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Category: Economy

  • MIL-OSI: Bango launches world’s first all-in-one Super Bundling technology

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom, Feb. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bango (AIM: BGO) today announces the launch of the world’s first all-in-one technology for Super Bundling, allowing any business to build and launch a state-of-the art subscriptions hub.

    The new technology is part of the latest Digital Vending Machine® (DVM™) product release from Bango, which is used by leading subscriptions hubs like Verizon +play and Optus SubHub.

    The need for this technology follows rising demand from subscribers, with research from Bango showing that 35% have lost track of how much they pay for subscriptions, while 49% are annoyed they can’t manage all of their accounts and services in one place. As a result, 73% now want one single ‘hub’ for subscriptions.

    Super Bundling subscriptions hubs are increasingly used by telcos, banks and retailers to drive customer engagement, build loyalty and unlock new revenue streams, with 88% of telco leaders planning to launch a subscriptions hub.

    The new Digital Vending Machine CX provides the key functionality needed to deliver an all-in-one Super Bundling product, allowing telcos, banks, retailers and other businesses to:

    • Quickly launch a branded subscriptions hub with pre-built, responsive, templates for desktop and mobile screens
    • Connect and offer sophisticated deals with hundreds of subscription partners including leading streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime and YouTube Premium
    • Analyze the performance of subscriptions, bundles and offers, tracking trends in activations and cancellations in real time

    Bango estimates that this white-label solution will save telcos and other resellers up to 18 months when developing and launching subscriptions hubs in future.

    Bundling just got easier

    The new DVM CX is one part of a wider update to the Digital Vending Machine®, designed to make all forms of subscription bundling easier for any content provider or reseller, from end to end.

    Key features of the new end-to-end update include:

    • Offer management including plan lifecycle: Effortlessly create and manage simple to complex subscription bundles with flexible pricing, discounts, and phased plans. Our powerful tools cut setup time from days to minutes, ensuring agility in launching and optimizing offers.
    • Migration engine: Migrate existing, live consumer subscriptions onto a Super Bundling hub with no loss of service.
    • Offer orchestration: Seamless, automated workflows that instantly activate subscriptions when customers select an offer. No delays, no friction – just fast, effortless onboarding.
    • Smart top ups: Purpose built to support Top Up business models for offers, providing hassle-free subscription top-ups and renewals without interrupting the subscriber’s service
    • Partner discovery: Explore and connect with over 100+ subscription services in the DVM ecosystem.

    This update is designed to break the current gridlock which is slowing down the creation and launch of subscription bundles and preventing many businesses from entering the market.

    As Paul Larbey, CEO at Bango explains: “For a growing number of subscribers, subscriptions are no longer experienced as a series of one-by-one direct purchases. Subscribers now want to combine services, create bespoke deals, renew on their own terms, and pay through a single, consolidated, transparent bill. This enhanced DVM enables many more businesses to provide this all-in-one experience, giving subscribers the flexibility and control they demand.

    “As telcos, retailers and banks start to offer these sophisticated subscription bundles, the DVM removes the roadblocks. By eliminating complex set-up and protracted launch schedules through more powerful technology, we’ve streamlined the entire process from end-to-end, while providing access to an ecosystem of over 100 subscription providers. The new configurable DVM CX is the final piece of this puzzle, opening up all-in-one Super Bundling to the market at large.”

    Find out more about Bango’s Digital Vending Machine®, the latest update and the new DVM CX here.

    About Bango
    Bango enables content providers to reach more paying customers through global partnerships. Bango revolutionized the monetization of digital content and services, by opening-up online payments to mobile phone users worldwide. Today, the Digital Vending Machine® is driving the rapid growth of the subscriptions economy, powering choice and control for subscribers.

    The world’s largest content providers, including Amazon, Google and Microsoft, trust Bango technology to reach subscribers everywhere.

    Bango, where people subscribe. For more information, visit www.bango.com.

    Media contact:
    Anil Malhotra, CMO, Bango
    anil@bango.com
    Tel: +44 7710 480 377

    The MIL Network –

    February 26, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: New APR Energy Deploys 100MW+ of Mobile Gas Turbines for U.S. Based AI Hyperscaler

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Feb. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — New APR Energy LLC (“New APR Energy”), a global leader in fast-track energy solutions, is deploying four mobile gas turbines providing 100MW+ of dedicated behind-the-meter power to a major U.S.-based AI hyperscaler. New APR Energy is expected to complete the installation in the next 10 days with the support of Duos Technologies Group, Inc. (“Duostech”) (Nasdaq: DUOT).

    Securing power solutions from local utilities has become a challenge for data center expansion. New APR Energy’s mobile gas turbine fleet offers a fast and flexible alternative that can accelerate a data center developer’s project timeline and scalability.

    The gas turbines being deployed are part of a portfolio of power generation assets owned by funds managed by affiliates of Fortress Investment Group (“Fortress”). Fortress recently announced the acquisition of the 850MW power generation portfolio from the original APR Energy, a subsidiary of Atlas Corporation, and a concurrent agreement with Duostech to assist in overseeing the management and deployment of the assets. New APR Energy, through an asset management agreement with Duostech, is led by members of the former APR Energy management team who successfully installed and operated over 1.5GW of fast power between 2016 and 2020.

    Chuck Ferry, the Chairman and CEO for New APR Energy and CEO at Duostech said, “We are excited to deploy New APR Energy’s first 100MW to a U.S.-based data center. This deployment is a good proof point for our investment thesis for Behind-the-Meter power demand. We are currently in discussions with many other data center operators and hyperscalers seeking similar support and expect to announce more deployments in the coming weeks. It is also a real pleasure to have reunited many of my former APR Energy teammates with our Duostech staff to see immediate success in the power and data center sector. This talented and experienced team has years of practical experience deploying and operating these assets.”

    To learn more about New APR Energy, please visit www.aprenergy.com.
    To learn more about Fortress investment Group, please visit www.fortress.com.
    To learn more about Duos Technologies Group, please visit www.duostech.com.

    About New APR Energy
    New APR Energy, based in Jacksonville, Florida, provides rapidly deployable mobile power to data center and utility operators for emergency, temporary, bridging, and permanent energy solutions. The New APR team has over 100 years of experience installing fast power plants using mobile gas turbines in the U.S. and internationally. New APR Energy creates unique value through delivering large-scale power projects anywhere in the world in weeks and months versus the typical 2-5 years required to construct a permanent power plant. For more information, please visit www.aprenergy.com.

    About Fortress Investment Group
    Fortress Investment Group LLC is a leading, highly diversified global investment manager. Founded in 1998, Fortress manages $49 billion of assets under management as of September 30, 2024, on behalf of approximately 2,000 institutional clients and private investors worldwide across a range of credit and real estate, private equity and permanent capital investment strategies. For more information, please visit www.fortress.com.

    About Duos Technologies Group, Inc.
    Duos Technologies Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DUOT), based in Jacksonville, Florida, operates in three major lines of business: Machine Vision/AI Intelligent Technology, Edge Data Center Infrastructure, and Power Solutions. For more information, visit www.duostech.com.

    Forward- Looking Statements
    This news release includes 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, regarding, among other things Duos Technologies Group, Inc.’s plans, strategies and prospects — both business and financial. Although we believe that our plans, intentions and expectations reflected in or suggested by these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that we will achieve or realize these plans, intentions or expectations. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Many of the forward-looking statements contained in this news release may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “should,” “planned,” “will,” “may,” “intend,” “estimated,” and “potential,” among others. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements we make in this news release include market conditions and those set forth in reports or documents that we file from time to time with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. 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. All forward-looking statements attributable to Duos Technologies Group, Inc. or a person acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary language.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ccd5eee9-17b0-41a9-907f-48973f756bb8

    This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.

    The MIL Network –

    February 26, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Regula Recognized as a Representative Vendor in the Gartner Market Guide for KYC Platforms for Banking

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RESTON, Va., Feb. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gartner® Market Guide for KYC (Know Your Customer) Platforms for Banking acknowledges Regula for Regula Document Reader SDK and Regula Face SDK. We believe the Market Guide helps financial organizations navigate the changing environment of customer onboarding and verification and recognizes the vendors that effectively respond to the latest market trends.

    We think the Gartner Market Guide for KYC Platforms for Banking* emphasizes the rapid shift to digital KYC in Banking. Gartner states, “The KYC market growth is driven by increasing regulatory requirements and the need for enhanced risk management. This expansion is accelerated by the rising adoption of digital banking, the increasing sophistication of financial crimes, expectations of better customer experience and the demand for more efficient and effective KYC processes.”

    KYC for Banking market trends        

    We believe the KYC market for Banking is based on three key pillars:

    • The move to low-effort customer experience and faster turnaround – to streamline identity verification while creating a smooth onboarding experience for users.
    • The coexistence of one-stop-shop KYC platforms and best-of-breed solutions – banks choose what suits their needs best, but this dichotomy underlines the importance of orchestration tools to effectively manage diverse KYC processes.
    • The urge for real-time fraud detection – a timely and crucial move to fight organized financial crime and identity fraud, which is rapidly becoming more sophisticated.

    Tackling challenges

    Apart from the trends, Gartner points out the most common challenges the Banking industry has to find solutions to when building their KYC workflows.

    Gartner underlines, “The challenge lies in handling the vast diversity of document formats and languages globally, necessitating continuous updates and training of AI models.” To address this issue, Regula Document Reader SDK employs the most comprehensive identity document template database in the world, which is owned and maintained by Regula. Currently, it contains over 14,800 passports, driver’s licenses, national ID cards, and other IDs from 251 countries and territories. By recognizing every layout, security feature, and possible variation within these documents, Regula’s solution ensures efficient, accurate, and reliable ID verification during onboarding, even when dealing with rare or complex documents.

    We feel that another critical challenge is detecting injection attacks, which are more technically complex than common presentation attacks. Presentation attacks involve displaying fake images or videos in front of a device’s camera, while injection attacks insert malicious data directly into the verification process, substituting the camera feed. This makes injection attacks harder to execute but also more difficult to identify. Regula tackles this threat using signal control techniques: by analyzing and validating incoming signals, Regula’s solution ensures that the organization is dealing with authentic data; otherwise, it flags potential fraud for additional verification.

    “In today’s fast-evolving banking landscape, regulatory demands and customer expectations require more than just standard KYC processes—they require precision, adaptability, and speed. We believe our recognition in the Gartner Market Guide for KYC Platforms for Banking highlights Regula’s ability to address these challenges head-on. By combining the most comprehensive identity verification with advanced fraud detection, we’re enabling banks to deliver seamless customer experiences while ensuring top-level security and compliance,” says Henry Patishman, Executive VP of Identity Verification Solutions at Regula.

    Previously, Regula was repeatedly named a Representative Vendor in the Gartner Market Guide for Identity Verification.

    *Gartner, Market Guide for KYC Platforms for Banking, Vatsal Sharma, 10 December 2024.

    About Gartner

    GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

    About Regula

    Regula is a global developer of forensic devices and identity verification solutions. With our 30+ years of experience in forensic research and the most comprehensive library of document templates in the world, we create breakthrough technologies for document and biometric verification. Our hardware and software solutions allow over 1,000 organizations and 80 border control authorities globally to provide top-notch client service without compromising safety, security, or speed. Regula has been repeatedly named a Representative Vendor in the Gartner® Market Guide for Identity Verification.

    Learn more at www.regulaforensics.com.                

    Contact:
    Kristina – ks@regulaforensics.com       

    The MIL Network –

    February 26, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Abacus Life to Announce Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Results on Thursday, March 27, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Abacus Life, Inc. (“Abacus” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: ABL), a pioneering global alternative asset manager specializing in leveraging longevity data and actuarial technology to offer uncorrelated investment opportunities, today announced it will release its fourth quarter 2024 financial results after the market closes on Thursday, March 27, 2025.

    Abacus will hold a conference call to discuss the financial results at 5:00 pm Eastern Time on March 27, 2025. A live webcast of the conference call will be available on Abacus’ investor relations website at ir.abacuslife.com. The dial-in number for the conference call is (877) 407-9716 (toll-free) or (201) 493-6779 (international). Please dial the number 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.

    A webcast replay of the call will be available at ir.abacuslife.com for one year following the call.

    About Abacus

    Abacus is a pioneering global alternative asset manager and market maker specializing in uncorrelated financial products. The company leverages its proprietary, cutting-edge longevity data and actuarial technology to purchase life insurance policies from consumers seeking liquidity. This creates a high-return asset class uncorrelated to market fluctuations for institutional investors.

    With nearly $3 billion in assets under management, including recently completed acquisitions, Abacus is the only publicly traded global alternative asset manager focused on lifespan-based financial products.

    Abacus is expanding its leading expertise in longevity and lifespan into new growth areas:

    • ABL Wealth – Leverages decades of data and proprietary algorithms to offer longevity-based wealth management platforms that enable financial advisors to create customized plans and provide access to uncorrelated investments.
    • ABL Tech – A groundbreaking technology service that delivers advanced real-time data tracking and analysis for pension funds, governments, insurance companies, retirement associations, and more.

    Through each new channel, Abacus is revolutionizing the future of asset management and financial planning, centered on longevity and lifespan.

    www.Abacuslife.com

    Contact:

    Investor Relations

    Robert F. Phillips – SVP Investor Relations and Corporate Affairs
    rob@abacuslife.com
    (321) 290-1198

    David Jackson – IR/Capital Markets Associate
    djackson@abacuslife.com
    (321) 299-0716

    Abacus Life Public Relations
    press@abacuslife.com

    The MIL Network –

    February 26, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Federal President Karin Keller-Sutter to attend G20 Finance Ministers Meeting in Cape Town

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Finance

    On 26 and 27 February 2025, Federal President Karin Keller-Sutter, accompanied by SNB Chairman Martin Schlegel, will attend the first meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bank governors under the South African presidency. Switzerland will emphasise the importance of sustainable debt for international stability and advocate a level playing field for all countries with respect to the taxation of multinational enterprises.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 26, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Australia: What is a pop-up SMS scam?

    Source: National Australia Bank

    Ever had a SMS message pop up on your phone screen then can’t find it in your messages? It may be a fake SMS pop-up scam, a new scam trend targeting Australians.

    What is a pop-up SMS scam and how do they work?

    Officially known as a ‘flash’ or ‘class 0 SMS’, a pop-up SMS scam is a text message that appears directly on a phone screen, even if locked.

    The phone can’t be used until the message is dismissed or saved.

    The message does not automatically save in a phone’s SMS inbox, making these scams harder to report and a powerful tool for criminals.

    What are criminals doing with these pop up SMSes?

    Pop-up SMSes are often used legitimately by governments overseas to share urgent messages, such as safety warnings for fires, floods or natural disasters.

    NAB Head of Security Culture and Advisory Laura Hartley said this style of pop-up SMS was now being hijacked by criminals to rip people off.

    “These transnational, organised criminals are the same groups linked to drug and arms trafficking,” she said.

    “The current bank impersonation scam trend is focused on trying to people to ‘call’ NAB and that’s what we see in these messages customers have had reported to us. A few years ago, text messages were much more focused on trying to get people to click a link.”

    How do you recognise a pop-up SMS scam?

    There are common underlying red flags that appear in pop-up SMSes from criminals.

    • Urgency to act about a problem like your NAB ID being used overseas or a suspicious transaction
    • A reference number in a text message
    • Being asked to handover account log ins, PIN codes or to make payments.
    Australians are being warned about a new scam trend involving fake pop-up SMSes that impersonates NAB and temporarily disables their phone.

    How can pop-up SMS scams be stopped?

    Ms Hartley, a criminologist, said it is vital Australians know how to recognise the red flags of these scams.

    “Once funds are sent it’s often very hard to recover money, despite our best efforts. Criminals quickly send it to overseas accounts or to cryptocurrency platforms knowing it makes it harder to retrieve,” Ms Hartley said.

    “You can turn off pop-up SMSes on some mobile phones. However, it’s best to exercise some caution here given these messages are fn used overseas for emergency warnings about natural disasters.”

    Other tips to protect yourself from pop-up SMS scams include:

    • Slow down and ask yourself, ‘Could this be a scam?’
    • Show the message to a trusted family member, friend or colleague for a second opinion
    • Visit the website of organisation being impersonated to see if they’ve warned about the scam

    What should I do if I receive a pop-up text message from ‘NAB’?

    Ms Hartley encouraged customers and the community to report pop-up SMS claiming to be from NAB to phish@nab.com.au.

    “You can also report it to your telco provider,” she said.

    Will NAB ever send customers a pop-up SMS message?

    NAB does not contact customers using pop-up SMS messages.

    “If you aren’t sure if it is legitimately NAB contacting you, call the bank using details you have found yourself via our website or on the back of your card,” Ms Hartley said.

    “Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve been scammed.”

    Customers, banking & finance

    SEE ALL TOPICS

    Media Enquiries

    For all media enquiries, please contact the NAB Media Line on 03 7035 5015

    MIL OSI News –

    February 26, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Australia: NAB warns of pop-up SMS scam targeting Australians

    Source: National Australia Bank

    • Pop-up SMS scam impersonating NAB the latest tactic criminals using to try to rip people off
    • NAB does not use pop-up SMSes to contact customers
    • Reports of, and losses from, NAB-branded impersonation scams down in past year

    Australians are being warned about a new scam trend involving fake pop-up SMSes that impersonates NAB and temporarily disables their phone.

    Appearing on a locked phone screen, the pop-up message urges the person to ‘call ‘NAB’ because their NAB ID has been used overseas.

    The person cannot use their phone until they dismiss the message or save it. The message does not automatically save in a phone’s SMS inbox, making them harder to report and a powerful tool for criminals.

    Read more about pop-up SMS scams in this NAB News explainer.

    An example of a pop-up SMS scam impersonating NAB

    NAB Head of Security Advisory Laura Hartley said NAB did not contact customers using pop-up SMSes.

    “Pop-up SMSes – legitimately used by governments overseas to share emergency warnings – are being hijacked by criminals to rip Australians off,” Ms Hartley said.

    “The current bank impersonation scam trend is focused on trying to get people to ‘call’ NAB through a fake pop-up SMS. A few years ago, text messages were much more focused on trying to get people to click a link.”

    Ms Hartley, a criminologist, said pop-up SMS scams reinforced the need for a coordinated, national approach to the scam epidemic to block malicious traffic.

    “It’s vital to know how to recognise the red flags of this emerging approach. The most common is a sense of urgency and a number to call, so you act quickly about a problem,” she said.

    “The criminals’ goal is to reel you in and then phish you into handing over account log ins, PIN codes or to make payments.

    “If you aren’t sure if it is legitimately NAB contacting you, call the bank using details you have found yourself via the website or on the back of your bank card.”

    The warning comes following NAB’s efforts to tackle impersonation scams, which show losses have reduced by 65% between 2023 and 2024. Reports of bank impersonation scams also decreased by 45% in the same period.

    “Two key NAB initiatives have contributed to these decreases,” Ms Hartley said.

    “We worked with telcos to make it harder for criminals to infiltrate bank phone numbers and text message threads and we no longer use links in unexpected customer text messages to make it easier to recognise scam red flags.

    Combined with people becoming more aware of red flags, criminals have been forced to change their approach and come up with new tactics like these pop-up SMSes.

    “But there is no silver bullet. We can, and will, do more.”

    ENDS 

    Notes to editors

    Customers, banking & finance

    SEE ALL TOPICS

    Media Enquiries

    For all media enquiries, please contact the NAB Media Line on 03 7035 5015

    MIL OSI News –

    February 26, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Purpose Investments Inc. Announces Final February 2025 Distribution Rate for Purpose High-Interest Savings Fund, Purpose US Cash Fund, Purpose Cash Management Fund, and Purpose USD Cash Management Fund

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Feb. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Purpose Investments Inc. announced today the final February 2025 distribution rates for Purpose High-Interest Savings Fund, Purpose US Cash Fund, Purpose Cash Management Fund, and Purpose USD Cash Management Fund.

