Category: Entertainment

  • MIL-OSI: MINILUXE REPORTS FULL-YEAR FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 29, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    All reported figures in U.S. Dollars unless otherwise noted

    Boston, MA, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MiniLuxe Holding Corp. (TSXV: MNLX) today announced its financial results for the 52 weeks ended December 29, 2024 (FY2024). The fiscal year of MiniLuxe (the “Company”) is a 52-week reporting cycle which ended in 2024 on Sunday, December 29, 2024.

    As the Company has previously and consistently shared, there were three key strategic and performance objectives for 2024.

    Key 2024 Strategic Pillars

    1. Accelerate overall studio-level profitability (i.e. store level contribution) growth
    2. Drive growth through operating partners (via JVs or M&A) and franchise partners
    3. Increase fixed cost leverage and SG&A efficiency

    Across each of these core strategic pillars and 2024 performance objectives, the Company made material progress.

    Highlights of Business Performance

    • Studio-level profitability (store-level cash contribution) grew YoY 360 percent.
    • As a percentage of revenue, SG&A reduced to under 16 percent, which represented a decrease of approximately 24 percent versus prior year while gross profit grew to $11M or +8 percent improvement versus prior year.
    • The net effect of both increasing studio cash contribution, decreasing SG&A and increasing gross profit margin led to adjusted EBITDA losses being cut by more than half in 2024 to -$4.0M from -$9.0M in 2023.
    • Operating cash burn improved by a factor of over 3x to just over -$2M in 2024 from -$7M in 2023.
    • FY2024 year-end cash, cash equivalent and restricted cash reached $4M, an improvement of $.6M versus $3.4M at year-end FY2023 due to a combination of dramatically reduced cash burn and ~$1.6M coming from the first closing of a non-brokered private placement which was originally announced on November 27, 2024. (more details below).

    The Company seeks to maintain this positive momentum in 2025, progressing increasingly closer to overall company-wide profitability. Total Company revenue for 2024 finished at a record level of $26.1M or just over 6% YoY growth, compared to $24.6M in 2023. While the overall quantum of YoY growth was relatively modest, the quality and increased profitability of that growth was both very significant and intentional in terms of the Company’s operating strategy. These results were accomplished by driving revenue growth through studio specific KPIs, some studios were held to more constrained growth (to better focus on improving efficiencies and profitability) while the majority of the fleet portfolio were managed to all-time-record revenue highs. In terms of unit-level revenue, two studios crossed over the $2M revenue threshold before the end of the year (ultimately reaching ~$1,500 per square feet of sales). The top 25 percent of studios in the fleet are now at a median of ~$1.9M per unit volume and the top 50 percent at ~ $1.6M.

    Also noteworthy is that MiniLuxe’s most loyal client base – those visiting 20+ times per year – grew 4.5% year-over-year between 2024 and 2023. In any given month, the split of customers is between ~88% repeat and ~12% new customers.

    Throughout 2024 and as the Company goes into 2025, the focus on Operating Partners remains core to the Company’s strategy to leverage its brand and platform while scaling growth through localized operators. In July of 2024, MiniLuxe announced its first operating and JV partner for the Atlanta region with the business Sugarcoat. As part of the joint venture agreement, MiniLuxe took a majority ownership stake of one Sugarcoat location in The Forum Peachtree Corners in Atlanta. On December 17th of 2024, MiniLuxe also announced its first franchise operating partner, Ms. Quynh Pham, who opened a MiniLuxe studio in Brookline, MA (taking over the old MiniLuxe Academy Studio). Both joint venture and franchise partners have rapidly brought forward fresh ideas and hyper-localized marketing and new operational best-practices translating into increased week-over-week sales, walk-ins and utilization levels. During 2024 the Company also had its first full year of results with its regional operating partner in the Dallas Fort Worth area which saw a lift in profitability of over 5x within the year.

    A key driver to longer-term growth and competitive advantage has been the Company’s ability to attract and retain its ecosystem of nail designer talent. FY2024 represented a record year in terms of annual retention of designer talent which was at 87 percent, up 3 percentage points from 84 percent in 2023. Additionally, a number of nail designers crossed their five-year anniversaries with the Company and now over 50 percent of the nail designer talent employment base hold tenure with the Company for 5 years or more.

    In 2024 the team demonstrated our deepest understanding of unit economics and KPIs, delivering the strongest studio performance across the portfolio, while diversifying our revenue streams with new JV, franchise and operating partners – setting us up on our journey towards greater scale and growth. We head into 2025 with a record level of 360%+ YoY studio profitability, deepening brand loyalty amongst our customer base, a strong balance sheet, and much enthusiasm for what’s ahead.” said Tony Tjan, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of MiniLuxe.

    Subsequent Events and 2025 Outlook

    To date, the first part of Q1 2025 presented the Company with both early progress towards its strategic priorities but also headwinds in the form of the LA wildfires and the introduction of US tariffs on trade partners.

    The LA fires impacted foot traffic and demand for Beverly Hills and Brentwood Studios. The Company has taken measures to address this potential impact to studio economics with increased leadership support and connectivity with the local community such that demand has begun to return (but is not anticipated to fully recover until 2H 2025).

    While the vast majority of MiniLuxe’s products are made in the US, the company is still making efforts to further minimize supply related exposure by exploring options to shift sourcing from China to US based vendors and lower tariff markets like Vietnam and Taiwan. These early moves are designed to optimize and protect gross margins in MiniLuxe’s proprietary products and Paintbox custom press on products and packaging.

    Early wins in Q1 of 2025 include closing on a new tranche of funding and reaching an agreement for the conversion of all of the Company’s remaining balance of convertible notes as explained below.

    Effective February 10, 2025, the Company completed a non-brokered private placement of Class A subordinate voting shares of the Company and raised a total of USD $3.49M or (~CDN $4.94M) through the issuance of 6,247,717 Subordinate Voting Shares at a price of USD $0.55 each (CDN $0.79) Together, with the first private placement closing and this second and final closing of the Offering raised total new primary capital for the Company in the amount of USD $5.067M or (~CDN $7.26M). 

    Alongside the private placement offering, the Company also finalized additional shares-for-debt agreements to satisfy an aggregate of USD$1,055,577 (~CDN$1.49 million) of outstanding debt related to the principal and accrued but unpaid interest on certain convertible debentures of the Company (the “Debentures”). As part of this debt conversion, an aggregate of 2,294,731 Subordinate Voting Shares were issued at a deemed price of USD$0.46 per share, with an effective conversion date of February 7, 2025.

    The Company offered existing Debenture holders participating in the Offering the opportunity to elect to receive Subordinate Voting Shares at a discounted conversion price relative to the original terms of the Debentures. All Debenture holders electing to convert are deemed to be at arm’s length from the Company. The issuance of these shares remains subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval. Similarly, completion of all tranches of the private placement Offering is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The securities issued pursuant to the initial closing of the Offering are subject to a hold period of four months and one day from the issuance date in accordance with applicable securities laws.

    On March 11, 2025, the Company announced the refinancing and extension of maturity of its existing senior debt to 2028 to be coincident with a new tranche of $1.675M of senior debt from Flow Capital.

    On March 21, 2025, the Company announced that it had reached agreement for the conversion of all of its remaining balance of convertible notes.

    2024 Results

    Selected Financial Measures

    Results of Operations

    The following table outlines the consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss for the fiscal year which ended December 29, 2024, and December 31, 2023.

    Cash Flows

    The following table presents cash and cash equivalents for the fiscal year which ended December 29, 2024, and December 31, 2023.

    Non-IFRS Measures and Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures

    This press release references certain non-IFRS measures used by management. These measures are not recognized under International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS, and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Rather, these measures are provided as additional information to complement those IFRS measures by providing further understanding of the Company’s results of operations from management’s perspective. Accordingly, these measures should not be considered in isolation nor as a substitute for analysis of the Company’s financial information reported under IFRS. The non-IFRS measures referred to in this press release are “Adjusted EBITDA” and “Fleet Adjusted EBITDA”.

    Adjusted EBITDA

    Management believes Adjusted EBITDA most accurately reflects the commercial reality of the Company’s operations on an ongoing basis by adding back non-cash expenses. Additionally, the rent-related adjustments ensure that studio-related expenses align with revenue generated over the corresponding time periods.

    Adjusted EBITDA is calculated by adding back fixed asset depreciation, right-of-use asset amortization under IFRS 16, asset disposal, and share-based compensation expense to IFRS operating income, then deducting straight-line rent expenses net of lease abatements. IFRS operating income is revenue less cost of sales (gross profit), additionally adjusted for general and administrative expenses, and depreciation and amortization expenses.

    A reconciliation of IFRS operating income to Adjusted EBITDA is included in Selected Consolidated Financial Information.

    The Company also uses Fleet Adjusted EBITDA to evaluate the performance of its MiniLuxe Core Studio business (19 MiniLuxe-branded studios operating for 18+ months). This metric is calculated in a similar manner, starting with Talent revenue and adjusting for non-fleet Talent revenue and cost of sales, further adjusted by fleet general and administrative expenses and finally subtracting straight line rent expense (similar to amount used in the full company Adjusted EBITDA, less amounts allocated to locations outside of MiniLuxe’s core studio business, i.e. Paintbox). The Company believes that this metric most closely mirrors how management views the fleet portion of the business. A reconciliation of Talent revenue to Fleet Adjusted EBITDA is included in Selected Consolidated Financial Information.

    The following table reconciles net Operating Loss to Adjusted EBITDA for FY24 and FY23.

    The following table reconciles Fleet Talent Revenue to Fleet Adjusted EBITDA for FY24 and FY23.

    _____________________________________________

    Straight-line rent expense for a given payment period is calculated by dividing the sum of all payments over the life of the lease (the figure used in the present value calculation of the right-of-use asset) by the number of payment periods (typically months). This number is then annualized by adding the rent expenses calculated for the payment periods that comprise each fiscal year. For leases signed mid-year, the total straight-line rent expense calculation applies the new lease terms only to the payment periods after the signing of the new lease.

    About MiniLuxe

    MiniLuxe, a Delaware corporation based in Boston, Massachusetts. MiniLuxe is a lifestyle brand and talent empowerment platform servicing the beauty and self-care industry. The Company focuses on delivering high-quality nail care and esthetic services and offers a suite of trusted proprietary products that are used in the Company’s owned-and-operated studio services. For over a decade, MiniLuxe has been elevating industry standards through healthier, ultra-hygienic services, a modern design esthetic, socially responsible labor practices, and better-for-you, cleaner products. MiniLuxe’s aims to radically transform a highly fragmented and under-regulated self-care and nail care industry through its brand, standards, and technology platform that collectively enable better talent and client experiences. For its clients, MiniLuxe offers best-in-class self-care services and better-for-you products, and for nail care and beauty professionals, MiniLuxe seeks to become the employer of choice. In addition to creating long-term durable economic returns for our stakeholders, the brand seeks to positively impact and empower one of the most diverse and largest hourly worker segments through professional development and certification, economic mobility, and company ownership opportunities (e.g., equity participation and future franchise opportunities). Since its inception, MiniLuxe has performed over 4 million services.

    For further information

    Christine Mastrangelo
    ‎Investor Relations, MiniLuxe Holding Corp.
    cmastrangelo@MiniLuxe.com
    MiniLuxe.com 

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

    Forward-looking statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking information”) concerning the Company and its subsidiaries within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information may relate to the future financial outlook and anticipated events or results of the Company and may include information regarding the Company’s financial position, business strategy, growth strategies, acquisition prospects and plans, addressable markets, budgets, operations, financial results, taxes, dividend policy, plans and objectives. Particularly, information regarding the Company’s expectations of future results, performance, achievements, prospects or opportunities or the markets in which the Company operates is forward-looking information. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “targets”, “expects”, “budgets”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “outlook”, “forecasts”, “projects”, “prospects”, “strategy”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might”, or “will” occur. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, intentions, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information are not historical facts but instead represent management’s expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events or circumstances.

    Many factors could cause the Company’s actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including, without limitation, those listed in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s filing statement dated November 9, 2021. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results, performance, or achievements could vary materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. 

    Forward-looking information, by its nature, is based on the Company’s opinions, estimates and assumptions in light of management’s experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that the Company currently believes are appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances. Those factors should not be construed as exhaustive. Despite a careful process to prepare and review forward-looking information, there can be no assurance that the underlying opinions, estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking information. Although the Company bases its forward-looking information on assumptions that it believes were reasonable when made, which include, but are not limited to, assumptions with respect to the Company’s future growth potential, results of operations, future prospects and opportunities, execution of the Company’s business strategy, there being no material variations in the current tax and regulatory environments, future levels of indebtedness and current economic conditions remaining unchanged, the Company cautions readers that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that our actual results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and the development of the industry in which the Company operates may differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. In addition, even if the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and the development of the industry in which it operates are consistent with the forward-looking information contained in this press release, those results or developments may not be indicative of results or developments in subsequent periods.

    Although the Company has attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other risk factors not presently known to the Company or that the Company presently believes are not material that could also cause actual results or future events to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking information. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information, which speaks only as of the date made (or as of the date they are otherwise stated to be made). Any forward-looking statement that is made in this press release speaks only as of the date of such statement.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Passing of Columbus A/S’ Annual General Meeting and subsequent constitution of the Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company announcement no. 4/2025

    At Columbus A/S’ Annual General Meeting held on 29 April 2025, all proposals set out in the agenda were adopted, including the following;

    1. The General Meeting took note of the Board of Directors’ report.

    2. The Annual Report for 2024 was approved.

    3. The Board of Directors’ proposal regarding distribution of profit was adopted, including payment of an ordinary dividend to the shareholders of DKK 0.125 per share of DKK 1.25 (nom), amounting to a total dividend of DKK 16,159,533.

    4. The Remuneration Report for 2024 was approved in the indicative ballot.

    5. The General Meeting authorised the Board of Directors for a period of 18 months from the date of the General Meeting to acquire up to 10 per cent of the Company’s share capital against payment which shall not deviate more than 10 per cent up or downwards from the latest listed price of the shares at Nasdaq Copenhagen prior to the acquisition.

    6. Ib Kunøe, Peter Skov Hansen, Sven Madsen, Karina Kirk and Per Kogut were re-elected to the Board of Directors.

    7. Election of state authorized public accountants:

    7.1 Pricewaterhousecoopers Statsautoriseret Revisionspartnerselskab, CVR-no. 33 77 12 31 was re-elected as auditor of the Company, and only one auditor was elected.

    7.2 Pricewaterhousecoopers Statsautoriseret Revisionspartnerselskab, CVR-no. 33 77 12 31 was re-elected to provide a statement on the management’s sustainability reporting

    Following the Annual General Meeting, the Board of Directors convened and constituted itself with Ib Kunøe as Chairman of the Board and Sven Madsen as Deputy Chairman of the Board.

    Ib Kunøe                        Søren Krogh Knudsen
    Chairman of the Board                CEO & President

    For further information, please contact:

    CEO & President, Søren Krogh Knudsen, tel :+45 70 20 50 00

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: OTC Markets Group Welcomes BW Energy Limited to OTCQX

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities, today announced BW Energy Limited (Oslo Bors: BWE; OTCQX: BWERY, BWEFF), a growth-focused oil and gas company, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX® Best Market. BW Energy Limited upgraded to OTCQX from the Pink® market.

    BW Energy Limited begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbols “BWERY” and “BWEFF.” U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com.

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

    “The OTCQX Market provides a platform for increased recognition and engagement with a wider base of US investors. BW Energy is a fast-growing oil and gas company with production and attractive development assets in Gabon, Namibia and Brazil. We expect cross-trading on OTCQX to create additional long-term value through a broader US investor base and increased trading volumes in our shares,” says Carl K. Arnet, the CEO of BW Energy.

    About BW Energy Limited
    BW Energy is a growth E&P company with a differentiated strategy targeting proven offshore oil and gas reservoirs through low risk phased developments. The Company has access to existing production facilities to reduce time to first oil and cashflow with lower investments than traditional offshore developments. The Company’s assets are 73.5% of the producing Dussafu Marine licence offshore Gabon, 100% interest in the Golfinho and Camarupim fields, a 76.5% interest in the BM-ES-23 block, a 95% interest in the Maromba field in Brazil, a 95% interest in the Kudu field in Namibia, all operated by BW Energy. In addition, BW Energy holds approximately 6.6% of the common shares in Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd. and a 20% non-operating interest in the onshore Petroleum Exploration License 73 (“PEL 73”) in Namibia. Total net 2P+2C reserves and resources were 599 million barrels of oil equivalent at the start of 2025.

    About OTC Markets Group Inc.

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

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

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

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

    Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed

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

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Award winners impress with dedication and resilience

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Ms Vando Celestina Emmy Rabi is the 2024 Young Canberran Citizen of the Year.


    In brief:

    • The 2024 Young Canberra Citizen of the Year Award recipients have been announced.
    • The Awards celebrate Canberrans aged 12 to 25 who have made a significant contribution to the community.
    • There are seven categories in this year’s Awards.

    A young African-Australian community leader has won the 2024 Young Canberran Citizen of the Year Award.

    Ms Vando Celestina Emmy Rabi is an Executive Youth Leader at the African Australian Council ACT. She uses her lived experience to be a role model for young people.

    In 2019, Ms Rabi emigrated from South Sudan, aged 15. She had lost both her parents at a young age.

    Today she encourages celebrating African culture in Canberra. She promotes social cohesion and engagement in the broader community.

    Her advocacy promotes inclusivity. It also fosters a greater understanding of the experiences and contributions of African Australians.

    Winners and commendations

    The Young Canberra Citizen of the Year Awards celebrate Canberrans aged 12 to 25 who have made a significant contribution to the ACT community.

    The awards celebrate young people for achievements in fields such as sport, education, science, culture, the arts and the environment.

    There were seven categories in this year’s Awards.

    Young Canberra Citizen of the Year Award

    Winner: Ms Vando Celestina Emmy Rabi

    Ms Rabi is an Executive Youth Leader at the African Australian Council ACT. She is a powerful advocate for African-Australian youth. She celebrates African culture and promotes social cohesion, helping to reduce isolation and the impact of racial abuse, while encouraging broader community engagement.

    Commendation: Ms Tahalianna Mahanga

    Young Achiever Award

    Winner: Mr Seth Burr

    Seth Burr is a Leadership group member at his school. He is also a mentor for younger students and a member of ACT Scouts. He participates in ANZAC Day marches, Gang Shows, peer monitoring, school musicals and fundraising events. 

    Commendation: Ms Emma Booth

    Personal Achievement Award

    Winner: Miss Jasmine Eldridge

    Jasmine Eldridge, a single mother, has overcome many personal challenges. She has gained a diploma in Educational Studies. Through lived experience she advocates for young people with disabilities.

    Commendation: Ms Jemma Rule

    Individual Community Service Award 

    Winner: Mx Madison (Casey) Barancewicz

    Mx Barancewicz is actively involved in Youth Advocacy Groups, projects. These include the ACT Youth Advisory Council, Disability Youth Reference Group, Unruly Girls Youth Ethics Advisory Group, Member and The ACT Child and Youth Mental Health Sector Alliance, the Youth Mental Health Youth Reference Group (YRG). 

    Commendation: Miss Sonali Varma

    Environment and Sustainability Award

    Winner: Ms Anjali Sharma

    Ms Sharma is a climate activist. She introduced a Bill with Senator David Pocock, called the Climate Change Amendment (Duty of Care and Intergenerational Equity) Bill. She did this to compel the Federal Government to take the health of young people into consideration when approving developments that may release greenhouse gases.

    Commendation: Ms Yuna Rougeaux

    Commendation: Ms Neve Larsen

    Arts and Multimedia Award 

    Winner: Ms Tahalianna Mahanga

    Ms Mahanga is a proud young Wiradjuri and Tongan woman. She performs as a solo vocalist. She is also a youth advocate, including the ACT Student Representative at the National School Reform Agreement Ministerial Reference Group. She was involved with The Mindyigari Centre for Excellence at Erindale College and the Gugan Gulwan Youth Association.

    Commendation: Ms Grace Flanagan

    Group Achievement Award

    Winner: St Mary MacKillop College

    The Year 12 cohort at St Mary MacKillop College designed the ‘Relay Your Way’ event. This local community initiative celebrates cancer survivorship, honours those we’ve lost, and spurs on the fight against cancer. They raised over $75,000 for the Relay for Life this year, the highest fundraising total for Relay for Life across Australia.

    Commendation: ACT Child and Youth Mental Health Sector Alliance Youth Reference Group

    Nomination and assessment

    Anyone can nominate a young person for an award. People can also self-nominate.

    The nominations are assessed by representatives from the:

    • ACT Youth Advisory Council
    • ACT Government
    • award category sponsor.

    View past award winners.

    Find out more about the Awards.

    Read more like this:


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    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-Evening Report: Election Diary: Albanese will be encouraged by ‘Trump’ effect in helping Canadian Liberals to victory

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

    Labor will be encouraged by the Liberals’ victory in Canada’s election, undoubtedly much helped by US President Donald Trump.

    Trump’s extraordinary attack on the United States’ northern ally, with his repeated suggestion Canada should be the 51st American state, galvanised voters. Former banker Mark Carney, seen as best able to deal with Trump, won the internal race to succeed Justin Trudeau as PM, and now has clinched the election. The Conservatives, favourites a few months ago, couldn’t compete.

    The Trump factor is not so dramatic in our election, but it is present and working for Labor. In a time of instability, some potential swinging voters are more inclined to opt for the status quo.

    Anthony Albanese said on Tuesday, “Mark Carney has stood for Canada’s national interests, just as I stand up for Australia’s national interest”.

    Australians don’t like Trump or his policies. A recent Lowy poll found people’s trust in the US to act responsibly in the world has dropped 20 points in a year, although they were nearly equally divided on whether Albanese or Peter Dutton would be better to handle the US and Trump.

    After initially thinking Trump’s election could assist the Coalition, Dutton has not been able to shake off the “Trump factor” since it became clear it was a drag.

    Meanwhile, Dutton was having another difficult day on the campaign trail on Tuesday. His electorate office had been vandalised (again) in the early hours. Then, when he visited a sporting ground in the highly marginal seat of Gilmore on the NSW south coast, three local unionists, outfitted in protective gear, turned up to play for the cameras at finding a spot for a nuclear reactor.

    In Gilmore former NSW transport minister Andrew Constance is making another run, after being narrowly pipped by Labor at the 2022 election.

    Dutton had planned to hold his news conference at the ground, but cancelled it and moved on. When the press conference finally happened, it was short but not sweet. Both leader and press pack were, by that stage, tetchy.

    Unlike his unfortunate experience on Sunday with the price of eggs, Dutton did pass the test when asked the inflation rate. He quickly answered 2.7%. This is not the headline rate, which is 2.4%, but it is the trimmed mean rate. That’s the rate preferred by the Reserve Bank, so he would get a tick from Governor Michele Bullock, even if his choice caused some confusion in the media. On Wednesday we get the March quarter CPI figures.

    How the leaders’ debates rated

    Nine won by a whisker the “ratings” contest among TV stations in the leaders’ debates, followed by the ABC. These are considered high figures for election debates. What we don’t know is how many viewers watched all four debates. Now that took some stamina!

    How voters rate former PMs

    Essential Research’s latest poll has an interesting table of people’s ratings of former prime ministers, with John Howard and Bob Hawke filling the first two spots.

    Howard, 85, remains in demand for Liberal campaigning. Speaking to The Conversation, he reels off quite a round of seats he’s visited, including Curtin, Tangey, Bullwinkel and Hasluck in Western Australia (all in a day and a half); Wentworth, Mackellar, Robertson, Warringhah and Bennelong (his old seat) in NSW, and Bruce in Melbourne. He agrees the campaign cycle is faster these days, but he obviously still relishes the smell of the political grease paint.

    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. Election Diary: Albanese will be encouraged by ‘Trump’ effect in helping Canadian Liberals to victory – https://theconversation.com/election-diary-albanese-will-be-encouraged-by-trump-effect-in-helping-canadian-liberals-to-victory-255387

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI: Southside Bancshares, Inc. Announces Financial Results for the First Quarter Ended March 31, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • First quarter net income of $21.5 million;
    • First quarter earnings per diluted common share of $0.71;
    • Annualized return on first quarter average assets of 1.03%;
    • Annualized return on first quarter average tangible common equity of 14.14%(1); and
    • Nonperforming assets remain low at 0.39% of total assets.

    TYLER, Texas, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Southside Bancshares, Inc. (“Southside” or the “Company”) (NYSE: SBSI) today reported its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. Southside reported net income of $21.5 million and earnings per diluted common share of $0.71 for both of the three month periods ended March 31, 2025 and 2024. The annualized return on average shareholders’ equity for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was 10.57%, compared to 11.02% for the same period in 2024. The annualized return on average assets was 1.03% for both of the three month periods ended March 31, 2025 and 2024.

    “We are pleased to report financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, which included earnings per share of $0.71, a return on average assets of 1.03%, and a return on average tangible common equity of 14.14%,” stated Lee R. Gibson, Chief Executive Officer of Southside. “Linked quarter, the net interest margin increased three basis points to 2.86%, net interest income increased $145,000 to $53.9 million, and deposits net of public fund and brokered deposits increased $91.9 million. The linked quarter decrease in total loans was primarily due to payoffs exceeding original projections. Our loan pipeline is solid and we continue to anticipate mid-single-digit loan growth for 2025; however, it will likely be heavily weighted in the last half of the year.”

    Operating Results for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2025

    Net income was $21.5 million and earnings per diluted common share were $0.71 for both of the three month periods ended March 31, 2025 and 2024. Annualized returns on average assets and average shareholders’ equity for the three months ended March 31, 2025 were 1.03% and 10.57%, respectively, compared to 1.03% and 11.02%, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2024. Our efficiency ratio and tax-equivalent efficiency ratio(1) were 57.04% and 55.04%, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to 57.95% and 55.54%, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2024, and 56.08% and 54.00%, respectively, for the three months ended December 31, 2024.

    Net interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was $53.9 million, an increase of $0.5 million, or 0.9%, compared to the same period in 2024. Linked quarter, net interest income increased $0.1 million, or 0.3%, compared to $53.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024. The increase in net interest income for both periods was due to the decrease in the average rate paid on interest bearing liabilities and the increase in the average balance of our interest earning assets, partially offset by the decrease in the average yield of interest earning assets and the increase in the average balance of our interest bearing liabilities.

    Our net interest margin increased to 2.74% for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to 2.72% for the same period in 2024, while tax-equivalent net interest margin(1) was 2.86% for both of the three month periods ended March 31, 2025 and 2024. Linked quarter, net interest margin and tax-equivalent net interest margin(1) increased from 2.70% and 2.83%, respectively, for the three months ended December 31, 2024.

    Noninterest income was $10.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, an increase of $0.5 million, or 5.1%, compared to $9.7 million for the same period in 2024. The increase was primarily due to increases in gain on sale of loans and trust fees, partially offset by an increase in net loss on sale of securities available for sale (“AFS”). On a linked quarter basis, noninterest income decreased $2.1 million, or 16.8%, compared to the three months ended December 31, 2024. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in other noninterest income, an increase in net loss on sale of securities AFS and a decrease in deposit services income. The decrease in other noninterest income was due to a decrease in swap fee income for the three months ended March 31, 2025.

    Noninterest expense increased $0.2 million, or 0.6%, to $37.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $36.9 million for the same period in 2024, due to increases in other noninterest expense and professional fees, partially offset by decreases in salaries and employee benefits expense and amortization of intangibles. On a linked quarter basis, noninterest expense decreased by $1.1 million, or 2.8%, compared to the three months ended December 31, 2024, due to decreases in salaries and employee benefits, net occupancy, other noninterest expense and professional fees.

    Income tax expense increased $0.1 million, or 2.1%, for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to the same period in 2024. On a linked quarter basis, income tax expense increased $0.1 million, or 1.3%. Our effective tax rate (“ETR”) increased to 18.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to 17.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2024, and increased from 17.6% for the three months ended December 31, 2024. The higher ETR for the three months ended March 31, 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, was primarily due to an increase in state income tax expense.

    Balance Sheet Data

    At March 31, 2025, Southside had $8.34 billion in total assets, compared to $8.35 billion at March 31, 2024, and $8.52 billion at December 31, 2024.

    Loans at March 31, 2025 were $4.57 billion, a decrease of $10.1 million, or 0.2%, compared to $4.58 billion at March 31, 2024. Linked quarter, loans decreased $94.4 million, or 2.0%, due to decreases of $79.7 million in construction loans, $19.7 million in municipal loans, $2.5 million in commercial real estate loans and $1.9 million in loans to individuals. These decreases were partially offset by increases of $8.5 million in commercial loans and $1.0 million in 1-4 family residential loans.

    Securities at March 31, 2025 were $2.74 billion, an increase of $24.2 million, or 0.9%, compared to $2.71 billion at March 31, 2024. Linked quarter, securities decreased $76.9 million, or 2.7%, from $2.81 billion at December 31, 2024.

    Deposits at March 31, 2025 were $6.59 billion, an increase of $45.1 million, or 0.7%, compared to $6.55 billion at March 31, 2024. Linked quarter, deposits decreased $63.4 million, or 1.0%, from $6.65 billion at December 31, 2024.

    At March 31, 2025, we had 178,840 total deposit accounts with an average balance of $34,000. Our estimated uninsured deposits were 40.0% of total deposits as of March 31, 2025. When excluding affiliate deposits (Southside-owned deposits) and public fund deposits (all collateralized), our total estimated deposits without insurance or collateral was 20.8% as of March 31, 2025. Our noninterest bearing deposits represent approximately 20.9% of total deposits. Linked quarter, our cost of interest bearing deposits decreased nine basis points from 2.92% in the prior quarter to 2.83%. Linked quarter, our cost of total deposits decreased five basis points from 2.31% in the prior quarter to 2.26%.

    Our cost of interest bearing deposits decreased 14 basis points, from 2.97% for the three months ended March 31, 2024, to 2.83% for the three months ended March 31, 2025. Our cost of total deposits decreased 10 basis points, from 2.36% for the three months ended March 31, 2024, to 2.26% for the three months ended March 31, 2025.

    Capital Resources and Liquidity

    Our capital ratios and contingent liquidity sources remain solid. During the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, we did not purchase any common stock pursuant to our Stock Repurchase Plan. Under this plan, repurchases of our outstanding common stock may be carried out in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or pursuant to any trading plan that might be adopted in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company has no obligation to repurchase any shares under the Stock Repurchase Plan and may modify, suspend or discontinue the plan at any time. Subsequent to March 31, 2025, and through April 25, 2025, we purchased 196,419 shares of common stock at an average price of $26.82 pursuant to the Stock Repurchase Plan.

