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Category: Economy

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track becomes New Zealand’s 11th Great Walk

    Source: Department of Conservation

    Date:  25 October 2024 Source:  Office of the Minister of Conservation

    “The 60km upgraded track provides the opportunity to do one of New Zealand’s world-class multi-day walks, and will bring conservation, recreation, and economic benefits to the region,” Mr Potaka says. 

    “Located in Te Wāhipounamu, in the south-west corner of the South Island, the trail weaves through diverse landscapes, including, beaches and seascapes, native forest, and an alpine section. It also provides opportunities to spot Hector dolphins and see the southern lights – the Aurora Australis.” 

    Mr Potaka says that the Hump Ridge Track is steeped in cultural and historical significance, and that its Great Walk status will make it more of a drawcard for both New Zealanders and international visitors. 

    “The area has rich stories, and new installations on the trail will tell them. This includes the stories of tangata whenua and the forestry heritage, as well as the viaducts and Port Craig. 

    “A new Waharoa, a gateway, now stands at the entrance to the new track entrance, welcoming visitors. 

    “This will be an exciting moment for everyone who has invested time and energy into this project, along with those who will benefit from the increase it brings to local businesses and the economy.” 

    The upgrades are expected to bring a 10 percent growth in numbers in the next years and return Great Walk visitor numbers nearer to pre-pandemic levels. As well as bringing employment opportunities and revenue to local communities, accommodation providers can also expect an increase in bed nights. 

    The track has received $7.9 million in funding for multiple improvements, including future-proofing sections of the track against climate change and natural hazards, and developing alternative routes 

    Inclines have been eased and new boardwalks have also been installed, as well as new swing bridge. 

    “I am very pleased to know that the track will now offer visitors a view into the area, telling the stories of tangata whenua and the area’s biodiversity,” Mr Potaka says. 

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – All energy, no waste showcased at MCEC

    Source: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC)

    25 October 2024 – Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) was proud to host the Waste Expo and All-Energy Australia conference this week, showcasing the latest innovations in waste reduction and renewable energy, aligning with MCEC’s industry-leading sustainability practices.  

    MCEC Sustainability Manager, Kristen Gillespie said as a hub for collaboration and innovation, MCEC provides the perfect platform for progressive discussions and solutions to address pressing environmental challenges.  

    “We’re proud to host both the Waste Expo and All-Energy conference under one roof, highlighting the synergy between these important industries to create a brighter future for us all.”  

    The Waste Expo brought together the brightest minds in waste management and resource recovery to shape a cleaner, greener future.  

    During the expo, MCEC operated a Zero Waste Café, which featured 33% plant-based items, no plastic packaging and 100% reusable cutlery, crockery and glassware. Any leftover items were donated to food rescue organisation, OzHarvest.  

    To coincide with the expo and Sustainability Day, Goldfields Cafe served locally roasted speciality coffee, hot chocolate and certified organic and fair-trade tea, in edible cups, made from locally sourced oats and grains.  

    “The Waste Expo was the perfect opportunity to highlight the innovative solutions we’ve developed to reduce our impact on the environment, and challenge the industry to deliver greener events,” Kristen said.  

    At the All-Energy Australia conference, important discussions on renewable energy, energy management and sustainability took place.  

    A fully recyclable cardboard trade show stand, designed by Enphase and Opal, which is a leading sustainable packaging manufacturer, was unveiled. The stand featured a cardboard life-size house and is 100% recyclable, eliminating over 80% of waste that traditional expo stands generate.  

    “Our partnership with Opal represents one more way that Enphase supports and leads sustainable innovation. Enphase is transforming exhibitions and setting a new standard for environmental responsibility across industries,” said Patrick Matweew, General Manager at Enphase Energy ANZP.  

    “This life-size cardboard house shows what’s possible when innovation and sustainability join forces. It’s more than just reducing waste, it’s about creating a practical, reusable structure that can serve as a model for future events,” said Chris Daly, Executive General Manager Packaging at Opal.  

    “We’re excited to host such a forward-thinking project. This recyclable cardboard stand supports our own industry-leading sustainability practices, and we hope it will inspire others to think creatively about reducing their environmental impact,” Kristen added.

    MCEC strives to be leaders in sustainability and we seek out everyday and innovative ways to be kind to the environment and our city.  

    Our Sustainability Strategy is underpinned by the principles of a low-carbon, circular economy that looks to reduce waste, mitigate and adapt to climate change and have a positive social impact.  

    In addition, MCEC’s Positive Impact Guide contains tips and resources to empower our customers to deliver more sustainable events. From sustainable event switches to First Nations engagement to accessible and inclusive events, explore ways to infuse positive impact into your events here: https://www.mcec.com.au/our-impact/positive-impact-guide  

    ABOUT MCEC
    At Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), visionary ideas come to life, and the world’s thought leaders gather. The iconic venue hosts dynamic exhibitions, conferences, galas, and concerts—everyone who visits leaves inspired and excited.  

    MCEC loves all communities and interests, creating a space where everyone feels welcome. Blending trendy eats, sustainability, and cutting-edge tech, it creates mind-blowing, globally recognised events.  

    Thanks to its progressive sustainability practices, choosing MCEC means making a positive environmental impact. Feel Melbourne’s vibe, discover the next big thing, and be part of the conversation that shapes the future.

    Acknowledgement of Country

    Built on the banks of the Birrarung (Yarra River), Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) Acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Narrm, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and to Elders of all First Nations communities that visit MCEC. We recognise the ongoing significance of the Birrarung to Traditional Owners as a life source and a meeting place for millennia and seek to honour this long-standing tradition of building community and exchanging ideas on these lands.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: 2022 and 2023 National Medal of Arts and National Humanities Medal  Citations

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    On Monday, October 21st, President Biden held an East Room ceremony at the White House to present the 2022 and 2023 National Medals of Arts and the 2022 and 2023 National Humanities Medals.
    The National Medal of Arts is the highest award given to artists, arts patrons, and groups by the United States Government and honors exemplary individuals and organizations that have advanced the arts in America and offered inspiration to others through their distinguished achievement, support, or patronage. The National Humanities Medal honors individuals or groups whose work has deepened the nation’s understanding of the humanities and broadened our citizens’ engagement with history, literature, languages, philosophy, and other humanities subjects.
    Below are the citations presented to the 2022 and 2023 medal recipients:
    National Medal of Arts – Class of 2022
    Ruth Asawa (Posthumously)
    For groundbreaking modernism and championing art for everyone. From a family of Japanese immigrants separated in incarceration camps, Ruth Asawa emerged to become a renowned educator and artist, bringing her distinctive wire sculptures to the Nation’s museums, homes, and classrooms, and leaving a legacy as powerful and profound as her portfolio.
    Randy A. Batista
    For focusing the lens on human nature. Born in Tampa, Florida, to Italian and Cuban immigrants and raised on both sides of the Straits of Florida, Randy Batista is known as the people’s photographer. With the camera as his sixth sense of deep empathy, he captures people’s pain and challenges us to respect their inherent dignity.
    Clyde Butcher
    For focusing the lens on Mother Nature. From humble beginnings as a self-taught photographer, Clyde Butcher is considered America’s most acclaimed landscape photographer today. From the Rocky Mountains to the Everglades, and countless pristine places in between, his images inspire and challenge us to respect and defend our natural wonders.
    Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
    For cataloging one of the Nation’s great homegrown art forms. As the world’s largest repository of country music history, in the country music capital of Nashville, Tennessee, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum preserves history, honors giants of the genre, and inspires future generations to write their own songs about the American story.
    Melissa “Missy” Elliott
    For shattering glass ceilings with timeless beats. From a child singing in the church choir to becoming a best-selling female rapper and pioneering hip-hop icon, Missy Elliott’s genre-defying music and rhymes have elevated an industry into a global powerhouse and inspired generations to push the sound and movement of America.
    Leonardo “Flaco” Jiménez
    For harnessing heritage to enrich American music. The son of a musical family in Texas, Flaco Jiménez mastered the accordion and Spanglish lyrics as a trailblazer of Conjunto. Blending Norteño, Tex Mex, and Tejano music with the Blues, Rock n’ Roll, and Pop Music, he sings the soul of America’s Southwest.
    Eva Longoria
    For recognizing the strength of our diversity and the full talents of our Nation. Actor, producer, director, and proud Mexican American, Eva Longoria has broken barriers on screen and uses her power to lift up Latino voices all across American life — challenging stereotypes and instilling Latino pride in our Nation.
    Idina Menzel
    For magical songs that lift our spirits and stir our souls. From Broadway stages to movie screens, Idina Menzel’s powerful voice has sold out shows, topped Billboard charts, and above all, empowered millions of Americans of all ages and backgrounds to be strong, use their voice, and lead with their hearts.
    Herbert I. Ohta
    For redefining ukulele music as a deeply moving American sound. The Hawaiian son of Japanese immigrants, Herb Ohta learned his first chords as a child and played through his service as a United States Marine. A musical innovator and mentor, he has bridged cultures and genres, spreading the peace and hope of aloha spirit.
    Bruce Sagan
    For seeking the truth as a true public citizen. A Chicago, Illinois, journalism legend and lifelong supporter of the performing arts, Bruce Sagan’s seven decades of leadership and stewardship in building, protecting, and uplifting local newspapers, voices, artists, and dancers have inspired his beloved city and enriched the tapestry of American life and culture.
    Carrie Mae Weems
    For capturing the resilience and dignity of Black America and our deeper humanity.
    Over three decades at the forefront of American expression, Carrie Mae Weems has honed her craft as a renowned artist whose photography, film, video, and art confront hard truths about power and prejudice, while celebrating the indomitable human spirit.
    National Medal of Arts – Class of 2023
    Mark Bradford
    For revealing the full history of the Nation through groundbreaking art. Inspired by the diverse cultures of Southern California, Mark Bradford’s paper-on-canvas storytelling reveals the interwoven hopes, sorrows, and joys of communities of color, with each layer challenging convention, shining light, and reminding us all of the full potential of America.
    Ken Burns
    For documenting the hope and history of our Nation. From his home in rural New Hampshire and deep from his imagination, Ken Burns´ pioneering documentaries of diverse people, places, and histories have shaped our understanding of the American experience, and defined him as one of the most respected filmmakers of our time.
    Bruce Cohen
    For championing the arts to express our highest ideals of freedom, justice, and equality.
    An entertainment industry icon ahead of his time, Bruce Cohen has produced our biggest moments on screen and stage by lifting up people and stories that need to be seen and heard, making real the promise of America for all Americans.
    Alex Katz
    For conjuring an enduring portrait of America. Born in Brooklyn, New York, to Russian immigrants, Alex Katz is among the most prolific and distinctive artists in our history. With a ferocious work ethic and visionary style, he continues to condense the complexities of everyday life into iconic faces and landscapes that reveal the essence of who we are as Americans.
    Jo Carole Lauder
    For devoted support of the arts, culture, and civic causes in America. A renowned philanthropist leading an array of causes — from supporting the White House Historical Association to refurbishing and preserving United States embassies abroad to inspiring participation in Jewish life worldwide —Jo Carole Lauder channels her creative talents to beautify the spirit of our Nation.
    Spike Lee
    For revolutionizing American cinema and culture. One of the most thought-provoking filmmakers of our time, Spike Lee honors his Brooklyn, New York, roots by daring to capture the depth of the Black experience and lifting up Black culture on the world stage through vibrant films and courtside pride that shapes our Nation’s collective conscience.
    Queen Latifah
    For leading the Nation as a champion of women’s empowerment. A natural storyteller and one of the first ladies of hip-hop, Queen Latifah breaks the mold for women in entertainment — rapping about overcoming loss and abuse of power to exuding cool and confidence as a critically-acclaimed actor and activist, showing how infinite love is the only hope for unity.
    Selena Quintanilla (Posthumously)
    For cementing Tejano music into the heart of the Nation. The youngest of the Quintanilla music family, Selena brought Latin music to the masses as the Queen of Tejano music and one of the most celebrated entertainers in our history. Her young life was tragically cut short, but her voice and spirit endure for the ages.
    Steven Spielberg
    For filmmaking that entertains, educates, and inspires. Growing up moved by the power of films, Steven Spielberg is considered one of the greatest filmmakers ever, using his gift of storytelling to stretch our imaginations, confront the horrors of history, and inspire us to be the characters of our Nation and the world’s future — full of courage, honor, and dignity.
    National Humanities Medal – Class of 2022
    Wallis Annenberg
    For transforming philanthropy in our Nation. The daughter of a groundbreaking media family in Los Angeles, California, Wallis Annenberg is a visionary giver and innovator who has donated to thousands of organizations in the arts, education, environment, medical research, social justice, and more — transforming countless lives by advancing, healing, and inspiring communities across America.
    Appalshop
    For amplifying the voices of Appalachia. Located in Kentucky’s Appalachian Mountains for 50 years, Appalshop is home to the world’s largest collection of creative work on Appalachia — a hub for new generations of artists, filmmakers, musicians, and playwrights to share their stories of pride and promise of their American roots.
    Joy Harjo
    For shining the light on the sacred traditions of Native American storytelling. A member of the Muscogee Nation in Oklahoma, and the first Native American Poet Laureate of the United States, Joy Harjo’s distinguished poetry and award-winning music about art, justice, and healing honors ancestral generations and empowers those that follow.
    Robin Harris
    For educating our youngest students to be dreamers and doers of our Nation. As an elementary school teacher and trailblazing principal in Massachusetts, Robin Harris is redefining K-12 education to empower students, embrace parents, and extend learning and leadership beyond the walls of the classroom and into the free spirit of the mind.
    Juan Felipe Herrera
    For poeticism that captures America’s imagination. The son of California farm workers, Juan Felipe Herrera takes readers across countries and cultures, genres, and disciplines as a towering figure in Chicano poetry and the first Latino Poet Laureate of the United States, using the power of his pen to give life to our identities and common bonds.
    Robert Martin
    For dedicating his career to the academic achievement of Native American students. A member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, Dr. Robert Martin has led Tribal colleges and launched Indian Studies programs at institutions of higher learning across the country to strengthen Tribal self-determination and empower future Native American leaders.
    Jon Meacham
    For drawing wisdom from history to shape the future of America. A proud son of Tennessee and celebrated historian and biographer, Jon Meacham chronicles the journey of America with an unmatched mix of historical context, parables from Scripture, and unyielding faith in the goodness of the American people that makes us a truly great Nation.
    Ruth J. Simmons
    For pioneering equity in our Nation’s higher education system. One of twelve children born into a sharecropper family in Texas, Dr. Ruth Simmons blazed trails in academia as a distinguished professor of literature and the first African American woman president of an Ivy League institution—showing how an education makes one free and fearless.
    Pauline Yu
    For a lifetime of advocacy for the humanities in America. The daughter of Chinese immigrants raised in Rochester, New York, Dr. Pauline Yu is a respected scholar of Chinese poetry and renowned advocate for the humanities, who has deepened cross-cultural understanding through language and literature, and advanced core democratic values of truth, reason, and free inquiry.
    National Humanities Medal – Class of 2023
    Anthony Bourdain (Posthumously)
    For making food a gateway to understanding the world and one another. A beloved chef, writer, and social commentator, Anthony Bourdain is remembered across the globe for his empathy, openness, and humor—approaching every table with equal reverence for the people it convened, and embodying the best of American curiosity and exploration.
    LeVar Burton
    For imagining a more optimistic and enlightened America for everyone. A celebrated actor, advocate, and storyteller, LeVar Burton confronted the trauma of history, took us to the depths of space, and transformed literacy in America by sharing the gift of reading with generations of children, unlocking our imaginations and spirit of discovery.
    Roz Chast
    For healing a Nation with humor and observation. One of the most prolific cartoonists of our time, Roz Chast has wielded pen and watercolor for over 45 years to make ordinary things extraordinary, blaze a trail for women in her field, and define an era of American wit and wisdom.
    Nicolás Kanellos
    For amplifying Hispanic voices in America’s past, present, and future. Raised between Puerto Rico and Jersey City, New Jersey, Nicolás Kanellos channeled a childhood love for Spanish literature into a distinguished literary career in Houston, Texas, leading the Nation’s oldest and largest Hispanic publishing house and elevating the diversity of American literature.
    Robin Wall Kimmerer
    For sharing Indigenous wisdom in America’s natural sciences. A citizen of Potawatomi Nation and a renowned scientist and writer, Robin Wall Kimmerer has transformed our understanding of environmental science by incorporating Indigenous knowledge into college curriculum and critical efforts to heal a climate in crisis, offering new hope for generations to come.
    Mellon Foundation
    For charting an unparalleled course for the arts and humanities in America. For over 50 years, the Mellon Foundation has been the trusted benefactor for thousands of people and organizations harnessing the power of ideas and imagination to advance social justice and freedom, and defend the arts as essential to American democracy.
    Dawn Porter
    For documenting the good, the bad, and the truth of our Nation. Beginning her career as a lawyer, Dawn Porter pursued filmmaking to showcase the vibrancy of Black culture and history. By chronicling the lives of America’s everyday heroes and legendary leaders, her award-winning documentaries remind us that the work of perfecting our Union is essential and never-ending.
    Aaron Sorkin
    For trademark storytelling in America. Drawn to theatre at a young age, Aaron Sorkin found his calling as a groundbreaking writer and creator, scripting and show-running iconic films and television shows that inspired an entire generation to believe in the possibilities of our Nation and walk, talk, and answer “what’s next?”
    Darren Walker
    For showing us hope is the oxygen of democracy. With boundless passion and enduring purpose, Darren Walker harnesses empathy from his modest upbringing in the South to advance the most ambitious philanthropic goals of our Nation, as a visionary leader whose commitment to improving the human condition has fortified justice and good governance in America and around the world.
    Rosita Worl
    For embodying the resilient community spirit of Native American culture. As a child in Alaska, Dr. Rosita Worl survived the brutalities of Federal Indian boarding school that took her from her family and Nation. As an anthropologist and advocate, she has since spent her life pushing to right wrongs and build a new era of understanding and healing.
    Additional information
    National Endowment for the Arts
    The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), established by Congress in 1965, is an independent Federal agency that is the largest public funder of the arts and arts education in communities nationwide and a catalyst of public and private support for the arts. The NEA’s mission is based on an abiding conviction that the arts play an integral role in our national life and public discourse. The arts strengthen and promote the well-being and resilience of people and communities. By advancing equitable opportunities for arts participation and practice, the NEA fosters and sustains an environment in which the arts belong to and benefit everyone in the United States.
    National Endowment for the Humanities
    Created in 1965 as an independent Federal agency, the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) supports learning in history, literature, philosophy, and other humanities subjects by funding selected, peer-reviewed proposals from around the Nation that support research in the humanities, foster education, nurture humanities infrastructure, and expand the reach of the humanities. Since 1965, NEH has awarded over six billion dollars to cultural institutions, individual scholars, and communities throughout the United States. The Endowment serves and strengthens the country by bringing high-quality historical and cultural experiences to large and diverse audiences in all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and five territories; providing opportunities for lifelong learning, expanding access to cultural and educational resources, and preserving the human stories that connect all Americans.
    The President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities
    The President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities (PCAH) was founded in 1982 by Executive Order to advise the President on cultural policy. The First Lady has historically served as Honorary Chair of the Committee, which is composed of members appointed by the President. Private committee members include prominent artists, scholars, and philanthropists who have demonstrated a serious commitment to the arts and humanities. Public members represent the heads of key Federal agencies with a role in culture, including the Chairs of the National Endowments for the Arts and the Humanities, the Librarian of Congress, the Secretary of the Smithsonian, and the Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services among others. The PCAH facilitates public-private partnerships, promotes interagency cooperation, and proposes programs that enhance arts, humanities, museums, and library services across the country. Over the past 40 years, PCAH has catalyzed Federal programs and played a vital role in the advancement of arts and humanities education, cultural diplomacy, and the creative economy.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI China: Xi voices support for Global South at final day of BRICS Kazan summit

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

    Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers an important speech titled “Combining the Great Strength of the Global South To Build Together a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind” at the “BRICS Plus” leaders’ dialogue in Kazan, Russia, Oct. 24, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    KAZAN, Russia, Oct. 24 — As BRICS leaders gathered with non-member countries seeking closer ties with the group on Thursday, Chinese President Xi Jinping voiced strong support for Global South countries.

    Participating in the “BRICS Plus” leaders’ dialogue during the final day of the Kazan summit, Xi said “the collective rise of the Global South is a distinctive feature of the great transformation across the world.”

    “We support more Global South countries in joining the cause of BRICS as full members, partner countries or in the ‘BRICS Plus’ format so that we can combine the great strength of the Global South to build together a community with a shared future for mankind,” Xi said.

    No matter how the international landscape evolves, said the Chinese president, “we in China will always keep the Global South in our heart, and maintain our roots in the Global South.”

    Leaders from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, as well as representatives of several international organizations, attended the meeting, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

    The 16th BRICS Summit’s agenda covered a range of pressing issues, including world peace and stability, reform of global governance, sustainable development, poverty eradication, climate change, and the fight against terrorism and transnational crimes.

    Russian President Vladimir Putin, chairing the summit, said it is crucial for BRICS members to discuss all these issues with countries from the Global South.

    “All our countries share similar aspirations, values and a vision of a new democratic world order that reflects cultural and civilizational diversity,” Putin said.

    The Kazan summit marked the first in-person gathering of leaders of BRICS after the group’s membership expansion last year. On Wednesday, the BRICS leaders adopted the Kazan summit declaration, which summarized the summit’s outcome.

    According to the declaration, BRICS countries agreed to jointly build the New Development Bank into a new type of multilateral development bank, support its further expansion of membership, and expedite the review of membership applications from BRICS countries in accordance with its general strategy and related policies.

    The BRICS countries are also encouraged to strengthen financial cooperation and promote local currency settlement, it said.

    Leaders of non-member countries expressed their expectation for BRICS’ future development. The BRICS mechanism has great potential for development, as well as experience in building the future based on respect and partnership, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said at Thursday’s meeting.

    Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith also said BRICS currently plays a key role in changing the world order.

    The world economy is set to rely even more heavily on the BRICS group of emerging economies to drive expansion, according to latest forecasts of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Compared with its last round of predictions six months ago, the IMF now expects a bigger share of growth over the next five years to come from powerhouse BRICS economies.

    “The BRICS has played an extremely important role in advancing multilateralism,” said B.R. DEEPAK, professor of Center for Chinese and South East Asian Studies of Jawaharlal Nehru University in India.

    The inclusion of more countries in BRICS cooperation shows “the kind of appeal it has, especially in the Global South, who wants to make best of what BRICS has created,” he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Australia: Millions invested to roll out industry-led road safety projects

    Source: Australian Ministers 1

    The Albanese Government and National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) are taking further action to reduce road trauma and save lives on Australia’s roads by funding 16 crucial industry-led projects through Round 9 of the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI).

    The ninth round will see $3.9 million invested into the 16 road safety projects to deliver safety improvements across Australia’s heavy vehicle industry and help protect all road users. Successful applicants include:

    • Deakin University’s Truckwise Roadshow which aims to increase awareness of safety practises when working with heavy vehicles through the use of virtual reality.  
    • St John Ambulance’s Defibs in Trucks Program which will equip 50 heavy vehicles with new, high quality Automated External Defibrillators (AED’s) and provide First Aid training to drivers to reduce deaths in regional, rural, and remote communities.
    • GM Cartage and Contracting’s Accelerating Ambitions Program which aims to increase awareness among young drivers of career opportunities within the trucking industry and provide innovative solutions to increase diversity in the industry.

    The new initiatives are set to provide tangible improvements for the transport and logistics sector, supporting productivity, and making the road network safer by developing much-needed training, educational campaigns and innovative new technologies.

    The Australian Government has invested more than $41 million across 169 HVSI projects since the program commenced in 2016. A list of successful applicants and more information about the HVSI is available here.

    Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Anthony Chisholm:

    “The trucking industry is the backbone of our nation’s economy and that’s why our government is continuing to invest in road safety programs that will keep truckies safe and keep Australia’s economy moving.

    “These 16 successful projects provide solutions to challenges that we’re currently seeing throughout the industry, such as removing barriers for young people entering the sector, increasing awareness of how to drive safely around heavy vehicles and boosting safety within the industry itself.

    “This includes the excellent initiative by St John Ambulance to equip 50 trucks with new, high-quality Automated External Defibrillators, and training truck drivers to provide first aid, reducing roadside deaths in regional, rural, and remote communities in the process.”

    Quotes attributable to NHVR CEO, Sal Petroccitto OAM:

    “The NHVR’s HVSI program continues to support safety initiatives that benefit the heavy vehicle industry and the wider community.

    “Through this game-changing program, we have seen projects across the country deliver lasting and transformative results.

    “We look forward to continuing to engage with safety-focused groups towards a shared goal of safer roads for all – and utilise their extensive knowledge and existing work to deliver future improvements to heavy vehicle safety. 

    “There is still plenty of work to do to reduce road trauma in Australia, which is why I am looking forward to seeing these 16 new initiatives get underway, and the positive impact they are sure to have on heavy vehicle safety right across the country.”

    MIL OSI News –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI China: World Bank advances gender strategy, unveils new target for 2030

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The World Bank Group on Thursday announced a set of actions and concrete goals that aim to boost economic opportunities for more women, taking the first steps toward implementing its Gender Strategy 2024-2030.

    The targets, unveiled at a flagship event during the 2024 International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group Annual Meetings, will focus on use of broadband, social protection, and access to capital.

    By 2030, the multilateral lender aims to enable 300 million more women to use broadband, unlocking essential services, financial services, education, and job opportunities; support 250 million women with social protection programs, focusing especially on the poorest and most vulnerable; and provide 80 million more women and women-led businesses with capital, addressing a critical constraint to entrepreneurship growth.

    “When we increase women’s economic participation, it not only boosts the global economy, but also strengthens families and communities,” said Ajay Banga, president of the World Bank. “Through economic empowerment we are building a ladder out of poverty and extending hope and dignity as far as possible.”

    Hana Brixi, the World Bank’s global director for gender, told Xinhua that “evidence is very clear that for countries to end poverty, they must unleash the potential of women.”

    “When women participate in the economy, economic growth is stronger and productivity is higher, and overall results are better,” said Brixi.

    According to a statement from the bank, there are many projects already underway, and efforts can be further scaled up to help meet these targets. For example, in Zambia, the World Bank is helping the government expand digital cash transfer programs to nearly 4 million women, while supporting almost 60,000 women with skills training, business capital, mentorships, and support to create savings groups.