    The following table reflects the final distribution amounts for the month of February. Ex-distribution date is February 26, 2025.

    Open-End Fund Ticker Symbol Final distribution
    per unit
    Record Date Payable Date Distribution
    Frequency
    Purpose USD Cash Management Fund – ETF Units MNU.U US $ 0.3407 02/26/2025 03/04/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Cash Management Fund – ETF Units MNY $ 0.2701 02/26/2025 03/04/2025 Monthly
    Purpose High Interest Savings Fund – ETF Units PSA $ 0.1130 02/26/2025 03/04/2025 Monthly
    Purpose US Cash Fund – ETF Units PSU.U US $ 0.3244 02/26/2025 03/04/2025 Monthly


    About Purpose Investments Inc.

    Purpose Investments Inc. is an asset management company with more than $23 billion in assets under management. Purpose Investments has an unrelenting focus on client-centric innovation, and offers a range of managed and quantitative investment products. Purpose Investments is led by well-known entrepreneur Som Seif and is a division of Purpose Unlimited, an independent technology-driven financial services company.

    For further information please contact:
    Keera Hart
    Keera.Hart@kaiserpartners.com
    905-580-1257

    Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investment fund investments. Please read the prospectus and other disclosure documents before investing. Investment funds are not covered by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government deposit insurer. There can be no assurance that the full amount of your investment in a fund will be returned to you. If the securities are purchased or sold on a stock exchange, you may pay more or receive less than the current net asset value. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.

    The MIL Network –

    February 26, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: Bank accounts will be “gutted” – Central Bank warns of dangerous virus

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Sours: Mainfin Bank –

    How does the new scheme for stealing funds from Russians’ accounts work?

    The fraudulent scheme involves a program like SpyNote, which is disguised as harmless applications – the victim may not realize that the smartphone is infected. The theft scheme is carried out in stages:

    First, the victim installs an application on the phone, not realizing the danger – the spy can pretend to be, for example, a game. Fraudsters remotely monitor the smartphone screen – they see the passwords entered, SMS codes, incoming calls. After some time, the attackers open an online bank and empty the accounts, withdrawing all the money. In the same way, fraudsters can gain access to other services, including sending messages to friends asking for a transfer of funds.

    “The applications of individual banks are protected from such a virus, but not all financial institutions have protection, which puts clients in a vulnerable position,” the Central Bank of the Russian Federation noted.

    In addition, the installation of a virus program can be carried out even without the participation of the smartphone owner – recently the Ministry of Internal Affairs warned Russians about the dangers of the WhatsApp messenger: the victim only needs to follow the link for the device to be infected.

    What should you remember to protect yourself from fraud?

    Security experts are once again calling on Russians to remain vigilant in order to protect their savings from fraudsters. The main rules of protection include:

    ban on installing applications from dubious sources; refusal to communicate passwords, SMS codes and personal data to third parties; connecting a mobile bank – information about transactions will be received immediately; excluding third-party access to the smartphone; timely updating of the phone number in case of replacement in the service bank.

    Fraudsters often call potential victims, inventing various legends: renewal of the compulsory medical insurance policy, recalculation of work experience, financing of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, extension of the contract with the telecom operator, etc. When receiving such a call, it is recommended to refuse communication by hanging up.

    14:45 02.25.2025

    Source:

    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.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //Mainfin.ru/novosti/ Bankovsky-account-Blazut-Prohrosien-CB-Buscal-Ob-O-hazard-Virus

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    February 26, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Draganfly to Present at Centurion One Capital 8th Annual Growth Conference

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Saskatoon, SK, Feb. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO) (CSE: DPRO) (FSE: 3U8) (“Draganfly” or the “Company”), an award‑winning leader in drone solutions and systems development, is pleased to announce that its CEO, Cameron Chell, will be presenting at the Centurion One Capital 8th Annual Growth Conference, taking place at the Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto from March 3 to March 6, 2025.

    Cameron Chell is scheduled to present on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at 3:45 PM ET. In addition to the presentation, he will be attending investor meetings and participating in discussions focused on the evolving landscape of drone technology and its impact on various industries.

    “We are excited to share Draganfly’s latest advancements and strategic vision at the Centurion One Capital Growth Conference,” said Cameron Chell, CEO of Draganfly. “With the increasing adoption of drone technology across emergency response, agriculture, and logistics, we look forward to discussing how Draganfly continues to drive innovation and expand our impact globally.”

    Centurion One Capital 8thAnnual Growth Conference

    Format: Presentations, Panel Discussions, and 1 X 1 Investor Meeting

    Presentation Date: Thursday, March 6th, 2025

    Time: 8:00 AM EDT – 5:00 PM EDT

    Venue: Four Seasons Hotel

    For more information and registration details, please visit: www.centuriononecapital.com/news-events.

    About Centurion One Capital

    Centurion One Capital (“Centurion One”) is the premier independent Investment Banking firm dedicated to fueling the growth and success of growth companies in North America. With an unwavering commitment to delivering comprehensive financial solutions and strategic guidance, Centurion One is a trusted strategic partner and catalyst to propel issuers to unlock their full potential.

    Our team comprises seasoned professionals who combine extensive financial expertise with deep knowledge of various sectors. We take a proactive and results-driven approach, working closely with our clients to develop tailored strategies and execute transactions that maximize value and drive long-term success.

    Centurion One – Empowering Growth. Driving Innovation. Partnering for Success. For more information about Centurion One, visit www.centuriononecapital.com

    About Draganfly

    Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO; CSE: DPRO) is a leading developer of drone solutions, software, and AI systems dedicated to revolutionizing industries such as public safety, agriculture, defense, and critical infrastructure. With over two decades of experience, Draganfly’s cutting-edge technology and commitment to innovation continue to shape the future of unmanned aerial systems worldwide.

    Learn more about Draganfly at www.draganfly.com.

    Media Contact

    Erika Racicot

    Email: media@draganfly.com

    Company Contact

    Email: info@draganfly.com

    The MIL Network –

    February 26, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Africa: Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) and Local Growth to Take Center Stage at Ghana’s Mining in Motion 2025 Summit

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    ACCRA, Ghana, February 25, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Boasting a rich and diverse mining landscape, Ghana’s inaugural Mining in Motion (MIM) 2025 summit will promote the country’s role as Africa’s premier minerals hub. Taking place in Accra from June 2 – 4, 2025, the event is organized on behalf of the King of the Ashanti Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and by the Ashanti Green Initiative, led by his son Oheneba Nana Kwaku Duah.

    The summit will be held under the theme Sustainable Mining & Local Growth – Leveraging Resources for Global Impact and will focus on strengthening environmental, social and governance (ESG) compliance in the industry, while promoting development of the country’s artisanal and small-scale mining (ASGM) sector.

    Stay informed about the latest advancements, network with industry leaders, and engage in critical discussions on key issues impacting ASGM and medium to large scale mining in Ghana. Secure your spot at the Mining in Motion 2025 Summit by visiting https://MiningInMotionSummit.com/. For sponsorship opportunities or delegate participation, contact sales@ashantigreeninitiative.org.

    This January, Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama initiated the establishment of the Ghana Gold Board. Serving as part of his administration’s economic revitalization agenda, the initiative will play a key role in formalizing the country’s ASGM sector while ensuring better regulation and providing support services for the mining industry. National Democratic Congress Communications Officer Sammy Gyamfi – also Acting Managing Director of the Minerals Marketing Company – has been assigned to establish and operationalize the Ghana Gold Board under the supervision of the country’s Ministry of Finance.

    With the government implementing updates to its mining code and regulatory policies to enhance transparency and incentives for investors, Ghana’s ASGM sector is experiencing significant growth. ASGM mining in the country contributes more than 35% to Ghana’s total gold production. To support the sector’s growth, Ghana is currently upgrading its transport and energy infrastructure, ensuring a robust environment for sustainable growth.

    In the ESG space, Ghana’s government is targeting sustainable mining practices and deeper local content integration by 2025. New initiatives include programs to reduce environmental impacts, promote circular economy principles and strengthen the participation of local communities and businesses in the mining value chain.

    As such, key objectives at MIM 2025 will prioritize formalizing the ASGM industry to enhance transparency and economic integration, alongside addressing human rights issues within the sector and safeguarding miners’ welfare. The summit will also investigate integrating ASGM gold into the global financial system, promoting sustainable practices through ESG compliance, enhancing local growth by empowering communities and showcasing innovation and investment opportunities to improve the downstream sector for ASGM gold.

    As the backbone of the country’s economy, gold contributes roughly 90% to Ghana’s total mineral output. Ghana is also a major producer of diamonds; holds an estimated 900 million tons of bauxite reserves; and boasts large deposits of manganese, iron ore, copper, chromite, nickel and limestone. The country’s diverse mineral potential also includes an expanded focus on critical minerals. As such, the country is positioning itself as a frontier destination for investors seeking diversification opportunities.

    The government is positioning the ASGM sector as a cornerstone of its green industrialization efforts, making 2025 a pivotal year for investment opportunities in Ghana’s small-scale and artisanal mining sector. In line with these targets, MIM 2025 aims to leverage Ghana’s immense mining potential to foster international partnerships and advance a sustainable, inclusive and innovative mining market in the country.

    MIL OSI Africa –

    February 26, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK Statement on response to the situation in Eastern DRC

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    UK Statement on response to the situation in Eastern DRC

    The UK has issued a statement in response to the situation in Eastern DRC.

    A UK Government spokesperson said:

    “The UK is deeply concerned by the situation in eastern DRC. The Foreign Secretary met with President Tshisekedi in Kinshasa and President Kagame in Kigali on 21 and 22 February.

    “In his meetings, he was clear that there can be no military solution to the conflict. There must be an immediate cessation of hostilities. The recent offensives by M23 and the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), including the capture of Goma and Bukavu, are an unacceptable violation of DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a breach of the UN Charter.

    “The Foreign Secretary urged both leaders to engage meaningfully and in good faith with African led peace processes to find a lasting political solution. They must honour all commitments made at the Joint EAC-SADC Summit on 8 February. The UK will continue to discuss with African and other partners what more it can do to support these efforts.

    “The humanitarian situation in eastern DRC is critical. Close to a million people have been recently displaced in eastern DRC and hundreds of thousands are in desperate need of lifesaving support. There is a responsibility on all parties to protect the people of eastern DRC who have suffered so much in this conflict.

    “The Foreign Secretary has been clear that there would be a strong response from the international community in response to the escalating conflict. In recent weeks, the UK has coordinated closely with international partners, including those from the G7 and the International Contact Group on the Great Lakes, on that response. We have also used every appropriate opportunity at the United Nations Security Council and the Human Rights Council to call for a resolution to the conflict in Eastern DRC.

    “During the Foreign Secretary’s visit, he announced an additional package of £14.6 million of humanitarian support to help those in Eastern DRC who are suffering most.

    “The UK calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities, humanitarian access, respect for international humanitarian law, meaningful engagement with African-led peace processes, and the withdrawal of all Rwanda Defence Forces from Congolese territory.

    “Until significant progress is made, the UK will take the following measures:

    1. Cease high-level attendance at events hosted by the Government of Rwanda.

    2. Limit trade promotion activity with Rwanda.

    3. Pause direct bilateral financial aid to the Government of Rwanda, excluding support to the poorest and most vulnerable.

    4. Coordinate with partners on potential new sanctions designations.

    5. Suspend future defence training assistance to Rwanda.

    6. Review export licences for the Rwanda Defence Force.

    “Rwanda may have security concerns but it is unacceptable to resolve these militarily. There can only be a political solution to this conflict. We encourage DRC to engage with M23 as part of an inclusive dialogue.

    “We will continue to keep our policy under review.”

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

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    Updates to this page

    Published 25 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 26, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA to Provide Coverage of Progress 91 Launch, Space Station Docking

    Source: NASA

    NASA will provide live launch and docking coverage of a Roscosmos cargo spacecraft delivering approximately three tons of food, fuel, and supplies for the crew aboard the International Space Station.
    The unpiloted Roscosmos Progress 91 spacecraft is scheduled to launch at 4:24 p.m. EST, Thursday, Feb. 27 (2:24 a.m. Baikonur time, Friday, Feb. 28), on a Soyuz rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
    Live launch coverage will begin at 4 p.m. on NASA+. Learn how to watch NASA content through a variety of platforms, including social media.
    After a two-day in-orbit journey to the station, the spacecraft will dock autonomously to the aft port of the Zvezda service module at 6:03 p.m. Saturday, March 1. NASA’s rendezvous and docking coverage will begin at 5:15 p.m. on NASA+.
    The Progress 91 spacecraft will remain docked to the space station for approximately six months before departing for re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere to dispose of trash loaded by the crew.
    The International Space Station is a convergence of science, technology, and human innovation that enables research not possible on Earth. For more than 24 years, NASA has supported a continuous U.S. human presence aboard the orbiting laboratory, through which astronauts have learned to live and work in space for extended periods of time. The space station is a springboard for developing a low Earth economy and NASA’s next great leaps in exploration, including missions to the Moon under Artemis and, ultimately, human exploration of Mars.
    Get breaking news, images and features from the space station on Instagram, Facebook, and X.
    Learn more about the International Space Station, its research, and its crew, at:
    https://www.nasa.gov/station
    -end-
    Claire O’SheaHeadquarters, Washington202-358-1100claire.a.o’shea@nasa.gov
    Sandra JonesJohnson Space Center, Houston281-483-5111sandra.p.jones@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 26, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: State Leaders Announce Digitization of Plants and Animals Declaration Form

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    Office of the Governor — News Release — State Leaders Announce Digitization of Plants and Animals Declaration Form

    Posted on Feb 24, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom, Office of the Governor Press Releases

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI 
    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI 

     
    JOSH GREEN, M.D. 
    GOVERNOR
    KE KIAʻĀINA 

    SYLVIA LUKE
    LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
    KE KEʻENA O KA HOPE KIAʻĀINA

     

    STATE LEADERS ANNOUNCE DIGITIZATION OF PLANTS AND ANIMALS DECLARATION FORM

    ʻAkamai Arrival’ Pilot Program to Launch on March 1 on Select Domestic Flights

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    February 24, 2025

    HONOLULU – State leaders today announced the launch of ʻAkamai Arrival,’ a pilot program that will digitize Hawaiʻi’s Plants and Animals Declaration Form, streamlining the process for travelers arriving in the islands. The initiative, authorized under Act 196 (2024), marks a significant step toward modernizing Hawaiʻi’s biosecurity efforts, by improving form completion rates and strengthening protections against invasive species.

    Beginning March 1, 2025, the pilot program under the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (HDOA) will roll out on select domestic flights in partnership with major airlines, including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines. Participating airlines will integrate the digital form into their arrival processes, giving passengers a more efficient way to submit required agricultural declarations before landing in Hawaiʻi.

    “Protecting Hawaiʻi’s unique environment from invasive species is critical to our way of life, our economy, and our future. The ‘Akamai Arrival’ program is a forward-thinking approach that modernizes our biosecurity efforts while making it easier for travelers to comply with our agricultural protections. This initiative is another step toward preserving our islands for generations to come,” said Governor Josh Green, M.D.

    This concerted effort to modernize and adapt technology is an important step to further protect Hawaiʻi’s natural heritage. Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke, together with legislators, HDOA, airline partners, and stakeholders, developed the digital agriculture form pilot program. “This is what government should be doing — utilizing technology to improve our state processes and better serve the public. Every one of us, whether coming home or traveling to Hawaiʻi, is very familiar with filling out the paper agriculture form. By digitizing this form, we’re making compliance easier for travelers while using technology to protect what makes Hawaiʻi so special,” said Lieutenant Governor Luke.

    Airlines participating in the pilot have discretion over flight selection and implementation methods. The ʻAkamai Arrival’ website will serve as a hub for passengers, providing access to the digital form, flight information and an FAQ page to assist travelers.

    “U.S. airlines play a critical role in connecting travelers to Hawaiʻi, and the transition from paper to digital agriculture declaration forms is a significant step toward modernizing the travel experience. We’re proud to support the ‘Akamai Arrival’ program, making the arrival process more seamless and efficient for travelers,” said Sean Williams, Airlines for America vice president of State and Local Government Affairs.

    “The Department of Agriculture has been addicted to paper for nearly 60 years. Five years ago, I advocated for the digitization of the declaration form, but was met with resistance. Lawmakers had to pass a law last year to encourage the migration from paper to an app,” said Senator Glenn Wakai, who chairs the Senate Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs. “The ʻAkamai Arrival’ program will inform passengers about what’s not acceptable to bring to Hawaiʻi BEFORE they board the plane, rather than when they’re scrambling for a pen over the Pacific.”

    “Enhancing our state’s biosecurity efforts and protecting our islands from invasive species requires modern solutions, and the implementation of a digital form is long overdue,” said Representative Kirstin Kahaloa, chair of the House Committee on Agriculture and Food Systems. “I appreciate the collaboration among stakeholders to streamline the screening process and strengthen our state’s ability to ensure safe arrivals.”

    The pilot program will run from March 1 through May 31, 2025. Monthly progress updates will be shared with participating airlines and data collected will help determine potential expansions of the program in the future.

    For more information about the digital declaration form and the ʻAkamai Arrival’ initiative, visit: https://akamaiarrival.hawaii.gov/

    For questions from the public, please email: [email protected]

    A link to the fact sheet can be found here.
    The slides presented at the news conference can be seen here.
    Photos from today’s news conference can be found here.

    # # #

    Media Contacts:   
    Erika Engle
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawai‘i
    Office: 808-586-0120
    Email: [email protected] 

    Makana McClellan
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawaiʻi
    Cell: 808-265-0083
    Email: [email protected]

    Shari Nishijima
    Communications Director
    Office of the Lieutenant Governor
    Cell: 808-978-0867
    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 26, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Office of the Governor — News Release — State Leaders Announce Digitization of Plants and Animals Declaration Form

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    Office of the Governor — News Release — State Leaders Announce Digitization of Plants and Animals Declaration Form

    Posted on Feb 24, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom, Office of the Governor Press Releases

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI 
    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI 

     
    JOSH GREEN, M.D. 
    GOVERNOR
    KE KIAʻĀINA 

    SYLVIA LUKE
    LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
    KE KEʻENA O KA HOPE KIAʻĀINA

     

    STATE LEADERS ANNOUNCE DIGITIZATION OF PLANTS AND ANIMALS DECLARATION FORM

    ʻAkamai Arrival’ Pilot Program to Launch on March 1 on Select Domestic Flights

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    February 24, 2025

    HONOLULU – State leaders today announced the launch of ʻAkamai Arrival,’ a pilot program that will digitize Hawaiʻi’s Plants and Animals Declaration Form, streamlining the process for travelers arriving in the islands. The initiative, authorized under Act 196 (2024), marks a significant step toward modernizing Hawaiʻi’s biosecurity efforts, by improving form completion rates and strengthening protections against invasive species.

    Beginning March 1, 2025, the pilot program under the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (HDOA) will roll out on select domestic flights in partnership with major airlines, including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines. Participating airlines will integrate the digital form into their arrival processes, giving passengers a more efficient way to submit required agricultural declarations before landing in Hawaiʻi.

    “Protecting Hawaiʻi’s unique environment from invasive species is critical to our way of life, our economy, and our future. The ‘Akamai Arrival’ program is a forward-thinking approach that modernizes our biosecurity efforts while making it easier for travelers to comply with our agricultural protections. This initiative is another step toward preserving our islands for generations to come,” said Governor Josh Green, M.D.

    This concerted effort to modernize and adapt technology is an important step to further protect Hawaiʻi’s natural heritage. Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke, together with legislators, HDOA, airline partners, and stakeholders, developed the digital agriculture form pilot program. “This is what government should be doing — utilizing technology to improve our state processes and better serve the public. Every one of us, whether coming home or traveling to Hawaiʻi, is very familiar with filling out the paper agriculture form. By digitizing this form, we’re making compliance easier for travelers while using technology to protect what makes Hawaiʻi so special,” said Lieutenant Governor Luke.