    As of March 31, 2025, our total available contingent liquidity, net of current outstanding borrowings, was $2.29 billion, consisting of FHLB advances, Federal Reserve Discount Window and correspondent bank lines of credit.

    Asset Quality

    Nonperforming assets at March 31, 2025 were $32.2 million, or 0.39% of total assets, an increase of $24.2 million, or 303.5%, compared to $8.0 million, or 0.10% of total assets, at March 31, 2024. Linked quarter, nonperforming assets increased $28.6 million, or 797.0%, from $3.6 million at December 31, 2024 due primarily to increases of $27.5 million in restructured loans and $1.1 million in nonaccrual loans. The increase in restructured loans was due to the extension of maturity on a $27.5 million commercial real estate loan to allow for an extended lease up period. Classified loans totaled $67.0 million on March 31, 2025, compared to $48.0 million on December 31, 2024, primarily due to the downgrade of a $17.9 million commercial real estate loan in the first quarter that paid off on April 4, 2025.

    The allowance for loan losses totaled $44.6 million, or 0.98% of total loans, at March 31, 2025, compared to $44.9 million, or 0.96% of total loans, at December 31, 2024. The allowance for loan losses was $43.6 million, or 0.95% of total loans, at March 31, 2024. The increase in allowance as a percentage of total loans was primarily due to an increase in economic concerns forecasted in the CECL model, partially offset by a decrease in the loan portfolio due to payoffs.

    For the three months ended March 31, 2025, we recorded a provision for credit losses for loans of $42,000, compared to a provision of $1.2 million and $1.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2024, respectively. Net charge-offs were $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and March 31, 2024, compared to net charge-offs of $1.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024.

    We recorded a provision for credit losses on off-balance-sheet credit exposures of $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to a reversal of provision for credit losses on off-balance-sheet credit exposures $1.1 million and $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2024, respectively. The balance of the allowance for off-balance-sheet credit exposures was $3.8 million and $2.8 million at March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, and is included in other liabilities.

    Dividend

    Southside Bancshares, Inc. declared a first quarter cash dividend of $0.36 per share on February 6, 2025, which was paid on March 6, 2025, to all shareholders of record as of February 20, 2025.

    _______________

    (1) Refer to “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below and to “Non-GAAP Reconciliation” at the end of the financial statement tables in this Earnings Release for more information and for a reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to the nearest GAAP financial measure.
       

    Conference Call

    Southside’s management team will host a conference call to discuss its first quarter ended March 31, 2025 financial results on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. CDT. The conference call can be accessed by webcast, for listen-only mode, on the company website, https://investors.southside.com, under Events.

    Those interested in participating in the question and answer session, or others who prefer to call-in, can register at https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI1a8ec95cd2734970adaf83fadfc7f01d to receive the dial-in number and unique code to access the conference call seamlessly. While not required, it is recommended that those wishing to participate, register 10 minutes prior to the conference call to ensure a more efficient registration process.

    For those unable to attend the live event, a webcast recording will be available on the company website, https://investors.southside.com, for at least 30 days, beginning approximately two hours following the conference call.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    Our accounting and reporting policies conform to generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States and prevailing practices in the banking industry. However, certain non-GAAP measures are used by management to supplement the evaluation of our performance. These include the following fully taxable-equivalent measures (“FTE”): (i) Net interest income (FTE), (ii) net interest margin (FTE), (iii) net interest spread (FTE), and (iv) efficiency ratio (FTE), which include the effects of taxable-equivalent adjustments using a federal income tax rate of 21% to increase tax-exempt interest income to a tax-equivalent basis. Interest income earned on certain assets is completely or partially exempt from federal income tax. As such, these tax-exempt instruments typically yield lower returns than taxable investments.

    Net interest income (FTE), net interest margin (FTE) and net interest spread (FTE). Net interest income (FTE) is a non-GAAP measure that adjusts for the tax-favored status of net interest income from certain loans and investments and is not permitted under GAAP in the consolidated statements of income. We believe that this measure is the preferred industry measurement of net interest income and that it enhances comparability of net interest income arising from taxable and tax-exempt sources. The most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP is our net interest income. Net interest margin (FTE) is the ratio of net interest income (FTE) to average earning assets. The most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP is our net interest margin. Net interest spread (FTE) is the difference in the average yield on average earning assets on a tax-equivalent basis and the average rate paid on average interest bearing liabilities. The most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP is our net interest spread.

    Efficiency ratio (FTE). The efficiency ratio (FTE) is a non-GAAP measure that provides a measure of productivity in the banking industry. This ratio is calculated to measure the cost of generating one dollar of revenue. The ratio is designed to reflect the percentage of one dollar which must be expended to generate that dollar of revenue. We calculate this ratio by dividing noninterest expense, excluding amortization expense on intangibles and certain nonrecurring expense by the sum of net interest income (FTE) and noninterest income, excluding net gain (loss) on sale of securities available for sale and certain nonrecurring impairments. The most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP is our efficiency ratio.

    These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered alternatives to GAAP-basis financial statements and other bank holding companies may define or calculate these non-GAAP measures or similar measures differently. Whenever we present a non-GAAP financial measure in an SEC filing, we are also required to present the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP and reconcile the differences between the non-GAAP financial measure and such comparable GAAP measure.

    Management believes adjusting net interest income, net interest margin and net interest spread to a fully taxable-equivalent basis is a standard practice in the banking industry as these measures provide useful information to make peer comparisons. Tax-equivalent adjustments are reflected in the respective earning asset categories as listed in the “Average Balances with Average Yields and Rates” tables.

    A reconciliation of our non-GAAP financial measures to the comparable GAAP financial measures is included at the end of the financial statement tables.

    About Southside Bancshares, Inc.

    Southside Bancshares, Inc. is a bank holding company with approximately $8.34 billion in assets as of March 31, 2025, that owns 100% of Southside Bank. Southside Bank currently has 53 branches in Texas and operates a network of 73 ATMs/ITMs.

    To learn more about Southside Bancshares, Inc., please visit our investor relations website at https://investors.southside.com. Our investor relations site provides a detailed overview of our activities, financial information and historical stock price data. To receive email notification of company news, events and stock activity, please register on the website under Resources and Investor Email Alerts. Questions or comments may be directed to Lindsey Bailes at (903) 630-7965, or lindsey.bailes@southside.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements of other than historical fact that are contained in this press release and in other written materials, documents and oral statements issued by or on behalf of the Company may be considered to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of and subject to the safe harbor protections of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, nor should they be relied upon as representing management’s views as of any subsequent date. These statements may include words such as “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “anticipate,” “appear,” “believe,” “could,” “should,” “may,” “might,” “will,” “would,” “seek,” “intend,” “probability,” “risk,” “goal,” “target,” “objective,” “plans,” “potential,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are statements with respect to the Company’s beliefs, plans, expectations, objectives, goals, anticipations, assumptions, estimates, intentions and future performance and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. For example, benefits of the Share Repurchase Plan, trends in asset quality, capital, liquidity, the Company’s ability to sell nonperforming assets, expense reductions, planned operational efficiencies and earnings from growth and certain market risk disclosures, including the impact of interest rates and our expectations regarding rate changes, tax reform, inflation, tariffs, the impacts related to or resulting from other economic factors are based upon information presently available to management and are dependent on choices about key model characteristics and assumptions and are subject to various limitations. By their nature, certain of the market risk disclosures are only estimates and could be materially different from what actually occurs in the future. Accordingly, our results could materially differ from those that have been estimated. The most significant factor that could cause future results to differ materially from those anticipated by our forward-looking statements include the ongoing impact of higher inflation levels, interest rate fluctuations, including the impact of changes in interest rates on our financial projections, models and guidance, and general economic and recessionary concerns, as well as the effects of declines in the real estate market, tariffs or trade wars (including reduced consumer spending, lower economic growth or recession, reduced demand for U.S. exports, disruptions to supply chains, and decreased demand for other banking products and services), high unemployment and increasing insurance costs, as well as the financial stress on borrowers as a result of the foregoing, all of which could impact economic growth and could cause a reduction in financial transactions and business activities, including decreased deposits and reduced loan originations, and our ability to manage liquidity in a rapidly changing and unpredictable market.

    Additional information concerning the Company and its business, including additional factors that could materially affect the Company’s financial results, is included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, under “Part I – Item 1. Forward Looking Information” and “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors” and in the Company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any factors or to announce publicly the result of revisions to any of the forward-looking statements included herein to reflect future events or developments.

     
    Southside Bancshares, Inc.
    Consolidated Financial Summary (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands)
     
      As of
        2025       2024  
      Mar 31,   Dec 31,   Sep 30,   Jun 30,   Mar 31,
    ASSETS                  
    Cash and due from banks $ 103,359     $ 91,409     $ 130,147     $ 114,283     $ 96,744  
    Interest earning deposits   293,364       281,945       333,825       272,469       307,257  
    Federal funds sold   34,248       52,807       22,325       65,244       65,372  
    Securities available for sale, at estimated fair value   1,457,939       1,533,894       1,408,437       1,405,944       1,405,221  
    Securities held to maturity, at net carrying value   1,278,330       1,279,234       1,288,403       1,305,975       1,306,898  
    Total securities   2,736,269       2,813,128       2,696,840       2,711,919       2,712,119  
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost   34,208       33,818       40,291       32,991       27,958  
    Loans held for sale   903       1,946       768       1,352       756  
    Loans   4,567,239       4,661,597       4,578,048       4,589,365       4,577,368  
    Less: Allowance for loan losses   (44,623 )     (44,884 )     (44,276 )     (42,407 )     (43,557 )
    Net loans   4,522,616       4,616,713       4,533,772       4,546,958       4,533,811  
    Premises & equipment, net   142,245       141,648       138,811       138,489       139,491  
    Goodwill   201,116       201,116       201,116       201,116       201,116  
    Other intangible assets, net   1,531       1,754       2,003       2,281       2,588  
    Bank owned life insurance   137,962       138,313       137,489       136,903       136,604  
    Other assets   135,479       142,851       124,876       133,697       130,047  
    Total assets $ 8,343,300     $ 8,517,448     $ 8,362,263     $ 8,357,702     $ 8,353,863  
                       
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                  
    Noninterest bearing deposits $ 1,379,641     $ 1,357,152     $ 1,377,022     $ 1,366,924     $ 1,358,827  
    Interest bearing deposits   5,211,210       5,297,096       5,058,680       5,129,008       5,186,933  
    Total deposits   6,590,851       6,654,248       6,435,702       6,495,932       6,545,760  
    Other borrowings and Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings   691,417       808,352       865,856       763,700       770,151  
    Subordinated notes, net of unamortized debt
    issuance costs
      92,078       92,042       92,006       91,970       93,913  
    Trust preferred subordinated debentures, net of unamortized debt issuance costs   60,276       60,274       60,273       60,272       60,271  
    Other liabilities   92,055       90,590       103,172       144,858       95,846  
    Total liabilities   7,526,677       7,705,506       7,557,009       7,556,732       7,565,941  
    Shareholders’ equity   816,623       811,942       805,254       800,970       787,922  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 8,343,300     $ 8,517,448     $ 8,362,263     $ 8,357,702     $ 8,353,863  
                                           
       
    Southside Bancshares, Inc.
    Consolidated Financial Highlights (Unaudited)
    (Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data)
       
      Three Months Ended
        2025       2024  
      Mar 31,   Dec 31,   Sep 30,   Jun 30,   Mar 31,
    Income Statement:                  
    Total interest and dividend income $ 100,288     $ 101,689     $ 105,703     $ 104,186     $ 102,758  
    Total interest expense   46,436       47,982       50,239       50,578       49,410  
    Net interest income   53,852       53,707       55,464       53,608       53,348  
    Provision for (reversal of) credit losses   758       1,384       2,389       (485 )     58  
    Net interest income after provision for (reversal of) credit losses   53,094       52,323       53,075       54,093       53,290  
    Noninterest income                  
    Deposit services   5,829       6,084       6,199       6,157       5,985  
    Net gain (loss) on sale of securities available for sale   (554 )           (1,929 )     (563 )     (18 )
    Gain (loss) on sale of loans   55       138       115       220       (436 )
    Trust fees   1,765       1,773       1,628       1,456       1,336  
    Bank owned life insurance   799       848       857       1,767       784  
    Brokerage services   1,120       1,054       1,068       1,081       1,014  
    Other   1,209       2,384       233       1,439       1,059  
    Total noninterest income   10,223       12,281       8,171       11,557       9,724  
    Noninterest expense                  
    Salaries and employee benefits   22,382       22,960       22,233       21,984       23,113  
    Net occupancy   3,404       3,629       3,613       3,750       3,362  
    Advertising, travel & entertainment   924       884       734       795       950  
    ATM expense   378       378       412       368       325  
    Professional fees   1,520       1,645       1,206       1,075       1,154  
    Software and data processing   2,839       2,931       2,951       2,860       2,856  
    Communications   383       320       423       410       449  
    FDIC insurance   947       931       939       977       943  
    Amortization of intangibles   223       249       278       307       337  
    Other   4,089       4,232       3,543       3,239       3,392  
    Total noninterest expense   37,089       38,159       36,332       35,765       36,881  
    Income before income tax expense   26,228       26,445       24,914       29,885       26,133  
    Income tax expense   4,721       4,659       4,390       5,212       4,622  
    Net income $ 21,507     $ 21,786     $ 20,524     $ 24,673     $ 21,511  
                       
    Common Share Data:      
    Weighted-average basic shares outstanding   30,390       30,343       30,286       30,280       30,262  
    Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding   30,483       30,459       30,370       30,312       30,305  
    Common shares outstanding end of period   30,410       30,379       30,308       30,261       30,284  
    Earnings per common share                  
    Basic $ 0.71     $ 0.72     $ 0.68     $ 0.81     $ 0.71  
    Diluted   0.71       0.71       0.68       0.81       0.71  
    Book value per common share   26.85       26.73       26.57       26.47       26.02  
    Tangible book value per common share   20.19       20.05       19.87       19.75       19.29  
    Cash dividends paid per common share   0.36       0.36       0.36       0.36       0.36  
                       
    Selected Performance Ratios:                  
    Return on average assets   1.03 %     1.03 %     0.98 %     1.19 %     1.03 %
    Return on average shareholders’ equity   10.57       10.54       10.13       12.46       11.02  
    Return on average tangible common equity (1)   14.14       14.12       13.69       16.90       15.07  
    Average yield on earning assets (FTE) (1)   5.23       5.24       5.51       5.45       5.38  
    Average rate on interest bearing liabilities   3.03       3.12       3.28       3.32       3.22  
    Net interest margin (FTE) (1)   2.86       2.83       2.95       2.87       2.86  
    Net interest spread (FTE) (1)   2.20       2.12       2.23       2.13       2.16  
    Average earning assets to average interest bearing liabilities   128.10       129.55       128.51       128.62       127.71  
    Noninterest expense to average total assets   1.78       1.80       1.73       1.72       1.77  
    Efficiency ratio (FTE) (1)   55.04       54.00       51.90       52.71       55.54  
    (1) Refer to “Non-GAAP Reconciliation” at the end of the financial statement tables in this Earnings Release for a reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to the nearest GAAP financial measure.
       
       
    Southside Bancshares, Inc.
    Consolidated Financial Highlights (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands)
       
      Three Months Ended
        2025       2024  
      Mar 31,   Dec 31,   Sep 30,   Jun 30,   Mar 31,
    Nonperforming Assets: $ 32,193     $ 3,589     $ 7,656     $ 6,918     $ 7,979  
    Nonaccrual loans   4,254       3,185       7,254       6,110       7,709  
    Accruing loans past due more than 90 days                            
    Restructured loans   27,505       2             145       151  
    Other real estate owned   388       388       388       648       119  
    Repossessed assets   46       14       14       15        
                       
    Asset Quality Ratios:                  
    Ratio of nonaccruing loans to:                  
    Total loans   0.09 %     0.07 %     0.16 %     0.13 %     0.17 %
    Ratio of nonperforming assets to:                  
    Total assets   0.39       0.04       0.09       0.08       0.10  
    Total loans   0.70       0.08       0.17       0.15       0.17  
    Total loans and OREO   0.70       0.08       0.17       0.15       0.17  
    Ratio of allowance for loan losses to:                  
    Nonaccruing loans   1,048.97       1,409.23       610.37       694.06       565.01  
    Nonperforming assets   138.61       1,250.60       578.32       613.00       545.90  
    Total loans   0.98       0.96       0.97       0.92       0.95  
    Net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans outstanding   0.03       0.08       0.04       0.02       0.03  
                       
    Capital Ratios:                  
    Shareholders’ equity to total assets   9.79       9.53       9.63       9.58       9.43  
    Common equity tier 1 capital   13.44       13.04       13.07       12.72       12.43  
    Tier 1 risk-based capital   14.49       14.07       14.12       13.76       13.47  
    Total risk-based capital   17.01       16.49       16.59       16.16       15.92  
    Tier 1 leverage capital   9.73       9.67       9.61       9.40       9.22  
    Period end tangible equity to period end tangible assets (1)   7.54       7.33       7.38       7.33       7.17  
    Average shareholders’ equity to average total assets   9.75       9.76       9.67       9.52       9.35  
    (1) Refer to the “Non-GAAP Reconciliation” at the end of the financial statement tables in this Earnings Release for a reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to the nearest GAAP financial measure.
       
       
    Southside Bancshares, Inc.
    Consolidated Financial Highlights (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands)
       
      Three Months Ended
        2025       2024  
    Loan Portfolio Composition Mar 31,   Dec 31,   Sep 30,   Jun 30,   Mar 31,
    Real Estate Loans:                  
    Construction $ 458,101     $ 537,827     $ 585,817     $ 546,040     $ 599,464  
    1-4 Family Residential   741,432       740,396       755,406       738,037       720,508  
    Commercial   2,577,229       2,579,735       2,422,612       2,472,771       2,413,345  
    Commercial Loans   371,643       363,167       358,854       359,807       358,053  
    Municipal Loans   371,271       390,968       402,041       416,986       427,225  
    Loans to Individuals   47,563       49,504       53,318       55,724       58,773  
    Total Loans $ 4,567,239     $ 4,661,597     $ 4,578,048     $ 4,589,365     $ 4,577,368  
                       
    Summary of Changes in Allowances:                  
    Allowance for Securities Held to Maturity                  
    Balance at beginning of period $     $     $     $     $  
    Provision for (reversal of) securities held to maturity   64                          
    Balance at end of period $ 64     $     $     $     $  
                       
    Allowance for Loan Losses                  
    Balance at beginning of period $ 44,884     $ 44,276     $ 42,407     $ 43,557     $ 42,674  
    Loans charged-off   (613 )     (1,232 )     (773 )     (721 )     (634 )
    Recoveries of loans charged-off   310       277       365       444       347  
    Net loans (charged-off) recovered   (303 )     (955 )     (408 )     (277 )     (287 )
    Provision for (reversal of) loan losses   42       1,563       2,277       (873 )     1,170  
    Balance at end of period $ 44,623     $ 44,884     $ 44,276     $ 42,407     $ 43,557  
                       
    Allowance for Off-Balance-Sheet Credit Exposures                  
    Balance at beginning of period $ 3,141     $ 3,320     $ 3,208     $ 2,820     $ 3,932  
    Provision for (reversal of) off-balance-sheet credit exposures   652       (179 )     112       388       (1,112 )
    Balance at end of period $ 3,793     $ 3,141     $ 3,320     $ 3,208     $ 2,820  
    Total Allowance for Credit Losses $ 48,480     $ 48,025     $ 47,596     $ 45,615     $ 46,377  
                                           

    The tables that follow show average earning assets and interest bearing liabilities together with the average yield on the earning assets and the average rate of the interest bearing liabilities for the periods presented. The interest and related yields presented are on a fully taxable-equivalent basis and are therefore non-GAAP measures. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and “Non-GAAP Reconciliation” for more information.

     
    Southside Bancshares, Inc.
    Average Balances and Average Yields and Rates (Annualized) (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands)
       
      Three Months Ended
      March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024
      Average Balance   Interest   Average Yield/Rate (3)   Average Balance   Interest   Average Yield/Rate (3)
    ASSETS                      
    Loans (1) $ 4,625,902     $ 68,160   5.98 %   $ 4,604,175     $ 70,155   6.06 %
    Loans held for sale   752       11   5.93 %     1,562       23   5.86 %
    Securities:                      
    Taxable investment securities (2)   749,155       6,363   3.44 %     784,321       6,949   3.52 %
    Tax-exempt investment securities (2)   1,134,590       10,253   3.66 %     1,138,271       10,793   3.77 %
    Mortgage-backed and related securities (2)   1,041,038       13,523   5.27 %     1,031,187       12,043   4.65 %
    Total securities   2,924,783       30,139   4.18 %     2,953,779       29,785   4.01 %
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost, and equity investments   43,285       483   4.53 %     37,078       591   6.34 %
    Interest earning deposits   319,889       3,370   4.27 %     273,656       3,160   4.59 %
    Federal funds sold   43,813       478   4.42 %     43,121       508   4.69 %
    Total earning assets   7,958,424       102,641   5.23 %     7,913,371       104,222   5.24 %
    Cash and due from banks   89,703               102,914          
    Accrued interest and other assets   457,948               454,387          
    Less: Allowance for loan losses   (45,105 )             (44,418 )        
    Total assets $ 8,460,970             $ 8,426,254          
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                      
    Savings accounts $ 593,953       1,429   0.98 %   $ 594,196       1,456   0.97 %
    Certificates of deposit   1,336,815       14,406   4.37 %     1,187,800       13,537   4.53 %
    Interest bearing demand accounts   3,406,342       21,412   2.55 %     3,459,122       23,468   2.70 %
    Total interest bearing deposits   5,337,110       37,247   2.83 %     5,241,118       38,461   2.92 %
    Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings   614,897       5,837   3.85 %     572,993       5,557   3.86 %
    Subordinated notes, net of unamortized debt issuance costs   92,060       932   4.11 %     92,024       945   4.09 %
    Trust preferred subordinated debentures, net of unamortized debt issuance costs   60,275       1,014   6.82 %     60,274       1,095   7.23 %
    Repurchase agreements   75,291       666   3.59 %     80,891       782   3.85 %
    Other borrowings   33,061       740   9.08 %     61,196       1,142   7.42 %
    Total interest bearing liabilities   6,212,694       46,436   3.03 %     6,108,496       47,982   3.12 %
    Noninterest bearing deposits   1,334,933               1,383,204          
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities   88,450               112,320          
    Total liabilities   7,636,077               7,604,020          
    Shareholders’ equity   824,893               822,234          
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 8,460,970             $ 8,426,254          
    Net interest income (FTE)     $ 56,205           $ 56,240    
    Net interest margin (FTE)         2.86 %           2.83 %
    Net interest spread (FTE)         2.20 %           2.12 %
    (1) Interest on loans includes net fees on loans that are not material in amount.
    (2) For the purpose of calculating the average yield, the average balance of securities do not include unrealized gains and losses on AFS securities.
    (3) Yield/rate includes the impact of applicable derivatives.
       

    Note: As of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, loans totaling $4.3 million and $3.2 million, respectively, were on nonaccrual status. Our policy is to reverse previously accrued but unpaid interest on nonaccrual loans; thereafter, interest income is recorded to the extent received when appropriate.

     
    Southside Bancshares, Inc.
    Average Balances and Average Yields and Rates (Annualized) (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands)
     
      Three Months Ended
      September 30, 2024   June 30, 2024
      Average Balance   Interest   Average Yield/Rate (3)   Average Balance   Interest   Average Yield/Rate (3)
    ASSETS                      
    Loans (1) $ 4,613,028     $ 72,493   6.25 %   $ 4,595,980     $ 70,293   6.15 %
    Loans held for sale   871       11   5.02 %     1,489       24   6.48 %
    Securities:                      
    Taxable investment securities (2)   791,914       7,150   3.59 %     783,856       7,009   3.60 %
    Tax-exempt investment securities (2)   1,174,445       11,825   4.01 %     1,254,097       12,761   4.09 %
    Mortgage-backed and related securities (2)   886,325       11,976   5.38 %     830,504       11,084   5.37 %
    Total securities   2,852,684       30,951   4.32 %     2,868,457       30,854   4.33 %
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost, and equity investments   41,159       582   5.63 %     40,467       573   5.69 %
    Interest earning deposits   281,313       3,798   5.37 %     300,047       4,105   5.50 %
    Federal funds sold   33,971       488   5.71 %     75,479       1,021   5.44 %
    Total earning assets   7,823,026       108,323   5.51 %     7,881,919       106,870   5.45 %
    Cash and due from banks   100,578               110,102          
    Accrued interest and other assets   455,091               424,323          
    Less: Allowance for loan losses   (42,581 )             (43,738 )        
    Total assets $ 8,336,114             $ 8,372,606          
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                      
    Savings accounts $ 598,116       1,490   0.99 %   $ 604,753       1,454   0.97 %
    Certificates of deposit   1,087,613       12,647   4.63 %     1,020,099       11,630   4.59 %
    Interest bearing demand accounts   3,409,911       24,395   2.85 %     3,513,068       25,382   2.91 %
    Total interest bearing deposits   5,095,640       38,532   3.01 %     5,137,920       38,466   3.01 %
    Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings   618,708       6,488   4.17 %     606,851       6,455   4.28 %
    Subordinated notes, net of unamortized debt issuance costs   91,988       937   4.05 %     92,017       936   4.09 %
    Trust preferred subordinated debentures, net of unamortized debt issuance costs   60,273       1,180   7.79 %     60,271       1,171   7.81 %
    Repurchase agreements   83,297       899   4.29 %     88,007       955   4.36 %
    Other borrowings   137,482       2,203   6.37 %     143,169       2,595   7.29 %
    Total interest bearing liabilities   6,087,388       50,239   3.28 %     6,128,235       50,578   3.32 %
    Noninterest bearing deposits   1,344,165               1,346,274          
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities   98,331               101,399          
    Total liabilities   7,529,884               7,575,908          
    Shareholders’ equity   806,230               796,698          
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 8,336,114             $ 8,372,606          
    Net interest income (FTE)     $ 58,084           $ 56,292    
    Net interest margin (FTE)         2.95 %           2.87 %
    Net interest spread (FTE)         2.23 %           2.13 %
    (1) Interest on loans includes net fees on loans that are not material in amount.
    (2) For the purpose of calculating the average yield, the average balance of securities do not include unrealized gains and losses on AFS securities.
    (3) Yield/rate includes the impact of applicable derivatives.
       

    Note: As of September 30, 2024 and June 30, 2024, loans totaling $7.3 million and $6.1 million, respectively, were on nonaccrual status. Our policy is to reverse previously accrued but unpaid interest on nonaccrual loans; thereafter, interest income is recorded to the extent received when appropriate.

     
    Southside Bancshares, Inc.
    Average Balances and Average Yields and Rates (Annualized) (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands)
     
      Three Months Ended
      March 31, 2024
      Average Balance   Interest   Average Yield/Rate (3)
    ASSETS          
    Loans (1) $ 4,559,602     $ 68,849   6.07 %
    Loans held for sale   8,834       18   0.82 %
    Securities:          
    Taxable investment securities (2)   780,423       6,967   3.59 %
    Tax-exempt investment securities (2)   1,285,922       13,168   4.12 %
    Mortgage-backed and related securities (2)   764,713       10,119   5.32 %
    Total securities   2,831,058       30,254   4.30 %
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost, and equity investments   40,063       333   3.34 %
    Interest earning deposits   380,181       5,202   5.50 %
    Federal funds sold   62,599       838   5.38 %
    Total earning assets   7,882,337       105,494   5.38 %
    Cash and due from banks   114,379          
    Accrued interest and other assets   441,783          
    Less: Allowance for loan losses   (42,973 )        
    Total assets $ 8,395,526          
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
    Savings accounts $ 604,529       1,424   0.95 %
    Certificates of deposit   941,947       10,341   4.42 %
    Interest bearing demand accounts   3,634,936       26,433   2.92 %
    Total interest bearing deposits   5,181,412       38,198   2.97 %
    Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings   607,033       5,950   3.94 %
    Subordinated notes, net of unamortized debt issuance costs   93,895       956   4.10 %
    Trust preferred subordinated debentures, net of unamortized debt issuance costs   60,270       1,175   7.84 %
    Repurchase agreements   92,177       967   4.22 %
    Other borrowings   137,287       2,164   6.34 %
    Total interest bearing liabilities   6,172,074       49,410   3.22 %
    Noninterest bearing deposits   1,338,384          
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities   100,014          
    Total liabilities   7,610,472          
    Shareholders’ equity   785,054          
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 8,395,526          
    Net interest income (FTE)     $ 56,084    
    Net interest margin (FTE)         2.86 %
    Net interest spread (FTE)         2.16 %
    (1) Interest on loans includes net fees on loans that are not material in amount.
    (2) For the purpose of calculating the average yield, the average balance of securities do not include unrealized gains and losses on AFS securities.
    (3) Yield/rate includes the impact of applicable derivatives.
       

    Note: As of March 31, 2024, loans totaling $7.7 million were on nonaccrual status. Our policy is to reverse previously accrued but unpaid interest on nonaccrual loans; thereafter, interest income is recorded to the extent received when appropriate.

    The following tables set forth the reconciliation of return on average common equity to return on average tangible common equity, book value per share to tangible book value per share, net interest income to net interest income adjusted to a fully taxable-equivalent basis assuming a 21% marginal tax rate for interest earned on tax-exempt assets such as municipal loans and investment securities, along with the calculation of total revenue, adjusted noninterest expense, efficiency ratio (FTE), net interest margin (FTE) and net interest spread (FTE) for the applicable periods presented.