    In Ethiopia, a project supporting women-owned businesses with loans will help grow their profits by 30 percent and employment by 50 percent over five years.

    MIL OSI China News –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hongkong Post unveils new stamp issues for January to June 2025

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hongkong Post unveils new stamp issues for January to June 2025
    Hongkong Post unveils new stamp issues for January to June 2025
    ***************************************************************

         Hongkong Post announced today (October 25) that a set of Hong Kong Definitive Stamps and five sets of special stamps on various themes will be issued from January to June 2025. Each stamp issue features its own ingenious design and distinctive style, making the stamps valuable collectables for philatelists and the public.           To demonstrate the uniqueness and charm of Hong Kong as an international financial hub and an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, Hongkong Post will issue a new set of definitive stamps themed “Hong Kong Landmarks” to introduce the city’s famous landmarks through a set of 16 stamps. The stamps showcase the stunning landscapes of Hong Kong and depict the city’s conservation achievements and important infrastructure developments. The new definitive stamps will be available in a full range of denominations, providing the public with convenience in combining the stamps for daily use when posting mail items. To support green initiatives and waste reduction, after the issue of the new definitive stamps, the 2014 Hong Kong Definitive Stamps themed “Hong Kong Global Geopark of China” will continue to be on sale while stocks last.            To celebrate the Year of the Snake in 2025, Hongkong Post will release the second issue of the fifth Lunar New Year special stamp series. A set of four stamps and two stamp sheetlets feature various depictions of the Snake adorned with traditional Lunar New Year elements. The background is enhanced with festive colours and light gold plants, creating an atmosphere of celebration for the Year of the Snake. The $50 stamp sheetlet is a laser-cut paper art stamp sheetlet. The motif on the stamp sheetlet is laser-cut to create a delicate silhouette of a snake. The intricate design, combined with exquisite production techniques, makes this stamp sheetlet a perfect collectible for the Year of the Snake. In addition, Hongkong Post will also present the Lunar New Year Gold and Silver Stamp Sheetlet – Dragon/Snake at the same time, wishing everyone a blessed year ahead.This stamp sheetlet is the first issue in the third Lunar New Year Gold and Silver stamp issue series. The dragon and snake on the stamps are lavishly finished in silver foil and 22-carat gold foil respectively, adding to the festive ambience of the Lunar New Year. In addition, China Post, Hongkong Post and Macao Post and Telecommunications will jointly issue the “Year of the Snake” Joint Souvenir Pack. The Joint Souvenir Pack contains the souvenir sheet jointly issued by the three postal administrations, demonstrating that the three places share the same roots and cultural lineage. Relevant details and sales arrangements will be announced in due course.           Public architecture is closely related to the daily lives of the people. With the completion of new public buildings one after another, it has witnessed the glorious history of the establishment and development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region while telling a living story to generations. Following the “Public Architecture in Hong Kong” special stamps issued in 2016, Hongkong Post will present a set of six stamps themed “Public Architecture in Hong Kong II”, featuring six distinctive public buildings.           The Fuyun Xuan Collection is a private collection of Chinese snuff bottles established by late local collector Mr Christopher Sin. His wife, Mrs Josephine Sin, has donated 490 sets of snuff bottles to the Hong Kong Museum of Art, making these cultural gems accessible to a wider public. The small and delicate snuff bottles cover a wide range of craftsmanship, serving as miniature embodiments of Chinese art and craft history. Hongkong Post will release a set of six stamps and two stamp sheetlets themed “Hong Kong Museums Collection – Fuyun Xuan Collection of Chinese Snuff Bottles” to showcase some representative Chinese snuff bottles from the Fuyun Xuan Collection that manifest the exquisite craftsmanship and creativity of Chinese artisans despite their small size.           Victoria Harbour is a world-famous natural harbour recognised as an icon of Hong Kong. Hongkong Post will issue a set of four stamps and a stamp sheetlet themed “Victoria Harbour Promenades”, which showcase enchanting views of Victoria Harbour by day and night, and highlight the achievements in harbourfront enhancement and public enjoyment of the harbourfront space, thereby deepening public appreciation for the Victoria Harbour Promenades. To enhance youth participation, the photo on the $10 stamp sheetlet was taken from the winning entry of the Student Group·Photo·Camera in the Victoria Harbourfront Photo and Short Video Competition.           Inscribed on the first Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Hong Kong in 2017, paper crafting technique is a folk art with a long history that embodies the history and culture of different ethnic groups and carries significant social and cultural values. Hongkong Post will launch a special stamp issue on “Intangible Cultural Heritage – Paper Crafting Technique” to promote this intangible cultural heritage of Hong Kong, in the hope that this traditional folk art can be passed down through generations.           Customers may place advance orders for the above new stamp products from today on Hongkong Post’s online shopping mall ShopThruPost (shopthrupost.hongkongpost.hk). Customers may also visit the Facebook page “郵票.郵趣@Hongkong Post Stamps” (www.facebook.com/HKPStamps) for more details. Customers who place orders by November 11 (Monday) will receive attractive gifts and bonus points. Further information about placing orders can be obtained from the Hongkong Post Stamps website or by calling the Hongkong Post Philatelic Bureau hotline at 2785 5711.

     
    Ends/Friday, October 25, 2024Issued at HKT 9:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Blumenthal, Colleagues Demand Stellantis Keep Its Promises To Autoworkers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    October 24, 2024

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) joined U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders and 20 of their Senate colleagues in sending a letter to Stellantis—the giant automotive manufacturer responsible for common car brands like Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep. In their letter, the senators called on Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares to honor the collective bargaining agreement signed last year with the United Auto Workers (UAW) and the promises the company made to strengthen and expand good-paying union jobs in America.

    “We are writing to express our growing concerns about the failure of Stellantis, under your leadership, to honor the commitments it made to the United Auto Workers (UAW) in last year’s collective bargaining agreement…” the senators wrote. “We urge Stellantis not to renege on the promises it made to American autoworkers and to provide details on the timelines for these investments.”

    In the contract ratified last year, Stellantis committed to make nearly $19 billion in new investments and product commitments in the U.S., including: 

    1. Re-opening the plant in Belvidere, Illinois that was “indefinitely idled” last year;
    2. Establishing a parts and customer care Mega Hub in Belvidere;
    3. Continuing to manufacture the Dodge Durango in Detroit through 2025; and
    4. Manufacturing the next generation Dodge Durango in Detroit starting in 2026.

    Instead, Stellantis has taken actions that undermine the commitments made to the UAW and leave “behind thousands of American workers who built the company into the auto giant it is today,” the senators wrote. These actions may include moving the next generation Dodge Durango out of the U.S. and into “low-cost” countries like Mexico, as well as delaying planned investments to reopen and expand the Belvidere assembly plant.

    This year, Stellantis has spent over $8 billion on stock buybacks and dividends to benefit its wealthy executives and stockholders. During the first six months of this year, Stellantis has generated over $6 billion in profits, making it one of the most profitable auto companies in the world. The company has also benefited from billions of dollars in financial assistance from American taxpayers and the federal government. In July, the Department of Energy announced Stellantis would receive nearly $335 million in federal dollars to support Belvidere Assembly Plant’s conversion to electric vehicle production.

    “Last year, while blue collar auto workers in Belvidere were being laid off indefinitely, you were able to receive a 56 percent pay raise, boosting your total compensation to $39.5 million, which made you the highest paid executive among traditional auto companies,” the senators continued. “We believe that if Stellantis can afford to spend over $8 billion this year on stock buybacks and dividends, it can live up to the contractual commitments it made to the UAW. This is especially true given the billions of dollars in financial assistance American taxpayers have spent to support your company and the enormous sacrifices autoworkers have been forced to make over many decades.”

    U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) also signed the letter.

    The full letter is available HERE and below.

    Dear Mr. Tavares:

    We are writing to express our growing concerns about the failure of Stellantis, under your leadership, to honor the commitments it made to the United Auto Workers (UAW) in last year’s collective bargaining agreement.

    In that contract, ratified by UAW members, Stellantis committed to “establish long-term stability and job security” for its workforce. The agreement includes nearly $19 billion in new investment and product commitments in the United States, including promises to:

    1. Re-open the plant in Belvidere, Illinois that was “indefinitely idled” last year;
    2. Establish a parts and customer care Mega Hub in Belvidere;
    3. Continue to manufacture the Dodge Durango in Detroit through 2025; and
    4. Manufacture the next generation Dodge Durango in Detroit starting in 2026.

    We are deeply concerned that Stellantis is not keeping the promises it made to strengthen and expand good-paying union jobs in America.

    Specifically, Stellantis is now delaying planned investments to reopen and expand the Belvidere assembly plant, leaving behind thousands of American workers who built the company into the auto giant it is today. We are also concerned with reporting that Stellantis is planning to move production of the next generation Dodge Durango out of the United States, after previously announcing layoffs that threaten the economic security and well-being of thousands of autoworkers. Moreover, Stellantis has stated publicly that it plans to source 80 percent of supply from “low-cost countries” like Mexico. By your own admission, Stellantis’s growth plan hinges on shifting “industrial production into cost competitive countries” like Mexico, where workers are making substandard wages. These actions violate the obligations Stellantis made to the UAW. We urge Stellantis not to renege on the promises it made to American autoworkers and to provide details on the timelines for these investments.

    This year, Stellantis has spent over $8 billion on stock buybacks and dividends to benefit its wealthy executives and stockholders. Last year, while blue collar auto workers in Belvidere were being laid off indefinitely, you were able to receive a 56 percent pay raise boosting your total compensation to $39.5 million, which made you the highest paid executive among traditional auto companies. During the first six months of this year, Stellantis has generated over $6 billion in profits, making it one of the most profitable auto companies in the world.

    We believe that if Stellantis can afford to spend over $8 billion this year on stock buybacks and dividends, it can live up to the contractual commitments it made to the UAW. This is especially true given the billions of dollars in financial assistance American taxpayers have spent to support your company and the enormous sacrifices autoworkers have been forced to make over many decades.

    For example, the Department of Energy announced in July that nearly $335 million in federal dollars would be going to supporting Belvidere Assembly Plant’s conversion to electric vehicle production. With hundreds of millions of dollars of federal support going towards ensuring strong union jobs stay in the U.S., Stellantis must honor the promises it made to UAW workers and the Belvidere community.

    We urge you to deliver on the commitments you made to the UAW in your 2023 national agreement without further delay.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI China: China hosts summit to boost homegrown BeiDou navigation system applications

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

    An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 24, 2024 shows the outdoor exhibition area of the 3rd International Summit on BDS (BeiDou Navigation Satellite System) applications in Zhuzhou, central China’s Hunan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    CHANGSHA, Oct. 24 — The 3rd International Summit on BDS (BeiDou Navigation Satellite System) applications kicked off Thursday in Zhuzhou, central China’s Hunan Province, as authorities aim to boost the industry by expanding applications and strengthening international cooperation.

    The two-day summit has attracted more than 1,800 Chinese and international researchers, entrepreneurs and officials. Exhibitors have also set up booths to showcase BDS applications across various sectors, including smart logistics and intelligent transportation.

    “BDS applications are rapidly expanding across key sectors of China’s national economy, with coverage rates surpassing 90 percent in areas such as transportation, energy, natural resources and emergency response,” said Xiang Libin, deputy director of the National Development and Reform Commission and an academician with the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

    A bluebook on the development of the BeiDou industry was also released during the opening ceremony. “BDS services and related products have been exported to more than 130 countries, providing users with diversified choices and better application experience and promoting industrial development,” the bluebook stated.

    The Chinese-made BDS was initiated in 1994. The construction of BDS-1 and BDS-2 was completed in 2000 and 2012, respectively. When BDS-3 was completed and put into service on July 31, 2020, China became the third country to have an independent global navigation satellite system.

    According to the White Paper on the Development of China’s Satellite Navigation and Location Services Industry (2024), the total output value of China’s satellite navigation and location services industry reached 536.2 billion yuan (about 75.2 billion U.S. dollars) in 2023, an increase of 7.09 percent over the previous year. 

    Visitors experience driving devices of agricultural machinery at the 3rd International Summit on BDS (BeiDou Navigation Satellite System) applications in Zhuzhou, central China’s Hunan Province, Oct. 24, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A visitor learns about a risk detection device at the 3rd International Summit on BDS (BeiDou Navigation Satellite System) applications in Zhuzhou, central China’s Hunan Province, Oct. 24, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An exhibitor introduces a smart risk detection device to visitors at the 3rd International Summit on BDS (BeiDou Navigation Satellite System) applications in Zhuzhou, central China’s Hunan Province, Oct. 24, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI China: Shanghai opens annual Lujiazui Coffee Festival

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Shanghai continues to lead China’s coffee market with 9,553 coffee shops, officials announced during a news conference on Wednesday at the opening of the Lujiazui Coffee Festival in Pudong New Area.

    Jin Wencheng, director of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs’ rural economy research center, released the Global Coffee Industry Development Trends Insight Report and related index at the event, highlighting that China’s annual coffee consumption reached 280,000 metric tons last year, with customers patronizing approximately 157,000 coffee shops nationwide.

    Jointly launched by the China Media Group Shanghai Bureau — the financial program center of CMG — and the research center, the report further pointed out that the value of the coffee industry in China reached 265.4 billion yuan ($37.3 billion) in 2023, an increase of over 30 percent year-on-year. The number of coffee consumers in the country is close to 400 million.

    “The Chinese coffee market has seen significant expansion, emerging as a standout in the global coffee industry,” Jin said, adding that the report and index are constructed based on three key dimensions: industry scale, development quality and industry resilience.

    China’s coffee production increased from 114,000 tons in 2020 to 146,000 tons last year, the report noted. Yunnan province accounts for 98 percent of the national output, making it the primary coffee-producing region in China.

    “Refinement and branding are leading the high-quality development of the domestic coffee industry in China,” said Jin, noting that the proportion of premium domestic coffee products has significantly increased, reaching 22.7 percent this year.

    “Domestic coffee brands are rapidly emerging, and the fusion of coffee culture with tourism has become a new business model,” Jin added.

    On a global scale, coffee production has shown a growth recovery, according to the report.

    Last year, global coffee consumption reached 10.62 million tons, marking a 2.2 percent increase from the previous year, with a total daily consumption of 3 billion cups of coffee.

    Apart from the emerging market in China, countries and regions such as Brazil, the Philippines and South Korea are also experiencing rapid growth in coffee consumption.

    The bustling crowd of coffee enthusiasts at the Lujiazui Coffee Festival — the news conference venue — attests to the fervor of the coffee market.

    Shanghai, which has more coffee shops than any city in China, launched the ninth edition of the coffee festival on Wednesday, which will run until Oct 27.

    Taking place at Shanghai’s Lujiazui Central Greenland, the festival brings together over 260 selected brands, more than 100 boutique coffee shops and over 20 influencers from the industry hailing from over 70 cities worldwide. It serves as a platform for the exchange of creative ideas and the exhibition of the latest coffee-related products.

    Manhattan Coffee Roasters from Rotterdam, Netherlands; Ghostbird Coffee Roastery from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and Proud Mary Coffee Roasters from Melbourne, Australia, are among the 12 international specialty coffee brands that are making their domestic debut at the festival.

    Since its inception in 2016, the festival has become a benchmark cultural experience in the coffee industry in China, drawing the cumulative participation of over 850,000 people.

    “As the brand influence of the Lujiazui Coffee Festival continues to grow, it will not only bring more global coffee flavors to Pudong, but also explore new pathways for Chinese domestic coffee to enter the international market,” said Chen Bai, director of the festival.

    MIL OSI China News –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Board approves Rangihoua Reserve and Onetangi Sports Park plan

    Source: Auckland Council

    Waiheke is about to have a plan in place for the future management of the popular Rangihoua Reserve and Onetangi Sports Park.

    The Waiheke Local Board approved the adoption of the long-awaited draft Rangihoua Reserve and Onetangi Sports Park Management Plan 2024 at a meeting on 10 October 2024.

    As well as being Waiheke’s largest centre for sport and recreational facilities, the park includes important ecological waterways and wetlands. 

    The park and its surrounding landscape have always been a significant cultural site for mana whenua known as Te Rangihoua that includes the maunga (mountain) pā site Te Pūtiki o Kahumatamomoe, and the Rangihoua awa (stream) and their histories and aspirations are captured in the new plan.

    The plan, which has been in development since 2018, has been informed by extensive research and engagement with mana whenua, the local community and key stakeholders to provide a framework for “managing the use, enjoyment, maintenance, protection, preservation and, to the extent that resources permit and as appropriate, the development of part of” the 60-hectare park situated southeast of Waiheke’s Ostend suburb. 

    “It’s been a long road to get to this point, but we are really pleased to have this plan in place to make sure this important area of Waiheke will be managed well for future generations. Huge thanks to the many stakeholders involved whose perseverance and amazing mahi helped create this plan,” says Local Board Chair Cath Handley

    The board is now developing a programme to allocate funds to initiatives in the plan for the 2025/26 financial year.

    You can read the draft Rangihoua Reserve and Onetangi Sports Park Management Plan 2024 here.

    Stay up to date

    Want to stay up to date with all the latest news from your area? Sign up for the Waiheke Local Board E-News and get the latest direct to your inbox each month.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: USINDOPACOM hosts Republic of the Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    CAMP H.M. SMITH, Hawaii — Republic of the Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine visited U.S. Indo-Pacific Command headquarters at Camp H.M. Smith during a visit to Honolulu, Oct. 24, 2024.

    Heine met with Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander, USINDOPACOM, to discuss the security environment, environmental concerns, and mutual defense priorities, reflecting the strong and historic cooperation between RMI and the U.S.

    The two countries share a deep and enduring relationship in part through the Compact of Free Association (COFA), which supports financial assistance, defense initiatives and access to federal programs that furthers the U.S. commitment to a Pacific that is secure, free and open, and more prosperous.

    USINDOPACOM is committed to enhancing stability in the Indo-Pacific region with its allies and partners by promoting security cooperation, encouraging peaceful development, responding to contingencies, deterring aggression and, when necessary, fighting to win. This approach is based on partnership, presence, and military readiness.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen Successfully Pushes Biden Administration to Make Extraction, Material Costs of Critical Minerals Eligible for Tax Credits

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

    LAS VEGAS, NV – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) announced that she successfully pushed the Biden Administration to update tax credit guidance to include extraction and material costs of critical minerals. Earlier this year, Rosen urged Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to allow critical mineral mining and processing activities to qualify for the 45X tax credit they passed in the Inflation Reduction Act.
    “Nevada is a national leader in mining and critical minerals production, and supporting this industry means growing Nevada’s economy and creating good-paying jobs. That’s why I pushed the Administration to allow mining and processing activities to qualify for the 45X tax credit we created in the Inflation Reduction Act,” said Senator Rosen. “I will stand up to anyone, even my own party, to support industries that are critical for Nevada and our economy.”
    Senator Rosen has been a leader in securing the domestic critical minerals supply chain and advocating for clean energy technologies. Last year, she sent a letter to U.S. National Science Foundation Director Sethuraman Panchanathan requesting an update on the implementation of the provision she secured in the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 to support the critical mineral mining industry and bolster the mining workforce. She also pushed back on the Biden Administration’s report on mining on federal lands, highlighting its lack of support for domestic mining and critical mineral supply chains. Senator Rosen also helped introduce bipartisan legislation to protect critical mineral production in response to the misguided Rosemont decision, which is threatening mining projects in Nevada and across the West.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: United Nations Sanctions (South Sudan) Regulation 2019 (Amendment) Regulation 2024 gazetted

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    United Nations Sanctions (South Sudan) Regulation 2019 (Amendment) Regulation 2024 gazetted
    United Nations Sanctions (South Sudan) Regulation 2019 (Amendment) Regulation 2024 gazetted
    ******************************************************************************************

         The Government today (October 25) gazetted the United Nations Sanctions (South Sudan) Regulation 2019 (Amendment) Regulation 2024 (the Amendment Regulation), which came into operation today.      “The Amendment Regulation amends the United Nations Sanctions (South Sudan) Regulation 2019 to give effect to certain decisions relating to sanctions in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2731 in respect of South Sudan,” a Government spokesman said.      The amendments renew the arms embargo, travel ban and financial sanctions.      The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has all along been implementing fully the sanctions imposed by the UNSC. The Amendment Regulation aims to give effect to the instructions by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for fulfilling the international obligations of the People’s Republic of China as a Member State of the United Nations.

     
    Ends/Friday, October 25, 2024Issued at HKT 11:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Shapiro to Announce Targeted State, Local, Private, and Philanthropic Investments to Catalyze Downtown Pittsburgh’s Revitalization Plan

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    October 25, 2024 – Pittsburgh, PA

    ADVISORY – Governor Shapiro to Announce Targeted State, Local, Private, and Philanthropic Investments to Catalyze Downtown Pittsburgh’s Revitalization Plan

    Governor Josh Shapiro will visit Pittsburgh’s Cultural District to unveil a major collective effort with Pittsburgh leaders, nonprofits, and the local business community to make comprehensive investments that will improve Pittsburgh’s downtown area and turn the neighborhood into a thriving center for economic growth, culture, and industry.

    The Shapiro Administration has mobilized a united group of local government officials, private sector leaders, and nonprofits committed to Pittsburgh’s success to make targeted investments into a 10-year strategy to revitalize the Golden Triangle. With significant financial backing from the Commonwealth, this plan will help the city of Pittsburgh create more residential housing, breathe new life into public spaces, and create a cleaner, safer, more vibrant neighborhood for residents and visitors.

    Following the speaking program, principles will be available to participate in interviews upon request.

    WHO:
    Governor Josh Shapiro
    Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis
    DCED Secretary Rick Siger
    Emmai Alaquiva, Vice Chair of Pennsylvania Council on the Arts
    Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato
    Mayor Ed Gainey
    Senator Jay Costa
    Representative Aerion Abney
    David Holmberg, CEO of Highmark Health
    Shawn Fox, President of Oxford Development Company
    Greg Bernarding, Business Manager, Pittsburgh Regional Building Trades Council
    Susheela Nemani-Stanger, Executive Director, Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh

    WHEN:
    Friday, October 25, 2024, at 11:00 AM

    WHERE:
    The Backyard at 8th and Penn
    801 Penn Avenue
    Pittsburgh, PA 15222

    LIVE STREAM:
    pacast.com/live/gov
    governor.pa.gov/live/

    RSVP: Press who are interested in attending must RSVP with the names and phone numbers for each member of their team to ra-gvgovpress@pa.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI China: WIC Wuzhen Summit to open in November

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Tourists visit the water town Wuzhen on rowing boats in Jiaxing City, east China’s Zhejiang Province, April 11, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    The 2024 World Internet Conference (WIC) Wuzhen Summit is scheduled to take place from Nov. 19 to 22 in the water-town of Wuzhen, located in east China’s Zhejiang Province, and will feature four key highlights, according to a press conference held on Thursday.
    During this year’s summit, a distinguished contribution award will be established to recognize individuals and companies who have made outstanding contributions to the field of the global internet.
    Under the WIC framework, the summit will also see the establishment of a special committee on artificial intelligence (AI), the launch of a think tank cooperation program, and the creation of an international digital training institute.
    Themed “Embracing a People-centered and AI-for-good Digital Future — Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace,” the 2024 edition will feature 24 sub-forums on topics such as Global Development Initiative, digital economy, and data governance, as well as a series of activities.
    Since 2014, the Wuzhen Summit has been successfully held for ten consecutive years. Currently, the WIC includes about 170 institutions, organizations, companies, and individuals from over 30 countries and regions across six continents as its members.

    MIL OSI China News –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Russia poses a growing threat to global stability and international principles: UK statement to the OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Ambassador Holland condemns Russia’s growing threat to global stability, food security and maritime safety as it thickens ties with North Korea, steps up attacks in the Black Sea and seeks to circumvent sanctions.

    Location:
    Vienna
    Delivered on:
    24 October 2024 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

    Thank you, Madam Chair.  It is with deep concern that I draw colleagues’ attention to reports of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) sending combat troops to Russia.  Our assessment is that it is highly likely that the transfer of these troops has begun.  Russia has already procured significant munitions and arms from DPRK, in direct violation of multiple UN resolutions.  The DPRK will surely extract a heavy price for its support. This has security implications for the OSCE region and should be of concern to us all.

    Madam Chair, at the beginning of its full-scale invasion, Russia attempted to blockade Ukrainian ports in a cynical attempt to choke Ukraine’s economy.  Under the July 2022 Black Sea Grain Initiative, Ukrainian grain was again able to reach those who needed it most across the world.  Regrettably, Russia unilaterally withdrew from the Initiative after one year and began missile strikes on Ukrainian ports and grain storage facilities.  300,000 tonnes of grain were destroyed between August and October 2023.

    Since then, Russia has repeatedly demonstrated its disregard for global food security and international principles, including freedom of navigation, the bedrock of global trade.  Between 5 and 14 October, Russian missiles struck four civilian ships in deliberate attacks on export infrastructure in Odesa, killing at least 10 innocent civilians and injuring many more.

    To obscure its illegal actions, last week Russia made false claims about the cargo these ships were carrying and threatened to continue targeting civilian ships using Ukrainian ports. It is unacceptable to target ships engaged only in the transportation of grain.

    Russia’s actions deliberately harm global food security. Hindering exports of wheat, maize and barley from one of the world’s top grain exporters hurts everyone, but especially the world’s most vulnerable.  The UK condemns Russia’s strikes. They have impacted shipments destined for the World Food Programme in Palestine and southern Africa. They also undermine the stability of the entire Black Sea region, affecting many others around this table.

    Russia also threatens maritime safety and security through a 600 vessel ‘shadow fleet’, used to circumvent international sanctions and provide funding for Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine.  Many of these vessels are unsafe, lack adequate insurance and engage in dangerous and deceptive shipping practices, including turning off radio transponders in violation of international regulations. These vessels break maritime law and pose significant risks to the environment, and maritime safety and security.

    The UK will continue to take action against this illegal and dangerous ‘shadow fleet’.  43 of its oil tankers have been barred from UK ports and from accessing British maritime services.  My Prime Minister launched a ‘Call to Action’ against the fleet in July, and we want to thank the 45 partners in this room who signed up to this.

