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Category: Finance

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Large-scale mergers in agro-industry – Ensuring fair competition and protection of small farmers – E-000072/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is fully aware that large-scale agro-industrial mergers may have an adverse impact on competition, small farmers, local cooperatives and sustainability.

    These considerations are central to the Commission’s recent merger control investigations in the agricultural sector. For instance, in Case M.11204 Bunge/Viterra, the Commission assessed the effects of increased concentration of oilseed processing capacity in Central Europe, with potential negative effects on farmers.

    In Case M.11382 AGCO/Trimble/JV, it assessed an acquisition in precision agriculture systems, which farmers use daily to optimize efficiency, productivity and sustainability of their operations. European farmers were invited to contribute to these investigations and their feedback was integral to the Commission’s analysis.

    When necessary, the Commission has taken measures to prevent mergers from harming the EU agricultural sector’s competitiveness. In Case M.11204 Bunge/Viterra, approval was conditional upon the divestment of Viterra’s entire oilseed businesses in Hungary and Poland.

    The independence, financial position, expertise and competitiveness of the proposed buyer will also be vetted, ensuring oilseed farmers in Hungary and Poland retain a diversified customer base.

    The Commission will continue using all available tools to ensure agro-industrial concentration does not undermine the EU’s agricultural and environmental goals.

    It will assess competition effects under the Merger Regulation, prevent distortions caused by third-country financial contributions under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation, and cooperate with Member States screening transactions under the Foreign Direct Investment Regulation.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: EIB and Government of Malta strengthen partnership with €260 million investment for sustainable growth

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    • EIB signed with Ministry for Finance the first €130 million tranche of the €260 million financing package approved by the EU Bank.
    • The EIB’s support will enhance Malta’s national co-financing contribution for the implementation of various EU funds, driving investments in crucial sectors of the economy.
    • Since 1979, the EIB Group has invested more than €1 billion in Malta.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) approved a financing package of €260 million to support the Maltese government’s investments aimed at fostering a smarter, greener, and more resilient economy. The first €130 million tranche was signed this morning in Valletta by Clyde Caruana, Minister for Finance, and Kyriacos Kakouris, EIB Vice-President. This landmark agreement will help Malta co-finance initiatives that receive grants through the European Union budget for the 2021-2027 period, advancing strategic investments in critical sectors that drive economic growth, job creation, and social cohesion.

    This funding will drive investment in key areas, including modernising health infrastructure to improve healthcare accessibility, strengthening SMEs by enhancing credit access and fostering entrepreneurship, and accelerating digital transformation to expand connectivity and drive innovation. Additionally, the financing will support biodiversity protection, wastewater management, and sustainable transport initiatives such as cycling infrastructure and energy-efficient solutions. These efforts will encourage sustainable mobility, lower emissions, and enhance energy security, reinforcing Malta’s economic, social, and territorial cohesion in alignment with EU policy priorities.

    The EIB will support Malta’s national co-financing share for the implementation of the Operational Programmes for the 2021-2027 period under different EU funds, namely the Cohesion Fund (CF), the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the European Social Fund (ESF), the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), and the Just Transition Fund (JTF).

    Minister for Finance Clyde Caruana commented: “The financing package we have just signed is a testament to the shared values between Malta and the EIB, serving as a crucial step in driving Malta’s economic growth. Through such commitment and collaboration, Malta’s vision for the future will become a reality, thus ensuring that society and local businesses will continue to thrive and excel.”

    EIB Vice-President Kyriacos Kakouris highlighted: “This agreement demonstrates the EIB’s strong commitment to Malta’s sustainable growth. By accelerating investments in key areas—healthcare, digital innovation, sustainable transport, and environmental protection—we aim to enhance economic resilience and improve the quality of life for Maltese citizens. Together, we are shaping a greener, more innovative, and competitive future for Malta.”

    The EIB in Malta

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) has been supporting the Maltese economy since before the country’s accession to the European Union, with its first project signed in 1979 to help expand the commercial port of Valletta Grand Harbour. Since then, the EIB Group’s financing in Malta has exceeded €1 billion, aiding vital sectors such as SME access to finance, urban regeneration, climate action, telecommunications, and the construction of affordable housing. The EIB has also supported landmark infrastructure projects that have transformed the heart of Valletta, including the Parliament building and the open-air theatre at the City Gate. As the EU’s long-term lending institution, the EIB remains committed to promoting sustainable investment and fostering economic resilience in Malta and across Europe.

    Background information   

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, high-impact investments outside the European Union, and the capital markets union.  

    The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.  

    All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.  

    Fostering market integration and mobilising investment, the Group supported a record of over €100 billion in new investment for Europe’s energy security in 2024 and mobilised €110 billion in growth capital for startups, scale-ups and European pioneers. Approximately half of the EIB’s financing within the European Union is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower than the EU average.

    EIB and Government of Malta strengthen partnership with €260 million investment for sustainable growth
    EIB and Government of Malta strengthen partnership with €260 million investment for sustainable growth
    ©EIB
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    EIB and Government of Malta strengthen partnership with €260 million investment for sustainable growth
    EIB and Government of Malta strengthen partnership with €260 million investment for sustainable growth
    ©EIB
    Download original

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: EIB Group invests €12.6 billion to back growth, the green transition and innovation in France in 2024

    Source: European Investment Bank

    The European Investment Bank Group (EIB Group) delivered a strong performance in France last year, with €12.6 billion in long-term investment provided directly or indirectly to private sector companies of all sizes and public sector organisations. France received more EIB Group funding than any other country in 2024, partially as a result of an 85% increase in EIF financing.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Mission to Finland and Estonia – Subcommittee on Tax Matters

    Source: European Parliament

    FISC Mission to Finland and Estonia – 25 to 27 February 2025 © Image used under the license from Adobe Stock

    Members of the FISC Subcommittee will travel to Helsinki (Finland) and Tallinn (Estonia) from 25 to 27 February 2025. The delegation, led by second Vice-Chair Ms. Regina Doherty, will meet with representatives of key institutions, such as the Ministries of Finances and national parliaments, and stakeholders from the private sector, trade unions, and civil society.

    The discussions will focus on topical international tax issues and challenges, such as the implementation of the OECD’s two-pillar tax reform, the simplification of the tax system and forwarding competitiveness, tax incentives, the situation of cross-border workers, energy taxation, and the implementation of EU Directives.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Missions – Mission to Finland and Estonia – 25-02-2025 – Subcommittee on Tax Matters

    Source: European Parliament

    Members of the FISC Subcommittee will travel to Helsinki (Finland) and Tallinn (Estonia) from 25 to 27 February 2025. The delegation, led by second Vice-Chair Ms. Regina Doherty, will meet with representatives of key institutions, such as the Ministries of Finances and national parliaments, and stakeholders from the private sector, trade unions, and civil society.

    The discussions will focus on topical international tax issues and challenges, such as the implementation of the OECD’s two-pillar tax reform, the simplification of the tax system and forwarding competitiveness, tax incentives, the situation of cross-border workers, energy taxation, and the implementation of EU Directives.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Economic Dialogue with ECOFIN President – Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

    Source: European Parliament

    Andrzej Domański, ECOFIN President and Minister of Finance of Poland © European Union, 2025

    The Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) holds an Economic Dialogue and exchange of views with Andrzej Domański, Minister of Finance of Poland, in his capacity as President of the ECOFIN Council during the Polish Presidency (January to June 2025) on Wednesday, 19 February 2025.

    The ECOFIN President will provide an overview of the priorities of the Polish Presidency in the area of economic governance, financial services and taxation, and answer the questions of ECON Members.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Beneficient Reports Results for Third Quarter Fiscal 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

     

    Announced Proposed Transaction to Increase Tangible Book Value to Ben Public Company Stockholders by $9 Million on 8.4 Million Shares Outstanding, Permanent Equity Increased by $35 Million

    Completed First Primary Capital Transaction as Part of Ongoing Business Development Activities

    Announced Proposed International Bank Acquisition to Expand Alternative and Digital Asset Markets Capabilities

    DALLAS, Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Beneficient (NASDAQ: BENF) (“Ben” or the “Company”), a technology-enabled platform providing exit opportunities and primary capital solutions and related trust and custody services to holders of alternative assets through its proprietary online platform, AltAccess, today reported its financial results for the fiscal 2025 third quarter, which ended December 31, 2024.

    Commenting on the fiscal 2025 third quarter results, Beneficient management said: “Our fiscal third quarter was focused on key steps that we believe will ready Ben for significant new activities in delivering liquidity, primary capital and digital asset markets solutions – which we believe are all opportunities to disrupt and enhance the solutions available to large financial audiences. During the fiscal third quarter, we also closed our first primary capital transaction and are seeking additional opportunities.

    “A complementary part of our plan is the proposed acquisition of Mercantile Bank International Corp. (“Mercantile Bank”), a Puerto Rico-based International Financial Entity, which is expected to enable Ben to offer an expanded range of digital asset market solutions and companion custody, clearing and control account fee-based services. We intend to drive new growth opportunities in calendar 2025, which we believe have the potential to generate above market fee rates. These efforts are expected to further build out our expansive model and enable the Company to benefit from a growing range of trust, custody and other services we provide as well as the underlying performance of the private equity assets held in trust.

    “Additionally, we are pleased to have continued to strengthen our capital structure, increasing our permanent equity by $35 million through a re-designation of certain preferred equity. Furthermore, we executed an agreement to complete additional transactions designed to revise the liquidation priority of Beneficient Company Holdings, L.P. (“BCH”) and deliver other benefits to our public company stockholders provided by entities controlled by our founders, which are expected to become increasingly visible as the Company enters into more liquidity and primary capital transactions.”

    Third Quarter Fiscal 2025 and Recent Highlights (for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 or as noted):

    • Reported investments with a fair value of $334.3 million, increased from $329.1 million at the end of our prior fiscal year, served as collateral for Ben Liquidity’s net loan portfolio of $260.6 million and $256.2 million, respectively. Reported investments include our first primary capital transaction with a closing of $1.4 million on December 31, 2024.
    • Revenues increased to $4.4 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2025 as compared to $(10.2) million in the same quarter of fiscal 2024. For the nine months ended December 31, 2024, revenues for fiscal 2025 were $23.0 million as compared to $(55.7) million for fiscal 2024.
    • Operating expenses declined 98% to $13.9 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2025, as compared to $905.7 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2024, which included a non-cash goodwill impairment of $883.2 million. For the nine months ended December 31, 2024, operating expenses for fiscal 2025 were $1.9 million, which included the release of a loss contingency accrual of $55.0 million and non-cash goodwill impairment of $3.7 million, as compared to $2.4 billion in fiscal 2024, which included non-cash goodwill impairment of $2.3 billion.
    • Excluding the non-cash goodwill impairment in the prior comparable period, operating expenses declined 38% to $13.9 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2025 as compared to $22.5 million in the same period of fiscal 2024. For the nine months ended December 31, 2024, excluding the non-cash goodwill impairment and the loss contingency release in each period, as applicable, operating expenses were $53.2 million in fiscal 2025 as compared to $111.7 million in fiscal 2024.
    • Improved permanent equity from a deficit of $148.3 million as of June 30, 2024 to a positive $14.3 million as of December 31, 2024 through a combination of redesignating approximately $160.5 million of temporary equity to permanent equity and additional capital from equity sales and liquidity transactions offset by net loss allocable to permanent equity classified securities of $6.9 million during the applicable period.
    • Announced proposed transaction on December 23, 2024 to revise the liquidation priority of BCH and provide other benefits to our public company shareholders, which on a proforma basis, amounts to $9.2 million of tangible book value to Ben’s public company stockholders(1) using December 31, 2024 financial information, as compared to no book value to Ben’s public company stockholders absent the transaction.
    • Announced an agreement to acquire Mercantile Bank in exchange for an aggregate purchase price of $1.5 million, subject to certain closing conditions, which is expected to enable Ben to offer an expanded range of digital asset markets solutions and companion custody, clearing and control account fee-based services that generate additional cash flow in calendar 2025, including additional alternative asset custody services with the potential to generate higher fee rates than are generally available for traditional custody services.

    Loan Portfolio

    As a result of executing on our business plan of providing financing for liquidity, or early investment exits, for alternative asset marketplace participants, Ben organically develops a balance sheet comprised largely of loans collateralized by a well- diversified alternative asset portfolio that is expected to grow as Ben successfully executes on its core business.

    Ben’s balance sheet strategy for ExAlt Loan origination is built on the theory of the portfolio endowment model for the fiduciary financings we make by utilizing our patent-pending computer implemented technologies branded as OptimumAlt. Our OptimumAlt endowment model balance sheet approach guides diversification of our fiduciary financings across seven asset classes of alternative assets, over 11 industry sectors in which alternative asset managers invest, and at least six countrywide exposures and multiple vintages of dates of investment into the private funds and companies.

    As of December 31, 2024, Ben’s loan portfolio was supported by a highly diversified alternative asset collateral portfolio providing diversification across approximately 220 private market funds and approximately 750 investments across various asset classes, industry sectors and geographies. This portfolio includes exposure to some of the most exciting, sought after private company names worldwide, such as the largest private space exploration company, an innovative software and payment systems provider, a venture capital firm investing in waste-to-energy and clean energy technologies, a technology company providing Net Zero solutions in the production of advanced biofuels, a designer and manufacturer of shaving products, a large online store for women’s clothes and other fashionable accessories that has announced intentions to go public, a mobile banking services provider, and others.

    Figure 1: Portfolio Diversification

    Diversification Using Principal Loan Balance, Net of Allowance for Credit Losses

    As of December 31, 2024, the charts below present the ExAlt Loan portfolio’s relative exposure by certain characteristics (percentages determined by aggregate fiduciary ExAlt Loan portfolio principal balance net of allowance for credit losses, which includes the exposure to interests in certain of our former affiliates composing part of the Fiduciary Loan Portfolio).

    As of December 31, 2024. Represents the characteristics of professionally managed funds and investments in the Collateral (defined as follows) portfolio. The Collateral for the ExAlt Loans in the loan portfolio is comprised of a diverse portfolio of direct and indirect interests (through various investment vehicles, including, limited partnership interests and private and public equity and debt securities, which include our and our affiliates’ or our former affiliates’ securities), primarily in third-party, professionally managed private funds and investments. Loan balances usedto calculate the percentages reported in the pie charts are loan balances net of any allowance for credit losses, and as ofDecember 31, 2024, the total allowance for credit losses was$325 million, for a total gross loan balance of$586 millionand a loan balance net of allowance for credit losses of$261 million.

    Business Segments: Third Quarter Fiscal 2025

    Ben Liquidity

    Ben Liquidity offers simple, rapid and cost-effective liquidity products through the use of our proprietary financing and trust structure, or the “Customer ExAlt Trusts,” which facilitate the exchange of a customer’s alternative assets for consideration.

    • Ben Liquidity recognized $11.3 million of interest income for the fiscal third quarter, a decrease of 5.7% from the quarter ended September 30, 2024, primarily due to a higher percentage loans being placed on nonaccrual status, partially offset by the effects of compounding interest on the remaining loans.
    • Operating loss for the fiscal third quarter was $2.9 million, a decline from operating income of $2.9 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. The decline in operating performance was due to higher intersegment credit losses in the current fiscal period as compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2024 due to slightly lower collateral values while the amortized cost basis increased principally due to interest capitalizing at a higher rate than loan payments.

    Ben Custody

    Ben Custody provides full-service trust and custody administration services to the trustees of certain of the Customer ExAlt Trusts, which own the exchanged alternative assets following liquidity transactions in exchange for fees payable quarterly calculated as a percentage of assets in custody.

    • NAV of alternative assets and other securities held in custody by Ben Custody during the fiscal third quarter increased to $385.1 million as of December 31, 2024, compared to $381.2 million as of March 31, 2024. The increase was driven by $1.4 million of new originations and unrealized gains on existing assets, principally related adjustments to the relative share held in custody of the respective fund’s NAV based on updated financial information received from the funds’ investment manager or sponsor during the period, offset by distributions during the period.
    • Revenues applicable to Ben Custody were $5.4 million for the fiscal third quarter, compared to $5.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. The similar amount of revenues for these periods was a result of stable NAV of alternative assets and other securities held in custody at the beginning of each applicable period, when such fees are calculated.
    • Operating income for the fiscal third quarter decreased to $3.5 million, from $4.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. The decrease was primarily due to credit losses related to certain fees collateralized by securities of our former parent company. Additionally, there was no non-cash goodwill impairment in the third fiscal quarter as compared to non-cash goodwill impairment of $0.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024.
    • Adjusted operating income(1) for the fiscal third quarter was $4.8 million, compared to adjusted operating income(1) of $4.6 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. The increase was due to slightly lower operating expenses, principally related to lower employee compensation due to lower headcount.

    Business Segments: Through Nine Months Ended Fiscal 2025

    Ben Liquidity

    • Ben Liquidity recognized $34.1 million of interest income for the nine months ended December 31, 2024, down 6.0% compared to the prior year period, primarily due to lower loans, net of the allowance for credit losses, resulting from higher levels of non-accrual loans and loan prepayments, partially offset by new loans originated.
    • Operating loss was $0.5 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2024, improving from an operating loss of $1.8 billion in the prior year period. The prior period loss was driven by non-cash goodwill impairment totaling $1.7 billion and credit losses largely related to securities of our former parent company.
    • Adjusted operating loss(1) was $0.5 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2024 compared to adjusted operating loss(1) of $11.8 million in the prior year period with the improvement in adjusted operating loss(1) primarily related to lower credit loss adjustments recognized in the current fiscal year and lower employee compensation costs due to lower headcount.

    Ben Custody

    • Ben Custody revenues were $16.2 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2024, down 14.7%, compared to the prior year period, primarily due to lower NAV of alternative assets and other securities held in custody.
    • Operating income was $9.1 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2024 compared to operating loss of $538.8 million in the prior year period, with the increase in operating income principally related to a significantly larger non-cash goodwill impairment in the prior year period of $554.6 million as compared to $3.4 million in the current fiscal year.
    • Adjusted operating income(1) for the nine months ended December 31, 2024 was $13.9 million, compared to adjusted operating income(1) of $15.8 million in the prior year period with the decrease in adjusted operating income(1) primarily due to lower revenue related to lower NAV of alternative assets and other securities held in custody partially offset by slightly lower operating expenses during the current fiscal year period.

    Capital and Liquidity

    • As of December 31, 2024, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $4.1 million and total debt of $122.9 million.
    • Distributions received from alternative assets and other securities held in custody totaled $19.3 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2024, compared to $38.4 million for the same period of fiscal 2024.
    • Total investments (at fair value) of $334.3 million at December 31, 2024 supported Ben Liquidity’s loan portfolio.

    (1) Represents a non-GAAP financial measure. For reconciliations of our non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures and for the reasons we believe the non-GAAP measures provide useful information, see Non-GAAP Reconciliations.

    Board Update

    On November 21, 2024, Karen Wendel was appointed to the Board as an independent director and a member of various committees, including the Audit committee of the Board, bringing substantial additional expertise in Cyber Security, Identity Solutions, Security Regulations, ISO Global Standards, e-Commerce, e-Healthcare, PKI Digital Certificates and Blockchain to Beneficient. Ms. Wendel serves as Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Trust Chains, a cybersecurity consulting firm, and previously served as the Chief Executive Officer and board member of IdenTrust, a global identity solutions company, from May 2003 to February 2016. Ms. Wendel has also served as Chief Executive Officer and a board member for eFinance Corporation, as a board member and audit committee member of Level Field Capital, a Nasdaq-traded special purpose acquisition company, as a partner at the Capital Markets Company (CAPCO), a Belgium-based consulting firm, and is the former head of the U.S. Financial Services Practice at Gemini Consulting. Ms. Wendel is an author on financial management, payments and supply chain integration; an advisor to U.S. government agencies and the European Union on emerging technologies for payments and transaction processing; and a keynote speaker at major international banking conferences.

    Consolidated Fiscal Third Quarter Results

    Table 1 below presents a summary of selected unaudited consolidated operating financial information.

    Consolidated Fiscal Third Quarter Results
    ($ in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
    Fiscal 3Q25
    December 31,
    2024
    Fiscal 2Q25
    September 30,
    2024
    Fiscal 3Q24
    December 31,
    2023
    Change %
    vs. Prior
    Quarter
      YTD Fiscal
    2025
    YTD Fiscal
    2024
    Change %
    vs. Prior
    YTD
    GAAP Revenues $ 4,419   $ 8,561   $ (10,235 ) (48.4)%   $ 23,026   $ (55,739 ) NM
    Adjusted Revenues(1)   4,427     8,734     8,456   (49.3)%     23,572     8,478   NM
    GAAP Operating Income (Loss)   (9,513 )   (13,715 )   (915,951 ) 30.6%     21,110     (2,453,685 ) NM
    Adjusted Operating Loss(1)   (7,301 )   (6,611 )   (11,684 ) (10.4)%     (18,638 )   (57,374 ) 67.5%
    Basic Class A EPS $ (1.32 ) $ 2.98   $ (158.36 ) NM   $ 10.30   $ (668.31 ) NM
    Diluted Class A EPS $ (1.32 ) $ 0.03   $ (158.36 ) NM   $ 0.12   $ (668.31 ) NM
    Segment Revenues attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders(2)   16,621     16,626     17,961   —%     49,482     53,715   (7.9)%
    Adjusted Segment Revenues attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders (1)(2)   16,621     16,626     18,146   —%     49,489     55,059   (10.1)%
    Segment Operating Income (Loss) attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders   (8,281 )   (9,192 )   (894,617 ) 9.9%     27,391     (2,414,893 ) NM
    Adjusted Segment Operating Loss attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders(1)(2) $ (4,737 ) $ (2,261 ) $ (4,594 ) NM   $ (11,551 ) $ (37,583 ) 69.3%

    NM – Not meaningful.

    (1) Adjusted Revenues, Adjusted Operating Loss, Adjusted Segment Revenues attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders and Adjusted Segment Operating Loss attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders are non-GAAP financial measures. For reconciliations of our non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures and for the reasons we believe the non-GAAP measures provide useful information, see Non-GAAP Reconciliations.

    (2) Segment financial information attributable to Ben’s equity holders is presented to provide users of our financial information an understanding and visual aide of the segment information (revenues, operating income (loss), and adjusted operating income (loss)) that impacts Ben’s Equity Holders. “Ben’s Equity Holders” refers to the holders of Beneficient Class A and Class B common stock and Series B Preferred Stock as well as holders of interests in BCH which represent noncontrolling interests. For a description of noncontrolling interests, see Item 2 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the nine months ended December 31, 2024, and Reconciliation of Business Segment Information Attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders to Net Income Attributable to Ben Common Holders. Such information is computed as the sum of the Ben Liquidity, Ben Custody and Corp/Other segments since it is the operating results of those segments that determine the net income (loss) attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders. See further information in table 5 and Non-GAAP Reconciliations.

    Table 2 below presents a summary of selected unaudited consolidated balance sheet information.

    Consolidated Fiscal Third Quarter Results
    ($ in thousands)
    Fiscal 3Q25
    As of
    December 31, 2024
      Fiscal 4Q24
    As of
    March 31, 2024
      Change %
    Investments, at Fair Value $ 334,278   $ 329,119   1.6%
    All Other Assets   52,720     22,676   132.5%
    Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net   13,014     16,706   (22.1)%
    Total Assets $ 400,012   $ 368,501   8.6%


    Business Segment Information Attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders
    (1)

    Table 3 below presents unaudited segment revenues and segment operating income (loss) for business segments attributable to Ben’s equity holders.

    Segment Revenues Attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders(1)
    ($ in thousands)
    Fiscal 3Q25
    December 31,
    2024
    Fiscal 2Q25
    September 30,
    2024
    Fiscal 3Q24
    December 31,
    2023
    Change %
    vs. Prior
    Quarter
      YTD Fiscal
    2025
    YTD Fiscal
    2024
    Change %
    vs. Prior
    YTD
    Ben Liquidity $ 11,297   $ 11,978   $ 11,275 (5.7)%   $ 34,124   $ 36,303   (6.0)%
    Ben Custody   5,410     5,386     5,897 0.4%     16,178     18,961   (14.7)%
    Corporate & Other   (86 )   (738 )   789 88.3%     (820 )   (1,549 ) 47.1%
    Total Segment Revenues Attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders(1) $ 16,621   $ 16,626   $ 17,961 —%   $ 49,482   $ 53,715   (7.9)%
    Segment Operating Income (Loss) Attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders(1)
    ($ in thousands)
    Fiscal 3Q25
    December 31,
    2024
    Fiscal 2Q25
    September 30,
    2024
    Fiscal 3Q24
    December 31,
    2023
    Change %
    vs. Prior
    Quarter
      YTD Fiscal
    2025
    YTD Fiscal
    2024
    Change %
    vs. Prior
    YTD
    Ben Liquidity $ (2,853 ) $ 2,905   $ (606,405 ) NM   $ (462 ) $ (1,781,521 ) 100.0%
    Ben Custody   3,507     4,329     (267,995 ) (19.0)%     9,123     (538,840 ) NM
    Corporate & Other   (8,935 )   (16,426 )   (20,217 ) 45.6%     18,730     (94,532 ) NM
    Total Segment Operating Income (Loss) Attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders(1) $ (8,281 ) $ (9,192 ) $ (894,617 ) 9.9%   $ 27,391   $ (2,414,893 ) NM

    NM – Not meaningful.

    (1) Segment financial information attributable to Ben’s equity holders is presented to provide users of our financial information an understanding and visual aide of the segment information (revenues, operating income (loss), and adjusted operating income (loss)) that impacts Ben’s Equity Holders. “Ben’s Equity Holders” refers to the holders of Beneficient Class A and Class B common stock and Series B Preferred Stock as well as holders of interests in BCH which represent noncontrolling interests. For a description of noncontrolling interests, see Item 2 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the nine months ended December 31, 2024, and Reconciliation of Business Segment Information Attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders to Net Income Attributable to Ben Common Holders. Such information is computed as the sum of the Ben Liquidity, Ben Custody and Corp/Other segments since it is the operating results of those segments that determine the net income (loss) attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders. See further information in table 5 and Non-GAAP Reconciliations.

    Adjusted Business Segment Information Attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders(2)

    Table 4 below presents unaudited adjusted segment revenue and adjusted segment operating income (loss) for business segments attributable to Ben’s equity holders.

    Adjusted Segment Revenues Attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders(1)(2)
    ($ in thousands)
    Fiscal 3Q25
    December 31,
    2024
    Fiscal 2Q25
    September 30,
    2024
    Fiscal 3Q24
    December 31,
    2023
    Change %
    vs. Prior
    Quarter
      YTD Fiscal
    2025
    YTD Fiscal
    2024
    Change %
    vs. Prior
    YTD
    Ben Liquidity $ 11,297   $ 11,978   $ 11,275 (5.7)%   $ 34,124   $ 36,303   (6.0)%
    Ben Custody   5,410     5,386     5,897 0.4%     16,178     18,961   (14.7)%
    Corporate & Other   (86 )   (738 )   974 88.3%     (813 )   (205 ) NM
    Total Adjusted Segment Revenues Attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders(1)(2) $ 16,621   $ 16,626   $ 18,146 —%   $ 49,489   $ 55,059   (10.1)%
    Adjusted Segment Operating Income (Loss) Attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders(1)(2)
    ($ in thousands)
    Fiscal 3Q25
    December 31,
    2024
    Fiscal 2Q25
    September 30,
    2024
    Fiscal 3Q24
    December 31,
    2023
    Change %
    vs. Prior
    Quarter
      YTD Fiscal
    2025
    YTD Fiscal
    2024
    Change %
    vs. Prior
    YTD
    Ben Liquidity $ (2,853 ) $ 2,905   $ 2,525   NM   $ (457 ) $ (11,769 ) 96.1%
    Ben Custody   4,847     4,627     4,835   4.8%     13,890     15,767   (11.9)%
    Corporate & Other   (6,731 )   (9,793 )   (11,954 ) 31.3%     (24,984 )   (41,581 ) 39.9%
    Total Adjusted Segment Operating Income (Loss) Attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders(1)(2) $ (4,737 ) $ (2,261 ) $ (4,594 ) NM   $ (11,551 ) $ (37,583 ) 69.3%

    NM – Not meaningful.

    (1) Adjusted Revenues, Adjusted Operating Income (Loss), Adjusted Segment Revenues attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders and Adjusted Segment Operating Income (Loss) attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders are non-GAAP financial measures. For reconciliations of our non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures and for the reasons we believe the non-GAAP measures provide useful information, see Non-GAAP Reconciliations.
    (2) Segment financial information attributable to Ben’s equity holders is presented to provide users of our financial information an understanding and visual aide of the segment information (revenues, operating income (loss), and adjusted operating income (loss)) that impacts Ben’s Equity Holders. “Ben’s Equity Holders” refers to the holders of Beneficient Class A and Class B common stock and Series B Preferred Stock as well as holders of interests in BCH which represent noncontrolling interests. For a description of noncontrolling interests, see Item 2 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the nine months ended December 31, 2024, and Reconciliation of Business Segment Information Attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders to Net Income Attributable to Ben Common Holders. Such information is computed as the sum of the Ben Liquidity, Ben Custody and Corp/Other segments since it is the operating results of those segments that determine the net income (loss) attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders. See further information in table 5 and Non-GAAP Reconciliations.

    Reconciliation of Business Segment Information Attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders to Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Ben Common Shareholders

    Table 5 below presents reconciliation of operating income (loss) by business segment attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders to net income (loss) attributable to Ben common shareholders.

    Reconciliation of Business Segments to Net Income (Loss) to Ben Common Shareholders
    ($ in thousands)
    Fiscal 3Q25
    December 31,
    2024
    Fiscal 2Q25
    September 30,
    2024
    Fiscal 3Q24
    December 31,
    2023
      YTD Fiscal
    2025
    YTD Fiscal
    2024
    Ben Liquidity $ (2,853 ) $ 2,905   $ (606,405 )   $ (462 ) $ (1,781,521 )
    Ben Custody   3,507     4,329     (267,995 )     9,123     (538,840 )
    Corporate & Other   (8,935 )   (16,426 )   (20,217 )     18,730     (94,532 )
    Loss on debt extinguishment, net (intersegment elimination)   —     —     (3,940 )     —     (3,940 )
    Gain on liability resolution   —     23,462     —       23,462     —  
    Income tax expense (allocable to Ben and BCH equity holders)   (713 )   —     (75 )     (741 )   (75 )
    Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests – Ben   4,844     3,067     360,695       15,098     401,985  
    Noncontrolling interest guaranteed payment   (4,489 )   (4,423 )   (4,229 )     (13,268 )   (12,501 )
    Net income (loss) attributable to Ben’s common shareholders $ (8,639 ) $ 12,914   $ (542,166 )   $ 51,942   $ (2,029,424 )


    Earnings Webcast

    Beneficient will host a webcast and conference call to review its third quarter financial results on February 13, 2025, at 8:30 am Eastern Standard Time. The webcast will be available via live webcast from the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at https://shareholders.trustben.com under Events.

    Replay

    The webcast will be archived on the Company’s website in the investor relations section for replay for at least one year.

    About Beneficent

    Beneficient (Nasdaq: BENF) – Ben, for short – is on a mission to democratize the global alternative asset investment market by providing traditionally underserved investors − mid-to-high net worth individuals, small-to-midsized institutions and General Partners seeking exit options, anchor commitments and valued-added services for their funds− with solutions that could help them unlock the value in their alternative assets. Ben’s AltQuote™ tool provides customers with a range of potential exit options within minutes, while customers can log on to the AltAccess® portal to explore opportunities and receive proposals in a secure online environment.

    Its subsidiary, Beneficient Fiduciary Financial, L.L.C., received its charter under the State of Kansas’ Technology-Enabled Fiduciary Financial Institution (TEFFI) Act and is subject to regulatory oversight by the Office of the State Bank Commissioner.

    For more information, visit www.trustben.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

    Contacts
    Investors:
    Matt Kreps/214-597-8200/mkreps@darrowir.com
    Michael Wetherington/214-284-1199/mwetherington@darrowir.com
    investors@beneficient.com

    Important Information and Where You Can Find It

    This press release may be deemed to be solicitation material in respect of a vote of stockholders to approve an amendment to Ben’s articles of incorporation to increase the authorized shares of Class B Common Stock of Ben and the issuance of securities pursuant to the transactions to revise the liquidation priority of BCH (the “Transactions”). In connection with the requisite stockholder approval, Ben will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a preliminary proxy statement and a definitive proxy statement, which will be sent to the stockholders of Ben, seeking such approvals related to the Transactions.

    INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF BEN AND THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES ARE URGED TO READ, WHEN AVAILABLE, THE PROXY STATEMENT AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED OR TO BE FILED WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE TRANSACTIONS, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THOSE DOCUMENTS, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BEN AND THE TRANSACTIONS. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain a free copy of the proxy statement, as well as other relevant documents filed with the SEC containing information about Ben, without charge, at the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov). Copies of documents filed with the SEC by Ben can also be obtained, without charge, by directing a request to Investor Relations, Beneficient, 325 North St. Paul Street, Suite 4850, Dallas, Texas 75201, or email investors@beneficient.com.

    Participants in the Solicitation of Proxies in Connection with Transaction

    Ben and certain of its directors, executive officers and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the requisite stockholder approvals under the rules of the SEC. Information regarding Ben’s directors and executive officers is available in its annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, which was filed with the SEC on July 9, 2024 and certain current reports on Form 8-K filed by Ben. Other information regarding the participants in the solicitation of proxies with respect to the proposed transaction and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the proxy statement and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC. Free copies of these documents, when available, may be obtained as described in the preceding paragraph.

    Not an Offer of Securities

    The information in this communication is for informational purposes only and shall not constitute, or form a part of, an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. The securities that are the subject of the Transactions have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements.

