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Category: Entertainment

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Remarks by SCST at media session (with video)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Remarks by SCST at media session (with video)
    Remarks by SCST at media session (with video)
    *********************************************

         Following are the remarks by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at a media session about the Kai Tak Sports Park grand opening ceremony and arrangements for purchasing tickets to the ceremony today (February 20): Reporter: Would the Government do real-name registration to counter ticket scalping? For people from overseas, how could they tune in to the ceremony? Will there be live signal on Youtube, or any other kind of platforms? Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism: For overseas viewers, they can also view through the apps or through the channels of our different free TV channels, through their apps, through the arrangements. They can watch it together with Hong Kong audience at 9.30pm at home in their countries or in their areas. There is no problem.      For scalping, first of all, we are selling the tickets through URBTIX. We have, of course, a series of different arrangements to ensure that fair arrangements for ticketing will be introduced and implemented. Secondly, it is also important to remind everybody that scalping is actually illegal in respect of shows staged in Kai Tak Sports Park. I invite and I urge all viewers and supporters of the event to get their tickets through the normal channel, through the proper official channel. And if you fail to do so, it doesn’t really matter because we have arranged free TV broadcast that particular night at 9.30pm, so there is no need really for any scalping, or to support these ticketing arrangements. Reporter: What considerations have been made regarding the Government’s deficit for the budget of the ceremony? Second question is, in terms of tickets, where would the proceeds go to? Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism: Without excluding costs, all the proceeds will go to the Community Chest of Hong Kong for charitable use. For the budget, of course, given the size of the Main Stadium of Kai Tak Sports Park and given also the involvement of quite a number of crews, staff members, given the involvement of a series of different settings, and also multi-visual and multimedia channels, we of course have included or reserved sufficient production budget for the event.           But we will also be very mindful of ensuring that we will do it very, very efficiently and effectively. And I have to give special thanks to all the participating artists, actors and performers. Most of them actually do not require us to provide special remuneration aside from the minimum (cost), for example, the make-up or hair-do, the minimum for the performance. We are really, truly grateful for their participation, for their support and for their generosity.           Let me assure everybody that we will be very, very careful to make sure that the opening ceremony would be staged with a reasonable budget. The cost is capped to a minimum, but still (the event is) spectacular and enjoyable.  (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)

     
    Ends/Thursday, February 20, 2025Issued at HKT 19:55

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 21, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: AI Avatar Creator

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 20 FEB 2025 4:17PM by PIB Delhi

    Transform Imagination into Reality

     

    AI Avatars are transforming the digital landscape, offering personalized, interactive, AI-powered digital personas that engage like human influencers across virtual spaces. As this technology evolves, AI avatars are becoming powerful tools in marketing, content creation and entertainment. The AI Avatar Creator Challenge organized by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and Avtr Meta Labs, invites innovators to explore the endless possibilities of AI avatars. A total of 1,251 participants have registered so far, including 102 international entrants.

     This challenge is part of the Create in India Challenge Season 1 and falls under WAVES (World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit) Pillar 2, which is dedicated to AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and cutting-edge technologies such as Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and the Metaverse). This event will be held from May 1-4, 2025, at the Jio World Convention Centre and Jio World Gardens in Mumbai.

    WAVES is a pioneering platform aimed at advancing India’s Media & Entertainment (M&E) industry to new levels of success. WAVES focuses on four key pillars: Broadcasting & Infotainment, AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality), Digital Media & Innovation and Films. The AI Avatar Creator Challenge aligns with the AVGC-XR pillar embracing cutting-edge technologies like Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality and the Metaverse.

    Guidelines

     Before diving into the AI Avatar Creator Challenge take a look at these key details:

    • Participants to be minimum 18 years old and provide a valid ID for age verification.
    • The competition is open to creators worldwide, and you can submit multiple AI avatars as long as each entry is fully AI-generated with unique names and profiles.
    • By participating, you confirm that your AI avatar is an original creation and does not infringe on the rights of other real-life or AI models. Any submissions that copy the work or identity of others without consent will result in disqualification.

    Registration Process

    Participants must register for the contest exclusively through the Avtr Meta Labs website. Click the “Register Interest” button on the site and fill in your details, including your name, contact information, the concept and purpose of your AI Avatar and your location. Be sure to review all the important terms and conditions before applying. The submission deadline for the challenge is 28th February, 2025.

    Evaluation Criteria

    An expert panel will evaluate the AI Avatar Creator Challenge, assessing each entry based on key criteria. Judging will focus on the three core areas: Finesse, Technology, and Purpose.

    A points-based system will score each creator across the three categories, with each entrant given an overall score.

    Prize

    The submissions will be narrowed down to the final Top 10. The top 3 contestants will be invited to present their work at the WAVES 2025 summit, where they can showcase their projects to industry experts. The winner will receive a cash prize of INR 100,000, and all Top 10 entries will receive a certificate of participation from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

    By being named a winner or runner-up, the participant agrees to grant permission to use their AI Avatar’s imagery and associated social media channels in marketing materials, including Press/PR, paid advertising, social media, and online platforms, indefinitely.

    References:

    Kindly find the pdf file 

    ***

    Santosh Kumar/ Ritu Kataria/ Kamna Lakaria

    (Release ID: 2104987) Visitor Counter : 59

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 21, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CityQuest: Shades of Bharat

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 20 FEB 2025 3:23PM by PIB Delhi

    A Card Game That Brings India’s Urban Development to Life

    Introduction

    WAVES City Quest: Shades of Bharat is an innovative educational game that brings India’s urban development to life through a fun and engaging experience. Designed to align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for urban planning, the game educates players on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by NITI Aayog.

    Developed by the E-Gaming Federation (EGF) in collaboration with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, this card-based game allows players to compare 56 cities across India based on key development indicators such as cleanliness, healthcare, education, and infrastructure. By competing to score points based on a city’s strengths, participants gain insights into urban challenges and progress while reliving the nostalgia of childhood trump card games. As of 15th February 2025, an impressive 1,920 participants have registered for CityQuest.

    City Quest: Shades of Bharat is a key component of the Create in India Challenges, a flagship initiative under World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES). Taking place from 1-4 May 2025 at the Jio World Convention Centre & Jio World Gardens, Mumbai, WAVES is a landmark platform designed to propel India’s Media & Entertainment (M&E) industry to greater heights. WAVES is Built on four key pillars i.e. Broadcasting & Infotainment, Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR), Digital Media & Innovation, and Films. This challenge falls under Pillar 2: AVGC-XR, which delves into immersive storytelling and interactive experiences. By blending technology with creativity, this pillar showcases gaming, animation, and extended reality advancements, offering industry leaders and stakeholders new frontiers to explore.

    With over 73,000 registrations, the Create in India Challenges have catalysed creativity and innovation, engaging aspiring and professional creators from diverse backgrounds.

    Eligibility and Participation Timeline

    How to Play: Rules of CityQuest

     

    • Player vs. Vishwakarma (AI): The player and Vishwakarma (AI) each receive a deck of 11 randomly shuffled cards from a total of 56 city cards.
    • Deal: At the start of the game, both players are dealt 11 face-down city cards.
    • Reveal: In each round, both the player and the AI reveal the top city card from their respective decks. The player who won the previous round chooses the comparison parameter first.
    • Compare: Each card features six parameters, such as Cleanliness, Population, and Education. The player selects a parameter to compare against the AI’s card.
    • Scoring: Earn +1 point for winning a hand, +0.5 points for a tie, and an additional +0.5 points for consecutive wins.
    • Winning the Game: After 11 rounds, the player with the highest total score is declared the winner.

     

    Prize Categories

    Leaderboard Overview

    Once the game concludes, scores are updated on a dynamic leaderboard. There are three types of leaderboards:

    References:

    Click here to see PDF.

    *****

    Santosh Kumar/ Ritu Kataria/ Saurabh Kalia

    (Release ID: 2104964) Visitor Counter : 30

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 21, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CA releases major findings of Broadcasting Service Survey

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Communications Authority:
     
         The Communications Authority (CA) released today (February 20) the major findings of the Broadcasting Service Survey conducted by an independent survey firm in 2024. The survey revealed that 89.5 per cent of the respondents had watched free TV programmes and 38.8 per cent had listened to radio programmes in the month prior to the survey. They spent an average of 2.6 hours per day watching free TV programmes and 2.2 hours per day listening to radio programmes. The survey also found that respondents were generally satisfied with programme variety on the licensed broadcasting services. The executive summary of the survey findings is in the Appendix.
     
         The information and statistics obtained from the survey will serve as a useful reference for the CA in handling licence renewal applications to be submitted by major broadcasters between 2025 and 2026.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 21, 2025
  • MIL-OSI NGOs: UK: Police forces ‘supercharging racism’ with crime predicting tech – new report

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Amnesty’s new report ‘Automated Racism’ reveals dangerous discrimination in police prediction tools

    Almost three-quarters of police forces attempt to predict crime by racially profiling communities across the UK

    ‘These systems have been built with discriminatory data and serve only to supercharge racism’ – Sacha Deshmukh

    A new 120 – page report from Amnesty International UK ‘Automated Racism – How police data and algorithms code discrimination into policing’ has exposed the grave dangers to society from ‘predictive policing’ systems and technology used across almost three quarters of the UK’s police forces.

    This is the first report to demonstrate how these systems are in flagrant breach of the UK’s national and international human rights obligations

    Amnesty found that at least 33 police forces – including the Met Police, West Midlands, Avon and Somerset, Manchester and Essex police – across the UK have used predictive profiling or risk prediction systems. Of these forces, 32 have used geographic crime prediction, profiling, or risk prediction tools, and 11 forces have used individual prediction, profiling, or risk prediction tools. 

    Sacha Deshmukh, Chief Executive at Amnesty International UK, said:

    “No matter our postcode or the colour of our skin, we all want our families and communities to live safely and thrive. 

    “The use of predictive policing tools violates human rights. The evidence that this technology keeps us safe just isn’t there, the evidence that it violates our fundamental rights is clear as day. We are all much more than computer-generated risk scores.

    “These technologies have consequences. The future they are creating is one where technology decides that our neighbours are criminals, purely based on the colour of their skin or their socio-economic background.

    “These tools to “predict crime” harm us all by treating entire communities as potential criminals, making society more racist and unfair.

    “The UK Government must prohibit the use of these technologies across England and Wales as should the devolved governments in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Right now, they can demand transparency on how these systems are being used.  People and communities subjected to these systems must have the right to know about them and have meaningful routes to challenge policing decisions made using them.

    “These systems have been built with discriminatory data and only serve to supercharge racism.”

     There are two main types of racist predictive policing systems that raise several human rights concerns: 

    Location: make predictions about the likelihood of crimes being committed in geographic locations in the future. The systems in all locations specifically targeted racialised communities. The chair of the National Police Chiefs Council has publicly admitted that policing is ‘institutionally racist’. In the year ending March 2023 there were 24.5 stops and searches for every 1,000 Black people, 9.9 stops and searches for every 1,000 people with mixed ethnicity, 8.5 for every 1,000 Asian people – and 5.9 for every 1,000 white people. Racialised people are over-represented in stop and search compared to both their representation in the population and even their involvement in police records of crime.

    The vast majority of stops and searches in the UK – 69 per cent – lead to no further action

    Profiling: individuals placed in a secret database and profiled as someone at risk of committing certain crimes, in the future. 

    Areas such as London, West Midlands, and Manchester with high populations of Black and racialised people are repeatedly targeted by police and therefore crop up in those same police records. Black people and racialised people are also repeatedly targeted and therefore over-represented in police intelligence, stop-and-search or other police records.  

    Forces using racist and failing systems

    The Metropolitan Police Service’s Violence Harm Assessment profiles people based on intelligence reports and about people who are ‘suspects’ and an individual can be profiled without ever having offended or committed a crime.  

    An initial period of Risk Terrain Monitoring-influenced policing targeted the north of the boroughs of Lambeth and Southwark from September 2020 onwards. Between December 2020 and October 2021 Lambeth had the second highest volume of stop and search of all London boroughs. In the same period, people of ‘black ethnic appearance’ (as defined by the Metropolitan Police Service) had the highest rate of stop and search encounters per 1,000 population of any ethnic group: they were stopped and searched more than four times, than people of white ethnic appearance. 80 per cent of these stops and searches resulted in no further action. In the same period, Lambeth had the second highest volume of police uses of force in all London boroughs, and police used force most against people recorded as ‘black or black British’. 

    In Southwark in the year ending March 2021, Black people were stopped and searched 3.3 times more than white people. Police used force against people in Southwark at least 8,924 times between September 2020 and September 2021, and 45 per cent of those times it was against ‘black or black British’ people.  (p67)

    West Midlands Police has deployed predictive crime mapping tools to predict knife crime and serious violence since 2021 and 2022, respectively. These tools have been funded by the Home Office Grip ‘hotspot’ policing programme and are part of West Midlands Police’s ’Project Guardian’ team, which focuses on youth violence and knife crime. 8 times out of 10  the system got it wrong.

    Influenced by the knife crime and prediction tool, West Midlands Police continues to conduct racial profiling and discriminatory policing. In the force area in 2024 white people were stopped and searched 2.3 times out of every 1,000, while Black or Black British people were stopped and searched 10.3 times out of every 1,000, almost five times as much.  (p44)

    Essex Police’s Knife Crime and Violence Model’s use of data on criminal associates criminalises people by association, without any evidence of criminality. The use of data on people’s mental health and drug use is another way in which health issues are taken to be markers of criminality. In other words, people are being criminalised for health issues. In the Essex Police force area in 2024 Black people were on average almost three times more likely to be stopped than white people, and in some areas of Essex as much as six and seven times more likely.

    There is no conclusive evidence from the Essex Police pilot or subsequent studies of the implementation that the use of so-called hotspot mapping had any impact on crime. There is, however, evidence that the use of the system reinforced and contributed to racial profiling and racist policing. (p38)

    Greater Manchester Police’s gang profiling is based on suspicion or even ‘perception’ without objective evidence of offending, or even any evidence of offending.

    The disproportionate representation of Black and racialised people on the ‘gang profiling’ XCalibre database is discriminatory and evidences the racial profiling that XCalibre conducts. This police tactic is also clear infringement of these young people’s right to freedom of association. It continues the targeting of black cultural and music events, as with the Metropolitan Police’s Form, which required events spaces to provide details to the police about the type of music played and the ethnic background of attendees.

    The Greater Manchester Police tactic of banning people from events in Manchester because they were perceived to be linked with gangs is one element of their so-called gang profiling. The XCalibre Task Force sought to exclude people from a cultural event based on its data-based profiling of their alleged involvement in gangs. (p91)

    Human rights violations exposed

    Racial profiling: The use of these systems by police results in, directly and indirectly, racial profiling, and the disproportionate targeting of Black and racialised people and people from lower socio-economic backgrounds. This in turn leads to their increased criminalisation, punishment, and exposure to violent policing. 

    There’s no right to a fair trial: Predictive systems target people and groups before they have actually offended, which risks infringing on the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial.

    Mass surveillance:  This is indiscriminate and can never be proportionate interference with the rights to privacy, freedom of expression, freedom of association and of peaceful assembly.

    Zara Manoehoetoe, Kids of Colour and Northern Police Monitoring Project3, said:

    “The way in which these systems work is that you’re guilty until you can prove yourself innocent. Criminalisation is a justification for their existence. There is the presumption that people need to be surveilled and that they need to be policed.” 

    Chilling effect 

    People who live and reside in areas targeted by predictive policing will seek to avoid those areas as a result, leading to a chilling effect. Participants in the Essex discussion group said that if police were targeting certain areas, they would avoid those areas.

    Recommendations

    • A prohibition on predictive policing systems
    • Transparency obligations on data-based and data-driven systems being used by authorities, including a publicly accessible register with details of systems used. 
    • Accountability obligations including a right and a clear forum to challenge a predictive, profiling, or similar decision or consequences leading from such a decision. 

    Secrecy, scare tactics and surveillance – the view from those affected

    Anon contributor to the report said:

    “It’s not fair to over-police areas that have these challenges because of intentional underfunding, and to now [be] adding police to a situation that you’ve created as a part of the state system, is just adding to the problems of the community that you claim you want to protect.”

    John Pegram, Bristol Copwatch, said:

    “It doesn’t matter if you offended 13 or 14 years ago for something, you’re known to us for this, and therefore we’re going to assign a score to you. It’s risk scoring, it’s profiling, often racist profiling.”

    Hope Chilokoa-Mullen from the 4Front Project, said:

    “We’ve had members who have been stopped and told: ‘You’ve been stopped because you’re on a database.’ They don’t know what database it is. I suppose that’s the point of it, you’re not really meant to know how it’s used.”

    Anon contributor said:

    “It targets and profiles entire areas. It targets you based on the community you live in. It’s a clear example of how racism structures policing.”

    See full report here

    MIL OSI NGO –

    February 21, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Video: International Women’s Day 2025

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Join us to celebrate International Women’s Day under the theme, “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”

    This commemoration brings together a diverse range of speakers and performers drawn from the worlds of activism, entertainment, arts, sport and human rights: women across these disciplines share similar paths of resilience and success that have paved the way for all women and girls and inspired new generations.

    Leaders from the UN system, government, private sector and philanthropy will affirm the enduring impact of the Fourth UN World Conference on Women in 1995, and the essential role the Beijing Declaration continues to play.

    Finally, and centrally, the vision for the Day is empowering the next generation—youth, particularly young women and adolescent girls—as catalysts for lasting change.

    This year’s theme calls for action that can unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for all and a feminist future where no one is left behind. Central to this vision is empowering the next generation—youth, particularly young women and adolescent girls—as catalysts for lasting change.

    Under the banner of UN Women’s global campaign to mark the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, “For ALL Women and Girls”, this year’s International Women’s Day is a rallying cry to take action in three key areas:

    Advance women’s and girls’ rights: Fight relentlessly for women’s and girls’ full range of human rights, challenging all forms of violence, discrimination, and exploitation.
    Promote gender equality: Address systemic barriers, dismantle patriarchy, transform entrenched inequities, and elevate the voices of marginalized women and girls, including young people, to ensure inclusivity and empowerment.
    Foster empowerment: Redefine power structures by ensuring inclusive access to education, employment, leadership, and decision-making spaces. Prioritize opportunities for young women and girls to lead and innovate.

    Despite significant progress for women’s rights since the adoption of the Beijing Platform for Action in 1995, the world is experiencing new and overlapping crises and the erosion of rights. This International Women’s Day, join UN Women to march forward for women’s rights. The world cannot afford a step back.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uX2DL-aawrE

    MIL OSI Video –

    February 21, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Purpose Investments Expands Yield Shares Lineup with Seven New ETFs, Offering Enhanced Income Opportunities

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Purpose Investments Inc. (“Purpose”) is excited to announce the addition of seven new ETFs to its industry-leading Yield Shares Suite – the world’s first yield-focused single-stock ETFs designed to provide investors with the long-term growth potential and enhanced* monthly yield from their favourite stock. Among the new additions is the Tech Innovators Yield Shares Purpose ETF (Ticker: YMAG), which brings together all the Mag7 companies along with Broadcom in a one-ticket solution. These new ETFs (described in the table below) begin trading on Cboe Canada today.

    Yield Shares ETF Ticker Underlying Company
    Costco (COST) Yield Shares Purpose ETF YCST Costco
    Palantir (PLTR) Yield Shares Purpose ETF YPLT Palantir
    UnitedHealth (UNH) Yield Shares Purpose ETF YUNH UnitedHealth Group
    Coinbase (COIN) Yield Shares Purpose ETF YCON Coinbase
    Netflix (NFLX) Yield Shares Purpose ETF YNET Netflix
    Broadcom (AVGO) Yield Shares Purpose ETF YAVG Broadcom
    Tech Innovators Yield Shares Purpose ETF YMAG Broadcom, Alphabet, Tesla, Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, and NVIDIA


    A Smarter Approach to Income and Growth

    Since launching in 2022, Purpose Yield Shares has established itself as a leading solution for investors seeking monthly income while maintaining exposure to leading global companies. These innovative ETFs generate tax-efficient, enhanced monthly distributions by investing directly in the underlying stock and employing a covered call strategy with moderate leverage – delivering a unique balance of income and growth.

    “The Yield Shares lineup is committed to giving investors access to high-quality companies with strong fundamentals and long-term growth potential. With these new ETFs, investors can tap into market leaders at the forefront of innovation and economic progress – all while earning enhanced monthly income,” said Nick Mersch, Yield Shares portfolio manager. “From technology and consumer staples to financial services and healthcare, our Yield Shares suite offers a powerful combination of income and growth, allowing investors to participate in the success of industry leaders.”

    Key Benefits

    • Monthly Income: Investors receive an enhanced monthly distribution while maintaining exposure to the growth of the underlying stock.
    • Growth Potential: Participate in the long-term growth of companies like Costco or Netflix, two powerhouse brands redefining consumer spending and media consumption.
    • Lower Volatility: A built-in options strategy helps cushion against stock price declines.
    • Tax Efficiency: The covered call strategy aims to generate tax-efficient income.

    “These new offerings are more than just investment products – they reinforce our belief that Yield Shares represent a distinct asset class, uniquely designed to help investors achieve their financial goals while complementing their existing portfolios,” said Yuan Gao, Vice President, Product. “This expansion reflects Purpose’s commitment to evolving with investor needs and navigating an ever-changing market landscape.”

    Not Your Typical Yield Shares ETF: A Bold New Offering

    The Tech Innovators Yield Shares Purpose ETF (Ticker: YMAG) offers investors a one-ticket solution for exposure to a powerhouse group of technology and innovation leaders while generating monthly income. Known as “BATMMAAN,” this elite group – Broadcom, Alphabet, Tesla, Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, and NVIDIA – represents the Nasdaq’s trillion-dollar market cap club, shaping the future of AI, cloud computing, digital services, and next-generation infrastructure.

    “The Tech Innovators Yield Shares is an exciting evolution of our suite, bringing together industry giants with a sophisticated strategy that allows investors to participate in their growth while generating enhanced, diversified income. This powerful blend of innovation and yield is designed to meet the needs of today’s investors,” said Mersch.

    To view the full suite of Yield Shares ETFs, please visit our suite page.

    About Purpose Investments

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

    For further information, please email us at info@purposeinvest.com

    Media inquiries:
    Keera Hart
    keera.hart@kaiserpartners.com
    905-580-1257

    *Yield Shares funds provide “enhanced” or higher yields in the form of additional monthly distributions compared with the underlying common stock, which pays a relatively lower or no distribution yield.

    Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees, and expenses may all be associated with investment fund investments. Please read the prospectus and other disclosure documents before investing. There can be no assurance that the full amount of your investment in a fund will be returned to you. If the securities are purchased or sold on a stock exchange, you may pay more or receive less than the current net asset value. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated. Fund distribution levels and frequencies are not guaranteed and may vary at the Purpose Investment’s sole discretion.

    Certain statements in this document may be forward-looking. Forward-looking statements (“FLS”) are statements that are predictive in nature, depend on or refer to future events or conditions, or include words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “estimate” or other similar expressions. Statements that look forward in time or include anything other than historical information are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results, actions or events could differ materially from those set forth in the FLS. FLS are not guarantees of future performance and are, by their nature, based on numerous assumptions. Although the FLS contained in this document are based upon what Purpose Investments believes to be reasonable assumptions, Purpose Investments cannot assure that actual results will be consistent with these FLS. The reader is cautioned to consider the FLS carefully and not to place undue reliance on the FLS. Unless required by applicable law, it is not undertaken, and specifically disclaimed, that there is any intention or obligation to update or revise FLS, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    The MIL Network –

    February 21, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Codere Online Reports Financial Results for the Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Total revenue was €50.0 mm in Q4 2024, while net gaming revenue1 was €52.6 mm in the period, 5% above Q4 2023.
    • Net income excluding the non-cash variation in fair value of public warrants2 was €6.8 mm in 2024 versus a net loss of €4.0 mm in 2023.
    • Total cash position of €40.5 mm as of December 31, 2024.
    • Providing full year 2025 net gaming revenue outlook of €220-230 mm and Adj. EBITDA3 outlook of €10-15 mm.
    • The Company’s Board of Directors has authorized a share buyback plan of up to $5.0 mm, subject to shareholder approval.

    Madrid, Spain and Tel Aviv, Israel, February 20, 2025 – (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) Codere Online (Nasdaq: CDRO / CDROW, the “Company”), a leading online gaming operator in Spain and Latin America, has released its preliminary unaudited4 financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2024.

    Below are the main financial and operating metrics of the period.

      Quarter ended December 31   Year ended December 31
      2023 2024 Chg. %   2023 2024 Chg. %
                   
    Net Gaming Revenue (EUR mm)1              
    Spain 20.8 22.8 10%   75.7 87.7 16%
    Mexico 25.1 25.1 –   81.7 106.6 30%
    Other 4.2 4.6 10%   14.5 17.3 19%
    Total 50.1 52.6 5%   171.9 211.6 23%
                   
    Avg. Monthly Active Players (000s)5              
    Spain 47.4 48.7 3%   42.3 49.7 17%
    Mexico 59.1 68.9 17%   52.5 64.4 23%
    Other 32.6 29.8 (9%)   33.5 30.8 (8%)
    Total 139.2 147.5 6%   128.3 144.9 13%

    Aviv Sher, CEO of Codere Online, stated, “We delivered another solid quarter, with net gaming revenue reaching €52.6 million, a 5% increase compared to the fourth quarter of 2023. In Mexico, net gaming revenue was flat at €25.1 million, driven by the significant devaluation of the Mexican peso. On a constant currency basis, our growth in Mexico would have been 14%. Meanwhile, Spain continued to perform well, with net gaming revenue rising 10% to €22.8 million.”

    Oscar Iglesias, CFO of Codere Online, commented, “Our strong fourth-quarter performance brought our full-year net gaming revenue to nearly €212 million, 10% above the midpoint of our initial €185-200 million outlook from early 2024. More importantly, we delivered a fourth consecutive quarter of positive Adjusted EBITDA, allowing us to reach €6.4 million for the full year, at the higher end of our outlook of €2.5-7.5 million.”

    Mr. Iglesias added, “We are very encouraged by our 2024 results and our ability to meet our commitment to investors despite the headwinds faced, mostly on the currency front. For 2025, we anticipate net gaming revenue of €220-230 million and Adj. EBITDA of €10-15 million. Also, we are pleased to announce an up to $5.0 million share buyback plan, subject to shareholder approval, which reflects our confidence in the business and future cash flow generation.”

    Recent Events

    Listing Extension from Nasdaq

    • Following a hearing on January 16, 2025, at which the Company presented its plan to regain compliance, the Nasdaq Hearings Panel granted the Company’s request to continue its listing on Nasdaq on February 12, 2025;
    • The extension is subject to the Company filing its 2023 annual report on or before May 12, 2025;
    • The Company continues to work diligently to complete and file its 2023 annual report as soon as possible and expects to do so within the extension period it has been granted.

    Implementation of a Share Buyback Plan

    • The Board of Directors of the Company has authorized (subject to obtaining shareholder approval) the repurchase of up to $5.0 million of the Company’s ordinary shares over a one-year period;
    • A general meeting of shareholders will be convened today and held on March 3, 2025 to approve the plan and the conditions under which it may be executed;
    • The share buyback plan does not require the Company to acquire any specific number of shares and may be terminated at any time. Repurchases of shares pursuant to the share buyback plan will be conducted in accordance with applicable law, including U.S. securities laws.

    New Tax in Colombia

    • On February 14, 2025, Colombia’s Ministry of Finance introduced, through executive decree, a value added (i.e. indirect) tax of 19% on all online deposits;
    • The tax will be effective on February 21, 2025, and will remain in effect through December 31, 2025, though we expect legal challenges from the industry with respect to its constitutionality;
    • The Company is currently assessing how it will respond from a legal and operating perspective to this tax and potential impacts on its business in Colombia.

    Conference Call Information

    Codere Online’s management will host a conference call to discuss the results and provide a business update at 8:30 am US Eastern Time today, February 20, 2025. Dial-in details as well as the audio webcast and presentation will be accessible on Codere Online’s website at www.codereonline.com. A recording of the webcast will also be available following the conference call.

    Reconciliation of Revenue (IFRS) to Net Gaming Revenue (non-IFRS)

      Quarter ended December 31   Year ended December 31
    Figures in EUR mm 2023 2024 Chg. %   2023 2024 Chg. %
                   
    Total              
                   
    Revenue 46.9 50.0 7%   162.6 201.4 24%
    (+) Accounting Adjustments6 3.1 2.6 (16%)   9.2 10.2 11%
    Net Gaming Revenue 50.1 52.6 5%   171.9 211.6 23%
                   
    Spain              
                   
    Revenue 20.8 22.8 10%   75.7 87.7 16%
    (+) Accounting Adjustments6 – – n.m.   – – n.m.
    Net Gaming Revenue 20.8 22.8 10%   75.7 87.7 16%
                   
    Mexico              
                   
    Revenue 22.6 22.3 (1%)   73.3 95.7 31%
    (+) Accounting Adjustments6 2.5 2.8 12%   8.4 10.9 30%
    Net Gaming Revenue 25.1 25.1 –   81.7 106.6 30%
                   
    Other              
                   
    Revenue 3.6 4.9 36%   13.7 17.9 31%
    (+) Accounting Adjustments6 0.6 (0.2) (133%)   0.8 (0.7) n.m.
    Net Gaming Revenue 4.2 4.6 10%   14.5 17.3 19%

    Reconciliation of Net Income (IFRS) to Adj. EBITDA (non-IFRS)7

      Quarter ended December 31   Year ended December 31
    Figures in EUR mm 2023 2024 Chg.   2023 2024 Chg.
                   
    Net Income (Loss) (1.0) 6.7 7.7   (3.1) 3.7 6.8
    (+/-) Provision for Corporate Income Tax (4.5) (1.0) 3.5   (7.2) 2.0 9.2
    (+/-) Interest Expense / (Income) 5.0 (1.6) (6.6)   (4.9) (4.4) 0.5
    (+/-) Var. In Fair Value of Public Warrants (0.2) (2.7) (2.5)   (0.9) 3.1 4.0
    (+) D&A 0.0 0.3 0.2   0.1 0.4 0.3
    EBITDA (0.7) 1.7 2.4   (16.0) 4.8 20.8
    (+) Employee LTIP Expense 0.9 0.1 (0.8)   3.5 1.7 (1.8)
    (+/-) Other Accounting Adjustments (4.3) 0.0 4.4   0.4 (0.1) (0.4)
    Adj. EBITDA (Pre Non-Recurring Items) (4.1) 1.9 6.0   (12.2) 6.4 18.6
    (+) Non-Recurring Items 0.0 0.0 0.0   0.5 0.0 (0.5)
    Adj. EBITDA (4.1) 1.9 6.0   (11.7) 6.4 18.1

    About Codere Online

    Codere Online refers, collectively, to Codere Online Luxembourg, S.A. and its subsidiaries. Codere Online, launched in 2014 as part of the renowned casino operator Codere Group, offers online sports betting and online casino through its state-of-the art website and mobile applications. Codere Online currently operates in its core markets of Spain, Mexico, Colombia, Panama and Argentina; this online business is complemented by Codere Group’s physical presence in Spain and throughout Latin America, forming the foundation of the leading omnichannel gaming and casino presence.

    About Codere Group
    Codere Group is a multinational group devoted to entertainment and leisure. It is a leading player in the private gaming industry, with four decades of experience and with presence in seven countries in Europe (Spain and Italy) and Latin America (Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, and Uruguay).

    Note on Rounding. Due to decimal rounding, numbers presented throughout this report may not add up precisely to the totals and subtotals provided, and percentages may not precisely reflect the absolute figures.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    Certain statements in this document may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Codere Online Luxembourg, S.A. and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Codere Online”) or Codere Online’s or its management team’s expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future. In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intends,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements in this document may include, for example, statements about Codere Online’s financial performance and, in particular, the potential evolution and distribution of its net gaming revenue; any prospective and illustrative financial information; and changes in Codere Online’s strategy, future operations and target addressable market, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects and plans as well as he Company’s expectations about the timing of completion and filing of the Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023 (the “2023 Annual Report”), and statements related to the Company’s plan, timing and actions taken to regain compliance with the Listing Rule 5250(c)(1).

    These forward-looking statements are based on information available as of the date of this document and current expectations, forecasts and assumptions, and involve a number of judgments, risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Codere Online’s or its management team’s views as of any subsequent date, and Codere Online does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

    As a result of a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, Codere Online’s actual results or performance may be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that Codere Online does not presently know or that Codere Online currently believes are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Some factors that could cause actual results to differ include (i) changes in applicable laws or regulations, including online gaming, privacy, data use and data protection rules and regulations as well as consumers’ heightened expectations regarding proper safeguarding of their personal information, (ii) the impacts and ongoing uncertainties created by regulatory restrictions, changes in perceptions of the gaming industry, changes in policies and increased competition, and geopolitical events such as war, (iii) the ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations and identify and realize additional opportunities, (iv) the risk of downturns and the possibility of rapid change in the highly competitive industry in which Codere Online operates, (v) the risk that Codere Online and its current and future collaborators are unable to successfully develop and commercialize Codere Online’s services, or experience significant delays in doing so, (vi) the risk that Codere Online may never achieve or sustain profitability, (vii) the risk that Codere Online will need to raise additional capital to execute its business plan, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all, (viii) the risk that Codere Online experiences difficulties in managing its growth and expanding operations, (ix) the risk that third-party providers, including the Codere Group, are not able to fully and timely meet their obligations, (x) the risk that the online gaming operations will not provide the expected benefits due to, among other things, the inability to obtain or maintain online gaming licenses in the anticipated time frame or at all, (xi) the risk that Codere Online is unable to secure or protect its intellectual property, (xii) the risk that Codere Online’s securities may be delisted from Nasdaq and (xiii) the possibility that Codere Online may be adversely affected by other political, economic, business, and/or competitive factors. Additional information concerning certain of these and other risk factors is contained in Codere Online’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning Codere Online or other matters and attributable to Codere Online or any person acting on their behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above.

    Financial Information and Non-GAAP Financial Measures
    Codere Online’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IFRS”), which can differ in certain significant respects from generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).

