  Are there any circumstances in which the file would contain surveys conducted by accrediting organizations?
    1. Why are the findings from the following surveys/inspections not included in the 2567 Statement of Deficiencies data file posted on the CMS Hospital website?[20]  What are the barriers to making the following reports accessible on Care Compare?
      1. The survey that corresponds with the nine patient rapes at Options Behavioral Health Hospital.[21]
      2. The February 2022 survey with immediate jeopardy findings for Brynn Marr Hospital.[22]
      3. The survey that corresponds with the sexual assault at Psychiatric Institute of Washington.[23]
      4. The survey conducted at Holly Hill Hospital after the escape of five children in March 2024.[24]
      5. The survey that corresponds with Aurora Vista Del Mar’s loss of permission to admit involuntary patients.[25]
      6. The survey that corresponds with the suicide at Morton Plant North Bay Hospital Recovery Center.[26]
    1. How does CMS assess the usability and relevance of the information regarding IPFs on the Care Compare website from the perspective of patients and their families?
    1. How does CMS validate the data currently contained in Care Compare for IPFs?  For example, what was CMS’s process for validating Harborview Medical Center’s 2022 restraint rate of 22.44 hours per 1000 patient care hours, when the national average was 0.32, and the 2022 seclusion rate of 81.73, when the national average was 0.36?[27] 
    1. How does the data currently contained in Care Compare for IPFs inform the survey/inspection process?  For example, have surveyors examined the restraint and seclusion practices at Harborview Medical Center?[28]
    1. How does CMS “ensur[e] that patients have the ability to review the findings used to determine that a facility meets the health and safety standards required for Medicare participation,” including when those findings come from accrediting organizations?[29]
    1. What role does CMS play in the accreditation process for IPFs?  How do the deficiencies listed in the CMS 2567 Statement of Deficiencies data file factor into accreditation?
    1. How does CMS partner with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) on the Inpatient Psychiatric Facility Quality Reporting (IPFQR) program and ensure consistency between the IPFs listed on the Care Compare website and the IPFs listed on the FindTreatment.gov website?[30]  How does CMS use data collected through the National Substance Use and Mental Health Services Survey (N-SUMHSS)?[31]

    Thank you for your prompt review and response.  If you have any questions, please contact my Judiciary Committee staff at (202) 224-5225.

    Sincerely,

    Charles E. Grassley

    Chairman

    Committee on the Judiciary


    [1] Press Release, Warren, Grassley Lead the Call for Greater Transparency in Nursing Home Ownership, Off. of Senator Charles E. Grassley (May 19, 2023), https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/warren-grassley-lead-the-call-for-greater-transparency-in-nursing-home-ownership; Press Release, After Year-Long Push for Transparency In Nursing Homes, Grassley Urges Improvements to CMS’s Care Compare, Off. of Senator Charles E. Grassley (June 21, 2023), https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/after-years-long-push-for-transparency-in-nursing-homes-grassley-urges-improvements-to-cmss-care-compare; Press Release, Grassley Welcomes CMS Action Following His Decades-Long Push to Increase Nursing Home Transparency, Off. of Senator Charles E. Grassley (Nov. 15, 2023),  https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-welcomes-cms-action-following-his-decades-long-push-to-increase-nursing-home-transparency; Press Release, Grassley: Alarming Pattern of Conduct Reported at UHS Facilities, Off. of Senator Charles E. Grassley (Dec. 18, 2017), https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-alarming-pattern-conduct-reported-uhs-facilities.

    [2] R. Tamara Konetzka, Kevin Yan, and Rachel Werner, Two Decades of Nursing Home Compare: What Have We Learned?, Medical Care Research and Review (June 13, 2020), https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1077558720931652?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed.

    [3] Report, Nursing Homes: CMS Offers Useful Information on Website and Is Considering Additional Steps to Assess Underlying Data, Government Accountability Office, GAO-23-105312, (May 2023), https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-23-105312.pdf.

    [4] Morgan Shields, Maureen Stewart, and Kathleen Delaney, Patient Safety in Inpatient Psychiatry: A Remaining Frontier for Health Policy, Health Affairs (Nov. 18, 2018), https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2018.0718; Hospital Surveys with 2567 Statement of Deficiencies through 2024 Q3 data file, Hospital webpage, Ctrs. for Medicare & Medicaid Services (accessed Feb. 3, 2025),  https://www.cms.gov/files/document/hospital-surveys-2567-statement-deficiencies-through-2024-q3.xlsx, (Surveyors described findings of abuse, neglect, or harm during numerous surveys listed in the 2567 Statement of Deficiencies data file, such as 6G7O11/October 16, 2023, 52U911/March 4, 2024, VN4211/June 13, 2024, QD1O11/January 6, 2021, ZX8G11/April 8, 2022, YMU211/June 7, 2021, SSIO11/February 23, 2023, 00IG11/June 10, 2022, P33211/April 10, 2024, RKRS11/October 5, 2022, and CYVY11/September 23, 2022).

    [5] Randall Kerr, WRAL Investigates why the truth about mental health hospitals remains hidden, WRAL News (May 7, 2024), https://www.wral.com/story/wral-investigates-why-the-truth-about-mental-health-hospitals-remains-hidden/21418636/.

    [6] Id.

    [7] Id.

    [8] Id, (As described by WRAL, “those resources included with the statement were a spreadsheet you could download, but can’t even decipher considering all of the categories, acronyms and codes that don’t necessarily reflect the actual quality of care.  The other resource was the same online database that again has no information about the hospital’s performance.”).

    [9] Care Compare entry for Aurora Vista Del Mar, Care Compare, Medicare.gov (accessed Feb. 3, 2025), available at https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/details/hospital/054077?id=a96bf388-2fd6-460f-bca4-d70b1eeb862d&city=Ventura&state=CA&zipcode=.

    [10] Psychiatric unit services drop-down for Aurora Vista Del Mar, Care Compare, Medicare.gov (accessed Feb. 3, 2025), https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/details/hospital/054077?id=a96bf388-2fd6-460f-bca4-d70b1eeb862d&city=Ventura&state=CA&zipcode=&measure=hospital-psychiatric-surveys. 

    [11] Surveys ZF7G11/June 4, 2024 and D0SD11/July 11, 2024, 2567 data file, supra note 4, (For example, during an inspection of Destiny Springs Healthcare in June 2024, surveyors found that “the Hospital failed to ensure staff did not utilize a chemical restraint as a means of coercion, discipline, convenience or retaliation for one (1) patient.” One month later, surveyors found that “the hospital failed to ensure restraints were conducted safely, resulting in Patient #1 suffering a fractured humerus.”).

    [12] Ross Jones, Congressman, local leaders want answers over Detroit hospital patient abuse, suicide, ABC WXYZ Detroit (Oct. 10, 2024),  https://www.wxyz.com/news/local-news/investigations/congressman-local-leaders-want-answers-over-detroit-hospital-patient-abuse-suicide; Surveys 366M11/June 6, 2024 and 31M611/July 3, 2024, 2567 data file, supra note 4, (In 2024, at Detroit Receiving Hospital, in the span of 73 days, two different female patients were sexually assaulted by two different male patients while sedated and confined to four-point restraints, which is a time when patients should be continuously monitored by staff, and another patient died by suicide in her room in the setting of missed safety checks.); Maddie Kirth, ‘Were they not trained?’ Family of missing Hammond Alzheimer’s patient demands hospital reform, Fox 8 (June 23, 2023),  https://www.fox8live.com/2023/06/24/were-they-not-trained-family-missing-hammond-alzheimers-patient-demands-hospital-reform/; Survey 1UQQ11/June 21, 2023, 2567 data file, supra note 4, (In 2023, a patient with severe dementia was able to walk out of a locked unit at Oceans Behavioral Hospital of Hammond in Louisiana and was found dead in a field one day later. It took nearly an hour for staff to realize that the patient was gone and another ninety minutes to call 911.).

    [13] Heather Catallo, ‘He didn’t deserve this.’ Patient dies after being restrained in psych ward, family speaks out, WXYZ (Dec. 19, 2024), https://www.wxyz.com/news/local-news/investigations/he-didnt-deserve-this-patient-dies-after-being-restrained-in-psych-ward-family-speaks-out; Medicare notice to the public regarding termination of Pontiac General Hospital effective November 24, 2024 (Nov. 8, 2024), https://www.cms.gov/files/document/michigan-pontiac-general-hospital-11/08/2024.pdf, (There is no information regarding Michigan’s Pontiac General Hospital’s termination from the Medicare program on November 24, 2024, after a patient died in the setting of improper restraint technique and a delayed and disorganized resuscitation effort.); Surveys R5UY11/March 22, 2024, 24E111/April 3, 2024, M4B411/June 6, 2024, QORQ11/July 31, 2024, and NB8H11/August 15, 2024, 2567 data file, supra note 4 (There is no information regarding the 30 deficiencies, including three condition-level deficiencies and two immediate jeopardy findings, listed in the CMS 2567 Statement of Deficiencies data file for Oceans Behavioral Hospital of Hammond in Louisiana during the first three quarters of 2024.); Alex Lubben, State gives troubled Mandeville psychiatric hospital one last chance to stay open, NOLA (Apr. 19, 2024), https://www.nola.com/news/northshore/what-is-the-future-of-northlake-behavioral-health-system/article_e5218958-f90a-11ee-ab91-072e26520f37.html, (There is no information regarding Northlake Behavioral Health System’s reported agreement with the Louisiana Department of Health to “pay an $18,000 fine, hire a consultant, cover the cost of all future LDH inspections, and suffer additional penalties for any repeat deficiencies found in the course of those inspections” in order to maintain a provisional license.).

    [14] GAO-23-105312, supra note 3.

    [15] 2567 data file, supra note 4.

    [16] Press Release, Grassley Presses Agency On Statutory Changes Needed to Make Hospital Inspection Reports Public, Off. of Senator Charles E. Grassley (Sep. 20, 2017), https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-presses-agency-statutory-changes-needed-make-hospital-inspection-reports.

    [17] Charles Ornstein, Secret Hospital Inspections May Become Public At Last, ProPublica (April 18, 2017), https://www.propublica.org/article/secret-hospital-inspections-may-become-public-at-last; Fact Sheet, Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 Medicare Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) and Long Term Acute Care Hospital (LTCH) Prospective Payment System Final Rule(CMS-1677-F), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (Aug. 2, 2017), https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/fiscal-year-fy-2018-medicare-hospital-inpatient-prospective-payment-system-ipps-and-long-term-acute-0; Charles Ornstein, Accreditors Can Keep Their Hospital Inspection Reports Secret, Feds Decide, ProPublica (Aug. 3, 2017), https://www.propublica.org/article/accreditors-can-keep-their-hospital-inspection-reports-secret-feds-decide; Letter from Senator Charles E. Grassley to Administrator Seema Verma, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (Sep. 18, 2017), https://www.grassley.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/2017-09-18%20CEG%20to%20CMS%20(Joint%20Commission).pdf.

    [18] Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Proposed Rule, Medicare Program; Strengthening Oversight of Accrediting Organizations (AOs) and Preventing AO Conflict of Interest, and Related Provisions, Section G, Federal Register (Feb. 15, 2024), https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/02/15/2024-02137/medicare-program-strengthening-oversight-of-accrediting-organizations-aos-and-preventing-ao-conflict#footnote-4-p12000. 

    [19] Press Release, Grassley, Stark hold officials accountable for improper approval of specialty hospital in West Texas, U.S. Comm. on Finance (Mar. 6, 2007), https://www.finance.senate.gov/ranking-members-news/grassley-stark-hold-officials-accountable-for-improper-approval-of-specialty-hospital-in-west-texas; Letter from Senator Charles E. Grassley to Mr. Mark Chassin, The Joint Commission (Apr. 14, 2017), https://www.grassley.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/2017-04-14%20CEG%20to%20Joint%20Commission%20(UHS).pdf; Stephanie Armour, Hospital Watchdog Gives Seal of Approval, Even After Problems Emerge, The Wall Street Journal (Sep. 8, 2017), https://www.wsj.com/articles/watchdog-awards-hospitals-seal-of-approval-even-after-problems-emerge-1504889146; Surveys 2DCB11/March 5, 2024, S6IC11/June 13, 2024, WKNI11/July 12, 2024, 7VB511/April 11, 2024, DICQ11/July 12, 2024, ZF7G11/June 4, 2024, and D0SD11/July 11, 2024, 2567 data file, supra note 4; Search for Mesa Springs, Crestwyn Behavioral Health, Del Amo Hospital, and Destiny Springs Healthcare on The Joint Commission’s “Find Accredited Organizations” webpage, The Joint Commission (accessed Feb. 11, 2025), https://www.jointcommission.org/who-we-are/who-we-work-with/find-accredited-organizations/#q=mesa%20springs&numberOfResults=25, https://www.jointcommission.org/who-we-are/who-we-work-with/find-accredited-organizations/#q=Crestwyn%20Behavioral%20Health%20&numberOfResults=25, https://www.jointcommission.org/who-we-are/who-we-work-with/find-accredited-organizations/#q=Del%20Amo%20Hospital&numberOfResults=25, https://www.jointcommission.org/who-we-are/who-we-work-with/find-accredited-organizations/#q=Destiny%20Springs%20Healthcare&numberOfResults=25, (For example, Mesa Springs in Texas is currently shown as having a gold seal on The Joint Commission website, while the hospital had 14 condition-level deficiencies across three surveys listed in the CMS 2567 Statement of Deficiencies data file for the first three quarters of 2024. Crestwyn Behavioral Health in Tennessee with four condition-level citations in the first three quarters of 2024, Del Amo Hospital in California with three condition-level citations, and Destiny Springs Healthcare in Arizona with three condition-level citations are also currently shown as having Joint Commission accreditation.).

    [20] 2567 data file, supra note 4.

    [21] Joe Ulery, Whistleblower exposes dangers at Indiana facility, Public News Service (Dec. 18, 2024), https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2024-12-18/mental-health/whistleblower-exposes-dangers-at-indiana-facility/a94122-1.

    [22] Letter from the Ctrs. for Medicare & Medicaid to Universal Health Services regarding notification of possible termination from the Medicare program (Mar. 27, 2023), https://www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Brynn-Marr-Hospital-CCN-344016-90-day-3-27-2023.signed-002-3.pdf; Taylor Knopf, NC psych hospital failed to provide ‘safe and therapeutic’ environment, feds say, NC Health News (May 10, 2023), https://www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2023/05/10/nc-psych-hospital-failed-to-provide-safe-and-therapeutic-environment-feds-say/.

    [23] Peter Herman, Psychiatric health aide in D.C. charged with sexual abuse of a patient, The Washington Post (Dec. 21, 2023), available at https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2023/12/21/sexual-assault-dc-psychiatric/.

    [24] Heidi Kirk, WRAL Investigates: Holly Hill violated standards of care that could’ve prevented patient escapes, inspection says, WRAL News (July 15, 2024), available at https://www.wral.com/story/wral-investigates-holly-hill-violated-standards-of-care-that-could-ve-prevented-patient-escapes-inspection-says/21526230/.

    [25] Nick Welsh, Santa Barbara County’s Psych-Bed Pinch Tightens as Key Mental-Health Safety Valve Shuts Down, Santa Barbara Independent (Nov. 1, 2023), https://www.independent.com/2023/11/01/santa-barbara-countys-psych-bed-pinch-tightens-as-key-mental-health-safety-valve-shuts-down/.

    [26] Adam Walser, Florida grandmother outraged after 13-year-old dies by suicide inside mental hospital, ABC Action News (July 11, 2023),  https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/local-news/i-team-investigates/lutz-grandmother-outraged-after-13-year-old-commits-suicide-inside-mental-hospital.

    [27] “Inpatient psychiatric facility quality measure data – by facility” data set, Ctrs. for Medicare & Medicaid Services (Oct. 30, 2024),  https://data.cms.gov/provider-data/dataset/q9vs-r7wp; “Inpatient psychiatric facility quality measure data – national” data set, Ctrs. for Medicare & Medicaid Services (Oct. 30, 2024), https://data.cms.gov/provider-data/dataset/s5xg-sys6.

    [28] Id.

    [29] Fact sheet, supra note 17.

    [30] Mental health and substance use treatment locator website, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Admin. (accessed Feb. 11, 2025), https://findtreatment.gov/locator.

    [31] National Substance Use and Mental Health Services Survey, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Admin. (accessed Feb. 11, 2025), https://info.nsumhss.samhsa.gov/.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Security and growth at the centre of the UK-Ireland Summit

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Security and growth at the centre of the UK-Ireland Summit

    National security, growth and energy security will be top of the agenda at the first annual UK-Ireland Summit tomorrow as the Prime Minister underscores the importance of delivering for the people of the UK.

    • Ensuring peace, prosperity and security in Europe and around the world will be at the heart of discussions with Taoiseach Micheál Martin at the UK-Ireland Summit  
    • Comes as new UK-Irish cooperation cuts red tape for offshore energy developers in the Irish and Celtic Seas – delivering greater economic security for the hardworking British people 
    • New Irish investments, worth £185.5 million, set to see thousands of jobs created across the country

    National security, growth and energy security will be top of the agenda at the first annual UK-Ireland Summit tomorrow as the Prime Minister underscores the importance of delivering for the people of the UK.  

    The meeting comes after the Prime Minister hosted 18 leaders in London on Sunday where he reiterated the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine and European security.    As part of that commitment, tomorrow the two leaders will announce closer collaboration on energy security to harness the full potential of the Irish and Celtic seas.   

    Through a new data sharing arrangement, the UK and Irish governments will lay the groundwork for commercial developers to increase offshore energy by cutting red tape and minimising the burden of maritime and environmental consent processes for developers.  

    This will speed up developments and mobilise investments in offshore energy infrastructure.

    This new collaboration will increase renewable energy production and enhance the UK’s energy security, delivering on this Government’s Plan for Change.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:    

    Energy security and national security are two sides of the same coin, that is why we must work with our allies and partners across the world to protect the hardworking British people from external factors driving up household bills. 

    As our closest neighbour our partnership with Ireland is testament to the importance of working with international partners to deliver for people at home.  

    Now more than ever we must work with likeminded partners in the pursuit of global peace, prosperity and security.

    Tomorrow, the Prime Minister and Taoiseach will host a joint business roundtable with industry leaders and businesses across tech, finance, clean energy, manufacturing and construction from the UK and Ireland. The discussion will focus on potential opportunities for growth and investment, and how the UK and Ireland can work together to build an even more resilient and successful trading relationship.   They will also discuss how both countries can work closer together on renewable energy, tech, AI and security. 

    As part of tomorrow’s summit, the UK has welcomed new Irish investments worth £185.5 million creating 2,540 jobs across the country from Version 1, Applegreen, Omniplex, Galvia, Buymedia, Uniquely, Walsh Mushrooms and PM Group. From Evesham to Edinburgh, new investments show confidence in the UK as an attractive place to invest and delivers on the government’s Plan for Change to kickstart economic growth.    

    The UK will also announce that W.H. Davis, part of Buckland Group, has won a £100 million contract with Irish Rail supporting their investment in railway infrastructure in Ireland. 

    Ireland is the UK’s 6th largest trading partner with the trading relationship worth nearly £80 billion last year across sectors including renewable energy, life sciences, creative industries and tech.      

    Tomorrow’s events follow a cultural reception hosted by the Prime Minister and Taoiseach this evening, with representatives from both the UK and Ireland showcasing the world-class talent on both sides of the Irish sea.  

    After the summit, the Prime Minister will travel to a defence company to meet employees and apprentices working in the national security sector.

    Visit comes after the Prime Minister’s landmark announcement made last week on increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by April 2027.   

    In 2023-24, defence spending supported over 430,000 jobs across the UK, the equivalent to one in every 60, with 16,900 in the North West. 

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    Published 5 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: Government meeting (2025, No. 7)

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    1. On the draft federal law “On ratification of the Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation, the Central Bank of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of Belarus, the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus on cooperation and exchange of information, including confidential information, in the field of supervision and (or) control over the financial market”

    The bill aims to ratify the agreement signed in Moscow on August 6, 2024.

    2. On amendments to certain acts of the Government of the Russian Federation (in terms of amendments to the Regulation on the Government Commission for the Development of Housing Construction and the Assessment of the Efficiency of the Use of Land Plots Owned by the Russian Federation)

    The draft act is aimed at granting the commission the authority to make decisions on the transfer of federal property to another level of public ownership.

    On Amendments to Certain Acts of the Government of the Russian Federation (in terms of amendments to the Regulation on the Government Commission for the Development of Housing Construction and the Assessment of the Efficiency of the Use of Land Plots Owned by the Russian Federation)

    The draft act is aimed at granting the commission the authority to make decisions on the transfer of federal property to another level of public ownership.

    3. On the draft federal law “On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation” (in terms of improving the submission of reports by non-profit organizations)

    The bill is aimed at simplifying the procedure for submitting reports by non-profit organizations, including charitable, volunteer and socially oriented NPOs.

    4. On Amendments to the Resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation of July 28, 2018 No. 885 (in terms of amending the Regulation on the Federal Service for Supervision in Education and Science)

    The draft resolution is aimed at empowering Rosobrnadzor to determine the minimum number of points confirming successful completion of testing in a state or municipal general education organization by foreign citizens and stateless persons on knowledge of the Russian language, sufficient for mastering educational programs of primary general, basic general and secondary general education.

    Moscow, March 5, 2025

    The content of the press releases of the Department of Press Service and References is a presentation of materials submitted by federal executive bodies for discussion at a meeting of the Government of the Russian Federation.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Banking Sector – ASB further boosts rural commitment with new Head of Food & Fibre

    Source: ASB

    ASB has appointed Kristen Ashby as its new Head of Food & Fibre, a newly established role within its Rural Corporate Banking team.

    Kristen joins ASB from Fonterra where she was most recently Director of Capital Strategy. Starting her career as a Chartered Accountant, Kristen has worked across a variety of roles at organisations including Fonterra, Turners & Growers and Goodman Fielder.

    Born and bred in Waikato, Kristen’s rural upbringing and breadth of experience mean she brings a unique perspective to this role. She is passionate about helping Kiwi businesses to reach their goals, as well as future proofing for tomorrow.

    Kristen says, “I’m excited to be joining the team at such a crucial time. I see so much opportunity in the Food & Fibre sector and feel privileged to help build on the work already being done at ASB.

    As a bank we can make a real difference for our rural communities, uplift regional economies and put New Zealand-grown products on the map globally.

    I’m looking forward to getting on the road soon to meet our customers and broader industry participants to tackle these ambitious goals.”

    ASB General Manager Rural Banking Aidan Gent says “Kristen is a passionate leader with a proven track record of success, genuinely interested in making a difference for our customers.

    We are so excited to have her on board in this pivotal role as we bring our full-service banking proposition to the Food & Fibre sector – a critical component of our economy.

    With Food & Fibre making up more than 80% of our global exports, there is significant opportunity in this sector. This is not just farmers – it is the innovators looking at new foods & fibres and future uses of land, processors, logistics companies moving goods, all the way through to the electrician in Gore fixing a woolshed.

    Food & Fibre represents an opportunity to truly accelerate the social, environmental and financial progress of New Zealanders.”

    Kristen Ashby started in her new role in February 2025.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Economy – Interim Financial Statements of the Government of New Zealand for the seven months ended 31 January 2025 – Treasury

    Source: The Treasury

    The Interim Financial Statements of the Government of New Zealand for the seven months ended 31 January 2025 were released by the Treasury today.

    The January results are reported against forecasts based on the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update 2024 (HYEFU 2024), published on 17 December 2024, and the results for the same period for the previous year.

     

      

      Year to date Full Year
    January
    2025
    Actual1
    $m
    January 
    2025
    HYEFU 2024
    Forecast1
    $m
    Variance2
    HYEFU 2024
    $m
    Variance
    HYEFU 2024
    %
    June
    2025
    HYEFU 2024
    Forecast3
    $m
    Core Crown tax revenue 70,193 69,583 610 0.9 120,623
    Core Crown revenue 77,804 77,122 682 0.9 134,038
    Core Crown expenses 80,125 80,717 592 0.7 144,638
    Core Crown residual cash (5,051) (4,337) (714) (16.5) (16,610)
    Net core Crown debt4 180,603 180,669 66 – 192,810
              as a percentage of GDP 42.8% 42.8%     45.1%
    Gross debt 203,070 195,257 (7,812) (4.0) 206,558
              as a percentage of GDP 48.2% 46.3%     48.3%
    OBEGAL excluding ACC (OBEGALx) (3,669) (5,041) 1,372 27.2 (12,868)
    OBEGAL (4,994) (6,233) 1,239 19.9 (17,317)
    Operating balance (excluding minority interests) 1,087 (2,223) 3,310 148.9 (10,161)
    Net worth 188,883 185,654 3,229 1.7 177,492
              as a percentage of GDP 44.8% 44.0%     41.5%
    1. Using the most recently published GDP (for the year ended 30 September 2024) of $421,702 million (Source: Stats NZ).
    2. Favourable variances against forecast have a positive sign and unfavourable variances against forecast have a negative sign.
    3. Using HYEFU 2024 forecast GDP for the year ending 30 June 2025 of $427,252 million (Source: The Treasury).
    4. Net core Crown debt excludes the NZS Fund and core Crown advances. Net core Crown debt may fluctuate during the year largely reflecting the timing of tax receipts.

    Core Crown tax revenue, at $70.2 billion, was $0.6 billion (0.9%) higher than forecast with the largest variance relating to GST being $0.3 billion (1.9%) above forecast.

    Core Crown expenses, at $80.1 billion, were $0.6 billion (0.7%) below forecast. This variance is mostly timing in nature and was spread across a range of functional spending areas.

    The operating balance before gains and losses excluding ACC (OBEGALx) was a deficit of $3.7 billion, $1.4 billion less than the forecast deficit. When including the revenue and expenses of ACC, the OBEGAL deficit was $5.0 billion, $1.2 billion less than the forecast deficit.

    The operating balance surplus of $1.1 billion was $3.3 billion better than the deficit forecast. This reflected both the favourable OBEGAL result and favourable valuation movements. Net losses on non-financial instruments were $1.6 billion less than forecast (largely owing to a $0.6 billion net actuarial gain on the ACC outstanding claims liability compared to a forecast net loss of $1.0 billion), partly offset by net gains on financial instruments being $0.2 billion above forecast.

    The core Crown residual cash deficit of $5.1 billion was $0.7 billion more than the deficit forecast and was largely owing to lower tax receipts.

    Net core Crown debt at $180.6 billion (42.8% of GDP) was broadly in line with forecast ($180.7 billion or 42.8% of GDP). While the core Crown residual cash deficit was higher than forecast, its impact on net core Crown debt was more than offset by valuation changes and higher issuance of circulating currency.

    Gross debt at $203.1 billion (48.2% of GDP) was $7.8 billion higher than forecast, largely owing to higher than forecast unsettled trades, derivatives in loss and the issuances of Euro Commercial Paper driven by short-term cash requirements. However, this increase in gross debt was broadly offset by a corresponding increase in financial assets, therefore this has not flowed through to the net core Crown debt measure or to net worth.

    Net worth at $188.9 billion (44.8% of GDP) was $3.2 billion higher than forecast largely reflecting the operating balance result.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Tech Expert Warns: 2025 Will Be a Crossroads Year for America—A New Era of Disruption and Opportunity

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, March 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tech expert James Altucher is issuing a stark warning: 2025 will be a defining crossroads for America—one that could either unlock historic new opportunities or leave millions struggling to catch up.

    Dubbed “The Great Gain”, Altucher believes that the U.S. is entering a rare moment in history where massive economic and technological shifts will converge at the same time, forcing industries, businesses, and individuals to either adapt or be left behind. “For the first time in US history… Two major Wealth Drivers are on a collision course.”

    According to Altucher, these two forces—a political and economic realignment combined with a peak in the nation’s financial cycle—are setting the stage for rapid, unpredictable change. “The first 365 days of Trump’s presidency will be remembered as… The best time to get rich in American history.”

    A Defining Moment in Economic History

    Altucher has made a career out of identifying major turning points before they happen. He predicted the rise of video streaming in the late 1990s, saw the social media explosion before Facebook’s IPO, and has been ahead of the curve on disruptive technologies and financial trends.

    Now, he sees 2025 as another major inflection point—one that could either create immense new opportunities or leave many behind. “Technology is evolving at an exponential rate, and industries are being reshaped overnight.”

    Altucher compares this shift to previous economic revolutions—those rare moments when industries and wealth were completely transformed: “The Industrial Revolution created unprecedented business empires. The dot-com boom built some of today’s biggest companies.”

    But, he argues, 2025 will be even bigger. “The Great Gain is the FINAL major wealth-building opportunity of our lifetimes.”

    What This Means for Everyday Americans

    Altucher is urging Americans to prepare now, as this shift will create both massive winners and losers. He believes that for those who take action early, this period could bring a rare second chance to reshape their future.

    “In our nation’s history… There have been only a few times… Where regular Americans could quickly gain enough wealth… To radically improve their standard of living.”

    About James Altucher

    James Altucher is a renowned entrepreneur, investor, and thought leader known for spotting emerging economic trends and breakthrough technologies long before they reach the mainstream.

    Over his career, Altucher has:

    • Built and sold multiple companies across finance, tech, and media
    • Advised Fortune 500 corporations on economic trends and disruptive innovation
    • Authored over 20 books, including Choose Yourself, Skip the Line, and The Rich Employee
    • Been featured in leading media outlets, including CNBC, Yahoo Finance, and The New York Times

    His podcast, The James Altucher Show, has been downloaded over 40 million times, featuring in-depth interviews with some of the world’s most influential entrepreneurs, investors, and visionaries.

    Media Contact:
    Derek Warren
    Public Relations Manager
    Paradigm Press Group
    Email: dwarren@paradigmpressgroup.com

    The MIL Network –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: James Altucher Declares 2025 as ‘The Great Gain’—A New Era of Opportunity for Americans

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, March 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Renowned entrepreneur, best-selling author, and economic visionary James Altucher has identified 2025 as a pivotal year for American prosperity, calling it “The Great Gain”—a moment in history where major economic and technological forces are converging to create new opportunities unlike anything seen before. “The first 365 days of Trump’s presidency will be remembered as… The best time to get rich in American history.”