    Airlines participating in the pilot have discretion over flight selection and implementation methods. The ʻAkamai Arrival’ website will serve as a hub for passengers, providing access to the digital form, flight information and an FAQ page to assist travelers.

    “U.S. airlines play a critical role in connecting travelers to Hawaiʻi, and the transition from paper to digital agriculture declaration forms is a significant step toward modernizing the travel experience. We’re proud to support the ‘Akamai Arrival’ program, making the arrival process more seamless and efficient for travelers,” said Sean Williams, Airlines for America vice president of State and Local Government Affairs.

    “The Department of Agriculture has been addicted to paper for nearly 60 years. Five years ago, I advocated for the digitization of the declaration form, but was met with resistance. Lawmakers had to pass a law last year to encourage the migration from paper to an app,” said Senator Glenn Wakai, who chairs the Senate Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs. “The ʻAkamai Arrival’ program will inform passengers about what’s not acceptable to bring to Hawaiʻi BEFORE they board the plane, rather than when they’re scrambling for a pen over the Pacific.”

    “Enhancing our state’s biosecurity efforts and protecting our islands from invasive species requires modern solutions, and the implementation of a digital form is long overdue,” said Representative Kirstin Kahaloa, chair of the House Committee on Agriculture and Food Systems. “I appreciate the collaboration among stakeholders to streamline the screening process and strengthen our state’s ability to ensure safe arrivals.”

    The pilot program will run from March 1 through May 31, 2025. Monthly progress updates will be shared with participating airlines and data collected will help determine potential expansions of the program in the future.

    For more information about the digital declaration form and the ʻAkamai Arrival’ initiative, visit: https://akamaiarrival.hawaii.gov/

    For questions from the public, please email: [email protected]

    A link to the fact sheet can be found here.
    The slides presented at the news conference can be seen here.
    Photos from today’s news conference can be found here.

    # # #

    Media Contacts:   
    Erika Engle
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawai‘i
    Office: 808-586-0120
    Email: [email protected] 

    Makana McClellan
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawaiʻi
    Cell: 808-265-0083
    Email: [email protected]

    Shari Nishijima
    Communications Director
    Office of the Lieutenant Governor
    Cell: 808-978-0867
    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 26, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: ChampionX Announces Definitive Agreement to Sell US Synthetic Corporation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    THE WOODLANDS, Texas, Feb. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ChampionX Corporation (“ChampionX” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: CHX), a global leader in oilfield technology, announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell all of its equity interests in US Synthetic Corporation (“US Synthetic”) to LongRange Capital, L.P. (“LongRange Capital”).

    US Synthetic, located in Orem, Utah, offers innovative, best-in-class polycrystalline diamond cutter inserts, bearings, valves, and mining tools to help customers drill the world’s most demanding oil exploration and development projects. US Synthetic comprises the Drilling Technologies segment of ChampionX.

    “I have been pleased to see the growth of US Synthetic over the years, which is a testament to their innovation ethos, impactful technologies, and strong culture of customer service and continuous improvement,” said Sivasankaran “Soma” Somasundaram, President and CEO of ChampionX. “I want to thank the dedicated and talented employees of US Synthetic for their many contributions to ChampionX over the years. We believe that LongRange Capital will be the right home for US Synthetic to further foster their growth.”

    “We are excited about the future of US Synthetic, and this transition represents a significant milestone in our journey. We are very optimistic about the opportunities it will bring,” commented Rob Galloway, President, Drilling Technologies of ChampionX. “With LongRange Capital as our new partner, we look forward to accelerating our growth strategy while continuing our commitment to delivering exceptional value to our customers and stakeholders.”

    The transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions, as well as the closing of the previously announced transaction between ChampionX and SLB, is expected to close shortly after the closing of the ChampionX and SLB transaction.

    About ChampionX

    ChampionX is a global leader in chemistry solutions and highly engineered equipment and technologies that help companies drill for and produce oil and gas safely and efficiently around the world. ChampionX’s products provide efficient functioning throughout the lifecycle of a well with a focus on the production phase of wells. To learn more about ChampionX, visit www.championX.com.

    About LongRange Capital

    Founded in 2019, LongRange Capital is a private equity firm formed to apply a longer-term perspective to investments and employ a company-focused, customer-first philosophy to building better businesses. LongRange Capital seeks to create value by partnering with its portfolio companies and their management teams to ensure that the strategy, resources, capital, execution, and incentives are aligned to achieve their collective goals. The LongRange Capital team has a successful track record of investing in and growing businesses across a range of industries, including industrial products, chemicals, industrial technology, and consumer goods and services, among other segments. LongRange Capital is currently investing a highly flexible, committed capital pool backed by long-term institutional holders. For more information, please visit www.longrangecapital.com.

    Contacts

    Investor Contact: Byron Pope, byron.pope@championx.com, 281-602-0094

    Media Contact: John Breed, john.breed@championx.com, 281-403-5751

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This communication contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act.

    Such forward-looking statements include statements relating to the proposed transaction between SLB and ChampionX and the related sale of USS to LongRange Capital, including statements regarding the benefits of the transaction and the anticipated timing of the transaction, and information regarding the businesses of SLB and ChampionX, including expectations regarding outlook and all underlying assumptions, SLB’s and ChampionX’s objectives, plans and strategies, information relating to operating trends in markets where SLB and ChampionX operate, statements that contain projections of results of operations or of financial condition and all other statements other than statements of historical fact that address activities, events or developments that SLB or ChampionX intends, expects, projects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future. Such statements are based on management’s beliefs and assumptions made based on information currently available to management. All statements in this communication, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements that may be identified by the use of the words “outlook,” “guidance,” “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “should,” “estimates,” “intends,” “plans,” “seeks,” “targets,” “may,” “can,” “believe,” “predict,” “potential,” “projected,” “projections,” “precursor,” “forecast,” “ambition,” “goal,” “scheduled,” “think,” “could,” “would,” “will,” “see,” “likely,” and other similar expressions or variations, but not all forward-looking statements include such words. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, and which may cause SLB’s or ChampionX’s actual results and performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Factors and risks that may impact future results and performance include, but are not limited to those factors and risks described in Part I, “Item 1. Business”, “Item 1A. Risk Factors”, and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in SLB’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on January 22, 2025 and Part 1, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in ChampionX’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 filed with the SEC on February 5, 2025, and each of their respective, subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. These include, but are not limited to, and in each case as a possible result of the proposed transaction on each of SLB and ChampionX: the ultimate outcome of the proposed transaction between SLB and ChampionX, including the effect of the announcement of the proposed transaction; the ability to operate the SLB and ChampionX respective businesses, including business disruptions; difficulties in retaining and hiring key personnel and employees; the ability to maintain favorable business relationships with customers, suppliers and other business partners; the terms and timing of the proposed transaction; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the proposed transaction; the anticipated or actual tax treatment of the proposed transaction; the ability to satisfy closing conditions to the completion of the proposed transaction; other risks related to the completion of the proposed transaction and actions related thereto; the ability of SLB and ChampionX to integrate the business successfully and to achieve anticipated synergies and value creation from the proposed transaction; changes in demand for SLB’s or ChampionX’s products and services; global market, political and economic conditions, including in the countries in which SLB and ChampionX operate; the ability to secure government regulatory approvals on the terms expected, at all or in a timely manner; the extent of growth of the oilfield services market generally, including for chemical solutions in production and midstream operations; the global macro-economic environment, including headwinds caused by inflation, rising interest rates, unfavorable currency exchange rates, and potential recessionary or depressionary conditions; cyber-attacks, information security and data privacy; the impact of public health crises, such as pandemics (including COVID-19) and epidemics and any related company or government policies and actions to protect the health and safety of individuals or government policies or actions to maintain the functioning of national or global economies and markets; trends in crude oil and natural gas prices, including trends in chemical solutions across the oil and natural gas industries, that may affect the drilling and production activity, profitability and financial stability of SLB’s and ChampionX’s customers and therefore the demand for, and profitability of, their products and services; litigation and regulatory proceedings, including any proceedings that may be instituted against SLB or ChampionX related to the proposed transaction; failure to effectively and timely address energy transitions that could adversely affect the businesses of SLB or ChampionX, results of operations, and cash flows of SLB or ChampionX; and disruptions of SLB’s or ChampionX’s information technology systems.

    These risks, as well as other risks related to the proposed transaction, are included in the Form S-4 and proxy statement/prospectus that was filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed transaction between SLB and ChampionX. While the list of factors presented here is, and the list of factors presented in the registration statement on Form S-4 are, considered representative, no such list should be considered to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. For additional information about other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, please refer to SLB’s and ChampionX’s respective periodic reports and other filings with the SEC, including the risk factors identified in SLB’s and ChampionX’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K, respectively, and SLB’s and ChampionX’s subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. The forward-looking statements included in this communication are made only as of the date hereof. Neither SLB nor ChampionX undertakes any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as required by law.

    The MIL Network –

    February 26, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: CECO Environmental Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Record Bookings in the Quarter of $219M Elevated Year-End Backlog to a Record $541M
    Reaffirms 2025 Full Year Outlook

    ADDISON, Texas, Feb. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CECO Environmental Corp. (Nasdaq: CECO) (“CECO”), a leading environmentally focused, diversified industrial company whose solutions protect people, the environment, and industrial equipment, today reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2024.

    Highlights for the Quarter(1)

    • Orders of $218.9 million, up 71 percent
    • Backlog of $540.9 million, up 46 percent
    • Revenue of $158.6 million, up 3 percent
    • Gross profit of $56.7 million, up 7 percent; Gross margin of 35.8 percent, up 120 basis points
    • Net income of $4.9 million, up 26 percent; non-GAAP net income of $9.9 million, down 2 percent
    • GAAP EPS (diluted) of $0.13, up 18 percent; non-GAAP EPS (diluted) of $0.27, down 4 percent
    • Adjusted EBITDA of $19.0 million, down 2 percent
    • Free cash flow of ($4.4) million, down $16.6 million

    Highlights for the Year(1)

    • Orders of $667.3 million, up 14 percent
    • Revenue of $557.9 million, up 2 percent
    • Gross profit of $196.1 million, up 15 percent; Gross margin of 35.2 percent, up 380 basis points
    • Net income of $13.0 million, up 1 percent; non-GAAP net income of $26.7 million
    • GAAP EPS (diluted) of $0.36, down 3 percent; non-GAAP EPS (diluted) of $0.73, down 2 percent
    • Adjusted EBITDA of $62.8 million, up 9 percent
    • Free cash flow of $7.4 million, down 80 percent
    • Completed three acquisitions (EnviroCare International, WK Group and Verantis Environmental Solutions Group), advancing our Industrial Air market leadership

    (1)All comparisons are versus the comparable prior year period, unless otherwise stated.
    Reconciliations of GAAP (reported) to non-GAAP measures are in the attached financial tables.

    Todd Gleason, CECO’s Chief Executive Officer commented, “While we acknowledge mixed results in 2024 driven by customer project and market related order delays, we are energized by our fourth quarter record orders bookings of $219 million, which provides incredible momentum moving into 2025. The steady progress we continue to make on expanding margins and upgrading our portfolio through organic and inorganic investments will help us maximize the tremendous opportunities that exist in key growth markets we serve such as power generation, reshoring of industrial manufacturing, global infrastructure and data center expansion.”

    Fourth quarter operating income was $11.3 million, down $1.4 million or 11 percent when compared to $12.7 million in the fourth quarter 2023. On an adjusted basis, non-GAAP operating income was $15.6 million, down $0.7 million or 4 percent when compared to $16.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. Net income was $4.9 million in the quarter, up $1.0 million or 26 percent when compared to $3.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. Non-GAAP net income was $9.9 million, down $0.2 million or 2 percent when compared to $10.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. Adjusted EBITDA of $19.0 million, reflecting a margin of 12.0 percent, was down 2 percent compared to $19.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. Free cash flow in the quarter was $(4.4) million, down $16.6 million compared to $12.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2023.

    Full year operating income was $35.4 million, up $0.8 million in the year, compared to $34.6 million in 2023. On an adjusted basis, non-GAAP operating income was $49.4 million, up $1.3 million in the year, compared to $48.1 million in 2023. Net income was $13.0 million in the year, compared to $12.9 million in 2023. Non-GAAP net income was $26.7 million, compared to $26.6 million in 2023. Adjusted EBITDA of $62.8 million, reflecting a margin of 11.3 percent, was up 9 percent compared to $57.7 million in 2023, reflecting a margin of 10.6 percent. Free cash flow was $7.4 million, down $28.8 million compared to $36.2 million in 2023.

    “Over the past six months we have completed four strategic and accretive M&A transactions – including the Profire Energy acquisition in early January 2025. Each of our acquisitions adds important new growth markets, technologies and solutions, and service capabilities to further advance our niche, industrial leadership positions and improve our overall business mix while improving our margin profile. In addition, we upgraded our credit facility, which now includes a $400M Revolver, along with capacity for $150M in additional unsecured debt, and we expect to finalize the sale of our Fluid Handling Business in late Q1 2025. Our core businesses remain robust – evident by our record backlog – and we continue to add tremendous talent to our team and our experienced leadership bench,” added Gleason.

    2025 Full Year Guidance

    The Company maintains its previously announced full year 2025 outlook which includes expected Revenue of $700 to $750 million, up approximately 30 percent at the midpoint year over year, and Adjusted EBITDA of $90 to $100 million, up approximately 50 percent at the midpoint versus 2024. The Company expects 2025 free cash flow to be between 60 and 75 percent of Adjusted EBITDA, approximately 10 percentage points higher than standard cash flow guidance, given expected working capital timing. The full year guidance incorporates the net impact of completed acquisitions and the expected late-Q1 divestiture of the Fluid Handling business.

    “Our full year 2025 outlook reflects the strong visibility we have with our record backlog, strong bookings, 2024 related project push outs, and the impact from our acquisitions. So far in early 2025, we are experiencing a continuation of the strong power generation, data center, general industrial and natural gas infrastructure markets that drove our strong Q4 orders. Our early 2025 working capital performance – specifically receivables – is very strong as we have collected significant cash payments that pushed out of 2024 by just a few weeks. The integrations associated with our recent acquisitions are on-or-ahead of schedule, and we continue to open international sales and service centers to support our global footprint. We expect to deliver an outstanding 2025, affirmed by our full year guidance, as we progress our operating model supported by strong organic growth, coupled with steady margin expansion,” concluded Gleason.

    EARNINGS CONFERENCE CALL
     

    A conference call is scheduled for today at 8:30 a.m. ET to discuss the fourth quarter and full year 2024 financial results. Please visit the Investor Relations portion of the website (https://investors.cecoenviro.com) to listen to the call via webcast. The conference call may also be accessed by visiting https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/wr6yr8ri.

    A replay of the conference call will be available on the Company’s website for a period of one year. The replay may also be accessed by visiting https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/wr6yr8ri.

    ABOUT CECO ENVIRONMENTAL

    CECO Environmental is a leading environmentally focused, diversified industrial company, serving the broad landscape of industrial air, industrial water and energy transition markets globally providing innovative solutions and application expertise. CECO helps companies grow their business with safe, clean, and more efficient solutions that help protect people, the environment and industrial equipment. CECO solutions improve air and water quality, optimize emissions management, and increase energy efficiency for highly-engineered applications in power generation, midstream and downstream hydrocarbon processing and transport, electric vehicle production, polysilicon fabrication, semiconductor and electronics, battery production and recycling, specialty metals and steel production, beverage can, and water/wastewater treatment and a wide range of other industrial end markets. CECO is listed on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “CECO.” Incorporated in 1966, CECO’s global headquarters is in Addison, Texas. For more information, please visit www.cecoenviro.com.

    Company Contact:
    Peter Johansson
    Chief Financial and Strategy Officer
    888-990-6670
    investor.relations@onececo.com

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Steven Hooser and Jean Marie Young
    Three Part Advisors, LLC
    214-872-2710
    investor.relations@onececo.com

     
    CECO ENVIRONMENTAL CORP.CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
     
      December 31,  
    (dollars in thousands, except share data) 2024     2023  
    ASSETS          
    Current assets:              
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 37,832       $ 54,779    
    Restricted cash   369         669    
    Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $8,863 and $6,460   159,572         112,733    
    Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts   69,889         66,574    
    Inventories, net   42,624         34,089    
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets   16,859         11,769    
    Prepaid income taxes   3,826         824    
    Total current assets   330,971         281,437    
    Property, plant and equipment, net   33,810         26,237    
    Right-of-use assets from operating leases   25,102         16,256    
    Goodwill   269,747         211,326    
    Intangible assets – finite life, net   74,050         50,461    
    Intangible assets – indefinite life   9,466         9,570    
    Deferred income tax assets   966         304    
    Deferred charges and other assets   15,587         4,700    
    Total assets $ 759,699       $ 600,291    
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                  
    Current liabilities:                  
    Current portion of debt $ 1,650       $ 10,488    
    Accounts payable   109,671         87,691    
    Accrued expenses   47,528         44,301    
    Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts   81,501         56,899    
    Notes payable   1,700         2,500    
    Income taxes payable   2,612         1,227    
    Total current liabilities   244,662         203,106    
    Other liabilities   14,362         12,644    
    Debt, less current portion   217,230         126,795    
    Deferred income tax liabilities   11,322         8,838    
    Operating lease liabilities   20,230         11,417    
    Total liabilities   507,806         362,800    
    Commitments and contingencies (See Note 12)                  
    Shareholders’ equity:                  
    Preferred stock, $.01 par value; 10,000 shares authorized, none issued   —         —    
    Common stock, $.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized, 34,978,009 and
    34,835,293 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2024 and 2023,
    respectively
      349         348    
    Capital in excess of par value   255,211         254,956    
    Retained earnings (accumulated loss)   6,570         (6,387 )  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (14,441 )       (16,274 )  
    Total CECO shareholders’ equity   247,689         232,643    
        Noncontrolling interest   4,204         4,848    
    Total shareholders’ equity   251,893         237,491    
        Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 759,699       $ 600,291    
     
    CECO ENVIRONMENTAL CORP.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
    (unaudited)
     
      Three months ended December 31,      Year ended December 31,   
    (in thousands, except share and per share data) 2024      2023      2024      2023   
    Net sales $ 158,566       $ 153,711       $ 557,933       $ 544,845    
    Cost of sales   101,865         100,526         361,786         373,829    
    Gross profit   56,701         53,185         196,147         171,016    
    Selling and administrative expenses   41,062         36,862         146,698         122,944    
    Amortization and earnout expenses   2,028         2,192         9,064         8,180    
    Acquisition and integration expenses   2,337         298         4,213         2,508    
    Executive transition expenses   —         48         —         1,465    
    Restructuring expenses   —         1,133         544         1,350    
    Asbestos litigation expenses   —         —         225         —    
    Income from operations   11,274         12,652         35,403         34,569    
    Other (expense) income, net   (2,103 )       1,042         (4,692 )       372    
    Interest expense   (3,705 )       (3,918 )       (13,020 )       (13,416 )  
    Income before income taxes   5,466         9,776         17,691         21,525    
    Income tax expense   606         5,447         3,270         7,024    
    Net income   4,860         4,329         14,421         14,501    
    Noncontrolling interest   18         (450 )       (1,464 )       (1,590 )  
    Net income attributable to CECO Environmental Corp. $ 4,878       $ 3,879       $ 12,957       $ 12,911    
    Income per share:                                      
    Basic $ 0.14       $ 0.11       $ 0.37       $ 0.37    
    Diluted $ 0.13       $ 0.11       $ 0.36       $ 0.37    
    Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:                                      
    Basic   34,978,382         34,823,663         34,927,313         34,665,473    
    Diluted   36,559,198         35,687,092         36,381,910         35,334,090    
     