    Disclaimer and Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, with respect to, among other things, demand for our solutions in the alternative asset industry, opportunities for market growth, statements regarding the proposed Transactions, including expectations of future plans, strategies, and benefits of the Transactions, statements regarding the proposed Mercantile Bank acquisition and estimates regarding future synergies and benefits, our ability to expand the range of digital asset market solutions, and companion custody clearing and control account fee-based services as a result of the proposed Mercantile Bank acquisition, our ability to identify and negotiate transactions, diversification and size of our loan portfolio and our ability to scale operations and provide shareholder value. These forward-looking statements are generally identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would,” and, in each case, their negative or other various or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements reflect our views with respect to future events as of the date of this document and are based on our management’s current expectations, estimates, forecasts, projections, assumptions, beliefs and information. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to have been correct. All such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of our control, and could cause future events or results to be materially different from those stated or implied in this document. It is not possible to predict or identify all such risks. These risks include, but are not limited to, the ultimate outcome of the Transactions; the Company’s ability to consummate the Transactions; the ability of the Company to satisfy the closing conditions set forth in the agreement with respect to the Transactions, including obtaining the requisite vote of securityholders; the Company’s ability to meet expectations regarding the timing and completion of the Transactions, the ultimate outcome of the proposed Mercantile Bank acquisition; the Company’s ability to consummate the proposed Mercantile Bank acquisition in a timely manner or at all; the ability of the parties to satisfy the closing conditions to the acquisition; the possibility that the Company may be unable to successfully integrate Mercantile Bank’s operations with those of the Company or realize the expected benefits of the acquisition; the possibility that such integration may be more difficult, time-consuming, or costly than expected; the risk that operating costs, customer loss, and business disruption (including, without limitation, difficulties in maintaining relationships with employees, contractors, and customers) may be greater than expected following the acquisition or the public announcement of the acquisition; the Company’s ability to retain certain key employees of Mercantile Bank; the ability to launch and receive market acceptance for new products and services; risks related to the entry into a new line of business in connection with the proposed Mercantile Bank acquisition, and the risk factors that are described under the section titled “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and other filings with the SEC. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in this document and in our SEC filings. We expressly disclaim any obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

    Table 6: CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED)

      Three Months Ended
    December 31,
      Nine Months Ended
    December 31,
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)   2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Revenues              
    Investment income, net $ 4,742     $ 7,448     $ 24,311     $ 7,935  
    Loss on financial instruments, net (related party of $(8), $(18,691), $(546) and $(64,217), respectively)   (523 )     (18,024 )     (1,885 )     (64,260 )
    Interest and dividend income   10       118       34       348  
    Trust services and administration revenues (related party of $8, $8, $23 and $23, respectively)   188       158       564       173  
    Other income   2       65       2       65  
    Total revenues   4,419       (10,235 )     23,026       (55,739 )
                   
    Operating expenses              
    Employee compensation and benefits   2,929       7,340       13,914       58,561  
    Interest expense (related party of $3,140, $3,018, $9,330 and $5,843, respectively)   3,240       4,671       11,848       13,569  
    Professional services   5,083       4,970       17,884       22,000  
    Provision for credit losses   —       —       1,000       —  
    Loss on impairment of goodwill   —       883,223       3,692       2,286,212  
    Release of loss contingency related to arbitration award   —       —       (54,973 )     —  
    Other expenses (related party of $723, $2,096, $2,111 and $6,317, respectively)   2,680       5,512       8,551       17,604  
    Total operating expenses   13,932       905,716       1,916       2,397,946  
    Operating income (loss)   (9,513 )     (915,951 )     21,110       (2,453,685 )
    (Gain) loss on liability resolution   —       —       (23,462 )     —  
    Loss on extinguishment of debt, net   —       8,846       —       8,846  
    Net income (loss) before income taxes   (9,513 )     (924,797 )     44,572       (2,462,531 )
    Income tax expense   713       75       741       75  
    Net income (loss)   (10,226 )     (924,872 )     43,831       (2,462,606 )
    Plus: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests – Customer ExAlt Trusts   1,232       26,240       6,281       43,698  
    Plus: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests – Ben   4,844       360,695       15,098       401,985  
    Less: Noncontrolling interest guaranteed payment   (4,489 )     (4,229 )     (13,268 )     (12,501 )
    Net income (loss) attributable to Beneficient common shareholders $ (8,639 )   $ (542,166 )   $ 51,942     $ (2,029,424 )
    Other comprehensive income (loss):              
    Unrealized (loss) gain on investments in available-for-sale debt securities   (120 )     51       (115 )     4,236  
    Total comprehensive income (loss)   (8,759 )     (542,115 )     51,827       (2,025,188 )
    Less: comprehensive (loss) gain attributable to noncontrolling interests   (120 )     51       (115 )     4,236  
    Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Beneficient $ (8,639 )   $ (542,166 )   $ 51,942     $ (2,029,424 )
                   
    Net income (loss) per common share              
    Class A – basic $ (1.32 )   $ (158.36 )   $ 10.30     $ (668.31 )
    Class B – basic $ (1.02 )   $ (156.95 )   $ 13.78     $ (587.49 )
    Net income (loss) per common share              
    Class A – diluted $ (1.32 )   $ (158.36 )   $ 0.12     $ (668.31 )
    Class B – diluted $ (1.02 )   $ (156.95 )   $ 0.12     $ (587.49 )


    Table 7: CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

      December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
    (Dollars and shares in thousands) (unaudited)    
    ASSETS      
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 4,149     $ 7,913  
    Restricted cash   52       64  
    Investments, at fair value:      
    Investments held by Customer ExAlt Trusts (related party of $12 and $552)   334,278       329,113  
    Investments held by Ben (related party of nil and $6)   —       6  
    Other assets, net   48,519       14,699  
    Intangible assets   3,100       3,100  
    Goodwill   9,914       13,606  
    Total assets $ 400,012     $ 368,501  
    LIABILITIES, TEMPORARY EQUITY, AND EQUITY (DEFICIT)      
    Accounts payable and accrued expenses (related party of $14,294 and $14,143) $ 149,204     $ 157,157  
    Other liabilities (related party of $16,798 and $9,740)   22,433       31,727  
    Warrants liability   648       178  
    Convertible debt   2,667       —  
    Debt due to related parties   120,274       120,505  
    Total liabilities   295,226       309,567  
    Redeemable noncontrolling interests      
    Preferred Series A Subclass 0 Redeemable Unit Accounts, nonunitized   90,526       251,052  
    Total temporary equity   90,526       251,052  
    Shareholder’s equity (deficit):      
    Preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share, 250,000 shares authorized      
    Series A preferred stock, 0 and 0 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2024   —       —  
    Series B preferred stock, 363 and 227 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2024   —       —  
    Class A common stock, par value $0.001 per share, 5,000,000 and 18,750(1) shares authorized as of December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2024, respectively, 8,246 and 3,348 shares issued as of December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2024, respectively, and 8,237 and 3,339 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2024, respectively   8       3  
    Class B convertible common stock, par value $0.001 per share, 250(1) shares authorized, 239 and 239 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2024   —       —  
    Additional paid-in capital   1,843,911       1,848,068  
    Accumulated deficit   (2,007,272 )     (2,059,214 )
    Stock receivable   —       (20,038 )
    Treasury stock, at cost (9 shares as of December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2024)   (3,444 )     (3,444 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive income   161       276  
    Noncontrolling interests   180,896       42,231  
    Total equity (deficit)   14,260       (192,118 )
    Total liabilities, temporary equity, and equity (deficit) $ 400,012     $ 368,501  

    (1) Number has been adjusted to reflect 1-for-80 reverse stock split on April 18, 2024. See Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – Reverse Stock Split to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on July 9, 2024, for additional information.

    Table 8: Non-GAAP Reconciliations

    (in thousands)   Three Months Ended December 31, 2024
        Ben
    Liquidity
    Ben
    Custody
    Customer
    ExAlt Trusts
    Corporate/
    Other
    Consolidating
    Eliminations
    Consolidated
    Total revenues   $ 11,297   $ 5,410 $ 4,317   $ (86 ) $ (16,519 ) $ 4,419  
    Mark to market adjustment on interests in the GWG Wind Down Trust     —     —   8     —     —     8  
    Adjusted revenues   $ 11,297   $ 5,410 $ 4,325   $ (86 ) $ (16,519 ) $ 4,427  
                   
    Operating income (loss)   $ (2,853 ) $ 3,507 $ (35,544 ) $ (8,935 ) $ 34,312   $ (9,513 )
    Mark to market adjustment on interests in the GWG Wind Down Trust     —     —   8     —     —     8  
    Intersegment provision for credit losses on collateral comprised of interests in the GWG Wind Down Trust     —     1,340   —     —     (1,340 )   —  
    Goodwill impairment     —     —   —     —     —     —  
    Release of loss contingency related to arbitration award     —     —   —     —     —     —  
    Share-based compensation expense     —     —   —     804     —     804  
    Legal and professional fees(1)     —     —   —     1,400     —     1,400  
    Adjusted operating income (loss)   $ (2,853 ) $ 4,847 $ (35,536 ) $ (6,731 ) $ 32,972   $ (7,301 )

    (1) Includes legal and professional fees related lawsuits.

    (in thousands)   Three Months Ended September 30, 2024
        Ben
    Liquidity
    Ben
    Custody
    Customer
    ExAlt Trusts
    Corporate/
    Other
    Consolidating
    Eliminations
    Consolidated
    Total revenues   $ 11,978 $ 5,386 $ 9,112   $ (738 ) $ (17,177 ) $ 8,561  
    Mark to market adjustment on interests in the GWG Wind Down Trust     —   —   173     —     —     173  
    Adjusted revenues   $ 11,978 $ 5,386 $ 9,285   $ (738 ) $ (17,177 ) $ 8,734  
                   
    Operating income (loss)   $ 2,905 $ 4,329 $ (31,549 ) $ (16,426 ) $ 27,026   $ (13,715 )
    Mark to market adjustment on interests in the GWG Wind Down Trust     —   —   173     —     —     173  
    Intersegment provision for credit losses on collateral comprised of interests in the GWG Wind Down Trust     —   —   —     —     —     —  
    Goodwill impairment     —   298   —     —     —     298  
    Release of loss contingency related to arbitration award     —   —   —     —     —     —  
    Share-based compensation expense     —   —   —     3,364     —     3,364  
    Legal and professional fees(1)     —   —   —     3,269     —     3,269  
    Adjusted operating income (loss)   $ 2,905 $ 4,627 $ (31,376 ) $ (9,793 ) $ 27,026   $ (6,611 )

    (1) Includes legal and professional fees related to lawsuits.

    (in thousands)   Three Months Ended December 31, 2023
        Ben
    Liquidity
      Ben
    Custody
      Customer
    ExAlt Trusts
      Corporate/
    Other
      Consolidating
    Eliminations
      Consolidated
    Total revenues   $ 11,275     $ 5,897     $ (11,182 )   $ 789     $ (17,014 )   $ (10,235 )
    Mark to market adjustment on interests in the GWG Wind Down Trust     —       —       18,506       185       —       18,691  
    Adjusted revenues   $ 11,275     $ 5,897     $ 7,324     $ 974     $ (17,014 )   $ 8,456  
                             
    Operating income (loss)   $ (606,405 )   $ (267,995 )   $ (49,363 )   $ (20,217 )   $ 28,029     $ (915,951 )
    Mark to market adjustment on interests in the GWG Wind Down Trust     —       —       18,506       185       —       18,691  
    Intersegment provision for credit losses on collateral comprised of interests in the GWG Wind Down Trust     4,262       —       —       —       (4,262 )     —  
    Goodwill impairment     604,668       272,830       —       5,725       —       883,223  
    Loss on arbitration     —       —       —       —       —       —  
    Share-based compensation expense     —       —       —       2,026       —       2,026  
    Legal and professional fees(1)     —       —       —       327       —       327  
    Adjusted operating income (loss)   $ 2,525     $ 4,835     $ (30,857 )   $ (11,954 )   $ 23,767     $ (11,684 )

    (1) Includes legal and professional fees related to lawsuits.

    (in thousands)   Nine Months Ended December 31, 2024
        Ben
    Liquidity
      Ben
    Custody
      Customer
    ExAlt Trusts
      Corporate/
    Other
      Consolidating
    Eliminations
      Consolidated
    Total revenues   $ 34,124     $ 16,178   $ 23,282     $ (820 )   $ (49,738 )   $ 23,026  
    Mark to market adjustment on interests in the GWG Wind Down Trust     —       —     539       7       —       546  
    Adjusted revenues   $ 34,124     $ 16,178   $ 23,821     $ (813 )   $ (49,738 )   $ 23,572  
                             
    Operating income (loss)   $ (462 )   $ 9,123   $ (96,722 )   $ 18,730     $ 90,441     $ 21,110  
    Mark to market adjustment on interests in the GWG Wind Down Trust     —       —     539       7       —       546  
    Intersegment provision for credit losses on collateral comprised of interests in the GWG Wind Down Trust     5       1,340     —       —       (1,345 )     —  
    Goodwill impairment     —       3,427     —       265       —       3,692  
    Release of loss contingency related to arbitration award     —       —     —       (54,973 )     —       (54,973 )
    Share-based compensation expense     —       —     —       5,162       —       5,162  
    Legal and professional fees(1)     —       —     —       5,825       —       5,825  
    Adjusted operating income (loss)   $ (457 )   $ 13,890   $ (96,183 )   $ (24,984 )   $ 89,096     $ (18,638 )

    (1) Includes legal and professional fees related to lawsuits.

    (in thousands)   Nine Months Ended December 31, 2023
        Ben
    Liquidity
      Ben
    Custody
      Customer
    ExAlt Trusts
      Corporate/
    Other
      Consolidating
    Eliminations
      Consolidated
    Total revenues   $ 36,303     $ 18,961     $ (54,363 )   $ (1,549 )   $ (55,091 )   $ (55,739 )
    Mark to market adjustment on interests in the GWG Wind Down Trust     —       —       62,873       1,344       —       64,217  
    Adjusted revenues   $ 36,303     $ 18,961     $ 8,510     $ (205 )   $ (55,091 )   $ 8,478  
                             
    Operating income (loss)   $ (1,781,521 )   $ (538,840 )   $ (166,051 )   $ (94,532 )   $ 127,259     $ (2,453,685 )
    Mark to market adjustment on interests in the GWG Wind Down Trust     —       —       62,873       1,344       —       64,217  
    Intersegment provision for credit losses on collateral comprised of interests in the GWG Wind Down Trust     43,872       —       —       —       (43,872 )     —  
    Goodwill impairment     1,725,880       554,607       —       5,725       —       2,286,212  
    Loss on arbitration     —       —       —       —       —       —  
    Share-based compensation expense     —       —       —       37,530       —       37,530  
    Legal and professional fees(1)     —       —       —       8,352       —       8,352  
    Adjusted operating income (loss)   $ (11,769 )   $ 15,767     $ (103,178 )   $ (41,581 )   $ 83,387     $ (57,374 )

    (1) Includes legal and professional fees related to GWG Holdings bankruptcy, lawsuits, public relations, and employee matters.

      Three Months Ended
    December 31,
      Nine Months Ended
    December 31,
        2024     2023       2024       2023  
    Operating Expenses Non GAAP Reconciliation              
    Operating expenses $ 13,932   $ 905,716     $ 1,916     $ 2,397,946  
    Plus: Release of loss contingency related to arbitration award   —     —       54,973       —  
    Less: Goodwill impairment   —     (883,223 )     (3,692 )     (2,286,212 )
    Operating expenses, excluding goodwill impairment and release of loss contingency related to arbitration award $ 13,932   $ 22,493     $ 53,197     $ 111,734  

    The below table reconciles the non-GAAP financial measures of tangible book value and tangible book value to Ben’s public stockholders to the most comparable GAAP financial measures as of December 31, 2024 on an actual basis and pro forma assuming the transactions described in our Form 8-K filed on December 23, 2024 occurred on December 31, 2024.

      Actual
    and Pro
    Forma
    (a)
          Actual   Pro forma (a)
    Tangible Book Value     Tangible book value attributable to Ben’s public company stockholders        
    Total equity (deficit) $ 14,260     Tangible book value   $ 91,772     $ 91,772  
    Less: Goodwill and intangible assets   (13,014 )   Less: Tangible book value attributable to Beneficient Holdings noncontrolling interest holders     (91,772 )     (82,595 )
    Plus: Total temporary equity   90,526     Tangible book value attributable to Ben’s public company stockholders     —       9,177  
    Tangible book value $ 91,772              

    (a) Assumes the transactions described in our Form 8-K filed on December 23, 2024 closed on December 31, 2024 including that the BCH limited partnership agreement was amended to provide that Beneficient, as the indirect holder of the Class A Units and certain Designated Class S Ordinary Units of BCH, would receive in the event of a liquidation of BCH (i) 10% of the first $100 million of distributions of BCH following the satisfaction of the debts and liabilities of BCH on a consolidated basis and (ii) 33.3333% of the net asset value of the added alternative assets of up to $5 billion in connection with ExAlt Plan liquidity and primary capital transactions entered after December 22, 2024.

    Adjusted Revenues, Adjusted Operating Income (Loss), Adjusted Segment Revenues attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders and Adjusted Segment Operating Income (Loss) attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders are non-GAAP financial measures. We present these non-GAAP financial measures because we believe it helps investors understand underlying trends in our business and facilitates an understanding of our operating performance from period to period because it facilitates a comparison of our recurring core business operating results. Tangible Book Value and Tangible Book Value to Ben’s Public Company Stockholders are also non-GAAP financial measures. We present these non-GAAP financial measures because we believe it help investors in analyzing the intrinsic value of the Company, including the proforma impact of the contemplated transactions more fully described in our Form 8-K filed on December 23, 2024. The non-GAAP financial measures are intended as a supplemental measure of our performance that is neither required by, nor presented in accordance with, U.S. GAAP. Our presentation of these measures should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items. Our computation of these non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures computed by other companies, because all companies may not calculate such items in the same way.

    We define adjusted revenue as revenue adjusted to exclude the effect of mark-to-market adjustments on related party equity securities that were acquired both prior to and during the Collateral Swap, which on August 1, 2023, became interests in the GWG Wind Down Trust. Adjusted Segment Revenues attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders is the same as “adjusted revenues” related to the aggregate of the Ben Liquidity, Ben Custody, and Corporate/Other Business Segments, which are the segments that impact the net income (loss) attributable to all equity holders of Beneficient, including equity holders of Beneficient’s subsidiary, BCH.

    Adjusted operating income (loss) represents GAAP operating income (loss), adjusted to exclude the effect of the adjustments to revenue as described above, credit losses on related party available-for-sale debt securities that were acquired in the Collateral Swap which on August 1, 2023, became interests in the GWG Wind Down Trust, and receivables from a related party that filed for bankruptcy and certain notes receivables originated during our formative transactions, non-cash asset impairment, share-based compensation expense, and legal, professional services, and public relations costs related to the GWG Holdings bankruptcy, lawsuits, a defunct product offering, and certain employee matters, including fees & loss contingency accruals (releases) incurred in arbitration with a former director. Adjusted Segment Operating Income (Loss) attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders is the same as “adjusted operating income (loss)” related to the aggregate of the Ben Liquidity, Ben Custody, and Corporate/Other Business Segments, which are the segments that impact the net income (loss) attributable to all equity holders of Beneficient, including equity holders of Beneficient’s subsidiary, BCH.

    Tangible book value is defined as the sum of total equity (deficit) less goodwill and intangible assets plus total temporary equity. Tangible book value to Ben’s public company stockholders is defined at tangible book value adjusted for the portion of tangible book value that is attributable to Ben’s public company stockholders, which is calculated as tangible book value adjusted for (i) 10% of the first $100 million of distributions of BCH following the satisfaction of the debts and liabilities of BCH on a consolidated basis and (ii) 33.3333% of the net asset value of the added alternative assets of up to $5 billion in connection with ExAlt Plan liquidity and primary capital transactions entered after December 22, 2024.

    These non-GAAP financial measures are not a measure of performance or liquidity calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. They are unaudited and should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, GAAP revenues or GAAP operating income (loss) as an indicator of our operating performance. Uses of cash flows that are not reflected in adjusted operating income (loss) or adjusted segment operating income (loss) attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders include capital expenditures, interest payments, debt principal repayments, and other expenses, which can be significant. As a result, adjusted operating income (loss) and/or adjusted segment operating income (loss) attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders should not be considered as a measure of our liquidity.

    Because of these limitations, Adjusted Revenues, Adjusted Operating Income (Loss), Adjusted Segment Revenues attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders, Adjusted Segment Operating Income (Loss) attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders, Tangible Book Value and Tangible Book Value to Ben’s Public Company Stockholders should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for performance measures calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We compensate for these limitations by relying primarily on our U.S. GAAP results and using Adjusted Revenues, Adjusted Operating Income (Loss), Adjusted Segment Revenues attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders, Adjusted Segment Operating Income (Loss) attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders, Tangible Book Value and Tangible Book Value to Ben’s Public Company Stockholders on a supplemental basis. You should review the reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures set forth above and not rely on any single financial measure to evaluate our business.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/09d463d7-9883-4bbf-8a05-3c24ea42846e

    The MIL Network –

    February 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: TransUnion Announces Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2024 Results and Refreshed Capital Allocation Framework

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Exceeded fourth quarter 2024 financial guidance for revenue with 9 percent growth driven by U.S. Markets Financial Services and Insurance verticals, and our International segment
    • Delivered strong financial results in 2024 while executing on technology modernization and delivering ~$85 million of transformation program savings
    • Announcing new freemium direct-to-consumer credit education and monitoring offering, enabled in collaboration with Credit Sesame
    • Providing 2025 financial guidance, we expect to deliver 3.5 to 5 percent revenue growth (4.5 to 6 percent organic constant currency)
    • Refreshing capital allocation framework – lowering target Leverage Ratio to under 2.5x, raising quarterly dividend to $0.115 and announcing new $500 million share repurchase program authorization

    CHICAGO, Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TransUnion (NYSE: TRU) (the “Company”) today announced financial results for the quarter and full-year ended December 31, 2024.

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Results

    Revenue:

    • Total revenue for the quarter was $1,037 million, an increase of 9 percent (9 percent on an organic constant currency basis), compared with the fourth quarter of 2023.

    Earnings:

    • Net income attributable to TransUnion was $66 million for the quarter, compared with $6 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. Diluted earnings per share was $0.34, compared with $0.03 in the fourth quarter of 2023. Net income attributable to TransUnion margin was 6 percent, compared with 1 percent in the fourth quarter of 2023.
    • Adjusted Net Income was $192 million for the quarter, compared with $156 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share for the quarter was $0.97, compared with $0.80 in the fourth quarter of 2023.
    • Adjusted EBITDA was $378 million for the quarter, an increase of 16 percent (16 percent on a constant currency basis) compared with the fourth quarter of 2023. Adjusted EBITDA margin was 36 percent, compared with 34 percent in the fourth quarter of 2023.

    “TransUnion finished the year with strong revenue growth and margin expansion,” said Chris Cartwright, President and CEO. “U.S. Markets grew by high single-digits in the fourth quarter against subdued but stable market conditions, driven by mortgage pricing, improving non-mortgage Financial Services growth and Insurance strength. Our International segment delivered double-digit growth led by India, Asia Pacific and Latin America.”

    “In 2025, we expect to deliver 4.5 to 6 percent organic constant currency revenue growth with modest margin expansion, assuming a continuation of current subdued conditions. We remain highly focused on driving strong financial results while executing on our transformation initiatives – refining and strengthening our global operating model; completing U.S. and India technology modernization; and accelerating innovation and growth across our solution suites. We took a key step in reinvigorating Consumer Interactive growth with today’s announcement of our new freemium credit education and monitoring offering, enabled in collaboration with Credit Sesame.”

    “Following strong de-levering throughout 2024, we are providing a refreshed capital allocation framework. We are lowering our Leverage Ratio target to under 2.5x, raising our quarterly dividend to $0.115, and announcing a new $500 million share repurchase program. Given the strength of our portfolio and our ongoing transformation, the bar for M&A is high, and we are not seeking large-scale acquisitions. In 2025, we plan to deploy cash for a combination of further debt prepayment, share repurchases and partially funding of the recently announced Trans Union de Mexico acquisition.”

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Segment Results

    U.S. Markets:

    U.S. Markets revenue was $792 million, an increase of 8 percent compared with the fourth quarter of 2023.

    • Financial Services revenue was $356 million, an increase of 21 percent compared with the fourth quarter of 2023.
    • Emerging Verticals revenue was $302 million, an increase of 4 percent compared with the fourth quarter of 2023.
    • Consumer Interactive revenue was $134 million, a decrease of 11 percent compared with the fourth quarter of 2023.

    Adjusted EBITDA was $312 million, an increase of 16 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2023.

    International:

    International revenue was $245 million, an increase of 11 percent (12 percent on a constant currency basis) compared with the fourth quarter of 2023.

    • Canada revenue was $39 million, an increase of 5 percent (8 percent on a constant currency basis) compared with the fourth quarter of 2023.
    • Latin America revenue was $34 million, an increase of 7 percent (15 percent on a constant currency basis) compared with the fourth quarter of 2023.
    • United Kingdom revenue was $59 million, an increase of 6 percent (3 percent on a constant currency basis) compared with the fourth quarter of 2023.
    • Africa revenue was $18 million, an increase of 13 percent (8 percent on a constant currency basis) compared with the fourth quarter of 2023.
    • India revenue was $67 million, an increase of 17 percent (18 percent on a constant currency basis) compared with the fourth quarter of 2023.
    • Asia Pacific revenue was $29 million, an increase of 19 percent (20 percent on a constant currency basis) compared with the fourth quarter of 2023.

    Adjusted EBITDA was $107 million, an increase of 11 percent (13 percent on a constant currency basis) compared with the fourth quarter of 2023.

    Full Year 2024 Results

    Revenue:

    • Total revenue for the year was $4,184 million, an increase of 9 percent (9 percent on a constant currency basis) compared with 2023.

    Earnings:

    • Net income (loss) attributable to TransUnion was $284 million for the year, compared with $(206) million in 2023. Diluted earnings (loss) per share was $1.45, compared with $(1.07) in 2023. Net income (loss) attributable to TransUnion margin was 7 percent, compared with (5) percent in 2023. Our net income attributable to TransUnion, diluted earnings per share and net income attributable to TransUnion margin include expenses associated with our transformation plan. Our 2023 net income attributable to TransUnion, diluted earnings per share and net income attributable to TransUnion margin include a goodwill impairment recognized in the third quarter of 2023.
    • Adjusted Net Income was $769 million for the year, compared with $655 million in 2023. Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share was $3.91, compared with $3.37 in 2023.
    • Adjusted EBITDA was $1,506 million for the year, compared to $1,344 million in 2023, an increase of 12 percent (an increase of 12 percent on a constant currency basis) compared with 2023. Adjusted EBITDA margin was 36 percent, compared with 35 percent in 2023.

    Liquidity and Capital Resources

    Cash and cash equivalents were $679 million at December 31, 2024 and $476 million at December 31, 2023. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, we prepaid $150.0 million of our Senior Secured Term Loans, funded from our cash on hand.

    For the year ended December 31, 2024, cash provided by operating activities was $832 million compared with $645 million in 2023. For 2024, the increase in cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to improved operating performance and lower net interest expense, partially offset by employee separation payments and a penalty paid for the early termination of a facility lease, both of which were in connection with our operating model optimization program. For the year ended December 31, 2024, cash used in investing activities was $307 million for 2024 compared with $319 million in 2023. The decrease in cash used in investing activities was primarily due to lower investments in nonconsolidated affiliates. Capital expenditures as a percent of revenue represented 8% for 2024 and 2023. For the year ended December 31, 2024, cash used in financing activities was $309 million compared with $439 million in 2023. The decrease in cash used in financing activities was due primarily to a decrease in debt repayments.

    The Company’s Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of up to $500 million of the Company’s common stock. These repurchases may be made from time to time in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions, or otherwise, including pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 plan, hybrid open market repurchases or an accelerated share repurchase transaction, at prices that the Company deems appropriate and subject to market conditions, applicable law and other factors deemed relevant in the Company’s sole discretion. The share repurchase authorization does not obligate the Company to repurchase any dollar amount or number of shares of common stock, and may be suspended or discontinued at any time. This new share repurchase authorization replaces all previous authorizations.

    The Company’s Board of Directors has declared a cash dividend of $0.115 per share for the fourth quarter of 2024. The dividend will be payable on March 14, 2025, to shareholders of record on February 27, 2025.

    First Quarter and Full Year 2025 Outlook

    Our guidance is based on a number of assumptions that are subject to change, many of which are outside of the control of the Company, including general macroeconomic conditions, interest rates and inflation. There are numerous evolving factors that we may not be able to accurately predict. There can be no assurance that the Company will achieve the results expressed by this guidance.

        Three Months Ended March 31, 2025   Year Ended December 31, 2025
    (in millions, except per share data)   Low   High   Low   High
    Revenue, as reported   $ 1,060     $ 1,074     $ 4,333     $ 4,393  
    Revenue growth1:                
    As reported     4 %     5 %     3.5 %     5 %
    Constant currency1, 2     5 %     6 %     4.5 %     6 %
    Organic constant currency1, 3     5 %     6 %     4.5 %     6 %
                     
    Net income attributable to TransUnion   $ 71     $ 77     $ 335     $ 362  
    Net income attributable to TransUnion growth     9 %     18 %     18 %     27 %
    Net income attributable to TransUnion margin     6.7 %     7.1 %     7.7 %     8.3 %
                     
    Diluted Earnings per Share   $ 0.36     $ 0.39     $ 1.68     $ 1.82  
    Diluted Earnings per Share growth     7 %     16 %     16 %     26 %
                     
    Adjusted EBITDA, as reported5   $ 376     $ 384     $ 1,549     $ 1,590  
    Adjusted EBITDA growth, as reported4     5 %     7 %     3 %     6 %
    Adjusted EBITDA margin     35.5 %     35.8 %     35.8 %     36.2 %
                     
    Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share5   $ 0.96     $ 0.99     $ 3.93     $ 4.08  
    Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share growth     4 %     8 %     1 %     4 %
                                     

            

    1. Additional revenue growth assumptions:
      1. The impact of changing foreign currency exchange rates is expected to be approximately 1% of headwind for Q1 2025 and FY 2025.
      2. There is no impact from recently announced acquisitions for Q1 2025 and FY 2025.
      3. The impact of mortgage is expected to be approximately 2 points of benefit for Q1 2025 and approximately 2 points of benefit for FY 2025.
      4. Constant currency growth rates assume foreign currency exchange rates are consistent between years. This allows financial results to be evaluated without the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.
      5. Organic constant currency growth rates are constant currency growth excluding inorganic growth. Inorganic growth represents growth attributable to the first twelve months of activity for recent business acquisitions. There is no impact from recent business acquisitions in Q1 2025 and FY 2025.
      6. Additional Adjusted EBITDA assumptions:
        1. The impact of changing foreign currency exchange rates is expected to have approximately 2% of headwind for Q1 2025 and approximately 1% of headwind for FY 2025.
        2. For a reconciliation of the above non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, refer to Schedule 7 of this Earnings Release.
        3. Earnings Webcast Details

          In conjunction with this release, TransUnion will host a conference call and webcast today at 8:30 a.m. Central Time to discuss the business results for the quarter and certain forward-looking information. This session and the accompanying presentation materials may be accessed at www.transunion.com/tru. A replay of the call will also be available at this website following the conclusion of the call.

          About TransUnion (NYSE: TRU)

          TransUnion is a global information and insights company with over 13,000 associates operating in more than 30 countries. We make trust possible by ensuring each person is reliably represented in the marketplace. We do this with a Tru™ picture of each person: an actionable view of consumers, stewarded with care. Through our acquisitions and technology investments we have developed innovative solutions that extend beyond our strong foundation in core credit into areas such as marketing, fraud, risk and advanced analytics. As a result, consumers and businesses can transact with confidence and achieve great things. We call this Information for Good® — and it leads to economic opportunity, great experiences and personal empowerment for millions of people around the world.

          http://www.transunion.com/business

          Availability of Information on TransUnion’s Website

          Investors and others should note that TransUnion routinely announces material information to investors and the marketplace using SEC filings, press releases, public conference calls, webcasts and the TransUnion Investor Relations website. While not all of the information that the Company posts to the TransUnion Investor Relations website is of a material nature, some information could be deemed to be material. Accordingly, the Company encourages investors, the media and others interested in TransUnion to review the information that it shares on www.transunion.com/tru.

          Forward-Looking Statements

          This earnings release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on the current beliefs and expectations of TransUnion’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Any statements made in this earnings release that are not statements of historical fact, including statements about our beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include information concerning possible or assumed future results of operations, including our guidance and descriptions of our business plans and strategies. These statements often include words such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “guidance,” “suggest,” “plan,” “believe,” “intend,” “estimate,” “target,” “project,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “may,” “will,” “forecast,” “outlook,” “potential,” “continues,” “seeks,” “predicts,” or the negatives of these words and other similar expressions.

          Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, or that could materially affect our financial results or such forward-looking statements include:

        • macroeconomic effects and changes in market conditions, including the impact of inflation, risk of recession, and industry trends and adverse developments in the debt, consumer credit and financial services markets, including the impact on the carrying value of our assets in all of the markets where we operate;
        • our ability to provide competitive services and prices;
        • our ability to retain or renew existing agreements with large or long-term customers;
        • our ability to maintain the security and integrity of our data;
        • our ability to deliver services timely without interruption;
        • our ability to maintain our access to data sources;
        • government regulation and changes in the regulatory environment;
        • litigation or regulatory proceedings;
        • our approach to the use of artificial intelligence;
        • our ability to effectively manage our costs;
        • our efforts to execute our transformation plan and achieve the anticipated benefits and savings;
        • our ability to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting or disclosure controls and procedures;
        • economic and political stability in the United States and risks associated with the international markets where we operate;
        • our ability to effectively develop and maintain strategic alliances and joint ventures;
        • our ability to timely develop new services and the market’s willingness to adopt our new services;
        • our ability to manage and expand our operations and keep up with rapidly changing technologies;
        • our ability to acquire businesses, successfully secure financing for our acquisitions, timely consummate our acquisitions, successfully integrate the operations of our acquisitions, control the costs of integrating our acquisitions and realize the intended benefits of such acquisitions;
        • our ability to protect and enforce our intellectual property, trade secrets and other forms of unpatented intellectual property;
        • our ability to defend our intellectual property from infringement claims by third parties;
        • the ability of our outside service providers and key vendors to fulfill their obligations to us;
        • further consolidation in our end-customer markets;
        • the increased availability of free or inexpensive consumer information;
        • losses against which we do not insure;
        • our ability to make timely payments of principal and interest on our indebtedness;
        • our ability to satisfy covenants in the agreements governing our indebtedness;
        • our ability to maintain our liquidity;
        • stock price volatility;
        • our dividend payments;
        • share repurchase plans;
        • dividend rate;
        • our reliance on key management personnel; and
        • changes in tax laws or adverse outcomes resulting from examination of our tax returns.

        There may be other factors, many of which are beyond our control, that may cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements, including factors disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, to be filed with the SEC in February 2025, and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, as well as our quarterly reports for the quarters ended September 30, 2024, June 30, 2024 and March 31, 2024, and any subsequent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should evaluate all forward-looking statements made in this report in the context of these risks and uncertainties.

        The forward-looking statements contained in this earnings release speak only as of the date of this earnings release. We undertake no obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect the impact of events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this earnings release.