    This document includes certain financial measures not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP or IFRS (“non-GAAP”), such as, without limitation, net gaming revenue, Adjusted EBITDA and constant currency information. These non-GAAP financial measures are not measures of financial performance in accordance with U.S. GAAP or IFRS and may exclude items that are significant in understanding and assessing Codere Online’s financial results. Therefore, these measures should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to revenue, net income, cash flows from operations or other measures of profitability, liquidity or performance under U.S. GAAP or IFRS. You should be aware that Codere Online’s presentation of these measures may not be comparable to similarly-titled measures used by other companies. In addition, the audit of Codere Online’s financial statements in accordance with PCAOB standards, may impact how Codere Online currently calculates its non-GAAP financial measures, and we cannot assure you that there would not be differences, and such differences could be material.

    Codere Online believes that the use of these non-GAAP financial measures provides an additional tool for investors to use in evaluating ongoing operating results and trends in comparing Codere Online’s financial measures with other similar companies, many of which present similar non-GAAP financial measures to investors. These non-GAAP financial measures are subject to inherent limitations as they reflect the exercise of judgments by management about which expense and income are excluded or included in determining these non-GAAP financial measures. Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable measure under IFRS are included herein.

    This document may include certain projections of non-GAAP financial measures. Codere Online is unable to quantify certain amounts that would be required to be included in the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP or IFRS financial measures without unreasonable effort, due to the inherent difficulty and variability of accurately forecasting the occurrence and financial impact of the various adjusting items necessary for such comparable measures or such reconciliation that have not yet occurred, are out of our control, or cannot be reasonably predicted, ascertained or assessed, which could have a material impact on its future IFRS financial results. Consequently, no disclosure of estimated comparable U.S. GAAP or IFRS measures is included and no reconciliation of the forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures is included.

    Use of Projections
    This document contains financial forecasts with respect to Codere Online’s business and projected financial results, including net gaming revenue and adjusted EBITDA. Codere Online’s independent auditors have not audited, reviewed, compiled or performed any procedures with respect to the projections for the purpose of their inclusion in this document, and accordingly, they did not express an opinion or provide any other form of assurance with respect thereto for the purpose of this document. These projections should not be relied upon as being necessarily indicative of future results. The assumptions and estimates underlying the prospective financial information are inherently uncertain and are subject to a wide variety of significant business, economic and competitive risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the prospective financial information. See “Forward-Looking Statements” above. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the prospective results are indicative of the future performance of Codere Online or that actual results will not differ materially from those presented in the prospective financial information. Inclusion of the prospective financial information in this document should not be regarded as a representation by any person that the results contained in the prospective financial information will be achieved.

    For further information on the limitations and assumptions underlying these projections, please refer to Codere Online’s filings with the SEC.

    Preliminary Information
    This document contains figures, financial metrics, statistics and other information that is preliminary and subject to change (the “Preliminary Information”). The Preliminary Information has not been audited, reviewed, or compiled by any independent registered public accounting firm. This Preliminary Information is subject to ongoing review including, where applicable, by Codere Online’s independent auditors. Accordingly, no independent registered public accounting firm has expressed an opinion or any other form of assurance with respect to the Preliminary Information. During the course of finalizing such Preliminary Information, adjustments to such Preliminary Information presented herein may be identified, which may be material. Codere Online undertakes no obligation to update or revise the Preliminary Information set forth in this document as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law. The Preliminary Information may differ from actual results. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance upon this Preliminary Information. The Preliminary Information is not a comprehensive statement of financial results, and should not be viewed as a substitute for full financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS. In addition, the Preliminary Information is not necessarily indicative of the results to be achieved in any future period.

    No Offer or Solicitation
    This document does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor will there be any sale of securities in any states or jurisdictions in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities will be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or an exemption therefrom.

    Trademarks
    This document may contain trademarks, service marks, trade names and copyrights of Codere Online or other companies, which are the property of their respective owners. Solely for convenience, some of the trademarks, service marks, trade names and copyrights referred to in this document may be listed without the TM, SM, © or ® symbols, but Codere Online will assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, the rights of the applicable owners, if any, to these trademarks, service marks, trade names and copyrights.

    Industry and Market Data
    In this document, Codere Online relies on and refers to certain information and statistics obtained from publicly available information and third-party sources, which it believes to be reliable. Codere Online has not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of any such publicly-available and third-party information, does not make any representation as to the accuracy or completeness of such data and does not undertake any obligation to update such data after the date of this document. You are cautioned not to give undue weight to such industry and market data.

    Contacts:

    Investors and Media
    Guillermo Lancha
    Director, Investor Relations and Communications
    Guillermo.Lancha@codere.com
    (+34) 628.928.152


    1 Net Gaming Revenue is a non-IFRS measure; please see reconciliation of Net Gaming Revenue to Revenue at the end of the report.

    2 Net income excluding the non-cash variation in fair value of public warrants is a non-IFRS measure and reflects a net income of €3.7 mm (€3.1 mm net loss in 2023) excluding a €3.1 mm loss (€0.9 mm gain in 2023) from the variation in fair value of public warrants. Figures presented for illustrative purposes and do not include any potential impacts on the provision for corporate income taxes.

    3 Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure; please see reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income at the end of the report. Net gaming revenue and Adjusted EBITDA outlooks are forward-looking non-IFRS measures; please see important disclaimers at the end of the report.

    4 See “Preliminary Information” below.        

    5 Average Monthly Active Players include real money (i.e. exclude free bets) sports betting and casino actives.

    6 Figures primarily reflect differences in recognition of revenue related to certain partner and affiliate agreements in place in Colombia, VAT impact from entry fees in Mexico and the impact from the application of inflation accounting (IAS 29) in Argentina.

    7 Please refer to page 26 of our Q4 2024 Earnings Presentation for further details regarding this reconciliation.

    The MIL Network –

    February 21, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Radio Televisión Española and the Recovery and Resilience Facility – E-000573/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000573/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Isabel Benjumea Benjumea (PPE), Dolors Montserrat (PPE)

    The Spanish Government has allocated over EUR 20.5 million in Recovery and Resilience Facility funding to Generación D, a project run by the Spanish broadcasting company Radio Televisión Española (RTVE). One of the TV series made as part of the project was Brigada Big Tech, which had thirteen 45-minute episodes and cost EUR 4 565 353. The cost per episode was EUR 351 181 and the production cost per minute was EUR 7 804. This is dearer than the top-level football matches – such as European Championship ties – that RTVE broadcasts.

    The host of Brigada Big Tech, Luján Argüelles, took home EUR 15 000 per episode, the third‑highest salary at Televisión Española at the time, and the highest on the ‘La 2’ channel. For comparison, star presenters like those on Spain’s MasterChef earn EUR 10 000 per episode. However, Brigada Big Tech was a catastrophic flop in terms of viewing figures.

    In light of the above:

    • 1.Has the Commission asked for data on the Generación D project, including data on the final implementation of the project, the list of subcontractors and the amount of money each subcontractor received?
    • 2.How does it view EU funds being used for projects like this one, with salaries well above the market average and a budget that is at odds with the quality of the programme?

    Submitted: 7.2.2025

    Last updated: 20 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 21, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Radio Televisión Española and the Recovery and Resilience Facility – E-000571/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000571/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Isabel Benjumea Benjumea (PPE), Dolors Montserrat (PPE)

    The Spanish Government has allocated over EUR 117 million in Recovery and Resilience Facility funding to the Spanish broadcasting company Radio Televisión Española (RTVE). This would make RTVE, a public entity, one of the main beneficiaries of those EU recovery funds.

    The various projects RTVE has financed using those EU funds have not had the impact expected – they have actually been very controversial owing to breaches of regulatory requirements, the return of some of the funding, and the state of RTVE’s finances.

    In light of the fact that RTVE is in such dire financial straits that it, firstly, has been forced by the unsustainable state of its accounts to turn to a government reserve fund, and secondly, continues to run up debt: should the Recovery and Resilience Facility be used to fund such a public entity – especially if the projects funded have not achieved the targets they were designed to?

    Submitted: 7.2.2025

    Last updated: 20 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 21, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Kaltura Announces Financial Results for Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kaltura, Inc. (“Kaltura” or the “Company”), the video experience cloud, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024, as well as outlook for first quarter and full year 2025.

    “We surpassed our guidance for the fourth quarter, delivering record total and subscription revenue, as well as the highest Adjusted EBITDA since the second quarter of 2020, fueled by record high gross margin. We also posted sequential and year-over-year growth in gross and net dollar retention rates, and in new bookings for the third quarter in a row,” said Ron Yekutiel, Co-founder, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Kaltura.

    “For the full year, we are pleased to report we achieved record annual subscription revenue, total revenue, and Adjusted EBITDA profit, surpassing our annual guidance for all. We also achieved record gross margin and cash flow from operations. We ended the year with record ARR and RPO, having delivered on our plans to reaccelerate new bookings and revenue throughout the second half of the year, and posted positive cash flow from operations for the year, for the first time since 2020.” Mr. Yekutiel continued, “As we look ahead to 2025 and beyond, we anticipate continued improvement in the market environment for enterprise video offerings, and believe our path to increased growth and profitability will be fueled by customer consolidation around our platform, maturity of our newer products, leveraging our exciting new generative artificial intelligence (“Gen AI”) capabilities, growth potential within our great customer base, and a regrowth of our sales force.”

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights:

    • Revenue for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $45.6 million, an increase of 3% compared to $44.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2023.
       
    • Subscription revenue for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $43.4 million, an increase of 6% compared to $40.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2023.
       
    • Annualized Recurring Revenue (ARR) was $173.9 million, an increase of 6% compared to $164.7 million in 2023.
       
    • GAAP Gross profit for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $32.3 million, representing a gross margin of 71% compared to a GAAP gross profit of $28.6 million and gross margin of 64% for the fourth quarter of 2023. 
       
    • Non-GAAP Gross profit for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $32.6 million, representing a non-GAAP gross margin of 71%, compared to a non-GAAP gross profit of $29.1 million and non-GAAP gross margin of 65% for the fourth quarter of 2023. 
       
    • GAAP Operating loss was $3.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to an operating loss of $8.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2023.
       
    • Non-GAAP Operating income was $1.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to a non-GAAP operating loss of $0.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2023.
       
    • GAAP Net loss was $6.6 million or $0.04 per diluted share for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to a GAAP net loss of $12.1 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2023.
       
    • Non-GAAP Net loss was $1.3 million or $0.01 per diluted share for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to a non-GAAP net loss of $3.6 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2023.
       
    • Adjusted EBITDA was $2.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $0.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2023.
       
    • Net cash provided by operating activities was $4.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $1.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2023.

    Full Year 2024 Financial Highlights:

    • Revenue for the full year of 2024 was $178.7 million, an increase of 2% compared to $175.2 million for the full year of 2023.
       
    • Subscription revenue for the full year of 2024 was $167.7 million, an increase of 3% compared to $162.8 million for the full year of 2023.
       
    • GAAP Gross profit for the full year of 2024 was $119.1 million, representing a gross margin of 67% compared to a GAAP gross profit of $112.2 million and gross margin of 64% for the full year of 2023. 
       
    • Non-GAAP Gross profit for the full year of 2024 was $120.5 million, representing a gross margin of 67% compared to a non-GAAP gross profit of $113.8 million and gross margin of 65% for the full year of 2023. 
       
    • GAAP Operating loss was $24.1 million for the full year of 2024, compared to an operating loss of $38.7 million for the full year of 2023.
       
    • Non-GAAP Operating income was $2.7 million for the full year of 2024, compared a non-GAAP operating loss of $6.7 million for the full year of 2023.
       
    • GAAP Net loss was $31.3 million or $0.21 per diluted share for the full year of 2024, compared to a GAAP net loss of $46.4 million, or $0.34 per diluted share, for the full year of 2023.
       
    • Non-GAAP Net loss was $4.5 million or $0.03 per diluted share for the full year of 2024, compared to a non-GAAP net loss of $14.4 million, or $0.10 per diluted share, for the full year of 2023.
       
    • Adjusted EBITDA was $7.3 million for the full year of 2024, compared to an Adjusted EBITDA of negative $2.5 million for the full year of 2023.
       
    • Net cash provided by operating activities was $12.2 million for the full year of 2024, compared to $8.3 million net cash used in operating activities for the full year of 2023.

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Business Highlights:

    • Closed four new seven-digit deals and twenty-nine six-digit deals – the highest combined number of six and seven-digit deals since the third quarter of 2022.
    • Highest new subscription bookings since the fourth quarter of 2022 – third quarter in a row of sequential and year-over-year growth.
    • Sequential and year-over-year improvement in gross retention, and 103% Net Dollar Retention rate.
    • Launched Gen AI based “Class Genie” and “Work Genie” that power real-time hyper-personalized video-first experiences. Our Beta program for evaluating our Work and Class Genies saw strong interest from dozens of large organizations.
    • Kaltura’s Media and Telecom new Gen AI features for streaming services earned a place in the FEED Magazine 2024 Honors List, in the “Special Recognition in AI” category.

    Financial Outlook:

    For the first quarter of 2025, Kaltura expects:

    • Subscription Revenue to grow by 5%-7% year-over-year to between $43.4 million and $44.2 million.
    • Total Revenue to grow by 2%-4% year-over-year to between $45.7 million and $46.5 million.
    • Adjusted EBITDA to be in the range of $2.5 million to $3.5 million.

    For the full year ending December 31, 2025, Kaltura expects:

    • Subscription Revenue to grow by 2%-3% year-over-year to between $170.4 million and $173.4 million.
    • Total Revenue to grow 1%-2% year-over-year to between $179.9 million and $182.9 million.
    • Adjusted EBITDA to be in the range of $12.7 million to $14.7 million.

    The guidance provided above contains forward-looking statements and actual results may differ materially. Refer to “Forward-Looking Statements” below for information on the factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements. Kaltura has not provided a quantitative reconciliation of forecasted Adjusted EBITDA to forecasted GAAP net loss within this press release because the Company is unable, without making unreasonable efforts, to calculate certain reconciling items with confidence. The reconciliation for Adjusted EBITDA includes but is not limited to the following items: stock-based compensation expenses, depreciation, amortization, financial expenses (income), net, provision for income tax, and other non-recurring operating expenses. These items, which could materially affect the computation of forward-looking GAAP net loss, are inherently uncertain and depend on various factors, some of which are outside of the Company’s control. The guidance above is based on the Company’s current expectations relating to the macro-economic climate trends.

    Additional information on Kaltura’s reported results, including a reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures to their most comparable GAAP measures, is included in the financial tables below.

    Investor Deck

    Our fourth quarter and full year 2024 Investor Deck has been posted in the investor relations page on our website at: www.investors.kaltura.com.         

    Conference Call

    Kaltura will host a conference call today on February 20, 2025 to review its fourth quarter and full year 2024 financial results and to discuss its financial outlook.

      Time: 8:00 a.m. ET  
      United States/Canada Toll Free: 1-877-407-0789  
      International Toll: 1-201-689-8562  
           

    A live webcast will also be available in the Investor Relations section of Kaltura’s website at: https://investors.kaltura.com/news-and-events/events

    A replay of the webcast will be available in the Investor Relations section of the company’s web site approximately two hours after the conclusion of the call and remain available for approximately 30 calendar days.

    About Kaltura

    Kaltura’s mission is to power any video experience for any organization. Our Video Experience Cloud offers live, real-time, and on-demand video products for enterprises of all industries, as well as specialized industry solutions, currently for educational institutions and for media and telecom companies. Underlying our products and solutions is a broad set of Media Services that are also used by other cloud platforms and companies to power video experiences and workflows for their own products. Kaltura’s Video Experience Cloud is used by leading brands reaching millions of users, at home, at school and at work, for communication, collaboration, training, marketing, sales, customer care, teaching, learning, virtual events, and entertainment experiences.

    Investor Contacts:
    Kaltura
    John Doherty
    Chief Financial Officer
    IR@Kaltura.com

    Sapphire Investor Relations
    Erica Mannion and Michael Funari
    +1 617 542 6180
    IR@Kaltura.com

    Media Contacts:
    Kaltura
    Nohar Zmora
    pr.team@kaltura.com

    Headline Media
    Raanan Loew
    raanan@headline.media
    +1 347 897 9276

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements contained in this press release that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, statements regarding our future financial and operating performance, including our guidance; our business strategy, plans and objectives for future operations, including new products and capabilities and growth of our salesforce; our expectations regarding growth and profitability goals; and general economic, business and industry conditions, including expectations with respect to trends in customer consolidation and adoption of Gen AI technology.

    In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “continue,” “could,” “due,” “estimate,” “expect,” “goal,” “intend,” “may,” “objective,” “plan,” “predict,” “potential,” “positioned,” “seek,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and other similar expressions that are predictions of or indicate future events and future trends, or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Any forward-looking statements contained herein are based on our historical performance and our current plans, estimates and expectations and are not a representation that such plans, estimates, or expectations will be achieved. These forward-looking statements represent our expectations as of the date of this press release. Subsequent events may cause these expectations to change, and we disclaim any obligation to update the forward-looking statements in the future, except as required by law. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from our current expectations.

    Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in our forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the current volatile economic climate and its direct and indirect impact on our business and operations; political, economic, and military conditions in Israel and other geographies; our ability to retain our customers and meet demand; our ability to achieve and maintain profitability; the evolution of the markets for our offerings; our ability to keep pace with technological and competitive developments; risks associated with our use of certain artificial intelligence and machine learning models; our ability to maintain the interoperability of our offerings across devices, operating systems and third-party applications; risks associated with our Application Programming Interfaces, other components in our offerings and other intellectual property; our ability to compete successfully against current and future competitors; our ability to increase customer revenue; risks related to our approach to revenue recognition; our potential exposure to cybersecurity threats; our compliance with data privacy and data protection laws; our ability to meet our contractual commitments; our reliance on third parties; our ability to retain our key personnel; risks related to revenue mix and customer base; risks related to our international operations; risks related to potential acquisitions; our ability to generate or raise additional capital; and the other risks under the caption “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), as such factors are updated in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2024, filed with the SEC, and as such factors may be updated from time to time in our other filings with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, to be filed with the SEC, which are accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and the Investor Relations page of our website at investors.kaltura.com.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    Kaltura has provided in this press release and the accompanying tables measures of financial information that have not been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. (“GAAP”), including non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP gross margin (calculated as a percentage of revenue), non-GAAP research and development expenses, non-GAAP sales and marketing expenses, non-GAAP general and administrative expenses, non-GAAP operating loss, non-GAAP operating margin (calculated as a percentage of revenue), non-GAAP net loss, non-GAAP net loss per share and Adjusted EBITDA. Kaltura defines these non-GAAP financial measures as the respective corresponding GAAP measure, adjusted for, as applicable: (1) stock-based compensation expense; (2) the amortization of acquired intangibles; (3) facility exit and transition costs; (4) restructuring charges; and (5) war-related costs. Kaltura defines EBITDA as net profit (loss) before financial expenses (income), net, provision for income taxes, and depreciation and amortization expenses. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA (as defined above), adjusted for the impact of certain non-cash and other items that we believe are not indicative of our core operating performance, such as non-cash stock-based compensation expenses, facility exit and transition costs, restructuring charges and other non-recurring operating expenses. We believe these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to management and investors regarding certain financial and business trends relating to Kaltura’s financial condition and results of operations. These non-GAAP metrics are a supplemental measure of our performance, are not defined by or presented in accordance with GAAP, and should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to net profit (loss) or any other performance measure prepared in accordance with GAAP. Non-GAAP financial measures are presented because we believe that they provide useful supplemental information to investors and analysts regarding our operating performance and are frequently used by these parties in evaluating companies in our industry.

    By presenting these non-GAAP financial measures, we provide a basis for comparison of our business operations between periods by excluding items that we do not believe are indicative of our core operating performance. We believe that investors’ understanding of our performance is enhanced by including these non-GAAP financial measures as a reasonable basis for comparing our ongoing results of operations. Additionally, our management uses these non-GAAP financial measures as supplemental measures of our performance because they assist us in comparing the operating performance of our business on a consistent basis between periods, as described above. Although we use the non-GAAP financial measures described above, such measures have significant limitations as analytical tools and only supplement but do not replace, our financial statements in accordance with GAAP. See the tables below regarding reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures.

    Key Financial and Operating Metrics

    Annualized Recurring Revenue. We use Annualized Recurring Revenue (“ARR”) as a measure of our revenue trend and an indicator of our future revenue opportunity from existing recurring customer contracts. We calculate ARR by annualizing our recurring revenue for the most recently completed fiscal quarter. Recurring revenues are generated from SaaS and PaaS subscriptions, as well as term licenses for software installed on the customer’s premises (“On-Prem”). For the SaaS and PaaS components, we calculate ARR by annualizing the actual recurring revenue recognized for the latest fiscal quarter. For the On-Prem components for which revenue recognition is not ratable across the license term, we calculate ARR for each contract by dividing the total contract value (excluding professional services) as of the last day of the specified period by the number of days in the contract term and then multiplying by 365. Recurring revenue excludes revenue from one-time professional services and setup fees. ARR is not adjusted for the impact of any known or projected future customer cancellations, upgrades or downgrades or price increases or decreases. The amount of actual revenue that we recognize over any 12-month period is likely to differ from ARR at the beginning of that period, sometimes significantly. This may occur due to new bookings, cancellations, upgrades or downgrades, pending renewals, professional services revenue, foreign exchange rate fluctuations and acquisitions or divestitures. ARR should be viewed independently of revenue as it is an operating metric and is not intended to be a replacement or forecast of revenue. Our calculation of ARR may differ from similarly titled metrics presented by other companies.

    Net Dollar Retention Rate. Our Net Dollar Retention Rate, which we use to measure our success in retaining and growing recurring revenue from our existing customers, compares our recognized recurring revenue from a set of customers across comparable periods. We calculate our Net Dollar Retention Rate for a given period as the recognized recurring revenue from the latest reported fiscal quarter from the set of customers whose revenue existed in the reported fiscal quarter from the prior year (the numerator), divided by recognized recurring revenue from such customers for the same fiscal quarter in the prior year (denominator). For annual periods, we report Net Dollar Retention Rate as the arithmetic average of the Net Dollar Retention Rate for all fiscal quarters included in the period. We consider subdivisions of the same legal entity (for example, divisions of a parent company or separate campuses that are part of the same state university system) ,as well as Value-add Resellers (“VARs”) (meaning resellers that directly manage the relationship with the customer) and the customers they manage, to be a single customer for purposes of calculating our Net Dollar Retention Rate. Our calculation of Net Dollar Retention Rate for any fiscal period includes the positive recognized recurring revenue impacts of selling new services to existing customers and the negative recognized recurring revenue impacts of contraction and attrition among this set of customers. Our Net Dollar Retention Rate may fluctuate as a result of a number of factors, including the growing level of our revenue base, the level of penetration within our customer base, expansion of products and features, and our ability to retain our customers. Our calculation of Net Dollar Retention Rate may differ from similarly titled metrics presented by other companies.

    Remaining Performance Obligations. Remaining Performance Obligations represents the amount of contracted future revenue that has not yet been delivered, including both subscription and professional services revenues. Remaining Performance Obligations consists of both deferred revenue and contracted non-cancelable amounts that will be invoiced and recognized in future periods. We expect to recognize 58% of our Remaining Performance Obligations as revenue over the next 12 months, and the remainder over the next four years. However, we cannot guarantee that any portion of our Remaining Performance Obligations will be recognized as revenue within the timeframe we expect or at all.

     
    Consolidated Balance Sheets (U.S. dollars in thousands; Unaudited)
     
        December 31,
          2024       2023  
    ASSETS        
    CURRENT ASSETS:        
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 33,059     $ 36,684  
    Marketable securities     48,275       32,692  
    Trade receivables     19,978       23,312  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets     9,481       8,410  
    Deferred contract acquisition and fulfillment costs, current     10,765       10,636  
             
    Total current assets     121,558       111,734  
    LONG-TERM ASSETS:        
    Marketable securities     3,379       5,844  
    Property and equipment, net     16,190       20,113  
    Other assets, noncurrent     2,983       3,100  
    Deferred contract acquisition and fulfillment costs, noncurrent     13,605       17,314  
    Operating lease right-of-use assets     12,308       13,872  
    Intangible assets, net     212       689  
    Goodwill     11,070       11,070  
             
    Total noncurrent assets     59,747       72,002  
    TOTAL ASSETS   $ 181,305     $ 183,736  
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY        
    CURRENT LIABILITIES:        
    Current portion of long-term loans     3,110       1,612  
    Trade payables     3,265       3,629  
    Employees and payroll accruals     15,399       12,651  
    Accrued expenses and other current liabilities     14,262       17,279  
    Operating lease liabilities     2,504       2,374  
    Deferred revenue, current     63,123       62,364  
    Total current liabilities     101,663       99,909  
    NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:        
    Deferred revenue, noncurrent     67       369  
    Long-term loans, net of current portion     29,153       33,047  
    Operating lease liabilities, noncurrent     15,263       17,796  
    Other liabilities, noncurrent     10,772       2,295  
             
    Total noncurrent liabilities     55,255       53,507  
    TOTAL LIABILITIES   $ 156,918     $ 153,416  
    STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:        
    Common stock     15       14  
    Treasury stock     (7,801 )     (4,881 )
    Additional paid-in capital     500,024       471,635  
    Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)     959       1,047  
    Accumulated deficit     (468,810 )     (437,495 )
             
    Total stockholders’ equity     24,387       30,320  
             
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY   $ 181,305     $ 183,736  
     
    Consolidated Statements of Operations (U.S. dollars in thousands, except for share data; Unaudited)
     
        Three Months ended
    December 31
      Twelve Months ended
    December 31,
         2024    2023     2024       2023  
                     
    Revenue:                
                     
    Subscription   $ 43,414   $ 40,787   $ 167,681     $ 162,750  
    Professional services     2,195     3,689     11,036       12,422  
                     
    Total revenue     45,609     44,476     178,717       175,172  
                     
    Cost of revenue:                
                     
    Subscription     9,852     11,118     42,552       44,224  
    Professional services     3,476     4,712     17,059       18,714  
                     
    Total cost of revenue     13,328     15,830     59,611       62,938  
                     
    Gross profit     32,281     28,646     119,106       112,234  
                     
    Operating expenses:                
                     
    Research and development     12,970     12,737     49,430       52,400  
    Sales and marketing     12,345     12,309     47,766       48,798  
    General and administrative     10,759     12,420     46,009       48,718  
    Restructuring     —     —     —       973  
                     
    Total operating expenses     36,074     37,466     143,205       150,889  
                     
    Operating loss     3,793     8,820     24,099       38,655  
                     
    Financial expenses (income), net     1,238     1,847     (434 )     (1,200 )
                     
    Loss before provision for income taxes     5,031     10,667     23,665       37,455  
    Provision for income taxes     1,574     1,400     7,650       8,911  
                     
    Net loss     6,605     12,067     31,315       46,366  
                     
    Net loss per share   $ 0.04   $ 0.09   $ 0.21     $ 0.34  
                     
    Weighted-average shares used in computing net loss per share     150,452,462     141,791,191     147,925,797       138,237,017  
     
    Consolidated Statements of Operations (U.S. dollars in thousands, except for share data; Unaudited)
     
    Stock-based compensation included in above line items:
     
        Three Months ended
    December 31,
      Twelve Months ended
    December 31,
         2024    2023    2024    2023
                     
    Cost of revenue   $ 195   $ 301   $ 1,002   $ 1,128
    Research and development     1,178     1,295     4,775     4,734
    Sales and marketing     518     840     2,701     3,187
    General and administrative     3,308     5,588     17,786     20,931
                     
    Total   $ 5,199   $ 8,024   $ 26,264   $ 29,980
     
    Revenue by Segment (U.S. dollars in thousands; Unaudited):
     
        Three Months Ended
    December 31,
      Twelve Months Ended
    December 31,
         2024    2023    2024    2023
                     
    Enterprise, Education and Technology   $ 32,958   $ 31,569   $ 128,704   $ 125,154
    Media and Telecom     12,651     12,907     50,013     50,018
                     
    Total   $ 45,609   $ 44,476   $ 178,717   $ 175,172
     
    Gross Profit by Segment (U.S. dollars in thousands; Unaudited):
     
        Three Months Ended
    December 31,
      Twelve Months Ended
    December 31,
         2024    2023    2024    2023
                     
    Enterprise, Education and Technology   $ 25,901   $ 22,998   $ 96,928   $ 91,624
    Media and Telecom     6,380     5,648     22,178     20,610
                     
    Total   $ 32,281   $ 28,646   $ 119,106   $ 112,234
     
    Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (U.S. dollars in thousands; Unaudited)
     
        Twelve Months Ended December 31,
          2024       2023  
    Cash flows from operating activities:        
    Net loss   $ (31,315 )   $ (46,366 )
    Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:        
    Depreciation and amortization     5,064       4,717  
    Stock-based compensation expenses     26,264       29,980  
    Amortization of deferred contract acquisition and fulfillment costs     11,447       11,669  
    Non-cash interest income, net     (1,219 )     (1,023 )
    Gain on foreign exchange     (90 )     (728 )
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:        
    Decrease in trade receivables     3,334       5,475  
    Decrease (Increase) in prepaid expenses and other current assets and other assets, noncurrent     (949 )     648  
    Increase in deferred contract acquisition and fulfillment costs     (7,497 )     (6,561 )
    Decrease in trade payables     (534 )     (5,884 )
    Increase in accrued expenses and other current liabilities     5,376       797  
    Increase (Decrease) in employees and payroll accruals     2,748       (2,233 )
    Increase (Decrease) in other liabilities, noncurrent     (14 )     443  
    Increase in deferred revenue     458       1,626  
    Operating lease right-of-use assets and lease liabilities, net     (840 )     (863 )
             
    Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities     12,233       (8,303 )
             
    Cash flows from investing activities:        
             
    Investment in available-for-sale marketable securities     (50,874 )     (47,708 )
    Proceeds from maturities of available-for-sale marketable securities     38,981       51,976  
    Purchases of property and equipment     (521 )     (2,607 )
    Capitalized internal-use software development costs     —       (1,493 )
    Investment in restricted bank deposit     —       (1,751 )
             
    Net cash used in investing activities     (12,414 )     (1,583 )
             
    Cash flows from financing activities:        
             
    Proceeds from long-term loans     —       3,500  
    Repayment of long-term loans     (2,187 )     (4,500 )
    Proceeds from exercise of stock options     1,620       1,383  
    Payment of debt issuance costs     (17 )     (274 )
    Repurchase of common stock     (2,920 )     —  
    Payments on account of repurchase of common stock     (30 )     —  
             
    Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities     (3,534 )     109  
             
    Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash   $ 90     $ 728  
             
    Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash   $ (3,625 )   $ (9,049 )
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the beginning of the year     36,784       45,833  
             
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the end of the year   $ 33,159     $ 36,784  
     
    Reconciliation from GAAP to Non-GAAP Results (U.S. dollars in thousands; Unaudited)
     
        Three Months   Twelve Months
        Ended December 31,   Ended December 31,
          2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Reconciliation of gross profit and gross margin                
    GAAP gross profit   $ 32,281     $ 28,646     $ 119,106     $ 112,234  
    Stock-based compensation expense     195       301       1,002       1,128  
    Amortization of acquired intangibles     107       107       427       426  
    Non-GAAP gross profit   $ 32,583     $ 29,054     $ 120,535     $ 113,788  
    GAAP gross margin     71 %     64 %     67 %     64 %
    Non-GAAP gross margin     71 %     65 %     67 %     65 %
    Reconciliation of operating expenses                
    GAAP research and development expenses   $ 12,970     $ 12,737     $ 49,430     $ 52,400  
    Stock-based compensation expense     1,178       1,295       4,775       4,734  
    Amortization of acquired intangibles     —       —       —       —  
    Non-GAAP research and development expenses   $ 11,792     $ 11,442     $ 44,655     $ 47,666  
    GAAP sales and marketing   $ 12,345     $ 12,309     $ 47,766     $ 48,798  
    Stock-based compensation expense     518       840       2,701       3,187  
    Amortization of acquired intangibles     11       13       50       128  
    Non-GAAP sales and marketing expenses   $ 11,816     $ 11,456     $ 45,015     $ 45,483  
    GAAP general and administrative expenses   $ 10,759     $ 12,420     $ 46,009     $ 48,718  
    Stock-based compensation expense     3,308       5,588       17,786       20,931  
    Amortization of acquired intangibles     —       —       —       —  
    Facility exit and transition costs (a)     —       —       —       154  
    War related costs (b)     22       331       44       331  
    Non-GAAP general and administrative expenses   $ 7,429     $ 6,501     $ 28,179     $ 27,302  
    Reconciliation of operating loss and operating margin                
    GAAP operating loss   $ (3,793 )   $ (8,820 )   $ (24,099 )   $ (38,655 )
    Stock-based compensation expense     5,199       8,024       26,264       29,980  
    Amortization of acquired intangibles     118       120       477       554  
    Restructuring (c)     —       —       —       973  
    Facility exit and transition costs (a)     —       —       —       154  
    War related costs (b)     22       331       44       331  
    Non-GAAP operating income ( loss)   $ 1,546     $ (345 )   $ 2,686     $ (6,663 )
    GAAP operating margin     (8 )%     (20 )%     (13 )%     (22 )%
    Non-GAAP operating margin     3 %     (1 )%     2 %     (4 )%
    Reconciliation of net loss                
    GAAP net loss attributable to common stockholders   $ (6,605 )   $ (12,067 )   $ (31,315 )   $ (46,366 )
    Stock-based compensation expense     5,199       8,024       26,264       29,980  
    Amortization of acquired intangibles     118       120       477       554  
    Restructuring (c)     —       —       —       973  
    Facility exit and transition costs (a)     —       —       —       154  
    War related costs (b)     22       331       44       331  
    Non-GAAP loss attributable to common stockholders   $ (1,266 )   $ (3,592 )   $ (4,530 )   $ (14,374 )
                     
    Non-GAAP net loss per share – basic and diluted   $ 0.01     $ 0.03     $ 0.03     $ 0.10  

            

     
    Adjusted EBITDA (U.S. dollars in thousands; Unaudited)
     
      Three Months Ended December 31,   Twelve Months Ended December 31,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
       
    Net loss $ (6,605 )   $ (12,067 )   $ (31,315 )   $ (46,366 )
    Financial expenses (income), net (d)   1,238       1,847       (434 )     (1,200 )
    Provision for income taxes   1,574       1,400       7,650       8,911  
    Depreciation and amortization   1,230       1,308       5,065       4,717  
    EBITDA   (2,563 )     (7,512 )     (19,035 )     (33,938 )
    Non-cash stock-based compensation expense   5,199       8,024       26,264       29,980  
    Facility exit and transition costs (a)   —       —       —       154  
    Restructuring (c)   —       —       —       973  
    War related costs (b)   22       331       44       331  
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 2,658     $ 843     $ 7,273     $ (2,500 )
    (a)   Facility exit and transition costs for the year ended December 31, 2023, include losses from sale of fixed assets and other costs associated with moving to our temporary office in Israel.
    (b)   The years ended December 31, 2024, and 2023 include costs related to conflicts in Israel. These costs are attributable to the temporary relocation of key employees from Israel for business continuity purposes, the purchase of emergency equipment for key employees, charitable donations to communities directly impacted by the war, and office fixes and modifications.
    (c)   The year ended December 31, 2023 includes employee termination benefits incurred in connection with our 2023 reorganization plan.
    (d)   The three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 include $551, $692, $2,682 and $3,178, respectively, of interest expenses and $902, $538, $3,355, and $2,735, respectively, of interest income.
    Reported KPIs
     
        December 31,
         2024    2023
        (U.S. dollars amounts in thousands)
    Annualized Recurring Revenue             $ 173,900   $ 164,723
    Remaining Performance Obligations             $ 203,379   $ 185,305
     
        Three Months Ended December 31,
        2024     2023  
    Net Dollar Retention Rate             103 %   98 %

    The MIL Network –

    February 21, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: TransAlta Reports Strong 2024 Results, Announces Dividend Increase and 2025 Annual Guidance

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TransAlta Corporation (TransAlta or the Company) (TSX: TA) (NYSE: TAC) today reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended Dec. 31, 2024.