    Altucher argues that two major economic forces are colliding for the first time in history to create an unprecedented wave of opportunity. “For the first time in US history… Two major Wealth Drivers are on a collision course.”

    A Once-in-a-Generation Moment

    Altucher, known for his ability to forecast major economic and technological shifts, believes that 2025 will be remembered as one of the most transformative years in modern history. He compares it to past eras of rapid progress, such as the Industrial Revolution, the rise of Silicon Valley, and the early internet boom of the 1990s.

    “The Industrial Revolution created unprecedented business empires. The dot-com boom built some of today’s biggest companies.”

    According to Altucher, this moment is different from previous cycles because of the convergence of two Wealth Drivers:

    1. A Political and Economic Shift – A radical move in the first 100 days of the new administration is set to open new doors for growth.
    2. A Historical Economic Cycle – A peak in the 4-year wealth cycle, which “last time… turned more than 80,000 people into new millionaires.”

    A Call to Action for Americans

    Altucher urges Americans to stay ahead of these changes by recognizing the emerging trends that could redefine the economy. From career opportunities and entrepreneurship to advancements in automation and artificial intelligence, the coming months will present once-in-a-lifetime chances to adapt, grow, and thrive. “In our nation’s history… There have been only a few times… Where regular Americans could quickly gain enough wealth… To radically improve their standard of living.”

    About James Altucher

    James Altucher is not only a tech expert, he’s a former hedge fund manager and best-selling author. Altucher has also launched and sold multiple businesses and advised Fortune 500 companies. His work has been featured on Fox Business, CNBC, Yahoo Finance, The New York Times, and Business Insider​.

    His podcast, The James Altucher Show, has been downloaded over 40 million times, featuring guests such as Mark Cuban, Richard Branson, and Peter Thiel.

    Media Contact:
    Derek Warren
    Public Relations Manager
    Paradigm Press Group
    Email: dwarren@paradigmpressgroup.com

    The MIL Network –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: James Altucher Declares 2025 as ‘America’s Defining Moment’—A Rare Economic Shift That Could Reshape the Future

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, March 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tech expert, best-selling author, and market forecaster James Altucher is making a bold proclamation: 2025 will mark a turning point in the American economy—one that could redefine industries, technology, and personal opportunity.

    Calling it “The Great Gain”, Altucher believes that a rare collision of economic forces is underway, creating what could be one of the most significant windows for personal and financial transformation in modern history. “For the first time in US history… Two major Wealth Drivers are on a collision course.”

    These two forces—a major political and economic shift combined with a historic wealth cycle peak—are aligning in a way that hasn’t happened in decades. “The first 365 days of Trump’s presidency will be remembered as… The best time to get rich in American history.”

    A Historic Turning Point for Innovation and Growth

    Altucher, who has successfully predicted market-defining trends for decades, sees 2025 as the start of a technological and financial transformation similar to past economic revolutions. “The Industrial Revolution created unprecedented business empires. The dot-com boom built some of today’s biggest companies.”

    He believes this moment could be even bigger, with industries evolving faster than ever before. “Technology is evolving at an exponential rate, and industries are being reshaped overnight.”

    A Rare Chance for Everyday Americans

    Altucher emphasizes that this shift isn’t just for major corporations or Wall Street—it presents a rare second chance for everyday Americans to take advantage of changes before they become mainstream. “In our nation’s history… There have been only a few times… Where regular Americans could quickly gain enough wealth… To radically improve their standard of living.”

    About James Altucher

    James Altucher is not only a tech expert, he’s a former hedge fund manager and best-selling author. Altucher has also launched and sold multiple businesses and advised Fortune 500 companies. His work has been featured on Fox Business, CNBC, Yahoo Finance, The New York Times, and Business Insider​.

    His podcast, The James Altucher Show, has been downloaded over 40 million times, featuring guests such as Mark Cuban, Richard Branson, and Peter Thiel.

    Media Contact:
    Derek Warren
    Public Relations Manager
    Paradigm Press Group
    Email: dwarren@paradigmpressgroup.com

    The MIL Network –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Ring Energy Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results, Year-End 2024 Proved Reserves, and 2025 Guidance

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    THE WOODLANDS, Texas, March 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ring Energy, Inc. (NYSE American: REI) (“Ring” or the “Company”) today reported operational and financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2024, year-end 2024 proved reserves and provided 2025 operational and financial guidance.

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Highlights

    • Recorded net income of $5.7 million, or $0.03 per diluted share;
    • Reported Adjusted Net Income1 of $12.3 million, or $0.06 per diluted share;
    • Sold 19,658 barrels of oil equivalent per day (“Boe/d”), exceeding midpoint of guidance and 12,916 barrels of oil per day (“Bo/d”);
    • Held all-in cash operating costs1 (on a Boe basis) substantially flat with Q3 2024;
    • Reduced total capital expenditures by 12% to $37.6 million as compared to Q3 2024;
    • Recorded Adjusted Cash Flow from Operations1 of $42.2 million and delivered Adjusted Free Cash Flow1 of $4.7 million, remaining cash flow positive for 21 consecutive quarters; and
    • Strengthened balance sheet by an additional $7.0 million in debt reduction.

    Full Year 2024 Highlights

    • Recorded net income of $67.5 million, or $0.34 per diluted share;
    • Reported Adjusted Net Income1 of $69.5 million, or $0.35 per diluted share;
    • Grew sales volumes year-over-year (“Y-O-Y”) by 8% to a record 19,648 Boe/d and oil sales by 6% to a record 13,283 Bo/d;
    • Reduced Y-O-Y all-in cash operating costs1 (on a Boe basis) by 2%;
    • Generated Adjusted EBITDA1 of $233.3 million despite a 7% reduction in realized prices;
    • Maintained capital spending essentially flat at $151.9 million while improving capital efficiency on horizontal (“Hz”) wells by 11% to ~$492 per foot and vertical wells by ~3% on a per completed interval basis;
    • Generated a Cash Return on Capital Employed (“CROCE”)1 of 15.9% despite lower commodity pricing, which is the third consecutive year that Ring has achieved a CROCE in excess of 15%;
    • Recorded Adjusted Cash Flow from Operations1 of $195.3 million and delivered Adjusted Free Cash Flow1 of $43.6 million, remaining cash flow positive for over 5 years;
    • Divested non-core vertical wells with high operating cost for $5.5 million;
    • Paid down $40.0 million in debt and $70.0 million since closing the Founders acquisition in August 2023;
    • Reaffirmed the borrowing base at $600 million, exited 2024 with ~$217 million of liquidity, borrowings of $385 million, and a Leverage Ratio1 of 1.66x; and
    • Organically grew proved reserves by 4.4 MMBoe, or 3%, to 134.2 MMBoe.

    2025 Outlook2

    • Average annual sales midpoint of 21,000 Boe/d and 13,900 Bo/d, a 7% and 5% increase, respectively;
    • Annual capital spending midpoint of $154 million, essentially flat with the prior year;
    • Total wells drilled, completed and online (midpoint) of ~49 wells; and
    • Assumes nine months of Lime Rock asset operations without the benefit of anticipated synergies and cost reductions.

    Mr. Paul D. McKinney, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We finished 2024 delivering on our promises during the fourth quarter, in a year in which the Ring Team enhanced nearly every controllable metric. We grew our sales by 8% over the prior year to a record 19,648 Boe/d and our oil sales by 6% to a record 13,283 Bo/d. We reduced our all-in cash operating costs per Boe by 2% and drilled 13 more wells for slightly less capital than the previous year representing a substantial increase in capital efficiency for both our horizontal and vertical wells. We paid down debt by $40 million and exited the year with $385 million borrowings and approximately $217 million of liquidity. During the fourth quarter of 2024, we reduced our capital expenditures in anticipation of seeking and completing a meaningful acquisition of producing properties, while achieving the midpoint of our guidance on a Boe basis. As we have previously stated, we intend to maintain or slightly grow our production through our organic drilling program and grow through accretive, balance sheet enhancing acquisitions of assets that meet specific criteria. Our strategy retains the flexibility to respond to changing conditions to ensure we continue to make progress profitably growing the Company, achieving the size and scale to earn more attractive market metrics, and build long term shareholder value. Looking forward to 2025, we intend to continue a reduced capital spending program in the first quarter to help us achieve a satisfactory leverage ratio upon closing the Lime Rock transaction. The rest of the year will be consistent with our past. We will continue our focus on maximizing cash flow generation and intend to allocate a portion of our cash flow from operations to maintain production and liquidity and allocate the balance to paying down debt. With the potential added benefit of the proposed Lime Rock production beginning in the second quarter and our historically successful capital spending program, we anticipate ending 2025 stronger than ever.”

    Mr. McKinney concluded, “I would like to thank the Ring Team for the hard work and dedication it took to deliver our 2024 results. I also want to express our gratitude for the continued support of our shareholders. Despite an environment of lower realized commodity prices, being a member of a market segment where investor interest has waned, and other market conditions beyond our control, our shareholders continued to support us as we pursue our value focused proven strategy to build long-term value.”

    Summary Results

      Quarter Year
      Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2024
    to Q3
    2024 %
    Change
    Q4 2023 Q4 2024
    to Q4
    2023 %
    Change
    FY 2024 FY 2023 FY % Change
    Average Daily Sales Volumes (Boe/d) 19,658 20,108 (2 )% 19,397 1 % 19,648 18,119 8 %
    Crude Oil (Bo/d) 12,916 13,204 (2 )% 13,637 (5 )% 13,283 12,548 6 %
    Net Sales (MBoe) 1,808.5 1,849.9 (2 )% 1,784.5 1 % 7,191.1 6,613.3 9 %
    Realized Price – All Products ($/Boe) $46.14 $48.24 (4 )% $56.01 (18 )% $50.94 $54.60 (7 )%
    Realized Price – Crude Oil ($/Bo) $68.98 $74.43 (7 )% $77.33 (11 )% $74.87 $76.21 (2 )%
    Revenues ($MM) $83.4 $89.2 (7 )% $99.9 (17 )% $366.3 $361.1 1 %
    Net Income/Loss ($MM) $5.7 $33.9 (83 )% $50.9 (89 )% $67.5 $104.9 (36 )%
    Adjusted Net Income1 ($MM) $12.3 $13.4 (8 )% $21.2 (42 )% $69.5 $100.5 (31 )%
    Adjusted EBITDA1 ($MM) $50.9 $54.0 (6 )% $65.4 (22 )% $233.3 $236.0 (1 )%
    Capital Expenditures ($MM) $37.6 $42.7 (12 )% $38.8 (3 )% $151.9 $152.0 — %
    Adjusted Free Cash Flow1 ($MM) $4.7 $1.9 144 % $16.3 (71 )% $43.6 $45.3 (4 )%


    Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Free Cash Flow, Adjusted Cash Flow from Operations, Cash Return on Capital Employed and PV-10 are non-GAAP financial measures, which are described in more detail and reconciled to the most comparable GAAP measures, in the tables shown later in this release under “Non-GAAP Financial Information.”

    Sales Volumes, Prices and Revenues: Sales volumes for the fourth quarter of 2024 are shown in the table above.

    For the fourth quarter of 2024, realized average sales prices were $68.98 per barrel of crude oil, $(0.96) per Mcf of natural gas and $9.08 per barrel of NGLs. The realized natural gas and NGL prices are impacted by a fee reduction to the value received. For the fourth quarter of 2024, the weighted average natural gas price per Mcf was $0.87 offset by a weighted average fee value per Mcf of $(1.83), and the weighted average NGL price per barrel was $20.96 partially offset by a weighted average fee of $(11.88) per barrel. The combined average realized sales price for the period was $46.14 per Boe, down 4% versus $48.24 per Boe for the third quarter of 2024, and down 18% from $56.01 per Boe in the fourth quarter of 2023. The average oil price differential the Company experienced from WTI NYMEX futures pricing in the fourth quarter of 2024 was a negative $1.42 per barrel of crude oil, while the average natural gas price differential from NYMEX futures pricing was a negative $3.83 per Mcf.

    Revenues were $83.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to $89.2 million for the third quarter of 2024 and $99.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. The 7% decrease in fourth quarter 2024 revenues from the third quarter was driven by a ($3.8MM) price variance and a ($2.0MM) volume variance.

    Lease Operating Expense (“LOE”): LOE, which includes expensed workovers and facilities maintenance, was $20.3 million, or $11.24 per Boe, in the fourth quarter of 2024 versus $20.3 million, or $10.98 per Boe, in the third quarter of 2024 and $18.7 million, or $10.50 per Boe, for the fourth quarter of 2023. Fourth quarter 2024 LOE per Boe was within the Company’s guidance range, and the Company remains focused on further improving the efficiencies of its operations.

    Gathering, Transportation and Processing (“GTP”) Costs: As previously disclosed, due to a contractual change effective May 1, 2022, the Company no longer maintains ownership and control of the majority of its natural gas through processing. As a result, GTP costs are now substantially reflected as a reduction to the natural gas sales price and not as an expense item. There remains only one contract in place with a natural gas processing entity where the point of control of gas dictates requiring the fees to be recorded as an expense.

    Ad Valorem Taxes: Ad valorem taxes, inclusive of an accrual for methane taxes of $527,687, were $1.34 per Boe for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $1.17 per Boe in the third quarter of 2024 and $0.92 per Boe for the fourth quarter of 2023.

    Production Taxes: Production taxes were $2.13 per Boe in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to $2.27 per Boe in the third quarter of 2024 and $2.78 per Boe in fourth quarter of 2023. Production taxes ranged between 4.6% to 5.0% of revenue for all three periods.

    Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (“DD&A”) and Asset Retirement Obligation Accretion: DD&A was $13.57 per Boe in the fourth quarter of 2024 versus $13.87 per Boe for the third quarter of 2024 and $13.76 per Boe in the fourth quarter of 2023. Asset retirement obligation accretion was $0.18 per Boe in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to $0.19 per Boe for the third quarter of 2024 and $0.20 per Boe in the fourth quarter of 2023.

    General and Administrative Expenses (“G&A”): G&A was $8.0 million ($4.44 per Boe) for the fourth quarter of 2024 versus $6.4 million ($3.47 per Boe) for the third quarter of 2024 and $8.2 million ($4.58 per Boe) in the fourth quarter of 2023. G&A, excluding share-based compensation1, was $6.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2024 ($3.52 per Boe) versus $6.4 million for the third quarter of 2024 ($3.45 per Boe) and $5.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 ($3.20 per Boe). The fourth quarter of 2024 included $21,017 of Transaction Costs. Excluding these costs and share-based compensation, G&A was $3.51 per Boe for the period.

    Interest Expense: Interest expense was $10.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 versus $10.8 million for the third quarter of 2024 and $11.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2023.

    Derivative (Loss) Gain: In the fourth quarter of 2024, Ring recorded a net loss of $6.3 million on its commodity derivative contracts, including a realized $0.7 million cash commodity derivative gain and an unrealized $7.0 million non-cash commodity derivative loss. This compared to a net gain of $24.7 million in the third quarter of 2024, including a realized $1.9 million cash commodity derivative loss and an unrealized $26.6 million non-cash commodity derivative gain, and a net gain of $29.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, including a realized $3.3 million cash commodity derivative loss and an unrealized $32.5 million non-cash commodity derivative gain.

    A summary listing of the Company’s outstanding derivative positions at December 31, 2024 is included in the tables shown later in this release. A quarterly breakout is provided in the Company’s investor presentation.

    For full year 2025, the Company currently has approximately 2.4 million barrels of oil (48% of oil sales guidance midpoint) hedged and 2.4 billion cubic feet of natural gas (33% of natural gas sales guidance midpoint) hedged.

    Income Tax: The Company recorded a non-cash income tax provision of $1.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, $10.1 million in the third quarter of 2024, and $7.9 million for fourth quarter 2023.

    Balance Sheet and Liquidity: Total liquidity at December 31, 2024 was $216.8 million, a 4% increase from September 30, 2024 and a 24% increase from December 31, 2023. Liquidity at December 31, 2024 consisted of cash and cash equivalents of $1.9 million and $215.0 million of availability under Ring’s revolving credit facility, which includes a reduction of $35 thousand for letters of credit. On December 31, 2024, the Company had $385.0 million in borrowings outstanding on its revolving credit facility that has a current borrowing base of $600.0 million. Ring paid down $7 million of debt during the fourth quarter of 2024 and $70.0 million since the closing of the Founders Transaction in August 2023. The Company is targeting further debt pay down during 2025 dependent on market conditions, the timing of capital spending, and other considerations.

    During the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company’s borrowing base of $600 million under its revolving credit facility was reaffirmed. The next regularly scheduled bank redetermination is scheduled to occur during May 2025. Ring is currently in compliance with all applicable covenants under its revolving credit facility.

    Capital Expenditures: During the fourth quarter of 2024, capital expenditures on an accrual basis were $37.6 million, which was near the midpoint of Ring’s guidance of $33 million to $41 million. The Company drilled five Hz and four vertical wells, and completed ten wells — with all drilling and completion activity occurring in the Central Basin Platform (“CBP”). Also included in fourth quarter 2024 capital spending were costs for capital workovers, infrastructure upgrades, recompletions, leasing costs, and ESG improvements.

    For the year ended December 31, 2024, capital expenditures on an accrual basis were $151.9 million — substantially flat with full year 2023 despite more than a 40% increase in drilling and completion activity in 2024. Capital spending in 2024 included costs to drill, complete and place on production 21 Hz wells (five in the NWS and 16 in the CBP) and 22 vertical wells in the CBP, as well as costs for capital workovers, infrastructure upgrades, recompletions, leasing costs, and ESG improvements.

    The table below sets forth Ring’s drilling and completions activities by quarter for 2024:

    Quarter   Area   Wells
    Drilled
      Wells
    Completed
      Drilled
    Uncompleted
    (“DUC”)
    (2)
                     
    1Q 2024   Northwest Shelf (Horizontal)   2   2   —
        Central Basin Platform (Horizontal)   3   3   —
        Central Basin Platform (Vertical)   6   6   —
        Total (1)   11   11   —
                     
    2Q 2024   Northwest Shelf (Horizontal)   —   —   —
        Central Basin Platform (Horizontal)   5   5   —
        Central Basin Platform (Vertical)   6   6   —
        Total   11   11   —
                     
    3Q 2024   Northwest Shelf (Horizontal)   3   3   —
        Central Basin Platform (Horizontal)   4   2   2
        Central Basin Platform (Vertical)   6   6   —
        Total   13   11   2
                     
    4Q 2024   Northwest Shelf (Horizontal)   —   —   —
        Central Basin Platform (Horizontal)   5   6   1
        Central Basin Platform (Vertical)   4   4   —
        Total   9   10   1
                     
    FY 2024   Northwest Shelf (Horizontal)   5   5   —
        Central Basin Platform (Horizontal)   17   16   1
        Central Basin Platform (Vertical)   22   22   —
        Total   44   43   1

    (1) First quarter total and full year total do not include one salt water disposal (“SWD”) well completed in the Central Basin Platform
    (2) Note that the DUC wells represent period-end counts rather than period-to-date totals.

    Full Year 2024 Summary Financial Review

    The Company reported net income for full year 2024 of $67.5 million, or $0.34 per diluted share, and Adjusted Net Income of $69.5 million, or $0.35 per diluted share. For full year 2023, Ring reported net income of $104.9 million, or $0.54 per diluted share, and Adjusted Net Income of $100.5 million, or $0.51 per diluted share.

    In full year 2024, the Company generated Adjusted EBITDA of $233.3 million, Adjusted Free Cash Flow of $43.6 million, and Adjusted Cash Flow from Operations of $195.3 million — representing a four percent or less decline in all three metrics from full year 2023, despite an almost seven percent decrease in overall realized commodity pricing.

    Revenues totaled $366.3 million for 2024 compared to $361.1 million in 2023, with the increase driven by higher sales volumes partially offset by lower overall realized commodity prices.

    Net sales for full year 2024 were a record 19,648 Boe/d, or 7,191,054 Boe, comprised of 4,861,628 Bbls of oil, 6,423,674 Mcf of natural gas, and 1,258,814 Bbls of NGLs. Full year 2023 net sales averaged 18,119 Boe/d, or 6,613,321 Boe, which included 4,579,942 Bbls of oil, 6,339,158 Mcf of natural gas, and 976,852 Bbls of NGLs. The increase in sales volumes was primarily associated with a full year of production from the Founders Acquisition that closed in August 2023, as well as strong organic growth from the Company’s targeted capital spending program.

    For full year 2024, the Company’s realized crude oil sales price was $74.87 per barrel, the natural gas sales price was $(1.44) per Mcf, and the NGLs sales price was $9.23 per barrel. The combined average sales price for full year 2024 was $50.94 per Boe compared to $54.60 per Boe for full year 2023.

    For the full year 2024, LOE was $78.3 million, or $10.89 per Boe (substantially at the midpoint of guidance of $10.70 to $11.00 per Boe). The increase in LOE on an absolute basis from full year 2023 was primarily due to the full year of expenses from the assets acquired with the Founders Acquisition (closed in August 2023) which contributed to the previously discussed 9% increase in production. Also affecting absolute LOE were higher activity levels, partially offset by the Company’s ongoing cost reduction and increased efficiency initiatives.

    For the full year 2024, G&A was $29.6 million, or $4.12 per Boe, compared to $29.2 million, or $4.41 per Boe for full year 2023. G&A, excluding share-based compensation, was $24.1 million, or $3.36 per Boe, compared to $20.4 million, or $3.08 per Boe for full year 2023. Excluding Transaction Costs, full year 2024 G&A, net of share-based compensation, was $3.35 per Boe. The increase from full year 2023 was primarily associated with higher total compensation levels driven by higher activity levels in 2024 and a non-recurring employee retention tax credit in 2023, with the overall net increase partially offset by a $3.3 million year-over-year reduction in share-based compensation.

    Recently Announced Proposed Accretive Bolt-On Acquisition

    On February 25, 2025, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire Lime Rock’s CBP assets for $90 million in cash with $80 million due at closing and $10 million due on the nine month anniversary of closing, and approximately 7.4 million shares of our common stock. The purchase price is subject to customary purchase price adjustments. The transaction has an effective date of October 1, 2024, and is expected to close by the end of the first quarter of 2025.

    Lime Rock’s CBP acreage is in Andrews County, Texas, where the majority of the acreage directly offsets Ring’s core Shafter Lake operations, and the remaining acreage is prospective for multiple horizontal targets and exposes the Company to new active plays. The transaction represents another opportunity for the Company to seamlessly integrate strategic, high-quality assets with Ring’s existing operations and create shareholder value through improved operations and synergy capture.

    The Lime Rock position has been a key target for Ring as the Company has historically sought to consolidate producing assets in core counties in the CBP defined by shallow declines, high margin production and undeveloped inventory that immediately competes for capital. Additionally, these assets add significant near-term opportunities for field level optimization and cost savings that are core competencies of Ring’s operating team.

    2025 Capital Investment, Sales Volumes, and Operating Expense Guidance

    In January, the Company commenced its 2025 development program with one rig drilling horizontal wells followed by another rig drilling vertical wells. During the first quarter, this disciplined capital program is intended to achieve a satisfactory leverage ratio upon the closing of the Lime Rock transaction. The Company intends to utilize a phased (versus continuous) capital drilling program to maximize free cash flow and retain the flexibility to respond to changes in commodity prices and other market conditions.

    For full year 2025, Ring expects total capital spending of $138 million to $170 million that includes a balanced and capital efficient combination of drilling, completing and placing on production 27 to 32 Hz and 15 to 22 vertical wells across the Company’s asset portfolio. Additionally, the full year capital spending program includes funds for the drilling of targeted well recompletions, capital workovers, infrastructure upgrades, reactivations, leasing costs, ESG improvements, and the drilling of approximately three SWD wells, in addition to the Company’s pro-rata capital spending for non-operated drilling, completion, and capital workover activities.

    All projects and estimates are based on assumed WTI oil prices of $65 to $75 per barrel and Henry Hub prices of $2.00 to $4.00 per Mcf.

    Based on the $154 million midpoint of spending guidance, the Company expects the following estimated allocation of capital investment:

    • 73% for drilling, completion, and related infrastructure;
    • 19% for recompletions and capital workovers;
    • 5% for environmental and emission reducing facility upgrades; and
    • 3% for land and non-operated capital.

    The Company remains focused on continuing to generate Adjusted Free Cash Flow. All 2025 planned capital expenditures will be fully funded by cash on hand and cash from operations, and excess Adjusted Free Cash Flow is currently targeted for further debt reduction.

    The Company currently forecasts full year 2025 oil sales volumes of 13,600 to 14,200 Bo/d compared with full year 2024 oil sales volumes of 13,283 Bo/d, with the midpoint of guidance reflecting almost a 5% increase from last year.

    The guidance in the table below represents the Company’s current good faith estimate of the range of likely future results for the first quarter and full year of 2025 and assumes the closing of the Lime Rock transaction at the end of the first quarter of 2025. Guidance could be affected by the factors discussed below in the “Safe Harbor Statement” section. LOE per Boe assumes the full operating costs of the Lime Rock assets before anticipated synergies and cost reductions after the assets are integrated.

        Q1 2025   Q2 2025   Q3 2025   Q4 2025   FY 2025
                         
    Sales Volumes:                    
    Total Oil (Bo/d)   11,700 – 12,000   13,700 – 14,700   14,000 – 15,000   14,400 – 15,400   13,600 – 14,200
    Midpoint (Bo/d)   11,850   14,200   14,500   14,900   13,900
    Total (Boe/d)   18,000-18,500   20,500 – 22,500   20,700 – 22,700   21,000 – 23,000   20,000 – 22,000
    Midpoint (Boe/d)   18,250   21,500   21,700   22,000   21,000
    Oil (%)   65%   66%   67%   68%   66%
    NGLs (%)   19%   18%   18%   18%   18%
    Gas (%)   16%   16%   15%   14%   16%
                         
    Capital Program:                    
    Capital spending(1) (millions)   $26 – $34   $34 – $42   $46 – $54   $32 – $40   $138 – $170
    Midpoint (millions)   $30   $38   $50   $36   $154
    New Hz wells drilled   4 – 5   8 – 9   11 – 13   4 – 5   27 – 32
    New Vertical wells drilled   3 – 4   3 – 5   4 – 6   5 – 7   15 – 22
    Completion of DUC wells   0   1   0   0   1
    Wells completed and online   7 – 9   12 – 15   15 – 19   9 – 12   43 – 55
                         
    Operating Expenses:                    
    LOE (per Boe)   $11.75 – $12.25   $11.50 – $12.50   $11.25 – $12.25   $11.00 – $12.00   $11.25 – $12.25
    Midpoint (per Boe)   $12.00   $12.00   $11.75   $11.50   $11.75

    (1) In addition to Company-directed drilling and completion activities, the capital spending outlook includes funds for targeted well recompletions, capital workovers, infrastructure upgrades and well reactivations. Also included is anticipated spending for leasing acreage and non-operated drilling, completion, capital workovers, and ESG improvements.

    Year-End 2024 Proved Reserves

    The Company’s year-end 2024 SEC proved reserves were 134.2 MMBoe, up 3% compared to 129.8 MMBoe at year-end 2023. During 2024, Ring recorded reserve additions of 16.0 MMBoe for extensions, discoveries and improved recovery. Offsetting these additions were 1.2 MMBoe related to the sale of non-core assets, 7.2 MMBoe of production, and 3.2 MMBoe of revisions related to changes in pricing and performance.

    The SEC twelve-month first day of the month average prices used for year-end 2024 were $71.96 per barrel of crude oil and $2.130 per MMBtu of natural gas, both before adjustment for quality, transportation, fees, energy content, and regional price differentials, while for year-end 2023 they were $74.70 per barrel of crude oil and $2.637 per MMBtu of natural gas — a decrease of four percent and two percent, respectively.

    Year-end 2024 SEC proved reserves were comprised of approximately 60% crude oil, 19% natural gas, and 21% natural gas liquids. At year end, approximately 69% of 2024 proved reserves were classified as proved developed and 31% as proved undeveloped. This is compared to year-end 2023 when approximately 68% of proved reserves were classified as proved developed and 32% were classified as proved undeveloped. The Company’s year-end 2024 proved reserves were prepared by Cawley, Gillespie & Associates, Inc., and independent petroleum engineering firm.

    The PV-10 value at year-end 2024 was $1,462.8 million versus $1,647.0 million at the end of 2023.

        Oil (Bbl)   Gas (Mcf)   Natural
    Gas
    Liquids
    (Bbl)
      Net
    (Boe)
      PV-10(1)
                             
    Balance, December 31, 2023   82,141,277     146,396,322     23,218,564     129,759,229     $ 1,647,031,127  
                             
    Purchase of minerals in place   —     —     —     —          
    Extensions, discoveries and improved recovery   11,495,236     10,630,769     2,738,451     16,005,482          
    Sales of minerals in place   (1,140,568 )   (56,020 )   (16,361 )   (1,166,266 )        
    Production   (4,861,628 )   (6,423,674 )   (1,258,814 )   (7,191,054 )        
    Revisions of previous quantity estimates   (6,730,246 )   (730,235 )   3,621,245     (3,230,707 )        
                             
    Balance, December 31, 2024   80,904,071     149,817,162     28,303,085     134,176,684     $ 1,462,827,136  

    (1) PV-10 is a non-GAAP financial measure and is derived from the Standardized Measure of Discounted Futures Net Cash Flows, which is the most directly comparable generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) measure.

    In accordance with guidelines established by the SEC, estimated proved reserves as of December 31, 2024 were determined to be economically producible under existing economic conditions, which requires the use of the 12-month average commodity price for each product, calculated as the unweighted arithmetic average of the first-day-of-the-month price for the year ended December 31, 2024. The SEC average prices used for year-end 2024 were $71.96 per barrel of crude oil (WTI) and $2.130 per MMBtu of natural gas (Henry Hub), both before adjustment for quality, transportation, fees, energy content, and regional price differentials. Such prices were held constant throughout the estimated lives of the reserves. Future production and development costs are based on year-end costs with no escalations.

    Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows

    Ring’s standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows relating to proved oil and natural gas reserves and changes in the standardized measure as described below were prepared in accordance with GAAP.