        For More Information

        E-mail:         Investor.Relations@transunion.com

        Telephone:   312.985.2860

        TRANSUNION AND SUBSIDIARIES
        Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
        (in millions, except per share data)

          December 31,
        2024
          December 31,
        2023
        Assets      
        Current assets:      
        Cash and cash equivalents $ 679.5     $ 476.2  
        Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance of $19.9 and $16.4   798.9       723.0  
        Other current assets   323.4       275.9  
        Total current assets   1,801.8       1,475.1  
        Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $506.3 and $804.4   203.5       199.3  
        Goodwill   5,144.3       5,176.0  
        Other intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $2,294.5 and $2,719.8   3,257.5       3,515.3  
        Other assets   577.7       739.4  
        Total assets $ 10,984.8     $ 11,105.1  
        Liabilities and stockholders’ equity      
        Current liabilities:      
        Trade accounts payable $ 294.6     $ 251.3  
        Current portion of long-term debt   70.6       89.6  
        Other current liabilities   694.4       661.8  
        Total current liabilities   1,059.6       1,002.7  
        Long-term debt   5,076.6       5,250.8  
        Deferred taxes   415.3       592.9  
        Other liabilities   114.5       153.2  
        Total liabilities   6,666.0       6,999.6  
        Stockholders’ equity:      
        Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 100.0 million shares authorized; none issued or outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and 2023   —       —  
        Common stock, $0.01 par value; 1.0 billion shares authorized at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023; 201.5 million and 200.0 million shares issued as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively; and 194.9 million and 193.8 million shares outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively   2.0       2.0  
        Additional paid-in capital   2,558.9       2,412.9  
        Treasury stock at cost; 6.6 million and 6.2 million shares at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively   (334.6 )     (302.9 )
        Retained earnings   2,357.9       2,157.1  
        Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (367.2 )     (260.9 )
        Total TransUnion stockholders’ equity   4,217.0       4,008.2  
        Noncontrolling interests   101.8       97.3  
        Total stockholders’ equity   4,318.8       4,105.5  
        Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 10,984.8     $ 11,105.1  
                       

        TRANSUNION AND SUBSIDIARIES
        Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
        (in millions, except per share data)

          Three Months Ended   December 31,   Years Ended December 31,
            2024       2023       2024       2023  
        Revenue $ 1,036.8     $ 954.3     $ 4,183.8     $ 3,831.2  
        Operating expenses              
        Cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization below)   411.6       380.6       1,673.3       1,517.3  
        Selling, general and administrative   317.2       303.9       1,239.3       1,171.6  
        Depreciation and amortization   137.3       133.3       537.8       524.4  
        Goodwill impairment   —       —       —       414.0  
        Restructuring   —       75.3       66.8       75.3  
        Total operating expenses   866.0       893.0       3,517.1       3,702.7  
        Operating income   170.8       61.3       666.7       128.5  
        Non-operating income and (expense)              
        Interest expense   (62.0 )     (71.0 )     (265.2 )     (288.2 )
        Interest income   8.6       5.7       28.5       20.7  
        Earnings from equity method investments   4.2       4.6       18.3       16.3  
        Other income and (expense), net   (20.9 )     (6.4 )     (47.1 )     (22.7 )
        Total non-operating income and (expense)   (70.1 )     (67.1 )     (265.5 )     (273.9 )
        Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes   100.6       (5.8 )     401.1       (145.3 )
        Provision for income taxes   (29.9 )     15.4       (98.8 )     (44.7 )
        Income (loss) from continuing operations   70.7       9.5       302.3       (190.1 )
        Discontinued operations, net of tax   —       —       —       (0.7 )
        Net income (loss)   70.7       9.5       302.3       (190.8 )
        Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests   (4.5 )     (3.5 )     (18.0 )     (15.4 )
        Net income (loss) attributable to TransUnion $ 66.2     $ 6.1     $ 284.4     $ (206.2 )
                       
        Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 70.7     $ 9.5     $ 302.3     $ (190.1 )
        Less: income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests   (4.5 )     (3.5 )     (18.0 )     (15.4 )
        Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to TransUnion   66.2       6.0       284.4       (205.4 )
        Discontinued operations, net of tax   —       —       —       (0.7 )
        Net income (loss) attributable to TransUnion $ 66.2     $ 6.1     $ 284.4     $ (206.2 )
                       
        Basic earnings (loss) per common share from:              
        Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to TransUnion $ 0.34     $ 0.03     $ 1.46     $ (1.06 )
        Discontinued operations, net of tax   —       —       —       —  
        Net income (loss) attributable to TransUnion $ 0.34     $ 0.03     $ 1.46     $ (1.07 )
        Diluted earnings (loss) per common share from:              
        Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to TransUnion $ 0.34     $ 0.03     $ 1.45     $ (1.06 )
        Discontinued operations, net of tax   —       —       —       —  
        Net income (loss) attributable to TransUnion $ 0.34     $ 0.03     $ 1.45     $ (1.07 )
                       
        Weighted-average shares outstanding:              
        Basic   194.9       193.7       194.4       193.4  
        Diluted   197.3       194.3       196.7       193.4  
                                       

        As a result of displaying amounts in millions, rounding differences may exist in the table above.

        TRANSUNION AND SUBSIDIARIES
        Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
        (in millions)

          Years Ended December 31,
            2024       2023  
        Cash flows from operating activities:      
        Net income (loss) $ 302.3     $ (190.8 )
        Less: Discontinued operations, net of tax   —       (0.7 )
        Income (loss) from continuing operations   302.3       (190.1 )
        Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:      
        Depreciation and amortization   537.8       524.4  
        Goodwill impairment   —       414.0  
        Loss on repayment of loans   7.4       7.6  
        Deferred taxes   (157.3 )     (162.7 )
        Stock-based compensation   121.2       100.3  
        Loss on early termination of lease   40.5       —  
        Other   34.3       26.0  
        Changes in assets and liabilities:      
        Trade accounts receivable   (105.6 )     (135.1 )
        Other current and long-term assets   46.0       (12.7 )
        Trade accounts payable   39.2       (6.5 )
        Other current and long-term liabilities   (33.3 )     80.4  
        Cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations   832.5       645.6  
        Cash used in operating activities of discontinued operations   —       (0.2 )
        Cash provided by operating activities   832.5       645.4  
        Cash flows from investing activities:      
        Capital expenditures   (315.8 )     (310.7 )
        Proceeds from sale/maturity of other investments   0.2       82.3  
        Purchases of other investments   (0.2 )     (53.5 )
        Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates   (5.9 )     (36.9 )
        Proceeds from the sale of investments in nonconsolidated affiliates   7.7       —  
        (Payments) proceeds related to disposal of discontinued operations   —       (0.5 )
        Other   6.6       0.4  
        Cash used in investing activities   (307.4 )     (318.9 )
        Cash flows from financing activities:      
        Proceeds from Term Loans   1,793.1       655.8  
        Repayments of Term Loans   (1,786.1 )     (347.7 )
        Repayments of debt   (198.9 )     (650.0 )
        Debt financing fees   (16.5 )     (3.3 )
        Proceeds from issuance of common stock and exercise of stock options   24.9       23.1  
        Dividends to shareholders   (82.7 )     (81.8 )
        Employee taxes paid on restricted stock units recorded as treasury stock   (31.7 )     (18.4 )
        Distributions to noncontrolling interests   (10.8 )     (16.5 )
        Cash used in financing activities   (308.7 )     (438.8 )
        Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents   (13.1 )     3.2  
        Net change in cash and cash equivalents   203.3       (109.1 )
        Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period   476.2       585.3  
        Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 679.5     $ 476.2  
                       

        As a result of displaying amounts in millions, rounding differences may exist in the table above.

        TRANSUNION AND SUBSIDIARIES
        Non-GAAP Financial Measures

        We present Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA Margin, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share, Adjusted Provision for Income Taxes, Adjusted Effective Tax Rate and Leverage Ratio for all periods presented. These are important financial measures for the Company but are not financial measures as defined by GAAP. These financial measures should be reviewed in conjunction with the relevant GAAP financial measures and are not presented as alternative measures of GAAP. Other companies in our industry may define or calculate these measures differently than we do, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures. Because of these limitations, these non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP, including operating income, operating margin, effective tax rate, net income (loss) attributable to the Company, diluted earnings per share or cash provided by operating activities. Reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures are presented in the tables below.

        We present Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA Margin, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share, Adjusted Provision for Income Taxes and Adjusted Effective Tax Rate as supplemental measures of our operating performance because these measures eliminate the impact of certain items that we do not consider indicative of our cash operations and ongoing operating performance. These are measures frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in their evaluation of the operating performance of companies similar to ours.

        Our board of directors and executive management team use Adjusted EBITDA as an incentive compensation measure for most eligible employees and Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share as an incentive compensation measure for certain of our senior executives.

        Under the credit agreement governing our Senior Secured Credit Facility, our ability to engage in activities such as incurring additional indebtedness, making investments and paying dividends is tied to our Leverage Ratio which is partially based on Adjusted EBITDA. Investors also use our Leverage Ratio to assess our ability to service our debt and make other capital allocation decisions.

        Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA

        Management has excluded the following items from net income (loss) attributable to TransUnion in order to calculate Adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented:

        • Discontinued operations, net of tax, as reported on our Consolidated Statements of Operations. We exclude discontinued operations, net of tax because we believe it does not reflect the underlying and ongoing performance of our business operations.
        • Net interest expense, which is the sum of interest expense and interest income as reported on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
        • Provision for income taxes, as reported on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
        • Depreciation and amortization, as reported on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
        • Goodwill impairment, as reported on our Consolidated Statements of Operations. We exclude goodwill impairment because the amount of such expenses in any specific period may not directly correlate to the underlying performance of our business operations during that period and such expense can vary significantly between periods.
        • Stock-based compensation is used as an incentive to engage and retain our employees. It is predominantly a non-cash expense. We exclude stock-based compensation because it may not correlate to the underlying performance of our business operations during the period since it is measured at the grant date fair value and it is subject to variability as a result of performance conditions and timing of grants. These expenses are reported within cost of services and selling, general and administrative on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
        • Operating model optimization program represents employee separation costs, facility lease exit costs and other business process optimization expenses incurred in connection with the transformation plan discussed further in “Results of Operations – Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations.” We exclude these expenses as we believe they are not directly correlated to the underlying performance of our business. Further, these costs will vary and may not be comparable during the transformation initiative as we progress toward an optimized operating model. These costs are reported primarily in restructuring and selling, general and administrative on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
        • Accelerated technology investment includes Project Rise and the final phase of our technology investment announced in November 2023. Project Rise was announced in February 2020 and was originally expected to be completed in 2022. Following our acquisition of Neustar in December 2021, we recognized the opportunity to take advantage of Neustar’s capabilities to enhance and complement our cloud-based technology already under development as part of Project Rise. As a result, we extended Project Rise’s timeline to 2024 and increased the total estimated cost to approximately $240 million. In November 2023, we announced our plans to further leverage Neustar’s technology to standardize and streamline our product delivery platforms and to build a single global platform for fulfillment of our product lines. The additional investment is expected to be approximately $90 million during 2024 and 2025 and represents the final phase of the technology investment in our global technology infrastructure and core customer applications. We expect that the accelerated technology investment will fundamentally transform our technology infrastructure by implementing a global cloud-based approach to streamline product development, increase the efficiency of ongoing operations and maintenance and enable a continuous improvement approach to avoid the need for another major technology overhaul in the foreseeable future. The unique effort to build a secure, reliable and performant hybrid cloud infrastructure requires us to dedicate separate resources in order to develop the new cloud-based infrastructure in parallel with our current on-premise environment by maintaining our existing technology team to ensure no disruptions to our customers. The costs associated with the accelerated technology investment are incremental and redundant costs that will not recur after the program has been completed and are not representative of our underlying operating performance. Therefore, we believe that excluding these costs from our non-GAAP measures provides a better reflection of our ongoing cost structure. These costs are primarily reported in cost of services and therefore do not include amounts that are capitalized as internally developed software.
        • Mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and business optimization expenses are non-recurring expenses associated with specific transactions (exploratory or executed) and consist of (i) transaction and integration costs, (ii) post-acquisition adjustments to contingent consideration or to assets and liabilities that occurred after the acquisition measurement period, (iii) fair value and impairment adjustments related to investments and call and put options, (iv) transition services agreement income, and (v) a loss on disposal of a business. We exclude these expenses as we believe they are not directly correlated to the underlying performance of our business operations and vary depending upon the timing of such transactions. These expenses are reported in costs of services, selling, general and administrative and other income and (expenses), net, on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
        • Net other adjustments principally relate to: (i) deferred loan fee expense from debt prepayments and refinancing, (ii) currency remeasurement on foreign operations, (iii) other debt financing expenses consisting primarily of revolving credit facility deferred financing fee amortization and commitment fees and expenses associated with ratings agencies and interest rate hedging, (iv) legal and regulatory expenses, net, and (v) other non-operating (income) expense. We exclude these expenses as we believe they are not directly correlated to the underlying performance of our business and create variability between periods based on the nature and timing of the expense or income. These costs are reported in selling, general and administrative and in non-operating income and expense, net as applicable based on their nature on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

        Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA Margin

        Management defines Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA Margin as Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA divided by total revenue as reported.

        Adjusted Net Income

        Management has excluded the following items from net income (loss) attributable to TransUnion in order to calculate Adjusted Net Income for the periods presented:

        • Discontinued operations, net of tax (see Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA above)
        • Goodwill impairment (see Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA above)
        • Amortization of certain intangible assets presents non-cash amortization expenses related to assets that arose from our 2012 change in control transaction and business combinations occurring after our 2012 change in control. We exclude these expenses as we believe they are not directly correlated to the underlying performance of our business operations and vary dependent upon the timing of the transactions that give rise to these assets. Amortization of intangible assets is included in depreciation and amortization on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
        • Stock-based compensation (see Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA above)
        • Operating model optimization program (see Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA above)
        • Accelerated technology investment (see Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA above)
        • Mergers and acquisitions, divestiture and business optimization (see Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA above)
        • Net other is consistent with the definition in Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA above except that other debt financing expenses and certain other miscellaneous income and expense that are included in the adjustment to calculate Adjusted EBITDA are excluded in the adjustment made to calculate Adjusted Net Income.
        • Total adjustments for income taxes relates to the cumulative adjustments discussed below for Adjusted Provision for Income Taxes. This adjustment is made for the reasons indicated in Adjusted Provision for Income Taxes below. Adjustments related to the provision for income taxes are included in the line item by this name on our consolidated statement of operations.

        Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share

        Management defines Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share as Adjusted Net Income divided by the weighted-average diluted shares outstanding.

        Adjusted Provision for Income Taxes

        Management has excluded the following items from our provision for income taxes for the periods presented:

        • Tax effect of above adjustments represents the income tax effect of the adjustments related to Adjusted Net Income described above. The tax rate applied to each adjustment is based on the nature of each line item. We include the tax effect of the adjustments made to Adjusted Net Income to provide a comprehensive view of our adjusted net income.
        • Excess tax expense (benefit) for stock-based compensation is the permanent difference between expenses recognized for book purposes and expenses recognized for tax purposes, in each case related to stock-based compensation expense. We exclude this amount from the Adjusted Provision for Income Taxes in order to be consistent with the exclusion of stock-based compensation from the calculation of Adjusted Net Income.
        • Other principally relates to (i) deferred tax adjustments, including rate changes, (ii) infrequent or unusual valuation allowance adjustments, (iii) return to provision, tax authority audit adjustments, and reserves related to prior periods, and (iv) other non-recurring items. We exclude these items because they create variability that impacts comparability between periods.

        Adjusted Effective Tax Rate

        Management defines Adjusted Effective Tax Rate as Adjusted Provision for Income Taxes divided by Adjusted income from continuing operations before income taxes. We calculate adjusted income from continuing operations before income taxes by excluding the pre-tax adjustments in the calculation of Adjusted Net Income discussed above and noncontrolling interest related to these pre-tax adjustments from (loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes.

        Leverage Ratio

        Management defines Leverage Ratio as net debt divided by Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA for the most recent twelve-month period including twelve months of Adjusted EBITDA from significant acquisitions. Net debt is defined as total debt less cash and cash equivalents as reported on the balance sheet as of the end of the period.

        This earnings release presents constant currency growth rates assuming foreign currency exchange rates are consistent between years. This allows financial results to be evaluated without the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. This earnings release also presents organic constant currency growth rates, which assumes consistent foreign currency exchange rates between years and also eliminates the impact of our recent acquisitions. This allows financial results to be evaluated without the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and the impacts of recent acquisitions.

        Free cash flow is defined as cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures and is a measure we may refer to.

        Refer to Schedules 1 through 7 for a reconciliation of our non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.

        SCHEDULE 1
        TRANSUNION AND SUBSIDIARIES
        Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA growth rates as Reported, CC, Inorganic, Organic and Organic CC
        (Unaudited)
                 
            For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2024 compared with
        the Three Months Ended December 31, 2023
          For the Year Ended December 31, 2024 compared with
        the Year Ended December 31, 2023
            Reported   CC Growth1   Organic CC Growth2   Reported   CC Growth1   Organic CC Growth2
        Revenue:                        
        Consolidated   8.6 %   8.9 %   8.9 %   9.2 %   9.3 %   9.3 %
        U.S. Markets   7.6 %   7.7 %   7.7 %   8.2 %   8.2 %   8.2 %
        Financial Services   20.6 %   20.6 %   20.6 %   15.2 %   15.2 %   15.2 %
        Emerging Verticals   4.2 %   4.2 %   4.2 %   4.0 %   4.0 %   4.0 %
        Consumer Interactive   (11.1)%   (11.1)%   (11.1)%   1.5 %   1.6 %   1.6 %
        International   10.7 %   11.7 %   11.7 %   12.7 %   13.0 %   13.0 %
        Canada   5.3 %   7.9 %   7.9 %   9.9 %   11.5 %   11.5 %
        Latin America   7.0 %   15.2 %   15.2 %   10.6 %   12.0 %   12.0 %
        United Kingdom   5.8 %   2.7 %   2.7 %   5.1 %   2.6 %   2.6 %
        Africa   13.0 %   8.2 %   8.2 %   9.5 %   9.8 %   9.8 %
        India   16.7 %   18.3 %   18.3 %   23.1 %   24.7 %   24.7 %
        Asia Pacific   19.3 %   20.2 %   20.2 %   15.1 %   15.8 %   15.8 %
                                 
        Adjusted EBITDA:                        
        Consolidated   15.9 %   16.4 %   16.4 %   12.1 %   12.3 %   12.3 %
        U.S. Markets   16.3 %   16.4 %   16.4 %   10.2 %   10.2 %   10.2 %
        International   11.3 %   12.8 %   12.8 %   15.8 %   16.6 %   16.6 %
                                             
        1. Constant Currency (“CC”) growth rates assume foreign currency exchange rates are consistent between years. This allows financial results to be evaluated without the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.
        2. We have no inorganic revenue or Adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented. Organic CC growth rate is the CC growth rate less inorganic growth rate.
           
        SCHEDULE 2
        TRANSUNION AND SUBSIDIARIES
        Consolidated and Segment Revenue, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA Margins (Unaudited)
        (dollars in millions)
               
          Three Months Ended December 31,   Years Ended December 31,
            2024       2023       2024       2023  
        Revenue:              
        U.S. Markets gross revenue              
        Financial Services $ 356.1     $ 295.3     $ 1,433.8     $ 1,244.9  
        Emerging Verticals   302.3       290.3       1,215.5       1,168.2  
        Consumer Interactive   133.5       150.3       588.7       579.7  
        U.S. Markets gross revenue $ 792.0     $ 735.8     $ 3,237.9     $ 2,992.8  
                       
        International gross revenue              
        Canada $ 38.5     $ 36.6     $ 154.4     $ 140.5  
        Latin America   33.8       31.6       134.7       121.8  
        United Kingdom   59.2       55.9       227.7       216.6  
        Africa   18.4       16.3       66.4       60.6  
        India   66.6       57.1       269.4       218.9  
        Asia Pacific   28.6       24.0       105.8       91.9  
        International gross revenue $ 245.1     $ 221.5     $ 958.4     $ 850.4  
                       
        Total gross revenue $ 1,037.1     $ 957.3     $ 4,196.3     $ 3,843.1  
                       
        Intersegment revenue eliminations              
        U.S. Markets $ 1.3     $ (1.6 )   $ (6.2 )   $ (6.2 )
        International   (1.6 )     (1.4 )     (6.4 )     (5.7 )
        Total intersegment revenue eliminations $ (0.3 )   $ (3.0 )   $ (12.6 )   $ (11.9 )
                       
        Total revenue as reported $ 1,036.8     $ 954.3     $ 4,183.8     $ 3,831.2  
                       
        Adjusted EBITDA:              
        U.S. Markets $ 311.9     $ 268.1     $ 1,232.8     $ 1,119.0  
        International   107.4       96.5       425.5       367.5  
        Corporate   (41.4 )     (38.6 )     (152.0 )     (142.8 )
                       
        Adjusted EBITDA Margin:1              
        U.S. Markets   39.4 %     36.4 %     38.1 %     37.4 %
        International   43.8 %     43.6 %     44.4 %     43.2 %
                                       
        1. Segment Adjusted EBITDA Margins are calculated using segment gross revenue and segment Adjusted EBITDA. Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA Margin is calculated using total revenue as reported and consolidated Adjusted EBITDA.
           
          Three Months Ended December 31,   Years Ended December 31,
            2024       2023       2024       2023  
        Reconciliation of Net income (loss) attributable to TransUnion to consolidated Adjusted EBITDA:              
        Net income (loss) attributable to TransUnion $ 66.2     $ 6.1     $ 284.4     $ (206.2 )
        Discontinued operations, net of tax   —       —       —       0.7  
        Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to TransUnion $ 66.2     $ 6.0     $ 284.4     $ (205.4 )
        Net interest expense   53.4       65.4       236.7       267.5  
        Provision (benefit) for income taxes   29.9       (15.4 )     98.8       44.7  
        Depreciation and amortization   137.3       133.3       537.8       524.4  
        EBITDA $ 286.8     $ 189.4     $ 1,157.7     $ 631.2  
        Adjustments to EBITDA:              
        Stock-based compensation $ 35.6     $ 27.3     $ 121.2     $ 100.6  
        Goodwill impairment1   —       —       —       414.0  
        Mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and business optimization2   9.4       10.1       26.5       34.6  
        Accelerated technology investment3   25.6       17.0       84.2       70.6  
        Operating model optimization program4   8.4       77.6       94.8       77.6  
        Net other5   12.1       4.6       21.8       15.2  
        Total adjustments to EBITDA $ 91.1     $ 136.6     $ 348.7     $ 712.5  
        Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA $ 377.9     $ 326.0     $ 1,506.3     $ 1,343.7  
                       
        Net income (loss) attributable to TransUnion margin   6.4 %     0.6 %     6.8 %   (5.4)%
        Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA margin6   36.5 %     34.2 %     36.0 %     35.1 %
                                       

        As a result of displaying amounts in millions, rounding differences may exist in the tables above and footnotes below.

        1. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we recorded a goodwill impairment of $414.0 million related to our United Kingdom reporting unit in our International segment.
        2. Mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and business optimization consisted of the following adjustments:
           
            Three Months Ended December 31,   Years Ended December 31,
              2024       2023       2024     2023  
        Transaction and integration costs   $ 4.2     $ 9.9     $ 11.2   $ 30.9  
        Fair value and impairment adjustments     7.6       0.9       8.4     1.6  
        Post-acquisition adjustments     (2.3 )     (0.5 )     7.0     4.3  
        Transition services agreement income     —       (0.1 )     —     (2.5 )
        Loss on business disposal     —       —       —     0.3  
        Total mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and business optimization   $ 9.4     $ 10.1     $ 26.5   $ 34.6  
                                       
        3.  Represents expenses associated with our accelerated technology investment to migrate to the cloud. There are three components of the accelerated technology investment: (i) building foundational capabilities, which includes establishing a modern, API-based and services-oriented software architecture, (ii) the migration of each application and customer data to the new enterprise platform, including the redundant software costs during the migration period, as well as the efforts to decommission the legacy system, and (iii) program enablement, which includes dedicated resources to support the planning and execution of the program. The amounts for each category of cost are as follows:
           
            Three Months Ended December 31,   Years Ended December 31,
              2024     2023     2024     2023
        Foundational Capabilities   $ 10.7   $ 8.0   $ 35.7   $ 35.8
        Migration Management     13.3     7.7     43.2     29.6
        Program Enablement     1.6     1.3     5.4     5.2
        Total accelerated technology investment   $ 25.6   $ 17.0   $ 84.2   $ 70.6
                                 
        4. Operating model optimization consisted of the following adjustments:
           
            Three Months Ended December 31,   Years Ended December 31,
              2024     2023     2024     2023
        Employee separation   $ —   $ 71.9   $ 24.7   $ 71.9
        Facility exit     —     3.4     42.1     3.4
        Business process optimization     8.4     2.3     28.0     2.3
        Total operating model optimization   $ 8.4   $ 77.6   $ 94.8   $ 77.6
                                 
        5. Net other consisted of the following adjustments:
           
            Three Months Ended December 31,   Years Ended December 31,
              2024     2023       2024       2023  
        Deferred loan fee expense from debt prepayments and refinancings   $ 8.6   $ 6.2     $ 17.8     $ 9.3  
        Other debt financing expenses     0.7     0.7       2.4       2.2  
        Currency remeasurement on foreign operations     2.5     (1.8 )     2.1       4.8  
        Other non-operating (income) and expense     0.2     (0.5 )     (0.5 )     (1.0 )
        Total other adjustments   $ 12.1   $ 4.6     $ 21.8     $ 15.2  
                                       
        6. Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA margin is calculated by dividing Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA by total revenue.
           
        SCHEDULE 3
        TRANSUNION AND SUBSIDIARIES
        Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share (Unaudited)
        (in millions, except per share data)
                 
            Three Months Ended December 31,   Years Ended December 31,
              2024       2023       2024       2023  
        Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to TransUnion   $ 66.2     $ 6.0     $ 284.4     $ (205.4 )
        Discontinued operations, net of tax     —       —       —       (0.7 )
        Income (loss) attributable to TransUnion   $ 66.2     $ 6.1     $ 284.4     $ (206.2 )
                         
        Weighted-average shares outstanding:                
        Basic     194.9       193.7       194.4       193.4  
        Diluted     197.3       194.3       196.7       193.4  
                         
        Basic earnings (loss) per common share from:                
        Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to TransUnion   $ 0.34     $ 0.03     $ 1.46     $ (1.06 )
        Discontinued operations, net of tax     —       —       —       —  
        Net income (loss) attributable to TransUnion   $ 0.34     $ 0.03     $ 1.46     $ (1.07 )
        Diluted earnings (loss) per common share from:                
        Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to TransUnion   $ 0.34     $ 0.03     $ 1.45     $ (1.06 )
        Discontinued operations, net of tax     —       —       —       —  
        Net income (loss) attributable to TransUnion   $ 0.34     $ 0.03     $ 1.45     $ (1.07 )
                         
        Reconciliation of Net income (loss) attributable to TransUnion to Adjusted Net Income:                
        Net income (loss) attributable to TransUnion   $ 66.2     $ 6.1     $ 284.4     $ (206.2 )
        Discontinued operations, net of tax     —       —       —       0.7  
        Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to TransUnion   $ 66.2     $ 6.0     $ 284.4     $ (205.4 )
        Adjustments before income tax items:                
        Amortization of certain intangible assets     71.3       72.4       286.1       293.6  
        Stock-based compensation     35.6       27.3       121.2       100.6  
        Goodwill impairment1     —       —       —       414.0  
        Mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and business optimization2     9.4       10.1       26.5       34.6  
        Accelerated technology investment3     25.6       17.0       84.2       70.6  
        Operating model optimization program4     8.4       77.6       94.8       77.6  
        Net other5     11.6       4.4       20.2       14.0  
        Total adjustments before income tax items   $ 161.9     $ 208.8     $ 633.1     $ 1,005.0  
        Total adjustments for income taxes6   $ (35.9 )   $ (58.9 )   $ (148.7 )   $ (144.1 )
        Adjusted Net Income   $ 192.2     $ 156.0     $ 768.8     $ 655.4  
                         
        Weighted-average shares outstanding:                
        Basic     194.9       193.7       194.4       193.4  
        Diluted     197.3       194.3       196.7       194.7  
                         
        Adjusted Earnings per Share:                
        Basic   $ 0.99     $ 0.81     $ 3.95     $ 3.39  
        Diluted   $ 0.97     $ 0.80     $ 3.91     $ 3.37  
                                         

                

            Three Months Ended December 31,   Years Ended December 31,
              2024       2023       2024       2023  
        Reconciliation of Diluted earnings (loss) per share from Net income attributable to TransUnion to Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share:                
        Diluted earnings (loss) per common share from:                
        Net income (loss) attributable to TransUnion   $ 0.34     $ 0.03     $ 1.45     $ (1.07 )
        Discontinued operations, net of tax     —       —       —       —  
        Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to TransUnion   $ 0.34     $ 0.03     $ 1.45     $ (1.06 )
        Adjustments before income tax items:                
        Amortization of certain intangible assets     0.36       0.37       1.45       1.51  
        Stock-based compensation     0.18       0.14       0.62       0.52  
        Goodwill impairment1     —       —       —       2.13  
        Mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and business optimization2     0.05       0.05       0.13       0.18  
        Accelerated technology investment3     0.13       0.09       0.43       0.36  
        Operating model optimization program4     0.04       0.40       0.48       0.40  
        Net other5     0.06       0.02       0.10       0.07  
        Total adjustments before income tax items   $ 0.82     $ 1.07     $ 3.22     $ 5.16  
        Total adjustments for income taxes6     (0.18 )     (0.30 )     (0.76 )     (0.74 )
        Impact of additional dilutive shares7     —       —       —       0.02  
        Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share   $ 0.97     $ 0.80     $ 3.91     $ 3.37  
                                         

        Each component of earnings per share is calculated independently, therefore, rounding differences exist in the table above.

        1. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we recorded a goodwill impairment of $414.0 million related to our United Kingdom reporting unit in our International segment.
        2. Mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and business optimization consisted of the following adjustments:
           
            Three Months Ended December 31,   Years Ended December 31,
              2024       2023       2024     2023  
        Transaction and integration costs   $ 4.2     $ 9.9     $ 11.2   $ 30.9  
        Fair value and impairment adjustments     7.6       0.9       8.4     1.6  
        Post-acquisition adjustments     (2.3 )     (0.5 )     7.0     4.3  
        Transition services agreement income     —       (0.1 )     —     (2.5 )
        Loss on business disposal     —       —       —     0.3  
        Total mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and business optimization   $ 9.4     $ 10.1     $ 26.5   $ 34.6  
                                       
        3. Represents expenses associated with our accelerated technology investment to migrate to the cloud. There are three components of the accelerated technology investment: (i) building foundational capabilities which includes establishing a modern, API-based and services-oriented software architecture, (ii) the migration of each application and customer data to the new enterprise platform, including the redundant software costs during the migration period, as well as the efforts to decommission the legacy system, and (iii) program enablement, which includes dedicated resources to support the planning and execution of the program. The amounts for each category of cost are as follows:
           
            Three Months Ended December 31,   Years Ended December 31,
              2024     2023     2024     2023
        Foundational Capabilities   $ 10.7   $ 8.0   $ 35.7   $ 35.8
        Migration Management     13.3     7.7     43.2     29.6
        Program Enablement     1.6     1.3     5.4     5.2
        Total accelerated technology investment   $ 25.6   $ 17.0   $ 84.2   $ 70.6
                                 
        4. Operating model optimization consisted of the following adjustments:
           
            Three Months Ended December 31,   Years Ended December 31,
              2024     2023     2024     2023
        Employee separation   $ —   $ 71.9   $ 24.7   $ 71.9
        Facility exit     —     3.4     42.1     3.4
        Business process optimization     8.4     2.3     28.0     2.3
        Total operating model optimization   $ 8.4   $ 77.6   $ 94.8   $ 77.6
                                 
        5. Net other consisted of the following adjustments:
           
            Three Months Ended December 31,   Years Ended December 31,
              2024     2023       2024     2023
        Deferred loan fee expense from debt prepayments and refinancing   $ 8.6   $ 6.2     $ 17.8   $ 9.3
        Currency remeasurement on foreign operations     2.5     (1.8 )     2.1     4.8
        Other non-operating expense     0.4     —       0.3     —
        Total other adjustments   $ 11.6   $ 4.4     $ 20.2   $ 14.0
                                   
        6. Total adjustments for income taxes represents the total of adjustments discussed to calculate the Adjusted Provision for Income Taxes.
        7.  Diluted share counts for Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share includes an additional 1.3 million of dilutive securities for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, which are not included in GAAP diluted weighted-average shares outstanding due to the Company’s net loss position for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023.
           
        SCHEDULE 4
        TRANSUNION AND SUBSIDIARIES
        Adjusted Provision for Income Taxes, Effective Tax Rate and Adjusted Effective Tax Rate (Unaudited)
        (dollars in millions)
               
          Three Months Ended December 31,   Years Ended December 31,
            2024       2023       2024       2023  
        Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes $ 100.6     $ (5.8 )   $ 401.1     $ (145.3 )
        Total adjustments before income tax items from Schedule 3   161.9       208.8       633.1       1,005.0  
        Adjusted income from continuing operations before income taxes $ 262.5     $ 203.0     $ 1,034.3     $ 859.7  
                       
        Reconciliation of Provision for income taxes to Adjusted Provision for Income Taxes              
        (Provision) benefit for income taxes   (29.9 )     15.4       (98.8 )     (44.7 )
        Adjustments for income taxes:              
        Tax effect of above adjustments   (37.0 )     (45.5 )     (145.5 )     (135.6 )
        Eliminate impact of excess tax (benefit) expenses for stock-based compensation   (0.1 )     0.2       (1.5 )     3.0  
        Other1   1.3       (13.7 )     (1.7 )     (11.5 )
        Total adjustments for income taxes $ (35.9 )   $ (58.9 )   $ (148.7 )   $ (144.1 )
        Adjusted Provision for Income Taxes $ (65.8 )   $ (43.5 )   $ (247.6 )   $ (188.8 )
                       
        Effective tax rate   29.7 %     263.1 %     24.6 %   (30.8)%
        Adjusted Effective Tax Rate   25.1 %     21.4 %     23.9 %     22.0 %
                                       

        As a result of displaying amounts in millions, rounding differences may exist in the table above.

        1. Other adjustments for income taxes include:
           
            Three Months Ended December 31,   Years Ended December 31,
              2024       2023       2024       2023  
        Deferred tax adjustments   $ 15.2     $ (13.5 )   $ 13.8     $ (12.9 )
        Valuation allowance adjustments     (10.6 )     4.8       (12.7 )     4.0  
        Return to provision, audit adjustments, and reserves related to prior periods     (3.5 )     (3.6 )     (2.3 )     (1.0 )
        Other adjustments     0.1       (1.4 )     (0.5 )     (1.6 )
        Total other adjustments   $ 1.3     $ (13.7 )   $ (1.7 )   $ (11.5 )
                                         

        SCHEDULE 5
        TRANSUNION AND SUBSIDIARIES
        Leverage Ratio (Unaudited)
        (dollars in millions)

            Years Ended December 31,
              2024     2023  
        Reconciliation of Net income (loss) attributable to TransUnion to Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA:        
        Net income (loss) attributable to TransUnion   $ 284.4   $ (206.2 )
        Discontinued operations, net of tax     —     0.7  
        Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to TransUnion   $ 284.4   $ (205.4 )
        Net interest expense     236.7     267.5  
        Provision for income taxes     98.8     44.7  
        Depreciation and amortization     537.8     524.4  
        EBITDA   $ 1,157.7   $ 631.2  
        Adjustments to EBITDA:        
        Stock-based compensation   $ 121.2   $ 100.6  
        Goodwill impairment1     —     414.0  
        Mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and business optimization2     26.5     34.6  
        Accelerated technology investment3     84.2     70.6  
        Operating model optimization program4     94.8     77.6  
        Net other5     21.8     15.2  
        Total adjustments to EBITDA   $ 348.7   $ 712.5  
        Leverage Ratio Adjusted EBITDA   $ 1,506.3   $ 1,343.7  
                 
        Total debt   $ 5,147.2   $ 5,340.4  
        Less: Cash and cash equivalents     679.5     476.2  
        Net Debt   $ 4,467.8   $ 4,864.2  
                 
        Ratio of Net Debt to Net income (loss) attributable to TransUnion     15.7     (23.6 )
        Leverage Ratio6     3.0     3.6  
                       

        As a result of displaying amounts in millions, rounding differences may exist in the table above.