    “Our business delivered solid results within the upper range of our guidance, driven by high availability across our generation portfolio, along with the enduring performance of our optimization and hedging strategies. During the year, we added 2.2 GW of generation to our fleet, with three contracted wind facilities achieving commercial operation in addition to the acquisition of Heartland Generation. We also returned $214 million, or $0.71 per share, of value to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases at an average price of $10.59 per share,” said John Kousinioris, President and Chief Executive Officer of TransAlta.

    “Given our confidence in the future, we are pleased to announce that our Board of Directors has approved an eight per cent increase to our common share dividend, now equivalent to $0.26 per share on an annualized basis. This represents our sixth consecutive annual dividend increase, affirming our Company’s commitment to returning value to shareholders,” added Mr. Kousinioris.

    “Our portfolio of generating facilities continues to perform well. In 2025, we expect to generate between $450 and $550 million of free cash flow. We maintain a balanced, prudent and disciplined approach to capital allocation and balance sheet strength. We remain focused on advancing development opportunities at our legacy thermal energy campuses, along with pursuing longer term growth options with a commitment to maximizing shareholder value. Looking to 2025 and beyond, I am optimistic about our Company’s momentum and opportunities.”

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights

    • Adjusted EBITDA(1) of $285 million, compared to $289 million for the same period in 2023
    • Free Cash Flow (FCF)(1) of $48 million, or $0.16 per share, compared to $121 million, or $0.39 per share, for the same period in 2023
    • Cash flow from operating activities of $215 million, compared to $310 million from the same period in 2023
    • Net loss attributable to common shareholders of $65 million, or $0.22 per share, compared to $84 million, or $0.27 per share, for the same period in 2023

    Full Year 2024 Financial Highlights

    • Achieved the upper range of both 2024 adjusted EBITDA and FCF guidance
    • Returned $143 million of capital to common shareholders through the buyback of 13.5 million common shares at an average price of $10.59 per share
    • Adjusted EBITDA of $1,253 million, compared to $1,632 million from the same period in 2023
    • FCF of $569 million, or $1.88 per share, compared to $890 million, or $3.22 per share, from the same period in 2023
    • Net earnings attributable to common shareholders of $177 million, or $0.59 per share, compared to $644 million, or $2.33 per share, from the same period in 2023
    • Exited 2024 with a strong financial position, with adjusted net debt to adjusted EBITDA of 3.6 times and available liquidity of $1.6 billion

    Other Business Highlights and Updates

    • Announced an annual dividend increase of eight per cent, now equivalent to $0.26 per share on an annualized basis, which represents the sixth year of consecutive dividend growth
    • Provided 2025 guidance including adjusted EBITDA of $1.15 to $1.25 billion and FCF of $450 to $550 million, or $1.51 to $1.85 per share
    • Completed the acquisition of Heartland Generation at a purchase price of $542 million in December 2024, which added 1.7 GW to gross installed capacity
    • Achieved strong operational availability of 91.2 per cent in 2024, compared to 88.8 per cent in 2023
    • 2024 Total Recordable Injury Frequency of 0.56 compared to 0.30 in 2023
    • Reduced scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions intensity in 2024 to 0.35 tCO2e/MWh from 2023 levels of 0.41 tCO2e/MWh
    • Achieved commercial operation at the White Rock West and East wind facilities in January and April 2024, respectively
    • Achieved commercial operation at the Horizon Hill facility in May 2024
    • Completed the Mount Keith 132kV expansion project during the first quarter of 2024

    Key Business Developments

    Declared Increase in Common Share Dividend
    The Company’s Board of Directors has approved a $0.02 annualized increase to the common share dividend, or 8 per cent increase, and declared a dividend of $0.065 per common share to be payable on July 1, 2025 to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 1, 2025. The quarterly dividend of $0.065 per common share represents an annualized dividend of $0.26 per common share.

    TransAlta Acquired Heartland Generation from Energy Capital Partners

    On Dec. 4, 2024, the Company closed the acquisition of Heartland Generation Ltd. and certain affiliates (collectively, Heartland) for a purchase price of $542 million from an affiliate of Energy Capital Partners (ECP), the parent of Heartland (the Transaction). To meet the requirements of the federal Competition Bureau, the Company entered into a consent agreement with the Commissioner of Competition pursuant to which TransAlta agreed to divest Heartland’s Poplar Hill and Rainbow Lake assets (the Planned Divestitures) following closing of the Transaction. In consideration of the Planned Divestitures, TransAlta and ECP agreed to a reduction of $80 million from the original purchase price for the Transaction. ECP will be entitled to receive the proceeds from the sale of Poplar Hill and Rainbow Lake, net of certain adjustments following completion of the Planned Divestitures. TransAlta also received a further $95 million at closing of the Transaction to reflect the economic benefit of the Heartland business arising from Oct. 31, 2023 to the closing date of the Transaction, pursuant to the terms of the share purchase agreement. The net cash payment for the Transaction, before working capital adjustments, totalled $215 million, and was funded through a combination of cash on hand and draws on TransAlta’s credit facilities.

    Excluding the Planned Divestitures, the Transaction adds 1.7 GW (net interest) of complementary capacity from nine facilities, including contracted cogeneration and peaking generation, legacy gas-fired thermal generation, and transmission capacity, all of which will be critical to support reliability in the Alberta electricity market.

    Mothballing of Sundance Unit 6

    On Nov. 4, 2024, the Company provided notice to the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) that Sundance Unit 6 will be mothballed on April 1, 2025, for a period of up to two years depending on market conditions. TransAlta maintains the flexibility to return the mothballed unit to service when market fundamentals improve or opportunities to contract are secured. The unit remains available and fully operational for the first quarter of 2025.

    Production Tax Credit (PTC) Sale Agreements

    On Feb. 22, 2024, the Company entered into 10-year transfer agreements with an AA- rated customer for the sale of approximately 80 per cent of the expected PTCs to be generated from the White Rock and the Horizon Hill wind facilities.

    On June 21, 2024, the Company entered into an additional 10-year transfer agreement with an A+ rated customer for the sale of the remaining 20 per cent of the expected PTCs.

    The expected average annual EBITDA(1) from the two agreements is approximately $78 million (US$57 million).

    Normal Course Issuer Bid (NCIB)

    TransAlta remains committed to enhancing shareholder returns through appropriate capital allocation such as share buybacks and its quarterly dividend. In the first quarter of 2024, the Company announced an enhanced common share repurchase program for 2024, allocating up to $150 million, and targeting up to 42 per cent of 2024 FCF guidance, to be returned to shareholders in the form of share repurchases and dividends.

    On May 27, 2024, the Company announced that it had received approval from the Toronto Stock Exchange to purchase up to 14 million common shares pursuant to an NCIB during the 12-month period that commenced May 31, 2024, and terminates May 31, 2025. Any common shares purchased under the NCIB will be cancelled.

    For the year ended Dec. 31, 2024, the Company purchased and cancelled a total of 13,467,400 common shares at an average price of $10.59 per common share, for a total cost of $143 million, including taxes.

    Horizon Hill Wind Facility Achieves Commercial Operation

    On May 21, 2024, the 202 MW Horizon Hill wind facility achieved commercial operation. The facility is located in Logan County, Oklahoma and is fully contracted to Meta Platforms Inc. for the offtake of 100 per cent of the generation.

    White Rock Wind Facilities Achieve Commercial Operation

    On Jan. 1, 2024, the 100 MW White Rock West wind facility achieved commercial operation. On April 22, 2024, the 202 MW White Rock East wind facility also completed commissioning. The facilities are located in Caddo County, Oklahoma and are contracted under two long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) with Amazon Energy LLC for the offtake of 100 per cent of the generation.

    Mount Keith 132kV Expansion Complete

    The Mount Keith 132kV expansion project, located in Western Australia, was completed during the first quarter of 2024. The expansion was developed under the existing PPA with BHP Nickel West (BHP), which extends until Dec. 31, 2038. The expansion will facilitate the connection of additional generating capacity to the transmission network which supports BHP’s operations.

    Year Ended and Fourth Quarter 2024 Highlights

    $ millions, unless otherwise stated Year Ended Three Months Ended
    Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023 Dec. 31, 2024   Dec. 31, 2023  
    Operational information        
    Availability (%) 91.2 88.8 87.8   86.9  
    Production (GWh) 22,811 22,029 6,199   5,783  
    Select financial information        
    Revenues 2,845 3,355 678   624  
    Adjusted EBITDA(1) 1,253 1,632 285   289  
    Earnings (loss) before income taxes 319 880 (51 ) (35 )
    Net earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders 177 644 (65 ) (84 )
    Cash flows        
    Cash flow from operating activities 796 1,464 215   310  
    Funds from operations(1) 810 1,351 137   229  
    Free cash flow(1) 569 890 48   121  
    Per share        
    Net earnings (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders, basic and diluted 0.59 2.33 (0.22 ) (0.27 )
    Funds from operations per share(1),(2) 2.68 4.89 0.46   0.74  
    FCF per share(1),(2) 1.88 3.22 0.16   0.39  
    Dividends declared per common share 0.24 0.22 0.12   0.12  
    Weighted average number of common shares outstanding 302 276 298   308  


    Segmented Financial Performance

    $ millions

    Year Ended Three Months Ended
    Dec. 31, 2024   Dec. 31, 2023   Dec. 31, 2024   Dec. 31, 2023  
    Hydro 316   459   57   56  
    Wind and Solar 316   257   95   82  
    Gas 535   801   116   141  
    Energy Transition 91   122   28   26  
    Energy Marketing 131   109   27   14  
    Corporate (136 ) (116 ) (38 ) (30 )
    Adjusted EBITDA 1,253   1,632   285   289  
    Earnings (loss) before
    income taxes
    319   880   (51 ) (35 )


    Full Year 2024 Financial Results Summary

    For the year ended Dec. 31, 2024, the Company demonstrated strong financial and operational performance. The results were within the upper range of management’s expectations due to active management of the Company’s merchant portfolio and hedging strategies. During 2024, the Company settled a higher volume of hedges at prices that were significantly above the spot market in Alberta and achieved commercial operation at the White Rock and Horizon Hill wind facilities. On Dec. 4, 2024, the Company completed the acquisition of Heartland Generation, which added 1.7 GW to gross installed capacity. Refer to the Significant and Subsequent Events section of our MD&A dated Dec. 31, 2024, for details on the Heartland acquisition and the Planned Divestitures.

    Availability for the year ended Dec. 31, 2024, was 91.2 per cent, compared to 88.8 per cent in 2023, an increase of 2.4 percentage points, primarily due to:

    • The addition of the White Rock and Horizon Hill wind facilities; and
    • The return to service of the Kent Hills wind facilities.

    Total production for the year ended Dec. 31, 2024, was 22,811 GWh, compared to 22,029 GWh for the same period in 2023, an increase of 782 GWh, or four per cent, primarily due to:

    • Production from new facilities, including the White Rock West and East wind facilities commissioned in January and April 2024, respectively, the Horizon Hill wind facility commissioned in May 2024, and the Northern Goldfields solar facilities commissioned in November 2023;
    • Production from the facilities acquired with Heartland;
    • Favourable market conditions in the Ontario wholesale power market that enabled higher dispatch at the Sarnia facility in the Gas segment that resulted in higher merchant production to the Ontario grid;
    • The return to service of the Kent Hills wind facilities in the first quarter of 2024; and
    • Full-year production from the Garden Plain wind facility; partially offset by
    • Increased economic dispatch at the Centralia facility due to lower market prices compared to the prior year in the Energy Transition segment; and
    • Higher dispatch optimization in Alberta.

    Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended Dec. 31, 2024, was $1,253 million, compared to $1,632 million in 2023, a decrease of $379 million, or 23.2 per cent. The major factors impacting adjusted EBITDA include:

    • Gas adjusted EBITDA decreased by $266 million, or 33 per cent, compared to 2023, primarily due to lower power prices in the Alberta market and resulting increase in economic dispatch, an increase in the price of carbon, higher carbon costs and fuel usage related to production and lower capacity payments, partially offset by a higher volume of favourable hedging positions settled, the utilization of emission credits to settle a portion of our 2023 GHG obligation and lower natural gas prices;
    • Hydro adjusted EBITDA decreased by $143 million, or 31 per cent, compared to 2023, primarily due to lower spot power prices and ancillary services prices in the Alberta market, partially offset by realized premiums above the spot power prices, higher environmental and tax attributes revenues due to higher sales of emission credits to third parties and intercompany sales to the Gas segment and higher ancillary service volumes due to increased demand by the AESO;
    • Energy Transition adjusted EBITDA decreased by $31 million, or 25 per cent, compared to 2023, primarily due to increased economic dispatch driven by lower market prices which negatively impacted merchant production, partially offset by lower fuel and purchased power costs; and
    • Corporate adjusted EBITDA decreased by $20 million, or 17 per cent, compared to 2023, primarily due to higher spending to support strategic and growth initiatives; partially offset by
    • Wind and Solar adjusted EBITDA increasing by $59 million, or 23 per cent, compared to 2023, primarily due to new sales of production tax credits, the return to service of the Kent Hills wind facilities, the commercial operation of the White Rock and Horizon Hill wind facilities, partially offset by lower realized power pricing in the Alberta market and higher OM&A due to the addition of new wind facilities; and
    • Energy Marketing adjusted EBITDA increasing by $22 million, or 20 per cent, compared to 2023, primarily due to favourable market volatility and timing of realized settled trades during the current year in comparison to the prior year and lower OM&A.

    Cash flow from operating activities totalled $796 million for the year ended Dec. 31, 2024, compared to $1,464 million in the same period in 2023, a decrease of $668 million, or 46 per cent, primarily due to:

    • Lower gross margin due to lower revenues, excluding the effect of unrealized losses from risk management activities, partially offset by lower fuel and purchased power;
    • Higher OM&A due to increased spending on planning and design of an ERP system upgrade, higher spending on strategic and growth initiatives, penalties assessed by the Alberta Market Surveillance Administrator for self-reported contraventions and Heartland acquisition-related transaction and restructuring costs;
    • Higher current income tax expense due to the full utilization of Canadian non-capital loss carryforwards in 2023, which was partially offset by lower earnings before income tax in 2024;
    • Unfavourable change in non-cash operating working capital balances due to lower accounts payables and accrued liabilities, partially offset by lower collateral provided as a result of market price volatility;
    • Higher interest expense on debt primarily due to lower capitalized interest resulting from lower construction activity in 2024 compared to 2023; and
    • Lower interest income due to lower cash balances and lower interest rates.

    FCF totalled $569 million for the year ended Dec. 31, 2024, compared to $890 million for the same period in 2023, a decrease of $321 million, or 36 per cent, primarily driven by:

    • The adjusted EBITDA items noted above;
    • Higher current income tax expense due to the full utilization of Canadian non-capital loss carryforwards in 2023, partially offset by lower earnings before income taxes in 2024; and
    • Higher net interest expense due to lower capitalized interest resulting from lower construction activity in 2024 compared to 2023, and lower interest income due to lower cash balances and interest rates in 2024 compared to prior year; partially offset by
    • Lower distributions paid to subsidiaries’ non-controlling interests relating to lower TA Cogen net earnings resulting from lower merchant pricing in the Alberta market and the cessation of distributions to TransAlta Renewables non-controlling interest;
    • Lower sustaining capital expenditures due to the receipt of a lease incentive related to the Company’s head office and lower planned major maintenance at our Alberta and Western Australian gas facilities, partially offset by higher major maintenance at our Alberta Hydro assets; and
    • Higher provisions accrued in the current year compared to the prior year resulting in higher FCF.

    Earnings before income taxes totalled $319 million for the year ended Dec. 31, 2024, compared to $880 million in the same period in 2023, a decrease of $561 million, or 64 per cent.

    Net earnings attributable to common shareholders totalled $177 million for the year ended Dec. 31, 2024, compared to $644 million in the same period in 2023, a decrease of $467 million, or 73 per cent, primarily due to:

    • The adjusted EBITDA items discussed above;
    • Higher asset impairment charges due to an increase in decommissioning and restoration provisions on retired assets, driven by a decrease in discount rates and revisions in estimated decommissioning costs and higher impairment charges related to development projects that are no longer proceeding;
    • Lower unrealized mark-to-market gains and lower realized gains on closed exchange positions in the Energy Marketing segment mainly driven by market volatility across North American power and natural gas markets;
    • Higher unrealized mark-to-market losses recorded in the Wind and Solar segment primarily related to the long-term wind energy sales at the Oklahoma facilities;
    • Higher interest expense due to lower capitalized interest during 2024 resulting from lower construction activity in 2024 compared to 2023;
    • Lower capacity payments in 2024 for Southern Cross Energy in Western Australia due to the scheduled conclusion on Dec. 31, 2023 of the demand capacity charge under the customer contract, partially offset by the commencement in March 2024 of capacity payments for the Mount Keith 132kV expansion;
    • Heartland acquisition-related transaction and restructuring costs;
    • Lower interest income due to lower cash balances and lower interest rates during 2024;
    • Higher spending in connection with planning and design work on a planned upgrade to the ERP system;
    • Lower income tax expense due to lower earnings; and
    • Penalties assessed by the Alberta Market Surveillance Administrator for self-reported contraventions pertaining to Hydro ancillary services provided during 2021 and 2022; partially offset by
    • Lower depreciation and amortization compared to 2023 related to revisions of useful lives of certain facilities in prior and current periods, partially offset by the commercial operation of new facilities during the year and the return to service of the Kent Hills wind facilities;
    • Higher unrealized mark-to-market gains recorded in the Energy Transition segment primarily related to favourable changes in forward prices;
    • A recovery related to the reversal of previously derecognized Canadian deferred tax assets; and
    • Higher net other operating income mainly due to Sundance A decommissioning cost reimbursement.

    Fourth Quarter Financial Results Summary

    Fourth quarter 2024 results were in-line with management’s expectations due to active management of the Company’s merchant portfolio and hedging strategies, despite lower power prices in the Alberta and mid-Columbia markets. The Company settled a higher volume of hedges that were significantly above average spot prices during the period. The acquisition of Heartland on Dec. 4, 2024 positively contributed to production in the Gas segment and further diversifies TransAlta’s competitive portfolio in the highly dynamic and shifting electricity landscape in Alberta by adding 1.7 GW to gross installed capacity.

    Availability for the three months ended Dec. 31, 2024, was 87.8 per cent, compared to 86.9 per cent for the same period in 2023, an increase of 0.9 percentage points, primarily due to:

    • The addition of the White Rock and Horizon Hill wind facilities which operated with high availability;
    • The return to service of the Kent Hills wind facilities;
    • Higher availability in the Hydro segment due to lower planned outages;
    • Higher availability in the Energy Transition segment due to lower unplanned outages; and
    • Positive contribution from the addition of the gas facilities acquired with Heartland; partially offset by
    • Lower availability for the Gas segment due to planned outages at Sarnia, Sheerness and Keephills.

    Production for the three months ended Dec. 31, 2024, was 6,199 GWh, compared to 5,783 GWh for the same period in 2023. The increase of 416 GWh, or seven per cent, was primarily due to:

    • Higher production in the Wind and Solar segment due to the addition of the Horizon Hill and White Rock West and East wind facilities during 2024;
    • Higher production in the Hydro segment compared to the same period in 2023 due to water conservation in the fourth quarter of 2023 that resulted in lower production volumes compared to the current period; partially offset by
    • Lower production in the Energy Transition segment due to higher dispatch optimization, which negatively affected merchant production; and
    • Lower production in the Gas segment driven by lower availability at the Sarnia facility due to planned outages, higher economic dispatch in Alberta and lower production from Western Australia due to lower demand, partially offset by positive contribution from the Heartland gas facilities.

    Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended Dec. 31, 2024, was $285 million, compared to $289 million in the same period of 2023, a decrease of $4 million, or one per cent. The major factors impacting adjusted EBITDA are summarized below:

    • Gas adjusted EBITDA decreased by $25 million, or 18 per cent, due to lower realized power prices in Alberta, an increase in the carbon price in Canada and higher OM&A driven by higher maintenance costs at the South Hedland facility, partially offset by a higher volume of favourable hedging positions settled, positive contribution from the Heartland gas facilities and lower capacity payments;
    • Corporate adjusted EBITDA decreased by $8 million, or 27 per cent, due to higher spending to support strategic and growth initiatives; partially offset by
    • Wind and Solar adjusted EBITDA increasing by $13 million, or 16 per cent, due to environmental and tax attributes revenues from the sale of PTCs from the White Rock and Horizon Hill wind facilities to taxable US counterparties, higher revenues driven by increased production from the addition of the White Rock and Horizon Hill wind facilities and the return to service of the Kent Hills wind facilities, partially offset by unfavourable merchant power prices in Alberta;
    • Energy Marketing adjusted EBITDA increasing by $13 million, or 93 per cent, due to favourable market volatility and the timing of realized settled trades during 2024 in comparison to the same period in 2023;
    • Energy Transition adjusted EBITDA increasing by $2 million, or eight per cent, compared to 2023, primarily due to lower fuel and purchased power costs, partially offset by increased economic dispatch due to lower market prices; and
    • Hydro adjusted EBITDA increasing by $1 million, or two per cent, due to higher merchant revenues driven by higher volumes, partially offset by lower spot power prices and lower environmental and tax attributes revenues.

    FCF totalled $48 million for the three months ended Dec. 31, 2024, compared to $121 million in the same period in 2023, a decrease of $73 million, or 60 per cent, primarily due to:

    • The adjusted EBITDA items noted above;
    • Higher realized foreign exchange losses compared to realized foreign exchange gains in the comparative period;
    • Higher current income tax expense due to the full utilization of Canadian non-capital loss carryforwards in 2023, partially offset by a higher loss before income taxes in the current period compared to the same period in 2023;
    • Higher net interest expense due to lower capitalized interest as a result of capital projects being completed in the first half of 2024 and lower interest income due to lower cash balances in 2024; and
    • Higher dividends paid on preferred shares; partially offset by
    • Lower distributions paid to subsidiaries’ non-controlling interests due to lower TA Cogen net earnings;
    • Lower sustaining capital due to lower planned maintenance at the Alberta gas facilities, partially offset by higher planned maintenance at the Sarnia cogeneration facility and Alberta hydro facilities; and
    • Higher provisions accrued in the current year compared to the prior year resulting in higher FCF.

    Net loss attributable to common shareholders for the three months ended Dec. 31, 2024, was $65 million, compared to a net loss of $84 million in the same period of 2023, an improvement of $19 million, or 23 per cent, primarily due to:

    • The adjusted EBITDA items discussed above;
    • Higher interest expense due to lower capitalized interest in the fourth quarter of 2024 resulting from lower capital activity compared to the same period in 2023;
    • Heartland acquisition-related transaction and restructuring costs in the fourth quarter of 2024;
    • Higher ERP upgrade costs related to planning and design work;
    • Penalties assessed by the Alberta Market Surveillance Administrator for self-reported contraventions pertaining to Hydro ancillary services provided during 2021 and 2022;
    • Higher depreciation and amortization due to the commercial operation of the White Rock and Horizon Hill wind facilities during 2024; and
    • Higher taxes other than income taxes, mainly consisting of property taxes due to the addition of new wind facilities during 2024; partially offset by
    • Higher realized and unrealized foreign exchange gains;
    • Lower realized gains on closed exchange positions in 2024 compared to the same period in 2023;
    • An income tax recovery relative to the prior period expense as a result of a higher loss before income taxes due to the above noted items; in addition to lower non-deductible expenses;
    • Lower net earnings attributable to non-controlling interest compared to the same period in 2023 due to lower merchant pricing in the Alberta market;
    • Higher net other operating income mainly due to Sundance A decommissioning cost reimbursement; and
    • Lower asset impairment charges related to the decommissioning and restoration provisions on retired assets driven by lower discount rates in the current period compared to the same period in 2023, partially offset by impairment charges related to development projects that are no longer proceeding.

    Alberta Electricity Portfolio

    For the three months and year ended Dec. 31, 2024, the Alberta electricity portfolio generated 3,150 GWh and 11,809 GWh, respectively, compared to 2,989 GWh and 11,759 GWh, respectively, in the same periods in 2023. The annual production increase of 50 GWh, or 0.4 per cent, was primarily due to:

    • Higher production in the Gas segment due to the addition of gas facilities from the acquisition of Heartland; and
    • A full-year of production from the addition of the Garden Plain wind facility, which was commissioned in August 2023; partially offset by
    • Higher dispatch optimization in the Gas segment; and
    • Lower production from the Alberta hydro facilities due to lower water resources compared to the prior year.

    The fourth quarter production increase of 161 GWh, or five per cent, benefited from:

    • Higher production from the Gas segment due to the Heartland acquisition; and
    • Higher production from the Alberta hydro facilities due to significant water conservation during the fourth quarter of 2023; partially offset by
    • Higher economic dispatch for the Alberta gas facilities; and
    • Lower production in the Wind and Solar segment due to lower wind resource.

    Gross margin for the Alberta portfolio for the three months and year ended Dec. 31, 2024, was $191 million and $856 million, respectively, a decrease of $24 million and $392 million, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2023. The annual decrease was primarily due to:

    • The impact of lower Alberta spot power prices and lower hydro ancillary services prices;
    • Increased dispatch optimization in the Gas segment driven by lower power prices; and
    • An increase in the carbon price per tonne from $65 in 2023 to $80 in 2024; partially offset by
    • Higher gains realized on financial hedges settled in the period;
    • Higher environmental and tax attributes revenues due to the increased sales of emission credits to third parties and intercompany sales from the Hydro segment to the Gas segment;
    • The utilization of emission credits in the Gas segment in 2024 to settle a portion of our 2023 GHG obligation;
    • Higher hydro ancillary services volumes due to increased demand by the AESO; and
    • Lower natural gas prices.

    Gross margin for the three months ended Dec. 31, 2024 was impacted by:

    • Lower Alberta spot power prices;
    • Higher carbon compliance costs due to increase in the carbon price from $65 per tonne in 2023 to $80 per tonne in 2024; and
    • Higher purchased power due to the contractual requirement to fulfill physical power trades; partially offset by
    • Higher gains realized on financial hedges settled in the period.

    Alberta power prices for 2024 were lower compared to 2023. The average spot power price per MWh for the three months and year ended Dec. 31, 2024, was $52 and $63, respectively, compared to $82 and $134, respectively, in the same periods in 2023. This was primarily due to:

    • Higher generation from the addition of increased supply of new renewables and combined-cycle gas facilities into the market compared to the prior period; and
    • Lower natural gas prices.

    Hedged volumes for the three months and year ended Dec. 31, 2024, were 2,637 GWh and 9,080 GWh at an average price of $80 per MWh and $84 per MWh, respectively, compared to 1,824 GWh and 7,550 GWh at an average price of $90 per MWh and $110 per MWh, respectively, in 2023.

    Liquidity and Financial Position

    We maintain adequate available liquidity under our committed credit facilities. As at Dec. 31, 2024, we had access to $1.6 billion in liquidity, including $336 million in cash, which exceeds the funds required for committed growth, sustaining capital and productivity projects.

    2025 Outlook and Financial Guidance

    For 2025, management expects adjusted EBITDA to be in the range of $1.15 to $1.25 billion and FCF to be in the range of $450 to $550 million, based on the following, relative to 2024:

    • Higher contribution from the wind and solar portfolio due to a full-year impact of new asset additions of the White Rock and Horizon Hill wind facilities;
    • Contribution from assets acquired with Heartland;
    • Lower contributions from the legacy merchant hydro, wind and gas assets in Alberta which are expected to step down due to lower expected average power prices in Alberta given baseload gas and renewables supply additions in late 2024 and 2025;
    • Lower current income tax expense in 2025 compared to 2024 actual; and
    • Increased net interest expense in 2025 as a result of the Heartland acquisition and lower interest income earned on lower cash deposits and lower capitalized interest on growth projects.

    The following table outlines our expectations regarding key financial targets and related assumptions for 2025 and should be read in conjunction with the narrative discussion that follows and the Governance and Risk Management section of the MD&A for additional information:

    Measure 2025 Target 2024 Target 2024 Actual
    Adjusted EBITDA $1,150 to $1,250 million $1,150 to $1,300 million $1,253 million
    FCF $450 to $550 million $450 to $600 million $569 million
    FCF per share $1.51 to $1.85 $1.47 to $1.96 $1.88
    Annual dividend per share $0.26 annualized $0.24 annualized $0.24 annualized

    The Company’s outlook for 2025 may be impacted by a number of factors as detailed further below.

    Market 2025 Assumptions 2024 Assumptions 2024 Actual
    Alberta spot ($/MWh) $40 to $60 $75 to $95 $63
    Mid-Columbia spot (US$/MWh) US$50 to US$70 US$85 to US$95 US$76
    AECO gas price ($/GJ) $1.60 to $2.10 $2.50 to $3.00 $1.29

    Alberta spot price sensitivity: a +/- $1 per MWh change in spot price is expected to have a +/-$3 million impact on adjusted EBITDA for 2025.

    Other assumptions relevant to the 2025 outlook

      2025 Assumptions 2024 Assumptions 2024 Actual
    Energy Marketing gross margin $110 to $130 million $110 to $130 million $167 million
    Sustaining capital $145 to $165 million $130 to $150 million $142 million
    Current income tax expense $95 to $130 million $95 to $130 million $143 million
    Net interest expense $255 to $275 million $240 to $260 million $231 million
    Hedging assumptions Q1 2025 Q2 2025 Q3 2025 Q4 2025  2026
    Hedged production (GWh)  2,117  1,758  1,942  1,845  4,713
    Hedge price ($/MWh) $72 $70 $70 $70 $75
    Hedged gas volumes (GJ) 14 million 6 million 6 million 6 million 18 million
    Hedge gas prices ($/GJ) $2.98 $3.63 $3.77 $3.65 $3.67


    Conference call

    TransAlta will host a conference call and webcast at 9:00 a.m. MST (11:00 a.m. EST) today, Feb. 20, 2025, to discuss our fourth quarter and year end 2024 results. The call will begin with comments from John Kousinioris, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Joel Hunter, EVP Finance and Chief Financial Officer, followed by a question-and-answer period.

    Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Conference Call

    Webcast link: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/zd49obg6 

    To access the conference call via telephone, please register ahead of time using the call link here: https://register.vevent.com/register/BI5c12d9a2da0e4e06892f413e217f0350. Once registered, participants will have the option of 1) dialing into the call from their phone (via a personalized PIN); or 2) clicking the “Call Me” option to receive an automated call directly to their phone.

    Related materials will be available on the Investor Centre section of TransAlta’s website at https://transalta.com/investors/presentations-and-events/. If you are unable to participate in the call, the replay will be accessible at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/zd49obg6. A transcript of the broadcast will be posted on TransAlta’s website once it becomes available.

    Notes

    (1)These items (adjusted EBITDA, FCF and annual average EBITDA) are not defined and have no standardized meaning under IFRS. Presenting these items from period to period provides management and investors with the ability to evaluate earnings (loss) trends more readily in comparison with prior periods’ results. Please refer to the Non-IFRS Measures section of this earnings release for further discussion of these items, including, where applicable, reconciliations to measures calculated in accordance with IFRS.
    (2)Funds from operations (FFO) per share and free cash flow (FCF) per share are calculated using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Refer to the Additional IFRS Measures and Non-IFRS Measures section of the MD&A for the purpose of these non-‍IFRS ratios.

    Non-IFRS financial measures and other specified financial measures

    We use a number of financial measures to evaluate our performance and the performance of our business segments, including measures and ratios that are presented on a non-IFRS basis, as described below. Unless otherwise indicated, all amounts are in Canadian dollars and have been derived from our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS. We believe that these non-IFRS amounts, measures and ratios, read together with our IFRS amounts, provide readers with a better understanding of how management assesses results.

    Non-IFRS amounts, measures and ratios do not have standardized meanings under IFRS. They are unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies and should not be viewed in isolation from, as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, our IFRS results.

    Adjusted EBITDA

    Each business segment assumes responsibility for its operating results measured by adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA is an important metric for management that represents our core operational results. Interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization are not included, as differences in accounting treatments may distort our core business results. In addition, certain reclassifications and adjustments are made to better assess results, excluding those items that may not be reflective of ongoing business performance. This presentation may facilitate the readers’ analysis of trends.