     
    Southside Bancshares, Inc.
    Non-GAAP Reconciliation (Unaudited)
    (Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data)
     
        Three Months Ended
          2025       2024  
        Mar 31,   Dec 31,   Sep 30,   Jun 30,   Mar 31,
    Reconciliation of return on average common equity to return on average tangible common equity:                    
    Net income   $ 21,507     $ 21,786     $ 20,524     $ 24,673     $ 21,511  
    After-tax amortization expense     176       196       220       243       266  
    Adjusted net income available to common shareholders   $ 21,683     $ 21,982     $ 20,744     $ 24,916     $ 21,777  
                         
    Average shareholders’ equity   $ 824,893     $ 822,234     $ 806,230     $ 796,698     $ 785,054  
    Less: Average intangibles for the period     (202,784 )     (203,020 )     (203,288 )     (203,581 )     (203,910 )
    Average tangible shareholders’ equity   $ 622,109     $ 619,214     $ 602,942     $ 593,117     $ 581,144  
                         
    Return on average tangible common equity     14.14 %     14.12 %     13.69 %     16.90 %     15.07 %
                         
    Reconciliation of book value per share to tangible book value per share:                    
    Common equity at end of period   $ 816,623     $ 811,942     $ 805,254     $ 800,970     $ 787,922  
    Less: Intangible assets at end of period     (202,647 )     (202,870 )     (203,119 )     (203,397 )     (203,704 )
    Tangible common shareholders’ equity at end of period   $ 613,976     $ 609,072     $ 602,135     $ 597,573     $ 584,218  
                         
    Total assets at end of period   $ 8,343,300     $ 8,517,448     $ 8,362,263     $ 8,357,702     $ 8,353,863  
    Less: Intangible assets at end of period     (202,647 )     (202,870 )     (203,119 )     (203,397 )     (203,704 )
    Tangible assets at end of period   $ 8,140,653     $ 8,314,578     $ 8,159,144     $ 8,154,305     $ 8,150,159  
                         
    Period end tangible equity to period end tangible assets     7.54 %     7.33 %     7.38 %     7.33 %     7.17 %
                         
    Common shares outstanding end of period     30,410       30,379       30,308       30,261       30,284  
    Tangible book value per common share   $ 20.19     $ 20.05     $ 19.87     $ 19.75     $ 19.29  
                         
    Reconciliation of efficiency ratio to efficiency ratio (FTE), net interest margin to net interest margin (FTE) and net interest spread to net interest spread (FTE):                    
    Net interest income (GAAP)   $ 53,852     $ 53,707     $ 55,464     $ 53,608     $ 53,348  
    Tax-equivalent adjustments:                    
    Loans     581       598       608       633       656  
    Tax-exempt investment securities     1,772       1,935       2,012       2,051       2,080  
    Net interest income (FTE) (1)     56,205       56,240       58,084       56,292       56,084  
    Noninterest income     10,223       12,281       8,171       11,557       9,724  
    Nonrecurring income (2)     554       (25 )     2,797       (576 )     18  
    Total revenue   $ 66,982     $ 68,496     $ 69,052     $ 67,273     $ 65,826  
                         
    Noninterest expense   $ 37,089     $ 38,159     $ 36,332     $ 35,765     $ 36,881  
    Pre-tax amortization expense     (223 )     (249 )     (278 )     (307 )     (337 )
    Nonrecurring expense (3)     (1 )     (919 )     (219 )     2       17  
    Adjusted noninterest expense   $ 36,865     $ 36,991     $ 35,835     $ 35,460     $ 36,561  
                         
    Efficiency ratio     57.04 %     56.08 %     53.94 %     54.90 %     57.95 %
    Efficiency ratio (FTE) (1)     55.04 %     54.00 %     51.90 %     52.71 %     55.54 %
                         
    Average earning assets   $ 7,958,424     $ 7,913,371     $ 7,823,026     $ 7,881,919     $ 7,882,337  
                         
    Net interest margin     2.74 %     2.70 %     2.82 %     2.74 %     2.72 %
    Net interest margin (FTE) (1)     2.86 %     2.83 %     2.95 %     2.87 %     2.86 %
                         
    Net interest spread     2.08 %     1.99 %     2.10 %     2.00 %     2.02 %
    Net interest spread (FTE) (1)     2.20 %     2.12 %     2.23 %     2.13 %     2.16 %
    (1) These amounts are presented on a fully taxable-equivalent basis and are non-GAAP measures.
    (2) These adjustments may include net gain or loss on sale of securities available for sale, BOLI income related to death benefits realized and other investment income or loss in the periods where applicable.
    (3) These adjustments may include foreclosure expenses and branch closure expenses, in the periods where applicable.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: Take It Down Act Passes the House and Heads to President’s Desk

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar’s (FL-27)

    strong>(Washington, D.C.) – Today, the House of Representatives passed the Senate version of the bipartisan, bicameral TAKE IT DOWN Act (S.146), completing its passage through Congress. The bill passed unanimously in the Senate in February 2025. The TAKE IT DOWN Act protects victims of real and deepfake ‘revenge pornography’ by criminalizing the publication of these harmful images, in addition to requiring websites to quickly remove them. The rising popularity of AI requires decisive federal legal protections that will empower victims of these heinous crimes, most of whom are women and girls.

    You can see Rep. Salazar’s remarks in front of the House of Representatives here. 

     

    “This is a historic day for parents and children facing unprecedented new challenges with technology. My TAKE IT DOWN Act will finally give innocent victims real protection from online exploitation. Websites and platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok must remove fake, compromising pornographic images within 48 hours or face consequences. No more inaction. No more excuses: if you exploit an innocent child, you will face jail time,” said Rep. Salazar (FL-27).

     

    “The TAKE IT DOWN Act’s passage is a significant step forward in Congress’ responsibility to protect the privacy and dignity of Americans against bad actors and the most harmful developments of AI. It takes only minutes to create a deepfake or share intimate images without consent, yet the lasting consequences devastate its victims — often girls and women. Our bill requires platforms to remove these horrifying images and videos from the internet within 48 hours. I’m deeply grateful to work with Sen. Klobuchar, Sen. Cruz, and Rep. Salazar to create this bipartisan federal law,” said Rep. Dean (PA-04). 

     

    “The publication of sexually exploitative images—including AI-generated deepfakes—is a terrifying reality of the digital age. I applaud the First Lady for her leadership and the Problem Solvers Caucus for working across party lines to pass the TAKE IT DOWN Act. This is a critical first step, and we must continue working together to protect people from these reprehensible acts,” said Rep. Suozzi (NY-03). 

     

    “As a father, husband, and proud South Texan, I’m glad we got this important bill across the finish line in the House and the Senate in a bipartisan way. The TAKE IT DOWN Act is a vital step in safeguarding the dignity and safety of individuals, particularly our most vulnerable. It ensures the swift removal of harmful content and holds perpetrators accountable—prioritizing the protection and well-being of those affected by deepfakes and non-consensual intimate imagery,” said Rep. Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28). 

    “The increasing use of artificial intelligence to create and circulate deep fake pornography threatens the wellbeing and security of its victims, primarily women. Perpetrators have used deep fake pornography as a tool to harass, humiliate, and intimidate women and children online, and we need to work together to protect against these threats. This is a serious and growing issue that requires urgent action, which is why I introduced the Take It Down Act. I am thankful it has been passed by the House, and I look forward to it promptly being signed into law,”said Rep. Dingell (MI-12) 

    “In an age where personal privacy can be violated with a click, the House’s passage of the TAKE IT DOWN Act marks a critical step forward. This bipartisan legislation creates long-overdue federal safeguards against non-consensual intimate imagery and the growing threat of AI-generated deepfakes. It establishes a clear legal standard: victims have the right to have these exploitative images removed, and perpetrators will be held accountable. This is a commonsense, essential measure to protect Americans, empower survivors, uphold justice, and bring our laws in line with the realities of the digital era,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick (PA-01).

    “There is nothing more personal than one’s image and dignity. NCII is a cruel and deeply violating issue, and with the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, there has been a disturbing increase in these images online. The Take It Down Act is a crucial step in personal and internet security, and I am proud to help send this bill to President Trump’s desk. By introducing new protections against NCII content and criminalizing the publication of such content, we are making our world, both in person and online, safer for everyone,” said Rep. Bresnahan (PA-08) 

    “Congress must make sure there are protections in place, especially for minors, as technology rapidly evolves. Bipartisan support for and House passage of the TAKE IT DOWN Act is a critical step toward providing individuals who are victimized and inappropriately distorted through AI strong mechanisms to take action and remedy such traumatic situations,” said Rep. Edwards (NC-11). 

    “The passage of the TAKE IT DOWN Act is a historic win in the fight to protect victims of revenge porn and deepfake abuse. This victory belongs first and foremost to the heroic survivors who shared their stories and the advocates who never gave up. By requiring social media companies to take down this abusive content quickly, we are sparing victims from repeated trauma and holding predators accountable. This day would not have been possible without the courage and perseverance of Elliston Berry, Francesca Mani, Breeze Liu, and Brandon Guffey, whose powerful voices drove this legislation forward. I am especially grateful to my colleagues—including Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Rep. Maria Salazar, Rep. Madeleine Dean, First Lady Melania Trump, and House Leadership—for locking arms in this critical mission to protect Americans from online exploitation,” said Sen. Ted Cruz (TX). 

    We must provide victims of online abuse with the legal protections they need when intimate images are shared without their consent, especially now that deepfakes are creating horrifying new opportunities for abuse. These images can ruin lives and reputations, but now that our bipartisan legislation is becoming law, victims will be able to have this material removed from social media platforms and law enforcement can hold perpetrators accountable,” said Sen. Klobuchar (MN). 

    Over 120 organizations representing victim advocacy groups, law enforcement, and leaders in the tech industry have voiced their support for the TAKE IT DOWN Act, including Meta, Snap, Google, Microsoft, TikTok, X, Amazon, Bumble, Match Group, Entertainment Software Association, IBM, TechNet, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Internet Works, the National Fraternal Order of Police, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), and the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE).

    The TAKE IT DOWN Act addresses these issues while protecting lawful speech by:

     

    • Criminalizing the publication of non-consensual intimate images (NCII), or the threat to publish NCII, in interstate commerce;
    • Permitting the good faith disclosure of NCII to assist victims including for law enforcement or medical treatment purposes;
    • Requiring websites to take down NCII within 48 hours of receiving notice from victims; and
    • Requiring that computer-generated NCII meet a “reasonable person” standard for appearing to realistically depict an individual, consistent with current First Amendment jurisprudence.

     

    Rep. Salazar reintroduced this bill in January and led the effort in the House to get it signed into law. President Trump endorsed the TAKE IT DOWN Act during a recent address to Congress. You can see his remarks here. The Act has been a legislative priority of former First Lady Melania Trump. Thanks to her strong advocacy, including a roundtable on Capitol Hill last month, this bill has now passed. 

     

    More information about the TAKE IT DOWN Act can be found here.

     

    The full text of the bill can be found here.

     

    The passage of the TAKE IT DOWN Act is Congresswoman Salazar’s ninth bill to be signed into law. Other key policies sponsored by Rep. Salazar that have been enacted into law include:

     

    • The COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Relief Act to provide economic relief for Floridians. Implemented by the Biden Administration in March 2021.
    • The Reinforcing Nicaragua’s Adherence to Conditions for Electoral Reform (RENACER) Act to sanction the Ortega Regime in Nicaragua. Signed into law in November 2021.
    • The PRICE Act to make it easier for small businesses to get federal contracts. Signed into law in February 2022.
    • The Summer Barrow Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Act to reauthorize critical funding for programs that address mental health and substance abuse issues. Signed into law in December 2022.
    • The REEF Act to incentivize retired Navy ships to be sunk and used as artificial reefs in marine ecosystems across America. Signed into law in December 2023.
    • The RECLAIM Taxpayer Funds Act to recover billions in fraudulent government loans and restore fiscal responsibility and government accountability. Implemented by the Biden Administration in December 2023.
    • The Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Enhancements Act to protect migratory birds and their habitat, which is critical for the Everglades. Signed into law April 2024.
    • The Forgotten Heroes of the Holocaust Congressional Gold Medal Act honors 60 diplomats who risked their lives during World War II to save Jews from Nazi persecution. Signed into law December 2024.

    You can read more about Congresswoman Salazar’s legislative victories here.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India and Egypt deliberate to strengthen ties through avenues of strategic collaboration in skill development

    Source: Government of India

    India and Egypt deliberate to strengthen ties through avenues of strategic collaboration in skill development

    Both delegations expressed a shared commitment to creating a globally competitive, future-ready workforce

    Posted On: 29 APR 2025 1:15PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India, hosted a high-level Egyptian delegation led by H.E. Prof. Dr. Ayman Bahaa El Din, Deputy Minister of Technical Education, for a pivotal round of deliberations at Kaushal Bhawan, New Delhi on 28th April, 2025. This engagement marks another milestone in the ever-strengthening India-Egypt relationship, building on the momentum of the 2023 elevation of bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership and the recent recognition of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi with Egypt’s highest civilian honour.

    Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, MSDE, highlighted the enduring people-to-people and institutional linkages between the two nations. He emphasized India’s vision to become the “Skill Capital of the World” through the Skill India Mission, under which already close to 400,000 individuals have already been trained in advanced domains such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and big data, while nurturing over 1.3 million entrepreneurs.

    India’s efforts to align its vocational education and training (TVET) ecosystem with global standards, and the establishment of world-class Skill India International Centres, were presented as models for international collaboration.

    The Egyptian delegation shared insights into Egypt’s comprehensive TVET reforms, including the EU-supported TVET Egypt Reform Programme and the establishment of Sector Skill Councils, which resonate with India’s scalable and affordable skilling models. Both sides acknowledged the success of ongoing collaborations, such as the 2024 MoU between India’s NIELIT and Egypt’s Information Technology Institute, the El-Sewedy Group’s partnership with Amity University, and the Indian-supported Vocational Training Centre in Cairo.

    Looking ahead, the two countries identified several promising avenues for future cooperation. These include joint certification programmes, faculty and student exchanges, digital skilling and entrepreneurship initiatives, and the establishment of Centres of Excellence in priority sectors like information technology, agriculture, tourism, and green skills. Both delegations expressed a shared commitment to creating a globally competitive, future-ready workforce and to using their partnership as a template for broader South-South cooperation.

    ***

    Beena Yadav/Shahbaz Hasibi

    (Release ID: 2125101) Visitor Counter : 49

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Commerce Secretary Shri Sunil Barthwal Engages with Croatian Counterparts to Strengthen Bilateral Economic Cooperation

    Source: Government of India

    Commerce Secretary Shri Sunil Barthwal Engages with Croatian Counterparts to Strengthen Bilateral Economic Cooperation

    India and Croatia Discuss Collaboration in Railways, EVs, Defence, Healthcare,  Renewable Energy, and Food Processing Sectors

    Posted On: 29 APR 2025 11:16AM by PIB Delhi

    Commerce Secretary, Government of India, Shri Sunil Barthwal, visited the Republic of Croatia from 22–23 April 2025, where he held bilateral discussions with Mr. Zdenko Lucić, State Secretary for Foreign Trade and Development, Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, and Mr. Ivo Milatić, State Secretary, Ministry of Economy. The meetings focused on advancing India-Croatia trade and investment relations, promoting sectoral collaboration, and reinforcing India’s engagement with the Central European region.

    During the meeting with Mr. Zdenko Lucić, State Secretary for Foreign Trade and Development,discussions centered around taking forward the EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and enhancing bilateral trade cooperation.The discussions focused on taking forward the EU-India FTA and strengthening bilateral trade relations. The Commerce Secretary mentioned the visit of EU President and 27 Commissioners to India as the first visit of the College of Commissioners outside the European continent since the start of their new mandate and also the first such visit in the history of India-EU bilateral ties. Commerce Secretary mentioned about the areas of collaboration between the two countries like Railways, Global Capability Centers, Electric Vehicles, IT etc. Croatian side apprised about their interest of investment in Defence sector (about flagship products of India), solar cells production, food processing technology, Automobiles, knowledge sharing amongst other sectors.

    In the meeting of Commerce Secretary with Mr. Ivo Milatić, State Secretary, Ministry of Economy, discussion was focused on promoting investment flows, and enhancing cooperation across key sectors including Healthcare, Education, Tourism, Entertainment (mentioned about WAVES summit), Supply-Chain integration, Logistics, Transports, Pharmaceuticals, Digital Technology, Renewable Energy and Manufacturing. For the 3rdSession of Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation which is due, both sides exchanged their views on improving the work of the commission with more frequent meetings and directly connecting the entrepreneurs of both the countries for a stronger and faster progress.

    The Commerce Secretary also participated in a business interaction event “Exploring Economic Cooperation Opportunities between India and Croatia” organized by the Croatian Chamber of Economy (CCE), where he met with the heads of various industry associations and leading Croatian business representatives. A presentation on the Croatian Economy, the trade and investment relations between India and Croatia and Industries potential on key sectors of mutual interest was shown. The event provided a platform to explore opportunities for collaboration, address trade facilitation measures, and promote mutual business interests. Successful business cases of Croatian Companies in the Indian Market were also presented.

    The visit reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening engagement with the Central European region and underscored the shared interest in expanding commercial partnerships between Indian and Croatian enterprises.

    ***

    Abhishek Dayal/Abhijith Narayanan

    (Release ID: 2125059) Visitor Counter : 32

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SCST begins visit to UAE (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    SCST begins visit to UAE  
    In the morning, Miss Law had a fruitful exchange with the UAE Minister of Sports, HE Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, where they shared their visions and identified common ground in advancing their cities as global hubs for major international sporting events, professionalising the sports industry, leveraging sports as a key economic driver, and fostering unity among community through sports participation. Miss Law introduced Hong Kong’s commitment to nurturing elite sports talents by providing comprehensive support and professional training for local athletes. Miss Law also highlighted the vibrant horse racing culture in Hong Kong. HE Dr Al Falasi shared similar efforts made and policies implemented by the government of the UAE to develop sports in the country. Miss Law extended her invitation to HE Dr Al Falasi to visit Hong Kong to explore further opportunities for sports co-operation and exchange.
     
    Miss Law then paid a courtesy call on the Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Dubai, Ms Ou Boqian. During the meeting, she reported on the recent work of the Culture, Sports, and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) and outlined plans to fostering collaboration and building stronger connections between Hong Kong and the Middle East. Ms Ou shared her insights into the UAE’s cultural and tourism landscape, highlighting potential opportunities for cooperation between the two regions. She emphasised that Hong Kong has competitive advantages in high-end tourism, horse racing tourism, and yacht tourism, which presented significant potential for further development.
     
    In the afternoon, Miss Law attended the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, a leading international event for the Middle East’s hospitality industry. She toured various pavilions, engaged with local trade representatives, and explored potential collaborations between Hong Kong’s tourism sector and the Middle East market. During the event, Miss Law witnessed the signing of two Memorandums of Understanding at the Hong Kong Pavilion between the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and two major travel agents in the Middle East, Musafi.com and Almosafer International Travel and Tourism Company, which aimed to establish a framework for future co-operation.
     
    Miss Law also met with the Group Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways, Mr Engr Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, and the Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer of the Emirates, Mr Adnan Kazim, in the pavilion at the ATM. They discussed strengthening partnerships to promote Hong Kong as a premier travel destination for Middle East markets.
     
    In the evening, a dinner reception was co-organised by the CSTB, the HKTB, and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai. The event welcomed around 70 guests, including key partners from the Middle East’s tourism industry, along with distinguished travel trade leaders and industry representatives from Hong Kong. In her opening remarks, Miss Law highlighted Hong Kong’s multifaceted tourism offerings, which catered to visitors of all ages and interests. She also pointed to the new Kai Tak Sports Park as an exciting development that will host world-class sports and entertainment events. She underscored Hong Kong’s commitment to becoming a Muslim-friendly destination, reiterated Hong Kong’s eagerness to deepen ties with the Middle East, not only by welcoming visitors from the region but also by encouraging more Hong Kong people to explore the Middle East for both leisure and business.
     
    Miss Law will continue her visit to the UAE today (April 29, Dubai time).
    Issued at HKT 2:48

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Becomes Gold Sponsor at Token2049 Dubai: CEO Gracy Chen to Share Vision for Crypto’s Next Chapter

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, is set to make a major impact at TOKEN2049 Dubai as a Gold Sponsor of this year’s landmark event. Taking place from 30 April to 1 May 2025, at Madinat Jumeirah Conference Centre, TOKEN2049 Dubai brings together the brightest minds and boldest innovators from across the global crypto and blockchain ecosystem. As the crypto community gathers in one of the most dynamic hubs for innovation, Bitget stands ready to spotlight its strategies that continue to shape the digital asset landscape.

    Day One of the conference will see Bitget CEO Gracy Chen deliver a keynote speech on the io.net Stage, from 3:00 to 3:15 PM GST. Titled,“Two Strategies Bitget Adopted to Thrive in a Volatile Market”, the sharing will explore how Bitget navigates and thrives amid global volatility, tapping into emerging opportunities while staying at the forefront of innovation. Gracy’s insights will highlight the strategies that enabled Bitget to deliver real-world impact in an unpredictable market landscape, setting a blueprint for sustainable success in the evolving crypto ecosystem.

    Further amplifying its presence, Bitget is setting the stage for an unforgettable evening with Cryptoverse Dream Night on May 30. In collaboration with 1inch and backed by Morph, this invite-only after-hours event will gather Web3 pioneers, blockchain leaders, and crypto giants for an immersive night of electrifying energy, premium experiences, and next-gen networking. From surprise performances to curated social moments, the event captures the bold spirit driving the future of the cryptoverse. Attendees stand a chance to be rewarded with Bitget Exclusives when they capture and share the most electrifying moments at the event.

    As discussions around decentralization, market access, and innovation take center stage, Bitget is expanding its role beyond that of a traditional exchange. Through its contributions both during the conference and at side events, Bitget aims to help shape new standards for how value is built in this digital economy. “Our goal is to help lay the groundwork for a more connected and resilient Web3 ecosystem,” said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget. “Success in this space requires more than technology — it demands collaboration and a shared vision for what the future should look like and there is no greater platform to have these conversations than at an event like TOKEN2049. With a powerful presence both on and off the main stage, Bitget’s participation at Token2049 Dubai reflects its broader strategy to support the ongoing evolution of Web3.”

    About Bitget

    Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 100 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin priceEthereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, token swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more.

    Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM markets, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

    For more information, visit: WebsiteTwitterTelegramLinkedInDiscordBitget Wallet

    For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

    Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/dca116ce-6d79-4bfa-8ef8-9b1e72215f89

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: ESET B2B solutions now available on the Microsoft Azure Marketplace

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BRATISLAVA, Slovakia, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ESET, a global leader in cybersecurity solutions, today announced the availability of ESET PROTECT solutions in the Microsoft Azure Marketplace, an online store providing applications and services for use on Azure. ESET customers can now take advantage of the productive and trusted Azure cloud platform, with streamlined deployment and management. 

    In today’s world, where online stores are just a click away, customers expect a seamless and efficient purchasing experience. By leveraging the Microsoft Azure Marketplace, ESET’s customers can enjoy the convenience of acquiring all their software needs through a single, unified platform. This means a single invoice, one payment, and a comprehensive store that simplifies the procurement process. This approach not only meets the evolving expectations of modern customers but also strengthens and expands business relationships.

    The Microsoft Azure Marketplace prioritizes integrated solutions, streamlined procurement, and connected workflows, making it easier for ESET’s customers to access and manage their software solutions. This is why ESET is launching on a new online sales channel by offering its business products on the Azure Marketplace (starting in the US), one of the largest marketplace platforms for independent software vendors. With this expansion, ESET is now accessible to business customers who procure software through Azure Marketplace or Microsoft AppSource via their Microsoft Azure account.

    Customers discovering ESET PROTECT through the Azure Marketplace can achieve easier security satisfaction thanks to its core competency in offering multilayered security by means of ESET LiveSense. This technology is powered by a next-gen antivirus capable of protecting against ransomware, targeted, or fileless attacks. What’s more, with ESET’s new Ransomware Remediation feature, businesses can encrypt and back up files they deem most important to prevent manipulation by malware, for example.

    “Clients can expect ESET to remain flexible, helping them scale ESET’s security solutions in sync with their growing cloud environments, ensuring continuous protection without the need for reevaluation or reconfigurations. Likewise, with immediate access to updates through the product’s console, customers remain protected with the latest features and security patches. We believe that this integration will help expand everyone’s security potential,” said Pavol Balaj, Chief Business Officer at ESET.

    Interested parties can procure select ESET PROTECT (cloud-only) portfolio products for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), with all the respective modules and features those tiers contain, starting from its award-winning endpoint product, through server and mobile threat defense, to technology such as advanced threat defense.

    Visit the Microsoft Azure Marketplace to see all that it has on offer.

    To learn more about our B2B products, please visit the ESET PROTECT for business page.

    Interested in ESET integrations? Please visit our Integrations program page to learn more.

    About ESET

    ESET® provides cutting-edge digital security to prevent attacks before they happen. By combining the power of AI and human expertise, ESET stays ahead of emerging global cyberthreats, both known and unknown — securing businesses, critical infrastructure, and individuals. Whether it’s endpoint, cloud, or mobile protection, our AI-native, cloud-first solutions and services remain highly effective and easy to use. ESET technology includes robust detection and response, ultra-secure encryption, and multifactor authentication. With 24/7 real-time defense and strong local support, we keep users safe and businesses running without interruption. The ever-evolving digital landscape demands a progressive approach to security: ESET is committed to world-class research and powerful threat intelligence, backed by R&D centers and a strong global partner network. For more information, visit www.eset.com or follow our social media, podcasts, and blogs.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Open Invention Network Turns 20

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DURHAM, N.C., April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Open Invention Network (OIN), the only institution focused on mitigating patent risk in open source software, is marking its 20th year of protecting Linux and open source technologies from patent aggressors. Since its founding in 2005, Open Invention Network has expanded the scope of its patent risk mitigation coverage dramatically while also working to hinder attacks from patent aggressors, including patent assertion entities (PAE). The Open Invention Network community has experienced 42% annual growth since 2005, and now includes more than 4,000 participants – from emerging businesses to the largest multinational companies. Further, the number of patents and patent applications owned by OIN community members is currently over three million.

    The central feature of the OIN community is a patent cross-license that covers core open source functionality and expands in parallel with the growth of open source technology. As growth in open source has accelerated, OIN has proactively expanded the scope of the OIN license’s benefit by including more than 4,500 software components and platforms in its Linux System definition, which comprises the list of open source code and associated functionality in OIN’s patent cross-license. Looking forward, the Linux System can be expected to further incorporate artificial intelligence, security, automotive, energy and other important open source software technologies as they evolve.

    “Over the past 20 years, we have seen explosive growth in open source software used in key technologies – from the enterprise to mobile to cloud and now artificial intelligence. In every industry that develops, distributes, or uses software, open source is prevalent. The collaborative modality that is inherent in open source continues to drive higher levels of innovation than ever before,” said Keith Bergelt, CEO at Open Invention Network. “OIN’s community has embraced the notion of co-opetition and ushered in an emerging cultural norm which enables broad based participation by ensuring patent risk mitigation in key open source technologies, thereby facilitating open source adoption.”

    Separate from its cross license, OIN also safeguards open source by neutralizing patent threats through defensive activities such as third-party preissuance submissions, prior-art collection, invalidity analyses, and ex parte reexaminations. Through facilitating community programs and its own activities, OIN has furthered its mission to thwart patent aggression against organizations that use or develop open source.

    “Open source is at the heart of computing and is critical to how technology is shared, co-developed, and advanced. OIN’s twenty years of work have been essential in defending the open source ecosystem from patent aggressors and protecting the ability to work openly,” said Anne Bertucio, Head of Open Source Programs Office, Google.

    “Linux and Open Source software were still relatively nascent when IBM co-founded Open Invention Network (OIN) back in 2005. Today, Open Source is everywhere and proven to be a driver of innovation and growth,” said Frank Sedlarcik, IBM Vice President, Assistant General Counsel, Research and IP. “OIN has been encouraging and protecting open technology investment over the past two decades and stands as an example of intellectual property innovation.”

    “Open Invention Network has played a critical role in allowing the open source software community to flourish and grow. It has driven patent protection in core technologies, which has enabled companies to innovate and invest in technologies that differentiate their products higher in the software stack,” said Jim Zemlin, Executive Director of The Linux Foundation. “We look forward to continuing to work with OIN to protect the open source community from patent aggressors.”

    “Twenty years ago, when OIN was conceived, Linux and other open source software projects showed great potential for driving technological advancements rapidly,” said Fumio Imoto, Managing Director of Intellectual Property Management and Rule Making/Standardization Division at NEC. ”Today, the potential has realized, as the success of open source software development and adoption has elevated its importance in the tech landscape. We are proud to have supported the Open Invention Network in its efforts to provide a patent protection zone in open source software.”

    “We are proud to have been one of the original co-founders and funding members of the Open Invention Network 20 years ago, to protect the Linux System from patent attacks. OIN was a groundbreaking achievement in intellectual property management,” said Jako Eleveld, Head of IP Licensing and Vice-President at Philips. “By enabling businesses of all types and sizes to enjoy the freedom to share innovation at fundamental levels, with significantly reduced patent risk, we have seen unprecedented software innovation globally, better than we ever imagined.”

    “Open Invention Network plays a vital role in protecting the open source community from patent aggression. This has led to incredible innovations in areas like telecommunications, cloud computing and AI,” said Chris Wright, Chief Technology Officer at Red Hat. “Looking forward, we will continue working together with OIN and its community to ensure that open source remains the driving force behind future innovations.”

    “The way people work, communicate, and are entertained has completely shifted since OIN was created. Open source software is at the heart of nearly every application and platform in use today,” said Peter Toto, Senior Vice President, Intellectual Property Department at Sony. “Had patent aggression against open source been left unchecked, the business tools and entertainment platforms we have today would be much less robust. We look forward to OIN continuing its activities to protect and advance the open source community.”

    “We are ardent supporters of the open source community. At the formation of OIN, we viewed it to be of the utmost importance that we develop a network that protects open source from patent aggression,” said Andy McDonald, Chief Legal Officer at SUSE. “At SUSE we believe in openness and choice and have all benefited from Open Invention Network’s actions to hinder patent aggression in open source. We believe that this effort will become increasingly consequential as open source grows.”

    “Open source software has become powerful by sharing innovations within a large community. Open Invention Network has been instrumental in protecting this community,” said Yosuke Iida, General Manager of the Intellectual Property Division at Toyota.

    As a community, OIN members practice patent non-aggression in core Linux and adjacent open source technologies by cross-licensing Linux System patents to one another. The membership form and the OIN license agreement can be signed online at http://www.j-oin.net/.

    About Open Invention Network
    Open Invention Network (OIN) is the only institution focused on mitigating patent risk in open source software (OSS). OIN maintains the world’s largest and oldest patent cross license, which offers patent protection coverage defined by its Linux System definition. By safeguarding against patent threats, OIN has encouraged the adoption of OSS, the most significant driver of innovation in the 21st century. Funded by Google, IBM/Red Hat, NEC, Philips, Sony, SUSE, and Toyota, OIN has over 4,000 global members.

    For more information, visit http://www.openinventionnetwork.com.