        1. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we recorded a goodwill impairment of $414.0 million related to our United Kingdom reporting unit in our International segment.
        2. Mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and business optimization consisted of the following adjustments:
           
          Years Ended December 31,
            2024     2023  
        Transaction and integration costs $ 11.2   $ 30.9  
        Fair value and impairment adjustments   8.4     1.6  
        Post-acquisition adjustments   7.0     4.3  
        Transition services agreement income   —     (2.5 )
        Loss on business disposal   —     0.3  
        Total mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and business optimization $ 26.5   $ 34.6  
                     
        3. Represents expenses associated with our accelerated technology investment to migrate to the cloud. There are three components of the accelerated technology investment: (i) building foundational capabilities which includes establishing a modern, API-based and services-oriented software architecture, (ii) the migration of each application and customer data to the new enterprise platform, including the redundant software costs during the migration period, as well as the efforts to decommission the legacy system, and (iii) program enablement, which includes dedicated resources to support the planning and execution of the program. The amounts for each category of cost are as follows:
           
          Years Ended December 31,
            2024     2023
        Foundational Capabilities $ 35.7   $ 35.8
        Migration Management   43.2     29.6
        Program Enablement   5.4     5.2
        Total accelerated technology investment $ 84.2   $ 70.6
                   
        4. Operating model optimization consisted of the following adjustments:
           
          Years Ended December 31,
            2024     2023
        Employee separation $ 24.7   $ 71.9
        Facility exit   42.1     3.4
        Business process optimization   28.0     2.3
        Total operating model optimization $ 94.8   $ 77.6
                   
        5. Net other consisted of the following adjustments:
           
          Years Ended December 31,
            2024       2023  
        Deferred loan fee expense from debt prepayments and refinancings $ 17.8     $ 9.3  
        Other debt financing expenses   2.4       2.2  
        Currency remeasurement on foreign operations   2.1       4.8  
        Other non-operating (income) and expense   (0.5 )     (1.0 )
        Total other adjustments $ 21.8     $ 15.2  
                       
        6. We define Leverage Ratio as net debt divided by Leverage Ratio Adjusted EBITDA as shown in the table above.
           
        SCHEDULE 6
        TRANSUNION AND SUBSIDIARIES
        Segment Depreciation and Amortization (Unaudited)
        (in millions)
               
          Three Months Ended December 31,   Years Ended December 31,
            2024     2023     2024     2023
                       
        U.S. Markets $ 101.1   $ 101.3   $ 400.5   $ 393.6
        International   35.2     30.9     133.3     126.4
        Corporate   0.9     1.1     3.9     4.4
        Total depreciation and amortization $ 137.3   $ 133.3   $ 537.8   $ 524.4

        As a result of displaying amounts in millions, rounding differences may exist in the table above.

        SCHEDULE 7
        TRANSUNION AND SUBSIDIARIES
        Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Guidance (Unaudited)
        (in millions, except per share data)

          Three Months Ended March 31, 2025   Year Ended December 31, 2025
          Low   High   Low   High
        Guidance reconciliation of Net income attributable to TransUnion to Adjusted EBITDA:              
        Net income attributable to TransUnion $ 71     $ 77     $ 335     $ 362  
        Interest, taxes and depreciation and amortization   222       225       923       935  
        EBITDA $ 293     $ 301     $ 1,258     $ 1,298  
        Stock-based compensation, mergers, acquisitions divestitures and business optimization-related expenses and other adjustments1   83       83       292       292  
        Adjusted EBITDA $ 376     $ 384     $ 1,549     $ 1,590  
                       
        Net income attributable to TransUnion margin   6.7 %     7.1 %     7.7 %     8.3 %
        Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA margin2   35.5 %     35.8 %     35.8 %     36.2 %
                       
        Guidance reconciliation of Diluted earnings per share to Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share:              
        Diluted earnings per share $ 0.36     $ 0.39     $ 1.68     $ 1.82  
        Adjustments to diluted earnings per share1   0.60       0.60       2.25       2.26  
        Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share $ 0.96     $ 0.99     $ 3.93     $ 4.08  

        As a result of displaying amounts in millions, rounding differences may exist in the table above.

        1. These adjustments include the same adjustments we make to our Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Net Income as discussed in the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of our Earnings Release.
        2. Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA margin is calculated by dividing Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA by total revenue.

        The MIL Network –

    February 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Economics: Burkhard Balz: Envisioning tomorrow – the role of CBDCs in Europe’s digital financial ecosystem

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Check against delivery 

    1 Introduction

    Good morning ladies and gentlemen and thank you very much for your warm welcome.

    I am honoured to have been invited back to this year’s Frankfurt Digital Finance Conference in this wonderful building here in Frankfurt’s Palmengarten and to have been asked to hold a keynote to kick off today’s event.

    Allow me to begin my keynote this morning with a quote attributed to Oscar Wilde: The future belongs to those who recognise opportunities before they become obvious. These words, ladies and gentlemen, could not be any better suited to our financial ecosystem. 

    And it is precisely opportunities that I wish to address in my keynote today – the opportunities provided by central bank digital currencies, or CBDCs for short. A subject that is as timely as it is significant.

    2 The future is digital

    We are at the cusp of a new era. One in which the digitalisation of the financial sector is not just an option but a necessity. New technologies are venturing into the realm of payments and new forms of money, such as digital central bank currencies and stablecoins, are also emerging as alternatives to physical cash.

    These developments all pose new challenges for central banks. Ultimately, central banks must continue to ensure secure and efficient payments in line with their mandate and redefine their role in an increasingly digitalised world in order to maintain the public’s trust in our monetary system.

    The question that we therefore now face is: how do we respond to these technological challenges?

    And that is precisely why we in the Eurosystem – by that I mean the European Central Bank and the national central banks of the euro-area member states, including the Bundesbank – are taking a proactive approach to actively help shape the future of Europe’s digital financial ecosystem.

    3 What are we aiming to achieve with the introduction of a digital euro?

    One could argue that the Eurosystem already offers enough sufficiently well-functioning products, be it physical banknotes and coins or cashless payment instruments. After all, these have proven their worth for decades. Yet at the same time, we cannot simply ignore the evolving world around us. In an increasingly digitalised society, we must adapt to the changing needs and demands of consumers and rethink our payment services. 

    Let me outline the three key motivations behind the possible introduction of a retail CBDC in Europe – a digital euro, which we sometimes like to summarise as resilience, autonomy and efficiency.

    Let me first start with resilience. The foundation of an independent and efficient monetary policy is the adoption and use of the euro. By providing our common currency – the euro – in its form as legal tender and as a modern “all-in-one” digital payment solution, we are paving the way for our currency to enter the digital age, making it “future-proof” and fit for purpose in an increasingly digital society.

    The digital euro would thereby help to preserve the euro’s fulfilment of the core monetary functions and shield the euro area from competing foreign currencies as well as foreign – and potentially unregulated – stablecoins by safeguarding the anchor function of central bank money.

    Second, the digital euro is necessary to improve the autonomy of the European payment system. In its current form, the European payments landscape is highly dependent on non-European providers. Almost 25 years after the introduction of the euro, we still do not have a digital payment solution that can be used across the entire euro area and that runs on a European infrastructure, which, in my view, is not compatible with the concept of a single European market. Although a small number of successful payment innovations have emerged across the euro area over the past years, such as iDEAL in the Netherlands or BIZUM in Spain, the reach of these payment solutions usually ends at national borders.

    As a result, payments in Europe are largely dependent on international schemes, primarily those in the United States. At present, just under two thirds of all card payments in the euro area are processed by non-European providers. And I believe that Europe’s dependencies in the digital age are likely to increase if we do not fundamentally take matters into our own hands. 

    Third, is the issue of efficiency. By creating a pan-European payment rail in a technically modern form, we would foster competition and innovation in payments across Europe, which we believe is the best path towards efficiency in payments. The payment initiatives we have today, such as BIZUM or WERO, would be able to integrate the digital euro into their payment applications, thereby enabling them to gain instant European reach.

    4 What would a digital euro be for the common citizen?

    Although the issues I have just touched upon are very important, they are not necessarily of primarily relevance for the daily life of a majority of citizens in Europe. Hence, what would the digital euro be from the perspective of the customer?

    I believe that the digital euro would not just be a commitment to Europe’s autonomy, increase the resilience of our payment system and foster competition and innovation, it would also improve payments and make life easier for the 350 million residents of the euro area.

    The digital euro would serve as an additional means of payment alongside cash. As a digital upgrade of banknotes and coins, it would be an “all-in-one payments solution”, as we like to call it, which means it can be used in almost all everyday payment situations, including at retail checkouts, transactions among family and friends, online purchases, and payments to or from public authorities. Furthermore, it would be the first digital currency which could be used both online and offline. That is to say, also in the event of a loss of internet reception.

    Moreover, the design of the digital euro would ensure that it would offer the highest possible level of user privacy, comparable only to cash. No other digital means of payment in Europe currently offers all these features.

    Despite the many benefits the digital euro would bring for Europe as a whole, we must, nevertheless, proceed with caution. The introduction of a digital euro raises important questions about privacy, security, and the impact on financial stability and monetary policy. We must ensure that the digital euro upholds the highest standards of data protection, that it is resilient against cyber threats, and that it does not have a negative impact on financial stability.

    5 Wholesale CBDC

    Digitalisation raises questions not only in terms of how we intend to continue providing access to central bank money for our European citizens in future, but also in terms of how we intend to supply money to our wholesale customers. It is and will remain essential that we are able to settle digital transactions using new and innovative technologies, such as distributed ledger technology (DLT) in central bank money. An entire ecosystem is currently evolving around the tokenisation of securities, which involves all parts of the financial system.

    Like other financial players, the Bundesbank, and also the Eurosystem as a whole, see the significant benefits that the use of these new technologies can bring. The advantages of DLT, such as automated settlement by means of smart contracts and reduced reconciliation needs, are clear.

    But to fully harness this potential, we also need an innovative settlement mechanism for the cash leg – one which settles transactions in central bank money. We are therefore working on developing wholesale solutions that enable banks to settle DLT-based financial market transactions in central bank money. 

    The Eurosystem recently completed an exploration phase together with the market, which ran from May to November 2024, during which we tested various new technologies for wholesale central bank money settlement using real transactions. The Bundesbank also participated in this exploration phase with its “Trigger solution”, which builds a bridge between DLT platforms and the conventional TARGET payment system. The feedback we have received from the market so far has been very positive. I think we can already say that the exploration phase was a complete success.

    The anticipated benefits of DLT are seen as having the potential to address and overcome the ecosystem’s current shortcomings, such as fragmentation, complexity, over-intermediation, and technological inefficiencies, which hinder the growth of a digital capital markets union. 

    By developing a new ecosystem from the ground up, it could be made more integrated and harmonised, featuring a “common set of rails” – a shared ledger or a network of fully interoperable ledgers – that would guarantee reachability, open access, and compatibility across the services of all participants.

    Our primary focus is now on implementing a short-term wholesale solution to meet the immediate and growing demands of the market. This will buy us some much-needed time to continue working on a vision for a long-term solution for wholesale CBDC. A solution which must ultimately go hand in hand with the evolving financial market ecosystem.

    6 Business-to-business (B2B) payments

    Alongside its work into the possible introduction of a digital euro and the exploration of wholesale CBDC, the ECB, together with the Eurosystem, has also been turning its focus to another area of payments – one which is increasingly gaining traction: business-to-business payments, or B2B payments for short.

    To fully leverage the potential of the evolving payments landscape in the area of CBDCs, last October the ECB organised a special focus workshop on innovations in B2B payments and the role central bank money could play. 

    This workshop provided a one-of-a-kind platform to learn more about the potential use cases out there in the market. Given the high level of interest shown in the first focus workshop, I’m sure this will not be the last one of its kind.

    7 Outlook

    Ladies and gentlemen,

    The introduction of the digital euro and the exploration of wholesale CBDC and B2B use cases are not just a technical exercise, but a clear commitment to the innovative strength and competitiveness of Europe.

    The Bundesbank and the Eurosystem are determined to play an active role in shaping this digital transformation.

    It is, however, crucial that we continue working together and pool our resources and expertise in order to fully exploit the opportunities offered by digitalisation to create a strong, stable and future-proof digital financial ecosystem for Europe.

    Thank you for your attention.

    MIL OSI Economics –

    February 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Ormat Technologies Awarded Tolling Agreements for Two Energy Storage Facilities in Israel

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RENO, Nev., Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ormat Technologies Inc. (NYSE: ORA), (“Ormat” or the “Company”) a leading geothermal and renewable energy technology company, today announced that it has won a tender issued by the Israeli Electricity Authority and has been awarded two separate 15-year tolling agreements for two Energy Storage facilities. The facilities under the tolling agreements are expected to have a combined capacity of approximately 300MW/1200MWh.

    These projects are developed in partnership with Allied Infrastructure LTD (“Allied”), a leading infrastructure company in Israel. The ownership of the projects will be shared, 50/50 between Ormat and Allied. This marks Ormat’s and the partnership’s first major entry into the Israeli utility scale energy storage market. The partnership intends to develop this activity and develop additional Energy Storage facilities.

    The parties are in advanced stages of obtaining the interconnection for the two projects, and the necessary land use permits ahead of starting construction. Commercial operation date is expected during 2028. The tolling agreement includes an option for termination of the initial contract and move to participation in the merchant market.

    “We are delighted to announce the award of these two tolling agreements, marking another key strategic milestone for our growing Energy Storage business,” said Doron Blachar, Chief Executive Officer of Ormat Technologies. “These long-term agreements highlight our team’s ability to advance and execute Ormat’s Energy Storage portfolio expansion strategy. The tolling agreements for these two assets will further enhance the Company’s portfolio profitability and add stability to margin performance, each a key element of our growth strategy in our storage business.”

    Blachar concluded, “These energy storage contracts mark the Company’s first owned project in Israel, and we look forward to continuing to work with Allied as Ormat’s capabilities and assets will now help drive Israel’s efforts to achieve its renewable energy and energy continuity goals.”

    ABOUT ORMAT TECHNOLOGIES

    With over five decades of experience, Ormat Technologies, Inc. is a leading geothermal company and the only vertically integrated company engaged in geothermal and recovered energy generation (“REG”), with robust plans to accelerate long-term growth in the energy storage market and to establish a leading position in the U.S. energy storage market. The Company owns, operates, designs, manufactures and sells geothermal and REG power plants primarily based on the Ormat Energy Converter – a power generation unit that converts low-, medium- and high-temperature heat into electricity. The Company has engineered, manufactured and constructed power plants, which it currently owns or has installed for utilities and developers worldwide, totaling approximately 3,400MW of gross capacity. Ormat leveraged its core capabilities in the geothermal and REG industries and its global presence to expand the Company’s activity into energy storage services, solar Photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage plus Solar PV. Ormat’s current total generating portfolio is 1.5GW with a 1.2GW geothermal and solar generation portfolio that is spread globally in the U.S., Kenya, Guatemala, Indonesia, Honduras, and Guadeloupe, and a 290MW energy storage portfolio that is located in the U.S.

    ABOUT THE ISRAELI ELECTRICITY AUTHORITY

    The Israeli Electricity Authority is a government authority charged with providing utility services, setting tariffs, regulation, and oversight of the electricity market in Israel.

    ABOUT ALLIED INFRASTRUCTURE LTD

    Allied Infrastructure LTD is a multi-disciplined specialist contractor working primarily in the Airports, Highways, Defense and Construction sectors. Allied is delivering innovative and quality services using specially developed materials to offer complete solutions to preserve, protect, maintain and restore infrastructure assets, especially in the airside environment.

    ORMAT’S SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

    Information provided in this press release may contain statements relating to current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about future events that are “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future, including such matters as our projections of annual revenues, expenses and debt service coverage with respect to our debt securities, future capital expenditures, business strategy, competitive strengths, goals, development or operation of generation assets, market and industry developments and the growth of our business and operations, are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, the words “may”, “will”, “could”, “should”, “expects”, “plans”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “estimates”, “predicts”, “projects”, “potential”, or “contemplate” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such words or expressions. These forward-looking statements generally relate to Ormat’s plans, objectives and expectations for future operations and are based upon its management’s current estimates and projections of future results or trends. Although we believe that our plans and objectives reflected in or suggested by these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we may not achieve these plans or objectives. Actual future results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties and other risks described under “Risk Factors” as described in Ormat’s annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 23, 2024, and in Ormat’s subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q that are filed from time to time with the SEC.

    These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and, except as legally required, we undertake no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Ormat Technologies Contact:
    Smadar Lavi
    VP Head of IR and ESG Planning & Reporting
    775-356-9029 (ext. 65726)
    slavi@ormat.com
      Investor Relations Agency Contact:
    Joseph Caminiti or Josh Carroll
    Alpha IR Group
    312-445-2870
    ORA@alpha-ir.com

    The MIL Network –

    February 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Himax Technologies, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results; Provides First Quarter 2025 Guidance

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Q4 2024 Revenues, Gross Margin and EPS All Surpassed Guidance Range Issued on November 7, 2024
    Company Q1 2025 Guidance: Revenues to Decrease 8.5% to 12.5% QoQ,
    Gross Margin is Expected to be Around 30.5%. Profit per Diluted ADS to be 9.0 Cents to 11.0 Cents

    • Q4 2024 revenues registered $237.2 million, an increase of 6.7% QoQ, significantly exceeding guidance range of a slight decrease to flat, primarily driven by stronger order momentum across product lines
    • Q4 2024 Gross margin reached 30.5%, exceeding guidance of flat to slightly up, driven by a favorable product mix and cost improvements. Up from 30.0% in the Q3 2024
    • Q4 2024 after-tax profit was $24.6M, or 14.0 cents per diluted ADS, considerably above the guidance range of 9.3 cents to 11.0 cents
    • Company’s full year 2024 revenues were $906.8 million, and gross margin was 30.5%. 2024 profit attributable to shareholders was $0.46 per fully diluted ADS
    • Company’s Q1 2025 revenues to decline 8.5% to 12.5% QoQ, reflecting the low season demand due to Lunar New Year holidays. The Q1 revenue guidance implies flat to 4.6% increase YoY. Gross margin to be around 30.5%, up from 29.3% same quarter last year. Profit per diluted ADS to be in the range of 9.0 cents to 11.0 cents, implying the increase of 26% to 54% YoY
    • Himax sales revenues in each quarter of 2024 consistently outperformed guidance, demonstrating its ability to handle most of rush orders, underscoring its strong ability in inventory management and swift market responsiveness
    • Full year 2024 automotive driver IC sales increased nearly 20% YoY, significantly outpacing global automotive growth, largely driven by the continued TDDI adoption among major customers across all continents. Himax continues to reinforce its market leadership in automotive TDDI, holding well over 50% market share
    • Himax’s WLO technology plays a critical role in CPO by providing essential optical coupling capability, making it a core element of the solution. Small-scale production of the first-gen CPO underway, with acceleration of future CPO generation development, in close collaboration with AI customers/partners. Company believes prospect of CPO remains unchanged
    • WiseEye, building on the success with Dell, has achieved notable progress with other leading NB brands. Also made breakthroughs in smart door lock, palm vein authentication and smart home. Himax anticipates a strong growth trajectory in WiseEye business in 2025 and beyond
    • At CES 2025, Himax showcased a wide range of innovative achievements, including automotive display technology, WiseEye AI, and advanced optical technologies for AR/VR
    • Rising enthusiasm in AR glasses with Gen AI in CES 2025. Himax offers three critical technologies for AR glasses, namely LCoS microdisplay, WLO waveguide, and ultralow power WiseEye AI
    • Himax is well-positioned to capitalize on the trend of the premium NB to adopt OLED displays and touch features. Confident to lead in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI PCs and premium NB, offering a comprehensive IC portfolio for both LCD and OLED NB

    TAINAN, Taiwan, Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Himax Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: HIMX) (“Himax” or “Company”), a leading supplier and fabless manufacturer of display drivers and other semiconductor products, announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2024 ended December 31, 2024.

    “In 2024, our sales revenues in each quarter consistently outperformed guidance. We have consistently demonstrated our ability to handle most of rush orders, underscoring our agility, adaptability, strong capabilities in inventory management, and swift market responsiveness,” said Mr. Jordan Wu, President and Chief Executive Officer of Himax.

    “At CES this year, Himax showcased a wide range of innovative achievements, including automotive display technology, WiseEye AI, and advanced optical technologies for AR/VR. Notably, a clear trend emerged at this year’s CES as the industry demonstrated growing enthusiasm for AR glasses, fueled by more companies entering the space and integrating generative AI to accelerate the development of lightweight, compact, and all-day AR glasses. For AR glasses, Himax offers three critical technologies, namely LCoS microdisplay, WLO waveguide, and ultralow power WiseEye AI,” continued Mr. Jordan Wu.

    “Himax’s WLO technology plays a critical role in CPO by providing essential optical coupling capability, making it a core element of the solution. The prospect of CPO remains unchanged and the widespread adoption of CPO for data transmission to be conducted via optics instead of metal wire is on track in high-performance AI applications. Through WLO and CPO technologies, Himax is well-positioned to engage in the high-speed AI computing market with high expectations for its growth,” concluded Mr. Jordan Wu.

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Results

    Himax net revenues registered $237.2 million, an increase of 6.7% sequentially, significantly exceeding Company’s guidance range of a slight decrease to flat, and up 4.2% year-over-year. Gross margin reached 30.5%, exceeding its guidance of flat to slightly up from 30.0% in the previous quarter, and up from 30.3% in the same period last year. The sequential increase was driven by a favorable product mix and cost improvements. Q4 profit per diluted ADS was 14.0 cents, considerably above the guidance range of 9.3 cents to 11.0 cents, thanks to better-than-expected revenues and improved costs.

    Revenue from large display drivers came in at $25.0 million, reflecting a 18.6% sequential decline. The decrease was primarily attributed to continued customer destocking after substantial Q2 replenishment for shopping festivals, as well as heightened price competition from Chinese peers. Sales of large panel driver ICs accounted for 10.5% of total revenues for the quarter, compared to 13.8% last quarter and 14.8% a year ago.

    Small and medium-sized display driver segment totaled $166.8 million, an increase of 7.4% sequentially, exceeding its guidance of flat quarter-over-quarter, thanks to stronger-than-expected sales in the automotive and tablet markets. Q4 automotive driver sales, including both traditional DDIC and TDDI, experienced mid-teens increase, significantly outperforming Company’s expectation of a single digit increase, with both DDIC and TDDI showing stronger-than-expected sales. This surge was primarily driven by continued rush orders from Chinese panel customers, carried over from Q3, following the Chinese government’s renewed trade-in stimulus initiative announced in mid-August 2024 to boost automobile consumption. Remarkably, Himax’s Q4 automotive TDDI sales have exceeded DDIC sales for the first time, underscoring the global adoption of Company’s TDDI solutions, which are increasingly essential in modern vehicles, and reflects the growing demand for more intuitive, interactive, and cost-effective touch panel features powered by TDDI technology. Himax’s automotive business, comprising drivers, Tcon, and OLED IC sales, accounted for around 50% of total Q4 revenues. Meanwhile, Q4 tablet IC sales exceeded the guidance of a low teens decline, with sales up slightly sequentially driven by rush orders from leading end customers. Q4 smartphone IC sales declined slightly, in line with its guidance. The small and medium-sized driver IC segment accounted for 70.3% of total sales for the quarter, compared to 69.9% in the previous quarter and 71.6% a year ago.

    Fourth quarter revenues from its non-driver business reached $45.4 million, exceeding the guidance range, with a 24.9% increase from the previous quarter. The growth was primarily driven by a one-time ASIC Tcon product shipment to a leading projector customer and Tcon for monitor application. In Q4, automotive Tcon sales continued to grow sequentially, due to the widespread adoption of Himax’s market-leading local dimming Tcon with over two hundred secured design-win projects across major panel makers, Tier 1 suppliers, and automotive manufacturers worldwide. Non-driver products accounted for 19.2% of total revenues, as compared to 16.3% in the previous quarter and 13.6% a year ago.  

    Fourth quarter operating expenses were $49.2 million, a decrease of 19.1% from the previous quarter and a decline of 6.0% from a year ago. The sequential decrease stemmed primarily from a reduction in annual employee bonuses, partially offset by an increase in R&D expenses. As part of Company’s standard practice, Himax grants annual bonuses, including cash and RSUs, to employees at the end of September each year. This results in higher IFRS operating expenses in the third quarter compared to the other quarters of the year. The year-over-year decrease was mainly due to a decline in employee bonus compensation as the amortized portion of prior year’s bonuses for 2023 was higher than that for 2024, offsetting the higher annual bonus compensation grant for 2024 compared to 2023. Amid ongoing macroeconomic challenges, Himax is strictly enforcing budget and expense controls, with full-year 2024 operating expenses declining 5.6% compared to last year.

    Fourth quarter operating income was $23.1 million or 9.7% of sales, compared to 2.6% of sales last quarter and 7.3% of sales for the same period last year. The sequential increase was primarily the result of higher sales, improved gross margin, and lower operating expenses. The year-over-year increase was primarily the result of higher sales, higher gross margin, and lower employee bonus compensation due to the amortized portion of the prior year’s bonuses. Fourth-quarter after-tax profit was $24.6 million, or 14.0 cents per diluted ADS, reflecting a meaningful increase from $13.0 million, or 7.4 cents per diluted ADS last quarter, and up from $23.6 million, or 13.5 cents in the same period last year.

    Full Year 2024 Financial

    Revenues totaled $906.8 million, a slight decline of 4.1% compared to 2023. Persistent global demand weakness, coupled with uncertainty about market trends, led to conservative purchasing decisions and inventory management by Company’s panel customers. Given this uncertainty, Himax implemented strict expense controls, resulting in a 5.6% reduction in operating expenses for the year. However, Company’s optimism in the automotive business remains unwavering, with automotive IC sales increasing by nearly 20% year-over-year in 2024, far outpacing the overall automotive market growth. Among Company’s automotive product lines, automotive TDDI and Tcon sales, both relatively new technologies, surged by more than 70%, driven by accelerated adoption across the board. This growth strengthened Company’s market leadership and positions Himax well for continued success as the automotive sector embraces more advanced technology resulting from the mega trend of increasing size, quantity, and sophistication of displays inside vehicles.

    Revenue from large panel display drivers totaled $125.9 million in 2024, marking a decrease of 28.3% year-over-year, and representing 13.9% of total sales, as compared to 18.6% in 2023. Small and medium-sized driver sales totaled $625.4 million, reflecting a slight decrease of 0.6% year-over-year, and accounting for 69.0% of its total revenues, as compared to 66.5% in 2023. Non-driver product sales totaled $155.5 million, an increase of 10.6% year-over-year, and representing 17.1% of Company’s total sales, as compared to 14.9% a year ago.

    Gross margin in 2024 was 30.5%, up from 27.9% in 2023. The margin expansion was driven by a strategic focus on cost improvements and operational efficiency optimization, combined with a favorable product mix that included a higher percentage of high-margin products such as automotive and Tcon. The successful diversification of foundry sources also contributed to the margin increase.

    Operating expenses in 2024 were $208.0 million, a decline of 5.6% from 2023, primarily due to lower employee bonus compensation, as the amortized portion of bonuses in 2023 was higher than that in 2024. 2024 operating income was $68.2 million, or 7.5% of sales, an increase from $43.2 million, or 4.6% of sales, in 2023. Himax’s net profit for 2024 was $79.8 million, or $0.46 per diluted ADS, significantly up from $50.6 million, or $0.29 per diluted ADS in 2023.

    Balance Sheet and Cash Flow

    Himax had $224.6 million of cash, cash equivalents and other financial assets as of December 31, 2024. This compares to $206.4 million at the same time last year and $206.5 million a quarter ago. Himax achieved a strong positive operating cash flow of $35.4 million for the fourth quarter, compared to a cash outflow of $3.1 million in Q3. Company made a total of $30.1 million annual cash bonus to employees, resulting in the low operating cash flow of the quarter. As of December 31, 2024, Himax had $34.5 million in long-term unsecured loans, with $6.0 million representing the current portion.

    The Company’s inventories as of December 31, 2024 were $158.7 million, lower than $192.5 million last quarter and $217.3 million at the end of last year. Company’s inventory levels have steadily declined over the past couple of quarters and are now at a healthy level. Accounts receivable at the end of December 2024 was $236.8 million, little changed from $224.6 million last quarter and $235.8 million a year ago. DSO was 96 days at the quarter end, as compared to 92 days last quarter and 91 days a year ago. Fourth quarter capital expenditures were $3.2 million, versus $2.6 million last quarter and $15.1 million a year ago. Fourth quarter capex was mainly for R&D related equipment for Company’s IC design business. Total capital expenditures for 2024 were $13.1 million as compared to $23.4 million in 2023. The decrease was primarily due to reduced spending on in-house testers for Company’s IC design business in 2024.

    Outstanding Share

    As of December 31, 2024, Himax had 174.9 million ADS outstanding, little changed from last quarter. On a fully diluted basis, the total number of ADS outstanding for the fourth quarter was 175.1 million.  

    Q1 2025 Outlook

    In 2024, Himax’s sales revenues in each quarter consistently outperformed guidance. While this strong performance is certainly commendable, it also highlights the challenges Company faced such as limited market visibility and conservative customer demand, where many customers relied on rush orders to address their actual demands. On the other hand, rush orders are indicative of the tight inventory position of Company’s panel customers in general. In the past few quarters, Himax has consistently demonstrated its ability to handle most of such rush orders, underscoring Company’s agility, adaptability, strong capabilities in inventory management, and swift market responsiveness.

    The automotive IC sales remained Company’s largest revenue contributor in 2024, accounting for almost half of total revenues and achieving close to 20% annual growth. This performance highlights Himax’s automotive leadership in technological innovations, product development, and market share. Looking ahead, Himax expects its automotive TDDI and Tcon technologies to maintain growth momentum, further strengthening its market competitiveness. Beyond LCD technology, Himax is advancing development in the automotive OLED sector, with numerous projects currently underway in partnership with leading panel makers. Company anticipates that automotive OLED IC will serve as one of the key growth drivers for Himax in the coming years, further solidifying its leadership in automotive display market.

    Meanwhile, Himax is actively expanding its technology development beyond display ICs. To that end, in the WiseEye AI segment, Company has made notable progress with leading notebook brands and achieved significant breakthroughs in smart door lock, palm vein authentication, and smart home applications, collaborating with world-leading customers to develop new innovations. Himax anticipates a strong growth trajectory in its WiseEye business in 2025 and beyond.

    Himax’s proprietary wafer-level optics (WLO) technology for co-packaged optics (CPO) has recently garnered significant attention in the capital markets. In fact, as early as June 2024, Himax and FOCI, a global leader in silicon photonics connectors, jointly announced the industry-leading CPO technology. The collaboration, spanning several years, unites Himax’s WLO technology with FOCI’s CPO solutions for cutting-edge AI multi-chip modules (MCM). Since the announcement, Himax has provided updates on the latest progress in each quarterly earnings call. Himax’s WLO technology plays a critical role in CPO by providing essential optical coupling capability, making it a core element of the solution. CPO significantly enhances bandwidth and accelerates data transmission while reducing signal loss, latency, and power consumption. Additionally, it can help drastically decrease the size and cost of MCM.

    While CPO is still in engineering validation and trial production stage this year, with customer’s mass production timelines undisclosed and the recent AI market disruptions from DeepSeek, the prospect of CPO remains unchanged. The widespread adoption of CPO for data transmission to be conducted via optics instead of metal wire is on track in high-performance AI applications. This is evident by the significant increase in customer’s recent trial production volume forecast, indicating an accelerated timeline for CPO technology to enter mass production. Furthermore, Himax and FOCI, in close collaboration with leading AI customers and partners, are actively developing future generations of CPO technologies to meet the explosive high-speed optical data transmission demand in HPC and AI. Through WLO and CPO technologies, Himax is well-positioned to engage in the high-speed AI computing market with high expectations for its growth. Company believes that CPO technology, beyond cloud applications, will see further adoption in sectors such as automotive and robot in the future. Himax’s current goal is to accelerate CPO adoption in cloud applications, thereby helping drive broader CPO adoption in AI applications.

    At CES this year, Himax showcased a wide range of innovative achievements, including automotive display technology, WiseEye AI, and advanced optical technologies for AR/VR. Notably, a clear trend emerged at this year’s CES as the industry demonstrated growing enthusiasm for AR glasses, fueled by more companies entering the space and integrating generative AI to accelerate the development of lightweight, compact, and all-day AR glasses. For AR glasses, Himax offers three critical technologies, namely LCoS microdisplay, WLO waveguide, and ultralow power WiseEye AI. Company’s latest, patented Front-lit LCoS Microdisplay delivers unparalleled brightness with an industry-leading 400k nits, exceptional optical power efficiency, compact form factor, lightweight, and superior display quality, making it one of the most viable solutions in the see-through AR glasses market. In waveguide, in collaboration with leading tech names, Himax leverages proprietary WLO expertise, built on advanced nanoimprint technology, to offer industry-leading optical solutions that optimize light transmission and display efficiency. In the field of AI sensing for AR glasses, Himax’s WiseEye provides always-on AI sensing capabilities which are being applied by developers to significantly enhance AR interactivity while consuming just a few milliwatts of power.

    In automotive display IC technology, Himax unveiled the industry’s most comprehensive LCD and OLED solutions at CES, showcasing a range of next-generation smart cabin technologies. These solutions not only improve the intuitive operation of smart cabins but also enhance driving safety and provide an exceptional user experience. A prime example is the advanced Display HMI solution developed in collaboration with AUO which meets the demands for large-size, high-resolution, and freeform automotive displays.

    At CES, Himax also partnered with several AI ecosystem partners to showcase its ultralow power WiseEye Modules over a range of innovative, production-ready AIoT applications. These applications include palm vein authentication, baby cry detection, people flow management, and human sensing detection. The modules are designed for easy integration, making it highly suitable for various AIoT applications.

    Display Driver IC Businesses

    LDDIC

    In Q1 2025, Himax anticipates a single digit sequential sales increase for large display driver ICs, driven by demand spurred by Chinese government subsidies for household appliances aimed at reviving demand in the sluggish household sector. Notebook and monitor sales are expected to increase in Q1. In contrast, TV IC sales are set to decline as customers pulled forward their inventory purchases in the prior quarter, coupled with the seasonal slowdown in Q1.

    Looking ahead in the notebook sector, Company is seeing an increase in demand for premium notebooks to adopt OLED displays and touch features, partially fueled by the rise of AI PC. Himax is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend, offering a comprehensive range of ICs for both LCD and OLED notebooks, including DDIC, Tcon, touch controllers, and TDDI. A standout innovation is Company’s pioneering in-cell touch TDDI for LCD displays, which improves the ease of system design and integration by embedding the touch controller within the TDDI chip while maintaining the conventional display driver setup for Tcon data transmission. This design simplifies integration for customers, reducing engineering complexity and speeding up product development. This solution also supports high-resolution displays up to 4K and larger screens up to 16 inches, aligning with the growing demand for advanced, visually stunning, and immersive laptops. With mass production already underway for a leading notebook vendor’s AI PC, more projects are lined up. For OLED notebooks, in addition to Company’s OLED DDIC and Tcon solutions, Himax is also developing on-cell touch controller technology, with multiple projects underway with top panel makers and notebook vendors. Last but not least, progress has been made on the next-generation eDP 1.5 display interface for Tcon for both LCD and OLED panels. This interface will support high frame rates, low power consumption, adaptive sync, and high resolution, key features essential for next-generation AI PCs. By delivering innovative, cutting-edge technologies, Himax is well-positioned to lead in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI PCs and premium notebooks.

