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Category: Entertainment

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Listen to songs and enjoy pancakes: how to celebrate Maslenitsa at metro stations and river terminals

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    During the Maslenitsa celebration, events for children and adults will be held at the capital’s transport complex. Visitors will be able to take part in themed festivities, listen to music and enjoy free pancakes.

    “The capital’s transport complex continues to participate in the city’s cultural life on behalf of Sergei Sobyanin. In honor of the Maslenitsa celebration, we have traditionally prepared various events for residents and tourists: concerts, competitions, free treats and much more await guests at our venues,” said Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry

    Maxim Liksutov.

    In honor of Maslenitsa, quizzes will be held in the metro and at bus stations. On February 25, passengers of the Sokolniki station of the Big Circle Line (BCL) will be able to take part in them from 12:30 to 15:30. The following day, at the same time, thematic events will be held at the Maryina Roshcha station of the BCL.

    In addition, quizzes will be held at the capital’s bus stations. You can join them on February 27 from 12:00 to 15:00 at the Krasnogvardeysky bus station, and on February 28 from 12:00 to 15:00 at the Central bus station.

    On March 1 from 13:00 to 18:00 on the embankment of the Northern River Terminal they will offer to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of traditional winter fun and try free pancakes, tea and pretzels. Adults and children will be able to race to carry a yoke on their shoulders, climb into an improvised mortar of Baba Yaga and play gorodki. In addition, they will organize a thematic photo zone for lovers of bright pictures and animation with buffoons, and also install a fair pole.

    Balalaikas and accordions: “Winter in Moscow” has prepared a folk program for Maslenitsa“Winter in Moscow”: VDNKh Prepares Maslenitsa Program

    Music will be playing for guests all day long. They will hear songs by artists from the “Music in the Metro” project (from 13:00 to 13:20 and from 17:00 to 17:45), Tatyana Kukarkina and Evgeny Popov (from 13:20 to 14:00), as well as the ensemble of the Maryinsky Nightingales Folk Song Theatre (from 14:00 to 16:00).

    The Southern River Terminal will also offer free pancakes, tea and pretzels. From 13:00 to 18:00 you can take part in a bucket race, the game “Catch a Fish”, shoot at the “Matryoshka” shooting range and visit the “Braids” zone dedicated to braiding. Buffoons and a fair pole will help create the atmosphere of traditional festivities.

    From 13:00 to 14:00, visitors to the Southern River Terminal will be entertained by the Uzory group, from 14:00 to 16:00, a folk ensemble will perform, and the program will end with songs by artists from the Music in the Metro project (from 16:00 to 16:30).

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

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

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/150506073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Renovation program: residents began inspecting apartments in a new building on Volnaya Street

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    In February, an information center on resettlement issues opened for residents of house 20, block 1 on 5th Sokolinaya Gora Street. It is located in a neighboring new building on the same street – in house 21a. Residents were offered apartments in house 28, block 5 on Volnaya Street. Since the beginning of the month, more than 200 Muscovites have begun to inspect their new housing. This was reported by the Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Department of City Property Maxim Gaman.

    “The city offered equivalent apartments in building 28, block 5 on Volnaya Street to Muscovites who live in building 20, block 1 on 5th Sokolina Gora Street, at the end of December last year. In February, they began inspecting the housing. In building 21a, located next to their old five-story building, an information center for resettlement was opened for city residents. Its specialists are ready to answer any questions related to paperwork and moving,” said Maxim Gaman.

    A pedestrian path appeared near the house from Volnaya Street towards 10th Sokolina Gora Street.

    “The single-section building on Volnaya Street will have 168 apartments with finished, improved finishing. The entrances will have rooms for a concierge and a pram room. For the convenience of residents, four elevators with a lifting capacity of 400, 630 and 1,000 kilograms were installed. The adjacent territory was improved: comprehensive landscaping was carried out, areas for active recreation and sports were equipped, outdoor lighting was installed and CCTV cameras were installed. The Sokolinaya Gora station of the Moscow Central Circle and social and household infrastructure facilities are located next to the new building,” the Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Department of Urban Development Policy, specified.

    Vladislav Ovchinsky.

    For the convenience of participants in the renovation program, a super service is available on the mos.ru portal “Moving under the renovation program”. It includes six services, a general and personalized moving guide that can be customized to suit your specific situation.

    Thus, Muscovites who have a full account on the mos.ru portal can choose a convenient time and date online to inspect the proposed housing, and after preparing a draft contract, a day to sign it. It is possible to make an appointment with a notary, if necessary, and also send personal and title documents to the Department of City Property by uploading them using the corresponding service.

    You can also apply for the elimination of construction defects through the super service. They make moving much easier. loader services. After submitting an application on the portal, they will help you move your things from your old apartment to your new one for free.

    As noted by the capital’s Department of Information Technology, preparation for the planned move will be helped by general instructions, available in the super service “Moving under the renovation program” on the mos.ru portal. With its help, you can find out how the move is organized, get information on the documents required to draw up a contract, and also use links to useful services. If you configure the parameters of the move, the super service will provide the opportunity to read the instructions for a specific life situation.

    The renovation program in the Sokolinaya Gora district in the east of the capital provides for the relocation of more than 12.2 thousand Muscovites from 68 old houses to modern residential complexes.

    Earlier Sergei Sobyanin told on the results of the renovation program implementation in 2024.

    All information about the renovation program is presented on the mos.ru portal. You can find out more about apartments and houses under the program by link.

    The renovation program was approved in August 2017. It concerns about a million Muscovites and provides for the resettlement of 5,176 houses. Earlier, Sergei Sobyanin instructed to double the pace of implementation of the renovation program.

    Moscow is one of the leaders among regions in terms of construction volumes. High rates of housing construction correspond to the goals and initiatives of the national project “Infrastructure for life”.

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

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

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/150513073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic Media Volunteers Launch Book Lighthouse Festival

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    On February 21, the jubilee tenth All-Russian festival “Book Lighthouse of St. Petersburg. Music of Meanings” started. Students of the Higher School of Media Communications and Public Relations of the Humanitarian Institute of SPbPU helped with the opening ceremony in the Legislative Assembly of St. Petersburg and the work of the media studio, as well as at 50 thematic sites of the three-day event.

    The ceremonial meeting in the Mariinsky Palace was opened by the deputy of the Legislative Assembly of St. Petersburg Marina Shishkina, the general director of the State Hermitage Museum Mikhail Piotrovsky, the director of the Central City Public Library named after V. V. Mayakovsky Zoya Chalova, the initiator of the festival, the president of the festival movement “Book Beacons of Russia” Denis Kotov.

    Our students have been participating in the media support of the festival movement for the third year. They organize photo and video shooting, communicate with writers, experts and media personalities in the studio, and fill the festival’s social networks with content. This is a high level of project work, and I am proud of our students, since each of them brings something unique to make the festival bright and memorable. It is very important for us that we participate in the development of the country’s cultural sovereignty with such a significant industrial partner as “Book Beacons”, – noted Marina Arkannikova, Director of the SPbPU GSMiSO.

    The festival cultural project lights its light and sets benchmarks in the book ocean twice a year for five years in a row. This socially significant non-profit initiative is held in a hybrid format, uniting thousands of Petersburgers and a large online audience. A special feature of the festival program is the variety of master classes, round tables and meetings with writers at various venues in the city: from traditional ones – the House of Books, the House of Journalists, libraries and schools of St. Petersburg, to the House of Officers, the Central Broadcast Studio, city shopping centers.

    For the first time, the Book Lighthouse became inclusive, adapted for both blind people and people with other disabilities.

    The festival is designed to unite librarians, publishers, writers, managers and readers to achieve a strategic goal: to create conditions so that 80% of Russians read an average of at least 12 books a year, says Denis Kotov, president of the festival movement “Book Beacons of Russia.”

    The final event, held at the House of Journalists, became a real celebration for guests and connoisseurs of Russian prose, poetry, music and art. The media volunteers of the Higher School of Music and Social Sciences together with the audience not only enjoyed poetry readings and music, but also took part in activities dedicated to Russian literature.

    “The Book Lighthouse” became a door to the world of art and creativity for me. Before it, I had read modern literature, of course, but I was not very interested in the authors of these books. But here I saw writers who were my compatriots. I heard their stories, and this changed my attitude to modern Russian literature, – shared third-year student of the Higher School of Music and Social Sciences of the State University of the Russian Federation Anastasia Kalinina.

    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 Russia: The Winter in Moscow sites invite city residents and tourists to celebrate Maslenitsa

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Maslenitsa festivities within the framework of the project “Winter in Moscow” will last until March 2 inclusive. Thematic programs have been prepared by the capital’s parks, museums, galleries, cultural centers, libraries and the Moskino cinema park. This was reported by the Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the capital’s Department of Culture Alexey Fursin.

    “Traditional folk games, performances by folk groups, theatrical performances and themed master classes await the townspeople. We have decided to abandon the traditional ritual of burning the Maslenitsa effigy this year for environmental and safety reasons,” said Alexey Fursin.

    Ditties, dances and old games

    On February 26 at 19:00, a concert of students of the Department of Folk Performing Arts and the Department of Folk Singing of the Moscow State Institute of Music named after A.G. Schnittke will take place in the Gogol House. Maslenitsa songs, folk melodies in modern arrangements, ditties and jokes will be performed, including “Along the Wide Street”, “Oh, Pancakes, My Pancakes”, “And We Seen Off Maslenitsa” and other compositions. Need pre-registration.

    On March 2 at 13:00, the Vnukovo Cultural Center will host the festive festivities “Wide Maslenitsa”. Russian folk games have been prepared for guests, including the stream and gorelki, as well as relay races and round dances. You can listen to Russian folk songs performed by the Sing Pro pop vocal studio and the Steppe vocal ensemble, watch choreographic numbers with the participation of the Zhemchuzhina ensemble. In addition, visitors will be offered to paint a Maslenitsa figurine, play board games, and make a doll-amulet. Admission is free.

    On February 27, the Rostokino Gallery will host a master class called “Maslenitsa Costume.” Participants will learn more about the tradition of creating straw dolls for the holiday and learn how they were decorated. An experienced craftsman will explain what the different colors in the doll’s costume mean, what signs and symbols our ancestors used. Everyone will be able to create a unique author’s image for the figurine. Admission is free, no registration required.

    On February 28 at 18:30, the cultural center “Creative Lyceum” will organize the program “Maslenitsa Culture”. Visitors will be presented with a concert program of the Russian music ethnostudio “Posolon”. Dance songs “Maslenka Shiroka”, “And we are waiting for Maslenitsa”, “Vesennaya Lyricheskaya” and “Solnyshko” will be performed to the accompaniment of folk instruments – gusli and balalaika. Admission is free, no registration required.

    Maslenitsa festivities in film scenery

    Maslenitsa festivities will also take place in the Moskino cinema park. Admission is free, but to participate you must buy a ticket to the territory of the cinema park.

    On March 1 from 13:00 to 16:45, the Gonzaga Theater will show the performances “Wide Maslenitsa” about the merry buffoons Marfusha, Mityusha and Vesnushka, which will introduce the audience to folklore traditions. And from 17:00 to 18:00, there will be a master class on crafts from Old Believer Artem Chernyshev.

    In the “Center of Moscow” set, guests will be treated to the relay races “Stove-Nurse” and “Cockfights”, and at the chromakey, the old Russian game of gorodki, which develops accuracy, coordination and strategic thinking.

    In the “Cowboy Town” decorations, from 11:00 to 17:10, an immersive quest “The Strange Case of the Missing Cows” will be held for children. And in the fairy tale park, guests will be treated to themed games – felt boot throwing and “Zakrutikha”.

    “Solar Wind” and festive processions in parks

    On March 1 at 13:00 a thematic program will begin in the Kuskovo forest park. Visitors will enjoy a performance by the children’s ensemble “Krutukha”, a mini-performance about Maslenitsa, an interactive lecture by the artist-painter Ilya Lysenkov, creative master classes led by the staff of the library No. 90 named after A.S. Neverov. And fans of active recreation will be invited to a running tour of the forest park. Admission is free.

    Free Maslenitsa performances will be shown on March 1 and 2 at 12:00 in the Kolomenskoye Museum-Reserve, and on March 2 at 12:00 — in the Izmailovo Estate. An interactive musical program, active games-competitions, master classes in baking pancakes, songs, ditties and Maslenitsa fun have been prepared for visitors. Admission is free.

    The big Maslenitsa program will be held on March 2 from 13:00 on the Palace Square and other sites of the natural and historical park “Tsaritsyno”. The symbol of the arrival of spring will be the art object “Solar Wind” with scarlet and gold pinwheels and canvases, created by Marina Zvyagintseva, one of the founders of public art in Russia. On the Palace Square, visitors will see a performance by the group “Skazki”, take part in the theatrical program of the youth ensemble “Veretenets”, a festive procession and a round dance. Entrance to the main entertainment events of the program is free.

    A holiday for the little ones

    On March 2, from 12:00 to 15:00, the children’s center of the Museum of Moscow will hold a festive program called “Frying Pan Miracle” in the museum courtyard. Children will learn about Maslenitsa traditions, create bright outfits, and dance. Musical accompaniment performed by DJ Elma will be played on the radio station “Shum”. In the “Dress-up” workshop, children will create festive images, and help with makeup in the “Rumyantsy” workshop. At 14:30, a pancake disco will begin – a Maslenitsa procession, the culmination of which will be a large spring round dance. Admission is free.

    Project “Winter in Moscow”— the main event of the season, which until February 28 brings together various events in the capital. Citizens and tourists are invited to remember traditions and history, warm up with tea and hot buns, go ice skating, watch ice shows, give gifts to people who find themselves in a difficult life situation, and show concern for those who need it.

    Muscovites and guests of the capital are offered a huge selection of events in the open air and in cultural and sports institutions. The atmosphere of winter traditions has engulfed the entire city – more than 1.9 thousand sites are open. The largest festivals of the capital “Moscow Estates”, “Moscow Tea Party”, “City of Light” and many others are organically woven into the project. All information about the project and winter season events can be found in a special section of mos.ru.

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

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

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/150516073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Aktsiaselts Infortar Unaudited Consolidated Interim Report for fourth quarter and 12 months of 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Aktsiaselts Infortar (Infortar) will organize a webinar for introducing fourth quarter 2024 results today. Please join the webinar via the following links:

    25 February 2025 at 12:00 (EET) Estonian webinar

    25 February 2025 at 14:00 (EET) English webinar

    Estonia’s largest investment holding company, Infortar assets increased from €1.4 billion to €2.7 billion following the acquisition of a majority shareholding in Tallink Group (Tallink) and the purchase of a gas sale- and distribution company in Poland. Infortar’s stock price raised by 70% in its first year on the Tallinn stock exchange, raising the company’s total valuation from €548 million to €916 million.

    “Over the past few years, our investments have amounted to nearly half a billion euros. We have grown into one of Estonia’s largest companies in terms of assets within a year. We will continue seeking growth opportunities across the region,” said Ain Hanschmidt, Chairman of the Management Board of Infortar.

    “Today, changes in corporate competitiveness and energy policy across Estonia, Europe, and the United States recognize an increasing role for natural gas as a supporter of renewable energy and a provider of controllable capacity. The outlook for the maritime transport sector is set to improve,” Hanschmidt added.

    Major events

    Maritime transportation

    In the summer, Infortar invested €110 million in acquiring Tallink shares, increasing its shareholding in Tallink to 68.5%.

    The total number of passengers in 2024 reached 5.6 million. As of the end of the financial year, Tallink operated 14 vessels. Three vessels were chartered out during the year. The number of transported cargo units exceeded 303,000, and passenger vehicles transported totaled 777,000.

    Energy

    Infortar’s subsidiary, Elenger Group (Elenger), signed a €120 million agreement with the German energy conglomerate EWE AG to acquire EWE Group’s business operations in Poland. The transaction included natural gas assets, a distribution network in Western Poland, and all energy sales segments.

    In 2024, Elenger sold a total of 18.4 TWh of energy (15.9 TWh in 2023). Sales in Estonia accounted for 16% of the total energy sales in 2024. The company’s market share in gas sales across the Finland-Baltic gas market for the year was 24.3%.

    Real estate

    Infortar’s real estate portfolio has expanded from 100,000 to 141,000 square meters over the past year. At the end of last year, the Rimi logistics center in Saue received its occupancy permit. This summer, a new bridge in Pärnu will be completed, followed by the opening of Lasnamäe’s second DEPO store in Estonia next year. In early 2028, the Kangru-Saku section of the Rail Baltica main route will also be completed.

    Key figures of financial year

    Key figures Q4 2024 Q4 2023 12 months 2024 12 months 2023
    Sales revenue, m€ 446.168 337.734 1 371.775 1 084.626
    Gross profit, m€ 34.871 42.235 128.629 149.473
    EBITDA, m€ 27.892 37.418 145.415 143.283
    EBITDA margin (%) 6.3% 11.1% 10.6% 13.2%
    Net profit, EBIT, m€ -6.792 28.967 77.025 123.628
    Total profit(-loss), m€ -11.988 24.206 175.351 293.830
    Net profit (-loss) holders of the Parent m€ -11.188 24.232 172.934 293.778
    EPS (euros)* -0.54 1.18 8.46 14.62
    Total equity m€ 1 166.222 820.210 1 166.222 820.210
    Total liabilities m€ 1 223.287 441.160 1 223.287 441.160
    Net debt m€ 1 055.708 354.045 1 055.708 354.045
    Investment loans to EBITDA (ratio) 3.0x 1.7x 3.0x 1.7x

    Earnings per share (EPS) in euros is calculated using the following formula: the profit attributable to the parent company’s owners is divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares (20,443,629 as of 31.12.2024 and 20,100,000 as of 31.12.2023). The number of shares, 20,443,629, is determined as follows: Infortar has a total of 21,166,239 issued ordinary shares, from which 722 610 own shares are deducted. These own shares were issued under the employee stock option program and have not been exercised.