    As of December 31,     2024       2023  
             
    Future cash inflows   $ 6,165,487,616     $ 6,622,410,752  
    Future production costs     (2,432,555,200 )     (2,413,303,488 )
    Future development costs (1)     (536,825,664 )     (562,063,424 )
    Future income taxes     (465,768,645 )     (548,664,988 )
    Future net cash flows     2,730,338,107       3,098,378,852  
    10% annual discount for estimated timing of cash flows     (1,497,401,764 )     (1,699,193,661 )
             
    Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows   $ 1,232,936,343     $ 1,399,185,191  

    (1) Future development costs include not only development costs but also future asset retirement costs.

    Reconciliation of PV-10 to Standardized Measure

    PV-10 is derived from the Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows (“Standardized Measure”), which is the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure for proved reserves calculated using SEC pricing. PV-10 is a computation of the Standardized Measure on a pre-tax basis. PV-10 is equal to the Standardized Measure at the applicable date, before deducting future income taxes, discounted at 10 percent. We believe that the presentation of PV-10 is relevant and useful to investors because it presents the discounted future net cash flows attributable to our estimated net proved reserves prior to taking into account future corporate income taxes, and it is a useful measure for evaluating the relative monetary significance of our oil and natural gas properties. Further, investors may utilize the measure as a basis for comparison of the relative size and value of our reserves to other companies without regard to the specific tax characteristics of such entities. Moreover, GAAP does not provide a measure of estimated future net cash flows for reserves other than proved reserves or for reserves calculated using prices other than SEC prices. We use this measure when assessing the potential return on investment related to our oil and natural gas properties. PV-10, however, is not a substitute for the Standardized Measure. Our PV-10 measure and the Standardized Measure do not purport to represent the fair value of our oil and natural gas reserves.

    The following table reconciles the PV-10 value of the Company’s estimated proved reserves as of December 31, 2024 to the Standardized Measure:

    SEC Pricing Proved Reserves
    Standardized Measure Reconciliation    
    Present Value of Estimated Future Net Revenues (PV-10)   $ 1,462,827,136  
    Future Income Taxes, Discounted at 10%     229,890,793  
    Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows   $ 1,232,936,343  


    Conference Call Information

    Ring will hold a conference call on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET (10:00 a.m. CT) to discuss its fourth quarter and full year 2024 operational and financial results. An updated investor presentation will be posted to the Company’s website prior to the conference call.

    To participate in the conference call, interested parties should dial 833-953-2433 at least five minutes before the call is to begin. Please reference the “Ring Energy 2024 Earnings Conference Call”. International callers may participate by dialing 412-317-5762. The call will also be webcast and available on Ring’s website at www.ringenergy.com under “Investors” on the “News & Events” page. An audio replay will also be available on the Company’s website following the call.

    About Ring Energy, Inc.

    Ring Energy, Inc. is an oil and gas exploration, development, and production company with current operations focused on the development of its Permian Basin assets. For additional information, please visit www.ringenergy.com.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included in this release, regarding our strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. Additionally, forward-looking statements include statements about the expected benefits to the Company and its shareholders from the proposed Lime Rock acquisition and the anticipated completion of the Lime Rock acquisition or the timing thereof. When used in this release, the words “could,” “may,” “will,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “expect,” “guidance,” “project,” “goal,” “plan,” “target” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions about future events and are based on currently available information as to the outcome and timing of future events. However, whether actual results and developments will conform to expectations is subject to a number of material risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to: declines in oil, natural gas liquids or natural gas prices; the level of success in exploration, development and production activities; adverse weather conditions that may negatively impact development or production activities; the timing of exploration and development expenditures; inaccuracies of reserve estimates or assumptions underlying them; revisions to reserve estimates as a result of changes in commodity prices; impacts to financial statements as a result of impairment write-downs; risks related to level of indebtedness and periodic redeterminations of the borrowing base and interest rates under the Company’s credit facility; Ring’s ability to generate sufficient cash flows from operations to meet the internally funded portion of its capital expenditures budget; the impacts of hedging on results of operations; and Ring’s ability to replace oil and natural gas reserves. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties which are disclosed in the Company’s reports filed with the SEC, including its Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, and its other filings with the SEC. Readers and investors are cautioned that the Company’s actual results may differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the Company’s ability to acquire productive oil and/or gas properties or to successfully drill and complete oil and/or gas wells on such properties, general economic conditions both domestically and abroad, and the conduct of business by the Company, and other factors that may be more fully described in additional documents set forth by the Company. Should one or more of the risks or uncertainties described in this release occur, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results and plans could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements, expressed or implied, included in this release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this safe harbor statement. This safe harbor statement should also be considered in connection with any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements that we or persons acting on our behalf may issue. Ring undertakes no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements except as required by law.

    Contact Information

    Al Petrie Advisors
    Al Petrie, Senior Partner
    Phone: 281-975-2146
    Email: apetrie@ringenergy.com

    RING ENERGY, INC.
    Condensed Statements of Operations
     
      (Unaudited)        
      Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
      December 31,   September 30,   December 31,   December 31,   December 31,
        2024       2024       2023       2024       2023  
                       
    Oil, Natural Gas, and Natural Gas Liquids Revenues $ 83,440,546     $ 89,244,383     $ 99,942,718     $ 366,327,414     $ 361,056,001  
                       
    Costs and Operating Expenses                  
    Lease operating expenses   20,326,216       20,315,282       18,732,082       78,310,949       70,158,227  
    Gathering, transportation and processing costs   130,230       102,420       464,558       506,333       457,573  
    Ad valorem taxes   2,421,595       2,164,562       1,637,722       8,069,064       6,757,841  
    Oil and natural gas production taxes   3,857,147       4,203,851       4,961,768       16,116,565       18,135,336  
    Depreciation, depletion and amortization   24,548,849       25,662,123       24,556,654       98,702,843       88,610,291  
    Asset retirement obligation accretion   323,085       354,195       351,786       1,380,298       1,425,686  
    Operating lease expense   175,090       175,091       175,090       700,362       541,801  
    General and administrative expense   8,035,977       6,421,567       8,164,799       29,640,300       29,188,755  
                       
    Total Costs and Operating Expenses   59,818,189       59,399,091       59,044,459       233,426,714       215,275,510  
                       
    Income from Operations   23,622,357       29,845,292       40,898,259       132,900,700       145,780,491  
                       
    Other Income (Expense)                  
    Interest income   124,765       143,704       96,984       491,946       257,155  
    Interest (expense)   (10,112,496 )     (10,754,243 )     (11,603,892 )     (43,311,810 )     (43,926,732 )
    Gain (loss) on derivative contracts   (6,254,448 )     24,731,625       29,250,352       (2,365,917 )     2,767,162  
    Gain (loss) on disposal of assets   —       —       44,981       89,693       (87,128 )
    Other income   80,970       —       72,725       106,656       198,935  
    Net Other Income (Expense)   (16,161,209 )     14,121,086       17,861,150       (44,989,432 )     (40,790,608 )
                       
    Income Before Provision for Income Taxes   7,461,148       43,966,378       58,759,409       87,911,268       104,989,883  
                       
    Provision for Income Taxes   (1,803,629 )     (10,087,954 )     (7,862,930 )     (20,440,954 )     (125,242 )
                       
    Net Income $ 5,657,519     $ 33,878,424     $ 50,896,479     $ 67,470,314     $ 104,864,641  
                       
    Basic Earnings per Share $ 0.03     $ 0.17     $ 0.26     $ 0.34     $ 0.55  
    Diluted Earnings per Share $ 0.03     $ 0.17     $ 0.26     $ 0.34     $ 0.54  
                       
    Basic Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding   198,166,543       198,177,046       195,687,725       197,937,683       190,589,143  
    Diluted Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding   200,886,010       200,723,863       197,848,812       200,277,380       195,364,850  
    RING ENERGY, INC.
    Condensed Operating Data
    (Unaudited)
     
      Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
      December 31,   September 30,   December 31,   December 31,   December 31,
      2024   2024   2023   2024   2023
                       
    Net sales volumes:                  
    Oil (Bbls) 1,188,272     1,214,788     1,254,619     4,861,628     4,579,942  
    Natural gas (Mcf) 1,683,793     1,705,027     1,613,102     6,423,674     6,339,158  
    Natural gas liquids (Bbls) 339,589     350,975     261,020     1,258,814     976,852  
    Total oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids (Boe)(1) 1,808,493     1,849,934     1,784,490     7,191,054     6,613,321  
                       
    % Oil 66 %   66 %   70 %   68 %   69 %
    % Natural gas 15 %   15 %   15 %   15 %   16 %
    % Natural gas liquids 19 %   19 %   15 %   17 %   15 %
                       
    Average daily sales volumes:                  
    Oil (Bbls/d) 12,916     13,204     13,637     13,283     12,548  
    Natural gas (Mcf/d) 18,302     18,533     17,534     17,551     17,368  
    Natural gas liquids (Bbls/d) 3,691     3,815     2,837     3,439     2,676  
    Average daily equivalent sales (Boe/d) 19,658     20,108     19,397     19,648     18,119  
                       
    Average realized sales prices:                  
    Oil ($/Bbl) 68.98     74.43     77.33     74.87     76.21  
    Natural gas ($/Mcf) (0.96 )   (2.26 )   (0.12 )   (1.44 )   0.05  
    Natural gas liquids ($/Bbls) 9.08     7.66     11.92     9.23     11.95  
    Barrel of oil equivalent ($/Boe) 46.14     48.24     56.01     50.94     54.60  
                       
    Average costs and expenses per Boe ($/Boe):                  
    Lease operating expenses 11.24     10.98     10.50     10.89     10.61  
    Gathering, transportation and processing costs 0.07     0.06     0.26     0.07     0.07  
    Ad valorem taxes 1.34     1.17     0.92     1.12     1.02  
    Oil and natural gas production taxes 2.13     2.27     2.78     2.24     2.74  
    Depreciation, depletion and amortization 13.57     13.87     13.76     13.73     13.40  
    Asset retirement obligation accretion 0.18     0.19     0.20     0.19     0.22  
    Operating lease expense 0.10     0.09     0.10     0.10     0.08  
    G&A (including share-based compensation) 4.44     3.47     4.58     4.12     4.41  
    G&A (excluding share-based compensation) 3.52     3.45     3.20     3.36     3.08  
    G&A (excluding share-based compensation and transaction costs) 3.51     3.45     3.00     3.35     3.01  

    (1) Boe is determined using the ratio of six Mcf of natural gas to one Bbl of oil (totals may not compute due to rounding.) The conversion ratio does not assume price equivalency and the price on an equivalent basis for oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids may differ significantly.

    RING ENERGY, INC.
    Condensed Balance Sheets
     
    As of December 31,     2024       2023  
    ASSETS        
    Current Assets        
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 1,866,395     $ 296,384  
    Accounts receivable     36,172,316       38,965,002  
    Joint interest billing receivables, net     1,083,164       2,422,274  
    Derivative assets     5,497,057       6,215,374  
    Inventory     4,047,819       6,136,935  
    Prepaid expenses and other assets     1,781,341       1,874,850  
    Total Current Assets     50,448,092       55,910,819  
    Properties and Equipment        
    Oil and natural gas properties, full cost method     1,809,309,848       1,663,548,249  
    Financing lease asset subject to depreciation     4,634,556       3,896,316  
    Fixed assets subject to depreciation     3,389,907       3,228,793  
    Total Properties and Equipment     1,817,334,311       1,670,673,358  
    Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization     (475,212,325 )     (377,252,572 )
    Net Properties and Equipment     1,342,121,986       1,293,420,786  
    Operating lease asset     1,906,264       2,499,592  
    Derivative assets     5,473,375       11,634,714  
    Deferred financing costs     8,149,757       13,030,481  
    Total Assets   $ 1,408,099,474     $ 1,376,496,392  
             
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY        
    Current Liabilities        
    Accounts payable   $ 95,729,261     $ 104,064,124  
    Income tax liability     328,985       —  
    Financing lease liability     906,119       956,254  
    Operating lease liability     648,204       568,176  
    Derivative liabilities     6,410,547       7,520,336  
    Notes payable     496,397       533,734  
    Asset retirement obligations     517,674       165,642  
    Total Current Liabilities     105,037,187       113,808,266  
             
    Non-current Liabilities        
    Deferred income taxes     28,591,802       8,552,045  
    Revolving line of credit     385,000,000       425,000,000  
    Financing lease liability, less current portion     647,078       906,330  
    Operating lease liability, less current portion     1,405,837       2,054,041  
    Derivative liabilities     2,912,745       11,510,368  
    Asset retirement obligations     25,864,843       28,082,442  
    Total Liabilities     549,459,492       589,913,492  
    Commitments and contingencies        
    Stockholders’ Equity        
    Preferred stock – $0.001 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding     —       —  
    Common stock – $0.001 par value; 450,000,000 shares authorized; 198,561,378 shares and 196,837,001 shares issued and outstanding, respectively     198,561       196,837  
    Additional paid-in capital     800,419,719       795,834,675  
    Retained earnings (Accumulated deficit)     58,021,702       (9,448,612 )
    Total Stockholders’ Equity     858,639,982       786,582,900  
    Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity   $ 1,408,099,474     $ 1,376,496,392  
    RING ENERGY, INC.
    Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
     
        (Unaudited)        
        Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
        December 31,   September 30,   December 31,   December 31,   December 31,
          2024       2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Cash Flows From Operating Activities                    
    Net income   $ 5,657,519     $ 33,878,424     $ 50,896,479     $ 67,470,314     $ 104,864,641  
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:                    
    Depreciation, depletion and amortization     24,548,849       25,662,123       24,556,654       98,702,843       88,610,291  
    Asset retirement obligation accretion     323,085       354,195       351,786       1,380,298       1,425,686  
    Amortization of deferred financing costs     1,299,078       1,226,881       1,221,479       4,969,174       4,920,714  
    Share-based compensation     1,672,320       32,087       2,458,682       5,506,017       8,833,425  
    Credit loss expense     (26,747 )     8,817       92,142       160,847       134,007  
    (Gain) loss on disposal of assets     —       —       —       (89,693 )     —  
    Deferred income tax expense (benefit)     1,723,338       10,005,502       7,735,437       19,935,413       (425,275 )
    Excess tax expense (benefit) related to share-based compensation     9,011       7,553       319,541       104,344       478,304  
    (Gain) loss on derivative contracts     6,254,448       (24,731,625 )     (29,250,352 )     2,365,917       (2,767,162 )
    Cash received (paid) for derivative settlements, net     745,104       (1,882,765 )     (3,255,192 )     (5,193,673 )     (9,084,920 )
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                    
    Accounts receivable     349,474       5,529,542       6,825,601       3,594,504       1,154,085  
    Inventory     580,161       1,148,418       (588,100 )     2,089,116       3,113,782  
    Prepaid expenses and other assets     295,555       545,529       158,163       93,509       226,688  
    Accounts payable     4,462,089       (225,196 )     (4,952,335 )     (5,076,738 )     (1,451,422 )
    Asset retirement obligation     (613,603 )     (222,553 )     (836,778 )     (1,588,480 )     (1,862,385 )
    Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities     47,279,681       51,336,932       55,733,207       194,423,712       198,170,459  
                         
    Cash Flows From Investing Activities                    
    Payments for the Stronghold Acquisition     —       —       —       —       (18,511,170 )
    Payments for the Founders Acquisition     —       —       (12,324,388 )     —       (62,227,145 )
    Payments to purchase oil and natural gas properties     (1,423,483 )     (164,481 )     (557,323 )     (2,210,826 )     (2,162,585 )
    Payments to develop oil and natural gas properties     (36,386,055 )     (42,099,874 )     (39,563,282 )     (153,945,456 )     (152,559,314 )
    Payments to acquire or improve fixed assets subject to depreciation     —       (33,938 )     (282,519 )     (185,524 )     (492,317 )
    Proceeds from sale of fixed assets subject to depreciation     —       —       (1 )     10,605       332,229  
    Proceeds from divestiture of oil and natural gas properties     121,232       —       1,500,000       121,232       1,554,558  
    Proceeds from sale of Delaware properties     —       —       (7,993 )     —       7,600,699  
    Proceeds from sale of New Mexico properties     —       —       (420,745 )     (144,398 )     3,891,757  
    Proceeds from sale of CBP vertical wells     —       5,500,000       —       5,500,000       —  
    Net Cash Used in Investing Activities     (37,688,306 )     (36,798,293 )     (51,656,251 )     (150,854,367 )     (222,573,288 )
                         
    Cash Flows From Financing Activities                    
    Proceeds from revolving line of credit     22,000,000       27,000,000       46,000,000       130,000,000       225,000,000  
    Payments on revolving line of credit     (29,000,000 )     (42,000,000 )     (49,000,000 )     (170,000,000 )     (215,000,000 )
    Proceeds from issuance of common stock from warrant exercises     —       —       —       —       12,301,596  
    Payments for taxes withheld on vested restricted shares, net     —       (17,273 )     (225,788 )     (919,249 )     (520,153 )
    Proceeds from notes payable     58,774       —       72,442       1,560,281       1,637,513  
    Payments on notes payable     (475,196 )     (442,976 )     (488,776 )     (1,597,618 )     (1,603,659 )
    Payment of deferred financing costs     (42,746 )     —       (52,222 )     (88,450 )     (52,222 )
    Reduction of financing lease liabilities     (265,812 )     (257,202 )     (224,809 )     (954,298 )     (776,388 )
    Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities     (7,724,980 )     (15,717,451 )     (3,919,153 )     (41,999,334 )     20,986,687  
                         
    Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash     1,866,395       (1,178,812 )     157,803       1,570,011       (3,416,142 )
    Cash at Beginning of Period     —       1,178,812       138,581       296,384       3,712,526  
    Cash at End of Period   $ 1,866,395     $ —     $ 296,384     $ 1,866,395     $ 296,384  

    RING ENERGY, INC.
    Financial Commodity Derivative Positions
    As of December 31, 2024

    The following tables reflect the details of current derivative contracts as of December 31, 2024 (quantities are in barrels (Bbl) for the oil derivative contracts and in million British thermal units (MMBtu) for the natural gas derivative contracts):

      Oil Hedges (WTI)
      Q1 2025   Q2 2025   Q3 2025   Q4 2025   Q1 2026   Q2 2026   Q3 2026   Q4 2026
                                   
    Swaps:                              
    Hedged volume (Bbl)   193,397       151,763       351,917       141,755       477,350       457,101       59,400       423,000  
    Weighted average swap price $ 68.68     $ 68.53     $ 71.41     $ 69.13     $ 70.16     $ 69.38     $ 66.70     $ 66.70  
                                   
    Two-way collars:                              
    Hedged volume (Bbl)   474,750       464,100       225,400       404,800       —       —       379,685       —  
    Weighted average put price $ 57.06     $ 60.00     $ 65.00     $ 60.00     $ —     $ —     $ 60.00     $ —  
    Weighted average call price $ 75.82     $ 69.85     $ 78.91     $ 75.68     $ —     $ —     $ 72.50     $ —  
      Gas Hedges (Henry Hub)
      Q1 2025   Q2 2025   Q3 2025   Q4 2025   Q1 2026   Q2 2026   Q3 2026   Q4 2026
                                   
    NYMEX Swaps:                              
    Hedged volume (MMBtu)   451,884       647,200       330,250       11,400       26,600       555,300       17,400       513,300  
    Weighted average swap price $ 3.77     $ 3.46     $ 3.72     $ 3.74     $ 3.74     $ 3.39     $ 3.74     $ 3.74  
                                   
    Two-way collars:                              
    Hedged volume (MMBtu)   22,016       27,300       308,200       598,000       553,500       —       515,728       —  
    Weighted average put price $ 3.00     $ 3.00     $ 3.00     $ 3.00     $ 3.50     $ —     $ 3.00     $ —  
    Weighted average call price $ 4.40     $ 4.15     $ 4.75     $ 4.15     $ 5.03     $ —     $ 3.93     $ —  
      Oil Hedges (basis differential)
      Q1 2025   Q2 2025   Q3 2025   Q4 2025   Q1 2026   Q2 2026   Q3 2026   Q4 2026
                                   
    Argus basis swaps:                              
    Hedged volume (Bbl)   177,000       273,000       276,000       276,000       —       —       —       —  
    Weighted average spread price (1) $ 1.00     $ 1.00     $ 1.00     $ 1.00     $ —     $ —     $ —     $ —  

    (1) The oil basis swap hedges are calculated as the fixed price (weighted average spread price above) less the difference between WTI Midland and WTI Cushing, in the issue of Argus Americas Crude.

    RING ENERGY, INC.
    Non-GAAP Financial Information

    Certain financial information included in this release are not measures of financial performance recognized by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). These non-GAAP financial measures are “Adjusted Net Income”, “Adjusted EBITDA”, “Adjusted Free Cash Flow” or “AFCF,” “Adjusted Cash Flow from Operations” or “ACFFO,” “G&A Excluding Share-Based Compensation,” “G&A Excluding Share-Based Compensation and Transaction Costs,” “Leverage Ratio,” “Current Ratio,” “Cash Return on Capital Employed” or “CROCE,” “All-In Cash Operating Costs,” and “Cash Operating Margin.” Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures in its analysis of performance. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA is a key metric used to determine a portion of the Company’s incentive compensation awards. These disclosures may not be viewed as a substitute for results determined in accordance with GAAP and are not necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures which may be reported by other companies.

    Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted Net Income

    “Adjusted Net Income” is calculated as net income minus the estimated after-tax impact of share-based compensation, ceiling test impairment, unrealized gains and losses on changes in the fair value of derivatives, and transaction costs for executed acquisitions and divestitures (A&D). Adjusted Net Income is presented because the timing and amount of these items cannot be reasonably estimated and affect the comparability of operating results from period to period, and current period to prior periods. The Company believes that the presentation of Adjusted Net Income provides useful information to investors as it is one of the metrics management uses to assess the Company’s ongoing operating and financial performance, and also is a useful metric for investors to compare our results with our peers.

      (Unaudited for All Periods)
      Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
      December 31,   September 30,   December 31,   December 31,   December 31,
        2024       2024       2023       2024       2023  
      Total   Per
    share –
    diluted
      Total   Per
    share –
    diluted
      Total   Per
    share –
    diluted
      Total   Per
    share –
    diluted
      Total   Per
    share –
    diluted
    Net Income $ 5,657,519     $ 0.03     $ 33,878,424     $ 0.17     $ 50,896,479     $ 0.26     $ 67,470,314     $ 0.34     $ 104,864,641     $ 0.54  
                                           
    Share-based compensation   1,672,320       0.01       32,087       —       2,458,682       0.01       5,506,017       0.03       8,833,425       0.05  
    Unrealized loss (gain) on change in fair value of derivatives   6,999,552       0.03       (26,614,390 )     (0.13 )     (32,505,544 )     (0.16 )     (2,827,756 )     (0.02 )     (11,852,082 )     (0.07 )
    Transaction costs – executed A&D   21,017       —       —       —       354,616       —       24,556       —       417,166       —  
    Tax impact on adjusted items   (2,008,740 )     (0.01 )     6,132,537       0.03       (35,631 )     —       (628,405 )     —       (1,788,248 )     (0.01 )
                                           
    Adjusted Net Income $ 12,341,668     $ 0.06     $ 13,428,658     $ 0.07     $ 21,168,602     $ 0.11     $ 69,544,726     $ 0.35     $ 100,474,902     $ 0.51  
                                           
    Diluted Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding   200,886,010           200,723,863           197,848,812           200,277,380           195,364,850      
                                           
    Adjusted Net Income per Diluted Share $ 0.06         $ 0.07         $ 0.11         $ 0.35         $ 0.51      


    Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA

    The Company defines “Adjusted EBITDA” as net income plus net interest expense (including interest income and expense), unrealized loss (gain) on change in fair value of derivatives, ceiling test impairment, income tax (benefit) expense, depreciation, depletion and amortization, asset retirement obligation accretion, transaction costs for executed acquisitions and divestitures (A&D), share-based compensation, loss (gain) on disposal of assets, and backing out the effect of other income. Company management believes Adjusted EBITDA is relevant and useful because it helps investors understand Ring’s operating performance and makes it easier to compare its results with those of other companies that have different financing, capital and tax structures. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation from or as a substitute for net income, as an indication of operating performance or cash flows from operating activities or as a measure of liquidity. Adjusted EBITDA, as Ring calculates it, may not be comparable to Adjusted EBITDA measures reported by other companies. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA does not represent funds available for discretionary use.

      (Unaudited for All Periods)
      Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
      December 31,   September 30,   December 31,   December 31,   December 31,
        2024       2024       2023       2024       2023  
                       
    Net Income $ 5,657,519     $ 33,878,424     $ 50,896,479     $ 67,470,314     $ 104,864,641  
                       
    Interest expense, net   9,987,731       10,610,539       11,506,908       42,819,864       43,669,577  
    Unrealized loss (gain) on change in fair value of derivatives   6,999,552       (26,614,390 )     (32,505,544 )     (2,827,756 )     (11,852,082 )
    Income tax (benefit) expense   1,803,629       10,087,954       7,862,930       20,440,954       125,242  
    Depreciation, depletion and amortization   24,548,849       25,662,123       24,556,654       98,702,843       88,610,291  
    Asset retirement obligation accretion   323,085       354,195       351,786       1,380,298       1,425,686  
    Transaction costs – executed A&D   21,017       —       354,616       24,556       417,166  
    Share-based compensation   1,672,320       32,087       2,458,682       5,506,017       8,833,425  
    Loss (gain) on disposal of assets   —       —       (44,981 )     (89,693 )     87,128  
    Other income   (80,970 )     —       (72,725 )     (106,656 )     (198,935 )
                       
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 50,932,732     $ 54,010,932     $ 65,364,805     $ 233,320,741     $ 235,982,139  
                       
    Adjusted EBITDA Margin   61 %     61 %     65 %     64 %     65 %


    Reconciliations of Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities to Adjusted Free Cash Flow and Adjusted EBITDA to Adjusted Free Cash Flow

    The Company defines “Adjusted Free Cash Flow” or “AFCF” as Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities less changes in operating assets and liabilities (as reflected on our Statements of Cash Flows), plus transaction costs for executed acquisitions and divestitures (A&D), current income tax expense (benefit), proceeds from divestitures of equipment for oil and natural gas properties, loss (gain) on disposal of assets, and less capital expenditures, credit loss expense, and other income. For this purpose, our definition of capital expenditures includes costs incurred related to oil and natural gas properties (such as drilling and infrastructure costs and lease maintenance costs) but excludes acquisition costs of oil and gas properties from third parties that are not included in our capital expenditures guidance provided to investors. Our management believes that Adjusted Free Cash Flow is an important financial performance measure for use in evaluating the performance and efficiency of our current operating activities after the impact of capital expenditures and net interest expense (including interest income and expense, excluding amortization of deferred financing costs) and without being impacted by items such as changes associated with working capital, which can vary substantially from one period to another. Other companies may use different definitions of Adjusted Free Cash Flow.

      (Unaudited for All Periods)
      Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
      December 31,   September 30,   December 31,   December 31,   December 31,
        2024       2024       2023       2024       2023  
                       
    Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities $ 47,279,681     $ 51,336,932     $ 55,733,207     $ 194,423,712     $ 198,170,459  
    Adjustments – Statements of Cash Flows                  
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities   (5,073,676 )     (6,775,740 )     (606,551 )     888,089       (1,180,748 )
    Transaction costs – executed A&D   21,017       —       354,616       24,556       417,166  
    Income tax expense (benefit) – current   71,280       74,899       (192,048 )     401,197       72,213  
    Capital expenditures   (37,633,168 )     (42,691,163 )     (38,817,080 )     (151,946,171 )     (151,969,735 )
    Proceeds from divestiture of equipment for oil and natural gas properties   121,232       —       —       121,232       54,558  
    Credit loss expense   26,747       (8,817 )     (92,142 )     (160,847 )     (134,007 )
    Loss (gain) on disposal of assets   —       —       (44,981 )     —       87,128  
    Other income   (80,970 )     —       (72,725 )     (106,656 )     (198,935 )
                       
    Adjusted Free Cash Flow $ 4,732,143     $ 1,936,111     $ 16,262,296     $ 43,645,112     $ 45,318,099  
      (Unaudited for All Periods)
      Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
      December 31,   September 30,   December 31,   December 31,   December 31,
        2024       2024       2023       2024       2023  
                       
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 50,932,732     $ 54,010,932     $ 65,364,805     $ 233,320,741     $ 235,982,139  
                       
    Net interest expense (excluding amortization of deferred financing costs)   (8,688,653 )     (9,383,658 )     (10,285,429 )     (37,850,690 )     (38,748,863 )
    Capital expenditures   (37,633,168 )     (42,691,163 )     (38,817,080 )     (151,946,171 )     (151,969,735 )
    Proceeds from divestiture of equipment for oil and natural gas properties   121,232       —       —       121,232       54,558  
                       
    Adjusted Free Cash Flow $ 4,732,143     $ 1,936,111     $ 16,262,296     $ 43,645,112     $ 45,318,099  


    Reconciliation of Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities to Adjusted Cash Flow from Operations

    The Company defines “Adjusted Cash Flow from Operations” or “ACFFO” as Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities, as reflected in our Statements of Cash Flows, less the changes in operating assets and liabilities, which includes accounts receivable, inventory, prepaid expenses and other assets, accounts payable, and settlement of asset retirement obligations, which are subject to variation due to the nature of the Company’s operations. Accordingly, the Company believes this non-GAAP measure is useful to investors because it is used often in its industry and allows investors to compare this metric to other companies in its peer group as well as the E&P sector.

      (Unaudited for All Periods)
      Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
      December 31,   September 30,   December 31,   December 31,   December 31,
        2024       2024       2023       2024       2023  
                       
    Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities $ 47,279,681     $ 51,336,932     $ 55,733,207     $ 194,423,712     $ 198,170,459  
                       
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities   (5,073,676 )     (6,775,740 )     (606,551 )     888,089       (1,180,748 )
                       
    Adjusted Cash Flow from Operations $ 42,206,005     $ 44,561,192     $ 55,126,656     $ 195,311,801     $ 196,989,711  


    Reconciliation of General and Administrative Expense (G&A) to G&A Excluding Share-Based Compensation and Transaction Costs

    The following table presents a reconciliation of General and Administrative Expense (G&A), a GAAP measure, to G&A excluding share-based compensation, and G&A excluding share-based compensation and transaction costs for executed acquisitions and divestitures (A&D).