    We cannot and will not ignore Russia’s violations of the laws and principles that underpin global trade and food security. They contravene its Decalogue obligations, including Article 10 on the fulfilment in good faith of obligations under international law.  We call on the Russian authorities to end this unjustifiable war and return to conformity with the OSCE’s foundational principles.  Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 October 2024

    Invasion of Ukraine

    • UK visa support for Ukrainian nationals
    • Move to the UK if you’re coming from Ukraine
    • Homes for Ukraine: record your interest
    • Find out about the UK’s response

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Interest in transit system received

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The invitation of expressions of interest (EOI) in relation to Kai Tak’s smart and green mass transit system (SGMTS) project ended today at noon, with a total of 30 submissions from local, Mainland and overseas companies having been received.

    The Transport & Logistics Bureau, jointly with the Civil Engineering & Development Department, invited system suppliers and operators to submit EOIs for the project on August 29.

    The department said it will immediately begin assessing the EOIs received, adding that information submitted will serve as a reference for establishing the technical details, delivery mode and financial arrangements for the project.

    It intends to invite tenders for the project next year, and aims to award the works contract in 2026.

    The department added that, as announced by the Chief Executive in his Policy Address last week, the Government will continue to take the Kai Tak project forward and, by adopting innovative modes of implementation and construction methods, hopes to complete it three years ahead of the original target commissioning date.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Cenovus to hold third-quarter conference call and webcast on October 31

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, Oct. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cenovus Energy Inc. (TSX:CVE) (NYSE: CVE) will release its third-quarter 2024 results on Thursday, October 31. The news release will provide consolidated third-quarter operating and financial information. The company’s financial statements will be available on Cenovus’s website, cenovus.com.

    Conference call: 8 a.m. MT (10 a.m. ET)

    To join the conference call, please dial 1-888-307-2440 (toll-free in North America) or 647-694-2812 to reach a live operator who will place you into the call. A live audio webcast will also be available and archived for approximately 30 days.

    Cenovus Energy Inc.

    Cenovus Energy Inc. is an integrated energy company with oil and natural gas production operations in Canada and the Asia Pacific region, and upgrading, refining and marketing operations in Canada and the United States. The company is focused on managing its assets in a safe, innovative and cost-efficient manner, integrating environmental, social and governance considerations into its business plans. Cenovus common shares and warrants are listed on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges, and the company’s preferred shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. For more information, visit cenovus.com.

    Find Cenovus on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram.

    Cenovus contacts:

    Investors Media
    Investor Relations general line
    403-766-7711
    Media Relations general line
    403-766-7751

    The MIL Network –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: FirstCash Reports Record Third Quarter Operating Results; Strength in U.S. Pawn Segment Drives Record Revenue and Earnings; Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORT WORTH, Texas, Oct. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FirstCash Holdings, Inc. (“FirstCash” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: FCFS), the leading international operator of more than 3,000 retail pawn stores and a leading provider of retail point-of-sale (“POS”) payment solutions through American First Finance (“AFF”), today announced operating results for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2024. The Company also announced that the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.38 per share, which will be paid in November 2024.

    Mr. Rick Wessel, chief executive officer, stated, “FirstCash achieved record revenue and earnings results for both the third quarter and year-to-date periods. Impressive third quarter achievements also included a fifth consecutive quarter of double-digit growth in same-store pawn receivables for the U.S. pawn segment. The LatAm pawn segment also saw continued growth in local currency pawn revenues and receivables, while AFF recorded a 14% increase in third quarter gross origination volumes driven primarily by 25% growth in new merchant locations.

    “Expansion of retail pawn locations continues to be robust as well, with the opening of 16 new pawn stores in the third quarter and the combined opening and acquisition of 83 total stores during the first nine months of this year. Growth in the number of stores and earning assets, coupled with consistent shareholder returns through dividends and share repurchases, continue to be funded primarily through operating cash flows.”

    This release contains adjusted financial measures, which exclude certain non-operating and/or non-cash income and expenses, that are non-GAAP financial measures. Please refer to the descriptions and reconciliations to GAAP of these and other non-GAAP financial measures at the end of this release.

        Three Months Ended September 30,
        As Reported (GAAP)   Adjusted (Non-GAAP)
    In thousands, except per share amounts   2024   2023   2024   2023
    Revenue   $ 837,321   $ 786,301   $ 837,321   $ 786,301
    Net income   $ 64,827   $ 57,144   $ 75,179   $ 70,775
    Diluted earnings per share   $ 1.44   $ 1.26   $ 1.67   $ 1.56
    EBITDA (non-GAAP measure)   $ 138,134   $ 129,350   $ 139,278   $ 132,985
    Weighted-average diluted shares     44,970     45,374     44,970     45,374
        Nine Months Ended September 30,
        As Reported (GAAP)   Adjusted (Non-GAAP)
    In thousands, except per share amounts   2024   2023   2024   2023
    Revenue   $ 2,504,703   $ 2,299,662   $ 2,504,703   $ 2,299,662
    Net income   $ 175,268   $ 149,712   $ 207,266   $ 184,028
    Diluted earnings per share   $ 3.88   $ 3.27   $ 4.58   $ 4.02
    EBITDA (non-GAAP measure)   $ 388,372   $ 348,291   $ 392,752   $ 350,028
    Weighted-average diluted shares     45,214     45,747     45,214     45,747
                             

    Consolidated Operating Highlights

    • Gross revenues totaled $837 million in the third quarter, an increase of 6% on a U.S. dollar basis and 9% on a constant currency basis compared to the prior-year quarter. Year-to-date revenues totaled $2.5 billion, an increase of 9%, in both dollars and constant currency, compared to the prior-year period.
    • Diluted earnings per share for the third quarter increased 14% over the prior-year quarter on a GAAP basis while adjusted diluted earnings per share increased 7% compared to the prior-year quarter. Year-to-date diluted earnings per share increased 19% over the prior-year period on a GAAP basis while adjusted diluted earnings per share increased 14% compared to the prior-year period.
    • Net income for the third quarter increased 13% over the prior-year quarter on a GAAP basis while adjusted net income increased 6% compared to the prior-year quarter. Year-to-date, net income totaled $175 million on a GAAP basis while adjusted net income was $207 million. 
    • For the trailing twelve month period ended September 30, 2024:
      • Revenues totaled a record $3.4 billion
      • Net income totaled $245 million on a GAAP basis while adjusted net income was $300 million
      • Adjusted EBITDA was $554 million
      • Operating cash flows were $441 million and adjusted free cash flows were $217 million

    Store Base and Platform Growth

    • Pawn Stores – 16 new pawn locations were added in the third quarter through acquisitions and new store openings. Year-to-date through September 30, 2024, a total of 83 pawn locations have been added:
      • One U.S. store was acquired in Georgia during the third quarter. Year-to-date through September 30, 2024, a total of 29 new locations have opened or been acquired in the U.S.
      • There were 15 new store openings in Latin America in the third quarter which included 11 locations in Mexico and four locations in Guatemala. Year-to-date through September 30, 2024, a total of 54 new locations have opened in Latin America.
      • As of September 30, 2024, the Company had 3,025 locations, comprised of 1,201 U.S. locations and 1,824 locations in Latin America.
    • Retail POS Payment Solutions (AFF) Merchant Partnerships – At September 30, 2024, there were approximately 13,500 active retail and e-commerce merchant partner locations, representing a 25% increase in the number of active merchant locations compared to a year ago.

    U.S. Pawn Segment Operating Results

    • Segment pre-tax operating income in the third quarter of 2024 was a record $98 million, an increase of $14 million, or 16%, compared to the prior-year quarter. The resulting segment pre-tax operating margin was 25% for the third quarter of 2024 which is consistent with the margin for the prior-year quarter.
    • Year-to-date segment pre-tax operating income increased by $48 million, or 20%, compared to the prior-year period. The pre-tax operating margin increased to 25% for the year-to-date period, as compared to the 24% margin for the prior-year period.
    • Pawn receivables continued to grow to record levels, increasing 12% in total at September 30, 2024 compared to the prior year. The increase in total pawn receivables was driven by a 4% increase in the weighted-average U.S. store count coupled with an impressive 10% same-store increase. The same-store increase was driven by a 7% increase in average loan size and a 3% increase in the number of loans outstanding.
    • Pawn loan fees increased 13% for the third quarter and 18% year-to-date, while on a same-store basis, pawn loan fee revenue increased 8% for the quarter and 11% year-to-date compared to the respective prior-year periods. The increased pawn loan fee revenue reflected both store growth and continued growth in demand for pawn loans.
    • Retail merchandise sales increased 15% in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the prior-year quarter, while same-store retail sales increased 7% compared to the prior-year quarter.
    • Retail sales margins were 43% for the third quarter, improving sequentially over the second quarter and in-line with the prior-year margins. Year-to-date margins were 42% compared to 43% in the prior-year period.
    • Annualized inventory turnover was 2.8 times for the trailing twelve months ended September 30, 2024, which equaled the prior-year annualized inventory turnover. Inventories aged greater than one year at September 30, 2024 remained low at 2% of total inventories.
    • Operating expenses for the third quarter increased 12% in total due to the 4% weighted-average store count growth over the past year and increased same-store expenses of 6% compared to the prior-year period.

    Latin America Pawn Segment Operating Results

    Note: Certain growth rates below are calculated on a constant currency basis, a non-GAAP financial measure defined at the end of this release. The average Mexican peso to U.S. dollar exchange rate for the third quarter of 2024 was 18.9 pesos / dollar, an unfavorable change of 11% versus the comparable prior-year period, and for the nine month period ended September 30, 2024 was 17.7 pesos / dollar, a favorable change of 1% versus the prior-year period.

    • Third quarter segment pre-tax operating income totaled $38 million, a 6% decline on a U.S. dollar-basis compared to the prior year due primarily to an 11% decline in the Mexican peso exchange rate. On a constant currency basis, segment income increased 2% for the quarter. The resulting pre-tax operating margin was 19% compared to 20% in the prior-year quarter.
    • Year-to-date segment pre-tax operating income totaled $107 million, a 4% decline on a U.S. dollar-basis compared to the prior-year period due primarily to increased labor costs and store expansion expenses as described further below. The year-to-date pre-tax operating margin was 18% compared to 19% in the prior-year period.
    • While total and same-store pawn loan fees in the third quarter decreased 4% on a U.S. dollar-basis, they increased 6% on a constant currency basis compared to the prior-year quarter. Year-to-date pawn loan fees increased 7%, or 6% on a constant currency basis, compared to the prior-year period. Same-store pawn loan fees were up 6%, both in total and on a constant currency basis, compared to the prior year-to-date period.
    • While total and same-store receivables at September 30, 2024 were down 4% on a U.S. dollar basis, they increased 6% on a constant currency basis compared to the prior year.
    • Both total and same-store retail merchandise sales in the third quarter of 2024 decreased 3% on a U.S. dollar basis, but increased 7% on a constant currency basis compared to the prior-year quarter. Year-to-date retail merchandise sales increased 4% in total and on a constant currency basis while same-store retail merchandise sales increased 4%, or 3% on a constant currency basis.
    • Retail margins were 35% for the third quarter of 2024 compared to 36% in the prior-year quarter. Annualized inventory turnover was 4.2 times for the trailing twelve months ended September 30, 2024 compared to 4.3 times in the prior-year period. Inventories aged greater than one year at September 30, 2024 remained extremely low at 1%.
    • Operating expenses decreased 1% in total and 2% on a same-store basis compared to the prior-year quarter. On a constant currency basis, they increased 8% in total and on a same-store basis. The increase in constant currency expenses from all stores reflected increased store counts, accelerated store opening activity and higher labor costs (due primarily to further increases in the federal minimum wage and other mandated benefit programs), along with other inflationary impacts.

    American First Finance (AFF) – Retail POS Payment Solutions Segment Operating Results

    • Third quarter segment pre-tax operating income totaled $30 million compared to $39 million in the prior-year quarter, as a significant $35 million dollar increase in gross transaction origination volume over the same quarter last year drove an increase in up-front lifetime lease and loan loss provisioning of approximately $10 million.
    • Year-to-date segment pre-tax operating income totaled $89 million, a 1% increase over the prior-year period which was also generally consistent with year-to-date gross origination activity.
    • Segment revenues for the quarter, comprised of lease-to-own (“LTO”) fees and interest and fees on finance receivables, were flat compared to the prior-year quarter while increasing 4% year-to-date.
    • Gross transaction volume of lease and loan originations during the third quarter increased $35 million, or 14%, compared to last year, driven primarily by the 25% increase in active merchant door counts and continued growth in non-furniture verticals. Excluding furniture, third quarter origination volume increased approximately 35%. For the year-to-date period, overall gross transaction volume increased 5% over the same prior-year period and was up 23% excluding furniture.
    • Combined gross leased merchandise and finance receivables outstanding at September 30, 2024 increased 1% compared to the September 30, 2023 balances.
    • The combined lease and loan loss provision as a percentage of the total gross transaction volume originated was 28% for the third quarter of 2024, compared to the 29% provisioning rate in the third quarter of 2023. The resulting allowance on combined leased merchandise and finance receivables at September 30, 2024 was 44% of gross leased merchandise and receivables, which was consistent with the prior year.
    • The average monthly net charge-off (“NCO”) rate for combined leased merchandise and finance receivable products was 5.8% for the third quarter of 2024 and 5.2% for the year-to-date period. While slightly above the prior year, charge-offs remain within the range of forecast expectations.
    • Operating expenses were flat compared to the prior-year quarter and the year-to-date period, which was reflective of continued realization of operating synergies.

    Cash Flow and Liquidity

    • Each of the Company’s business segments generated significant operating cash flows during the twelve month period ended September 30, 2024. Consolidated operating cash flows for the twelve month period ended September 30, 2024 totaled $441 million and adjusted free cash flows (a non-GAAP measure) were $217 million.
    • The operating cash flows helped fund significant growth in earning assets and continued investments in the store platform over the past twelve months with a nominal increase in net debt:
      • A total of 36 pawn stores were acquired for a combined purchase price of $82 million.
      • 64 new, or de novo, pawn stores were added with a combined investment of $20 million in fixed assets and working capital.
      • Investments in real estate totaled $78 million as the Company purchased the underlying real estate at 63 of its existing pawn stores, bringing the number of owned properties to over 380 locations.
    • In August 2024, the Company amended its U.S. revolving commercial bank credit facility to increase the total lender commitment from $640 million to $700 million with two new banks added to the commercial bank lending group. The term of the facility was extended through August 8, 2029. In addition, the permitted consolidated leverage ratio was increased to 3.25 times adjusted EBITDA for the full term of the agreement, while the other financial covenants remain substantially unchanged.
    • Over $1.5 billion of the Company’s long-term financing remains fixed rate debt with favorable interest rates ranging from 4.625% to 6.875% and maturity dates that do not begin until 2028 and continue into 2032.
    • Based on trailing twelve month results, the net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio was 2.96x at September 30, 2024.

    Shareholder Returns

    • The Board of Directors declared a $0.38 per share fourth quarter cash dividend, which will be paid on November 27, 2024 to stockholders of record as of November 15, 2024. This represents an annualized dividend of $1.52 per share. Any future dividends are subject to approval by the Company’s Board of Directors.
    • Year-to-date, the Company has repurchased $85 million of common stock. The Company has $115 million available under the $200 million share repurchase program authorized in July 2023. Future share repurchases are subject to expected liquidity, acquisitions and other investment opportunities, debt covenant restrictions, market conditions and other relevant factors.
    • The Company generated a 12% return on equity and a 6% return on assets for the twelve months ended September 30, 2024. Using adjusted net income for the twelve months ended September 30, 2024, the adjusted return on equity was 15% while the adjusted return on assets was 7%.

    2024 Outlook

    The outlook for the remainder of 2024 continues to be highly positive, with expected year-over-year growth in consolidated revenue and earnings driven by the continued growth in earning asset balances coupled with store additions. Anticipated conditions and trends for the fourth quarter include the following:

    Pawn Operations:

    • Pawn operations are expected to remain the primary earnings driver in 2024 as the Company expects segment income from the combined U.S. and Latin America pawn segments to be over 80% of total segment level pre-tax income for the full year.
    • The company is targeting the addition of approximately 90 total pawn locations for 2024 through a combination of new store openings and acquisitions.

    U.S. Pawn

    • Pawn receivables were up 12% at September 30, 2024 compared to a year ago, with October balances to date up similarly. Resulting pawn fees are expected to increase in the range of 10% to 12%.
    • Retail sales growth is expected to remain in-line with the inventory growth of 10% at the most recent quarter end while retail margins are projected to remain consistent with the year-to-date results.

    Latin America Pawn

    • Latin America results in the fourth quarter are expected to be negatively impacted by the lower exchange rate for the Mexican peso which has recently been in a range of 19 to 20 pesos per U.S. dollar.
    • Pawn loan growth to-date in October is up approximately 8% on a constant currency basis, although down 2% on a U.S. dollar basis as compared to the prior year assuming the current exchange rate. A similar result is projected for constant currency fourth quarter pawn fees.
    • Retail sales in Latin America are also expected to increase in-line with inventory growth of 9% on a constant currency basis and are expected to be roughly flat to the prior year on a U.S. dollar basis, assuming the current exchange rate, with consistent retail margins.

    Retail POS Payment Solutions (AFF) Operations:

    • While weakness in the macro furniture retail environment continues to negatively impact performance from many of its merchant retail partners in the furniture retail vertical, year-over-year growth in gross transaction volumes is still projected for the full year and fourth quarter of 2024, driven by increasing active merchant doors and further expansion of non-furniture verticals. Resulting full year gross revenues for 2024 are expected to remain at or above the prior-year level. AFF now expects furniture to account for less than 40% of 2024 originations compared to almost 50% in 2023.
    • The origination and revenue outlook takes into consideration the previously announced bankruptcy filing of Conn’s Home Plus which now assumes minimal originations from November 2024 forward from this merchant relationship.
    • Anticipated provision rates (combined provision for lease and loan losses as a percentage of the total gross transaction volume originated) are expected to range between 25% and 28% in the fourth quarter of the year.

    Interest Expense, Tax Rates and Currency:

    • Interest expense for the fourth quarter is expected to be consistent with the prior year.
    • The full year 2024 effective income tax rate under current tax codes in the U.S. and Latin America is expected to range from 24.5% to 25.5%.
    • Each full point change in the exchange rate of the Mexican peso represents an annual earnings impact of approximately $0.10 per share.

    Additional Commentary and Analysis   

    Mr. Wessel provided additional insights on the Company’s third quarter results and outlook for the remainder of 2024, “Our results continue to demonstrate strong fundamental product demand trends which we expect to drive future revenue and earnings growth.

    “The U.S. pawn segment again saw continued record levels of demand for pawn loans and record per store loan balances. The 10% growth in same-store pawn receivables is especially strong given that the comparative prior-year comp was 11%. On a stacked, two-year basis, same-store pawn loans are up 21% compared to the third quarter of 2022, illustrating tremendous, continued momentum in the business. Demand trends in October remain strong and we believe lending volumes should continue to also benefit from increased gold prices while our inventories are well positioned for the holiday sales season.

    “In Latin America, currency adjusted pawn receivables and pawn fees continued to show impressive growth in the third quarter, with further acceleration to date in October, while third quarter retail sales grew even faster. While the volatility of the Mexican peso slightly impacted third quarter earnings results by approximately $0.04 per share, there is minimal impact on cash flows as we continue to reinvest a large portion of our cash flows in Latin America. We believe in the long term opportunity for Latin America, driven by near-shore manufacturing expansion and the use of pawn loans being an integral part of the economy for our customer base.

    “Unit growth in both pawn segments remains exceptional. We have now added 83 stores this year and a total of 240 stores since the beginning of 2023. Looking ahead, we continue to see and evaluate expansion opportunities across markets in both the U.S. and Latin America.

    “AFF’s gross transaction volumes in the third quarter improved both sequentially and year-over-year (even when excluding Conn’s Home Plus third quarter closeout volume) with significant contributions from both new doors and expanding non-furniture verticals driven largely by robust productivity from our field sales channel. Excluding furniture, third quarter origination volume increased approximately 35%. This growth has led to a further decrease in large merchant concentration risk, with the largest merchant partner now representing approximately 12% of current total gross transaction volume. Additionally, combined lease and loan losses remain well within our target metrics while the combined reserve remains consistent at over 40% of the total portfolio.

    “All of FirstCash’s business segments continue to generate strong cash flows while its balance sheet remains highly liquid. Over 60% of pawn loans are collateralized with jewelry, which is primarily gold and very liquid, while almost 50% of retail inventories are comprised of jewelry that typically has the highest margins. Our balance sheet maintains favorable unsecured financing featuring long-dated maturities at attractive rates. Accordingly, we believe that we are well positioned to drive continued shareholder value through organic store growth, strategic acquisitions, dividends and share repurchases,” concluded Mr. Wessel.

    About FirstCash

    FirstCash is the leading international operator of pawn stores focused on serving cash and credit-constrained consumers. FirstCash’s more than 3,000 pawn stores in the U.S. and Latin America buy and sell a wide variety of jewelry, electronics, tools, appliances, sporting goods, musical instruments and other merchandise, and make small non-recourse pawn loans secured by pledged personal property. FirstCash’s pawn segments in the U.S. and Latin America currently account for approximately 80% of segment earnings, with the remainder provided by its wholly owned subsidiary, AFF, which provides lease-to-own and retail finance payment solutions for consumer goods and services.

    FirstCash is a component company in both the Standard & Poor’s MidCap 400 Index® and the Russell 2000 Index®. FirstCash’s common stock (ticker symbol “FCFS”) is traded on the Nasdaq, the creator of the world’s first electronic stock market. For additional information regarding FirstCash and the services it provides, visit FirstCash’s websites located at http://www.firstcash.com and http://www.americanfirstfinance.com.

    Forward-Looking Information     

    This release contains forward-looking statements about the business, financial condition, outlook and prospects of FirstCash Holdings, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (together, the “Company”), including the Company’s outlook for 2024. Forward-looking statements, as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “outlook,” “believes,” “projects,” “expects,” “may,” “estimates,” “should,” “plans,” “targets,” “intends,” “could,” “would,” “anticipates,” “potential,” “confident,” “optimistic,” or the negative thereof, or other variations thereon, or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy, objectives, estimates, guidance, expectations, outlook and future plans. Forward-looking statements can also be identified by the fact these statements do not relate strictly to historical or current matters. Rather, forward-looking statements relate to anticipated or expected events, activities, trends or results. Because forward-looking statements relate to matters that have not yet occurred, these statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties.

    While the Company believes the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurances such expectations will prove to be accurate. Security holders are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Certain factors may cause results to differ materially from those anticipated by the forward-looking statements made in this release. Such factors may include, without limitation, risks related to the extensive regulatory environment in which the Company operates; risks associated with the legal and regulatory proceedings that the Company is a party to or may become a party to in the future, including the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the “CFPB”) lawsuit filed against the Company; risks related to the Company’s acquisitions, including the failure of the Company’s acquisitions to deliver the estimated value and benefits expected by the Company and the ability of the Company to continue to identify and consummate acquisitions on favorable terms, if at all; potential changes in consumer behavior and shopping patterns which could impact demand for the Company’s pawn loan, retail, lease-to-own (“LTO”) and retail finance products; labor shortages and increased labor costs; a deterioration in the economic conditions in the United States and Latin America, including as a result of inflation, elevated interest rates and higher gas prices, which potentially could have an impact on discretionary consumer spending and demand for the Company’s products; currency fluctuations, primarily involving the Mexican peso; competition the Company faces from other retailers and providers of retail payment solutions; the ability of the Company to successfully execute on its business strategies; contraction in sales activity at merchant partners of the Company’s retail POS payment solutions business; impact of store closures, financial difficulties or even bankruptcies at the merchant partners of the Company’s retail POS payment solutions business; and other risks discussed and described in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including the risks described in Part 1, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” thereof, and other reports filed with the SEC. Many of these risks and uncertainties are beyond the ability of the Company to control, nor can the Company predict, in many cases, all of the risks and uncertainties that could cause its actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this release speak only as of the date of this release, and the Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to report any updates or revisions to any such statement to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law.