    Revenue

    2024. financial year, the group´s consolidated sales revenue increased by 287.149 million euros reaching 1 371.775 million euros (compared to 1 084.626 million euros in 2023). A significant impact was made by the consolidation of Tallink Grupp’s results into Infortar’s consolidated financial statements starting from August 1, 2024.

    EBITDA and Segment Reporting

    Maritime transport Segment: The EBITDA for the maritime transport segment in 2024 financial year was 175.181 million euros (compared to 214.528 million euros in the 2023 financial year). In segment reporting 100% Tallink results are presented.

    Tallink´s financial results were affected by difficult economic environment across all our home markets, and the lowest consumer confidence levels in a decade.

    Energy Segment: The EBITDA for the energy segment of the 2024 financial year was 77.235 million euros (compared to 135.999 million euros in 2023). Warmer winter led to a decrease in sales volumes, which in turn impacted profitability in the fourth quarter.

    Real Estate Segment: The profitability assessment considers the EBITDA of individual real estate companies. The EBITDA for the real estate segment of the 2024 financial year was 13.567 million euros (compared to 12.39 million euros in 2023). Three new buildings at Liivalaia 9, Tähesaju 9, and Tähesaju 11 were included in the accounting for the 2023 financial year.

    Net Profit

    The consolidated net profit for the 2024 financial year was 175.351 million euros (compared to 293.83 million euros in 2023 financial year). One-time significant transactions impacting the net profit calculation for the 2023 financial year included the effects related to the acquisition of the Latvian gas distribution network company, Gaso.

    The consolidated operating profit for the 2024 financial year was 77.025 million euros (compared to 123.628 million euros in the 2023 financial year).

    Investments

    Infortar entered the agricultural sector by acquiring one of Estonia’s largest dairy farms in Halinga and began constructing a biogas plant next to the farm for local gas production. Infortar invested 110 million euros in purchasing Tallink shares, increasing its shareholding in Tallink to 68,5%.

    Infortar subsidiary Elenger signed a 120 million euros agreement with the German energy group EWE AG to acquire EWE Group’s entire Polish business. The transaction includes the natural gas distribution network in Western Poland as well as all energy sales operations.

    In the fourth quarter Infortar Group’s total investments amounted to approximately 140 million euros, reaching 279 million euros over twelve months.

    Financing

    Loan and lease liabilities amounted to 1 223.287 million euros in 2024 financial year (compared to 441.16 million euros in 2023 financial year). Significant increase in the 2024 financial year is primarily due to the line-by-line consolidation of Tallink Grupp, which resulted in the full inclusion of Tallink’s liabilities among the group’s obligations. Proportionally to the growth in assets, Infortar’s net debt increased by 701.663 million euros, reaching 1 055.708 million euros (compared to 354,045 million euros in 2023 financial year). The net debt to EBITDA ratio was 3.4.

    Dividends

    According to the dividend policy, the objective is to pay dividends of at least 1 euro per share per finiancial year. Dividend payments are made semi-annually. Infortar Group’s management proposes to pay a dividend of 3 euros per share for the 2024 financial year results. According to the proposal, the first payout is planned to be made no later than July, and the second payout in December 2025. The dividend consists of three parts:

    1 euro per share, as per the dividend policy.

    Carried-over dividend from AS Tallink Grupp, which is rounded upwards.

    Additional dividend based on the high deliveries of the financial results in 2024.

    AS Infortar has a total of 21,166,239 shares, of which 722 610 are company´s own shares. Dividends are therefore paid for 20,443,629 shares, which amounts to approximately 61 million euros.

    Consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income

    (in thousands of EUR) Q4 2024 Q4 2023 12 months 2024 12 months 2023
    Revenue 446 168 337 734 1 371 775 1 084 626
    Cost of goods (goods and services) sold -411 237 -295 439 -1 243 033 -934 811
    Write-down of receivables -60 -60 -113 -342
    Gross profit 34 871 42 235 128 629 149 473
    Marketing expenses -12 459 -511 -21 086 -1 620
    General administrative expenses -22 759 -9 522 -50 438 -22 085
    Profit (loss) from biological assets -156 0 -139 0
    Profit (loss) from the change in the fair value of the investment property -6 749 -4 074 -9 640 -4 074
    Unsettled gain/loss on derivative financial instruments 2 098 902 26 672 1 969
    Other operating revenue -767 1 458 4 682 2 523
    Other operating expenses -871 -1 521 -1 655 -2 558
    Operating profit -6 792 28 967 77 025 123 628
             
    (in thousands of EUR) Q4 2024 Q4 2023 12 months 2024 12 months 2023
    Profit (loss) from investments accounted for by equity method 846 1 938 22 974 39 639
    Financial income and expenses        
    Other financial investments 269 54 72 789 -4
    Interest expense -13 808 -8 569 -38 274 -22 573
    Interest income 760 465 4 979 2 765
    Profit (loss) from changes in exchange rates -56 -13 100 -173
    Other financial income and expenses 16 287 -58 15 892 159 158
    Total financial income and expenses 3 452 -8 121 55 486 139 173
    Profit before tax -2 494 22 784 155 485 302 440
    Corporate income tax -9 494 1 422 19 866 -8 610
    Profit for the financial year -11 988 24 206 175 351 293 830
    including:        
    Profit attributable to the owners of the parent company -11 188 24 232 172 934 293 778
    Profit attributable to non-controlling interest -800 -26 2 417 52
             
    Other comprehensive income     12 months 2024 12 months 2023
    Revaluation of risk hedging instruments -46 786 -58 233
    Exchange rate differences attributable to foreign subsidiaries 53 -42
    Total of other comprehensive income -46 733 -58 275
    Total income, including:     128 618 235 555
    including:        
    Comprehensive profit attributable to the owners of the parent company 126 201 235 503
    Comprehensive profit attributable to non-controlling interest 2 417 52
    Ordinary earnings per share (in euros per share) 8,46 14,26
    Diluted earnings per share (in euros per share) 8,16 14,10

    Consolidated statement of financial position

    (in thousands of EUR) 31.12.24 31.12.23
    Current assets    
    Cash and cash equivalents 167 579 87 115
    Short term financial investments 1 0
    Derivative financial assets 8 333 28 728
    Settled derivative receivables 676 5 958
    Other prepayments and receivables 155 351 162 575
    Prepayments for taxes 3 831 925
    Trade and other receivables 38 517 20 185
    Prepayments for inventories 2 498 3 493
    Inventories 215 914 146 884
    Biological assets 941 0
    Total current assets 593 641 455 863
         
    Non-current assets 31.12.24 31.12.23
    Investments to associates 16 603 346 014
    Long-term derivative instruments 3 214 1 125
    Long-term loans and other receivables 35 163 9 072
    Investment property 67 931 176 024
    Property, plant and equipment 1 909 458 446 748
    Intangible assets 38 874 14 366
    Right-of-use assets 47 598 11 300
    Biological assets 2 753 0
    Total non-current assets 2 121 594 1 004 649
    TOTAL ASSETS 2 715 235 1 460 512
         
    (in thousands of EUR) 31.12.24 31.12.23
    Current liabilities    
    Loan liabilities 477 162 184 259
    Rental liabilities 9 020 1 766
    Payables to suppliers 87 941 74 751
    Tax obligations 49 354 32 822
    Buyers’ advances 31 126 3 099
    Settled derivatives 8 728 1 463
    Other current liabilities 63 431 10 851
    Short term derivatives 27 704 3 659
    Total current liabilities 754 446 312 670
         
    Non-current liabilities 31.12.24 31.12.23
    Long-term provisions 9 946 8 399
    Deferred taxes 2 816 33 233
    Other long-term liabilities 43 209 30 679
    Long-term derivatives 1 471 186
    Loan-liabilities 696 670 246 410
    Rental liabilities 40 435 8 725
    Total non-current liabilities 794 547 327 632
    TOTAL LIABILITIES 1 549 013 640 302
         
    (in thousands of EUR) 31.12.24 31.12.23
    Equity    
    Share capital 2 117 2 105
    Own shares -72 -95
    Share premium 32 484 29 344
    Reserve capital 212 205
    Option reserve 6 223 3 864
    Hedging reserve* 7 455 24 118
    Unrealised currency translation differences 1 113 -39
    Employment benefit reserve -44 -44
    Retained earnings 698 914 466 140
    Net profit of the financial year 172 934 293 778
    Total equity attributable to equity holders of the Parent 921 336 819 376
    Minority interests 244 886 834
    Total equity 1 166 222 820 210
         
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY 2 715 235 1 460 512

    Consolidated statement of cash flows

    Cash flows from operating activities    
    (in thousands of EUR) 12 months
    2024    		 12 months
    2023
    Profit for the financial year 175 351 293 830
    Adjustments:    
    Depreciation, amortization, and impairment of non-current assets 58 611 15 581
    Change in the fair value of the investment property 9 640 4 074
    Equity profits/losses -156 863 -39 639
    Change in the value of derivatives 20 888 54 309
    Other financial income/expenses -827 -161 965
    Calculated interest expenses 38 274 22 573
    Profit/loss from non-current assets sold -953 -91
    Income from grants recognized as revenue 2 984 784
    Corporate income tax expense -19 866 8 610
    Income tax paid -10 551 -267
    Change in receivables and prepayments related to operating activities 52 022 54 539
    Change in inventories -12 830 -61 915
    Change in payables and prepayments relating to operating activities -22 278 -591
    Change in biological assets -322 0
    Total cash flows from operating activities 133 280 189 832
         
    Cash flows from investing activities 12 months
    2024    		 12 months
    2023
    Purchases of associates 0 -10 314
    Purchases of subsidiaries -155 313 -103 414
    Received dividends 20 862 0
    Given loans 1 918 6 652
    Interest gain 4 953 2 691
    Purchases Investment property -5 071 -18 304
    Purchases of property, plant and equipment -38 332 -18 143
    Proceeds from sale of property 1 559 -252
    Total cash flows used in investing activities -169 424 -141 084
         
    Cash flows used in financing activities 12 months
    2024    		 12 months
    2023
    Changes in overdraft 12 863 14 349
    Proceeds from borrowings 358 733 130 567
    Repayments of borrowings -151 790 -155 808
    Repayment of finance lease liabilities -6 222 -2 233
    Interest paid -39 153 -22 224
    Dividends paid -60 997 -15 750
    Gain from share emission 3 174 29 464
    Total cash flows used in financing activities 116 608 -21 635
      0 0
    TOTAL NET CASH FLOW 80 464 27 113
    Cash at the beginning of the year 87 115 60 002
    Cash at the end of the period 167 579 87 115
    Net (decrease)/increase in cash 80 464 27 113

    Infortar operates in seven countries, the company’s main fields of activity are maritime transport, energy and real estate. Infortar owns a 68.47% stake in Tallink Grupp, a 100% stake in Elenger Grupp and a versatile and modern real estate portfolio of approx. 141,000 m2. In addition to the three main areas of activity, Infortar also operates in construction and mineral resources, agriculture, printing, and other areas. A total of 110 companies belong to the Infortar group: 101 subsidiaries, 4 affiliated companies and 5 subsidiaries of affiliated companies. Excluding affiliates, Infortar employs 6,228 people.

    Additional information:

    Kadri Laanvee
    Investor Relations Manager
    Phone: +372 5156662
    e-mail: kadri.laanvee@infortar.ee
    www.infortar.ee/en/investor

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Dassault Systèmes Announces Centric Software’s Acquisition of AI-Powered PXM Solution, Contentserv

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release
    VELIZY-VILLACOUBLAY, France — February 25, 2025

    Dassault Systèmes Announces Centric Software’s Acquisition of AI-Powered PXM Solution, Contentserv

    • Contentserv provides the all-in-one cloud-based platform for PIM, DAM, Content Syndication and Digital Shelf Analytics (DSA)
    • Platform enables FMCG companies to craft and optimize product content to reduce time to market, increase product sell-through and curate personalized consumer experiences

    Dassault Systèmes (Euronext Paris: FR0014003TT8, DSY.PA) today announced that its subsidiary Centric Software, the Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) market leader, has signed an agreement to acquire Contentserv, a leading provider of product information management (PIM) and product experience management (PXM) solutions for an enterprise value
    of €220 million. Centric Software provides the most innovative enterprise solutions to plan, design, develop, source, price and sell products such as apparel, fashion, home, footwear, sporting goods, consumer electronics, cosmetics, food & beverage and luxury to achieve strategic and operational digital transformation goals.

    Founded in Germany in 2000, Contentserv enables fast-moving consumer goods and other companies to create and manage product content intuitively and effectively by means of AI to optimize consumer experiences across all digital sales channels. With Contentserv solutions, retailers, brands and manufacturers are able to execute strategies such as more or simply better product offers, regions and sales channels for increased product sell-through.

    With over 1600 customers in 90 countries, Contentserv users have reported ROI such as a 30% reduction in time to market, 70% faster catalog creation, 75% more accurate product information and increased sales channel coverage in more languages.

    Fashion and consumer goods brands and retailers continue to pivot around changing consumer trends and constantly evolving stock keeping units (SKUs) while also diversifying sales channels including own-stores, own e-commerce sites, marketplaces and social media. Harnessing and leveraging product information from inception through to commercialization are critical steps that not only reduce time to market, improve market success and also ensure accuracy for compliance labeling. Consumer loyalty is also increased via contextualized and personalized brand experiences.

    “At Contentserv, we don’t just manage product data – we transform it into seamless, high-converting product experiences that drive revenue,” explained Michael Kugler, CEO of Contentserv. “This data flows in from multiple sources and formats and consumers expect accurate, rich and engaging product experiences, anytime, anywhere and across every conceivable channel and touchpoint.   “Manufacturers and retailers strive to continuously refine and optimize product presentation based on insights from consumers, competitors and marketplaces. Contentserv meets these challenges with our AI-powered Product Experience Cloud (PXC), transforming product data into real revenue.”

    “We are thrilled to welcome Contentserv to the Centric Software family. Both companies share a customer-focused, innovation culture,” said Chris Groves, CEO of Centric Software. “By integrating Contentserv into the Centric family of solutions – from PLM to planning to competitive market intelligence, pricing & inventory optimization and visual boards – brands, retailers and manufacturers can seamlessly turn product content into enriched, market-ready experiences that drive engagement and conversion. In today’s competitive market, time-to-market and product experience go hand-in-hand. Together with Contentserv, our joint innovations will ensure that the moment a product is developed, it’s enriched, optimized and ready to convert.”

    The transaction is due to close in the coming weeks subject to regulatory approval and other customary conditions for a transaction of this nature.

    ###

    FOR MORE INFORMATION

    Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform, 3D design software, 3D Digital Mock Up and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions: http://www.3ds.com

    ABOUT DASSAULT SYSTÈMES

    Dassault Systèmes is a catalyst for human progress.  Since 1981, the company has pioneered virtual worlds to improve real life for consumers, patients and citizens.  With Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform, 350,000 customers of all sizes, in all industries, can collaborate, imagine and create sustainable innovations that drive meaningful impact.  For more information, visit:  www.3ds.com

    Dassault Systèmes Press Contacts
    Corporate / France        Arnaud MALHERBE        arnaud.malherbe@3ds.com        +33 (0)1 61 62 87 73
    North America        Natasha LEVANTI        natasha.levanti@3ds.com        +1 (508) 449 8097
    EMEA        Virginie BLINDENBERG        virginie.blindenberg@3ds.com        +33 (0) 1 61 62 84 21
    China        Grace MU        grace.mu@3ds.com        +86 10 6536 2288
    Japan        Reina YAMAGUCHI        reina.yamaguchi@3ds.com        +81 90 9325 2545
    Korea        Jeemin JEONG        jeemin.jeong@3ds.com        +82 2 3271 6653
    India        Priyanka PANDEY        priyanka.pandey@3ds.com        +91 9886302179

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Remembering Roberta Flack, a spellbinding virtuoso of musical interpretation

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Leigh Carriage, Senior Lecturer in Music, Southern Cross University

    The multi-Grammy award winner Roberta Flack has passed away at 88.

    Her approach and sound were a unique combination of soul, folk, rhythm and blues, jazz, pop and musicianship, and arranging skills so broad she had had a lasting impact on future artists.

    Her sustained career laid a foundation for pop and neo-soul artists Alicia Keys, Erykah Badu, Solange, J Dilla, Flying Lotus, and D’Angelo.

    Over her career, Flack performed some original songs, but she is better known for her myriad of covers and performances of songs written for her. No matter who wrote the songs, she made all of them her own. She was a master of musical interpretation.

    An early life of music

    Flack was born in North Carolina in 1937. Both of her parents played piano; her mother was the church organist.

    Her early interest in gospel tunes was encouraged and supported with her participation in a local Baptist church in Arlington, Virginia, and many relatives who sang.

    Her formal classical musical training continued at Howard University. After a brief period teaching at a junior high school, Flack started landing regular bookings at Mr. Henry’s, a Washington DC bar where Flack performed a range of traditional spirituals, jazz, blues and folk repertoire.

    In 1968, she signed with Atlantic Records.

    Her brilliant debut

    Her debut album, First Take, was recorded over just ten hours in 1969 at Atlantic Recording Studios, New York. First take indeed! Genius!

    Considering Flack’s background, religious inspiration and being surrounded by the social movements of the 1960s, it is not surprising that her first album features songs that address race and religion. The album creates a fusion of music with themes of spiritually and compelling political issues.

    Flack blended genres effortlessly. One of the highlights of the album is Flack’s interpretation of the folk song The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face. Written in 1957 by British political singer-songwriter Ewan MacColl for the vocalist Peggy Seeger, Flack’s interpretation is notably delivered with a deliberately slower tempo, and with legato phrasing – smooth, and connected.

    The lesser-known second track, the Venezuelan/Mexican song Angelitos Negros, offers a soulful statement of black rights.

    Flack’s powerful vocal delivery evokes a haunting sense of loss and refined passion. This, combined with her choice of musical arrangement with repeating lyrics, forms a commanding protest song.