      (Unaudited for All Periods)
      Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
      December 31,   September 30,   December 31,   December 31,   December 31,
        2024       2024       2023       2024       2023  
                       
    General and administrative expense (G&A) $ 8,035,977     $ 6,421,567     $ 8,164,799     $ 29,640,300     $ 29,188,755  
    Shared-based compensation   1,672,320       32,087       2,458,682       5,506,017       8,833,425  
    G&A excluding share-based compensation   6,363,657       6,389,480       5,706,117       24,134,283       20,355,330  
    Transaction costs – executed A&D   21,017       —       354,616       24,556       417,166  
    G&A excluding share-based compensation and transaction costs $ 6,342,640     $ 6,389,480     $ 5,351,501     $ 24,109,727     $ 19,938,164  


    Calculation of Leverage Ratio

    “Leverage” or the “Leverage Ratio” is calculated under our existing senior revolving credit facility and means as of any date, the ratio of (i) our consolidated total debt as of such date to (ii) our Consolidated EBITDAX for the four consecutive fiscal quarters ending on or immediately prior to such date for which financial statements are required to have been delivered under our existing senior revolving credit facility.

    The Company defines “Consolidated EBITDAX” in accordance with our existing senior revolving credit facility that means for any period an amount equal to the sum of (i) consolidated net income (loss) for such period plus (ii) to the extent deducted in determining consolidated net income for such period, and without duplication, (A) consolidated interest expense, (B) income tax expense determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, (C) depreciation, depletion and amortization determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, (D) exploration expenses determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, and (E) all other non-cash charges acceptable to our senior revolving credit facility administrative agent determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, in each case for such period minus (iii) all noncash income added to consolidated net income (loss) for such period; provided that, for purposes of calculating compliance with the financial covenants, to the extent that during such period we shall have consummated an acquisition permitted by the credit facility or any sale, transfer or other disposition of any property or assets permitted by the senior revolving credit facility, Consolidated EBITDAX will be calculated on a pro forma basis with respect to the property or assets so acquired or disposed of.

    Also set forth in our existing senior revolving credit facility is the maximum permitted Leverage Ratio of 3.00. The following table shows the leverage ratio calculation for the Company’s most recent fiscal quarter.

      (Unaudited)
      Three Months Ended    
      March 31,   June 30,   September 30,   December 31,   Last Four
    Quarters
        2024       2024       2024       2024    
    Consolidated EBITDAX Calculation:                  
    Net Income (Loss) $ 5,515,377     $ 22,418,994     $ 33,878,424     $ 5,657,519     $ 67,470,314  
    Plus: Consolidated interest expense   11,420,400       10,801,194       10,610,539       9,987,731       42,819,864  
    Plus: Income tax provision (benefit)   1,728,886       6,820,485       10,087,954       1,803,629       20,440,954  
    Plus: Depreciation, depletion and amortization   23,792,450       24,699,421       25,662,123       24,548,849       98,702,843  
    Plus: non-cash charges acceptable to Administrative Agent   19,627,646       1,664,064       (26,228,108 )     8,994,957       4,058,559  
    Consolidated EBITDAX $ 62,084,759     $ 66,404,158     $ 54,010,932     $ 50,992,685     $ 233,492,534  
    Plus: Pro Forma Acquired Consolidated EBITDAX $ —     $ —     $ —     $ —     $ —  
    Less: Pro Forma Divested Consolidated EBITDAX   (124,084 )     (469,376 )     (600,460 )     77,819       (1,116,101 )
    Pro Forma Consolidated EBITDAX $ 61,960,675     $ 65,934,782     $ 53,410,472     $ 51,070,504     $ 232,376,433  
                       
    Non-cash charges acceptable to Administrative Agent:                  
    Asset retirement obligation accretion $ 350,834     $ 352,184     $ 354,195     $ 323,085      
    Unrealized loss (gain) on derivative assets   17,552,980       (765,898 )     (26,614,390 )     6,999,552      
    Share-based compensation   1,723,832       2,077,778       32,087       1,672,320      
    Total non-cash charges acceptable to Administrative Agent $ 19,627,646     $ 1,664,064     $ (26,228,108 )   $ 8,994,957      
                       
      As of                
      December 31,                
        2024                  
    Leverage Ratio Covenant:                  
    Revolving line of credit $ 385,000,000                  
    Pro Forma Consolidated EBITDAX   232,376,433                  
    Leverage Ratio   1.66                  
    Maximum Allowed   ≤ 3.00 x                


    Calculation of Current Ratio

    The “Current Ratio” is calculated under our existing senior revolving credit facility and means as of any date, the ratio of (i) our Current Assets as of such date to (ii) our Current Liabilities as of such date. Based on its credit agreement, the Company defines Current Assets as all current assets, excluding non-cash assets under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 815, plus the unused line of credit. The Company’s non-cash current assets include the derivative asset marked to market value. Based on its credit agreement, the Company defines Current Liabilities as all liabilities, in accordance with GAAP, which are classified as current liabilities, including all indebtedness payable on demand or within one year, all accruals for federal or other taxes payable within such year, but excluding current portion of long-term debt required to be paid within one year, the aggregate outstanding principal balance and non-cash obligations under ASC 815.

    Also set forth in our existing senior revolving credit facility is the minimum permitted Current Ratio of 1.00. The following table shows the current ratio calculation for the Company’s most recent fiscal quarter.

        As of  
        December 31,  
        2024  
    Current Assets   50,448,092  
    Less: Current derivative assets   5,497,057  
    Current Assets per Covenant   44,951,035  
    Revolver Availability (Facility less debt less LCs)   214,965,000  
    Current Assets per Covenant   259,916,035  
           
    Current Liabilities   105,037,187  
    Less: Current financing lease liability   906,119  
    Less: Current operating lease liability   648,204  
    Less: Current derivative liabilities   6,410,547  
    Current Liabilities per Covenant   97,072,317  
           
    Current Ratio   2.68  
    Minimum Allowed   > or = 1.00 x


    Calculation of Cash Return on Capital Employed

    The Company defines “Return on Capital Employed” or “CROCE” as Adjusted Cash Flow from Operations divided by average debt and shareholder equity for the period. Management believes that CROCE is useful to investors as a performance measure when comparing our profitability and the efficiency with which management has employed capital over time relative to other companies. CROCE is not considered to be an alternative to net income reported in accordance with GAAP.

    CROCE (Cash Return on Capital Employed): As of and for the
      twelve months ended
      December 31,   December 31,   December 31,
        2024       2023       2022  
               
    Total long term debt (i.e. revolving line of credit) $ 385,000,000     $ 425,000,000     $ 415,000,000  
    Total stockholders’ equity $ 858,639,982     $ 786,582,900     $ 661,103,391  
               
    Average debt $ 405,000,000     $ 420,000,000     $ 352,500,000  
    Average stockholders’ equity   822,611,441       723,843,146       480,863,799  
    Average debt and stockholders’ equity   1,227,611,441       1,143,843,146       833,363,799  
               
    Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities $ 194,423,712     $ 198,170,459     $ 196,976,729  
    Less change in WC (Working Capital)   (888,089 )     1,180,748       24,091,577  
    Adjusted Cash Flows From Operations (ACFFO) $ 195,311,801     $ 196,989,711     $ 172,885,152  
               
    CROCE (ACFFO)/(Average D+E)   15.9 %     17.2 %     20.7 %


    All-In Cash Operating Costs

    The Company defines All-In Cash Operating Costs, a non-GAAP financial measure, as “all in cash” costs which includes lease operating expenses, G&A costs excluding share-based compensation, net interest expense (including interest income and expense, excluding amortization of deferred financing costs), workovers and other operating expenses, production taxes, ad valorem taxes, and gathering/transportation costs. Management believes that this metric provides useful additional information to investors to assess the Company’s operating costs in comparison to its peers, which may vary from company to company.

      (Unaudited for All Periods)
      Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
      December 31,   September 30,   December 31,   December 31,   December 31,
        2024       2024       2023       2024       2023  
    All-In Cash Operating Costs:                  
    Lease operating expenses (including workovers)   20,326,216       20,315,282       18,732,082       78,310,949       70,158,227  
    G&A excluding share-based compensation   6,363,657       6,389,480       5,706,117       24,134,283       20,355,330  
    Net interest expense (excluding amortization of deferred financing costs)   8,688,653       9,383,658       10,285,429       37,850,690       38,748,863  
    Operating lease expense   175,090       175,091       175,090       700,362       541,801  
    Oil and natural gas production taxes   3,857,147       4,203,851       4,961,768       16,116,565       18,135,336  
    Ad valorem taxes   2,421,595       2,164,562       1,637,722       8,069,064       6,757,841  
    Gathering, transportation and processing costs   130,230       102,420       464,558       506,333       457,573  
    All-in cash operating costs   41,962,588       42,734,344       41,962,766       165,688,246       155,154,971  
                       
    Boe   1,808,493       1,849,934       1,784,490       7,191,054       6,613,321  
                       
    All-in cash operating costs per Boe $ 23.20     $ 23.10     $ 23.52     $ 23.04     $ 23.46  


    Cash Operating Margin

    The Company defines Cash Operating Margin, a non-GAAP financial measure, as realized revenues per Boe less “all-in cash” operating costs per Boe. Management believes that this metric provides useful additional information to investors to assess the Company’s operating margins in comparison to its peers, which may vary from company to company.

      (Unaudited for All Periods)
      Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
      December 31,   September 30,   December 31,   December 31,   December 31,
        2024       2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Cash Operating Margin                  
    Realized revenues per Boe $ 46.14     $ 48.24     $ 56.01     $ 50.94     $ 54.60  
    All-in cash operating costs per Boe $ 23.20     $ 23.10     $ 23.52     $ 23.04     $ 23.46  
    Cash Operating Margin per Boe $ 22.94     $ 25.14     $ 32.49     $ 27.90     $ 31.14  

    1 Non-GAAP financial measure. Please see “Non-GAAP Information” at the end of this release for details and reconciliations of GAAP to Non-GAAP.
    2 2025 outlook includes the assets to be acquired in the Lime Rock Acquisition, with an anticipated closing date before the end of Q1 2025.

    The MIL Network –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Arq Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Delivered 10% YoY growth in FY 2024 revenue driven by PAC business turnaround and 7thstraight quarter of double-digit YoY ASP growth

    Grew FY 2024 gross margins by approximately 410 bps YoY to 36.2% and achieved 3rdconsecutive quarter of positive Adjusted EBITDA, highlighting sustained foundational PAC business improvement

    Exited 2024 with a stronger financial position, successfully completing a $30 million ABL facility which lowers financing costs, increases capacity, and enhances liquidity

    Development of transformational GAC facility continues; first production anticipated prior to quarter end in line with ramp up to 25 million pounds nameplate capacity in H2 2025

    GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo., March 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Arq, Inc. (NASDAQ: ARQ) (the “Company” or “Arq”), a producer of activated carbon and other environmentally efficient carbon products for use in purification and sustainable materials, today announced its financial and operating results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2024.

    Financial Highlights

    • Generated revenue of $109.0 million in FY 2024 ($27.0 million in Q4 2024), up 10% over the prior year, driven largely by higher Average Sales Price (“ASP”), and positive changes in product mix
    • Increased ASP in Q4 2024 by approximately 14% over the prior year period, reflecting the 7th consecutive quarter of double-digit YoY percentage growth in ASP
    • All powder activated carbon (“PAC”) contracts are now net cash producers following the successful resolution of all negative margin agreements as of December 31, 2024
    • Improved FY 2024 gross margin to 36.2% in FY 2024, up approximately 410 basis points vs. FY 2023, driven by higher revenue, continued focus on profitability over volume, and ongoing operational cost management
    • Gross margin in Q4 2024 of 36.3% vs. 49.8% in Q4 2023 – prior quarter included a $4.7 million take-or-pay benefit and other non-recurring items vs. $1.6 million in Q4 2024. Q4 2024 was otherwise largely in-line with last year’s performance despite two brief but unplanned outages at the Red River plant
    • Reported Net loss of ($5.1) million in FY 2024, reflecting a significant improvement over the prior year period Net loss of ($12.2) million; Q4 2024 Net loss of ($1.3) million vs. Net income of $3.3 million in Q4 2023
    • Adjusted EBITDA of $7.7 million in FY 2024 vs. Adjusted EBITDA loss of ($2.6) million in the prior year(1); Adjusted EBITDA of $3.3 million in Q4 2024 vs. $7.2 million in the prior year period(1)
    • Announced successful closing of a $30 million asset backed lending (“ABL”) facility, enhancing financial flexibility and reducing our cost of capital
    • Exited 2024 with cash and restricted cash of $22.2 million, including $8.7 million restricted cash
    • Capital expenditures for FY 2024 totaled $85.2 million, including $80.0 million growth capital expenditures associated with Red River Phase I development

    (1) Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. Please refer to the paragraph titled “Non-GAAP Measures” for the definitions of non-GAAP financial measures and reconciliations to GAAP measures included in this press release.

    Recent Business Highlights

    • Construction at Red River facility complete with commissioning ongoing and first production of granular activated carbon (“GAC”) at Red River expected by end of Q1 2025; on target to achieve first deliveries in Q1 2025
    • Ramp up of Red River GAC production anticipated to run into H2 2025; expect to achieve full run rate capacity of 25 million pounds in H2 2025
    • Approximately 16 million pounds of our 25 million pound per year nameplate capacity contracted
    • In negotiations to contract remaining capacity at Red River. Multiple in-situ pilot tests are underway with customers, a required step before finalizing contracts, and in-line with the expected ramp-up schedule
    • Potential to increase Red River’s 25 million pound per year nameplate capacity by 10-20% still targeted; timing of upside production run-rate expected to be defined once nameplate capacity is achieved

    Management Commentary

    “These results reinforce the durability of our transformation within the foundational PAC business,” said Bob Rasmus, CEO of Arq. “Our 2024 results show a business which has been successfully turned around into a cash flow contributor. The annualized performance of the business has materially improved and is more profitable. With our third consecutive quarter of positive Adjusted EBITDA, the direction of travel is extremely positive. I also believe this is a business which can still be enhanced further.”

    Mr. Rasmus continued, “The capex overrun we experienced in Q4 was extremely frustrating, and while we actively look for ways to mitigate this increase, we remain confident that its impact on our long-term profitability and returns profile should be negligible.”

    “The imminent start of GAC production is of course a major milestone for us and will represent a huge achievement for the whole team,” added Mr. Rasmus. “While we want to remain cautious on the duration of our ramp-up to nameplate capacity, there should be no doubt we will be trying to get there as quickly as possible. By H2 2025 we believe we will have a solid, sustainably profitable PAC business being complimented by a high growth GAC business, representing our springboard to future growth.”

    Full Year 2024 Results

    Revenues totaled $109.0 million for full year 2024, compared to $99.2 million in the prior year. The revenue increase was primarily driven by improved ASP and product diversification into higher value end-markets.

    Cost of revenues totaled $69.5 million for full year 2024, compared to $67.3 million in the prior year. While total costs increased year over year, costs as a percentage of total revenue were down. This decrease in costs as a percentage of revenue was related to a decrease in the cost to manufacture our products, which primarily resulted from decreased variable production costs on lower production volumes during 2024.

    Gross margin was 36.2% for full year 2024, compared to 32.1% in the prior year. The increase was driven by higher revenue as detailed above, as well as cost reductions.

    Other operating expenses were $41.4 million for full year 2024, compared to $45.2 million in the prior year. The reduction was mainly driven by expenses incurred during 2023 relating to the acquisition of Arq Limited (“Legacy Arq”) (the “Arq Acquisition”) that did not occur in 2024.

    Operating loss totaled ($2.0) million for full year 2024, compared to an operating loss of ($13.3) million in the prior year. The reduction in loss was mainly driven by the factors referenced above.

    Interest expense was $3.3 million for full year 2024, compared to $3.0 million in the prior year. The increase was primarily driven by interest expenses related to the $10 million term loan with CF Global (the “CFG Loan”) of $2.3 million and $2.0 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively. The CFG Loan had a higher principal balance from the accrual of interest payable (PIK) upon the termination date of the CFG Loan, which was paid in December 2024.

    Income tax benefit was $0.2 million for full year 2024, compared to an income tax expense of $0.2 million in the prior year.

    Net loss was ($5.1) million, or ($0.14) per diluted share for full year 2024, compared to Net loss of ($12.2) million, or ($0.42) per diluted share in the prior year. The reduction in net loss was driven by higher revenues and a reduction in costs.

    Adjusted EBITDA was $7.7 million for full year 2024, compared to an Adjusted EBITDA loss of ($2.6) million in the prior year. The increase was mainly driven by our continued focus on increasing revenues while driving costs down. Additionally, an addback of Adjusted EBITDA during 2024 related to Loss on extinguishment of debt of $1.4 million, related to our repayment of the CFG Loan in December 2024 led to the increase. See the note below regarding the use of the non-GAAP financial measure Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation to the most comparable GAAP financial measure.

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Results

    Revenue totaled $27.0 million for Q4 2024, reflecting a decrease of 4% compared to $28.1 million in the prior year period. The reduction was driven predominantly by the one-off benefits delivered in Q4 2023 as a result of take-or-pay enforcement totaling $4.7 million vs. $1.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. Excluding these one-off items, revenue was up YoY. ASP for the fourth quarter of 2024 were up approximately 14% compared to prior year period, marking the 7th consecutive quarter of double-digit year-over-year percentage growth in ASP.

    Costs of revenue totaled $17.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, an increase of approximately 22% compared to $14.1 million in the prior year period.

    Gross margin reduced to 36.3% for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to 49.8% in the prior year period. The reduction in gross margin was driven by higher non-recurring revenues in Q4 2023 driven primarily by $3.1 million of additional take or pay enforcement in Q4 2023. Excluding this, Q4 2024 was largely in-line despite two brief but unplanned outages at our Red River plant.

    Selling, general and administrative expenses totaled $6.0 million in Q4 2024, compared to $6.5 million in the prior year period. The reduction of approximately $0.5 million or 8% was primarily driven by a reduction in payroll and benefits as well as legal and consulting fees as the Company incurred incremental fees related to the Arq Acquisition in 2023.

    Research and development costs totaled $0.7 million in Q4 2024, compared to $1.2 million in the prior year period. This reduction was primarily due to the Company performing product qualification testing in the prior year period with potential lead-adopters as part of its ongoing GAC contracting process in 2023.

    Operating income was $0.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to an operating income of $3.1 million in the prior year period. The reduction was mainly driven by the factors referenced above.

    Net loss was ($1.3) million in the fourth quarter of 2024, or ($0.03) per diluted share, compared to a net income of $3.3 million, or $0.10 per diluted share, in the prior year period.

    Adjusted EBITDA was $3.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $7.2 million in the prior year period. The reduction was primarily driven by the significant one-off items discussed above. See note below regarding the use of the non-GAAP financial measure Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation to the most comparable GAAP financial measure.

    Capex and Balance Sheet

    Capital expenditures totaled $85.2 million for full year 2024, compared to $27.5 million in the prior year. The increase vs. the prior year was driven by the ongoing expansion of our Red River and Corbin facilities. The increase in total 2024 capex from previous guidance of $60 – $70 million was primarily driven by several factors, including $4 – $5 million related to contractor errors associated with small-bore piping needs, roughly $3 – $4 million related to maintaining a timely completion, and approximately $2 million related to the need for additional external professional services.

    The Company raised approximately $26.7 million of net equity proceeds in its September 2024 underwritten public offering of common stock, which, combined with approximately $15 million raised in a private placement of common stock in May 2024, resulted in year-to-date net equity proceeds raised through Q4 2024 of approximately $41.6 million.

    In December 2024, the Company closed a $30 million ABL credit facility (the “ABL Facility”) with MidCap Financial, a leading commercial finance company focused on middle market transactions. Total available borrowing capacity for the ABL Facility is determined by a borrowing base calculation based on a certain percentage of eligible accounts receivable and inventory.

    Initial drawdown from the ABL Facility ($13.8 million as of December 31, 2024) was utilized to refinance Arq’s outstanding CFG Loan. Going forward, the Company expects that proceeds from the ABL Facility will be used to finance ongoing working capital requirements and potential capital expenditures related to the Company’s strategic growth investment at its Red River plant, as well as to support general corporate purposes.

    Cash as of December 31, 2024, including $8.7 million of restricted cash, totaled $22.2 million, compared to $54.2 million as of December 31, 2023. The reduction was largely driven by increased expenditures relating to the Red River GAC expansion.

    Total debt, inclusive of financing leases, as of December 31, 2024, totaled $24.8 million compared to $20.9 million as of December 31, 2023. The increase was driven by closing the ABL Facility.

    Conference Call and Webcast Information

    Arq will host its Q4 2024 earnings conference call on March 6, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. ET. The live webcast can be accessed through the Investor Resources section of Arq’s website at www.arq.com. Interested parties may participate in the conference call by registering at https://www.webcast-eqs.com/arq20250306. Alternatively, the live conference call may be accessed by dialing (877) 407-0890 or (201) 389-0918 and referencing Arq. An investor presentation will also be available in the Investor Resources section before the call begins.

    A replay of the event will be made available shortly after the event and accessible via the same webcast link referenced above. Alternatively, the replay may be accessed by dialing (877) 660-6853 or (201) 612-7415 and entering Access ID 13751420. The dial-in replay will expire after March 13, 2025.

    About Arq

    Arq (NASDAQ: ARQ) is a diversified, environmental technology company with products that enable a cleaner and safer planet while actively reducing our environmental impact. As the only vertically integrated producer of activated carbon products in North America, we deliver a reliable domestic supply of innovative, hard-to-source, high-demand products. We apply our extensive expertise to develop groundbreaking solutions to remove harmful chemicals and pollutants from water, land and air. Learn more at: www.arq.com.

    Caution on Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which provides a “safe harbor” for such statements in certain circumstances. When used in this press release, the words “can,” “will,” “may,” “intends,” “expects,” “continuing,” “believes,” similar expressions and any other statements that are not historical facts are intended to identify those assertions as forward-looking statements. All statements that address activities, events or developments that the Company intends, expects or believes may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements or expectations regarding: the anticipating timing of the completion of commissioning of the GAC Facility, ramp-up to full nameplate capacity at our Red River facility, and commercial production of our GAC products; the anticipated effects from fluctuations in the pricing of our AC products; expected supply and demand for our AC products and services, including our GAC products; the seasonal impact on our customers and their demand for our products; the ability to continue to successfully integrate Legacy Arq’s business and recognize the benefits and synergies from the Arq Acquisition; the ability to continue to develop and utilize Legacy Arq’s products and technology and the anticipated timing for bringing such products to market; our ability to access new markets for our GAC and other products; any future plant capacity expansions or site development projects and our ability to finance any such projects; the effectiveness of our technologies and the benefits they provide; the timing of awards of, and work and related testing under, our contracts and agreements and their value; probability of any loss occurring with respect to certain guarantees made by Tinuum Group; the timing and amounts of or changes in future revenue, funding for our business and projects, margins, expenses, earnings, tax rates, cash flows, royalty payment obligations, working capital, liquidity and other financial and accounting measures; the performance of obligations secured by our surety bonds; the amount and timing of future capital expenditures needed to fund our business plan; the impact of capital expenditure overruns on our business; awards of patents designed to protect our proprietary technologies both in the U.S. and other countries; the adoption and scope of regulations to control certain chemicals in drinking water and other environmental concerns and the impact of such regulations on our customers’ and our businesses, including any increase or decrease in sales of our AC products resulting from such regulations; the impact of adverse global macroeconomic conditions, including rising interest rates, recession fears and inflationary pressures, and geopolitical events or conflicts; opportunities to effectively provide solutions to our current and future customers to comply with regulations, improve efficiency, lower costs and maintain reliability; and the impact of prices of competing power generation sources such as natural gas and renewable energy on demand for our products. These forward-looking statements included in this press release involve risks and uncertainties. Actual events or results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors including, but not limited to, the timing and scope of new and pending regulations and any legal challenges to or extensions of compliance dates of them; the U.S. government’s failure to promulgate new regulations or enforce existing regulations that benefit our business; changes in laws and regulations, accounting rules, prices, economic conditions and market demand; availability, cost of and demand for alternative energy sources and other technologies and their impact on coal-fired power generation in the U.S.; technical, start up and operational difficulties; competition within the industries in which the Company operates; risks associated with our debt financing; our inability to effectively and efficiently commercialize new products, including our GAC products; our inability to effectively manage commissioning and startup of the GAC facility at our Red River plant; disruptions at any of our facilities, including by natural disasters or extreme weather; risks related to our information technology systems, including the risk of cyberattacks on our networks; failure to protect our intellectual property from infringement or claims that we have infringed on the intellectual property of others; our inability to obtain future financing or financing on terms that are favorable to us; our inability to ramp up our operations to effectively address recent and expected growth in our business; loss of key personnel; ongoing effects of the inflation and macroeconomic uncertainty, including from the new U.S. presidential administration, increased domestic and international tariffs, lingering effects of the pandemic and armed conflicts around the world, and such uncertainty’s effect on market demand and input costs; availability of materials and equipment for our business; intellectual property infringement claims from third parties; pending litigation; factors relating to our business strategy, goals and expectations concerning the Arq Acquisition; our ability to maintain relationships with customers, suppliers and others with whom the Company does business and meet supply requirements; our results of operations and business generally; risks related to diverting management’s attention from our ongoing business operations; costs related to the ongoing manufacturing of our products, including our GAC products; opportunities for additional sales of our AC products and end-market diversification; the timing and scope of new and pending regulations, executive orders and any legal challenges to or extensions of compliance dates of them; the rate of coal-fired power generation in the U.S.; the timing and cost of any future capital expenditures and the resultant impact to our liquidity and cash flows; and the other risk factors described in our filings with the SEC, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and to consult filings we have made and will make with the SEC for additional discussion concerning risks and uncertainties that may apply to our business and the ownership of our securities. In addition to causing our actual results to differ, the factors listed above may cause our intentions to change from those statements of intention set forth in this press release. Such changes in our intentions may also cause our results to differ. We may change our intentions, at any time and without notice, based upon changes in such factors, our assumptions, or otherwise. The forward-looking statements speak only as to the date of this press release, and we disclaim any duty to update such statements unless required by law.

    Source: Arq, Inc.

    Investor Contact:
    Anthony Nathan, Arq
    Marc Silverberg, ICR
    investors@arq.com

     
    Arq, Inc. and Subsidiaries
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
     
        As of December 31,
    (in thousands, except share data)     2024       2023  
    ASSETS        
    Current assets:        
    Cash   $ 13,516     $ 45,361  
    Receivables, net     14,876       16,192  
    Inventories, net     19,314       19,693  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets     4,650       5,215  
    Total current assets     52,356       86,461  
    Restricted cash, long-term     8,719       8,792  
    Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $26,619 and $19,293, respectively     178,564       94,649  
    Other long-term assets, net     44,729       45,600  
    Total Assets   $ 284,368     $ 235,502  
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY        
    Current liabilities:        
    Accounts payable and accrued expenses   $ 21,017     $ 14,603  
    Revolving credit facility     13,828       —  
    Current portion of long-term debt obligations     1,624       2,653  
    Other current liabilities     8,184       5,792  
    Total current liabilities     44,653       23,048  
    Long-term debt obligations, net of current portion     9,370       18,274  
    Other long-term liabilities     13,069       15,780  
    Total Liabilities     67,092       57,102  
    Commitments and contingencies        
    Stockholders’ equity:        
    Preferred stock: par value of $0.001 per share, 50,000,000 shares authorized, none issued or outstanding     —       —  
    Common stock: par value of $0.001 per share, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 46,639,930 and 37,791,084 shares issued and 42,021,784 and 33,172,938 shares outstanding at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively     47       38  
    Treasury stock, at cost: 4,618,146 and 4,618,146 shares as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively     (47,692 )     (47,692 )
    Additional paid-in capital     198,487       154,511  
    Retained earnings     66,434       71,543  
    Total Stockholders’ Equity     217,276       178,400  
    Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity   $ 284,368     $ 235,502  
     
    Arq, Inc. and Subsidiaries
    Consolidated Statements of Operations
     
        Three Months Ended December 31,   Years Ended December 31,
    (in thousands, except per share data)     2024       2023       2024       2023  
        (unaudited)        
    Revenue   $ 27,040     $ 28,104     $ 108,959     $ 99,183  
                     
    Cost of revenue, exclusive of depreciation and amortization     17,236       14,105       69,515       67,323  
                     
    Operating expenses:                
    Selling, general and administrative     5,960       6,495       28,695       34,069  
    Research and development     709       1,169       4,050       3,314  
    Depreciation, amortization, depletion and accretion     2,504       3,267       8,594       10,543  
    Loss (gain) on sale of assets     218       (36 )     64       (2,731 )
    Total operating expenses     9,391       10,895       41,403       45,195  
    Operating income (loss)     413       3,104       (1,959 )     (13,335 )
    Other (expense) income:                
    Earnings from equity method investments     —       111       127       1,623  
    Interest expense     (831 )     (859 )     (3,257 )     (3,014 )
    Loss on extinguishment of debt     (1,422 )     —       (1,422 )     —  
    Other     307       1,120       1,238       2,630  
    Total other (expense) income     (1,946 )     372       (3,314 )     1,239  
    (Loss) income before income taxes     (1,533 )     3,476       (5,273 )     (12,096 )
    Income tax (benefit) expense     (194 )     186       (164 )     153  
    Net (loss) income   $ (1,339 )   $ 3,290     $ (5,109 )   $ (12,249 )
    (Loss) income per common share:                
    Basic   $ (0.03 )   $ 0.10     $ (0.14 )   $ (0.42 )
    Diluted   $ (0.03 )   $ 0.10     $ (0.14 )   $ (0.42 )
    Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding:                
    Basic     41,275       32,367       36,051       29,104  
    Diluted     41,275       32,952       36,051       29,104  
     
    Arq, Inc. and Subsidiaries
    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
     
        Years Ended December 31,
    (in thousands)     2024       2023  
    Cash flows from operating activities        
    Net loss   $ (5,109 )   $ (12,249 )
    Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:        
    Depreciation, amortization, depletion and accretion     8,594       10,543  
    Stock-based compensation expense     2,715       2,648  
    Operating lease expense     2,004       2,757  
    Loss from extinguishment of debt     1,422       —  
    Amortization of debt discount and debt issuance costs     601       546  
    Loss (gain) on sale of assets     64       (2,731 )
    Earnings from equity method investments     (127 )     (1,623 )
    Other non-cash items, net     37       (75 )
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:        
    Receivables and related party receivables     1,316       (2,264 )
    Prepaid expenses and other assets     1,166       4,777  
    Inventories, net     1,636       (2,571 )
    Other long-term assets, net     (2,166 )     (4,762 )
    Accounts payable and accrued expenses     216       (12,061 )
    Other current liabilities     1,144       (184 )
    Operating lease liabilities     (1,272 )     (168 )
    Other long-term liabilities     (1,764 )     764  
    Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities     10,477       (16,653 )
    Cash flows from investing activities        
    Acquisition of property, plant, equipment and intangible assets, net     (85,170 )     (27,516 )
    Acquisition of mine development costs     (181 )     (2,690 )
    Proceeds from sale of property and equipment     150       —  
    Distributions from equity method investees in excess of cumulative earnings     127       1,623  
    Cash and restricted cash acquired in business acquisition     —       2,225  
    Payment for disposal of Marshall Mine, LLC     —       (2,177 )
    Net cash used in investing activities   $ (85,074 )   $ (28,535 )
    Cash flows from financing activities        
    Net proceeds from common stock issued in public offering   $ 26,654     $ —  
    Net proceeds from common stock issued in private placement transactions     14,951       15,220  
    Borrowings on revolving credit facility     13,828       —  
    Net proceeds from common stock issued to related party     800       1,000  
    Principal payments on notes payable     (10,544 )     (473 )
    Repurchase of common stock to satisfy tax withholdings     (1,135 )     (230 )
    Principal payments on finance lease obligations     (1,022 )     (1,130 )
    Payment of debt issuance costs     (633 )     —  
    Payment of debt extinguishment costs     (220 )     —  
    Net proceeds from CFG Loan, related party, net of discount and issuance costs     —       8,522  
    Net cash provided by financing activities     42,679       22,909  
    Decrease in Cash and Restricted Cash     (31,918 )     (22,279 )
    Cash and Restricted Cash, beginning of year     54,153       76,432  
    Cash and Restricted Cash, end of year   $ 22,235     $ 54,153  
             
    Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:        
    Cash paid for interest   $ 2,017     $ 1,727  
    Cash received for income taxes   $ (452 )   $ (1,697 )
    Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:        
    Change in accrued purchases for property and equipment   $ 6,198     $ 914  
    Purchase of property and equipment through note payable   $ 1,004     $ —  
    Equity issued as consideration for acquisition of business   $ —     $ 31,206  
    Paid-in-kind dividend on Series A Preferred Stock   $ —     $ 157  


    Note on Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    To supplement our financial information presented in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”), we provide certain supplemental financial measures, including EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, which are measurements that are not calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, and Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA reduced by the non-cash impact of equity earnings from equity method investments and other non-cash gains, increased by cash distributions from equity method investments, other non-cash losses and non-recurring costs and fees. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, net income (loss) in accordance with U.S. GAAP as a measure of performance. See below for a reconciliation from net income (loss), the nearest U.S. GAAP financial measure, to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA.