    SMDDIC

    On SMDDIC revenue, for the full year 2024, Himax’s automotive driver IC sales, comprising of TDDI and traditional DDIC, increased nearly 20% year-over-year, significantly outpacing global automotive growth, largely driven by the continued adoption of TDDI technology among major customers across all continents. However, Himax anticipates Q1 automotive revenue to decline low teens sequentially, following two quarters of surge demand. Despite this, Q1 automotive sales are still projected to increase by mid-teens on a year-over-year basis. In the automotive TDDI sector, with cumulative shipments significantly surpassing those of Himax’s competitors, Company continues to reinforce its market leadership, which currently stands at well over 50%. With nearly 500 design-in projects secured and a continuous influx of new pipeline and design-wins across the board, of which only 30% already in mass production, Himax expects to sustain this decent growth in the years ahead. While traditional automotive DDIC sales for 2024 declined due to their gradual, partial replacement by TDDI, Company’s DDIC shipment volume still saw a modest increase in the last year. This demonstrates the steady demand for mature DDIC products, such as those used in cluster displays, HUDs, and rear- and side-view mirrors, which do not require touch functionality. Furthermore, the long-term trust and loyalty from Company’s DDIC customers, some of whom have relied on Himax’s solutions for over a decade, is indicative of Company’s strong customer retention. Himax continues to lead the automotive DDIC market, maintaining a global market share of approximately 40%.

    Himax continues to lead in automotive display IC innovation by pioneering solutions that deliver superior performance, power efficiency, and enhanced user experiences. As part of this ongoing innovation, Company’s latest TED (Tcon Embedded Driver IC) solution, which combines TDDI with local dimming Tcon into a single chip, provides a cost-effective, flexible, and comprehensive solution for its customers. Another new technology worth highlighting is Himax’s automotive TDDI with advanced user-aware touch control, which differentiates between driver and passenger touches to prevent cross-touch and enhance driving safety. In addition, Company offers a unique knob-on-in-cell-display solution that combines a physical knob with a TDDI. This design seamlessly merges in-cell touch technology with tactile controls, offering drivers a safer, more intuitive interaction that reduces distractions and enhances the overall driving experience.

    Moving to smartphone and tablet IC sales, Himax expects a sequential decline in both product lines, as is typical during the low season in Q1 due to the Lunar New Year.

    On OLED business update. In the automotive OLED market, Company has established strategic partnerships with leading panel makers in Korea, China, and Japan. As OLED technology extends beyond premium car models, Himax is well-positioned as the preferred partner, leveraging Company’s strong presence and proven track record in the automotive LCD display sector. Capitalizing on Himax’s first-mover advantage, Himax aims to drive the growing adoption of OLED in automotive displays by offering a comprehensive range of solutions, including DDIC, Tcon, and on-cell touch controller. Company believes this positions it as a primary beneficiary of the anticipated shift toward OLED displays for high end vehicles in a couple of years, enabling Himax to capture new growth opportunities and further strengthen its market leadership.

    Beyond the automotive sector, Company has also made strides in the tablet and notebook markets, partnering with leading OLED panel makers in Korea and China. Himax’s comprehensive OLED product portfolio, covering DDIC, Tcon, and touch controllers, has driven several new projects that are on track to begin mass production this year. In the smartphone OLED market, Company is making solid progress in collaborations with customers in Korea and China and anticipates mass production to start later this year.

    First quarter small and medium-sized display driver IC business is expected to decline low teens sequentially.

    Non-Driver Product Categories

    Q1 non-driver IC revenues are expected to decrease high teens sequentially.

    Timing Controller (Tcon)

    Himax anticipates Q1 2025 Tcon sales to decrease mid-teens sequentially, primarily due to the non-recurrence of a one-time ASIC Tcon shipment to a leading projector customer last quarter, as well as a moderation in automotive Tcon shipments following several quarters of strong growth. That being said, Himax maintains an unchallenged position in local dimming Tcon, evidenced by growing validation and widespread adoption in both premium and mainstream car models worldwide. Company is confident in the continued growth of its automotive Tcon business, supported by its strong market presence in local dimming Tcon, with strong pipeline of over two hundred design-win projects set to gradually enter production in the coming years. Heads-up display (HUD) is another field gaining traction within automotive displays, driving increased adoption of local dimming Tcon technology and emerging as a particularly promising application. Himax’s industry-leading local dimming Tcon provides distinct advancements with high contrast ratio and optimized power consumption. It effectively eliminates the “postcard effect” often seen in HUDs, caused by backlight leakage typical of conventional TFT LCD panels, ensuring clear and precise images on the windshield. Additionally, the Tcon features advanced transparency detection to prevent the display from obstructing the driver’s view, thereby ensuring driving safety. Several HUD projects are already in progress, and Himax is excited about the potential opportunities ahead. Company is well positioned for continuous growth in automotive Tcon over the next few years.

    WiseEye™ Ultralow Power AI Sensing

    On the update of WiseEye™ ultralow power AI sensing solution, a cutting-edge endpoint AI integration featuring industry-leading ultralow power AI processor, always-on CMOS image sensor, and CNN-based AI algorithm. WiseEye AI delivers a significant competitive edge in the rapidly growing AI market through its ultralow power consumption and context-aware, on-device AI inferencing that seamlessly integrates vision and other sensing capabilities into endpoint applications, particularly battery-powered devices. This not only enhances intuitive user interaction but also makes AI more practical and accessible. Additionally, WiseEye AI offloads tasks from the main processor, effectively extending battery lifespan and improving overall data processing efficiency. Building on the success with Dell notebooks, Himax WiseEye AI is continuing to expand its market presence, with additional use cases expected across other leading notebook brands, some of which are set for production later this year.

    WiseEye also continues to achieve significant market success across various sectors. For smart door lock, Company collaborated with DESMAN, a leading high-end brand in China, to introduce the world’s first smart door lock with 24/7 sentry monitoring and real-time event recording. Building on this achievement, Himax is expanding globally by collaborating with other leading door lock makers worldwide to integrate innovative AI features, including parcel recognition, anti-pinch protection, and palm vein biometric access, further extending application possibilities. Several of these value-added solutions are set to enter production later this year. At CES 2025, Himax joined forces with ecosystem partners to unveil a suite of innovative, production-ready AIoT applications, powered by Company’s tiny form factor, plug-and-play WiseEye Modules. Himax offers a series of modules, each incorporating an ultralow power WiseEye AI processor, an AoS image sensor, and advanced algorithms. The modules feature no-code/low-code AI platform capabilities, simplifying AI integration and supporting diverse use cases, such as human presence detection, gender and age recognition, gesture recognition, face mesh, voice command, thermal image sensing, pose estimation and people flow management. By streamlining deployment and reducing development costs, WiseEye Modules open new opportunities for automation, enhance interactivity, and elevate user experiences across a variety of industries.

    A broad range of innovative, ultralow power WiseEye Modules are also under development in collaboration with ecosystem partners, such as crying baby detection, dynamic gesture recognition, and human sensing, among others. One standout in Himax’s WiseEye Module portfolio is the Himax WiseEye PalmVein solution, which has quickly gained traction since its introduction just one year ago. Company has secured multiple design wins, with mass production already underway by a US customer for smart access applications and a Taiwan-based door lock vendor for its leading smart door lock brands. To meet growing customer demand for flexibility across various environments, the upgraded WiseEye PalmVein suite now features bimodal authentication, combining both palm vein and face recognitions. This dual-authentication solution enhances security by offering two layers of biometric verification, which not only increases reliability but also makes it highly adaptable to various environments.

    The rise of physical AI agents marks a significant shift in human-machine interaction, enabling devices to perceive, process, and respond to their surroundings in real time. A key emerging trend is the integration of cloud-based large language models (LLMs), which enables these agents’ advanced reasoning and language understanding, enhancing their ability to interact with and adapt to the physical world. Himax WiseEye AI is at the forefront of this revolution, delivering always-on sensor fusion, ultralow power on-device processing, while seamlessly interfacing with LLMs, to provide the essential real-time AI capabilities for next-generation applications. A good illustration of this innovation was showcased at CES 2025, where Himax and Seeed Studio introduced the SenseCAP Watcher, a physical AI agent powered by WiseEye AI. Equipped with vision and audio sensor fusion, along with a speaker, this battery-powered IoT device combines on-device AI with cloud-based LLMs to interpret commands, recognize objects, respond to events, and facilitate real-time interaction. Drawing from the success of SenseCAP Watcher, Himax is actively working on multiple projects leveraging WiseEye AI to further drive advancements in physical AI agent applications.

    Separately, Himax is excited about its collaboration with a leading AR player to integrate WiseEye AI into the next generation of AR glasses. At CES, there was a renewed enthusiasm on AR glasses with AI becoming an integral component to enable intuitive and seamless human-device interaction. WiseEye AI addresses two critical challenges in AR glasses, namely real-time responsiveness and power efficiency. For example, WiseEye supports always-on outward sensing, enabling AR glasses to detect and analyze the surrounding environment with real time context-aware AI. This capability powers instant response, real-time object recognition, navigation assistance, translation, and environmental mapping, enhancing the overall AR experience. Notably, WiseEye AI’s exceptional ultralow power consumption, measured in single digit milliwatts, also make it perfectly suited for AR glasses for all-day wear. In another example, Company collaborates with Ganzin on eyeball tracking technology, which, powered by WiseEye, precisely detects subtle eyeball movements, gaze direction, pupil size, and blinking, thereby providing critical data for the enhancement of user interaction in AR glasses.

    Wafer Level Optics (WLO)

    In June 2024, Himax, in partnership with FOCI, a world leader in silicon photonics connector, unveiled an industry-leading co-packaged optics (CPO) technology, leveraging Himax state-of-the-art WLO technology. This innovation integrates silicon photonic chips and optical connectors within MCM, replacing traditional metal wire transmission with high-speed optical communication. The technology significantly enhances bandwidth, boosts data transmission rates, reduces signal loss and latency, lowers power consumption, and significantly minimizes the size and cost of MCM. In working closely with FOCI, Himax is making significant strides through a solid partnership with leading AI semiconductor companies and foundry, with small-scale production of the first-generation CPO solution already underway. The significant increase in Q1 engineering validation and trial production volume, combined with the anticipated sample volume increases in the coming quarters, is a strong indication that CPO technology is being accelerated toward mass production. In addition, in close collaboration with leading AI customers/partners, Himax is speeding up the development of CPO technology for the next few generations. Himax is more optimistic than ever about the outlook for its WLO business, which is poised to generate significant growth opportunities and become a major revenue and profit contributor in the years ahead.

    Alongside the CPO progress, Company is witnessing a rise in engineering collaborations with global technology leaders who are utilizing Himax’s WLO expertise to make advanced waveguides for AR glasses, highlighting the growing recognition of Company’s WLO capabilities.

    LCoS

    On the update on LCoS, Company recently introduced its industry-leading 400K nits ultra-luminous Front-lit LCoS Microdisplay, setting a new benchmark for brightness with extremely low power consumption of merely 300mW. At CES 2025, Company showcased an AR glasses POC (Proof-Of-Concept) featuring the microdisplay with a third-party waveguide, achieving over 1,000 nits of brightness to the eye. This demonstration highlighted its suitability for outdoor, high ambient light conditions. With a lightweight of just 0.98 grams and ultra-compact form factor of less than 0.5 c.c., combined with excellent color performance, Himax’s Front-lit LCoS Microdisplay is ideal for all-day AR glasses and underscores the technology’s readiness for real-world applications.

    Following the recent release of Himax’s 400K nits ultra-luminous Front-lit LCoS Microdisplay, Himax is actively engaged in significant projects through strategic collaborations with industry leaders. Himax’s proven track record of over a decade in LCoS technology, coupled with a history of successful production shipments, highlights Company’s readiness to meet the demands of large-scale production of AR glasses.

    First Quarter 2025 Guidance
    Net Revenue: Decrease 8.5% to 12.5% QoQ, Flat to Up 4.6% YoY
    Gross Margin: Around 30.5%, depending on final product mix
    Profit: 9.0 cents to 11.0 cents per diluted ADS, Up 26% to 54% YoY  
       

    Himax noticed that some peers’ customers placed orders early due to tariff factors, especially in the consumer electronics sector, resulting in Q1 revenue forecasts exceeding normal seasonal demand. In contrast, no similar trend has been observed in the automotive semiconductor market. Since Himax’s automotive business accounts for more than half of its total revenues, Himax’s Q1 revenue forecast has not benefited from tariff factors.

    HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR 2024 EARNINGS CONFERENCE CALL
    DATE: Thursday, February 13, 2025
    TIME: U.S.       8:00 a.m. EST
    Taiwan  9:00 p.m.
       
    Live Webcast (Video and Audio): http://www.zucast.com/webcast/br8wqbB4
    Toll Free Dial-in Number (Audio Only):
      Hong Kong 2112-1444
    Taiwan 0080-119-6666
    Australia 1-800-015-763
    Canada 1-877-252-8508
    China (1) 4008-423-888
    China (2) 4006-786-286
    Singapore 800-492-2072
    UK 0800-068-8186
    United States (1) 1-800-811-0860
    United States (2) 1-866-212-5567
    Dial-in Number (Audio Only): 
      Taiwan Domestic Access 02-3396-1191
    International Access +886-2-3396-1191
    Participant PIN Code: 3329013 # 
       

    If you choose to attend the call by dialing in via phone, please enter the Participant PIN Code 3329013 # after the call is connected. A replay of the webcast will be available beginning two hours after the call on www.himax.com.tw. This webcast can be accessed by clicking on this link or Himax’s website, where it will remain available until February 13, 2026.

    About Himax Technologies, Inc.
    Himax Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: HIMX) is a leading global fabless semiconductor solution provider dedicated to display imaging processing technologies. The Company’s display driver ICs and timing controllers have been adopted at scale across multiple industries worldwide including TVs, PC monitors, laptops, mobile phones, tablets, automotive, ePaper devices, industrial displays, among others. As the global market share leader in automotive display technology, the Company offers innovative and comprehensive automotive IC solutions, including traditional driver ICs, advanced in-cell Touch and Display Driver Integration (TDDI), local dimming timing controllers (Local Dimming Tcon), Large Touch and Display Driver Integration (LTDI) and OLED display technologies. Himax is also a pioneer in tinyML visual-AI and optical technology related fields. The Company’s industry-leading WiseEye™ Ultralow Power AI Sensing technology which incorporates Himax proprietary ultralow power AI processor, always-on CMOS image sensor, and CNN-based AI algorithm has been widely deployed in consumer electronics and AIoT related applications. Himax optics technologies, such as diffractive wafer level optics, LCoS microdisplays and 3D sensing solutions, are critical for facilitating emerging AR/VR/metaverse technologies. Additionally, Himax designs and provides touch controllers, OLED ICs, LED ICs, EPD ICs, power management ICs, and CMOS image sensors for diverse display application coverage. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Tainan, Taiwan, Himax currently employs around 2,200 people from three Taiwan-based offices in Tainan, Hsinchu and Taipei and country offices in China, Korea, Japan, Germany, and the US. Himax has 2,649 patents granted and 402 patents pending approval worldwide as of December 31, 2024.

    http://www.himax.com.tw

    Forward Looking Statements

    Factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those described in this conference call include, but are not limited to, the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Company’s business; general business and economic conditions and the state of the semiconductor industry; market acceptance and competitiveness of the driver and non-driver products developed by the Company; demand for end-use applications products; reliance on a small group of principal customers; the uncertainty of continued success in technological innovations; our ability to develop and protect our intellectual property; pricing pressures including declines in average selling prices; changes in customer order patterns; changes in estimated full-year effective tax rate; shortage in supply of key components; changes in environmental laws and regulations; changes in export license regulated by Export Administration Regulations (EAR); exchange rate fluctuations; regulatory approvals for further investments in our subsidiaries; our ability to collect accounts receivable and manage inventory and other risks described from time to time in the Company’s SEC filings, including those risks identified in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in its Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed with the SEC, as may be amended.

    Company Contacts:

    Eric Li, Chief IR/PR Officer
    Himax Technologies, Inc.
    Tel: +886-6-505-0880
    Fax: +886-2-2314-0877
    Email: hx_ir@himax.com.tw
    www.himax.com.tw
      
    Karen Tiao, Investor Relations
    Himax Technologies, Inc.
    Tel: +886-2-2370-3999
    Fax: +886-2-2314-0877
    Email: hx_ir@himax.com.tw
    www.himax.com.tw

    Mark Schwalenberg, Director
    Investor Relations – US Representative
    MZ North America
    Tel: +1-312-261-6430
    Email: HIMX@mzgroup.us
    www.mzgroup.us

    -Financial Tables-

    Himax Technologies, Inc.
    Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Profit or Loss
    (These interim financials do not fully comply with IFRS because they omit all interim disclosure required by IFRS)
    (Amounts in Thousands of U.S. Dollars, Except Share and Per Share Data)
      Three Months
    Ended December 31,
      3 Months
    Ended
    September 30,
        2024       2023       2024  
               
    Revenues          
    Revenues from third parties, net $ 237,182     $ 227,664     $ 222,401  
    Revenues from related parties, net   41       14       6  
        237,223       227,678       222,407  
               
    Costs and expenses:          
    Cost of revenues   164,963       158,669       155,795  
    Research and development   37,584       41,088       46,880  
    General and administrative   5,711       5,831       6,828  
    Sales and marketing   5,886       5,409       7,048  
    Total costs and expenses   214,144       210,997       216,551  
               
    Operating income   23,079       16,681       5,856  
               
    Non operating income (loss):          
    Interest income   2,042       1,934       2,297  
    Changes in fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss   1,245       1,710       27  
    Foreign currency exchange gains (losses), net   690       (1,525 )     457  
    Finance costs   (964 )     (1,140 )     (1,018 )
    Share of losses of associates   (360 )     (14 )     (143 )
    Other losses   –       (1,932 )     –  
    Other income (losses)   60       (362 )     105  
        2,713       (1,329 )     1,725  
    Profit before income taxes   25,792       15,352       7,581  
    Income tax expense (benefit)   761       (7,933 )     (5,174 )
    Profit for the period   25,031       23,285       12,755  
    Loss (profit) attributable to noncontrolling interests   (423 )     280       268  
    Profit attributable to Himax Technologies, Inc. stockholders $ 24,608     $ 23,565     $ 13,023  
               
    Basic earnings per ADS attributable to Himax Technologies, Inc. stockholders $ 0.141     $ 0.135     $ 0.075  
    Diluted earnings per ADS attributable to Himax Technologies, Inc. stockholders $ 0.140     $ 0.135     $ 0.074  
               
    Basic Weighted Average Outstanding ADS   175,008       174,724       174,727  
    Diluted Weighted Average Outstanding ADS   175,146       174,979       174,987  
    Himax Technologies, Inc.
    Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Profit or Loss
    (Amounts in Thousands of U.S. Dollars, Except Share and Per Share Data)
       
        Twelve Months
    Ended December 31,
          2024       2023  
             
    Revenues        
    Revenues from third parties, net   $ 906,737     $ 945,309  
    Revenues from related parties, net     65       119  
          906,802       945,428  
             
    Costs and expenses:        
    Cost of revenues     630,601       681,931  
    Research and development     160,329       171,392  
    General and administrative     24,121       25,037  
    Sales and marketing     23,530       23,856  
    Total costs and expenses     838,581       902,216  
             
    Operating income     68,221       43,212  
             
    Non operating income (loss):        
    Interest income     9,907       8,746  
    Changes in fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss     1,363       1,655  
    Foreign currency exchange gains (losses), net     2,491       (768 )
    Finance costs     (4,014 )     (6,080 )
    Share of losses of associates     (831 )     (598 )
    Other losses     –       (1,932 )
    Other income     198       158  
          9,114       1,181  
    Profit before income taxes     77,335       44,393  
    Income tax benefit     (2,435 )     (5,028 )
    Profit for the period     79,770       49,421  
    Loss (profit) attributable to noncontrolling interests     (15 )     1,195  
    Profit attributable to Himax Technologies, Inc. stockholders   $ 79,755     $ 50,616  
             
    Basic earnings per ADS attributable to Himax Technologies, Inc. stockholders   $ 0.456     $ 0.290  
    Diluted earnings per ADS attributable to Himax Technologies, Inc. stockholders   $ 0.456     $ 0.290  
             
    Basic Weighted Average Outstanding ADS     174,796       174,495  
    Diluted Weighted Average Outstanding ADS     175,014       174,783  
    Himax Technologies, Inc.
    IFRS Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
    (Amounts in Thousands of U.S. Dollars)
     
        December 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
      September 30,
    2024
    Assets            
    Current assets:            
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 218,148     $ 191,749     $ 194,139  
    Financial assets at amortized cost     4,286       12,511       12,335  
    Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss     2,140       2,117       –  
    Accounts receivable, net (including related parties)     236,813       235,829       224,589  
    Inventories     158,746       217,308       192,458  
    Income taxes receivable     726       1,454       986  
    Restricted deposit     503,700       453,000       503,700  
    Other receivable from related parties     13       69       22  
    Other current assets     43,471       86,548       42,581  
    Total current assets     1,168,043       1,200,585       1,170,810  
    Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss     23,554       21,650       26,383  
    Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income     28,226       1,635       22,457  
    Equity method investments     8,571       3,490       2,945  
    Property, plant and equipment, net     121,280       130,109       122,333  
    Deferred tax assets     21,193       14,196       13,806  
    Goodwill     28,138       28,138       28,138  
    Other intangible assets, net     636       816       717  
    Restricted deposit     31       32       31  
    Refundable deposits     221,824       222,025       221,879  
    Other non-current assets     18,025       20,728       18,484  
          471,478       442,819       457,173  
         Total assets   $ 1,639,521     $ 1,643,404     $ 1,627,983  
    Liabilities and Equity            
    Current liabilities:            
    Current portion of long-term unsecured borrowings   $ 6,000     $ 6,000     $ 6,000  
    Short-term secured borrowings     503,700       453,000       503,700  
    Accounts payable (including related parties)     113,203       107,342       121,384  
    Income taxes payable     9,514       15,309       2,324  
    Other payable to related parties     –       110       –  
    Contract liabilities-current     10,622       17,751       25,694  
    Other current liabilities     63,595       109,291       54,673  
    Total current liabilities     706,634       708,803       713,775  
    Long-term unsecured borrowings     28,500       34,500       30,000  
    Deferred tax liabilities     564       520       505  
    Other non-current liabilities     7,496       35,879       11,361  
          36,560       70,899       41,866  
    Total liabilities     743,194       779,702       755,641  
    Equity            
    Ordinary shares     107,010       107,010       107,010  
    Additional paid-in capital     115,376       114,648       115,285  
    Treasury shares     (5,546 )     (5,157 )     (4,714 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive income     8,621       (180 )     3,507  
    Retained earnings     664,600       640,447       644,596  
    Equity attributable to owners of Himax Technologies, Inc.     890,061       856,768       865,684  
    Noncontrolling interests     6,266       6,934       6,658  
    Total equity     896,327       863,702       872,342  
         Total liabilities and equity   $ 1,639,521     $ 1,643,404     $ 1,627,983  
    Himax Technologies, Inc.
    Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    (Amounts in Thousands of U.S. Dollars)
     
        Three Months
    Ended December 31,
      Three Months Ended
    September 30,
          2024       2023       2024  
                 
    Cash flows from operating activities:            
    Profit for the period   $ 25,031     $ 23,285     $ 12,755  
    Adjustments for:            
    Depreciation and amortization     5,564       5,115       5,640  
    Share-based compensation expenses     103       346       407  
    Losses (gains) on disposals of property, plant and equipment, net     4       (368 )     –  
    Loss on re-measurement of the pre-existing relationships in a business combination     –       1,932       –  
    Changes in fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss     (1,245 )     (1,710 )     (27 )
    Interest income     (2,042 )     (1,934 )     (2,297 )
    Finance costs     964       1,140       1,018  
    Income tax expense (benefit)     761       (7,933 )     (5,174 )
    Share of losses of associates     360       14       143  
    Inventories write downs     4,037       5,727       2,269  
    Unrealized foreign currency exchange losses (gains)     (159 )     1,517       228  
          33,378       27,131       14,962  
    Changes in:            
    Accounts receivable (including related parties)     (27,302 )     8,163       8,548  
    Inventories     29,675       36,580       8,964  
    Other receivable from related parties     9       (29 )     33  
    Other current assets     2,502       (5,682 )     (778 )
    Accounts payable (including related parties)     (7,706 )     (627 )     (26,101 )
    Other payable to related parties     1       363       (102 )
    Contract liabilities     6       (958 )     667  
    Other current liabilities     2,508       3,014       (4,161 )
    Other non-current liabilities     71       393       (3,354 )
    Cash generated from operating activities     33,142       68,348       (1,322 )
    Interest received     3,513       2,665       860  
    Interest paid     (1,047 )     (1,140 )     (1,018 )
    Income tax paid     (191 )     (1,131 )     (1,658 )
    Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities     35,417       68,742       (3,138 )
                 
    Cash flows from investing activities:            
    Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment     (3,222 )     (15,052 )     (2,551 )
    Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment     –       111       –  
    Acquisitions of intangible assets     –       (40 )     (9 )
    Acquisitions of financial assets at amortized cost     (2,286 )     (4,573 )     (1,500 )
    Proceeds from disposal of financial assets at amortized cost     10,289       784       617  
    Acquisitions of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss     (6,807 )     (5,375 )     (27,934 )
    Proceeds from disposal of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss     3,722       1,645       33,036  
    Acquisitions of financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income     –       (1,379 )     –  
    Proceeds from disposal of financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income     –       99       –  
    Acquisition of a subsidiary, net of cash acquired (paid)     (5,416 )     433       –  
    Proceeds from capital reduction of investment     338       360       –  
    Acquisitions of equity method investment     (1,236 )     –       –  
    Decrease (increase) in refundable deposits     (8 )     –       11,339  
    Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities     (4,626 )     (22,987 )     12,998  
                 
    Cash flows from financing activities:            
    Purchase of treasury shares     (832 )     –       –  
    Prepayments for purchase of treasury shares     (2,168 )     –       –  
    Payments of cash dividends     –       –       (50,670 )
    Payments of dividend equivalents     –       –       (233 )
    Proceeds from issuance of new shares by subsidiaries     –       916       –  
    Purchases of subsidiaries shares from noncontrolling interests     –       (9 )     –  
    Proceeds from short-term unsecured borrowings     –       36,932       –  
    Repayments of short-term unsecured borrowings     –       (37,226 )     –  
    Repayments of long-term unsecured borrowings     (1,500 )     (1,500 )     (1,500 )
    Proceeds from short-term secured borrowings     461,400       427,100       522,600  
    Repayments of short-term secured borrowings     (461,400 )     (427,100 )     (471,900 )
    Pledge of restricted deposit     –       –       (50,700 )
    Payment of lease liabilities     (1,340 )     (1,244 )     (979 )
    Guarantee deposits received (refunded)     219       (5 )     –  
    Net cash used in financing activities     (5,621 )     (2,136 )     (53,382 )
    Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents     (1,161 )     873       985  
    Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents     24,009       44,492       (42,537 )
    Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period     194,139       147,257       236,676  
    Cash and cash equivalents at end of period   $ 218,148     $ 191,749     $ 194,139  
                 
    Himax Technologies, Inc.
    Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    (Amounts in Thousands of U.S. Dollars)
        Twelve Months
    Ended December 31,
          2024       2023  
             
    Cash flows from operating activities:        
    Profit for the period   $ 79,770     $ 49,421  
    Adjustments for:        
    Depreciation and amortization     22,354       20,322  
    Share-based compensation expenses     1,247       2,663  
    Losses (gains) on disposals of property, plant and equipment, net     4       (368 )
    Loss on re-measurement of the pre-existing relationships in a business combination     –       1,932  
    Changes in fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss     (1,363 )     (1,655 )
    Interest income     (9,907 )     (8,746 )
    Finance costs     4,014       6,080  
    Income tax benefit     (2,435 )     (5,028 )
    Share of losses of associates     831       598  
    Inventories write downs     13,551       21,540  
    Unrealized foreign currency exchange losses (gains)     (171 )     624  
          107,895       87,383  
    Changes in:        
    Accounts receivable (including related parties)     (40,738 )     20,804  
    Inventories     45,011       132,090  
    Other receivable from related parties     56       5  
    Other current assets     3,941       (3,863 )
    Accounts payable (including related parties)     14,567       7,676  
    Other payable to related parties     (110 )     (268 )
    Contract liabilities     45       (37,051 )
    Other current liabilities     (9,010 )     1,246  
    Other non-current liabilities     (2,260 )     (4,602 )
    Cash generated from operating activities     119,397       203,420  
    Interest received     9,732       8,567  
    Interest paid     (4,015 )     (6,080 )
    Income tax paid     (9,138 )     (53,066 )
    Net cash provided by operating activities     115,976       152,841  
             
    Cash flows from investing activities:        
    Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment     (13,054 )     (23,378 )
    Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment     –       111  
    Acquisitions of intangible assets     (153 )     (115 )
    Acquisitions of financial assets at amortized cost     (11,236 )     (6,911 )
    Proceeds from disposal of financial assets at amortized cost     19,457       3,099  
    Acquisitions of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss     (76,003 )     (82,628 )
    Proceeds from disposal of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss     70,389       75,539  
    Acquisitions of financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income     (17,164 )     (1,379 )
    Proceeds from disposal of financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income     –       99  
    Acquisition of a subsidiary, net of cash acquired (paid)     (5,416 )     433  
    Proceeds from capital reduction of investment     338       360  
    Acquisitions of equity method investment     (1,236 )     –  
    Decrease (increase) in refundable deposits     33,562       (56,933 )
    Cash received in advance from disposal of land     –       2,821  
    Net cash used in investing activities     (516 )     (88,882 )
             
    Cash flows from financing activities:        
    Purchase of treasury shares     (832 )     –  
    Prepayments for purchase of treasury shares     (2,168 )     –  
    Payments of cash dividends     (50,670 )     (83,720 )
    Payments of dividend equivalents     (233 )     (148 )
    Proceeds from issuance of new shares by subsidiary     71       916  
    Purchases of subsidiaries shares from noncontrolling interests     (190 )     (9 )
    Proceeds from short-term unsecured borrowings     –       47,226  
    Repayments of short-term unsecured borrowings     –       (47,226 )
    Repayments of long-term unsecured borrowings     (6,000 )     (6,000 )
    Proceeds from short-term secured borrowings     1,780,300       1,383,300  
    Repayments of short-term secured borrowings     (1,729,600 )     (1,299,600 )
    Pledge of restricted deposit     (50,700 )     (83,700 )
    Payment of lease liabilities     (5,032 )     (4,830 )
    Guarantee deposits received (refunded)     (23,163 )     200  
    Net cash used in financing activities     (88,217 )     (93,591 )
    Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents     (844 )     (200 )
    Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents     26,399       (29,832 )
    Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period     191,749       221,581  
    Cash and cash equivalents at end of period   $ 218,148     $ 191,749  

    The MIL Network –

    February 13, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Fellowships launched to explore how AI could change the way scientists drive new discoveries

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    New government-funded fellowships will see researchers explore how AI can change the way we conduct research while 23 projects have been awarded funding to explore wider research and innovation.

    £4 million AI Metascience Fellowship Programme

    New government-funded fellowships exploring how AI could change the way scientists drive future discoveries are now open for applications, Science Minister Lord Vallance has announced today (Thursday 13 February).

    Metascience – the study of how science works – examines research practices, funding models, and how institutions operate to improve how science and research is conducted, and discoveries are made and applied. By understanding what makes scientific research more effective, metascience helps drive research breakthroughs faster and with greater impact – boosting economic growth and prosperity to drive our Plan for Change.

    The AI Metascience Fellowship Programme will fund research into key questions, including how AI is reshaping the research landscape and both changing and supporting the daily work of scientists. It will explore ethical concerns such as biases in AI-driven research and transparency in AI-generated discoveries and economic impacts like shifts in research jobs and funding priorities.

    The new fellowship builds on the momentum of the recent AI Action Summit, as global leaders work to ensure AI’s development benefits society and be rolled out across society in the public interest.

    AI is already revolutionising research with DeepMind’s AlphaFold accelerating drug discovery, while AI-powered lab robotics are automating complex experiments and machine learning is transforming how scientists analyse vast datasets.

    The programme will also examine how governments and businesses should respond, from ensuring AI-driven science remains rigorous and delivers reliable outcomes to supporting researchers to maximise their creative potential and spend less time on mundane tasks.

    Funding will go towards researchers to apply their expertise in examining the technology’s broader effects on research. The £4 million UK programme will run alongside a US-based cohort funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, creating a transatlantic research effort to examine AI’s impact on science. Fellows from both countries will attend a fully funded summer school, strengthening international collaboration and knowledge exchange.

    Applications are especially encouraged from projects exploring the impact of AI on research jobs and skills, how it affects the speed of scientific progress, and the challenges of ensuring AI-driven research remains reliable and explainable.

    Science Minister, Lord Vallance said:

    AI presents new opportunities in a range of sectors, and if researchers can demonstrate its potential to increase transparency, robustness and trust in science then this could pave the way to freeing them up from mundane paperwork tasks while driving growth.

    Supporting researchers to explore how AI can change the way we conduct research and through our joint support with Open Philanthropy for 23 projects exploring wider research and innovation, we will build a better understanding of what works in research – maximising impact, driving discoveries and improving lives.

    In addition to the Fellowship, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) have awarded £4.8 million in funding for 23 new research projects, which will tackle key questions about how to improve research and innovation, including AI’s impact on science, research integrity, and new models for funding and publishing research.

    It follows a funding call launched last year and includes £1.8 million in co-funding from Open Philanthropy, a US-based foundation.

    Among the winning projects:

    • University of Sheffield: Assessing whether large language models – like ChatGPT – can reliably review academic work and contribute to the UK’s Research Excellence Framework and journal peer review
    • University of Bath: Partnering with Sage Publishing and the Royal Society to test a two-stage peer review process, designed to increase trust in academic findings
    • University College London (UCL): Working with Google DeepMind and the UN Development Programme (UNDP) to explore how AI-driven research can be applied to global challenges, including sustainability and healthcare

    Notes to editors

    List of the Metascience grant winners.

    AI Peer: Large language models and academic peer review outcomes
    Michael Thelwall, University of Sheffield.

    Analysing the Reliability of Quantitative Impact Evaluations (ARGIE)
    Jack Blumenau, University College London.

    Assessing compliance with the FAIR Guiding Principles: a systematic evidence map of data availability in metabolomics research
    Matt Spick, University of Surrey.

    Big Science Beyond Science: The Innovation Impact of Research Infrastructure Procurement
    Riccardo Crescenzi, LSE.

    Commercialising Deep Tech: Understanding Frictions to University Invention Disclosure
    Ramana Nanda, Imperial College London.

    Cultural Traction: Embedding research culture strategy
    S Martin Holbraad, University College London.

    Evaluating the Development and Impact of AI-Assisted Integrity Assessment of Randomised Trials in Evidence Syntheses
    Alison Avenell, University of Aberdeen.

    Everything we (think we) know about Narrative CVs
    Liz Simmonds, University of Cambridge.

    Financial structures for enabling innovator participation and success: experimental evidence from challenge prizes
    Vidal Kumar, Nesta.

    Fostering a Dynamic Academic Ecosystem: Innovative Platforms and Methodologies for Econometrics
    Martin Weidner, University of Oxford.

    Making Replications Count: Identifying Barriers and Enhancing Impact with Innovative Dissemination Tools
    Lukas Wallrich, Birkbeck, University of London.

    Mapping impact pathways: improving our understanding of what mechanisms work in research translation
    Alexandra Pollitt, King’s College London.

    Metascience, research funding and policy priorities
    Annette Boaz, King’s College London.

    People or Projects (PoP)? Investigating different research funding styles
    Ohid Yaqub, University of Sussex.

    PRIME: Peer Review Improvement for Minimizing Bias in Evaluation
    Katherine Button, University of Bath.

    Providing empirical evidence to support greater equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in research funding
    Philip Clarke, University of Oxford.

    Public value mapping for AI
    Jack Stilgoe, University College London.

    Research Software Engineer Metascience
    Heather Packer, University of Southampton.