    Always forging her own path

    Labels often described her work as “adult contemporary” or “easy-listening”.

    This barely addresses the diversity within her catalogue, which features Broadway ballads like The Impossible Dream, her definitive interpretation of Leonard Cohen’s Hey, That’s No Way To Say Goodbye, Bee Gees and Beatles songs, and folk classics.

    Blending genres like jazz, latin, rock and folk with nuanced elements of classical into her own arrangements and song interpretations, to the listener Flack’s interpretation becomes authorship.

    In this way, Flack played a role in defining pop music’s processes.

    Flack is best known for her majestic indelible early hits songs like Killing Me Softly with His Song, Where Is the Love and The Closer I Get to You.

    The 1973 live recording of Killing Me Softly With His Song, written by Charles Fox and Norman Gimbel, is breathtaking.

    Flack opens without an introduction: straight in, delicately infusing the lyrics with a vast array of tonal shades. The smooth phrases are delivered with a beautifully aligned dynamic, like the most carefully crafted expression.

    In 1996 Killing Me Softly with His Song, was reinvented by the Fugees with lead vocalist Lauryn Hill.

    Where Is the Love, a duet with Donny Hathaway, brings together their two legendary voices perfectly. Here were two highly skilled pianists with incredible musicality with voices that blended perfectly together.

    I have always enjoyed Flack’s version of Compared to What. Flack’s emotive delivery; the warmth of her tone; the panache; the edgeless smooth phrasing pulls you near in complete comfort.

    For Flack the lyric meaning – telling the story with clarity and honesty – was paramount. Her expression is refined with understated inventiveness. There is such power in her performances. She is spellbinding, reaching a deep soulful place that is both classically and contemporarily informed.

    While Flack wrote some songs, such as You Know What It’s Like, she was not predominantly a songwriter. Instead, she was a virtuosic interpreter of music. Whether penned by Flack or not, each song’s interpretation sounds authored by her. That is the sense you are getting when you listen to her music: it doesn’t matter who it’s written by, her interpretation makes you believe it is by her.

    Leigh Carriage 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. Remembering Roberta Flack, a spellbinding virtuoso of musical interpretation – https://theconversation.com/remembering-roberta-flack-a-spellbinding-virtuoso-of-musical-interpretation-250763

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Remembering Roberta Flack, a spellbinding virtuoso of musical interpretation

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Leigh Carriage, Senior Lecturer in Music, Southern Cross University

    The multi-Grammy award winner Roberta Flack has passed away at 88.

    Her approach and sound were a unique combination of soul, folk, rhythm and blues, jazz, pop and musicianship, and arranging skills so broad she had had a lasting impact on future artists.

    Her sustained career laid a foundation for pop and neo-soul artists Alicia Keys, Erykah Badu, Solange, J Dilla, Flying Lotus, and D’Angelo.

    Over her career, Flack performed some original songs, but she is better known for her myriad of covers and performances of songs written for her. No matter who wrote the songs, she made all of them her own. She was a master of musical interpretation.

    An early life of music

    Flack was born in North Carolina in 1937. Both of her parents played piano; her mother was the church organist.

    Her early interest in gospel tunes was encouraged and supported with her participation in a local Baptist church in Arlington, Virginia, and many relatives who sang.

    Her formal classical musical training continued at Howard University. After a brief period teaching at a junior high school, Flack started landing regular bookings at Mr. Henry’s, a Washington DC bar where Flack performed a range of traditional spirituals, jazz, blues and folk repertoire.

    In 1968, she signed with Atlantic Records.

    Her brilliant debut

    Her debut album, First Take, was recorded over just ten hours in 1969 at Atlantic Recording Studios, New York. First take indeed! Genius!

    Considering Flack’s background, religious inspiration and being surrounded by the social movements of the 1960s, it is not surprising that her first album features songs that address race and religion. The album creates a fusion of music with themes of spiritually and compelling political issues.

    Flack blended genres effortlessly. One of the highlights of the album is Flack’s interpretation of the folk song The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face. Written in 1957 by British political singer-songwriter Ewan MacColl for the vocalist Peggy Seeger, Flack’s interpretation is notably delivered with a deliberately slower tempo, and with legato phrasing – smooth, and connected.

    The lesser-known second track, the Venezuelan/Mexican song Angelitos Negros, offers a soulful statement of black rights.

    Flack’s powerful vocal delivery evokes a haunting sense of loss and refined passion. This, combined with her choice of musical arrangement with repeating lyrics, forms a commanding protest song.

    Always forging her own path

    Labels often described her work as “adult contemporary” or “easy-listening”.

    This barely addresses the diversity within her catalogue, which features Broadway ballads like The Impossible Dream, her definitive interpretation of Leonard Cohen’s Hey, That’s No Way To Say Goodbye, Bee Gees and Beatles songs, and folk classics.

    Blending genres like jazz, latin, rock and folk with nuanced elements of classical into her own arrangements and song interpretations, to the listener Flack’s interpretation becomes authorship.

    In this way, Flack played a role in defining pop music’s processes.

    Flack is best known for her majestic indelible early hits songs like Killing Me Softly with His Song, Where Is the Love and The Closer I Get to You.

    The 1973 live recording of Killing Me Softly With His Song, written by Charles Fox and Norman Gimbel, is breathtaking.

    Flack opens without an introduction: straight in, delicately infusing the lyrics with a vast array of tonal shades. The smooth phrases are delivered with a beautifully aligned dynamic, like the most carefully crafted expression.

    In 1996 Killing Me Softly with His Song, was reinvented by the Fugees with lead vocalist Lauryn Hill.

    Where Is the Love, a duet with Donny Hathaway, brings together their two legendary voices perfectly. Here were two highly skilled pianists with incredible musicality with voices that blended perfectly together.

    I have always enjoyed Flack’s version of Compared to What. Flack’s emotive delivery; the warmth of her tone; the panache; the edgeless smooth phrasing pulls you near in complete comfort.

    For Flack the lyric meaning – telling the story with clarity and honesty – was paramount. Her expression is refined with understated inventiveness. There is such power in her performances. She is spellbinding, reaching a deep soulful place that is both classically and contemporarily informed.

    While Flack wrote some songs, such as You Know What It’s Like, she was not predominantly a songwriter. Instead, she was a virtuosic interpreter of music. Whether penned by Flack or not, each song’s interpretation sounds authored by her. That is the sense you are getting when you listen to her music: it doesn’t matter who it’s written by, her interpretation makes you believe it is by her.

    Leigh Carriage 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. Remembering Roberta Flack, a spellbinding virtuoso of musical interpretation – https://theconversation.com/remembering-roberta-flack-a-spellbinding-virtuoso-of-musical-interpretation-250763

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: Intchains Group Limited to Present at the 37th Annual ROTH Conference

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Intchains Group Limited (Nasdaq: ICG) (“we,” or the “Company”), a provider of integrated solutions, including altcoin mining products, strategic acquisition and holding of ETH-based cryptocurrencies, and the active development on innovative Web3 applications, today announces that Company CFO Charles Yan, will be presenting at the 37th Annual ROTH Conference.

    Event 37th Annual ROTH Conference
    Date March 16~18, 2025
    Location Dana Point, CA, United States

    This year’s event will consist of 1-on-1 / small group meetings, analyst-selected fireside chats, industry keynotes and panels with executive management attending from approximately 450 private and public companies in a variety of growth sectors including: Business Services, Consumer, Healthcare, Industrial Growth, Insurance, Resources, Sustainability and Technology, Media & Entertainment.

    To learn more and submit a registration request, visit https://ibn.fm/Roth2025Registration

    About Intchains Group Limited

    Intchains Group Limited is a provider of integrated solutions, including altcoin mining products, strategic acquisition and holding of ETH-based cryptocurrencies, and the active development on innovative Web3 applications. For more information, please visit the Company’s website at: https://intchains.com/.

    About ROTH

    ROTH is a relationship-driven investment bank focused on serving growth companies and their investors. Their full service platform provides capital raising, high impact equity research, macroeconomics, sales and trading, technical insights, derivatives strategies, M&A advisory, and corporate access. Headquartered in Newport Beach, California, ROTH is a privately-held, employee owned organization and maintains offices throughout the U.S. For more information, please visit www.roth.com.

    Contacts:

    Intchains Group Limited

    Investor relations
    Email: ir@intchains.com

    Redhill

    Belinda Chan
    Tel: +852-9379-3045
    Email: belinda.chan@creativegp.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Back out there: Custody Unit reopens on the North Shore

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police is re-opening a state-of-the-art custody unit, ready to support frontline policing operations across the North Shore and Rodney.

    Crucially, it will reduce the time frontline staff in the area spend transporting people in custody.

    The Waitematā East District Custody Unit, based at the North Shore Policing Centre, officially began accepting detainees this morning.

    Police Commissioner Richard Chambers, Minister of Police Mark Mitchell and Waitematā District Commander Superintendent Naila Hassan were in attendance at this morning’s opening.

    The North Shore facility has undergone improvement works in recent months and will support Waitematā District’s existing unit based in Henderson.

    Commissioner Chambers says the population across North Shore and Rodney communities continues to grow.

    “Waitematā is a vast district geographically and it’s important my staff aren’t unnecessarily taken of the road for lengthy periods of time,” he says.

    “The new District Custody Unit will mean reduced travel times for staff working as far north as Wellsford, down to Devonport.”

    Advanced facilities will also mean reduced processing times for arresting officers.

    “The facility is technologically advanced and future-focused for our custody staff,” Commissioner Chambers says.

    “At the end of the day we’ll have frontline staff back out there faster working to keep the community safe.”

    Around the country, Police manage more than 120,000 people in custody each year.

    “Our Custody Units are an important part of managing people in our care and custody safely.

    “In many instances those people in custody require intensive monitoring, and features such as high-quality CCTV and intercom systems will help custody staff.”

    Commissioner Chambers acknowledges the team involved in re-commissioning the unit.

    “It’s great to see the use of technology to make savings and efficiencies, such as the high-quality audio-visual link suite installed,” he says.

    “In many instances for those detainees appearing in court remotely this will remove some costs and complexities associate in transporting them.”

    Superintendent Hassan says the North Shore facility is a welcome addition to the district.

    “We are continuing to find ways to adapt to the growing demand and population across communities in Waitemata,” she says.

    “This facility will be supported by sworn Police staff, alongside additional Authorised Officers recruited into the roles.”

    The facility has been re-opened after being decommissioned in 2013.

    It has been utilised by Police periodically, as required, including periods to support police operations during the pandemic response.

    ENDS

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Calculating the economic cost of climate change is tricky, even futile – it’s also a distraction

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dennis Wesselbaum, Associate Professor, Department of Economics, University of Otago

    Piyaset/Shutterstock

    Climate change is no longer a distant threat. It’s here, it’s real and it increasingly affects us all.

    But predicting climate change and its associated costs, particularly over long periods of time, is inherently uncertain. And based on the best available evidence from organisations such as the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the economic costs of climate change appear to be small – making this a relatively weak argument for environmental action.

    At its most basic, climate is the long-term average of the weather we experience. Or, as former president of the American Meteorological Society, Marshall Shepherd, famously put it, “weather is your mood, and climate is your personality”.

    It’s widely accepted that climate change refers to a shift in long-term weather patterns, typically driven by human activities.

    But the impact of climate change, ranging from rising temperatures and extreme weather events to health impacts and disruptions to food and water supply, varies greatly. Some areas experience more extreme impacts than others, exacerbating social and economic disparities.

    There also appears to be a false sense about our state of knowledge. For example, many believe climate change already causes more frequent and intense storms, but the evidence for this is inconclusive.

    Trying to predict the unpredictable

    To understand the economic costs of climate change, we must first grasp how climate affects socioeconomic outcomes.

    The relationship between temperature and socioeconomic outcomes can be modelled using a “dose-response” function, which shows how much a given change in temperature (the “dose”) influences the outcome (for example, temperature-related mortality).

    A key challenge is to understand the shape of the dose-response function. Is the relationship between temperature and mortality linear or is it more complex? Does it have thresholds beyond which the effects substantially change? Is there only one function or are there different ones for different populations?

    As climate change shifts the distribution of weather variables, it alters the outcomes as well. Yet, predicting how these distributions will evolve is difficult.

    The further into the future we look, the harder it is to make reliable predictions about both weather and the associated economic costs.

    If you were asked in 1925 to predict the economy in 2000, for example, how accurate would you have been? In 1925 you drove a Ford Model T, used coal-fired steam trains and passenger ships for travel, and a trip from London to Auckland took up to eight weeks by sea. You used a telegraph for long-distance communication and a radio for entertainment.

    Compare that with the globalised, interconnected economy of the year 2000. Given the technological advancements, would your prediction have been even close?

    Rather than focusing on the uncertain future economic costs of climate change, we should be addressing how it is affecting human life now.
    James Andrews1/Shutterstock

    Cost estimates

    There are a wide range of estimates on the economic costs of climate change. But one of the most reliable has come from the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

    The panel’s latest assessment report avoids quantifying the economic costs of climate change. So, to understand the economic costs of climate change, we can use the best estimate based on the previous report and the insights from meta studies. These analyses posit a temperature rise of 3.7°C will reduce global gross domestic product (GDP) by about 2.6% (ranging from 0.5 to 8.2%) by 2100.

    For New Zealand, this is equivalent to about NZ$11 billion, or twice the cost of Auckland’s City Rail Link.

    However, this comparison is extremely misleading. The value of 2.6% today will differ substantially from 2.6% in 75 years.

    The New Zealand economy grew at a compound annual rate of 1.4% between 1960 and 2000. Using this same average growth rate, New Zealanders will have a 184% higher standard of living in 2100. If nothing is done to address climate change, and given the best cost estimate, our standard of living would still be 176% higher than it is now.

    Reporting costs

    There are also issues with how some people report costs. For instance, while the total damage caused by floods and hurricanes in the United States has gone up in dollar amounts, it has not actually increased as a percentage of peoples’ incomes.

    In this context, it is crucial to distinguish between the damage caused by climate change and that resulting from human activities – such as the construction of more houses, higher property prices and river management practices.

    The economic costs of climate change based on the best available evidence appear to be small and highly uncertain.

    Shifting the focus

    Even if we accept our best estimates, economic costs are not the issue, but saving the environment is.

    Instead of focusing the debate of climate change around economic costs, we need to refocus the debate on tangible impacts happening right now: retreating glaciers, species extinction, shifting seasons and coastal erosion, to name a few.

    Addressing these issues is costly, but action will be needed to save the environment and ensure a liveable world into the future.

    Dennis Wesselbaum 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. Calculating the economic cost of climate change is tricky, even futile – it’s also a distraction – https://theconversation.com/calculating-the-economic-cost-of-climate-change-is-tricky-even-futile-its-also-a-distraction-248862

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: BitMart Research: BNB Chain’s Rise and the Activation of the MEME Track Competition Landscape

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Mahe, Seychelles, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BitMart Research, the research arm of BitMart Exchange, has released a detailed report on BNB Chain’s recent rise and the competitive MEME token landscape. This report explores BNB Chain’s strategic initiatives, its growing influence in the MEME sector, and the implications for investors, developers, and the broader crypto ecosystem.

    I. BNB Chain’s Three Major Strategies: CZ Traffic Diversion, Infrastructure Optimization, and Wealth Effect Creation

    In the context of a sluggish overall market, CZ successfully brought a new wave of traffic and market discussion to BNB Chain. The recent surge in popularity of BNB Chain is largely attributed to CZ’s continuous topic creation through high-frequency Twitter interactions and controversial token listing decisions, such as TST and Broccoli events, which generated FOMO emotions and attracted investors’ attention, thereby driving traffic to BNB Chain.
    Simultaneously, BNB Chain announced its development plans for 2025, further creating an environment for users to trade MEME tokens. Notably, BNB Chain has made significant upgrades in Gas fees, including reducing Gas fees, supporting multiple tokens for Gas payments, and introducing a feature that allows project teams to sponsor users’ Gas fees. These measures aim to lower the barriers for users to enter the Web3 ecosystem and enhance user experience.

    II. Recent Major Events in BNB Chain

    1. TST: From a Teaching Token to a Market FOMO Wave
      On February 6, the BNB Chain team accidentally exposed the contract address of the example token TST in a teaching video on the Four.meme platform. Chinese community KOLs quickly hyped it, causing its market capitalization to soar from less than 500K to52 million. Despite CZ clarifying multiple times that TST was not an official token and that the team did not hold any shares, market enthusiasm continued to rise. On February 9, Binance announced the listing of TST spot and futures trading, and its market capitalization surged 100 times in just three days, breaking through $500 million, becoming a “star asset” in the BNB Chain ecosystem. After this event, BNB Chain’s popularity briefly surpassed Solana, and Four.meme’s traffic surged, becoming one of the core platforms for MEME token issuance.

    2. BNB Chain Announces 2025 Strategic Roadmap
    On February 11, CZ stated that it was time for the BNB Chain to break free from constraints. Subsequently, on February 12, BNB Chain announced its 2025 ecosystem construction goals, revealing several network upgrades. Following this announcement, BNB broke through 640,reaching peak 725, significantly increasing market enthusiasm.

    • Low Latency and High Throughput: Plans to reduce block generation time from 3 seconds to less than 1 second while maintaining the ability to process 100 million transactions per day, enhancing Web3 speed, smoothness, and scalability.
    • Gas Fee-Free Transaction Mechanism: Introducing BNB Chain Paymaster, allowing users to pay Gas fees with any BEP-20 token (not BNB or stablecoins) and introducing a corporate sponsorship Gas model, similar to SUI and Aptos.
    • Anti-MEV Protection Mechanism: To address the over $1.3 billion in MEV losses in 2024, BNB Chain will hide transaction details until block confirmation to combat sandwich attacks and front-running robots. Establishing private transaction pool relay systems, implementing punishment and blacklist mechanisms for violating validators, and expelling MEV abusers through community governance.
    • Smart Wallet Upgrade: Compatible with EIP-7702 standard, supporting batch transactions and one-click operations (such as cross-chain swaps). Future integration of AI assistants to provide portfolio management, MEV risk warnings, and trading strategy optimization.
    • AI-Priority Infrastructure: Auditing smart contract vulnerabilities through code assistants (Code Copilot), reducing development barriers; DataDAOs supporting users in monetizing private data; Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs) providing a secure sandbox for AI agents in DeFi.
    • MEME Token Ecosystem Support: Launching no-code token issuance tools and liquidity solutions to replicate Solana’s MEME fever, while reducing fraud risks through review mechanisms.