    Average Annual EBITDA

    Average annual EBITDA is a forward-looking non-IFRS financial measure that is used to show the average annual EBITDA that the project is expected to generate.

    Funds From Operations (FFO)

    FFO is an important metric as it provides a proxy for cash generated from operating activities before changes in working capital and provides the ability to evaluate cash flow trends in comparison with results from prior periods. FFO is a non-IFRS measure. The most directly comparable IFRS measure is Cash Flow from Operations.

    Free Cash Flow (FCF)

    FCF is an important metric as it represents the amount of cash that is available to invest in growth initiatives, make scheduled principal repayments on debt, repay maturing debt, pay common share dividends or repurchase common shares. Changes in working capital are excluded so FFO and FCF are not distorted by changes that we consider temporary in nature, reflecting, among other things, the impact of seasonal factors and timing of receipts and payments. FCF is a non-IFRS measure. The most directly comparable IFRS measure is Cash Flow from Operations.

    Non-IFRS Ratios

    FFO per share, FCF per share and adjusted net debt to adjusted EBITDA are non-IFRS ratios that are presented in the MD&A. Refer to the Reconciliation of Cash Flow from Operations to FFO and FCF and Key Non-IFRS Financial Ratios sections of the MD&A for additional information.

    FFO per share and FCF per share

    FFO per share and FCF per share are calculated using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. FFO per share and FCF per share are non-IFRS ratios.

    Reconciliation of these non-IFRS financial measures to the most comparable IFRS measure are provided below.

    Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures on a Consolidated Basis

    The following table reflects adjusted EBITDA by segment and provides reconciliation to earnings before income taxes for the three months ended Dec. 31, 2024:

    Three months ended Dec. 31, 2024
    $ millions
    Hydro   Wind & Solar(1)   Gas   Energy Transition   Energy
    Marketing
    Corporate   Total   Equity accounted investments(1)   Reclass adjustments   IFRS financials  
    Revenues 93   104   319   155   14 —   685   (7 ) —   678  
    Reclassifications and adjustments:                  
    Unrealized mark-to-market (gain) loss 4   23   26   (8 ) 19 —   64   —   (64 ) —  
    Realized gains (losses) on closed exchange positions —   —   (1 ) 2   1 —   2   —   (2 ) —  
    Decrease in finance lease receivable —   1   5   —   — —   6   —   (6 ) —  
    Finance lease income —   2   3   —   — —   5   —   (5 ) —  
    Revenues from Planned Divestitures —   —   (1 ) —   — —   (1 ) —   1   —  
    Brazeau penalties (20 ) —   —   —   — —   (20 ) —   20   —  
    Unrealized foreign exchange gain on commodity —   —   (1 ) —   — —   (1 ) —   1   —  
    Adjusted revenues 77   130   350   149   34 —   740   (7 ) (55 ) 678  
    Fuel and purchased power 3   8   136   102   — —   249   —   —   249  
    Reclassifications and adjustments:                  
    Fuel and purchased power related to Planned Divestitures —   —   (1 ) —   — —   (1 ) —   1   —  
    Australian interest income —   —   (1 ) —   — —   (1 ) —   1   —  
    Adjusted fuel and purchased power 3   8   134   102   — —   247   —   2   249  
    Carbon compliance —   —   39   —   — —   39   —   —   39  
    Gross margin 74   122   177   47   34 —   454   (7 ) (57 ) 390  
    OM&A 47   27   67   19   7 68   235   (1 ) —   234  
    Reclassifications and adjustments:                    
    Brazeau penalties (31 ) —   —   —   — —   (31 ) —   31   —  
    ERP integration costs —   —   —   —   — (14 ) (14 ) —   14   —  
    Acquisition-related transaction and restructuring costs —   —   —   —   — (16 ) (16 ) —   16   —  
    Adjusted OM&A 16   27   67   19   7 38   174   (1 ) 61   234  
    Taxes, other than income taxes 1   3   4   —   — —   8   1   —   9  
    Net other operating income —   (3 ) (10 ) (9 ) — —   (22 ) —   —   (22 )
    Reclassifications and adjustments:                    
    Sundance A decommissioning cost reimbursement —   —   —   9   — —   9   —   (9 ) —  
    Adjusted net other operating income —   (3 ) (10 ) —   — —   (13 ) —   (9 ) (22 )
    Adjusted EBITDA(2) 57   95   116   28   27 (38 ) 285        
    Equity income                   2  
    Finance lease income                   5  
    Depreciation and amortization                   (143 )
    Asset impairment charges                   (20 )
    Interest income                   11  
    Interest expense                   (92 )
    Foreign exchange gain                   17  
    Loss before income taxes                   (51 )

    (1)  The Skookumchuck wind facility has been included on a proportionate basis in the Wind and Solar segment.
    (2)  Adjusted EBITDA is not defined and has no standardized meaning under IFRS. Refer to the Non-IFRS financial measures and other specified financial measures section in this earnings release and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.

    The following table reflects adjusted EBITDA by segment and provides reconciliation to loss before income taxes for the three months ended Dec. 31, 2023:

    Three months ended Dec. 31, 2023
    $ millions
    Hydro   Wind &
    Solar
    (1)
      Gas   Energy
    Transition
    Energy
    Marketing
      Corporate   Total   Equity
    accounted
    investments
    (1)
      Reclass
    adjustments
      IFRS
    financials
     
    Revenues 77   94   246   175 39   —   631   (7 ) —   624  
    Reclassifications and adjustments:                  
    Unrealized mark-to-market (gain) loss (2 ) 20   53   7 (19 ) —   59   —   (59 ) —  
    Realized gain on closed exchange positions —   —   23   — 4   —   27   —   (27 ) —  
    Decrease in finance lease receivable —   —   15   — —   —   15   —   (15 ) —  
    Finance lease income —   —   2   — —   —   2   —   (2 ) —  
    Unrealized foreign exchange gain on commodity —   —   1   — —   —   1   —   (1 ) —  
    Adjusted revenues 75   114   340   182 24   —   735   (7 ) (104 ) 624  
    Fuel and purchased power 5   8   127   138 —   —   278   —   —   278  
    Reclassifications and adjustments:                  
    Australian interest income —   —   (1 ) — —   —   (1 ) —   1   —  
    Adjusted fuel and purchased power 5   8   126   138 —   —   277   —   1   278  
    Carbon compliance —   —   27   — —   —   27   —   —   27  
    Gross margin 70   106   187   44 24   —   431   (7 ) (105 ) 319  
    OM&A 13   25   56   18 10   29   151   (1 ) —   150  
    Taxes, other than income taxes 1   1   —   — —   1   3   —   —   3  
    Net other operating income —   (3 ) (10 ) — —   —   (13 ) —   —   (13 )
    Adjusted net other operating income —   (2 ) (10 ) — —   —   (12 ) —   (1 ) (13 )
    Adjusted EBITDA(2) 56   82   141   26 14   (30 ) 289        
    Equity income                   3  
    Finance lease income                   2  
    Depreciation and amortization                   (132 )
    Asset impairment charges                   (26 )
    Interest income                   12  
    Interest expense                   (66 )
    Foreign exchange loss                   (7 )
    Loss before income taxes                   (35 )

    (1)  The Skookumchuck wind facility has been included on a proportionate basis in the Wind and Solar segment.
    (2)  Adjusted EBITDA is not defined and has no standardized meaning under IFRS. Refer to the Non-IFRS financial measures and other specified financial measures section in this earnings release and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.

    The following table reflects adjusted EBITDA by segment and provides reconciliation to earnings before income taxes for the year ended Dec. 31, 2024:

    Year ended Dec. 31, 2024
    $ millions
    Hydro Wind &
    Solar
    (1)
      Gas   Energy
    Transition
      Energy
    Marketing
      Corporate   Total   Equity
    accounted
    investments
    (1)
      Reclass
    adjustments
      IFRS
    financials
     
    Revenues 409   357   1,350   616   168   (34 ) 2,866   (21 ) —   2,845  
    Reclassifications and adjustments:                  
    Unrealized mark-to-market (gain) loss 1   84   (60 ) (36 ) 14   —   3   —   (3 ) —  
    Realized gain (loss) on closed exchange positions —   —   7   2   (15 ) —   (6 ) —   6   —  
    Decrease in finance lease receivable —   2   19   —   —   —   21   —   (21 ) —  
    Finance lease income —   6   8   —   —   —   14   —   (14 ) —  
    Revenues from Planned Divestitures —   —   (1 ) —   —   —   (1 ) —   1   —  
    Brazeau penalty (20 ) —   —   —   —   —   (20 ) —   20   —  
    Unrealized foreign exchange loss on commodity —   —   (2 ) —   —   —   (2 ) —   2   —  
    Adjusted revenues 390   449   1,321   582   167   (34 ) 2,875   (21 ) (9 ) 2,845  
    Fuel and purchased power 16   30   475   418   —   —   939   —   —   939  
    Reclassifications and adjustments:                  
    Fuel and purchased power related to Planned Divestitures —   —   (1 ) —   —   —   (1 ) —   1   —  
    Australian interest income —   —   (4 ) —   —   —   (4 ) —   4   —  
    Adjusted fuel and purchased power 16   30   470   418   —   —   934   —   5   939  
    Carbon compliance —   —   145   1   —   (34 ) 112   —   —   112  
    Gross margin 374   419   706   163   167   —   1,829   (21 ) (14 ) 1,794  
    OM&A 86   97   198   69   36   173   659   (4 ) —   655  
    Reclassifications and adjustments:                    
    Brazeau penalty (31 ) —   —   —   —   —   (31 ) —   31   —  
    ERP implementation costs —   —   —   —   —   (14 ) (14 ) —   14   —  
    Acquisition-related transaction and restructuring costs —   —   —   —   —   (24 ) (24 )   24   —  
    Adjusted OM&A 55   97   198   69   36   135   590   (4 ) 69   655  
    Taxes, other than income taxes 3   16   13   3   —   1   36   —   —   36  
    Net other operating income —   (10 ) (40 ) (9 ) —   —   (59 ) —   —   (59 )
    Reclassifications and adjustments:                    
    Sundance A decommissioning cost reimbursement —   —   —   9   —   —   9   —   (9 ) —  
    Adjusted net other operating income —   (10 ) (40 ) —   —   —   (50 ) —   (9 ) (59 )
    Adjusted EBITDA(2) 316   316   535   91   131   (136 ) 1,253        
    Equity income                   5  
    Finance lease income                   14  
    Depreciation and amortization                   (531 )
    Asset impairment charges                   (46 )
    Interest income                   30  
    Interest expense                   (324 )
    Foreign exchange gain                   5  
    Gain on sale of assets and other                   4  
    Earnings before income taxes                   319  

    (1)  The Skookumchuck wind facility has been included on a proportionate basis in the Wind and Solar segment.
    (2)  Adjusted EBITDA is not defined and has no standardized meaning under IFRS. Refer to the Non-IFRS financial measures and other specified financial measures section in this earnings release and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.

    The following table reflects adjusted EBITDA by segment and provides reconciliation to earnings before income taxes for the year ended Dec. 31, 2023:

    Year ended Dec. 31, 2023
    $ millions
    Hydro   Wind &
    Solar
    (1)
      Gas   Energy
    Transition
      Energy
    Marketing
      Corporate   Total   Equity
    accounted
    investments
    (1)
      Reclass
    adjustments
      IFRS
    financials
     
    Revenues 533   357   1,514   751   220   1   3,376   (21 ) —   3,355  
    Reclassifications and adjustments:                  
    Unrealized mark-to-market loss (4 ) 16   (67 ) (5 ) 23   —   (37 ) —   37   —  
    Realized gain (loss) on closed exchange positions —   —   10   —   (91 ) —   (81 ) —   81   —  
    Decrease in finance lease receivable —   —   55   —   —   —   55   —   (55 ) —  
    Finance lease income —   —   12   —   —   —   12   —   (12 ) —  
    Unrealized foreign exchange gain on commodity —   —   1   —   —   —   1   —   (1 ) —  
    Adjusted revenues 529   373   1,525   746   152   1   3,326   (21 ) 50   3,355  
    Fuel and purchased power 19   30   453   557   —   1   1,060   —   —   1,060  
    Reclassifications and adjustments:                  
    Australian interest income —   —   (4 ) —   —   —   (4 ) —   4   —  
    Adjusted fuel and purchased power 19   30   449   557   —   1   1,056   —   4   1,060  
    Carbon compliance —   —   112   —   —   —   112   —   —   112  
    Gross margin 510   343   964   189   152   —   2,158   (21 ) 46   2,183  
    OM&A 48   80   192   64   43   115   542   (3 ) —   539  
    Taxes, other than income taxes 3   12   11   3   —   1   30   (1 ) —   29  
    Net other operating income —   (7 ) (40 ) —   —   —   (47 )   —   (47 )
    Reclassifications and adjustments:                  
    Insurance recovery —   1   —   —   —   —   1   —   (1 ) —  
    Adjusted net other operating income —   (6 ) (40 ) —   —   —   (46 ) —   (1 ) (47 )
    Adjusted EBITDA(2) 459   257   801   122   109   (116 ) 1,632        
    Equity income                   4  
    Finance lease income                   12  
    Depreciation and amortization                   (621 )
    Asset impairment reversals                   48  
    Interest income                   59  
    Interest expense                   (281 )
    Foreign exchange gain                   (7 )
    Gain on sale of assets and other                   4  
    Earnings before income taxes                   880  

    (1)  The Skookumchuck wind facility has been included on a proportionate basis in the Wind and Solar segment.
    (2)  Adjusted EBITDA is not defined and has no standardized meaning under IFRS. Refer to the Non-IFRS financial measures and other specified financial measures section in this earnings release and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.


    Reconciliation of cash flow from operations to FFO and FCF

    The table below reconciles our cash flow from operating activities to our FFO and FCF:

      Three Months Ended Year Ended
    $ millions, unless otherwise stated Dec. 31, 2024   Dec. 31, 2023   Dec. 31, 2024   Dec. 31, 2023  
    Cash flow from operating activities(1) 215   310   796   1,464  
    Change in non-cash operating working capital balances (97 ) (135 ) (38 ) (124 )
    Cash flow from operations before changes in working capital 118   175   758   1,340  
    Adjustments        
    Share of adjusted FFO from joint venture(1) 4   3   8   8  
    Decrease in finance lease receivable 6   15   21   55  
    Clean energy transition provisions and adjustments(2) —   4   —   11  
    Sundance A decommissioning cost reimbursement (9 ) —   (9 ) —  
    Realized gain (loss) on closed exchanged positions 2   27   (6 ) (81 )
    Acquisition-related transaction and restructuring costs 11   —   19   —  
    Other(3) 5   5   19   18  
    FFO(4) 137   229   810   1,351  
    Deduct:        
    Sustaining capital(1) (67 ) (74 ) (142 ) (174 )
    Productivity capital (1 ) (1 ) (1 ) (3 )
    Dividends paid on preferred shares (13 ) (12 ) (52 ) (51 )
    Distributions paid to subsidiaries’ non-controlling interests (6 ) (19 ) (40 ) (223 )
    Principal payments on lease liabilities (3 ) (2 ) (6 ) (10 )
    Other 1   —   —   —  
    FCF(4) 48   121   569   890  
    Weighted average number of common shares outstanding in the period 298   308   302   276  
    FFO per share(4) 0.46   0.74   2.68   4.89  
    FCF per share(4) 0.16   0.39   1.88   3.22  

    (1)  Includes our share of amounts for the Skookumchuck wind facility, an equity-accounted joint venture.
    (2)  2023 includes amounts related to onerous contracts recognized in 2021 and a voluntary contribution to the US Defined Benefit Pension Plan for the Centralia thermal facility.
    (3)  Other consists of production tax credits, which is a reduction to tax equity debt, less distributions from an equity-accounted joint venture.
    (4)  These items are not defined and have no standardized meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Refer to the Non-IFRS Measures section in this earnings release .

    The table below provides a reconciliation of our adjusted EBITDA to our FFO and FCF:

      Three Months Ended Year Ended
    $ millions, unless otherwise stated Dec. 31, 2024   Dec. 31, 2023   Dec. 31, 2024   Dec. 31, 2023  
    Adjusted EBITDA(1)(4) 285   289   1,253   1,632  
    Provisions 2   (1 ) 10   (1 )
    Net interest expense(2) (64 ) (41 ) (231 ) (164 )
    Current income tax recovery (expense) (20 ) 5   (143 ) (50 )
    Realized foreign exchange gain (loss) (20 ) 9   (27 ) (4 )
    Decommissioning and restoration costs settled (12 ) (15 ) (41 ) (37 )
    Other non-cash items (34 ) (17 ) (11 ) (25 )
    FFO(3)(4) 137   229   810   1,351  
    Deduct:        
    Sustaining capital(4) (67 ) (74 ) (142 ) (174 )
    Productivity capital (1 ) (1 ) (1 ) (3 )
    Dividends paid on preferred shares (13 ) (12 ) (52 ) (51 )
    Distributions paid to subsidiaries’ non-controlling interests (6 ) (19 ) (40 ) (223 )
    Principal payments on lease liabilities (3 ) (2 ) (6 ) (10 )
    Other 1   —   —   —  
    FCF(4) 48   121   569   890  

    (1)  Adjusted EBITDA is defined in the Additional IFRS Measures and Non-IFRS Measures of this earnings release and reconciled to earnings (loss) before income taxes above.
    (2) Net interest expense includes interest expense less interest income and excludes non-cash items like financing amortization and accretion.
    (3)  These items are not defined and have no standardized meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. FFO and FCF are defined in the Non-IFRS financial measures and other specified financial measures section of in this earnings release and reconciled to cash flow from operating activities above.
    (4)  Includes our share of amounts for Skookumchuck wind facility, an equity-accounted joint venture.

    TransAlta is in the process of filing its Annual Information Form, Audited Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes, as well as the associated Management’s Discussion & Analysis (MD&A). These documents will be available today on the Investors section of TransAlta’s website at www.transalta.com or through SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca.

    TransAlta will also be filing its Form 40-F with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. The form will be available through their website at www.sec.gov. Paper copies of all documents are available to shareholders free of charge upon request.

    About TransAlta Corporation:

    TransAlta owns, operates and develops a diverse fleet of electrical power generation assets in Canada, the United States and Western Australia with a focus on long-term shareholder value. TransAlta provides municipalities, medium and large industries, businesses and utility customers with clean, affordable, energy efficient and reliable power. Today, TransAlta is one of Canada’s largest producers of wind power and Alberta’s largest producer of hydro-electric power. For over 112 years, TransAlta has been a responsible operator and a proud member of the communities where we operate and where our employees work and live. TransAlta aligns its corporate goals with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Future-Fit Business Benchmark, which also defines sustainable goals for businesses. Our reporting on climate change management has been guided by the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) S2 Climate-related Disclosures Standard and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations. TransAlta has achieved a 70 per cent reduction in GHG emissions or 22.7 million tonnes CO2e since 2015 and received an upgraded MSCI ESG rating of AA.

    For more information about TransAlta, visit our web site at transalta.com.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    This news release includes “forward-looking information,” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, and “forward-looking statements,” within the meaning of applicable United States securities laws, including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively referred to herein as “forward-looking statements”). Forward-looking statements are not facts, but only predictions and generally can be identified by the use of statements that include phrases such as “may”, “will”, “can”, “could”, “would”, “shall”, “believe”, “expect”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “plan”, “forecast”, “foresee”, “potential”, “enable”, “continue” or other comparable terminology. These statements are not guarantees of our future performance, events or results and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause our actual performance, events or results to be materially different from those set out in or implied by the forward-looking statements. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking statements about the following, among other things: the strategic objectives of the Company and that the execution of the Company’s strategy will realize value for shareholders; our capital allocation and financing strategy; our sustainability goals and targets, including those in our 2024 Sustainability Report; our 2025 Outlook; our financial and operational performance, including our hedge position; optimizing and diversifying our existing assets; the increasingly contracted nature of our fleet; expectations about strategies for growth and expansion, including opportunities for Centralia redevelopment, and data centre opportunities; expected costs and schedules for planned projects; expected regulatory processes and outcomes, including in relation to the Alberta restructured energy market; the power generation industry and the supply and demand of electricity; the cyclicality of our business; expected outcomes with respect to legal proceedings; the expected impact of future tax and accounting changes; and expected industry, market and economic conditions.

    The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based on many assumptions including, but not limited to, the following: no significant changes to applicable laws and regulations; no unexpected delays in obtaining required regulatory approvals; no material adverse impacts to investment and credit markets; no significant changes to power price and hedging assumptions; no significant changes to gas commodity price assumptions and transport costs; no significant changes to interest rates; no significant changes to the demand and growth of renewables generation; no significant changes to the integrity and reliability of our facilities; no significant changes to the Company’s debt and credit ratings; no unforeseen changes to economic and market conditions; and no significant event occurring outside the ordinary course of business.

    These assumptions are based on information currently available to TransAlta, including information obtained from third-party sources. Actual results may differ materially from those predicted. Factors that may adversely impact what is expressed or implied by forward-looking statements contained in this news release include, but are not limited to: fluctuations in power prices; changes in supply and demand for electricity; our ability to contract our electricity generation for prices that will provide expected returns; our ability to replace contracts as they expire; risks associated with development projects and acquisitions; any difficulty raising needed capital in the future on reasonable terms or at all; our ability to achieve our targets relating to ESG; long-term commitments on gas transportation capacity that may not be fully utilized over time; changes to the legislative, regulatory and political environments; environmental requirements and changes in, or liabilities under, these requirements; operational risks involving our facilities, including unplanned outages and equipment failure; disruptions in the transmission and distribution of electricity; reductions in production; impairments and/or writedowns of assets; adverse impacts on our information technology systems and our internal control systems, including increased cybersecurity threats; commodity risk management and energy trading risks; reduced labour availability and ability to continue to staff our operations and facilities; disruptions to our supply chains; climate-change related risks; reductions to our generating units’ relative efficiency or capacity factors; general economic risks, including deterioration of equity and debt markets, increasing interest rates or rising inflation; general domestic and international economic and political developments, including potential trade tariffs; industry risk and competition; counterparty credit risk; inadequacy or unavailability of insurance coverage; increases in the Company’s income taxes and any risk of reassessments; legal, regulatory and contractual disputes and proceedings involving the Company; reliance on key personnel; and labour relations matters.

    The foregoing risk factors, among others, are described in further detail under the heading “Governance and Risk Management” in the MD&A, which section is incorporated by reference herein.

    Readers are urged to consider these factors carefully when evaluating the forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on them. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made only as of the date hereof and we do not undertake to publicly update these forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable laws. The purpose of the financial outlooks contained herein is to give the reader information about management’s current expectations and plans and readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes.

    Note: All financial figures are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated.

    For more information:

    Investor Inquiries: Media Inquiries:
    Phone: 1-800-387-3598 in Canada and US Phone: 1-855-255-9184
    Email: investor_relations@transalta.com Email: ta_media_relations@transalta.com

    The MIL Network –

    February 21, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Economics: Create Unforgettable Moments in the Comfort of Your Home with great Samsung Blue Tag Sale Deals

    Source: Samsung

     

     
    Samsung is bringing the ultimate home entertainment experience right to your doorstep with the Blue Tag Sale – on until 2 March 2025. It’s now easier than ever to transform your home into a space where comfort meets connection. Elevate your entertainment, streamline your hosting experience, and enhance your home’s functionality with Samsung’s range of innovative products that are designed to make every moment spent at home effortless, immersive, and memorable.
     
    Entertaining Made Effortless
    Samsung’s range of innovative products is built to make hosting gatherings a breeze. Whether you’re planning a movie night, a lively dinner party, or a thrilling game-day gathering, Samsung’s technology ensures seamless operation from start to finish. Transform your home into the ultimate entertainment hub with the perfect ambiance and hassle-free control. Samsung makes it easier than ever to be the host with the most.
     
    Immersive Entertainment Experiences
    Samsung’s top-tier Smart TVs, advanced sound systems, and immersive displays create a cinematic experience that will leave your guests in awe. With stunning picture quality, vibrant colours, and crystal-clear sound, every movie, show, and sports event is an opportunity to experience entertainment at its finest. Whether streaming the latest blockbusters or enjoying the latest music hits, Samsung technology brings joy and excitement to your living space like never before.
     
    Seamless Connectivity and Smart Home Integration
    Samsung’s smart home ecosystem, powered by SmartThings, takes home connectivity to a new level. Control every aspect of your home’s entertainment and environment with a single device. Adjust the temperature, and effortlessly switch between media – all with a few taps. Samsung SmartThings is compatible with various brands – just look for the “Works with SmartThings” badge or Matter and Home connectivity Alliance badges to make your home smarter, more connected, and easier to enjoy.
     
    Design Meets Functionality
    Samsung’s products are crafted to blend seamlessly into your home décor while delivering exceptional performance. With sleek, modern designs, each product enhances your living space without compromising on functionality. Hosting becomes even more enjoyable when the technology in your home is as aesthetically pleasing as it is practical.
     
    Awesome deals on great products
    To make your home even more special, Samsung’s Blue Tag Sale offers incredible discounts on some of its most popular products:
     
    75″ DU7000 Crystal UHD 4K HDR Smart TV – UA75DU7000KXXA: Now R12,999* (Save R2,000)
    85 Inch QLED 4K Q60D Tizen OS Smart TV (2024) – QA85Q60DAKXXA: Get it for R27,999* (Save R2,000)
    Music Frame HW-LS60D Wireless Smart Speaker (HW-LS60D/XA): Now R5,499* (Save R1,500)
    Bespoke AI 12KG Front Loader, with Eco bubble (WW12BB944DGBFA): Now R14,999* (Save R1,000)
    AR9500T Wall-mount AC with Windfree TM and AI technology, 18000 BTU/h (AR18BSAAAWK/FA): Available for R22,999* (Save R4,000)
    Side by Side Fridge, Non-plumbed Water & Ice dispenser, Gentle Black, 617L (RS64DG53R3B1FA): Yours for R29,999* (Save R2,100)
     
    The Samsung Blue Tag Sale runs from 13 January – 2 March 2025, in Samsung stores, online, the Samsung Shop App, as well as participating retailers. Don’t miss out!
     
    For more information, visit www.samsung.com/za

    MIL OSI Economics –

    February 21, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Chair and two Trustees reappointed to Theatres Trust board

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Secretary of State has reappointed Dave Moutrey as Chair, and James Dacre and Stephanie Hall as Trustees of Theatres Trust for a second term of 3 years.

    Dave Moutrey

    Appointed from 21 February 2025 to February 2028

    Dave is responsible for leading the creation and delivery of Manchester City Council’s cultural and creative industries policy and strategy, working closely with the city’s cultural and creative sectors on joint initiatives. He was appointed to this role after a 6-year part-time secondment to the Council as Director of Culture. 

    Until March 2024, he was Director and Chief Executive of HOME, a purpose-built multi-art venue that opened in May 2015. He conceived and led the merger of Cornerhouse and Library Theatre Company to create HOME, along with the £25m capital project for the building, which has attracted almost 1 million visits per year since opening. HOME includes 5 cinema screens, education spaces, digital production and broadcast facilities, a 500-seat theatre, 150-seat flexible theatre, a large gallery, café bar, restaurant, offices, and other spaces consistent with a production centre. It provides opportunities for artists and audiences to create work together, as well as a social and cultural hub. Before HOME, Dave was Director and CEO of Cornerhouse from 1998, having established and led the regional arts marketing agency Arts About Manchester. 

    Dave was awarded an OBE for services to culture in 2022 and a Doctor of Arts honoris causa by the University of Salford in 2018. He is a member of the Chartered Management Institute and the British Academy of Film and Television Arts. He was previously an advisor to the British Council and still holds several non-executive roles on not-for-profit boards.

    James Dacre

    Appointed from 21 February 2025 to 20 February 2028

    James Dacre is a Director and Creative Producer who has directed, produced and toured work to several hundred theatres, opera houses and festivals across the UK and abroad, with his productions winning Olivier, The Stage and UK Theatre Awards. He recently founded Living Productions which produces theatre, film, concerts and festivals. James was Artistic Director of Royal & Derngate Theatres from 2013-2023 and previously held roles as Associate Director at the New Vic Theatre, Theatre503 and the National Youth Theatre. He is Chair of the Board of Theatre503, a Board Director of Spirit of 2012, a Trustee for Talawa Theatre Company and a Franco-British Young Leader. James Dacre became a Trustee of The Theatres Trust on 21 February 2022. 

    Stephanie Hall

    Appointed from 21 February 2025 to 20 February 2028

    Stephanie Hall is a barrister specialising in town and country planning at Kings Chambers. She lives with her family near Leeds but works across England and Wales. Stephanie represents both local authorities and developers at planning appeals and in the Courts. She has particular experience of large schemes and major infrastructure projects, sometimes involving theatres and very often involving works to or in the setting of listed buildings. Stephanie appears in the list of top-rated planning junior barristers, is a member of the Planning and Environment Bar Association, the Compulsory Purchase Association, the Parliamentary Bar Mess and the National Infrastructure Planning Association. Stephanie Hall became a Trustee on 21 February 2022.

    Remuneration and Governance Code

    The Chair and Trustees of the Theatres Trust are not remunerated. This appointment has been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election. Dave Moutrey, James Dacre and Stephanie Hall have not declared any significant political activity.

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    Published 20 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 21, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rector’s Ball at the Polytechnic: 220 Best Students Celebrated the University’s Birthday

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    On the day of the 126th anniversary of the Polytechnic University, the best students took part in the Rector’s Ball – one of the most striking events in the history of the university. The Fundamental Library hall gathered the guys who achieved success in their studies, science and social life.

    On February 19, the Polytechnic’s birthday, the Reading Room of the Main Building reopened its doors for a ball. And this was a long-awaited event, since the university’s reading room had been closed for reconstruction since November last year.

    The ball was opened by the Polytechnic anthem performed by members of the Polivoks vocal studio and the SPbPU Pop and Symphony Orchestra. The recording also included a farewell speech by the first director of the university, Prince Andrei Grigorievich Gagarin, which he delivered in 1902 to the students of the Polytechnic Institute. The participants, dressed in ball gowns and tuxedos, were greeted by the Vice-Rector for Youth Policy and Communication Technologies, Maxim Pasholikov:

    The tradition of organizing balls for students appeared at the Polytechnic University more than a hundred years ago. It is great that we have managed to revive these events. You are the best in various fields of activity – in studies, science, sports. Carry the great title of a polytechnician with dignity throughout your entire life. Happy birthday, Polytechnic University! Happy holiday, friends!

    For the second year in a row, the musical accompaniment was provided by the Polytechnic Orchestra under the direction of Dmitry Misiura. Also at the conductor’s stand stood a student of the master’s degree of the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport Pavel Zhukov. The choreographer Maxim Salomatov helped to master various dances. Soloists of the studio “Polivoks” performed several vocal compositions.

    One of the main events of the ball was the awarding of excellent students, winners of Olympiads and competitions. Alexandra Brenman, a third-year student at the Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade, was awarded for the best report at the All-Russian scientific and practical conference “Scientific Space of Modern Youth: Priority Tasks and Innovative Solutions”. In 2024, she also published 14 scientific publications, including 12 international ones.

    It is a great honor for me to be here. Each of us has a special dream. And when something like this comes true, we understand that we are really moving in the right direction. Thanks to the teachers who allow us to move forward, – Alexandra shared.

    Fourth-year student of the Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade Diana Yakimenko was awarded because she is the winner of the All-Russian Entrepreneurship Championship MIR, the grant competition of the Science and Higher School Committee of the Government of St. Petersburg, and the laureate of the startup competition of the Eurasian Youth Forum “EEFM 2024”.

    Today I became a participant of the rector’s ball, and for me it is a long-awaited event. I am very glad that there are so many talented people in the Polytechnic. May all your dreams come true! – said Diana.

    At the end of the ceremony, Vyacheslav Bugaev received the medal “Best SPbPU Graduate”. He graduated from the Institute of Computer Science and Cybersecurity and demonstrated significant success in his academic, scientific and social activities.

    Many thanks to the Polytechnic teachers, thanks to whom I received the award. I want to wish everyone to believe in themselves, achieve goals and not deviate from their path, – shared Vyacheslav.

    The ball continued with dance promenades, including waltz, polka, mazurka and quadrille. Polytechnicians enjoyed learning new dances and participated in ballroom games. The bright celebration ended with a rock band concert and a disco.

    Photo archive

    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 –

    February 21, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: SINTX Technologies Sells Technology Assesment and Transfer Subsidiary to Focus on Medical Device Market

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Strategic Transaction Enhances Financial Flexibility and Supports Growth in Healthcare Innovations

    Salt Lake City, UT, Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SINTX Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: SINT), a leader in advanced ceramics for medical applications, today announced the sale of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Technology Assessment and Transfer (TA&T), to Tethon Corporation DBA Tethon 3D (Tethon). This transaction marks a significant step in SINTX’s ongoing transformation, allowing the Company to sharpen its focus on high-growth opportunities in the medical device sector while improving its financial position and operational efficiency.

    The divestment aligns with SINTX’s refined strategy to accelerate innovation in the healthcare space. With this sale, SINTX is streamlining its operations to concentrate on commercializing bioceramic technologies that have the potential to improve patient outcomes and enhance the performance of medical implants and devices. The sale of TA&T also reduces corporate liabilities by $750,000 and lowers annual operating expenses by more than $1.7 million.

    “This sale represents an important milestone in our strategic realignment,” said Eric K. Olson, CEO of SINTX Technologies. “By divesting of these assets, we are fully committing our resources to the medical device market, where our expertise in advanced ceramics can have the greatest impact. This transaction not only enhances our financial flexibility but also supports our efforts to accelerate product development and commercialization efforts in healthcare.”

    The Company remains dedicated to advancing its proprietary silicon nitride-based technologies, which have been used in human implants since 2008. This renewed emphasis on healthcare innovation underscores SINTX’s confidence in its core technologies and their ability to drive long-term value creation.

    For more information, please visit www.sintx.com

    About SINTX Technologies, Inc.