    CECO ENVIRONMENTAL CORP.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
     
        Year ended December 31,    
    (dollars in thousands)   2024     2023    
    Cash flows from operating activities:              
    Net income   $ 14,421     $ 14,501    
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:              
    Depreciation and amortization     14,523       12,507    
    Unrealized foreign currency loss (gain)     2,664       (1,041 )  
    Fair value adjustments to earnout liabilities     134       296    
    Earnout payments     —       —    
    Loss on sale of property and equipment     191       110    
    Amortization of debt discount     498       427    
    Share-based compensation expense     7,514       4,533    
    Bad debt expense     295       1,593    
    Inventory reserve expense     1,056       1,099    
    Deferred income tax benefit     (3,606 )     (118 )  
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:              
    Accounts receivable     (52,355 )     (26,851 )  
    Cost and estimated earnings of billings on uncompleted contracts     (4,149 )     5,040    
    Inventories     (9,814 )     (6,896 )  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets     (8,347 )     1,196    
    Deferred charges and other assets     (12,736 )     (1,420 )  
    Accounts payable     36,181       13,852    
    Accrued expenses     7,119       8,340    
    Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts     24,923       21,575    
    Income taxes payable     1,425       (1,976 )  
    Other liabilities     4,891       (2,120 )  
    Net cash provided by operating activities     24,828       44,647    
    Cash flows from investing activities:              
    Acquisitions of property and equipment     (17,368 )     (8,384 )  
    Net proceeds from sale of assets     4       —    
    Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired     (87,948 )     (48,102 )  
    Net cash used in investing activities     (105,312 )     (56,486 )  
    Cash flows from financing activities:              
    Borrowings on revolving credit lines     309,300       106,600    
    Repayments on revolving credit lines     (112,400 )     (150,600 )  
    Borrowings of long-term debt     —       75,000    
    Repayments of long-term debt     (113,982 )     (4,985 )  
    Repayments of notes payable     —       —    
    Deferred financing fees paid     (1,924 )     (363 )  
    Deferred consideration paid for acquisitions     (2,050 )     (1,247 )  
    Payments on capital leases and sale-leaseback financing liability     (925 )     (907 )  
    Earnout payments     (2,831 )     (2,123 )  
    Equity awards surrendered by employees for tax liability, net of proceeds from employee stock purchase plan and exercise of stock options     (2,169 )     1,435    
    Distributions to non-controlling interest     (2,109 )     (1,666 )  
    Common stock repurchases     (5,000 )     —    
    Net cash provided by financing activities     65,910       21,144    
    Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents     (2,673 )     (442 )  
    Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash     (17,247 )     8,863    
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year     55,448       46,585    
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of year   $ 38,201     $ 55,448    
    Cash paid during the period for:              
    Interest   $ 13,335     $ 12,098    
    Income taxes   $ 9,550     $ 9,916    
       
    CECO ENVIRONMENTAL CORP.
    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP MEASURES
     
      Year Ended December 31,
     
    (dollars in millions) 2024     2023     2022
     
    Gross profit as reported in accordance with GAAP $ 196.1       $ 171.0       $ 128.2    
    Gross profit margin in accordance with GAAP   35.1 %       31.4 %       30.3 %  
    Legacy design repairs   —         —         2.0    
    Plant, property and equipment valuation adjustment   —         —         0.6    
    Non-GAAP gross profit $ 196.1       $ 171.0       $ 130.8    
    Non-GAAP gross profit margin   35.1 %       31.4 %       31.0 %  
     
      Three months ended December 31,     Year ended December 31,  
    (in millions, except share data) 2024     2023     2024     2023  
    Net income as reported in accordance with GAAP $ 4.9       $ 3.9       $ 13.0       $ 12.9    
    Amortization and earnout expenses   2.0         2.2         9.1         8.2    
    Acquisition and integration expenses   2.3         0.3         4.2         2.5    
    Executive transition expenses   (0.5 )       —         —         1.5    
    Restructuring expenses   1         1         0.5         1.3    
    Asbestos litigation expense   —         —         0.2         —    
    Foreign currency remeasurement   2.5         (1.0 )       4.3         (1.0 )  
    Tax benefit (expense) of adjustments   (1.8 )       3.6         (4.6 )       1.2    
    Non-GAAP net income $ 9.9       $ 10.1       $ 26.7       $ 26.6    
    Depreciation   1.8         1.7         5.8         5.1    
    Non-cash stock compensation   1.7         1.5         7.5         4.5    
    Other (income) expense   (0.4 )       (0.1 )       0.4         0.8    
    Interest expense   3.7         3.9         13.0         13.4    
    Income tax expense   2.3         1.8         7.9         5.7    
    Noncontrolling interest   —         0.5         1.5         1.6    
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 19.0       $ 19.4       $ 62.8       $ 57.7    
                                           
    Earnings per share:                                      
    Basic $ 0.14       $ 0.11       $ 0.37       $ 0.37    
    Diluted $ 0.13       $ 0.11       $ 0.36       $ 0.37    
                                           
    Adjusted earnings per share:                                      
    Basic $ 0.28       $ 0.29       $ 0.77       $ 0.77    
    Diluted $ 0.27       $ 0.28       $ 0.73       $ 0.75    
      Three months ended December 31,     Year ended December 31,  
    (in millions) 2024     2023     2024     2023  
    Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities $ 1.8       $ 15.1       $ 24.8       $ 44.6    
    Acquisitions of property and equipment   (6.2 )       (2.9 )       (17.4 )       (8.4 )  
    Free cash flow $ (4.4 )     $ 12.2       $ 7.4       $ 36.2    
     
    NOTE REGARDING NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
     

    CECO is providing certain non-GAAP historical financial measures as presented above as we believe that these figures are helpful in allowing individuals to better assess the ongoing nature of CECO’s core operations. A “non-GAAP financial measure” is a numerical measure of a company’s historical financial performance that excludes amounts that are included in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP.

    Non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP earnings per basic and diluted share, adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow, as we present them in the financial data included in this press release, have been adjusted to exclude the effects of amortization expenses for acquisition-related intangible assets, contingent retention and earnout expenses, restructuring expenses primarily relating to severance and legal expenses, acquisition and integration expenses which include retention, legal, accounting, banking, and other expenses, foreign currency remeasurement and other nonrecurring or infrequent items and the associated tax benefit of these items. Management believes that these items are not necessarily indicative of the Company’s ongoing operations and their exclusion provides individuals with additional information to better compare the Company’s results over multiple periods. Management utilizes this information to evaluate its ongoing financial performance. Our financial statements may continue to be affected by items similar to those excluded in the non-GAAP adjustments described above, and exclusion of these items from our non-GAAP financial measures should not be construed as an inference that all such costs are unusual or infrequent.

    Non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP earnings per basic and diluted share, adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow are not calculated in accordance with GAAP, and should be considered supplemental to, and not as a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. Non-GAAP financial measures have limitations in that they do not reflect all of the costs associated with the operations of our business as determined in accordance with GAAP. As a result, you should not consider these measures in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of CECO’s results as reported under GAAP. Additionally, CECO cautions investors that non-GAAP financial measures used by the Company may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.

    In accordance with the requirements of Regulation G issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP earnings per basic and diluted share, adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow stated in the tables above are reconciled to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.

    Non-GAAP measures presented on a forward-looking basis were not reconciled to the comparable GAAP financial measures because the reconciliation could not be performed without unreasonable efforts. The GAAP measures are not accessible on a forward-looking basis because we are currently unable to predict with a reasonable degree of certainty the type and extent of certain items that would be expected to impact GAAP measures for these periods but would not impact the non-GAAP measures. Such items may include amortization expenses for acquisition-related intangible assets, contingent retention and earnout expenses, restructuring expenses primarily relating to severance and legal expenses, acquisition and integration expenses which include retention, legal, accounting, banking, and other expenses, foreign currency remeasurement and other nonrecurring or infrequent items and the associated tax benefit of these items. The unavailable information could have a significant impact on our GAAP financial results.

    SAFE HARBOR
     

    Any statements contained in this Press Release, other than statements of historical fact, including statements about management’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, both as amended, and should be evaluated as such. These statements are made on the basis of management’s views and assumptions regarding future events and business performance. We use words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intends,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “project,” “will,” “plan,” “should” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Potential risks and uncertainties, among others, that could cause actual results to differ materially are discussed under “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 and may be included in subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and include, but are not limited to: our ability to consummate the planned divestiture of our Fluid Handling business, the effect of recently announced acquisitions and planned divestiture of our Fluid Handling Business (together, the “transactions”) on business relationships, operating results, and business generally, disruption of current plans and operations and potential difficulties in employee retention as a result of the transactions, diversion of management’s attention from ongoing business operations in connection with the integration of recent acquisitions, the outcome of any legal proceedings that have been or may in the future be instituted related to the Profire Energy, Inc. (“Profire Energy”) transaction or other transactions, the amount of the costs, fees, expenses and other charges related to the transactions, the achievement of the anticipated benefits of transactions, the ability of Profire Energy to achieve its earnings guidance, our ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses and realize the synergies from acquisitions, as well as a number of factors related to our business, including the sensitivity of our business to economic and financial market conditions generally and economic conditions in CECO’s service areas; dependence on fixed price contracts and the risks associated therewith, including actual costs exceeding estimates and method of accounting for revenue; the effect of growth on our infrastructure, resources, and existing sales; the ability to expand operations in both new and existing markets; the potential for contract delay or cancellation as a result of on-going or worsening supply chain challenges or other customer considerations; liabilities arising from faulty services or products that could result in significant professional or product liability, warranty, or other claims; changes in or developments with respect to any litigation or investigation; failure to meet timely completion or performance standards that could result in higher cost and reduced profits or, in some cases, losses on projects; the potential for fluctuations in prices for manufactured components and raw materials, including as a result of tariffs and surcharges, and rising energy costs; inflationary pressures relating to rising raw material costs and the cost of labor; the substantial amount of debt incurred in connection with our strategic transactions and our ability to repay or refinance it or incur additional debt in the future; the impact of federal, state or local government regulations; our ability to repurchase shares of our common stock and the amounts and timing of repurchases; our ability to successfully realize the expected benefits of our restructuring program; economic and political conditions generally; our ability to optimize our business portfolio by identifying acquisition targets, executing upon any strategic acquisitions or divestitures, integrating acquired businesses and realizing the synergies from strategic transactions; and the unpredictability and severity of catastrophic events, including cyber security threats, acts of terrorism or outbreak of war or hostilities or public health crises, as well as management’s response to any of the aforementioned factors. Many of these risks are beyond management’s ability to control or predict. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should the assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material aspects from those currently anticipated. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements as they speak only to our views as of the date the statement is made. Except as required under the federal securities laws or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, we undertake no obligation to update or review any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    The MIL Network –

    February 26, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Cipher Mining Provides Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Business Update

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Net Earnings of $18m, and Adjusted Earnings of $51m

    Completed upgrade of Odessa fleet, increasing total self-mining hashrate to ~13.5 EH/s

    Completed acquisition of Stingray data center site, featuring 100 MW of front-of-the-meter capacity, all necessary regulatory approvals, and 250 acres of land adjacent to transmission assets

    Completed acquisition of additional 337 acres of land adjacent to Barber Lake site and entered into 60-day exclusivity for negotiations to build an additional 500 MW HPC data center adjacent to the current site

    NEW YORK, Feb. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cipher Mining Inc. (NASDAQ: CIFR) (“Cipher” or the “Company”) today announced its fourth quarter and full year 2024 financial results, with an update on its operations and business strategy.

    “We had an extremely productive fourth quarter at Cipher, as we continued the on-time execution of our growth and expansion plans,” said Tyler Page, CEO. “We successfully upgraded our Odessa fleet, which grew our total self-mining hashrate to approximately 13.5 EH/s. We are also nearing the completion of Phase I of Black Pearl, which remains on track to energize in the second quarter of this year.”

    In addition, Cipher closed on the acquisition of Stingray, a data center site in West Texas with 100 MW of front-of-the-meter capacity. The Company also acquired 337 additional acres of land adjacent to its Barber Lake site, as well as entered into 60 days of exclusivity with Priority Power to negotiate building an additional 500 MW HPC data center adjacent to the current site.

    “With our 2.8 GW pipeline and proven track record of execution, we are confident in our vision of becoming a leading data center developer for HPC infrastructure while remaining best-in-class in bitcoin mining,” said Mr. Page.

    Finance and Operations Highlights

    • Completed upgrade of the Odessa fleet, increasing total self-mining hashrate to ~13.5 EH/s
    • Completed acquisition of 100 MW Stingray data center site
    • Completed acquisition of additional 337 acres adjacent to Barber Lake site
    • Entered into exclusivity with Priority Power to negotiate building an additional 500 MW HPC data center adjacent to the Barber Lake site
    • Grew pipeline to 2.8 GW of site capacity with optionality for both HPC or bitcoin mining data centers
    • Construction of Phase I of Black Pearl, featuring 150 MW of capacity and expected to generate over ~9.5 EH/s, remains on track to energize in the second quarter of this year
    • Exercised S21 XP Bitmain option to support Phase I of Black Pearl
    • Q4 2024 net earnings of $18 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, and adjusted earnings of $51 million, or $0.14 per diluted share

    Business Update Call and Webcast

    The live webcast and a webcast replay of the conference call can be accessed from the investor relations section of Cipher’s website at https://investors.ciphermining.com/. To access this conference call by telephone, register here to receive dial-in numbers and a unique PIN to join the call.

    About Cipher

    Cipher is focused on the development and operation of industrial-scale data centers for bitcoin mining and HPC hosting. Cipher aims to be a market leader in innovation, including in bitcoin mining growth, data center construction and as a hosting partner to the world’s largest HPC companies. To learn more about Cipher, please visit https://www.ciphermining.com/.

    Forward Looking Statements

    This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws of the United States. The Company intends such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and includes this statement for purposes of complying with these safe harbor provisions. Any statements made in this press release that are not statements of historical fact, such as, statements about the Company’s beliefs and expectations regarding its future results of operations and financial position, its planned business model and strategy, its bitcoin mining and HPC data center development, timing and likelihood of success, capacity, functionality and timing of operation of data centers, expectations regarding the operations of data centers, potential strategic initiatives, such as joint ventures and partnerships, and management plans and objectives, are forward-looking statements and should be evaluated as such. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “could,” “seeks,” “intends,” “targets,” “projects,” “contemplates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “strategy,” “future,” “forecasts,” “opportunity,” “predicts,” “potential,” “would,” “will likely result,” “continue,” and similar expressions (including the negative versions of such words or expressions).

    These forward-looking statements are based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Cipher and its management, are inherently uncertain. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. New risks and uncertainties may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: volatility in the price of Cipher’s securities due to a variety of factors, including changes in the competitive and regulated industry in which Cipher operates, Cipher’s evolving business model and strategy and efforts it may make to modify aspects of its business model or engage in various strategic initiatives, variations in performance across competitors, changes in laws and regulations affecting Cipher’s business, and the ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations and to identify and realize additional opportunities. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of Cipher’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), and in Cipher’s subsequent filings 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 Cipher assumes no obligation and, except as required by law, does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

    Website Disclosure

    The company maintains a dedicated investor website at https://investors.ciphermining.com/investors (“Investors’ Website”). Financial and other important information regarding the Company is routinely posted on and accessible through the Investors Website. Cipher uses its Investors’ Website as a distribution channel of material information about the Company, including through press releases, investor presentations, reports and notices of upcoming events. Cipher intends to utilize its Investors’ Website as a channel of distribution to reach public investors and as a means of disclosing material non-public information for complying with disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. In addition, you may sign up to automatically receive email alerts and other information about the Company by visiting the “Email Alerts” option under the Investors Resources section of Cipher’s Investors’ Website and submitting your email address.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures
    This press release includes supplemental financial measures for Adjusted Earnings (Loss) and Adjusted Earnings (Loss) per share – diluted, in each case that exclude the impact of (i) the non-cash change in fair value of derivative asset, (ii) share-based compensation expense, (iii) depreciation and amortization, (iv) deferred income tax expense, (v) nonrecurring gains and losses and (vi) the non-cash change in fair value of warrant liability. These supplemental financial measures are not measurements of financial performance under accounting principles generally accepted in the United Stated (“GAAP”) and, as a result, these supplemental financial measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures internally to help understand, manage, and evaluate our business performance and to help make operating decisions. We believe the use of these non-GAAP financial measures can also facilitate comparison of our operating results to those of our competitors by excluding certain items that vary in our industry based on company policy.

    Non-GAAP financial measures are subject to material limitations as they are not in accordance with, or a substitute for, measurements prepared in accordance with GAAP. For example, we expect that share-based compensation expense, which is excluded from the non-GAAP financial measure, will continue to be a significant recurring expense over the coming years and is an important part of the compensation provided to certain employees, officers and directors. Similarly, we expect that depreciation and amortization will continue to be a recurring expense over the term of the useful life of the related assets. Our non-GAAP financial measures are not meant to be considered in isolation and should be read only in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this press release, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. We rely primarily on such consolidated financial statements to understand, manage and evaluate our business performance and use the non-GAAP financial measures only supplementally.