    3. Broccoli: CZ Pushes BNB Chain’s Popularity to a Peak
    After the TST price surge following CZ’s mention, CZ’s actions became the focus of MEME players. On February 13, CZ tweeted about the operation mechanism of MEME tokens, asking if creating a token only required sharing a pet’s name and photo. After understanding the mechanism, CZ expressed interest in how it worked. On February 14, CZ announced a pet dog named Broccoli without providing an official contract address, leading to thousands of tokens with the same name appearing on the BSC chain overnight. Countless players rushed to trade on BNB Chain, causing congestion and website crashes on Four.meme. CZ later stated that this “pressure test” exposed technical issues that still needed optimization on the BSC chain. Although CZ repeatedly emphasized that he did not issue any tokens, Binance Alpha listed three Broccoli-related projects on February 19, indirectly indicating his tacit approval of the MEME fever-driven traffic dividend.

    4. SHELL: Chain Staking Activity Triggers a Capital Siphon
    On February 13, BNB Chain, in collaboration with Binance Wallet and PancakeSwap, launched a public offering event for MyShell token SHELL. Backed by Binance Labs’ investment background, the event oversubscribed by 105 times, attracting over 130,000 BNB for subscription. This event not only boosted BNB Chain’s popularity but also drainage Binance Wallet.

    III. Analysis of BNB Chain’s Current Situation and Future Challenges

    1. Competitive Analysis
       BNB Chain vs. Solana According to Nansen’s on-chain data, since early February when CZ drove traffic to BNB Chain through high-frequency tweets, the chain’s active address count has shown explosive growth. On February 18, the single-day active address count exceeded 2.8 million, setting a historical peak in the past 12 months, while Solana’s active address count declined by 36% during the same period. However, Solana’s daily active address count still remains above 4 million.

    (Data Source: Nansen)

    Four.meme vs. Pump.fun According to Dune’s data, Pump.fun platform maintained a monopoly position with over 100,000 new accounts per day before February due to its first-mover advantage. However, with Four.meme leveraging the traffic dividend from the BNB Chain ecosystem, the industry landscape has undergone a significant reshuffle. By February 17, Pump.fun’s new account count had halved to 50,000/day, while Four.meme’s count soared from less than 500 to over 20,000/day. Although Four.meme’s current scale is only 40% of Pump.fun’s, its weekly growth rate of 325% has made it one of the important MEME launch platforms.

     
    (Data Source: Dune)

    (Data Source: Dune)

    2. BNB Chain Drives a New Round of MEME Fever in the Short Term
    More significantly, on February 14, when CZ disclosed the pet dog “Broccoli,” causing a frenzy of imitation tokens, BNB Chain’s network Gas fees surged to $0.43 in an instant, setting a new high since January 2022. This data confirms the success of CZ’s traffic diversion strategy, bringing new active users to the previously sluggish BNB Chain. Combining CZ’s recent actions and BNB’s innovative plans, it can be inferred that MEME will be one of the main development goals for BNB Chain in 2023. Currently, under the influence of Binance’s traffic, BNB Chain has initiated the first phase of MEME fever. In the current market lacking new narrative drivers, BNB Chain may continue to rely on MEME token popularity to maintain market attention, and high-return MEME projects may still emerge in the BNB Chain ecosystem in the short term.

    (Data Source: BNB Chain)

    3. Future Challenges
    However, BNB Chain faces multiple challenges in replicating Solana’s MEME fever. The main challenge is the recent trust crisis in the MEME track. Due to MEME tokens launched by Trump and Argentine President couples causing significant user losses, frequent token launches by presidents and celebrities have harvested a large amount of liquidity from the crypto market and severely damaged market confidence. It may be difficult to restore investor trust in the future. Additionally, the current crypto market is affected by Trump’s transaction cooling down, macroeconomic conditions, and policies, showing a general trend of continuous volatility and downward movement. Following the Adjustment of BTC, altcoins have experienced significant declines. Previously popular Ai Age tokens have also seen significant price drops.

     4. Potential Impact
    With BNB Chain regaining market attention through strategic upgrades and the MEME craze, Solana, which previously dominated the MEME sector almost single-handedly, now faces a new competitor. The rapid rise of the BNB Chain has put unprecedented competitive pressure on Solana, potentially driving it to accelerate technological upgrades and ecosystem reforms. Furthermore, BNB Chain’s success has demonstrated new opportunities for other blockchain ecosystems. More chains may adopt BNB Chain’s “event-driven marketing + technical upgrades + wealth effect” strategy to promote their own ecosystems, potentially sparking a new wave of market enthusiasm.

    About BitMart
     BitMart is the premier global digital asset trading platform. With millions of users worldwide and ranked among the top crypto exchanges on CoinGecko, it currently offers 1,700+ trading pairs with competitive trading fees. Constantly evolving and growing, BitMart is interested in crypto’s potential to drive innovation and promote financial inclusion. To learn more about BitMart, visit their Website, follow their X (Twitter), or join their Telegram for updates, news, and promotions. Download BitMart App to trade anytime, anywhere. 

    Risk Warning
    Note: All cryptocurrency investments, including yield products, are highly speculative and involve significant risks. Past performance of products cannot guarantee future results. Cryptocurrency markets are highly volatile, and before making any investment decisions, you should carefully assess whether it is suitable for trading or holding digital currencies based on your investment objectives, financial situation, and risk tolerance, and consult a professional financial advisor. The information in this article is for reference only and does not constitute any investment, legal, or tax advice. The author and publisher do not assume responsibility for any losses incurred due to the use of this information.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese Spring Festival cultural event held in Switzerland

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The “Hello China” Spring Festival cultural experience event, jointly organized by the Schaffhausen Chinese Association and the Chinese Tourism Office in Zurich, was held on Sunday in central Schaffhausen, a northwestern city in Switzerland.

    “Ancient Chinese landscape artworks, contemporary photographs of Inner Mongolian scenery, and a dancing robot made in China – all of these have left a deep impression on people,” Peter Hediger, a Swiss resident who once lived in China, told Xinhua at the event.

    Hediger expressed his admiration for the landscape photographs and traditional Chinese paintings on display, noting that the most surprising element was the artificial intelligence dancing robot. “This represents China’s development and is worth learning from for Switzerland,” he said.

    “This year marks the first Chinese Spring Festival recorded in the UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage List, and it is also the China-Switzerland Cultural Tourism Year,” said Jia Kejie, president of the Schaffhausen Chinese Association. “We organized this event with the theme ‘Hello China’ in collaboration with the Chinese Tourism Office in Zurich, hoping to deepen Swiss understanding of Chinese culture and its people.”

    The Spring Festival experience area combined traditional and contemporary Chinese elements, featuring red snake-year mascots, Chinese drama masks, and the traditional musical instrument Guzheng.

    In addition, a Unitree dancing robot attracted considerable attention as many people rushed to shake hands with it. “A robot is here – it’s so cool!” one attendee exclaimed.

    “Today is the 26th day of the first lunar month in the Chinese calendar. According to Chinese tradition, we are still celebrating the Spring Festival,” said Liu Haisheng, head of the Chinese Tourism Office in Zurich. He expressed his hope that the event would introduce the Chinese Spring Festival to the Swiss public and encourage more Swiss citizens to travel to China.

    Richard Furrer, who previously worked for the Chinese branch of a Swiss manufacturer, has served as the legal advisor for the Schaffhausen Chinese Association for ten years. After studying Mandarin for eight years to communicate with his Chinese colleagues, Furrer now provides voluntary legal aid to Chinese people in Switzerland following his retirement.

    Christoph Melki, a reporter for Schaffhausen Weekly, carefully documented the event with photographs. “I knew nothing about the Spring Festival before,” he told Xinhua. “Perhaps only by experiencing the Spring Festival in China in person can we truly understand its meaning,” he added, hinting that he might travel to China next year.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: Fluent, Inc. to Announce Unaudited 2024 Fourth Quarter and Full-Year Financial Results and Host Earnings Conference Call on February 28, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fluent, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLNT) announced today that it will report its unaudited financial results for the quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, prior to the open of the U.S. financial markets on February 28, 2025. Fluent will host a conference call at 9:00 am ET on the same day to discuss the results, which should be considered preliminary and unaudited. The Company expects to report its audited full-year 2024 financial results on a Form 10-K to be timely filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    The conference call can be accessed by phone after registering online at Fluent Conference Call or via audio at Audio Registration. The call and accompanying slide presentation will also be webcast simultaneously on the Fluent website on the Investor Relations Page. Please log in at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the call to ensure adequate time for any downloads that may be required. Following the call, a recorded replay of the webcast will be available for one year on Fluent’s Investor Relations Page.

    About Fluent, Inc.
    Fluent, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLNT) is a commerce media solutions provider connecting top-tier brands with highly engaged consumers. Leveraging diverse ad inventory, robust first-party data, and proprietary machine learning, Fluent unlocks additional revenue streams for partners and empowers advertisers to acquire their most valuable customers at scale. Founded in 2010, Fluent uses its deep expertise in performance marketing to drive monetization and increase engagement at key touchpoints across the customer journey. For more insights, visit https://www.fluentco.com/.

    Contact Information:
    Investor Relations
    Fluent, Inc.
    InvestorRelations@fluentco.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: ‘Ne Zha 2’ debut in HK, Macao wins hearts

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    People pose for photos in front of the poster of the Chinese animated feature “Ne Zha 2” at a cinema in Hong Kong, Feb. 18, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Chinese animated blockbuster “Ne Zha 2” grossed more than $845,900 upon its debut in the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions on Saturday, achieving the highest first-day box office revenue for an animated film in the SARs.

    Over 92,000 people in the two cities showed up on Saturday to watch the movie, which has raked in over 13.7 billion yuan ($1.89 billion) around the world and ranked eighth in terms of global box office revenue. This prompted distributors in the SARs to increase the number of screenings on day one from 500 to more than 800 in 2D and IMAX formats, also a record in the history of Hong Kong’s and Macao’s film industries.

    In Hong Kong and Macao, the film has traditional Chinese and English subtitles. Cinemas operated by the film’s four local distributors — Mandarin Motion Pictures, Intercontinental Film Distributors, Sil-Metropole Organisation and Emperor Motion Pictures — have arranged around 400 screenings for Monday, with tickets of some screenings sold out.

    On Sunday, China Retold, a local key opinion leader alliance dedicated to promoting the latest developments on the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong on social media platforms, organized a free screening of “Ne Zha 2”. Those attending the screening formed a long line outside a cinema in Causeway Bay early in the morning, and during the screening, audience members frequently erupted in laughter during humorous scenes and exclamations of awe at the spectacular special effects.

    After the screening, Sebastian Lee, a student from the United Kingdom studying at Chinese University of Hong Kong, said he had heard about the movie’s box office success, which piqued his curiosity, so he decided to attend the special screening.

    Although he wasn’t previously familiar with the background of Chinese mythology, the film explained these cultural elements in a simple and understandable way, making it easy for non-Chinese audiences to follow, Lee said.

    He also praised the film’s special effects, particularly those in the final battle scene, saying that the unprecedented level of detail and complexity of the animation provided an excellent viewing experience.

    Laurent Daury, a French lawyer who works in Hong Kong, said that although it was his first time to watch a Chinese animated film, the movie exceeded his expectations and gave him a strong sense of Chinese culture.

    He said the film reaffirmed his understanding of traditional Chinese culture, particularly the importance of respect, including respect for work, family and skills.

    Cultural values

    Daury said that the film, compared with Western-made animated films, conveys more traditional cultural values, which he admired. He added that he would definitely recommend the film to those around him and planned to watch it again with his wife and friends.

    Karolina Gruschka, a kindergarten teacher in Hong Kong, said the film’s elements of ancient Chinese mythology help viewers, especially children, better understand traditional Chinese culture.

    She said she was touched by the friendship between the two main characters, Ne Zha and Ao Bing. Despite coming from entirely different backgrounds, their connection endured all challenges, showing that true friendship can overcome any obstacle, regardless of one’s origins, she added.

    Gruschka also said that a unique aspect of the film is its core concept of the struggle between good and evil, conveying an uplifting belief that people can change their destiny through their choices.

    “Ne Zha 2” reimagines the tale of Ne Zha, a rebellious deity from Chinese mythology, intertwining ancient folklore with modern themes of defiance and self-determination.

    The film was released on the mainland on Jan. 29, the first day of the Year of the Snake, and soon became the highest-grossing film in China.

    The film has been released overseas in markets such as the United States, Australia and New Zealand, and will debut in Singapore and Malaysia in March.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: ‘Ne Zha 2’ remains top 5 at N. American weekend box office

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Children look at a poster for “Ne Zha 2” in a theater in Los Angeles County, the United States, Feb. 14, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Chinese animated blockbuster “Ne Zha 2” remained the top five at the North American box office on its second weekend, taking in $3.06 million for a North American cume of $14.85 million, data from measurement firm Comscore showed on Sunday.

    The tally made the film the highest-grossing Chinese-language film in North America since 2006.

    Data from online platforms show that 2000’s “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” directed by Ang Lee, is still the highest-grossing Chinese-language film in North America, with over $128 million, followed by 2002’s “Hero,” directed by Zhang Yimou, which generated $53.7 million in North America. However, since 2006’s “Fearless,” starring Jet Li, which earned 24.6 million in North America, no Chinese-language film has been able to break through the 10 million-mark in North America.

    “Ne Zha 2” is a sequel to the 2019 animated box office hit “Ne Zha.” Both films were inspired by China’s 16th-century classic novel “The Investiture of the Gods.”

    The film is being released by CMC Pictures in Mandarin with English subtitles in over 940 selected theaters in North American cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, Chicago, New York, Boston, Atlanta, Toronto, Vancouver and a few other cities with a large overseas Chinese population, according to the company.

    As the film continues its record-breaking run, it has grossed an astounding 13.5 billion yuan ($1.86 billion) through Sunday, according to data from ticketing platform Maoyan. “Ne Zha 2” has dethroned Disney’s 2024 picture “Inside Out 2” to become the highest-grossing animated movie of all time globally.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: BlackRock® Canada Announces Final February Cash Distributions for the iShares® Premium Money Market ETF

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited (“BlackRock Canada”), an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE: BLK), today announced the final February 2025 cash distributions for the iShares Premium Money Market ETF. Unitholders of record on February 25, 2025 will receive cash distributions payable on February 28, 2025.

    Details regarding the final “per unit” distribution amounts are as follows:

    Fund Name Fund
    Ticker    		 Cash
    Distribution
    Per Unit
    iShares Premium Money Market ETF CMR $0.123

    Further information on the iShares ETFs can be found at http://www.blackrock.com/ca.

    About BlackRock
    BlackRock’s purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. As a fiduciary to investors and a leading provider of financial technology, we help millions of people build savings that serve them throughout their lives by making investing easier and more affordable. For additional information on BlackRock, please visit www.blackrock.com/corporate | Twitter: @BlackRockCA

    About iShares ETFs
    iShares unlocks opportunity across markets to meet the evolving needs of investors. With more than twenty years of experience, a global line-up of 1500+ exchange traded funds (ETFs) and US$4.2 trillion in assets under management as of December 31, 2024, iShares continues to drive progress for the financial industry. iShares funds are powered by the expert portfolio and risk management of BlackRock.

    iShares® ETFs are managed by BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited.

    Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investing in iShares ETFs. Please read the relevant prospectus before investing. The funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional.  

    Contact for Media:
    Sydney Punchard
    Email: Sydney.Punchard@blackrock.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: EverCommerce Announces Date of Fourth Quarter 2024 Earnings Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DENVER, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EverCommerce Inc. (NASDAQ: EVCM), a leading provider of SaaS solutions for service SMBs, will report its fourth quarter 2024 financial results after the U.S. financial markets close on Thursday, March 13, 2025.

    Management will host a conference call on Thursday, March 13 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time / 3:00 p.m. Mountain Time to discuss the Company’s financial results and provide a business update. Please visit the “Investor Relations” page of the Company’s website (https://investors.evercommerce.com/) for both telephonic and webcast access to this call; a replay will be archived on the website as well.

    About EverCommerce

    EverCommerce (Nasdaq: EVCM) is a leading service commerce platform, providing vertically-tailored, integrated SaaS solutions that help more than 690,000 global service-based businesses accelerate growth, streamline operations, and increase retention. Its modern digital and mobile applications create predictable, informed, and convenient experiences between customers and their service professionals. With its EverPro, EverHealth, and EverWell brands specializing in Home, Health, and Wellness service industries, EverCommerce provides end-to-end business management software, embedded payment acceptance, marketing technology, and customer experience applications. Learn more at EverCommerce.com.

    Investor Contact:
    Brad Korch
    SVP and Head of Investor Relations
    720-796-7664
    ir@evercommerce.com

    Press Contact:
    Jeanne Trogan
    VP of Corporate Communications
    512-705-1293
    press@evercommerce.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Goosehead Insurance, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    – Total Revenue Increased 20% for the year to $314.5 million –
    – Core Revenue Grew 17% for the year to $273.7 million –
    – Total Written Premium in 2024 Increased 29% to $3.8 billion –
    – 2024 Net Income of $49.1 million versus $23.7 million in 2023 –
    – Adjusted EBITDA in 2024 up 43% to $99.9 million –

    WESTLAKE, Texas, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Goosehead Insurance, Inc. (“Goosehead” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: GSHD), a rapidly growing independent personal lines insurance agency, today announced results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2024.