    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
    (unaudited, in thousands)
     
      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      September 30,   September 30,
      2024   2023   2024   2023
    Revenue:              
    Retail merchandise sales $ 363,141     $ 335,081     $ 1,093,425     $ 983,860  
    Pawn loan fees   186,561       174,560       547,142       480,298  
    Leased merchandise income   188,560       189,382       588,801       562,625  
    Interest and fees on finance receivables   61,198       61,413       175,384       174,247  
    Wholesale scrap jewelry sales   37,861       25,865       99,951       98,632  
    Total revenue   837,321       786,301       2,504,703       2,299,662  
                   
    Cost of revenue:              
    Cost of retail merchandise sold   218,178       199,719       659,854       590,991  
    Depreciation of leased merchandise   104,928       103,698       335,369       307,824  
    Provision for lease losses   39,171       39,736       129,834       141,674  
    Provision for loan losses   40,557       33,096       102,091       90,571  
    Cost of wholesale scrap jewelry sold   29,880       21,405       81,711       79,012  
    Total cost of revenue   432,714       397,654       1,308,859       1,210,072  
                   
    Net revenue   404,607       388,647       1,195,844       1,089,590  
                   
    Expenses and other income:              
    Operating expenses   224,926       211,524       674,431       615,366  
    Administrative expenses   40,930       45,056       129,563       124,428  
    Depreciation and amortization   25,933       27,365       78,507       81,526  
    Interest expense   27,424       24,689       78,029       66,657  
    Interest income   (403 )     (328 )     (1,407 )     (1,253 )
    Loss (gain) on foreign exchange   882       (286 )     2,133       (1,905 )
    Merger and acquisition expenses   225       3,387       2,186       3,670  
    Other expenses (income), net   (490 )     (384 )     (841 )     (260 )
    Total expenses and other income   319,427       311,023       962,601       888,229  
                   
    Income before income taxes   85,180       77,624       233,243       201,361  
                   
    Provision for income taxes   20,353       20,480       57,975       51,649  
                   
    Net income $ 64,827     $ 57,144     $ 175,268     $ 149,712  
    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (unaudited, in thousands)
     
      September 30,   December 31,
      2024   2023   2023
    ASSETS          
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 106,320     $ 86,547     $ 127,018  
    Accounts receivable, net   74,378       72,336       71,922  
    Pawn loans   517,877       483,785       471,846  
    Finance receivables, net   123,751       113,307       113,901  
    Inventories   334,394       314,382       312,089  
    Leased merchandise, net   137,769       143,169       171,191  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets   34,861       21,114       38,634  
    Total current assets   1,329,350       1,234,640       1,306,601  
               
    Property and equipment, net   689,075       604,673       632,724  
    Operating lease right of use asset   329,228       312,097       328,458  
    Goodwill   1,788,795       1,713,354       1,727,652  
    Intangible assets, net   241,389       291,690       277,724  
    Other assets   10,339       10,057       10,242  
    Deferred tax assets, net   4,671       8,052       6,514  
    Total assets $ 4,392,847     $ 4,174,563     $ 4,289,915  
               
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 133,792     $ 146,873     $ 163,050  
    Customer deposits and prepayments   78,083       71,752       70,580  
    Lease liability, current   96,598       98,745       101,962  
    Total current liabilities   308,473       317,370       335,592  
               
    Revolving unsecured credit facilities   200,000       560,229       568,000  
    Senior unsecured notes   1,530,604       1,037,151       1,037,647  
    Deferred tax liabilities, net   127,425       139,713       136,773  
    Lease liability, non-current   227,151       202,516       215,485  
    Total liabilities   2,393,653       2,256,979       2,293,497  
               
    Stockholders’ equity:          
    Common stock   575       573       573  
    Additional paid-in capital   1,764,351       1,737,497       1,741,046  
    Retained earnings   1,344,542       1,164,228       1,218,029  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (114,807 )     (64,521 )     (43,037 )
    Common stock held in treasury, at cost   (995,467 )     (920,193 )     (920,193 )
    Total stockholders’ equity   1,999,194       1,917,584       1,996,418  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 4,392,847     $ 4,174,563     $ 4,289,915  
    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    U.S. PAWN SEGMENT RESULTS
    (UNAUDITED)
     
    U.S. Pawn Operating Results and Margins (dollars in thousands)
     
      Three Months Ended        
      September 30,    
      2024   2023   Increase
    Revenue:                  
    Retail merchandise sales $ 235,037     $ 203,769       15 %  
    Pawn loan fees   128,393       114,022       13 %  
    Wholesale scrap jewelry sales   26,685       17,140       56 %  
    Total revenue   390,115       334,931       16 %  
                       
    Cost of revenue:                  
    Cost of retail merchandise sold   134,966       115,670       17 %  
    Cost of wholesale scrap jewelry sold   21,393       14,297       50 %  
    Total cost of revenue   156,359       129,967       20 %  
                       
    Net revenue   233,756       204,964       14 %  
                       
    Segment expenses:                  
    Operating expenses   128,104       113,976       12 %  
    Depreciation and amortization   7,365       6,586       12 %  
    Total segment expenses   135,469       120,562       12 %  
                       
    Segment pre-tax operating income $ 98,287     $ 84,402       16 %  
                       
    Operating metrics:                  
    Retail merchandise sales margin 43 %   43 %        
    Net revenue margin 60 %   61 %        
    Segment pre-tax operating margin 25 %   25 %        
    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    U.S. PAWN SEGMENT RESULTS (CONTINUED)
    (UNAUDITED)
     
      Nine Months Ended        
      September 30,    
      2024   2023   Increase
    Revenue:                  
    Retail merchandise sales $ 702,120     $ 610,493       15 %  
    Pawn loan fees   371,699       315,679       18 %  
    Wholesale scrap jewelry sales   70,722       61,108       16 %  
    Total revenue   1,144,541       987,280       16 %  
                       
    Cost of revenue:                  
    Cost of retail merchandise sold   407,329       349,138       17 %  
    Cost of wholesale scrap jewelry sold   57,928       49,604       17 %  
    Total cost of revenue   465,257       398,742       17 %  
                       
    Net revenue   679,284       588,538       15 %  
                       
    Segment expenses:                  
    Operating expenses   372,191       331,916       12 %  
    Depreciation and amortization   21,609       18,786       15 %  
    Total segment expenses   393,800       350,702       12 %  
                       
    Segment pre-tax operating income $ 285,484     $ 237,836       20 %  
                       
    Operating metrics:                  
    Retail merchandise sales margin 42 %   43 %        
    Net revenue margin 59 %   60 %        
    Segment pre-tax operating margin 25 %   24 %        
    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    U.S. PAWN SEGMENT RESULTS (CONTINUED)
    (UNAUDITED)
     
    U.S. Pawn Earning Assets and Portfolio Metrics (dollars in thousands, except as otherwise noted)
     
      As of September 30,    
      2024   2023   Increase
    Earning assets:                  
    Pawn loans $ 380,962     $ 341,123       12 %  
    Inventories   238,668       217,406       10 %  
      $ 619,630     $ 558,529       11 %  
                       
    Average outstanding pawn loan amount (in ones) $ 264     $ 245       8 %  
                       
    Composition of pawn collateral:                  
    General merchandise 30 %   31 %        
    Jewelry 70 %   69 %        
      100 %   100 %        
                       
    Composition of inventories:                  
    General merchandise 43 %   45 %        
    Jewelry 57 %   55 %        
      100 %   100 %        
                       
    Percentage of inventory aged greater than one year 2 %   1 %        
                       
    Inventory turns (trailing twelve months cost of merchandise sales divided by average inventories) 2.8 times   2.8 times        
    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    LATIN AMERICA PAWN SEGMENT RESULTS
    (UNAUDITED)
     
    Constant currency results are non-GAAP financial measures, which exclude the effects of foreign currency translation and are calculated by translating current-year results at prior-year average exchange rates. See the “Constant Currency Results” section below for additional discussion of constant currency operating results.
     
    Latin America Pawn Operating Results and Margins (dollars in thousands)
     
                          Constant Currency Basis
                          Three Months        
                    Ended        
        Three Months Ended           September 30,   Increase /
        September 30,   Increase /   2024   (Decrease)
        2024     2023   (Decrease)   (Non-GAAP)   (Non-GAAP)
    Revenue:                              
    Retail merchandise sales   $ 129,081       $ 132,784       (3 )%     $ 142,147       7 %  
    Pawn loan fees     58,168         60,538       (4 )%       64,130       6 %  
    Wholesale scrap jewelry sales     11,176         8,725       28 %       11,176       28 %  
    Total revenue     198,425         202,047       (2 )%       217,453       8 %  
                                   
    Cost of revenue:                              
    Cost of retail merchandise sold     83,729         84,816       (1 )%       92,131       9 %  
    Cost of wholesale scrap jewelry sold     8,487         7,108       19 %       9,378       32 %  
    Total cost of revenue     92,216         91,924       — %       101,509       10 %  
                                   
    Net revenue     106,209         110,123       (4 )%       115,944       5 %  
                                   
    Segment expenses:                              
    Operating expenses     63,062         63,907       (1 )%       69,199       8 %  
    Depreciation and amortization     4,676         5,236       (11 )%       5,117       (2 )%  
    Total segment expenses     67,738         69,143       (2 )%       74,316       7 %  
                                     
    Segment pre-tax operating income   $ 38,471       $ 40,980       (6 )%     $ 41,628       2 %  
                                   
    Operating metrics:                              
    Retail merchandise sales margin 35 %   36 %         35 %        
    Net revenue margin 54 %   55 %         53 %        
    Segment pre-tax operating margin 19 %   20 %         19 %        
    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    LATIN AMERICA PAWN SEGMENT RESULTS (CONTINUED)
    (UNAUDITED)
     
                          Constant Currency Basis
                          Nine Months        
                    Ended        
        Nine Months Ended           September 30,   Increase /
        September 30,   Increase /    2024   (Decrease)
         2024      2023   (Decrease)   (Non-GAAP)   (Non-GAAP)
    Revenue:                              
    Retail merchandise sales   $ 394,375       $ 378,302       4 %     $ 391,606       4 %  
    Pawn loan fees     175,443         164,619       7 %       174,228       6 %  
    Wholesale scrap jewelry sales     29,229         37,524       (22 )%       29,229       (22 )%  
    Total revenue     599,047         580,445       3 %       595,063       3 %  
                                   
    Cost of revenue:                              
    Cost of retail merchandise sold     254,188         244,439       4 %       252,377       3 %  
    Cost of wholesale scrap jewelry sold     23,783         29,408       (19 )%       23,627       (20 )%  
    Total cost of revenue     277,971         273,847       2 %       276,004       1 %  
                                   
    Net revenue     321,076         306,598       5 %       319,059       4 %  
                                   
    Segment expenses:                              
    Operating expenses     198,389         179,170       11 %       196,986       10 %  
    Depreciation and amortization     15,199         15,884       (4 )%       15,072       (5 )%  
    Total segment expenses     213,588         195,054       10 %       212,058       9 %  
                                   
    Segment pre-tax operating income   $ 107,488       $ 111,544       (4 )%     $ 107,001       (4 )%  
                                   
    Operating metrics:                              
    Retail merchandise sales margin 36 %   35 %         36 %        
    Net revenue margin 54 %   53 %         54 %        
    Segment pre-tax operating margin 18 %   19 %         18 %        
    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    LATIN AMERICA PAWN SEGMENT RESULTS (CONTINUED)
    (UNAUDITED)
     
    Latin America Pawn Earning Assets and Portfolio Metrics (dollars in thousands, except as otherwise noted)
     
                          Constant Currency Basis
                          As of        
                          September 30,    
      As of September 30,       2024   Increase
      2024   2023   (Decrease)   (Non-GAAP)   (Non-GAAP)
    Earning assets:                              
    Pawn loans $ 136,915     $ 142,662       (4 )%   $ 151,486     6 %  
    Inventories   95,726       96,976       (1 )%     105,792     9 %  
      $ 232,641     $ 239,638       (3 )%   $ 257,278     7 %  
                                   
    Average outstanding pawn loan amount (in ones) $ 85     $ 89       (4 )%   $ 94     6 %  
                                   
    Composition of pawn collateral:                              
    General merchandise 62 %   66 %                    
    Jewelry 38 %   34 %                    
      100 %   100 %                    
                                   
    Composition of inventories:                              
    General merchandise 70 %   68 %                    
    Jewelry 30 %   32 %                    
      100 %   100 %                    
                                   
    Percentage of inventory aged greater than one year 1 %   1 %                    
                                   
    Inventory turns (trailing twelve months cost of merchandise sales divided by average inventories) 4.2 times   4.3 times                    
    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    RETAIL POS PAYMENT SOLUTIONS SEGMENT RESULTS
    (UNAUDITED)
     
    Retail POS Payment Solutions Operating Results (dollars in thousands)
     
      Three Months Ended        
      September 30,   Increase /
      2024   2023   (Decrease)
    Revenue:              
    Leased merchandise income $ 188,560   $ 189,382     — %  
    Interest and fees on finance receivables   61,198     61,413     — %  
    Total revenue   249,758     250,795     — %  
                   
    Cost of revenue:              
    Depreciation of leased merchandise   105,308     104,198     1 %  
    Provision for lease losses   39,268     39,640     (1 )%  
    Provision for loan losses   40,557     33,096     23 %  
    Total cost of revenue   185,133     176,934     5 %  
                   
    Net revenue   64,625     73,861     (13 )%  
                   
    Segment expenses:              
    Operating expenses   33,760     33,641     — %  
    Depreciation and amortization   679     771     (12 )%  
    Total segment expenses   34,439     34,412     — %  
                   
    Segment pre-tax operating income $ 30,186   $ 39,449     (23 )%  
    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    RETAIL POS PAYMENT SOLUTIONS SEGMENT RESULTS (CONTINUED)
    (UNAUDITED)
     
      Nine Months Ended        
      September 30,   Increase /
      2024   2023   (Decrease)
    Revenue:              
    Leased merchandise income $ 588,801   $ 562,625     5 %  
    Interest and fees on finance receivables   175,384     174,247     1 %  
    Total revenue   764,185     736,872     4 %  
                   
    Cost of revenue:              
    Depreciation of leased merchandise   336,649     309,432     9 %  
    Provision for lease losses   130,272     141,854     (8 )%  
    Provision for loan losses   102,091     90,571     13 %  
    Total cost of revenue   569,012     541,857     5 %  
                   
    Net revenue   195,173     195,015     — %  
                   
    Segment expenses:              
    Operating expenses   103,851     104,280     — %  
    Depreciation and amortization   2,078     2,258     (8 )%  
    Total segment expenses   105,929     106,538     (1 )%  
                   
    Segment pre-tax operating income $ 89,244   $ 88,477     1 %  
    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    RETAIL POS PAYMENT SOLUTIONS SEGMENT RESULTS (CONTINUED)
    (UNAUDITED)
     
    Retail POS Payment Solutions Gross Transaction Volumes (dollars in thousands)
     
      Three Months Ended        
      September 30,   Increase /
      2024   2023   (Decrease)
    Leased merchandise $ 143,146   $ 147,513     (3 )%  
    Finance receivables   142,910     103,183     39 %  
    Total gross transaction volume $ 286,056   $ 250,696     14 %  
                   
                   
      Nine Months Ended        
      September 30,   Increase /
      2024   2023   (Decrease)
    Leased merchandise $ 444,045   $ 452,792     (2 )%  
    Finance receivables   350,332     303,485     15 %  
    Total gross transaction volume $ 794,377   $ 756,277     5 %  
    Retail POS Payment Solutions Earning Assets (dollars in thousands)
     
      As of September 30,   Increase /
      2024   2023   (Decrease)
    Leased merchandise, net:              
    Leased merchandise, before allowance for lease losses $ 231,796     $ 250,298       (7 )%  
    Less allowance for lease losses   (93,823 )     (105,472 )     (11 )%  
    Leased merchandise, net $ 137,973     $ 144,826       (5 )%  
                   
    Finance receivables, net:              
    Finance receivables, before allowance for loan losses $ 232,948     $ 209,991       11 %  
    Less allowance for loan losses   (109,197 )     (96,684 )     13 %  
    Finance receivables, net $ 123,751     $ 113,307       9 %  
    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    RETAIL POS PAYMENT SOLUTIONS SEGMENT RESULTS (CONTINUED)
    (UNAUDITED)
     
    Allowance for Lease and Loan Losses and Other Portfolio Metrics (dollars in thousands)
     
      Three Months Ended        
      September 30,   Increase /
        2024     2023   (Decrease)
    Allowance for lease losses:                  
    Balance at beginning of period   $ 103,301       $ 110,964       (7 )%  
    Provision for lease losses     39,268         39,640       (1 )%  
    Charge-offs     (50,394 )       (46,794 )     8 %  
    Recoveries     1,648         1,662       (1 )%  
    Balance at end of period   $ 93,823       $ 105,472       (11 )%  
                       
    Leased merchandise portfolio metrics:                  
    Provision rate(1) 27 %   27 %        
    Average monthly net charge-off rate(2) 6.8 %   5.9 %        
    Delinquency rate(3) 23.6 %   23.2 %        
                       
    Allowance for loan losses:                  
    Balance at beginning of period   $ 99,961       $ 93,054       7 %  
    Provision for loan losses     40,557         33,096       23 %  
    Charge-offs     (32,969 )       (30,890 )     7 %  
    Recoveries     1,648         1,424       16 %  
    Balance at end of period   $ 109,197       $ 96,684       13 %  
                       
    Finance receivables portfolio metrics:                  
    Provision rate(1) 28 %   32 %        
    Average monthly net charge-off rate(2) 4.8 %   4.7 %        
    Delinquency rate(3) 19.4 %   21.9 %        

    (1)   Calculated as provision for lease or loan losses as a percentage of the respective gross transaction volume originated.
    (2)   Calculated as charge-offs, net of recoveries, as a percentage of the respective average earning asset balance before allowance for lease or loan losses.
    (3)   Calculated as the percentage of the respective contractual earning asset balance owed that is 1 to 89 days past due (the Company charges off leases and finance receivables when they are 90 days or more contractually past due).

    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    RETAIL POS PAYMENT SOLUTIONS SEGMENT RESULTS (CONTINUED)
    (UNAUDITED)
     
      Nine Months Ended        
      September 30,   Increase /
        2024     2023   (Decrease)
    Allowance for lease losses:                  
    Balance at beginning of period   $ 95,752       $ 79,576       20 %  
    Provision for lease losses     130,272         141,854       (8 )%  
    Charge-offs     (137,516 )       (120,966 )     14 %  
    Recoveries     5,315         5,008       6 %  
    Balance at end of period   $ 93,823       $ 105,472       (11 )%  
                       
    Leased merchandise portfolio metrics:                  
    Provision rate(1) 29 %   31 %        
    Average monthly net charge-off rate(2) 5.9 %   5.3 %        
    Delinquency rate(3) 23.6 %   23.2 %        
                       
    Allowance for loan losses:                  
    Balance at beginning of period   $ 96,454       $ 84,833       14 %  
    Provision for loan losses     102,091         90,571       13 %  
    Charge-offs     (95,061 )       (83,281 )     14 %  
    Recoveries     5,713         4,561       25 %  
    Balance at end of period   $ 109,197       $ 96,684       13 %  
                       
    Finance receivables portfolio metrics:                  
    Provision rate(1) 29 %   30 %        
    Average monthly net charge-off rate(2) 4.5 %   4.4 %        
    Delinquency rate(3) 19.4 %   21.9 %        

    (1)   Calculated as provision for lease or loan losses as a percentage of the respective gross transaction volume originated.
    (2)   Calculated as charge-offs, net of recoveries, as a percentage of the respective average earning asset balance before allowance for lease or loan losses.
    (3)   Calculated as the percentage of the respective contractual earning asset balance owed that is 1 to 89 days past due (the Company charges off leases and finance receivables when they are 90 days or more contractually past due).

    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    PAWN STORE LOCATIONS AND MERCHANT PARTNER LOCATIONS
     
    Pawn Operations
     
    As of September 30, 2024, the Company operated 3,025 pawn store locations composed of 1,201 stores in 29 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, 1,723 stores in 32 states in Mexico, 72 stores in Guatemala, 17 stores in El Salvador and 12 stores in Colombia.
     
    The following tables detail pawn store count activity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024:
     
      Three Months Ended September 30, 2024
      U.S.   Latin America   Total
    Total locations, beginning of period 1,201     1,817     3,018  
    New locations opened(1) —     15     15  
    Locations acquired 1     —     1  
    Consolidation of existing pawn locations(2) (1 )   (8 )   (9 )
    Total locations, end of period 1,201     1,824     3,025  
               
               
      Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024
      U.S.   Latin America   Total
    Total locations, beginning of period 1,183     1,814     2,997  
    New locations opened(1) 1     54     55  
    Locations acquired 28     —     28  
    Consolidation of existing pawn locations(2) (3) (11 )   (44 )   (55 )
    Total locations, end of period 1,201     1,824     3,025  

    (1)   In addition to new store openings, the Company strategically relocated three stores in the U.S. and one store in Latin America during the three months ended September 30, 2024. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company strategically relocated nine stores in the U.S and one store in Latin America.
    (2)   Store consolidations were primarily acquired locations which have been combined with overlapping stores and for which the Company expects to maintain a significant portion of the acquired customer base in the consolidated location.
    (3)   Includes 10 pawnshops located in Acapulco, Mexico that were severely damaged by a hurricane in the fall of 2023 which the Company elected to consolidate with other stores in this market. The Company expects to replace certain of these locations in this market over time as the city’s infrastructure recovers.

    Retail POS Payment Solutions

    As of September 30, 2024, AFF provided LTO and retail POS payment solutions for consumer goods and services through a network of approximately 13,500 active retail merchant partner locations located in all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. This compares to the active door count of approximately 10,800 locations at September 30, 2023.

    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    RECONCILIATIONS OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
    TO GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
    (UNAUDITED)
     

    The Company uses certain financial calculations such as adjusted net income, adjusted diluted earnings per share, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, free cash flow, adjusted free cash flow, adjusted return on equity, adjusted return on assets and constant currency results as factors in the measurement and evaluation of the Company’s operating performance and period-over-period growth. The Company derives these financial calculations on the basis of methodologies other than generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), primarily by excluding from a comparable GAAP measure certain items the Company does not consider to be representative of its actual operating performance. These financial calculations are “non-GAAP financial measures” as defined under the SEC rules. The Company uses these non-GAAP financial measures in operating its business because management believes they are less susceptible to variances in actual operating performance that can result from the excluded items, other infrequent charges and currency fluctuations. The Company presents these financial measures to investors because management believes they are useful to investors in evaluating the primary factors that drive the Company’s core operating performance and provide greater transparency into the Company’s results of operations. However, items that are excluded and other adjustments and assumptions that are made in calculating these non-GAAP financial measures are significant components in understanding and assessing the Company’s financial performance. These non-GAAP financial measures should be evaluated in conjunction with, and are not a substitute for, the Company’s GAAP financial measures. Further, because these non-GAAP financial measures are not determined in accordance with GAAP, and are thus susceptible to varying calculations, the non-GAAP financial measures, as presented, may not be comparable to other similarly-titled measures of other companies.

    While acquisitions are an important part of the Company’s overall strategy, the Company has adjusted the applicable financial calculations to exclude merger and acquisition expenses and amortization of acquired AFF intangible assets. The Company does not consider these items to be related to the organic operations of the acquired businesses or its continuing operations and are generally not relevant to assessing or estimating the long-term performance of the acquired businesses. In addition, excluding these items allows for more accurate comparisons of the financial results to prior periods. Merger and acquisition expenses include incremental costs directly associated with merger and acquisition activities, including professional fees, legal expenses, severance, retention and other employee-related costs, contract breakage costs and costs related to the consolidation of technology systems and corporate facilities, among others.

    The Company has certain leases in Mexico which are denominated in U.S. dollars. The lease liability of these U.S. dollar-denominated leases, which is considered a monetary liability, is remeasured into Mexican pesos using current period exchange rates, resulting in the recognition of foreign currency exchange gains or losses. The Company has adjusted the applicable financial measures to exclude these remeasurement gains or losses (i) because they are non-cash, non-operating items that could create volatility in the Company’s consolidated results of operations due to the magnitude of the end of period lease liability being remeasured and (ii) to improve comparability of current periods presented with prior periods.

    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    RECONCILIATIONS OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
    TO GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (CONTINUED)
    (UNAUDITED)
     

    Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share

    Management believes the presentation of adjusted net income and adjusted diluted earnings per share provides investors with greater transparency and provides a more complete understanding of the Company’s financial performance and prospects for the future by excluding items that management believes are non-operating in nature and are not representative of the Company’s core operating performance. In addition, management believes the adjustments shown below are useful to investors in order to allow them to compare the Company’s financial results for the current periods presented with the prior periods presented.

    The following tables provide a reconciliation between net income and diluted earnings per share calculated in accordance with GAAP to adjusted net income and adjusted diluted earnings per share, which are shown net of tax (in thousands, except per share amounts):

                      Trailing Twelve
      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended Months Ended
      September 30,   September 30, September 30,
      2024
    2023 2024
    2023 2024
    2023
      In Thousands   In Thousands   In Thousands   In Thousands   In Thousands   In Thousands
    Net income, as reported $ 64,827     $ 57,144     $ 175,268     $ 149,712     $ 244,857     $ 229,778  
    Adjustments, net of tax:                      
    Merger and acquisition expenses   171       2,605       1,675       2,818       4,946       4,379  
    Non-cash foreign currency loss (gain) related to lease liability   986       442       2,124       (1,171 )     1,517       (1,856 )
    AFF purchase accounting and other adjustments   9,572       10,880       28,717       32,869       50,189       50,529  
    Gain on revaluation of contingent acquisition consideration   —       —       —       —       —       (21,952 )
    Other expenses (income), net   (377 )     (296 )     (518 )     (200 )     (1,397 )     (208 )
    Adjusted net income $ 75,179     $ 70,775     $ 207,266     $ 184,028     $ 300,112     $ 260,670  
    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    RECONCILIATIONS OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
    TO GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (CONTINUED)
    (UNAUDITED)
                   
      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      September 30,   September 30,
      2024   2023   2024   2023
      Per Share   Per Share   Per Share   Per Share
    Diluted earnings per share, as reported $ 1.44     $ 1.26     $ 3.88     $ 3.27  
    Adjustments, net of tax:              
    Merger and acquisition expenses   0.01       0.06       0.04       0.06  
    Non-cash foreign currency loss (gain) related to lease liability   0.02       0.01       0.05       (0.03 )
    AFF purchase accounting and other adjustments   0.21       0.24       0.63       0.72  
    Other expenses (income), net   (0.01 )     (0.01 )     (0.02 )     —  
    Adjusted diluted earnings per share $ 1.67     $ 1.56     $ 4.58     $ 4.02  
    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    RECONCILIATIONS OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
    TO GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (CONTINUED)
    (UNAUDITED)
     

    Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) and Adjusted EBITDA

    The Company defines EBITDA as net income before income taxes, depreciation and amortization, interest expense and interest income and adjusted EBITDA as EBITDA adjusted for certain items, as listed below, that management considers to be non-operating in nature and not representative of its actual operating performance. The Company believes EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are commonly used by investors to assess a company’s financial performance, and adjusted EBITDA is used as a starting point in the calculation of the consolidated total debt ratio as defined in the Company’s senior unsecured notes. The following table provides a reconciliation of net income to EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA (in thousands):

                Trailing Twelve
        Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended   Months Ended
        September 30,   September 30,   September 30,
        2024   2023   2024   2023   2024   2023
    Net income   $ 64,827     $ 57,144     $ 175,268     $ 149,712     $ 244,857     $ 229,778  
    Income taxes     20,353       20,480       57,975       51,649       79,874       73,189  
    Depreciation and amortization     25,933       27,365       78,507       81,526       106,142       107,863  
    Interest expense     27,424       24,689       78,029       66,657       104,615       86,616  
    Interest income     (403 )     (328 )     (1,407 )     (1,253 )     (1,623 )     (1,462 )
    EBITDA     138,134       129,350       388,372       348,291       533,865       495,984  
    Adjustments:                                    
    Merger and acquisition expenses     225       3,387       2,186       3,670       6,438       5,697  
    Non-cash foreign currency loss (gain) related to lease liability     1,409       632       3,035       (1,673 )     2,168       (2,652 )
    AFF purchase accounting and other adjustments(1)     —       —       —       —       13,968       8,760  
    Gain on revaluation of contingent acquisition consideration     —       —       —       —       —       (26,760 )
    Other expenses (income), net     (490 )     (384 )     (841 )     (260 )     (1,983 )     (270 )
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ 139,278     $ 132,985     $ 392,752     $ 350,028     $ 554,456     $ 480,759  
    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    RECONCILIATIONS OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
    TO GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (CONTINUED)
    (UNAUDITED)
     

    (1)   The following table details AFF purchase accounting and other adjustments for the trailing twelve months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):

      Trailing Twelve
      Months Ended
      September 30,
      2024   2023
    Amortization of fair value adjustment on acquired finance receivables included in interest and fees on finance receivables $ —   $ 7,859
    Amortization of fair value adjustment on acquired leased merchandise included in depreciation of leased merchandise   —     901
    Other non-recurring costs included in administrative expenses related to a discontinued finance product   13,968     —
      $ 13,968   $ 8,760
    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    RECONCILIATIONS OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
    TO GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (CONTINUED)
    (UNAUDITED)
     

    Free Cash Flow and Adjusted Free Cash Flow

    For purposes of its internal liquidity assessments, the Company considers free cash flow and adjusted free cash flow. The Company defines free cash flow as cash flow from operating activities less purchases of furniture, fixtures, equipment and improvements and net fundings/repayments of pawn loan and finance receivables, which are considered to be operating in nature by the Company but are included in cash flow from investing activities. Adjusted free cash flow is defined as free cash flow adjusted for merger and acquisition expenses paid that management considers to be non-operating in nature.