    Media-Only Contact:
    Ed Schauweker
    AVID Public Relations for Open Invention Network
    ed@avidpr.com
    +1 (703) 963-5238

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Exciting plans to make 2025 Waterside Half Marathon biggest and best yet

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Exciting plans to make 2025 Waterside Half Marathon biggest and best yet

    29 April 2025

    Derry City and Strabane District Council have announced ambitious plans to create an unforgettable experience for runners and spectators alike when the Waterside Half Marathon returns to the city this Autumn.

    The 2025 edition of the event, sponsored by EY and the Lycra Company, is set to feature a record field of 3,250 runners who will set off from Ebrington Square at 9.30am on Sunday September 7th.

    Council’s Festival and Events team are planning a number of new features to make the 42nd staging of the race not just the biggest but the best yet.
    Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi-Barr, has urged runners to seal their place as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
    “Demand for places in the Waterside Half Marathon has gone through the roof in recent years and over 75% of places have now been snapped up four months ahead of race day,” she said.
    “This is a brilliant reflection of the huge running participation numbers that exist locally and the popularity of this event with all levels of runner.
    “Last year’s scenic four bridge route, which was designed in consultation with local running clubs, proved particularly popular with both athletes and spectators alike and I am delighted to see it retained for 2025.”

    The race route starts and ends in Ebrington Square and crosses the Craigavon Bridge, the Peace Bridge (twice), the Foyle Bridge and the Pennyburn Footbridge.

    Ebrington Square is set to host the EY sponsored Race Village where there will be a club zone, live music and food and drink to allow runners to celebrate their achievement with friends and family.
    Athletics NI have also confirmed that the 2025 Half Marathon will also be the Northern Ireland and Ulster Half Marathon Championships race.
    Festival and Events Manager at Council, Jacqueline Whoriskey, said they were delighted to continue to grow the event into one of the biggest on the island of Ireland.
    “We were delighted with the success of the 2024 Waterside Half Marathon, where runners remarked on how good the atmosphere was around the course, particularly at the relay changeover points and along the quay,” she said.
    “The dramatic finish over the Peace Bridge and up the mall through Ebrington Square has proved a big hit with runners and spectators too so we aren’t surprised that demand has been at an all time high this year and well over 2,000 runners have already sealed their spot.
    “We are delighted to have EY and The Lycra Company on board as sponsors this year and their generous support will allow us to create an even better race experience before, during and after the event when we are planning a post race party in the Square where you can toast your success.”

    The entry fee for the Half Marathon is £27 plus booking fee and £70 plus booking fee for a Relay team.

    The event is chip-timed and every finisher receives a commemorative medal and t shirt.

    You can register now at www.derrystrabane.com/whm and follow the Waterside Half Marathon facebook page for race updates.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “Passing on the Memory of the Feat”: HSE Hosts Conference in Honor of the 80th Anniversary of Victory

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    © Higher School of Economics

    On April 25, the International Student Military-Patriotic Conference was held at the HSE Cultural Center “The Great Victory is 80 years old”. Russian and foreign students, students Lyceum of the National Research University Higher School of Economics and partner schools, teachers and university administrators. The key role in the preparation of the conference was played by Military Training Center of the National Research University Higher School of Economics under the leadership of Hero of Russia Colonel Vladimir Korgutov.

    In the hall of the first floor of the Center of Culture, there was an exhibition called “Weapons of Victory”. Students dressed in military uniforms from the Great Patriotic War demonstrated rare rifles, machine guns, grenades, helmets, and even a cavalry saber to guests.

    Levitan’s voice was heard from the speakers, announcing the signing of the act of unconditional surrender of Germany on May 8, 1945. And in the halls of the second and third floors, students danced to the song “Our Cossacks are Riding, Riding Through Berlin.” There was an exhibition of student paintings on military themes, as well as an exhibition “Coal of Victory” – images of the heroes of the SVO.

    At one of the stands, anyone could receive a collection of the best competition works by HSE students for the 80th anniversary of the Victory.

    There was no indifference

    The conference in the Great Hall began with the carrying out of the banners and the performance of the Russian Federation Anthem. Then the participants were addressed by the Vice-Rector of the National Research University Higher School of Economics Sergey Rozhkov.

    He called the conference “a significant event in the life of our team,” emphasizing that it was preceded by meticulous work. The commission reviewed more than 200 student studies devoted to various pages of the Great Patriotic War, and the authors of the best of them were invited to speak.

    “As the chairman of the commission, I responsibly declare that there was no indifference in these works. They are imbued with a sense of patriotism, personal pride for their relatives and friends who forged the Great Victory on the fronts of the Great Patriotic War, on the labor fronts in the rear, and everyone made their contribution to the common cause,” noted Sergei Rozhkov.

    The vice-rector emphasized that 80 years separate us from 1945, but we must not forget the price we paid for the victory. “When a person stops remembering, he stops living. And we must pass on the memory of the feat that our ancestors accomplished from generation to generation so that we could study and work in peace,” he said.

    After this, a minute of silence was declared.

    The Truth About War

    The introductory report was given by the HSE full professor, Major General Adam Nizhalovsky.

    He recalled that, according to official data, losses in World War II amounted to 55 million people, of which 27 million were losses of the Soviet Union, that is, 14% of its population. “Think about this figure! Every seventh Soviet person died, and these are the best people of our country,” the general noted.

    The report touched upon such topics as the beginning of the Great Patriotic War, the participation of European armies in it, the atrocities of the fascists, the fate of prisoners of war, and the circumstances of Germany’s capitulation. In the West, it is believed that Germany capitulated to the Allied forces on May 7 in Reims, although the USSR did not recognize this, and the signing of the real act of capitulation took place on May 8 in Karlshorst with the participation of Marshal Zhukov.

    “Thus, even before the end of the war, Western countries began to falsify its results. Having begun attacks on the USSR in May 1945, they intensified them in the following years and erased the truth about that war from the consciousness of their citizens, belittling the role of the Soviet Union in the victory over fascism,” Adam Niżalowski emphasized.

    In conclusion of his report, he recalled that today only a few creators of victory remain in the veteran ranks and due to their age it is difficult for them to defend what they fought for in the soldier ranks. Now this task and sacred duty falls on us – the heirs of the Great Victory.

    Pain and pride

    Eight student papers, selected based on the results of the competition, were presented at the conference.

    In a report dedicated to the Brest Fortress, the student Faculty of Creative Industries From the Republic of Belarus, Kristina Alekseeva focused on little-known facts: that the fortress was stormed by the Austrians, that it was defended by representatives of more than 30 nationalities, that the inscriptions scratched on the walls of the casemates and the buried banners were found years later, that it was in Brest that the first burial place for Wehrmacht soldiers was created.

    Students of the Military Training Center Evgeny Dolgov and Ivan Singay presented the results of a study on military training in universities during the Great Patriotic War.

    Such training began already in 1941, most students managed to apply the knowledge they had acquired in practice and maintain contact with universities. Over a thousand MSU graduates were awarded, seven of them became Heroes of the Soviet Union. And, for example, among the graduates of the Moscow Institute of Transport Engineers there were partisans who blew up enemy trains.

    Family history

    Student Higher School of Business Kirill Pivovarov spoke about eight heroes of the Great Patriotic War – members of his family.

    Among them is his great-great-uncle Nikolai Shabrov, who volunteered for the front, was seriously wounded, recovered and was again called up to the army, commanded a platoon of the 8th Guards Panfilov Division, was personally acquainted with Marshal Zhukov, who gave him his accordion. And Kirill’s great-great-grandfather Sergei Kraskov fought in the unit commanded by his son Viktor, and they served together until the end of the war.

    Student Faculty of Social Sciences Olga Avdeevich from the Republic of Belarus said that her great-great-uncle Mikhail Avdeevich became the secretary of an underground Komsomol organization in a village in Western Belarus at the beginning of the war. In 1943, he was taken into slavery to Germany, and after the liberation of East Prussia, he was drafted into the Red Army and took part in battles, was wounded, and his subsequent fate is unknown.

    “My father and I are looking for Grandpa Misha, and according to one version, he died of his wounds and was buried in Poland. But the search for the burial site has now been suspended, since Poland, an unfriendly country, does not respond to our requests,” Olga explained.

    Friendly countries

    The conference was attended by Chinese and Mongolian students. Xiao Yanbo, student Faculty of Humanities from China, gave a report on the topic “The Great Victory in the Fates of the Peoples of China,” telling about some events of the Sino-Japanese War of 1937–1945.

    “If the Bryansk forests are a symbol of the Soviet people’s resistance to fascism, then the fields and hills of Shandong, a region in eastern China, are a symbol of the Chinese people’s resilience in the face of Japanese invaders. Our countries fought together against fascism and militarism, and the actions of Chinese partisans in many ways echo the feat of their Soviet brothers,” the Chinese student noted.

    One of the conclusions of his research is that the victory of the USSR in the Great Patriotic War and the decisive actions of the Red Army to defeat Japan made it possible to liberate the lands of China, opening a new page in Soviet-Chinese relations.

    A student of the creative industries department, Batjargal Ganbalor from Mongolia, told how her country, despite limited resources, helped the Soviet Union during the war. They sent food, clothing, horses (every fifth horse in the Red Army was Mongolian) to the front, paid for the construction of tanks and planes – the amount of aid was equivalent to three years of the country’s budget.

    An activist of the Mongolian Club of the National Research University Higher School of Economics, Tugsmandal Sergelen, spoke about her ancestors, one of whom fought against the Nazis in the ranks of the Red Army, was wounded, awarded an order and returned home, and the other, being of advanced age and possessing great authority in his country, personally donated 39 horses and almost 20 kg of silver to the needs of the front.

    “I am filled with gratitude to my ancestors for their contribution to the victory. The peoples of Mongolia and the USSR have the right to celebrate this victory together,” the girl concluded.

    Made your choice

    The leitmotif of the conference was the thesis about the continuity of generations that stood up to defend the Motherland during the Great Patriotic War and now, during the Central Military District.

    Anton Yukhnevsky, a graduate of the Military Training Center last year, told how HSE students continue the tradition of helping the front today. A month after the start of the SVO, the “White Raven” movement was created at the university. Its participants organize humanitarian actions and visiting missions in the SVO zone and in areas adjacent to the combat contact line, and hold sports and educational events at the university.

    “You and I could have distanced ourselves from this, studied, had fun and spent time carefree,” Anton addressed the students. “But we made our choice long before the start of the SVO, back in childhood, thanks to our upbringing, and I am sure that it was the only right one.”

    Social Sciences student Anton Nudny read his poem dedicated to a soldier who defended the Motherland in the 1940s and his grandson who followed his example 80 years later: “…And the years flew by like a moment, / and again Kharkov, again battle and smoke, / and the current soldier is of a different generation, / but his spirit is still the same – he is invincible.”

    Betting on talent

    The conference reports alternated with concert numbers. The hit of the day was the song “Faith in Victory”, written by the instructor of the military intelligence cycle, Colonel Evgeny Mityukov, and performed by him together with the students. Another discovery was the compositions of the vocal and instrumental ensemble created at the Military Training Center a month ago.

    As explained by the head of the Military Training Center, Hero of Russia Colonel Vladimir Korgutov, the organizers decided not to invite fashionable presenters and professional musical groups, relying on the talents of teachers and students.

    In closing the conference, he thanked its participants and organizers, congratulated all those present on Victory Day, and reported that the Military Training Center, which has already graduated more than 7,000 officers, sergeants, and reserve soldiers, continues to train true defenders of the Fatherland.

    Patriots become

    According to Vice-Rector Elena Odoevskaya, to achieve the goals set in the strategic documents of the HSE, it is necessary to have fortitude, to be able to overcome difficulties and move forward, and the conference once again showed that HSE students have these qualities. They also demonstrated unique creative abilities. “I am delighted with the vocal and instrumental ensemble,” added Elena Odoevskaya.

    “Patriots are not born – they become them, including thanks to correctly presented and emotionally colored information. The conference was filled with such information about the Great Patriotic War, about the contribution of our people to the victory, and its better perception was facilitated by the concert program. Many facts and conclusions that were voiced here should be known to every schoolchild and student,” noted Vice-Rector Vyacheslav Bashev.

    “The main impression from the conference is a feeling of pride for the younger generation. It is worthy of the memory of its ancestors,” concluded Sergei Rozhkov.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Video: The IMF’s Middle East and North Africa Regional Economic Outlook: Charting a Path through the Haze

    Source: International Monetary Fund – IMF (video statements)

    The Middle East and North Africa face growing uncertainty amid shifting global geopolitics, trade tensions, and weakening international cooperation. These global developments, combined with regional challenges such as conflicts and political instability, pose significant risks to economic stability. How can policymakers manage immediate threats while strengthening resilience against future shocks?
    Join us for an engaging discussion with a distinguished panel of experts as we explore these critical issues, highlighted in the IMF’s forthcoming Regional Economic Outlook: Middle East and Central Asia. This event is held in partnership with the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

    Event details:
    Date: Thursday 1 May 2025
    Time: 11:15am – 12:15pm

    Opening remarks:
    Alya AlZarouni – Chief Operating Officer, DIFC Authority

    Panellists:
    Jihad Azour – Director, Middle East and Central Asia Department, IMF
    Helima Croft – Head of Global Commodity Strategy & MENA Research, RBC Capital Markets
    Ahmed Galal Ismail – CEO, Majid Al Futtaim Holding
    Tarik Yousef – Director and Senior Fellow, Middle East Council on Global Affairs

    Moderator:
    Joumanna Bercetche – Anchor, Bloomberg Television

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P88ytVhKs1w

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI: BW Energy: OTC Markets Group Welcomes BW Energy Limited to OTCQX

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OTC Markets Group Welcomes BW Energy Limited to OTCQX

    NEW YORK – OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities, today announced BW Energy Limited (Oslo Bors: BWE; OTCQX: BWERY, BWEFF), a growth-focused oil and gas company, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX® Best Market. BW Energy Limited upgraded to OTCQX from the Pink® market.

    BW Energy Limited begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbols “BWERY” and “BWEFF.”  U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com.

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

    “The OTCQX Market provides a platform for increased recognition and engagement with a wider base of US investors. BW Energy is a fast-growing oil and gas company with production and attractive development assets in Gabon, Namibia and Brazil. We expect cross-trading on OTCQX to create additional long-term value through a broader US investor base and increased trading volumes in our shares,” says Carl K. Arnet, the CEO of BW Energy.

    About BW Energy Limited
    BW Energy is a growth E&P company with a differentiated strategy targeting proven offshore oil and gas reservoirs through low risk phased developments. The Company has access to existing production facilities to reduce time to first oil and cashflow with lower investments than traditional offshore developments. The Company’s assets are 73.5% of the producing Dussafu Marine licence offshore Gabon, 100% interest in the Golfinho and Camarupim fields, a 76.5% interest in the BM-ES-23 block, a 95% interest in the Maromba field in Brazil, a 95% interest in the Kudu field in Namibia, all operated by BW Energy. In addition, BW Energy holds approximately 6.6% of the common shares in Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd. and a 20% non-operating interest in the onshore Petroleum Exploration License 73 (“PEL 73”) in Namibia. Total net 2P+2C reserves and resources were 599 million barrels of oil equivalent at the start of 2025.

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

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

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

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

    Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed

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

    This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Crowds enjoy Derby’s St George’s Day celebrations

    Source: City of Derby

    Dragons roared, knights clashed, and medieval games delighted crowds in Derby as the city celebrated St George’s Day.

    The annual festivities featured live performances, engaging workshops, and creative crafts that brought the legend of St George to life. 

    The event was produced by Derby LIVE, Derby City Council’s arts and events team, in conjunction with The Lost Boys and St Peters Quarter Business Improvement District (BID). 

    St George and The Mayor of Derby launched the festivities before one of the highlights of the day, The Lost Boys’ spectacular and tongue-in-cheek reenactment of St George’s legendary battle with the dragon, which drew enthusiastic cheers from the audience. 

    Families gathered to enjoy AVP Theatre’s delightful puppet show, a family-friendly fairytale retelling of the St George and the Dragon story, and aspiring knights had the chance to train in hands-on workshops led by The Lost Boys and Team Falchion, learning about chivalry and trying their hand at sword skills. 

    Team Falchion

    Team Falchion also provided fascinating showcases of medieval armour and combat, alongside engaging medieval games and blanket weaving activities. Throughout the afternoon, roaming dragons added an extra element of surprise and delight for young adventurers. 

    St Peter’s Cross was also a hub of creativity, with Scraggy Moo’s environmentally-friendly family crafts proving a hit. In partnership with St Peter’s Quarter BID, children were able to create their own dragons and flags, adding their colourful creations to the St George’s Day celebrations.

    Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council and Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Culture and Tourism, said:

    Derby once again embraced the spirit of St George’s Day with a fantastic array of free family activities. It was wonderful to see so many people coming together to enjoy the entertainment and have a go at the activities.

    The atmosphere was really special so thank you to everyone who made the event happen.

    Brad Worley, Manager for the Derby Cathedral Quarter and St Peters Quarter BIDs said:

    St George’s Day celebrations are always a fantastic event in Derby and this year was no exception. St Peters Quarter and Cathedral Quarter BIDs were excited to help support the wide variety of performances on offer, and we hope that everybody had a wonderful time.

    When events like this happen, the city comes to life, and it’s wonderful to see.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Last chance to become ArtMasters-2025 champion

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    There are 7 days left until the end of registration for participation in the 6th season of the National Open Championship of Creative Competencies ArtMasters.

    Hurry up to submit your application and get a chance to win a cash prize.

    You can participate in two age categories: from 14 to 17 years old and from 18 to 35 years old.

    The competition will be held in 20 creative competencies:

    “Architectural Environment Designer”; “Industrial Engineering”; “Creative Producer”; “UX/UI Web Designer”; “Graphic Designer”; “Virtual World Designer”; “Theater and Film Playwright”; “Clip Director”; “Popular Music Composer”; “Copywriter”; “Media Composer”; “Motion Designer”; “Film and TV Camera Operator”; “Editing Director”; “Sound Designer”; “Computer Game Writer”; “Photographer”; “Design Artist”; “Make-up Artist”; “Costume Designer”.

    The championship is held in 3 stages:

    Register on the website before May 5, 2025, upload your portfolio and take the online test before May 23, 2025. Complete the correspondence practical assignment before June 23, 2025 and be among the best according to the jury. Complete the modules of the final stage from July 14 to September 30, 2025: correspondence module, in-person completion of the practical assignment, ceremonial meeting of the finalists.

    The winners of the Championship will receive cash certificates and the opportunity for an internship and subsequent employment in a large partner company, the use of equipment necessary for creative implementation within the framework of the partnership program, and the integration of final works into existing projects of creative industries.

    The award ceremony for the winners of the Championship in the main age category is scheduled to take place on September 30, 2025 at the State Academic Bolshoi Theater of Russia in Moscow.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 04/29/2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Treat for car lovers as Supercar Saturday roars into town

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Treat for car lovers as Supercar Saturday roars into town

    29 April 2025

    Car enthusiasts across the city and district are in for a treat as the Mayor’s popular Supercar Saturday roars into Guildhall Square and Harbour Square on Saturday 24th May from 12-5pm.

    Local car enthusiasts Gary and Stephen McCaul will showcase approximately 35 luxury vehicles including Lamborghini, Ferrari, Porsche, McLaren and Maserati for public viewing.

    Popular local entertainer Micky Doherty will lead this family-friendly event which offers children and big kids the chance to get up close with one of Ireland’s finest collections of supercars. Adding to the festive atmosphere, DJ Lui and DJ Richie Rich will keep the music flowing throughout the day. A mobile gaming truck will provide additional entertainment for younger attendees, while local food vendors will be on site serving delicious refreshments.

    The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Lilian Seenoi Barr, said she was delighted to see this well-supported event return to the city. Supercar Saturday will help to raise funds for The Bud Club, the Mayor’s chosen charity for her year in office. 

    “I’m really looking forward to hosting Supercar Saturday. This event has become a highlight in our community calendar, and for good reason. The collection of Lamborghinis, Ferraris, and other luxury vehicles that Gary and Stephen have arranged is truly world-class. I’ve had the privilege of previewing some of these fantastic vehicles, and they are simply breathtaking.

    “What makes this day so special is that it allows car enthusiasts to explore the spectacular vehicles they have previously only dreamt about. I’m particularly proud that this event will raise funds for The Bud Club, allowing our community’s passion for incredible cars to directly benefit a life-changing organisation for young people with additional needs.”

    Supercar Saturday is part of the Mayor’s One Big Weekend, One Big Cause – Revved Up and Ready to Rock for Bud Club’ extravaganza which will take place on the Bank Holiday weekend of May 24th and 25th and features three incredible events designed to appeal to all ages and interests.

    The fun will begin with Supercar Saturday, followed by a night of music and entertainment with ‘Derry Rocks for Bud Club’ in the Guildhall. This event will feature The Mindbenders with the Ultimate Yacht Rock Show, along with funnyman Black Paddy and musician Ritchie Remo. The weekend will be brought to an epic conclusion with ‘Feel the Beat’ a night of high-energy and infectious Afrobeats at St Columb’s Hall. All three events will raise funds for the Mayor’s chosen charity, The Bud Club, a life-changing organisation for young people with additional needs.

    For more information and to purchase tickets to the ‘Derry Rocks for Bud Club’ and Afrobeats night go to www.derrystrabane.com/OneWeekend. You can also keep up to date with everything that is happening on What’s On Derry Strabane and Council’s social channels.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: LFC Premier League Victory Parade Confirmed

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Last updated:

    The Leader of Liverpool City Council, Councillor Liam Robinson, has invited Liverpool Football Club to parade the city’s streets to officially celebrate securing their 20th English league title.

    After Arne Slot’s team triumphed against Tottenham Hotspur yesterday, the City Council has hit the green light on initiating its complex parade protocol, with plans for the Premier League trophy parade to take place on Bank Holiday Monday, 26 May, from 2.30pm.

    The major logistical challenges in arranging a parade of this scale, which is expected to be witnessed by hundreds of thousands of people, means months of planning has already been taking place behind the scenes with stakeholders across the city. Given the magnitude of the event, organisers are keen for the date to be publicised in advance so residents and businesses in the city can prepare.

    The victory parade route will start at Allerton Maze and will travel north bound on Queens Drive towards the Fiveways roundabout and Rocket flyover. From there it will journey along:

    • Queens Drive

    • Mill Bank

    • West Derby Road

    • Islington

    • Leeds Street

    • The Strand

    • Route finishes at Blundell Street

    It is expected the 15km-long parade will last anywhere between 3 to 5 hours, but this is subject to change.

    As in 2019 and in 2022, the key advice to supporters to line the entire route, plan travel in advance and supporters are reminded that bringing their own pyrotechnics/flares is prohibited in order to protect the safety of all in attendance.

    Those planning to line the route and cheer the team on should expect the city to be extremely busy, not only on the Monday, but also in the days beforehand as Liverpool is hosting the major music event, Radio 1 Big Weekend.  Cunard’s Queen Anne will also be sailing into the city on Monday 26 May, which is expected to also attract crowds.

    More information and advice will be issued by the City Council and partner agencies (Liverpool Football Club, Merseyside Police and Merseytravel) in the run up to the date.

    The full costs of the parade will be met by Liverpool Football Club.

    The parade is being organised by Liverpool City Council’s award-winning Culture Liverpool team, which has been praised for its work on the previous victory parades, and is also responsible for bringing other major events to the city, such as Eurovision 2023 and this year’s Radio 1 Big Weekend.  

    Leader of Liverpool City Council, Councillor Liam Robinson, said:

    We’re delighted to officially invite Liverpool Football Club to parade around the city on the 26 May. A Liverpool victory parade is more than football – it’s a celebration of our city’s pride, passion and community spirit.

    “It’s going to be a bumper weekend in Liverpool, with Radio 1 welcoming more than 100,000 people to Sefton Park, the final Premier League match on the Sunday, Cunard’s Queen Anne sailing into the city on Monday, on the same day as the parade – any other city may shy away from back-to-back high-profile events, but as one of the world leader’s when it comes to staging major, successful and safe outdoor activities, Liverpool is set to shine once again under the global spotlight.

    “A huge amount of work goes on behind the scenes in preparation for an event of this size and scale, and there has already been months of careful planning taking place as the Team Liverpool approach – which we saw work so well throughout Eurovision – comes to the fore again.

    “It’s set to be an unforgettable Bank Holiday Weekend as we give the team the celebration they deserve.”

    Chief Inspector Chris Barnes, the Silver Commander for the event, said:

    “We have been working with Liverpool City Council, who are organising the event, and will be supporting them with the running and policing of the Victory Parade Monday, 26 May, to ensure the event goes ahead safely and disruption to regular road users and people living and visiting the city is minimal.

    “Officers will be providing a reassuring presence  along the route to ensure that that day is not only one to remember, but also an enjoyable and safe event for all those attending the parade.

    “Rolling road closures will be put in place to accommodate the parade and although we will work with Liverpool City Council to keep disruption to a minimum, some traffic disruption is inevitable and we would ask motorists to be patient, or avoid the area of parade route where possible.

    “If you have plans already for Monday (26th May) or are going to be driving in and out of the area, I would ask you to familiarise yourself with the route so you can fully prepare, make alternative travel arrangements in advance, or use available public transport wherever possible.

    “We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Liverpool Football Club on their success. The parade on Monday, 26 May, will be a fantastic event for the players, the club, the city, and all the fans who will turn out to cheer their team on through the streets of Liverpool.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: Annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OCTOPUS TITAN VCT PLC

    Annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024

    Octopus Titan VCT plc announces the final results for the year to 31 December 2024 as below.

    Octopus Titan VCT plc (‘Titan’ or the ‘Company’) is managed by Octopus AIF Management Limited (the ‘Manager’), which has delegated investment management to Octopus Investments Limited (‘Octopus’ or ‘Portfolio Manager’) via its investment team Octopus Ventures.

    Key financials

      2024 2023
    Net assets (£’000) £831,358 £993,744
    Loss after tax (£’000) £(147,649) £(149,499)
    NAV per share 50.5p 62.4p
    Total value per share1 155.6p 164.4p
    Total return per share2 (8.8)p (9.5)p
    Total return per share %3 (14.1)% (12.4)%
    Dividends paid in the year 3.1p 5.0p
    Dividend yield %4 5.0% 6.5%
    Dividend declared 0.5p 1.9p
    1. Total value per share is an alternative performance measure, calculated as NAV plus cumulative dividends paid since launch, as described in the glossary of terms.
    2. Total return per share is an alternative performance measure, calculated as movement in NAV per share in the period plus dividends paid in the period, as described in the glossary of terms.
    3. Total return % is an alternative performance measure, calculated as total return/opening NAV, as described in the glossary of terms.
    4. Dividend yield is an alternative performance measure, calculated as dividends paid/opening NAV, as described in the glossary of terms.

    Chair’s statement
    Titan’s total return for the year to 31 December 2024 was -14.1% with net assets at the end of the period totalling £831 million.

    The Net Asset Value (NAV) per share at 31 December 2024 was 50.5p which, adjusting for dividends paid in the year, represents a net decrease of 8.8p per share from 31 December 2023 or a total return of –14.1%.

    This further decline in value has been driven by several factors, including company-specific performance issues and tougher trading conditions, which have reduced revenue growth across a range of sectors. As a result, many companies in the portfolio have not met performance expectations, leading to lower valuation multiples being applied compared to those at recent points of investment. This situation has been exacerbated by a continued slow private market fundraising environment, leading to more limited capital availability. Consequently, companies have prioritised extending their cash runway, aiming to achieve profitability or delay fundraising until market conditions improve. In the short term, this has led to reduced valuations due to slower growth, but in the long run, the disciplined focus on sustainable growth should be beneficial.

    With this further decline in NAV, the 5-year tax-free annual compound return for shareholders is now -3.5%. Since the high watermark as at 31 December 2021, Titan’s total return per share has been –39.8% with which the Board and Manager are, and shareholders will be, deeply disappointed. The scale of shareholder dissatisfaction has been made abundantly clear following the recently conducted survey.

    In the 12 months to 31 December 2024, the Company utilised £137 million of its cash resources, comprising £30 million in new and follow-on investments, £44 million in dividends (net of the Dividend Reinvestment Scheme (DRIS)), £38 million in share buybacks and £25 million in annual investment management fees and other running costs. The cash and corporate bond balance of £184 million at 31 December 2024 represented 22% of net assets at that date, compared to 20% at 31 December 2023.

    The total value (NAV plus cumulative dividends paid per share since launch) at the end of the period was 155.6p (31 December 2023: 164.4p). Titan’s one-year total return of -8.8p (-14.1%) five-year total return of -15.6p (-16.4%) and ten-year total return of 6.7p (6.6%) evidences the disappointing decline in performance in recent years.

    Strategic Review

    As shareholders will be aware, in the half-yearly report issued at the end of September 2024, we announced a review of strategy to ensure a thorough retrospective analysis took place and a plan be drawn up for how the Company can be best structured for sustainability and improved performance in the future. A significant amount of work has been undertaken by Octopus and our appointed external advisers, Smith Square Partners LLP, across a number of different workstreams. This includes a detailed analysis of historical investment performance, ongoing sustainability, the forward-looking pipeline for realisations, future investment strategy, investment team resources and, finally, investment manager’s culture and governance. The significant performance challenges and the early-stage nature of much of the portfolio mean that it will take some time for changes to have an impact on performance and a longer-term approach to shaping the future of the Company is needed. We are making reasonably good progress, and more can be read about the steps which have been taken in the Spotlight section. The response to our shareholder survey is included below. From this it is clear that there is widespread and deep dissatisfaction with the past performance of Titan, both in absolute and relative terms and an understandable frustration with the lack of capital growth in recent years. The Board also acknowledges the recent press coverage, particularly in respect of shareholders’ views on the fees that Titan pays. We would like to thank those that participated in the survey, as well as those that have provided their feedback to both the Board and Octopus. The Board wishes to assure shareholders that it is considering the results and feedback alongside the review.

    We expect to provide a further update on the review at, or prior to, our Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 19 June 2025. However, we do not anticipate the process to be completed by this point, so any proposals for the future of the Company will likely be put to shareholders at a later date.

    Performance incentive fees
    As the 2024 total return has been negative, and total value per share has declined since 31 December 2021, no performance fee is payable. To remind you, the performance fee is calculated as 20% on net gains above the high-water mark (the highest total value per share as at previous year ends), which is currently set as 197.7p as at 31 December 2021.