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Highlights

    • Total Revenues grew 49% over the prior-year period to $93.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2024
    • Fourth quarter Core Revenues* of $68.0 million increased 19% over the prior-year period
    • Fourth quarter net income of $23.8 million improved from net income of $5.4 million a year ago. EPS of $0.60 per share increased 300% and adjusted EPS* of $0.79 per share increased 182%, over the prior-year period
    • Net income margin for the fourth quarter was 25%
    • Adjusted EBITDA* of $37.4 million increased 164% from $14.1 million in the prior-year period
    • Adjusted EBITDA Margin* increased 17 percentage points over the prior-year period to 40%
    • Total written premiums placed for the fourth quarter increased 28% over the prior-year period to $965.6 million
    • Policies in force grew 13% from the prior-year period to approximately 1,674,000

    *Core Revenue, Adjusted EPS, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are non-GAAP measures. Reconciliations of Core Revenue to total revenues, Adjusted EPS to basic earnings per share and Adjusted EBITDA to net income, the most directly comparable financial measures presented in accordance with GAAP, are set forth in the reconciliation table accompanying this release.

    “We had an outstanding 2024 in the face of significant macro headwinds. For the full year premium growth was 29%, total revenue increased 20%, core revenue was up 17%, net income grew 107% to $49.1 million and Adjusted EBITDA grew 43% to $99.9 million, with net income margin of 16% up 700 basis points and Adjusted EBITDA Margin of 32% up 500 basis points,” stated Mark K Miller, President and CEO. “I am pleased we began to demonstrate growth re-acceleration in a number of key performance indicators including policies in force were up 13%. Our producer base is healthier than ever as franchise productivity was up 49%, coupled with franchise producer growth of 7%. Loss activity and insurance market challenges in 2024 and the start of 2025 have further highlighted the importance of appropriate personal lines coverage, as well as the value we bring to clients, agents and carriers. We are encouraged to be seeing signs of gradual improvement in the product market. I couldn’t be more excited for what lies ahead as we continue to invest in people and technology. This further expands our competitive moat as we progress on our journey to becoming the largest distributor of personal lines in the US.” 

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Results
    For the fourth quarter of 2024, revenues were $93.9 million, an increase of 49% compared to the corresponding period in 2023. Core Revenues, a non-GAAP measure which excludes contingent commissions, initial franchise fees, interest income, and other income, were $68.0 million, a 19% increase from $56.9 million in the prior-year period. Core Revenues are the most reliable revenue stream for the Company, consisting of New Business Commissions, Agency Fees, New Business Royalty Fees, Renewal Commissions, and Renewal Royalty Fees. Core Revenue growth was primarily driven by strong client retention of 84% and rising premium rates as well as increases in both the number of corporate agents and productivity per agency. The Company grew total written premiums, which we consider to be the leading indicator of future revenue growth, by 28% in the fourth quarter compared to the corresponding period in prior year.

    Total operating expenses, excluding equity-based compensation, depreciation and amortization and impairment expenses, for the fourth quarter of 2024 were $56.5 million, up 16% from $48.9 million in the prior-year period. The increase from the prior period was primarily due to increased employee compensation and benefits expenses related to investments in corporate producers, technology, and service functions. General and administrative expenses, excluding impairment, increased to $17.8 million from $14.1 million primarily due to investments in technology and systems to drive growth and continue to improve the client experience. Equity-based compensation increased to $6.9 million for the period, compared to $5.0 million a year ago. Bad debt expense of $0.6 million decreased from $1.0 million a year ago.

    Net income in the fourth quarter of 2024 was $23.8 million versus net income of $5.4 million a year ago, with the improvement primarily due to strong revenue growth and expense discipline. Earnings per share and Net Income Margin for the fourth quarter of 2024 were $0.60 and 25%, respectively. Adjusted EPS for the fourth quarter of 2024, which excludes equity-based compensation and impairment expense, was $0.79 per share. Total Adjusted EBITDA was $37.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to $14.1 million in the prior-year period. Adjusted EBITDA Margin of 40% was up 17 percentage points in the quarter.

    Liquidity and Capital Resources
    As of December 31, 2024, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $58.0 million. We had an unused line of credit of $74.8 million as of December 31, 2024. Total outstanding term note payable balance was $93.1 million as of December 31, 2024.

    On January 8, 2025, the Company entered into a credit agreement (the “2025 Credit Agreement”) providing for an aggregate $300 million term notes payable (the “2025 Initial Term Loan”) and $75 million revolving credit facility (the “2025 Revolving Credit Facility”). The 2025 Initial Term Loan matures on January 8, 2032 and the 2025 Revolving Credit Facility matures on January 8, 2030. This credit agreement replaces the existing Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated July 21, 2021, which was repaid with the proceeds of the 2025 Initial Term Loan and terminated.

    On January 9, 2025, Goosehead Financial, LLC (“GF”) declared a special distribution of $175 million, which was paid in cash on January 31, 2025 to holders of record of LLC Units, including to GSHD, as of the close of business on January 21, 2025. The special distribution resulted in a payment of $59 million to our non-controlling interest holders. On January 9, 2025, the board of directors of the Company declared a one-time special cash dividend of $5.91 to all holders of Class A common stock of GSHD as of the close of business on January 21, 2025, which was paid in cash on January 31, 2025 for a total of $146 million. $1.22 of the special cash dividend was funded by cash received by GSHD from prior tax distributions from GF that are in excess of the corporate income taxes payable by GSHD. The remaining $4.69 of the special dividend was funded by the cash received by the Company from the special distribution by GF.

    2025 Outlook
    Our guidance for the full year 2025 is as follows:

    • Total written premiums placed are expected to be between $4.65 billion and $4.88 billion representing 22% organic growth on the low end of the range, and 28% organic growth on the high end of the range.
    • Total revenues are expected to be between $350 million and $385 million representing 11% organic growth on the low end of the range and 22% organic growth on the high end of the range.

    Conference Call Information
    Goosehead will host a conference call and webcast today at 4:30 PM ET to discuss these results.

    To access the call by phone, participants should go to this link (registration link), and you will be provided with the dial in details.

    In addition, a live webcast of the conference call will also be available on Goosehead’s investor relations website at http://ir.goosehead.com.

    A webcast replay of the call will be available at http://ir.goosehead.com for one year following the call.

    About Goosehead

    Goosehead (NASDAQ: GSHD) is a rapidly growing and innovative independent personal lines insurance agency that distributes its products and services through corporate and franchise locations throughout the United States. Goosehead was founded on the premise that the consumer should be at the center of our universe and that everything we do should be directed at providing extraordinary value by offering broad product choice and a world-class service experience. Goosehead represents over 200 insurance companies that underwrite personal and commercial lines. For more information, please visit goosehead.com or goosehead.com/become-a-franchisee.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release may contain various “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which represent Goosehead’s expectations or beliefs concerning future events. Forward-looking statements are statements other than historical facts and may include statements that address future operating, financial or business performance or Goosehead’s strategies or expectations. In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as “may”, “might”, “will”, “should”, “expects”, “plans”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “estimates”, “predicts”, “projects”, “potential”, “outlook” or “continue”, or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs and involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, developments and business decisions to differ materially from those contemplated by these statements.

    Factors that could cause actual results or performance to differ from the expectations expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, conditions impacting insurance carriers or other parties with which Goosehead does business, the loss of one or more key executives or an inability to attract and retain qualified personnel and the failure to attract and retain highly qualified franchisees. These risks and uncertainties also include, but are not limited to, those described under the captions “1A. Risk Factors” in Goosehead’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and in Goosehead’s other filings with the SEC, which are available free of charge on the Securities Exchange Commission’s website at: www.sec.gov. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated. All forward-looking statements and all subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to Goosehead or to persons acting on behalf of Goosehead are expressly qualified in their entirety by reference to these risks and uncertainties. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Goosehead does not undertake any obligation to update them in light of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable law.

    Contacts
    Investor Contact:
    Dan Farrell
    Goosehead Insurance – VP Capital Markets
    Phone: (214) 838-5290
    Email: dan.farrell@goosehead.com; IR@goosehead.com 

    PR Contact:
    Mission North for Goosehead Insurance
    Email: goosehead@missionnorth.com; PR@goosehead.com

    Goosehead Insurance, Inc.
    Consolidated Statements of Operations
    (Unaudited)
    (In thousands, except per share amounts)

        Three Months
    Ended December 31,    		   Twelve Months
    Ended December 31,
          2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Revenues:                
    Commissions and agency fees   $ 50,277     $ 27,424     $ 139,059     $ 116,061  
    Franchise revenues     43,438       35,282       174,514       143,772  
    Interest income     207       308       932       1,443  
    Total revenues     93,922       63,014       314,505       261,276  
    Operating Expenses:                
    Employee compensation and benefits     45,044       38,803       172,942       152,604  
    General and administrative expenses     17,833       14,092       67,069       62,111  
    Bad debts     556       1,009       2,901       4,361  
    Depreciation and amortization     2,639       2,427       10,453       9,244  
    Total operating expenses     66,072       56,331       253,365       228,320  
    Income from operations     27,850       6,683       61,140       32,956  
    Other Income:                
    Interest expense     (1,810 )     (1,511 )     (7,339 )     (6,568 )
    Other income (expense)     (1,359 )     —       (7,101 )     —  
    Income before taxes     24,681       5,172       46,700       26,388  
    Tax expense (benefit)     859       (252 )     (2,413 )     2,692  
    Net Income     23,822       5,423       49,113       23,696  
    Less: net income attributable to non-controlling interests     8,968       1,803       18,688       9,556  
    Net Income attributable to Goosehead Insurance, Inc.   $ 14,855     $ 3,620     $ 30,425     $ 14,140  
    Earnings per share:                
    Basic   $ 0.60     $ 0.15     $ 1.23     $ 0.59  
    Diluted   $ 0.57     $ 0.14     $ 1.15     $ 0.55  
    Weighted average shares of Class A common stock outstanding:                
    Basic     24,562       24,688       24,657       23,929  
    Diluted     38,399       25,516       38,301       38,356  
                                     


    Goosehead Insurance, Inc.
    Consolidated Statements of Operations
    (Unaudited)
    (In thousands, except per share amounts)

        Three Months
    Ended December 31,    		   Twelve Months
    Ended December 31,
          2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Revenues:                
    Core Revenue:                
    Renewal Commissions(1)   $ 18,171     $ 17,335     $ 74,938     $ 70,730  
    Renewal Royalty Fees(2)     34,990       27,180       138,942       107,524  
    New Business Commissions(1)     5,997       5,512       24,608       23,411  
    New Business Royalty Fees(2)     6,725       5,349       27,122       23,168  
    Agency Fees(1)     2,091       1,532       8,127       8,174  
    Total Core Revenue     67,974       56,908       273,737       233,007  
    Cost Recovery Revenue:                
    Initial Franchise Fees(2)     1,332       2,458       6,620       11,238  
    Interest Income     207       308       932       1,443  
    Total Cost Recovery Revenue     1,539       2,766       7,552       12,681  
    Ancillary Revenue:                
    Contingent Commissions(1)     24,018       3,045       31,385       13,746  
    Other Franchise Revenues(2)     391       296       1,831       1,843  
    Total Ancillary Revenue     24,409       3,340       33,216       15,588  
    Total Revenues     93,922       63,014       314,505       261,276  
    Operating Expenses:                
    Employee compensation and benefits, excluding equity-based compensation     38,155       33,765       144,971       128,615  
    General and administrative expenses, excluding impairment     17,833       14,092       66,723       58,483  
    Bad debts     556       1,009       2,901       4,361  
    Total     56,544       48,866       214,594       191,459  
    Adjusted EBITDA     37,378       14,148       99,911       69,817  
    Adjusted EBITDA Margin     40 %     22 %     32 %     27 %
                     
    Interest expense     (1,810 )     (1,511 )     (7,339 )     (6,568 )
    Depreciation and amortization     (2,639 )     (2,427 )     (10,453 )     (9,244 )
    Tax (expense) benefit     (859 )     252       2,413       (2,692 )
    Equity-based compensation     (6,889 )     (5,038 )     (27,971 )     (23,989 )
    Impairment expense     —       —       (347 )     (3,628 )
    Other Income (expense)     (1,359 )     —       (7,101 )     —  
    Net Income   $ 23,822     $ 5,423     $ 49,113     $ 23,696  
    Net Income Margin     25 %     9 %     16 %     9 %

    (1) Renewal Commissions, New Business Commissions, Agency Fees, and Contingent Commissions are included in “Commissions and agency fees” as shown on the Consolidated Statements of Operations within Goosehead’s Form 10-K for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
    (2) Renewal Royalty Fees, New Business Royalty Fees, Initial Franchise Fees, and Other Franchise Revenues are included in “Franchise revenues” as shown on the Consolidated Statements of Operations within Goosehead’s Form 10-K for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.

    Goosehead Insurance, Inc.
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (Unaudited) 
    (In thousands, except par value amounts)

        December 31,
          2024     2023
    Assets        
    Current Assets:        
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 54,280   $ 41,956
    Restricted cash     3,693     2,091
    Commissions and agency fees receivable, net     31,375     12,903
    Receivable from franchisees, net     11,077     9,720
    Prepaid expenses     8,139     7,889
    Total current assets     108,564     74,559
    Receivable from franchisees, net of current portion     3,469     9,269
    Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation     24,101     30,316
    Right-of-use asset     37,420     38,406
    Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization     25,075     17,266
    Deferred income taxes, net     193,478     181,209
    Other assets     5,546     3,867
    Total assets   $ 397,653   $ 354,892
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity        
    Current Liabilities:        
    Accounts payable and accrued expenses   $ 22,894   $ 16,398
    Premiums payable     3,693     2,091
    Lease liability     6,535     8,897
    Contract liabilities     3,275     4,129
    Note payable     10,063     9,375
    Total current liabilities     46,460     40,890
    Lease liability, net of current portion     54,536     57,382
    Note payable, net of current portion     82,251     67,562
    Contract liabilities, net of current portion     15,191     22,970
    Liabilities under tax receivable agreement     160,142     149,302
    Total liabilities     358,580     338,106
    Total equity     39,073     16,786
    Total liabilities and equity   $ 397,653   $ 354,892

    Goosehead Insurance, Inc.
    Reconciliation Non-GAAP Measures to GAAP

    This release includes Core Revenue, Cost Recovery Revenue, Ancillary Revenue, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin and Adjusted EPS that are not required by, nor presented in accordance with, generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). The Company refers to these measures as “non-GAAP financial measures.” The Company uses these non-GAAP financial measures when planning, monitoring and evaluating its performance and considers these non-GAAP financial measures to be useful metrics for management and investors to facilitate operating performance comparisons from period to period by excluding potential differences caused by variations in capital structures, tax position, depreciation, amortization and certain other items that the Company believes are not representative of its core business. The Company uses Core Revenue, Cost Recovery Revenue, Ancillary Revenue, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin, and Adjusted EPS for business planning purposes and in measuring its performance relative to that of its competitors.

    These non-GAAP financial measures are defined by the Company as follows:

    • “Core Revenue” is a supplemental measure of our performance and includes Renewal Commissions, Renewal Royalty Fees, New Business Commissions, New Business Royalty Fees, and Agency Fees. We believe that Core Revenue is an appropriate measure of operating performance because it summarizes all of our revenues from sales of individual insurance policies.
    • “Cost Recovery Revenue” is a supplemental measure of our performance and includes Initial Franchise Fees and Interest Income. We believe that Cost Recovery Revenue is an appropriate measure of operating performance because it summarizes revenues that are viewed by management as cost recovery mechanisms.
    • “Ancillary Revenue” is a supplemental measure of our performance and includes Contingent Commissions and Other Income. We believe that Ancillary Revenue is an appropriate measure of operating performance because it summarizes revenues that are ancillary to our core business.
    • “Adjusted EBITDA” is a supplemental measure of the Company’s performance. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA is an appropriate measure of operating performance because it eliminates the impact of items that do not relate to business performance. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income (the most directly comparable GAAP measure) before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, adjusted to exclude equity-based compensation, impairment expense, and other non-operating items, including, among other things, certain non-cash charges and certain non-recurring or non-operating gains or losses.
    • “Adjusted EBITDA Margin” is Adjusted EBITDA as defined above, divided by total revenue. Adjusted EBITDA Margin is helpful in measuring profitability of operations on a consolidated level.
    • “Adjusted EPS” is a supplemental measure of our performance, defined as earnings per share (the most directly comparable GAAP measure) before non-recurring or non-operating income and expenses. Adjusted EPS is a useful measure to management because it eliminates the impact of items that do not relate to business performance and helps measure our profitability on a consolidated level.

    While the Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures are useful in evaluating its business, this information should be considered as supplemental in nature and is not meant as a substitute for revenues, net income, or earnings per share, in each case as recognized in accordance with GAAP. In addition, other companies, including companies in the Company’s industry, may calculate such measures differently, which reduces their usefulness as comparative measures.