    We believe that the EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA measures are less susceptible to variances that affect our operating performance. We include these non-GAAP measures because management uses them in the evaluation of our operating performance, and believe they help to facilitate comparison of operating results between periods. We believe the non-GAAP measures provide useful information to both management and users of the financial statements by excluding certain expenses, gains, and losses which can vary widely across different industries or among companies within the same industry and may not be indicative of core operating results and business outlook.

    EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA:

    The following table reconciles net income (loss), our most directly comparable as-reported financial measure calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP, to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA (Adjusted EBITDA loss).

     
    Arq, Inc. and Subsidiaries
    Reconciliation of Net income (loss) to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA (Adjusted EBITDA loss)
    (Unaudited)
     
        Three Months Ended   Years Ended
        September 30,   December 31,   December 31,
    (in thousands)     2024       2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Net income (loss)   $ 1,617     $ (1,339 )   $ 3,290     $ (5,109 )   $ (12,249 )
    Depreciation, amortization, depletion and accretion     2,716       2,504       3,267       8,594       10,543  
    Amortization of Upfront Customer Consideration     127       127       127       508       508  
    Interest expense, net     600       516       346       2,154       1,168  
    Income tax (benefit) expense     —       (194 )     186       (164 )     153  
    EBITDA     5,060       1,614       7,216       5,983       123  
    Cash distributions from equity method investees     127       —       111       127       1,623  
    Equity earnings     (127 )     —       (111 )     (127 )     (1,623 )
    Loss on extinguishment of debt     —       1,422       —       1,422       —  
    (Gain) loss on sale of assets     (154 )     218       —       64       (2,695 )
    Gain on change in estimate, asset retirement obligation     —       —       (37 )     —       (37 )
    Financing costs     228       47       —       275       —  
    Adjusted EBITDA (Adjusted EBITDA loss)   $ 5,134     $ 3,301     $ 7,179     $ 7,744     $ (2,609 )

    The MIL Network –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: ArrowMark Financial Corp. Announces Special Distribution of $0.10 and Regular Cash Distribution of $0.45 per Share for the First Quarter 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DENVER, March 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ArrowMark Financial Corp. (Nasdaq: BANX) (“ArrowMark Financial” or the “Company”), an SEC registered closed-end management investment company, today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a special cash distribution of $0.10 per share generated from excess income, and a regular cash distribution of $0.45 per share for the first quarter 2025. The total distribution of $0.55 per share will be payable on March 27, 2025 to shareholders of record on March 20, 2025.

    “We are very pleased to announce a special distribution for Q1 2025 along with the regular quarterly distribution of $0.45. We believe this distribution reflects the Fund’s ability to consistently over-earn its declared quarterly distribution rate. ArrowMark Financial is committed to providing consistent risk-adjusted returns while maintaining focus on capital preservation and income generation for our shareholders,” said Chairman & CEO Sanjai Bhonsle.

    About ArrowMark Financial Corp.

    ArrowMark Financial Corp. is an SEC registered non-diversified, closed-end fund listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “BANX.” Its investment objective is to provide shareholders with current income. The Fund pursues its objective by investing primarily in regulatory capital securities of financial institutions. ArrowMark Financial is managed by ArrowMark Asset Management, LLC. To learn more, visit ir.arrowmarkfinancialcorp.com or contact the Fund’s secondary market service agent at 877-855-3434.

    Disclaimer and Risk Factors:

    There is no assurance that ArrowMark Financial will achieve its investment objective. ArrowMark Financial is subject to numerous risks, including investment and market risks, management risk, income and interest rate risks, banking industry risks, preferred stock risk, convertible securities risk, debt securities risk, liquidity risk, valuation risk, leverage risk, non-diversification risk, credit and counterparty risks, market at a discount from net asset value risk and market disruption risk. Shares of closed-end investment companies may trade above (a premium) or below (a discount) their net asset value. Shares of ArrowMark Financial may not be appropriate for all investors. Investors should review and consider carefully ArrowMark Financial’s investment objective, risks, charges and expenses. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

    The Annual Report, Semi-Annual Report and other regulatory filings of the Fund with the SEC are accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and on the Fund’s website at ir.arrowmarkfinancialcorp.com.

    Contact:

    BANX@destracapital.com 

    Destra Capital Advisors LLC (877) 855-3434
    Destra Capital Advisors LLC provides secondary market services for the Fund by agreement.

    The MIL Network –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Australia: Low-carbon liquid fuels of the Future Made In Australia

    Source: Australia Government Ministerial Statements

    The Albanese Government is delivering $250 million to accelerate the pace of Australia’s growing domestic Low Carbon Liquid Fuels (LCLF) industry.

    This funding is part of the $1.7 billion Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund and will be provided as grants to support pre-commercial innovation, demonstration and deployment.

    Low carbon liquid fuels can be produced sustainably from waste, biomass such as agricultural feedstocks, or renewable hydrogen.

    Australia’s domestic LCLF industry will focus on supplying sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel in liquid fuel-reliant sectors, including transport (aviation, heavy vehicle, rail and maritime), mining, agriculture and construction.

    The development of low carbon fuels will drive economic growth and jobs in regional areas, including supporting diversification in agriculture, making good use of excess feedstock from crops, sugarcane and waste products such as tallow.

    CSIRO projects that a LCLF industry could contribute between AUD $6 billion to $12 billion annually in direct economic benefits, with greater gains from regional co-benefits including diversified income streams for farmers and regional communities.

    LCLFs not only help decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors of the economy but provide Australia with sovereign capability and resilience at a time of increasing international uncertainty. 

    Alongside the $250 million for low carbon liquid fuels, the Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund is providing $500 million for clean energy technology manufacturing capabilities including electrolysers, batteries and wind towers.

    The Fund – a key element of the Future Made in Australia plan – will ensure Australia can maximise the economic and industrial benefits of the international move to net zero and secure Australia’s place in a changing global and strategic landscape. Funding is administered by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).

    The investment in a wider domestic LCLF industry builds on the momentum of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Funding Initiative.

    This Sustainable Aviation Fuel Funding Initiative has seen the Albanese Government invest in $33.5 million across five projects to date, including LCLF production facilities in Bundaberg and Townsville, and enabling the supply of sustainable aviation fuel at Brisbane Airport.

    Funding from the Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund is subject to the legislated Future Made in Australia Community Benefits Principles. The Albanese Government established these principles to ensure public investment and the private investment it attracts, has a direct and tangible benefit for local workers and businesses.

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen:

    “The Australian Government is backing clean, green low carbon liquid fuels as an important part of our move towards net zero and long-term fuel security.

    “Australia has the know how and skills to meet the crucial task of decarbonising hard to abate sectors such as aviation, heavy transport and mining that rely on liquid fuels.

    “Investing in a Future Made in Australia means delivering the industries that will provide high end jobs, many in the regions, for future generations.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

    “We know that industries vital to our national prosperity, like the transportation of people and goods across our vast land, are carbon intensive and hard to abate.

    “That’s why we’re investing hundreds of millions of dollars to develop – right here in Australia – the low carbon liquid fuels of the future that will reduce their environmental impact without preventing their operation or expansion.

    “We have all the ingredients in Australia to be a global clean energy superpower, and the Future Made in Australia fund will help bring that potential to reality.”

    MIL OSI News –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Former executive of injured child benefit program sentenced to nine years in prison for stealing over $6.7M

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    RICHMOND, Va. – A Providence Forge man was sentenced today to nine years in prison for embezzling funds from his former employer, the Virginia Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Program (Birth-Injury Program).

    According to court documents, John Hunter Raines, 38, was the Chief Financial Officer and Deputy Director of the Birth-Injury Program. The Birth-Injury Program pays monetary compensation to families of infants who suffer from brain or spinal cord injuries resulting from the birth process that render the infant developmentally and/or cognitively disabled. Raines’ role required that he oversee the finances of the Birth-Injury Program, including approximately $650 million in investments in 2023.

    From at least January 2022 through October 2023, Raines stole over $6.7 million from the Birth-Injury Program, including by using his access to the Birth-Injury Program bank account to initiate at least 59 separate wire transactions, sending funds to bank accounts in Raines’ own name. Raines also used the Birth-Injury Program debit card for personal gain. Raines spent embezzled Birth-Injury Program money on various personal expenses. For example:

    • Raines purchased numerous vehicles, including eight luxury golf carts for over $160,000 and a 2023 Chevrolet Suburban;

    • Raines spent over $100,000 on gambling, including at Rivers Casino in Portsmouth, Virginia, Colonial Downs Racetrack in New Kent, Virginia, and the Virginia Lottery;

    • Raines paid at least $29,000 to an intimate partner and tens of thousands of dollars to a bank account in the name of Raines’ wife;

    • Raines spent over $9,000 on private limousine services, including to chauffer Raines and his guests in a Mercedes limousine from Raines’ house to Virginia vineyards;

    • Raines made numerous purchases of cryptocurrency, including Bitcoin and Dogecoin, and transferred funds to his brokerage accounts;

    • Raines paid tens of thousands of dollars towards his student loan debt, his mortgage, and other loans;

    • Raines paid over $125,000 for private jet travel for Raines’ friends and family. As an example, Raines paid over $34,000 to travel with his wife and his friends to Nashville, Tennessee, for three days in a private jet; and

    • Raines spent over $19,000 to purchase eight separate 2022 1-oz American Gold Eagle Bullion coins and a 100-oz silver bar.

    As a financial control on the Birth-Injury Program, Virginia Code § 38.2-5015(B) required an independent certified public accountant selected by the Birth-Injury Program’s board of directors to complete an audit of the program’s accounts each fiscal year. Raines deliberately impeded the statutorily mandated audit process by failing to timely provide the Birth-Injury Program’s files to auditors when requested. Due at least in part to Raines’ obstructive conduct, the Birth-Injury Program’s statutorily mandated audits continue to be delayed by over three years.

    Raines pled guilty to mail fraud and money laundering offenses on Oct. 8, 2024.

    Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Damon E. Wood, Inspector in Charge of the Washington Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Kareem A. Carter, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge of the Washington D.C. Field Office; and Michael C. Westfall, State Inspector General for the Commonwealth of Virginia, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney Jr. accepted the plea.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi Panth and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Kashan K. Pathan prosecuted the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-138.

    MIL Security OSI –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Descartes Announces Fiscal 2025 Fourth Quarter and Annual Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Record Income from Operations

    WATERLOO, Ontario and ATLANTA, March 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Descartes Systems Group Inc. (TSX:DSG) (Nasdaq:DSGX) announced its financial results for its fiscal 2025 fourth quarter (Q4FY25) and year (FY25) ended January 31, 2025. All financial results referenced are in United States (US) currency and, unless otherwise indicated, are determined in accordance with US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

    “Fiscal 2025 was another year of growth for Descartes, highlighted by the addition of numerous complementary services to the Global Logistics Network,” said Edward J. Ryan, Descartes’ CEO. “We believe these investments can help shippers, carriers, and logistics services providers manage the increased uncertainty and complexity that’s recently been introduced to the global trade environment. Our customers benefit from our diversity in international and domestic supply chains, our expertise with tariffs, sanctions and other global trade issues, and our expansive roster of connected trading partners as they navigate a quickly evolving trade landscape.”

    FY25 Financial Results
    As described in more detail below, key financial highlights for Descartes’ FY25 included:

    • Revenues of $651.0 million, up 14% from $572.9 million in the same period a year ago (FY24);
    • Revenues were comprised of services revenues of $590.2 million (91% of total revenues), professional services and other revenues of $55.1 million (8% of total revenues) and license revenues of $5.7 million (1% of total revenues). Services revenues were up 13% from $520.9 million in FY24;
    • Cash provided by operating activities of $219.3 million, up 6% from $207.7 million in FY24. Cash provided by operating activities was negatively impacted in FY25 by the payment of $25.0 million in contingent acquisition consideration for previously completed deals, which was not accrued for at the time of acquisition;
    • Income from operations of $181.1 million, up 27% from $142.8 million in FY24;
    • Net income of $143.3 million, up 24% from $115.9 million in FY24. Net income as a percentage of revenues was 22%, compared to 20% in FY24;
    • Earnings per share on a diluted basis of $1.64, up 22% from $1.34 in FY24; and
    • Adjusted EBITDA of $284.7 million, up 15% from $247.5 million in FY24. Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues was 44%, compared to 43% in FY24.

    Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues are non-GAAP financial measures provided as a complement to financial results presented in accordance with GAAP. We define Adjusted EBITDA as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation (for which we include related fees and taxes) and other charges (for which we include restructuring charges, acquisition-related expenses, and contingent consideration incurred due to better-than-expected performance from acquisitions). These items are considered by management to be outside Descartes’ ongoing operational results. We define Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues as the quotient, expressed as a percentage, from dividing Adjusted EBITDA for a period by revenues for the corresponding period. A reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues to net income determined in accordance with GAAP is provided later in this release.

    The following table summarizes Descartes’ results in the categories specified below over FY25 and FY24 (dollar amounts in millions):

      FY25
      FY24  
    Revenues 651.0   572.9  
    Services revenues 590.2   520.9  
    Gross margin 76 % 76 %
    Cash provided by operating activities* 219.3   207.7  
    Income from operations 181.1   142.8  
    Net income 143.3   115.9  
    Net income as a % of revenues 22 % 20 %
    Earnings per diluted share 1.64   1.34  
    Adjusted EBITDA 284.7   247.5  
    Adjusted EBITDA as a % of revenues 44 % 43 %
             

    (*) FY25 cash provided by operating activities was negatively impacted by the payment of $25.0 million in contingent acquisition consideration for previously completed deals, which was not accrued for at the time of acquisition but was paid due to post-acquisition performance exceeding expectations at the time of acquisition

    Q4FY25 Financial Results
    As described in more detail below, key financial highlights for Q4FY25 included:

    • Revenues of $167.5 million, up 13% from $148.2 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 (Q4FY24) and down from $168.8 million in the previous quarter (Q3FY25);
    • Revenues were comprised of services revenues of $156.5 million (93% of total revenues), professional services and other revenues of $10.7 million (6% of total revenues) and license revenues of $0.3 million (1% of total revenues). Services revenues were up 15% from $135.7 million in Q4FY24 and up 5% from $149.7 million in Q3FY25;
    • Cash provided by operating activities of $60.7 million, up 19% from $50.8 million in Q4FY24 and up 1% from $60.1 million in Q3FY25;
    • Income from operations of $47.1 million, up 27% from $37.0 million in Q4FY24 and up 3% from $45.8 million in Q3FY25;
    • Net income of $37.4 million, up 18% from $31.8 million in Q4FY24 and up 2% from $36.6 million in Q3FY25. Net income as a percentage of revenues was 22%, compared to 21% in Q4FY24 and 22% in Q3FY25;
    • Earnings per share on a diluted basis of $0.43, up 16% from $0.37 in Q4FY24 and up 2% from $0.42 in Q3FY25; and
    • Adjusted EBITDA of $75.0 million, up 14% from $65.7 million in Q4FY24 and up 4% from $72.1 million in Q3FY25. Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues was 45%, compared to 44% in Q4FY24 and 43% in Q3FY25, respectively.

    The following table summarizes Descartes’ results in the categories specified below over the past 5 fiscal quarters (unaudited; dollar amounts, other than per share amounts, in millions):

      Q4
    FY25
      Q3
    FY25
      Q2
    FY25
      Q1
    FY25
      Q4
    FY24
     
    Revenues 167.5   168.8   163.4   151.3   148.2  
    Services revenues 156.5   149.7   146.2   137.8   135.7  
    Gross margin 76 % 74 % 75 % 77 % 76 %
    Cash provided by operating activities* 60.7   60.1   34.7   63.7   50.8  
    Income from operations 47.1   45.8   45.9   42.4   37.0  
    Net income 37.4   36.6   34.7   34.7   31.8  
    Net income as a % of revenues 22 % 22 % 21 % 23 % 21 %
    Earnings per diluted share 0.43   0.42   0.40   0.40   0.37  
    Adjusted EBITDA 75.0   72.1   70.6   67.0   65.7  
    Adjusted EBITDA as a % of revenues 45 % 43 % 43 % 44 % 44 %
                         

    (*) Q2FY25 cash provided by operating activities was negatively impacted by the payment of $25.0 million in contingent acquisition consideration for previously completed deals, which was not accrued for at the time of acquisition but was paid due to post-acquisition performance exceeding expectations at the time of acquisition

    Cash Position
    At January 31, 2025, Descartes had $236.1 million in cash. Cash increased by $54.8 million in Q4FY25 and decreased by $84.9 million in FY25. The table set forth below provides a summary of cash flows for Q4FY25 and FY25 in millions of dollars:

      Q4FY25   FY25  
    Cash provided by operating activities 60.7   219.3  
    Additions to property and equipment (2.1 ) (6.8 )
    Acquisitions of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired (3.7 ) (290.2 )
    Payment of debt issuance costs   (0.1 )
    Issuances of common shares, net of issuance costs 2.5   12.4  
    Payment of withholding taxes on net share settlements –   (6.7 )
    Payment of contingent consideration –   (9.2 )
    Effect of foreign exchange rate on cash (2.6 ) (3.6 )
    Net change in cash 54.8   (84.9 )
    Cash, beginning of period 181.3   321.0  
    Cash, end of period 236.1   236.1  
             

    Conference Call
    Descartes’ executive management team will hold a conference call to discuss the company’s financial results at 5:30 PM ET on Wednesday, March 5. Designated numbers are +1 289 514 5100 or +1 800 717 1738 for North America Toll-Free, using Passcode 45440#.

    The company will simultaneously conduct an audio webcast on the Descartes website at https://www.descartes.com/who-we-are/investor-relations/financial-information. Phone conference dial-in or webcast login is required approximately 10 minutes beforehand.

    Replays of the conference call will be available until March 12, 2025, by dialing +1 289 819 1325 or Toll-Free for North America using +1 888 660 6264 with Playback Passcode: 45440#. An archived replay of the webcast will be available at https://www.descartes.com/who-we-are/investor-relations/financial-information.

    About Descartes

    Descartes (Nasdaq:DSGX) (TSX:DSG) is the global leader in providing on-demand, software-as-a-service solutions focused on improving the productivity, security and sustainability of logistics-intensive businesses. Customers use our modular, software-as-a-service solutions to route, track and help improve the safety, performance and compliance of delivery resources; plan, allocate and execute shipments; rate, audit and pay transportation invoices; access global trade data; file customs and security documents for imports and exports; and complete numerous other logistics processes by participating in the world’s largest, collaborative multimodal logistics community. Our headquarters are in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada and we have offices and partners around the world. Learn more at www.descartes.com, and connect with us on LinkedIn and X (Twitter).

    Descartes Investor Contact
    Laurie McCauley
    (519) 746-2969
    investor@descartes.com

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (“forward-looking statements”) that relates to Descartes’ expectations concerning future revenues and earnings, and our projections for any future reductions in expenses or growth in margins and generation of cash; our assessment of the potential impact of geopolitical events, such as the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine (the “Russia-Ukraine Conflict”), and between Israel and Hamas (“Israel-Hamas Conflict”), or other potentially catastrophic events, on our business, results of operations and financial condition; continued growth and acquisitions including our assessment of any increased opportunity for our products and services as a result of trends in the logistics and supply chain industries; rate of profitable growth and Adjusted EBITDA margin operating range; demand for Descartes’ solutions; growth of Descartes’ Global Logistics Network (“GLN”); customer buying patterns; customer expectations of Descartes; development of the GLN and the benefits thereof to customers; and other matters. These forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions including the following: global shipment volumes continuing at levels generally consistent with those experienced historically; the Russia-Ukraine Conflict and Israel-Hamas Conflict not having a material negative impact on shipment volumes or on the demand for the products and services of Descartes by its customers and the ability of those customers to continue to pay for those products and services; countries continuing to implement and enforce existing and additional customs and security regulations relating to the provision of electronic information for imports and exports; countries continuing to implement and enforce existing and additional trade restrictions and sanctioned party lists with respect to doing business with certain countries, organizations, entities and individuals; Descartes’ continued operation of a secure and reliable business network; the stability of general economic and market conditions, currency exchange rates, and interest rates; equity and debt markets continuing to provide Descartes with access to capital; Descartes’ continued ability to identify and source attractive and executable business combination opportunities; Descartes’ ability to develop solutions that keep pace with the continuing changes in technology, and our continued compliance with third party intellectual property rights. These assumptions may prove to be inaccurate. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Descartes, or developments in Descartes’ business or industry, to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, Descartes’ ability to successfully identify and execute on acquisitions and to integrate acquired businesses and assets, and to predict expenses associated with and revenues from acquisitions; the impact of network failures, information security breaches or other cyber-security threats; disruptions in the movement of freight and a decline in shipment volumes including as a result of contagious illness outbreaks; a deterioration of general economic conditions or instability in the financial markets accompanied by a decrease in spending by our customers; the ability to attract and retain key personnel and the ability to manage the departure of key personnel and the transition of our executive management team; changes in trade or transportation regulations that currently require customers to use services such as those offered by Descartes; changes in customer behaviour and expectations; Descartes’ ability to successfully design and develop enhancements to our products and solutions; departures of key customers; the impact of foreign currency exchange rates; Descartes’ ability to retain or obtain sufficient capital in addition to its debt facility to execute on its business strategy, including its acquisition strategy; disruptions in the movement of freight; the potential for future goodwill or intangible asset impairment as a result of other-than-temporary decreases in Descartes’ market capitalization; and other factors and assumptions discussed in the section entitled, “Certain Factors That May Affect Future Results” in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Ontario Securities Commission and other securities commissions across Canada, including Descartes’ most recently filed Management’s Discussion and Analysis. If any such risks actually occur, they could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. In that case, the trading price of our common shares could decline, perhaps materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of providing information about management’s current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. We do not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in our expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law.

    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures – Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues

    We prepare and release quarterly unaudited and annual audited financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. We also disclose and discuss certain non-GAAP financial information, used to evaluate our performance, in this and other earnings releases and investor conference calls as a complement to results provided in accordance with GAAP. We believe that current shareholders and potential investors in our company use non-GAAP financial measures, such as Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues, in making investment decisions about our company and measuring our operational results.

    The term “Adjusted EBITDA” refers to a financial measure that we define as earnings before certain charges that management considers to be non-operating expenses and which consist of interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation (for which we include related fees and taxes) and other charges (for which we include restructuring charges, acquisition-related expenses, and contingent consideration incurred due to better-than-expected performance from acquisitions). Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues divides Adjusted EBITDA for a period by the revenues for the corresponding period and expresses the quotient as a percentage.

    Management considers these non-operating expenses to be outside the scope of Descartes’ ongoing operations and the related expenses are not used by management to measure operations. Accordingly, these expenses are excluded from Adjusted EBITDA, which we reference to both measure our operations and as a basis of comparison of our operations from period-to-period. Management believes that investors and financial analysts measure our business on the same basis, and we are providing the Adjusted EBITDA financial metric to assist in this evaluation and to provide a higher level of transparency into how we measure our own business. However, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues are non-GAAP financial measures and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues should not be construed as a substitute for net income determined in accordance with GAAP or other non-GAAP measures that may be used by other companies, such as EBITDA. The use of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues does have limitations. In particular, we have completed seven acquisitions since the beginning of fiscal 2024 and may complete additional acquisitions in the future that will result in acquisition-related expenses and restructuring charges. As these acquisition-related expenses and restructuring charges may continue as we pursue our consolidation strategy, some investors may consider these charges and expenses as a recurring part of operations rather than expenses that are not part of operations.

    The table below reconciles Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues to net income reported in our audited Consolidated Statements of Operations for FY25 and FY24, which we believe is the most directly comparable GAAP measure.

    (US dollars in millions) FY25   FY24  
    Net income, as reported on Consolidated Statements of Operations 143.3   115.9  
    Adjustments to reconcile to Adjusted EBITDA:    
    Interest expense 1.0   1.4  
    Investment income (11.5 ) (9.7 )
    Income tax expense 48.3   35.2  
    Depreciation expense 5.6   5.5  
    Amortization of intangible assets 69.4   60.5  
    Stock-based compensation and related taxes 21.1   17.1  
    Other charges 7.5   21.6  
    Adjusted EBITDA 284.7   247.5  
         
    Revenues 651.0   572.9  
    Net income as % of revenues 22 % 20 %
    Adjusted EBITDA as % of revenues 44 % 43 %
             

    The table below reconciles Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues to net income reported in our unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations for Q4FY25, Q3FY25, Q2FY25, Q1FY25, and Q4FY24, which we believe is the most directly comparable GAAP measure.