    Dividends
    Following careful consideration and recognising the value that shareholders’ place on receiving tax-free dividends, I am pleased to confirm that the Board has decided to declare a second interim dividend of 0.5p per share (2023: 1.9p per share). This will be paid on 29 May 2025 to shareholders on the register as at 25 April 2025. This second interim dividend, in addition to the 1.2p per share interim dividend paid in December 2024 brings the total dividends declared to 1.7p per share in respect of 2024. However, this 0.5p per share dividend is lower than that paid in previous years because of the ongoing performance challenges and dividends are typically a distribution of achieved performance. Considering dividends paid during 2024 (totalling 3.1p), the total dividend yield for the year is 5%, therefore meeting the Company’s target.

    Dividends, whether paid in cash or reinvested under the DRIS, are always at the discretion of the Board, are never guaranteed, and are subject to regular review reflecting the returns generated by the Company, the timing of investment realisations, cash and distributable reserves and continuing compliance with VCT rules.

    The Board will consider any further dividends to be paid in 2025 in the second half of the year at, or around, the release of the interim accounts for the six months ending 30 June 2025, subject to Titan’s performance, both realised and unrealised, improving and, as ever, Titan holding sufficient cash reserves.

    As with the dividend paid to shareholders on 19 December 2024, and in light of the ongoing review of Titan’s strategy, the Board continues to suspend the Company’s dividend reinvestment scheme for the dividend to be paid on 29 May 2025, with the dividend being paid to shareholders in cash.

    Fundraise and buybacks
    We were pleased to raise over £107 million in the fundraise which closed on 5 April 2024. As stated in the half-yearly review, the Board will decide on the approach to future fundraising at the conclusion of the review of strategy.

    During the year, Titan repurchased 67 million shares for £38 million (representing 4.2% of the net asset value as at 31 December 2023). Further details can be found in Note 14 of the financial statements. Details of the share buybacks undertaken during the year can be found in the Directors’ Report.

    VCT status
    In November 2023, a ten-year extension was announced to the ‘sunset clause’ (a retirement date for the VCT scheme), meaning VCT tax reliefs will be available until 5 April 2035. This extension passed through Parliament in February 2024 and on 3 September 2024, His Majesty’s Treasury brought the extension into effect through The Finance Act 2024. The Board is delighted that this has brought clarity to the status of VCTs.

    Board of Directors
    Rupert Dickinson was appointed to the Board with effect from 1 May 2024 and was elected by shareholders at the AGM held in June 2024. Rupert has over 20 years’ experience in the wealth and investment management industries. We are already benefitting from his extensive experience.

    All the other Directors have indicated their willingness to remain on the Board, and Jane O’Riordan and Lord Rockley will be seeking re-election at the AGM.

    Portfolio Manager and team
    In March 2024, Malcolm Ferguson, Octopus’ lead Fund Manager for Titan, resigned and Jo Oliver was appointed as lead Fund Manager and Adviser to the Board on fund and strategy on an interim basis. In August 2024, Jo stepped down from this interim role. We wish to take this opportunity to thank both Jo and Malcolm for their contributions to the Company and wish them well for the future. We are pleased that, despite Malcolm’s resignation, he continues to support with portfolio management on a contractual basis. The process to appoint a replacement lead Fund Manager will commence once the review of strategy is completed.

    Shareholders may be aware that there has been considerable turnover over the past twelve months in the Octopus Ventures team, which is responsible for managing Titan. As part of the on-going strategic review, Octopus is assessing the team structure, size, culture and experience to ensure it is aligned with its future investment strategy proposals. In the interim, the Octopus Ventures team is receiving additional senior support from across the business to ensure adequate resources are available.

    AGM and shareholder event
    The AGM will take place on 19 June 2025 from 12.00 noon and will be held at the offices of Octopus Investments Limited, 33 Holborn, London, EC1N 2HT. Full details of the business to be conducted at the AGM are given in the Notice of AGM.

    Shareholders’ views are important, and the Board encourages shareholders to vote on the resolutions within the Notice of AGM using the proxy form, or electronically at www.investorcentre.co.uk/eproxy. Shareholders are invited to send any questions they may have via email to TitanAGM@octopusinvestments.com. The Board has carefully considered the business to be approved at the AGM and recommends shareholders to vote in favour of all the resolutions being proposed, as the Board will be doing.

    Currently, we do not anticipate the strategic review process will have been fully completed by the date of the AGM. As a result, we will issue a further communication to shareholders in due course setting a date for a shareholder event and, if applicable, a General Meeting at which shareholders will be able to vote on any proposals for the future direction of the Company.

    Outlook
    The further decline in NAV to 31 December 2024 is extremely disappointing, especially when set against the backdrop of the recent recovery of some of the comparable markets and other VCTs. This decline has been primarily driven by specific portfolio performance issues and sectoral downturns, leading to cash constraints exacerbated by a challenging fundraising environment. Some portfolio companies attempted to raise funds but were unsuccessful, resulting in several being placed into administration or accepting acquisition offers on unfavourable terms. More details on these disposals can be found in the Portfolio Manager’s review. Others had to complete funding rounds at lower valuations or in ways that negatively impacted the value of the Company’s shareholding.

    The Company returned £29 million in cash proceeds from exits in 2024, in addition to £12.4 million distributed from Zenith Holding Company to Titan. This is a disappointing outcome as it is below the level achieved in 2023, and does not accomplish the Company’s long-term sustainability target. Despite the Manager’s initiatives to increase the number of realisations of portfolio companies and return cash proceeds to Titan, we have not yet seen any profitable realisations in 2025. This sustained focus on achieving regular liquidity is an important step towards ensuring the ongoing sustainability of the Company.

    Despite this, the Board retains a degree of optimism about the potential of some of the companies within what is undoubtedly a diversified portfolio, with over 135 companies spanning a wide range of sectors, business models and investment stages. Furthermore, Titan’s portfolio remains well funded with circa 42% of the portfolio NAV being comprised of companies not expecting to need further funding. This figure rises to 67% when including those companies with more than 12 months’ cash runway.

    I would like to conclude by thanking both the Board and the Octopus team on behalf of all shareholders for their hard work during this very challenging period.

    Tom Leader
    Chair

    Spotlight on the review of strategy

    On 30 September 2024, the Board, in conjunction with the Manager, announced a strategic review. This was catalysed by the ongoing challenges in the early-stage venture market to which the Company is exposed and the resultant performance issues faced. Since this date, the Board and Manager have undertaken numerous actions to identify the areas of focus and potential changes which could be made to drive the best performance for the Company and outcome for shareholders. Below is a summary of the steps taken to date by both the Board and Manager.

    Date Investment Manager’s actions Titan VCT Board’s actions Board meetings held
    Sep 2024   Announcement of review of strategy. Four Board meetings
    Oct 2024 Establish internal review committee comprised of different areas of the business.

    Co-ordinating information packs for the external advisers.

    External adviser selection process concluded and terms agreed.  
    Nov 2024 Recruitment process for senior Portfolio Management roles commences.

    Internal review committee submits scope of work to the Board.

    External advisers, Smith Square Partners, appointed.

    Board reviews Octopus’ scope of work.

    Two Board meetings
    Dec 2024 Internal review committee submits information pack on sustainability and fund performance workstreams to the Board. Shareholder and adviser survey launched.

    Board reviews information pack on sustainability and fund performance.

    Board reviews external advisers’ analysis of performance and benchmarking.

    One Board meeting
    Jan 2025 Survey results analysed.

    External specialists commence review of Consumer Duty.

    Internal review committee submits information pack on team and culture and risk and governance work streams to the Board.

    Board reviews external advisers’ progress report including analysis of the realisations pipeline.

    Board reviews information pack on team and culture and risk and governance work streams.

    Survey results analysed.

    Two Board meetings
    Feb 2025 Internal review committee presents first part of the go-forward investment strategy and further sustainability analysis and metrics. Board reviews go‑forward strategy and sustainability analysis and metrics. One Board meeting
    Mar 2025 Results of Consumer Duty Review analysed. Board reviews external advisers’ progress report.

    Results of Consumer Duty Review analysed.

    Unaudited NAV released with update on progress of review.

    Two Board meetings
    Apr 2025 Internal review committee presents follow up detail on the go-forward investment strategy, as well as proposals for future team and resourcing plan.

    Proposal submitted to Board regarding ongoing fees.

    External advisers’ interim report shared with the Board.

    Annual report published.

    Board considers proposal on future team and resourcing strategy and fees.

    Board commences fee negotiations with Octopus.

    Two Board meetings

    Summary of the Manager’s internal review workstreams:

    1. Fund performance
    Working to understand the most appropriate investment and divestment strategy looking at past performance metrics, benchmarks and future objectives.

    2. Fund strategy
    Investigating potential future options for Titan’s strategy which could drive improved performance. Some potential options were included in the shareholder survey to canvas views.

    3. Sustainability
    Working on past performance and future forecasting to ensure Titan operates sustainably, returning funds through realisations.

    4. Team & culture
    Reviewing the team structure, size, culture and experience (past and present) and how it maps to the successful management of the Company. Full Octopus Ventures strategy refresh in line with new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Erin Platts joining.

    5. Consumer Duty
    External consultants appointed to carry out a review of Consumer Duty. This is to understand shareholders’ expected outcomes and assessing how the Company has delivered against them.

    6. Risk & governance
    Work led by the compliance team updating Titan’s risk register. Review and enhancement of governance processes and procedures, where relevant.

    What’s next
    1. Final Smith Square Partners report presented to the Board.
    2. Finalise fee proposal, as well as review of the Investment Management Agreement and Non-Investment Services Agreement.

    Octopus Ventures’ new CEO

    Erin Platts joined Octopus Ventures as CEO in January 2025.

    Previously, she held the role of CEO at HSBC Innovation Banking UK, formerly Silicon Valley Bank UK & EMEA. Over two decades in leadership roles with the institution, she established Silicon Valley Bank UK as a standalone, regulated subsidiary before leading the organisation through the transition period following its sale to HSBC in 2023, scaling operations to over 800 people, across six countries and into the market leading position across the sector.

    With a career spent in the US, UK and European tech ecosystems, Erin is an active and vocal spokesperson, championing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion through partnerships with organisations including Tech Nation, Founders Forum and the Newton Venture Program.

    Portfolio Manager’s review

    At Octopus, our focus is on managing your investments and providing open communication. Our annual and half-year updates are designed to keep you informed about the progress of your investment.

    Focus on performance
    The NAV of 50.5p per share at 31 December 2024 represents a decrease in NAV of 8.8p per share versus a NAV of 62.4p per share as at 31 December 2023, after adding back dividends paid during the year of 3.1p (2023: 5p) per share, a negative total return per share of 14.1% in the year.

    The performance over the five years to 31 December 2024 is shown below:

      Year ended Year ended Year ended Year ended Year ended
      31 December 31 December 31 December 31 December 31 December
      2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
    NAV, p 97.0 105.7 76.9 62.4 50.5
    Cumulative dividends paid, p 81.0 92.0 97.0 102.0 105.1
    Total value, p 178.0 197.7 173.9 164.4 155.6
    Total return1 7.1% 20.3% (22.5)% (12.4)% (14.1)%
    Dividend yield2 5.3% 11.3% 4.7% 6.5% 5.0%

    1. Total return % is an alternative performance measure, calculated as total return/opening NAV.
    2. Dividend yield is an alternative performance measure, calculated as dividends paid/opening NAV.

    We are deeply disappointed by the negative total return of 14.1% in 2024 which has been driven by a decline of £193 million across 72 companies. The businesses that contributed most significantly to this decline were Pelago, Many Pets and Big Health. Whilst these companies continue to look to scale, they have underperformed the high expectations set at their last funding round, and so have seen their valuations decline.

    These three valuation movements account for around a third of the total decline in NAV over the twelve-month reporting period.

    Octopus Ventures believes that many of the companies which have seen decreased valuations in the period have the potential to overcome the issues they face and get their growth plans back on track. Octopus Ventures continues to work with them to help them realise their potential. In some cases, the support offered could include further funding to ensure a business has the capital it needs to execute on its strategy. Our in-house Talent team is being utilised to build high-performing teams and support on key recruitment initiatives. This team, as well as our expert network of consultants, support companies on project work and can also work part-time with the businesses.

    More positively, 39 companies saw an increase in valuation in the period, delivering a collective increase in valuation of £56 million. These valuation increases reflect businesses which have successfully concluded further funding rounds at increased valuations, grown revenues or met certain important milestones. Notable strong performers in the portfolio include Legl, Taster and Katkin – all of which have increased their market reach through new product launches. These strong performers demonstrate that there are opportunities available for companies to thrive, and Titan’s diverse portfolio allows different routes for each company to succeed in their market.

    The gain on Titan’s uninvested cash reserves was £9.2 million in the year to 31 December 2024, primarily driven by a fair value movement of £4.4 million in the corporate bond portfolio and a return of £4.2 million on the money market funds. The objective for the money market funds is to earn appropriate market rates on highly liquid treasury holdings, with limited risk to capital.

    Titan total value growth from inception
    The table below highlights the compound annual growth rate across different holding periods.

    Despite the reduction in NAV in the year, the total value has seen an increase since the end of Titan’s first year, from 89.9p to 155.6p at 31 December 2024. Since Titan launched, a total of over £557 million has been distributed back to shareholders in the form of tax-free dividends. This includes dividends reinvested as part of the DRIS.

    Holding period Total return Tax-free compound
    annual growth rate
    Since October 2008 73.1% 3.4%
    10 years 6.6% 0.6%
    5 years (16.4)% (3.5)%
    1 year (14.1)% (14.1)%

    Disposals
    Disposals and deferred proceeds have returned £29 million in cash during the period. In addition, £12.4 million was distributed from Zenith Holding Company to the Company.

    Exits
    In June, Taxfix (a European focused tax return technology platform) acquired TaxScouts, for a combination of cash and equity, which has allowed it to enter the UK market. As a result, Titan now holds shares in Taxfix.

    In July, Foodsteps was acquired by Registrar Corp (a provider of regulatory and compliance software for the food, cosmetic and life sciences industry). This transaction was also for a combination of cash and equity and has offered Registrar Corp access to Foodsteps’ global market platform of over 32,000 companies in 190 countries.

    In November, Cobee was acquired by Pluxee Group (an employee benefits and engagement platform) as part of its strategic growth plan. Pluxee is a global leader in employee benefits and engagement, operating in 31 countries with over 5,000 employees. Pluxee is uniquely positioned to support Cobee’s continued growth.

    In November, nCino (a cloud-based software company that provides a platform for financial institutions to manage their business lines) acquired FullCircl. This will enhance nCino’s data and automation capabilities and allow it to expand its reach across the UK and Europe.

    In December, Behavox (a leading provider of AI powered archiving, compliance and security solutions) acquired Mosaic Smart Data.

    Partial exits
    Two partial exits completed in October with Neat (an embedded insurance platform that enables merchants to offer tailored insurance bundles to their customers at competitive rates) completing a €50 million Series A funding round, and Vitesse (a global domestic settlement and liquidity management system to hold funds and execute cross-border payments) completing a $93 million Series C investment round. As part of both of these rounds, Titan sold a portion of its shares. We are pleased to have realised some value for shareholders in these transactions, but also excited to maintain a holding in the companies and to be able to continue to support their growth journeys.

    Deferred proceeds
    In the year, Titan also received deferred proceeds from the sale of Calastone (to The Carlyle Group in 2020) which was held via Octopus Zenith Holding Company, iSize (to Sony Interactive Entertainment in 2023), Conversocial (to Verint), Glofox (to ABC Fitness), Comma (to Weavr) and Foodsteps (to Registrar).

    Exits at a loss
    There have been four disposals made at a loss: Titan sold its remaining shares in Cazoo, which was listed on the New York Stock Exchange, Unmade was acquired by High-Tech Apparel, and Titan’s shares in Appear Here were converted to deferred shares and divested, as there was not seen to be a chance of recovery of any funds. Vinter was acquired by Kaiko (a leading provider of cryptocurrency market data, analytics and indices) for equity. As a result, Titan now holds shares in Kaiko, which are currently valued below Titan’s initial cost of investment, but these will be subject to re-valuation at least twice annually as per our normal process. In aggregate, these losses generated negligible proceeds compared to an investment cost of £19 million.

    Companies placed into administration
    Unfortunately, Audiotelligence, Stackin (now fully dissolved), Contingent, Phoelex, Excession, Dead Happy, Pulse Platform and Allplants were placed into administration having all been unsuccessful in securing further funding and having explored and exhausted all available options. In aggregate, the investment cost of the companies placed into administration totalled £26 million.

    In the year to 31 December 2024, Third Eye and LifeBook were fully dissolved having been placed into administration in previous reporting periods.

    The underperformance of a portfolio company is always disappointing for Octopus and shareholders alike, but it is an inherent characteristic of a venture capital portfolio, and we believe the successful disposals will continue to outweigh the losses over the medium to long-term.

      Year ended 31 December 2020 Year ended 31 December 2021 Year ended 31 December 2022 Year ended 31 December 2023 Year ended 31 December 2024 Total
    Disposal proceeds1 (£’000) 23,915 221,504 62,213 45,637 41,432 394,701

    1.This table includes cash and retention proceeds received in the period.

    New and follow-on investments
    Titan completed 8 new investments and made 14 follow-on investments in the reporting period. Together, these totalled £30 million (made up of £19 million into new companies and £11 million invested into the existing portfolio).

    Please see a summary of some of the new investments we made in the year.

    • DRIFT Energy: Designing sailing vessels and routing algorithms required to capture deep water wind energy and convert it into onboard hydrogen gas for transportation back to shore.
    • ExpressionEdits: Using a proprietary AI algorithm to design DNA sequences and intronization technology to enhance the expression of proteins in mammalian cells.
    • Forefront: Developing a tuneable Radio Frequency Front-End (RFFE) module for mobile devices which is smaller, cheaper, and more flexible than currently available products sold.
    • LabGenius: A next-generation platform leveraging machine learning to develop novel therapeutic antibodies.
    • Manual: Provides innovative treatments for a range of health conditions.
    • Remofirst is an Employer of Record (EOR) and compliance platform that allows companies to hire and pay employees globally.
    • SWiiPR: Developed a digital payments platform specifically for the airline industry.

    As explained in the half-yearly report, the Octopus Ventures team is focused on improving performance from the existing portfolio and driving improved returns to shareholders. Given Titan’s scale, the greatest returns are expected to be driven by its existing, largest holdings. Over the last nine months, Titan has focused on building value in its existing portfolio, allowing capital and time to be prioritised on existing companies. No term sheets for new investments have been signed since the summer of 2024. The five follow-on investments which completed in the second half of 2024 have all increased in value in the December valuation round, on average seeing an increase of 10%. We believe that this focus will drive positive future NAV performance as these portfolio companies are more established, so have a greater potential to secure further investment, or are closer to an exit.

    Shareholder survey results
    Octopus regularly seeks feedback from Titan’s investor and adviser base either through local Business Development Managers or after webinars with the Investment Managers. Considering the ongoing review of Titan’s strategy, which is looking at a wide range of areas such as investment strategy, fundraising and dividend policies, Octopus and the Board wanted to give investors and advisers an extra opportunity to share feedback and help shape the future strategic direction of Titan. In conjunction with an external research firm, between December 2024 and January 2025, Octopus surveyed Titan’s investor and adviser base to try to better understand investors’ priorities, areas of concern and opportunities which may be of interest.

    We were pleased to see significant engagement, having received over 3,000 responses from investors and advisers. As stated in the Chair’s statement, the results emphasise that the greatest areas of dissatisfaction are around past performance and the capital growth opportunity, as highlighted below. Octopus and the Board share investors’ frustration with the recent poor performance, and have been reviewing Titan’s investment strategy with the aim to improve shareholder returns. The Board intends to communicate to investors any strategic changes once they are agreed in due course.

    To understand investors’ priorities when making their investment decision we asked the following:

    When you first chose to invest in Titan VCT, how important were the following factors?
    The results were as follows in order of importance:

    1. Tax reliefs available on your investment (income tax relief, tax free dividends and tax free capital gains)
    2. 5% annual target dividend
    3. Capital growth opportunity
    4. Past performance of fund
    5. Access to early-stage, unlisted tech enabled companies with high growth potential
    6. Ability to sell your shares back to the VCT via the share buyback facility
    7. Size of fund
    8. Fees and charges

    Octopus asked investors to rank their level of satisfaction against each of the top eight factors and the results were as follows:

      Satisfied Dissatisfied Neutral or not sure
    Tax reliefs available on your investment 88% 2% 10%
    5% annual target dividend 50% 22% 28%
    Capital growth opportunity 18% 60% 22%
    Past performance of fund 21% 52% 27%
    Access to early-stage, unlisted tech enabled companies with high growth potential 39% 10% 51%
    Ability to sell your shares back to the VCT via the share buyback facility 29% 8% 63%
    Size of fund 34% 6% 60%
    Fees and charges 22% 18% 60%

    Survey results based on responses from 1,093 direct investors and 2,195 advised investors, does not include responses from advisers.

    Valuations
    Titan’s unquoted portfolio companies are valued in accordance with UK GAAP accounting standards and the International Private Equity and Venture Capital (IPEV) valuation guidelines. This means we value the portfolio at Fair Value, which is the price we expect people would be willing to buy or sell an asset for, assuming they had all the information available that we do, are knowledgeable parties with no pre-existing relationship, and that the transaction is carried out under the normal course of business.

    The table below illustrates the split of valuation methodology (shown as a percentage of portfolio value and number of companies). ‘External price’ includes valuations based on funding rounds that typically completed by the year end or shortly after the year end, and exits of companies where terms have been issued with an acquirer. ‘External price’ also includes quoted holdings, which are held at their quoted price as at the valuation date. As at 31 December 2024, Titan only held one quoted holding. ‘Multiples’ is predominantly used for valuations that are based on a multiple of revenues for portfolio companies. Where there is uncertainty around the potential outcomes available to a company, a probability-weighted ‘scenario analysis’ is considered.

    Valuation methodology By value By number of companies
    External price 17% 25
    Multiples 53% 30
    Scenario analysis 16% 33
    Milestone analysis 14% 25
    Write-off 25

    Case studies

    MANUAL
    https://www.manual.co/
    Making high-quality care more accessible and stigma-free

    MANUAL provides innovative treatments for a range of conditions, from hair loss and low testosterone to weight management and diagnostics.

    With over 800,000 patients served across the UK and Brazil, MANUAL continues to expand its impact. The company’s weight loss brand, Voy, has helped over 70,000 people lose weight. In 2024, MANUAL acquired Menopause Care – the UK’s second largest menopause clinic – furthering its mission to support underserved areas of health.

    Following the company’s £29 million Series B raise in 2024, the company is accelerating its growth, with a 140% revenue Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) since 2019. With this investment, MANUAL is scaling its reach and pioneering new healthcare solutions, ensuring more people get the treatments they need to improve their quality of life.

    • Nearly 90% of men do not seek help unless they have a serious problem
    • Served more than 800,000 patients to date

    Legl
    https://legl.com/
    Revolutionising Legal Services with AI and Data-Driven Insights

    Legl delivers a world-class client experience for UK law firms by reducing risk, improving cash flow, and enabling them to bill and collect payments faster. With actionable client intelligence, their customers are empowered to make smarter decisions and drive business growth.

    By leveraging cutting-edge technology and data insights, Legl creates seamless onboarding experiences and superior payment processing capabilities. Beyond onboarding, they provide intelligence and audit functionality to help firms manage risk intelligently in a complex and ever-changing environment. Its embedded finance stack, which has been built specifically for law firms, makes collecting payments, reducing debt, and fostering exceptional client relationships effortless. In turn, providing a step-change for internal cash flow and treasury management.

    • Helped firms manage risk for over one million clients
    • Processed over $500 million in payments

    BondAval
    https://www.bondaval.com/
    Transforming non-payment risk protection

    Founded in 2020, B2B insurtech Bondaval protects companies when their customers buy now, but don’t pay later, and is already serving some of the largest companies in the world. While existing options are opaque, inflexible or limited, Bondaval’s range of insurance products are made more powerful via their proprietary technology platform, which translates policy obligations into clear tasks, helps aggregate and monitor risk signals, and makes limit management effortless for credit managers. With their receivables secured, businesses can grow faster with more peace of mind, achieve more predictable financial performance, and even access new lines of financing.

    • Offices in London, New York and Dallas
    • Licensed in 30+ countries

    Taster
    https://taster.com/
    Food innovators redefining quick-service dining

    Taster was founded with the goal of revolutionising the quick-service food experience globally. In 2017, the company raised €8 million, and by 2021, they secured an additional €30 million. By the end of 2023, Taster had grown to 400 online restaurants, with its franchise network expanding across France, the UK, Spain, the Netherlands, and Belgium. Taster collaborates closely with co-creators and kitchen partners, from launching new brands to creating special edition menu items. Their strategy focuses on building social media-first brands that engage audiences and cultivate communities around their digital restaurants.

    • Operating in over 90 cities across Europe

    We are disappointed to report a net decrease in the value of the portfolio of £137 million since 31 December 2023, excluding additions and disposals. This represents a decline of 17% on the value of the portfolio at the start of the year. Here, we set out the cost and valuation of the top 20 holdings, which account for 61% of the value of the portfolio and 47% of the total NAV.

      Portfolio: Investment focus: Investment cost: Total valuation including cost:
    1 Skin+Me Health £11.5m £44.9m
    2 Amplience B2B Software £13.6m £35.0m
    3 Permutive B2B Software £19.0m £31.0m
    4 Elliptic Fintech £9.9m £26.2m
    5 Vitesse Fintech £8.8m £25.8m
    6 ManyPets Fintech £10.0m £24.6m
    7 Pelago1 Health £17.9m £23.2m
    8 Legl B2B Software £7.3m £18.6m
    9 Orbex Deep tech £12.0m £17.8m
    10 Token Fintech £12.6m £16.5m
    11 Taster Consumer £8.1m £15.4m
    12 vHive Deep tech £8.0m £14.9m
    13 Ometria B2B Software £11.5m £14.0m
    14 SeatFrog Consumer £9.6m £13.5m
    15 KatKin Consumer £8.2m £13.2m
    16 Automata Health £12.3m £12.4m
    17 XYZ Consumer £15.3m £10.7m
    18 BondAval Fintech £7.1m £10.6m
    19 Iovox B2B Software £7.2m £10.4m
    20 Ibex Health £11.8m £9.5m
    1. Digital Therapeutics, Inc., formerly Quit Genius, has rebranded as Pelago.

    Top 10 investments in detail1
    1
    Skin+Me

    Skin+Me offers direct-to-consumer, personalised skincare.
    www.skinandme.com

    Initial investment date: September 2019
    Investment cost: £11.5m
      (2023: £11.5m)
    Valuation: £44.9m
      (2023: £48.5m)
    Last submitted accounts: 31 August 2023
    Turnover: £28.7m
    (2023: £14.3m)
    Profit/(loss) before tax: £1.8m
      (2023: £(3.3)m)
    Net assets: £12.8m
      (2023: £(0.7m)
    Valuation methodology: Multiple
    2023: Multiple

    2
    Amplience
    Amplience is a leading headless content management system, which powers retailers’ digital channels.
    www.amplience.com

    Initial investment date: December 2010
    Investment cost: £13.6m
      (2023: £13.6m)
    Valuation: £35.0m
      (2023: £41.8m)
    Last submitted accounts: 30 June 2024
    Turnover: £16.0m
      (2023: £14.9m)
    Loss before tax: £(5.5)m
      (2023: £(8.1)m)
    Net assets: £(22.8)m
      (2023: (£17.4m)
    Valuation methodology: Multiple
    2023: Multiple

    3
    Permutive
    Permutive’s publisher data platform gives its customers an in-the-moment view of everyone on their site.
    www.permutive.com

    Initial investment date: May 2015
    Investment cost: £19.0m
      (2023: £19.0m)
    Valuation: £31.0m
      (2023: £41.2m)
    Last submitted accounts: 31 January 2023
    Turnover: Not available2
      (2023: £9.8m)
    Loss before tax: Not available2
      (2023: £(19.3)m)
    Net assets: Not available2
      (2023: £(40.2)m)
    Valuation methodology: Multiple
      2023: Multiple

    4
    Elliptic
    Crypto compliance and forensic investigation solutions used by financial institutions, crypto businesses, law enforcement, and regulators to detect and prevent financial crime.
    www.elliptic.co

    Initial investment date: July 2014
    Investment cost: £9.9m
      (2023: £9.9m)
    Valuation: £26.2m
      (2023: £19.0m)
    Last submitted accounts: 31 March 2024
    Turnover: £13.7m
      (2023: £9.6m)
    Loss before tax: £(16.4)m
      (2023: £(27.1)m)
    Net assets: £(3.8)m
      (2023: £10.6m)
    Valuation methodology: Multiple
    2023: Multiple

    5
    Vitesse

    A settlement and liquidity management platform to hold funds and deliver international payments globally, using domestic, in-country processing.
    www.vitesse.io/

    Initial investment date: June 2020
    Investment cost: £8.8m
      (2023: £10.1m)
    Valuation: £25.8m
      (2023: £26.6m)
    Last submitted accounts: 31 March 2024
    Consolidated turnover: £24.8m
      (2023: £11.2m)
    Consolidated profit/(loss) before tax: £0.6m
      (2023: £(5.7)m)
    Net assets: £17.3m
      (2023: £16.2m)
    Valuation methodology: Multiple
    2023: Last Round

    6
    ManyPets

    An award-winning insurtech company with a specific focus on providing better pet insurance for everyone.
    www.manypets.com

    Initial investment date: October 2016
    Investment cost: £10.0m
      (2023: £10.0m)
    Valuation: £24.6m
      (2023: £47.1m)
    Last submitted accounts: 31 March 2024
    Turnover: £29.6m
      (2023: £35.9m)
    Loss before tax: £(34.1)m
      (2023: £(67.5)m)
    Net assets: £79.9m
      (2023: £110.6m)
    Valuation methodology: Multiple
    2023: Multiple

    7
    Pelago

    A digital health solution for managing substance use disorders.
    www.pelagohealth.com

    Initial investment date: January 2020
    Investment cost: £17.9m
    (2023: £17.9m)
    Valuation: £23.2m
      (2023: £38.6m)
    Last submitted accounts: Not available2
    Turnover: Not available2
    2023: Not available2:
    Loss before tax: Not available2
    2023: Not available2
    Net assets: Not available2
    2023: Not available2
    Valuation methodology: Multiple
    2023: Last round

    8
    Legl
    Cloud based legal workflow automation platform.
    www.legl.com

    Initial investment date: January 2021
    Investment cost: £7.3m
      (2023: £7.3m)
    Valuation: £18.6m
      (2023: £13.8m)
    Last submitted accounts: 31 December 2023
    Turnover: Not available2
      2023: Not available2
    Profit/(loss) before tax: $1.5m
      (2023: $(0.1)m)
    Net assets: $30.4m
      (2023: $28.8m)
    Valuation methodology: Multiple
    2023: Multiple

    9
    Orbex

    Focused on providing low-cost orbital launch services for small satellites.
    www.orbex.space

    Initial investment date: December 2020
    Investment cost: £12.0m
      (2023: £10.3m)
    Valuation: £17.8m
      (2023: £15.3m)
    Last submitted group accounts: 31 December 2023
    Turnover: Not available2
    2023: Not available2
    Consolidated loss before tax: £(17.2)m
    (2023:(8.8)m)
    Consolidated net assets: £16.3m
      (2023: £31.8m)
    Valuation methodology: Scenario Analysis
    2023: Scenario Analysis

    10
    Token

    A leading open banking solution, focused on payments.
    www.token.io

    Initial investment date: March 2017
    Investment cost: £12.6m
      (2023: £12.6m)
    Valuation: £16.5m
      (2023: £17.1m)
    Last submitted group accounts: 31 December 2023
    Turnover: Not available2
    2023: Not available2
    Loss before tax: Not available2
    2023: Not available2
    Net assets: £0.9m
      (2023: £0.7m)
    Valuation methodology: Multiple
    2023: Multiple

    1. These are numbers per latest public filings. More recent figures have not yet been disclosed.
    2. Information not publicly available.