    The following tables show a reconciliation from total revenues to Core Revenue, Cost Recovery Revenue, and Ancillary Revenue (non-GAAP basis) for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):

      Three Months
    Ended December 31,    		   Twelve Months
    Ended December 31,
        2024     2023     2024     2023
    Total Revenues $ 93,922   $ 63,014   $ 314,505   $ 261,276
                   
    Core Revenue:              
    Renewal Commissions(1) $ 18,171   $ 17,335   $ 74,938   $ 70,730
    Renewal Royalty Fees(2)   34,990     27,180     138,942     107,524
    New Business Commissions(1)   5,997     5,512     24,608     23,411
    New Business Royalty Fees(2)   6,725     5,349     27,122     23,168
    Agency Fees(1)   2,091     1,532     8,127     8,174
    Total Core Revenue   67,974     56,908     273,737     233,007
    Cost Recovery Revenue:              
    Initial Franchise Fees(2)   1,332     2,458     6,620     11,238
    Interest Income   207     308     932     1,443
    Total Cost Recovery Revenue   1,539     2,766     7,552     12,681
    Ancillary Revenue:              
    Contingent Commissions(1)   24,018     3,045     31,385     13,746
    Other Franchise Revenues(2)   391     296     1,831     1,843
    Total Ancillary Revenue   24,409     3,340     33,216     15,588
    Total Revenues $ 93,922   $ 63,014   $ 314,505   $ 261,276

    (1) Renewal Commissions, New Business Commissions, Agency Fees, and Contingent Commissions are included in “Commissions and agency fees” as shown on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
    (2) Renewal Royalty Fees, New Business Royalty Fees, Initial Franchise Fees, and Other Franchise Revenues are included in “Franchise revenues” as shown on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

    The following tables show a reconciliation from net income to Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin (non-GAAP basis) for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):

        Three Months
    Ended December 31,    		   Twelve Months
    Ended December 31,
          2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Net Income   $ 23,822     $ 5,423     $ 49,113     $ 23,696  
    Interest expense     1,810       1,511       7,339       6,568  
    Depreciation and amortization     2,639       2,427       10,453       9,244  
    Tax expense (benefit)     859       (252 )     (2,413 )     2,692  
    Equity-based compensation     6,889       5,038       27,971       23,989  
    Impairment expense     —       —       347       3,628  
    Other (income) expense     1,359       —       7,101       —  
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ 37,378     $ 14,148     $ 99,911     $ 69,817  
    Net Income Margin(1)     25 %     9 %     16 %     9 %
    Adjusted EBITDA Margin(2)     40 %     22 %     32 %     27 %

    (1) Net Income Margin is calculated as Net Income divided by Total Revenue ($23,822/$93,922) and ($5,423/$63,014) for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. Net Income Margin is calculated as Net Income divided by Total Revenue ($49,113/$314,505) and ($23,696/$261,276) for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023
    (2) Adjusted EBITDA Margin is calculated as Adjusted EBITDA divided by Total Revenue ($37,378/$93,922), and ($14,148/$63,014) for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Adjusted EBITDA Margin is calculated as Adjusted EBITDA divided by Total Revenue ($99,911/$314,505), and ($69,817/$261,276) for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.

    The following tables show a reconciliation from basic earnings per share to Adjusted EPS (non-GAAP basis) for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. Note that totals may not sum due to rounding:

        Three Months
    Ended December 31,    		   Twelve Months
    Ended December 31,
          2024     2023     2024     2023
    Earnings per share – basic (GAAP)   $ 0.60   $ 0.15   $ 1.23   $ 0.59
    Add: equity-based compensation(1)     0.19     0.13     0.75     0.64
    Add: impairment expense(2)     —     —     0.01     0.10
    Adjusted EPS (non-GAAP)   $ 0.79   $ 0.28   $ 1.99   $ 1.33

    (1) Calculated as equity-based compensation divided by sum of weighted average Class A and Class B shares [$6.9 million/(24.6 million + 12.7 million)] for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and [$5.0 million/ (24.7 million + 13.2 million)] for the three months ended December 31, 2023. Calculated as equity-based compensation divided by sum of weighted average Class A and Class B shares [$28.0 million/(24.7 million + 12.7 million)] for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and [$24.0 million/ (23.9 million + 13.8 million)] for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023.
    (2) Calculated as impairment expense divided by sum of weighted average Class A and Class B shares [$0.3 million/(24.7 million + 12.7 million)] for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and [$3.6 million/ (23.9 million + 13.8 million)] for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023. No impairment was recorded for the three months ended December 31, 2024 nor the three months ended December 31, 2023.


    Goosehead Insurance, Inc.
    Key Performance Indicators

        December 31, 2024   December 31, 2023
    Corporate sales agents < 1 year tenured     253       135  
    Corporate sales agents > 1 year tenured     164       165  
    Operating franchises < 1 year tenured     90       183  
    Operating franchises > 1 year tenured     1,013       1,043  
    Total Franchise Producers     2,092       1,957  
    QTD Corporate Agent Productivity < 1 Year (1)   $ 12,787     $ 13,789  
    QTD Corporate Agent Productivity > 1 Year (1)   $ 26,788     $ 25,738  
    QTD Franchise Productivity < 1 Year (2)   $ 17,861     $ 10,975  
    QTD Franchise Productivity > 1 Year (2)   $ 29,089     $ 21,103  
    Policies in Force     1,674,000       1,486,000  
    Client Retention     84 %     86 %
    Premium Retention     98 %     101 %
    QTD Written Premium (in thousands)   $ 965,596     $ 756,082  
    Net Promoter Score (“NPS”)     89       92  

    (1) – Corporate Productivity is New Business Production per Agent (Corporate): The New Business Revenue collected related to corporate sales, divided by the average number of full-time corporate sales agents for the same period. This calculation excludes interns, part-time sales agents and partial full-time equivalent sales managers.
    (2) – Franchise Productivity is New Business Production per Agency: The gross commissions paid by Carriers and Agency Fees received related to policies in their first term sold by franchise sales agents, divided by the average number of franchises for the same period, prior to paying Royalty Fees to the Company.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: GigaCloud Technology Inc to Announce Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results on March 3, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    EL MONTE, Calif., Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GigaCloud Technology Inc (Nasdaq: GCT) (“GigaCloud” or the “Company”), a pioneer of global end-to-end B2B technology solutions for large parcel merchandise, today announced that it will report its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024 after the market closes on Monday, March 3, 2025. The Company will host a conference call to discuss its financial results on the same day at 5:30 PM Eastern Time.

    To access the conference call, participants should pre-register here to receive the dial-in information and a unique PIN. All participants are encouraged to dial-in 15 minutes prior to the conference call’s start time.

    A live and archived webcast of the conference call will be accessible on the Company’s investor relations website at https://investors.gigacloudtech.com/news-events/events.

    About GigaCloud Technology Inc
    GigaCloud Technology Inc is a pioneer of global end-to-end B2B technology solutions for large parcel merchandise. The Company’s B2B ecommerce platform, the “GigaCloud Marketplace,” integrates everything from discovery, payments and logistics tools into one easy-to-use platform. The Company’s global marketplace seamlessly connects manufacturers, primarily in Asia, with resellers, primarily in the U.S., Asia and Europe, to execute cross-border transactions with confidence, speed and efficiency. GigaCloud offers a comprehensive solution that transports products from the manufacturer’s warehouse to the end customer’s doorstep, all at one fixed price. The Company first launched its marketplace in January 2019 by focusing on the global furniture market and has since expanded into additional categories, including home appliances and fitness equipment. For more information, please visit the Company’s website: https://investors.gigacloudtech.com/

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Cultivating the Future

    Source: Government of India

    Cultivating the Future

    Innovative Biotech Solutions for Farming, Livestock, and Aquaculture

    Posted On: 24 FEB 2025 5:51PM by PIB Delhi

    Biotechnology has emerged as a transformative force in agriculture, aquaculture, and animal sciences, driving innovation in crop improvement, disease management, and sustainable farming practices. Recent advancements in genome editing, molecular breeding, and biocontrol solutions are enhancing productivity and resilience in these sectors positioning India as a global force!

    Agricultural biotechnology is breaking new ground with advanced research in genomics, proteomics, transgenics, and gene editing. The Department of Biotechnology’s Agriculture Biotechnology programme supports innovative biotechnological research for achieving sustainable agriculture by leveraging the latest advances in technologies. The main achievements include:

    Climate-Smart Crops: A New Superior Climate Smart Drought Tolerant High-Yielding Chickpea Variety “SAATVIK (NC 9)” with enhanced yield under drought stress is notified recently. SAATVIK (NC9) is now approved by the Central Sub-committee on Crop Standards.

    Genome-Edited Crops: Genome editing was employed to generate loss of function mutations in several rice genes that negatively regulate crop productivity. These lines have been developed in the genetic background of the popular Indian rice variety, MTU-1010, and exhibit higher yield (in greenhouse conditions) over the parent line. In particular, similarly, the DEP1 (DENSE ERECT PANICLE; a G protein subunit) genome-edited rice lines produced larger spikes with increased grain numbers and yield.

    Genotyping Arrays: The first-ever 90K Pan-genome SNP genotyping array IndRA developed for rice has been commercialized for public use. Similarly, the first-ever 90K Pan-genome SNP genotyping array IndCA for chickpea has been developed. The arrays will help DNA fingerprinting, variety identification, testing genetic purity of rice and chickpea varieties.

    Amaranth Genetic Resources: The department of biotechnology has developed an Amaranth Genomic Resource Database, Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) techniques for screening nutritional qualities of amaranth grain, and a 64K SNP chip. Amaranth accessions screened using the above resources have been shown to counteract high fat diet induced obesity. This is a significant enabler for rapid screening of amaranth accessions for cultivation as well as varietal development.

    Fungal Biocontrol: A stable fungal enzyme nano-formulation from Myrothecium verrucaria has been developed for eco-friendly biocontrol of powdery mildew in tomato and grape.

    Kisan-Kavach: An anti-pesticide suit designed to combat the pervasive threat of pesticide-induced toxicity in agricultural settings. Developed with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by farmers, Kisan Kavach  stands as a beacon of safety and innovation in the field.

    India is the largest animal husbandry sector in the world with largest livestock population to supports the livelihoods of more than two-thirds of the rural population, mainly small and marginal farmers. Innovations in animal biotechnology are driving breakthroughs in veterinary medicine and livestock management like:

     

    The Aquaculture and Marine Biotechnology program has been implemented with the goal of enhancing both aquaculture production and productivity, while also harnessing marine resources for valuable products and processes. This program plays a vital role in the agricultural economy by ensuring food production for nutritional security. The Department has undertaken various initiatives to benefit the aquatic and marine sectors like. 

    Shrimp Diet: Fish meal is the important ingredient in shrimp feeds. Due to its high cost and sustainability issues, replacement of fish meal is an important area of research in aquaculture nutrition. Scientists working in this area at ICAR-Central Institute of Brackish water Aquaculture, Chennai have shown in their studies that yeast fermentation of soybean meal significantly improves inclusion level in shrimp diet by increasing the nutrient digestibility and growth. The growth trial results indicated that soybean meal can be included up to 35% in the grow-out feed of P. vannamei and fermentation improved the growth by approx. 8.5%

    CIFA-Brood-Vac: A novel vaccine has been developed to prevent mortality in fish spawn, securing aquaculture stock health. A user-friendly software, Interactive Fish Feed Designer (IFFD) version 2, has been developed for the formulation of cost-effective fish feed with non-conventional ingredients.

    The integration of biotechnology into agriculture, aquaculture, and animal sciences is fostering sustainable food production, disease resistance, and enhanced productivity. These innovations, backed by research and commercialization efforts, are paving the way for a resilient and efficient agricultural ecosystem. As biotechnology continues to evolve, its role in ensuring food security and environmental sustainability will only strengthen in the years to come.

    References

    https://dbtindia.gov.in/sites/default/files/uploadfiles/NBM%20WEBSITE-Dr.%20Madhavi_FV.pdf

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2081506

    https://dbtindia.gov.in/publications

    See in PDF

    ***

    Santosh Kumar/Sheetal Angral/ Madiha Iqbal

    (Release ID: 2105824) Visitor Counter : 39

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Film Poster Making Competition

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 24 FEB 2025 7:37PM by PIB Delhi

    Where Art Meets Film

     

    Introduction

    India’s deep connection to cinema is reflected in its iconic film posters which capture stories and emotions. To celebrate this art form the World Audio-Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) introduces the Film Poster Making Challenge as part of the ‘Create in India Challenge Season 1.’ In association with NFDC-National Film Archive of India, the International Federation of Film Archives and ImageNation Street Art, this competition highlights the rich heritage of Indian film posters. With 296 registrations already the event promises a vibrant showcase of creativity.

    The World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in its first edition is a unique hub and spoke platform poised for the convergence of the entire Media and Entertainment (M&E) sector.

     

    The event is a premier global event that aims to bring the focus of the global M&E industry to India and connect it with the Indian M&E sector along with its talent.

    The summit will take place from May 1-4, 2025 at the Jio World Convention Centre & Jio World Gardens in Mumbai. With a focus on four key pillars—Broadcasting & Infotainment, AVGC-XR, Digital Media & Innovation, and Films-WAVES will bring together leaders, creators and technologists to showcase the future of India’s entertainment industry.

    The Film Poster Making competition falls under the fourth pillar Films, which is centered around celebrating the essence of Indian cinema. It highlights the artistic richness and craftsmanship behind iconic film posters with a particular focus on reimagining them for contemporary audiences.

    Competition Category

    The Film Poster Making Competition will be held in two categories:

    Digital Posters

    Registration:

    For the Digital Poster category began on October 1st and will remain open until March 15th, 2025. There is no registration fee for participation. To register visit the website and select one film from the 20 titles displayed in the image:

    Important Deadlines:

    All artworks must be submitted by the specified deadline mentioned in the timeline:

    1. Poster design entries open: October 1st – March 15th 2025
    2. Final artwork must be submitted by: March 15th 2025
    3. Winner announcement: 1st April, 2025
    4. Selected artist’s exhibition and award ceremony: April, 2025

    Specifications for Submission of Artwork:

    Upload your artwork at 300 DPI in CMYK as a JPEG/PNG file. The poster should be in a vertical orientation:

    • Standard Size: 24 x 36 inches (aspect ratio 2:3)
    • Alternate Size: 18 x 24 inches (aspect ratio 3:4)
    • Maximum File Size: 10 MB
    • Kindly name the artwork with the following file naming structure: artistname_filmname_year_waves2024.jpeg

    Awards and Recognition:

    Outstanding digital posters will be recognized with the top 20 selected artworks showcased at the WAVES Summit and out of 20 top 3 receiving prestigious awards. Cash prizes and digital certificates of appreciation will be awarded. Here are the details:

    Hand Painted Posters

    Registration

    Candidates can participate in the hand-painted film poster-making competition through selected art institutions. Institutions interested in hosting the competition can email imagenationstreetart[at]gmail[dot]com with nfaifilmcircle@nfdcindia in cc.

    • The posters must be based on 20 film titles, the same as those in the digital poster-making list.
    • Each institution will choose three candidates from their internal competition to represent them in the semi-finals.
    • This competition is exclusive to institutions and not open to individual participants.

    Important Deadlines:

    1. Internal college competitions: November 1st – March 15th 2025
    2. Shortlisted candidate announced: 1st April, 2025

    Guidelines for Finale:

    Here are the guidelines for the live handmade poster-making competition:

    • The film titles options for the live handmade poster-making competition will be announced 10 days before the live event.
    • Participants and their institutions must bring all required materials.
    • The organizers will communicate travel details to the participants at a later stage.

    Specifications for the live painting competition:

    • Materials: Participants must bring their own materials. The medium should be suitable paper for handmade poster design.
    • Poster Size: 24 x 36 inches (vertical)

    Awards and Recognition:

    A total of 25 selected artists will compete in a live event chosen through a juried selection from all submitted entries. They will create hand-painted posters within a set time frame at the WAVES Summit with the top three artworks receiving prestigious awards. The awards include a First Prize of INR 50,000, a Second Prize of INR 30,000, and a Third Prize of INR 10,000, with certificates for the top three winners. Additionally, a Digital Certificate of Appreciation will be awarded to the remaining participants, along with their respective cash prizes.

    Registration

    Registration for the competition began on February 5th, 2025 and will close on March 5th, 2025. There is no fee for participation, and you can register and submit your artwork through the provided link on website. Choose one film from the 10 available titles to create your poster.

    Important Deadlines:

    All artworks must be submitted by the specified deadline mentioned in the timeline:

    • Registration and Submission Period: Feb 5, 2025 – March 5, 2025
    • Winner Announcement: April 1, 2025
    • Exhibition and Award Ceremony: April 2025

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Open to individuals of any nationality outside India.
    • Participants must be 18 years or older.

    Specifications for Submission of Artwork:

    Upload your artwork at 300 DPI in CMYK as a JPEG/PNG file. The poster should be in a vertical orientation:

    • Standard Size: 24 x 36 inches (aspect ratio 2:3)
    • Alternate Size: 18 x 24 inches (aspect ratio 3:4)
    • Maximum File Size: 10 MB
    •  

    Awards and Recognition:

    The International Digital Poster Making Competition will recognize and celebrate outstanding creativity with awards and recognition for exceptional entries. Here are the key highlights:

    • The top 20 selected digital artworks will be showcased at the WAVES Summit.
    • The top 3 artworks from the exhibition will be honored with prestigious awards.
    • Additional details on the awards will be declared soon.

    Conclusion

    The Film Poster Making Competition at WAVES offers a unique opportunity to celebrate and showcase creativity in both digital and hand-painted art forms. Through this platform artists from around the world can connect, create and be part of the vibrant future of the entertainment industry culminating in a prestigious exhibition and award ceremony at the WAVES Summit in May 2025.

    References:

    1. https://wavesindia.org/challenges-2025
    2. https://www.nfdcindia.com/waves-poster-challenge-2025/
    3. https://x.com/WAVESummitIndia/status/1845466425575735387

    Click here to download PDF

    ********

    Santosh Kumar/ Sarla Meena/ Kamna Lakaria

    (Release ID: 2105891) Visitor Counter : 58

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: WAVES Comic Chronicles

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 24 FEB 2025 7:21PM by PIB Delhi

    Transform Ideas into Reality with AI-Driven Storytelling

     

    Introduction

    The WAVES Comic Chronicles is set to unleash a world of creativity, offering storytellers a unique opportunity to transform their ideas into vibrant comics using AI-powered tools. As part of the inaugural World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), this challenge invites participants to craft and present AI-generated comics through Dashtoon Studio, showcasing their stories on the Dashtoon mobile app. Organised by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the competition has already garnered 774 registrations as of 15 February 2025, highlighting the growing enthusiasm for digital creativity.