    Located in Salt Lake City, Utah, SINTX Technologies is an advanced ceramics company that develops and commercializes materials, components, and technologies for medical applications. SINTX is a global leader in the research, development, and manufacturing of silicon nitride, and its products have been implanted in humans since 2008. Over the past several years, SINTX has utilized strategic acquisitions and alliances to enter into new markets. For more information on SINTX Technologies or its materials platform, visit www.sintx.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (“PSLRA”) that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: “anticipate,” “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “expect,” “strategy,” “future,” “likely,” “may,” “should,” “will” and similar references to future periods. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements we make regarding operating efficiencies realized from the sale of TA&T, the benefits of our products for patients, our ability to successfully develop and commercialize new and existing products, our ability to generate long-term value, advancement of ceramic technologies and exploring new avenues for growth and innovation, and the potential to pursue growth opportunities and explore strategic opportunities.

    Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made and reflect management’s current estimates, projections, expectations and beliefs. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, difficulty in commercializing ceramic technologies and development of new product opportunities. A discussion of other risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements can be found in SINTX’s Risk Factors disclosure in its Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 27, 2024, and in SINTX’s other filings with the SEC. SINTX undertakes no obligation to publicly revise or update the forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date of this report, except as required by law.

    Business and Media Inquiries for SINTX:
    SINTX Technologies
    801.839.3502
    IR@sintx.com

    The MIL Network –

    February 21, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Targa Resources Corp. Reports Record Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results, Provides Growth Outlook for 2025 and Announces Refinancing of Badlands Preferred Equity

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Targa Resources Corp. (NYSE: TRGP) (“TRGP,” the “Company” or “Targa”) today reported fourth quarter and full year 2024 results.

    Fourth quarter 2024 net income attributable to Targa Resources Corp. was $351.0 million compared to $299.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. For the full year 2024, net income attributable to Targa Resources Corp. was $1,312.0 million compared to $1,345.9 million for 2023. The Company reported adjusted earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, and other non-cash items (“adjusted EBITDA”)(1) of $1,122.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to $959.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. For the full year 2024, the Company reported adjusted EBITDA of $4,142.3 million compared to $3,530.0 million for 2023.

    Highlights

    • Record full year 2024 adjusted EBITDA of $4.1 billion, a 17% increase over 2023
    • Record full year 2024 Permian, NGL transportation, fractionation, and LPG export volumes
    • Record full year 2024 common share repurchases of $755 million
    • Record fourth quarter 2024 adjusted EBITDA of $1.1 billion
    • Record fourth quarter 2024 Permian, NGL transportation, fractionation, and LPG export volumes
    • Completed its new 275 million cubic feet per day (“MMcf/d”) Greenwood II plant in Permian Midland and its new 120 thousand barrels per day (“MBbl/d”) Train 10 fractionator in Mont Belvieu
    • Recently commenced operations of its new 275 MMcf/d Bull Moose plant and 800 MMcf/d front-end treater in Permian Delaware
    • Announced a new intra-Delaware Basin expansion of Targa’s Grand Prix NGL Pipeline (“Delaware Express”)
    • Announced a new 150 MBbl/d fractionator in Mont Belvieu (“Train 12”)
    • Announced a new expansion of LPG export capabilities at Targa’s Galena Park Marine Terminal (“GPMT LPG Export Expansion”) which will increase capacity to approximately 19 million barrels per month (“MMBbl/month”)
    • Estimates 2025 net growth capital expenditures of $2.6 billion to $2.8 billion
    • Announced the refinancing of preferred equity in Targa Badlands LLC for $1.8 billion
    • Estimates record full year 2025 adjusted EBITDA between $4.65 billion and $4.85 billion, a 15% increase over 2024(2)

    On January 16, 2025, the Company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.75 per common share, or $3.00 per common share on an annualized basis, for the fourth quarter of 2024. Total cash dividends of approximately $164 million were paid on February 14, 2025 on all outstanding shares of common stock to holders of record as of the close of business on January 31, 2025. Targa intends to recommend an annual common dividend of $4.00 per share for 2025 beginning with the first quarter payment in May of 2025.

    Targa repurchased 610,683 shares of its common stock during the fourth quarter of 2024 at a weighted average per share price of $176.86 for a total net cost of $108.0 million. For the year ended December 31, 2024, Targa repurchased 5,933,050 shares of its common stock at a weighted average price of $127.20 for a total net cost of $754.7 million. As of December 31, 2024, there was $1,015.4 million remaining under the Company’s Share Repurchase Programs.

    Fourth Quarter 2024 – Sequential Quarter over Quarter Commentary

    Targa reported fourth quarter adjusted EBITDA of $1,122.2 million, representing a 5 percent increase compared to the third quarter of 2024. The sequential increase in adjusted EBITDA was attributable to higher volumes across Targa’s Gathering and Processing (“G&P”) and Logistics and Transportation (“L&T”) systems. In the G&P segment, higher sequential adjusted operating margin was attributable to record Permian natural gas inlet volumes and higher fees, partially offset by the expiration of a lower margin high pressure gathering and processing agreement in the Delaware Basin. In the L&T segment, record NGL pipeline transportation, fractionation, and LPG export volumes drove the sequential increase in segment adjusted operating margin, partially offset by lower sequential marketing margin. Targa’s completion of its Daytona NGL Pipeline late in the third quarter and its 120 MBbl/d Train 10 fractionator in the fourth quarter supported higher sequential NGL pipeline transportation and fractionation volumes from increasing supply volumes from Targa’s Permian G&P systems. LPG export volumes benefited from improved market conditions. Lower sequential marketing margin was attributable to decreased optimization opportunities.

    Capitalization and Liquidity

    The Company’s total consolidated debt as of December 31, 2024 was $14,174.6 million, net of $89.0 million of debt issuance costs and $29.4 million of unamortized discount, with $12,534.4 million of outstanding senior unsecured notes, $1,130.5 million outstanding under the Commercial Paper Program, $330.0 million outstanding under the Securitization Facility, and $298.1 million of finance lease liabilities.

    Total consolidated liquidity as of December 31, 2024 was approximately $2.0 billion, including $1.6 billion available under the Existing TRGP Revolver (as defined below), $270.0 million under the Securitization Facility and $157.3 million of cash.

    Financing Update

    In February 2025, Targa entered into a new five-year revolving facility (the “New TRGP Revolver”) with aggregate capacity of $3.5 billion. The New TRGP Revolver replaces Targa’s $2.75 billion credit facility (“Existing TRGP Revolver”), scheduled to mature in February 2027. The additional capacity aligns with the Company’s increased scale and continued growth opportunities. Pro forma for the New TRGP Revolver, Targa’s liquidity as of December 31, 2024, was approximately $2.8 billion.

    Refinancing of Badlands Preferred Equity

    Targa announced today a definitive agreement to repurchase all of the outstanding preferred equity in Targa Badlands LLC (“Targa Badlands”) from funds managed by Blackstone for approximately $1.8 billion in cash (the “Repurchase”). The Repurchase represents a refinancing of higher cost preferred equity with Targa’s lower cost of debt capital, resulting in meaningful cash savings. Targa expects to close in the first quarter of 2025 with an effective date of January 1, 2025, and estimates its year-end 2025 debt to adjusted EBITDA leverage ratio will remain near the mid-point of the Company’s long-term target range.

    Growth Projects Update

    In Targa’s G&P segment, construction continues on its 275 MMcf/d Pembrook II, East Pembrook, and East Driver plants in Permian Midland and its 275 MMcf/d Bull Moose II and Falcon II plants in Permian Delaware. In Targa’s L&T segment, construction continues on its 150 MBbl/d Train 11 fractionator in Mont Belvieu. The Company remains on-track to complete these expansions as previously disclosed.

    In February 2025, in response to increasing production and to meet the infrastructure needs of its customers, Targa announced:

    • Delaware Express, a 100-mile, 30-inch diameter pipeline expansion of its Grand Prix NGL Pipeline in the Permian Delaware;
    • Train 12, a new 150 MBbl/d fractionator in Mont Belvieu, TX; and
    • GPMT LPG Export Expansion, an expansion of Targa’s LPG export capabilities at its Galena Park Marine Terminal to approximately 19 MMBbl per month.

    Delaware Express is expected to commence operations in the third quarter of 2026, Train 12 is expected to commence operations in the first quarter of 2027, and Targa’s GPMT LPG Export Expansion is expected to commence operations in the third quarter of 2027.

    2025 Outlook and Capital Return Expectations

    For 2025, Targa estimates full year adjusted EBITDA to be between $4.65 billion and $4.85 billion, with the midpoint of the range representing a 15 percent increase over full year 2024 adjusted EBITDA. Targa expects to continue to benefit from meaningful growth across its Permian G&P footprint, which is expected to drive record Permian, NGL pipeline transportation, fractionation, and LPG export volumes in 2025 relative to the records set in 2024.

    Targa’s 2025 operational and financial expectations assume Waha natural gas prices average $1.55 per million British Thermal Units (“MMbtu”), natural gas liquids (“NGL”) composite barrel prices average $0.65 per gallon, and crude oil prices average $70 per barrel.

    Targa’s estimate for 2025 net growth capital expenditures is between $2.6 billion to $2.8 billion and includes capital spending for the recently announced Delaware Express, Train 12, and GPMT LPG Export Expansion. Net maintenance capital expenditures for 2025 are estimated to be approximately $250 million.

    For the first quarter of 2025, Targa intends to recommend to its Board of Directors an increase to its quarterly common dividend to $1.00 per common share or $4.00 per common share annualized. The recommended 33 percent common dividend per share increase, if approved, would be effective for the first quarter of 2025 and payable in May 2025. Going forward, Targa expects to be in position to continue to meaningfully increase the capital returned to shareholders through increasing common dividends per share and opportunistic repurchases of its common stock.

    An earnings supplement presentation and updated investor presentation are available under Events and Presentations in the Investors section of the Company’s website at www.targaresources.com/investors/events.

    Conference Call

    The Company will host a conference call for the investment community at 11:00 a.m. Eastern time (10:00 a.m. Central time) on February 20, 2025 to discuss its fourth quarter results. The conference call can be accessed via webcast under Events and Presentations in the Investors section of the Company’s website at www.targaresources.com/investors/events, or by going directly to https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/qgzvcwi7. A webcast replay will be available at the link above approximately two hours after the conclusion of the event.

    (1)    Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure and is discussed under “Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”
    (2)    Year over year increase based on midpoint of estimated 2025 adjusted EBITDA range of $4.65 billion to $4.85 billion.

    Targa Resources Corp. – Consolidated Financial Results of Operations

        Three Months Ended December 31,                 Year Ended December 31,              
        2024     2023     2024 vs. 2023     2024     2023     2024 vs. 2023  
        (In millions)  
    Revenues:                                                
    Sales of commodities   $ 3,765.5     $ 3,647.9     $ 117.6       3 %   $ 13,891.8     $ 13,962.1     $ (70.3 )     (1 %)
    Fees from midstream services     639.7       591.6       48.1       8 %     2,489.7       2,098.2       391.5       19 %
    Total revenues     4,405.2       4,239.5       165.7       4 %     16,381.5       16,060.3       321.2       2 %
    Product purchases and fuel     2,922.6       2,898.5       24.1       1 %     10,703.0       10,676.4       26.6       —  
    Operating expenses     305.8       269.5       36.3       13 %     1,175.6       1,077.9       97.7       9 %
    Depreciation and amortization expense     378.5       341.4       37.1       11 %     1,423.0       1,329.6       93.4       7 %
    General and administrative expense     97.5       95.3       2.2       2 %     384.9       348.7       36.2       10 %
    Other operating (income) expense     0.2       (0.5 )     0.7     NM       (0.4 )     1.5       (1.9 )   NM  
    Income (loss) from operations     700.6       635.3       65.3       10 %     2,695.4       2,626.2       69.2       3 %
    Interest expense, net     (177.7 )     (178.0 )     0.3       —       (767.2 )     (687.8 )     (79.4 )     12 %
    Equity earnings (loss)     1.5       2.8       (1.3 )     (46 %)     9.4       9.0       0.4       4 %
    Gain (loss) from financing activities     —       (2.1 )     2.1       100 %     (0.8 )     (2.1 )     1.3       62 %
    Other, net     0.1       2.1       (2.0 )   NM       1.2       (2.8 )     4.0     NM  
    Income tax (expense) benefit     (110.5 )     (102.5 )     (8.0 )     8 %     (384.5 )     (363.2 )     (21.3 )     6 %
    Net income (loss)     414.0       357.6       56.4       16 %     1,553.5       1,579.3       (25.8 )     (2 %)
    Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests     63.0       58.0       5.0       9 %     241.5       233.4       8.1       3 %
    Net income (loss) attributable to Targa Resources Corp.     351.0       299.6       51.4       17 %     1,312.0       1,345.9       (33.9 )     (3 %)
    Premium on repurchase of noncontrolling interests, net of tax     32.9       19.4       13.5       70 %     32.9       510.1       (477.2 )     (94 %)
    Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders   $ 318.1     $ 280.2     $ 37.9       14 %   $ 1,279.1     $ 835.8     $ 443.3       53 %
    Financial data:                                                
    Adjusted EBITDA (1)   $ 1,122.2     $ 959.9     $ 162.3       17 %   $ 4,142.3     $ 3,530.0     $ 612.3       17 %
    Adjusted cash flow from operations (1)     940.9       780.1       160.8       21 %     3,372.4       2,840.6       531.8       19 %
    Adjusted free cash flow (1)     56.2       73.7       (17.5 )     (24 %)     140.1       392.7       (252.6 )     (64 %)
    (1) Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted cash flow from operations and adjusted free cash flow are non-GAAP financial measures and are discussed under “Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”
    NM Due to a low denominator, the noted percentage change is disproportionately high and as a result, considered not meaningful.


    Three Months Ended December 31, 2024 Compared to Three Months Ended December 31, 2023

    The increase in commodity sales reflects higher NGL, natural gas and condensate volumes ($242.4) and higher NGL prices ($199.5 million), partially offset by lower natural gas and condensate prices ($197.0 million) and the unfavorable impact of hedges ($127.3 million).

    The increase in fees from midstream services is primarily due to higher gas gathering and processing fees, higher transportation and fractionation fees, and higher export volumes.

    Product purchases and fuel are relatively flat reflecting higher NGL and natural gas volumes, offset by lower natural gas prices.

    The increase in operating expenses is primarily due to higher maintenance and labor costs as a result of increased activity and system expansions, partially offset by lower taxes.

    See “—Review of Segment Performance” for additional information on a segment basis.

    The increase in depreciation and amortization expense is primarily due to the impact of system expansions on the Company’s asset base that have been placed in service during 2024.

    The increase in income tax expense is primarily due to an increase in pre-tax book income and the release of state valuation allowance in 2023 partially offset by the impact of statutory rate changes.

    The premium on repurchase of noncontrolling interests, net of tax is primarily due to the CBF Acquisition in 2024.

    Year Ended December 31, 2024 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2023

    Commodity sales are relatively flat reflecting lower natural gas and condensate prices ($1,242.8 million) and the unfavorable impact of hedges ($686.5 million), offset by higher NGL, natural gas and condensate volumes ($1,607.2 million), and higher NGL prices ($251.6 million).

    The increase in fees from midstream services is primarily due to higher gas gathering and processing fees, higher transportation and fractionation fees, and higher export volumes.

    Product purchases and fuel are relatively flat reflecting higher NGL and natural gas volumes, offset by lower natural gas prices.

    The increase in operating expenses is primarily due to higher labor, maintenance, rental and chemical costs as a result of increased activity and system expansions, partially offset by lower taxes.

    See “—Review of Segment Performance” for additional information on a segment basis.

    The increase in depreciation and amortization expense is primarily due to the impact of system expansions on the Company’s asset base, partially offset by the shortening of depreciable lives of certain assets that were idled in 2023.

    The increase in general and administrative expense is primarily due to higher compensation and benefits and professional fees.

    The increase in interest expense, net, is due to recognition of cumulative interest on a 2024 legal ruling associated with the Splitter Agreement and higher borrowings, partially offset by higher capitalized interest. Higher capitalized interest is due to system expansions and higher interest rates.

    The increase in income tax expense is primarily due to the release of state valuation allowance in 2023.

    The premium on repurchase of noncontrolling interests, net of tax is primarily due to the CBF Acquisition in 2024 and the Grand Prix Transaction in 2023.

    Review of Segment Performance

    The following discussion of segment performance includes inter-segment activities. The Company views segment operating margin and adjusted operating margin as important performance measures of the core profitability of its operations. These measures are key components of internal financial reporting and are reviewed for consistency and trend analysis. For a discussion of adjusted operating margin, see “Non-GAAP Financial Measures ― Adjusted Operating Margin.” Segment operating financial results and operating statistics include the effects of intersegment transactions. These intersegment transactions have been eliminated from the consolidated presentation.

    The Company operates in two primary segments: (i) Gathering and Processing; and (ii) Logistics and Transportation.

    Gathering and Processing Segment

    The Gathering and Processing segment includes assets used in the gathering and/or purchase and sale of natural gas produced from oil and gas wells, removing impurities and processing this raw natural gas into merchantable natural gas by extracting NGLs; and assets used for the gathering and terminaling and/or purchase and sale of crude oil. The Gathering and Processing segment’s assets are located in the Permian Basin of West Texas and Southeast New Mexico (including the Midland, Central and Delaware Basins); the Eagle Ford Shale in South Texas; the Barnett Shale in North Texas; the Anadarko, Ardmore, and Arkoma Basins in Oklahoma (including the SCOOP and STACK) and South Central Kansas; the Williston Basin in North Dakota (including the Bakken and Three Forks plays); and the onshore and near offshore regions of the Louisiana Gulf Coast.

    The following table provides summary data regarding results of operations of this segment for the periods indicated:

        Three Months Ended December 31,                   Year Ended December 31,                
        2024     2023     2024 vs. 2023     2024     2023     2024 vs. 2023  
          (In millions, except operating statistics and price amounts)  
    Operating margin   $ 598.9     $ 536.3     $ 62.6       12 %   $ 2,312.4     $ 2,082.2     $ 230.2       11 %
    Operating expenses     217.5       185.7       31.8       17 %     814.6       746.6       68.0       9 %
    Adjusted operating margin   $ 816.4     $ 722.0     $ 94.4       13 %   $ 3,127.0     $ 2,828.8     $ 298.2       11 %
    Operating statistics (1):                                                            
    Plant natural gas inlet, MMcf/d (2) (3)                                                            
    Permian Midland (4)     3,072.8       2,716.5       356.3       13 %     2,933.1       2,535.2       397.9       16 %
    Permian Delaware     2,992.4       2,564.3       428.1       17 %     2,837.3       2,526.5       310.8       12 %
    Total Permian     6,065.2       5,280.8       784.4       15 %     5,770.4       5,061.7       708.7       14 %
                                                                 
    SouthTX     329.4       347.9       (18.5 )     (5 %)     325.9       367.4       (41.5 )     (11 %)
    North Texas     187.4       207.7       (20.3 )     (10 %)     186.9       205.9       (19.0 )     (9 %)
    SouthOK (5)     339.7       366.5       (26.8 )     (7 %)     351.7       385.0       (33.3 )     (9 %)
    WestOK     210.5       207.1       3.4       2 %     212.8       207.1       5.7       3 %
    Total Central     1,067.0       1,129.2       (62.2 )     (6 %)     1,077.3       1,165.4       (88.1 )     (8 %)
                                                                 
    Badlands (5) (6)     128.8       131.2       (2.4 )     (2 %)     136.3       130.0       6.3       5 %
    Total Field     7,261.0       6,541.2       719.8       11 %     6,984.0       6,357.1       626.9       10 %
                                                                 
    Coastal     405.7       567.0       (161.3 )     (28 %)     449.6       541.1       (91.5 )     (17 %)
                                                                 
    Total     7,666.7       7,108.2       558.5       8 %     7,433.6       6,898.2       535.4       8 %
    NGL production, MBbl/d (3)                                                            
    Permian Midland (4)     445.7       398.3       47.4       12 %     428.4       367.7       60.7       17 %
    Permian Delaware     390.2       310.6       79.6       26 %     359.9       321.6       38.3       12 %
    Total Permian     835.9       708.9       127.0       18 %     788.3       689.3       99.0       14 %
                                                                 
    SouthTX (5)     29.3       37.3       (8.0 )     (21 %)     32.8       40.9       (8.1 )     (20 %)
    North Texas     22.9       24.5       (1.6 )     (7 %)     22.6       24.0       (1.4 )     (6 %)
    SouthOK (5)     40.1       40.0       0.1       —       35.0       43.1       (8.1 )     (19 %)
    WestOK     16.3       12.1       4.2       35 %     15.1       12.5       2.6       21 %
    Total Central     108.6       113.9       (5.3 )     (5 %)     105.5       120.5       (15.0 )     (12 %)
                                                                 
    Badlands (5)     15.3       15.7       (0.4 )     (3 %)     16.6       15.5       1.1       7 %
    Total Field     959.8       838.5       121.3       14 %     910.4       825.3       85.1       10 %
                                                                 
    Coastal     36.0       43.2       (7.2 )     (17 %)     35.8       39.2       (3.4 )     (9 %)
                                                                 
    Total     995.8       881.7       114.1       13 %     946.2       864.5       81.7       9 %
    Crude oil, Badlands, MBbl/d     110.1       105.2       4.9       5 %     106.6       105.5       1.1       1 %
    Crude oil, Permian, MBbl/d     29.5       27.5       2.0       7 %     27.9       27.4       0.5       2 %
    Natural gas sales, BBtu/d (3)     2,784.3       2,737.3       47.0       2 %     2,780.5       2,685.8       94.7       4 %
    NGL sales, MBbl/d (3)     582.0       520.6       61.4       12 %     558.2       495.8       62.4       13 %
    Condensate sales, MBbl/d     19.8       17.8       2.0       11 %     19.3       18.5       0.8       4 %
    Average realized prices (7):                                                            
    Natural gas, $/MMBtu     1.04       1.83       (0.79 )     (43 %)     0.67       1.94       (1.27 )     (65 %)
    NGL, $/gal     0.49       0.43       0.06       14 %     0.46       0.46       —       —  
    Condensate, $/Bbl     66.83       74.79       (7.96 )     (11 %)     73.35       74.35       (1.00 )     (1 %)
    (1) Segment operating statistics include the effect of intersegment amounts, which have been eliminated from the consolidated presentation. For all volume statistics presented, the numerator is the total volume sold during the period and the denominator is the number of calendar days during the period.
    (2) Plant natural gas inlet represents the Company’s undivided interest in the volume of natural gas passing through the meter located at the inlet of a natural gas processing plant, other than Badlands.
    (3) Plant natural gas inlet volumes and gross NGL production volumes include producer take-in-kind volumes, while natural gas sales and NGL sales exclude producer take-in-kind volumes.
    (4) Permian Midland includes operations in WestTX, of which the Company owns a 72.8% undivided interest, and other plants that are owned 100% by the Company. Operating results for the WestTX undivided interest assets are presented on a pro-rata net basis in the Company’s reported financials.
    (5) Operations include facilities that are not wholly owned by the Company.
    (6) Badlands natural gas inlet represents the total wellhead volume and includes the Targa volumes processed at the Little Missouri 4 plant.
    (7) Average realized prices, net of fees, include the effect of realized commodity hedge gain/loss attributable to the Company’s equity volumes. The price is calculated using total commodity sales plus the hedge gain/loss as the numerator and total sales volume as the denominator, net of fees.

    The following table presents the realized commodity hedge gain (loss) attributable to the Company’s equity volumes that are included in the adjusted operating margin of the Gathering and Processing segment:

        Three Months Ended December 31, 2024     Three Months Ended December 31, 2023  
        (In millions, except volumetric data and price amounts)  
        Volume
    Settled
        Price
    Spread (1)
        Gain
    (Loss)
        Volume
    Settled
        Price
    Spread (1)
        Gain
    (Loss)
     
    Natural gas (BBtu)     8.1     $ 1.84     $ 14.9       13.2     $ 1.15     $ 15.2  
    NGL (MMgal)     101.0       0.01       0.9       165.3       0.09       15.5  
    Crude oil (MBbl)     0.7       5.00       3.5       0.6       (6.17 )     (3.7 )
                    $ 19.3                 $ 27.0  
        Year Ended December 31, 2024     Year Ended December 31, 2023  
        (In millions, except volumetric data and price amounts)  
        Volume
    Settled
        Price
    Spread (1)
        Gain
    (Loss)
        Volume
    Settled
        Price
    Spread (1)
        Gain
    (Loss)
     
    Natural gas (BBtu)     43.7     $ 1.92     $ 84.1       63.2     $ 1.22     $ 77.4  
    NGL (MMgal)     449.8       0.04       15.8       680.3       0.07       49.9  
    Crude oil (MBbl)     2.1       (2.05 )     (4.3 )     2.4       (6.92 )     (16.6 )
                    $ 95.6                 $ 110.7  
    (1) The price spread is the differential between the contracted derivative instrument pricing and the price of the corresponding settled commodity transaction.


    Three Months Ended December 31, 2024 Compared to Three Months Ended December 31, 2023

    The increase in adjusted operating margin was predominantly due to higher natural gas inlet volumes which drove higher fee-based income in the Permian, and higher NGL Prices, partially offset by lower natural gas and condensate prices. The increase in natural gas inlet volumes in the Permian was attributable to the addition of the Wildcat II plant during the fourth quarter of 2023, the Roadrunner II plant during the second quarter of 2024, the Greenwood II plant during the fourth quarter of 2024, and continued strong producer activity.

    The increase in operating expenses was primarily due to higher volumes in the Permian and multiple plant additions in the Permian, partially offset by lower taxes in the Central region.

    Year Ended December 31, 2024 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2023

    The increase in adjusted operating margin was predominantly due to higher natural gas inlet volumes which drove higher fee-based income in the Permian, partially offset by lower natural gas and condensate prices. The increase in natural gas inlet volumes was attributable to the addition of the Legacy II plant during the first quarter of 2023, the Midway plant during the second quarter of 2023, the Greenwood I and Wildcat II plants during the fourth quarter of 2023, the Roadrunner II plant during the second quarter of 2024, the Greenwood II plant during the fourth quarter of 2024, and continued strong producer activity.

    The increase in operating expenses was primarily due to higher volumes and multiple plant additions in the Permian.

    Logistics and Transportation Segment

    The Logistics and Transportation segment includes the activities and assets necessary to convert mixed NGLs into NGL products and also includes other assets and value-added services such as transporting, storing, fractionating, terminaling, and marketing of NGLs and NGL products, including services to LPG exporters and certain natural gas supply and marketing activities in support of the Company’s other businesses. The Logistics and Transportation segment also includes Grand Prix NGL Pipeline, which connects the Company’s gathering and processing positions in the Permian Basin, Southern Oklahoma and North Texas with the Company’s Downstream facilities in Mont Belvieu, Texas. The Company’s Downstream facilities are located predominantly in Mont Belvieu and Galena Park, Texas, and in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

    The following table provides summary data regarding results of operations of this segment for the periods indicated:

        Three Months Ended December 31,                   Year Ended December 31,                
        2024     2023     2024 vs. 2023   2024     2023     2024 vs. 2023
        (In millions, except operating statistics)
    Operating margin   $ 656.2     $ 554.2     $ 102.0       18 %   $ 2,355.1     $ 1,948.7     $ 406.4       21 %
    Operating expenses     88.7       84.4       4.3       5 %     362.3       332.0       30.3       9 %
    Adjusted operating margin   $ 744.9     $ 638.6     $ 106.3       17 %   $ 2,717.4     $ 2,280.7     $ 436.7       19 %
    Operating statistics MBbl/d (1):                                                            
    NGL pipeline transportation volumes (2)     871.5       722.0       149.5       21 %     800.8       635.5       165.3       26 %
    Fractionation volumes     1,089.5       844.8       244.7       29 %     936.1       798.1       138.0       17 %
    Export volumes (3)     457.1       434.5       22.6       5 %     423.6       365.2       58.4       16 %
    NGL sales     1,227.5       1,125.8       101.7       9 %     1,159.1       1,019.8       139.3       14 %
    (1) Segment operating statistics include intersegment amounts, which have been eliminated from the consolidated presentation. For all volume statistics presented, the numerator is the total volume sold during the period and the denominator is the number of calendar days during the period.
    (2) Represents the total quantity of mixed NGLs that earn a transportation margin.
    (3) Export volumes represent the quantity of NGL products delivered to third-party customers at the Company’s Galena Park Marine Terminal that are destined for international markets.


    Three Months Ended December 31, 2024 Compared to Three Months Ended December 31, 2023

    The increase in adjusted operating margin was due to higher pipeline transportation and fractionation margin and higher marketing margin. LPG export margin was relatively flat. Pipeline transportation and fractionation volumes benefited from higher supply volumes primarily from the Company’s Permian Gathering and Processing systems, the in-service of the Daytona NGL Pipeline during the third quarter of 2024, the addition of Train 9 during the second quarter of 2024, and the addition of Train 10 during the fourth quarter of 2024. Marketing margin increased due to greater optimization opportunities.

    The increase in operating expenses was due to higher system volumes, higher taxes, higher compensation and benefits the in-service of the Daytona NGL Pipeline expansion during the third quarter of 2024, the addition of Train 9 during the second quarter of 2024, and the addition of Train 10 during the fourth quarter of 2024, partially offset by lower repairs and maintenance.

    Year Ended December 31, 2024 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2023

    The increase in adjusted operating margin was due to higher pipeline transportation and fractionation margin, higher marketing margin, and higher LPG export margin. Pipeline transportation and fractionation volumes benefited from higher supply volumes primarily from the Company’s Permian Gathering and Processing systems, the addition of Train 9 during the second quarter of 2024, the in-service of the Daytona NGL Pipeline during the third quarter of 2024, and the addition of Train 10 during the fourth quarter of 2024. Marketing margin increased due to greater optimization opportunities. LPG export margin increased due to higher volumes as Targa benefited from the completion of the export expansion project during the third quarter of 2023 and the Houston Ship Channel allowing night-time vessel transits, partially offset by maintenance and required inspections.

    The increase in operating expenses was due to higher system volumes, higher compensation and benefits, higher taxes, higher repairs and maintenance and the addition of two trains during 2024.

    Other

        Three Months Ended December 31,           Year Ended December 31,        
        2024     2023     2024 vs. 2023     2024     2023     2024 vs. 2023  
        (In millions)  
    Operating margin   $ (78.3 )   $ (18.8 )   $ (59.5 )   $ (164.6 )   $ 275.5     $ (440.1 )
    Adjusted operating margin   $ (78.3 )   $ (18.8 )   $ (59.5 )   $ (164.6 )   $ 275.5     $ (440.1 )

    Other contains the results of commodity derivative activity mark-to-market gains/losses related to derivative contracts that were not designated as cash flow hedges. The Company has entered into derivative instruments to hedge the commodity price associated with a portion of the Company’s future commodity purchases and sales and natural gas transportation basis risk within the Company’s Logistics and Transportation segment.

    About Targa Resources Corp.

    Targa Resources Corp. is a leading provider of midstream services and is one of the largest independent infrastructure companies in North America. The Company owns, operates, acquires and develops a diversified portfolio of complementary domestic infrastructure assets and its operations are critical to the efficient, safe and reliable delivery of energy across the United States and increasingly to the world. The Company’s assets connect natural gas and NGLs to domestic and international markets with growing demand for cleaner fuels and feedstocks. The Company is primarily engaged in the business of: gathering, compressing, treating, processing, transporting, and purchasing and selling natural gas; transporting, storing, fractionating, treating, and purchasing and selling NGLs and NGL products, including services to LPG exporters; and gathering, storing, terminaling, and purchasing and selling crude oil.

    Targa is a FORTUNE 500 company and is included in the S&P 500.

    For more information, please visit the Company’s website at www.targaresources.com.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    This press release includes the Company’s non-GAAP financial measures: adjusted EBITDA, adjusted cash flow from operations, adjusted free cash flow and adjusted operating margin (segment). The following tables provide reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP measures.

    The Company utilizes non-GAAP measures to analyze the Company’s performance. Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted cash flow from operations, adjusted free cash flow and adjusted operating margin (segment) are non-GAAP measures. The GAAP measures most directly comparable to these non-GAAP measures are income (loss) from operations, Net income (loss) attributable to Targa Resources Corp. and segment operating margin. These non-GAAP measures should not be considered as an alternative to GAAP measures and have important limitations as analytical tools. Investors should not consider these measures in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the Company’s results as reported under GAAP. Additionally, because the Company’s non-GAAP measures exclude some, but not all, items that affect income and segment operating margin, and are defined differently by different companies within the Company’s industry, the Company’s definitions may not be comparable with similarly titled measures of other companies, thereby diminishing their utility. Management compensates for the limitations of the Company’s non-GAAP measures as analytical tools by reviewing the comparable GAAP measures, understanding the differences between the measures and incorporating these insights into the Company’s decision-making processes.

    Adjusted Operating Margin

    The Company defines adjusted operating margin for the Company’s segments as revenues less product purchases and fuel. It is impacted by volumes and commodity prices as well as by the Company’s contract mix and commodity hedging program.

    Gathering and Processing adjusted operating margin consists primarily of:

    • service fees related to natural gas and crude oil gathering, treating and processing; and
    • revenues from the sale of natural gas, condensate, crude oil and NGLs less producer settlements, fuel and transport and the Company’s equity volume hedge settlements.

    Logistics and Transportation adjusted operating margin consists primarily of:

    • service fees (including the pass-through of energy costs included in certain fee rates);
    • system product gains and losses; and
    • NGL and natural gas sales, less NGL and natural gas purchases, fuel, third-party transportation costs and the net inventory change.

    The adjusted operating margin impacts of mark-to-market hedge unrealized changes in fair value are reported in Other.

    Adjusted operating margin for the Company’s segments provides useful information to investors because it is used as a supplemental financial measure by management and by external users of the Company’s financial statements, including investors and commercial banks, to assess:

    • the financial performance of the Company’s assets without regard to financing methods, capital structure or historical cost basis;
    • the Company’s operating performance and return on capital as compared to other companies in the midstream energy sector, without regard to financing or capital structure; and
    • the viability of capital expenditure projects and acquisitions and the overall rates of return on alternative investment opportunities.