    Outlook
    Our portfolio companies have been navigating a turbulent few years and global geo‑political and economic conditions remain uncertain. Due to the early‑stage nature of the portfolio companies, any improvement in conditions will not be felt immediately.

    The fundraising environment remains challenging for portfolio companies, with 2024 seeing both a decline in the number of investments completed at the seed and Series A stages and many rounds completing at decreased valuations. This is largely a function of a reset in venture-backed valuations which began in 2022, with many companies having no option but to accept a reduced valuation to bring in new capital to survive or scale. We have also seen in the year that the venture landscape has been reshaped by AI, which captured a 37% share in all funding in 2024 and 17% of all deals.1 However, when AI investments are excluded, global deal activity dropped to its lowest levels since 2016.

    With some of our portfolio companies struggling to secure new investors and requiring significant investment to develop, many have had to focus on cash preservation and limit their growth. As such, the valuation multiples being applied have declined in line with this. We have also seen some companies being unable to achieve the milestones Octopus set out when the initial investment was completed and so we have seen more declines in value.

    Looking to the future, the Octopus Ventures team has been focusing on driving both improved performance and distributions to Titan. In the year, we have been able to realise £29 million in cash proceeds to the Company from exits. This includes deferred amounts received in cash relating to disposals from previous periods. In addition, £12.4 million was distributed from Zenith Holding Company to the Company. The team is actively involved in its portfolio companies and during the year developed specific workstreams to support the portfolio with value-adding activities, as summarised below:

    • Capital allocation: aims to optimise financial planning by fostering stronger alignment between each company’s strategic objectives and their financial plans, reducing the risk of unexpected cash issues and value-eroding insolvencies or emergency down-rounds. Improving financial planning will ensure efficient resource allocation, minimise risks and enhance profitability, ultimately leading to sustainable growth and long-term success.
    • Return: looking to drive exits or other liquidity events as part of a clear aim of regularly recycling capital back into the Company.
    • Raise: to improve fundraising outcomes for portfolio companies, through initiatives such as supporting the creation of fundraising material, network introductions for potential investors or timeframe planning. Raising additional funding is crucial to provide the necessary capital to expand operations, invest in new technologies and seize available growth opportunities, ensuring a company’s long-term viability and competitive edge.
    • Talent and board: to drive performance in companies by supporting and influencing the build of high performing leadership teams and effective boards. This workstream is driven by Octopus Ventures in-house People and Talent team. Building talented teams drives innovation, enhances productivity and contributes to a positive work culture, all of which lead to a company’s overall success.

    Titan’s capital and resources have been prioritised on those portfolio companies which have the potential to drive the greatest returns. This portfolio focus has been leveraging the advantages Titan has of being a very large and mature VCT holding a highly diversified portfolio. Having made over 80 investments in the preceding few years, there remains the opportunity for long-term returns to the Company. The ongoing focus for the team will be optimising growth plans for the portfolio and taking advantage of exit opportunities.

    1. https://www.cbinsights.com/research/report/venture-trends-2024/

    Risks and risk management

    The Board assesses the risks faced by Titan and, as a board, reviews the mitigating controls and actions, and monitors the effectiveness of these controls and actions.

    Emerging and principal risks, and risk management

    Emerging risks

    The Board has considered emerging risks. The Board seeks to mitigate emerging risks and those noted below by setting policy, regular review of performance and monitoring progress and compliance. In the mitigation and management of these risks, the Board applies the principles detailed in the Financial Reporting Council’s Guidance on Risk Management, Internal Control and Related Financial and Business Reporting.

    The following are some of the potential emerging risks that management and the Board are currently monitoring:

    • adverse changes in global macroeconomic environment;
    • challenging market conditions for private company fundraising and exits;
    • geo-political instability; and
    • climate change.

    Principal risks

    Risk Mitigation Change
    Investment performance:    
    The focus of Titan’s investments is into unquoted, small and medium‑sized VCT qualifying companies which, by their nature, entail a higher level of risk and shorter cash runway than investments in larger quoted companies. Octopus has significant experience of investing in early-stage unquoted companies, and appropriate due diligence is undertaken on every new investment. A member of the Octopus Ventures team is appointed to the board of a portfolio company using a risk-based approach, considering the size of the company within the Titan portfolio and the engagement levels of other investors. Regular board reports are prepared by the portfolio company’s management and examined by the Manager. This arrangement, in conjunction with its Portfolio Talent team’s active involvement, allows Titan to play a prominent role when necessary in a portfolio company’s ongoing development and strategy. The overall risk in the portfolio is mitigated by maintaining a wide spread of holdings in terms of financing stage, age, industry sector and business model. The Board reviews the investment portfolio with the Portfolio Manager on a regular basis. The Portfolio Manager is incentivised via a performance incentive fee for exceeding certain performance hurdles. The Board and Octopus are reviewing the fee structure. Risk exposures continue to increase due to the difficult macro environment and challenging trading conditions for some portfolio companies continuing.
    Risk Mitigation Change
    VCT qualifying status:    
    Titan is required at all times to observe the conditions for the maintenance of approved VCT status. The loss of such approval could lead to Titan and its investors losing access to the various tax benefits associated with VCT status and investment. Octopus tracks Titan’s qualifying status regularly throughout the year, and reviews this at key points including investment realisation. This status is reported to the Board at each Board meeting. The Board has also engaged external independent advisers to undertake an independent VCT status monitoring role. Decreased exposures reflected in the previous period remain. VCT status monitoring by independent advisers continues to reduce the risk of an issue causing a loss of VCT status.
    Risk Mitigation Change
    Loss of key people:    
    The loss of key investment staff by the Portfolio Manager could lead to poor fund management and/or performance due to lack of continuity or understanding of Titan. The Portfolio Manager has a broad team, experienced in and focused on early-stage
    investing and portfolio company management. Various mitigants exist to assist in managing key person risk. These include frameworks that review succession, remuneration and career progression. Workforce planning is continuous and reviews skillsets and team structures. To reduce the exposure further, the core team is also supplemented by part-time venture partners with sector or functional specialism.
    The increased exposures reflected in the previous period remain due to the loss of the lead fund manager and other leadership positions at the Portfolio Manager. The absence of a performance fee and lack of new investments or deal-making opportunities compared to previous periods are also factors.
    Risk Mitigation Change
    Operational:    
    The Board is reliant on the Portfolio Manager to manage investments effectively, and manage the services of a number of third parties, in particular the registrar, depositary and tax advisers. A failure of the systems or controls at Octopus or third-party providers could lead to an inability to provide accurate reporting and accounting and to ensure adherence to VCT rules. The Board reviews the system of internal controls, both financial and non-financial, operated by Octopus (to the extent the latter are relevant to Titan’s internal controls). These include controls designed to make sure that Titan’s assets are safeguarded and that proper accounting records are maintained. No overall change in risk exposure on balance.
    Risk Mitigation Change
    Information security:    
    A loss of key data could result in a data breach and fines. The Board is reliant on Octopus and third parties to take appropriate measures to prevent a loss of confidential customer information. Annual due diligence is conducted on third parties which includes a review of their controls for information security. Octopus has a dedicated information security team and a third party is engaged to provide continual protection in this area. A security framework is in place to help prevent malicious events. No overall change on balance, although cyber threat remains a significant risk area faced by all service providers. The appropriateness of mitigants in place are continuously reassessed to adapt to new risk exposures, such as those posed by artificial intelligence.
    Risk Mitigation Change
    Economic:    
    Events such as an economic recession and movement in interest rates could adversely affect some smaller companies’ valuations, as they may be more vulnerable to changes in trading conditions or the sectors in which they operate. This could result in a reduction in the value of Titan’s assets. Titan invests in a diverse portfolio of companies, across a range of sectors, which helps to mitigate against the impact on any one sector. Titan also maintains adequate liquidity to make sure it can continue to provide follow‑on investment to those portfolio companies which require it and which is supported by the individual investment case. Increased exposures reflected in the previous periods remain and have heightened further as economic uncertainty persists through high inflation, high interest rates and other economic factors.
    Risk Mitigation Change
    Legislative:    
    A change to the VCT regulations could adversely impact Titan by restricting the companies Titan can invest in under its current strategy. Similarly, changes to VCT tax reliefs for investors could make VCTs less attractive and impact Titan’s ability to raise further funds. The Portfolio Manager engages with HM Treasury and industry bodies to demonstrate the positive benefits of VCTs in terms of growing early-stage companies, creating jobs and increasing tax revenue, and to help shape any change to VCT legislation. Risk exposure has continued to reduce since the previous period following the extension of the sunset clause to 2035 being agreed.
    Risk Mitigation Change
    Liquidity:    
    The risk that Titan’s available cash will not be sufficient to meet its financial obligations. Titan invests in smaller unquoted companies, which are inherently illiquid as there is no readily available market for these shares. Therefore, these may be difficult to realise for their fair market value at short notice. Titan’s liquidity risk is managed on a continuing basis by Octopus in accordance with policies and procedures agreed by the Board. Titan’s overall liquidity risks are monitored on a quarterly basis by the Board, with frequent budgeting and close monitoring of available cash resources. Titan maintains sufficient investments in cash and readily realisable securities to meet its financial obligations. At 31 December 2024, these investments were valued at £183,770,000 (2023: £199,841,000), which represents 22% (2023: 20%) of the net assets of Titan. The Board also reviews the cash runway in the portfolio. Risk exposure has continued to increase, reflecting economic uncertainty, the impact on fundraising and the risk of failing to exit portfolio companies.
    Risk Mitigation Change
    Valuation:    
    The portfolio investments are valued in accordance with International Private Equity and Venture Capital (IPEV) valuation guidelines. This means companies are valued at fair value. As the portfolio comprises smaller unquoted companies, establishing fair value can be difficult due to the lack of a readily available market for the shares of such companies and the potentially limited number of external reference points. Valuations of portfolio companies are performed by appropriately experienced staff, with detailed knowledge of both the portfolio company and the market it operates in. These valuations are then subject to review and approval by Octopus’ Valuation Committee, comprised of staff who are independent of Octopus Ventures with relevant knowledge of unquoted company valuations, as well as Titan’s Board of Directors. Risk exposure remains unchanged from the previous period due to economic uncertainty within valuation modelling.
    Risk Mitigation Change
    Foreign currency exposure:    
    Investments held and revenues generated in other currencies may not generate the expected level of returns due to changes in foreign exchange rates. Octopus and the Board regularly review the exposure to foreign currency movement to make sure the level of risk is appropriately managed. Investments are primarily made in GBP, EUR and USD so exposure is limited to a small number of currencies. On realisation of investments held in foreign currencies, cash is converted to GBP shortly after receiving the proceeds to limit the amount of time exposed to foreign currency fluctuations. Risk exposure has not changed since the previous period.

    Viability statement

    In accordance with the FRC UK Corporate Governance Code published in 2018 and provision 36 of the AIC Code of Corporate Governance, the Directors have assessed the prospects of Titan over a period of five years, consistent with the expected investment hold period of a VCT investor. Under VCT rules, subscribing investors are required to hold their investment for a five-year period in order to benefit from the associated tax reliefs. The Board regularly considers strategy, including investor demand for Titan’s shares, and a five-year period is considered to be a reasonable time horizon for this.

    The Board carried out a robust assessment of the emerging and principal risks facing Titan and its current position, including risks which may adversely impact its business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity, and focused on the major factors which affect the economic, regulatory and political environment. Particular consideration was given to Titan’s reliance on, and close working relationship with, the Portfolio Manager.

    The Board has carried out robust stress testing of cash flows which included assessing the resilience of portfolio companies, including the requirement for any future financial support and the ability to pay dividends, and buybacks.

    The Board has additionally considered the ability of Titan to comply with the ongoing conditions to make sure it maintains its VCT qualifying status under its current Investment policy.

    Based on this assessment the Board confirms that it has a reasonable expectation that Titan will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the five-year period to 31 December 2029. The Board is mindful of the ongoing risks and will continue to make sure that appropriate safeguards are in place, in addition to monitoring the cash flow forecasts to ensure Titan has sufficient liquidity.

    Directors’ responsibilities statement

    The Directors are responsible for preparing the Strategic Report, the Directors’ Report, the Directors’ Remuneration Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. They are also responsible for ensuring that the annual report and financial statements include information required by the Listing Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority.

    Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the Directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (GAAP), including Financial Reporting Standard 102 – ‘The Financial Reporting Standard Applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland’ (FRS 102), (United Kingdom accounting standards and applicable law). Under company law the Directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs and profit or loss of the Company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Directors are required to:

    • select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
    • make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
    • state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
    • prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will continue in business; and
    • prepare a Strategic Report, Directors’ Report and Directors’ Remuneration Report which comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

    The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

    Insofar as each of the Directors is aware:

    • there is no relevant audit information of which the Company’s auditor is unaware; and
    • the Directors have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditor is aware of that information.

    The Directors are responsible for preparing the annual report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. Having taken advice from the Audit Committee, the Directors are of the opinion that this report as a whole provides the necessary information to assess the Company’s performance, business model and strategy and is fair, balanced and understandable.

    The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the Company’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

    The Directors confirm that, to the best of their knowledge:

    • the financial statements, prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice, including FRS 102, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Company; and
    • the annual report and financial statements (including the Strategic Report), give a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the Company, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that it faces.

    On behalf of the Board

    Tom Leader
    Chair

    Income statement

        Year to 31 December 2024 Year to 31 December 2023
        Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total
        £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
    Gain/(loss)/gain on disposal of fixed asset investments   5,184 5,184 (1,870) (1,870)
    Gain on disposal of current asset investments   563 563 355 355
    Loss on valuation of fixed asset investments   (136,894) (136,894) (131,655) (131,655)
    Gain on valuation of current asset investments   4,439 4,439 8,098 8,098
    Investment income   4,215 4,215 4,467 4,467
    Investment management fee   (954) (18,125) (19,079) (1,054) (20,028) (21,082)
    Other expenses   (6,072) (6,072) (6,264) (6,264)
    Foreign exchange translation   (5) (5) (1,548) (1,548)
    Loss before tax   (2,811) (144,838) (147,649) (2,851) (146,648) (149,499)
    Tax  
    Loss after tax   (2,811) (144,838) (147,649) (2,851) (146,648) (149,499)
    Loss per share – basic and diluted   (0.2)p (8.8)p (9.0)p (0.2)p (9.7)p (9.9)p
    • The ‘Total’ column of this statement is the profit and loss account of Titan. The supplementary revenue return and capital return columns have been prepared under guidance published by the Association of Investment Companies.
    • All revenue and capital items in the above statement derive from continuing operations.
    • Titan has only one class of business and derives its income from investments made in shares and securities, and from bank and money market funds.

    Titan has no other comprehensive income for the period.

    The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements.

    Balance sheet

        As at 31 December 2024 As at 31 December 2023  
        £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000  
    Fixed asset investments     640,797   791,403  
    Current assets:            
    Money market funds   93,523   91,172    
    Corporate bonds   90,247   108,669    
    Applications cash1   22   17,842    
    Cash at bank   213   2,970    
    Debtors   8,412   1,218    
          192,417   221,871  
    Creditors: amounts falling due within one year   (1,856)   (19,530)    
    Net current assets     190,561   202,341  
                 
    Net assets     831,358   993,744  
                 
    Share capital     1,647   1,594  
    Share premium       45,780  
    Capital redemption reserve     141   74  
    Special distributable reserve     1,056,537   1,025,614  
    Capital reserve realised     (125,444)   (89,570)  
    Capital reserve unrealised     (57,285)   51,674  
    Revenue reserve     (44,238)   (41,422)  
                 
    Total equity shareholders’ funds     831,358   993,744  
                 
    NAV per share     50.5p   62.4p  
    1. Funds raised from investors since Titan opened for new investment which have not been allotted as at year end.

    The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements.

    The statements were approved by the Directors and authorised for issue on 28 April 2025 and are signed on their behalf by:

    Tom Leader, Chair
    Company Number 06397765

    Statement of changes in equity

          Capital Special Capital Capital    
      Share Share redemption distributable reserve reserve Revenue  
      capital premium reserve reserve1 realised1 unrealised reserve1 Total
      £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
    As at 1 January 2024 1,594 45,780 74 1,025,614 (89,570) 51,674 (41,422) 993,744
    Comprehensive income for the year:                
    Management fees allocated as capital expenditure (18,125) (18,125)
    Current year gain on disposal of fixed asset investments 5,184 5,184
    Current year gain on disposal of current asset investments 563 563
    Loss on fair value of fixed asset investments (136,894) (136,894)
    Gain on fair value of current asset investments 4,439 4,439
    Loss after tax (2,811) (2,811)
    Foreign exchange translation (5) (5)
    Total comprehensive income for the year (12,378) (132,455) (2,816) (147,649)
    Contributions by and distributions to owners:                
    Share issue (includes DRIS) 120 76,664 76,784
    Share issue costs (1,893) (1,893)
    Repurchase of own shares (67) 67 (37,986) (37,986)
    Dividends paid (includes DRIS) (51,642) (51,642)
    Total contributions by and distributions to owners 53 74,771 67 (89,628) (14,737)
    Other movements:                
    Share premium cancellation (120,551) 120,551
    Prior year fixed asset gains now realised 7,473 (7,473)
    Prior year current asset losses now realised (74) 74
    Transfer between reserves (30,895) 30,895
    Total other movements (120,551) 120,551 (23,496) 23,496
    Balance as at 31 December 2024 1,647 141 1,056,537 (125,444) (57,285) (44,238) 831,358
    1. Reserves are available for distribution, subject to the restrictions.

    The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements.

          Capital Special Capital Capital    
      Share Share redemption distributable reserve reserve Revenue  
      capital premium reserve reserve1 realised1 unrealised reserve1 Total
      £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
    As at 1 January 2023 1,368 92,896 27 887,288 (53,430) 160,634 (37,023) 1,051,760
    Comprehensive income for the year:                
    Management fees allocated as capital expenditure (20,028) (20,028)
    Current year loss on disposal of fixed asset investments (1,870) (1,870)
    Current year gain on disposal of current asset investments 355 355
    Loss on fair value of fixed asset investments (131,655) (131,655)
    Gain on fair value of current asset investments 8,098 8,098
    Loss after tax (2,851) (2,851)
    Foreign exchange translation (1,548) (1,548)
    Total comprehensive income for the year (21,543) (123,557) (4,399) (149,499)
    Contributions by and distributions to owners:                
    Share issue (includes DRIS) 273 207,132 207,405
    Share issue costs (5,737) (5,737)
    Repurchase of own shares (47) 47 (32,422) (32,422)
    Dividends paid (includes DRIS) (77,763) (77,763)
    Total contributions by and distributions to owners 226 201,395 47 (110,185) 91,483
    Other movements:                
    Share premium cancellation (248,511) 248,511
    Prior year current asset losses now realised (355) 355
    Transfer between reserves (14,242) 14,242
    Total other movements (248,511) 248,511 (14,597) 14,597
    Balance as at 31 December 2023 1,594 45,780 74 1,025,614 (89,570) 51,674 (41,422) 993,744
    1. Reserves are available for distribution, subject to the restrictions.

    The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements.

    Cash flow statement

        Year to 31 December Year to 31 December
        2024 2023
        £’000 £’000
    Reconciliation of profit to cash flows from operating activities      
    Loss before tax1   (147,649) (149,499)
    Decrease in debtors2   279 3,671
    Decrease/(increase) in creditors   146 (440)
    Gain on disposal of current asset investments   (563) (355)
    Gain on valuation of current asset investments   (4,439) (8,098)
    Gain on disposal of fixed asset investments   (5,184) (1,111)
    Loss on valuation of fixed asset investments   136,894 131,655
    Outflow from operating activities   (20,516) (24,177)
    Cash flows from investing activities      
    Sale of current asset investments   23,424 4,028
    Purchase of fixed asset investments   (30,011) (97,650)
    Proceeds from sale of fixed asset investments3   41,432 45,637
    Inflow/(outflow) from investing activities   34,845 (47,985)
    Cash flows from financing activities      
    Movement in applications account   (17,820) (5,457)
    Dividends paid (net of DRIS)   (43,881) (58,210)
    Purchase of own shares   (37,986) (32,422)
    Share issues (net of DRIS)   69,025 187,852
    Share issue costs   (1,893) (5,737)
    (Outflow)/inflow from financing activities   (32,555) 86,026
    Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   (18,226) 13,864
    Opening cash and cash equivalents   111,984 98,120
    Closing cash and cash equivalents   93,758 111,984
    Cash and cash equivalents comprise      
    Cash at bank   213 2,970
    Applications cash   22 17,842
    Money market funds   93,523 91,172
    Closing cash and cash equivalents   93,758 111,984
    1. Loss before tax includes cashflows from dividends of £4.2 million (2023: £4.2 million).
    2. Movement in debtors, net of disposal proceeds received in the year £41.4 million, with £40.9 million relating to current year disposals and £0.5 million relating to prior year disposals.
    3. Of these proceeds, £12.4 million was distributed from Zenith Holding Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Titan, to Titan during the year.

    The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements.

    Notes to the financial statements

    1. Principal accounting policies

    Titan is a Public Limited Company (plc) incorporated in England and Wales and its registered office is at 6th Floor, 33 Holborn, London EC1N 2HT.

    Titan has been approved as a Venture Capital Trust by HMRC under Section 259 of the Income Taxes Act 2007. The shares of Titan were first admitted to the Official List of the UK Listing Authority and trading on the London Stock Exchange on 28 December 2007 and can be found under the TIDM code OTV2. Titan is premium listed.

    The principal activity of Titan is to invest in a diversified portfolio of UK smaller companies in order to generate capital growth over the long term as well as an attractive tax-free dividend stream.

    The financial statements are presented in GBP (£) to the nearest £’000. The functional currency is also GBP (£). Some accounting policies have been disclosed in the respective notes to the financial statements.

    Basis of preparation

    The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention, except for the measurement at fair value of certain financial instruments, and in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (GAAP), including Financial Reporting Standard 102 – ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland’ (FRS 102), and with the Companies Act 2006 and the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) ‘Financial Statements of Investment Trust Companies and Venture Capital Trusts (July 2022)’.

    2. Investment income
    Accounting policy
    Investment income includes interest earned on money market funds. Dividend income is shown net of any related tax credit.

    Dividends receivable are brought into account when Titan’s right to receive payment is established and there is no reasonable doubt that payment will be received. Fixed returns on debt and money market funds are recognised so as to reflect the effective interest rate, provided there is no reasonable doubt that payment will be received in due course.

    Disclosure

      Year to Year to
      31 December 31 December
      2024 2023
      £’000 £’000
    Money market funds 4,215 4,154
    Loan note interest receivable 313
    Total investment income 4,215 4,467

    In the current year, accrued loan note interest income is treated to be included in the fair value of investments. The opening balance of accrued loan interest has been reclassified to be included in the fair value of investments. This reclassification amends the balance previously reported as of 31 December 2023.

    3. Investment management fees
    Accounting policy

    For the purposes of the revenue and capital columns in the Income Statement, the management fee has been allocated 5% to revenue and 95% to capital, in line with the Board’s expected long-term return in the form of income and capital gains respectively from Titan’s investment portfolio.

    Disclosure

      Year to 31 December 2024 Year to 31 December 2023
      Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total
      £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
    Investment            
    management fee 954 18,125 19,079 1,054 20,028 21,082

    The Portfolio Manager provides investment management services through agreements with Octopus AIF Management Limited and Titan. It also provides non-investment services to Titan under a non-investment services agreement. No compensation is payable if the agreement is terminated by either party, if the required notice period is given. The fee payable, should insufficient notice be given, will be equal to the fee that would have been paid should continuous service be provided, or the required notice period was given. The basis upon which the management fee is calculated is disclosed within the Annual Report and financial statements.

    4. Other expenses
    Accounting policy

    Other expenses are accounted for on an accruals basis and are charged wholly to revenue.

    The transaction costs incurred when purchasing or selling assets are written off to the Income Statement in the period that they occur.

      Year to Year to
      31 December 31 December
      2024 2023
      £’000 £’000
    Ongoing adviser and non-advised charges 2,111 2,370
    Non-investment services fee1 2,078 2,020
    Other fees 780 480
    Directors’ remuneration2 263 192
    Audit fees 204 191
    Registrar’s fees 196 200
    Depositary fees 187 270
    Listing fees 136 401
    Directors and Officers (D&O) insurance 117 123
    Impairment of accrued loan note interest receivable 17
    Total 6,072 6,264
    1. For further information please see note 9.
    2. Includes employers’ NI.

    Total ongoing charges are capped at 2.5% of net assets. For the year to 31 December 2024, the ongoing charges were 2.5% of net assets (2023: 2.4%). This is calculated by summing the expenses incurred in the period (excluding ongoing IFA charges and non‑recurring expenses) divided by the average NAV throughout the period.

    5. Tax on ordinary activities
    Accounting policy

    Corporation tax payable is applied to profits chargeable to corporation tax, if any, at the current rate. The tax effect of different items of income/gain and expenditure/loss is allocated between capital and revenue return on the ‘marginal’ basis as recommended in the SORP.

    Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all timing differences at the reporting date. Timing differences are differences between taxable profits and total income as stated in the financial statements that arise from the inclusion of income and expenses in tax assessments in periods different from those in which they are recognised in financial statements.

    Disclosure
    The corporation tax charge for the period was £nil (2023: £nil).

      Year to Year to
      31 December 31 December
      2024 2023
      £’000 £’000
    Loss on ordinary activities before tax (147,649) (149,499)
    Current tax at 25% (2023: 23.5%) (36,912) (35,163)
    Effects of:    
    Non‑taxable income (1,054) (977)
    Non‑taxable capital loss 31,677 29,418
    Non‑deductible expenses 55 71
    Zenith distribution1 3,100
    Excess management expenses on which deferred tax not recognised 3,134 7,070
    Tax rate differences2 (419)
    Total current tax charge

    1. £12.4 million was distributed from Zenith Holding Company to Titan in the year which is taxable income for Titan.
    2. Tax rate difference in the year to 31 December 2023 due to tax charge for the year being calculated at 19% and excess management expenses on which deferred tax is not recognised being calculated at 25%.

    Unrelieved tax losses of £227,486,000 (2023: £214,949,000) are estimated to be carried forward at 31 December 2024 (subject to completion of Titan’s tax return) and are available for offset against future taxable income, subject to agreement with HMRC. Titan has not recognised the deferred tax asset of £56,871,000 (2023: £53,737,000) in respect of these tax losses because there is insufficient forecast taxable income in excess of deductible expenses to utilise these losses carried forward. There is no expiry period on these deductible expenses under the UK HMRC legislation.

    Approved VCTs are exempt from tax on capital gains. As the Directors intend for Titan to continue to maintain its approval as a VCT through its affairs, no current deferred tax has been recognised in respect of any capital gains or losses arising on the revaluation or disposal of investment.

    6. Dividends
    Accounting policy

    Dividends payable are recognised as distributions in the financial statements when Titan’s liability to make the payment has been established. This liability is established on the record date, the date on which those shareholders on the share register are entitled to the dividend.

    Disclosure

      Year to Year to
      31 December 31 December
      2024 2023
      £’000 £’000
    Dividends paid in the year    
    Previous year’s second interim dividend – 1.9p (2023: 3.0p) 31,876 46,127
    Current year’s interim dividend – 1.2p (2023: 2.0p) 19,767 31,636
    Total 51,643 77,763
         
    Dividends in respect of the year    
    Interim dividend – 1.2p (2023: 2.0p) 19,767 31,636
    Second interim dividend – 0.5p (2023: 1.9p) 8,236 31,876
    Total 28,003 63,512

    The figures above include dividends elected to be reinvested through the DRIS.

    The second interim dividend of 0.5p for the period ending 31 December 2024 will be paid on 29 May 2025 to shareholders on the register on 25 April 2025, this equates to 1% of the Company’s opening NAV per share.

    7. Earnings per share

      Year to 31 December 2024 Year to 31 December 2023
      Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total
    Loss attributable to Ordinary shareholders (£’000) (2,811) (144,838) (147,649) (2,851) (146,648) (149,499)
    Loss per Ordinary share (p) (0.2)p (8.8)p (9.0)p (0.2)p (9.7)p (9.9)p

    The total loss per share is based on 1,644,900,726 (2023: 1,506,111,802) Ordinary shares, being the weighted average number of Ordinary shares in issue during the year.

    There are no potentially dilutive capital instruments in issue and so no diluted return per share figures are relevant. The basic and diluted earnings per share are therefore identical.

    8. Net asset value per share

      31 December 31 December
      2024 2023
    Net assets (£) 831,358,000 993,744,000
    Ordinary shares in issue 1,647,212,355 1,593,601,092
    NAV per share (p) 50.5 62.4

    9. Transactions with the Manager and Portfolio Manager

    Since 1 September 2017, Titan has been classified as a full-scope Alternative Investment Fund under the Alternative Investment Fund Management Directive (the ‘AIFM Directive’). As a result, since 1 September 2017, Titan’s investment management agreement was assigned by way of the deed of novation from Octopus Investments Limited to Octopus AIF Management Limited to act as Manager (an authorised alternative investment fund manager responsible for ensuring compliance with the AIFM Directive). Octopus AIF Management Limited has in turn appointed Octopus Investments Limited to act as Portfolio Manager to Titan (responsible for portfolio management and the day-to-day running of Titan).