    Sharing Code for Medical Research: An Audit Tool and Pilot at The BMJ
    Nicholas DeVito, University of Oxford.

    Supporting Research and Researchers through the deployment of Digital Notebooks: A framework for implementation and impact
    Andrew Stewart, University of Manchester.

    Transparent and Reproducible Science in the 21st Century: Unlocking the Benefits of Open Source Code
    Albert Bravo-Biosca, Nesta.

    Understanding Scientific Prizes – Structure, Evolution and Impact
    Ching Jin, University of Warwick.

    Working together or writing together?
    Steven Wooding, University of Cambridge.

    DSIT media enquiries

    Email press@dsit.gov.uk

    Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6pm 020 7215 300

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    Updates to this page

    Published 13 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 13, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Middlefield Canadian Income PCC – Statement re Notice of Requisition of a General Meeting

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    13 February 2025

    Middlefield Canadian Income PCC (the “Company”)
    including Middlefield Canadian Income – GBP PC (the “Fund”), a cell of the Company
    Registered No:  93546
    Legal Entity Identifier: 2138007ENW3JEJXC8658

    Notice of Requisition of a General Meeting

    The Board of Middlefield Canadian Income PCC (the “Company”) and Middlefield Canadian Income – GBP PC (the “Fund”) announces that it has received a letter from a nominee account acting on behalf of the custodian and prime broker for Saba Capital Management, L.P. requisitioning the Board to convene a general meeting of shareholders (the “Requisition”).

    The Requisition proposes that shareholders be asked to consider, and, if thought fit approve, the taking by the Company of all necessary steps to implement a scheme or process by which shareholders would become (or have the option to become) shareholders of a UK-listed open-ended investment company (or similar open-ended investment vehicle) implementing a substantially similar strategy to the Company, and which could entail shareholders rolling into an existing or newly established UK-listed open-ended investment company (or similar open-ended investment vehicle), in either case managed by the Company’s existing investment manager or one of its affiliates.

    The Board is committed to acting in the best interests of all shareholders and will make a further announcement regarding the Requisition in due course. Accordingly, the Board recommends that shareholders take no action at this time.

    For further information, please contact:

    Middlefield Canadian Income – GBP PC                                via Investec Bank plc
    Michael Phair (Chairman)

    Investec Bank plc
    Corporate Broker
    Helen Goldsmith/David Yovichic
    Tel: 020 7597 4000

    JTC Fund Solutions (Jersey) Limited
    Secretary
    Matt Tostevin/Hilary Jones/Jade Livesey
    Tel: 01534 700 000

    Buchanan
    PR Advisers
    Charles Ryland/Henry Wilson
    Tel: 020 7466 5000

    The MIL Network –

    February 13, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to systematic review of studies on impacts of global pesticide use on biodiversity

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    February 13, 2025

    A systematic review published in Nature Communications looks at the impact of pesticide use on biodiversity.

    Prof Oliver Jones, Professor of Chemistry, RMIT University, said:

    “There is a lot to like in this study. While the authors have not undertaken any new experiments, they have synthesised data from the existing scientific literature to make new deductions about the unintended effects of pesticides. They look at many different species worldwide and it’s great to see that they used environmentally realistic pesticide concentrations in the calculations

    “While the work has generated some useful insights, there are some points to keep in mind.

    “The word pesticide is a catch-all term for any substance used to control a species humans don’t want to be in a particular space. There are several subgroups: Herbicides are used to control plants, insecticides are used to control insects, etc. Because pesticides are designed to control classes of organisms, the fact that non-target species within those classes may also be affected is not new. While the study highlights negative impacts on over 800 non-target species, data was only available for these. Other species may also be impacted, but we don’t have the data on how.

    “There are also many, many pesticides in use, and some have much worse unintended effects than others. The types of pesticides and how they are used also differ between countries. Compounds used in one country are banned in others, making direct comparisons difficult.

    “Also, as the authors themselves point out, pesticide use is essential to modern agriculture; we could not feed the world’s population without them.

    “The above non-withstanding, the central tenet of this work—that if we are serious about reducing biodiversity loss, we need to be careful about how we use pesticides and look for alternative methods where possible—is very sensible. For example, the data from this work might be used to identify the compounds with the largest non-intended effects and remove them from common use in favour of those with the fewest non-intended effects.”

     

    Prof Toby Bruce, Professor of Insect Ecology, Keele University, said:

    “Increasing evidence of off-target effects of conventional pesticides means there is an urgent need to research and deliver alternative, better targeted approaches. Since the Green Revolution, farmers have been heavily reliant on pesticides for protecting their crops because many of the high yielding crop varieties we have today were developed as part of a package together with pesticides.”

    Dr Antonis Myridakis, Lecturer in Environmental Sciences, from Brunel University of London.

    “The study by Wan et al presents a comprehensive synthesis of the negative impacts of pesticides on a wide range of non-target organisms, incorporating data from over 1,700 studies and is methodologically sound. It is a quite extensive evaluation of pesticide effects on biodiversity. The findings reinforce existing concerns that pesticides have far-reaching consequences for non-target species, including plants, animals, fungi, and microbes, thereby contributing significantly to biodiversity loss.

    “The main conclusions are that pesticide exposure leads to reduced growth, reproduction and behavioural changes in a broad spectrum of species. However, while the study provides compelling evidence of harm to over 800 species, it does not comprehensively address the potential impacts on the vast number of other species not included in the dataset. Therefore, there is the possibility that the true extent of pesticide harm is even greater than reported. Another limitation is the reliance on available published data, which may introduce publication bias since studies reporting significant negative effects are more likely to be published than those finding minimal or no effects.

    “From a policy perspective, these findings highlight the need for stricter regulations on pesticide use and a broader implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. It also underscores the necessity for improved risk assessment methodologies that incorporate ecosystem-wide effects rather than focusing solely on a few model species.

    “Overall, this study provides strong evidence that pesticides pose a significant and widespread threat to biodiversity. While it does not address every possible ecological consequence, its findings are a crucial step toward informing policymakers, farmers, and the public about the hidden costs of pesticide use.”

    Prof Tom Oliver, Professor of Applied Ecology, and Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research (Environment), University of Reading:

    “Understanding the effects of the pesticides on wild species is hugely important. In combination with habitat loss and extreme weather from climate change, these chemicals are thought to be an important factor behind the devastation of our native biodiversity. Importantly, this study has corrected for ‘field-realistic’ levels of exposure. Many industrial chemicals are toxic if poured directly over animals and plants, but the important question is whether the concentration with which pesticides are applied from crops sprayers is damaging. The study finds that a whole range of ‘non-target’ organisations, i.e. those that aren’t pests, but are valuable plants, insects and fungi, are being impacted by these pesticides. Pesticides may be fatal to our native wildlife or they can have sub-lethal effects, such as disrupting growth, reproduction and behaviour (for example, the ability of bees to navigate effectively). The proliferation of certain harm causing human-made chemicals, which escape, or are purposely introduced, into the natural environment is a ticking time-bomb for the health of our ecosystems. It is fortunate that the UK Government (in the recently published 2025 National Risk Register) have now recognised pollution and environmental degradation as a ‘chronic risk’ faced by the UK.”

    ‘Pesticides have negative effects on non-target organisms’ by Nian-Feng Wan et al. was published in Nature Communications at 10:00am UK time on Thursday 13 February 2025. 

    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-56732-x

    Declared interests

    Dr Antonis Myridakis: Nothing to declare.

    Prof. Tom Oliver: employed by the University of Reading and has received funding from NERC, Green Finance Institute and BBSRC to develop methodologies for assessing nature-related risks.  He was previously seconded with the Government Office for Science to work with UK Cabinet Office on chronic and acute risks faced by the UK, and was seconded to Defra to help design their Systems Research Programme. He is lead educator on a Future Learn course “Using systems thinking to tackle the climate and biodiversity crisis” and is author of the book “The Self Delusion: The Surprising Science of Our Connection to Each Other and the Natural World” published by Weidenfeld & Nicholson. Oliver sits on the Food Standards Agency science council and is a member of the Office for Environmental Protection expert college.

    Prof Oliver Jones: Although it was over 15 years ago, I have worked and published papers with Dr David J. Spurgeon, who is one of the authors of this paper. I also conduct research on environmental contaminants, including pesticides. I have received funding from the Environment Protection Authority Victoria (https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/) and various water utilities for research on environmental pollution

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 13, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Caisse Française de Financement Local:

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Paris, 13 February 2025

    2024 RESULTS PRESS RELEASE

    Caisse Française de Financement Local (Caffil) announces that the English version of its 2024 Results press release was filed with the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) on 13 February 2025 and that it can be obtained from its website: https://caissefrancaisedefinancementlocal.fr/en/news/press-releases/ (heading: Press releases).

    Attachment

    • EN_Caffil- 2024 Results

    The MIL Network –

    February 13, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Economics: Governor, Reserve Bank of India meets MD & CEOs of Select NBFCs at Mumbai on February 13, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Governor, Reserve Bank of India today held a meeting with the Managing Director & Chief Executive Officers of select Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) across all layers, including Government NBFCs, Housing Finance Companies and Micro-Finance Institutions. These NBFCs constitute nearly 50 per cent of the total assets of the NBFC sector. Representatives from Self-Regulatory Organizations (SROs), Sa-Dhan and Micro Finance Institutions Network (MFIN), as well as from Finance Industry Development Council (FIDC) also participated in the meeting.

    The meeting was a part of the Reserve Bank’s series of engagement with the Boards and Senior Management of its Regulated Entities. The previous such meeting with select NBFCs was held on August 25, 2023.

    The meeting was also attended by Deputy Governors Shri M. Rajeshwar Rao, Shri T. Rabi Sankar and Shri Swaminathan J., along with Executive Directors-in-Charge of Regulation, Supervision and Financial Inclusion.

    The Governor, in his opening remarks, underscored the significant role played by NBFCs in credit intermediation, particularly in making credit available for small businesses and niche segments. Highlighting the collaborative efforts required between the Reserve Bank and the NBFCs, the Governor stressed upon balancing growth aspirations with sound practices for ensuring inclusive development, customer protection and financial stability. He also underscored the significance of ensuring fair treatment to customers and putting in place a prompt grievance redress mechanism. Urging the NBFCs to further their contribution towards financial inclusion, the Governor requested them to become part of Unified Lending Interface (ULI) being put in place by the Reserve Bank.   

    During the interactive session the participants shared their feedback on the sector, various industry level initiatives and their expectations from the Reserve Bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2144

    MIL OSI Economics –

    February 13, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Envisioning Tomorrow: The Role of CBDCs in Europe’s Digital Financial Ecosystem | Frankfurt Digital Finance Conference

    Source: Deutsche Bundesbank in English

    Check against delivery.
    1 Introduction
    Good morning ladies and gentlemen and thank you very much for your warm welcome.
    I am honoured to have been invited back to this year’s Frankfurt Digital Finance Conference in this wonderful building here in Frankfurt’s Palmengarten and to have been asked to hold a keynote to kick off today’s event.
    Allow me to begin my keynote this morning with a quote attributed to Oscar Wilde: The future belongs to those who recognise opportunities before they become obvious. These words, ladies and gentlemen, could not be any better suited to our financial ecosystem. 
    And it is precisely opportunities that I wish to address in my keynote today – the opportunities provided by central bank digital currencies, or CBDCs for short. A subject that is as timely as it is significant.
    2 The future is digital
    We are at the cusp of a new era. One in which the digitalisation of the financial sector is not just an option but a necessity. New technologies are venturing into the realm of payments and new forms of money, such as digital central bank currencies and stablecoins, are also emerging as alternatives to physical cash.
    These developments all pose new challenges for central banks. Ultimately, central banks must continue to ensure secure and efficient payments in line with their mandate and redefine their role in an increasingly digitalised world in order to maintain the public’s trust in our monetary system.
    The question that we therefore now face is: how do we respond to these technological challenges?
    And that is precisely why we in the Eurosystem – by that I mean the European Central Bank and the national central banks of the euro-area member states, including the Bundesbank – are taking a proactive approach to actively help shape the future of Europe’s digital financial ecosystem.
    3 What are we aiming to achieve with the introduction of a digital euro?
    One could argue that the Eurosystem already offers enough sufficiently well-functioning products, be it physical banknotes and coins or cashless payment instruments. After all, these have proven their worth for decades. Yet at the same time, we cannot simply ignore the evolving world around us. In an increasingly digitalised society, we must adapt to the changing needs and demands of consumers and rethink our payment services. 
    Let me outline the three key motivations behind the possible introduction of a retail CBDC in Europe – a digital euro, which we sometimes like to summarise as resilience, autonomy and efficiency.
    Let me first start with resilience. The foundation of an independent and efficient monetary policy is the adoption and use of the euro. By providing our common currency – the euro – in its form as legal tender and as a modern “all-in-one” digital payment solution, we are paving the way for our currency to enter the digital age, making it “future-proof” and fit for purpose in an increasingly digital society.
    The digital euro would thereby help to preserve the euro’s fulfilment of the core monetary functions and shield the euro area from competing foreign currencies as well as foreign – and potentially unregulated – stablecoins by safeguarding the anchor function of central bank money.
    Second, the digital euro is necessary to improve the autonomy of the European payment system. In its current form, the European payments landscape is highly dependent on non-European providers. Almost 25 years after the introduction of the euro, we still do not have a digital payment solution that can be used across the entire euro area and that runs on a European infrastructure, which, in my view, is not compatible with the concept of a single European market. Although a small number of successful payment innovations have emerged across the euro area over the past years, such as iDEAL in the Netherlands or BIZUM in Spain, the reach of these payment solutions usually ends at national borders.
    As a result, payments in Europe are largely dependent on international schemes, primarily those in the United States. At present, just under two thirds of all card payments in the euro area are processed by non-European providers. And I believe that Europe’s dependencies in the digital age are likely to increase if we do not fundamentally take matters into our own hands. 
    Third, is the issue of efficiency. By creating a pan-European payment rail in a technically modern form, we would foster competition and innovation in payments across Europe, which we believe is the best path towards efficiency in payments. The payment initiatives we have today, such as BIZUM or WERO, would be able to integrate the digital euro into their payment applications, thereby enabling them to gain instant European reach.
    4 What would a digital euro be for the common citizen?
    Although the issues I have just touched upon are very important, they are not necessarily of primarily relevance for the daily life of a majority of citizens in Europe. Hence, what would the digital euro be from the perspective of the customer?
    I believe that the digital euro would not just be a commitment to Europe’s autonomy, increase the resilience of our payment system and foster competition and innovation, it would also improve payments and make life easier for the 350 million residents of the euro area.
    The digital euro would serve as an additional means of payment alongside cash. As a digital upgrade of banknotes and coins, it would be an “all-in-one payments solution”, as we like to call it, which means it can be used in almost all everyday payment situations, including at retail checkouts, transactions among family and friends, online purchases, and payments to or from public authorities. Furthermore, it would be the first digital currency which could be used both online and offline. That is to say, also in the event of a loss of internet reception.
    Moreover, the design of the digital euro would ensure that it would offer the highest possible level of user privacy, comparable only to cash. No other digital means of payment in Europe currently offers all these features.
    Despite the many benefits the digital euro would bring for Europe as a whole, we must, nevertheless, proceed with caution. The introduction of a digital euro raises important questions about privacy, security, and the impact on financial stability and monetary policy. We must ensure that the digital euro upholds the highest standards of data protection, that it is resilient against cyber threats, and that it does not have a negative impact on financial stability.
    5 Wholesale CBDC
    Digitalisation raises questions not only in terms of how we intend to continue providing access to central bank money for our European citizens in future, but also in terms of how we intend to supply money to our wholesale customers. It is and will remain essential that we are able to settle digital transactions using new and innovative technologies, such as distributed ledger technology (DLT) in central bank money. An entire ecosystem is currently evolving around the tokenisation of securities, which involves all parts of the financial system.
    Like other financial players, the Bundesbank, and also the Eurosystem as a whole, see the significant benefits that the use of these new technologies can bring. The advantages of DLT, such as automated settlement by means of smart contracts and reduced reconciliation needs, are clear.
    But to fully harness this potential, we also need an innovative settlement mechanism for the cash leg – one which settles transactions in central bank money. We are therefore working on developing wholesale solutions that enable banks to settle DLT-based financial market transactions in central bank money. 
    The Eurosystem recently completed an exploration phase together with the market, which ran from May to November 2024, during which we tested various new technologies for wholesale central bank money settlement using real transactions. The Bundesbank also participated in this exploration phase with its “Trigger solution”, which builds a bridge between DLT platforms and the conventional TARGET payment system. The feedback we have received from the market so far has been very positive. I think we can already say that the exploration phase was a complete success.
    The anticipated benefits of DLT are seen as having the potential to address and overcome the ecosystem’s current shortcomings, such as fragmentation, complexity, over-intermediation, and technological inefficiencies, which hinder the growth of a digital capital markets union. 
    By developing a new ecosystem from the ground up, it could be made more integrated and harmonised, featuring a “common set of rails” – a shared ledger or a network of fully interoperable ledgers – that would guarantee reachability, open access, and compatibility across the services of all participants.
    Our primary focus is now on implementing a short-term wholesale solution to meet the immediate and growing demands of the market. This will buy us some much-needed time to continue working on a vision for a long-term solution for wholesale CBDC. A solution which must ultimately go hand in hand with the evolving financial market ecosystem.
    6 Business-to-business (B2B) payments
    Alongside its work into the possible introduction of a digital euro and the exploration of wholesale CBDC, the ECB, together with the Eurosystem, has also been turning its focus to another area of payments – one which is increasingly gaining traction: business-to-business payments, or B2B payments for short.
    To fully leverage the potential of the evolving payments landscape in the area of CBDCs, last October the ECB organised a special focus workshop on innovations in B2B payments and the role central bank money could play. 
    This workshop provided a one-of-a-kind platform to learn more about the potential use cases out there in the market. Given the high level of interest shown in the first focus workshop, I’m sure this will not be the last one of its kind.
    7 Outlook
    Ladies and gentlemen,
    The introduction of the digital euro and the exploration of wholesale CBDC and B2B use cases are not just a technical exercise, but a clear commitment to the innovative strength and competitiveness of Europe.
    The Bundesbank and the Eurosystem are determined to play an active role in shaping this digital transformation.
    It is, however, crucial that we continue working together and pool our resources and expertise in order to fully exploit the opportunities offered by digitalisation to create a strong, stable and future-proof digital financial ecosystem for Europe.
    Thank you for your attention.

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 13, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: FE Investments selects technology vendor Jacobi to accelerate growth of its Managed Portfolio Service (MPS)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FE Investments (FEI) has selected technology vendor Jacobi Strategies (Jacobi) to enhance the discretionary fund manager’s model portfolio capabilities.

    Jacobi’s institutional-grade investment technology will be used to amplify and industrialise FEIs’ model portfolio risk monitoring, forward-looking analytics and model portfolio design processes.

    As part of their usage of Jacobi, FEI will integrate a range of proprietary models, tools and processes into their own private version of the software.

    As one of the top 10 MPS managers by assets, FEI will also strengthen their model portfolio reporting and engagement capabilities, reinforcing their commitment to best-in-class client service.

    Rob Gleeson, Chief Investment Officer at FE Investments (FE Fund Info), says:

    “We’re very excited to be adding Jacobi to our tech stack. As a subsidiary of a global data and software firm we are very process driven and the ability to automate even the most sophisticated processes has been a large part of why we made our choice. With cost pressures continually increasing, efficiency at scale has become our biggest need. With this new system we are confident we will be able to offer a wider range of investment services to more clients than ever.”

    Curtis Evans, Managing Director at Jacobi EMEA says:

    “We are delighted to have partnered with one of the leading providers of Managed Portfolio Services in the UK. In this highly competitive market, our technology can play a key role in FEIs’ next stage of growth.”

    “We continue to see strong demand for our model portfolio technology as wealth managers look to scale their investment processes and enhance the quality of engagement with clients. Jacobi has a global footprint and we have a strong commitment to UK wealth and asset management.”

    About Jacobi

    Jacobi is a global investment technology provider for multi-asset investment teams. Capabilities include model portfolio design, analysis, and client engagement. Its unique “open architecture” platform allows users to tailor private deployments of the platform by integrating their own code, models, data, analytics, and applications.

    Founded in 2014, Jacobi provides its technology to top-tier investors across the globe, including some of the world’s leading asset and wealth managers, pension funds, asset owners, and investment consultants. With roots in institutional asset management, Jacobi has seen strong demand from wealth managers in need of ‘institutional-grade’ technology.

    About FE Investments
    FE Investments provides discretionary fund management services for financial advisers across the UK. Our investment philosophy focuses on controlling risk and maximising diversification. We combine decades of fund data analysis and sector-leading technology with the expertise of our dedicated investment team to help you achieve your investment goals.

    Since launching our discretionary managed portfolios in 2015, we have won multiple awards and been named as one of the fastest-growing discretionary fund managers in the UK, with £4 billion of assets under management (as of December 2024).

    FE Investments is part of FE fundinfo, which works with thousands of fund managers, fund distributors, financial advisers and channel partners across the globe, helping them to be better connected and better informed. Our industry-leading data, technology, insight and expertise is used by investment professionals to research, distribute, market and invest in funds and model portfolios, leading to more efficient investment decisions.

    For more information, please visit fefundinfo.com. 

    Chris Barnett, Director of Sales, EMEA, Jacobi chris@jacobistrategies.com, +44 78466 33415

    The MIL Network –

    February 13, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Africa: Bluewater to Sell Apex International Energy, Highlighting Full-Cycle Private Equity (PE) Investment Model in Africa’s Oil and Gas Sector

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

    PARIS, France, February 13, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Private equity is playing an increasingly pivotal role in Africa’s energy sector, driving growth and innovation in the continent’s oil and gas markets. This week, specialist energy private equity firm Bluewater announced the sale of Apex International Energy – transformed under its stewardship into a leading player in Egypt’s energy market – to a subsidiary of Hong Kong-listed United Energy Group. The transaction underscores the full-cycle nature of private equity investing and its potential to unlock value in Africa’s resource-rich markets. 

    Bluewater, which invested in Apex in 2018 as part of its second fund, saw the opportunity to develop the Houston-based company into a significant contributor to Egypt’s oil and gas industry. Under Bluewater’s stewardship, Apex grew from a small, independent exploration and production company into a top-ten producer in Egypt. Over the course of six years, Apex expanded its portfolio to include interests in eight concessions, with production averaging over 11,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2024. 

    This transformation was driven by strategic acquisitions, new discoveries and a laser focus on operational excellence. Key milestones included the 2021 oil discovery in the Southeast Meleiha concession, which saw first production later that year. In 2023, Apex expanded its footprint with the acquisition of six concessions in Egypt’s Western Desert from Italian energy giant Eni, as well as began first gas production. These strategic moves not only boosted Apex’s production levels, but also reinforced its position as a key contributor to Egypt’s energy security. 

    For Bluewater, this growth was a result of carefully managed investments that allowed Apex to capitalize on Egypt’s favorable energy market while navigating the complexities of local regulations and political landscapes. By taking a hands-on approach to governance and working closely with Apex’s leadership team, Bluewater was able to foster a culture of growth and innovation that delivered tangible results. 

    The sale exemplifies how private equity firms complete the full investment cycle – starting with identifying a promising asset, nurturing its growth and ultimately realizing value through a sale or exit strategy. In this case, the sale to United Energy Group positions Apex for continued growth and expansion under new ownership, while providing Bluewater with a profitable return on its investment. This model of buying, growing and exiting is at the heart of private equity’s role in driving value creation and economic development in emerging markets like Africa. 

    The transaction also underscores the increasing confidence that private equity investors are placing in Africa’s energy sector. Despite challenges like fluctuating commodity prices and complex regulatory environments, the energy sector in countries like Egypt offers substantial growth opportunities. For private equity firms, the continent’s untapped reserves, coupled with a growing demand for energy, make it an attractive destination for long-term investments. 

    Looking to the future, the role of private equity in African oil and gas is expected to grow further. The upcoming Invest in African Energy Forum in Paris will serve as a key platform for private equity firms to explore investment opportunities in Africa’s growing energy sector, where strategic partnerships and capital infusion are driving innovation and growth. In particular, firms that focus on full-cycle investment strategies – such as Bluewater’s approach with Apex – are well-positioned to thrive in this evolving landscape. They can bring capital, technical expertise and a deep understanding of local markets, enabling them to navigate challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities in Africa’s energy sector. 

    IAE 2025 (https://apo-opa.co/3CMcOXk) is an exclusive forum designed to facilitate investment between African energy markets and global investors.Taking place May 13-14, 2025 in Paris, the event offers delegates two days of intensive engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, please visit www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

    MIL OSI Africa –

    February 13, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: CLIQ: Invitation to Full Year 2024 Results Presentation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DÜSSELDORF, 13 February 2025 – The CLIQ Group will report and present its audited full year 2024 financial results and highlights on Thursday, 20 February 2025.

    The 2024 Annual Report and a slides deck to accompany the earnings call will be available at https://cliqdigital.com/investors from 7:30 a.m. CET.

    Earnings call

    A live audio webcast conducted in English will be held at 2.00 p.m. CET on 20 February 2025 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 report 2024 & earnings call Thursday 20 February 2025
    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.

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

    The MIL Network –

    February 13, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Economics: Media release: Locking gas out of Capacity Investment Scheme risks higher power prices and blackouts – Australian Energy Producers

    Source: Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association

    Headline: Media release: Locking gas out of Capacity Investment Scheme risks higher power prices and blackouts – Australian Energy Producers

    Australians face paying more for their electricity and increased risk of blackouts under the Federal Government’s deal with the Greens to keep gas out of the Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS).

    Australian Energy Producers Chief Executive Samantha McCulloch said locking gas out of the CIS was at odds with the Government’s own advice on the critical role of gas in backing up renewables in the National Electricity Market (NEM) and for delivering reliable and affordable electricity.

    “Australia needs significant investment in new gas power generation to keep the lights on and power bills down,” Ms McCulloch said.

    “Instead of encouraging this investment, the Federal Government has again capitulated to the Greens’ anti-gas agenda and ignored the repeated warnings from experts about the critical role of gas in our power mix.”

    The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has found the NEM needs 13 gigawatts of new gas-powered generation capacity to be built between now and 2050, and that renewables “backed up by gas-powered generation is the lowest-cost way to supply electricity to homes and businesses”.

    “AEMO has made clear that gas is ‘the ultimate backstop for our grid’ and estimates that demand for gas power in the NEM will be almost double today’s levels in the early 2040s.

    “The Labor-Greens deal today to effectively legislate gas out of the CIS comes just weeks after the ACCC urged governments to fast-track new gas supply and investment by explicitly recognising the critical long-term role of gas in Australia’s energy transition.

    “Australia urgently needs investment in new gas supply and infrastructure to avoid structural shortfalls on the east coast from 2027 but mixed signals on the importance of gas only serve to undermine investor confidence.

    “State and Federal Governments continue to ignore the warnings, and as a result it is almost inevitable that Victoria and NSW will soon be relying on more expensive imported gas. Ultimately, it’s Australian households and businesses that will pay the price for this policy failure,” Ms McCulloch said.

    MIL OSI Economics –

    February 13, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Valeura Energy Inc.: Record Reserves and Resources at Year-End 2024: 2P Reserves Replacement Ratio of 245%

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Valeura Energy Inc. (TSX:VLE, OTCQX:VLERF) (“Valeura” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the results of its third-party independent reserves and resources assessment as at year-end 2024.

    Highlights

    • Record high year-end reserves: 32 MMbbl proved (1P), 50 MMbbl proved plus probable (2P) and 60 MMbbl proved plus probable plus possible (3P) reserves;
    • 2P reserves replacement ratio of 245% even after annual production increase of 12%;
    • 2P reserves and end of field life (“EOFL”) increased at every field;
    • 2P reserves net present value before tax of US$934 million and US$752 million after tax(1);
    • Considering year-end 2024 cash position of US$259 million, Company net asset value (“NAV”) is US$1,012 million, equating C$13.6 per common share(2);
    • Contingent resources(3) of 48 MMbbl, more than double the total at end 2023; and
    • Decommissioning costs significantly reduced through engineering studies and increased EOFL to beyond 2030.
    (1) Discounted at 10% (NPV10)
    (2) Proved plus probable (2P) NPV10after tax plus cash of US$259.4 million (no debt), using US$/C$ exchange rate of 1.435, and 106.65 million common shares outstanding, as at December 31, 2024
    (3) Unrisked 2C (best estimate) contingent resources

    Dr. Sean Guest, President and CEO commented:

    “I am pleased to announce the results of our end 2024 reserves and resources evaluation, which shows again that our aggressive work programme can increase the ultimate potential of our fields and add value to our Company. In our second full year of operations we have again added more than double the reserves we produced, achieving a 2P reserves replacement ratio of 245%. This is a significant feat, considering we also increased production by 12% relative to 2023.

    We also added to the ultimate potential of our portfolio, with all Thailand fields now having an economic field life lasting beyond 2030. Since taking over these assets, we have added at least four additional years of production life to each field. This means more years of future cash flow and is therefore a prime example of one key element of our strategy in action – driving further organic growth.

    The net asset value of our business is now over US$1 billion – a record high, equating to more than C$13.6 per common share. This is based on our 2P after tax NPV10increasing by 76% year-on-year, coupled with a new record year-end cash position.

    In addition to discovering volumes through the drill bit and aggressively working to build our understanding of the intricate subsurface environment, various other financial and engineering studies have also added value. Our field abandonment costs have been reduced further through updated engineering studies which are benchmarked to actual abandonment operations in the Gulf of Thailand. The effect of this, combined with extended field life across the portfolio, is expected to reduce our Asset Retirement Obligation (“ARO”) on our balance sheet by more than 50% since we first assumed operatorship of these assets.

    We are relentless in our pursuit of value and we remain focussed on allocating capital efficiently. Moreover, we see exciting reserves-adding opportunities ahead through the potential Wassana field redevelopment, as well as through ongoing infill development and appraisal drilling across the portfolio, and the selective exploration targets we will pursue this year.

    At the same time, inorganic growth remains a key part of our strategy, and we are actively evaluating several opportunities to assess fit with our strict screening criteria.”

    Valeura commissioned Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. (“NSAI”) to assess reserves and resources for all of its Thailand assets as of December 31, 2024. NSAI’s evaluation is presented in a report dated February 13, 2025 (the “NSAI 2024 Report”). This follows previous evaluations conducted by the same firm for December 31, 2023 (the “NSAI 2023 Report”) and December 31, 2022 (the “NSAI 2022 Report”).

    Oil and Gas Reserves by Field Based on Forecast Prices and Costs

        Gross (Before Royalties) Reserves, Working Interest Share (Mbbl)
    Reserves by Field Jasmine
    (Light/Medium)
    Manora
    (Light/Medium)
    Nong Yao
    (Light/Medium)
    Wassana
    (Heavy)
    Total
    Proved Producing Developed 5,268 1,370 6,541 2,894 16,073
    Non-Producing Developed 703 433 153 242 1,531
    Undeveloped 4,713 705 3,742 5,490 14,650
    Total Proved (1P) 10,684 2,509 10,436 8,626 32,255
    Total Probable (P2) 6,108 848 6,500 4,297 17,753
    Total Proved + Probable (2P) 16,792 3,357 16,936 12,923 50,008
    Total Possible (P3) 3,647 718 4,297 1,027 9,689
    Total Proved + Probable + Possible (3P) 20,440 4,075 21,233 13,950 59,697

     
    Summary of Reserves Replacement, Value, and Field Life

    As compared to the NSAI 2023 Report, the NSAI 2024 Report indicates an addition of 2.4 MMbbl of proved (1P) reserves and 12.1 MMbbl of proved plus probable (2P) reserves, after having produced 8.4 MMbbl of oil in 2024. This reflects a 1P reserves replacement ratio of 128% and a 2P reserves replacement ratio of 245%.

    Based on the mid-point of the Company’s 2025 production guidance of 23.0 – 25.5 Mbbl/d (24.25 Mbbl/d), on a 2P reserves basis as of December 31, 2024, the Company estimates its reserves life index (“RLI”) to be approximately 5.6 years. Using the same 2025 production estimate and 2P reserves as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the RLI was approximately 4.3, and 3.3 years, respectively.

    The net present value of estimated future revenue after income taxes, based on a 10% discount rate has increased between the NSAI 2023 Report and the NSAI 2024 Report from US$193.9 million to US$358.6 million on a 1P basis, an increase of 85%. On a 2P basis, the net present value of estimated future revenue after income taxes, based on a 10% discount rate has increased from US$428.5 million to US$752.2 million, an increase of 76%.

    The Company estimates that, based on the 2P net present value of estimated future revenue after income taxes in the NSAI 2024 Report, based on a 10% discount rate, plus the Company’s 2024 year-end cash position of US$259.4 million, as disclosed on January 8, 2025, the Company has a 2P net asset value (“NAV”) of US$1,011.6 million. Using the year-end count of common shares outstanding (being 106.65 million) and foreign exchange rates, Valeura’s NAV equates to approximately C$13.6/share.

      1P NPV10 2P NPV10 3P NPV10
      Before Tax After Tax Before Tax After Tax Before Tax After Tax
    NPV10(US$ million) 360.7 358.6 933.9 752.2 1,339.1 990.2
    Cash at December 31, 2024 (US$ million)(1) 259.4 259.4 259.4 259.4 259.4 259.4
    Net Asset Value (US$ million) 620.1 618.0 1,193.3 1,011.6 1,598.5 1,249.6
    Common shares (million)(2) 106.65 106.65 106.65 106.65 106.65 106.65
    Estimated NAV per basic share (C$ per share)(3) 8.3 8.3 16.1 13.6 21.5 16.8
    (1) Cash at December 31, 2024 of US$259.4 million, debt nil
    (2) Issued and outstanding common shares as of December 31, 2024
    (3) US$/C$ exchange rate of 1.435 as at December 31, 2024

    The NSAI 2024 Report indicates a further extension in the anticipated end of field life for all assets in Valeura’s Thailand portfolio, as compared to the NSAI 2023 Report.

      Gross (Before Royalties) 2P Reserves, Working Interest Share End of Field Life 2P NPV10After Tax (US$ million)
    Fields December 31, 2023
    (MMbbl)
    2024 Production
    (MMbbl)
    Additions
    (MMbbl)
    December 31, 2024
    (MMbbl)
    Reserves Replacement Ratio (%) NSAI 2023 Report NSAI 2024 Report December 31, 2023 December 31, 2024
    Jasmine 10.4 (2.9 ) 9.2 16.8 324 % Dec 2028 Aug 2031 81.8 163.9
    Manora 2.2 (0.9 ) 2.1 3.4 223 % Jul 2027 Apr 2030 21.2 45.7
    Nong Yao 12.4 (3.1 ) 7.7 16.9 245 % Dec 2028 Dec 2033 185.6 416.1
    Wassana 12.9 (1.4 ) 1.5 12.9 102 % Jun 2032 Dec 2035 139.9 126.6
    Total 37.9 (8.4 ) 20.5 50.0 245 %     428.5 752.2

     
    Valeura has demonstrated two consecutive years of growth in both aggregate 2P reserves and the associated after-tax 2P NPV10 value.