    Free cash flow and adjusted free cash flow are commonly used by investors as additional measures of cash generated by business operations that may be used to repay scheduled debt maturities and debt service or, following payment of such debt obligations and other non-discretionary items, that may be available to invest in future growth through new business development activities or acquisitions, repurchase stock, pay cash dividends or repay debt obligations prior to their maturities. These metrics can also be used to evaluate the Company’s ability to generate cash flow from business operations and the impact that this cash flow has on the Company’s liquidity. However, free cash flow and adjusted free cash flow have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for cash flow from operating activities or other income statement data prepared in accordance with GAAP. The following table reconciles cash flow from operating activities to free cash flow and adjusted free cash flow (in thousands):

                        Trailing Twelve
        Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended   Months Ended
        September 30,   September 30,   September 30,
        2024   2023   2024   2023   2024   2023
    Cash flow from operating activities   $ 113,090     $ 111,368     $ 341,809     $ 317,037     $ 440,914     $ 460,544  
    Cash flow from certain investing activities:                        
    Pawn loans, net(1)     (48,836 )     (59,614 )     (69,723 )     (59,426 )     (45,275 )     (20,536 )
    Finance receivables, net     (48,623 )     (30,869 )     (86,186 )     (87,994 )     (113,634 )     (123,713 )
    Purchases of furniture, fixtures, equipment and improvements     (13,368 )     (18,375 )     (56,032 )     (46,723 )     (69,457 )     (52,679 )
    Free cash flow     2,263       2,510       129,868       122,894       212,548       263,616  
    Merger and acquisition expenses paid, net of tax benefit     171       2,605       1,675       2,818       4,946       4,379  
    Adjusted free cash flow   $ 2,434     $ 5,115     $ 131,543     $ 125,712     $ 217,494     $ 267,995  

    (1)   Includes the funding of new loans net of cash repayments and recovery of principal through the sale of inventories acquired from forfeiture of pawn collateral.

    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    RECONCILIATIONS OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
    TO GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (CONTINUED)
    (UNAUDITED)
     

    Adjusted Return on Equity and Adjusted Return on Assets

    Management believes the presentation of adjusted return on equity and adjusted return on assets provides investors with greater transparency and provides a more complete understanding of the Company’s financial performance by excluding items that management believes are non-operating in nature and not representative of the Company’s core operating performance.

    Annualized adjusted return on equity and adjusted return on assets is calculated as follows (dollars in thousands):

      Trailing Twelve
      Months Ended
      September 30, 2024
    Adjusted net income(1) $ 300,112  
         
    Average stockholders’ equity (average of five most recent quarter-end balances) $ 1,987,405  
    Adjusted return on equity (trailing twelve months adjusted net income divided by average equity) 15 %
         
    Average total assets (average of five most recent quarter-end balances) $ 4,285,437  
    Adjusted return on assets (trailing twelve months adjusted net income divided by average total assets) 7 %

    (1)   See detail of adjustments to net income in the “Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share” section above.

    Constant Currency Results

    The Company’s reporting currency is the U.S. dollar, however, certain performance metrics discussed in this release are presented on a “constant currency” basis, which is considered a non-GAAP financial measure. The Company’s management uses constant currency results to evaluate operating results of business operations in Latin America, which are transacted in local currencies in Mexico, Guatemala and Colombia. The Company also has operations in El Salvador, where the reporting and functional currency is the U.S. dollar.

    The Company believes constant currency results provide valuable supplemental information regarding the underlying performance of its business operations in Latin America, consistent with how the Company’s management evaluates such performance and operating results. Constant currency results reported herein are calculated by translating certain balance sheet and income statement items denominated in local currencies using the exchange rate from the prior-year comparable period, as opposed to the current comparable period, in order to exclude the effects of foreign currency rate fluctuations for purposes of evaluating period-over-period comparisons. See the Latin America pawn segment tables elsewhere in this release for an additional reconciliation of certain constant currency amounts to as reported GAAP amounts.

    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    RECONCILIATIONS OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
    TO GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (CONTINUED)
    (UNAUDITED)
     
    Exchange Rates for the Mexican Peso, Guatemalan Quetzal and Colombian Peso
     
      September 30,   Favorable /
      2024   2023   (Unfavorable)
    Mexican peso / U.S. dollar exchange rate:              
    End-of-period 19.6   17.6     (11 )%  
    Three months ended 18.9   17.1     (11 )%  
    Nine months ended 17.7   17.8     1 %  
                   
    Guatemalan quetzal / U.S. dollar exchange rate:              
    End-of-period 7.7   7.9     3 %  
    Three months ended 7.7   7.9     3 %  
    Nine months ended 7.8   7.8     — %  
                   
    Colombian peso / U.S. dollar exchange rate:              
    End-of-period 4,164   4,054     (3 )%  
    Three months ended 4,095   4,048     (1 )%  
    Nine months ended 3,979   4,413     10 %  
                     
    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    INTERSEGMENT TRANSACTIONS
    (UNAUDITED)
     

    Intersegment transactions relate to the Company offering AFF’s LTO payment solution in its U.S. pawn stores and are eliminated to arrive at consolidated totals. For the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, these intersegment amounts are as follows:

    • U.S. pawn retail merchandise sales includes $1.0 million and $1.5 million, respectively. Excluding these intersegment sales, consolidated U.S. retail merchandise sales totaled $234.1 million and $202.3 million, respectively.
    • U.S. pawn cost of retail merchandise sold includes $0.5 million and $0.8 million, respectively. Excluding these intersegment sales, consolidated U.S. cost of retail merchandise sold totaled $134.4 million and $114.9 million, respectively.
    • Retail POS payment solutions depreciation of leased merchandise includes $0.4 million and $0.5 million respectively. Excluding these intersegment transactions, consolidated depreciation of leased merchandise totaled $104.9 million and $103.7 million, respectively.
    • Retail POS payment solutions provision for lease losses includes an increase of $0.1 million and a provision reduction of $0.1 million, respectively. Excluding these intersegment transactions, consolidated provision for lease losses totaled $39.2 million and $39.7 million, respectively.

    For the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, these intersegment amounts are as follows:

    • U.S. pawn retail merchandise sales includes $3.1 million and $4.9 million, respectively. Excluding these intersegment sales, consolidated U.S. retail merchandise sales totaled $699.1 million and $605.6 million, respectively.
    • U.S. pawn cost of retail merchandise sold includes $1.7 million and $2.6 million, respectively. Excluding these intersegment sales, consolidated U.S. cost of retail merchandise sold totaled $405.7 million and $346.6 million, respectively.
    • Retail POS payment solutions depreciation of leased merchandise includes $1.3 million and $1.6 million, respectively. Excluding these intersegment transactions, consolidated depreciation of leased merchandise totaled $335.4 million and $307.8 million, respectively.
    • Retail POS payment solutions provision for lease losses includes $0.4 million and $0.2 million, respectively. Excluding these intersegment transactions, consolidated provision for lease losses totaled $129.8 million and $141.7 million, respectively.

    As of September 30, 2024 and 2023, these intersegment amounts are as follows:

    • Retail POS payment solutions leased merchandise, net includes $0.2 million and $1.7 million, respectively. Excluding these intersegment transactions, consolidated net leased merchandise totaled $137.8 million and $143.2 million, respectively.

    The MIL Network –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-Evening Report: Grattan on Friday: a possible Trump victory is making the Albanese government cagey about its 2035 climate target

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    If Donald Trump wins the US presidency on November 5, his victory will have profound implications for other countries on many fronts. Not least of them will be climate change policy.

    Perhaps the uncertainty now hanging over US politics was on the mind of Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen, who shilly-shallied this week over when he’ll announce Australia’s 2035 emissions reduction target under the Paris climate agreement.

    Bowen refused to be pinned down at the Australian Financial Review’s energy and climate summit on whether the target would be public before next year’s election. Neither his office nor that of the prime minister would be more specific later.

    Australia, like other countries, is required under the Paris agreement to put forward its target in February. But, also like other countries, Australia is focused on what’s happening in the US.

    Trump wants to take the US out of the Paris agreement for the second time. The first exit took effect immediately after his 2020 defeat and incoming President Joe Biden was able to reverse it at once. This time, there’d be no such quick turnaround.

    The Biden administration has been strongly committed on climate issues. If the US exited, the Paris agreement would likely be transformed.

    There may be other reasons why Bowen is being cagey about the 2035 target. Climate change and energy will be harder issues for Labor in this election, as it struggles with the realities of the transition, than in the 2022 one.

    In the run-up to that election, a desperate Scott Morrison pulled out all stops to win support within the Coalition to sign up to the 2050 net-zero emissions target.

    Labor was on the front foot, with a policy for a 43% reduction in emissions (on 2005 levels) by 2030, underpinned by a target of 82% renewable electricity by then. The election promise for consumers was a $275 cut in household power bills by 2025.

    Crafting a policy is often easier than implementing it. The journey to a clean energy economy is arduous.

    The $275 promise was quickly seen as unrealisable. The government has had to provide rebates to keep prices in check. The rollout of renewables is complicated by local resistance to some projects, including wind farms and transmission lines. At present, more than 40% of electricity comes from renewables.

    The cost-of-living crisis has increasingly dominated everything. Climate change remains a significant issue with people, but over time it tends to go up and down their scale of concerns, depending on changing circumstances.

    The Ipsos Climate Change Report, done annually, found in 2024 “strong notional support for the energy transition”, but low understanding of what progress had been made.

    Concerns about the negative impacts of the transition on cost of living and energy reliability have increased, particularly in the current high inflation environment. The perceived economic benefits of the transition are less clear, with many unsure about the impact on jobs and the broader economy.

    The emphasis on cost of living is influencing priorities for the energy transition, with Australians wanting to see energy prices and reliability prioritised. There is a growing sentiment that Australia should only take action if other countries are also contributing fairly to climate change efforts.

    Of course a summer of bad bushfires can change people’s priorities suddenly. Barring that, Labor is looking at a 2025 election in which it will be more on the defensive than the offensive on climate and energy issues.

    The opposition has already acted to sharpen the difference with Labor over the medium term targets. Peter Dutton will have no 2035 target before the election, and has questioned the 2030 target to which Australia is signed up, although he says a Coalition government would not leave the Paris agreement. He is also running hard on his controversial policy for nuclear energy.

    While Bowen is not clarifying whether he’ll announce the government’s target ahead of the election, it would be awkward for Australia not to meet the February deadline.

    There would not be a penalty, but it would be a bad look, especially given we are vying with Turkey to host, together with Pacific countries, COP31 in 2026. One unknown, incidentally, is whether a Coalition government would continue this bid, which the opposition has describes as a “vanity project”.

    If the government does announce the 2035 target before the election, the big question is how ambitious it will make it.

    Bowen will receive advice on this from the Climate Change Authority, to which the government has appointed, as head, former New South Wales Liberal Treasurer Matt Kean.

    In an earlier discussion paper, the authority said the evidence suggests

    A 2035 target in the range of 65-75% […] could be achievable and sustainable if additional action is taken by governments, business, investors and households […]. However, attempting to go much faster could risk significant levels of economic and social disruption and put progress at risk.

    A bold target would make the government more vulnerable, just when Labor would want the attention on the Coalition’s problematic nuclear policy. On the other hand, if the target were modest, that would be exploited by the Greens.

    Next month, Bowen will attend COP29 in Azerbaijan, where the central issue will be a financial goal, replacing the 2015 goal, for developed and major economies to help fund developing countries’ emission reduction efforts. Bowen, with Egyptian Environment Minister Yasmine Fouad, is leading the consultations on this, and so has a significant role at the conference.

    At the COP meeting, Bowen will get a better idea of where other countries are on their expected 2035 targets. He indicated this week he has already started taking soundings. “Obviously […] of course you think about international context.”

    By the time of COP, which runs November 11-22, America will have chosen its next president. The COP meeting will either be business-as-usual, looking to an incoming Kamala Harris presidency, or trying to anticipate the implications of a Trump administration that could be a major disruptor of international climate policy.

    Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Grattan on Friday: a possible Trump victory is making the Albanese government cagey about its 2035 climate target – https://theconversation.com/grattan-on-friday-a-possible-trump-victory-is-making-the-albanese-government-cagey-about-its-2035-climate-target-242107

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council asked to approve £6.3m boost to Landbank Fund

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Members will be asked to approve the repayment of £6.308m to the Landbank Fund from income from Council Tax on 2nd homes, at the Highland Council meeting on 31 October. The additional money will support the Council in finding solutions to the Highland Housing Challenge.

    Chair of the Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Ken Gowans said: “The Landbank Fund is a valuable mechanism which allows us to invest further in housing supply in the Highlands. The additional £6.308 million will boost our capacity to bring housing back into communities and help to address the housing challenge.” 

    The Highland Council has in recent years sought flexibility to the Council to utilise income from council tax on second homes to support the revenue budget. 

    Scottish Government granted flexibility to the Council to utilise income in 2022/23 and 2023/24 to support the revenue budget, rather than for affordable housing purposes, given the financial challenges being faced by the Council at that time. That flexibility was however conditional on repayment of income into the Landbank Fund within 3 years of the flexibility being exercised.  

    Through its budget plans, the Council has made provision for repayment back into the Landbank Fund, this through a combination of budget provision made in 2024/25 and reserves earmarked for this purpose.  In total, the sum due to be paid back is £6.308m covering the two financial years.

    24 Oct 2024

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Amalgamated Financial Corp. Reports Record Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results; Margin Expands to 3.51%; Return on Average Assets of 1.32%

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Oct. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Amalgamated Financial Corp. (the “Company” or “Amalgamated”) (Nasdaq: AMAL), the holding company for Amalgamated Bank (the “Bank”), today announced financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024.

    Third Quarter 2024 Highlights (on a linked quarter basis)

    • Net income of $27.9 million, or $0.90 per diluted share, compared to $26.8 million, or $0.87 per diluted share.
    • Core net income1 of $28.0 million, or $0.91 per diluted share, compared to $26.2 million, or $0.85 per diluted share.

    Deposits and Liquidity

    • Total deposits increased $145.6 million, or 2.0%, to $7.6 billion including a $51.3 million decline in Brokered CDs.
    • Excluding Brokered CDs, on-balance sheet deposits increased $196.9 million, or 2.7%, to $7.5 billion.
    • Political deposits increased $231.9 million, or 13%, to $2.0 billion, which includes both on and off-balance sheet deposits.
    • Off-balance sheet deposits increased $114.1 million, or 11%, to $1.2 billion, comprised of both transactional political deposits and other segment deposits.
    • Average cost of deposits, excluding Brokered CDs, increased 3 basis points to 151 basis points, where non-interest-bearing deposits comprised 51% of total deposits excluding Brokered CDs.

    Assets and Margin

    • Net loans receivable increased $78.0 million, or 1.8%, to $4.5 billion.
    • Excluding a $40.9 million package of low yielding residential loans marked-to-market and moved to held-for-sale, net loans receivable increased $118.9 million or 2.7%.
    • Total PACE assessments grew $10.6 million, or 0.9%, to $1.2 billion.
    • Net interest income grew $2.9 million, or 4.2%, to $72.1 million.
    • Net interest margin increased 5 basis points to 3.51%.

    Capital and Returns

    • Tier 1 leverage ratio of 8.63%, increased by 21 basis points, and Common Equity Tier 1 ratio of 13.82%.
    • Tangible common equity1 ratio of 8.14%, representing an eighth consecutive quarter of improvement.
    • Tangible book value per share1 increased $1.69, or 8.2%, to $22.29, and has increased $4.87, or 27.9% since September 2023.
    • Strong core return on average tangible common equity1 of 17.04% and core return on average assets1 of 1.33%.

    ________________________
    1 Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable GAAP measure are set forth on the last page of the financial information accompanying this press release and may also be found on our website, www.amalgamatedbank.com.

    Priscilla Sims Brown, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “Our third quarter financial results continue to demonstrate that Amalgamated remains positioned to achieve sustainable earnings and profitability.   During the quarter, we delivered outstanding deposit and loan growth, strong profitability and returns, and a growing capital base that positions us to invest in our strategic initiatives which will sustain our growth into the future.”

    Third Quarter Earnings

    Net income for the third quarter of 2024 was $27.9 million, or $0.90 per diluted share, compared to $26.8 million, or $0.87 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2024. The $1.1 million increase during the quarter was primarily driven by a $3.2 million increase in non-core ICS One-Way Sell fee income from our off-balance sheet deposits, a $2.9 million increase in net interest income, a $1.3 million decrease in provision for credit losses, and a $0.7 million increase in non-core income from solar tax equity investments, which was expected. This was offset by a $4.3 million reduction in fair value on a pool of lower yielding residential loans moved to held for sale, a $1.5 million increase in non-interest expense, and a $1.3 million increase in income tax expense, and a $0.5 million increase in losses on securities sales.

    Core net income1 for the third quarter of 2024 was $28.0 million, or $0.91 per diluted share, compared to $26.2 million, or $0.85 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2024. Excluded from core net income for the quarter, pre-tax, was $8.1 million of ICS One-Way Sell fee income, a $4.3 million reduction in fair value of held for sale residential loans, $3.2 million of losses on the sale of securities, $1.1 million of accelerated depreciation from solar tax equity investments, $0.7 million of gains on subordinated debt repurchases, and $0.2 million in severance costs. Excluded from core net income for the second quarter of 2024, pre-tax, was $4.9 million of ICS One-Way Sell fee income, $2.7 million of losses on the sale of securities, $1.8 million of accelerated depreciation from our solar tax equity investments, $0.4 million of gains on subordinated debt repurchases.

    Net interest income was $72.1 million for the third quarter of 2024, compared to $69.2 million for the second quarter of 2024. Loan interest income increased $2.8 million and loan yields increased 11 basis points mainly as a result of a $86.7 million increase in average loan balances. Adjusted for two discrete items; the effect of $2.1 million of accelerated amortization related to purchase premiums last quarter and the recognition in the current quarter of a $1.3 million acceleration of deferred costs on certain loans, loan interest income increased by $2.1 million in the quarter. Interest income on securities increased $1.7 million driven by an increase in the average balance of securities of $79.7 million. Interest expense on total interest-bearing deposits increased $1.2 million driven by a 26 basis point increase in cost despite a decrease in the average balance of total interest-bearing deposits of $235.6 million. The increase in deposit cost was primarily related to adjustments to rates on money market products and select non-time deposit accounts late in second quarter and early in the current quarter.   The decrease in the average balance of interest-bearing deposits was primarily driven by a mix shift as newly raised political deposits were mainly non-interest-bearing whereas related outflows were mainly interest-bearing. Additionally, the average balance on Brokered CD’s declined $25.0 million as certain long-term issuances were called. The average balance of borrowings also decreased $32.6 million, now substantially consisting of lower-cost subordinated debt.

    Net interest margin was 3.51% for the third quarter of 2024, an increase of 5 basis points from 3.46% in the second quarter of 2024. As noted above, there were two discrete items that affected the third quarter and second quarter margin. Excluding these discrete items, net interest margin improved 2 basis points from the prior quarter, all else equal. Prepayment penalties had no impact on our net interest margin in the third quarter of 2024, which is the same as in the prior quarter.

    Provision for credit losses totaled an expense of $1.8 million for the third quarter of 2024 compared to an expense of $3.2 million in the second quarter of 2024. The expense in the third quarter was primarily driven by charge-offs on our consumer solar and small business portfolios, and updates to CECL model assumptions, offset by decreases in reserves for unfunded loan commitments.

    Non-interest income was $8.9 million for the third quarter of 2024, compared to $9.3 million in the second quarter of 2024. Excluding all non-core income adjustments noted above, core non-interest income1 was $8.8 million for the third quarter of 2024, compared to $8.5 million in the second quarter of 2024. The increase was primarily related to higher commercial banking fees, increased fees from our treasury investment services, and modestly higher income from our trust business.

    Non-interest expense for the third quarter of 2024 was $41.0 million, an increase of $1.5 million from the second quarter of 2024. Core non-interest expense1 for the third quarter of 2024 was $40.7 million, an increase of $1.3 million from the second quarter of 2024. This was mainly driven by a $0.7 million increase in compensation and employee benefits expense due to strategic new hires and corporate performance accruals, as well as higher data processing expense related to the advance of digital initiatives scheduled for 2025.

    Our provision for income tax expense was $10.3 million for the third quarter of 2024, compared to $9.0 million for the second quarter of 2024. The effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2024 was 26.9%. In the prior quarter, there were $0.5 million of discrete tax benefits resulting in an effective tax rate of 25.2%, or 26.6% excluding the discrete items.

    Balance Sheet Quarterly Summary

    Total assets were $8.4 billion at September 30, 2024, compared to $8.3 billion at June 30, 2024, which modestly grew the balance sheet above its target range but also carried $40.9 million in loans held for sale related to the residential loan sale that settled shortly after the quarter closed. Notable changes within individual balance sheet line items include a $91.2 million increase in cash and cash equivalents, a $24.1 million increase in securities, and a $78.0 million increase in net loans receivable. Additionally, deposits excluding Brokered CDs increased by $196.9 million while Brokered CDs decreased $51.3 million, and borrowings decreased by $8.8 million. Our off-balance sheet deposits increased by $114.1 million, or 11%, to $1.2 billion.

    Total net loans receivable, at September 30, 2024 were $4.5 billion, an increase of $78.0 million, or 1.8% for the quarter. The increase in loans is primarily driven by a $60.8 million increase in multifamily loans, a $46.0 million increase in commercial and industrial loans, and a $37.6 million increase in commercial real estate loans, offset by an $11.1 million decrease in consumer solar loans, and a $54.3 million decrease in residential loans, primarily due to the noted loan pool sale. During the quarter, criticized or classified loans decreased $5.9 million, largely related to a $6.9 million note sale (with a related fully reserved $4.5 million charge-off) on a legacy non-accrual leveraged loan. Additionally, payoffs of two delinquent commercial and industrial loans totaling $1.7 million and charge-offs of smaller commercial and industrial loans totaling $1.0 million were offset by the downgrade of one $3.2 million multifamily loan to substandard and accruing and downgrades of small business loans totaling $1.1 million.

    Total deposits at September 30, 2024 were $7.6 billion, an increase of $145.6 million, or 2.0%, during the quarter. Total deposits excluding Brokered CDs increased by $196.9 million to $7.5 billion, or a 2.7% increase. Including accounts currently held off-balance sheet, deposits held by politically active customers, such as campaigns, PACs, advocacy-based organizations, and state and national party committees were $2.0 billion as of September 30, 2024, an increase of $231.9 million during this quarter. Non-interest-bearing deposits represented 50% of average total deposits and 51% of ending total deposits for the quarter, excluding Brokered CDs, contributing to an average cost of total deposits of 158 basis points. Super-core deposits2 totaled approximately $4.5 billion, had a weighted average life of 16 years, and comprised 60% of total deposits, excluding Brokered CDs. Total uninsured deposits were $4.5 billion, comprising 59% of total deposits.

    Nonperforming assets totaled $28.6 million, or 0.34% of period-end total assets at September 30, 2024, a decrease of $7.1 million, compared with $35.7 million, or 0.43% on a linked quarter basis. The decrease in nonperforming assets was primarily driven by the note sale mentioned above, a $0.2 million decrease in residential real estate nonaccrual loans, a $0.2 million decrease in consumer and consumer solar nonaccrual loans, offset by a $0.3 million increase in commercial and industrial nonaccrual loans.

    During the quarter, the allowance for credit losses on loans decreased $1.9 million to $61.5 million. The ratio of allowance to total loans was 1.35%, a decrease of 7 basis points from 1.42% in the second quarter of 2024. The decrease was primarily the result of a release of reserves from the previously noted legacy leveraged commercial and industrial note sale, which carried a reserve of $4.5 million.

    ________________________
    2 Refer to Terminology on page 6 for definitions of certain terms used in this release.


    Capital Quarterly Summary

    As of September 30, 2024, the Common Equity Tier 1 Capital ratio was 13.82%, the Total Risk-Based Capital ratio was 16.25%, and the Tier 1 Leverage Capital ratio was 8.63%, compared to 13.48%, 16.04% and 8.42%, respectively, as of June 30, 2024. Stockholders’ equity at September 30, 2024 was $698.3 million, an increase of $52.2 million during the quarter. The increase in stockholders’ equity was primarily driven by $27.9 million of net income for the quarter and a $26.9 million improvement in accumulated other comprehensive loss due to the tax effected mark-to-market on our available for sale securities portfolio, offset by $3.7 million in dividends paid at $0.12 per outstanding share.

    Tangible book value per share was $22.29 as of September 30, 2024 compared to $20.61 as of June 30, 2024. Tangible common equity1 improved to 8.14% of tangible assets, compared to 7.66% as of June 30, 2024.

    Conference Call

    As previously announced, Amalgamated Financial Corp. will host a conference call to discuss its third quarter 2024 results today, October 24, 2024 at 11:00am (Eastern Time). The conference call can be accessed by dialing 1-877-407-9716 (domestic) or 1-201-493-6779 (international) and asking for the Amalgamated Financial Corp. Third Quarter 2024 Earnings Call. A telephonic replay will be available approximately two hours after the call and can be accessed by dialing 1-844-512-2921, or for international callers 1-412-317-6671 and providing the access code 13748697. The telephonic replay will be available until October 31, 2024.

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

    The presentation materials for the call can be accessed on the investor relations section of our website at https://ir.amalgamatedbank.com/.

    About Amalgamated Financial Corp.