    (US dollars in millions) Q4FY25   Q3FY25   Q2FY25   Q1FY25   Q4FY24  
    Net income, as reported on Consolidated Statements of Operations 37.4   36.6   34.7   34.7   31.8  
    Adjustments to reconcile to Adjusted EBITDA:          
    Interest expense 0.2   0.2   0.2   0.3   0.3  
    Investment income (1.9 ) (2.9 ) (2.7 ) (4.1 ) (3.4 )
    Income tax expense 11.4   11.9   13.6   11.5   8.3  
    Depreciation expense 1.5   1.4   1.4   1.4   1.4  
    Amortization of intangible assets 19.4   17.5   17.4   15.0   15.1  
    Stock-based compensation and related taxes 5.4   5.6   5.8   4.3   4.7  
    Other charges 1.6   1.8   0.2   3.9   7.5  
    Adjusted EBITDA 75.0   72.1   70.6   67.0   65.7  
               
    Revenues 167.5   168.8   163.4   151.3   148.2  
    Net income as % of revenues 22 % 22 % 21 % 23 % 21 %
    Adjusted EBITDA as % of revenues 45 % 43 % 43 % 44 % 44 %
               

    The Descartes Systems Group Inc.
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (US dollars in thousands; US GAAP)

      January 31,   January 31,  
      2025   2024  
    ASSETS    
    CURRENT ASSETS    
    Cash 236,138   320,952  
    Accounts receivable (net)    
    Trade 53,953   51,569  
    Other 16,931   12,193  
    Prepaid expenses and other 45,544   33,468  
      352,566   418,182  
    OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS 24,887   24,737  
    PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET 12,481   11,552  
    RIGHT-OF-USE ASSETS 7,623   6,257  
    DEFERRED INCOME TAXES 3,802   2,097  
    INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET 321,270   251,047  
    GOODWILL 924,755   760,413  
      1,647,384   1,474,285  
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY    
    CURRENT LIABILITIES    
    Accounts payable 20,650   17,484  
    Accrued liabilities 79,656   91,824  
    Lease obligations 3,178   3,075  
    Income taxes payable 9,313   6,734  
    Deferred revenue 104,230   84,513  
      217,027   203,630  
    LEASE OBLIGATIONS 4,718   3,903  
    DEFERRED REVENUE 978   1,464  
    INCOME TAXES PAYABLE 5,531   6,153  
    DEFERRED INCOME TAXES 34,127   21,101  
      262,381   236,251  
         
    SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY    
    Common shares – unlimited shares authorized; Shares issued and outstanding totaled 85,605,969 at January 31, 2025 (January 31, 2024 – 85,183,455) 568,339   551,164  
    Additional paid-in capital 503,133   494,701  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss (50,497 ) (28,586 )
    Retained earnings 364,028   220,755  
      1,385,003   1,238,034  
      1,647,384   1,474,285  
             

    The Descartes Systems Group Inc.
    Consolidated Statements of Operations
    (US dollars in thousands, except per share and weighted average share amounts; US GAAP)

      January 31,   January 31,   January 31,  
    Year Ended 2025   2024   2023  
           
    REVENUES 651,000   572,931   486,014  
    COST OF REVENUES 158,574   138,295   113,326  
    GROSS MARGIN 492,426   434,636   372,688  
    EXPENSES      
    Sales and marketing 73,692   68,161   56,573  
    Research and development 95,497   84,103   70,353  
    General and administrative 65,248   57,373   49,710  
    Other charges 7,466   21,649   5,441  
    Amortization of intangible assets 69,399   60,501   60,177  
      311,302   291,787   242,254  
    INCOME FROM OPERATIONS 181,124   142,849   130,434  
    INTEREST EXPENSE (1,004 ) (1,363 ) (1,167 )
    INVESTMENT INCOME 11,513   9,666   4,461  
    INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 191,633   151,152   133,728  
    INCOME TAX EXPENSE (RECOVERY)      
    Current 53,402   41,223   28,248  
    Deferred (5,042 ) (5,978 ) 3,244  
      48,360   35,245   31,492  
    NET INCOME 143,273   115,907   102,236  
    EARNINGS PER SHARE      
    Basic 1.68   1.36   1.21  
    Diluted 1.64   1.34   1.18  
    WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING (thousands)      
    Basic 85,443   85,068   84,791  
    Diluted 87,323   86,818   86,451  
                 

    The Descartes Systems Group Inc.
    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    (US dollars in thousands; US GAAP)

    Year Ended January 31,   January 31,   January 31,  
      2025   2024   2023  
    OPERATING ACTIVITIES            
    Net income 143,273   115,907   102,236  
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:      
    Depreciation 5,589   5,474   5,225  
    Amortization of intangible assets 69,399   60,501   60,177  
    Stock-based compensation expense 19,962   16,480   13,667  
    Other non-cash operating activities 23   114   53  
    Deferred tax expense (recovery) (5,042 ) (5,978 ) 3,244  
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities (13,932 ) 15,182   7,793  
    Cash provided by operating activities 219,272   207,680   192,395  
    INVESTING ACTIVITIES      
    Additions to property and equipment (6,743 ) (5,563 ) (6,071 )
    Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired (290,204 ) (142,700 ) (115,561 )
    Cash used in investing activities (296,947 ) (148,263 ) (121,632 )
    FINANCING ACTIVITIES      
    Payment of debt issuance costs (53 ) (43 ) (1,118 )
    Issuance of common shares for cash, net of issuance costs 12,391   9,272   1,730  
    Payment of withholding taxes on net share settlements (6,745 ) (4,886 ) –  
    Payment of contingent consideration (9,223 ) (19,084 ) (5,215 )
    Cash used in financing activities (3,630 ) (14,741 ) (4,603 )
    Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash (3,509 ) (109 ) (3,212 )
    Increase (decrease) in cash (84,814 ) 44,567   62,948  
    Cash, beginning of year 320,952   276,385   213,437  
    Cash, end of year 236,138   320,952   276,385  
                 

    The MIL Network –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: AGF Reports February 2025 Assets Under Management and Fee-Earning Assets

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, March 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AGF Management Limited reported total assets under management (AUM) and fee-earning assets1 of $53.8 billion as at February 28, 2025.

    AUM

    ($ billions)

    February 28,
    2025
    January 31,
    2025
    % Change
    Month-Over-Month
    February 29,
    2024
    % Change
    Year-Over-Year
    Total Mutual Fund $31.1 $31.4   $26.1  
    Exchange-traded funds + Separately managed accounts $2.9 $2.7   $1.7  
    Segregated accounts and Sub-advisory $6.6 $6.8   $7.3  
    AGF Private Wealth $8.6 $8.6   $7.8  
    Subtotal (before AGF Capital Partners AUM and fee-earning assets1) $49.2 $49.5   $42.9  
    AGF Capital Partners $2.5 $2.8   $0.1  
    Total AUM $51.7 $52.3 -1.1% $43.0 20.2%
    AGF Capital Partners fee-earning assets1 $2.1 $2.1   $2.0  
    Total AUM and fee-earning assets1 $53.8 $54.4 -1.1% $45.0 19.6%
               
    Average Daily Mutual Fund AUM $31.2 $30.8   $25.8  
    1 Fee-earning assets represent assets in which AGF has carried interest ownership and earns recurring fees but does not have ownership interest in the managers.
    Mutual Fund AUM by Category

    ($ billions)

    February 28,
    2025
    January 31,
    2025
    February 29,
    2024
    Domestic Equity Funds $4.5 $4.5 $4.2
    U.S. and International Equity Funds $19.3 $19.7 $15.2
    Domestic Balanced Funds $0.1 $0.1 $0.1
    U.S. and International Balanced Funds $1.7 $1.7 $1.6
    Domestic Fixed Income Funds $2.0 $1.9 $1.7
    U.S. and International Fixed Income Funds $3.2 $3.2 $3.1
    Domestic Money Market $0.3 $0.3 $0.2
    Total Mutual Fund AUM $31.1 $31.4 $26.1
    AGF Capital Partners AUM and fee-earning assets

    ($ billions)

    February 28,
    2025
    January 31,
     2025
    February 29,
    2024
    AGF Capital Partners AUM $2.5 $2.8 $0.1
    AGF Capital Partners fee-earning assets $2.1 $2.1 $2.0
    Total AGF Capital Partners AUM and fee-earning assets $4.6 $4.9 $2.1


    About AGF Management Limited

    Founded in 1957, AGF Management Limited (AGF) is an independent and globally diverse asset management firm. Our companies deliver excellence in investing in the public and private markets through three business lines: AGF Investments, AGF Capital Partners and AGF Private Wealth.

    AGF brings a disciplined approach, focused on incorporating sound, responsible and sustainable corporate practices. The firm’s collective investment expertise, driven by its fundamental, quantitative and private investing capabilities, extends globally to a wide range of clients, from financial advisors and their clients to high-net worth and institutional investors including pension plans, corporate plans, sovereign wealth funds, endowments and foundations.

    Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, AGF has investment operations and client servicing teams on the ground in North America and Europe. With nearly $54 billion in total assets under management and fee-earning assets, AGF serves more than 815,000 investors. AGF trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol AGF.B.

    AGF Management Limited shareholders, analysts and media, please contact:

    Nick Smerek
    VP, Financial Planning & Analysis
    416-865-4337, InvestorRelations@agf.com

    The MIL Network –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: AGF Management Limited to Release First Quarter 2025 Financial Results on April 8, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, March 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    AGF Management Limited (TSX: AGF.B) will release its financial results for Q1 2025 on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at approximately 7:00 a.m. ET. AGF will hold a conference call and webcast to discuss these results at 11:00 a.m. ET.

    The discussion will feature remarks by Kevin McCreadie, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer, and Ken Tsang, Chief Financial Officer. Judy G. Goldring, President and Head of Global Distribution, and Ash Lawrence, Head of AGF Capital Partners, will also be available for the question-and-answer period with investment analysts following the presentation.

    The live audio webcast with supporting materials will be available in the Investor Relations section of AGF’s website at www.agf.com or at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/4ch7jtxw. Alternatively, the call can be accessed over the phone by registering here or in the Investor Relations section of AGF’s website at www.agf.com, to receive the dial-in numbers and unique PIN.

    A complete archive of this discussion along with supporting materials will be available at the same webcast address within 24 hours of the end of the conference call.

    About AGF Management Limited

    Founded in 1957, AGF Management Limited (AGF) is an independent and globally diverse asset management firm. Our companies deliver excellence in investing in the public and private markets through three business lines: AGF Investments, AGF Capital Partners and AGF Private Wealth.

    AGF brings a disciplined approach, focused on incorporating sound, responsible and sustainable corporate practices. The firm’s collective investment expertise, driven by its fundamental, quantitative and private investing capabilities, extends globally to a wide range of clients, from financial advisors and their clients to high-net worth and institutional investors including pension plans, corporate plans, sovereign wealth funds, endowments and foundations.

    Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, AGF has investment operations and client servicing teams on the ground in North America and Europe. With nearly $54 billion in total assets under management and fee-earning assets, AGF serves more than 815,000 investors. AGF trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol AGF.B.

    AGF Management Limited shareholders, analysts and media, please contact:

    Nick Smerek
    VP, Financial Planning & Analysis
    416-865-4337, InvestorRelations@agf.com

    The MIL Network –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Canada: Budget 2025: Investing in Alberta’s future | Budget 2025 : Investir dans l’avenir de l’Alberta

    As Alberta continues work to address increasing domestic and international economic pressures, Budget 2025 works to strengthen Alberta’s economy. This budget helps build communities, secure Alberta’s southern border and boost investments in the province’s economic future.

    “While we work closely with partners to find solutions to a possible trade conflict, we will continue our work to make sure Alberta’s economy is strong – in and outside of the energy sector – so that we can manage any turbulence that comes our way. Budget 2025 carves our path forward in the face of this uncertainty.”

    Nate Horner, President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance

    Budget 2025: Supporting a strong workforce

    Alberta’s workforce is the backbone of the provincial economy. Budget 2025 continues the commitment to training and developing a skilled and resilient labour force to further grow Alberta’s economy and help businesses succeed, including: 

    • $26.1 billion over three years from the Capital Plan, to support about 26,500 direct and 12,000 indirect jobs each year through 2027-28.
    • $135 million for skilled trade programs such as apprenticeship and adult learning initiatives to help Albertans gain the skills and training needed for successful careers, and support access to job opportunities.
    • $2 billion in 2025-26 to support and expand early learning and child-care system so parents and caregivers can participate in training, education or work opportunities.  

    Budget 2025: Securing our borders

    • Alberta’s government is committed to being a good neighbour and trading partner, and part of this commitment involves taking measures to secure the Alberta-US border. Budget 2025 includes $29 million in 2025-26 for a new Interdiction Patrol Team within the Alberta Sheriffs to tackle illegal drug and gun smuggling, human trafficking, apprehension of persons attempting to cross the border illegally, and other illegal activities along Alberta’s international land border. Budget 2025 also includes a $15 million investment over two years for three new vehicle inspection stations located near borders to the USA.

    Budget 2025: Investing in post-secondary education

    Budget 2025 invests a total of $7.4 billion in post-secondary education, with an operating budget of $6.6 billion in 2025-26. This includes:

    • $78 million per year over the next three years to create more seats in apprenticeship classes across the province to build skilled trades and apprenticeship education that will respond to the needs of industry, support the economy and connect Albertans with jobs.
    • $113 million to support greater demand for scholarships and the Alberta Student Grant, with $60 million funded from the Alberta Heritage Scholarship Fund.
    • $4 million to the First Nations Colleges Grant which is distributed equally across five colleges in rural and remote Indigenous communities.

    “Our government is ensuring that Alberta students have the skills and training they need to meet the needs of today while preparing for the economy of the future. Budget 2025 makes foundational investments to meet the challenge of a rapidly growing population while supporting a sustainable post-secondary education system.”

    Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education

    Budget 2025: Building communities

    Alberta’s vibrant communities make Alberta the best place in Canada to live, work and raise a family. Budget 2025 invests in stronger communities across Alberta, including:

    • $17.2 million to increase grants made to municipalities in lieu of property taxes on government-owned property to 75 per cent, up from the current 50 per cent. By next year, the province will cover 100 per cent of the amount that would be paid if the property was taxable.
    • $820 million this year and $2.5 billion over three years in Local Government Fiscal Framework capital funding to help fund local infrastructure priorities.

    Budget 2025: Supporting trade and diversification

    Alberta continues to champion economic growth and policies that support productivity. Through Budget 2025, Alberta’s government will continue to build on current successes through:

    • Attracting more investment through low corporate income taxes. At eight per cent, Alberta’s corporate income tax rate is 30 per cent lower than the next lowest province.
    • Providing greater incentive for small- and medium-sized firms that increase their spending on research and development, with Alberta’s Innovation Employment Grant.
    • Promoting Alberta as a reliable partner in supporting North American and global energy security to investors. The province will optimize new and existing infrastructure to access new markets for Alberta’s energy and mineral resources.
    • Supporting Alberta’s agriculture producers and value-added processors, addressing barriers to trade by cultivating export markets, and working to increase market access for Alberta products.
    • Reinforcing Alberta as a critical contributor to North American energy security by continuing to advocate for our remarkable energy sector across Canada, the U.S., Germany, Japan and the rest of the world.

    Budget 2025: Investing in business and industry

    Budget 2025 continues to find ways to help Alberta’s economy grow through investments in business and industry and help our economy grow, including:

    • Support to attract investment in Alberta’s energy and mineral resource sector to accelerate opportunities in emerging resources.
    • $45 million over three years for the Investment and Growth Fund to attract investment into Alberta’s economy.
    • $1.8 million in Western Crop Innovations for industry-leading crop research.
    • $780,000 to support small- and medium-sized meat processors.
    • $3.1 million for the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine to expand toward a full-service veterinary diagnostic laboratory. This will give livestock producers and vets access to quicker, more affordable livestock diagnostics closer to home.

    “Budget 2025 builds a stronger Alberta by growing industries, creating high-quality jobs and expanding opportunities for workers and families. With strategic investments in innovation, infrastructure and workforce development, Alberta is rising to the challenge, strengthening our province for many years to come.”

    Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade

    “We are advancing cutting-edge research in agriculture and supporting small and medium-sized businesses. Additionally, we are strengthening our agricultural infrastructure, ensuring quicker and more affordable services for livestock producers and veterinarians. We’re supporting innovation, attracting investment, and building a resilient economy for the future.”

    RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation

    Budget 2025 is meeting the challenge faced by Alberta with continued investments in education and health, lower taxes for families and a focus on the economy.

    Related information

    • Budget 2025

    Related news

    • Budget 2025: Meeting the challenge (Feb 27, 2025)
    • Budget 2025: Meeting the challenge in health and education (Feb 27, 2025)

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    Le budget de 2025 relève le défi de l’incertitude en matière de commerce et de sécurité en mettant l’accent sur l’économie.

    À mesure que l’Alberta continue de répondre aux pressions économiques intérieures et internationales, le budget de 2025 vise à renforcer l’économie albertaine. Il contribue à bâtir des communautés, à assurer la sécurité de la frontière au sud de la province et à renforcer les investissements dans notre avenir économique.

    « Alors que nous travaillons en étroite collaboration avec des partenaires pour trouver des solutions à un différend commercial potentiel, nous poursuivons notre travail pour nous assurer que l’économie de l’Alberta est forte, dans le secteur de l’énergie et ailleurs, afin de pouvoir gérer toute perturbation. Le budget de 2025 trace la voie à suivre face à cette incertitude. »

    Nate Horner, président du Conseil du Trésor et ministre des Finances

    Budget 2025 : Soutenir une main-d’œuvre solide

    La main-d’œuvre albertaine est l’épine dorsale de l’économie provinciale. Le budget de 2025 maintient l’engagement envers la formation et le perfectionnement d’une main-d’œuvre qualifiée et résiliente de sorte à faire croître l’économie et aider les entreprises à réussir : 

    • 26,1 milliards de dollars sur trois ans provenant du plan d’immobilisations afin d’appuyer environ 26 500 emplois directs et 12 000 emplois indirects chaque année jusqu’en 2027-2028.
    • 135 millions de dollars pour des programmes de métiers spécialisés, comme des initiatives d’apprentissages et d’éducation des adultes de sorte à aider les Albertains à acquérir les compétences et à suivre la formation nécessaires pour mener des carrières fructueuses, ainsi qu’à soutenir l’accès aux possibilités d’emploi.
    • 2 milliards de dollars en 2025-26 pour appuyer et élargir le système d’apprentissage et de garde des jeunes enfants afin que les parents et les gardiens tirent parti de possibilités de formation, d’éducation ou d’emploi.  

    Budget 2025 : Assurer la sécurité de nos frontières

    • Le gouvernement de l’Alberta est résolu à être un bon voisin et un bon partenaire commercial, ce qui implique la prise de mesures pour assurer la sécurité de la frontière entre l’Alberta et les États-Unis. Le budget de 2025 prévoit 29 millions de dollars en 2025-26 pour une nouvelle équipe de « patrouille d’interdiction » (Interdiction Patrol Team) qui fait partie des shérifs de l’Alberta et sera chargée de lutter contre le trafic de drogue et d’armes et la traite de personnes, d’appréhender les personnes qui tentent de traverser la frontière illégalement et de surveiller d’autres activités illégales le long de la frontière internationale de la province. Le budget de 2025 comprend en outre un investissement de 15 millions de dollars sur deux ans pour trois nouveaux postes d’inspection de véhicules près de la frontière des États-Unis.

    Budget 2025 : Investir dans l’enseignement postsecondaire

    Le budget de 2025 investit en tout 7,4 milliards de dollars dans l’enseignement postsecondaire, le budget d’exploitation étant de 6,6 milliards de dollars en 2025-2026. Cette somme comprend :

    • 78 millions de dollars par années sur trois ans pour créer un plus grand nombre de places dans les cours d’apprentissage de toute la province en vue de renforcer les métiers spécialisés et les formations en apprentissage qui répondront aux besoins de l’industrie, soutiendront l’économie et mettront les Albertains en rapport avec des emplois.
    • 113 millions de dollars pour contribuer à satisfaire à la demande croissante de bourses et appuyer la bourse aux étudiants de l’Alberta (Alberta Student Grant), dont 60 millions de dollars provenant de l’Alberta Heritage Scholarship Fund.
    • 4 millions de dollars pour la subvention aux collèges des Premières Nations (First Nations Colleges Grant), cette somme étant répartie également entre cinq collèges dans des communautés autochtones rurales et éloignées.

    « Notre gouvernement veille à ce que les étudiants en Alberta possèdent les compétences et la formation nécessaires pour répondre aux besoins actuels, tout en se préparant à l’économie future. Le budget de 2025 réalise des investissements fondamentaux de sorte à relever les défis posés par une population en pleine croissance, tout en appuyant un système d’éducation postsecondaire durable. »

    Rajan Sawhney, ministre de l’Enseignement postsecondaire

    Budget 2025 : Bâtir des communautés

    Les communautés dynamiques de notre province font de l’Alberta le meilleur endroit au Canada où vivre, travailler et élever une famille. Le budget de 2025 investit dans des communautés plus fortes partout en Alberta :

    • 17,2 millions de dollars pour augmenter de 50 % à 75 % les subventions accordées aux municipalités en remplacement d’impôts fonciers à l’égard des propriétés qui appartiennent au gouvernement. D’ici l’année prochaine, la province couvrira 100 $ du montant qui serait versé si la propriété était imposable.
    • 820 millions de dollars cette année et 2,5 milliards de dollars sur trois ans en dépenses en capital du cadre fiscal des administrations locales (Local Government Fiscal Framework) afin d’aider à financer les travaux d’infrastructures prioritaires.

    Budget 2025 : Soutenir le commerce et la diversification

    L’Alberta continue de favoriser la croissance économique et des politiques qui appuient la productivité. Par l’entremise du budget de 2025, le gouvernement de l’Alberta continuera de tirer parti des réussites actuelles en faisant ce qui suit :

    • Attirer plus d’investissements grâce à un faible taux d’imposition sur le revenu des sociétés. En Alberta, le taux de 8 % est de 30 % inférieur à celui de la province qui se classe deuxième.
    • Offrir de plus grands stimulants aux petites et moyennes entreprises qui augmentent leurs dépenses en recherche et développement, par l’entremise de la subvention pour l’emploi et l’innovation (Alberta’s Innovation Employment Grant).
    • Promouvoir l’Alberta en tant que partenaire fiable pour soutenir la sécurité énergétique nord-américaine et mondiale auprès des investisseurs. La province optimisera les infrastructures nouvelles et existantes afin d’accéder à de nouveaux marchés pour les ressources énergétiques et minérales de l’Alberta.
    • Soutenir les producteurs agricoles albertains et les transformateurs à valeur ajoutée de l’Alberta, s’attaquer aux obstacles au commerce en cultivant les marchés d’exportation et s’employer à améliorer l’accès au marché pour les produits de l’Alberta.
    • Renforcer la position de l’Alberta en tant que contributrice essentielle à la sécurité énergétique de l’Amérique du Nord en continuant de promouvoir notre secteur énergétique remarquable au Canada, aux États-Unis, en Allemagne, au Japon et dans le reste du monde.

    Budget 2025 : Investir dans les entreprises et les industries

    Le budget de 2025 continue de trouver des moyens de favoriser la croissance de l’économie albertaine en investissant dans les entreprises et les industries :

    • Soutien visant à attirer des investissements dans le secteur de l’énergie et des ressources minérales de sorte à accélérer les possibilités dans le domaine des ressources émergentes.
    • 45 millions de dollars sur trois ans pour le fonds d’investissement et de croissance (Investment and Growth Fund) en vue d’attirer des investissements dans l’économie albertaine.
    • 1,8 million de dollars versés à Western Crop Innovations au titre de la recherche de pointe sur les cultures.
    • 780 000 $ pour appuyer les petites et moyennes entreprises de transformation de viande.
    • 3,1 millions de dollars pour la Faculté de médecine vétérinaire de l’Université de Calgary en vue d’un agrandissement menant à un laboratoire de diagnostic vétérinaire complet. Les éleveurs de bétail et les vétérinaires auront alors accès à un diagnostic plus rapide, plus abordable et plus proche.

    « Le budget de 2025 bâtit une Alberta plus forte en développant les industries, en créant des emplois de haute qualité et en élargissant les possibilités offertes aux travailleurs et aux familles. Grâce à des investissements stratégiques en innovation, infrastructure et perfectionnement de la main-d’œuvre, l’Alberta relève le défi pour être plus forte pendant de nombreuses années à venir. »

    Matt Jones, ministre de l’Emploi, de l’Économie et du Commerce

    « Nous faisons progresser la recherche de point en agriculture et nous appuyons les petites et moyennes entreprises. De plus, nous renforçons notre infrastructure agricole pour offrir des services plus rapides et plus abordables aux éleveurs de bétail et aux vétérinaires. Nous soutenons l’innovation, nous attirons les investissements et nous bâtissons une économie résiliente pour l’avenir. »

    RJ Sigurdson, ministre de l’Agriculture et de l’Irrigation

    Le budget de 2025 relève le défi auquel fait face l’Alberta grâce à des investissements continus dans l’éducation et la santé, une baisse des impôts pour les familles et un accent sur l’économie.

    Renseignements connexes

    • Budget 2025

    Nouvelles connexes

    • Budget 2025: Meeting the challenge | Budget 2025 : Relever le défi (27 février 2025)
    • Budget 2025: Meeting the challenge in health and education | Budget 2025 :  Relever le défi dans la santé et l’éducation (27 février 2025)

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    MIL OSI Canada News –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: 25 Canadian nationals connected to nationwide multi-million dollar “grandparent scam” charged in Vermont

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    Burlington, Vt. – Canadian law enforcement provisionally arrested 23 Canadian nationals March 4 after they were indicted by federal grand jury in Vermont for participation in a “grandparent scam” uncovered by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The scam allegedly defrauded elderly individuals in more than 40 states of over $21 million.

    According to the indictment returned by the grand jury Feb. 20 and unsealed on March 4, between the summer of 2021 and June 4, 2024, the defendants engaged in a “grandparent scam” involving phone calls made from call centers in and around Montreal, Québec. During these phone calls, defendants falsely claimed to be an elderly victim’s relative, typically a grandchild, who had been arrested following a car crash and needed money for “bail.” Other defendants posed as an “attorney” representing the elderly victim’s relative. Elderly victims were often told that there was a “gag order” in place to prevent the elderly victim from telling anyone about their family member’s supposed arrest. Elderly victims were convinced to provide bail money to an individual falsely posing as a bail bondsman, who would come to the elderly victim’s home to collect the money. This money was later transmitted to Canada following cash deliveries and financial transactions, sometimes involving cryptocurrency, which, the indictment alleges, obscured the source of the money and the identities of defendants.

    When Canadian law enforcement executed search warrants on June 4, 2024, at several call centers, many of the defendants were found in the act of placing phone calls to elderly victims in Virginia. The Indictment alleges the call centers were managed by Gareth West, Usman Khalid, Andrew Tatto, Stephan Moskwyn, and Ricky Ylimaki, and also charges these five defendants with conspiring to commit money laundering. The conspiracy defrauded elderly Americans out of more than $21 million.

    “These individuals are accused of an elaborate scheme using fear to extort millions of dollars from victims who believed they were helping loved ones in trouble. Today’s arrests are the result of domestic collaboration as well as our critical international partnerships with our colleagues in Canada, Sûreté du Québec and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Tackling transnational crime is one of our greatest priorities and we’re working hand-in-hand with our neighbors to dismantle organized criminal groups that threaten our safety and security,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge New England Michael J. Krol.

    “Today’s operation is an excellent example of ICE Canada’s partnership with the Sûreté du Québec and resulted in the disruption of a significant transnational criminal organization. We will continue to partner with the SQ, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and other law enforcement agencies to identify and dismantle criminal organizations operating throughout North America and abroad that exploit our shared border and vulnerable population for illicit gain,” said ICE HSI Attache for Ottawa Magdalena Sigur.

    “The transnational criminal conspiracy described in the Indictment preyed on vulnerable Americans throughout the United States,” observed Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher. “These charges reflect the painstaking investigatory work of the Vermont-based agents from Homeland Security Investigations and the Internal Review Service-Criminal Investigations. In addition, we recognize the extensive investigative assistance provided by Sûreté du Québec and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.”

    “Today’s arrest of Gareth West and his co-conspirators demonstrates IRS-CI’s commitment to protecting the American people from bad actors, no matter where they are hiding.” said Thomas Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office. “West and his associates lead a transnational criminal enterprise with the sole intent of defrauding hundreds of retirees of their life savings by preying on their emotions and deceiving them into thinking that their loved ones were in peril. IRS-CI is committed to continued collaboration with our law enforcement partners, both at home and abroad, to stop and deter anyone who seeks to profit off the hard work of U.S. citizens.”

    “For the Quebec Provincial Police and Homeland Security Investigations, transnational criminal organizations are a significant concern that requires close collaboration. Criminal networks operate beyond borders; thus, it is crucial to have strong partnerships among law enforcement. Today’s arrests highlight the efficiency of our joint efforts, demonstrating that our cooperation delivers concrete results in enhancing public safety on both sides of the border,” said Chief Inspector Michel Patenaude

    An indictment contains only allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

    West, Khalid, Tatto, Moskwyn and Ricky Ylimaki face up to 40 years of imprisonment if convicted, and the remaining defendants face up to 20 years of imprisonment if convicted.

    The investigation was led by ICE and IRS-CI with the assistance of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Quebec Provincial Police (Sûreté du Québec) in Canada. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police conducted the provisional arrests in Canada. Significant assistance was provided by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of International Affairs as well as the International Assistance Group at Justice Canada. This case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.

    More information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces

    Individuals charged in the indictment:

    • Gareth West, a.k.a. “Buddy” and “Muscles,” (38 – Burlington, Ontario)
    • Usman Khalid, a.k.a. “Paul” and “Pauly,” (36 – Les Coteaux, Québec)
    • Andrew Tatto, a.k.a. “Chevy” and “Truck,” (43 – Pierrefonds, Québec)
    • Stephan Moskwyn, a.k.a. “HK,” (42 – Pierrefonds, Québec)
    • Ricky Ylimaki, a.k.a. “Ruffles,” (31 – Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot, Québec)
    • Richard Frischman, a.k.a. “Styx,” (31 – Montréal, Québec)
    • Adam Lawrence, a.k.a. “Carter,” (41 – Lasalle, Québec)
    • Michael Filion, a.k.a. “Elvis,” (45 – Pierrefonds, Québec)
    • Jimmy Ylimaki, a.k.a. “Coop,” (35 – Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot, Québec)
    • Nicolas Gonzalez, a.k.a. “Brady,” (27 – Kirkland, Québec)
    • Ryan Melanson, a.k.a. “Parker,” (27 – Montréal, Québec)
    • Joy Kalafatidis, a.k.a. “Blondie,” (31 – Pointe-Claire, Québec)
    • David Arcobelli, a.k.a. “Phil,” (36 – Pierrefonds, Québec)
    • Jonathan Massouras, a.k.a. “Borze,” (35 – Dollard-Des Ormeaux, Québec)
    • Nicholas Shiomi, a.k.a. “Keanu,” (42 – Montréal, Québec)
    • Antonio Iannacci, a.k.a. “DJ,” (33 – Pierrefonds, Québec)
    • Jonathan Ouellet, a.k.a. “Sunny,” (29 – Saint-Eustache, Québec)
    • Kassey-Lee Lankford, a.k.a. “Lex,” (28 – Vaudreuil-Dorion, Québec)
    • Sara Burns, a.k.a. “Ginger,” (31 – Dollard-Des Ormeaux, Québec)
    • Justin Polenz, a.k.a. “Happy,” (34 – Montréal, Québec)
    • Ryan Thibert, a.k.a. “Toast,” (37 – Vaudreuil-Dorion, Québec)
    • Michael Farella, a.k.a. “Honda,” (29 – Sainte-Geneviève, Québec)
    • Sebastian Guenole, a.k.a. “Tweeter,” (30 – Pierrefonds, Québec)
    • Ryan Bridgman, a.k.a. “Clint,” (37 – Deux-Montagnes, Québec)
    • Stephanie-Marie Samaras, a.k.a. “North” (29 – Laval, Québec)

    All but two of the above-named individuals were arrested in Canada on March 4. West and Jimmy Ylimaki remain at large.

    An additional nine individuals have previously been charged in the District of Vermont in connection with this grandparent scam, including Otmane Khalladi (32 – Miami, Florida), Jean Richard Audate (39 – New York, New York), Philippe Alvarez (34 – Montréal, Québec), Paul Conneh (37 – Guangzhou, China), Dave Leblanc (37 – Greenacres, Florida), Zavier Buchanan (27 – Wellington, Florida), William Comfort (29 – Los Angeles, California), Alejandro Garcia (34 – Miami, Florida), and Enmanuel Castillo (31 – Miami, Florida).

    If you or someone you know has been a victim of elder fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline (833-FRAUD-11). This hotline is a free resource created by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime for people to report fraud against anyone age 60 or older.