      Gross (Before Royalties) 2P Reserves,
    Working Interest Share (MMbbl)
    2P NPV10After Tax
    (US$ million)
    Fields December 31, 2022 December 31, 2023 December 31, 2024 December 31, 2022 December 31, 2023 December 31, 2024
    Jasmine 10.0 10.4 16.8 37.1 81.8 163.9
    Manora 1.8 2.2 3.4 12.1 21.2 45.7
    Nong Yao 11.2 12.4 16.9 145.5 185.6 416.1
    Wassana 6.1 12.9 12.9 66.3 139.9 126.6
    Total 29.1 37.9 50.0 261.0 428.5 752.2

     
    The NSAI 2024 Report does not assume a new redevelopment concept for the Wassana field and therefore does not include potential upside volumes associated with the Company’s contemplated redevelopment. Valeura is targeting readiness for a final investment decision (“FID”) in early Q2 2025. Should the Company opt to proceed with the redevelopment, management anticipates a higher production profile, with longer field life than is currently reflected in the NSAI 2024 Report.

    Net Present Values of Future Net Revenue Based on Forecast Prices and Costs

    Net present values of future net revenue from oil reserves are based on cost estimates as of the date of the NSAI 2024 Report, and forecast Brent crude oil reference prices of US$75.58, US$78.51, US$79.89, US$81.82, and US$83.46 per bbl for the years ending December 31, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029, respectively, with 2% escalation thereafter. NSAI assumes cost inflation of 2% per annum. Price realisation forecasts for each field are based on the Brent crude oil reference prices above, and adjusted for oil quality, and market differentials.

    Based on Valeura’s revised corporate structure, as modified by the reorganisation completed in November 2024, values estimated by NSAI assume a combined, single tax filing for all of the Company’s Thai III fiscal concessions, covering the Wassana, Nong Yao, and Manora fields. The Jasmine field, being a Thai I fiscal concession, is outside this scope.

    All estimated costs associated with the eventual decommissioning of the Company’s fields are included as part of the calculation of future net revenue, specifically within the Proved Producing Developed category.

        Before Tax NPV10(US$ million)
    Future Net Revenue by Field Jasmine Manora Nong Yao Wassana Total
    Proved Producing Developed (124.7)   (27.6)   146.2 (160.7)   (166.8)  
    Non-Producing Developed 35.3   27.9   7.0 16.2   86.4  
    Undeveloped 93.6   7.9   108.1 231.5   441.0  
    Total Proved (1P) 4.2   8.2   261.3 87.0   360.7  
    Total Probable (P2) 217.4   39.1   204.5 112.3   573.3  
    Total Proved + Probable (2P) 221.5   47.3   465.8 199.3   933.9  
    Total Possible (P3) 168.8   29.6   150.7 56.1   405.1  
    Total Proved + Probable + Possible (3P) 390.3   76.9   616.5 255.4   1,339.1  
        After Tax NPV10(US$ million)
    Future Net Revenue by Field Jasmine Manora Nong Yao Wassana Total
    Proved Producing Developed (131.4)   (27.6)   146.2 (160.7)   (173.4)  
    Non-Producing Developed 33.9   27.9   7.0 16.2   85.1  
    Undeveloped 99.6   7.9   108.1 231.5   447.0  
    Total Proved (1P) 2.1   8.2   261.3 87.0   358.6  
    Total Probable (P2) 161.8   37.4   154.8 39.6   393.6  
    Total Proved + Probable (2P) 163.9   45.7   416.1 126.6   752.2  
    Total Possible (P3) 96.7   20.4   93.3 27.6   238.0  
    Total Proved + Probable + Possible (3P) 260.6   66.1   509.3 154.2   990.2  

     
    Asset Retirement Obligations

    During 2024, the Company conducted extensive engineering studies into the eventual decommissioning of its fields. These studies utilised costs benchmarked to current decommissioning activities underway elsewhere within the Gulf of Thailand. Valeura’s work since acquiring the assets in early 2023 has resulted in a reduction of 32% in the anticipated cost to decommission the assets (US$ real basis).  

    In addition, the significant extensions to the economic life of all of the Company’s fields means the timing for decommissioning expenditure has shifted further into the future. The combined effect is estimated to be a material reduction in the ARO liability to be shown on the Company’s balance sheet. While the final ARO is still to be reviewed by the Company’s auditor, management estimates that the ARO as at December 31, 2024 will have been reduced by approximately 35% from year-end 2023 and more than 50% relative to the Company’s first estimate upon assuming operatorship of the Thai portfolio in Q1 2023.

    Resources

    NSAI assessed the Company’s contingent resources of its Thailand assets for additional reservoir accumulations and reported estimates in the NSAI 2024 Report, the NSAI 2023 Report, and the NSAI 2022 Report. Contingent resources are heavy crude oil and light/medium crude oil, and are further divided into two subcategories, being Development Unclarified and Development Not Viable (see oil and gas advisories). Each subcategory is assigned a percentage risk, reflecting the estimated chance of development. Aggregate totals are provided below.

    Contingent Resources NSAI 2022 Report
    Gross (Before Royalties) Working Interest Share
    NSAI 2023 Report
    Gross (Before Royalties) Working Interest Share
    NSAI 2024 Report
    Gross (Before Royalties) Working Interest Share
    Unrisked (MMbbl) Risked (MMbbl) Unrisked (MMbbl) Risked (MMbbl) Unrisked (MMbbl) Risked (MMbbl)
    Low Estimate (1C) 10.4 1.8 15.2 6.5 29.4 9.2
    Best Estimate (2C) 14.1 2.5 19.9 8.9 48.4 13.5
    High Estimate (3C) 22.1 3.9 27.9 11.6 72.1 18.0

     
    Comparing the NSAI 2023 Report to the NSAI 2024 Report, the Company has recorded an increase in the best estimate (2C) unrisked contingent resources of 143%.

    The Company last completed an independent assessment of its prospective resources in Türkiye, effective December 31, 2018, which is available under Valeura’s issuer profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com. Valeura has no reserves or contingent resources associated with its properties in Türkiye.

    Further Disclosure and Webcast
    Valeura intends to disclose a summary of the NSAI 2024 Report to Thailand’s upstream regulator later in February 2025. Thereafter, the Company will publish its estimates of reserves and resources in accordance with the requirements of National Instrument 51-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities along with its annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2025, on approximately March 26, 2025.

    Valeura’s management team will host an investor and analyst webcast at 08:00 Calgary / 15:00 London / 22:00 Bangkok / 23:00 Singapore on Thursday, February 13, 2025 to discuss its reserves and contingent resources. Please register in advance via the link below.

    Registration link: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/a527dbad-61ff-47b1-8330-a10c28cfd2ee@a196a1a0-4579-4a0c-b3a3-855f4db8f64b

    As an alternative, an audio only feed of the event is available by phone using the Conference ID and dial-in numbers below.

    Thailand: +66 2 026 9035,,817613646#
    Singapore: +65 6450 6302,,817613646#
    Canada: (833) 845-9589,,817613646#
    Türkiye: 0800 142 034779,,817613646#
    United States: (833) 846-5630,,817613646#
    United Kingdom: 0800 640 3933,,817613646#

    Phone conference ID: 817 613 646#

    For further information, please contact:

    Valeura Energy Inc. (General Corporate Enquiries)                +65 6373 6940
    Sean Guest, President and CEO
    Yacine Ben-Meriem, CFO
    Contact@valeuraenergy.com

    Valeura Energy Inc. (Investor and Media Enquiries)                +1 403 975 6752 / +44 7392 940495
    Robin James Martin, Vice President, Communications and Investor Relations
    IR@valeuraenergy.com

    Contact details for the Company’s advisors, covering research analysts and joint brokers, including Auctus Advisors LLP, Canaccord Genuity Ltd (UK), Cormark Securities Inc., Research Capital Corporation, and Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited, are listed on the Company’s website at www.valeuraenergy.com/investor-information/analysts/.

    About the Company

    Valeura Energy Inc. is a Canadian public company engaged in the exploration, development and production of petroleum and natural gas in Thailand and in Türkiye. The Company is pursuing a growth-oriented strategy and intends to re-invest into its producing asset portfolio and to deploy resources toward further organic and inorganic growth in Southeast Asia. Valeura aspires toward value accretive growth for stakeholders while adhering to high standards of environmental, social and governance responsibility.

    Additional information relating to Valeura is also available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

    Oil and Gas Advisories

    Reserves and contingent resources disclosed in this news release are based on an independent evaluation conducted by the incumbent independent petroleum engineering firm, NSAI with an effective date of December 31, 2024. The NSAI estimates of reserves and resources were prepared using guidelines outlined in the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook and in accordance with National Instrument 51-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities. The reserves and contingent resources estimates disclosed in this news release are estimates only and there is no guarantee that the estimated reserves and contingent resources will be recovered.

    This news release contains a number of oil and gas metrics, including “NAV”, “reserves replacement ratio”, “RLI”, and “end of field life” which do not have standardised meanings or standard methods of calculation and therefore such measures may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies. Such metrics are commonly used in the oil and gas industry and have been included herein to provide readers with additional measures to evaluate the Company’s performance; however, such measures are not reliable indicators of the future performance of the Company and future performance may not compare to the performance in previous periods.

    “NAV” is calculated by adding the estimated future net revenues based on a 10% discount rate to net cash, (which is comprised of cash less debt) as of December 31, 2024. NAV is expressed on a per share basis by dividing the total by basic common shares outstanding. NAV per share is not predictive and may not be reflective of current or future market prices for Valeura.

    “Reserves replacement ratio” for 2024 is calculated by dividing the difference in reserves between the NSAI 2024 Report and the NSAI 2023 Report, plus actual 2024 production, by the assets’ total production before royalties for the calendar year 2024.

    “RLI” is calculated by dividing reserves by management’s estimated total production before royalties for 2025.

    “End of field life” is calculated by NSAI as the date at which the monthly net revenue generated by the field is equal to or less than the asset’s operating cost.

    Reserves

    Reserves are estimated remaining quantities of commercially recoverable oil, natural gas, and related substances anticipated to be recoverable from known accumulations, as of a given date, based on the analysis of drilling, geological, geophysical, and engineering data, the use of established technology, and specified economic conditions, which are generally accepted as being reasonable. Reserves are further categorised according to the level of certainty associated with the estimates and may be sub-classified based on development and production status.

    Proved reserves are those reserves that can be estimated with a high degree of certainty to be recoverable. It is likely that the actual remaining quantities recovered will exceed the estimated proved reserves.

    Developed reserves are those reserves that are expected to be recovered from existing wells and installed facilities or, if facilities have not been installed, that would involve a low expenditure (e.g., when compared to the cost of drilling a well) to put the reserves on production.

    Developed producing reserves are those reserves that are expected to be recovered from completion intervals open at the time of the estimate. These reserves may be currently producing or, if shut in, they must have previously been on production, and the date of resumption of production must be known with reasonable certainty.

    Developed non-producing reserves are those reserves that either have not been on production, or have previously been on production, but are shut in, and the date of resumption of production is unknown.

    Undeveloped reserves are those reserves expected to be recovered from known accumulations where a significant expenditure (e.g., when compared to the cost of drilling a well) is required to render them capable of production. They must fully meet the requirements of the reserves classification (proved, probable, possible) to which they are assigned.

    Probable reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than proved reserves. It is equally likely that the actual remaining quantities recovered will be greater or less than the sum of the estimated proved plus probable reserves.

    Possible reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than probable reserves. It is unlikely that the actual remaining quantities recovered will exceed the sum of the estimated proved plus probable plus possible reserves. There is a 10% probability that the quantities actually recovered will equal or exceed the sum of the estimated proved plus probable plus possible reserves.

    The estimated future net revenues disclosed in this news release do not necessarily represent the fair market value of the reserves associated therewith.

    The estimates of reserves and future net revenue for individual properties may not reflect the same confidence level as estimates of reserves and future net revenue for all properties, due to the effects of aggregation.

    Contingent Resources

    Contingent resources are those quantities of petroleum estimated, as of a given date, to be potentially recoverable from known accumulations using established technology or technology under development, but which are not currently considered to be commercially recoverable due to one or more contingencies. Contingencies are conditions that must be satisfied for a portion of contingent resources to be classified as reserves that are: (a) specific to the project being evaluated; and (b) expected to be resolved within a reasonable timeframe.

    Contingent resources are further categorised according to the level of certainty associated with the estimates and may be sub‐classified based on a project maturity and/or characterised by their economic status. There are three classifications of contingent resources: low estimate, best estimate and high estimate. Best estimate is a classification of estimated resources described in the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook as the best estimate of the quantity that will be actually recovered; it is equally likely that the actual remaining quantities recovered will be greater or less than the best estimate. If probabilistic methods are used, there should be at least a 50 percent probability that the quantities actually recovered will equal or exceed the best estimate.

    The project maturity subclasses include development pending, development on hold, development unclarified and development not viable. The contingent resources disclosed in this news release are classified as either development unclarified or development not viable.

    Development unclarified is defined as a contingent resource that requires further appraisal to clarify the potential for development and has been assigned a lower chance of development until commercial considerations can be clearly defined. Chance of development is the likelihood that an accumulation will be commercially developed.

    Conversion of the development unclarified resources referred to in this news release is dependent upon (1) the expected timetable for development; (2) the economics of the project; (3) the marketability of the oil and gas production; (4) the availability of infrastructure and technology; (5) the political, regulatory, and environmental conditions; (6) the project maturity and definition; (7) the availability of capital; and, ultimately, (8) the decision of joint venture partners to undertake development.

    The major positive factor relevant to the estimate of the contingent development unclarified resources referred to in this news release is the successful discovery of resources encountered in appraisal and development wells within the existing fields. The major negative factors relevant to the estimate of the contingent development unclarified resources referred to in this news release are: (1) the outstanding requirement for a definitive development plan; (2) current economic conditions do not support the resource development; (3) limited field economic life to develop the resources; and (4) the outstanding requirement for a final investment decision and commitment of all joint venture partners.

    Development not viable is defined as a contingent resource where no further data acquisition or evaluation is currently planned and hence there is a low chance of development, there is usually less than a reasonable chance of economics of development being positive in the foreseeable future. The major negative factors relevant to the estimate of development not viable referred to in this news release are: (1) current economic conditions do not support the resource development; and (2) availability of technical knowledge and technology within the industry to economically support resource development.

    If these contingencies are successfully addressed, some portion of these contingent resources may be reclassified as reserves.

    Of the best estimate 2C contingent resources estimated in the NSAI 2024 Report, on a risked basis: 74% of the estimated volumes are light/medium crude oil, with the remainder being heavy oil; 77% are categorised as Development Unclarified, with the remainder being Development Not Viable. Development Unclarified 2C resources have been assigned an average chance of development for the four fields ranging from 30% to 50% depending on oil type, while 2C Development Not Viable resources have been assigned an average chance of development ranging from 16% to 17%.

    Resources Project
    Maturity Subclass
    Light and Medium Crude Oil
    (Development Unclarified)
    Chance of Development (%)
    Unrisked Risked
    Gross (Mbbl) Net (Mbbl) Gross (Mbbl) Net (Mbbl)
    Contingent Low Estimate (1C) Development Unclarified 8,267 7,334 3,108 2,742 38 %
    Contingent Best Estimate (2C) Development Unclarified 14,178 12,538 4,227 3,728 30 %
    Contingent High Estimate (3C) Development Unclarified 21,072 18,644 5,289 4,673 25 %
    Resources Project
    Maturity Subclass
    Heavy Crude Oil
    (Development Unclarified)
    Chance of Development (%)
    Unrisked Risked
    Gross (Mbbl) Net (Mbbl) Gross (Mbbl) Net (Mbbl)
    Contingent Low Estimate (1C) Development Unclarified 7,807 7,358 4,045 3,813 52 %
    Contingent Best Estimate (2C) Development Unclarified 10,641 10,029 5,325 5,018 50 %
    Contingent High Estimate (3C) Development Unclarified 14,524 13,689 6,560 6,182 45 %
    Resources Project
    Maturity Subclass
    Light and Medium Crude Oil
    (Development Not Viable)
    Chance of Development (%)
    Unrisked Risked
    Gross (Mbbl) Net (Mbbl) Gross (Mbbl) Net (Mbbl)
    Contingent Low Estimate (1C) Development Not Viable 11,294 10,502 1,694 1,575 15 %
    Contingent Best Estimate (2C) Development Not Viable 21,539 19,965 3,652 3,319 17 %
    Contingent High Estimate (3C) Development Not Viable 33,503 30,964 5,363 4,802 16 %
    Resources Project
    Maturity Subclass
    Heavy Crude Oil
    (Development Not Viable)
    Chance of Development (%)
    Unrisked Risked
    Gross (Mbbl) Net (Mbbl) Gross (Mbbl) Net (Mbbl)
    Contingent Low Estimate (1C) Development Not Viable 2,069 1,950 310 293 15 %
    Contingent Best Estimate (2C) Development Not Viable 2,091 1,971 341 321 16 %
    Contingent High Estimate (3C) Development Not Viable 3,003 2,830 815 768 27 %

    The NSAI estimates have been risked, using the chance of development, to account for the possibility that the contingencies are not successfully addressed. Due to the early stage of development for the development unclarified resources, NSAI did not perform an economic analysis of these resources; as such, the economic status of these resources is undetermined and there is uncertainty that any portion of the contingent resources disclosed in this new release will be commercially viable to produce.

    Glossary

    bbl                barrels of oil
    Mbbl              thousand barrels of oil
    MMbbl            million barrels of oil

    Advisory and Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    Certain information included in this news release constitutes forward-looking information under applicable securities legislation. Such forward-looking information is for the purpose of explaining management’s current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes, such as making investment decisions. Forward-looking information typically contains statements with words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “estimate”, “propose”, “project”, “target” or similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook.

    Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, the Company’s belief that it has added to the ultimate potential of its portfolio; the anticipated economic life of its portfolio; expectations regarding future cash flow; the expectation that ARO on its December 31, 2024 balance sheet will indicate a reduction of approximately 35% versus December 31, 2023 and more than 50% since first assuming operatorship of its assets; business objectives and targets; organic and inorganic growth opportunities; the anticipated end of life for Valeura’s Thailand assets; the potential for adding reserves through the Wassana field redevelopment as well as through ongoing infill development, appraisal drilling, and exploration targets; statements related to the Company’s 2025 production guidance of 23.0 – 25.5 Mbbl/d; estimates of the Company’s RLI; timing for FID readiness on the potential Wassana field redevelopment; management’s anticipation of a higher production profile with longer field life from the Wassana field, should it opt to proceed with the redevelopment; forecast Brent crude oil reference prices; assumption of a single tax filing; estimated costs for the eventual decommissioning of its fields; the intention to disclose a summary of the NSAI 2024 Report to Thailand’s upstream regulator; the anticipated filing date of the Company’s annual information form along with its estimates of reserves and resources; and the timing of the investor and analyst webcast.

    In addition, statements related to “reserves” and “resources” are deemed to be forward-looking information

    as they involve the implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions, that the resources can

    be discovered and profitably produced in the future.

    Although the Company believes the expectations and assumptions reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, they may prove to be incorrect.

    Forward-looking information is based on management’s current expectations and assumptions regarding, among other things: political stability of the areas in which the Company is operating; continued safety of operations and ability to proceed in a timely manner; continued operations of and approvals forthcoming from governments and regulators in a manner consistent with past conduct; ability to achieve extensions to licences in Thailand and Türkiye to support attractive development and resource recovery; future drilling activity on the required/expected timelines; the prospectivity of the Company’s lands; the continued favourable pricing and operating netbacks across its business; future production rates and associated operating netbacks and cash flow; decline rates; future sources of funding; future economic conditions; the impact of inflation of future costs; future currency exchange rates; interest rates; the ability to meet drilling deadlines and fulfil commitments under licences and leases; future commodity prices; the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine; the impact of conflicts in the Middle East; royalty rates and taxes; management’s estimate of cumulative tax losses being correct; future capital and other expenditures; the success obtained in drilling new wells and working over existing wellbores; the performance of wells and facilities; the availability of the required capital to funds its exploration, development and other operations, and the ability of the Company to meet its commitments and financial obligations; the ability of the Company to secure adequate processing, transportation, fractionation and storage capacity on acceptable terms; the capacity and reliability of facilities; the application of regulatory requirements respecting abandonment and reclamation; the recoverability of the Company’s reserves and contingent resources; future growth; the sufficiency of budgeted capital expenditures in carrying out planned activities; the impact of increasing competition; the availability and identification of mergers and acquisition opportunities; the ability to successfully negotiate and complete any mergers and acquisition opportunities; the ability to efficiently integrate assets and employees acquired through acquisitions; global energy policies going forward; international trade policies; future debt levels; and the Company’s continued ability to obtain and retain qualified staff and equipment in a timely and cost efficient manner. In addition, the Company’s work programmes and budgets are in part based upon expected agreement among joint venture partners and associated exploration, development and marketing plans and anticipated costs and sales prices, which are subject to change based on, among other things, the actual results of drilling and related activity, availability of drilling, offshore storage and offloading facilities and other specialised oilfield equipment and service providers, changes in partners’ plans and unexpected delays and changes in market conditions. Although the Company believes the expectations and assumptions reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, they may prove to be incorrect.

    Forward-looking information involves significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Exploration, appraisal, and development of oil and natural gas reserves and resources are speculative activities and involve a degree of risk. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the Company including, but not limited to: the ability of management to execute its business plan or realise anticipated benefits from acquisitions; the risk of disruptions from public health emergencies and/or pandemics; competition for specialised equipment and human resources; the Company’s ability to manage growth; the Company’s ability to manage the costs related to inflation; disruption in supply chains; the risk of currency fluctuations; changes in interest rates, oil and gas prices and netbacks; the risk that the Company’s tax advisors’ and/or auditors’ assessment of the Company’s cumulative tax losses varies significantly from management’s expectations of the same; potential changes in joint venture partner strategies and participation in work programmes; uncertainty regarding the contemplated timelines and costs for work programme execution; the risks of disruption to operations and access to worksites; potential changes in laws and regulations, including international treaties and trade policies; the uncertainty regarding government and other approvals; counterparty risk; the risk that financing may not be available; risks associated with weather delays and natural disasters; and the risk associated with international activity. See the most recent annual information form and management’s discussion and analysis of the Company for a detailed discussion of the risk factors.

    Certain forward-looking information in this news release may also constitute “financial outlook” within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Financial outlook involves statements about Valeura’s prospective financial performance or position and is based on and subject to the assumptions and risk factors described above in respect of forward-looking information generally as well as any other specific assumptions and risk factors in relation to such financial outlook noted in this news release. Such assumptions are based on management’s assessment of the relevant information currently available, and any financial outlook included in this news release is made as of the date hereof and provided for the purpose of helping readers understand Valeura’s current expectations and plans for the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on any financial outlook may not be appropriate for other purposes or in other circumstances and that the risk factors described above or other factors may cause actual results to differ materially from any financial outlook.

    The forward-looking information contained in this news release is made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

    This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction, including where such offer would be unlawful. This news release is not for distribution or release, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States, Ireland, the Republic of South Africa or Japan or any other jurisdiction in which its publication or distribution would be unlawful.

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

    This information is provided by Reach, the non-regulatory press release distribution service of RNS, part of the London Stock Exchange. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

    The MIL Network –

    February 13, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Australia: Albanese Government passes legislation to deliver child care 3 Day Guarantee

    Source: Australian Ministers for Education

    The Albanese Labor Government today passed legislation through the Parliament to deliver a 3 Day Guarantee and replace the Liberal’s Activity Test.

    Families will be able to access three days a week of subsidised early childhood education for children who need it from January 2026. 

    The Dutton led Coalition voted against this important legislation. The Liberals have said the 3 Day Guarantee was “not something…the country can afford” but are happy for taxpayers to pay for bosses’ lunches.

    The Liberal’s claim their Activity Test increased workforce participation, however the Australian Institute of Family Studies found no evidence that the introduction of the Activity Test caused any increase in workforce participation.

    In fact, analysis undertaken by Dr Angela Jackson and Impact Economics and Policy found that: 

    “The current activity test for the Child Care Subsidy limits access to subsidised child care and is contributing to children from the poorest households missing out on critical early childhood education and care.”

    Implementing the 3 Day Guarantee and abolishing the current Activity Test, is an important step towards a universal early childhood education and care system.

    Families earning between $50,000 to $100,000, will be better off under the 3 Day Guarantee and are expected to save on average $1,460 per year.

    The 3 Day Guarantee will provide cost-of-living relief to families and help ensure that children can access the benefits of high-quality early education and care. 

    A re-elected Albanese Labor Government will also establish a $1 billion Building Early Education Fund, to build more centres and expand services in areas of need, including the outer suburbs and regional Australia. 

    Only the Albanese Labor Government has a plan to deliver a universal early childhood education system that works for Australian families and ensure children get the best possible start in life. 

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:

    “This is all about giving our kids the best start in life. 

    “Getting them ready for school.

    “It’s all about opening the doors of opportunity.

    “Peter Dutton has voted to slam it shut. 

    “Under Labor, we are guaranteeing 3 days a week of government supported early education. 

    “Under the Liberals, they are guaranteeing 3 course meals for bosses, paid for by the taxpayer.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Early Childhood Education Dr Anne Aly:

     “The Coalition would put universal access to early learning at risk, it’s clear they don’t understand the benefits of early childhood education and care.

     “Only the Albanese Labor Government will ensure every Australian child has access to early childhood education. 

     “The Liberal’s prohibative Activity Test locked out the children who can most benefit from early childhood education and care, and has not increasesed workforce participation. 

     “Investing in the early years is an investment in Australia’s future – there is no better investment than giving our littlest Australians the best possible start in life.”

    MIL OSI News –

    February 13, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Flow Traders 4Q and FY 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Flow Traders 4Q and FY 2024 Results

    Amsterdam, the Netherlands – Flow Traders Ltd. (Euronext: FLOW) announces its unaudited 4Q and FY 2024 results.

    Flow Traders posts record fourth quarter results and the second-best fiscal year results in its 20-year history with €159.0m and €479.3m in Total Income, respectively. The company also ends 2024 with record levels of Trading Capital and Shareholders’ Equity at €775m and €766m, respectively.

    Financial Highlights

    4Q 2024

    • Flow Traders recorded Net Trading Income of €153.8m and Total Income of €159.0m in 4Q24, increases of 112% and 114% when compared to the €72.7m and €74.3m in 4Q23, respectively.
    • Flow Traders’ ETP Value Traded increased by 13% in 4Q24 to €424m from €376m in 4Q23.
    • Fixed Operating Expenses were €45.3m in the quarter, an increase of 12% when compared to the €40.4m in 4Q23, due mostly to increased employee and technology expenses and an abnormally low 4Q23 given timing of expenses.
    • Total Operating Expenses were €76.8m in 4Q24, an increase of 23% when compared to the €62.5m in 4Q23, due mostly to higher variable employee compensation expenses.
    • EBITDA was €82.1m in the quarter, an almost seven-fold increase when compared to the €11.8m in 4Q23. EBITDA margin was 52% in 4Q24 vs. 16% in 4Q23.
    • Net Profit came in at €63.2m in 4Q24, yielding a basic EPS of €1.47 and diluted EPS of €1.42, an almost ten-fold increase compared to a Net Profit of €6.4m, basic EPS of €0.15, and diluted EPS of €0.14 in 4Q23.
    • Flow Traders employed 609 FTEs at the end of 4Q24, compared to 605 at the end of 3Q24 and 613 at the end of 4Q23 (see note 1).

    FY 2024

    • For full year 2024, Net Trading Income totaled €467.8m and Total Income was €479.3m, increases of 56% and 58% when compared to €300.3m and €303.9m in FY 2023, respectively.
    • Flow Traders’ ETP Value Traded increased by 5% in FY 2024 to €1,545b from €1,465b in FY 2023.
    • Fixed Operating Expenses for the year totaled €179.1m, an increase of 3% from €174.1m in FY 2023, which is in-line with guidance.
    • Total Operating Expenses for the year was €264.4m, an increase of 12% from €236.3m in FY 2023, due mostly to higher variable employee compensation expenses.
    • EBITDA for the year was €214.9m, up 218% compared to €67.5m in FY2023. EBITDA margin was 45% in FY 2024 vs. 22% in FY 2023.
    • Total Net Profit for the year totaled €159.5m with basic EPS of €3.69 and diluted EPS of €3.56, a more than four-fold increase compared to €36.2m, €0.84 and €0.81 in FY 2023, respectively.

    Trading Capital and Shareholders’ Equity

    • Trading capital stood at €775m at the end of 4Q24 and FY 2024, an increase of 16% compared to €668m at the end of 3Q24 and 33% compared to €584m at the end of 4Q23 and FY 2023.
    • Return on average trading capital2 was 69% in 4Q24 and FY 2024, compared to 49% in 4Q23 and FY 2023. With the accelerating growth of trading capital following the Capital Expansion Plan announced in July 2024, trading returns will be calculated as LTM NTI / Average Trading Capital going forward.
    • Shareholders’ equity was €766m at the end of 4Q24 and FY 2024, an increase of 15% compared to €666m at the end of 3Q24 and 31% compared to €586m at the end of 4Q23 and FY 2023.
    • Flow Traders generated a Return on Equity of 24% in FY 2024, compared to 6% in FY 2023.

    Financial Overview

    €million 4Q24 4Q23 Change FY2024 FY2023 Change
    Net trading income 153.8 72.7 112% 467.8 300.3 56%
    Other income 5.1 1.6   11.5 3.6  
    Total income 159.0 74.3 114% 479.3 303.9 58%
    Revenue by region3            
    Europe 86.9 42.6 104% 274.1 167.8 63%
    Americas 18.2 18.1 1% 93.6 82.1 14%
    Asia 53.8 13.6 295% 111.5 53.9 107%
    Employee expenses            
    Fixed employee expenses 20.2 17.5 15% 81.6 76.0 7%
    Variable employee expenses 31.5 22.1 43% 85.3 57.9 47%
    Technology expenses 16.9 15.3 10% 66.6 64.4 3%
    Other expenses 8.2 7.6 8% 30.9 33.7 (8%)
    One-off expenses4 – –   0.0 4.3 (100%)
    Total operating expenses 76.8 62.5 23% 264.4 236.3 12%
    EBITDA 82.1 11.8 597% 214.9 67.5 218%
    Interest Expense 0.5 –   1.1 0.0  
    Depreciation & amortisation 4.6 4.2 9% 17.4 18.4 (5%)
    Profit/(loss) on equity-accounted investments (0.1) (0.1) 5% (2.0) (4.5) (55%)
    Profit before tax 76.9 7.4 935% 194.4 44.7 335%
    Tax expense 13.7 1.0 1230% 34.8 8.5 310%
    Net profit 63.2 6.4 888% 159.5 36.2 341%
    Basic EPS5 (€) 1.47 0.15   3.69 0.84  
    Fully diluted EPS6 (€) 1.42 0.14   3.56 0.81  
    EBITDA margin 52% 16%   45% 22%  

    Revenue by Region

    €million 1Q23 2Q23 3Q23 4Q23 1Q24 2Q24 3Q24 4Q24
    Europe 58.5 33.1 33.6 42.6 68.4 48.6 70.2 86.9
    Americas 32.8 9.3 22.0 18.1 41.3 13.4 20.8 18.2
    Asia 19.2 9.0 12.1 13.6 19.9 14.2 23.6 53.8

    Value Traded Overview

    €billion 4Q24 4Q23 Change FY2024 FY2023 Change
    Flow Traders ETP Value Traded 424 376 13% 1,545 1,465 5%
    Europe 195 151 29% 655 619 6%
    Americas 193 203 (5%) 776 754 3%
    Asia 36 22 65% 114 93 22%
    Flow Traders non-ETP Value Traded 1,233 1,074 15% 4,703 4,115 14%
    Flow Traders Value Traded 1,657 1,450 14% 6,248 5,580 12%
    Equity 809 762 6% 3,217 3,009 7%
    FICC 783 641 22% 2,817 2,396 18%
    Other 64 48 33% 214 176 22%
    Market ETP Value Traded7 13,192 11,714 13% 47,933 43,081 11%
    Europe 728 557 31% 2,518 2,039 24%
    Americas 9,954 9,877 1% 38,545 35,874 7%
    Asia 2,510 1,280 96% 6,871 5,168 33%
    Asia ex China 582 383 52% 2,020 1,578 28%

    Trading Capital

      1Q23 2Q23 3Q23 4Q23 1Q24 2Q24 3Q24 4Q24
    Trading Capital (€m) 647 574 585 584 609 624 668 775
    Return on Avg Trading Capital2 67% 65% 56% 49% 50% 58% 62% 69%
    Average VIX8 21.0 16.7 15.1 15.4 13.9 14.2 17.1 17.3

    Market Environment

    Europe

    Equity trading volumes in the quarter across major exchanges saw double-digit percentage point improvements when compared to the same period a year ago and single-digit improvements when compared to last quarter. Market volatility increased by single-digits compared to both the same period a year ago and last quarter.

    Fixed Income trading volumes on MTFs saw low double-digit percentage point improvements compared to the same period a year ago and single-digit improvements compared to last quarter.

    Americas

    Equity trading volumes in the U.S. saw single-digit percentage point improvements when compared to both the same period a year ago and last quarter. Market volatility increased slightly when compared to the same period a year ago and was flat compared to last quarter.

    Fixed Income trading volumes in the U.S. were mixed across the various trading venues but were in general better when compared to the same period a year ago but weaker compared to last quarter. Volatility declined when compared to the same period a year ago and was relatively flat when compared to last quarter.

    Asia

    Equity trading volumes in Asia were mixed as Hong Kong and China saw significant increases while Japan experienced declines both when compared to the same period a year ago as well as last quarter. Market volatility, for the most part, increased across all the regions both year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter, with the exception being Japan, where it declined compared to last quarter.

    Digital Assets

    Within Digital Assets, which trades across regions on a 24/7 basis, trading volumes increased significantly both compared to the same period a year ago and last quarter. Volatility increased slightly both year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter.

    Trading Capital Expansion Plan

    In recent years, Flow Traders has successfully diversified its core trading model across different asset classes and geographies, which resulted in increased optionality for the business. The company sees a range of emerging opportunities to accelerate growth by systematically expanding its trading capital base.

    With the 2Q 2024 results, the company announced the suspension of the dividend and bank term loan as the initial steps in boosting the firm’s trading capital. The bank loan and strong net profit generation boosted trading capital by €191m over the course of the year and immediately helped increase the capacity of the firm to capture more of the opportunities that arose during the year given the increased volatility and dislocations across different asset classes and regions around the world. Given the success of the Trading Capital Expansion Plan thus far, the firm will continue to pursue the most strategic debt financing options to further support its growth.

    Treasury Shares

    As a result of the second-best year in company history, portions of the previously repurchased shares from the €25m share buyback program conducted in July 2022 will be reallocated to employee incentive plans.

    Outlook

    Fixed operating expenses for FY 2025 are expected to be in the range of €190-210m given additional technology investments and targeted additions of subject matter experts in growth areas, partially offset by expected operational efficiency gains.

    CEO Statement

    Mike Kuehnel, CEO
    “Flow Traders closed out 2024 with a record fourth quarter and the second-best year in the company’s 20-year history. Following the strategic decision to accelerate the expansion of our trading capital base last July, the additional capital has enabled us to capture additional opportunities and leverage dislocations in the market during a period of heightened volatility across different regions and asset classes. Following one of the calmest markets in recent memory in 2023, we were able to achieve a 69% return on average trading capital in 2024. This demonstrates the robustness and coverage of our trading strategies and is a result of the company’s growth and diversification strategy.

    In the fourth quarter, market trading volumes and volatility increased meaningfully across Europe and Asia, and within equity and digital assets. We were able to capitalize on this increased activity given the significant multi-year investments in talent and technology that we made in Asia and digital assets. Additionally, our partnerships with emerging financial infrastructure providers, such as the Börse Stuttgart Digital and Wormhole partnerships in the digital assets space and OpenYield in the fixed income space, will allow the company to further participate in and shape the future of financial markets.