    Amalgamated Financial Corp. is a Delaware public benefit corporation and a bank holding company engaged in commercial banking and financial services through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Amalgamated Bank. Amalgamated Bank is a New York-based full-service commercial bank and a chartered trust company with a combined network of five branches across New York City, Washington D.C., and San Francisco, and a commercial office in Boston. Amalgamated Bank was formed in 1923 as Amalgamated Bank of New York by the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America, one of the country’s oldest labor unions. Amalgamated Bank provides commercial banking and trust services nationally and offers a full range of products and services to both commercial and retail customers. Amalgamated Bank is a proud member of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values and is a certified B Corporation®. As of September 30, 2024, our total assets were $8.4 billion, total net loans were $4.5 billion, and total deposits were $7.6 billion. Additionally, as of September 30, 2024, our trust business held $35.4 billion in assets under custody and $14.6 billion in assets under management.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    This release (and the accompanying financial information and tables) refer to certain non-GAAP financial measures including, without limitation, “Core operating revenue,” “Core non-interest expense,” “Core non-interest income,” “Core net income,” “Tangible common equity,” “Average tangible common equity,” “Core return on average assets,” “Core return on average tangible common equity,” and “Core efficiency ratio.”

    Our management utilizes this information to compare our operating performance for September 30, 2024 versus certain periods in 2024 and 2023 and to prepare internal projections. We believe these non-GAAP financial measures facilitate making period-to-period comparisons and are meaningful indications of our operating performance. In addition, because intangible assets such as goodwill and other discrete items unrelated to our core business, which are excluded, vary extensively from company to company, we believe that the presentation of this information allows investors to more easily compare our results to those of other companies.

    The presentation of non-GAAP financial information, however, is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for GAAP financial measures. We strongly encourage readers to review the GAAP financial measures included in this release and not to place undue reliance upon any single financial measure. In addition, because non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized, it may not be possible to compare the non-GAAP financial measures presented in this release with other companies’ non-GAAP financial measures having the same or similar names. Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial disclosures to comparable GAAP measures found in this release are set forth in the final pages of this release and also may be viewed on our website, amalgamatedbank.com.

    Terminology

    Certain terms used in this release are defined as follows:

    “Core efficiency ratio” is defined as “Core non-interest expense” divided by “Core operating revenue.” We believe the most directly comparable performance ratio derived from GAAP financial measures is an efficiency ratio calculated by dividing total non-interest expense by the sum of net interest income and total non-interest income.

    “Core net income” is defined as net income after tax excluding gains and losses on sales of securities, ICS One-Way Sell fee income, gains on the sale of owned property, costs related to branch closures, restructuring/severance costs, acquisition costs, tax credits and accelerated depreciation on solar equity investments, and taxes on notable pre-tax items. We believe the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is net income.

    “Core non-interest expense” is defined as total non-interest expense excluding costs related to branch closures, restructuring/severance, and acquisitions. We believe the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is total non-interest expense.

    “Core non-interest income” is defined as total non-interest income excluding gains and losses on sales of securities, ICS One-Way Sell fee income, gains on the sale of owned property, and tax credits and accelerated depreciation on solar equity investments. We believe the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is non-interest income.

    “Core operating revenue” is defined as total net interest income plus “core non-interest income”. We believe the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is the total of net interest income and non-interest income.

    “Core return on average assets” is defined as “Core net income” divided by average total assets. We believe the most directly comparable performance ratio derived from GAAP financial measures is return on average assets calculated by dividing net income by average total assets.

    “Core return on average tangible common equity” is defined as “Core net income” divided by average “tangible common equity.” We believe the most directly comparable performance ratio derived from GAAP financial measures is return on average equity calculated by dividing net income by average total stockholders’ equity.

    “Super-core deposits” are defined as total deposits from commercial and consumer customers, with a relationship length of greater than 5 years. We believe the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is total deposits.

    “Tangible assets” are defined as total assets excluding, as applicable, goodwill and core deposit intangibles. We believe the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is total assets.

    “Tangible common equity”, and “Tangible book value” are defined as stockholders’ equity excluding, as applicable, minority interests, preferred stock, goodwill and core deposit intangibles. We believe that the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is total stockholders’ equity.

    “Traditional securities portfolio” is defined as total investment securities excluding PACE assessments. We believe the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is total investment securities.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Statements included in this release that are not historical in nature are intended to be, and are hereby identified as, forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical or current fact nor are they assurances of future performance and generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as “may,” “approximately,” “will,” “anticipate,” “should,” “would,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “continue,” “plan,” “possible,” and “intend,” or the negative thereof as well as other similar words and expressions of the future. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict as to timing, extent, likelihood and degree of occurrence, which could cause our actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in or by such statements. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: (i) uncertain conditions in the banking industry and in national, regional and local economies in our core markets, which may have an adverse impact on our business, operations and financial performance; (ii) deterioration in the financial condition of borrowers resulting in significant increases in loan losses and provisions for those losses; (iii) deposit outflows and subsequent declines in liquidity caused by factors that could include lack of confidence in the banking system, a deterioration in market conditions or the financial condition of depositors; (iv) changes in our deposits, including an increase in uninsured deposits; (v) our ability to maintain sufficient liquidity to meet our deposit and debt obligations as they come due, which may require that we sell investment securities at a loss, negatively impacting our net income, earnings and capital; (vi) unfavorable conditions in the capital markets, which may cause declines in our stock price and the value of our investments; (vii) negative economic and political conditions that adversely affect the general economy, housing prices, the real estate market, the job market, consumer confidence, the financial condition of our borrowers and consumer spending habits, which may affect, among other things, the level of non-performing assets, charge-offs and provision expense; (viii) fluctuations or unanticipated changes in the interest rate environment including changes in net interest margin or changes in the yield curve that affect investments, loans or deposits; (ix) the general decline in the real estate and lending markets, particularly in commercial real estate in our market areas, and the effects of the enactment of or changes to rent-control and other similar regulations on multi-family housing; (x) changes in legislation, regulation, public policies, or administrative practices impacting the banking industry, including increased minimum capital requirements and other regulation in the aftermath of recent bank failures; (xi) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against us (xii) our inability to achieve organic loan and deposit growth and the composition of that growth; (xiii) the composition of our loan portfolio, including any concentration in industries or sectors that may experience unanticipated or anticipated adverse conditions greater than other industries or sectors in the national or local economies in which we operate; (xiv) inaccuracy of the assumptions and estimates we make and policies that we implement in establishing our allowance for credit losses; (xv) changes in loan underwriting, credit review or loss reserve policies associated with economic conditions, examination conclusions, or regulatory developments; (xvi) any matter that would cause us to conclude that there was impairment of any asset, including intangible assets; (xvii) limitations on our ability to declare and pay dividends; (xviii) the impact of competition with other financial institutions, including pricing pressures and the resulting impact on our results, including as a result of compression to net interest margin; (xix) increased competition for experienced members of the workforce including executives in the banking industry; (xx) a failure in or breach of our operational or security systems or infrastructure, or those of third party vendors or other service providers, including as a result of unauthorized access, computer viruses, phishing schemes, spam attacks, human error, natural disasters, power loss and other security breaches; (xxi) increased regulatory scrutiny and exposure from the use of “big data” techniques, machine learning, and artificial intelligence; (xxii) downgrade in our credit rating; (xxiii) “greenwashing claims” against us and our Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) products and increased scrutiny and political opposition to ESG and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (“DEI”) practices; (xxiv) any unanticipated or greater than anticipated adverse conditions (including the possibility of earthquakes, wildfires, and other natural disasters)affecting the markets in which we operate; (xxv) physical and transitional risks related to climate change as they impact our business and the businesses that we finance; (xxvi) future repurchase of our shares through our common stock repurchase program; and (xxvii) descriptions of assumptions underlying or relating to any of the foregoing. Additional factors which could affect the forward-looking statements can be found in our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC and available on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov/. We disclaim any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this release, which speak only as of the date hereof, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

    Investor Contact:
    Jamie Lillis
    Solebury Strategic Communications
    shareholderrelations@amalgamatedbank.com
    800-895-4172

    Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited)

      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      September 30,   June 30,   September 30,   September 30,
    ($ in thousands)   2024       2024       2023       2024       2023  
    INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME                  
    Loans $ 54,110     $ 51,293     $ 49,578     $ 157,355     $ 139,744  
    Securities   46,432       44,978       39,971       133,801       118,989  
    Interest-bearing deposits in banks   2,274       2,690       1,687       7,556       3,360  
    Total interest and dividend income   102,816       98,961       91,236       298,712       262,093  
    INTEREST EXPENSE                  
    Deposits   30,105       28,882       23,158       84,879       55,809  
    Borrowed funds   604       887       4,350       4,497       12,292  
    Total interest expense   30,709       29,769       27,508       89,376       68,101  
    NET INTEREST INCOME   72,107       69,192       63,728       209,336       193,992  
    Provision for credit losses   1,849       3,161       2,014       6,598       10,913  
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   70,258       66,031       61,714       202,738       183,079  
    NON-INTEREST INCOME                  
    Trust Department fees   3,704       3,657       3,678       11,215       11,613  
    Service charges on deposit accounts   12,091       8,614       2,731       26,841       7,897  
    Bank-owned life insurance income   613       615       727       1,837       2,054  
    Losses on sale of securities   (3,230 )     (2,691 )     (1,699 )     (8,695 )     (5,052 )
    Gain (loss) on sale of loans and changes in fair value on loans held-for-sale, net   (4,223 )     69       26       (4,107 )     30  
    Equity method investments income (loss)   (823 )     (1,551 )     550       (301 )     1,261  
    Other income   807       545       767       1,636       2,127  
    Total non-interest income   8,939       9,258       6,780       28,426       19,930  
    NON-INTEREST EXPENSE                  
    Compensation and employee benefits   23,757       23,045       21,345       69,075       64,525  
    Occupancy and depreciation   3,423       3,379       3,349       9,705       10,184  
    Professional fees   2,575       2,332       2,222       7,284       7,211  
    Data processing   5,087       4,786       4,545       14,503       13,176  
    Office maintenance and depreciation   651       580       685       1,894       2,130  
    Amortization of intangible assets   183       182       222       548       666  
    Advertising and promotion   1,023       1,175       816       3,417       3,431  
    Federal deposit insurance premiums   900       1,050       1,200       3,000       3,018  
    Other expense   3,365       2,983       2,955       9,203       9,154  
    Total non-interest expense   40,964       39,512       37,339       118,629       113,495  
    Income before income taxes   38,233       35,777       31,155       112,535       89,514  
    Income tax expense   10,291       9,024       8,847       30,591       24,230  
    Net income $ 27,942     $ 26,753     $ 22,308     $ 81,944     $ 65,284  
    Earnings per common share – basic $ 0.91     $ 0.88     $ 0.73     $ 2.68     $ 2.13  
    Earnings per common share – diluted $ 0.90     $ 0.87     $ 0.73     $ 2.65     $ 2.12  

    Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition

    ($ in thousands) September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
    Assets (unaudited)   (unaudited)    
    Cash and due from banks $ 3,946     $ 4,081     $ 2,856  
    Interest-bearing deposits in banks   145,261       53,912       87,714  
    Total cash and cash equivalents   149,207       57,993       90,570  
    Securities:          
    Available for sale, at fair value          
    Traditional securities   1,617,045       1,581,338       1,429,739  
    Property Assessed Clean Energy (“PACE”) assessments   149,500       112,923       53,303  
        1,766,545       1,694,261       1,483,042  
    Held-to-maturity, at amortized cost:          
    Traditional securities, net of allowance for credit losses of $51, $53, and $54, respectively   583,788       606,013       620,232  
    PACE assessments, net of allowance for credit losses of $641, $655, and $667, respectively   1,028,588       1,054,569       1,076,602  
        1,612,376       1,660,582       1,696,834  
               
    Loans held for sale   38,623       1,926       1,817  
    Loans receivable, net of deferred loan origination costs   4,547,903       4,471,839       4,411,319  
    Allowance for credit losses   (61,466 )     (63,444 )     (65,691 )
    Loans receivable, net   4,486,437       4,408,395       4,345,628  
               
    Resell agreements   74,883       137,461       50,000  
    Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (“FHLBNY”) stock, at cost   4,625       4,823       4,389  
    Accrued interest receivable   54,268       52,575       55,484  
    Premises and equipment, net   6,413       6,599       7,807  
    Bank-owned life insurance   107,365       106,752       105,528  
    Right-of-use lease asset   16,125       17,971       21,074  
    Deferred tax asset, net   38,510       47,654       56,603  
    Goodwill   12,936       12,936       12,936  
    Intangible assets, net   1,669       1,852       2,217  
    Equity method investments   11,514       12,710       13,024  
    Other assets   32,144       26,214       25,371  
    Total assets $ 8,413,640     $ 8,250,704     $ 7,972,324  
    Liabilities          
    Deposits $ 7,594,564     $ 7,448,988     $ 7,011,988  
    Borrowings   68,436       77,252       304,927  
    Operating leases   22,292       24,784       30,646  
    Other liabilities   30,016       53,568       39,399  
    Total liabilities   7,715,308       7,604,592       7,386,960  
    Stockholders’ equity          
    Common stock, par value $.01 per share   308       307       307  
    Additional paid-in capital   287,167       286,021       288,232  
    Retained earnings   459,398       435,202       388,033  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes   (46,702 )     (73,579 )     (86,004 )
    Treasury stock, at cost   (1,972 )     (1,972 )     (5,337 )
    Total Amalgamated Financial Corp. stockholders’ equity   698,199       645,979       585,231  
    Noncontrolling interests   133       133       133  
    Total stockholders’ equity   698,332       646,112       585,364  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 8,413,640     $ 8,250,704     $ 7,972,324  

    Select Financial Data

      As of and for the   As of and for the
      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      September 30,   June 30,   September 30,   September 30,
    (Shares in thousands)   2024       2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Selected Financial Ratios and Other Data:                  
    Earnings per share                  
    Basic $ 0.91     $ 0.88     $ 0.73     $ 2.68     $ 2.13  
    Diluted   0.90       0.87       0.73       2.65       2.12  
    Core net income (non-GAAP)                  
    Basic $ 0.91     $ 0.86     $ 0.76     $ 2.61     $ 2.23  
    Diluted   0.91       0.85       0.76       2.59       2.22  
    Book value per common share (excluding minority interest) $ 22.77     $ 21.09     $ 17.93     $ 22.77     $ 17.93  
    Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP) $ 22.29     $ 20.61     $ 17.43     $ 22.29     $ 17.43  
    Common shares outstanding, par value $.01 per share(1)   30,663       30,630       30,459       30,663       30,459  
    Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic   30,646       30,551       30,481       30,558       30,601  
    Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted   30,911       30,832       30,590       30,868       30,738  
                       
    (1) 70,000,000 shares authorized; 30,776,163, 30,743,666, and 30,736,141 shares issued for the periods ended September 30, 2024, June 30, 2024, and September 30, 2023 respectively, and 30,662,883, 30,630,386, and 30,458,781 shares outstanding for the periods ended September 30, 2024, June 30, 2024, and September 30, 2023, respectively.

    Select Financial Data

      As of and for the   As of and for the
      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      September 30,   June 30,   September 30,   September 30,
      2024   2024   2023   2024   2023
    Selected Performance Metrics:                  
    Return on average assets 1.32 %   1.30 %   1.12 %   1.33 %   1.11 %
    Core return on average assets (non-GAAP) 1.33 %   1.27 %   1.17 %   1.29 %   1.17 %
    Return on average equity 16.63 %   17.27 %   16.43 %   17.35 %   16.69 %
    Core return on average tangible common equity (non-GAAP) 17.04 %   17.34 %   17.67 %   17.31 %   18.02 %
    Average equity to average assets 7.96 %   7.53 %   6.82 %   7.65 %   6.67 %
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets (non-GAAP) 8.14 %   7.66 %   6.72 %   8.14 %   6.72 %
    Loan yield 4.79 %   4.68 %   4.56 %   4.74 %   4.43 %
    Securities yield 5.25 %   5.22 %   4.94 %   5.23 %   4.84 %
    Deposit cost 1.58 %   1.55 %   1.33 %   1.53 %   1.08 %
    Net interest margin 3.51 %   3.46 %   3.29 %   3.48 %   3.40 %
    Efficiency ratio (1) 50.54 %   50.37 %   52.96 %   49.89 %   53.05 %
    Core efficiency ratio (non-GAAP) 50.35 %   50.80 %   51.71 %   50.52 %   51.88 %
                       
    Asset Quality Ratios:                  
    Nonaccrual loans to total loans 0.61 %   0.78 %   0.79 %   0.61 %   0.79 %
    Nonperforming assets to total assets 0.34 %   0.43 %   0.46 %   0.34 %   0.46 %
    Allowance for credit losses on loans to nonaccrual loans 222.30 %   182.83 %   197.58 %   222.30 %   197.58 %
    Allowance for credit losses on loans to total loans 1.35 %   1.42 %   1.56 %   1.35 %   1.56 %
    Annualized net charge-offs to average loans 0.61 %   0.25 %   0.27 %   0.35 %   0.27 %
                       
    Capital Ratios:                  
    Tier 1 leverage capital ratio 8.63 %   8.42 %   7.89 %   8.63 %   7.89 %
    Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio 13.82 %   13.48 %   12.63 %   13.82 %   12.63 %
    Total risk-based capital ratio 16.25 %   16.04 %   15.28 %   16.25 %   15.28 %
    Common equity tier 1 capital ratio 13.82 %   13.48 %   12.63 %   13.82 %   12.63 %
                       
    (1) Efficiency ratio is calculated by dividing total non-interest expense by the sum of net interest income and total non-interest income

    Loan and PACE Assessments Portfolio Composition

    (In thousands) At September 30, 2024   At June 30, 2024   At September 30, 2023
      Amount   % of total   Amount   % of total   Amount   % of total
    Commercial portfolio:                      
    Commercial and industrial $ 1,058,376     23.3 %   $ 1,012,400     22.6 %   $ 1,050,355     24.1 %
    Multifamily   1,291,380     28.4 %     1,230,545     27.5 %     1,094,955     25.1 %
    Commercial real estate   415,077     9.1 %     377,484     8.4 %     324,139     7.4 %
    Construction and land development   22,224     0.5 %     23,254     0.5 %     28,326     0.6 %
    Total commercial portfolio   2,787,057     61.3 %     2,643,683     59.0 %     2,497,775     57.2 %
                           
    Retail portfolio:                      
                           
    Residential real estate lending   1,350,347     29.7 %     1,404,624     31.4 %     1,409,530     32.3 %
    Consumer solar   374,499     8.2 %     385,567     8.6 %     415,324     9.5 %
    Consumer and other   36,000     0.8 %     37,965     1.0 %     42,116     1.0 %
    Total retail portfolio   1,760,846     38.7 %     1,828,156     41.0 %     1,866,970     42.8 %
    Total loans held for investment   4,547,903     100.0 %     4,471,839     100.0 %     4,364,745     100.0 %
                           
    Allowance for credit losses   (61,466 )         (63,444 )         (67,815 )    
    Loans receivable, net $ 4,486,437         $ 4,408,395         $ 4,296,930      
                           
    PACE assessments:                      
    Available for sale, at fair value                      
    Residential PACE assessments   149,500     12.7 %     112,923     9.7 %     38,526     3.5 %
                           
    Held-to-maturity, at amortized cost                      
    Commercial PACE assessments   256,128     21.7 %     256,663     22.0 %     270,020     24.3 %
    Residential PACE assessments   773,101     65.6 %     798,561     68.4 %     800,484     72.2 %
    Total Held-to-maturity PACE assessments   1,029,229     87.3 %     1,055,224     90.4 %     1,070,504     96.5 %
    Total PACE assessments   1,178,729     100.0 %     1,168,147     100.0 %     1,109,030     100.0 %
                           
    Allowance for credit losses   (641 )         (655 )         (670 )    
    Total PACE assessments, net $ 1,178,088         $ 1,167,492         $ 1,108,360      
                           
                           
    Loans receivable, net and total PACE assessments, net as a % of Deposits   74.6 %         74.9 %         77.3 %    
    Loans receivable, net and total PACE assessments, net as a % of Deposits excluding Brokered CDs   75.6 %         76.4 %         81.9 %    

    Net Interest Income Analysis

      Three Months Ended
      September 30, 2024   June 30, 2024   September 30, 2023
    (In thousands) Average
    Balance
    Income /
    Expense
    Yield /
    Rate
      Average
    Balance
    Income /
    Expense
    Yield /
    Rate
      Average
    Balance
    Income /
    Expense
    Yield /
    Rate
                                       
    Interest-earning assets:                                  
    Interest-bearing deposits in banks $ 182,981   $ 2,274   4.94 %   $ 213,725   $ 2,690   5.06 %   $ 170,830   $ 1,687   3.92 %
    Securities(1)   3,388,580     44,678   5.25 %     3,308,881     42,937   5.22 %     3,208,334     39,971   4.94 %
    Resell agreements   104,933     1,754   6.65 %     122,618     2,041   6.69 %     —     —   0.00 %
    Loans receivable, net (2)   4,493,520     54,110   4.79 %     4,406,843     51,293   4.68 %     4,314,767     49,578   4.56 %
    Total interest-earning assets   8,170,014     102,816   5.01 %     8,052,067     98,961   4.94 %     7,693,931     91,236   4.70 %
    Non-interest-earning assets:                                  
    Cash and due from banks   6,144             6,371             6,129        
    Other assets   217,332             217,578             204,506        
    Total assets $ 8,393,490           $ 8,276,016           $ 7,904,566        
                                       
    Interest-bearing liabilities:                                  
    Savings, NOW and money market deposits $ 3,506,499   $ 26,168   2.97 %   $ 3,729,858   $ 24,992   2.69 %   $ 3,446,027   $ 17,157   1.98 %
    Time deposits   223,337     2,148   3.83 %     210,565     1,898   3.63 %     176,171     1,122   2.53 %
    Brokered CDs   131,103     1,789   5.43 %     156,086     1,992   5.13 %     371,329     4,879   5.21 %
    Total interest-bearing deposits   3,860,939     30,105   3.10 %     4,096,509     28,882   2.84 %     3,993,527     23,158   2.30 %
    Borrowings   71,948     604   3.34 %     104,560     887   3.41 %     376,585     4,350   4.58 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   3,932,887     30,709   3.11 %     4,201,069     29,769   2.85 %     4,370,112     27,508   2.50 %
    Non-interest-bearing liabilities:                                  
    Demand and transaction deposits   3,721,398             3,390,941             2,920,737        
    Other liabilities   70,804             60,982             74,964        
    Total liabilities   7,725,089             7,652,992             7,365,813        
    Stockholders’ equity   668,401             623,024             538,753        
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 8,393,490           $ 8,276,016           $ 7,904,566        
                                       
    Net interest income / interest rate spread     $ 72,107   1.90 %       $ 69,192   2.09 %       $ 63,728   2.20 %
    Net interest-earning assets / net interest margin $ 4,237,127       3.51 %   $ 3,850,998       3.46 %   $ 3,323,819       3.29 %
                                       
    Total deposits excluding Brokered CDs / total cost of deposits excluding Brokered CDs $ 7,451,234       1.51 %   $ 7,331,364       1.48 %   $ 6,542,935       1.11 %
    Total deposits / total cost of deposits $ 7,582,337       1.58 %   $ 7,487,450       1.55 %   $ 6,914,264       1.33 %
    Total funding / total cost of funds $ 7,654,285       1.60 %   $ 7,592,010       1.58 %   $ 7,290,849       1.50 %
                                                   

    (1) Includes FHLBNY stock in the average balance, and dividend income on FHLBNY stock in interest income.
    (2) No material impact of prepayment penalty interest income in 3Q2024, 2Q2024, or 3Q2023

    Net Interest Income Analysis

      Nine Months Ended
      September 30, 2024   September 30, 2023
    (In thousands) Average
    Balance
    Income /
    Expense
    Yield /
    Rate
      Average
    Balance
    Income /
    Expense
    Yield /
    Rate
                           
    Interest-earning assets:                      
    Interest-bearing deposits in banks $ 200,627   $ 7,556   5.03 %   $ 125,560   $ 3,360   3.58 %
    Securities   3,289,635     128,679   5.23 %     3,276,065     118,557   4.84 %
    Resell agreements   102,197     5,122   6.69 %     8,003     432   7.22 %
    Total loans, net (1)(2)   4,431,801     157,355   4.74 %     4,216,391     139,744   4.43 %
    Total interest-earning assets   8,024,260     298,712   4.97 %     7,626,019     262,093   4.60 %
    Non-interest-earning assets:                      
    Cash and due from banks   5,862             5,067        
    Other assets   219,096             210,112        
    Total assets $ 8,249,218           $ 7,841,198        
                           
    Interest-bearing liabilities:                      
    Savings, NOW and money market deposits $ 3,608,927   $ 73,033   2.70 %   $ 3,248,278   $ 40,010   1.65 %
    Time deposits   207,374     5,622   3.62 %     161,756     2,030   1.68 %
    Brokered CDs   159,041     6,224   5.23 %     383,521     13,769   4.80 %
    Total interest-bearing deposits   3,975,342     84,879   2.85 %     3,793,555     55,809   1.97 %
    Borrowings   154,564     4,497   3.89 %     365,262     12,292   4.50 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   4,129,906     89,376   2.89 %     4,158,817     68,101   2.19 %
    Non-interest-bearing liabilities:                      
    Demand and transaction deposits   3,417,970             3,086,482        
    Other liabilities   70,476             72,821        
    Total liabilities   7,618,352             7,318,120        
    Stockholders’ equity   630,866             523,078        
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 8,249,218           $ 7,841,198        
                           
    Net interest income / interest rate spread     $ 209,336   2.08 %       $ 193,992   2.41 %
    Net interest-earning assets / net interest margin $ 3,894,354       3.48 %   $ 3,467,202       3.40 %
                           
    Total deposits excluding Brokered CDs / total cost of deposits excluding Brokered CDs $ 7,234,271       1.45 %   $ 6,496,516       0.87 %
    Total deposits / total cost of deposits $ 7,393,312       1.53 %   $ 6,880,037       1.08 %
    Total funding / total cost of funds $ 7,547,876       1.58 %   $ 7,245,299       1.26 %
                                   

    (1) Includes Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) stock in the average balance, and dividend income on FHLB stock in interest income.
    (2) Includes prepayment penalty interest income in September YTD 2024 and September YTD 2023 of $18 thousand and $0, respectively.