    Management reviews adjusted operating margin and operating margin for the Company’s segments monthly as a core internal management process. The Company believes that investors benefit from having access to the same financial measures that management uses in evaluating the Company’s operating results. The reconciliation of the Company’s adjusted operating margin to the most directly comparable GAAP measure is presented under “Review of Segment Performance.”

    Adjusted EBITDA

    The Company defines adjusted EBITDA as Net income (loss) attributable to Targa Resources Corp. before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, and other items that the Company believes should be adjusted consistent with the Company’s core operating performance. The adjusting items are detailed in the adjusted EBITDA reconciliation table and its footnotes. Adjusted EBITDA is used as a supplemental financial measure by the Company and by external users of the Company’s financial statements such as investors, commercial banks and others to measure the ability of the Company’s assets to generate cash sufficient to pay interest costs, support the Company’s indebtedness and pay dividends to the Company’s investors.

    Adjusted Cash Flow from Operations and Adjusted Free Cash Flow

    The Company defines adjusted cash flow from operations as adjusted EBITDA less cash interest expense on debt obligations and cash taxes. The Company defines adjusted free cash flow as adjusted cash flow from operations less maintenance capital expenditures (net of any reimbursements of project costs) and growth capital expenditures, net of contributions from noncontrolling interest and contributions to investments in unconsolidated affiliates. Adjusted cash flow from operations and adjusted free cash flow are performance measures used by the Company and by external users of the Company’s financial statements, such as investors, commercial banks and research analysts, to assess the Company’s ability to generate cash earnings (after servicing the Company’s debt and funding capital expenditures) to be used for corporate purposes, such as payment of dividends, retirement of debt or redemption of other financing arrangements.

    The following table reconciles the non-GAAP financial measures used by management to the most directly comparable GAAP measures for the periods indicated:

        Three Months Ended December 31,     Year Ended December 31,  
        2024     2023     2024     2023  
        (In millions)  
    Reconciliation of Net income (loss) attributable to Targa Resources Corp. to Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Cash Flow from Operations and Adjusted Free Cash Flow                        
    Net income (loss) attributable to Targa Resources Corp.   $ 351.0     $ 299.6     $ 1,312.0     $ 1,345.9  
    Interest (income) expense, net     177.7       178.0       767.2       687.8  
    Income tax expense (benefit)     110.5       102.5       384.5       363.2  
    Depreciation and amortization expense     378.5       341.4       1,423.0       1,329.6  
    (Gain) loss on sale or disposition of assets     (0.4 )     (1.3 )     (3.1 )     (5.3 )
    Write-down of assets     2.2       0.8       6.2       6.9  
    (Gain) loss from financing activities     —       2.1       0.8       2.1  
    Equity (earnings) loss     (1.5 )     (2.8 )     (9.4 )     (9.0 )
    Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates     8.7       4.5       25.3       18.6  
    Compensation on equity grants     15.8       16.7       63.2       62.4  
    Risk management activities     78.2       18.8       164.6       (275.4 )
    Noncontrolling interests adjustments (1)     1.5       (0.4 )     3.9       (3.7 )
    Litigation expense (2)     —       —       4.1       6.9  
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ 1,122.2     $ 959.9     $ 4,142.3     $ 3,530.0  
    Interest expense on debt obligations (3)     (173.8 )     (174.9 )     (752.4 )     (675.8 )
    Cash taxes     (7.5 )     (4.9 )     (17.5 )     (13.6 )
    Adjusted Cash Flow from Operations   $ 940.9     $ 780.1     $ 3,372.4     $ 2,840.6  
    Maintenance capital expenditures, net (4)     (65.0 )     (70.4 )     (231.9 )     (223.4 )
    Growth capital expenditures, net (4)     (819.7 )     (636.0 )     (3,000.4 )     (2,224.5 )
    Adjusted Free Cash Flow   $ 56.2     $ 73.7     $ 140.1     $ 392.7  
    (1) Represents adjustments related to the Company’s subsidiaries with noncontrolling interests, including depreciation and amortization expense as well as earnings for certain plants within Targa’s WestTX joint venture not subject to noncontrolling interest.
    (2) Litigation expense includes charges related to litigation resulting from the major winter storm in February 2021 that the Company considers outside the ordinary course of its business and/or not reflective of its ongoing core operations. The Company may incur such charges from time to time, and the Company believes it is useful to exclude such charges because it does not consider them reflective of its ongoing core operations and because of the generally singular nature of the claims underlying such litigation.
    (3) Excludes amortization of interest expense. The year ended December 31, 2024 includes $55.8 million of interest expense associated with the Splitter Agreement ruling.
    (4) Represents capital expenditures, net of contributions from noncontrolling interests and includes contributions to investments in unconsolidated affiliates.

    The following table presents a reconciliation of estimated net income of the Company to estimated adjusted EBITDA for 2025:

        2025E  
        (In millions)  
    Reconciliation of Estimated Net Income Attributable to Targa Resources Corp. to      
    Estimated Adjusted EBITDA      
    Net income attributable to Targa Resources Corp.   $ 1,765.0  
    Interest expense, net     875.0  
    Income tax expense     510.0  
    Depreciation and amortization expense     1,535.0  
    Equity earnings     (20.0 )
    Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates     25.0  
    Compensation on equity grants     65.0  
    Noncontrolling interests adjustments (1)     (5.0 )
    Estimated Adjusted EBITDA   $ 4,750.0  
    (1) Represents adjustments related to the Company’s subsidiaries with noncontrolling interests, including depreciation and amortization expense as well as earnings for certain plants within Targa’s WestTX joint venture not subject to noncontrolling interest.


    Regulation FD Disclosures

    The Company uses any of the following to comply with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD: press releases, SEC filings, public conference calls, or our website. The Company routinely posts important information on its website at www.targaresources.com, including information that may be deemed to be material. The Company encourages investors and others interested in the company to monitor these distribution channels for material disclosures.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements in this release are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this release that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future, are forward-looking statements, including statements regarding our projected financial performance, capital spending and payment of future dividends. These forward-looking statements rely on a number of assumptions concerning future events and are subject to a number of uncertainties, factors and risks, many of which are outside the Company’s control, which could cause results to differ materially from those expected by management of the Company. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, actions by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (“OPEC”) and non-OPEC oil producing countries, weather, political, economic and market conditions, including a decline in the price and market demand for natural gas, natural gas liquids and crude oil, the timing and success of our completion of capital projects and business development efforts, the expected growth of volumes on our systems, the impact of significant public health crises, commodity price volatility due to ongoing or new global conflicts, the impact of disruptions in the bank and capital markets, including those resulting from lack of access to liquidity for banking and financial services firms, and other uncertainties. These and other applicable uncertainties, factors and risks are described more fully in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, and any subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. The Company does not undertake an obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Targa Investor Relations
    InvestorRelations@targaresources.com
    (713) 584-1133

    The MIL Network –

    February 21, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Cenovus Announces Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cenovus Energy Inc. (TSX: CVE) (NYSE: CVE) today announced its fourth-quarter and full-year 2024 financial and operating results. In the quarter, the company generated over $2.0 billion in cash from operating activities, $1.6 billion of adjusted funds flow and $123 million of free funds flow. The Upstream business continued to deliver strong performance, with production of 816,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (BOE/d)1 in the quarter, including a new quarterly Oil Sands production record of 628,500 BOE/d. In the Downstream, total crude throughput increased by almost 24,000 barrels per day (bbls/d) from the previous quarter to 666,700 bbls/d, representing an aggregate utilization rate of 93%.

    Highlights

    • Delivered quarterly Upstream production of 816,000 BOE/d, an increase of 6% relative to the previous quarter and 1% relative to the fourth quarter of 2023.
    • Highest-ever quarterly and annual Oil Sands production rates at 628,500 BOE/d and 610,700 BOE/d respectively, including record annual rates at both Foster Creek and the Lloydminster thermal assets.
    • Improving quarterly Downstream operating performance, with utilization of 97% in Canadian Refining and 92% in U.S. Refining. U.S. Refining operating expenses, excluding turnaround costs, of $10.89 per barrel were down 18% relative to the fourth quarter of 2023.
    • Achieved significant milestones on Cenovus’s major Upstream growth projects, including mechanical completion of the Narrows Lake pipeline, executing the SeaRose floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel life extension dry dock and reaching mechanical completion of both the concrete gravity structure (CGS) and topsides for the West White Rose project.
    • Returned $706 million to shareholders in the fourth quarter, including $108 million through share purchases, $348 million through common and preferred share dividends and $250 million through the redemption of Cenovus Series 3 preferred shares on December 31, 2024.

    “We delivered strong operating performance this quarter. Our industry leading Oil Sands assets set production records and our Downstream business continued to demonstrate improvements in reliability and unit costs,” said Jon McKenzie, Cenovus President & Chief Executive Officer. “In 2025, we will build on this momentum, focusing on operational execution while advancing our key growth projects to deliver long-term value for shareholders.”

    Financial summary

    ($ millions, except per share amounts) 2024 Q4 2024 Q3 2023 Q4 2024 FY 2023 FY
    Cash from (used in) operating activities 2,029 2,474 2,946 9,235 7,388
    Adjusted funds flow2 1,601 1,960 2,062 8,164 8,803
    Per share (diluted)2 0.87 1.05 1.08 4.38 4.54
    Capital investment 1,478 1,346 1,170 5,015 4,298
    Free funds flow2 123 614 892 3,149 4,505
    Excess free funds flow2 (416) 146 471 1,297 2,466
    Net earnings (loss) 146 820 743 3,142 4,109
    Per share (diluted) 0.07 0.42 0.32 1.67 2.09
    Long-term debt, including current portion 7,534 7,199 7,108 7,534 7,108
    Net debt 4,614 4,196 5,060 4,614 5,060
     

    Production and throughput

    (before royalties, net to Cenovus) 2024 Q4 2024 Q3 2023 Q4 2024 FY 2023 FY
    Oil and NGLs (bbls/d)1 670,600 630,500 662,600 653,800 640,000
    Conventional natural gas (MMcf/d) 873.3 844.6 876.3 860.2 832.6
    Total upstream production (BOE/d)1 816,000 771,300 808,600 797,200 778,700
    Total downstream throughput (bbls/d) 666,700 642,900 579,100 646,900 560,400
               

    1 See Advisory for production by product type.
    2 Non-GAAP financial measure or contains a non-GAAP financial measure. See Advisory.

    Fourth-quarter results

    Operating1

    Cenovus’s total revenues were $12.8 billion in the fourth quarter, down from $13.8 billion in the previous quarter, primarily due to lower commodity prices. Upstream revenues were $7.3 billion, flat from the third quarter, while Downstream revenues were $7.8 billion, down from $8.8 billion in the prior quarter.

    Total operating margin3 was $2.3 billion, compared with $2.4 billion in the previous quarter. Upstream operating margin4 was $2.7 billion, consistent with the third quarter and benefiting from higher production volumes relative to the prior quarter, offset by lower benchmark oil prices and timing differences between production and sales. The company had a Downstream operating margin4 shortfall of $396 million in the fourth quarter due to weak refining crack spreads and a narrow heavy oil price differential, compared with a shortfall of $323 million in the previous quarter. Operating margin in the U.S. Refining segment included $45 million of first in, first out (FIFO) losses and $128 million of turnaround expenses incurred during the Lima Refinery turnaround.

    Total Upstream production was 816,000 BOE/d in the fourth quarter, an increase of 44,700 BOE/d from the prior quarter, reflecting record quarterly production from the company’s Oil Sands segment of 628,500 BOE/d. Christina Lake production was 251,400 bbls/d, compared with 211,800 bbls/d in the third quarter, as a result of completing planned turnaround activity in September. Foster Creek production was 195,200 bbls/d compared with 198,000 bbls/d in the third quarter, while Sunrise production increased to 53,100 bbls/d from 50,400 bbls/d in the third quarter as production from new well pads continued to ramp up. Production from the Lloydminster thermal assets declined slightly to 108,900 bbls/d, while Lloydminster conventional heavy oil output increased to 18,000 bbls/d from 16,300 bbls/d in the prior quarter. Production in the Conventional segment was 117,800 BOE/d, a slight decrease from 118,100 BOE/d in the third quarter.

    In the Offshore segment, production was 69,700 BOE/d compared with 65,500 BOE/d in the third quarter. In Asia Pacific, production volumes were 62,200 BOE/d, higher than the previous quarter partially due to increased production at the MAC field in Indonesia and planned maintenance at Liwan in the third quarter. In the Atlantic, production was 7,500 bbls/d, a decrease from 9,000 bbls/d in the prior quarter due to unplanned downtime at the non-operated Terra Nova field. The SeaRose FPSO is on station and reconnected to the White Rose field, with production expected to resume by the end of February.

    Total refining throughput in the fourth quarter was 666,700 bbls/d, up from 642,900 bbls/d in the third quarter. Throughput in Canadian Refining was 104,400 bbls/d, representing a utilization rate of 97%, compared with 99,400 bbls/d in the previous quarter. The increase was primarily due to returning to full rates following completion of turnaround activity at the Lloydminster Upgrader early in the third quarter.

    In U.S. Refining, crude throughput was 562,300 bbls/d, representing a utilization rate of 92%, compared with 543,500 bbls/d in the third quarter. Throughput increased primarily due to improved reliability, partially offset by economic run cuts as market crack spreads weakened through the quarter. U.S. Refining revenues were $6.6 billion relative to $7.2 billion in the prior quarter due to lower refined product pricing. Market capture5 in the U.S. improved to 45% relative to 35% in the previous quarter primarily due to reduced inventory timing impacts (FIFO). Market capture in the fourth quarter was negatively impacted by the Lima Refinery turnaround, narrower heavy crude oil differentials, and a quarterly FIFO loss of $45 million.

    3 Non-GAAP financial measure. Total operating margin is the total of Upstream operating margin plus Downstream operating margin. See Advisory.
    4 Specified financial measure. See Advisory.
    5 Contains a non-GAAP financial measure. See Advisory.

    Financial

    Cash from operating activities in the fourth quarter, which includes changes in non-cash working capital, was $2.0 billion, compared with $2.5 billion in the third quarter. Adjusted funds flow was $1.6 billion, compared with $2.0 billion in the prior quarter and there was a shortfall of excess free funds flow (EFFF) of $416 million, compared with $146 million in the prior quarter. Net earnings in the fourth quarter were $146 million, compared with $820 million in the previous quarter. Fourth-quarter financial results were impacted by lower benchmark prices relative to the third quarter including seasonally weak refining market crack spreads in the Chicago market.

    Long-term debt, including the current portion, was $7.5 billion at December 31, 2024. Net debt increased from the prior quarter to $4.6 billion at December 31, 2024, primarily due to the shortfall in EFFF of $416 million and the redemption of $250 million of Cenovus Series 3 preferred shares on December 31, 2024, partially offset by a release of non-cash working capital. The company continues to steward toward net debt of $4.0 billion and returning 100% of EFFF to shareholders over time in accordance with its financial framework.

    Growth projects and capital investments

    In the Oil Sands segment, the Narrows Lake pipeline, which will connect the field to the Christina Lake processing facility, was mechanically completed in the fourth quarter. We plan to commence steam injection in the spring and the project remains on track for first oil mid-2025. At Sunrise, production continued to ramp up in the fourth quarter after the company brought two new well pads online in the third quarter. One additional well pad will be added in early 2025. The optimization project at Foster Creek is now 64% complete and remains on schedule for startup in 2026, with most modules and major pieces of equipment in place and pipe installation underway.

    In the fourth quarter, the West White Rose project achieved mechanical completion of both the CGS and topsides, and work to prepare the seabed for installation of the CGS at the field location was also completed. The focus of the project in 2025 will be on the installation and commissioning of the platform. The West White Rose project is now approximately 88% complete and progressing on-schedule towards first oil in 2026.

    Full-year results

    In 2024, Cenovus’s total Upstream production averaged 797,200 BOE/d, compared with 778,700 BOE/d in 2023, including record annual volumes from the Oil Sands assets and a 5% increase in Offshore volumes. Oil Sands production was 610,700 BOE/d, including approximately 196,000 bbls/d at Foster Creek, a new annual high for the asset, and 234,200 bbls/d at Christina Lake, which successfully completed a turnaround in the third quarter. Full-year production from the Lloydminster thermal assets was also an annual record at 111,500 bbls/d, compared with 104,100 bbls/d in 2023, reflecting a successful redevelopment program and well optimization. Sunrise production was 49,600 bbls/d compared with 48,900 bbls/d in 2023 and Lloydminster conventional heavy oil production increased to 17,600 bbls/d from 16,700 bbls/d in the previous year. Conventional production was 119,900 BOE/d, in line with 2023. Offshore total production was approximately 66,600 BOE/d, compared with 63,400 BOE/d in the prior year, with 2023 impacted by a temporary disconnection of a subsea umbilical in Liwan by a third-party vessel.

    Total Downstream throughput averaged 646,900 bbls/d in 2024, a 15% increase from 560,400 bbls/d in 2023. Canadian Refining crude oil throughput was 90,500 bbls/d, compared to 100,700 bbls/d in 2023, as the Lloydminster Upgrader completed the largest turnaround in the asset’s history early in the third quarter of 2024. U.S. Refining crude oil throughput increased to 556,400 bbls/d in 2024 compared with 459,700 bbls/d in 2023, reflecting the first full year of production from Superior and Toledo within the Cenovus portfolio.

    Total revenues were $54.3 billion in 2024 and total operating margin was $10.8 billion compared with revenues of $52.2 billion and total operating margin of $11.0 billion in 2023. The year-over-year increase in total revenues was largely due to higher production and narrowing heavy Canadian crude differentials following the startup of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project. Operating margin was slightly reduced due to narrower downstream crack spreads, higher turnaround costs and increased transportation and blending costs.

    Cash from operating activities was $9.2 billion for 2024 compared with $7.4 billion in 2023. Adjusted funds flow was $8.2 billion and free funds flow was $3.1 billion. Total capital investment for 2024 was $5.0 billion, primarily directed to sustaining production at the company’s Upstream assets, the construction of the major Upstream growth projects including West White Rose and refining reliability initiatives. Full-year net earnings for 2024 were $3.1 billion compared with $4.1 billion in 2023, primarily due to lower commodity prices, foreign exchange losses and higher depreciation, depletion, amortization and exploration expense.

    Organizational updates

    As part of Cenovus’s ongoing management succession plans, the company is announcing the following leadership changes effective March 1.

    Andrew Dahlin, currently Executive Vice-President (EVP), Natural Gas & Technical Services, will assume the role of EVP & Chief Operating Officer. Andrew has more than 30 years of industry experience, including 13 years with Cenovus and its predecessor companies.

    Eric Zimpfer, currently Senior Vice-President (SVP), U.S. Refining, will become Cenovus’s Head of Downstream, based in Dublin, Ohio and reporting directly to Jon McKenzie. Eric has more than 20 years of U.S. refining experience. He will play an integral role in continuing to improve the reliability and competitiveness of the Downstream business.

    John Soini, currently SVP, Major & Capital Projects, will become EVP, Upstream – Thermal & Atlantic Offshore. John has more than 25 years of experience in the energy and power industries.

    Susan Anderson, currently SVP, People Services, will become SVP, Legal, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary. Susan has more than 30 years of oil and gas industry experience, with 20 years at Husky Energy in various roles that included Vice-President, Legal.

    Reserves

    Cenovus’s proved and probable reserves are evaluated each year by independent qualified reserves evaluators. At the end of 2024, Cenovus’s total proved and total proved plus probable reserves were approximately 5.7 billion BOE and 8.5 billion BOE respectively, and total proved and total proved plus probable bitumen reserves were approximately 5.2 billion barrels and 7.7 billion barrels respectively. At year-end 2024, Cenovus had a proved reserves life index of approximately 19 years and a proved plus probable reserves life index of approximately 29 years.

    More details about Cenovus’s reserves and other oil and gas information are available in the Advisory and the Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A), Annual Information Form (AIF) and Annual Report on Form 40-F for the year ended December 31, 2024, available on SEDAR+ at sedarplus.ca, EDGAR at sec.gov and Cenovus’s website at cenovus.com under Investors.

    Cenovus year-end disclosure documents

    Today, Cenovus is filing its interim and audited Consolidated Financial Statements, MD&A and AIF with Canadian securities regulatory authorities. The company is also filing its Annual Report on Form 40-F for the year ended December 31, 2024 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these documents will be available on SEDAR+ at sedarplus.ca, EDGAR at sec.gov and the company’s website at cenovus.com under Investors. They can also be requested free of charge by emailing investor.relations@cenovus.com. 

    Dividend declarations and share purchases

    The Board of Directors has declared a quarterly base dividend of $0.180 per common share, payable on March 31, 2025 to shareholders of record as of March 14, 2025.

    In addition, the Board has declared a quarterly dividend on each of the Cumulative Redeemable First Preferred Shares – Series 1, Series 2, Series 5 and Series 7 – payable on March 31, 2025 to shareholders of record as of March 14, 2025 as follows:

    Preferred shares dividend summary

    Share series Rate (%) Amount ($/share)
    Series 1 2.577 0.16106
    Series 2 5.211 0.32123
    Series 5 4.591 0.28694
    Series 7 3.935 0.24594
         

    All dividends paid on Cenovus’s common and preferred shares will be designated as “eligible dividends” for Canadian federal income tax purposes. Declaration of dividends is at the sole discretion of the Board and will continue to be evaluated on a quarterly basis.

    In the fourth quarter, the company returned $706 million to shareholders, composed of $108 million from its purchase of 4.6 million shares through its normal course issuer bid (NCIB), $348 million through common and preferred share dividends and $250 million through the redemption of Cenovus Series 3 preferred shares. In 2024, Cenovus returned $3.2 billion to shareholders, including $1.4 billion of share purchases through its NCIB, $1.6 billion in common and preferred share dividends, and $250 million through the redemption of the Series 3 preferred shares.

    2025 planned maintenance

    The following table provides details on planned maintenance activities at Cenovus assets in 2025 and anticipated production or throughput impacts.

    Potential quarterly production/throughput impact (Mbbls/d or MBOE/d)

    (MBOE/d or Mbbls/d) Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Annualized impact
    Upstream
    Oil Sands – 30 – 40 5 – 7 – 10 – 12
    Offshore – – 4 – 6 – 1 – 2
    Conventional – – – – –
    Downstream
    Canadian Refining – – – – –
    U.S. Refining 7 – 10 35 – 45 2 – 4 6 – 10 13 – 17
               

    Potential turnaround expenses

    ($ millions) Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Annualized impact
    Downstream
    Canadian Refining – – – – –
    U.S. Refining 110 – 135 210 – 240 80 – 95 40 – 50 440 – 520
               

    Conference call today

    9 a.m. Mountain Time (11 a.m. Eastern Time)

    Cenovus will host a conference call today, February 20, 2025, starting at 9 a.m. MT (11 a.m. ET).

    To join the conference call, please dial 1-800-206-4400 (toll-free in North America) or 1-289-514-5005 to reach a live operator who will join you into the call. A live audio webcast will also be available and archived for approximately 30 days.

    Advisory

    Basis of Presentation

    Cenovus reports financial results in Canadian dollars and presents production volumes on a net to Cenovus before royalties basis, unless otherwise stated. Cenovus prepares its financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Accounting Standards.

    Barrels of Oil Equivalent

    Natural gas volumes have been converted to barrels of oil equivalent (BOE) on the basis of six thousand cubic feet (Mcf) to one barrel (bbl). BOE may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A conversion ratio of one bbl to six Mcf is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent value equivalency at the wellhead. Given that the value ratio based on the current price of crude oil compared with natural gas is significantly different from the energy equivalency conversion ratio of 6:1, utilizing a conversion on a 6:1 basis is not an accurate reflection of value.

    Reserves Life Index

    Reserves life index is calculated based on reserves for the applicable reserves category divided by annual production.

    Product types

    Product type by operating segment Three months ended
    December 31, 2024
    Full year ended
    December 31, 2024
    Oil Sands
    Bitumen (Mbbls/d) 608.6 591.3
    Heavy crude oil (Mbbls/d) 18.0 17.6
    Conventional natural gas (MMcf/d) 11.8 11.1
    Total Oil Sands segment production (MBOE/d) 628.5 610.7
    Conventional
    Light crude oil (Mbbls/d) 4.8 4.9
    Natural gas liquids (Mbbls/d) 19.7 21.0
    Conventional natural gas (MMcf/d) 560.5 563.8
    Total Conventional segment production (MBOE/d) 117.8 119.9
    Offshore
    Light crude oil (Mbbls/d) 7.5 8.0
    Natural gas liquids (Mbbls/d) 12.0 11.0
    Conventional natural gas (MMcf/d) 301.0 285.3
    Total Offshore segment production (MBOE/d) 69.7 66.6
    Total Upstream production (MBOE/d) 816.0 797.2
         

    Forward‐looking Information

    This news release contains certain forward‐looking statements and forward‐looking information (collectively referred to as “forward‐looking information”) within the meaning of applicable securities legislation about Cenovus’s current expectations, estimates and projections about the future of the company, based on certain assumptions made in light of the company’s experiences and perceptions of historical trends. Although Cenovus believes that the expectations represented by such forward‐looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward‐looking information in this document is identified by words such as “anticipate”, “continue”, “deliver”, “focus”, “plan”, “progress”, “steward”, “target” and “will” or similar expressions and includes suggestions of future outcomes, including, but not limited to, statements about: Net Debt; returning Excess Free Funds Flow to shareholders; growth plans and projects; delivering long-term shareholder value; production guidance; the optimization project at Foster Creek; steam injection and timing of production at Narrows Lake; production and timing of well pads at Sunrise; installation and commissioning of the Sea Rose FPSO and return of production at White Rose; the installation and commissioning of, and timing of first oil from, the West White Rose project; 2025 planned maintenance; and dividend payments.

    Developing forward‐looking information involves reliance on a number of assumptions and consideration of certain risks and uncertainties, some of which are specific to Cenovus and others that apply to the industry generally. The factors or assumptions on which the forward‐looking information in this news release are based include, but are not limited to: the allocation of free funds flow; commodity prices, inflation and supply chain constraints; Cenovus’s ability to produce on an unconstrained basis; Cenovus’s ability to access sufficient insurance coverage to pursue development plans; Cenovus’s ability to deliver safe and reliable operations and demonstrate strong governance; and the assumptions inherent in Cenovus’s 2025 corporate guidance available on cenovus.com.

    The risk factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward‐looking information in this news release include, but are not limited to: the accuracy of estimates regarding commodity production and operating expenses, inflation, taxes, royalties, capital costs and currency and interest rates; risks inherent in the operation of Cenovus’s business; and risks associated with climate change and Cenovus’s assumptions relating thereto and other risks identified under “Risk Management and Risk Factors” and “Advisory” in Cenovus’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) for the year ended December 31, 2024.

    Except as required by applicable securities laws, Cenovus disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward‐looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing lists are not exhaustive and are made as at the date hereof. Events or circumstances could cause actual results to differ materially from those estimated or projected and expressed in, or implied by, the forward‐looking information. For additional information regarding Cenovus’s material risk factors, the assumptions made, and risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ from the anticipated results, refer to “Risk Management and Risk Factors” and “Advisory” in Cenovus’s MD&A for the periods ended December 31, 2024, and to the risk factors, assumptions and uncertainties described in other documents Cenovus files from time to time with securities regulatory authorities in Canada (available on SEDAR+ at sedarplus.ca, on EDGAR at sec.gov and Cenovus’s website at cenovus.com).

    Specified Financial Measures

    This news release contains references to certain specified financial measures that do not have standardized meanings prescribed by IFRS Accounting Standards. Readers should not consider these measures in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the company’s results as reported under IFRS Accounting Standards. These measures are defined differently by different companies and, therefore, might not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. For information on the composition of these measures, as well as an explanation of how the company uses these measures, refer to the Specified Financial Measures Advisory located in Cenovus’s MD&A for the period ended December 31, 2024 (available on SEDAR+ at sedarplus.ca, on EDGAR at sec.gov and on Cenovus’s website at cenovus.com) which is incorporated by reference into this news release.

    Upstream Operating Margin and Downstream Operating Margin

    Upstream Operating Margin and Downstream Operating Margin, and the individual components thereof, are included in Note 1 to the interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

    Total Operating Margin

    Total Operating Margin is the total of Upstream Operating Margin plus Downstream Operating Margin.

      Upstream (6) Downstream (6) Total
    ($ millions) Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2023 Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2023 Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2023
    Revenues
    Gross Sales 8,240 8,259 7,797 7,837 8,798 8,404 16,077 17,057 16,201
    Less: Royalties (914) (929) (902) — — — (914) (929) (902)
      7,326 7,330 6,895 7,837 8,798 8,404 15,163 16,128 15,299
    Expenses
    Purchased Product 1,000 1,088 663 7,364 8,207 7,888 8,364 9,295 8,551
    Transportation and Blending 2,816 2,661 2,894 — — — 2,816 2,661 2,894
    Operating 842 860 864 866 918 826 1,708 1,778 1,690
    Realized (Gain) Loss on Risk Management (2) (10) 19 3 (4) (6) 1 (14) 13
    Operating Margin 2,670 2,731 2,455 (396) (323) (304) 2,274 2,408 2,151
                       

    6Found in the December 31, 2024, or the September 30, 2024, interim Consolidated Financial Statements. Revenues and purchased product for Q3 2024 Downstream operations were revised. See note 25 of our December 31, 2024, interim consolidated financial statements.

    ($ millions) Upstream (6) Downstream (6) Total
    Year ended December 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 2024 2023
    Revenues
    Gross Sales      33,078        31,082        33,618        32,626      66,696        63,708  
    Less: Royalties      (3,449 )       (3,270 )              —                —      (3,449 )       (3,270 )
           29,629        27,812        33,618        32,626      63,247        60,438  
    Expenses
    Purchased Product        3,674          3,152        30,252        28,273      33,926        31,425  
    Transportation and Blending      11,331        11,088                —                —      11,331        11,088  
    Operating        3,489          3,690          3,670          3,201        7,159          6,891  
    Realized (Gain) Loss on Risk Management             14               12                 8                —             22               12  
    Operating Margin      11,121          9,870            (312 )        1,152      10,809        11,022  
                           

    Adjusted Funds Flow, Free Funds Flow and Excess Free Funds Flow

    The following table provides a reconciliation of cash from (used in) operating activities found in Cenovus’s Consolidated Financial Statements to Adjusted Funds Flow, Free Funds Flow and Excess Free Funds Flow. Adjusted Funds Flow per Share – Basic and Adjusted Funds Flow per Share – Diluted are calculated by dividing Adjusted Funds Flow by the respective basic or diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period and may be useful to evaluate a company’s ability to generate cash.

      Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
    ($ millions) December 31, 2024 September 30, 2024 December 31, 2023 December 31, 2024 December 31, 2023
    Cash From (Used in) Operating Activities (7) 2,029 2,474 2,946 9,235 7,388
    (Add) Deduct:          
    Settlement of Decommissioning Liabilities (64) (74) (65) (234) (222)
    Net Change in Non-Cash Working Capital 492 588 949 1,305 (1,193)
    Adjusted Funds Flow 1,601 1,960 2,062 8,164 8,803
    Capital Investment 1,478 1,346 1,170 5,015 4,298
    Free Funds Flow 123 614 892 3,149 4,505
    Add (Deduct):          
    Base Dividends Paid on Common Shares (330) (329) (261) (1,255) (990)
    Purchase of Common Shares under Employee Benefit Plan (43) — — (43) —
    Dividends Paid on Preferred Shares (18) (9) (9) (45) (36)
    Settlement of Decommissioning Liabilities (64) (74) (65) (234) (222)
    Principal Repayment of Leases (80) (74) (72) (299) (288)
    Acquisitions, Net of Cash Acquired (3) (4) (14) (22) (515)
    Proceeds From Divestitures (1) 22 — 46 12
    Excess Free Funds Flow (416) 146 471 1,297 2,466
               

    7 Found in the December 31, 2024, or the September 30, 2024, interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

    Market Capture

    Market Capture contains a non-GAAP financial measure and is used in the company’s U.S. Refining segment to provide an indication of margin captured relative to what was available in the market based on widely-used benchmarks. We define Market Capture as Refining Margin divided by the weighted average 3-2-1 market benchmark crack, net of RINs, expressed as a percentage. The weighted average crack spread, net of RINs, is calculated on Cenovus’s operable capacity-weighted average of the Chicago and Group 3 3-2-1 benchmark market crack spreads, net of RINs.

    ($ millions) Three months ended
    December 31, 2024
    Three months ended
    September 30, 2024
    Revenues(8) 6,574 7,218
    Purchased Product(8) 6,296 6,854
    Gross Margin 278 364
    Total Processed Inputs (Mbbls/d) 588.4 568.0
    Refining Margin ($/bbl) 5.14 6.97
    Operable Capacity (Mbbls/d) 612.3 612.3
    Operable Capacity by Regional Benchmark (percent)
    Chicago 3-2-1 Crack Spread Weighting 81 81
    Group 3 3-2-1 Crack Spread Weighting 19 19
    Benchmark Prices and Exchange Rate
    Chicago 3-2-1 Crack Spread (US$/bbl) 12.12 18.62
    Group 3 3-2-1 Crack Spread (US$/bbl) 12.66 18.95
    RINs (US$/bbl) 4.02 3.89
    US$ per C$1 – Average 0.715 0.733
    Weighted Average Crack Spread, Net of RINs ($/bbl) 11.47 20.18
    Market Capture (percent) 45 35
         

    8 Found in Note 1 of the December 31, 2024, or the September 30, 2024, interim Consolidated Financial Statements. For the three months ended September 30, 2024, amounts reflect certain revisions. See Note 25 of our December 31, 2024, interim consolidated financial statements.

    Cenovus Energy Inc.

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

    Find Cenovus on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram.