    As digital assets continue to gain acceptance by governments and institutions around the world, we believe Flow Traders has a pivotal role to play given our strong capabilities in both traditional finance and digital assets ecosystems. With our unique distribution network, technology and pricing capabilities, we aim to be an important bridge by connecting various stakeholders to bring the 24/7 trading currently available in digital assets to the traditional financial landscape. Our partnership with DWS and Galaxy in AllUnity is one example of a platform which we believe could be pivotal in achieving this transition.

    Looking forward to 2025, we will continue to invest in the expansion of our trading capabilities and increasing sophistication, with tailored investments in technology and additional talent given the attractive opportunities in front of us. Opportunities which would otherwise not be possible without the accelerated growth of our trading capital base as a result of our trading capital expansion plan. To offset some of the additional investments, we stay fully committed to the streamlining and automation work to systematically improve efficiency and strengthen our core operations as the firm continues to grow and scale.”

    Preliminary Financial Calendar

    24 April 2025                1Q25 Trading Update

    Analyst Conference Call and Webcast

    The 4Q24 results analyst conference call will be held at 10:00 am CET on Thursday 13 February 2025. The presentation can be downloaded at https://www.flowtraders.com/investors/results-centre and the conference call can be followed via a listen-only audio webcast. A replay of the conference call will be available on the company website for at least 90 days.

    Contact Details

    Flow Traders Ltd.

    Investors
    Eric Pan
    Phone:         +31 20 7996799
    Email:        investor.relations@flowtraders.com

    Media
    Laura Peijs
    Phone:         +31 20 7996799
    Email:        press@flowtraders.com

    About Flow Traders

    Flow Traders is a leading trading firm providing liquidity in multiple asset classes, covering all major exchanges. Founded in 2004, Flow Traders is a leading global ETP market marker and has leveraged its expertise in trading ETPs to expand into fixed income, commodities, digital assets and FX. Flow Traders’ role in financial markets is to ensure the availability of liquidity and enabling investors to continue to buy or sell financial instruments under all market circumstances, thereby ensuring markets remain resilient and continue to function in an orderly manner. In addition to its trading activities, Flow Traders has established a strategic investment unit focused on fostering market innovation and aligned with our mission to bring greater transparency and efficiency to the financial ecosystem. With nearly two decades of experience, we have built a team of over 600 talented professionals, located globally, contributing to the firm’s entrepreneurial culture and delivering the company’s mission.

    Notes

    1. Figures restated to include only active employees and exclude those on garden leave per CSRD definition.
    2. Return on trading capital defined as LTM NTI divided by the average of the prior and current end of period trading capital.
    3. Revenue by region includes NTI, Other Income, and inter-company revenue.
    4. One-off expenses related to the completed corporate holding structure update and capital structure review work.
    5. Weighted average shares outstanding: 4Q24 – 43,066,302; 3Q24 – 43,095,744; 4Q23 – 43,166,257.
    6. Determined by adjusting the basic EPS for the effects of all dilutive share-based payments to employees.
    7. Source – Flow Traders analysis.
    8. Starting in 3Q24, average VIX is calculated as the average of VIX daily closing prices.

    Important Legal Information

    This press release is prepared by Flow Traders Ltd. and is for information purposes only. It is not a recommendation to engage in investment activities and you must not rely on the content of this document when making any investment decisions. The information in this document does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice and is not to be regarded as investor marketing or marketing of any security or financial instrument, or as an offer to buy or sell, or as a solicitation of any offer to buy or sell, securities or financial instruments.

    The information and materials contained in this press release are provided ‘as is’ and Flow Traders Ltd. or any of its affiliates (“Flow Traders”) do not warrant the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of the information and materials and expressly disclaim liability for any errors or omissions. This press release is not intended to be, and shall not constitute in any way a binding or legal agreement, or impose any legal obligation on Flow Traders. All intellectual property rights, including trademarks, are those of their respective owners. All rights reserved. All proprietary rights and interest in or connected with this publication shall vest in Flow Traders. No part of it may be redistributed or reproduced without the prior written permission of Flow Traders.

    This press release may include forward-looking statements, which are based on Flow Traders’ current expectations and projections about future events, and are not guarantees of future performance. Forward looking statements are statements that are not historical facts, including statements about our beliefs and expectations. Words such as “may”, “will”, “would”, “should”, “expect”, “intend”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “project”, “believe”, “could”, “hope”, “seek”, “plan”, “foresee”, “aim”, “objective”, “potential”, “goal” “strategy”, “target”, “continue” and similar expressions or their negatives are used to identify these forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future whether or not outside the control of Flow Traders. Such factors may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, no undue reliance should be placed on any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as at the date at which they are made. Flow Traders expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update, review or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this press release to reflect any change in its expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which such statements are based unless required to do so by applicable law.

    Financial objectives are internal objectives of Flow Traders to measure its operational performance and should not be read as indicating that Flow Traders is targeting such metrics for any particular fiscal year. Flow Traders’ ability to achieve these financial objectives is inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond Flow Traders’ control, and upon assumptions with respect to future business decisions that are subject to change. As a result, Flow Traders’ actual results may vary from these financial objectives, and those variations may be material.

    Efficiencies are net, before tax and on a run-rate basis, i.e. taking into account the full-year impact of any measure to be undertaken before the end of the period mentioned. The expected operating efficiencies and cost savings were prepared on the basis of a number of assumptions, projections and estimates, many of which depend on factors that are beyond Flow Traders’ control. These assumptions, projections and estimates are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and actual results may differ, perhaps materially, from those projected. Flow Traders cannot provide any assurance that these assumptions are correct and that these projections and estimates will reflect Flow Traders’ actual results of operations.

    By accepting this document you agree to the terms set out above. If you do not agree with the terms set out above please notify legal.amsterdam@nl.flowtraders.com immediately and delete or destroy this document.

    All results published in this release are unaudited.

    Market Abuse Regulation

    This press release contains information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation.

    Attachment

    • 4Q24 Results Press Release

    The MIL Network –

    February 13, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: LHV Group financial plan for 2025 and the five-year financial forecast

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The largest financial group based on Estonian capital will be driven this year by an increase in business volumes and client activity, and by more efficient operations. However, in an environment of falling interest rates, the net profit of LHV Group in 2025 will decrease compared to the previous year.

    Key indicators 2024 FP 2025 ∆
    Profit before taxes 175.1 153.3 -12%
    Net profit 150.3 125.1 -17%
    Deposits 6,910 7,558 9%
    Loans 4,552 5,345 17%
    Volume of funds 1,558 1,735 11%
    Number of payments related to financial intermediaries (million pcs) 75 75 0%
    Cost/income ratio 43.4% 47.7% +4.3 pp
    ROE* (before taxes; owners’ share) 28.7% 22.1% -6.6 pp
    ROE* (from net profit; owners’ share) 24.7% 18.1% -6.6 pp
    Capital adequacy 20.7% 21.0% +0.3 pp

    * Calculated on the basis of the average end-of-month equity volumes
     Business volumes in millions of euros

    According to the latest financial plan, LHV Group’s business volumes will continue to grow significantly this year. The consolidated loan portfolio is set to grow by 17%, i.e. EUR 793 million, over the year to EUR 5.35 billion. Of this, EUR 223 million will come from corporate banking in Estonia and EUR 278 million from retail loans, while in the United Kingdom the plan is to increase lending by EUR 292 million. As a result of the improving economic environment, write-down costs are planned to decrease to EUR 10.2 million in 2025.

    The focus remains on growing deposits. Consolidated deposits are expected to grow by EUR 648 million, i.e. 9%, to EUR 7.56 billion this year. Of the additional deposits, EUR 302 million are to be raised by LHV Pank in Estonia and EUR 388 by LHV Bank in the United Kingdom.

    LHV Pank’s interest income will decrease, but net fee and commission income is planned to increase mainly from higher business volumes resulting from the growth and activation of the client base. It is planned to reduce the bank’s expenses by 2% compared to the previous year, which will be helped by the automation of processes. The goal is to continue to provide the best service to clients in all channels by developing digital channels and supplementing services.

    The number of payments by financial intermediaries reached 75 million in 2024, and it will remain similar this year according to the financial plan.

    In the United Kingdom, in addition to corporate loans, the focus is on introducing retail offering to the market and, consequently, increasing the number of retail clients. In the first half of the year, deposits and direct debits will be added to the new bank app, and the issuance of bank cards will begin. The plans for the second half of the year include the inclusion of other currencies and the opening of accounts for corporate clients. In order to expand the offering, LHV Bank plans to apply for a consumer credit activity licence, join the real-time euro payments scheme, and develop additional payment collection solutions.

    According to the financial plan, the volume of funds managed by LHV will increase by 11% this year to EUR 1.74 billion, i.e. by EUR 177 million. The volumes are supported by increased contributions to the II pension pillar and the opening of the new LHV Euro Bond Fund. Varahaldus continues with an investment strategy that stands out clearly from its competitors, focusing on different high-yield asset classes. The forecast for 2025 does not include earning a success fee from pension funds.

    The gross premiums of LHV Kindlustus will increase by 11% this year to EUR 42 million. It is planned to increase sales volumes and improve efficiency. This should be supported by extending the provision of property insurance to businesses as well. The goal of LHV Kindlustus is to position itself as the most preferred insurance partner on the market.

    In summary, the financial plan for 2025 foresees a 7% decrease in the income of the LHV Group consolidation group to EUR 313 million. Expenditure is expected to increase by 2% to EUR 149.4 million. The company’s net profit for this year is estimated at EUR 125.1 million, which means a decrease of 17% compared to the previous record year. LHV Group’s return on equity (ROE) ratio will remain at 18.1% in 2025 and the company forecasts a cost/income ratio of 47.7%.

    This year, in addition to the decrease in base interest rates, the profitability of LHV Group is affected by the interest expense and increased tax rates associated with the revaluation of liabilities and the growth of volume, while positively increasing efficiency, increasing net fee and commission income and lower write-downs due to the improvement of the economic environment, as well as increasing efficiency.

    Comment by Madis Toomsalu, the Chairman of the Management Board at LHV Group:
    “In recent years, LHV has developed into a financial institution with a significant impact on the Estonian economy. Over the course of five years, the volume of LHV’s loans and deposits has increased by as much as 2.6 times, with new loans issued in Estonia in the amount of EUR 7.6 billion, while the loan portfolio has grown by EUR 2.5 billion during this period. The bank belonging to LHV Group in the United Kingdom has also entered the growth phase from the creation phase, with its share increasing.

    We will continue to be ambitious for the next five years. Of the business volumes, we expect our loan portfolio to double, including a fivefold increase in the loan portfolio in the United Kingdom. We also expect double growth from insurance activities, the volume of funds will increase more than one and a half times. Our goal is to provide the best access to financial services and capital through high-quality relations.

    We want to fulfil our long-term growth ambitions more effectively than before. In Estonia, we continue to innovate technology, the main keywords here are moving systems to the cloud and thoroughly updating the data strategy. In the United Kingdom, we are opening the direction of retail banking, and throughout the year we are developing new products there.

    In 2024, we will continue to grow business volumes to offset falling interest rates. However, the net profit will fall as planned, partly due to the increase in the advance income tax of the banks to 18%, which effectively is the taxation of current profits. The return on equity is influenced by capitalization that, supported by strong results, has grown above the optimal level and which, according to the financial plan, does not find fully efficient use within the group.”

    Financial forecast for 2025–2029

    AS LHV Group discloses its financial forecast for the next five years. The forecast has been prepared on the basis of the assumptions that the Estonian economy will grow from 2025, tax rates in Estonia will rise, and base interest rates will fall rapidly until mid-2025. It is expected that the long-term dividend policy will be maintained, that capital layers will be optimised, and that LHV Varahaldus will earn a success fee from 2026.

    Key indicators FP2025 FP2026 FP2027 FP2028 FP2029
    Profit before taxes  153.4 192.5 233.1 287.6 328.5
    Net profit 125.1 154.0 184.7 229.2 268.5
    Deposits  7,558 8,473 9,485 10,339 11,375
    Loans 5,345 6,227 7,099 7,956 8,865
    Volume of funds  1,735 1,978 2,233 2,497 2,774
    Number of payments related to financial intermediaries (million pcs) 75 75 75 76 76
    Cost/income ratio 47.7% 42.3% 38.3% 34.8% 32.9%
    ROE (before taxes; owners’ share) 22.1% 25.1% 26.8% 29.1% 29.6%
    ROE* (from net profit; owners’ share) 18.1% 20.1% 21.2% 23.2% 24.1%
    Capital adequacy 21.0% 20.4% 20.8% 20.6% 20.3%

    * Calculated on the basis of the average end-of-month equity volumes
    Business volumes in millions of euros

    According to the long-term forecast, all important business volumes of LHV will grow organically over the next five years. The volume of loans will increase 1.9 times to EUR 8.87 billion in five years, with corporate loans increasing by EUR 1.2 billion, home loans by EUR 1.4 billion, and the United Kingdom loan portfolio by EUR 1.4 billion. The volume of deposits will increase by 65% to EUR 11.38 billion. The volume of funds will increase by 78% to EUR 2.77 billion in five years.

    According to the financial forecast, within five years, revenue will grow faster than expenditure, with revenue from the United Kingdom taking on an increasing share. Costs are increasing mainly due to increased labour costs and IT costs. Due to changes in the economic environment and the growth of the credit portfolio, costs from write-downs will decrease in 2025, but they are expected to increase in the future.

    According to the five-year forecast, LHV’s consolidated net profit will reach nearly EUR 268.5 million by 2029, with an average annual growth of 12%. Although this year the return on equity will be below the long-term target of 20%, it is planned to exceed it in the coming years. The Group’s cost/income ratio continues to decline.

    LHV Group will amend the financial plan for 2025 if it becomes likely that the planned net profit will differ by more than 10% from the financial plan. The company will update its five-year forecast in early 2026.

    To access the reports of AS LHV Group, please visit the website at: https://investor.lhv.ee/en/reports/.

    To introduce the financial plan, LHV will organise an investor meeting (in Estonian) on 13 February at 9.00 via Zoom, the online seminar environment. Investors and interested parties are invited to register at: https://lhvbank.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_h9xQnBP2Qj-Gaa3m6DIRnA.

    LHV Group is the largest domestic financial group and capital provider in Estonia. LHV Group’s key subsidiaries are LHV Pank, LHV Varahaldus, LHV Kindlustus, and LHV Bank Limited. The Group employs over 1,200 people. As at the end of December, LHV’s banking services are being used by nearly 460,000 clients, the pension funds managed by LHV have 114,000 active clients, and LHV Kindlustus is protecting a total of 170,000 clients. LHV Bank Limited, a subsidiary of the Group, holds a banking licence in the United Kingdom and provides banking services to international financial technology companies, as well as loans to small and medium-sized enterprises.

    Priit Rum
    Communications Manager
    Phone: +372 502 0786
    Email: priit.rum@lhv.ee 

    Attachment

    • LHV Group financial plan 2025 EN

    The MIL Network –

    February 13, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Unaudited financial results of Coop Pank for Q4 and 12 months of 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Coop Pank’s business results for 2024 were positively impacted by solid business volume growth – both the number of customers and the loan portfolio showed strong growth. The overall economic and interest rate environment had a negative impact on business results.

    Over the year, the number of Coop Pank customers increased by 26,000 (+14%) and the number of active customers increased by 17,400 (+21%). Of the new customers, 23,000 were private customers and 3,000 were business customers. By the end of 2024, the number of Coop Pank customers reached 208,000, of which 99,400 were active customers.

    By the end of 2024, deposits of Coop Pank reached 1.89 billion euros, increased by 164 million euros (+10%) over the year. Term deposits increased by 7% over the year and demand deposits by 15%. The bank’s financing cost increased over the year from the level of 2.4% to the level of 3.3%. The market share of the bank’s deposits increased from 6.0% to 6,1% over the year.

    By the end of 2024, loan portfolio of Coop Pank reached 1.77 billion euros, increased by 283 million euros (+19%) over the year. Business loans and home loans made the biggest contribution to portfolio growth. Business loans portfolio increased by 129 million euros (+20%) and home loan portfolio increased by 121 million euros (+20%). Leasing portfolio increased by 24 million euros (+16%) and consumer finance portfolio increased by 9 million euro (+9%). The market share of the bank’s loans increased from 6.0% to 6.3% over the year.

    In 2024, the quality of the loan portfolio remained very good, despite of the changes in the economic environment. To cover possible loan losses, 4.6 million euros provisions were made in 2024 – that was 26% less than a year earlier. The cost ratio for credit risk decreased from 0.5% to 0.3%.

    The net income of Coop Pank reached 81.9 million euros, decreased by 3.3 million euros (-4%) over the year. Net interest income decreased 3.7 million euros (-5%) over the year. Net service fee revenues decreased 0.5 million euros (-10%) over the year. The bank’s operating cost reached 40.6 million euros, increased by 5.4 million euros (+16%) over the year. Personnel, IT and marketing costs continued to make up the largest part of operating costs.

    Net profit of Coop Pank in 2024 was 32.2 million euros, decreased by 18% over the year. The bank’s cost / income ratio increased from 41% to 50% over the year and the return on equity decreased from the level from 23.5% to 16.2% – similar level was also seen in 2022.

    As of 31 December 2024, Coop Pank has 35,885 shareholders.

    Results in Q4

    In Q4 2024, the number of the bank’s customers increased by 6,000 (+3%), of which 5,000 were private customers and 1000 were corporate customers. By the end of the year 2024, Coop Pank had 208,000 daily banking customers.

    In Q4 2024, the volume of deposits increased by 47 million euros (+3%) and reached 1.89 billion euros by the end of the year. Over the quarter, the volume of demand deposits decreased by 14 million euros and the volume of term deposits increased by 61 million euros.

    The bank’s net loan portfolio increased by 113 million euros (+7%) over the quarter, reaching 1.77 billion euros by the end of the year. The volume of corporate loans increased by 73 million euros and the volume of home loans increased by 32 million euros. Consumer financing increased by 5 million euros and leasing by 4 million euros.

    In Q4 2024, Coop Pank earned a profit of 6.4 million euros, which is 26% less than in Q3 and 24% less than in the same period last year. Quarterly profitability was negatively impacted primarily by the interest rate environment, which was partially offset by business volume growth.

    Comments of the CEO of Coop Pank Margus Rink:

    “To evaluate Coop Pank’s activities and results in 2024, it is essential to consider the broader context. We operate in an environment shaped by rising base interest rates during 2022–2023, which resulted in decreased purchasing power, diminished corporate investment appetite, and a cooling economy. In 2024, we reached the bottom of the economic downturn, and gradually, signs began to emerge that set the stage for a cyclical turnaround: base interest rates are now declining, real wages have increased over recent quarters, tax changes have been fixed for the coming years, energy prices are stable, and entrepreneurs are dusting off business plans that were shelved.

    Based on this context, Coop Pank’s performance in 2024 was influenced by two factors. First – declining interest rates. This was an independent process beyond our control, which simultaneously significantly reduced both our interest income and interest expenses at the same time. Secondly, the growth of business volumes. This factor depended entirely on us. As a growth-focused bank, we worked hard and managed to increase business volumes (loan portfolio size, customer base) by approximately 19% during the year of economic downturn. This is 2–3 times higher than the overall Estonian banking market. This achievement is one we are proud of.

    In 2024, our customer base grew by 26 000 (+14% YoY). Increasingly, account openings are followed by customers switching their primary banking relationship to Coop Pank. At the same time, this also represents our greatest challenge moving forward. Primary banking relationships bring growth in demand deposits and help lower financing costs. Currently, demand deposits constitute only one-third of our total deposits.

    Coop Pank’s loan portfolio grew by 283 million euros (+19% YoY) in 2024. Throughout the year, home loans and car leasing showed strong growth, indicating that demand for personal loans remained solid despite the challenging economic environment. Demand for business loans was low during the first half of the year. In the fall, demand emerged, and in the final months of the year, we achieved significant growth in the business loan portfolio. Demand for consumer loans remained weak throughout the year. The quality of the loan portfolio remained strong all year.
    Coop Pank’s net profit for 2024 amounted to 32,2 million euros, decreasing 8%. The decline in profit was primarily caused by the low-interest economic environment, which could not be offset by 19% growth in business volumes.

    We adhered to our current dividend policy and distributed 25% of the consolidated group’s 2023 pre-tax profit as dividends, amounting to a net total of 8.9 million euros (8.7 cents per share, nearly double the amount of the previous year. In addition, 2 million euros in income tax on dividends was paid. Over 98% of the dividends were paid into the accounts of Estonian individuals and companies. By the end of the year, Coop Pank had 35 885 shareholders.

    In 2024, we further expanded our role as contributors to society. While we have previously contributed the advancement of life in Estonia primarily through our extensive branch network and Coop stores’ cash network, we have now begun directly supporting Estonia’s defense capabilities with the innovative Kaardivägi client program. Additionally, Coop Pank became a major sponsor of both the national volleyball team and Estonian decathletes. Furthermore, in collaboration with the TalTech Arengufond, we started awarding scholarships.

    Last year, a public discussion arose about teachers’ workload and salaries. We responded quickly and started offering teachers mortgage loans on favorable terms, a program we are continuing this year. In collaboration with the Estonian startup Montonio Finance, we also launched the most competitive e-commerce payment solution for merchants.

    Beginning of 2024, we secured a subordinated loan of 15 million euros to support the bank’s growth strategy. This is a capital instrument classified as part of the bank’s Tier 2 own funds.

    Eesti Pank designated Coop Pank as a systemically important credit institution, justifying its decision by stating that the bank’s significance in Estonia’s financial system has steadily increased in recent years. The rating agency Moody’s affirmed Coop Pank’s Credit rating on the level Baa2 and raised outlook to positive. This confirms that the bank is trustworthy with solid capital base and high quality of the loan portfolio even in difficult times and has shown good profitability.

    In November, on the proposal of Estonian Financial Supervision Authority, the European Central Bank granted to the bank an additional activity license enabling the issuance of covered bonds. The actual issuance, including the timing, volume, and other conditions, will be decided by the bank based on market conditions and the bank’s financing needs.

    Coop Pank’s strategic goal is to increase its market share in Estonia to 10% by the beginning of 2027 and grow its loan portfolio to at least 2 billion euros. This will position us as the primary bank for more than one in ten Estonians – amounting to at least 150 000 active customers. Through business volume growth, the bank aims to operate with high efficiency (cost-to-income ratio below 50%) and deliver a solid return on equity (ROE of at least 15%).

    I would like to thank all Coop Pank customers, shareholders, and employees for the year 2024. Our goal is to build Coop Pank into a success story for everyone: a success story for customers, shareholders, employees and society alike.”

    Income statement, in th. of euros Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2023 12M 2024 12M 2023
    Net interest income 19 148 20 021 20 594 77 570 81 265
    Net fee and commission income 1 303 1 040 1 489 4 358 4 847
    Net other income -483 167 -1 666 -45 -908
    Total net income 19 968 21 228 20 415 81 883 85 204
    Payroll expenses -6 007 -6 138 -5 495 -23 411 -20 234
    Marketing expenses -788 -593 -912 -2 690 -2 587
    Rental and office expenses, depr. of tangible assets -798 -729 -678 -3 097 -2 776
    IT expenses and depr. of intangible assets -1 731 -1 579 -1 363 -6 189 -4 803
    Other operating expenses -1 473 -1 221 -1 498 -5 189 -4 728
    Total operating expenses -10 797 -10 261 -9 948 -40 575 -35 128
    Net profit before impairment losses 9 171 10 967 10 468 41 306 50 076
    Impairment costs on financial assets -1 821 -1 022 -1 148 -4 643 -6 302
    Net profit before income tax 7 351 9 945 9 322 36 663 43 774
    Income tax expenses -957 -1 296 -935 -4 486 -4 570
    Net profit for the period 6 393 8 649 8 386 32 178 39 204
               
    Earnings per share, eur 0,06 0,08 0,08 0,31 0,38
    Diluted earnings per share, eur 0,06 0,08 0,08 0,31 0,38
    Statement of financial position, in th. of euros 31.12.2024 30.09.2024 31.12.2023
    Cash and cash equivalents 343 678 404 472 428 354
    Debt securities 37 751 37 445 36 421
    Loans to customers 1 774 118 1 661 152 1 490 873
    Other assets 33 066 31 956 30 564
    Total assets 2 188 614 2 135 025 1 986 212
    Customer deposits and loans received 1 886 145 1 838 626 1 721 765
    Other liabilities 27 683 28 026 28 435
    Subordinated debt 63 148 63 410 50 187
    Total liabilities 1 976 977 1 930 062 1 800 387
    Equity 211 637 204 963 185 825
    Total liabilities and equity 2 188 614 2 135 025 1 986 212

    The reports of Coop Pank are accessible at: https://www.cooppank.ee/aruandlus.

    Coop Pank will hold an Investor Webinar for the introduction of its financial results, which is scheduled at 09:00 on 13 February 2025. To participate, please register in advance via the following link: https://bit.ly/CP-veebiseminar-registreerimine-13-02-2025

    The webinar will be recorded and posted on the company’s website www.cooppank.ee and YouTube account.

    Coop Pank, which is based on Estonian capital, is one of the five universal banks operating in Estonia. The bank has 208,000 everyday banking customers. Coop Pank aims to put the synergy generated by the interaction of retail business and banking to good use and to bring everyday banking services closer to people’s homes. The strategic owner of the bank is the local retail chain Coop Estonia, which has a sales network of 320 stores.

    Further information:
    Margus Rink
    Chief Executive Office
    Email: margus.rink@cooppank.ee

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

    February 13, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: DNO Shares Traded Ex-Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Oslo, 13 February 2025 – DNO ASA, the Norwegian oil and gas operator, today announced that the Company’s shares will be traded ex-dividend effective 13 February 2025.

    A dividend payment of NOK 0.3125 per share will be made on or about 21 February 2025 to all shareholders of record as of 14 February 2025.

    –

    For further information, please contact:

    Media: media@dno.no
    Investors: investor.relations@dno.no

    –

    DNO ASA is a Norwegian oil and gas operator active in the Middle East, the North Sea and West Africa. Founded in 1971 and listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange, the Company holds stakes in onshore and offshore licenses at various stages of exploration, development, and production in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, Norway, the United Kingdom, Côte d’Ivoire, Netherlands and Yemen.

    This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act and section 4.2.5.3 of Euronext Oslo Rulebook II.

    The MIL Network –

    February 13, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla Presses Deputy Attorney General Nominee During Nomination Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    WATCH: Padilla criticizes Trump Administration’s unlawful firings of more than a dozen Inspectors General

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) questioned President Trump’s nominee for U.S. Deputy Attorney General, Todd Blanche, during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. Blanche was President Trump’s personal attorney in several criminal cases, including Trump’s New York hush money trial, in which the President was ultimately convicted of 34 felony counts. Padilla also condemned Trump’s attempt to unlawfully fire more than a dozen Inspectors General, and raised concerns about conflicts of interest regarding Blanche and the top officials at the Justice Department’s previous representation of Trump.  

    During the hearing, Padilla questioned Blanche on the Trump Administration’s unlawful firings of 19 Inspectors General across federal government agencies. Inspectors General play a critical role in identifying and preventing fraud, waste, and abuse within executive branch agencies. Following passage of the Securing Inspector General Independence Act of 2022, led by Senate Judiciary Chair Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Congress must be given the legally required 30-day notice and reasonings regarding the dismissals of Inspectors General, which the Trump Administration ignored. Blanche refused to comment on the matter, despite Chair Grassley agreeing that the Inspectors General firings, in fact, did not follow the law.

    Padilla also voiced his concerns with Blanche’s personal ties to President Trump, noting that he, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove could all face potential conflicts of interest since they all represented the President in a personal capacity.

    Key Excerpts:

    • PADILLA: When the President of the United States violates the law, it’s important to call it out. And let me underscore, this isn’t when the President of the United States strays from historical norms in how he or she does the job. It’s not when the President does different than what’s been standard practice for prior presidents. … I’m talking about when the President of the United States violates the law.
    • PADILLA: Mr. Blanche, when you walked into my office, you repeatedly told me that you will always follow the law — your words, “full stop” — and you’ve repeated that same message here today. It’s numerically, mathematically impossible for President Trump to have abided by the law in dismissing Inspectors General. Yes or no?
    • BLANCHE: My answer remains the same. I’m not going to comment on what the decision made by the White House Counsel and President Trump, and what he did.
    • PADILLA: I’m not talking about how they reached their decision. And you clearly know this is not a hypothetical. He didn’t give Congress 30 days’ notice, he violated the law, and I’m disappointed that you’re failing to acknowledge that.
    • PADILLA: My colleagues on the other side of the aisle have taken issue with us voicing our concern about President Trump filling the top ranks of the Justice Department with his friends, his allies, and personal attorneys. I can only imagine how they would have reacted if a Democratic President installed his own personal criminal defense attorneys as Attorney General, as Deputy Attorney General, as Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General.

    Earlier this month, Senator Padilla joined U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats in demanding answers from Blanche and other Trump Administration nominees and officials on the removal or reassignment of career law enforcement officials across the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Padilla previously opposed advancing the nomination of Attorney General Pam Bondi after she refused to affirm birthright citizenship, which is constitutionally guaranteed, and declined to disavow the false claim that the 2020 election was stolen during her Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing. More information on Blanche’s nomination hearing is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 13, 2025
  • MIL-Evening Report: Here’s why some people still evade public transport fares – even when they’re 50 cents

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Milad Haghani, Associate Professor & Principal Fellow in Urban Risk & Resilience, The University of Melbourne

    Public transport in Queensland now costs just 50 cents. Yet in the first six months of the trial, it’s been revealed that thousands of commuters were fined for fare evasion.

    More than 3,000 people received fines of A$322 each, amounting to more than $1 million in penalties. And more than 21,000 were issued warnings over this period.

    Queensland’s 50 cent fares trial was designed to boost ridership and ease cost-of-living pressures. Now it has exposed a paradox: why do people evade fares even when the price is nearly free?

    Fare evasion isn’t just a Queensland problem — it’s a nationwide challenge. Queensland’s experience raises bigger questions about enforcement, policy, and the role of public transport funding.

    A nationwide challenge

    Across the country, fare evasion drains millions from state public transport budgets. In New South Wales, for example, fare evasion costs the state government about $80 million each year.

    The latest NSW Fare Compliance Survey inspected 52,152 tickets, including Opal cards, contactless payments, and single-trip tickets, across the NSW public transport network.

    Fare evasion costs the NSW government $80 million a year.
    Gordon Bell/Shutterstock

    It found most non-compliance came down to passengers travelling without a valid ticket. This included not only those customers carrying no ticket at all, but also those who did have an Opal or other payment card but hadn’t tapped on.

    Another form of non-compliance was when passengers used concessions for which they weren’t eligible.

    The survey also highlighted variations in compliance – across different modes of transport, times of day and days of the week.

    Overall, compliance did not significantly differ between weekends and weekdays.

    Looking at weekday use, Sydney Metro had the highest compliance rate at 97%. This was followed by Sydney Ferries (95.9%), all trains (93.6%), Sydney Light Rail (91%) and all buses (89.2%).

    Who evades fares and why?

    Fare evasion isn’t just about people trying to save money. Research shows there are different types of fare evaders, ranging from habitual dodgers to those who evade unintentionally.

    An international study on Santiago’s Transantiago system found that evaders could be categorised into four groups:

    • radical evaders who view non-payment as a form of protest
    • strategic evaders who evade when they believe the risk of being caught is low
    • ambivalent evaders who sometimes pay but don’t always see the value in it
    • accidental evaders who forget or run into ticketing system barriers.

    A separate study in Melbourne also identified a wide spectrum of attitudes on fare evasion, from those who consider it morally wrong to those who take calculated risks based on enforcement patterns.

    Does lowering fares reduce evasion?

    Queensland’s 50-cent fare trial presents a real-world test of a long-standing question: does cheaper public transport reduce fare evasion?

    Our calculations using the state’s early data show a 27% drop in fare evasion fines since the trial began, compared with the same period in the previous year.

    This aligns with the idea that fare evasion is, at least partially, a rational economic decision. When the price is lower, the incentive to evade diminishes – though it does not completely disappear.

    Modelling evidence from Santiago’s bus system also suggests price sensitivity, but with caveats. A 10% increase in fares led to a two-percentage-point rise in fare evasion.

    The role of trust and public perception

    A surprising insight from research is that fare evasion isn’t just an economic decision. It’s a social one, too.

    When passengers perceive the system as unfair (due to factors such as unreliable service, high fares or lack of investment), fare evasion rises.

    Further, if fare dodging behaviour is normalised within a city or demographic, it spreads like contagion.

    Studies have suggested that permissive social attitudes toward fare evasion are as strong a predictor as actual financial hardship.

    The limits of enforcement

    Most transit agencies rely on two standard deterrents: more ticket inspections, and harsher fines for fare evaders.

    Does this approach work? Research suggests only to a point.

    All states and territories have had to grapple with the issue of fare evasion.
    Adam Calaitzis/Shutterstock

    Empirical evidence suggests that potential evaders are more deterred by the certainty of getting caught than by the size of the fine.

    In other words, the visibility of inspectors matters more than the penalty itself. For many, the social stigma of getting caught is a key factor, regardless of how big the penalty is.

    A crucial question in the Queensland debate is: if public transport is already nearly free, does fare evasion even matter?

    The lost revenue from the unpaid fares by those who were issued a fine over the period in question amounts to just $1,663.

    Depending on the level of crackdown, at such low fees, enforcement measures could easily end up costing more than the revenue lost. Security patrols, inspections and fine processing can amount to significant costs.

    Why it matters

    There are at least two key factors to consider in relation to whether cracking down on evaders is worth it.

    First, allowing widespread fare evasion could erode social norms around paying for public services. If the expectation of compliance disappears, what happens if fares rise again?

    And second, even when fares are zero or near-zero, requiring passengers to validate a ticket (such as by tapping on and off) allows transport agencies to track demand, plan services, and prevent system abuse.

    Even in Tallinn, Estonia — where residents ride for free — tap-ons are still required for data collection and preventing system abuse.

    Even at 50 cents a trip, authorities still expect public transport to function within a structured system, with rules that encourage accountability and predictability.

    But enforcement alone won’t solve fare evasion. Winning public trust is just as important as enforcing rules. Investing in better service quality, reliability and community engagement can be as effective as increasing inspections.

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

    – ref. Here’s why some people still evade public transport fares – even when they’re 50 cents – https://theconversation.com/heres-why-some-people-still-evade-public-transport-fares-even-when-theyre-50-cents-249739

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    February 13, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Australia: Teenager arrested over incidents at Mitcham

    Source: South Australia Police

    A teenager has been arrested following investigations into incidents at Mitcham this morning.

    An incident occurred about 1.15am on Thursday 13 February when a man walking along Wattlebury Road, near Barrans Reserve, Lower Mitcham was allegedly threatened by a teenager on a bike.

    A short time later, about 2.30am, a man was sitting in his car parked at the Mitcham Shopping Centre when he was allegedly approached by a male who threatened him.

    In both instances, the suspect was believed to be armed, possibly with an axe.

    A 16-year-old boy from Kingswood has been arrested and charged with aggravated assault.  He was bailed to appear in the Adelaide Youth Court on 2 April.

    Investigations are continuing.

    Anyone with any information that may assist the investigation can contact Crime Stoppers at www.crimestopperssa.com.au or on 1800 333 000.

    MIL OSI News –

    February 13, 2025
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