    Deposit Portfolio Composition

      Three Months Ended
    (In thousands) September 30, 2024   June 30, 2024   September 30, 2023
      Ending
    Balance
      Average
    Balance
      Ending
    Balance
      Average
    Balance
      Ending
    Balance
      Average
    Balance
    Non-interest-bearing demand deposit accounts $ 3,801,834   $ 3,721,398   $ 3,445,068   $ 3,390,941   $ 2,808,300   $ 2,920,737
    NOW accounts   186,557     188,250     192,452     191,253     192,654     192,883
    Money market deposit accounts   2,959,264     2,986,434     3,093,644     3,202,365     3,059,982     2,893,930
    Savings accounts   327,935     331,816     336,943     336,240     357,470     359,214
    Time deposits   216,901     223,337     227,437     210,565     180,529     176,171
    Brokered certificates of deposit (“CDs”)   102,073     131,103     153,444     156,086     391,919     371,329
    Total deposits $ 7,594,564   $ 7,582,338   $ 7,448,988   $ 7,487,450   $ 6,990,854   $ 6,914,264
                           
    Total deposits excluding Brokered CDs $ 7,492,491   $ 7,451,235   $ 7,295,544   $ 7,331,364   $ 6,598,935   $ 6,542,935
      Three Months Ended
      September 30, 2024   June 30, 2024   September 30, 2023
    (In thousands) Average
    Rate Paid(1)
      Cost of
    Funds
      Average
    Rate Paid(1)
      Cost of
    Funds
      Average
    Rate Paid(1)
      Cost of
    Funds
                           
    Non-interest bearing demand deposit accounts 0.00 %   0.00 %   0.00 %   0.00 %   0.00 %   0.00 %
    NOW accounts 0.90 %   1.09 %   1.07 %   1.07 %   0.95 %   1.01 %
    Money market deposit accounts 3.00 %   3.24 %   3.08 %   2.93 %   2.31 %   2.14 %
    Savings accounts 1.42 %   1.64 %   1.67 %   1.37 %   1.16 %   1.14 %
    Time deposits 3.83 %   3.83 %   3.50 %   3.63 %   2.88 %   2.53 %
    Brokered CDs 4.89 %   5.43 %   4.98 %   5.13 %   5.14 %   5.21 %
    Total deposits 1.43 %   1.58 %   1.59 %   1.55 %   1.46 %   1.33 %
                           
    Interest-bearing deposits excluding Brokered CDs 2.80 %   3.02 %   2.88 %   2.74 %   2.16 %   2.00 %
                                       

    (1) Average rate paid is calculated as the weighted average of spot rates on deposit accounts. Off-balance sheet deposits are excluded from all calculations shown.

    Asset Quality

    (In thousands) September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
    Loans 90 days past due and accruing $ —     $ —     $ —  
    Nonaccrual loans held for sale   989       989       2,189  
    Nonaccrual loans – Commercial   17,108       23,778       28,041  
    Nonaccrual loans – Retail   10,542       10,924       6,283  
    Nonaccrual securities   8       29       31  
    Total nonperforming assets $ 28,647     $ 35,720     $ 36,544  
               
    Nonaccrual loans:          
    Commercial and industrial $ 1,849     $ 8,428     $ 7,575  
    Multifamily   —       —       —  
    Commercial real estate   4,146       4,231       4,575  
    Construction and land development   11,113       11,119       15,891  
    Total commercial portfolio   17,108       23,778       28,041  
               
    Residential real estate lending   7,578       7,756       3,009  
    Consumer solar   2,848       2,794       2,817  
    Consumer and other   116       374       457  
    Total retail portfolio   10,542       10,924       6,283  
    Total nonaccrual loans $ 27,650     $ 34,702     $ 34,324  

    Credit Quality

      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
    ($ in thousands)          
    Criticized and classified loans          
    Commercial and industrial $ 45,329     $ 53,940     $ 45,959  
    Multifamily   13,386       10,242       10,999  
    Commercial real estate   8,186       8,311       8,762  
    Construction and land development   11,113       11,119       15,891  
    Residential real estate lending   7,578       7,756       3,009  
    Consumer solar   2,848       2,794       2,817  
    Consumer and other   116       374       457  
    Total loans $ 88,556     $ 94,536     $ 87,894  
    Criticized and classified loans to total loans          
    Commercial and industrial 1.00 %   1.21 %   1.05 %
    Multifamily 0.29 %   0.23 %   0.25 %
    Commercial real estate 0.18 %   0.19 %   0.20 %
    Construction and land development 0.24 %   0.25 %   0.36 %
    Residential real estate lending 0.17 %   0.17 %   0.07 %
    Consumer solar 0.06 %   0.06 %   0.06 %
    Consumer and other — %   0.01 %   0.01 %
    Total loans 1.94 %   2.12 %   2.00 %
      September 30, 2024   June 30, 2024   September 30, 2023
      Annualized net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans   ACL to total portfolio balance   Annualized net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans   ACL to total portfolio balance   Annualized net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans   ACL to total portfolio balance
    Commercial and industrial 2.14 %   1.01 %   0.32 %   1.44 %   — %   1.71 %
    Multifamily — %   0.37 %   — %   0.38 %   0.45 %   0.46 %
    Commercial real estate — %   0.40 %   — %   0.40 %   — %   0.64 %
    Construction and land development — %   3.73 %   — %   3.60 %   — %   3.68 %
    Residential real estate lending (0.03 )%   0.91 %   (0.18 )%   0.88 %   (0.07 )%   1.13 %
    Consumer solar 1.58 %   7.68 %   2.57 %   7.00 %   1.88 %   6.72 %
    Consumer and other 1.05 %   6.44 %   0.01 %   6.49 %   0.04 %   6.00 %
    Total loans 0.61 %   1.35 %   0.25 %   1.42 %   0.27 %   1.60 %

    Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures
    The information provided below presents a reconciliation of each of our non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.

      As of and for the   As of and for the
      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
    (in thousands) September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
      September 30,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
    Core operating revenue                  
    Net Interest Income (GAAP) $ 72,107     $ 69,192     $ 63,728     $ 209,336     $ 193,992  
    Non-interest income (GAAP)   8,939       9,258       6,780       28,426       19,930  
    Add: Securities loss   3,230       2,691       1,699       8,695       5,052  
    Less: ICS One-Way Sell Fee Income(1)   (8,085 )     (4,859 )     —       (15,847 )     —  
    Less: Changes in fair value of loans held-for-sale   4,265       —       —       4,265       —  
    Less: Subdebt repurchase gain(2)   (669 )     (406 )     (637 )     (1,076 )     (1,417 )
    Add: Tax (credits) depreciation on solar investments(3)   1,089       1,815       —       1,095       —  
    Core operating revenue (non-GAAP)   80,876       77,691       71,570       234,894       217,557  
                       
    Core non-interest expense                  
    Non-interest expense (GAAP) $ 40,964     $ 39,512     $ 37,339     $ 118,629     $ 113,495  
    Add: Gain on settlement of lease termination(4)   —       —       —       499       —  
    Less: Severance costs(5)   (241 )     (44 )     (332 )     (471 )     (617 )
    Core non-interest expense (non-GAAP)   40,723       39,468       37,007       118,657       112,878  
                       
    Core net income                  
    Net Income (GAAP) $ 27,942     $ 26,753     $ 22,308     $ 81,944     $ 65,284  
    Add: Securities loss   3,230       2,691       1,699       8,695       5,052  
    Less: ICS One-Way Sell Fee Income(1)   (8,085 )     (4,859 )     —       (15,847 )     —  
    Less: Changes in fair value of loans held-for-sale   4,265       —       —       4,265       —  
    Less: Gain on settlement of lease termination(4)   —       —       —       (499 )     —  
    Less: Subdebt repurchase gain(2)   (669 )     (406 )     (637 )     (1,076 )     (1,417 )
    Add: Severance costs(5)   241       44       332       471       617  
    Add: Tax (credits) depreciation on solar investments(3)   1,089       1,815       —       1,095       —  
    Less: Tax on notable items   (19 )     180       (396 )     764       (1,151 )
    Core net income (non-GAAP)   27,994       26,218       23,306       79,812       68,385  
                       
    Tangible common equity                  
    Stockholders’ equity (GAAP) $ 698,332     $ 646,112     $ 546,291     $ 698,332     $ 546,291  
    Less: Minority interest   (133 )     (133 )     (133 )     (133 )     (133 )
    Less: Goodwill   (12,936 )     (12,936 )     (12,936 )     (12,936 )     (12,936 )
    Less: Core deposit intangible   (1,669 )     (1,852 )     (2,439 )     (1,669 )     (2,439 )
    Tangible common equity (non-GAAP)   683,594       631,191       530,783       683,594       530,783  
                       
    Average tangible common equity                  
    Average stockholders’ equity (GAAP) $ 668,401     $ 623,024     $ 538,753     $ 630,866     $ 523,078  
    Less: Minority interest   (133 )     (133 )     (133 )     (133 )     (133 )
    Less: Goodwill   (12,936 )     (12,936 )     (12,936 )     (12,936 )     (12,936 )
    Less: Core deposit intangible   (1,759 )     (1,941 )     (2,547 )     (1,940 )     (2,768 )
    Average tangible common equity (non-GAAP)   653,573       608,014       523,137       615,857       507,241  
                                           

    (1) Included in service charges on deposit accounts in the Consolidated Statements of Income
    (2) Included in other income in the Consolidated Statements of Income
    (3) Included in equity method investments income in the Consolidated Statements of Income
    (4) Included in occupancy and depreciation in the Consolidated Statements of Income
    (5) Included in compensation and employee benefits in the Consolidated Statements of Income

    Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures
    The information provided below presents a reconciliation of each of our non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.

      As of and for the   As of and for the
      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
    (in thousands) September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
      September 30,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
                       
    Core return on average assets                  
    Numerator: Core net income (non-GAAP) $ 27,994     $ 26,218     $ 23,306     $ 79,812     $ 68,385  
    Denominator: Total average assets (GAAP) $ 8,393,490     $ 8,276,016     $ 7,904,566       8,249,218       7,841,198  
    Core return on average assets (non-GAAP)   1.33 %     1.27 %     1.17 %     1.29 %     1.17 %
                       
    Core return on average tangible common equity                  
    Numerator: Core net income (non-GAAP) $ 27,994     $ 26,218     $ 23,306     $ 79,812     $ 68,385  
    Denominator: Average tangible common equity (non-GAAP) $ 653,573     $ 608,014     $ 523,137       615,857       507,241  
    Core return on average tangible common equity (non-GAAP)   17.04 %     17.34 %     17.67 %     17.31 %     18.02 %
                       
    Core efficiency ratio                  
    Numerator: Core non-interest expense (non-GAAP) $ 40,723     $ 39,468     $ 37,007     $ 118,657     $ 112,878  
    Denominator: Core operating revenue (non-GAAP)   80,876       77,691       71,570       234,894       217,557  
    Core efficiency ratio (non-GAAP)   50.35 %     50.80 %     51.71 %     50.52 %     51.88 %

    The MIL Network –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Donegal Group Inc. Announces Third Quarter and First Nine Months of 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MARIETTA, Pa., Oct. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Donegal Group Inc. (NASDAQ: DGICA) and (NASDAQ: DGICB) today reported its financial results for the third quarter and first nine months of 2024.

    Significant Items for third quarter of 2024 (all comparisons to third quarter of 2023):

    • Net income of $16.8 million, or 51 cents per diluted Class A share, compared to net loss of $0.8 million, or 2 cents per Class A share
    • Net premiums earned increased 6.0% to $238.0 million
    • Net premiums written1 increased 5.9% to $232.2 million
    • Combined ratio of 96.4%, compared to 104.5%
    • Net income included after-tax net investment gains of $1.5 million, or 5 cents per diluted Class A share, compared to after-tax net investment losses of $1.0 million, or 3 cents per Class A share
    • Book value per share of $15.22 at September 30, 2024, compared to $14.26

    Financial Summary

      Three Months Ended September 30,   Nine Months Ended September 30,
        2024       2023     % Change     2024       2023     % Change
      (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
                           
    Income Statement Data                      
    Net premiums earned $ 237,957     $ 224,393     6.0 %   $ 700,017     $ 655,886     6.7 %
    Investment income, net   10,827       10,536     2.8       32,868       30,143     9.0  
    Net investment gains (losses)   1,876       (1,243 )   NM2     4,725       930     408.1  
    Total revenues   251,738       233,928     7.6       739,651       687,870     7.5  
    Net income (loss)   16,752       (805 )   NM      26,860       6,396     319.9  
    Non-GAAP operating income1   15,270       176     NM      23,127       5,661     308.5  
    Annualized return on average equity   13.4 %     -0.7 %   14.1 pts     7.2 %     1.8 %   5.4 pts
                           
    Per Share Data                      
    Net income (loss) – Class A (diluted) $ 0.51     $ (0.02 )   NM    $ 0.81     $ 0.20     305.0 %
    Net income (loss) – Class B   0.46       (0.02 )   NM      0.74       0.17     335.3  
    Non-GAAP operating income – Class A (diluted)   0.46       0.01     NM      0.70       0.17     311.8  
    Non-GAAP operating income – Class B   0.42       –     NM      0.63       0.15     320.0  
    Book value   15.22       14.26     6.7 %     15.22       14.26     6.7  
                           

    1The “Definitions of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of this release defines and reconciles data that we prepare on an accounting basis other than U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).

    2Not meaningful.


    Management Commentary

    “We are pleased that many of the strategic initiatives we implemented in recent years contributed to significant improvement in our financial results for the third quarter of 2024,” said Kevin G. Burke, President and Chief Executive Officer of Donegal Group Inc.

    “With the exit from commercial lines markets in Georgia and Alabama essentially completed at the end of the second quarter of 2024, solid new business writings, rate achievement and retention levels led to a 6.4% increase in commercial lines net premiums written for the third quarter of 2024. Our personal lines net premiums written growth rate for the third quarter was 5.4%, primarily attributable to strong rate increases and policy retention that were partially offset by intentional strategic actions to slow growth and further improve profitability.

    “Despite higher-than-average weather-related losses during the quarter, primarily attributable to Hurricane Helene in late September, our combined ratio improved significantly to 96.4%, compared to 104.5% for the prior-year quarter. Our core loss ratios improved across all of our major lines of business. We attribute that improvement to the favorable impact of numerous ongoing underwriting initiatives and higher net premiums earned from renewal rate increases that we implemented over the past two years.”

    Mr, Burke concluded, “We have growing confidence that the continuing execution of our strategies will deliver sustained excellent financial performance.”

    Insurance Operations

    Donegal Group is an insurance holding company whose insurance subsidiaries and affiliates offer property and casualty lines of insurance in three Mid-Atlantic states (Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania), five Southern states (Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia), eight Midwestern states (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin) and five Southwestern states (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas and Utah). Donegal Mutual Insurance Company and the insurance subsidiaries of Donegal Group conduct business together as the Donegal Insurance Group.

      Three Months Ended September 30,   Nine Months Ended September 30,
        2024     2023   % Change     2024     2023   % Change
      (dollars in thousands)
                           
    Net Premiums Earned                      
    Commercial lines $ 136,401   $ 135,432   0.7 %   $ 402,982   $ 399,427   0.9 %
    Personal lines   101,556     88,961   14.2       297,035     256,460   15.8  
    Total net premiums earned $ 237,957   $ 224,393   6.0 %   $ 700,017   $ 655,887   6.7 %
                           
    Net Premiums Written                      
    Commercial lines:                      
    Automobile $ 41,464   $ 37,535   10.5 %   $ 142,067   $ 134,853   5.3 %
    Workers’ compensation   23,934     24,371   -1.8       82,599     85,315   -3.2  
    Commercial multi-peril   50,155     44,949   11.6       163,528     147,622   10.8  
    Other   10,548     11,639   -9.4       35,649     39,913   -10.7  
    Total commercial lines   126,101     118,494   6.4       423,843     407,703   4.0  
    Personal lines:                      
    Automobile   65,150     58,038   12.3       188,958     161,348   17.1  
    Homeowners   38,288     39,633   -3.4       109,655     105,035   4.4  
    Other   2,669     3,021   -11.7       8,383     8,917   -6.0  
    Total personal lines   106,107     100,692   5.4       306,996     275,300   11.5  
    Total net premiums written $ 232,208   $ 219,186   5.9 %   $ 730,839   $ 683,003   7.0 %
                           
                           

    Net Premiums Written

    The 5.9% increase in net premiums written for the third quarter of 2024 compared to the third quarter of 2023, as shown in the table above, represents the combination of 6.4% growth in commercial lines net premiums written and 5.4% growth in personal lines net premiums written. The $13.0 million increase in net premiums written for the third quarter of 2024 compared to the third quarter of 2023 included:

    • Commercial Lines: $7.6 million increase that we attribute primarily to new business writings, strong premium retention, and a continuation of renewal premium increases in lines other than workers’ compensation, offset partially by planned attrition in states in which we are executing ongoing profit improvement initiatives as part of our state-specific strategies.
    • Personal Lines: $5.4 million increase that we attribute primarily to a continuation of renewal premium rate increases and strong policy retention, offset partially by planned attrition due to non-renewal actions.

    Underwriting Performance

    We evaluate the performance of our commercial lines and personal lines segments primarily based upon the underwriting results of our insurance subsidiaries as determined under statutory accounting practices. The following table presents comparative details with respect to the GAAP and statutory combined ratios1 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:

      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      September 30,   September 30,
      2024     2023     2024     2023  
                   
    GAAP Combined Ratios (Total Lines)              
    Loss ratio – core losses 50.1 %   56.7 %   54.5 %   56.0 %
    Loss ratio – weather-related losses 10.3     11.5     8.6     9.1  
    Loss ratio – large fire losses 3.7     4.9     5.2     5.3  
    Loss ratio – net prior-year reserve development -2.6     -3.3     -2.2     -2.4  
    Loss ratio 61.5     69.8     66.1     68.0  
    Expense ratio 34.5     34.1     34.0     34.9  
    Dividend ratio 0.4     0.6     0.5     0.6  
    Combined ratio 96.4 %   104.5 %   100.6 %   103.5 %
                   
    Statutory Combined Ratios              
    Commercial lines:              
    Automobile 101.5 %   86.5 %   98.2 %   94.8 %
    Workers’ compensation 84.7     97.7     104.1     93.1  
    Commercial multi-peril 88.4     114.8     100.4     113.8  
    Other 59.4     76.2     78.4     82.7  
    Total commercial lines 89.8     97.5     98.6     100.2  
    Personal lines:              
    Automobile 97.8     109.8     97.8     106.1  
    Homeowners 116.8     128.9     107.5     111.2  
    Other 102.2     46.4     97.2     81.3  
    Total personal lines 104.7     119.4     101.2     107.2  
    Total lines 96.0 %   105.2 %   99.7 %   102.9 %
                   
                   

    Loss Ratio

    For the third quarter of 2024, the loss ratio decreased to 61.5%, compared to 69.8% for the third quarter of 2023. For the commercial lines segment, the core loss ratio of 48.5% for the third quarter of 2024 decreased from 53.7% for the third quarter of 2023, due largely to lower severity of large casualty losses. For the personal lines segment, the core loss ratio of 52.5% for the third quarter of 2024 decreased from 61.8% for the third quarter of 2023, due largely to the favorable impact of premium rate increases on net premiums earned for that segment. Core loss ratios in both segments improved compared to the respective ratios for the first half of 2024.

    Weather-related losses were $24.4 million, or 10.3 percentage points of the loss ratio, for the third quarter of 2024, compared to $25.7 million, or 11.5 percentage points of the loss ratio, for the third quarter of 2023. Weather-related loss activity for the third quarter of 2024 was higher than our previous five-year average of $18.8 million, or 9.4 percentage points of the loss ratio, for third-quarter weather-related losses. Our insurance subsidiaries incurred $6.0 million in net losses from Hurricane Helene in September 2024.

    Large fire losses, which we define as individual fire losses in excess of $50,000, for the third quarter of 2024 were $8.8 million, or 3.7 percentage points of the loss ratio. That amount was lower than large fire losses of $11.0 million, or 4.9 percentage points of the loss ratio, for the third quarter of 2023. We experienced a decrease in commercial property fire losses compared to the prior-year quarter.

    Net favorable development of reserves for losses incurred in prior accident years of $6.2 million decreased the loss ratio for the third quarter of 2024 by 2.6 percentage points, compared to $7.3 million that decreased the loss ratio for the third quarter of 2023 by 3.3 percentage points. Our insurance subsidiaries experienced favorable development primarily in the commercial multi-peril and other commercial lines of business.

    Expense Ratio

    The expense ratio was 34.5% for the third quarter of 2024, compared to 34.1% for the third quarter of 2023. The modest increase in the expense ratio primarily reflected an increase in underwriting-based incentive costs as well as higher technology systems-related expenses that were primarily due to increased costs related to our ongoing systems modernization project, a portion of which Donegal Mutual Insurance Company allocates to our insurance subsidiaries. This increase was offset partially by impacts of various expense reduction initiatives, including agency incentive program revisions, commission schedule adjustments, targeted staffing reductions, and hiring restrictions for open employment positions, among others. We expect the impact from allocated costs from Donegal Mutual Insurance Company to our insurance subsidiaries related to the ongoing systems modernization project will peak at approximately 1.3 percentage points of the expense ratio for the full year of 2024 before beginning to subside gradually in subsequent years.

    Investment Operations

    Donegal Group’s investment strategy is to generate an appropriate amount of after-tax income on its invested assets while minimizing credit risk through investment in high-quality securities. As a result, we had invested 96.2% of our consolidated investment portfolio in diversified, highly rated and marketable fixed-maturity securities at September 30, 2024.

      September 30, 2024   December 31, 2023
      Amount   %   Amount   %
      (dollars in thousands)
    Fixed maturities, at carrying value:              
    U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies $ 173,663     12.7 %   $ 176,991     13.3 %
    Obligations of states and political subdivisions   413,040     30.1       415,280     31.3  
    Corporate securities   427,372     31.2       399,640     30.1  
    Mortgage-backed securities   304,911     22.3       278,260     21.0  
    Allowance for expected credit losses   (1,483 )   -0.1       (1,326 )   -0.1  
    Total fixed maturities   1,317,503     96.2       1,268,845     95.6  
    Equity securities, at fair value   35,957     2.6       25,903     2.0  
    Short-term investments, at cost   15,805     1.2       32,306     2.4  
    Total investments $ 1,369,265     100.0 %   $ 1,327,054     100.0 %
                   
    Average investment yield   3.3 %         3.1 %    
    Average tax-equivalent investment yield   3.3 %         3.2 %    
    Average fixed-maturity duration (years)   5.1           4.3      
                   
                   

    Net investment income of $10.8 million for the third quarter of 2024 increased modestly compared to $10.5 million for the third quarter of 2023. The increase in net investment income primarily reflected an increase in average investment yield relative to the prior-year third quarter.

    Net investment gains of $1.9 million for the third quarter of 2024 were primarily related to unrealized gains in the fair value of equity securities held at September 30, 2024. Net investment losses of $1.2 million for the third quarter of 2023 were primarily related to unrealized losses in the fair value of equity securities held at September 30, 2023.

    Our book value per share was $15.22 at September 30, 2024, compared to $14.39 at December 31, 2023, with the increase related to net income as well as $11.9 million of after-tax unrealized gains within our available-for-sale fixed-maturity portfolio during 2024 that increased our book value by $0.37 per share, offset partially by cash dividends declared.

    Definitions of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    We prepare our consolidated financial statements on the basis of GAAP. Our insurance subsidiaries also prepare financial statements based on statutory accounting principles state insurance regulators prescribe or permit (“SAP”). In addition to using GAAP-based performance measurements, we also utilize certain non-GAAP financial measures that we believe provide value in managing our business and for comparison to the financial results of our peers. These non-GAAP measures are net premiums written, operating income or loss and statutory combined ratio.

    Net premiums written and operating income or loss are non-GAAP financial measures investors in insurance companies commonly use. We define net premiums written as the amount of full-term premiums our insurance subsidiaries record for policies effective within a given period less premiums our insurance subsidiaries cede to reinsurers. We define operating income or loss as net income or loss excluding after-tax net investment gains or losses, after-tax restructuring charges and other significant non-recurring items. Because our calculation of operating income or loss may differ from similar measures other companies use, investors should exercise caution when comparing our measure of operating income or loss to the measure of other companies.

    The following table provides a reconciliation of net premiums earned to net premiums written for the periods indicated:

                           
      Three Months Ended September 30,   Nine Months Ended September 30,
        2024       2023     % Change     2024     2023   % Change
      (dollars in thousands)
                           
    Reconciliation of Net Premiums                      
    Earned to Net Premiums Written                      
    Net premiums earned $ 237,957     $ 224,393     6.0 %   $ 700,017   $ 655,886   6.7 %
    Change in net unearned premiums   (5,749 )     (5,207 )   10.4       30,822     27,117   13.7  
    Net premiums written $ 232,208     $ 219,186     5.9 %   $ 730,839   $ 683,003   7.0 %
                           
                           

    The following table provides a reconciliation of net income (loss) to operating income for the periods indicated:

      Three Months Ended September 30,   Nine Months Ended September 30,
        2024       2023     % Change     2024       2023     % Change
      (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
                           
    Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss)                      
    to Non-GAAP Operating Income                      
    Net income (loss) $ 16,752     $ (805 )   NM   $ 26,860     $ 6,396     319.9 %
    Investment (gains) losses (after tax)   (1,482 )     981     NM     (3,733 )     (735 )   407.9  
    Non-GAAP operating income $ 15,270     $ 176     NM   $ 23,127     $ 5,661     308.5 %
                           
    Per Share Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss)                      
    to Non-GAAP Operating Income                      
    Net income (loss) – Class A (diluted) $ 0.51     $ (0.02 )   NM   $ 0.81     $ 0.20     305.0 %
    Investment (gains) losses (after tax)   (0.05 )     0.03     NM     (0.11 )     (0.03 )   266.7  
    Non-GAAP operating income – Class A $ 0.46     $ 0.01     NM   $ 0.70     $ 0.17     311.8 %
                           
    Net income (loss) – Class B $ 0.46     $ (0.02 )   NM   $ 0.74     $ 0.17     335.3 %
    Investment (gains) losses (after tax)   (0.04 )     0.02     NM     (0.11 )     (0.02 )   450.0  
    Non-GAAP operating income – Class B $ 0.42     $ –     NM   $ 0.63     $ 0.15     320.0 %
                           
                           

    The statutory combined ratio is a non-GAAP standard measurement of underwriting profitability that is based upon amounts determined under SAP. The statutory combined ratio is the sum of:

    • the statutory loss ratio, which is the ratio of calendar-year incurred losses and loss expenses, excluding anticipated salvage and subrogation recoveries, to premiums earned;
    • the statutory expense ratio, which is the ratio of expenses incurred for net commissions, premium taxes and underwriting expenses to premiums written; and
    • the statutory dividend ratio, which is the ratio of dividends to holders of workers’ compensation policies to premiums earned.