    Titan paid Octopus AIF Management Limited £19,079,000 (2023: £21,082,000) in the period as a management fee. The annual management charge (AMC) is based on 2% of Titan’s NAV in respect of existing funds but in respect of funds raised by Titan under the 2018 Offer and thereafter (and subject to Titan having a cash reserve of 10% of its NAV), the AMC on uninvested cash is the lower of either (i) the actual return that Titan receives on its cash and funds that are the equivalent of cash (which currently consist of corporate bonds and money market funds) subject to a 0% floor and (ii) 2% of Titan’s NAV. The AMC is payable quarterly in advance and calculated using the latest published NAV of Titan and the number of shares in issue at each quarter end.

    Octopus provides non-investment services to the Company and receives a fee for these services which is capped at the lower of (i) 0.3% per annum of the Company’s NAV or (ii) the administration and accounting costs of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2020 with inflation increases in line with the Consumer Price Index. During the period, the Company paid £2,078,000 (2023: £2,020,000) to Octopus for the non‑investment services.

    In addition, Octopus is entitled to performance-related incentive fees. The incentive fees were designed to ensure that there were significant tax-free dividend payments made to shareholders as well as strong performance in terms of capital and income growth, before any performance-related fee payment was made.

    Due to performance in the year, the total value has decreased to 155.6p, representing a total loss of 8.8p. Therefore, the high water mark for the 2025 financial year remains at 197.7p.

    If, on a subsequent financial year end, the performance value of Titan falls short of the high water mark on the previous financial year end, no performance fee will arise. If, on a subsequent financial year end, the performance exceeds the previous best high water mark of Titan, the Manager will be entitled to 20% of such excess in aggregate.

    Octopus received £39,000 in the period to 31 December 2024 (2023: £36,000) in regard to arrangement and monitoring fees in relation to investments made on behalf of Titan. Since 31 October 2018, Octopus no longer receives such fees in respect of new investments or any such new fees in respect of further investments into portfolio companies in which Titan invested on or before 31 October 2018, with any such fees received after that time being passed to Titan.

    The cap relating to Titan’s total ongoing charges ratio, that is the regular, recurring costs of Titan expressed as a percentage of its NAV, above which Octopus has agreed to pay, is 2.5%, and is calculated in accordance with the AIC Guidelines.

    Octopus AIF Management Limited remuneration disclosures (unaudited)
    Quantitative remuneration disclosures required to be made in this annual report in accordance with the FCA Handbook FUND 3.3.5 are available on the website: https://www.octopusinvestments.com/remuneration-disclosures/.

    10. Related party transactions

    Titan owns Zenith Holding Company Limited, which owns a share in Zenith LP, a fund managed by Octopus.

    In the year, Octopus Investments Nominees Limited (OINL) has purchased Titan shares from shareholders to correct administrative issues, on the understanding that shares will be sold back to Titan in subsequent share buybacks. As at 31 December 2024, no Titan shares were held by OINL (2023: no shares) as beneficial owner. Throughout the period to 31 December 2024, OINL purchased 65,000 shares (2023: 1,883,000 shares) at a cost of £36,000 (2023: £1,563,000) and sold 65,000 shares (2023: 1,883,000 shares) for proceeds of £34,000 (2023: £1,353,000). This is classed as a related party transaction as Octopus, the Portfolio Manager, and OINL are part of the same group of companies. Any such future transactions, where OINL takes over the legal and beneficial ownership of Company shares, will be announced to the market and disclosed in annual and half‑yearly reports.

    Several members of the Octopus investment team hold non-executive directorships as part of their monitoring roles in Titan’s portfolio companies, but they have no controlling interests in those companies.

    Details of the Directors and their remuneration can be found in the Directors’ Remuneration Report.

    The Directors received the following dividends from Titan:

      Year to Year to
      31 December 31 December
      2024 2023
      £ £
    Jane O’Riordan 4,766 6,901
    Tom Leader 1,464 1,889
    Lord Rockley 2,406 2,776
    Julie Nahid Rahman 138 89
    Gaenor Bagley
    Rupert Dickinson
    738
    901

    11. 2024 financial information

    The figures and financial information for the year ended 31 December 2024 are extracted from the Company’s annual financial statements for the period and do not constitute statutory accounts. The Company’s annual financial statements for the year to 31 December 2024 have been audited but have not yet been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The Auditors’ report on the 2024 annual financial statements was unqualified, did not include a reference to any matter to which the auditors drew attention without qualifying the report, and did not contain any statements under Sections 498(2) or 498(3) of the Companies Act 2006.

    12. 2023 financial information

    The figures and financial information for the period ended 31 December 2023 are compiled from an extract of the published financial statements for the period and do not constitute statutory accounts. Those financial statements have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies and included the Auditors’ report which was unqualified, did not include a reference to any matter to which the auditors drew attention without qualifying the report, and did not contain any statements under Sections 498(2) or 498(3) of the Companies Act 2006.

    13. Annual Report and financial statements

    The Annual Report and financial statements will be posted to shareholders in early May and will be available on the Company’s website, octopustitanvct.com. The Notice of Annual General Meeting is contained within the Annual Report.

    14. General information

    Registered in England & Wales. Company No. 06397765
    LEI: 213800A67IKGG6PVYW75

    15. Directors

    Tom Leader (Chair), Jane O’Riordan, Lord Rockley, Gaenor Bagley, Julie Nahid Rahman and Rupert Dickinson.

    16. Secretary and registered office   

    Octopus Company Secretarial Services Limited
    6th Floor, 33 Holborn, London EC1N 2HT

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Forbion leads €18M Series A Financing in Textile Recycling Technology company EEDEN

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NAARDEN, The Netherlands, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Forbion, a leading venture capital firm with deep biotech expertise in Europe announces it has led the €18 million Series A financing round through its BioEconomy fund of German tech startup EEDEN GmbH, a company which has developed a groundbreaking textile recycling technology. Also joining as new investors are Henkel Ventures, and NRW.Venture, the Venture Fund of NRW.BANK, North Rhine-Westphalia´s development bank. All existing investors reinvested in the round, including the venture capital investors TechVision Fund (TVF), High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF) and D11Z.Ventures. The funding will enable EEDEN to build its demonstration plant in Münster, optimize large-scale processing, and establish commercial projects with key players in the textile industry.

    Ongoing challenges including rising costs, scarcity of resources, material volatility, and growing regulatory hurdles continue to strain the textile industry. To remain competitive, brands and manufacturers are increasingly looking for textile materials that combine high performance, scalability, and circularity at price parity. EEDEN addresses this need with its breakthrough in chemical recycling technology that recovers pure cellulose and PET building blocks (monomers) from cotton-polyester blends. Their products can be used to produce virgin-quality lyocell, viscose, and polyester fibers thereby offering a resource-efficient alternative to conventional fibers and unlocking new circular value chains.

    Alex Hoffmann, General Partner at Forbion noted, “EEDEN has developed a pioneering solution that can make large-scale textile recycling not only technologically feasible, but also commercially viable in the near future. We see tremendous potential in their approach and are excited to support the team as they bring this breakthrough technology to industrial scale.”

    Steffen Gerlach, CEO & Co-Founder of EEDEN explained, “Over the past few years, we have developed a proven solution that has the potential to meet the industry’s long-term need for cost-efficient and high-performing circular materials. We are proud that our new and existing investors believe in our approach and share our vision. With their support, we are ready to scale our technology and turn textile waste into materials the industry truly needs.”

    With increasing textile waste comes increased regulation. As of January 2025, EU member states are required to implement separate collection systems for used textiles. EEDEN’s technology provides a pragmatic solution that is capable of processing complex blended materials.

    The new EEDEN demonstration facility in Münster, Germany follows the successful technology validation of its pilot plant with industrial partners. This €18 million Series A financing will enable the company to optimize large-scale processing and establish commercial projects with key players in the textile industry.

    About EEDEN
    EEDEN is a tech company based in Münster, Germany, pioneering the chemical recycling of cotton-polyester textiles. Founded in 2019, EEDEN has developed a breakthrough technology that efficiently separates and recovers cellulose and PET monomers, which fiber producers transform into virgin-quality lyocell, viscose, and polyester fibers – enabling the transition toward a fully circular textile industry. Find out more at eeden.world

    About Forbion BioEconomy Fund I
    BioEconomy Fund I’s focus on using biotechnology and green chemistry to deliver sustainable B2B solutions in Food, Agriculture, Materials, and Environmental Technologies is best exemplified by its initial investments in Solasta Bio and Novameat. These portfolio companies illustrate Forbion’s commitment to scalable, biotech-enabled innovation. Solasta Bio develops sustainable insect control solutions as alternatives to chemical insecticides, while Novameat advances plant-based meat production with proprietary technology designed for scalability and high-quality texture. By building on Forbion’s expertise in biotechnology, the fund aligns its investments with UN Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 9 (industry, innovation, and infrastructure), SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production), and SDG 13 (climate action). Forbion BioEconomy Fund I aims to deliver strong financial returns while driving impactful solutions to pressing planetary challenges. Forbion BioEconomy Fund I surpasses €150 million target, raising €164.5 million with strong institutional LP support.

    About Forbion
    Forbion is a leading global venture capital firm with deep expertise in Europe and offices in Naarden, The Netherlands, Munich, Germany and Boston, USA. Forbion invests in innovative biotech companies, managing approximately €5 billion across multiple fund strategies that cover all stages of (bio-) pharmaceutical drug development. In addition, Forbion leverages its biotech expertise beyond human health to address ‘planetary health’ challenges through its BioEconomy fund strategy, which invests in companies developing sustainable solutions in food, agriculture, materials, and environmental technologies. Forbion’s team consists of over 30 investment professionals that have built an impressive performance track record since the late nineties with 128 investments across 11 funds. Forbion’s record of sourcing, building and guiding life sciences companies has resulted in many approved breakthrough therapies and valuable exits. Forbion typically selects impactful investments that will positively affect the health and well-being of people and the planet, as well as meet its financial return objectives. The firm is a signatory to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment. Forbion operates a joint venture with BGV, the manager of seed and early-stage funds, especially focused on Benelux and Germany.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Victory of the State University of Management: Our Students Conquered the All-Russian Festival of Social Projects

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    Projects by students of the Institute of Marketing of the State University of Management became winners and prize-winners of the annual All-Russian student festival of social projects “Media Class”.

    The festival has been uniting creative youth of Russia for over 20 years. The theme of this year’s festival was thinking in code.

    The projects of our university students revealed aspects of the implementation of new technologies, the possibilities of artificial intelligence, and ways of solving social problems using neural networks.

    GUU teams that became winners of the “Media Class” festival

    Nomination “Audio”

    1st place – project “Get offline”. Authors: Natalia Kruglova, Nina Smirnova (students of the “RISSO in business 3-3” group). Leader – Alexandra Timokhovich.

    1st place – project “Take a break and come back to life”. Authors: Anisimova Ioanna, Petrosyan Diana (students of the group “PNB 3-1”). Leader – Alexandra Timokhovich.

    “Our audio clip is dedicated to the problem of digital burnout, excessive involvement of children and young people in the digital space and social networks. We set ourselves the task of not only identifying the problematic situation, but also offering optimal solutions. We used the dialogization technique to make the impact of the text on the target audience more focused!”, shared student Ioanna Anisimova.

    2nd place – project “The Terrible Truth”. Authors: Daria Yezhova, Elizaveta Fedoseeva (students of the “RISSO in Business 3-1” group). Leader – Alexandra Timokhovich.

    2nd place – project “Quarter-life crisis”. Author: Tatyana Letunova (student of the “RISSO in business 3-1” group). Supervisor – Alexandra Timokhovich.

    “Many people think that youth is a time of entertainment, carelessness, frivolity. But this is not so. Many young people experience stress from social pressure, anxiety due to uncertainty, lack of confidence due to the need to choose their future profession. In the audio clip, I urge young people to reduce their anxiety level, stop to think about the present and the future,” admitted Tatyana Letunova.

    3rd place – project “Save the Silence of the Forest”. Authors: Ksenia Ignatyeva, Anna Vaslyaeva (students of the “RISSO in Business 3-1” group). Leader – Alexandra Timokhovich.

    3rd place – project “Say no to energy drinks”. Authors: Ulyana Sorokina, Sofia Alekseeva (students of the “RISSO in business 3-3” group). Leader – Alexandra Timokhovich.

    Nomination “Text”

    1st place – project “Artificial Intelligence”. Author: Maria Markosyan (student of the “PNB 1-1” group). Supervisor – Alexandra Timokhovich.

    “In my essay, I discussed how artificial intelligence can help solve social and environmental problems. I looked at different problem situations that people face and outlined the capabilities that artificial intelligence has for solving various problems, the main thing is to learn how to use it correctly,” said Maria Markosyan.

    Nomination “Complex social project”

    1st place – project “Never abandon your pets”. Authors: Anna Badayeva, Ksenia Stavtseva (students of the “RISSO in business 3-1” group). Leader – Alexandra Timokhovich.

    2nd place – projects “Digital pensioners”, “Leaving online?”, “Modern farm”. Author: Marina Zotkina (master’s student of the “Producing advertising communications 1-1” group). Supervisors – Elena Dianina, Alexandra Timokhovich.

    “I am very happy that the social projects that we develop and implement during our studies are recognized and supported. When choosing the bachelor’s and master’s degree programs related to advertising and PR communications, I set myself the goal of contributing to the development of society. Thanks to my project managers, Elena Dianina and Alexandra Timokhovich, I can move forward and implement new ideas,” said Marina Zotkina.

    3rd place – project “Loneliness among youth”. Authors: Adamova Nelli, Yarmukhamedova Kamiliya (students of the group “RISSO in business 3-1”). Leader – Alexandra Timokhovich.

    We congratulate the winners and leaders of student projects, wishing them creative inspiration and further success!

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 04/29/2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police officer unjustified in driving into and punching a man in Whitianga

    Source: Independent Police Conduct Authority

    8 April 2025

    The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found that a Police officer was unjustified in ramming a man with his patrol car and punching him seven times, after the man used a skateboard to smash the patrol car’s windscreen and window. Both the officer and the man were injured.

    The incident occurred on 9 March 2023, when two officers went to an apartment complex in Whitianga to arrest the man for aggravated robbery. One officer drove to the scene while the second approached on foot from another direction. As the first officer drove into the carpark, the man walked towards him, yelling and raising his skateboard before striking the windscreen and the driver’s window.

    The officer was covered in shattered glass which got into his eyes. He said he feared for his life. Although he initially started driving away, he decided to turn back. He says he did this out of concern that the man would attack the second officer. Upon seeing the man again walking towards him holding the skateboard, the officer rammed him with the patrol car. The man became airborne before landing between the car and a fence. The officer then got out of his car and punched the man seven times in the head area before the second officer arrived and handcuffed the man. The incident was captured on CCTV.

    Police charged the man with intentional damage and intentionally injuring the officer. On 12 June 2023, the man was convicted on both charges.

    Police also charged the officer with common assault and assault with intent to injure. The case was tried before a judge and jury on 16 May 2024, and the officer was acquitted.

    While the Authority accepts that the officer acted in defence of himself and the second officer when ramming the man with his car, we found that the officer’s response was a disproportionate and unjustified use of force, considering that the slightest miscalculation or loss of control could have resulted in a fatality.

    In respect of the punches, the Authority did not accept that the officer genuinely believed the man still posed a threat. This use of force was, therefore, also unjustified.

    Public Report 

    Use of Police vehicle as a weapon and punching in Whitianga unjustified (PDF 408 KB)

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Rosanna Law meets UAE sports chief

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law yesterday met Emirati officials and attended Arabian Travel Market 2025, a trade show, as she began a visit to Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.

    In the morning, Miss Law met the UAE’s Minister of Sports HE Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi. The two discussed the development of Hong Kong and the UAE as global hubs for major international sporting events, professionalising the sports industry in both places, leveraging sports as a key economic driver, and fostering unity in society through sports participation.

    Miss Law spoke of Hong Kong’s commitment to nurturing elite sports talent by providing comprehensive support and professional training. She also highlighted the city’s vibrant horse racing culture. HE Al Falasi outlined the policies being implemented to develop sports in the UAE.

    Miss Law also extended an invitation to the minister to visit Hong Kong to explore further opportunities for sports co-operation.

    After the meeting, Miss Law paid a courtesy call on Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Dubai Ou Boqian. She reported on the Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau’s recent work and outlined plans to foster collaboration between Hong Kong and the Middle East.

    In the afternoon, Miss Law attended Arabian Travel Market 2025, a leading international event for the Middle East’s hospitality industry.

    At the expo, she witnessed the signing of two memoranda of understanding at the Hong Kong Pavilion between the Hong Kong Tourism Board and two major travel agents in the Middle East, aimed at establishing a framework for future co-operation.

    Additionally, she met senior management from two airlines, Qatar Airways and Emirates, to discuss strengthening partnerships to promote Hong Kong as a premier travel destination for Middle East markets.

    In the evening, a dinner reception was co-hosted by the bureau, the Hong Kong Tourism Board and the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in Dubai, with around 70 guests attending.

    In her opening remarks, Miss Law described Hong Kong’s multifaceted tourism offerings, which she said can cater to visitors of all ages and interests. She also pointed to the new Kai Tak Sports Park as an exciting development that will host world-class sports and entertainment events.

    In addition, Miss Law underscored Hong Kong’s commitment to becoming a Muslim-friendly destination, and reiterated the city’s eagerness to deepen ties with the Middle East, not only by welcoming visitors from the region but also by encouraging more Hong Kong people to explore the Middle East for both leisure and business purposes.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI: Amundi: Results for the First quarter of 2025 – Record inflows at +€31bn

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Amundi: Results for the First quarter of 2025 

    Record inflows at +€31bn

    Record
    inflows
      Assets under management1at an all-time high of €2.25tn at end of March 2025, +6% year-on-year

    Highest quarterly net inflows since 2021, at +€31bn in Q1

    • +€37bn in medium- to long-term assets excluding JVs, new quarterly record
    • Positive inflows in active management (+€6bn)
    • Strong ETF net inflows and gain of a big ESG equity index mandate with The People’s Pension (UK): +€21bn
         
    Strong growth in profit before tax   Profit before tax2of €458m, up +11% Q1/Q1, driven by:

    • revenue growth (+11%)
    • positive jaws effect
    • improved cost-income ratio to 52.4%2

    Adjusted net income2,3 close to €350m excluding impact of exceptional tax surcharge4 in France (-€46m)

         
    Confirmed strategic pillars
    success
      Strong inflows in growth areas:

    • Third-party distribution +€8bn
    • Asia +€8bn
    • ETF +€10bn

    Amundi Technology: strong organic growth, integration of aixigo and revenues up +46% Q1/Q1

    Paris, 29 April 2025

    Amundi’s Board of Directors met on 28 April 2025 chaired by Philippe Brassac, and approved the financial statements for the first quarter of 2025.

    Valérie Baudson, Chief Executive Officer, said: “After a record year in 2024, Amundi continued this momentum in the first quarter of 2025. Quarterly net inflows are at their highest since 2021: our clients, whether they are individuals or institutions, have entrusted us with +€31bn more to manage. In particular, we won a major mandate from one of the UK’s largest pension funds in the fast-growing market for Defined Contribution pension plans.

    The business continues to reflect the relevance of our main growth pillars: net inflows were dynamic with Third-Party Distributors, in Asia and on ETFs, and Amundi Technology continues its sustained growth.

    The three transactions signed in 2024 reinforce this solid organic growth: Alpha Associates and aixigo have already contributed positively to the quarter’s results, the partnership with Victory Capital, closed on 1 April, now allows us to offer more US strategies while creating value for our shareholders.

    Amundi’s diversified model and agility allow us to effectively support our clients in all market environments and provide them with long-term growth opportunities. We continue to invest, redeploy our resources and optimise our cost base to adapt our platform, meet the changing needs of clients and develop new services for them. »

    * * * * *

    Highlights

    Continued organic growth thanks to confirmed successes in the strategic pillars

    2025 is the last year of implementation of the 2025 Ambitions plan, which sets a number of strategic pillars to accelerate the diversification of the Group’s growth drivers and exploit development opportunities. After a year 2024 during which several objectives were achieved a year ahead of schedule, the first quarter confirmed the momentum:

    • Third-Party Distribution recorded assets under management up over +15% year-on-year and net inflows over 12 months of +€33bn, of which +€8bn5 in the first quarter of 2025, mainly in MLT assets6, (+€7.6bn); net inflows this quarter were driven by ETFs and active management, diversified by geographical areas and positive in almost all countries in terms of MLT assets6, particularly in Asia (+€1.7bn); it is also diversified by types of client, with a confirmed commercial momentum with digital platforms, which account for c.25% of net inflows; it should be noted that a Workshop presenting the Third-Party Distribution business line will be held on Thursday 19 June in London, with the entire division’s management team;
    • Asia: assets under management were up +9% year-on-year despite the fall in the US dollar and the Indian rupee, to reach €462bn; net inflows for the quarter reached +€8bn, mainly from direct distribution (+€5bn compared to +€3bn for JVs), and is balanced between major client segments in direct distribution and JVs; it is also diversified by countries: Korea (+€3bn) thanks to the JV, China with the two JVs and institutional clients, Hong Kong (+€1.6bn) and Singapore (+€1.4bn) thanks to institutional and third-party distributors;
    • ETFs raised +€10bn this quarter, thanks to the success of US equity underlying strategies at the beginning of the quarter, and then in March with the success of the Stoxx Europe 600 ETF, which collected +€1.3bn in one month and exceeded €10bn in assets under management; innovative products were launched, with the ETF invested in short-duration eurozone sovereign green bonds, capitalising on the success of its long-duration big brother, which reached €3bn in assets under management;
    • Amundi Technology continues to grow: its revenues increased by +46% Q1/Q1, driven in equal parts by the integration of aixigo and strong organic growth; the business line has signed a partnership with Murex to offer in ALTO the functionalities of this company’s integrated OTC derivatives management and valuation platform, MX.3, which has more than 60,000 users in 65 countries; the partnership includes cross-selling and joint business development agreements.

    After the end of the first quarter

    • On 1 April, the partnership with Victory Capital, was closed and Amundi received 17.6 million shares, i.e. 21.2%7 of Victory Capital’s capital. In accordance with the Contribution Agreement and the completion of the remaining adjustments, we expect Amundi’s stake in Victory Capital to reach 26.1%7 in the next few months. This investment will be consolidated using the equity method and will start contributing to the Group’s results from the second quarter.
    • It should be noted that as of 8 April, after the drop in the equities and bond markets and at the trough of European equity markets since the end of the first quarter (Stoxx 600 -9%), the Group’s assets under management excluding JVs8 were down by just below -3% compared to 31 March 2025; as of 25 March, they had recovered to less than -2% vs. end March.
    • After the success of Ambitions 2025, a new three-year strategic plan will be presented in the fourth quarter.

    Focus on operations in the UK

    The winning of a large mandate with a pension fund illustrates the strong development of Amundi’s operations in the United Kingdom. Amundi has management and marketing/sales teams there and is experiencing strong growth in its business:

    • London is one of Amundi’s 6 global investment hubs, with €49bn under management for the entire Group, in charge of all emerging markets strategies as well as global and GBP fixed income strategies;
    • The distribution platform for local clients represents €66bn under management, balanced between institutional and third-party distribution; the commercial platform is complemented by Amundi Technology sales teams to serve British clients.

    The €21bn equity index mandate for The People’s Pension, one of the leading Master Trusts (multi-employer pension funds) in the Defined Contribution pension plan market, was won thanks to the depth and consistency of Amundi’s responsible investment methodology, applied in this case to an index management solution. It amplifies the strong commercial momentum in this Master Trust market segment, as Amundi is now a close partner of the two largest players.

    Activity

    Capital markets still up Q1/Q1, decline in the dollar and Indian rupee

    In the first quarter of 2025, both equities9and bond10markets continued to rise. Year-on-year, they gained +13% and +3% respectively in average. The market effect is therefore positive on the Group’s assets under management and revenues compared to the first quarter of 2024.

    The Indian rupee and the US dollar were both down -4% quarter-on-quarter, and -3% year-on-year for the Indian rupee while the US dollar is stable over the same period. The foreign exchange effect, which was neutral year-on-year, was therefore negative by around -1% on Amundi’s end-of-period assets under management in the first quarter.

    European fund management market in slow recovery

    Investor risk aversion persists in the European fund management market. In the first quarter of 2025, net inflows in open-ended funds11 continued their slow recovery compared to the beginning of 2024, at +€221bn in the first quarter, down slightly compared to the fourth quarter of 2024 (+€232bn) due to lower net inflows from money market funds (+€60bn). Active management continued its recovery, with +€70bn net inflows, and its rebalancing compared to passive management (+€91bn, of which +€82bn in ETFs). As in previous quarters, net flows were positive thanks to fixed income, and grew only as a result of lower outflows in equities and multi-assets.

    Highest quarterly net inflows for MLT assets6in Q1

    Assets under management1as at 31 March 2025 increased by +6.2% year-on-year, to reach the new record of €2,247bn. Over 12 months, in addition to market appreciation, they benefited from a high level of net inflows, at +€70bn, higher than the market & forex effect of +€53bn. The increase in assets under management also benefited from the integration of Alpha Associates since the beginning of April 2024 (+€7.9bn).

    In the first quarter of 2025, the forex effect was negative by -€26bn due to the fall of the US dollar and the Indian rupee against the euro. It was very slightly offset by a small positive market effect (+€2bn). The strong net inflows in the quarter were much higher than this negative forex effect.

    The first quarter net inflows totalled +€31bn, the highest level for a quarter since 2021, of which +€37bn in MLT assets6 excluding JVs, an all-time record.

    These net inflows benefited from the gain of the mandate of The People’s Pension (+€21bn). The rest of the MLT net inflows6 (+€16bn) comes from passive management, in particular ETFs (+€10bn) and active management (+€6bn). As in previous quarters, the latter was driven by fixed income strategies (+€11bn), in all client segments.
    The three main client segments contributed to net inflows of +€31bn:

    • the Retail segment, at +€6bn, thanks to Third-Party Distributors (+€8bn); net inflows were slightly positive at Amundi BOC WM while risk aversion continued to affect net inflows from Partner Networks: slightly positive in France (+€0.2bn) and negative in International business (-€3bn), due in particular to multi-asset strategies: -€2bn;
    • The Institutional segment, at +€22bn, of which +€33bn in MLT assets6, benefited from The People’s Pension mandate and a good level of net inflows, particularly bonds, in all sub-segments except the seasonal effect for Corporates and Employee Savings;
    • Finally JVs (+€3bn) benefited from dynamic net inflows in NH-Amundi (South Korea, +€3bn), while SBI FM (India, -€1bn) recorded outflows linked to end-of-fiscal-year operations and client caution after the correction in local equities markets since October 2024, even though net flows remained positive in the retail segment; ABC-CA (China) net inflows confirmed the stabilisation of the local market, and were positive by +€1bn excluding discontinued Channel Business operations, mainly driven by treasury products.

    Treasury products posted outflows of -€8.7bn, mainly due to particularly strong seasonal outflows from Corporates in the first quarter of this year (-€11.6bn) and to a lesser extent from arbitrages by CA & SG insurers (-€1.6bn) in favour of products with longer durations. All other client segments posted slightly positive net inflows in treasury products, reflecting the wait-and-see attitude in the face of volatility in risky assets markets.

    First quarter 2025 results

    Sharp increase in profit before tax2+11% Q1/Q1 thanks to top line growth

    Adjusted data2

    Profit before tax2reached €458m, up +10.7% compared to the first quarter of 2024.

    It includes contributions from Alpha Associates as well as aixigo, acquisitions of which were finalised in early April and early November 2024 respectively, and were therefore not included in the first quarter 2024. Their cumulative contribution to the profit before tax2 in the first quarter reached +€4m, i.e. +1pp of Q1/Q1 growth.

    The growth in profit before tax2 was mainly due to the increase in revenues.

    Adjusted net revenue2 amounted to €912m, up +10.7% compared to the first quarter of 2024, +9% at constant scope, driven by all sources of revenues:

    • net management fees increased by +7.7% compared to the first quarter of 2024, to €824m, which reflects the good level of activity, the increase in average assets under management excluding JVs (+8.8% over the same period), but also the negative product mix effect on revenue margins;
    • performance fees (€23m), which are traditionally more moderate in the first quarter due to the lower number of fund anniversaries during this period, nevertheless rose by +30.7% compared to the first quarter of 2024; they reflect the good performance of Amundi’s investment management, with c.70% of assets under management ranked in the first or second quartiles according to Morningstar12 over 1, 3 or 5 years, and 244 Amundi funds rated 4 or 5 stars by Morningstar12 as at 31 March;
    • Amundi Technology’s revenues, at €26m, continued to grow steadily (+46.2% compared to the first quarter of 2024), amplified this quarter by the consolidation of aixigo (+€4m); excluding aixigo, these revenues were up +21.2% organically;
    • finally, the Financial and other revenues2 amounted to €39m, up sharply compared to the first quarter of 2024 thanks to capital gains on the private equity portfolio in seed money and a positive mark-to-market from equity holdings, despite the impact of the fall in short-term rates in the euro zone.

    The increase in adjusted2operating expenses, €478m, is +8.8% compared to the first quarter of 2024, +6% at constant scope. It remains lower than that of revenues, thus generating a positive jaws effect of nearly 3 percentage points excluding the scope effect related to the acquisition of Alpha Associates and aixigo, reflecting the Group’s operational efficiency.

    In addition to the scope effect, this increase is mainly due to:

    • investments in the development initiatives of the 2025 Ambitions plan, including technology, third-party distribution and Asia;
    • provisioning for individual variable remuneration, in line with the growth in results.

    The cost-income ratio at 52.4% on an adjusted data basis2, improved compared to the same quarter last year and is in line with the Ambitions 2025 target (<53%).

    The adjusted2gross operating income (GOI) amounted to €434m, up +12.9% compared to the first quarter of 2024, +11.8% at constant scope, reflecting revenue growth.

    Share of net income of equity-accounted companies13, at €28m, down slightly compared to the first quarter of 2024, reflects the decline in net financial income of the main contributing entity, the Indian JV SBI FM. The decline in the Indian equities markets resulted in negative mark-to-market in the JV’s financial income, which nevertheless continues to benefit from strong growth in its activity with management fees up of over +20% Q1/Q1.