    The WAVES Summit, scheduled from 1 to 4 May 2025 at the Jio World Convention Centre & Jio World Gardens in Mumbai, is a unique hub and spoke platform poised for the convergence of the entire Media and Entertainment (M&E) sector. The event is a premier global event that aims to bring the focus of the global M&E industry to India and connect it with the Indian M&E sector along with its talent. The event is structured around four foundational pillars: Broadcasting and Infotainment, AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality), Digital Media and Innovation, and Films. The WAVES Comic Chronicles is part of the Digital Media and Innovation pillar, which delves into the dynamic digital landscape, exploring emerging trends and technologies, the evolving app economy, and the growing influence of social media and influencer marketing. This pillar also addresses regulatory challenges like data privacy and security while promoting ethical content creation and responsible digital consumption.

    The Create in India Challenges, a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, are central to the WAVES Summit’s vision of promoting creativity and innovation. With over 73,000 registrations, these challenges, including the WAVES Comic Chronicles, offer a vibrant platform for creators to bring their ideas to life, fostering artistic expression, technological experimentation, and cultural storytelling.

    Eligibility Criteria

    Guidelines

    1. There is no limit on the length of the comic, but valid submissions must contain at least 60 panels (One image or scene counts as one panel).

     

    1. The comic should follow the vertical scroll format (Webtoon format).

     

    1. The comic must be in English.

     

    1. All comics must be created using Dashtoon Studio and published on the Dashtoon mobile app. While participants can use other tools for post-production or edits, the final comic must be assembled on Dashtoon Studio and published through the Dashtoon app.

     

    1. Participants are free to download and use their comic elsewhere or share it on social media.

     

    1. Originality is crucial: Characters and stories must not be copied from any copyrighted material (No fan fiction allowed).

     

    1. Content Restrictions: Submissions must not include:

     

    • NSFW or sexually explicit content
    • Racist or casteist content
    • Political or advertising content

     

    1. Participants can create a comic on any topic of their choice.

     

    1. Previously published or released works, whether shared personally or by a third party, cannot be submitted. All entries must be new, unpublished works that have not been publicly shared.

    Timeline

    Evaluation Criteria

     

    Rewards and Recognition

     

    Additional Rewards

    1. Top 3 Winners: Opportunity to present their comics at the WAVES Summit.
    2. Top 25 Participants: Receive a goodie bag sponsored by Google Play and Dashtoon, along with a certificate of excellence and recognition by IAMAI and Dashtoon.
    3. All Participants: Get a certificate of participation upon valid entry.

    Conclusion

    The WAVES Comic Chronicles is a key component of the Create in India Challenges, a flagship initiative under the WAVES Summit. These challenges, led by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, aim to inspire creativity, promote innovation, and nurture talent across the Media and Entertainment (M&E) sector. As part of the Digital Media and Innovation pillar of the summit, the WAVES Comic Chronicles invites participants to harness AI-powered tools on Dashtoon Studio, offering a vibrant platform for original storytelling. This competition not only celebrates fresh talent but also aligns with the Create in India vision of positioning India as a global hub for artistic and technological excellence.

    References:

    1. https://eventsites.iamai.in/Waves/comic-chronicles/
    2. https://wavesindia.org/challenges-2025

    Click here to download PDF

    *******

    Santosh Kumar/ Sheetal Angral/ Saurabh Kalia

    (Release ID: 2105887) Visitor Counter : 54

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Redwood Services Announces 17th Partnership with Indiana-Based Hope Plumbing

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MEMPHIS, Tenn., Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Redwood Services (“Redwood”), an established home services firm focused on investing in leading HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services companies in growing U.S. markets, announced that it has partnered with Hope Plumbing. This partnership marks Redwood’s seventeenth platform investment, highlighting the company’s ongoing growth and commitment to expansion.

    Hope Plumbing, based in Indianapolis, has built a loyal customer base by providing quality service since 2007. The company has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, doubling revenue and achieving substantial bottom-line results. With an established and capable management team in place to sustain current operations and implement plans for further infrastructure development, Redwood is looking forward to supporting even further growth for the Indiana area.

    “Redwood and Hope Plumbing share many core values, such as delivering exceptional services to customers and cultivating a growth-driven culture,” said Richard Lewis, CEO of Redwood Services. “We are excited to be part of Hope Plumbing’s continued growth and to support this impressive management team.”

    “Hope Plumbing has experienced tremendous growth over the years, and we are ready to build on that momentum to ensure we reach our potential,” said Jack Hope, Co-President of Hope Plumbing. “Under the guidance of Redwood’s leadership and support, our partnership will help us continue to perfect our craft and exceed customer expectations.”

    Hope Plumbing is one of the most recognized home service brands in Indianapolis and has more than doubled in size since 2021. With over 5,000 Google reviews and an average rating of 4.9, the Hope team also has a history of delivering exceptional customer service.

    Owners Jack Hope and Brad Persic will retain a significant minority ownership stake as part of the investment. The Hope Plumbing team will continue to operate and manage the business under its banner and name, while Redwood will offer operational, strategic, and financial support to enhance the company’s growth.

    About Redwood Services
    Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Memphis, Redwood Services is a nationwide people-focused platform dedicated to empowering elite contractors in the essential home services industry. Redwood provides world-class resources, coaching, and strategic partnerships to 17 leading companies across the United States, enabling its partners to deliver exceptional HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services to residential customers. Redwood’s mission is to unleash the full potential of its partners, supporting them in providing high-quality service and building lasting relationships with customers. For more information, visit www.redwoodservices.com.

    From left to right: Raj Midha, David Katz, Adam Hanover, Richard Lewis, Jack Hope, Sue Reas, Brad Persic, Scott Brinkley, John Conway, Sandra Koblas, Shaun Hardick

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/21b6289b-ba25-4095-ae52-da2e4a11287e

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: SOLVE Tapped to Become Exclusive Pricing Transparency Provider for Entegra

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LAS VEGAS, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SOLVE, the premier provider of price transparency data for fixed income securities markets, has been selected by Entegra—an innovator in Trading as a Service (TaaS)—to revolutionize how Securitized Products are traded. By integrating SOLVE’s best-in-class data with Entegra’s cutting-edge proprietary models, the partnership is set to bring unprecedented clarity and efficiency to market participants.

    Entegra, a revolutionary venture led by Daniel Ezra, former head of SP Trading at Credit Suisse, leverages decades of expertise and state-of-the-art analytics to reshape trading in Securitized Products. Entegra analysts will now be armed with data from SOLVE, enabling arrangers and underwriters to offer their banking clients a market-making service throughout the life cycle of their deals at no additional cost to the banking client. Entegra and SOLVE would work in tandem to seamlessly integrate into the arranger’s banking mandate offering.

    “We’re excited to provide our data to Entegra and arm their traders with the real-time pricing information they need to stay ahead of the Securitized Products market,” said SOLVE co-founder and CEO Eugene Grinberg. “From the day we started our business, our goal has been to empower market participants to make confident, data-driven decisions by enhancing price transparency for both buy and sell side participants and working with Entegra allows us to continue serving that mission.”

    Entegra’s traders will have direct access to SOLVE’s flagship SOLVE Quotes™, a platform that leverages Natural Language Processing and Machine Learning to deliver over 20 million daily quotes across more than 1,250,000 securities. This integration ensures that Entegra’s sophisticated models are supported by the most accurate and timely data available, empowering traders with deep insights into individual securities and broader market trends.

    “At Entegra, technology meets human expertise. Our TaaS platform is built on the belief that the best trading decisions emerge from the synergy of advanced data analytics and experienced traders,” said Daniel Ezra, Entegra CEO. “With SOLVE’s unparalleled data quality, our systems and teams are better equipped to help our clients make credible and actionable markets as well as execute the right trades. When banks start competing on service, not price, everyone wins.”

    For more information about SOLVE, please visit solvefixedincome.com. To learn more about Entegra, please visit entegra-global.com.

    About SOLVE
    SOLVE is the leading market data platform provider for fixed-income securities, trusted by sophisticated buy-side and sell-side firms worldwide. Founded in 2011, SOLVE leverages its AI-driven technology and deep industry expertise to offer unparalleled transparency into markets, reduce risk, and save hundreds of hours across front-office workflows.  With the largest real-time datasets for Securitized Products, Municipal Bonds, Corporate Bonds, Syndicated Bank Loans, Convertible Bonds, CDS, and Private Credit, SOLVE empowers clients to transform the way they bring new securities to market, trade on secondary markets, and value highly illiquid securities. Headquartered in New York, with offices across the globe, SOLVE is the definitive source for market pricing in fixed-income markets. For more information, visit https://solvefixedincome.com.

    CONTACT
    Jake Katz
    OUTVOX
    jkatz@outvox.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Alpha Sigma Capital Research Publishes New Report on XNET Mobile (XNET) and the Future of Decentralized Wireless (DeWi)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Tampa, FL, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Alpha Sigma Capital Research has released an in-depth report on XNET Mobile (XNET), a pioneering force in the decentralized wireless (DeWi) industry. As mobile data consumption continues to surge, traditional mobile network operators (MNOs) and mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) face increasing challenges in scaling their infrastructure efficiently. XNET is addressing this critical industry need with an innovative blockchain-powered solution that enhances network capacity while reducing reliance on costly physical infrastructure.

    Key Highlights from the Report:

    • Seamless Connectivity: XNET enables over 150 million mobile devices to connect automatically, leveraging blockchain-based incentives and carrier-grade hardware.
    • Scalable Data Offloading: Provides a cost-effective solution for MNOs and MVNOs to offload data through carrier-grade WiFi and LTE/5G interconnects.
    • Strategic Partnerships: Direct partnership with AT&T exemplifies XNET’s ability to integrate with traditional MNOs and enhance network scalability.
    • Decentralized Network Expansion: Uses WiFi 6+ and Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) networks to enhance connectivity in underserved and high-traffic areas.
    • Blockchain-Powered Model: Operates on Solana, allowing communities and entrepreneurs to build network infrastructure while earning tokenized incentives.
    • Industry Disruption: XNET’s approach challenges traditional mobile infrastructure models, providing a sustainable and decentralized alternative.

    Despite liquidity challenges in the broader Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) sector, which have impacted the performance of the $XNET token, XNET remains uniquely positioned for long-term growth.
    “The mobile wireless industry has remained relatively unchanged for decades, and XNET is bringing a much-needed shift in how connectivity is built and managed,” said Enzo Villani, CEO, at Alpha Sigma Capital. “By utilizing blockchain technology and a decentralized model, XNET is providing a sustainable solution to meet the growing demand for high-speed, reliable mobile connectivity.”

    To read the full research report, visit [LINK].

    Stay connected with ASC Research on Substack. Subscribe at Alpha Sigma Capital Research | Substack.

    About Alpha Transform Holdings
    Alpha Transform Holdings (ATH) is a leading digital asset investment firm, combining strategic advisory, research, and capital investment to drive innovation in Web3 and blockchain.

    About Alpha Sigma Capital Research
    Active Investing in the Blockchain Economy.™

    Alpha Sigma Capital Research is provided by Alpha Sigma Capital Advisors, LLC, the Investment Manager for the Alpha Blockchain/Web3 Fund and Alpha Liquid Fund.  Alpha Sigma Capital (ASC) investment funds are focused on emerging blockchain companies that are successfully building their user-base, demonstrating real-world uses for their decentralized ecosystems, and moving blockchain technology towards mass-adoption. ASC is focused on companies leveraging blockchain technology to provide value-add in areas such as fintech, AI, supply chain, and healthcare. Apply to receive research at www.alphasigma.fund/research.

    DISCLAIMER
    This is for informational use only. This is not investment advice. Other than disclosures relating to Alpha Transform Holdings (ATH) and Alpha Sigma Capital (ASC) this information is based on current public information that we consider reliable, but we do not represent it as accurate or complete, and it should not be relied on as such. The information, opinions, estimates, and forecasts contained herein are as of the date hereof and are subject to change without prior notification. We seek to update our information as appropriate.

    Any forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be relied upon as advice or interpreted as a recommendation. The price of crypto assets may rise or fall because of changes in the broad market or changes in a company’s financial condition, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably. Past performance is not a guide to future performance, future returns are not guaranteed, and a loss of original capital may occur. Fluctuations in exchange rates could have adverse effects on the value or price of, or income derived from certain investments. We and our affiliates, officers, directors, and employees, excluding equity and credit analysts, will from time to time have long or short positions in, act as principal in, and buy or sell, the securities or derivatives, if any, referred to in this press release.

    The information on which the information is based has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable such as, for example, the company’s financial statements filed with a regulator, the company website, the company white paper, pitchbook, and any other sources. While Alpha Sigma Capital has obtained data, statistics, and information from sources it believes to be reliable, Alpha Sigma Capital does not perform an audit or seek independent verification of any of the data, statistics, and information it receives.
    Unless otherwise provided in a separate agreement, Alpha Sigma Capital does not represent that the contents meet all of the presentation and/or disclosure standards applicable in the jurisdiction the recipient is located. Alpha Sigma Capital and its officers, directors, and employees shall not be responsible or liable for any trading decisions, damages, or other losses resulting from, or related to, the information, data, analyses, or opinions within the report.

    Crypto and/or digital currencies involve substantial risk, are speculative in nature, and may not perform as expected. Many digital currency platforms are not subject to regulatory supervision, unlike regulated exchanges. Some platforms may commingle customer assets in shared accounts and provide inadequate custody, which may affect whether or how investors can withdraw their currency and/or subject them to money laundering. Digital currencies may be vulnerable to hacks and cyber fraud as well as significant volatility and price swings.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: ‘Your life becomes a nightmare’: how scam operations exploit those trapped inside – Scam Factories podcast, Ep 2

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Gemma Ware, Host, The Conversation Weekly Podcast, The Conversation

    A few weeks after Ben Yeo travelled to Cambodia for what he thought was a job in a casino, he found himself locked up in a padded room. “It’s a combination between a prison and a madhouse,” he remembers. He was being punished for refusing to conduct online scams.

    “They tried all kinds of coercive manoeuvres, using a fire extinguisher to try to hit me, to scare me, using a plastic bag over my head to suffocate me … Whatever you see in the movies that actually happened.”

    Scam Factories is a podcast series from The Conversation Weekly taking you inside Southeast Asia’s brutal fraud compounds. It accompanies a series of multimedia articles on The Conversation.

    In the second episode, Inside the Operation, we explore the history of how scam compounds emerged in Southeast Asia and who is behind them. We hear about the violent treatment people receive inside through the testimonies of two survivors, Ben, and another man we’re calling George to protect his real identity.

    The Conversation collaborated for this series with three researchers: Ivan Franceschini, a lecturer in Chinese Studies at the University of Melbourne, Ling Li, a PhD candidate at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, and Mark Bo, an independent researcher.

    They’ve spent the past few years researching the expansion of scam compounds in the region for a forthcoming book. They’ve interviewed nearly 100 survivors of the compounds, analysed maps and financial documents related to the scam industry and tracked scammers online to find out how these compounds work.

    Read an article by Ivan Franceschini and Ling Li which accompanies this episode about the rise of the scamming industry.

    The Conversation contacted AsiaHR international for comment. We did not receive a response. We contacted all the other companies mentioned in this multimedia series for comment, except Jinshui who we could not contact. We did not receive a response from them either.

    This episode was written and produced by Gemma Ware, with assistance from Mend Mariwany and Katie Flood. Leila Goldstein was our producer in Cambodia and Halima Athumani recorded for us in Uganda. Hui Lin helped us with Chinese translation. Sound design by Michelle Macklem and editing help from Ashlynee McGhee and Justin Bergman.

    Listen to The Conversation Weekly podcast via any of the apps listed above, download it directly via our RSS feed or find out how else to listen here.

    Mark Bo, an independent researcher who works with Ivan Franeschini and Ling Li, is also interviewed in this podcast series. Ivan, Ling, Mark, and others have co-founded EOS Collective, a non-profit organisation dedicated to investigating the criminal networks behind the online scam industry and supporting survivors.

    – ref. ‘Your life becomes a nightmare’: how scam operations exploit those trapped inside – Scam Factories podcast, Ep 2 – https://theconversation.com/your-life-becomes-a-nightmare-how-scam-operations-exploit-those-trapped-inside-scam-factories-podcast-ep-2-250464

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: A Palestinian-Israeli film is an Oscars favorite − so why is it so hard to see?

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Drew Paul, Associate Professor of Arabic, University of Tennessee

    Directors Basel Adra, left, and Yuval Abraham on stage at the 62nd New York Film Festival on Sept. 29, 2024. Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

    For many low-budget, independent films, an Oscar nomination is a golden ticket.

    The publicity can translate into theatrical releases or rereleases, along with more on-demand rentals and sales.

    However, for “No Other Land,” a Palestinian-Israeli film nominated for best documentary at the 2025 Academy Awards, this exposure is unlikely to translate into commercial success in the U.S. That’s because the film has been unable to find a company to distribute it in America.

    “No Other Land” chronicles the efforts of Palestinian townspeople to combat an Israeli plan to demolish their villages in the West Bank and use the area as a military training ground. It was directed by four Palestinian and Israeli activists and journalists: Basel Adra, who is a resident of the area facing demolition, Yuval Abraham, Hamdan Ballal and Rachel Szor. While the filmmakers have organized screenings in a number of U.S. cities, the lack of a national distributor makes a broader release unlikely.

    Film distributors are a crucial but often unseen link in the chain that allows a film to reach cinemas and people’s living rooms. In recent years it has become more common for controversial award-winning films to run into issues finding a distributor. Palestinian films have encountered additional barriers.

    As a scholar of Arabic who has written about Palestinian cinema, I’m disheartened by the difficulties “No Other Land” has faced. But I’m not surprised.

    The role of film distributors

    Distributors are often invisible to moviegoers. But without one, it can be difficult for a film to find an audience.

    Distributors typically acquire rights to a film for a specific country or set of countries. They then market films to movie theaters, cinema chains and streaming platforms. As compensation, distributors receive a percentage of the revenue generated by theatrical and home releases.