    Contacts:
    Investor Contact:
    Courtney Knight
    Head of Investor Relations at Cipher Mining
    Courtney.knight@ciphermining.com

    Media Contact:
    Ryan Dicovitsky / Kendal Till
    Dukas Linden Public Relations
    CipherMining@DLPR.com

    CIPHER MINING INC.
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (in thousands, except for share and per share amounts)
     
      December 31, 2024   December 31, 2023
    ASSETS      
    Current assets      
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 5,585     $ 86,105  
    Accounts receivable   596       622  
    Receivables, related party   2,090       245  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets   3,387       3,670  
    Bitcoin   92,651       32,978  
    Receivable for bitcoin collateral   32,248       —  
    Derivative asset   31,648       31,878  
    Total current assets   168,205       155,498  
    Restricted cash   14,392       –  
    Property and equipment, net   480,865       243,815  
    Deposits on equipment   38,872       30,812  
    Intangible assets, net   8,881       8,109  
    Investment in equity investees   53,908       35,258  
    Derivative asset   54,022       61,713  
    Operating lease right-of-use asset   12,561       7,077  
    Security deposits   19,782       23,855  
    Other noncurrent assets   3,958       –  
    Total assets $ 855,446     $ 566,137  
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY      
    Current liabilities      
    Accounts payable $ 22,699     $ 4,980  
    Accounts payable, related party   –       1,554  
    Accrued expenses and other current liabilities   69,824       22,439  
    Finance lease liability, current portion   3,798       3,404  
    Operating lease liability, current portion   3,127       1,166  
    Short-term borrowings   32,330       –  
    Warrant liability   –       250  
    Total current liabilities   131,778       33,793  
    Asset retirement obligation   20,282       18,394  
    Finance lease liability   7,331       11,128  
    Operating lease liability   9,833       6,280  
    Deferred tax liability   4,269       5,206  
    Total liabilities   173,493       74,801  
    Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)      
    Stockholders’ equity      
    Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023   –       –  
    Common stock, $0.001 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized, 361,432,449 and 296,276,536 shares issued as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, and 350,783,817 and 290,957,862 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, respectively   361       296  
    Additional paid-in capital   863,015       627,822  
    Accumulated deficit   (181,412 )     (136,777 )
    Treasury stock, at par, 10,648,632 and 5,318,674 shares at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively   (11 )     (5 )
    Total stockholders’ equity   681,953       491,336  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 855,446     $ 566,137  
    CIPHER MINING INC.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
    (in thousands, except for share and per share amounts)
     
      Year Ended December 31,
        2024       2023  
    Revenue – bitcoin mining $ 151,270     $ 126,842  
    Costs and operating (expenses) income      
    Cost of revenue   (62,364 )     (50,309 )
    Compensation and benefits   (60,796 )     (57,399 )
    General and administrative   (32,655 )     (27,796 )
    Depreciation and amortization   (102,448 )     (59,093 )
    Change in fair value of derivative asset   (7,921 )     26,836  
    Power sales   5,405       9,941  
    Equity in losses of equity investees   (384 )     (2,530 )
    Unrealized gains on fair value of bitcoin   11,313       3,299  
    Realized gains on sale of bitcoin   51,548       7,739  
    Other gains   3,333       2,355  
    Total costs and operating expenses   (194,969 )     (146,957 )
    Operating loss   (43,699 )     (20,115 )
    Other income (expense)      
    Interest income   3,384       164  
    Interest expense   (1,708 )     (1,999 )
    Change in fair value of warrant liability   250       (243 )
    Other expense   (2,544 )     (17 )
    Total other income (expense)   (618 )     (2,095 )
    Loss before taxes   (44,317 )     (22,210 )
    Current income tax expense   (1,255 )     (201 )
    Deferred income tax benefit (expense)   937       (3,366 )
    Total income tax benefit (expense)   (318 )     (3,567 )
    Net loss $ (44,635 )   $ (25,777 )
    Loss per share – basic and diluted $ (0.14 )   $ (0.10 )
    Weighted average shares outstanding – basic and diluted   323,103,303       252,439,461  


    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    The following are reconciliations of our Adjusted Earnings (Loss) and Adjusted Earnings (Loss) per share – diluted, in each case excluding the impact of (i) the non-cash change in fair value of derivative asset, (ii) share-based compensation expense, (iii) depreciation and amortization, (iv) deferred income tax expense, (v) nonrecurring gains and losses and (vi) the non-cash change in fair value of warrant liability, to the most directly comparable GAAP measures for the periods indicated (in thousands, except for per share amounts):

      Year Ended December 31,
        2024       2023  
    Reconciliation of Adjusted Earnings:      
    Net loss $ (44,635 )   $ (25,777 )
    Change in fair value of derivative asset   7,921       (26,836 )
    Share-based compensation expense   42,132       38,470  
    Depreciation and amortization   102,448       59,093  
    Deferred income tax expense   (937 )     3,366  
    Other gains – nonrecurring   –       (2,355 )
    Change in fair value of warrant liability   (250 )     243  
    Adjusted (loss) earnings $ 106,679     $ 46,204  
           
           
      Year Ended December 31,
        2024       2023  
    Reconciliation of Adjusted Earnings per share – diluted:      
    Net loss per share – diluted $ (0.14 )   $ (0.10 )
    Change in fair value of derivative asset per diluted share   0.02       (0.11 )
    Share-based compensation expense per diluted share   0.13       0.15  
    Depreciation and amortization per diluted share   0.32       0.23  
    Deferred income tax expense per diluted share   —       0.01  
    Other gains – nonrecurring per diluted share   —       (0.01 )
    Change in fair value of warrant liability per diluted share   —       —  
    Adjusted (loss) earnings per diluted share $ 0.33     $ 0.17  

    The MIL Network –

    February 26, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: OTC Markets Group Welcomes PINEWOOD TECHNOLOGIES GROUP PLC to OTCQX

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Feb. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities, today announced PINEWOOD TECHNOLOGIES GROUP PLC (LSE: PINE; OTCQX: PINWF), a cloud-based dealer management software provider, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX® Best Market. PINEWOOD TECHNOLOGIES GROUP PLC upgraded to OTCQX from the Pink® market.

    PINEWOOD TECHNOLOGIES GROUP PLC begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbol “PINWF.” U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com.

    Upgrading to the OTCQX Market is an important step for companies seeking to provide transparent trading for their U.S. investors.  For companies listed on a qualified international exchange, streamlined market standards enable them to utilize their home market reporting to make their information available in the U.S. To qualify for OTCQX, companies must meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance and demonstrate compliance with applicable securities laws.  

    Bill Berman, CEO of Pinewood Technologies Group, commented:
    “We are thrilled to begin trading on the OTCQX Market, which offers investors in the U.S. the opportunity to purchase shares in Pinewood Automotive Intelligence™ more easily. As the first fully integrated secure cloud-based ecosystem operating in 21 countries and partnering with more than 50 manufacturers, Pinewood Automotive Intelligence™ is uniquely positioned to offer real-time solutions to real world retail problems. The Pinewood Automotive Intelligence™ platform gives dealers and OEMs alike the ability to drive growth and unlock greater profits while operating securely in our fully connected environment.

    “With the global market for Dealer Management Software solutions fragmented, the Pinewood Automotive Intelligence™ platform capitalizes on the universal need for clarity between customer, dealer and manufacturer. Strengthened by our partnership with Lithia, one of the largest automotive dealer groups in the U.S., we believe Pinewood Automotive Intelligence™ is a compelling investment proposition that will continue to deliver significant value for shareholders.”

    About PINEWOOD TECHNOLOGIES GROUP PLC (Trading as Pinewood.AI)
    First established in 1981, Pinewood.AI (Pinewood Automotive Intelligence™) is a leading pure-play cloud-based business, providing innovative solutions to automotive retailers and OEMs. Pinewood.AI’s system is a market-leading automotive intelligence platform, which has been developed collaboratively with dealers and OEMs to provide full end-to-end secure cloud-based software across sales, aftersales, accounting and CRM. Headquartered in the UK, Pinewood.AI has a team of over 200 people serving over 30,000 global users across 21 countries and long-standing partnerships with over 50 OEM brands.

    About OTC Markets Group Inc.
    OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities. Our data-driven disclosure standards form the foundation of our three public markets: OTCQX® Best Market, OTCQB® Venture Market and Pink® Open Market.

    Our OTC Link® Alternative Trading Systems (ATSs) provide critical market infrastructure that broker-dealers rely on to facilitate trading. Our innovative model offers companies more efficient access to the U.S. financial markets.

    OTC Link ATS, OTC Link ECN and OTC Link NQB are each SEC regulated ATS, operated by OTC Link LLC, a FINRA and SEC registered broker-dealer, member SIPC.

    To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com.

    Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed

    Media Contact:
    OTC Markets Group Inc., +1 (212) 896-4428, media@otcmarkets.com

    The MIL Network –

    February 26, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Bitdeer Reports Unaudited Financial Results for the Fourth Quarter and Full Year of 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, Feb. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitdeer Technologies Group (NASDAQ: BTDR) (“Bitdeer” or the “Company”), a world-leading technology company for blockchain and high-performance computing, today released its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2024.

    Q4 2024 Financial Highlights
    All amounts compared to Q4’23 unless otherwise noted

    • Total revenue was US$69.0 million vs. US$114.8 million.
    • Cost of revenue was US$63.9 million vs. US$87.8 million.
    • Gross profit was US$5.1 million vs. US$27.0 million.
    • Net loss was US$531.9 million vs. US$5.0 million.
    • Adjusted EBITDA1 was negative US$3.8 million, vs. positive US$33.32 million.
    • Cash and cash equivalents were US$476.3 million as of December 31, 2024.
    • Crypto balance: US$77.5 million as of December 31, 2024.

    Management Commentary

    “Last year, we strategically prioritized resources to the development of our proprietary ASIC technology, which temporarily limited our hashrate growth and impacted our financial performance. However, this investment resulted in substantial progress in our ASIC technology roadmap, strengthening our competitive moat and positioning Bitdeer for a transformative 2025 and beyond. Owning and deploying our own mining ASICs is an integral part of our full vertical integration strategy. It will provide us distinct advantages – such as rapid hashrate deployment, a lower cost structure, enhanced capital efficiency, and a dramatically improved supply chain compared to the broader industry. In addition, commercializing SEALMINER ASICs allows us to diversify our revenue streams into the multi-billion dollar ASICs market where we see strong demand for alternative suppliers of ASIC solutions,” stated Matt Kong, Chief Business Officer at Bitdeer.

    Mr. Kong added, “In 2025, for our self-mining operation, we plan to energize all of our mass production SEALMINER A1s and 28 EH/s of SEALMINER A2s on top of our existing 8.7 EH/s of self-mining hashrate for the time being. This will bring Bitdeer’s total self-mining hashrate to approximately 40 EH/s by Q4 2025. This target does not factor in additional wafer allocation anticipated from TSMC for SEAL02 or SEAL03, which could be additive to the Q4 2025 target of 40 EH/s, depending on manufacturing schedule. For sales to external customers, the approximately 7 EH/s of SEALMINER A2s that we allocated was quickly over-subscribed, 20% of the total price as the down payment has been fully collected and volume shipments to these customers will begin in March 2025.”

    Mr. Kong continued, “In Q4 2024, we also advanced the development of our 3rd and 4th generation chips. Upon successful tapeouts, we believe these chips will position Bitdeer as the leading supplier of the world’s most energy efficient mining ASICs. Having the most efficient ASIC is the key factor to winning share of the growing ASICs market, as energy efficiency remains most important single metric influencing buying decisions. We look forward to the substantial value these chips will unlock for our company and our shareholders.”

    Mr. Kong concluded, “In terms of our energy assets, our global power capacity now exceeds 2.6 GWs, following the Foxcreek, Alberta acquisition, and over 1 GW is scheduled to be energized over the course of 2025. This puts us in an advantageous position to deploy our SEALMINER machines for self-mining and also capitalize on the significant demand for HPC and AI datacenters. We are actively working with top datacenter developers and advisors to establish long-term partnerships, which will position Bitdeer to play a significant role in addressing the shortage of reliable power for AI datacenters.”

    Operational Summary

    Metrics Three Months Ended Dec 31
      2024 2023
    Total hash rate under management (EH/s) 21.6 21.0
    – Proprietary hash rate 8.9 8.4
    – Self-mining 8.5 6.7
    – Cloud Hash Rate 0.0 1.7
    – Delivered but not yet hashing 0.4 –
    – Hosting 12.7 12.6
    Mining rigs under management 175,000 215,000
    – Self-owned 85,000 86,000
    – Hosted 90,000 129,000
    Bitcoin mined (self-mining only) 469 1,299
    Bitcoins held 594 43
    Total power usage (MWh) 857,000 1,336,000
    Average cost of electricity ($/MWh) 41 44
    Average miner efficiency (J/TH) 30.4 31.7


    Power Infrastructure Summary

    Site / Location Capacity (MW) Status Timing3
    Electrical capacity      
    – Rockdale, Texas 563 Online Completed
    – Knoxville, Tennessee 86 Online Completed
    – Wenatchee, Washington 13 Online Completed
    – Molde, Norway 84 Online Completed
    – Tydal, Norway 50 Online Completed
    – Gedu, Bhutan 100 Online Completed
    Total electrical capacity 8954    
    Pipeline capacity      
    – Tydal, Norway Phase 1 40 In progress Pending Regulatory Approval
    – Tydal, Norway Phase 2 135 In progress Mid 2025
    – Massillon, Ohio 221 In progress Mid-to-late 2025
    – Clarington, Ohio Phase 1 266 In progress Q3 2025
    – Clarington, Ohio Phase 2 304 Pending approval Estimate 2026
    – Jigmeling, Bhutan 500 In progress Mid-to-late 2025
    – Rockdale, Texas 179 In planning Estimate 2026
    – Alberta, Canada 99 In planning Q4 2026
    Total pipeline capacity 1,744    
    Total global electrical capacity 2,639    


    Financial MD&A
    All variances are current quarter compared to the same quarter last year. All figures in this section are rounded.

    Q4 2024 High-Level P&L and Disaggregated Revenue Details:

    US $ in millions Three Months Ended
      Dec 31, 2024 Sep 30, 2024 Dec 31, 2023
    Total revenue 69.0  62.0  114.8 
    Cost of revenue (63.9) (59.2) (87.8)
    Gross profit 5.1  2.8  27.0 
    Net loss (531.9) (50.1) (5.0)
    Adjusted EBITDA (3.8) (8.5) 33.32 
    Cash and cash equivalents 476.3  291.3  144.7 
    US $ in millions Three Months Ended Dec 31, 2024
    Business lines Self-Mining Cloud Hash Rate General Hosting Membership Hosting
    Revenue 41.5 2.3 8.5 12.4
    Cost of revenue        
    – Electricity cost in operating mining rigs (22.3) (0.1) (5.8) (7.0)
    – Depreciation and share-based payment expenses (12.2) (0.6) (1.2) (1.8)
    – Other cash costs (4.0) (0.3) (0.8) (1.2)
    Total cost of revenue (38.5) (1.0) (7.8) (10.0)
    Gross profit 3.0 1.3 0.7 2.4
    US $ in millions Three Months Ended Dec 31, 2023
    Business lines Self-Mining Cloud Hash Rate General Hosting Membership Hosting
    Revenue 46.9 16.2 25.2 23.4
    Cost of revenue        
    – Electricity cost in operating mining rigs (20.3) (4.3) (16.1) (17.2)
    – Depreciation and share-based payment expenses (9.7) (3.8) (2.6) (2.4)
    – Other cash costs (3.0) (1.0) (1.6) (1.6)
    Total cost of revenue (33.0) (9.1) (20.3) (21.2)
    Gross profit 13.9 7.1 4.9 2.2


    Full Year 2024 High-Level P&L and Disaggregated Revenue Details:

    US $ in millions Years Ended
      Dec 31, 2024 Dec 31, 2023
    Total revenue 349.8 368.5
    Cost of revenue (283.4) (290.7)
    Gross profit 66.4 77.8
    Net loss (599.2) (56.7)
    Adjusted EBITDA 39.4 97.02
    Cash and cash equivalents 476.3 144.7
    US $ in millions Year Ended Dec 31, 2024
    Business lines Self-Mining Cloud Hash Rate General Hosting Membership Hosting
    Revenue 163.1 39.8 67.6 64.0
    Cost of revenue        
    – Electricity cost in operating mining rigs (91.1) (7.5) (39.6) (41.0)
    – Depreciation and share-based payment expenses (39.1) (8.4) (8.4) (8.2)
    – Other cash costs (11.8) (2.5) (4.3) (4.5)
    Total cost of revenue (142.0) (18.4) (52.3) (53.7)
    Gross profit 21.1 21.4 15.3 10.3
    US $ in millions Year Ended Dec 31, 2023
    Business lines Self-Mining Cloud Hash Rate General Hosting Membership Hosting
    Revenue 111.7 67.9 97.3 79.9
    Cost of revenue        
    – Electricity cost in operating mining rigs (52.3) (17.1) (54.6) (55.5)
    – Depreciation and share-based payment expenses (29.2) (19.7) (13.2) (10.7)
    – Other cash costs (8.3) (5.3) (7.5) (6.6)
    Total cost of revenue (89.8) (42.1) (75.3) (72.8)
    Gross profit 21.9 25.8 22.0 7.1


    Q4 2024 Management’s Discussion and Analysis (compared to Q4 2023)

    Revenue

    • Total revenue was US$69.0 million vs. US$114.8 million.
    • Self-mining revenue was US$41.5 million vs. US$46.9 million, primarily due to the effect of the April 2024 halving and higher global network hashrate, partially offset by the increase in the average self-mining hashrate for the quarter by 20.0% to 8.4 EH/s from 7.0 EH/s last year and higher year-over-year Bitcoin prices.
    • Cloud Hash Rate revenue was US$2.3 million vs. US$16.2 million. The decline was primarily due to expiration of long-term Cloud Hashrate contracts and subsequent reallocation of nearly all machines to self-mining operations over the course of 2024.
    • General Hosting revenue was US$8.5 million vs. US$25.2 million. The decline was primarily due to the expiration of certain hosting customer contracts as well as the removal of older and less efficient machines by other hosting customers following the April 2024 halving as a result of reduced mining economics.
    • Membership Hosting revenue was US$12.4 million vs. US$23.4 million. Similar to general hosting, the decline was primarily driven by customers scaling down operations for older and less efficient rigs following the April 2024 halving as a result of reduced mining economics.

    Cost of Revenue

    • Cost of revenue was US$63.9 million vs US$87.8 million. The decrease was primarily driven by lower depreciation expenses as certain mining rigs became fully depreciated and the decrease of power usage along with the reduced hosted mining rigs.

    Gross Profit and Margin

    • Gross profit was US$5.1 million vs. US$27.0 million.
    • Gross margin was 7.4% vs. 23.5%.

    Operating Expenses

    • The sum of the operating expenses below was US$42.5 million vs. US$27.4 million.
      • Selling expenses were US$2.0 million vs. US$2.0 million, flat year-over-year.
      • General and administrative expenses were US$17.7 million vs. US$17.1 million. The increase was primarily due to an increase in staff costs for general and administrative personnel and consulting fee for capital market and compliance activities, partially offset by lower share-based payment expenses.
      • Research and development expenses were US$22.9 million vs. US$8.3 million, primarily due to higher R&D costs related to higher engineering costs related to the Company’s ASIC development roadmap and non-cash amortization expenses of intangible assets related to the acquisition of FreeChain.

    Other Net Loss

    • In Q4 2024, we recorded US$479.8 million other net loss primarily due to the non-cash expense of fair value changes of derivative liabilities, which are the US$413.7 million of loss on fair value changes for the convertible notes issued in August and November and the US$55.8 million of loss on fair value changes for the Tether warrants.

    Net Loss

    • Net loss was US$531.9 million vs. US$5.0 million.

    Adjusted Profit / (Loss) (Non-IFRS)5

    • Adjusted loss was US$36.9 million vs. adjusted profit of US$4.52 million. The change was primarily due to the year-over-year revenue decline, lower gross profit margins and higher operating expenses as described above.

    Adjusted EBITDA (Non-IFRS)

    • Adjusted EBITDA was negative US$3.8 million vs. positive US$33.32 million. The decrease was primarily due to the year-over-year revenue decline, lower gross profit margins as a result of the halving and higher R&D as described above.

    Cash Flows

    • Net cash used in operating activities was US$325.1 million, primarily driven by electricity costs and operating expenses for the quarter as well working capital payments to TSMC of US$190.6 million for SEAL02 and US$52.8 million for the tapeout of SEAL03, including risk wafers.
    • Net cash used in investing activities was US$10.0 million, which included US$48.4 million of capital expenditures for infrastructure construction and mining rigs, offset by US$38.8 million of proceeds from disposal of cryptocurrencies received from our principal business.
    • Net cash generated from financing activities was US$522.8 million, primarily driven by the proceeds from our convertible note issuance in November and ATM program.

    Balance Sheet
    As of December 31, 2024 unless stated otherwise (compared to December 31, 2023)

    • US$476.3 million in cash and cash equivalents, US$77.5 million in cryptocurrencies and US$208.1 million in borrowing.
    • US$310.2 million prepayments and other assets, up from US$97.1 million. Change primarily driven by advanced payments to TSMC for our SEAL02 mass volume production.
    • US$64.9 million inventories, up from nearly zero. Increase mainly including wafers, chips, WIP and finished SEALMINER inventory.
    • US$83.2 million intangible assets and US$35.8 million goodwill mainly raised from acquisition of Norway and Freechain during the year of 2024.
    • US$763.9 million derivative liabilities mainly due to the issuance of warrants to Tether, and convertible senior notes issued in August and November.

    Further information regarding the Company’s fourth quarter 2024 financial and operations results can be found on the SEC’s website https://sec.gov and the Company’s Investor Relations website https://ir.bitdeer.com.

    CEO 10b5-1 Trading Plan
    In December 2024, Jihan Wu, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, entered into a plan designed to comply with Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Plan”). The Plan provides for sales of securities of the Company and is in accordance with the Company’s Insider Trading Policy. Subject to minimum price thresholds specified in the Plan, up to 4,000,000 of ordinary shares of the Company may be sold on multiple pre-determined dates starting in March 2025 and ending no later than the earlier of June 15, 2025 or the date that the aggregate number of ordinary shares sold under the Plan reaches 4,000,000.