    Cenovus contacts

    Investors
    Investor Relations general line
    403-766-7711

    Media
    Media Relations general line
    403-766-7751

    The MIL Network –

    February 21, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Global: Why the US return to tariffs and protectionism ‘reeks of hypocrisy’ – podcast

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

    Amani A/Shutterstock

     When Donald Trump imposed sweeping tariffs during his first term as US president, it sparked a trade war with China. As the Trump administration ratchets up its threat to tax imports from its allies and economic rivals alike, the world is bracing for another wave of costly economic disruption.

    This protectionist shift is all the more remarkable given how the US championed trade liberalisation for decades.

    So what does it actually take for a country to use protectionism to grow its economy? Some developing countries have successfully used tariffs to do so, while others have struggled. In this episode of The Conversation Weekly podcast, we talk to Jostein Hauge, a development economist at the University of Cambridge, about who wins and who loses from tariffs and protectionism.

    The main argument against taxing imports through tariffs is that the higher costs of imported goods will be passed onto consumers. The main argument in favour is that tariffs can help to protect a country’s domestic economy, explains Hauge:

     By using tariffs, you can, if they are used effectively, and if they’re successful, help domestic firms become better at producing what they’re producing and eventually become competitive in the world economy. Sometimes that’s successful, other times that’s not successful. It can also be an effective way of raising taxes, especially for countries that don’t have a lot of tax revenue, especially developing countries.

    A number of developing countries successfully used tariffs and other forms of protectionism to grow their economies in the 1950s and 1960s, as Hauge explains:

    South Korea gradually went from being a low-income, low-tech economy towards becoming extremely important players in global industries like electronics, automotive and steel.

    The US has also used tariffs throughout its history, with varying degrees of success. It was the most protectionist country in the world in the 1800s, using tariffs to grow its economy. But the Smoot-Hawley Act in 1930, which introduced a range of taxes on imports to the US, actually contributed to worsening the Great Depression.

    From the 1970s, however, the US aggressively pushed for trade liberalisation and backed the creation of the World Trade Organization in the 1990s. That’s why Hauge says the current return to US protectionism, which began during the first Trump administration and continued under Biden, “reeks of hypocrisy”.

     When rich countries were ahead in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, it made sense for them to preach the virtues of free trade to the rest of the world.  That is also why we’re seeing this protectionist turn right now, especially in the United States, but also to some degree in Europe, because now certain countries are starting to become competitive once again. In particular, China is now challenging the economic power of the United States, especially within a lot of manufactured goods, so the United States is now turning away from this doctrine of free trade, saying actually protectionism is useful.

    Listen to the conversation with Jostein Hauge on The Conversation Weekly podcast, which also includes an introduction from Tracy Walsh, economy and business editor at The Conversation US.


    This episode of The Conversation Weekly was written and produced by Mend Mariwany with assistance from Katie Flood and Gemma Ware, Sound design was by Michelle Macklem, and theme music by Neeta Sarl.

    Clips in this episode from CNN, Bloomberg Television, BBC News, CBS News and NBC News.

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

    Jostein Hauge 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. Why the US return to tariffs and protectionism ‘reeks of hypocrisy’ – podcast – https://theconversation.com/why-the-us-return-to-tariffs-and-protectionism-reeks-of-hypocrisy-podcast-250329

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    February 21, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Feast of family fun planned for St Patrick’s Day Spring Carnival celebrations

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Feast of family fun planned for St Patrick’s Day Spring Carnival celebrations

    20 February 2025

    Tens of thousands of people are expected to throng the streets of Derry this St Patrick’s Day as Derry City and Strabane District Council this week announced a comprehensive programme of music, dance, food and folklore for its 2025 Spring Carnival celebrations.

    This year’s programme will incorporate the theme of Forest, Sky and Sea as the city celebrates the arrival of spring and brighter days with activity planned for Guildhall Square, the Craft Village, Waterloo Place and the Guildhall,

    The centrepiece will again be the North West Carnival Initiative’s renound Spring Carnival Parade through the city centre at 3pm featuring flamboyant performances from local dance groups, sports clubs and community organisations.

    Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi-Barr, who will lead the parade with St Patrick, launched the full programme this week on the city walls where the parade will pass through Shipquay Gate.

    “As the days get longer and colour returns to our green spaces, excitement is starting to build for our 2025 St Patrick’s Day Spring Carnival celebrations,” she said.

    “It’s a great day out for all the family with lots of activity and entertainment planned for around the city centre.

    “It’s always a magnificent sight to see hundreds of colourful parade performers weaving their way around the city centre in front of thousands of spectators and I can’t wait to be part of that.”

    Festival and Events Manager at Council, Jacqueline Whoriskey, revealed that last year’s event attracted record numbers to the city centre.

    “The St Patrick’s Day Spring Carnival is packed with unmissable festivities, offering something for everyone to enjoy,” she said.

    “From live music to captivating street performances and walkabout characters, the city will come alive with energy and excitement.

    “We adopted a city centre route for the parade in 2019 and that has proved popular with participants, attendees and businesses and attracted its highest ever attendance last year of 32,500 people.”

    The full programme for the 2025 Spring Carnival celebrations for Derry and Strabane can be accessed now at derrystrabane.com/springcarnival.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 21, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: STMicroelectronics to enable higher-performance cloud optical interconnect in datacenters and AI clusters

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    STMicroelectronics to enable higher-performance cloud optical interconnect in datacenters and AI clusters 

    • New silicon photonics and next-gen BiCMOS proprietary technologies bring better performance to address the coming 800Gb/s and 1.6Tb/s optical interconnects.
    • Developing a roadmap with partners across the value chain for higher energy efficiency pluggable optics and to address the next generation of AI clusters GPU interconnects.

    Geneva, Switzerland, February 20, 2025 – STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, is unveiling its next generation of proprietary technologies for higher-performing optical interconnect in datacenters and AI clusters. With the exponential growth of AI computing needs, challenges arise in performance and energy efficiency across computing, memory, power supply, and the interconnections linking them. ST is helping hyperscalers, and the leading optical module provider, overcome those challenges with new silicon photonics and next-gen BiCMOS technologies, scheduled to ramp up from the second half of 2025 for 800Gb/s and 1.6Tb/s optical modules.

    At the heart of interconnections in a datacenter are thousands, or even hundreds of thousands, of optical transceivers. These devices convert optical into electrical signals and vice versa to allow data flow between graphics processing unit (GPU) computing resources, switches and storage. Inside these transceivers, ST’s new, proprietary silicon photonics (SiPho) technology will bring customers the ability to integrate multiple complex components into one single chip, while ST’s next-gen, proprietary BiCMOS technology brings ultra high-speed and low power optical connectivity, which are key to sustain the AI growth.

    “AI demand is accelerating the adoption of high-speed communication technology within the datacenter ecosystem. This is the right time for ST to introduce new power efficient silicon photonics technology and complementing it with a new generation of BiCMOS for our customers to design the next wave of optical interconnect products, which will enable 800Gbps/1.6Tbps solutions for the hyperscalers,” said Remi El-Ouazzane, President, Microcontrollers, Digital ICs and RF products Group at STMicroelectronics. “Both technologies will be manufactured on 300mm processes in Europe, bringing customers an independent high-volume supply for two key components of their optical module development strategy. Today’s announcement represents the first step for our PIC product-family and, thanks to close collaboration with key partners across the entire value chain, our ambition is to become a key supplier of silicon photonics and BiCMOS wafers for the datacenter and AI cluster market, be it pluggable optics today or optical I/O tomorrow.”

    “AWS is pleased to collaborate with STMicroelectronics to develop a new silicon photonics technology (SiPho), PIC100, that will enable interconnection between any workload including Artificial Intelligence (AI). AWS is working with STMicroelectronics based on their demonstrated capability to make PIC100 a leading SiPho technology for the optical and AI market. We are enthusiastic about the potential innovations this will unlock for SiPho,” said Nafea Bshara, Vice President and Distinguished Engineer at Amazon Web Services.

    “The Pluggable Optics for Data Center Market is experiencing significant growth, valued at $7 billion in 2024,” said Dr. Vladimir Kozlov, CEO and Chief Analyst at LightCounting. “This market is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 23% during 2025—2030 to exceed $24 billion at the end of this period. Market share of transceivers based on silicon photonics modulators will increase from 30% in 2024 to 60% by 2030.”

    Additional information

    ST’s SiPho technology combined with the ST BiCMOS technology are a unique 300mm silicon platform to serve the optical market. Both technologies are being industrialized and will be manufactured in ST’s Crolles (France/Europe) 300mm fab.
      
    Additional technical information is available at ST.com on BiCMOS technology and Silicon Photonics.

    You can also read our blogpost at https://blog.st.com/pic100/

    About STMicroelectronics
    At ST, we are over 50,000 creators and makers of semiconductor technologies mastering the semiconductor supply chain with state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. An integrated device manufacturer, we work with more than 200,000 customers and thousands of partners to design and build products, solutions, and ecosystems that address their challenges and opportunities, and the need to support a more sustainable world. Our technologies enable smarter mobility, more efficient power and energy management, and the wide-scale deployment of cloud-connected autonomous things. We are committed to achieving our goal to become carbon neutral on scope 1 and 2 and partially scope 3 by 2027. Further information can be found at www.st.com.

    INVESTOR RELATIONS
    Jérôme Ramel
    EVP Corporate Development & Integrated External Communication
    Tel: +41.22.929.59.20
    jerome.ramel@st.com

    MEDIA RELATIONS
    Alexis Breton
    Corporate External Communications
    Tel: +33.6.59.16.79.08
    alexis.breton@st.com

    Attachments

    • T4672S — Feb 20 2025 — Cloud Optical Interconnects__IMAGE 1
    • T4672S — Feb 20 2025 — Cloud Optical Interconnects__FINAL FOR PUBLICATION

    The MIL Network –

    February 20, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: MEXC Launches PAIN (PAIN) Airdrop+ with Spot and Futures Trading, Offering 270,000 USDT in Bonuses

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC, the world’s leading cryptocurrency trading platform, announced the listing of the PAIN (PAIN) on both spot and futures markets, scheduled for February 20, 2025, at 01:05 (UTC). The launch on MEXC will be accompanied by Airdrop+ rewards of 270,000 USDT.

    Unleashes the Power of PAIN: The Meme That Took Over the Internet Goes Crypto

    Inspired by the legendary “Hide the Pain Harold” meme, which has entertained the internet for over 14 years, PAIN represents more than just a token—it embodies resilience, humor, and the idea that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. PAIN’s meme identity is rooted in the viral images of András István Arató, a retired Hungarian electrical engineer whose iconic awkward yet polite smile became a universal symbol of concealed struggle. Over the years, Arató has embraced his internet fame, securing brand deals with Coca-Cola, starring in TV shows, and even hosting Hungary’s annual sports awards. Now, PAIN makes its mark in the crypto world, connecting its long-standing internet legacy with the rapidly growing meme coin sector.

    As a global leader in digital asset trading, MEXC’s listing of PAIN highlights the growing influence of meme culture in Web3 and the expanding role of community-driven tokens. By offering strong liquidity, broad market access, and dedicated trading support, MEXC provides the perfect environment for PAIN to thrive.

    To celebrate the listing, MEXC is also launching a $270,000 reward pool across two major activities, allowing users to engage with PAIN, explore the meme-powered economy, and be part of one of the most entertaining narratives in the digital asset space.

    Celebrate the PAIN Launch with a prize pool of 270,000 USDT

    In a significant show of support for PAIN and its expansive ecosystem, MEXC is set to list the new PAIN token. This move not only underscores MEXC’s commitment to pioneering blockchain projects but also connects users with a dynamic network that fuels cutting-edge initiatives.

    MEXC, known for quickly listing trending tokens, expands its offerings with PAIN (PAIN). The PAIN/USDT trading market officially launched in the Innovation Zone on February 20, 2025, at 01:05 (UTC), followed by the introduction of the PAIN USDT perpetual futures at 01:23 (UTC), offering adjustable leverage from 1x to 50x with both cross and isolated margin modes.

    To celebrate the listing of PAIN (PAIN) on MEXC Spot and Futures on February 20, MEXC is launching a series of exclusive activities starting on February 20, 2025, at 07:00 (UTC). Participants will have the chance to win USDT bonuses, and other exciting rewards, with opportunities available for both new and experienced users.

    These activities include:

    • Event 1: Airdrop+

    Benefit 1: Deposit and share 200,000 USDT in Futures bonus (New user exclusive).
    Benefit 2: Futures Challenge — Trade to share 50,000 USDT in Futures bonus (Open all users).
    Benefit 3: Invite new users and share 20,000 USDT in Futures bonus (Open to all users).

    • Event 2: Spread the Word and Win 1,000 USDT in Bonus.

    Your Easiest Way to Trending Tokens

    MEXC aims to become the go-to platform offering the widest range of valuable crypto assets. The platform has grown its user base to 30 million by providing a diverse selection of tokens, high-frequency airdrops, and simple participation processes. In 2024, MEXC launched a total of 2,376 new tokens, including 1,716 initial listings and 605 memecoins, with total airdrop rewards exceeding $136 million.

    About MEXC

    Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto”. Serving over 30 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, frequent airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.
    MEXC Official Website| X | Telegram |How to Sign Up on MEXC

    Contact:
    Lucia Hu
    PR Manager
    lucia.hu@mexc.com

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by MEXC. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the sponsor and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial, investment, or trading advice. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7a0aa8f2-bfba-4145-9b11-4629db3d330c

    The MIL Network –

    February 20, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Over 1,000 top-venting blank firers handed in

    Source: United Kingdom National Police Chiefs Council

    With less than 10 days remaining of national gun amnesty.

    Police forces across England and Wales have seen over 1,000 Turkish manufactured guns handed in as part of a national amnesty currently taking place for owners, of soon to be outlawed blank firing guns, to hand them over to police.

    The top-venting blank firing (TVBF) guns have become popular with organised criminals in recent years due to the ease at which they are readily convertible into lethal firearms. Tests by the National Crime Agency and policing, funded by the Home Office, show models produced by four Turkish manufacturers are readily convertible and therefore illegal. TVBFs are legal to buy in the UK without a licence by over 18s unless they are readily convertible.

    Police forces across England and Wales have been holding a four-week Firearms Amnesty for Turkish manufactured TVBFs namely models with the brand names ‘Retay’, ‘Ekol’, ‘Ceonic’ and ‘Blow’, although anyone with a TVBF who is unsure of whether the law change applies to them has been given the simple advice – if in doubt, hand it in.

    Assistant Chief Constable Tim Metcalfe, National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for the Criminal Use of Firearms, said: “These weapons are readily convertible and therefore have been outlawed. Only with the public’s support can we get these potentially lethal weapons off the streets.

    “What we have seen so far this month that the public have taken onboard the message and are visiting their local police station to hand in these weapons. It is important the public hand in these weapons to avoid them being used by criminals.

    “Taking these weapons off the streets will stop them from being converted and go a significant way to help protect the public.

    “With less than 10 days until the amnesty finishes, I would urge anyone with a Turkish manufactured TVBF to hand it in to their local police force. If you are in doubt whether yours is one of the brands, I would encourage you to hand it in to the police.”

    So far, the amnesty has seen the following items handed in:

    • 1,000 Turkish manufactured top-venting firers
    • 3,000 rounds of ammunitions surrendered; this is primarily blank ammunition

    The amnesty started on 3 February and is due to end next week on Friday 28 February 2025, after which anyone in possession of a TVBF could be subject to prosecution and up to 10 years imprisonment.

    In their original state TVBFs have a fully blocked barrel and are designed to discharge only blank cartridges. When discharged, combustion gases vent from the top of the weapon. TVBFs are sold with at least 50 per cent of their visible surface painted a bright colour however, criminals may paint them black so they look like an original lethal purpose (OLP) weapon as well as convert them to a lethal purpose firearm.

    Policing Minister, Dame Diana Johnson said: “Illegal firearms are dangerous and life-threatening, which is why we have such strong controls on them and we continue to keep all relevant laws under constant review.

    “That’s why it’s important for any member of the public to hand these blank firers into their local police station, as it’s vital to take these illegal weapons off our streets to protect public safety.”

    Since 2021, UK law enforcement has recovered more than 1,000 converted TVBFs in criminal circumstances. Firearms legislation has not changed; the weapons are illegal to own under the Firearms Act 1968 as they can be readily converted using common household tools and without specialist skill on the part of the person carrying out the conversion. Recent testing completed by the NCA has demonstrated this. Police are asking people to hand in any TVBFs before 28 February 2025 to help them avoid prosecution and prevent these pistols getting into the wrong hands.

    Many TVBFs may be held in innocence and ignorance of their illegality or may be overlooked or forgotten in people’s homes. The amnesty gives holders the chance to dispose of the TVBFs safely by taking it to a local police station and handing it in.

    NCA Deputy Director, Charles Yates, said: “These four Turkish brands have appeared routinely in investigations and there had been a strong demand for them from organised criminals. They posed a significant threat.

    “Preventing the sale of these illegal guns will make it harder for offenders to acquire a firearm. By surrendering their top-venting blank-firers, members of the public have helped us in our ongoing mission to keep communities safe.

    “The amnesty is just one example of how the NCA and policing work together relentlessly to protect the public from the threat of firearms.”

    Other unwanted, unlicensed firearms and ammunition may be surrendered to police at any time which will avoid the risk of them becoming involved in criminality and means that members of the community can dispose of firearms in a safe place.

    Up until Friday 28 February 2025, those handing in a Turkish manufactured TVBF will not face prosecution for the illegal possession and will not have to give their details. However, the history of any live firearms handed in will be checked for evidence if its use in crime.

    Top-venting blank firers can be handed in at designated police stations across England and Wales but anyone handing one during the Firearms Amnesty is advised to check with their local force regarding station locations and opening times for the amnesty. To receive advice on how best to transport the weapon responsibly from home to the police station phone 101 before travelling.

    If you know of people involved in illegal firearms activity should call the Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Every call to Crimestoppers is anonymous and potentially vital to preventing or solving serious crimes; removing an illegally held firearm may just save someone’s life.

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 20, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Bilibili Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHANGHAI, China, Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bilibili Inc. (“Bilibili” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: BILI and HKEX: 9626), an iconic brand and a leading video community for young generations in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2024.

    Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024 Highlights:

    • Total net revenues were RMB7.73 billion (US$1,059.6 million) in the fourth quarter and RMB26.83 billion (US$3,675.9 million) in 2024, representing increases of 22% and 19% year over year, respectively.
      • Advertising revenues were RMB2.39 billion (US$327.2 million) in the fourth quarter and RMB8.19 billion (US$1,121.9 million) in 2024, representing increases of 24% and 28% year over year, respectively.
      • Mobile games revenues were RMB1.80 billion (US$246.3 million) in the fourth quarter and RMB5.61 billion (US$768.6 million) in 2024, representing increases of 79% and 40% year over year, respectively.
    • Gross profit was RMB2.79 billion (US$382.0 million) in the fourth quarter and RMB8.77 billion (US$1,202.0 million) in 2024, representing increases of 68% and 61% year over year, respectively. Gross profit margin reached 36.1% in the fourth quarter and 32.7% in 2024, improving from 26.1% in the fourth quarter of 2023 and 24.2% in the year of 2023, respectively.
    • Net profit was RMB88.9 million (US$12.2 million) for the fourth quarter, compared with net loss of RMB1.30 billion in the same period last year. For 2024, net loss was RMB1.36 billion (US$186.8 million), narrowing by 72% year over year.
    • Adjusted net profit1 was RMB452.0 million (US$61.9 million) for the fourth quarter, compared with an adjusted net loss of RMB555.8 million in the same period last year. For 2024, adjusted net loss was RMB39.0 million (US$5.3 million), narrowing by 99% year over year.
    • Operating cash flow was RMB1.40 billion (US$191.9 million) for the fourth quarter and RMB6.01 billion (US$824.0 million) for 2024, compared with RMB640.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 and RMB266.6 million in the year of 2023, respectively.
    • Average daily active users (DAUs) were 103.0 million in the fourth quarter, compared with 100.1 million in the same period last year.

    “We closed 2024 on a strong note, achieving our first quarter of GAAP profitability—a milestone reflecting the value of our community and our relentless effort to enhance our commercialization efficiency,” said Mr. Rui Chen, chairman and chief executive officer of Bilibili. “In the fourth quarter, our DAUs and MAUs reached 103 million and 340 million, respectively, with users spending an average of 99 minutes daily on our platform. Throughout the year, we advanced our commercialization strategy and improved our products to meet users’ evolving content and consumption needs. For 2024, our total net revenues grew 19% year-over-year to RMB26.83 billion, driven by strong advertising and mobile games businesses, which saw revenue increases of 28% and 40%, both on year-over-year basis, respectively. We are also very encouraged by the emergence of new open-source AI models, making AI solutions accessible and cost-effective. Leveraging our high-quality and exclusive data assets, we expect to benefit even more from this remarkable revolution, unleashing greater value from our unique community.”

    Mr. Sam Fan, chief financial officer of Bilibili, said, “Strong growth in our high-margin advertising and mobile games businesses drove total net revenues up by 22% year over year in the fourth quarter. Gross profit surged by 68% year-over-year in the fourth quarter, leading to a 10 percentage-point increase in our gross profit margin to 36.1%. Meanwhile, we generated RMB6.01 billion in operating cash flow for the full year 2024. We also enhanced shareholder returns by repurchasing outstanding ADSs and convertible senior notes totaling US$864.8 million during the year. Looking ahead, we are determined to further unlock the value embedded within our community with more efficient commercialization products and services to drive sustainable profitability over the long run.”

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Results

    Total net revenues. Total net revenues were RMB7.73 billion (US$1,059.6 million), representing an increase of 22% from the same period of 2023.

    Advertising. Revenues from advertising were RMB2.39 billion (US$327.2 million), representing an increase of 24% from the same period of 2023, mainly attributable to the Company’s improved advertising product offerings and enhanced advertising efficiency.

    Mobile games. Revenues from mobile games were RMB1.80 billion (US$246.3 million), representing an increase of 79% from the same period of 2023, mainly attributable to the strong performance of the Company’s exclusively licensed game, San Guo: Mou Ding Tian Xia launched in 2024.

    Value-added services (VAS). Revenues from VAS were RMB3.08 billion (US$422.4 million), representing an increase of 8% from the same period of 2023, led by increases in revenues from other value-added services and premium membership.

    IP derivatives and others. Revenues from IP derivatives and others were RMB464.9 million (US$63.7 million), representing a decrease of 16% from the same period of 2023.

    Cost of revenues. Cost of revenues was RMB4.95 billion (US$677.6 million), representing an increase of 5% from the same period of 2023. The increase was mainly due to higher revenue-sharing costs and was partially offset by lower content costs. Revenue-sharing costs, a key component of cost of revenues, were RMB3.17 billion (US$434.2 million), representing an increase of 12% from the same period of 2023, mainly due to the increase of mobile games-related revenue-sharing costs.

    Gross profit. Gross profit was RMB2.79 billion (US$382.0 million), representing an increase of 68% from the same period of 2023, mainly attributable to the growth in total net revenues and the decrease in costs related to platform operations, as the Company enhanced its monetization efficiency.

    Total operating expenses. Total operating expenses were RMB2.66 billion (US$364.7 million), representing a decrease of 10% from the same period of 2023.

    Sales and marketing expenses. Sales and marketing expenses were RMB1.24 billion (US$169.4 million), representing a 10% increase from the same period of 2023. The increase was primarily attributable to increased marketing expenses for the Company’s exclusively licensed games.

    General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses were RMB505.9 million (US$69.3 million), remaining flat compared with the same period of 2023.

    Research and development expenses. Research and development expenses were RMB919.3 million (US$125.9 million), representing a 31% decrease from the same period of 2023. The decrease was mainly attributable to the one-off termination expenses of certain game projects that occurred in the fourth quarter of 2023.

    Profit/(loss) from operations. Profit from operations was RMB126.4 million (US$17.3 million), compared with a loss of RMB1.30 billion from the same period of 2023.

    Adjusted profit/(loss) from operations1. Adjusted profit from operations was RMB463.1 million (US$63.4 million), compared with an adjusted loss from operations of RMB635.1 million from the same period of 2023.

    Total other (expenses)/income, net. Total other expenses were RMB61.0 million (US$8.4 million), compared with total other income of RMB13.1 million in the same period of 2023.

    Income tax benefit/(expense). Income tax benefit was RMB23.5 million (US$3.2 million), compared with income tax expense of RMB5.1 million in the same period of 2023.

    Net profit/(loss). Net profit was RMB88.9 million (US$12.2 million), compared with net loss of RMB1.30 billion from the same period of 2023.

    Adjusted net profit/(loss)1. Adjusted net profit was RMB452.0 million (US$61.9 million), compared with an adjusted net loss of RMB555.8 million in the same period of 2023.

    Basic and diluted EPS and adjusted basic and diluted EPS1. Basic and diluted net profit per share were RMB0.22 (US$0.03) and RMB0.21 (US$0.03) each, compared with basic and diluted net loss per share of RMB3.13 each in the same period of 2023. Adjusted basic and diluted net profit per share were RMB1.08 (US$0.15) and RMB1.07 (US$0.15) each, compared with an adjusted basic and diluted net loss per share of RMB1.34 each in the same period of 2023.

    Net cash provided by operating activities. Net cash provided by operating activities was RMB1.40 billion (US$191.9 million), compared with net cash provided by operating activities of RMB640.4 million in the same period of 2023.

    Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Results

    Total net revenues. Total net revenues were RMB26.83 billion (US$3.68 billion), representing an increase of 19% from 2023.

    Advertising. Revenues from advertising were RMB8.19 billion (US$1,121.9 million), representing an increase of 28% from 2023, mainly attributable to the Company’s improved advertising product offerings and enhanced advertising efficiency.

    Mobile games. Revenues from mobile games were RMB5.61 billion (US$768.6 million), representing an increase of 40% from 2023. The increase was mainly attributable to the strong performance of the Company’s exclusively licensed game, San Guo: Mou Ding Tian Xia.

    Value-added services (VAS). Revenues from VAS were RMB11.00 billion (US$1.51 billion), representing an increase of 11% from 2023, led by an increase in revenues from live broadcasting and other value-added services.

    IP derivatives and others. Revenues from IP derivatives and others were RMB2.03 billion (US$278.5 million), representing a decrease of 7% from 2023.

    Cost of revenues. Cost of revenues was RMB18.06 billion (US$2.47 billion), representing an increase of 6% from 2023. The increase was mainly due to increased revenue sharing costs and server and bandwidth costs. Revenue-sharing costs, a key component of cost of revenues, were RMB10.80 billion (US$1.48 billion), representing an increase of 14% from 2023.

    Gross profit. Gross profit was RMB8.77 billion (US$1,202.0 million), representing an increase of 61% from 2023, primarily as a result of the growth in total net revenues and the decrease in costs related to platform operations, as the Company enhanced its monetization efficiency.

    Total operating expenses. Total operating expenses were RMB10.12 billion (US$1.39 billion), representing a decrease of 4% from 2023.

    Sales and marketing expenses. Sales and marketing expenses were RMB4.40 billion (US$603.0 million), representing a 12% increase from 2023. The increase was primarily attributable to increased marketing expenses for the Company’s exclusively licensed games.

    General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses were RMB2.03 billion (US$278.3 million), representing a 4% decrease from 2023. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in general and administrative personnel headcount in 2024.

    Research and development expenses. Research and development expenses were RMB3.69 billion (US$504.9 million), representing an 18% decrease from 2023. The decrease was mainly attributable to a decrease in research and development personnel headcount in 2024 and the one-off termination expenses of certain game projects that occurred in the fourth quarter of 2023.

    Loss from operations. Loss from operations was RMB1.34 billion (US$184.1 million), narrowing by 73% from 2023.

    Adjusted loss from operations1. Adjusted loss from operations was RMB60.8 million (US$8.3 million), narrowing by 98% from 2023.

    Total other (expenses)/income, net. Total other expenses were RMB56.2 million (US$7.7 million), compared with total other income of RMB331.2 million in 2023. The change was primarily attributable to losses of RMB38.6 million from the repurchase of convertible senior notes in 2024, compared with gains of RMB292.2 million in 2023.

    Income tax benefit/(expense). Income tax benefit was RMB36.5 million (US$5.0 million), compared with income tax expense of RMB78.7 million in 2023.

    Net loss. Net loss was RMB1.36 billion (US$186.8 million), narrowing by 72% from 2023.

    Adjusted net loss1. Adjusted net loss was RMB39.0 million (US$5.3 million), narrowing by 99% from 2023.

    Basic and diluted EPS and adjusted basic and diluted EPS1. Basic and diluted net loss per share were RMB3.23 (US$0.44) each, compared with RMB11.67 each in 2023. Adjusted basic and diluted net loss per share were RMB0.05 (US$0.01) each, compared with RMB8.29 each in 2023.

    Net cash provided by operating activities. Net cash provided by operating activities was RMB6.01 billion (US$824.0 million), compared with net cash provided by operating activities of RMB266.6 million for 2023.

    Cash and cash equivalents, time deposits and short-term investments. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had cash and cash equivalents, time deposits and short-term investments of RMB16.54 billion (US$2.27 billion).

    Share Repurchase Program

    On November 14, 2024, the Company announced that its board of directors had approved a share repurchase program of up to US$200 million of its publicly traded securities over a 24-month period. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had repurchased a total of approximately 0.84 million ADSs under this authorized program for a total cost of US$16.4 million.

    Repurchase of Convertible Senior Notes

    In November 2024, the Company completed the repurchase right offer for its 0.50% Convertible Senior Notes due 2026 (the “December 2026 Notes”). An aggregate principal amount of US$419.1 million (RMB3.01 billion) of the December 2026 Notes was validly surrendered and repurchased with an aggregate cash consideration of US$419.1 million (RMB3.01 billion). After completion of this transaction, the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the April 2026 Notes, the 2027 Notes and the December 2026 Notes was US$13.4 million (RMB96.4 million).

    1 Adjusted profit/(loss) from operations, adjusted net profit/(loss), and adjusted basic and diluted EPS are non-GAAP financial measures. For more information on non-GAAP financial measures, please see the section “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and the table captioned “Unaudited Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results.”

    Conference Call

    The Company’s management will host an earnings conference call at 7:00 AM U.S. Eastern Time on February 20, 2025 (8:00 PM Beijing/Hong Kong Time on February 20, 2025). Details for the conference call are as follows:

    All participants must use the link provided above to complete the online registration process in advance of the conference call. Upon registering, each participant will receive a set of participant dial-in numbers and a personal PIN, which will be used to join the conference call.

    Additionally, a live webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company’s investor relations website at http://ir.bilibili.com, and a replay of the webcast will be available following the session.

    About Bilibili Inc.

    Bilibili is an iconic brand and a leading video community with a mission to enrich the everyday lives of young generations in China. Bilibili offers a wide array of video-based content with All the Videos You Like as its value proposition. Bilibili builds its community around aspiring users, high-quality content, talented content creators and the strong emotional bonds among them. Bilibili pioneered the “bullet chatting” feature, a live comment function that has transformed our users’ viewing experience by displaying the thoughts and feelings of audience members viewing the same video. The Company has now become the welcoming home of diverse interests among young generations in China and the frontier for promoting Chinese culture across the world.

    For more information, please visit: http://ir.bilibili.com.

    Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    The Company uses non-GAAP measures, such as adjusted profit/(loss) from operations, adjusted net profit/(loss), adjusted net profit/(loss) per share and per ADS, basic and diluted and adjusted net profit/(loss) attributable to the Bilibili Inc.’s shareholders in evaluating its operating results and for financial and operational decision-making purposes. The Company believes that the non-GAAP financial measures help identify underlying trends in its business by excluding the impact of share-based compensation expenses, amortization expense related to intangible assets acquired through business acquisitions, income tax related to intangible assets acquired through business acquisitions, gain/loss on fair value change in investments in publicly traded companies, gain/loss on repurchase of convertible senior notes, and termination expenses of certain game projects. The Company believes that the non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information about the Company’s results of operations, enhance the overall understanding of the Company’s past performance and future prospects and allow for greater visibility with respect to key metrics used by the Company’s management in its financial and operational decision-making.

    The non-GAAP financial measures are not defined under U.S. GAAP and are not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. The non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools, and when assessing the Company’s operating performance, cash flows or liquidity, investors should not consider them in isolation, or as a substitute for net loss, cash flows provided by operating activities or other consolidated statements of operations and cash flows data prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

    The Company mitigates these limitations by reconciling the non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable U.S. GAAP performance measures, all of which should be considered when evaluating the Company’s performance.

    For more information on the non-GAAP financial measures, please see the table captioned “Unaudited Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results.”