    View the indictment

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Ledyard Financial Group to Present at the Banking Virtual Investor Conference March 6th

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HANOVER, N.H., March 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ledyard Financial Group (LFGP), based in Hanover, New Hampshire, today announced that Josephine Moran, President and CEO, along with Peter Sprudzs, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will present live at the Banking Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on March 6th, 2025.

    DATE: March 6th
    TIME: 1:30 PM ET
    LINK: https://bit.ly/41IXZ1t
    Available for 1×1 meetings: March 7th, 10th, and 11th.

    This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.

    It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.  

    Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com.

    Recent Company Highlights

    • 2024 net income of $3.3 million exceeded 2023 results.
    • Total assets ended at $950 million, up 11% over the prior year.
    • Loans grew 38% and client deposits grew 32%, notably exceeding comparable industry growth rates.
    • Credit reserves increased 35% or $1.0 million, to $3.8 million.
    • Assets under management rose 10% and related revenue rose 12% over 2023.

    About Ledyard Financial Group
    Ledyard, a full-service bank with a $2.1 billion wealth management division (Ledyard Wealth Management), has a mission to help individuals and businesses make clear, confident decisions about how to save, borrow and manage their finances. The bank’s unique combination of expert advice, leading-edge financial solutions and personal attention represent the highest standard of client advocacy and responsiveness.

    About Virtual Investor Conferences®
    Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.

    Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.

    CONTACTS:
    Ledyard Financial Group
    Peter Sprudzs
    EVP, Chief Financial Officer
    (603) 640-2665
    InvestorRelations@ledyard.bank 

    Virtual Investor Conferences
    John M. Viglotti
    SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access
    OTC Markets Group
    (212) 220-2221
    johnv@otcmarkets.com 

    The MIL Network –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Urgently Announces Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2024 Earnings Release Date and Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VIENNA, Va., March 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Urgent.ly, Inc. (Nasdaq: ULY) (“Urgently”), a U.S.-based leading provider of digital roadside and mobility assistance technology and services, today announced that it will host a conference call on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss its financial results for the fourth quarter and full-year ended December 31, 2024. Financial results will be issued in a press release prior to the call.

    Those wishing to participate via webcast should access the call through Urgently’s Investor Relations website at https://investors.geturgently.com. Those wishing to participate via telephone may dial in at 1-844-481-2521 (USA) or 1-412-317-0549 (International). The replay will be available via webcast through Urgently’s Investor Relations website.

    About Urgently

    Urgently is focused on helping everyone move safely, without disruption, by safeguarding drivers, promptly assisting their journey, and employing technology to proactively avert possible issues. The company’s digitally native software platform combines location-based services, real-time data, AI and machine-to-machine communication to power roadside assistance solutions for leading brands across automotive, insurance, telematics and other transportation-focused verticals. Urgently fulfills the demand for connected roadside assistance services, enabling its partners to deliver exceptional user experiences that drive high customer satisfaction and loyalty, by delivering innovative, transparent and exceptional connected mobility assistance experiences on a global scale. For more information, visit www.geturgently.com.

    Contacts:
    For Press: media@geturgently.com
    For Investor Relations: investorrelations@geturgently.com

    The MIL Network –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Fitch Ratings Revises Outlook on SiriusPoint to Positive Based on Significant Underwriting Performance Improvement

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HAMILTON, Bermuda, March 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fitch Ratings (Fitch) has today announced that it has affirmed the ratings of SiriusPoint Ltd. (“SiriusPoint” or the “Company”), including its Long-Term Issuer Default Rating at ‘BBB’, its senior debt rating at ‘BBB-‘ and its Insurer Financial Strength (IFS) rating at ‘A-‘ (Strong) of SiriusPoint’s subsidiaries. It has also revised the Company’s Outlook to Positive from Stable.

    Fitch said: “The Positive Outlook reflects significant underwriting performance improvement in 2024 and 2023 as a result of repositioning the (re)insurance portfolio and exiting non-core lines in order to improve profitability and reduce overall volatility.”

    Key drivers of the ratings include the completed transaction for the full repurchase of all outstanding shares and warrants from CM Bermuda Limited, as well as solid underwriting results in both 2024 and 2023. Fitch said it “anticipates the favourable underwriting results to continue while the company expects to grow its business, particularly in primary insurance.”

    Fitch also recognizes SiriusPoint’s strong financial performance of $184m for net income 2024, while citing its “strong operating income from underwriting profits, increased investment income and a gain of $96m on the deconsolidation of an MGA.”

    SiriusPoint CEO, Scott Egan said: “Fitch Ratings’ decision to improve SiriusPoint’s Outlook to Positive follows nine consecutive quarters of strong operating performance. The outlook revision validates the measurable progress we have made in repositioning our business, building out a successful underwriting platform, and growing a track record of performance, while also strengthening and simplifying our capital structure. This decision is a reflection of the contribution and hard work of our global team. We look forward to continuing our momentum towards additional favourable outcomes for the Company and its stakeholders.”

    Click here for full details in the Fitch press release.

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

    Media
    Stephen Breen, Rein4ce
    Stephen.breen@rein4ce.co.uk
    + 44 7843 076556

    About SiriusPoint

    SiriusPoint is a global underwriter of insurance and reinsurance providing solutions to clients and brokers around the world. Bermuda-headquartered with offices in New York, London, Stockholm and other locations, we are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (SPNT). We have licenses to write Property & Casualty and Accident & Health insurance and reinsurance globally. Our offering and distribution capabilities are strengthened by a portfolio of strategic partnerships with Managing General Agents and Program Administrators within our Insurance & Services segment. With over $2.6 billion total capital, SiriusPoint’s operating companies have a financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) from AM Best, S&P and Fitch, and A3 from Moody’s.

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    We make statements in this press release that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. We intend these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements in the U.S. federal securities laws. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the impact of general economic conditions and conditions affecting the insurance and reinsurance industry; the adequacy of our reserves; fluctuation in the results of operations; pandemic or other catastrophic event; uncertainty of success in investing in early-stage companies, such as the risk of loss of an initial investment, highly variable returns on investments, delay in receiving return on investment and difficulty in liquidating the investment; our ability to assess underwriting risk, trends in rates for property and casualty insurance and reinsurance, competition, investment market and investment income fluctuations; trends in insured and paid losses; regulatory and legal uncertainties; and other risk factors described in SiriusPoint’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2024.

    Except as required by applicable law or regulation, we disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect changes in underlying assumptions or factors, or new information, data or methods, future events, or other circumstances after the date of this press release.

    The MIL Network –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine, Klobuchar & Warner Unveil Legislation to Undo President Trump’s Senseless Taxes on Canadian Goods

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Mark R. Warner (D-VA) unveiled legislation to undo President Donald Trump’s wildly unpopular tariffs on Canadian goods, which amount to a 25 percent tax on goods imported from one of America’s top trading partners and closest allies.

    “Americans want prices to go down—not skyrocket, which is exactly what will happen if Congress lets President Trump slap new taxes on goods from one of our largest trading partners and closest allies,” said Kaine. “We don’t need to guess what kind of damage these senseless new taxes will do. During Trump’s first term, his trade wars spelled disaster for Virginians, particularly for farmers and foresters who were hit especially hard. Congress has a responsibility to stop that from happening again, and I urge all of my colleagues to join me in blocking Trump from destroying our economy.”

    “This Administration is igniting a reckless trade war and regular Americans are paying the price,” said Klobuchar. “Costs for everyone will go up and our farmers and businesses will suffer. Canada is Minnesota’s top trading partner and is a key U.S. ally. We must reverse these damaging tariffs before it’s too late.”

    “Virginians can’t afford the cost of President Trump’s tariffs, which will raise prices on everything from groceries to houses and cars,” said Warner. “Congress must step in before President Trump tanks our economy.” 

    In Virginia in 2024, Canada was the largest export market and accounted for 15 percent of Virginia exports. In Virginia in 2022, top goods exports to Canada included motor vehicles and transportation equipment, such as medium- and heavy-duty trucks. 56.1 percent of Southwest Virginia’s economic output is dependent on trade.

    Polls have overwhelmingly demonstrated that the American people do not support Trump’s trade wars. According to a recent survey by Public First, just 28 percent of American adults supported specifically applying tariffs to Canada, while 43 percent opposed.

    Specifically, the senators’ legislation would work by terminating the February 1 emergency that Trump used to launch his trade war with Canada, and thus eliminate the tariffs on Canadian imports implemented as a result. Trump’s order cites the International Economic Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA), an unprecedented use of IEEPA in its nearly half century history. After an initial one-month delay, President Trump decided to move forward with the tariffs, with the import taxes starting to be collected on March 4, 2025. In total, President Trump’s IEEPA tariffs will cost the average American household up to $2,000 a year, with the Canada tariffs making up a significant portion of that. These IEEPA tariffs represent the largest tax increase on American families in recent history.

    Full text of the legislation is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine Statement on President Trump’s 2025 Address to Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

    Published: March 05 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) released the following statement after President Trump’s joint address to Congress:

    “President Trump’s address showed that he and his Administration have no problem turning their backs on middle-class Americans. In his first few weeks in office, President Trump has imposed steep tariffs that will raise costs and hurt businesses, fired thousands of federal workers who provide critical services to millions of Americans, illegally stopped the flow of federal funds that support programs Americans rely on, and cozied up to dictators like Vladimir Putin while abandoning Ukraine and our democratic allies. If the President, his Administration, and Republicans in Congress continue to go down the current path they are on, they should expect that they will be met with fierce opposition as more and more Americans will feel the impacts of Trump’s terrible policies. I know many Virginians are worried about the state of our country, and they have my commitment that I’ll continue to stand up against any efforts that will harm Virginians, hurt our economy, or make Virginians less safe.”

    Kaine brought Fairfax resident and veteran Jason King as his guest. Jason was fired from his position in the Federal Aviation Administration’s safety division as a result of the Trump Administration’s mass firing of federal employees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS: Sanders, Scott, Schumer, Jeffries, Murray, Bipartisan Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Protect the Rights of American Workers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders

    WASHINGTON, March 5 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), and Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce, alongside Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.), Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Congressional and labor leaders, today reintroduced the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act), comprehensive labor legislation to protect the rights of workers to stand together and bargain for fairer wages, better benefits and safer workplaces. The legislation was renamed in honor of former AFL-CIO President Richard L. Trumka.

    Joining Sanders, Scott, Schumer, Jeffries and Murray on the PRO Act are Sens. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), as well as 210 cosponsors in the House.

    “Never before in the history of our nation have income and wealth inequality been greater than today. Workers are falling further and further behind. In response, millions of Americans have expressed their desire to join a union,” said Sanders. “However, the billionaire class is fighting with all its might to put down attempts by workers to exercise their constitutional right to unionize. That includes the decision by President Trump to illegally fire National Labor Relations Board Member Gwynne Wilcox and effectively shut down the NLRB. Without a functioning NLRB, corporate bosses can illegally fire unionizing workers, flagrantly violate labor laws and render free and fair union elections near impossible. Supporting the immediate reinstatement of Member Wilcox and the swift passage of the PRO Act would be major steps toward building real worker power. The PRO Act is long overdue and I am proud to be introducing this bill in the Senate.”

    “Unions are essential for building a strong middle class and improving the lives of workers and families. Regrettably, for too long, workers have suffered from anti-union attacks and toothless labor laws that undermined their right to form a union,” said Scott. “As union approval remains at record highs, Congress has an urgent responsibility to ensure that workers can join a union and negotiate for higher pay, better benefits, and safer workplaces. The PRO Act is the most critical step Congress can take to uplift American workers. I urge my House and Senate colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in advancing the most significant update for workers’ labor organizing rights in over eighty years.”

    “As we speak Donald Trump and his billionaire buddies are stealing the American dream away from working families, rigging every lever of society in favor of the billionaire class,” said Schumer. “That’s why we need the PRO Act, to empower hardworking Americans to bargain for better wages, benefits, and safer working conditions. I’ve been involved in this fight for a very, very long time, and I will stay in this fight for as long as it takes – until every worker gets the wage they deserve, until the right to organize is protected and encouraged and secure, and until we finally make the PRO Act the law of the land.”

    “Right now, Donald Trump and Elon Musk are attacking workers, including mass firing people by the tens of thousands, left and right, regardless of how important that work is,” said Murray. “Reintroducing the PRO Act is more important now than ever. This is about making sure we are not just pushing back—but also pushing forward: charting a positive vision for workers and daring Republicans to make their actions match their words. Who do you stand with—the billionaires like Elon Musk and Donald Trump—whose favorite two words are ‘you’re fired?’ Or do you stand with hard working American women and men. People who just want fair pay, decent treatment, and a government that works to make their lives better, not worse? That should not be too much to ask! I’m going to keep fighting, come hell or high water, to make it easier for workers to join together and fight for the better pay and working conditions they deserve.”

    “When our unions are strong, the United States of America is strong,” said Jeffries. “While Republicans are focused on giving handouts to their billionaire donors, Democrats will continue to fight to make sure that every American worker can organize and thrive and fight for better wages, better pay, better safety conditions and better benefits. Thanks to the leadership of Ranking Member Bobby Scott, that is exactly what the PRO Act does and we will not rest until we get this legislation across the finish line.”

    “Billionaires know there’s no greater threat to their power than a union card,” said Clark. “That’s why they’re using miles of red tape to deny the American people their basic, constitutional right to organize. We can cut that red tape for good. The PRO Act is yet another chance for Republicans to show where they stand: with working people or their billionaire donors.”

    “The PRO Act will safeguard the fundamental right of American workers to collectively bargain and organize and will ensure workers receive fair treatment while holding their employers to just standards,” said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.). “I am proud to lead this bipartisan effort to strengthen the right of our nation’s hardest-working men and women to organize and negotiate for better wages, benefits, and conditions. A strong workforce is the foundation of a strong nation, and I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to see this vital legislation through.”

    “Americans believe in the power of unions and tens of millions of working people would become union members tomorrow if they could. But American labor law is broken, weighted on the side of the bosses and against the workers. In too many workplaces, in too many industries across the country, big corporations and billionaire CEOs still retaliate against us for organizing. They refuse to negotiate our contracts, force us to sit through hours of anti-union propaganda, and engage in illegal union-busting every day. Now they have an unelected, unaccountable, union-buster trying to illegally fire tens of thousands of our fellow workers in federal jobs and an administration rolling back the workplace protections. The PRO Act is long overdue, and the American people agree. We urge elected leaders of both parties to move this critical legislation forward so that all workers have the chance to stand together and build better lives for themselves and their families,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler.

    Large corporations and the wealthy continue to capture the rewards of a growing economy while working families and middle-class Americans are left behind. From 1979 to 2023, annual wages for the bottom 90% of households increased just 44 percent, while average incomes for the wealthiest 1% increased more than 180 percent.

    Unions are critical to increasing wages and creating a strong economy that rewards hardworking people. Through the power of collective bargaining, the typical union worker earns 16 percent more than the typical non-union worker.

    The American people’s support for unions is surging. According to a 2024 Gallup poll, 70 percent of Americans approve of labor unions — remaining at near record highs. Despite growing support for unions, billionaire- and special interest-funded attacks on the rights of workers, unions and labor laws have eroded union density and made it harder for workers to organize. The share of American workers who are union members has fallen from roughly one in three workers in 1956 to a new low of 9.9 percent in 2024. The PRO Act restores fairness to the economy by strengthening the federal law that protects the right of workers to join a union and bargain for higher pay, better benefits and safer workplaces.

    The PRO Act would protect the right to organize and collectively bargain by:

    • Bolstering remedies and punishing violations of the rights of workers through authorizing meaningful penalties for employers that violate their rights, strengthening support for workers who suffer retaliation for exercising their rights and authorizing a private right of action for violation of the rights of workers.
    • Strengthening the rights of workers to join together and negotiate for better working conditions by enhancing their right to support secondary boycotts, ensuring unions can collect “fair share” fees, modernizing the union election process and facilitating initial collective bargaining agreements.
    • Restoring fairness to an economy rigged against workers by closing loopholes that allow employers to misclassify their employees as supervisors and independent contractors and increasing transparency in labor-management relations.

    More than 18 organizations endorsed the PRO Act, including the AFL-CIO, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), United Autoworkers (UAW), United Steelworkers (USW), Communications Workers of America (CWA), National Nurses United (NNU), International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE), National Postal Mail Handlers Union (NPMHU), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART), the American Federation of Musicians, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA), Transport Workers Union (TWU), International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT).

    Read the bill text here.

    Read a fact sheet here.

    Read a section-by-section summary here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Funding cuts jeopardize global fight against tuberculosis, WHO warns

    Source: United Nations 2

    5 March 2025 Health

    The UN World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Wednesday that severe funding cuts – particularly in the United States – are threatening decades of progress in the fight against tuberculosis (TB), still the world’s deadliest infectious disease.

    The health agency highlighted that essential prevention, testing and treatment services are collapsing, leaving millions at risk.

    The hardest-hit regions include Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Western Pacific, where national TB programmes depend heavily on international support.

    “Any disruption to TB services – whether financial, political or operational – can have devastating and often fatal consequences for millions worldwide,” said Tereza Kasaeva, Director of WHO Global Programme on TB and Lung Health.

    Last week, UN Secretary-General António Guterres also raised the alarm over funding cuts, noting the immediate impact on key health programmes combatting HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and cholera.

    A devastating setback

    Over the past two decades, global TB programmes have saved more than 79 million lives, averting approximately 3.65 million deaths last year alone.

    A significant portion of this success has been driven by US Government funding, which has provided about $200 to $250 million annually – approximately a quarter of the total international donor funding secured.  

    The US has been the largest bilateral donor for programmes combatting the disease.

    However, newly announced cuts for 2025 through executive orders will have devastating impacts on TB response efforts in at least 18 high-burden countries, where 89 per cent of expected US funding was allocated for patient care.

    The impact will be particularly devastating in Africa, where treatment disruptions and staff layoffs could exponentially increase TB transmission rates.

    Immense burden

    Early reports from TB-affected countries indicate that funding constraints are already dismantling essential health services.

    Among the most pressing concerns are health worker layoffs, drug shortages and supply chain breakdowns, data and surveillance systems are collapse, and disruptions to TB research and funding.

    “Without immediate action, hard-won progress in the fight against TB is at risk. Our collective response must be swift, strategic and fully resourced to protect the most vulnerable and maintain momentum toward ending TB,” urged Dr. Kasaeva.

    Call for urgent action

    WHO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting governments and global partners in the fight against TB.

    “In these challenging times, WHO remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting national governments, civil society and global partners in securing sustained funding and integrated solutions to safeguard the health and well-being of those most vulnerable to TB,” the agency said.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Canada: Alberta pushes back on illegal U.S. tariffs

    As part of its non-tariff retaliatory measures, Alberta is altering its procurement practices to ensure Alberta’s government, as well as agencies, school boards, Crown corporations and Alberta municipalities, purchase their goods and services from Alberta companies, Canadian companies or countries with which Canada has a free trade agreement that is being honoured.  

    “I will always put the best interests of Alberta and Albertans first. These non-tariff actions are measured, proportionate and put an emphasis on defending Alberta and Canada against these economically destructive tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, while breaking down restrictive provincial trade barriers so we can fast-track nation building resource projects and allow for the unrestricted movement of goods, services and labour across the country. I understand this is an uncertain time for many Albertans, and our government will continue to do all it can to prioritize Alberta’s and Canada’s world-class products and businesses as we face this challenge together. I also look forward to working with my provincial counterparts to help unite Canada and ensure free and fair trade throughout our country.” 

    Danielle Smith, Premier

    Alberta’s government has also directed Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis to suspend the purchase of U.S. alcohol and video lottery terminals (VLTs) from American companies until further notice. This will ensure Alberta and Canadian brands take priority in restaurants, bars and on retail shelves.

    “We are committed to putting Canadian businesses first. By suspending the purchase of U.S. produced alcohol, slot machines and VLTs, we are ensuring that Alberta and Canadian brands take priority in our restaurants, bars and retail stores. We will continue to take bold steps to support local industries and strengthen our economy.”

    Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction

    To encourage the purchase of stock from vendors in Alberta, Canada and other countries with which Canada has a free trade agreement, the government will help all Alberta grocers and other retailers with labelling Canadian products in their stores. In the coming weeks, Alberta’s government will augment these efforts by launching a “Buy Alberta” marketing campaign. Spearheaded by Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson, this campaign will remind Albertans of their options for local food and the importance of supporting Alberta’s agriculture producers and processers.

    “Alberta’s agriculture producers and processers are the best in the world. Although these U.S. tariffs are incredibly concerning, this “Buy Alberta” campaign will put a spotlight on Alberta’s farmers, ranchers and agri-food businesses and support Albertans in choosing goods from right here at home.”

    RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation

    Building on Alberta’s reputation as a leader in removing barriers to trade within Canada, Alberta’s government will continue to push other provinces to match our ambition in providing full labour mobility and eliminating trade barriers through work like mutual recognition of regulations. This will allow for goods, services and labour from other provinces to flow into and out of Alberta without having to undergo additional regulatory assessments.

    “While no one wins in a tariff war, this situation underscores the need to develop Canada’s trade infrastructure and the diversification of our trading partners and could be the catalyst to unlocking Canada’s true potential. As we look at how best to support Albertans and our businesses, we must also work to reduce internal trade and labour mobility barriers while expanding markets for Alberta energy, agricultural and manufactured products into Europe, Asia, the Americas and beyond. Albertans and Canadians are counting on us.”

    Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade

    Alberta’s government is also focused on doubling oil production. With U.S. tariffs in place on Canadian energy products, Alberta is looking elsewhere for additional pipeline infrastructure, including east and west, in order to get our products to new markets.

    Alberta’s government will continue to engage with elected officials and industry leaders in the U.S. to reverse these tariffs on Canadian goods and energy and rebuild Canada’s relationship with its largest trading partner and ally.   

    Quick facts

    • On March 4, U.S. President Trump implemented a 25 per cent tariff on all Canadian goods and a 10 per cent tariff on Canadian energy.
    • The U.S. is Alberta’s – and Canada’s – largest trading partner. 
    • Alberta is the second largest provincial exporter to the U.S. after Ontario.
      • In 2024, Alberta’s exports to the U.S. totalled C$162.6 billion, accounting for 88.7 per cent of total provincial exports.
      • Energy products accounted for approximately C$132.8 billion or 82.2 per cent of Alberta’s exports to the U.S. in 2024.
    • About 10 per cent of liquor products in stock in Alberta are imported from the United States.
      • U.S. products represent a small minority of the beer and refreshment beverage categories; however, a significant number of wines originate in the U.S.
      • In 2023-24, about $292 million in U.S. liquor products were sold in Alberta.
    • Alberta has been a longstanding supporter of reducing barriers to trade within Canada. In 2019, the province removed 21 of 27 exceptions, including all procurement exceptions, and narrowed the scope of two others. Since then, the province has only added 2 exceptions, which allow for the management the legalization of cannabis.
      • Removing party-specific exemptions has helped facilitate even greater access to the Alberta market for Canadian companies in the areas of government tenders, Crown land acquisition, liquor, energy and forest products, among others.

    Related information

    • Premier Smith’s speaking notes
    • Response to U.S. tariffs: Premier Smith

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Alto Ingredients, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Year-end 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    – Implemented Cost Savings Expected to Yield Approximately $8 Million Annually –
    – Integrated Accretive Acquisition of a Beverage-grade Liquid CO2Processor –
    – Considering Asset Sales, a Merger or Other Strategic Transactions –

    PEKIN, Ill., March 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Alto Ingredients, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALTO), a leading producer and distributor of specialty alcohols, renewable fuels and essential ingredients, reported its financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2024.

    Bryon McGregor, President and Chief Executive Officer of Alto Ingredients said, “During the fourth quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025, we implemented cost saving initiatives, including cold idling our Magic Valley plant, and lowering total company headcount by 16%. We expect these staffing reductions to save approximately $8 million annually beginning in the second quarter of 2025. While ensuring high customer service, we rightsized the company to our smaller organizational footprint to position for long-term sustainable growth.

    “On January 1st, we acquired a beverage-grade liquid carbon dioxide processor adjacent to our Columbia site. Bolstering economics and increasing asset valuation, this immediately accretive transaction has a compelling payback of less than two years as well as opportunities for cost synergies and expanded production. At our Pekin Campus, we continue to diligently pursue opportunities to optimize carbon, which has been historically underutilized and undervalued. Lastly, with the assistance of our financial and legal advisors, we are considering a broad range of options, including asset sales, a merger or other strategic transactions to better align the long-term value potential of the company.”

    Chief Financial Officer Rob Olander added, “Our restructuring has improved Alto’s financial position going forward. In doing so, during the fourth quarter of 2024, we recognized over $30 million in asset impairments and prior acquisition-related expenses, which reset our base. Combining our reduced expense run rate with our improved performance at the Pekin wet mill, our synergistic acquisition of premium liquid CO2 processing and our entry into the European market, we are optimistic about 2025.”

    Financial Results for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2024 Compared to 2023

    • Net sales were $236.3 million, compared to $273.6 million.
    • Cost of goods sold was $237.7 million, compared to $276.2 million.
    • Gross loss was $1.4 million, including $3.5 million in realized losses on derivatives, compared to a gross loss of $2.5 million, including $2.3 million in realized losses on derivatives.
    • Selling, general and administrative expenses were $7.4 million, compared to $7.8 million.
    • Expenses related to the Eagle Alcohol acquisition were $5.7 million, compared to $0.7 million.
    • Asset impairments were $24.8 million comprised of $21.4 million related to Magic Valley and $3.4 million related to Eagle Alcohol, compared to $6.0 million related to Eagle Alcohol.
    • Net loss attributable to common stockholders was $42.0 million, or $0.57 per share, compared to $19.3 million, or $0.26 per share.
    • Adjusted EBITDA was negative $7.7 million, including $3.5 million in realized losses on derivatives, compared to positive $3.5 million, including $2.3 million in realized losses on derivatives.

    Cash and cash equivalents were $35.5 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $30.0 million at December 31, 2023. At December 31, 2024, the company’s borrowing availability was $88.1 million including $23.1 million under the company’s operating line of credit and $65.0 million under its term loan facility, subject to certain conditions.

    Financial Results for the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2024 Compared to 2023

    • Net sales were $965.3 million, compared to $1,222.9 million.
    • Net loss attributable to common stockholders was $60.3 million, including $32.5 million in expenses related to asset impairments and the company’s Eagle Alcohol acquisition, or $0.82 per share. This compares to $29.3 million, including $6.5 million in net expenses related to asset impairments, the company’s Eagle Alcohol acquisition and a USDA cash grant, or $0.40 per share.
    • Adjusted EBITDA was negative $8.5 million, including $2.5 million in realized losses on derivatives and $5.4 million in costs related to the biennial outage in the second quarter, compared to positive $20.8 million, including $1.6 million in realized gains on derivatives.

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Results Conference Call
    Management will host a conference call at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time / 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, and will deliver prepared remarks via webcast followed by a question-and-answer session.

    The webcast for the conference call can be accessed from Alto Ingredients’ website at www.altoingredients.com. Alternatively, to receive a number and unique PIN by email, register here. To dial directly up to twenty minutes prior to the scheduled call time, please dial (833) 630-0017 domestically and (412) 317-1806 internationally. The webcast will be archived for replay on the Alto Ingredients website for one year. In addition, a telephonic replay will be available at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, through 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. To access the replay, please dial (877) 344-7529. International callers should dial 00-1 412-317-0088. The pass code will be 5306551.

    Use of Non-GAAP Measures
    Management believes that certain financial measures not in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) are useful measures of operations. The company defines Adjusted EBITDA as unaudited consolidated net income (loss) before interest expense, interest income, provision for income taxes, asset impairments, unrealized derivative gains and losses, acquisition-related expense and depreciation and amortization expense. A table is provided at the end of this release that provides a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to its most directly comparable GAAP measure, net income (loss). Management provides this non-GAAP measure so that investors will have the same financial information that management uses, which may assist investors in properly assessing the company’s performance on a period-over-period basis. Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) or any other measure of performance under GAAP, or to cash flows from operating, investing or financing activities as an indicator of cash flows or as a measure of liquidity. Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider this measure in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the company’s results as reported under GAAP.

    About Alto Ingredients, Inc.
    Alto Ingredients, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALTO) is a leading producer and distributor of specialty alcohols, renewable fuels and essential ingredients. Leveraging the unique qualities of its facilities, the company serves customers in a wide range of consumer and commercial products in the Health, Home & Beauty; Food & Beverage; Industry & Agriculture; Essential Ingredients; and Renewable Fuels markets. For more information, please visit www.altoingredients.com.

    Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
    Statements and information contained in this communication that refer to or include Alto Ingredients’ estimated or anticipated future results or other non-historical expressions of fact are forward-looking statements that reflect Alto Ingredients’ current perspective of existing trends and information as of the date of the communication. Forward-looking statements generally will be accompanied by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “plan,” “could,” “should,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “outlook,” “guidance,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “will,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” or other similar words, phrases or expressions. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning Alto Ingredients’ projected outlook and future performance, including the timing and effects of its cost savings initiatives and its acquisition of a liquid carbon dioxide processor adjacent to its Columbia plant; Alto Ingredients’ capital projects, including its carbon capture and storage (CCS) project and opportunities to optimize carbon; and Alto Ingredients’ other plans, objectives, expectations and intentions. It is important to note that Alto Ingredients’ plans, objectives, expectations and intentions are not predictions of actual performance. Actual results may differ materially from Alto Ingredients’ current expectations depending upon a number of factors affecting Alto Ingredients’ business and plans. These factors include, among others adverse economic and market conditions, including for renewable fuels, specialty alcohols and essential ingredients; export conditions and international demand for the company’s products; fluctuations in the price of and demand for oil and gasoline; raw material costs, including production input costs, such as corn and natural gas; adverse impacts of inflation and supply chain constraints; and the cost, ability to fund, timing and effects of, including the financial and other results deriving from, Alto Ingredients’ repair and maintenance programs, plant improvements and other capital projects, including CCS, and other business initiatives and strategies. These factors also include, among others, the inherent uncertainty associated with financial and other projections and large-scale capital projects, including CCS; the anticipated size of the markets and continued demand for Alto Ingredients’ products; the impact of competitive products and pricing; the risks and uncertainties normally incident to the alcohol production, marketing and distribution industries; changes in generally accepted accounting principles; successful compliance with governmental regulations applicable to Alto Ingredients’ facilities, products and/or businesses; changes in laws, regulations and governmental policies, including with respect to the Inflation Reduction Act’s tax and other benefits Alto Ingredients expects to derive from CCS; the loss of key senior management or staff; and other events, factors and risks previously and from time to time disclosed in Alto Ingredients’ filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including, specifically, those factors set forth in the “Risk Factors” section contained in Alto Ingredients’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 8, 2024.