    About Bitdeer Technologies Group
    Bitdeer is a world-leading technology company for blockchain and high-performance computing. Bitdeer is committed to providing comprehensive computing solutions for its customers. The Company handles complex processes involved in computing such as equipment procurement, transport logistics, datacenter design and construction, equipment management and daily operations. The Company also offers advanced cloud capabilities to customers with high demand for artificial intelligence. Headquartered in Singapore, Bitdeer has deployed datacenters in the United States, Norway, and Bhutan. To learn more, please visit https://ir.bitdeer.com/ or follow Bitdeer on X @BitdeerOfficial and LinkedIn @ Bitdeer Group.

    Investors and others should note that Bitdeer may announce material information using its website and/or on its accounts on social media platforms, including X, formerly known as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Therefore, Bitdeer encourages investors and others to review the information it posts on the social media and other communication channels listed on its website.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans, and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “anticipate,” “look forward to,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including factors discussed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Bitdeer’s annual report on Form 20-F, as well as discussions of potential risks, uncertainties, and other important factors in Bitdeer’s subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof. Bitdeer specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward- looking statement, whether due to new information, future events, or otherwise. Readers should not rely upon the information on this page as current or accurate after its publication date.


    BITDEER GROUP 
    UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
             
        As of December 31,   As of December 31,
    (US $ in thousands)   2024   2023
    ASSETS        
    Cash and cash equivalents   476,270     144,729  
    Cryptocurrencies   77,537     15,371  
    Trade receivables   9,627     17,277  
    Amounts due from a related party   15,512     187  
    Prepayments and other assets   310,173     97,087  
    Inventories   64,888     346  
    Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss   42,521     37,775  
    Restricted cash   17,356     9,538  
    Mining rigs   67,324     63,477  
    Right-of-use assets   69,273     58,626  
    Property, plant and equipment   251,377     154,860  
    Investment properties   30,723     34,346  
    Intangible assets   83,235     4,777  
    Goodwill   35,818     –  
    Deferred tax assets   6,220     991  
    TOTAL ASSETS   1,557,854     639,387  
             
    LIABILITIES        
    Trade payables   31,471     32,484  
    Other payables and accruals   42,267     32,151  
    Amounts due to a related party   8,747     33  
    Income tax payables   2,729     3,367  
    Derivative liabilities   763,939     –  
    Deferred revenue   129,229     144,337  
    Borrowings   208,127     22,618  
    Lease liabilities   78,133     70,211  
    Deferred tax liabilities   16,614     1,620  
    TOTAL LIABILITIES   1,281,256     306,821  
             
    NET ASSETS   276,598     332,566  
             
    EQUITY        
    Share capital   *     *  
    Treasury equity   (160,926)     (2,604)  
    Accumulated deficit   (649,004)     (49,853)  
    Reserves   1,086,528     385,023  
    TOTAL EQUITY   276,598     332,566  
             

    * Amount less than US$1,000


    BITDEER GROUP UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
                     
        Three months ended Dec 31,   Years ended Dec 31,
    (US $ in thousands)   2024   2023   2024   2023
             
    Revenue6   69,018     114,848     349,782     368,554  
    Cost of revenue   (63,919)     (87,804)     (283,382)     (290,745)  
    Gross profit   5,099     27,044     66,400     77,809  
    Selling expenses   (1,952)     (2,005)     (8,044)     (8,246)  
    General and administrative expenses   (17,668)     (17,134)     (64,317)     (66,454)  
    Research and development expenses   (22,898)     (8,306)     (76,946     (29,534)  
    Listing fee   –     –     –     (33,151)  
    Other operating income / (expenses)   (3,670)     3,073     727     3,791  
    Other net gain / (loss)   (479,778)     1,068     (507,479)     3,538  
    Profit / (loss) from operations   (520,867)     3,740     (589,659)     (52,247)  
    Finance income / (expenses)   (11,811)     1,179     (11,935)     1,276  
    Profit / (loss) before taxation   (532,678)     4,919     (601,594)     (50,971)  
    Income tax benefit / (expenses)   761     (9,950)     2,443     (5,685)  
    Loss for the periods   (531,917)     (5,031)     (599,151)     (56,656)  
    Other comprehensive loss                
    Loss for the periods   (531,917)     (5,031)     (599,151)     (56,656)  
    Other comprehensive loss for the periods                
    Item that may be reclassified to profit or loss                
    – Exchange differences on translation of financial statements   (234)     (43)     (218)     (26)  
    Other comprehensive loss for the periods, net of tax   (234)     (43)     (218)     (26)  
    Total comprehensive loss for the periods   (532,151)     (5,074)     (599,369)     (56,682)  
                     
    Loss per share (Basic and diluted)   (3.22)     (0.05)     (4.36)     (0.51)  
                     
    Weighted average number of shares outstanding (thousands) (Basic and diluted)   165,427     111,055     137,426     110,494  
    BITDEER GROUP UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                     
        Three months ended
    Dec 31,
      Years ended
    Dec 31,
    (US $ in thousands)   2024   2023   2024   2023
                     
    Cash flows from operating activities                
    Cash used in operating activities   (321,629)     (76,963)     (613,167)     (283,868)  
    Interest paid on leases   (902)     (659)     (3,473)     (2,605)  
    Interest paid on borrowings   (2,216)     (940)     (3,952)     (2,181)  
    Interest received   1,653     2,033     7,115     7,572  
    Income tax paid   (1,964)     (1,347)     (8,596)     (1,500)  
    Income tax refund   –     10,795     –     10,795  
    Net cash used in operating activities   (325,058 )   (67,081)     (622,073)     (271,787)  
                     
    Cash flows from investing activities                
    Purchase of property, plant and equipment, investment properties and intangible assets   (42,617)     (25,324)     (119,487)     (63,305)  
    Purchase of mining rigs   (5,766)     (107)     (7,731)     (63,041)  
    Purchase of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, net of refund received   (425)     –     (2,776)     (4,400)  
    Proceeds from disposal of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss   –     –     –     31,111  
    Repayments from a related party   –     322     –     322  
    Lending to a third party   –     –     –     (61)  
    Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment   54     44     298     73  
    Proceeds from disposal of mining rigs   –     27     –     27  
    Proceeds from disposal of cryptocurrencies   38,794     97,083     248,447     299,128  
    Cash paid for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired   –     –     (6,051)     –  
    Net cash generated from / (used in) investing activities   (9,960)     72,045     112,700     199,854  
                     
    Cash flows from financing activities                
    Capital element of lease rentals paid   (6,540)     (1,183)     (9,676)     (5,191)  
    Net payment related to Business Combination   –     –     –     (7,662)  
    Repayments of borrowings   (10,000)     –     (15,000)     (7,000)  
    Proceeds from issuance of shares for exercise of share rewards   4,412     412     5,170     412  
    Proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares and warrants, net of transaction costs   321,918     9,494     485,108     9,494  
    Payment for the future issuance cost   –     (942)     –     (942)  
    Acquisition of treasury shares   –     (2,495)     (617)     (2,604)  
    Proceeds from convertible senior notes, net of transaction costs   387,917     –     554,214     –  
    Repayment to convertible senior notes in connection with note extinguishment   (14,932)     –     (14,932)     –  
    Purchase of zero-strike call option   (160,000)     –     (160,000)     –  
    Net cash generated from / (used in) financing activities   522,775     5,286     844,267     (13,493)  
                     
    Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   187,757     10,250     334,894     (85,426)  
    Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period   291,314     134,512     144,729     231,362  
    Effect of movements in exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents held   (2,801)     (33)     (3,353)     (1,207)  
    Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period   476,270     144,729     476,270     144,729  
                     

    Use of Non-IFRS Financial Measures
    In evaluating the Company’s business, the Company considers and uses non-IFRS measures, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted profit / (loss), as supplemental measures to review and assess its operating performance. The Company defines adjusted EBITDA as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, further adjusted to exclude the listing fee and share-based payment expenses under IFRS 2, changes in fair value of derivative liabilities, loss on extinguishment of debt, changes in fair value of holdback shares for acquisition of FreeChain, and changes in fair value of cryptocurrency-settled receivables and payables, and defines adjusted profit/(loss) as profit/(loss) adjusted to exclude the listing fee and share-based payment expenses under IFRS 2, changes in fair value of derivative liabilities, loss on extinguishment of debt, changes in fair value of holdback shares for acquisition of FreeChain, and changes in fair value of cryptocurrency-settled receivables and payables.

    The Company presents these non-IFRS financial measures because they are used by its management to evaluate its operating performance and formulate business plans. The Company also believes that the use of these non-IFRS measures facilitate investors’ assessment of its operating performance. These measures are not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. As a result, investors should not consider these measures in isolation from, or as a substitute analysis for, the Company’s loss for the periods, as determined in accordance with IFRS. The Company compensates for these limitations by reconciling these non-IFRS financial measures to the nearest IFRS performance measure, all of which should be considered when evaluating its performance. The Company encourages investors to review its financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure.

    The following table presents a reconciliation of loss for the relevant period to adjusted EBITDA and adjusted profit / (loss), for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.


    BITDEER GROUP NON-IFRS ADJUSTED EBITDA AND ADJUSTED PROFIT / (LOSS) RECONCILIATION
                     
        Three months ended Dec 31,   Years ended Dec 31,
    (US $ in thousands)   2024   2023   2024   2023
                     
    Adjusted EBITDA                
    Loss for the periods   (531,917)     (5,031)     (599,151)     (56,656)  
    Add:                
    Depreciation and amortization   25,116     19,654     81,096     75,541  
    Income tax (benefit) / expenses   (761)     9,950     (2,443)     5,685  
    Interest (income) / expense, net   8,729     (753)     10,050     (2,872)  
    Listing fee   –     –     –     33,151  
    Share-based payment expenses   8,658     11,322     33,968     45,488  
    Changes in fair value of derivative liabilities   469,501     –     498,167     –  
    Loss on extinguishment of debt   8,172     –     8,172     –  
    Changes in fair value of holdback shares for acquisition of FreeChain   2,970     –     3,186     –  
    Changes in fair value of cryptocurrency-settled receivables and payables   5,733     (1,810)     6,362     (3,305)  
    Total of Adjusted EBITDA   (3,799)     33,3322     39,407     97,0322  
                     
    Adjusted Profit / (loss)                
    Loss for the periods   (531,917)     (5,031)     (599,151)     (56,656)  
    Add:                
    Listing fee   –     –     –     33,151  
    Share-based payment expenses   8,658     11,322     33,968     45,488  
    Changes in fair value of derivative liabilities   469,501     –     498,167     –  
    Loss on extinguishment of debt   8,172     –     8,172     –  
    Changes in fair value of holdback shares for acquisition of FreeChain   2,970     –     3,186     –  
    Changes in fair value of cryptocurrency-settled receivables and payables   5,733     (1,810)     6,362     (3,305)  
    Total of Adjusted Profit / (loss)   (36,883)     4,4812     (49,296)     18,6782  
                     

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

    Investor Relations
    Yujia Zhai
    Orange Group
    bitdeerIR@orangegroupadvisors.com

    Public Relations
    Nishant Sharma
    BlocksBridge Consulting
    bitdeer@blocksbridge.com


    1 “Adjusted EBITDA” is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, further adjusted to exclude the listing fee and share-based payment expenses under IFRS 2, changes in fair value of derivative liabilities, loss on extinguishment of debt, changes in fair value of holdback shares for acquisition of FreeChain, and changes in fair value of cryptocurrency-settled receivables and payables.
    2 During the current period, we revised definition of our previously reported non-IFRS Adjusted Profit and Adjusted EBITDA and recast the prior period for comparability. This revision, which resulted in a US$1.8 million and US$3.3 million revision to Q4 2023 and Year-ended 2023 metrics, respectively, reflects non-cash fair value changes in crypto settled receivables and payables as they do not represent normal operating expenses (or income) necessary to operate our business.
    3 Indicative timing. All timing references are to calendar quarters and years.
    4 Figures may not add due to rounding.
    5 “Adjusted profit/(loss)” is defined as profit/(loss) adjusted to exclude the listing fee and share-based payment expenses under IFRS 2, changes in fair value of derivative liabilities, loss on extinguishment of debt, changes in fair value of holdback shares for acquisition of FreeChain, and changes in fair value of cryptocurrency-settled receivables and payables.
    6 Included nil and approximately US$17.2 million generated from hosting service provided to a related party for the three months and year ended December 31, 2024.

    The MIL Network –

    February 26, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: RYVYL Announces 2024 Preliminary Revenue of $56.0 Million and Introduces 2025 Revenue Guidance of $80 Million to $90 Million

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    – Expects 2025 gross margin to expand to mid-40s percentage –

    SAN DIEGO, CA, Feb. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RYVYL Inc. (NASDAQ: RVYL) (“RYVYL” or the “Company”), a leading innovator of payment transaction solutions leveraging electronic payment technology for diverse international markets, announced it expects to report 2024 total revenue of $56.0 million, within the range of 2024 full year revenue guidance of $56 million to $60 million. Management intends to report financial results in mid-March 2025.

    “Robust business development and sales initiatives in 2024 have positioned us to resume strong growth in 2025,” said Fredi Nisan, CEO of RYVYL. “In addition, our efforts to grow our high-margin, banking-related revenue at RYVYL EU are coming to fruition. Our product mix has been shifting. As this continues, we expect to drive significantly higher overall gross margin in 2025.”

    RYVYL 2025 Guidance

    Based on the strength of its RYVYL EU as well as newly signed business and a solid pipeline for both RYVYL EU and NEMS, the Company expects 2025 revenue to be in the range of $80 million to $90 million. This represents over 50% growth at the mid-point of the range in comparison to 2024 preliminary revenue results. The Company also expects to increase gross margins to the mid-40s percent, which would yield a positive annual adjusted EBITDA and positive operating cash flow in the second half of the year.

    The foregoing guidance is based on the Company’s continuation of the business, as currently conducted. On January 24, 2025, the Company entered into an agreement with a financing source that was structured as a pre-funded asset sale with a 90-day closing period, which ends on April 23, 2025 and may be extended an additional 30 days to May 23, 2025, if the Company pays $500,000 for such extension. Shares in the Company’s RYVYL EU subsidiary were placed in escrow during the closing period. Although there are no guarantees, the Company intends to terminate the asset sale within the closing period by paying $16.5 million in consideration of such termination. The Company’s financial guidance for 2025 is based on fully retaining its RYVYL EU subsidiary.

    Strengthened Balance Sheet

    With the recent January 27, 2025 payment of $13.0 million to the Securityholder, the outstanding balance of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (“Preferred Stock”) was fully retired and the 8% Senior Secured Note (the “Note”) balance was reduced to $4.0 million. The Company previously had converted $55.0 million of the Note principal into the Preferred Stock.

    George Oliva, CFO of RYVYL, stated, “I am very pleased that the net effect of these two transactions was to increase shareholder equity by over $50 million without any associated dilution to the common shareholders. We expect the impact of this balance sheet restructuring will lower the cost of capital as we invest in our growth in 2025.”

    The Company has recently filed an S-1 registration statement to raise up to $24 million, including the overallotment, and intends to explore all fund-raising options, including term debt, equity or some combination to fund the termination payment of $16.5 million. There is an option to extend the closing period 30 days to May 23, 2025, in exchange for a payment of an additional $500,000.

    Transaction Processing Volumes as a Percentage of Revenue

    Transaction processing volumes in the Company’s merchant acquiring business is one measure of the Company’s business, and this has been correlated with overall revenue growth. The Company is providing the following additional information regarding processing volumes in relation to revenue for the period from January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2024 (estimated). During this period, the blended percentage has been trending lower due to the rapid growth in the Company’s International business, which, as compared to North America, has a higher mix of banking revenues that carry a lower residual rate versus acquiring. The Company expects this trend to continue in 2025 as its International revenue is expected to increase as a percentage of total revenue compared to 2024.

    $ in Millions

    Processing   2021     2022     2023   2024E   Q1 24 Q2 24 Q3 24 Q4 24E
    North America $ 1,514.5   $ 1,000.5   $ 1,360.0   $ 738.5     $ 239.0   $ 152.6   $ 170.6   $ 176.3  
    International   –   $ 683.0   $ 1,690.0   $ 3,746.4     $ 755.0   $ 902.1   $ 952.3   $ 1,137.1  
    Total $ 1,514.5   $ 1,683.5   $ 3,050.0   $ 4,485.0     $ 994.0   $ 1,054.6   $ 1,122.9   $ 1,313.5  
    Revenue                  
    North America $ 26.4   $ 28.6   $ 48.9   $ 18.2     $ 9.7   $ 3.0   $ 2.8   $ 2.7  
    International   –   $ 4.3   $ 16.9   $ 37.8     $ 7.1   $ 8.9   $ 10.4   $ 11.4  
    Total $ 26.4   $ 32.9   $ 65.9   $ 56.0     $ 16.8   $ 11.9   $ 13.2   $ 14.1  
    Revenue as % Processing                
    North America   1.7 %   2.9 %   3.6 %   2.5 %     4.1 %   2.0 %   1.6 %   1.5 %
    International   –     0.6 %   1.0 %   1.0 %     0.9 %   1.0 %   1.1 %   1.0 %
    Total   1.7 %   2.0 %   2.2 %   1.2 %     1.7 %   1.1 %   1.2 %   1.1 %

    About RYVYL

    RYVYL Inc. (NASDAQ: RVYL) was born from a passion for empowering a new way to conduct business-to-business, consumer-to-business, and peer-to-peer payment transactions around the globe. By leveraging electronic payment technology for diverse international markets, RYVYL is a leading innovator of payment transaction solutions reinventing the future of financial transactions. Since its founding as GreenBox POS in 2017 in San Diego, RYVYL has developed applications enabling an end-to-end suite of turnkey financial products with enhanced security and data privacy, world-class identity theft protection, and rapid speed to settlement. As a result, the platform can log immense volumes of immutable transactional records at the speed of the internet for first-tier partners, merchants, and consumers around the globe. www.ryvyl.com

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release includes information that constitutes 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. These forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current beliefs, assumptions, and expectations regarding future events, which in turn are based on information currently available to the Company. Such forward-looking statements include statements regarding timely payment of the second tranche, the benefit to stockholders from the repayment of the Note and repurchase of the Preferred Stock, and the timing and expectation of revenues from the license described herein and are charactered by future or conditional words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate” and “continue” or similar words. You should read statements that contain these words carefully because they discuss future expectations and plans, which contain projections of future results of operations or financial condition or state other forward-looking information. By their nature, forward-looking statements address matters that are subject to risks and uncertainties. A variety of factors could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those expressed in or contemplated by the forward-looking statements, including the risk that the licensee understands and complies with various banking laws and regulations that may impact the licensee’s ability to process transactions. For example, federal money laundering statutes and Bank Secrecy Act regulations discourage financial institutions from working with operators of certain industries – particularly industries with heightened cash reporting obligations and restrictions – as a result of which, banks may refuse to process certain payments and/or require onerous reporting obligations by payment processors to avoid compliance risk. These statements are also subject to any damages the Company could suffer as the result of previously announced litigation or actions of any governmental agencies. These and other risk factors affecting the Company are discussed in detail in the Company’s periodic filings with the SEC. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether because of the latest information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable laws.

    Disclaimer Regarding Financial Information        

    The financial information presented in this press release, for the year ended December 31, 2024, is based on preliminary financial statements prepared by management, for the year ended December 31, 2024. Accordingly, such financial information may be subject to change. All such information contained in this press release will be qualified with reference to the audited financial results for the year ended December 31, 2024, which the Company intends to release or before March 13, 2025, and in any event by March 31, 2025, and will be posted on www.sec.gov. While the Company does not expect there to be any material changes to the financial information provided in this press release, any variation between the Company’s actual results and the preliminary financial information set forth herein may be material.