    The statutory combined ratio does not reflect investment income, federal income taxes or other non-operating income or expense. A statutory combined ratio of less than 100% generally indicates underwriting profitability.

    Dividend Information

    On October 17, 2024, we declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.1725 per share for our Class A common stock and $0.155 per share for our Class B common stock, which are payable on November 15, 2024 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on November 1, 2024.

    Pre-Recorded Webcast

    At approximately 8:30 am ET on Thursday, October 24, 2024, we will make available in the Investors section of our website a pre-recorded audio webcast featuring management commentary on our quarterly results and general business updates. You may listen to the pre-recorded webcast by accessing the link on our website at http://investors.donegalgroup.com. A supplemental investor presentation is also available via our website.

    About the Company

    Donegal Group Inc. is an insurance holding company whose insurance subsidiaries and affiliates offer property and casualty lines of insurance in certain Mid-Atlantic, Midwestern, Southern and Southwestern states. Donegal Mutual Insurance Company and the insurance subsidiaries of Donegal Group Inc. conduct business together as the Donegal Insurance Group. The Donegal Insurance Group has an A.M. Best rating of A (Excellent).

    The Class A common stock and Class B common stock of Donegal Group Inc. trade on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbols DGICA and DGICB, respectively. We are focused on several primary strategies, including achieving sustained excellent financial performance, strategically modernizing our operations and processes to transform our business, capitalizing on opportunities to grow profitably and delivering a superior experience to our agents and customers.

    Safe Harbor

    We base all statements contained in this release that are not historic facts on our current expectations. Such statements are forward-looking in nature (as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) and necessarily involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements we make may be identified by our use of words such as “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “seek,” “estimate” and similar expressions. Our actual results could vary materially from our forward-looking statements. The factors that could cause our actual results to vary materially from the forward-looking statements we have previously made include, but are not limited to, adverse litigation and other trends that could increase our loss costs (including social inflation, labor shortages and escalating medical, automobile and property repair costs), adverse and catastrophic weather events (including from changing climate conditions), our ability to maintain profitable operations (including our ability to underwrite risks effectively and charge adequate premium rates), the adequacy of the loss and loss expense reserves of our insurance subsidiaries, the availability and successful operation of the information technology systems our insurance subsidiaries utilize, the successful development of new information technology systems to allow our insurance subsidiaries to compete effectively, business and economic conditions in the areas in which we and our insurance subsidiaries operate, interest rates, competition from various insurance and other financial businesses, terrorism, the availability and cost of reinsurance, legal and judicial developments (including those related to COVID-19 business interruption coverage exclusions), changes in regulatory requirements, our ability to attract and retain independent insurance agents, changes in our A.M. Best rating and the other risks that we describe from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We disclaim any obligation to update such statements or to announce publicly the results of any revisions that we may make to any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

    Investor Relations Contacts

    Karin Daly, Vice President, The Equity Group Inc.

    Phone: (212) 836-9623
    E-mail: kdaly@equityny.com

    Jeffrey D. Miller, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
    Phone: (717) 426-1931
    E-mail: investors@donegalgroup.com

    Financial Supplement

    Donegal Group Inc.
    Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)
    (unaudited; in thousands, except share data)
               
          Quarter Ended September 30,
            2024     2023  
               
    Net premiums earned $ 237,957   $ 224,393  
    Investment income, net of expenses   10,827     10,536  
    Net investment gains (losses)   1,876     (1,243 )
    Lease income     77     86  
    Installment payment fees   1,001     156  
      Total revenues   251,738     233,928  
               
    Net losses and loss expenses   146,426     156,683  
    Amortization of deferred acquisition costs   40,200     39,332  
    Other underwriting expenses   41,827     37,155  
    Policyholder dividends   1,007     1,399  
    Interest     367     156  
    Other expenses, net     1,499     208  
      Total expenses   231,326     234,933  
               
    Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)   20,412     (1,005 )
    Income tax expense (benefit)   3,660     (200 )
               
    Net income (loss)   $ 16,752   $ (805 )
               
    Net income (loss) per common share:      
      Class A – basic and diluted $ 0.51   $ (0.02 )
      Class B – basic and diluted $ 0.46   $ (0.02 )
               
    Supplementary Financial Analysts’ Data      
               
    Weighted-average number of shares      
      outstanding:      
      Class A – basic   27,978,435     27,594,973  
      Class A – diluted   28,058,399     27,665,293  
      Class B – basic and diluted   5,576,775     5,576,775  
               
    Net premiums written $ 232,208   $ 219,186  
               
    Book value per common share      
      at end of period $ 15.22   $ 14.26  
               
    Donegal Group Inc.
    Consolidated Statements of Income
    (unaudited; in thousands, except share data)
               
          Nine Months Ended September 30,
            2024     2023
               
    Net premiums earned $ 700,017   $ 655,886
    Investment income, net of expenses   32,868     30,143
    Net investment gains   4,725     930
    Lease income     237     262
    Installment payment fees   1,804     649
      Total revenues   739,651     687,870
               
    Net losses and loss expenses   462,683     446,024
    Amortization of deferred acquisition costs   120,458     115,065
    Other underwriting expenses   117,604     113,715
    Policyholder dividends   3,248     4,088
    Interest     677     464
    Other expenses, net     2,309     969
      Total expenses   706,979     680,325
               
    Income before income tax expense   32,672     7,545
    Income tax expense     5,812     1,149
               
    Net income   $ 26,860   $ 6,396
               
    Net income per common share:      
      Class A – basic $ 0.82   $ 0.20
      Class A – diluted $ 0.81   $ 0.20
      Class B – basic and diluted $ 0.74   $ 0.17
               
    Supplementary Financial Analysts’ Data      
               
    Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:      
      Class A – basic   27,878,552     27,390,883
      Class A – diluted   27,916,904     27,507,706
      Class B – basic and diluted   5,576,775     5,576,775
               
    Net premiums written $ 730,839   $ 683,003
               
    Book value per common share      
      at end of period $ 15.22   $ 14.26
     
    Donegal Group Inc.
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (in thousands)
               
          September 30,   December 31,
            2024       2023  
          (unaudited)    
               
    ASSETS
    Investments:      
      Fixed maturities:      
        Held to maturity, at amortized cost $ 694,663     $ 679,497  
        Available for sale, at fair value   622,840       589,348  
      Equity securities, at fair value   35,957       25,903  
      Short-term investments, at cost   15,805       32,306  
        Total investments   1,369,265       1,327,054  
    Cash   28,651       23,792  
    Premiums receivable   194,254       179,592  
    Reinsurance receivable   434,078       441,431  
    Deferred policy acquisition costs   78,484       75,043  
    Prepaid reinsurance premiums   185,364       168,724  
    Other assets   56,030       50,658  
        Total assets $ 2,346,126     $ 2,266,294  
               
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
    Liabilities:      
      Losses and loss expenses $ 1,134,853     $ 1,126,157  
      Unearned premiums   646,870       599,411  
      Accrued expenses   2,987       3,947  
      Borrowings under lines of credit   35,000       35,000  
      Other liabilities   13,046       22,034  
        Total liabilities   1,832,756       1,786,549  
    Stockholders’ equity:      
      Class A common stock   312       308  
      Class B common stock   56       56  
      Additional paid-in capital   342,186       335,694  
      Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (20,951 )     (32,882 )
      Retained earnings   232,993       217,795  
      Treasury stock   (41,226 )     (41,226 )
        Total stockholders’ equity   513,370       479,745  
        Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 2,346,126     $ 2,266,294  
               

    The MIL Network –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Legible Announces $2.1 Million Private Placement Unit Offering and Appointment of Chief Technology Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Legible Inc. (CSE: READ) (OTCQB: LEBGF) (FSE: D0T) (“Legible or “the Company”), a leading platform and innovator in digital literature, announces an offering of units (“Units”) for gross proceeds of $2,100,000 by way of a non-brokered private placement (the “Offering”) pursuant to exemptions from applicable securities laws. Each Unit consists of one common share (“Common Share(s)”) and one whole Common Share purchase warrant (“Warrant(s)”) with each Warrant entitling the holder to acquire 1 Common Share at a price of $0.14, at any time prior to 5:00 pm (PST) on the date that is two years from the closing date. If the volume weighted average trading price of the Common shares is at least $0.40 per Common Share for a period of 5 consecutive trading days, the expiry date of the Warrants may be accelerated by the Company to a date that is not less than 14 days after the date that notice of such acceleration is provided to the Warrant holders by way of a press release.

    The Company has received subscription agreements totaling $1.7 Million. Closing may occur in tranches, with the first tranche expected to close on or about October 31, 2024.

    Legible is also pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Andrew Nelson to the position of Chief Technology Officer. Mr. Nelson is a Senior Software Engineer who brings nearly 20 years of experience in a wide array of technological and business development roles spanning a wide array of industries, having held a number of senior positions. Prior to Mr. Nelson’s appointment as Legible’s CTO, Mr. Nelson held the position of Director of Technology at Legible as of January 2024. Mr. Nelson’s proficiencies in software development, web design, cybersecurity, data analytics, organizational planning, and product development have helped companies create and implement scalable, customer-focused solutions to drive business growth and brand recognition. Mr. Nelson also has extensive executive and board experience.

    Andrew Nelson stated, “I’m incredibly grateful to take on this leadership role at Legible, a company with such a positive mission to revolutionize how people read and interact with digital literature. Our technology roadmap is centered around creating personalized, accessible, and intuitive experiences that seamlessly integrate into everyday life. As CTO, I’m committed to ensuring that our product innovation and leadership align fully with Legible’s mission, enriching the way audiences engage with literature across the globe.”

    Kaleeg Hainsworth, CEO of Legible, commented, “We are deeply grateful for the support of our lead investor, a U.S.-based private financial services corporation, which has committed CDN$1.61 million to this Offering. This funding will strengthen our balance sheet and empower us to ramp up marketing and sales initiatives, fueling the growth of our Legible Unbound Subscription service. At just US$9.99 per month, Legible Unbound is gaining traction by offering unlimited access to a vast and growing catalogue of eBooks and audiobooks. We are thrilled also to welcome Andrew Nelson as our new Chief Technology Officer. Andrew’s sophisticated understanding of user experience, technological trends, and eCommerce will be invaluable as we scale globally across all our verticals. He is experienced, proven, genuinely understands what Legible is achieving, resilient, a fantastic people person, and is greatly respected in his community. Andrew enhances our executive team and supports Legible’s mission to innovate and lead in the digital literary space, now more than ever.”

    Further to Legible’s Press Release dated July 18, 2024 wherein Legible announced its warrant incentive program (the “WIP”), Legible is pleased to announce the WIP resulted in: (i) a total of 3,374,936 warrants being exercised at $0.07 for proceeds of $236,246, which included $180,233 in the settlement of outstanding indebtedness; and (ii) the issuance of new warrants exercisable on or before August 16, 2025 at $0.10 for an additional 3,374,936 common shares. In the event that the volume weighted average trading price of the common shares of Legible on the Canadian Securities Exchange is at least $0.30 for a minimum of 10 consecutive trading days (whether or not trading occurs on all such days), Legible may, in its sole discretion, issue a news release announcing that the exercise period has been reduced to twenty-one (21) days following the date of the issuance of such news release (the “Accelerated Expiry Date”). If such news release is issued, all such warrants that are not exercised prior to 5:00 p.m. Vancouver time on the Accelerated Expiry Date will expire immediately after such time on the Accelerated Expiry Date.

    In addition, further to the Company’s press release dated January 24, 2024, Legible announces the conclusion of its engagement with Investor Cubed Inc. (“Investor Cubed”), which provided investor relations and shareholder communication services, effective immediately. Legible extends its gratitude to Investor Cubed for their contributions and support during the engagement.

    About Legible Inc.

    Legible is a groundbreaking, mobile-centric global company specializing in eBook and audiobook entertainment. Its extensive partnerships encompass four of the Big 5 Publishers, the world’s largest eBook distributors, and outstanding publishers of all sizes, enabling Legible to deliver millions of eBooks and audiobooks, transforming any smart device into a source of cutting-edge infotainment.

    Legible recently released My Model Kitchen – Vol. 2: Vegetables – The Garden of Earthly Delights, the second of 15 video-enriched Living Cookbooks by former supermodel, bestselling author, TV host and celebrity chef Cristina Ferrare, with an AI Sous Chef for each recipe. The Living Cookbooks and Ms. Ferrare have been featured twice on the Drew Barrymore Show and in many other major US media outlets.

    A first mover in the rapidly expanding automotive infotainment market, Legible has partnered with media providers Faurecia Aptoide, Harman Ignite, LiveOne, and Visteon. Legible has the only Android Automotive app that delivers both audiobooks and eBooks to drivers and passengers in tens of millions of vehicles around the globe, positioning Legible at the forefront of the new world of in-car infotainment experiences.

    The 2024 EdTech Breakthrough Award winner for eLearning Innovation of the Year, Legible is reshaping the digital publishing landscape, committed to gaining significant market share through its innovative 21st-century publishing solutions and enriched reading experiences. Visit Legible.com, where eBooks come to life.

    Press Contacts:

    Legible Inc.

    Ms. Deborah Harford
    EVP, Global Strategic Partnerships
    invest@legible.com
    Website: https://invest.legible.com

    Legible Media Relations

    Krupp Kommunications, Inc.
    Ms. Kathy Giaconia
    VP Media Relations
    kgiaconia@kruppagency.com
    1-213-324-5665
    http://www.KruppAgency.com

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Information
    This Press Release contains certain statements which constitute forward-looking statements or information (“forward-looking statements”), including statements regarding Legible’s business. Such forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond Legible’s control, including the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions, currency fluctuations, the lack of availability of qualified personnel or management, stock market volatility and the ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources. Although Legible believes that the expectations in its forward-looking statements are reasonable, they are based on factors and assumptions concerning future events which may prove to be inaccurate. Those factors and assumptions are based upon currently available information. Such statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could influence actual results or events and cause actual results or events to differ materially from those stated, anticipated or implied in the forward- looking information. As such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward- looking information, as no assurance can be provided as to future results, levels of activity or achievements. The forward-looking statements contained in this document are made as of the date of this document and, except as required by applicable law, Legible does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The forward-looking statements contained in this document are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES
    OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/989cb8b1-ce9c-4e00-b6a0-53c60c30fc72

    The MIL Network –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Media Advisory: Hut 8 Announces Conference Call to Discuss Third Quarter 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI, Oct. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hut 8 Corp. (Nasdaq | TSX: HUT) (“Hut 8” or the “Company”), a leading, vertically integrated operator of large-scale energy infrastructure and one of North America’s largest Bitcoin miners, will host a conference call and webinar on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 to review third quarter 2024 results.

    Who: Analysts, media, and investors are invited to attend.
    What: Hut 8 executives will review the Company’s financial results for the third quarter of 2024.
    When: Results will be shared via media release and on the Company’s website at https://hut8.com/investors/ on November 13, 2024. The conference call and webinar will begin at 8:30 a.m. ET.
    Where: The webcast can be viewed at: https://www.hut8.com/q3-2024/.

    Analysts can register here.


    About Hut 8

    Hut 8 Corp. is an energy infrastructure operator and Bitcoin miner with self-mining, hosting, managed services, and traditional data center operations across North America. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Hut 8 Corp. has a portfolio comprising twenty sites: eleven Bitcoin mining, hosting, and Managed Services sites in Alberta, New York, and Texas, five high performance computing data centers in British Columbia and Ontario, and four power generation assets in Ontario. For more information, visit www.hut8.com and follow us on X (formerly known as Twitter) at @Hut8Corp.

    Hut 8 Investor Relations

    Sue Ennis

    ir@hut8.com

    Hut 8 Media Relations

    media@hut8.com

    The MIL Network –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Urgent action needed to reduce food waste in the EU – P-001923/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. The Commission has adopted a legislative proposal[1] setting food waste reduction targets to be achieved by Member States by 2030. The Commission will continue to support Member States in reducing food waste and reaching the targets when adopted, through the sharing of best practices in the EU Platform on Food Losses and Food Waste[2], offering financial support via Single Market Programme action grants for Member States to monitor their food waste and to implement food waste prevention programmes, as well as developing tools and guidance to reduce consumer food waste[3].

    2. The Commission welcomes all effective solutions and innovative technologies that contribute to the global Sustainable Development Goal Target 12.3 ‘Halving food waste and raising climate ambition’[4] and help curb food waste in all sectors of the food supply chain, as long as they do not compromise food safety and animal health. Best practices, including those from the dairy and agricultural sector, are shared in the above-mentioned Platform or its dedicated subgroups. Through Horizon Europe, the Commission supports, for example, the development of sustainable and smart packaging solutions to extend shelf-life of packaged products, and circular solutions to empower and engage all actors in food systems.

    • [1] Proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2008/98/EC on waste (COM(2023) 420 final).
    • [2] EU Platform on Food Losses and Food Waste: https://food.ec.europa.eu/food-safety/food-waste/eu-actions-against-food-waste/eu-platform-food-losses-and-food-waste_en
    • [3] Toolkit to reduce consumer food waste: https://knowledge4policy.ec.europa.eu/bioeconomy/reduce-food-waste_en
    • [4] https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/halving-food-waste-and-raising-climate-ambition-sdg-123-and-paris-agreement
    Last updated: 24 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Sicily – suppressed report on illegal slaughtering of animals and organised crime – E-001573/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission has not been aware of such ‘regional authority’s suppressed report on the common agricultural policy fund fraud’ and cannot thus currently comment on any related misuse of funds.

    When the Commission becomes aware of any suspected cases of fraud, corruption or any other illegal activity affecting the EU budget, it informs the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF).

    OLAF analyses information of potential investigative interest to determine whether there are sufficient grounds to open an investigation.

    OLAF can carry out administrative investigations when there are suspicions of fraud, corruption or other illegal activities against the financial interests of the EU.

    In addition, in case of criminal conduct in respect of which the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) could exercise its competence, the case is reported to the EPPO, who can initiate a criminal investigation.

    From a food safety perspective, the current EU legal framework is considered fit for purpose. Its implementation and enforcement remain under the responsibility of the Member States.

    Italian authorities have neither informed the Commission nor other Member States within the Alert and Cooperation Network (ACN)[1] about the illegal slaughter of animals or the sale of meat unfit for human consumption in relation with the situation described.

    This absence of communication would conform with the EU legislation if the issue remains strictly limited to the Italian territory.

    • [1] https://food.ec.europa.eu/safety/acn_en
    Last updated: 24 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – How to safeguard and strengthen the partnership with Morocco – E-002131/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    17.10.2024

    Question for written answer  E-002131/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Thierry Mariani (PfE)

    In response to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) decision on Friday, 4 October invalidating the agreements between the European Union and Morocco, Morocco has reiterated its constant position of not subscribing to any agreement or legal instrument that does not respect its territorial integrity and national unity, stressing the solidity and importance of the strategic relations between the European Union and Morocco.

    • 1.In this context, what action does the Commission intend to take to safeguard and strengthen this historic and essential partnership, particularly in respect of the economy, energy and migration, while respecting Morocco’s sovereignty?
    • 2.How does the Commission intend to support a pragmatic approach promoting stability and cooperation in the region, while ensuring that the CJEU’s legal decisions do not get in the way of Euro-Moroccan relations?
    • 3.Lastly, what initiatives does the Commission intend to take to strengthen dialogue with Morocco and ensure that the mutual interests of the two partners, particularly in terms of security and development, are safeguarded and furthered?

    Submitted: 17.10.2024

    Last updated: 24 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    January 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU paves the way for investments in Timor-Leste’s water, waste, and forestry sectors, boosting the country’s sustainable development

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    • The EU-funded programme has supported the Government of Timor-Leste in identifying and preparing potential investment projects.
    • These projects have been identified in the sectors of forestry, water supply, and waste management, and were presented today as ready for financing, with a total investment need of approximately €260 million.
    • EIB Global is ready to assess these projects for financing.

     The European Union Delegation to Timor-Leste and the European Investment Bank (EIB Global) have worked closely with the Government of Timor-Leste to prepare investment projects aimed at improving the country’s infrastructure and fostering sustainable development. The three proposals resulting from this collaboration focus on water supply, solid waste management, and forestry, and are now ready to be transformed into tangible investments.

    The three projects include a commercial forestry initiative in the municipalities of Covalima and Bobonaro, a national solid waste management project including a health waste management component, and a water supply project for selected municipalities. The forestry project aims to transform underutilised state lands, generating essential resources like firewood and timber, while creating thousands of jobs for local communities. The national waste management project introduces solutions for the safe and efficient management of waste thus reducing significantly the pollution discharged into the environment. The water supply project focuses on improving access to clean water in key municipalities, addressing both urban and rural needs for better sanitation and reliable water sources. Together these initiatives require a total investment of about €260 million.

    The preparation of the three investment projects was made possible through the Project Preparation and Implementation Programme (PPIP), which concluded today with the final Steering Committee meeting where these projects were presented. Managed by EIB Global, the PPIP was supported by a €5 million budget, including €4.75 million in technical assistance from the EU and €250,000 from the Cotonou Partnership Agreement.

    The final Steering Committee meeting was chaired by H.E. the Minister for Planning and Strategic Investments, Gastão Francisco de Sousa, and attended by representatives from the Government of Timor-Leste, EIB Global, the EU Delegation to Timor-Leste, and other stakeholders.

    The Ambassador to the European Union Delegation to Timor-Leste, Mr Marc Fiedrich said: “If converted into a loan, the Project Preparation and Implementation Programme opens a new era of cooperation. Until today, our support, although significant in terms of funds, consisted of limited instruments: grants, technical assistance, and budget support. With this programme, we add loans and guarantees, and maybe later private investments. This is the new trend of cooperation promoted by the EU, the innovative Global Gateway strategy that may become the norm in the near future.”

    The Vice-President of the European Investment Bank Ambroise Fayolle said: “Alongside our EU partners on the ground, we have been supporting the Government of Timor-Leste in identifying and preparing investment projects. By focusing on strategic sectors such as forestry, water supply, and waste management, these initiatives will not only address immediate community needs but also lay the groundwork for sustainable economic growth. We look forward to turning these project proposals into tangible investments. As the EU’s financial arm, the EIB stands ready to provide the necessary financial support to make these projects a reality, in line with the EU’s Global Gateway strategy.”

    His Excellency the Minister for Planning and Strategic Investments, Gastão Francisco de Sousa said: “All three projects have the potential to make significant and long-term contributions to Timor-Leste’s development, and to improved rural and urban environments. The projects comply with and support our national development objectives for their respective sectors.” He emphasised the role of the Ministry of Planning and Strategic Investments in facilitating and coordinating efforts across the sectors.

    His Excellency the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry, Marcos da Cruz said: “I would like to thank the EIB, the EU Delegation and COWI for the design of the Timor-Leste Commercial Forestry Project. We welcome this innovative approach to the development of commercial forestry in Timor-Leste, using currently unproductive land. In addition, the project is expected to provide jobs for people living in the target areas, re-green vulnerable areas, increase incomes from forest products, and increase Government’s income.”

    His Excellency the Minister of State Administration, Tomás do Rosário Cabral said: “We are grateful for the European Investment Bank’s support for waste management projects. Providing adequate and affordable waste services to the entire population is of great concern for the Government. It will improve public health and is much needed for protecting the terrestrial and marine environment. Specifically, better healthcare risk waste management is urgently needed. In this respect, the EIB project proposal provides a modern, efficient, and sustainable solution that should be implemented as soon as possible.”

    Background information:

    Project Preparation and Implementation Programme (PPIP) is an EU-funded and EIB-managed project designed to assist the Government of Timor-Leste in the identifying, preparing and implementing projects that are technically sound, financially viable, and environmentally and socially responsible, and are ready for investments. The programme has identified potential projects in the three sectors — water, solid waste management and forestry — by conducting prefeasibility studies for six projects and completing three feasibility studies. Investment projects in forestry and solid waste are now ready for the Government of Timor-Leste to request loan from the EIB and EU grant funding, should they choose to move forward with these initiatives.

    Steering Committee of the Project Preparation and Implementation Programme is chaired by the Ministry for Planning and Strategic Investments. The committee also includes representatives from several key government entities of Timor-Leste, such as by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of State Administration, the Ministry of Public Works, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry and Bee Timor-Leste public utility company.

    The European Union (EU) is a unique economic and political union between 27 European countries that cover much of the continent together. In Timor-Leste, the EU is the second largest donor of development aid (grant funding). The EU is committed to supporting Timor-Leste’s 2011-2030 Strategic Development plan, which aims to transform Timor-Leste into an upper-middle-income country by 2030 based on rapid, inclusive growth enabling it to improve infrastructure, worker skills, education, training and health systems, and combat poverty and malnutrition. The EU assistance focuses on green and sustainable economic recovery and development, rural development, good governance for sustainable development and gender equality.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term financing institution of the European Union owned by its Member States. EIB Global is the EIB’s specialised arm devoted to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance outside the European Union. EIB Global is a key partner of the EU Global Gateway strategy, and is designed to foster strong, focused partnerships within Team Europe, alongside fellow development finance institutions and civil society. EIB Global brings the EIB closer to local people, companies and institutions through our offices across the world.

    Global Gateway is the European Union’s strategy to reduce the worldwide investment gap, boost smart, clean and secure connections in the digital, energy and transport sectors, and strengthen health, education and research systems. The Global Gateway strategy embodies a Team Europe approach that brings together the European Union, EU Member States and European development finance institutions. It aims to mobilise up to €300 billion in public and private investments between 2021 and 2027, creating essential links rather than dependencies, and closing the global investment gap.

    EU paves the way for investments in Timor-Leste’s
    EU paves the way for investments in Timor-Leste’s water, waste, and forestry sectors, boosting the country’s sustainable development
    ©EIB
    Download original
    EU paves the way for investments in Timor-Leste’s
    EU paves the way for investments in Timor-Leste’s water, waste, and forestry sectors, boosting the country’s sustainable development
    ©EIB
    Download original

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    January 25, 2025
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Twenty Twenty-Five

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