    Exchange Rate Information

    This announcement contains translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollars (“US$”) at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise stated, all translations from RMB to US$ were made at the rate of RMB7.2993 to US$1.00, the exchange rate on December 31, 2024 set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board. The Company makes no representation that the RMB or US$ amounts referred to could be converted into US$ or RMB, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “confident,” “potential,” “continue,” or other similar expressions. Among other things, outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as Bilibili’s strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. Bilibili may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its interim and annual reports to shareholders, in announcements, circulars or other publications made on the website of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the “Hong Kong Stock Exchange”), in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including but not limited to statements about Bilibili’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: results of operations, financial condition, and stock price; Bilibili’s strategies; Bilibili’s future business development, financial condition and results of operations; Bilibili’s ability to retain and increase the number of users, members and advertising customers, provide quality content, products and services, and expand its product and service offerings; competition in the online entertainment industry; Bilibili’s ability to maintain its culture and brand image within its addressable user communities; Bilibili’s ability to manage its costs and expenses; PRC governmental policies and regulations relating to the online entertainment industry, general economic and business conditions globally and in China and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. All information provided in this announcement and in the attachments is as of the date of the announcement, and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

    In China:

    Bilibili Inc.
    Juliet Yang
    Tel: +86-21-2509-9255 Ext. 8523
    E-mail: ir@bilibili.com

    Piacente Financial Communications 
    Helen Wu
    Tel: +86-10-6508-0677
    E-mail: bilibili@tpg-ir.com

    In the United States:

    Piacente Financial Communications 
    Brandi Piacente
    Tel: +1-212-481-2050
    E-mail: bilibili@tpg-ir.com

    BILIBILI INC.
    Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
    (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)
     
      For the Three Months Ended   For the Year Ended
      December
    31,
      September
    30,
      December
    31,
      December
    31,
      December
    31,
      2023   2024   2024   2023   2024
      RMB   RMB   RMB   RMB   RMB
                       
    Net revenues:                  
    Value-added services (VAS) 2,857,079     2,821,269     3,083,071     9,910,080     10,999,137  
    Advertising 1,929,164     2,094,427     2,388,673     6,412,040     8,189,175  
    Mobile games 1,006,858     1,822,609     1,797,537     4,021,137     5,610,323  
    IP derivatives and others 555,995     567,315     464,880     2,184,730     2,032,890  
    Total net revenues 6,349,096     7,305,620     7,734,161     22,527,987     26,831,525  
    Cost of revenues (4,689,114 )   (4,758,434 )   (4,945,945 )   (17,086,122 )   (18,057,562 )
    Gross profit 1,659,982     2,547,186     2,788,216     5,441,865     8,773,963  
                       
    Operating expenses:                  
    Sales and marketing expenses (1,125,464 )   (1,202,407 )   (1,236,593 )   (3,916,150 )   (4,401,655 )
    General and administrative expenses (511,906 )   (505,386 )   (505,861 )   (2,122,432 )   (2,031,063 )
    Research and development expenses (1,327,282 )   (906,072 )   (919,321 )   (4,467,470 )   (3,685,214 )
    Total operating expenses (2,964,652 )   (2,613,865 )   (2,661,775 )   (10,506,052 )   (10,117,932 )
    (Loss)/profit from operations (1,304,670 )   (66,679 )   126,441     (5,064,187 )   (1,343,969 )
                       
    Other income/(expenses):                  
    Investment loss, net (including impairments) (199,004 )   (70,957 )   (283,191 )   (435,644 )   (470,081 )
    Interest income 126,450     91,279     110,150     542,472     434,980  
    Interest expense (29,181 )   (17,824 )   (19,986 )   (164,927 )   (89,193 )
    Exchange gains/(losses) 4,848     (5,909 )   10,529     (35,575 )   (68,715 )
    Debt extinguishment (loss)/gain –     –     (17,649 )   292,213     (38,629 )
    Others, net 110,007     (18,134 )   139,107     132,640     175,412  
    Total other income/(expenses), net 13,120     (21,545 )   (61,040 )   331,179     (56,226 )
    (Loss)/profit before income tax (1,291,550 )   (88,224 )   65,401     (4,733,008 )   (1,400,195 )
    Income tax (expense)/benefit (5,140 )   8,419     23,533     (78,705 )   36,544  
    Net (loss)/profit (1,296,690 )   (79,805 )   88,934     (4,811,713 )   (1,363,651 )
    Net loss/(profit) attributable to noncontrolling interests 206     290     1,026     (10,608 )   16,851  
    Net (loss)/profit attributable to the Bilibili Inc.’s shareholders (1,296,484 )   (79,515 )   89,960     (4,822,321 )   (1,346,800 )
    Net (loss)/profit per share, basic (3.13 )   (0.19 )   0.22     (11.67 )   (3.23 )
    Net (loss)/profit per ADS, basic (3.13 )   (0.19 )   0.22     (11.67 )   (3.23 )
    Net (loss)/profit per share, diluted (3.13 )   (0.19 )   0.21     (11.67 )   (3.23 )
    Net (loss)/profit per ADS, diluted (3.13 )   (0.19 )   0.21     (11.67 )   (3.23 )
    Weighted average number of ordinary shares, basic 414,793,013     417,849,446     417,829,038     413,210,271     416,470,256  
    Weighted average number of ADS, basic 414,793,013     417,849,446     417,829,038     413,210,271     416,470,256  
    Weighted average number of ordinary shares, diluted 414,793,013     417,849,446     424,208,294     413,210,271     416,470,256  
    Weighted average number of ADS, diluted 414,793,013     417,849,446     424,208,294     413,210,271     416,470,256  
                   

    The accompanying notes are an integral part of this press release.

    BILIBILI INC.
    Notes to Unaudited Condensed Financial Information
    (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)
     
      For the Three Months Ended
      For the Year Ended
      December 31,   September 30,   December 31,   December 31,   December 31,
      2023   2024   2024   2023   2024
      RMB   RMB   RMB   RMB   RMB
                       
                       
    Share-based compensation expenses included in:                  
    Cost of revenues 15,014   26,781   25,350   63,724   84,178
    Sales and marketing expenses 13,960   16,015   18,524   56,649   60,460
    General and administrative expenses 150,226   133,825   137,513   596,950   568,194
    Research and development expenses 87,859   120,490   113,649   415,321   403,380
    Total 267,059   297,111   295,036   1,132,644   1,116,212
    BILIBILI INC.
    Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)
      December
    31,
      December
    31,
      2023   2024
      RMB   RMB
           
    Assets      
    Current assets:      
    Cash and cash equivalents 7,191,821   10,249,382  
    Time deposits 5,194,891   3,588,475  
    Restricted cash 50,000   50,000  
    Accounts receivable, net 1,573,900   1,226,875  
    Prepayments and other current assets 2,063,362   1,934,788  
    Short-term investments 2,653,065   2,706,535  
    Total current assets 18,727,039   19,756,055  
    Non-current assets:      
    Property and equipment, net 714,734   589,227  
    Production cost, net 2,066,066   1,851,207  
    Intangible assets, net 3,627,533   3,201,012  
    Goodwill 2,725,130   2,725,130  
    Long-term investments, net 4,366,632   3,911,592  
    Other long-term assets 931,933   664,277  
    Total non-current assets 14,432,028   12,942,445  
    Total assets 33,159,067   32,698,500  
    Liabilities      
    Current liabilities:      
    Accounts payable 4,333,730   4,801,416  
    Salary and welfare payables 1,219,355   1,599,482  
    Taxes payable 345,250   428,932  
    Short-term loan and current portion of long-term debt 7,455,753   1,571,836  
    Deferred revenue 2,954,088   3,802,307  
    Accrued liabilities and other payables 1,795,519   2,558,830  
    Total current liabilities 18,103,695   14,762,803  
    Non-current liabilities:      
    Long-term debt 646   3,264,153  
    Other long-term liabilities 650,459   567,631  
    Total non-current liabilities 651,105   3,831,784  
    Total liabilities 18,754,800   18,594,587  
           
    Total Bilibili Inc.’s shareholders’ equity 14,391,900   14,108,397  
    Noncontrolling interests 12,367   (4,484 )
    Total shareholders’ equity 14,404,267   14,103,913  
           
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity 33,159,067   32,698,500  
    BILIBILI INC.
    Unaudited Selected Condensed Consolidated Cash Flows Data
    (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)
     
      For the Three Months Ended   For the Year Ended
      December
    31,
      September
    30,
      December
    31,
      December
    31,
      December
    31,
      2023   2024   2024   2023   2024
      RMB   RMB   RMB   RMB   RMB
                       
    Net cash provided by operating activities 640,396   2,225,629   1,400,988   266,622   6,014,854
    BILIBILI INC.
    Unaudited Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results
    (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)
     
        For the Three Months Ended   For the Year Ended
        December
    31,
      September
    30,
      December
    31,
      December
    31,
      December
    31,
        2023   2024   2024   2023   2024
        RMB   RMB   RMB   RMB   RMB
                         
    (Loss)/Profit from operations     (1,304,670 )     (66,679 )     126,441       (5,064,187 )     (1,343,969 )
    Add:                                        
    Share-based compensation expenses     267,059       297,111       295,036       1,132,644       1,116,212  
    Amortization expense related to intangible assets acquired through business acquisitions     47,734       41,776       41,581       191,770       166,909  
    Termination expenses of certain game projects     354,811       –       –       354,811       –  
    Adjusted (loss)/profit from operations     (635,066 )     272,208       463,058       (3,384,962 )     (60,848 )
                                             
    Net (loss)/profit     (1,296,690 )     (79,805 )     88,934       (4,811,713 )     (1,363,651 )
    Add:                                        
    Share-based compensation expenses     267,059       297,111       295,036       1,132,644       1,116,212  
    Amortization expense related to intangible assets acquired through business acquisitions     47,734       41,776       41,581       191,770       166,909  
    Income tax related to intangible assets acquired through business acquisitions     (5,563 )     (5,406 )     (5,358 )     (22,376 )     (21,578 )
    Loss/(Gain) on fair value change in investments in publicly traded companies     76,839       (17,778 )     14,177       32,964       24,524  
    Loss/(Gain) on repurchase of convertible senior notes     –       –       17,649       (292,213 )     38,629  
    Termination expenses of certain game projects     354,811       –       –       354,811       –  
    Adjusted net (loss)/profit     (555,810 )     235,898       452,019       (3,414,113 )     (38,955 )
    Net loss/(profit) attributable to noncontrolling interests     206       290       1,026       (10,608 )     16,851  
    Adjusted net (loss)/profit attributable to the Bilibili Inc.’s shareholders     (555,604 )     236,188       453,045       (3,424,721 )     (22,104 )
    Adjusted net (loss)/profit per share, basic     (1.34 )     0.57       1.08       (8.29 )     (0.05 )
    Adjusted net (loss)/profit per ADS, basic     (1.34 )     0.57       1.08       (8.29 )     (0.05 )
    Adjusted net (loss)/profit per share, diluted     (1.34 )     0.57       1.07       (8.29 )     (0.05 )
    Adjusted net (loss)/profit per ADS, diluted     (1.34 )     0.57       1.07       (8.29 )     (0.05 )
    Weighted average number of ordinary shares, basic     414,793,013       417,849,446       417,829,038       413,210,271       416,470,256  
    Weighted average number of ADS, basic     414,793,013       417,849,446       417,829,038       413,210,271       416,470,256  
    Weighted average number of ordinary shares, diluted     414,793,013       417,849,446       424,208,294       413,210,271       416,470,256  
    Weighted average number of ADS, diluted     414,793,013       417,849,446       424,208,294       413,210,271       416,470,256  
     

    The MIL Network –

    February 20, 2025
  • MIL-Evening Report: Grattan on Friday: Dutton doesn’t pull his punches on Trump while Albanese plays it safe

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

    Treasurer Jim Chalmers will not be organising a bucks’ night ahead of the coming nuptials of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Jodie Haydon.

    How do we know this morsel of trivia? The treasurer, appearing on Wednesday breakfast TV to talk up Tuesday’s interest rate cut, was asked about being in charge of arranging the PM’s bucks’ party.

    “I’m more of a cup of tea and an early night kind of guy these days. And so I’m sure you can find someone more appropriate to plan the bucks,” Chalmers said, laughing off whatever impatience he may have felt at being taken down this path.

    To the dismay of more than a few in Labor circles, a Women’s Weekly interview with the PM and his fiancee dropped into the news cycle just as the government needed all attention on the rate cut.

    Given the army of prime ministerial spinners, there was some wonder at this publicity collision.

    All leaders do these soft photogenic sessions. But, leaving aside the unfortunate clash, it might be argued this is not the time for the prime ministerial couple to be inviting attention to their post-election marriage. Albanese is not thinking of retiring, but some voters might see a subtle hint of that. As they did when he bought his clifftop house on the central NSW coast.

    Chalmers, when asked about the Women’s Weekly piece, was anxious to get across the message that, wedding or not, “I can assure all of your viewers, whether it’s the prime minister or the rest of his government, the main focus is on the cost of living”.

    More disappointing for the government than the Women’s Weekly blip was the mixed reception the long-anticipated rate cut received in much of the media.

    Reserve Bank Governor Michele Bullock indicated the bank’s decision to cut was a close call. She hosed down expectations of further cuts, which effectively rules out a pre-election move on April Fools’ Day.

    It wasn’t an entirely happy week for Bullock, with critics of the cut suggesting she had responded to political pressure. Out in mortgage land, people will be relieved at the slight help, but it only takes away a fraction of their repayment pain.

    Meanwhile the work of the cabinet expenditure review committee and the treasury continues apace on what could be a “ghost” March 25 budget – if Albanese aborts it with an April election.

    The government insists there is nothing strange about this. If the budget doesn’t eventuate, the measures will be rolled out as election policy, it says. The argument is unconvincing. Preparing a budget and putting together election policy may have some things in common, but they are not the same. A budget is a close-woven tapestry; election policy is open-stitch cloth.

    The uncertainty about the election date, while full campaigning is underway, is disruptive for business and the economy (even if, as Chalmers says, it’s now only a matter of weeks either way). It reinforces the argument for fixed federal terms, which work well in the states. But the obstacles are such that that’s not even worth talking about, unfortunately.

    In a “no show without Punch” moment this week, Clive Palmer entered the election race with his Trumpet of Patriots party and a promise to spend “whatever is required to be spent”. There’s talk of $90 million being splashed on a “Make Australia Great Again” platform.

    It’s hard to get a fix on what impact Palmer will have. He’s competing with Pauline Hanson for votes on the right. Labor fears his advertising on the cost of living will crowd out its messages. He is also targeting Opposition Leader Peter Dutton for not being Trumpian enough. He told Nine media, “As Dutton said, he’s no Donald Trump. I say, what’s wrong with being Donald Trump?”

    The answer is, a very great deal. As Trump’s presidency unfolds, its dangers are becoming more obvious than even his harshest critics feared.

    Inevitably, the shadow of Trump is hanging increasingly over our election.

    With Trump’s win, the Liberals would have thought the latest manifestation of a widespread international swing to the right would put wind in their sails. But the counter-argument has grown – an erratic and autocratic Trump is making some Australian voters feel more unsettled and inclined to stick with the status quo.

    Dutton is not a mini-me Trump but shares some of his views on issues such as government spending, bureaucracy and identity politics. Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison told the Australian Financial Review this week that Dutton would sympathise with some of Trump’s objectives but the opposition leader was “not trying to ape” what was going on in the United States.

    Trump’s push to end the Russia-Ukraine war has taken Trumpism to a fresh, alarming level, and could inject strains into the Australia-US relationship.

    Trump has sidelined Ukraine and is clearly favouring Russia in pursuing a settlement. Now he has launched an extraordinary personal attack on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

    On his social media platform Trump lashed Zelensky as a “modestly successful comedian” who had gone “into a war that couldn’t be won, that never had to start”. Zelensky was a “dictator” who refused to have elections, had done “a terrible job” and was very low in the opinion polls, Trump said.

    Ukraine’s cause has been bipartisan in Australia, which has given the country more than $1.5 billion in assistance and now has (belatedly) reopened its embassy there.

    To his credit, Dutton immediately condemned Trump’s stand in very forthright terms.

    “President Trump has got it wrong in relation to some of the public commentary that I’ve seen him make in relation to President Zelensky and the situation in Ukraine,” he told Sydney radio.

    “I think very, very careful thought needs to be given about the steps because if we make Europe less safe, or we provide some sort of support to [Russian president] Putin, deliberately or inadvertently, that is a terrible, terrible outcome.”

    Albanese’s initial response was to repeat firmly Australia backing for Ukraine, condemning Russia. He did not comment directly on Trump’s attack. He repeated he was not going to give “ongoing commentary on everything that Donald Trump says”.

    The government finds itself caught between the need to strongly reject Trump’s handling of Ukraine, and a desire to tread softly with an administration from whom it desperately wants to win a concession on tariffs.

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

    – ref. Grattan on Friday: Dutton doesn’t pull his punches on Trump while Albanese plays it safe – https://theconversation.com/grattan-on-friday-dutton-doesnt-pull-his-punches-on-trump-while-albanese-plays-it-safe-250386

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    February 20, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Axi Select Celebrates Top Milestone: Trader Secures $1,000,000 in Capital Funding

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SYDNEY, Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Axi, a leading global provider of online trading services, has proudly announced that trader Francisco Quesada Godines has reached the top milestone in its innovative capital allocation program, Axi Select, securing $1million in capital funding. This incredible achievement is a testament to the broker’s commitment to provide its Axi Select traders with a real opportunity to maximise their trading potential.

    According to Greg Rubin, Head of Axi Select, “Francisco, has demonstrated exceptional talent and commitment to the program. This milestone extends far beyond receiving $1million in funding. It not only highlights what traders can achieve when they trade consistently and can seize market opportunities to their advantage, but it also underscores the power of an all-inclusive, trader-centric program designed to unlock traders’ full potential.”

    “We are incredibly excited for this milestone–a testament to the hard work and dedication of our traders” said Rajesh Yohannan, CEO of Axi, as he shares his pride in their unique program. “When we launched Axi Select in 2023, our aim was clear: we wanted to change the narrative by creating a model that meets traders’ demands; when traders are free from upfront costs, restrictive trading conditions, and other barriers, they can focus exclusively on sharpening their trading performance. Indeed, our experience over the past year has demonstrated that, when a program is geared towards harnessing traders’ full potential, they can achieve remarkable results.”

    Axi Select offers ambitious traders a pathway to access capital funding up to $1,000,000 USD and earn up to 90% of their profits, as well as the advantage to join the program with zero registration or monthly fees*. Moreover, Axi Select uses a Standard or a Pro live account, unrestrictive trading conditions, and a suite of tools to nurture traders’ success and growth.

    *Standard trading fees apply.

    The Axi Select program is only available to clients of AxiTrader Limited. CFDs carry a high risk of investment loss. In our dealings with you, we will act as a principal counterparty to all of your positions. This content is not available to AU, NZ, EU and UK residents. For more information, refer to our Terms of Service.

    For more information contact : mediaenquiries@axi.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e3372dba-9460-4833-8180-ff68d3c17652

    The MIL Network –

    February 20, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: To the team of the Zvezda TV channel

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    The Zvezda TV channel is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

    Dear friends!

    I sincerely congratulate you and your multi-million audience on this significant event – the 20th anniversary of the start of broadcasting of the Zvezda TV channel.

    Over the years, the first military-patriotic TV channel in our country has become one of the leaders in the Russian media space. Its dynamic development is the result of the coordinated work of a large creative team, talented and creative people – presenters, correspondents, cameramen, directors and editors, everyone who is in the frame and behind it. Sincerely devoted to your work, you are creating a unique information space. Around the clock, you share with viewers relevant and objective news from the scene of events in the country and the world. You are looking for new formats, introducing modern technologies, expanding the boundaries of broadcasting. For many years, your popular science, educational and entertainment projects, live broadcasts and special reports, including from hot spots, have been in demand among viewers of different generations.

    The current year has been declared by the President as the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland. All those who ensure the defense capability and national security of our country deserve special attention. And your programs dedicated to the Russian army, heroes and participants of the SVO, innovative developments of the defense-industrial complex are becoming an important part of modern history.

    I am confident that the TV channel’s team will continue to work on preserving the memory and cultural heritage of Russia and the patriotic education of youth.

    I wish you the fulfillment of your plans, new projects and all the best.

     

    M. Mishustin

    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 –

    February 20, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Man guilty of rape in 2019

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man has been convicted of rape after a meticulous investigation by specialist detectives convinced the jury of his guilt.

    Samsidi D’Souza-N’Gom, 31 (05.12.93), of Marshall Road, N17 was found guilty of rape at the Old Bailey Court on Wednesday, 19 February.

    He will be sentenced at the same court on 21 March.

    On Monday, 2 September 2019, the victim, a woman in her 20s at the time of the incident, contacted police to say she had been raped at an address in Osidge Lane, Barnet.

    She was supported by specialist officers who immediately launched an investigation, led by detectives from the North West Rape & Serious Sexual Offences team.

    On Sunday, 1 September both D’Souza-N’Gom and the victim were out at a bar with a wider group of friends in Hackney. In the early hours of the morning, they returned to D’Souza-N’Gom’s home address.

    The victim told police she had been asleep when she was woken up by the defendant raping with her. She tried to fight him off but was unable to do so.

    Officers gathered and analysed hours of CCTV to put together a timeline of events. This showed them leaving the venue together before making their way to the taxi office.

    Detectives also spoke to a significant number of witnesses who provided further information which assisted with the investigation.

    D’Souza-N’Gom denied the allegations and said everything had been consensual.

    Detective Constable Alan Wong, who led the investigation, said: “I would like to commend the courage and bravery of the victim, who after enduring a traumatic incident, spoke with officers and found the strength to assist with our enquiries.

    “We were also hugely supported by other witnesses who had seen or spent time with the victim and the defendant prior to the offence. Their accounts helped us to provide the jury with a clear chronology of the evening which was central to them reaching a guilty verdict.”

    Speaking after the verdict, Detective Inspector Richard Lewsley said: “I hope that this outcome encourages victims of this type of offending to have faith that we take crimes of rape and sexual assault seriously.

    “The circumstances of this offence are often not reported because victims feel there will be insufficient evidence to support a prosecution. We are trained to explore allegations in detail and to illicit details to understand what took place.

    “I acknowledge this investigation has taken a long time but we are working hard to investigate and achieve positive outcomes for investigations regardless of the length of time that has passed. I thank the victim of this case for her fortitude and resilience in remaining engaged and positive throughout which has allowed us to finally achieve justice for the victim and put a predatory offender is behind bars.”

    “We encourage any person who is a victim of rape or sexual assault, regardless of when it occurred, to report it to police. We will treat your allegations seriously, we will listen to you and we will support you throughout the process.”

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 20, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: CLIQ Reports Full Year 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Tougher market conditions: €243m sales (-26%) and €21m EBITDA (-58%)
    • Transformation programme: €11m special items on EBITDA level
    • -€4.75 EPS resulting from -€28m net loss (-188%)
    • €12m net cash position per year-end vs. €16m at end of 2023
    • Share buyback programme successfully completed and €0.04 dividend per share proposed
    • 2025 outlook: €180-220m sales, €10-15m EBITDA, €50-75m customer acquisition costs

    DÜSSELDORF, 20 February 2025 – The CLIQ Group publishes today its audited 2024 financial statements. The Annual Report 2024 is available on the Group’s website at https://cliqdigital.com/investors/financialreporting.

    Performance

    in millions of € FY
    2024
    FY
    2023
    Δ   4Q
    2024
    4Q
    2023
    Δ
    North America 168 197 -15%   34 54 -37%
    Europe 52 109 -52%   9 25 -64%
    Latin America 14 13 10%   4 3 11%
    ROW 9 8 20%   1 5 -29%
    Sales 243 326 -26%   48 84 -43%
    Expected average LTV1 (in €) 77 85 -10%   70 87 -19%
    Total CAC2 -75 -135 -45%   -11 -35 -68%
    EBITDA (before special items3) 21 50 -58%   5 12 -59%
    EBITDA margin3 9% 15%     10% 14%  
    Profit/loss for the period -28 32 -187%   -29 7 n/a
    EPS (basic, in €) -4.75 4.90 n/a   -4.99 1.07 n/a
    • Sales: In 2024, Group sales declined by 26% year-on-year to €243 million (2023: €326 million) mainly due to less customers. 97% of Group sales in 2024 were generated with bundled-content services and in line with the Management decision to focus on profitability, revenue in North America declined by 15% and in Europe by 52% in 2024. In Latin America and in the region Rest of the World, sales increased by 10% and 20%. However, the quarter-on-quarter Group sales decrease decelerated notably from -21% in 3Q 2024 to -11% in the fourth quarter.
    • Total customer acquisition costs: The total customer acquisition costs in 2024 amounted to €75 million (2023: €135 million). The 45% lower total customer acquisition costs reflected the Group’s decision to strategically increase its focus on profitability and the subsequent lowering of the target cost per acquisition (CPA).
    • EBITDA: In 2024, EBITDA before special items decreased by 58% to €21 million (2023: €50 million) and the corresponding EBITDA margin was accordingly lower at 9% (2023: 15%) predominantly as a result of the lower sales development and despite reduced cost of sales and operating expenses. Reported EBITDA amounted to €10 million and included therein were €11 million special items relating mostly to the Group’s transformation programme “Fit For Future”. The reported EBITDA margin was 4%.
    • Loss for the period: In 2024, the result for the year amounted to a loss of €28 million (2023: €32 million profit). Resulting from the annual impairment test performed on the goodwill, CLIQ corrected its goodwill and recognised an impairment loss of €27 million. This goodwill impairment was primarily attributable to the challenging market conditions going forward as well as to the significant decline in 2024 in the Group’s market value as determined by the stock market capitalisation.
    • Earnings per share: In 2024, the loss per share (basic EPS) was -€4.75 (2023: €4.90) and the diluted loss (EPS) totalled -€4.71 (2023: €4.82).
    • Cash flow: In 2024, the operating free cash flow decreased to €3.4 million (2023: €19 million). The cash inflow from operating activities during 2024 amounted to €9 million (2023: €30 million) and the decrease was mainly due to the drop in sales and margin contraction. The 2024 cash outflow from investing activities was €5 million (2023: €12 million) and largely related to payments for licensed content as well as for investments in platform and technical developments. The cash flow from financing activities during 2024 was an outflow of €7 million (2023: €13 million) and included €5.5 million cash outflow for the share buyback programme and €0.3 million dividend distribution.
    • Liquidity: Due to the lower operating free cash flow, the net cash position decreased to €12 million at the year-end close (31/12/2023: €16 million).

    Operational indicators

    • Lifetime value of a customer: In 2024, the expected average lifetime value of a customer (LTV) was down 10% to €77 (2023: €85). The year-on-year decrease was due to the higher churn rates against 2023 resulting from new customer care tools in place at the card scheme companies, which consequently resulted in shorter average customer loyalty durations.
    • Customers: The number of unique paying customers for the Group’s bundled- and single-content streaming services decreased to 0.7 million per 31 December 2024 (31/12/2023: 1.2 million). The decrease resulted from the Group’s stronger focus on profitability than on sales growth. Whereby the CPA was brought more in line with the lower expected average lifetime value (LTV) of the customers, which led to less new customer acquisitions.
    • Lifetime value of Customer Base: As at 31 December 2024, the lifetime value of the customer base (LTVCB) dropped by €70 million to €94 million compared to prior year-end (31/12/2023: €164 million). The lower LTVCB was the result of the decrease in the number of customers as well as the lower expected average lifetime value of a customer. The LTVCB represents the expected sales to be generated from paying customers as at reporting date over their estimated individual remaining lifetime.

    Capital return

    CLIQ successfully completed its share buyback programme ahead of schedule on 3 January 2025 and acquired in total nearly 647k own shares for just under €5.5 million at an average price of around €8.50 per share. As part of its capital return strategy, CLIQ’s Management Board decides on a yearly basis to what extent and how capital will be returned to shareholders. Despite the poor operating performance, CLIQ’s Management Board and Supervisory Board propose to distribute a dividend for the financial year 2024 of €0.04 per share.

    Outlook

    In 2025, CLIQ expects to generate an EBITDA of between €10 and 15 million on the back of Group sales expected to range between €180 and 220 million and after €50 to 75 million total customer acquisition costs forecast.

    Management Board statement

    “CLIQ and our shareholders faced significant challenges in 2024 as our business encountered tougher market conditions and our new sales growth initiatives advanced more slowly than anticipated,” said CEO Luc Voncken. “While market conditions in 2025 remain uncertain, we have strengthened our business foundations and must now move forward with a renewed entrepreneurial spirit and a clear vision to seize the growth opportunities ahead.“

    Earnings call

    A live audio webcast conducted in English will be held today at 2.00 p.m. CET with presentations from Luc Voncken, CEO, and Ben Bos, member of the Management Board.

    Questions submitted before 12.00 p.m. CET via email to investors@cliqdigital.com will be answered after the presentations.

    Please click on the link below to register for this webcast:

    https://cliqdigital.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_UManLyZkSvyaKCEkPZeQmg

    ZOOM details will be sent to you via email post registration and a replay of the webcast will be available shortly after the call at: https://cliqdigital.com/investors/financials/financial-reporting.

    Contacts

    Investor Relations:
    Sebastian McCoskrie, s.mccoskrie@cliqdigital.com, +49 151 52043659

    Media Relations:
    Daniela Münster, daniela.muenster@h-advisors.global, +49 174 3358111

    Financial calendar

    Annual General Meeting 2025 Friday 11 April 2025
    Financial report 1Q 2025 & earnings call Thursday 8 May 2025
    Half-year financial report 2025 & earnings call Thursday 7 August 2025
    Financial report 3Q/9M 2025 and earnings call Thursday 6 November 2025

    About CLIQ

    The CLIQ Group is a data-driven online performance marketing company that sells bundled subscription-based digital products to consumers worldwide. The Group licenses content from partners, bundles it to digital products, and sells them via performance marketing. CLIQ is expert in turning consumer interest into sales by monetising online traffic using an omnichannel approach.

    The Group operated in 40 countries and employed 132 staff from 33 different nationalities as at 31 December 2024. The company is headquartered in Düsseldorf and has offices in Amsterdam and Paris. CLIQ Digital is listed in the Scale segment of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (ISIN: DE000A35JS40, GSIN/WKN: A35JS4) and is a constituent of the MSCI World Micro Cap Index.

    Visit our website https://cliqdigital.com/investors. Here you will find all publications and further information about CLIQ. You can also follow us on LinkedIn.


    1 Lifetime value of a customer
    2 Customer acquisition costs
    3 2024 numbers are before special items

    The MIL Network –

    February 20, 2025
  • MIL-Evening Report: A new play about Julian Assange, Truth is an intelligent, thoughtful and unsettling work

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Hunter, Senior Lecturer in Art and Performance, Deakin University

    Pia Johnson/Malthouse Theatre

    Truth, the new play from writer-director pair Patricia Cornelius and Susie Dee, dives headfirst into the contentious world of Julian Assange. It offers us a nuanced portrait of the WikiLeaks founder who transformed from hacker wunderkind to global lightning rod.

    An apt celebration of the significant body of work from the acclaimed duo, Truth opens nearly 40 years after the pair created and performed their first collaboration, Lilly and May.

    Assange rose to global prominence by publishing classified documents that exposed government secrets and surveillance programs. He became both a celebrated whistleblower and a controversial figure in debates about transparency and national security.

    Truth unravels the threads of his story.

    Truth reveals the complex legacy of a man whose actions have both championed and challenged modern democracy.
    Pia Johnson/Malthouse Theatre

    A complex legacy

    The work is set in a spare, black-box space, characterised by Matilda Woodroofe’s bureaucratic brutalist design.

    A backdrop of hard mesh enclosures and scaffolded structures evokes a monotonous line of outdoor exercise yards or prison cells. This is flanked by colourless filing cabinets, 80s-style laminated brown desks and office chairs on wheels. A giant LED screen crowns the structure.

    The ensemble (Emily Havea, Tomàš Kantor, James O’Connell, Eva Rees and Eva Seymour) weaves together key moments in Assange’s life, revealing the complex legacy of a man whose actions have both championed and challenged modern democracy.

    Speaking in chorus at times, the actors perform multiple versions of Assange and other characters. They are journalists, whistleblowers, narrators, and include the key figures of Edward Snowden and Chelsea Manning.

    A terrific and youthful ensemble cast delivers sensitive and energised performances.
    Pia Johnson/Malthouse Theatre

    Characterised by Cornelius’ trademark rapid-fire dialogue, the text is tightly calibrated with smart, sparse, dry comments that, at times, comically undercut our Australian sensibilities. As one character says, “the worst thing to be in this country is too smart”.

    The ensemble is physically dynamic and vocally strong. They have a particular choreographic fluidity. A spaciousness and attention to timing allows each performance to land. This is a testament both to Dee’s sharp, contained direction, and a terrific and youthful ensemble cast who deliver sensitive and energised performances.

    From geek to advocate

    The play moves chronologically through Assange’s life. We begin with the rocky early years marked by the dissonance between his sharp intelligence and reputation as computer nerd. We witness his arrests for hacking. We follow his evolution from awkward geek to outspoken advocate for free speech.

    The play offers us a nuanced portrait of the WikiLeaks founder who transformed from hacker wunderkind to global lightning rod.
    Pia Johnson/Malthouse Theatre

    The play is grounded in comprehensive research, and solo moments featuring Snowden and Manning serve as poignant interludes to the fast-paced narrative of Assange’s life events.

    I am struck by the way the work unsettles my preconceptions. The small, stark image of a naked Private Manning in her isolated cell is particularly raw and affecting – but is juxtaposed on stage against Assange’s dubious behaviour towards two young women in Sweden.

    The show clips along, all the while unfolding a nuanced consideration of the complexities of reported narratives and the myriad ways in which journalistic narratives are influenced – and controlled.

    The delivery to the audience is largely direct-address. This risks becoming tedious, but Cornelius’ intelligent style and the ensemble’s strong performance carries through.

    The LED screen is used to great effect. The video design (Meri Blazevski) shifts through rainstorms of binary digits, to list of early Assange manifestos or leaked stories, to pixellated images of actors’ faces as teenage gamers.

    The work is set in a spare, black-box space, characterised by Matilda Woodroofe’s bureaucratic brutalist design.
    Pia Johnson/Malthouse Theatre

    In a long and shocking sequence, we witness drone footage from the Afghanistan war logs accompanied by the chillingly dispassionate commentary of the operators.

    Often, the screen becomes a surface for live video feeds which work to personalise or disembody characters, functioning variously as narrator, witness, and surveillance device. Transitions between closeups, documentation and stark data both drive and complicate the storytelling.

    Kelly Ryall’s composition and sound design – often paired with the pulsing or flashing giant texts on the screen – is a retro-electronic tapestry of victory chimes, synthetic bleeps and Pac Man pings. It is all underscored by deep digital tones and rapid analogue tapping of keyboards.

    A long artistic relationship

    This is an intelligent and thoughtful show that manages to be both complex and entertaining. The play is particularly salient given current global events, challenging us to consider the scale of what we’re up against, how long we should remain silent, and what power – if any – we have to effect change.

    In an era of heated debate about transparency and fake news, Truth emerges as a vital and edgy work in the capable hands of two highly respected theatre makers.

    The work is testament to the longevity of an artistic relationship between two older women that carries decades of embodied knowledge.

    Despite the persistent ageism in Australian theatre that often equates “urgency” exclusively with youth, this work reminds us older artists can and do challenge and disrupt – and bring a special and necessary currency to our cultural life.

    Truth is at Malthouse Theatre, Melbourne, until March 8.

    Kate Hunter 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. A new play about Julian Assange, Truth is an intelligent, thoughtful and unsettling work – https://theconversation.com/a-new-play-about-julian-assange-truth-is-an-intelligent-thoughtful-and-unsettling-work-247909

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    February 20, 2025
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