    IR Contact:
    David Barnard, Alliance Advisors Investor Relations, 415-433-3777, ryvylinvestor@allianceadvisors.com

    The MIL Network –

    February 26, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Solar panels will cut harmful emissions and energy bills at Harpenden Leisure Centre

    Source: St Albans City and District

    Publication date: 25 Feb 2025

    A project to equip Harpenden Leisure Centre with solar panels to reduce harmful emissions and cut energy bills has been completed.

    More than 170 panels, covering around 400 square metres, have been fitted to the south facing roof of the centre.

    It is estimated the panels will cut emissions by 18 tonnes of CO2 a year by generating 93 megawatts of electricity.

    That amounts to 12.5% of the centre’s needs and will provide a significant saving of some £24,000 a year on energy bills.

    St Albans City and District Council owns the centre which is managed by its leisure contractor Everyone Active.

    They applied for a Sport England grant to help finance the project and were awarded £173,000 from the Swimming Pool Support Fund, supported by the National Lottery.

    Builders TJ Evers, based in Tiptree, Essex, were awarded the contract to install the panels with the work now completed and the scaffolding removed.

    Councillor Helen Campbell, Lead for Leisure, visited the site to inspect the panels along with executives from TJ Evers and Everyone Active.

    She said:

    This has been a major construction project and I was delighted to see the impressive results. 

    Harpenden Leisure Centre has been a wonderful success story since opening four years ago. It was always our intention to acquire funding for solar panels to add to the buildings environmentally-friendly features.

    One of our priority projects is tackling the climate emergency by reducing emissions and this is one of the many actions we have taken to do that. It also means that the centre’s energy bills, which have risen steeply since its opening, will be significantly reduced.

    James McNulty, Everyone Active’s Contracts Manager, said:

    We’re delighted to see the solar panel installation completed at Harpenden Leisure Centre. 

    This renewable energy solution perfectly aligns with Everyone Active’s Net Zero Strategy, and we’re proud to work alongside St Albans City and District Council to advance our shared environmental commitments.

    The panels represent a significant step forward in our sustainability journey while ensuring the centre remains an energy-efficient facility for the community.

    Alan Evers, Managing Director of TJ Evers, said: 

    We are delighted to have successfully completed the installation of solar panels on the leisure centre in Harpenden for St Albans City and District Council. This project is an important step in supporting the Council’s sustainability goals and cutting carbon emissions.

    Our team worked diligently to ensure the installation was delivered on time and to the highest standards, minimising disruption to the leisure centre’s operations. The new PV system will not only help reduce energy costs but also contribute to the wider goal of making public facilities more environmentally friendly.

    As a building contractor dedicated to driving forward green initiatives, we are proud to be part of this important development. We look forward to continuing our work with St Albans City and District Council and other partners to deliver sustainable solutions across the region.

    Photos: top, Cllr Campbell, far left, with, left to right, Alan Evers, Managing Director of TJ Evers, Chloe Ledger, Harpenden Leisure Centre Manager, James McNulty, Everyone Active’s Contract Manager, and Tristan Luckman, Contracts Manager for TJ Evers.

    Notes to editors     

    The National Lottery

    National Lottery players raise, on average, £30 million each week for projects all over the country. In total £38 billion has been raised for Good Causes since The National Lottery began in 1994 and more than 535,000 individual grants have been made across the UK, the majority (70 per cent) of which are for £10,000 or less, helping small projects make a big difference in their community!

    Sport England 

    Sport England is a public body and invests up to £300 million National Lottery and government money each year in projects and programmes that help people get active and play sport. It wants everyone in England, regardless of age, background, or level of ability, to feel able to engage in sport and physical activity. That’s why a lot of its work is specifically focused on helping people who do no, or very little, physical activity and groups who are typically less active – like women, disabled people and people on lower incomes. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 26, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Germany and WFP join forces to reach crisis-affected children in northern Togo with nutritious school meals

    Source: World Food Programme

    LOME – TOGO: The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed a contribution of EUR 11 million from the Government of Germany, facilitated by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

    The funding channelled through the German Development Bank (KfW), will enable WFP to provide daily nutritious meals to 28,000 pre-school and primary school children in the Kara and Savanes regions of northern Togo.

    With Germany’s funding, WFP will rehabilitate school kitchens, provide fuel-efficient stoves, establish school gardens and grain milling units, and support nutrition education to children, parents and teachers, ensuring a holistic approach to food security, health, and education. 

    ““Through this collaboration with Germany, we are extending our activities to some of Togo’s most vulnerable populations, building sustainable systems that connects local production with school feeding, creating a powerful cycle of development.” said Dr Moïse BALLO, WFP’s Country Director and Representative in Togo. “Our school feeding programme not only improves children’s education and nutrition but also empowers local communities.”

    WFP will target 110 schools within communities hosting refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), from the spillover of the Sahel crisis. Food commodities for school meals will be sourced locally from smallholder farmers and women’s cooperatives, thereby stimulating the local economy. 

    “We are pleased to be able to work with WFP to make an important contribution to food security for children in a region that is affected by spillover of the Sahel crisis,” said Dr. Claudius FISCHBACH, German Ambassador to Togo. “Germany is supporting Togo and the other states in the Gulf of Guinea through various measures in the areas of stability, social cohesion and development. It is particularly important to us that the chosen approaches can be continued in a sustainable way.” 

    In collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the Ministry of Agriculture and local organizations, WFP will provide agricultural inputs, equipment and technical training to 8,250 smallholder farmers and 1,000 members of food transformation cooperatives most of whom are women.

    WFP’s Home-Grown School Feeding programme in Togo targets 45,500 children in 160 primary schools in the northern regions of the country.

    #                 #                   #

    About WFP

    WFP is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact of climate change. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    February 26, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) released the 30th Report Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) for States/UTs of January, 2025

    Source: Government of India

    The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) released the 30th Report Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) for States/UTs of January, 2025

    61,465PG cases were received by States/UTs in January, 2025

    A total of 58,586grievances redressed by States/UTs in January, 2025. Pendency in States/UTs stands at 1,88,408  grievances

    Posted On: 25 FEB 2025 4:21PM by PIB Delhi

    The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) released the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) 30thmonthly report for States/UTs for January, 2025. The said report provides a detailed analysis of types and categories of public grievances and the nature of disposal by the States/UTs.

    A total of 58,586 grievances were redressed by the States and Union Territories in January, 2025. The pendency of grievances on the CPGRAMS portal stands at 1,88,408 grievances across the States/UTs Governments, as of 31st January, 2025.

    The report provides the data for new users registered on CPGRAMS through CPGRAMS Portal in the month of January, 2025. A total of 56,214 new users registered in the month of January, 2025, with maximum registrations from Uttar Pradesh (8,843) registrations.

    The said report also provides the state-wise analysis on the grievances registered through Common Service Centres in January, 2025. CPGRAMS has been integrated with the Common Service Centre (CSC) portal and is available at more than 5 lakh CSCs, associating with 2.5 lakh Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs). 5,863 grievances were registered through CSCs in the month of January, 2025, in which maximum grievances were filed from Uttar Pradesh (1,725 grievances) followed by Odisha (829 grievances). It also highlights the major issues/categories for which the maximum grievances were registered through CSCs.

    In January, 2025, the Feedback Call Centre collected 53,821feedbacks, out of the total feedbacks collected. In January, 2025, 20,973 feedbacks were collected for States/UTs by the Feedback Call Centre.

    Uttar Pradesh has received the maximum number of grievances in January, 2025 with the number standing at 23,337 grievances. 16 States/UTs have received more than 1,000 grievances in the month of January, 2025. Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra disposed the maximum number of grievances in January, 2025, with the number standing at 21,899 and 5,138 grievances respectively. 14 States/UTs have disposed more than 1,000 grievances in the month of January, 2025.

    The report also includes the status of grants released under the Sevottam Scheme in the FY 2022-23 and FY 2023-24. In the last three Financial Years (2022-23, 2023-24, 2024-25), 713 training courses have been completed, in which ~23,368 officers have been trained.

    S No.

    Financial Year

    Training Conducted

    Officers Trained

    1

    2022-23

    280

    8,496

    2

    2023-24

    236

    8,477

    3

    2024-25

    197

    6,395

    TOTAL

    713

    23,368

     

    Key Highlights for the month of January, 2025, are as follows:

    1. Status of Public Grievances on CPGRAMS:
    • In January, 2025, 61,465PG cases were received for the States/UTs and 58,586PG cases were redressed.
    • The monthly disposal in States/UTs decreased from 67,193 PG cases at the end of December, 2024, to 58,586 PG cases at the end of January, 2025.
    1. Status of Pendency of Public Grievances on CPGRAMS
    • 23 States/UTs have more than 1,000 pending grievances as on 31st January, 2025.
    • For States/UTs, as on 31st January, 2025, there exists a pendency of 1,88,408 PG cases.
    • The pendency in the States/UTs has increased from 1,85,519 PG cases at the end of December, 2024 to 1,88,408 PG cases at the end of January, 2025

    The report also features 5 success stories of effective grievance resolution from Central Ministries/Departments:

    1. Grievance of Smt. Indira Devi – Issuance of Certificate for single women

    Smt. Indira Devi, a resident of Chudoli village, has lived alone for 15–16 years after being abandoned by her husband. Despite caring for her children alone, she was not receiving government benefits like Palanhar or pension. Following a request from the Sarpanch, the District Collector directed an investigation by the Village Development Officer and Patwari. Based on the findings, the Magistrate of Dhod issued a certificate of abandonment on the spot during the “Prashasan gaon Ki Ore” campaign. This enabled Smt. Indira Devi to receive immediate pension approval and access to other benefits for single women.

    1. Grievance of Shri Prashant Sharma – Issuance of EWS Certificate

    Shri Prashant Sharma stated that he had applied for an EWS certificate, however, his application was not processed. Despite addressing all objections and resubmitting the required documents, no action was taken, and the certificate remains unapproved. The complainant requested necessary action, following which the EWS certificate was issued to the applicant.

    1. Grievance of Shri Deendayal Sharma – Disbursement of pending pension

    The pension application of Shri Deendayal Sharma was initially rejected due to discrepancies in the submitted documents. Seeking to resolve the issue and have his pension approved, the complainant lodged a formal grievance. Upon contacting him over phone, he was requested to visit the Tehsil Office in Karauli with all necessary documents. After thorough verification at both the first and second levels, the discrepancies were resolved, and Shri Deendayal Sharma’s pension was successfully sanctioned.

    1. Grievance of Smt. Sudesh Rani – Disbursement of pending pension under National & State Single Woman Pension Scheme

    Smt. Sudesh Rani filed a grievance regarding delayed pension payments under the National and State Single Woman Pension Scheme. Despite her application being approved, pensions for July, August, and September 2024 had not been credited to her account via the DBT system, causing financial hardship. The authorities promptly acted on the grievance, verified the records, and disbursed the pending payments for July to October 2024 directly to her account under the DBT mechanism.

    1. Grievance of Shri Sobaran Singh – Ration not provided to cardholders

    Shri Sobaran Singh, village head of Digwar, Tehsil Pali, reported that the operator of a government ration shop, Shivcharan, refused to provide ration to cardholders, instead weighing sacks of sand after recording their fingerprints. Those who protested faced abuse and threats of false cases. Concerned villagers raised their grievances during Sampoorna Samadhan Diwas. Their complaint prompted an investigation, which confirmed the misconduct and irregularities committed by the fair price sellers. With the District Magistrate’s approval on 26th November 2024, an FIR was lodged against Shivcharan, Fair Price Seller. Further action is under process regarding which the complainant has also been informed.

    ***

    NKR/PSM

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 26, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) released the 33rd Monthly Report on Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) of Central Ministries/ Departments performance for the month of January, 2025

    Source: Government of India

    The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) released the 33rd Monthly Report on Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) of Central Ministries/ Departments performance for the month of January, 2025

    A total of 1,25,789 Grievances were Redressed by Central Ministries/Departments in January, 2025

    For the 31st month in a row, the monthly disposal crossed 1 lakh cases in the Central Secretariat

    Department of Posts, Department of Telecommunications, andDepartment of Revenuetopped in Group A category in the rankings released for the month of January, 2025

    Department of Land Resources, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Department of Heavy Industry topped in Group B category in the rankings released for the month of January, 2025

    Posted On: 25 FEB 2025 4:19PM by PIB Delhi

    The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) released the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) monthly report for January 2025, which provides a detailed analysis of types and categories of public grievances and the nature of disposal. This is the 33rdreport on Central Ministries/Departments published by DARPG.

    The progress for January 2025 indicates 1,25,789 Grievances Redressed by Central Ministries/Departments. The Average Grievance Disposal Time in the Central Ministries/Departments from 1st January to 31stJanuary 2025 is 15 days. These reports are part of the 10-step CPGRAMS reform process which was adopted by DARPG to improve the quality of disposal and reduce the timelines.

    The report provides the data for new users registered through the CPGRAMS Portal in the month of January 2025. A total of 56,214new users registered in the month of January 2025, with maximum registrations from Uttar Pradesh (8,843) registrations.

    The said report also provides the Ministry/Department-wise analysis on the grievances registered through Common Service Centres in January 2025. CPGRAMS has been integrated with the Common Service Centre (CSC) portal and is available at more than 5 lakh CSCs, associating with 2.5 lakh Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs). 5,863 grievances were registered through CSCs in the month of January 2025. It also highlights the major issues/categories for which the maximum grievances were registered through CSCs.

    In January 2025, the Feedback Call Centre collected 53,821feedbacks. 33,028 feedbacks (61%) were collected for Central Ministries/Departments by the Feedback Call Centre.

    The following are the Key Highlights of the DARPG’s monthly CPGRAMS report for January 2025 for Central Ministries/ Departments:

    1. PG Cases:
    • In January 2025, 1,25,442 PG cases were received on the CPGRAMS portal, 1,25,789 PG cases were redressed and there exists a pendency of 58,425PG cases, as of 31stJanuary 2025.
    1. PG Appeals:
    • In January 2025, 21,175appeals were received and 20,086 appeals were disposed.
    • The Central Secretariat has a pendency of 25,160 PG Appeals at the end of January 2025.
    1. Grievance Redressal Assessment and Index (GRAI) – January 2025
    • Department of Posts, Department of Telecommunications, and Department of Revenue are amongst the top performers in the Grievance Redressal Assessment & Index within the Group A (more than equal to 500 grievances) for January 2025.
    • Department of Land Resources, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Department of Heavy Industry are amongst the top performers in the Grievance Redressal Assessment & Index within the Group B (less than 500 grievances) for January 2025.

    The report also features 4 success stories of effective grievance resolution from Central Ministries/Departments:

    1. Grievance of Shri Selva Kumar – HDFC Account under debit freeze

    Shri Selva Kumar received a notification from HDFC Bank stating that a Debit/Withdrawal Block had been placed on his account due to non-compliance with account guidelines. Following this, he visited the branch, completed the e-KYC process, and submitted the required documents as instructed. Despite repeating this process three times at the bank’s request, his debit account remained frozen. Upon further inquiry, the bank informed Shri Kumar that the freeze was due to excessive UPI P2P transactions. The branch manager suggested converting his Farmer’s Savings Account into a regular Savings Account as an alternative solution. However, this conversion was not processed, and the account’s debit freeze remained unresolved. Frustrated by the delays and lack of resolution, Shri Kumar escalated the matter by filing a grievance on the CPGRAMS Portal, seeking immediate action. In response, HDFC Bank provided a written confirmation stating that the debit freeze on his account had been successfully removed. The grievance was resolved within a week to complainant’s satisfaction.

    1. Grievance of Shri Ram Prasad Dhakar – Transfer of balance to new HDFC Smart Hub Vypaar Prepaid Card

    Shri Ram Prasad Dhakar reported that his HDFC Smart Hub Vypaar Prepaid Card, which had a balance of Rs. 10,500, was accidentally lost. He promptly lodged a complaint with the customer care center and received a new card. However, the balance of Rs. 10,500 from the lost card was not credited to the new card. Despite filing multiple complaints with the HDFC Branch Manager over the past two years, the issue remained unresolved. Frustrated by the lack of action, Shri Dhakar raised a grievance on the CPGRAMS Portal, seeking a prompt resolution. In response, HDFC Bank provided a written confirmation that the balance of Rs. 10,500 had been successfully transferred from the lost card to the new one. The issue was resolved within two weeks, and Shri Dhakar praised the CPGRAMS platform for its efficient and effective grievance redressal mechanism.

    1. Grievance of Shri Rama Shankar Singh – Non-receipt of gratuity payment

    Shri Rama Shankar Singh, who retired as Chief Travelling Ticket Inspector (CCTT) from Northeast Frontier Railways on 30th June 2024, faced delays in receiving his gratuity amount of approximately Rs. 16 lakhs, despite having submitted all the required No Dues certificates. Seeking intervention for the prompt release of his gratuity along with applicable interest, he filed a grievance on the CPGRAMS Portal. In response, the gratuity amount of Rs. 16,33,500 was transferred to Shri Singh, resolving the grievance within 10 days to his utmost satisfaction.

    1. Grievance of Smt. Swati – Removal of EMI lock from device

    Smt. Swati purchased a mobile phone on EMI, financed by Bajaj Finance. Despite completing all the EMI payments, her phone was locked by the financier. Seeking immediate resolution, she filed a grievance on the CPGRAMS portal. In response, Bajaj Finance confirmed in a written reply that the loan had been successfully closed and the EMI lock has been removed from her device. The grievance was successfully resolved to complainant’s satisfaction.

    ***

    NKR/PSM

    (Release ID: 2106128) Visitor Counter : 58

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 26, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President of India graces centenary celebration of Patna Medical College

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 25 FEB 2025 3:16PM by PIB Delhi

    The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, graced the centenary celebration of Patna Medical College in Patna, Bihar today (February 25, 2025). 

    Speaking on the occasion, the President said that Patna Medical College is among the Bihar’s invaluable heritage. This institution has a glorious history of preserving antiquity and constantly moving towards modernity. PMCH was among the best hospitals in Asia. The alumni of this institute have brought glory to themselves and PMCH in the country and abroad on the strength of their talent, service, and dedication. 

    The President said that going to another city or state for treatment affects in many ways such as delays in treatment, problems of food, accommodation and employment. This also overburdens the medical institutions of major cities. Decentralisation of good medical institutions across the country would prove to help solve all these problems. Cities like Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Indore have developed as centres for specialty treatment. Bihar should also develop many such centers. This would not only provide good medical treatment to the people of Bihar but will also boost the economy of the state. PMCH and its alumni can greatly contribute to this endeavour with their experience. 

    The President said that this is the era of technology. Technology is playing an important role in the medical field as well. Technologies like Artificial Intelligence and Robotics are making the medical process simpler and more accurate. She urged all stakeholders of PMCH to always be ready to adopt the latest technologies. She said that it would not only make the treatment easier but would also increase doctors’ knowledge and efficiency. 

    The President said that our doctors are researchers, therapists, teachers and counselors as well. In all these roles, they serve the people and society and contribute to nation building. She urged them to make people aware of the importance of blood and organ donation.

    Please click here to see the president’s Speech

    *****

    MJPS/SR/BM

    (Release ID: 2106090) Visitor Counter : 11

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 26, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SWAYATT initiative on GeM celebrates 6 years of transformative impact

    Source: Government of India

    SWAYATT initiative on GeM celebrates 6 years of transformative impact

    Women entrepreneurs comprise 8% of the registered sellers on GeM

    Posted On: 25 FEB 2025 2:44PM by PIB Delhi

    Government e Marketplace (GeM) commemorated six years of Startups, Women & Youth Advantage through eTransactions (SWAYATT) initiative at its New Delhi headquarter (HQ) on 19 February 2025. Launched on 19th February, 2019, SWAYATT was conceptualised with a clear objective of invigorating participation of women-led enterprises and youth in public procurement.