    The adjusted2corporate tax expense for the first quarter of 2025 reached -€155m, a very strong increase – +60.8% – compared to the first quarter of 2024.

    In France, in accordance with the Finance law for 2025, an exceptional tax contribution must be booked in fiscal year 2025. It is calculated on the average of the profits made in France in 2024 and 2025. This exceptional contribution is estimated14 to -€72m for the year as a whole, but it will not be accounted for on a straight-line basis over the quarters. It amounted to -€46m in the first quarter of 2025, with the rest spread over the next three quarters. Excluding this exceptional contribution, the adjusted2 tax expense would have been -€109m and the adjusted2 effective tax rate would be equivalent to that of the first quarter of 2024.

    Adjusted2net income amounts to €303m. Excluding the exceptional tax contribution, it would have been close to €350m, up +10% compared to the first quarter of 2024.

    The adjusted2net earnings per share in the first quarter of 2025 was €1.48, including -€0.22 related to the exceptional tax contribution in France. Excluding this exceptional tax contribution, adjusted2 earnings per share would therefore have been €1.70, up +9.6% compared to the first quarter of 2024.

    Accounting data in the first quarter of 2025

    Accounting net income, Group share amounted to €283m. It includes the exceptional tax contribution in France of -€46m.

    As in other quarters, accounting net income includes non-cash charges related to the acquisitions of Alpha Associates and aixigo and the amortisation of intangible assets related to distribution agreements and client contracts (including the corresponding new charges related to Alpha Associates), for a total of -€14m after tax. Integration costs related to the partnership with Victory Capital, closed on 1 April 2025, were also recorded in the first quarter, for a total of -€5m after tax. Furthermore, amortisation of intangible fixed assets adjustments after the integration of aixigo was also recognised in operating expenses -€1m after tax (See the details of all these elements in p. 11).

    Accounting net earnings per share in the first quarter of 2025 was €1.38, including the exceptional tax contribution in France.

    A solid financial structure, €1.2bn in surplus capital

    Tangible net assets15 amounted to €4.8bn as at 31 March 2025, up +€0.3bn or +7% compared to the end of 2024, in line with the quarter’s net income.

    The CET1 solvency ratio stood at 15.5%16 as at 31 March 2025.

    As indicated at the time of signing in July 2024, the partnership with Victory Capital will have no material effect on the ratio.

    The capital surplus at the end of the first quarter amounted to €1.2bn, taking into account the dividend to be paid for 2024, the net income for the first quarter and the related dividend provision.

    Future investments and operational efficiency

    This quarter, Amundi demonstrated its ability to:

    • Be agile and accompany its clients in different market contexts, thanks to its wide range of high-performing investment management expertise and product innovation;
    • Develop services to offer technological or investment management solutions to players in the entire savings value chain;
    • Offer a full range of Responsible Investment solutions, in order to adapt to all client demands;
    • Develop in Europe including in the United Kingdom;
    • Invest and accelerate on the growth pillars of its strategic plan: Asia, third-party distribution, ETFs, technology, services.

    To finance future investments and accelerate the reallocation of our resources towards our growth drivers, we set ourselves a cost optimisation target of €30 to €40m, to be achieved as from 2026.

    * * * * *

    APPENDICES

    Adjusted income statement2of the first quarter of 2025

    (M€)   Q1 2025 Q1 2024 % var.
    Q1/Q1
             
    Net revenue – Adjusted   912 824 +10.7%
    Net management fees   824 766 +7.7%
    Performance fees   23 18 +30.7%
    Technology   26 18 +46.2%
    Financial income and other income – Adjusted   39 23 +68.5%
    Operating expenses – Adjusted   (478) (439) +8.8%
    Cost/income ratio – Adjusted (%)   52.4% 53,3% -0.9pp
    Gross operating income – Adjusted   434 385 +12.9%
    Cost of risk & others   (4) (0) NS
    Share of net income of equity-accounted companies   28 29 -3.7%
    Income before tax – Adjusted   458 413 +10.7%
    Corporate tax – Adjusted   (155) (97) +60.8%
    Of which exceptional tax contribution in France   (46) NS
    Non-controlling interests   1 1 +14.3%
    Net income Group share – Adjusted   303 318 -4.5%
    Amortisation of intangible assets, after tax   (14) (15) -7.4%
    Amortisation of aixigo PPA, after tax   (1)
    Integration costs, after tax   (5)
    Net income Group share   283 303 -6.6%
    Earnings per share (€)   1.38 1.48 -7.0%
    Earnings per share – Adjusted (€)   1.48 1.55 -4.9%

    Change in assets under management from the end of 2021 to the end of March 202517

    (€bn) Assets under management  

    Net

    inflows

    Market and forex effect Scope
    Effect
      Change in AuM
    vs. prior quarter
    As of 31/12/2021 2,064         +14%18
    Q1 2022   +3.2 -46.4    
    As of 31/03/2022 2,021         -2.1%
    Q2 2022   +1.8 -97.7    
    As of 30/06/2022 1,925         -4.8%
    Q3 2022   -12.9 -16.3    
    As of 30/09/2022 1,895         -1.6%
    Q4 2022   +15.0 -6.2    
    As of 31/12/2022 1,904         +0.5%
    Q1 2023   -11.1 +40.9    
    As of 31/03/2023 1,934         +1.6%
    Q2 2023   +3.7 +23.8    
    As of 31/06/2023 1,961         +1.4%
    Q3 2023   +13.7 -1.7    
    As of 30/09/2023 1,973         +0.6%
    Q4 2023   +19.5 +63.8   -20  
    As of 31/12/2023 2,037         +3.2%
    Q1 2024   +16.6 +62.9    
    As of 31/03/2024 2,116         +3.9%
    Q2 2024   +15.5 +16.6   +8  
    30/06/2024 2,156         +1.9%
    Q3 2024   +2.9 +32.5    
    30/09/2024 2,192         +1.6%
    Q4 2024   +20.5 +28.2    
    31/12/2024 2,240         +2.2%
    Q1 2025   +31.1 -24.0    
    31/03/2025 2,247         +0.3%

    Total year-on-year between 31 March 2024 and 31 March 2025: +6.2%

    • Net inflows        +€70.0bn
    • Market effect        +€63.8bn
    • Forex effect        -€10.5bn
    • Scope effects        +€7.9bn        
      (Alpha Associates’ first consolidation in Q2 2024, the acquisition of aixigo has no effect on assets under management)

    Details of assets under management and net inflows by client segments19

    (€bn) AuM
    31.03.2025
    AuM
    31.03.2024
    % change /31.03.2024 Inflows
    Q1 2025
    Inflows
    Q1 2024
    French Networks 139 137 +1.3% +0.2 +1.5
    International networks 162 165 -1.6% -2.7 -2.0
    Of which Amundi BOC WM 2 3 -21.2% +0.3 -0.2
    Third-Party Distributors 398 345 +15.6% +8.3 +7.0
    Retail 700 647 +8.2% +5.8 +6.5
    Institutional & Sovereigns (*) 550 511 +7.5% +30.1 +9.7
    Corporates 111 108 +2.1% -10.3 -4.2
    Employee savings plans 95 90 +6.0% -0.9 -0.9
    CA & SG Insurers 430 427 +0.7% +3.6 +1.0
    Institutional 1,186 1,137 +4.3% +22.4 +5.6
    JVs 362 332 +8.9% +2.9 +4.5
    Total 2,247 2,116 +6.2% +31.1 +16.6

    (*) Including funds of funds

    Details of assets under management and net inflows by asset classes19

    (€bn) AuM
    31.03.2025
    AuM
    31.03.2024
    % change /31.03.2024 Inflows
    Q1 2025
    Inflows
    Q1 2024
    Equities 564 505 +11.7% +26.4 -2.6
    Multi-assets 271 280 -3.1% -1.0 -7.6
    Bonds 759 700 +8.4% +14.3 +13.9
    Real, alternative, and structured products 111 107 +4.2% -2.8 -0.3
    MLT ASSETS excl. JVs 1,705 1,591 +7.2% +36.9 +3.4
    Treasury products excl. JVs 180 193 -6.5% -8.7 +8.7
    TOTAL excluding JVs 1,885 1,784 +5.7% +28.2 +12.1
    JVs 362 332 +8.9% +2.9 +4.5
    TOTAL 2,247 2,116 +6.2% +31.1 +16.6
    Of which MLT assets 2,034 1,892 +7.5% +39.7 +7.7
    Of which Treasury products 213 224 -5.1% -8.6 +8.9

    Details of assets under management and net inflows by type of management and asset classes19

    (€bn) AuM
    31.03.2025
    AuM
    31.03.2024
    % change /31.03.2024 Inflows
    Q1 2025
    Inflows
    Q1 2024
    Active management 1,149 1,117 +2.9% +6.3 +1.3
    Equities 204 209 -2.1% -3.9 -2.8
    Multi-assets 260 270 -3.6% -1.0 -8.0
    Bonds 685 639 +7.3% +11.2 +12.0
    Structured products 42 41 +3.7% -2.0 +0.6
    Passive management 445 368 +21.0% +33.4 +2.5
    ETFs & ETC 272 227 +19.8% +10.4 +5.0
    Index & Smart beta 173 140 +23.0% +23.0 -2.5
    Real and Alternative Assets 69 66 +4.5% -0.7 -0.9
    Real assets 65 61 +5.8% -0.6 -0.2
    Alternative 4 4 -12.8% -0.1 -0.7
    TOTAL MLT assets excluding JVs 1,705 1,591 +7.2% +36.9 +3.4
    Treasury products excl. JVs 180 193 -6.5% -8.7 +8.7
    TOTAL excluding JVs 1,885 1,784 +5.7% +28.2 +12.1
    JVs 362 332 +8.9% +2.9 +4.5
    TOTAL 2,247 2,116 +6.2% +31.1 +16.6

    Details of assets under management and net inflows by geographic area19

    (€bn) AuM
    31.03.2025
    AuM
    31.03.2024
    % change /31.03.2024 Inflows
    Q1 2025
    Inflows
    Q1 2024
    France 1,001 978 +2.3% +0.5 +10.0
    Italy 198 208 -4.6% -1.9 -1.1
    Europe excluding France & Italy 456 391 +16.6% +23.7 +4.0
    Asia 462 423 +9.3% +7.8 +6.8
    Rest of the world 130 116 +11.7% +1.0 -3.0
    TOTAL 2,247 2,116 +6.2% +31.1 +16.6
    TOTAL outside France 1,246 1,138 +9.5% +30.6 +6.6

    Methodological appendix – APM

    Accounting and adjusted data

    Accounting data – They include

    • amortisation of intangible assets, recorded as other revenues, and from Q2 2024, other non-cash charges spread according to the schedule of payments of the price adjustment until the end of 2029; these expenses are recognised as deductions from net revenues, in financial expenses.
    • integration costs related to the transaction with Victory Capital and PPA amortisation related to the acquisition of aixigo recorded in the fourth quarter as operating expenses. No such costs were recorded in the first nine months of 2024.

    The aggregate amounts of these items are as follows for the different periods under review:

    • Q1 2024: -€20m before tax and -€15m after tax
    • Q4 2024: -€38m before tax and -€28m after tax
    • Q1 2025: -€29m pre-tax and -€20m after tax

    Adjusted data – In order to present an income statement that is closer to economic reality, the following adjustments have been made: restatement of the amortisation of distribution agreements with Bawag, UniCredit and Banco Sabadell, intangible assets representing the client contracts of Lyxor and, since the second quarter of 2024, Alpha Associates, as well as other non-cash charges related to the acquisition of Alpha Associates; these amortisations and non-cash expenses are recognised as a deduction from net revenues; restatement of the amortisation of a technology asset related to the acquisition of aixigo recognised in operating expenses. The integration costs for the transaction with Victory Capital are also restated.

    Acquisition of Alpha Associates

    In accordance with IFRS 3, recognition on Amundi’s balance sheet as at 01/04/2024 of:

    • a goodwill of €288m;
    • an intangible asset of €50m, representing client contracts, amortised on a straight-line basis until the end of 2030;
    • a liability representing the conditional price adjustment not yet paid, for €160m before tax, including an actuarial discount of -€30m, which will be amortized over 6 years.

    In the Group’s income statement, the following is recorded:

    • amortisation of intangible assets for a full-year charge of -€7.6m (-€6.1m after tax);
    • other non-cash expenses spread according to the schedule of payments of the price adjustment until the end of 2029; these expenses are recognised as deductions from net revenues, in financial expenses.

    In Q1 2025, amortisation of intangible assets was -€1.9m before tax and non-cash expenses were -€1.5m before tax (i.e. -€2.5m after tax).

    Acquisition of aixigo

    In accordance with IFRS 3, recognition on Amundi’s balance sheet at the date of acquisition of:

    • goodwill of €121m;
    • a technological asset of €36m representative of the goodwill attributed to aixigo’s software solutions, amortised on a straight-line basis over 5 years;

    The full-year amortisation expense of the technology asset was -€7.2m (-€4.8m after tax); in Q1 2025 the amortisation expense was -€1.8m (-€1.2m after tax); it is recognised in operating expenses.

    Alternative Performance Measures20

    In order to present an income statement that is closer to economic reality, Amundi publishes adjusted data that are calculated in accordance with the methodological appendix presented above.

    The adjusted data can be reconciled with the accounting data as follows:

    = accounting data
    = adjusted data
    (M€)     Q1 2025 Q1 2024   Q4 2024
                 
                 
    Net revenue (a)     892 804   901
    – Amortisation of intangible assets before tax     (18) (20)   (22)
    – Other non-cash expenses related to Alpha Associates     (1) 0   (1)
    Net revenue – Adjusted (b)     912 824   924
                 
    Operating expenses (c)     (486) (439)   (496)
    – Integration costs before tax     (7) 0   (13)
    – Amortisation of aixigo-related PPA before tax     (2) 0   (1)
    Operating expenses – Adjusted (d)     (478) (439)   (482)
                 
    Gross Operating Income (e)=(a)+(c)     406 364   405
    Gross operating income – Adjusted (f)=(b)+(d)     434 385   443
    Cost/income ratio (%) -(c)/(a)     54.5% 54.6%   55.1%
    Cost/income ratio – Adjusted (%) -(d)/(b)     52.4% 53.3%   52.1%
    Cost of risk & other (g)     (4) (0)   (3)
    Share of net income of equity-accounted companies (h)     28 29   29
    Profit before tax (i)=(e)+(g)+(h)     429 393   431
    Profit before tax – Adjusted (j)=(f)+(g)+(h)     458 413   469
    Corporate tax (k)     (147) (91)   (83)
    Corporate tax – Adjusted (l)     (155) (97)   (93)
    Non-controlling interests (m)     1 1   1
    Net income Group share (n)=(i)+(k)+(m)     283 303   349
    Net income Group share – Adjusted (o)=(j)+(l)+(m)     303 318   377
                 
    Earnings per share (€)     1.38 1.48   1.70
    Earnings per share – Adjusted (€)     1.48 1.55   1.84
                 

    Shareholding

        31 March 2025   31 December 2024   31 March 2024
    (units)   Number
    of shares
    % of capital   Number
    of shares
    % of capital   Number
    of shares
    % of capital
    Crédit Agricole Group   141,057,399 68.67%   141,057,399 68.67%   141,057,399 68.93%
    Employees   4,128,079 2.01%   4,272,132 2.08%   2,869,026 1.40%
    Treasury shares   1,961,141 0.95%   1,992,485 0.97%   1,259,079 0.62%
    Free float   58,272,643 28.37%   58,097,246 28.28%   59,462,130 29.06%
                       
    Number of shares at the end of the period   205,419,262 100.0%   205,419,262 100.0%   204,647,634 100.0%
    Average number of shares since the beginning of the year   205,419,262   204,776,239   204,647,634
    Average number of shares quarter-to-date   205,419,262   205,159,257   204,647,634

    Average number of shares pro rata temporis.

    • The average number of shares increased by +0.1% between Q4 2024 and Q1 2025, and by +0.4% between Q1 2024 and Q1 2025.
    • A capital increase reserved for employees was recorded on 31 October 2024. 771,628 shares were created (approximately 0.4% of the share capital before the transaction).
    • Amundi announced on 7 October 2024 a buyback programme of up to 1 million shares (i.e. ~0.5% of the share capital before the transaction) to cover performance shares plans. It was finalised on November 27, 2024.        

    Financial communication calendar

    • Workshop to presenting the Third-Party Distribution business line – Thursday 19 June in London
    • General Shareholders’ Meeting – Tuesday 27 May 2025
    • Q2 and H1 2025 earnings release – Tuesday 29 July 2025
    • Q3 and 9-month 2025 earnings release – Tuesday 28 October 2025
    • New strategic three-year plan – in the fourth quarter 2025

    2024 dividend schedule: €4.25 per share

    • Ex dividend date: Monday 10 June 2025
    • Payment: from Wednesday 12 June 2025

    About Amundi

    Amundi, the leading European asset manager, ranking among the top 10 global players21, offers its 100 million clients – retail, institutional and corporate – a complete range of savings and investment solutions in active and passive management, in traditional or real assets. This offering is enhanced with IT tools and services to cover the entire savings value chain. A subsidiary of the Crédit Agricole group and listed on the stock exchange, Amundi currently manages more than €2.2 trillion of assets22.

    With its six international investment hubs23, financial and extra-financial research capabilities and long-standing commitment to responsible investment, Amundi is a key player in the asset management landscape.

    Amundi clients benefit from the expertise and advice of 5,700 employees in 35 countries.

    Amundi, a trusted partner, working every day in the interest of its clients and society.

    www.amundi.com   

    Press contacts:        
    Natacha Andermahr 
    Tel. +33 1 76 37 86 05
    natacha.andermahr@amundi.com 

    Corentin Henry
    Tel. +33 1 76 32 26 96
    corentin.henry@amundi.com

    Investor contacts:
    Cyril Meilland, CFA
    Tel. +33 1 76 32 62 67
    cyril.meilland@amundi.com 

    Thomas Lapeyre
    Tel. +33 1 76 33 70 54
    thomas.lapeyre@amundi.com 

    Annabelle Wiriath

    Tel. + 33 1 76 32 43 92

    annabelle.wiriath@amundi.com

    DISCLAIMER

    This document does not constitute an offer or invitation to sell or purchase, or any solicitation of any offer to purchase or subscribe for, any securities of Amundi in the United States of America or in France. Securities may not be offered, subscribed or sold in the United States of America absent registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”), except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements thereof. The securities of Amundi have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act and Amundi does not intend to make a public offer of its securities in the United States of America or in France.

    This document may contain forward looking statements concerning Amundi’s financial position and results. The data provided do not constitute a profit “forecast” or “estimate” as defined in Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/980.

    These forward looking statements include projections and financial estimates based on scenarios that employ a number of economic assumptions in a given competitive and regulatory context, assumptions regarding plans, objectives and expectations in connection with future events, transactions, products and services, and assumptions in terms of future performance and synergies. By their very nature, they are therefore subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could lead to their non-fulfilment. Consequently, no assurance can be given that these forward looking statement will come to fruition, and Amundi’s actual financial position and results may differ materially from those projected or implied in these forward looking statements.

    Amundi undertakes no obligation to publicly revise or update any forward looking statements provided as at the date of this document. Risks that may affect Amundi’s financial position and results are further detailed in the “Risk Factors” section of our Universal Registration Document filed with the French Autorité des Marchés Financiers. The reader should take all these uncertainties and risks into consideration before forming their own opinion.

    The figures presented were prepared in accordance with applicable prudential regulations and IFRS guidelines, as adopted by the European Union and applicable at that date. The financial information set out herein do not constitute a set of financial statements for an interim period as defined by IAS 34 “Interim Financial Reporting” and has not been audited.

    Unless otherwise specified, sources for rankings and market positions are internal. The information contained in this document, to the extent that it relates to parties other than Amundi or comes from external sources, has not been verified by a supervisory authority or, more generally, subject to independent verification, and no representation or warranty has been expressed as to, nor should any reliance be placed on, the fairness, accuracy, correctness or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Neither Amundi nor its representatives can be held liable for any decision made, negligence or loss that may result from the use of this document or its contents, or anything related to them, or any document or information to which this document may refer.

    The sum of values set out in the tables and analyses may differ slightly from the total reported due to rounding.


    1        Assets under management and net inflows including assets under advisory, marketed assets and funds of funds, and taking into account 100% of assets under management and net inflows from Asian JVs; for Wafa Gestion in Morocco, assets under management and net inflows are reported in proportion to Amundi’s share in the capital of the JV.
    2        Adjusted data: see p. 11
    3        Net income Group share
    4        Total tax expense in Q1 2025 of -€155m, of which the exceptional tax contribution (surcharge) in France booked in Q1 for -€46m; the total amount of the exceptional contribution estimated to be paid in fiscal year 2025 is estimated at -€72m; Q1 2025 adjusted net income including this surcharge was €303m.
    5        The inflows presented in this section are not cumulative, as they may overlap in part, for example an ETF sold to a third-party distributor in Asia.
    6        Medium to Long-Term Assets, excluding JVs
    7        4.9% voting rights
    8        Adjusted for the deconsolidation of Amundi US assets distributed to US clients
    9        Composite Index for equities: 50% MSCI World + 50% Eurostoxx 600
    10        Bloomberg Euro Aggregate for Fixed Income Markets
    11        Source: Morningstar FundFile, ETFGI. European & cross-border open-ended funds (excluding mandates and dedicated funds). Data as of endMarch 2024.
    12        Source: Morningstar Direct, Broadridge FundFile – Open-ended funds and ETFs, global fund scope, March 2025; as a percentage of the assets under management of the funds in question; the number of Amundi’s open-ended funds rated by Morningstar was 1071 at the end of March 2025. © 2025 Morningstar, all rights reserved
    13        Reflecting Amundi’s share of the net income of minority JVs in India (SBI FM), China (ABC-CA), South Korea (NH-Amundi) and Morocco (Wafa Gestion),
    14        Under the assumption that FY 2025 taxable profit in France will be equivalent to that of 2024, before adjusting the average for actual FY 2025 results
    15        Shareholder’s equity excluding goodwill and other intangible assets
    16        According to the new definition of the ratio resulting from the CRR3 regulation (Capital Requirements Regulation 3) of the European Union; ratio calculated excluding Q1 accounting net income
    17        Assets under management and net inflows including assets under advisory, marketed assets and funds of funds, and taking into account 100% of assets under management and net inflows from Asian JVs; for Wafa Gestion in Morocco, assets under management and net inflows are reported in proportion to Amundi’s share in the capital of the JV.
    18        Lyxor, integrated as of 31/12/2021; sale of Lyxor Inc. in Q4-23
    19        Assets under management and net inflows including assets under advisory, marketed assets and funds of funds, and taking into account 100% of assets under management and net inflows from Asian JVs; for Wafa Gestion in Morocco, assets under management and net inflows are reported in proportion to Amundi’s share in the capital of the JV; as of 01/01/2024, reclassification of short-term bond strategies (€30bn of assets under management) as Bonds ; previously classified as Treasury products until that date; assets under management up to this date have not been reclassified in this table
    20        See also the section 4.3 of the 2024 Universal Registration Document filed with the AMF on 16 April 2025 under number D25-0272
    21Source: IPE “Top 500 Asset Managers” published in June 2024 based on assets under management as of 31/12/2023
    22Amundi data as at 31/03/2025
    23Paris, London, Dublin, Milan, Tokyo and San Antonio (via our strategic partnership with Victory Capital)

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-Evening Report: The Oscars have rolled out the red carpet for generative AI. And surprisingly, viewers don’t seem to mind

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Paul Crosby, Senior Lecturer, Department of Economics, Macquarie University

    The Oscars have entered the age of artificial intelligence (AI). Last week the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences explicitly said, for the first time, films using generative AI tools will not be disqualified from the awards.

    It’s a timely decision. As generative AI becomes more integrated into filmmaking, debates over creativity and authorship are intensifying. Writers’ strikes and fears of artistic displacement have dominated recent industry discussions.

    But how do audiences feel about the use of AI in films? Our research suggests they may be more open to it than the industry might expect.

    What the new rules say

    The updated Oscars guidelines make it clear the use of generative AI will neither help, nor hinder, a film’s chances of nomination.

    What matters is the degree to which people remain at the centre of the creative process. While AI tools can be part of the workflow, the judges will scrutinise the standard of human creative authorship in a given work.

    This reflects broader shifts taking place in the film industry. AI tools are now embedded in many stages of production, including for high-profile and award-nominated films.

    At this year’s Oscars, Adrien Brody won best actor for his performance in The Brutalist, which used generative AI to enhance the actor’s Hungarian dialogue. Emilia Pérez – the most nominated film, with 13 nods – also used AI-powered voice cloning in post-production.

    The Oscars update isn’t introducing AI to Hollywood. It’s simply acknowledging the extent to which it is already in use.

    Do audiences mind?

    To understand how audiences respond to AI’s creative role in film, we conducted an experiment testing people’s reactions to AI-generated film ideas.

    For our study, published in the Journal of Cultural Economics, we asked 500 US-based participants to rate AI-generated film “pitches” in terms of their anticipated enjoyment and likelihood of watching the film across different formats (such as cinema, online rental, or streaming).

    Half of the participants were explicitly told the ideas were generated by AI, while the other half were not. Each AI-generated pitch included a synopsis, director, top-billed cast, genre, rating and runtime.

    The results were clear. There was no systematic bias against AI-generated pitches. Ratings of anticipated enjoyment and likelihood of watching the films were broadly similar, regardless of whether the participants knew AI was involved.

    AI-assisted versus AI-produced

    It’s important to note our research focused on audience reactions to ideas – the initial pitch for a film – and not the final product. This distinction matters.

    AI’s role was limited in our experiment. Human directors and cast members were implicitly part of each pitch, and there was no suggestion AI had written the full screenplay or contributed in other ways to the production of the final film.

    As we note in our paper, AI’s limited involvement likely shaped participants’ responses. There was an implicit understanding that human creativity would remain central to the final product.

    This aligns with broader evidence from other creative sectors. In the case of music and visual art, audiences tend to respond less favourably when they believe a work has been fully AI-generated.

    Together, these findings suggest the middle ground may be the best approach. While audiences may be accepting of AI’s contribution to creative tasks such as idea generation, editing, and visual and audio effects, they still value human authorship and authenticity in the final product.

    That is also the balance the Academy Awards seems to be aiming for. The new rules do not disqualify films for using AI. However, they emphasise that awards will go to works where humans remain at the heart of the creative process. For now, audiences appear to be comfortable with that approach, too.

    What it means for the industry

    Generative tools are becoming part of the mainstream production toolkit. And this raises important questions about creative labour, credit and compensation.

    While our research suggests audiences may be open to AI-generated content, this doesn’t mean the industry can move forward without careful deliberation. The question is no longer whether AI will shape the future of film, but how – and who gets to decide the terms.

    If AI is to complement, rather than diminish, the filmmaking process, it will be important to maintain clear standards and ethical guidelines around AI use, as well as a clear role for human authorship.

    This includes transparency around how AI tools are used, and appropriate recognition for creative contributions – including for those whose work has been used to train generative AI systems.

    The real test will be whether the industry can embrace AI without losing sight of the creative values that define it.

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

    ref. The Oscars have rolled out the red carpet for generative AI. And surprisingly, viewers don’t seem to mind – https://theconversation.com/the-oscars-have-rolled-out-the-red-carpet-for-generative-ai-and-surprisingly-viewers-dont-seem-to-mind-255120

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI USA: TOMORROW: Governor Newsom to announce first-in-the-nation government efficiency efforts

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Apr 28, 2025

    LOS ANGELES COUNTY — Governor Gavin Newsom will make an announcement regarding the state’s use of AI and other technologies to improve government efficiency and engagement.

    WHEN: Tuesday, April 29 at approximately 11 a.m.

    LIVESTREAM: Governor’s Twitter page, Governor’s Facebook page, and the Governor’s YouTube page. This event will also be available to TV stations on the LiveU Matrix under “California Governor.”

    **NOTE: This in-person press event will be open to credentialed media only. Media interested in attending must RSVP by clicking here no later than 9 a.m., April 29. Location information will be provided upon confirmation.

    Media Advisories, Recent News

    Recent news

    News Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring April 28, 2025 as “Workers’ Memorial Day.”The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below: PROCLAMATIONOn Workers’ Memorial Day, we acknowledge, remember, and honor…

    News What you need to know: DOGE is ramping up its work to dismantle AmeriCorps. California will sue to stop it. SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued the following statement after California received notice from the federal government of termination of its…

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Suzanne Martindale, of Oakland, has been appointed Chief Deputy Commissioner at the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation. Martindale has been the Senior Deputy…

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Events – REPORTERS FACING MULTIPLE CHALLENGES COVERING THE CLIMATE EMERGENCY – AUT

    Source: Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
    The challenges faced by journalists covering the climate emergency will be at the heart of a public symposium at Auckland University of Technology (AUT) next month.  
    The symposium, titled Framing the Emergency: Climate Journalism in Aotearoa New Zealand, will explore how journalists report on the climate crisis, what more they can do, and how more climate stories might be told.  
    Speakers will include leading journalists Eloise Gibson (RNZ), Marc Daalder (Newsroom), and Miriama Kamo (TVNZ).  
    Experts and activists in the line-up include Russel Norman (Greenpeace), Jessica Palairet (Lawyers for Climate Action), and Joe Nagera (Pacific Climate Warriors).
    The symposium convenor, Professor Geoffrey Craig, said New Zealand climate journalists had a challenging job relating how the planetary crisis was impacting the nation.  
    They needed to “traverse the complexities of governmental policies and emission trading schemes, the power of corporations and the technicality of scientific research”, he said.  
    “They must cover the politics of land and water management, the advocacy of activists, and the struggles of citizens responding to disasters and building greater sustainability in their communities and everyday lives.”
    Journalists also face the challenge of reporting independently on the “actions and discourses of stakeholders” who frame climate issues in different ways, based on their interests. 
    The climate emergency could be said to transforming our understanding of the relationships between economy, environment and society.  
    “Yet some might argue there is little sense of an ’emergency’ in our public responses to the climate crisis,” he said.  
    “Do we need other climate stories in our media where the mahi and hope of communities point the way forward?”  
    Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is one of the world’s best modern universities. Home to 28,000 students across three campuses, AUT has more than 60 research centres and institutes delivering leading research – from artificial intelligence to robotics,
    and ecology to public health. As a contemporary university, AUT is connected to an extraordinary range of organisations sharing expertise and resources, collaborating on ground-breaking research, and connecting students with industry leaders and employers. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News