    The film “Soundtrack to a Coup D’Etat,” another finalist for best documentary, shows how this process typically works. It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2024 and was acquired for distribution just a few months later by Kino Lorber, a major U.S.-based distributor of independent films.

    The inability to find a distributor is not itself noteworthy. No film is entitled to distribution, and most films by newer or unknown directors face long odds.

    However, it is unusual for a film like “No Other Land,” which has garnered critical acclaim and has been recognized at various film festivals and award shows. Some have pegged it as a favorite to win best documentary at the Academy Awards. And “No Other Land” has been able to find distributors in Europe, where it’s easily accessible on multiple streaming platforms.

    So why can’t “No Other Land” find a distributor in the U.S.?

    There are a couple of factors at play.

    Shying away from controversy

    In recent years, film critics have noticed a trend: Documentaries on controversial topics have faced distribution difficulties. These include a film about a campaign by Amazon workers to unionize and a documentary about Adam Kinzinger, one of the few Republican congresspeople to vote to impeach Donald Trump in 2021.

    The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, of course, has long stirred controversy. But the release of “No Other Land” comes at a time when the issue is particularly salient. The Hamas attacks of Oct. 7, 2023, and the ensuing Israeli bombardment and invasion of the Gaza Strip have become a polarizing issue in U.S. domestic politics, reflected in the campus protests and crackdowns in 2024. The filmmakers’ critical comments about the Israeli occupation of Palestine have also garnered backlash in Germany.

    Locals attend a screening of ‘No Other Land’ in the village of A-Tuwani in the West Bank on March 14, 2024.
    Yahel Gazit/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images

    Yet the fact that this conflict has been in the news since October 2023 should also heighten audience interest in a film such as “No Other Land” – and, therefore, lead to increased sales, the metric that distributors care about the most.

    Indeed, an earlier film that also documents Palestinian protests against Israeli land expropriation, “5 Broken Cameras,” was a finalist for best documentary at the 2013 Academy Awards. It was able to find a U.S. distributor. However, it had the support of a major European Union documentary development program called Greenhouse. The support of an organization like Greenhouse, which had ties to numerous production and distribution companies in Europe and the U.S., can facilitate the process of finding a distributor.

    By contrast, “No Other Land,” although it has a Norwegian co-producer and received some funding from organizations in Europe and the U.S., was made primarily by a grassroots filmmaking collective.

    Stages for protest

    While distribution challenges may be recent, controversies surrounding Palestinian films are nothing new.

    Many of them stem from the fact that the system of film festivals, awards and distribution is primarily based on a movie’s nation of origin. Since there is no sovereign Palestinian state – and many countries and organizations have not recognized the state of Palestine – the question of how to categorize Palestinian films has been hard to resolve.

    In 2002, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences rejected the first ever Palestinian film submitted to the best foreign language film category – Elia Suleiman’s “Divine Intervention” – because Palestine was not recognized as a country by the United Nations. The rules were changed for the following year’s awards ceremony.

    In 2021, the cast of the film “Let It Be Morning,” which had an Israeli director but primarily Palestinian actors, boycotted the Cannes Film Festival in protest of the film’s categorization as an Israeli film rather than a Palestinian one.

    Film festivals and other cultural venues have also become places to make statements about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and engage in protest. For example, at the Cannes Film Festival in 2017, the right-wing Israeli culture minister wore a controversial – and meme-worthy – dress that featured the Jerusalem skyline in support of Israeli claims of sovereignty over the holy city, despite the unresolved status of Jerusalem under international law.

    Israeli Culture Minister Miri Regev wears a dress featuring the old city of Jerusalem during the Cannes Film Festival in 2017.
    Antonin Thuillier/AFP via Getty Images

    At the 2024 Academy Awards, a number of attendees, including Billie Eilish, Mark Ruffalo and Mahershala Ali, wore red pins in support of a ceasefire in Gaza, and pro-Palestine protesters delayed the start of the ceremonies.

    So even though a film like “No Other Land” addresses a topic of clear interest to many people in the U.S., it faces an uphill battle to finding a distributor.

    I wonder whether a win at the Oscars would even be enough.

    This article has been updated to clarify that the film was a collaborative effort between Palestinian and Israeli filmmakers.

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

    – ref. A Palestinian-Israeli film is an Oscars favorite − so why is it so hard to see? – https://theconversation.com/a-palestinian-israeli-film-is-an-oscars-favorite-so-why-is-it-so-hard-to-see-249233

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Kim Jong-un is launching a crackdown on North Korea’s drinking culture

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By David Hall, PhD Candidate in Korean Studies, University of Central Lancashire

    North Korean leader Kim Jong-un recently chaired a meeting of the Korean Worker’s Party Secretariat, the body responsible for prescribing correct behaviour and ensuring it’s adhered to by party members. The party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported that this meeting was convened to address various shortcomings in discipline (tangnaegyuryurŭl ranp’ok) – including binge drinking by some party officials.

    The meeting was concerned with two violations of party discipline in particular. Party officials in Onchon County (about 60km west of the capital, Pyongyang) were accused of making inadequate preparations for their local party meeting, which – as a result – was held in a “grossly formalistic (hyŏngshikchŏkŭro) way”.

    In North Korea’s early political history, accusations of being formalistic related to overly celebrating foreign governments and their methods of socialism. But used in relation to the officials in Onchon County, it meant going through the motions, and not displaying enough genuine enthusiasm and engagement with the political process.

    This lack of ideological zeal was reportedly further displayed when 40 of the officials went on a “drinking spree” – an act considered directly opposed to the party’s line on maintaining discipline. In the English-language version of the Rodong Sinmun news article, these officials were branded as a “corrupt group”. But in the Korean-language version, they were more colourfully condemned as a “rotten group” (ssŏgŏppajin muri) and an “arrogant rabble” (pangjahan ohapchijol).

    In response, Kim stated that the behaviour of the party officials was a “political and moral” crime which undermined the foundations of the Korean Worker’s Party. Consequently, the Onchon County party committee was dissolved and the 40 officials involved in the drunken revelry were earmarked for punishment. While it was not mentioned what punishment the officials would receive, it’s likely at the very least they will be subject to ideological re-education.

    Accusations of drunkenness and alcoholism as a means of criticising and purging party officials is nothing new in North Korea. In December 1955, Pak Il-u (then the minister of post and telecommunications) was accused of leading a depraved lifestyle and being an alcoholic. This was done to besmirch his reputation, justify his expulsion from the Korean Worker’s Party, and imprison him.

    It isn’t illegal to drink in North Korea. Alcohol has a strong cultural presence: it is used on formal occasions to celebrate weddings, relieve sadness during funerals, and commemorate the birthdays of leaders.

    In recent years, the country has even promoted its alcoholic products on postage stamps. In 2022, the government issued a stamp depicting three variations of Taedonggang Beer, produced at a state-owned domestic brewery since 2002. The beer is named after the Taedong river, which runs through Pyongyang.

    The following year, a stamp depicting Pyongyang Soju was issued. This rice and corn-based liquor has been produced at a state-owned factory since 2009. With an alcohol content of 25%, North Korea’s soju has a higher alcohol content than South Korea’s best-selling version, Jinro Chamisul Original (20.1% ABV).

    In June 2015, Kim designated Pyongyang Soju as the national liquor – underlining that alcohol holds an important place both in North Korea’s cultural heritage and contemporary society.

    That’s not to say North Koreans are heavy drinkers compared with their compatriots in the south, who – according to pre-COVID statistics – drink about twice as much. In North Korea, a litre of alcohol costs about the same as a kilo of corn (a proxy for a day’s food), which may explain this.

    Political and moral vice

    But excessive drinking is regarded, as Kim stated, as a political and moral vice. Alcohol and other drug taking, such as methamphetamine use, is bound up with mental health as a sign of degeneracy.

    Given that mental health care in North Korea is virtually non-existent (mental health conditions are correlated with ideological problems), drinking, smoking and other drug use often become coping mechanisms for people living there. But these have all become regarded as anti-state activities.

    In recent years, North Korea has cracked down more strictly on what is seen as the “ideological and cultural poisoning” of society. For example, it has been reported that people have been sentenced to lengthy prison sentences or execution for consuming and/or distributing foreign media, using foreign slang terms, or wearing foreign clothes and hairstyles.

    Divorcing couples and those caught selling hot dogs have reportedly been the most recent examples of people’s anti-state behaviour receiving labour camp sentences. Divorce represents dissent to the socialist idea of collectivism, prioritising group needs (family) over individual desires.

    Therefore, the attack on excessive alcohol consumption – and it being publicly reported on – can be seen as another development in the trend of North Korea clamping down on individualistic behaviour, because it does not conform to the ideals of how people in this socialist society should behave.

    David Hall 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. Kim Jong-un is launching a crackdown on North Korea’s drinking culture – https://theconversation.com/kim-jong-un-is-launching-a-crackdown-on-north-koreas-drinking-culture-249514

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “Dare and Win!”: How February 23 was celebrated at the Military Training Center

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    © Higher School of Economics

    On the eve of Defender of the Fatherland Day in Military training center The HSE hosted ceremonial meetings and creative evenings of student amateur performances. Such events are held here every year on the eve of February 23, and not only HSE students, but also students from partner schools and honorary guests take part in them.

    “Conquer new heights”

    The guest of honor at the ceremonial meeting and creative evening of 4th-year students was Vice-Rector Sergey Rozhkov. After the State Flag of the Russian Federation, the flag of the HSE Military Training Center were carried out and the Anthem of the Russian Federation was performed, he congratulated all those present on Defender of the Fatherland Day.

    “I wish you good health, happiness and prosperity, to always move forward, and not to stop in the face of difficulties. You will have to conquer new heights, and it does not matter whether they will be connected with the specialty you have chosen or with service in the Armed Forces – as far as I know, we also have those who want to join the military service. Dare and win,” said Sergey Rozhkov, addressing the students.

    He also wished for a quick big victory in the special military operation. “We are really looking forward to it, it is important for all of us,” the vice-rector concluded.

    The head of the Military Training Center (VTC), Hero of Russia Vladimir Korgutov, also delivered welcoming words.

    “This national holiday firmly links the past, present and future of Russia, is a symbol of fortitude, courage, solidarity and unity, pride in one’s country and its history. And today we remember those who conscientiously fulfilled their military duty – in every home, in every family, there are reminders of the heroism of our grandfathers and fathers. Military exploits and traditions will never be forgotten,” he said.

    The Hero of Russia recalled the soldiers and officers who died during the SVO, including those who were personally known to the teachers of the Military Training Center. Those present in the hall honored their memory with a minute of silence.

    Award ceremony

    Vladimir Korgutov reported that in the run-up to Defender of the Fatherland Day, congratulations were sent to the Military Training Center “from many of our colleagues and comrades.” Among them were representatives of universities from different regions of Russia where military training centers operate. “We also congratulate them and advocate for us to have more joint projects,” he added.

    This was followed by a ceremony to present awards to the staff and students of the Military Training Center.

    For the consistently high quality of performance of official duties, Sergey Rozhkov presented a letter of gratitude from the Rector of the National Research University Higher School of Economics Nikita Anisimov to the teacher Departments of the Ground Forces Aleksandr Alekseev, associate professor Andrey Cherkesov and the educational department dispatcher Olga Lobova. The vice-rector’s gratitude was awarded to associate professor of the Land Forces Department Viktor Prilyudko.

    A teacher received a commemorative badge of the city of Moscow “80 years of the Battle of Moscow” Department of Aerospace Forces Alexander Lyubimov. Andrey Cherkesov was awarded the medal “65 years of the Strategic Missile Forces” by the Council of Veterans of the Strategic Missile Forces. Gratitude from the head of the Military Training Center was announced to engineer Irina Petrova and senior engineer of the educational and training equipment department Yuri Kuprienko.

    In addition, the best students received incentives. This is not only a certificate or gratitude, but also a photo taken near the unfurled flag of the VUC together with Hero of Russia Vladimir Korgutov, as well as a “letter to the homeland” – a message to parents, which tells about the achievements of their son. Another form of incentive in honor of February 23 is the removal of a previously imposed penalty, and this is no less important for students than any other award.

    Tribute

    Holding concerts on the eve of February 23 is one of the traditions of the Military Training Center. First of all, it is a tribute to those who defended our Motherland during the Great Patriotic War and other wars, and to those who today, faithful to their military duty, continue to defend it.

    This year, not only students of the Military Training Center performed at the creative evenings, but also invited performers and creative groups, for example, the vocal studio “Kladez” from the Moscow State Technical University of Civil Aviation under the direction of Oksana Kazakova. Famous songs of the war years and modern works were performed, including those written by the students themselves. A quiz on military topics was also organized for fourth-year students.

    Yaroslav Rodkin, 2nd year student of the OP “Strategy and production in communications“, acted as the host of the creative evening and read poems of his own composition. “I dedicated the poem “Soon Home” to the soldiers who are awaited at home, because at the front it is important to feel the support of relatives, and the poem “A Bullet Flies” – to the soldiers who died in battles for Russia,” he explained.

    Petr Kutukov, 2nd year student of the OP “Right“, performed the song “We Need One Victory” at two creative evenings – for his classmates and for fourth-year students. The participation of younger fighters in a concert for older ones is another tradition that helps pass the baton and strengthen the spirit of camaraderie.

    “I studied music in my school years and I love singing for the soul. I try to participate in extracurricular activities, and the concert for Defender of the Fatherland Day is a good opportunity to prove myself. This holiday is close to me: my great-grandfather, born in 1898, took part in four wars, my father and grandfather were officers. War songs have a special energy, many of them are written by people who know firsthand what war is,” said Petr.

    “The baton is in safe hands”

    Another tradition of the VUC is a farewell speech to graduates. At the end of the creative evening for 4th-year students, it was delivered by ordinary professor Adam Nizhalovsky.

    He reported that the HSE Military Training Center is one of the best among 137 military training centers in the country, and is distinguished by the high quality of students typical of the HSE, and a unique faculty: 2 generals, 20 colonels, 13 lieutenant colonels, 1 major, 1 “growing lieutenant”. Among them are 16 doctors and candidates of science, 11 combat veterans, including 4 holders of the Order of Courage, 2 holders of the Order “For Military Merit”.

    “We are the only military training center that has been commanded by a Hero of Russia for over ten years,” Adam Nizhalovsky emphasized. He assured those gathered that the baton is in good hands and that HSE graduates “will form the core of the country’s mobilization resource.”

    Then Tatyana Kravets, the guest of honor, the principal of School No. 1251 named after Charles de Gaulle, spoke, attending the event together with her students. She noted that today’s officers and students are growing up in schools. “We admire you. You were and remain our hope and support, and our graduates will honorably, as expected, replace you at your combat post,” the principal said.

    The students presented Vladimir Korgutov with a cake with the number 23 on it. “The doors of the Military Training Center are always open for you,” he assured.

    The Science of Encouragement

    Summing up the ceremonial events, Vladimir Korgutov noted in an interview with Vyshka.Glavnoe that they are an important part of the military-patriotic education of future officers. The presentation of awards is a way to encourage the best, and joint creative activities help to unite the team. “Students get to know each other better, are imbued with the spirit of patriotism,” the Hero of Russia believes.

    In his opinion, it is important to encourage not only experienced teachers, but also young officers and those who are engaged in ensuring the educational process. Alexander Lyubimov, the “growing lieutenant” mentioned in the parting words, the only one who received a state award for Defender of the Fatherland Day, successfully prepares the VUC team for the computer science Olympiads among cadets of military universities.

    “Olga Sergeevna Lobova is a senior warrant officer, a very good employee. Everything that concerns the plans for holding events, drawing up a schedule, distributing audiences – this is hers! Irina Valeryevna Petrova, also an excellent employee, keeps records of personnel, interacts with military registration and enlistment offices, and annually prepares an order from the Minister of Defense to assign ranks to our graduates,” adds Vladimir Korgutov.

    Among the students who have repeatedly received gratitude is a student of the OP “Applied Mathematics and Computer Science» Namig Damirov. Last year, he took 1st place in the individual competition at the All-Army Cadet Olympiad in Computer Science in St. Petersburg, leaving behind his peers from military universities, and his team took 2nd place in the specialized competition. Lieutenant Alexander Lyubimov took an active part in his preparation.

    “The competition is not easy, and we were pleased with the results. I hope that the foundation we laid will help the next generations of students who will represent the Military Training Center at this Olympiad,” Namig said.

    “Indistinguishable from Lev Leshchenko”

    Viewers shared their impressions of “Vyshka.Glavnoe”.

    “The concert was amazing. I especially remember the vocal and vocal-dance numbers of the invited artists, and the evening of amateur performances was wonderfully complemented by their professionalism. An unexpected surprise were the performances of the second-year students: wonderful singers – it was almost impossible to distinguish them from Lev Leshchenko,” says a fourth-year student of the OP “Business Management» Arseniy Samsonov.

    Completing his studies at the Military Training Center, he thanks Colonel Korgutov not only for mastering the military profession, but also for joining the army community, understanding its spoken and unspoken laws. “When I came to the Military Training Center in my second year, this world seemed alien and strange, but now I feel a part of it and am proud to be a reserve officer of the Strategic Missile Forces. I had previously planned to connect my career with the civil service, and the Military Training Center strengthened this intention in me,” the student says.

    “When they performed the song ‘Officers’ and the entire audience stood up, I saw tears welling up in Vladimir Aleksandrovich Korgutov’s eyes,” said Tatyana Kravets.

    “You understand, guys, he is a combat officer, a participant in the First Chechen War,” she addressed her students. “‘I sing to the officers who took pity on their mothers, returning their living sons to them’ – these words are about him. He received the title of Hero of Russia because there were no casualties in his unit. Think about it! He saved everyone!”

    “I liked the theme night,” adds eighth-grader Sergei Burov. “An hour and a half flew by in an instant, the war songs and poems went straight to my heart. If I manage to get into the Higher School of Economics, I will definitely go to study at the Military Training Center and will also perform at such concerts.”

    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 –