    Company IR and Media Contact:
    Michael Kramer, Alto Ingredients, Inc., 916-403-2755
    Investorrelations@altoingredients.com

    IR Agency Contact:
    Kirsten Chapman, Alliance Advisors Investor Relations, 415-433-3777
    altoinvestor@allianceadvisors.com

    ALTO INGREDIENTS, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
    (unaudited, in thousands, except per share data)
         
      Three Months Ended
    December 31,
      Years Ended
    December 31,
       2024     2023     2024     2023 
             
    Net sales $ 236,347     $ 273,625     $ 965,258     $ 1,222,940  
    Cost of goods sold   237,738       276,150       955,536       1,207,287  
    Gross profit (loss)   (1,391 )     (2,525 )     9,722       15,653  
    Selling, general and administrative expenses   (7,358 )     (7,823 )     (29,736 )     (29,864 )
    Acquisition-related expenses   (5,676 )     (700 )     (7,701 )     (2,800 )
    Gain (loss) on sale of assets   —       (153 )     830       (293 )
    Asset impairments   (24,790 )     (5,970 )     (24,790 )     (6,544 )
    Loss from operations   (39,215 )     (17,171 )     (51,675 )     (23,848 )
    Interest expense, net   (2,474 )     (2,126 )     (7,644 )     (7,425 )
    Income from cash grant   —       —       —       2,812  
    Other income, net   150       449       508       553  
    Loss before provision for income taxes   (41,539 )     (18,848 )     (58,811 )     (27,908 )
    Provision for income taxes   173       97       173       97  
    Net loss $ (41,712 )   $ (18,945 )   $ (58,984 )   $ (28,005 )
    Preferred stock dividends $ (319 )   $ (319 )   $ (1,269 )   $ (1,265 )
    Net loss attributable to common stockholders $ (42,031 )   $ (19,264 )   $ (60,253 )   $ (29,270 )
    Net loss per share, basic and diluted $ (0.57 )   $ (0.26 )   $ (0.82 )   $ (0.40 )
    Weighted-average shares outstanding, basic and diluted   73,835       72,969       73,482       73,339  
                                   
    ALTO INGREDIENTS, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (unaudited, in thousands, except par value)
     
    ASSETS December 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
    Current Assets:    
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 35,469   $ 30,014
    Restricted cash   742     15,466
    Accounts receivable, net   58,217     58,729
    Inventories   49,914     52,611
    Derivative instruments   3,313     2,412
    Other current assets   5,463     9,538
    Total current assets   153,118     168,770
    Property and equipment, net   214,742     248,748
    Other Assets:      
    Right of use operating lease assets, net   20,553     22,597
    Intangible assets, net   4,509     8,498
    Other assets   8,516     5,628
    Total other assets   33,578     36,723
    Total Assets $ 401,438   $ 454,241
    ALTO INGREDIENTS, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (CONTINUED)
    (unaudited, in thousands, except par value)
     
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY December 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
    Current Liabilities:    
    Accounts payable $ 20,369     $ 20,752  
    Accrued liabilities   24,214       20,205  
    Current portion – operating leases   4,851       4,333  
    Derivative instruments   1,177       13,849  
    Other current liabilities   7,193       6,149  
    Total current liabilities   57,804       65,288  
                   
    Long-term debt, net   92,904       82,097  
    Operating leases, net of current portion   16,913       19,029  
    Other liabilities   8,754       8,270  
    Total Liabilities   176,375       174,684  
                   
    Stockholders’ Equity:    
    Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 10,000 shares authorized;
        Series A: no shares issued and outstanding as of
        December 31, 2024 and 2023
        Series B: 927 shares issued and outstanding as of
        December 31, 2024 and 2023
      1       1  
    Common stock, $0.001 par value; 300,000 shares authorized;
        76,565 and 75,703 shares issued and outstanding as of
        December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively
      77       76  
    Non-voting common stock, $0.001 par value; 3,553 shares authorized;
        1 share issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and 2023
      —       —  
    Additional paid-in capital   1,044,176       1,040,912  
    Accumulated other comprehensive income   4,975       2,481  
    Accumulated deficit   (824,166 )     (763,913 )
    Total Stockholders’ Equity   225,063       279,557  
    Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity $ 401,438     $ 454,241  


    Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net Loss

      Three Months Ended
    December 31,
      Years Ended
    December 31,
    (in thousands) (unaudited) 2024   2023   2024   2023
    Net loss $ (41,712 )   $ (18,945 )   $ (58,984 )   $ (28,005 )
    Adjustments:        
    Interest expense   2,474       2,126       7,644       7,425  
    Interest income   (112 )     (265 )     (689 )     (854 )
    Unrealized derivative (gains) losses   (5,495 )     8,162       (13,574 )     9,679  
    Acquisition-related expense   5,676       700       7,701       2,800  
    Provision for income taxes   173       97       173       97  
    Asset impairments   24,790       5,970       24,790       6,544  
    Depreciation and amortization expense   6,548       5,698       24,408       23,080  
    Total adjustments   34,054       22,488       50,453       48,771  
    Adjusted EBITDA $ (7,658 )   $ 3,543     $ (8,531 )   $ 20,766  


    Segment Financials (unaudited, in thousands)

      Three Months Ended
    December 31,
      Years Ended
    December 31,
       2024     2023     2024     2023 
    Net Sales                              

    Pekin Campus, recorded as gross:

                                 
    Alcohol sales $ 100,216     $ 113,588     $ 415,710     $ 502,217  
    Essential ingredient sales   42,011       48,483       169,308       217,702  
    Intersegment sales   316       307       1,243       1,427  
    Total Pekin Campus sales   142,543       162,378       586,261       721,346  

    Marketing and distribution:

                                 
    Alcohol sales, gross $ 37,230     $ 46,844     $ 216,295     $ 262,587  
    Alcohol sales, net   60       73       229       365  
    Intersegment sales   2,831       2,920       10,833       11,654  
    Total marketing and distribution sales   40,121       49,837       227,357       274,606  
                                   
    Western production, recorded as gross:                              
    Alcohol sales $ 41,306     $ 44,496     $ 115,389     $ 166,971  
    Essential ingredient sales   12,769       16,650       36,953       57,264  
    Intersegment sales   —       35       (122 )     134  
    Total Western production sales   54,075       61,181       152,220       224,369  
             
    Corporate and other   2,755       3,491       11,374       15,834  
    Intersegment eliminations   (3,147 )     (3,262 )     (11,954 )     (13,215 )
    Net sales as reported $ 236,347     $ 273,625     $ 965,258     $ 1,222,940  

    Cost of goods sold:
                                 
    Pekin Campus (1) (2) $ 139,899     $ 163,497     $  563,033      $ 710,089  
    Marketing and distribution   36,348       46,311       213,023       259,234  
    Western production (1)   59,449       65,042       172,209       230,444  
    Corporate and other   3,592       2,802       12,285       12,122  
    Intersegment eliminations   (1,550 )     (1,502 )     (5,014 )     (4,602 )
    Cost of goods sold as reported $ 237,738     $ 276,150     $ 955,536     $  1,207,287  

    Gross profit (loss):
                                 
    Pekin Campus $ 2,644     $ (1,119 )   $  23,228     $ 11,257  
    Marketing and distribution   3,773       3,526       14,334        15,372  
    Western production   (5,374 )     (3,861 )     (19,989  )     (6,075 )
    Corporate and other   (837 )     689       (911  )      3,712  
    Intersegment eliminations   (1,597 )     (1,760 )     (6,940  )      (8,613 )
    Gross profit (loss) as reported $ (1,391 )   $ (2,525 )   $  9,722      $ 15,653  

    (1) – includes depreciation and amortization expense
    (2) – includes unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives

    Sales and Operating Metrics (unaudited)

      Three Months Ended
    December 31,
      Years Ended
    December 31,
       2024     2023     2024     2023
    Alcohol Sales (gallons in millions)          
    Pekin Campus renewable fuel gallons sold   32.1     31.8     125.7     136.2
    Western production renewable fuel gallons sold   22.3     20.4     60.5     67.0
    Third party renewable fuel gallons sold   19.0     20.2     108.3     102.6
    Total renewable fuel gallons sold   73.4     72.4     294.5     305.8
    Specialty alcohol gallons sold   21.7     20.1     91.5     76.7
    Total gallons sold   95.1     92.5     386.0     382.5
               
    Sales Price per Gallon          
    Pekin Campus $ 1.89   $ 2.23   $ 1.95   $ 2.40
    Western production $ 1.86   $ 2.18   $ 1.91   $ 2.49
    Marketing and distribution $ 1.96   $ 2.32   $ 2.00   $ 2.56
    Total $ 1.88   $ 2.24   $ 1.95   $ 2.47
               
    Alcohol Production (gallons in millions)          
    Pekin Campus   55.4     51.6     212.4     209.7
    Western production   21.2     20.8     58.7     68.1
    Total   76.6     72.4     271.1     277.8
               
    Corn Cost per Bushel          
    Pekin Campus $ 4.17   $ 5.10   $ 4.45   $ 6.32
    Western production $ 5.79   $ 6.44   $ 5.73   $ 7.45
    Total $ 4.63   $ 5.46   $ 4.72   $ 6.58
               
    Average Market Metrics          
    PLATTS Ethanol price per gallon $ 1.60   $ 1.96   $ 1.69   $ 2.22
    CME Corn cost per bushel $ 4.26   $ 4.76   $ 4.24   $ 5.64
    Board corn crush per gallons (1) $ 0.08   $ 0.26   $ 0.18   $ 0.21
               
    Essential Ingredients Sold (thousand tons)          
    Pekin Campus:          
    Distillers grains   85.3     80.2     336.4     332.7
    CO2   52.7     43.4     188.6     182.4
    Corn wet feed   41.4     25.0     121.8     95.0
    Corn dry feed   22.0     23.3     87.2     90.6
    Corn oil and germ   21.0     18.2     75.1     73.8
    Syrup and other   10.0     12.7     38.6     41.2
    Corn meal   9.3     9.0     35.4     36.8
    Yeast   5.4     6.2     23.2     25.9
    Total Pekin Campus essential ingredients sold   247.1     218.0     906.3     878.4
               
             
    Western production:          
    Distillers grains   144.3     152.0     394.5     459.7
    CO2   14.6     13.8     57.7     55.5
    Syrup and other   17.2     47.5     54.8     119.1
    Corn oil   3.1     2.8     7.6     8.0
    Total Western production essential ingredients sold   179.2     216.1     514.6     642.3
               
    Total Essential Ingredients Sold   426.3     434.1     1,420.9     1,520.7
               
               
    Essential ingredients return % (2)          
    Pekin Campus return   49.5%     51.9%     49.7%     45.7%
    Western production return   30.3%     36.3%     32.0%     33.4%
    Consolidated total return   43.1%     46.8%     45.2%     42.4%
               

    ________________
    (1) Assumes corn conversion of 2.80 gallons of alcohol per bushel of corn.
    (2) Essential ingredients revenues as a percentage of total corn costs consumed.

    The MIL Network –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Rigetti Computing Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BERKELEY, Calif., March 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rigetti Computing, Inc. (Nasdaq: RGTI) (“Rigetti” or the “Company”), a pioneer in full-stack quantum-classical computing, today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2024.

    Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2024 Financial Highlights

    • Revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2024 were $2.3 million
    • Operating expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2024 were $19.5 million
    • Operating loss for the three months ended December 31, 2024 was $18.5 million
    • Net loss for the three months ended December 31, 2024 was $153.0 million, including $135.1 million of non-cash charges for the fair value change in the earn-out and derivative warrant liabilities
    • For the year ended December 31, 2024, revenues were $10.8 million, operating expenses were $74.2 million, operating loss was $68.5 million and net loss was $201.0 million, including $133.9 million of non-cash charges for the fair value change in the earn-out and derivative warrant liabilities
    • As of December 31, 2024 cash, cash equivalents and available-for-sale securities totaled $217.2 million
    • Received net proceeds of $153.3 million during the three months ended December 31, 2024 from the sale of 88.1 million shares of common stock through a registered direct offering and completion of our at-the-market equity offering
    • Prepaid in full all remaining amounts owed under our loan agreement with Trinity Capital, Inc.

    Business & Strategic Collaboration Updates

    New strategic collaboration with Quanta Computer
    Rigetti has entered into a strategic collaboration agreement with Quanta Computer, Inc. (“Quanta”), a Taiwan-based Global Fortune 500 company and the global leader of computer server manufacturing, with the goal of accelerating the development and commercialization of superconducting quantum computing. The companies have committed to investing more than $100 million each over the next five years pursuant to the collaboration agreement, with both sides focusing on their complementary strengths to develop superconducting quantum computing technologies. In addition, pursuant to a securities purchase agreement, Quanta will invest $35 million to purchase shares of Rigetti common stock, subject to regulatory clearance. The agreements were signed on February 27, 2025.

    “Quanta’s collaboration with Rigetti is designed to strengthen our position in this flourishing market. Our companies’ complementary strengths — Rigetti as a pioneer in superconducting quantum technology, with open, modular architecture enabling integration of innovative solutions across the stack, and Quanta as the world’s leading notebook/server manufacturer with $43 billion in annual sales — will support us in our goal to be at the forefront of the quantum computing industry,” says Dr. Subodh Kulkarni, Rigetti CEO.

    Montana State University purchases a Novera QPU
    Rigetti sold a Novera QPU to Montana State University (MSU) in December 2024, which was the Company’s first QPU sale to an academic institution. The Novera will be located at MSU’s QCORE to educate and train scientists and engineers on quantum computing technologies, in addition to being used to create a testbed for quantum computing R&D. MSU’s QCORE is a new center of excellence for quantum enabling technologies established to accelerate workforce development and the regional quantum innovation ecosystem.

    Technology Milestones

    84-qubit Ankaa-3 system launches with record high fidelity
    Rigetti launched its 84-qubit Ankaa™-3 system in December 2024. Ankaa-3 features an extensive hardware redesign that enables superior performance. Rigetti achieved major two-qubit gate fidelity milestones with Ankaa-3: successfully halving error rates in 2024 to achieve a 99.0% median iSWAP gate fidelity and demonstrating 99.5% median fidelity with fSim gates. Rigetti’s newest flagship quantum computer continues to feature Rigetti’s scalable, industry-leading chip architecture with 3D signal delivery while incorporating major enhancements to key technologies.

    Ankaa-3 is available to Rigetti’s partners via the Rigetti Quantum Cloud Services platform (QCS®) and to the general public via Microsoft Azure and Amazon Braket.

    “We believe that superconducting qubits are the winning modality for quantum computers given their fast gate speeds and scalability. We’ve developed critical IP to scale our systems and remain confident in our plans to scale to 100+ qubits by the end of the year with a targeted 2x reduction in error rates from the error rates we achieved at the end of 2024. We believe our leadership in superconducting quantum computing continues to be reinforced as we push the boundaries of our system performance, as evidenced by the success of Ankaa-3,” says Dr. Kulkarni.

    Successful AI-powered calibration of a Rigetti QPU
    AI-powered tools from Quantum Elements and Qruise remotely automated the calibration of a Rigetti QPU integrated with Quantum Machines’ control system. This work was part of the “AI for Quantum Calibration Challenge” (the “Challenge”) hosted at the Israeli Quantum Computing Center. The two companies participating in the Challenge, Quantum Elements and Qruise, automated the calibration of a 9-qubit Rigetti Novera™ QPU integrated with Quantum Machines’ advanced OPX1000 control system and NVIDIA DGX Quantum, a unified system for quantum-classical computing that NVIDIA built with Quantum Machines. This achievement showcases the potential of AI in quantum computer calibration and also highlights the growing collaboration within the quantum computing ecosystem.

    Quantum Elements, Cruise, and Quantum Machines are members of Rigetti’s Novera QPU Partner Program — an ecosystem of quantum computing hardware, software, and service providers who build and offer integral components of a functional quantum computing system.

    “We believe that another advantage we leverage is our modular approach to developing our technology. By enabling our partners to integrate their technology with ours, we can explore and advance creative and flexible ways to improve quantum computing capabilities,” says Dr. Kulkarni.

    Research demonstrating optical reading technique published in Nature Physics
    Joint research with QphoX and Qblox demonstrating the ability to readout superconducting qubits with an optical transducer was recently published in Nature Physics. This approach to qubit signal processing could have benefits in building scalable quantum computers as it could be a more compact, modular approach for measuring qubit performance in quantum computing systems that rely on microwave amplification. Current qubit readout techniques used by superconducting quantum computer systems in cryogenic environments can be resource intensive from a thermal and power usage perspective. A potential solution to this problem may be to replace coaxial cables and other cryogenic components with optical fibers, which have a considerably smaller footprint and negligible thermal conductivity. To demonstrate the potential of this technology, QphoX, Rigetti and Qblox connected a transducer to a superconducting qubit, with the goal of measuring its state using light transmitted through an optical fiber. It was discovered that the transducer is capable of converting the signal that reads out the qubit and the qubit can also be sufficiently protected from decoherence introduced by thermal noise or stray optical photons from the transducer during operation.

    Conference Call and Webcast
    Rigetti will host a conference call later today, March 5, 2025, at 5:00 pm ET, or 2:00 pm PT, to discuss its fourth quarter and full-year 2024 financial results.

    You can listen to a live audio webcast of the conference call at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/5jaikwa8/ or the “Events & Presentations” section of the Company’s Investor Relations website at https://investors.rigetti.com/. A replay of the conference call will be available at the same locations following the conclusion of the call for one year.

    To participate in the live call, you must register using the following link: https://register.vevent.com/register/BIc3642ee5e70e4bea9d3311a88c4e128a. Once registered, you will receive dial-in numbers and a unique PIN number. When you dial in, you will input your PIN and be routed into the call. If you register and forget your PIN, or lose the registration confirmation email, simply re-register to receive a new PIN.

    About Rigetti
    Rigetti is a pioneer in full-stack quantum computing. The Company has operated quantum computers over the cloud since 2017 and serves global enterprise, government, and research clients through its Rigetti Quantum Cloud Services platform. In 2021, Rigetti began selling on-premises quantum computing systems with qubit counts between 24 and 84 qubits, supporting national laboratories and quantum computing centers. Rigetti’s 9-qubit Novera QPU was introduced in 2023 supporting a broader R&D community with a high-performance, on-premises QPU designed to plug into a customer’s existing cryogenic and control systems. The Company’s proprietary quantum-classical infrastructure provides high-performance integration with public and private clouds for practical quantum computing. Rigetti has developed the industry’s first multi-chip quantum processor for scalable quantum computing systems. The Company designs and manufactures its chips in-house at Fab-1, the industry’s first dedicated and integrated quantum device manufacturing facility. Learn more at https://www.rigetti.com/.

    Contacts

    Rigetti Computing Investor Contact:
    IR@Rigetti.com

    Rigetti Computing Media Contact:
    press@rigetti.com

    Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
    Certain statements in this communication may be considered “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including statements with respect to the Company’s future success and performance, including expectations with respect to future revenues and the timing, availability and impact of government programs relating to quantum information science; expectations regarding the advantages and impact of the strategic collaboration agreement with Quanta Computer on our operations, technology roadmap, milestones, and our position in the industry; the expectation that Rigetti and Quanta will each invest more than $100 million over the next five years; expectations regarding Quanta’s anticipated $35 million investment in Rigetti through a purchase of Rigetti’s common stock; anticipated regulatory clearance; expectations related to the Company’s ability to achieve milestones including the development of future generations of hardware, including any future generations developed to achieve our targeted fidelities and qubit counts, or to demonstrate narrow quantum advantage or broad quantum advantage, each of which is an important anticipated milestone for our technology roadmap and commercialization of our quantum computers; expectations with respect to scaling to create larger qubit systems without sacrificing gate performance using the Company’s modular chip architecture, including expectations with respect to the Company’s anticipated systems and targeted error rate reduction; expectations with respect to future sales or leases of the Novera QPU, customer adoption of the Ankaa-3 systems and Novera QPU; the possibility that reading out superconducting qubits with an optical transducer could have benefits in building scalable quantum computers; the possibility that replacing coaxial cables and other cryogenic components with optical fibers could result in less thermal and power usage; expectations with respect to the Company’s partners and customers and the quantum computing plans and activities thereof; and expectations with respect to the anticipated stages of quantum technology maturation, including the Company’s ability to develop a quantum computer that is able to solve practical, operationally relevant problems significantly better, faster, or cheaper than a current classical solution and achieve quantum advantage on the anticipated timing or at all. These forward-looking statements are based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company and its management, are inherently uncertain. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: the Company’s ability to achieve milestones, technological advancements, including with respect to its technology roadmap; the ability of the Company to obtain government contracts successfully and in a timely manner and the availability of government funding; the potential of quantum computing; the ability of the Company to expand its QPU sales and the Novera QPU Partnership Program; the success of the Company’s partnerships and collaborations, including the strategic collaboration with Quanta Computer; the Company’s ability to accelerate its development of multiple generations of quantum processors; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against the Company or others; the ability to maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and attract and retain management and key employees; costs related to operating as a public company; changes in applicable laws or regulations; the possibility that the Company may be adversely affected by other economic, business, or competitive factors; the Company’s estimates of expenses and profitability; the evolution of the markets in which the Company competes; the ability of the Company to implement its strategic initiatives and expansion plans; the expected use of proceeds from the Company’s past and future financings or other capital; the sufficiency of the Company’s cash resources; unfavorable conditions in the Company’s industry, the global economy or global supply chain, including rising inflation and interest rates, deteriorating international trade relations, political turmoil, natural catastrophes, warfare and terrorist attacks; and other risks and uncertainties set forth in the section entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, and other documents filed by the Company from time to time with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and the Company assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements other than as required by applicable law. The Company does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations.

    RIGETTI COMPUTING, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (in thousands, except number of shares and par value)
               
      December 31,   December 31,
      2024   2023
    Assets          
    Current assets:          
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 67,674     $ 21,392  
    Available-for-sale investments – short-term   124,420       78,537  
    Accounts receivable   2,427       5,029  
    Prepaid expenses   3,156       1,938  
    Other current assets   9,081       771  
    Total current assets   206,758       107,667  
    Available-for-sale investments – long-term   25,068       —  
    Property and equipment, net   44,643       44,483  
    Operating lease right-of-use assets   7,993       7,634  
    Other assets   325       129  
    Total assets $ 284,787     $ 159,913  
               
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity          
    Current liabilities:          
    Accounts payable $ 1,590     $ 5,772  
    Accrued expenses and other current liabilities   8,005       8,563  
    Current portion of deferred revenue   113       343  
    Current portion of debt   —       12,164  
    Current portion of operating lease liabilities   2,159       2,210  
    Total current liabilities   11,867       29,052  
    Debt, less current portion   —       9,894  
    Deferred revenue, less current portion   698       —  
    Operating lease liabilities, less current portion   6,641       6,297  
    Derivative warrant liabilities   93,095       2,927  
    Earn-out liabilities   45,897       2,155  
    Total liabilities   158,198       50,325  
    Commitments and contingencies          
    Stockholders’ equity:          
    Preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share, 10,000,000 shares authorized, none outstanding   —       —  
    Common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, 1,000,000,000 shares authorized, 283,546,871 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2024 and 147,066,336 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2023   29       14  
    Additional paid-in capital   681,202       463,089  
    Accumulated other comprehensive income   105       244  
    Accumulated deficit   (554,747 )     (353,759 )
    Total stockholders’ equity   126,589       109,588  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 284,787     $ 159,913  
                   
    RIGETTI COMPUTING, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
    (in thousands, except per share data)
     
                   
      Three Months Ended December 31,   Year Ended December 31,
      2024   2023   2024   2023
    Revenue $ 2,274     $ 3,376     $ 10,790     $ 12,008  
    Cost of revenue   1,271       860       5,093       2,800  
    Total gross profit   1,003       2,516       5,697       9,208  
    Operating expenses:                      
    Research and development   13,657       12,787       49,750       52,768  
    Selling, general and administrative   5,840       6,936       24,457       27,744  
    Restructuring   —       —       —       991  
    Total operating expenses   19,497       19,723       74,207       81,503  
    Loss from operations   (18,494 )     (17,207 )     (68,510 )     (72,295 )
    Other income (expense), net                      
    Interest expense   (446 )     (1,268 )     (3,255 )     (5,779 )
    Interest income   1,546       1,330       5,113       5,076  
    Change in fair value of derivative warrant liabilities   (90,885 )     3,160       (90,168 )     (1,160 )
    Change in fair value of earn-out liabilities   (44,256 )     1,413       (43,742 )     (949 )
    Loss on extinguishment of debt   (426 )     —       (426 )     —  
    Total other expense, net   (134,467 )     4,635       (132,478 )     (2,812 )
    Net loss before provision for income taxes   (152,961 )     (12,572 )     (200,988 )     (75,107 )
    Provision for income taxes   —       —       —       —  
    Net loss $ (152,961 )   $ (12,572 )   $ (200,988 )   $ (75,107 )
    Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders – basic and diluted $ (0.68 )   $ (0.09 )   $ (1.09 )   $ (0.57 )
    Weighted average shares used in computing net loss per share attributable to common stockholders – basic and diluted   226,364       140,537       184,666       131,977  
                                   
    RIGETTI COMPUTING INC.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW
    (in thousands)
       
      Year Ended December 31,
      2024   2023
    Cash flows from operating activities:          
    Net loss $ (200,988 )   $ (75,107 )
    Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:          
    Depreciation and amortization   6,906       7,426  
    Stock-based compensation   13,069       12,409  
    Change in fair value of earn-out liabilities   43,742       949  
    Change in fair value of derivative warrant liabilities   90,168       1,160  
    Change in fair value of forward contract   —       2,229  
    Impairment of deferred offering costs   —       836  
    Accretion of available-for-sale securities   (3,622 )     (3,121 )
    Loss on extinguishment of debt   426       —  
    Amortization of debt issuance costs, commitment fees and accretion of final payment fees   844       1,453  
    Non-cash lease expense   1,909       1,682  
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:          
    Accounts receivable   2,602       1,206  
    Prepaid expenses, other current assets and other assets   (2,434 )     (259 )
    Deferred revenue   468       (618 )
    Accounts payable   (1,036 )     895  
    Accrued expenses and operating lease liabilities   (2,681 )     (1,719 )
    Net cash used in operating activities   (50,627 )     (50,579 )
    Cash flows from investing activities:          
    Purchases of property and equipment   (11,098 )     (9,059 )
    Purchases of available-for-sale securities   (224,764 )     (109,252 )
    Maturities of available-for-sale securities   157,500       119,084  
    Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities   (78,362 )     773  
    Cash flows from financing activities:          
    Principal repayments and prepayment and final payment fees of notes payable   (23,328 )     (8,333 )
    Net payments of tax withholdings on sell-to-cover equity award transactions   (6,272 )     —  
    Proceeds from sale of common stock through Common Stock Purchase Agreement   12,838       20,544  
    Proceeds from sale of common stock through At-The-Market (ATM) Offering   97,500       —  
    Proceeds from sale of common stock through registered direct offering   96,000       —  
    Payments of offering costs   (1,833 )     (107 )
    Proceeds from issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options and warrants   554       1,126  
    Net cash provided by financing activities   175,459       13,230  
    Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents   (188 )     80  
    Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   46,282       (36,496 )
    Cash and cash equivalents – beginning of period   21,392       57,888  
    Cash and cash equivalents – end of period $ 67,674     $ 21,392  
    Supplemental disclosures of other cash flow information:          
    Cash paid for interest $ 2,350     $ 4,340  
    Non-cash investing and financing activities:          
    Capitalization of deferred costs to equity upon share issuance   —       13  
    Purchases of property and equipment recorded in accounts payable   466       3,612  
    Purchases of property and equipment recorded in accrued expenses   150       1,019  
    Non-cash addition to operating lease right-of-use assets and lease liability   2,268       —  
    Unrealized gain on short term investments   66       325  

    The MIL Network –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy identifies 3 ways Congress can unplug the Biden admin’s “inflation machine”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

    Watch Kennedy’s comments here.
    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) detailed the three ways in which Congress can work with the Trump administration to address inflation in a speech on the Senate floor.
    Key excerpts of the speech are below:
    “I don’t want to dwell on the past, but President Biden’s administration was an inflation machine. . . . What the American people are wondering every single day as they sell blood plasma to go to the grocery store is: when am I going to get some relief from these high prices? And we do need to provide them relief. I want to talk about three ways that we are in the process of trying to reduce those prices that my Democratic colleagues caused.”
    . . .
    “Number one: reduce spending. You see it every single day from President Trump. He said he was going to audit federal spending, and that is exactly what he is doing.” 
    . . .
    “Number two: deregulation. The federal government wants to regulate every breath we take. . . . It is just amazing, and each one of these regulations has a cost. The cost of all of our regulations today is in excess of $2 trillion—not billion, not million—$2 trillion.
    “What does that mean? That means when a business produces a product or it delivers a service—and it has to comply with a meaningless, gnarly federal regulation which costs money—that extra expense is added to the cost of the product or the service. Duh. I mean, businesses have to stay in business. They can’t eat the cost so they pass it on, and that leads to higher prices.”
    . . .
    “The third way we are attacking these high prices is by trying to stimulate the economy to increase wages so that we actually can grow out of these high prices so that people will have more money to spend when they buy a car or go to the grocery store. We are not going to do that with tepid GDP growth. . . . We are going to do that through the tax code.
    “We have about $4.5 trillion worth of tax cuts that we implemented back in 2017 that caused the economy to grow and wages to go up until COVID hit. Those tax cuts are expiring here very shortly, and we are going to extend them.”
    . . .
    “We are well aware that high prices are gutting the American people like a fish, but by reducing spending, by deregulating the economy, and by designing a tax code that looks like somebody designed it on purpose, we are going to get those high prices down.”
    Watch Kennedy’s full speech here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 6, 2025
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