    Rooted in GeM’s foundational pillar of social inclusion, SWAYATT is portal’s commitment to enhance ease of doing business and establish direct market linkages to annual public procurement for startups, women entrepreneurs, Micro & Small Enterprises (MSEs), Self Help Groups (SHGs) and youth, especially those from backward sections of the society. Since inception, the initiative is focused at facilitating the training and onboarding of last-mile sellers, developing women entrepreneurship and encouraging participation and small-scale businesses in government procurement.

    On the occasion, GeM signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) Ladies Organisation (FICCI-FLO) – an all-India forum representing over 9,500 women entrepreneurs. By means of this partnership, GeM intends to provide direct access for women entrepreneurs with government buyers, sans intermediaries, thereby ensuring better product prices, spurring hyper-local job creation and igniting inclusive growth. By extending adequate means of training, onboarding and linkages, this collaboration is set to empower local businesses, create inclusive economic growth, enhance competition and boost value addition in public spending.

    “At the time of launch of SWAYATT, only about 6300 women-led enterprises and almost 3400 startups were onboarded on GeM. Since then, the platform has grown manifold,” informed Shri L Satya Srivinas, CEO, GeM.

    “Addressing the challenges of “access to market”, “access to finance” and “access to value-addition” through proper e-market linkages in public procurement, GeM has enabled startups to fulfil orders worth ₹ 35,950 Crore. Women entrepreneurs comprise 8% of the total seller base on GeM, with cumulative 1,77,786 Udyam-verified women micro, and small enterprises (MSE) registered on the GeM portal, having fulfilled a cumulative order value of ₹46,615 Crore,” added Shri Srinivas.

    Speaking on the occasion, Smt Joyashree Das Verma, President, FICCI – FLO, highlighted how digital platforms like GeM have democratised access to opportunities for women entrepreneurs. Reiterating the importance of this collaboration towards value chain development and enhanced opportunities to women-led MSEs through advocacy, outreach and mobilisation, she stressed upon training as an imperative in expanding the reach of GeM portal among affiliated members of the association. 

    Conceptualised as a foundational initiative, SWAYATT today comprises “Startup Runway” and “Womaniya” storefronts for dedicated listings, ensuring wider visibility of startups, women entrepreneurs and youth among lakhs of pan-India government buyers. By dismantling entry barriers, GeM is empowering more than 29,000 startups with business opportunities on the GeM platform.

    With an ambitious goal of onboarding 1 Lakh  Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade registered startups onto the portal, GeM is determined to become a vibrant startup ecosystem in public procurement. Through meaningful collaborations and capacity-building efforts with last-mile women micro and small enterprises (MSEs), FPOs, SHGs, Startups, and Cooperatives, GeM envisions doubling the number of women entrepreneurs on the portal and increasing their share percentage in overall procurement of the country from the current 3.78%.

    ***

    Abhijith Narayanan

    (Release ID: 2106076) Visitor Counter : 62

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 26, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurates Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment & Infrastructure Summit 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurates Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment & Infrastructure Summit 2025

    Assam’s dynamic workforce and rapid growth are driving its transformation into a leading investment destination: PM

    Even in global uncertainty, one thing is certain – India’s rapid growth: PM

    We have built a complete ecosystem to promote industry, an innovation-driven culture and Ease of Doing Business: PM

    India is driving its manufacturing sector in Mission Mode, We are promoting Low Cost Manufacturing under Make in India: PM

    The global progress depends on the digital revolution, innovation and tech-driven progress: PM

    Assam is becoming a crucial hub for semiconductor manufacturing in India: PM

    The world sees our Renewable Energy Mission as a model practice and is following it; In the last 10 years, India has taken policy decisions understanding its environmental responsibilities: PM

    Posted On: 25 FEB 2025 1:22PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment & Infrastructure Summit 2025 in Guwahati, Assam today. Welcoming all the dignitaries to the event, Shri Modi said “East India and North East India are embarking on a new journey of future today and Advantage Assam is a mega initiative to intertwine the incredible potential and progress of Assam with the world”. He added that history is a witness to the major role played by Eastern India in India’s prosperity. Expressing hope, the Prime Minister said, “Today, when we are progressing towards Viksit Bharat, Eastern India and North East will display their true potential”.  He said that Advantage Assam was a representation of the same spirit and congratulated the Government and Chief Minister of Assam for organising such a grand event. He recalled his words from 2013, when he had said that it was not very far when ‘A for Assam’ would be the norm. 

    “Despite global uncertainties, experts unanimously agree on one certainty: India’s rapid growth”, said the Prime Minister. He emphasized that today’s India is working with a long-term vision for the next 25 years of this century. He highlighted that the world has immense trust in India’s young population, which is rapidly becoming skilled and innovative. He also noted the growing confidence in India’s neo-middle class, emerging from poverty with new aspirations. Underscoring the trust the world places in India’s 140 crore people who support political stability and policy continuity, Shri Modi highlighted India’s governance that continues to implement reforms. Furthermore, he pointed out that India is strengthening its local supply chains and entering free trade agreements with various global regions. He also mentioned the robust connectivity with East Asia and the new India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, bringing new opportunities.

    Highlighting the growing global trust in India, as witnessed by the gathering in Assam, Shri Modi remarked, “Assam’s contribution to India’s growth is steadily increasing”. He noted that the first edition of the Advantage Assam Summit was held in 2018, at which time Assam’s economy was valued at ₹2.75 lakh crore. Today, Assam has become a state with an economy of approximately ₹6 lakh crore, he added, emphasizing that under their government, Assam’s economy has doubled in just six years. Furthermore, he said that this is the double effect of their Governments at the Center and the state. The numerous investments in Assam have turned it into a state of unlimited possibilities, he stated. The Prime Minister highlighted that the Assam government is focusing on education, skill development, and creating a better investment environment. He noted that their Government had worked extensively on connectivity-related infrastructure in recent years. He provided an example, stating that before 2014, there were only three bridges over the Brahmaputra river, built over 70 years. However, in the past 10 years, four new bridges have been constructed. One of these bridges is named after Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika. Shri Modi remarked that between 2009 and 2014, Assam received an average rail budget of ₹2,100 crore but their Government increased Assam’s railway budget more than four times to ₹10,000 crore. He added that over 60 railway stations in Assam are being modernized and also mentioned that the first semi high-speed train in the North East is now operational between Guwahati and New Jalpaiguri.

    Touching upon the rapid expansion of air connectivity in Assam, the Prime Minister said that until 2014, flights operated on only seven routes, but now there are flights on nearly 30 routes. This expansion has provided a significant boost to the local economy and created employment opportunities for the youth, he added. Shri Modi emphasized that these changes are not limited to infrastructure alone, but there were unprecedented improvements in law and order, with numerous peace accords signed in the past decade and long-pending border issues resolved. He underscored that every region, every citizen, and every youth in Assam is working tirelessly for the state’s development.

    “India is undergoing significant reforms across all sectors and levels of the economy and continuous efforts have been made to enhance the Ease of Doing Business, and a comprehensive ecosystem has been established to promote industry and an innovation culture”, emphasised Shri Modi. He highlighted that excellent policies have been formulated for startups, manufacturing through PLI schemes, and tax exemptions for new manufacturing companies and MSMEs. He also noted the substantial investment the Government is making in the country’s infrastructure. Prime Minister underscored that the combination of institutional reform, industry, infrastructure, and innovation forms the foundation of India’s progress. He stated that this progress is also being seen in Assam, which is advancing at double engine speed. He pointed out that Assam has set a target to achieve a $150 billion economy by 2030. He expressed confidence that Assam can achieve this goal, attributing it to the capable and talented people of Assam and the commitment of their Government. Remarking that Assam is emerging as a gateway between South East Asia and India, Shri Modi said, to further this potential, the Government has launched the North East Transformative Industrialization Scheme, ‘Unnati.’ He highlighted that the ‘Unnati’ scheme will accelerate industry, investment, and tourism across the entire North East region, including Assam. He urged industry partners to take full advantage of this scheme and Assam’s unlimited potential. The Prime Minister noted that Assam’s natural resources and strategic location make it a preferred destination for investment. He cited Assam tea as an example of Assam’s potential, stating that it has become a global brand over the past 200 years, inspiring progress in other sectors as well.

    Highlighting the significant changes occurring in the global economy, with a growing demand for resilient supply chains worldwide, the Prime Minister said, “India has initiated mission-mode efforts to advance its manufacturing sector”. He emphasized that under the Make in India initiative, the focus is on promoting low-cost manufacturing in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, and automobiles. He noted that India’s industry is not only meeting domestic demands but also setting new benchmarks for manufacturing excellence in international markets. He pointed out that Assam is playing a significant role in this manufacturing revolution.

    Stressing that Assam has always had a share in global trade, Shri Modi remarked that today, over 50 percent of India’s on-shore natural gas production comes from Assam and there has been a significant increase in the capacity of Assam’s refineries in recent years. He also pointed out that Assam is rapidly emerging in sectors such as electronics, semiconductors, and green energy. He emphasized that due to Government policies, Assam is becoming a hub for high-tech industries as well as startups.

    Highlighting that in the recent budget, the Central government has approved the Namrup-4 plant, the Prime Minister remarked that this urea production plant will meet the demand of the entire North East and the country in the future. He said, “the day is not far when Assam will become a major manufacturing hub in Eastern India”. He emphasized that the Central Government is fully supporting the state Government of Assam in achieving this goal.

    Emphasising that the progress of the 21st century world depends on digital revolution, innovation, and technological advancements, Shri Modi stated, “The better prepared we are, the stronger we will be globally”. He added that the Government was advancing with 21st century policies and strategies. He highlighted India’s significant leap in electronics and mobile manufacturing over the past decade and expressed the desire to replicate this success story in semiconductor production. Prime Minister proudly noted that Assam is developing as an important center for semiconductor manufacturing in India and mentioned the recent inauguration of the Tata Semiconductor Assembly & Test facility in Jagiroad, Assam, which will promote technological growth in the Northeast. He emphasized the collaboration with IIT for innovation in the semiconductor sector and the ongoing work on a semiconductor research center in the country. The Prime Minister projected that by the end of this decade, the value of the electronic sector will reach $500 billion. He confidently stated, “With India’s speed and scale, the country will emerge as a major force in semiconductor production, creating employment for millions and benefiting Assam’s economy”.

    “India has made policy decisions over the past decade while understanding its environmental responsibilities and the world considers India’s Renewable Energy Mission as a model practice”, said the Prime Minister. He highlighted that India has made significant investments in solar, wind, and sustainable energy resources over the past ten years. This has not only fulfilled ecological commitments but also expanded the country’s renewable energy production capacity multiple times, he added. Shri Modi noted that the country has set a target to add 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. “Government is working on a mission to achieve an annual green hydrogen production of 5 million metric tons by 2030”, he said. Pointing out that the growing gas infrastructure in the country has led to increased demand, and the entire gas-based economy sector is rapidly expanding, Shri Modi remarked that Assam has a significant advantage in this journey. He emphasized that the Government has created many pathways for industries, including PLI schemes and policies for green initiatives. He expressed his desire for Assam to emerge as a leader state in the renewable energy sector and urged industry leaders to maximize the potential of Assam.

    Impressing that Eastern India will play a significant role in making India a developed nation by 2047, Shri Modi remarked, “today, the Northeast and Eastern India are rapidly advancing in infrastructure, logistics, agriculture, tourism, and industry”. He expressed confidence that the day is not far when the world will see this region leading India’s development journey. He invited everyone to be partners and companions in this journey with Assam and concluded by calling for collective efforts to make Assam a state that elevates India’s capabilities to new heights across the global south. The Prime Minister boosted the confidence of the investors and industry leaders by saying that he stood by them in the journey of Viksit Bharat by fully supporting their contributions.

    The Governor of Assam, Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Ministers Dr. S Jaishankar, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, Chief Minister of Tripura, Dr. Manik Saha, Union Minister of State, Shri Pabitra Margherita were present among other dignitaries at the event.

    Background

    The Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit 2025 in Guwahati, is being held from 25th to 26th February. It includes an inaugural Session, seven ministerial sessions and 14 thematic sessions. It also includes a comprehensive exhibition illustrating the state’s economic landscape, with a focus on its industrial evolution, global trade partnerships, booming industries, and the vibrant MSME sector, featuring over 240 exhibitors.

    Various international organisations, global leaders and investors, policymakers, industry experts, startups, and students among others will participate in the Summit.

     

    Speaking at the Advantage Assam Summit. The state’s dynamic workforce and rapid growth are driving its transformation into a leading investment destination. https://t.co/RM23eXAvY4

    — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 25, 2025

     

    ***

    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2106052) Visitor Counter : 122

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 26, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: English rendering of PM’s speech during the Jhumoir Binandini programme in Guwahati, Assam

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 24 FEB 2025 8:43PM by PIB Delhi

    Bharat Mata ki – Jai!

    Bharat Mata ki – Jai!

    Governor of Assam, Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya ji, the dynamic Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma ji, my colleagues in the Union Government Dr. S. Jaishankar and Sarbananda Sonowal, Chief Minister of Tripura Manik Saha ji, other ministers, members of Parliament, members of the Legislative Assembly, all artist friends, and my brothers and sisters of Assam,  

    Greetings to everybody! How are you all my brothers and sisters?  

    I extend my heartfelt greetings to all of you.  

    I am extremely delighted to be present here today.

    Brothers and sisters,

    Today, there is an incredible atmosphere here in Assam—an environment full of energy. This entire stadium is resonating with enthusiasm, joy, and excitement. The preparation of all the artists performing the Jhumoir dance is visible everywhere. This magnificent preparation carries both the fragrance and beauty of the tea gardens. And you all know, who would understand the aroma and colour of tea better than a tea seller?  That is why, just as you have a special connection with Jhumoir and the culture of tea gardens, I, too, share a bond with it.  

    Friends,

    When such a large number of artists perform the Jhumoir dance together, it will set a new record. Previously, when I visited Assam in 2023, more than 11,000 people performed the Bihu dance together and created a record. I can never forget that moment! Even those who watched it on TV still remind me of it again and again.  Today, I am eagerly waiting for another such spectacular performance. I congratulate the Assam government and the dynamic Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma ji for organising this grand cultural event.

    Today is a proud day for Assam’s tea community and indigenous people. I extend my best wishes to everyone on this occasion.

    Friends,

    Such grand events not only add to Assam’s pride but also showcase Bharat’s great diversity. I have just been informed that more than 60 ambassadors from different countries around the world are present here to experience Assam. There was a time when Assam and the Northeast were neglected in terms of development, and their rich culture was overlooked. But today, the Northeast’s culture has its own brand ambassador—Modi himself. I am the first Prime Minister to stay in Assam’s Kaziranga and introduce the world to its biodiversity. Just now, Himanta Da described this, and all of you stood up to express your gratitude. A few months ago, we granted Assamese the status of a Classical Language, a recognition that the people of Assam had been waiting for decades. Similarly, Charaideo Maidam has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage list, and the efforts of the BJP government played a significant role in making this possible.

    Friends,

    Assam takes great pride in its brave son, Veer Lachit Borphukan, who fiercely resisted the Mughals and protected Assam’s culture and identity. We celebrated his 400th birth anniversary on a grand scale, and his tableau was also featured in the Republic Day parade, where the entire nation paid tribute to him. Here in Assam, a 125-foot bronze statue of Lachit Borphukan has also been constructed. Similarly, to honour the legacy of the tribal communities, we have started celebrating Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas (Tribal Pride Day). Assam’s Governor Lakshman Prasad ji himself comes from a tribal background and has reached this position through his dedication and hard work. To immortalize the contributions of tribal heroes and heroines across the country, tribal museums are also being established.

    Friends,

    The BJP government is not only driving Assam’s development but also serving the Tea Tribe community. To increase the income of tea garden workers, a bonus has been announced for Assam Tea Corporation workers. A major challenge faced by our sisters and daughters working in tea gardens was financial insecurity during pregnancy. Today, around 1.5 lakh women are receiving 15,000 rupees as financial assistance during pregnancy so that they do not have to worry about expenses. For the health of these families, the Assam government is establishing over 350 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in tea gardens. Additionally, more than 100 Model Tea Garden Schools have already been opened to ensure quality education for their children, with around 100 more in the pipeline. We have also introduced a 3% reservation under the OBC quota for the youth of the Tea Tribe. The Assam government is further supporting them by providing 25,000 rupees as financial assistance for self-employment. The growth of the tea industry and its workers will accelerate the development of all of Assam, and our Northeast region will reach new heights of progress. 

    Now, as you are about to begin your magnificent performance, I extend my heartfelt gratitude in advance. I am confident that all of Bharat will celebrate your dance today! TV channels are eagerly waiting for it to begin, and the whole country and the world will witness this grand performance. A big thank you to everyone for the wonderful Jhumoir performance. Stay well, and I look forward to meeting you again. Thank you very much!

    Bharat Mata ki – Jai!

     

    DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of PM’s speech. Original speech was delivered

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 26, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Opening address by SCED at Hong Kong Competition Exchange 2025 (English only)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is the opening address by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, at the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong Competition Exchange 2025 today (February 25):
     
    Samuel (Chairman of the Competition Commission, Mr Samuel Chan), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
     
         Good morning. Welcome to the Hong Kong Competition Exchange 2025. It is my great honour to join you here today.
     
         This is the second time this event is organised in Hong Kong. This conference provides an excellent platform to discuss how competition and innovation can complement each other with respect to competition law and policy. I was told that today we have over 300 industry leaders, regulators, scholars and experts from all over the world joining the discussion. They include internationally renowned and reputable speakers who will share with us their insights. Thank you for your support and welcome to Hong Kong.
     
         Indeed, competition is a global issue. In a local economy, it is also a cross-sector one. I understand that the conference will talk about competition in a wide range of sectors including financial services, technology, green industry, as well as aviation.
     
         Hong Kong is a free market economy. We are consistently ranked by the Fraser Institute as the freest economy in the world. We also support free trade. A range of freedoms are guaranteed in the Basic Law, such as the freedom of speech, of the press and of publication. In addition, many of you may know, Hong Kong has free flow of capital, information and talent, which are the key factors behind Hong Kong’s success. The word “free” is in the spirit of Hong Kong.
     
         In an economy so free like ours, we need a competitive market that is healthy, and can lead to better prices, products and choices for everyone. We fully recognise how important it is. To this end, we enacted the Competition Ordinance in our laws in 2012. The Competition Commission, which is the host today, was established in the year that followed.
     
         The work of the Competition Commission is not easy. As our independent competition agency, the Commission has a mandate to investigate anti-competitive conduct; educate the public on the competition laws; and advise the Government on competition matters.
     
         I would like to thank Samuel, the Chairman of the Commission, and Rasul, the CEO (Chief Executive Officer of the Competition Commission, Mr Rasul Butt), for the excellent work you have done for Hong Kong. A robust competition regime is one of the ingredients contributing to our success. Our competition legislation was ranked seventh in the latest World Competitiveness Yearbook. Hong Kong is attractive to foreign investments because our market is free, fair, and rule-based. These qualities are important to enterprises. As at end 2024, we had about 10 000 companies coming from outside Hong Kong. It was a record high, and up 10 per cent from a year before that. This is a vote of confidence in Hong Kong. We are grateful for that, and we will continue to do our best to make Hong Kong a prime investment location.
     
         Ladies and gentlemen, it is never an easy task to establish an effective competition regime from scratch that fully adapts to the local context and compatible to international norm. But I am proud to say that Hong Kong has made good progress and is on the right track. In future, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will continue to support the work of the Commission. We will also continue to embrace competition, empower the Commission, and embark on more competition campaigns.
     
         I hope you will all find the discussion sessions arranged by the Commission in the coming two days insightful and fruitful. Together, let us work towards the common goal of building a future that is not only brighter, but also fairer.
     
         Thank you.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 26, 2025
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