Category: Finance

  • MIL-OSI: reAlpha Tech Corp. Appoints Piyush Phadke as CFO

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBLIN, Ohio, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — reAlpha Tech Corp. (Nasdaq: AIRE) (“reAlpha” or the “Company”), a real estate technology company developing and commercializing artificial intelligence (“AI”) technologies, is pleased to announce the appointment of Piyush Phadke as Chief Financial Officer, effective January 30, 2025. Mr. Phadke will succeed Rakesh Prasad, the Company’s Interim Chief Financial Officer, and he will oversee the Company’s financial and accounting operations, reporting directly to the Company’s President and Chief Operating Officer, Mike Logozzo.

    With over 20 years of experience in finance, capital raising and strategic leadership, Mr. Phadke brings a wealth of expertise to reAlpha. Prior to joining reAlpha, he served as a Managing Director at BTIG, LLC, where he specialized in providing investment banking services for lower middle-market companies. Mr. Phadke also held senior investment banking positions at Jefferies LLC and Bank of America, where he focused on capital markets transactions for private equity clients.

    “We’re excited to welcome Piyush to the team,” said Mike Logozzo, President and Chief Operating Officer of reAlpha. “His extensive background in investment banking and capital markets will be invaluable as we continue to execute on our growth strategy. We believe Piyush’s leadership will strengthen our financial infrastructure and support our mission to be a global leader in the real estate tech space.”

    “I am thrilled to join reAlpha at this pivotal moment,” said Mr. Phadke. “reAlpha’s commitment to leverage AI technologies for the real estate industry is inspiring, and I expect to utilize my background in capital raising and investment banking to help reAlpha accelerate its financial and operational objectives.”

    As a first order of business, Mr. Phadke will focus on optimizing reAlpha’s capital structure and strengthening its balance sheet.

    For more information about Mr. Phadke’s appointment and related compensation arrangement, please refer to the Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

    About reAlpha Tech Corp.

    reAlpha Tech Corp. (Nasdaq: AIRE) is a real estate technology company developing an end-to-end commission-free homebuying platform. Utilizing the power of AI and an acquisition-led growth strategy, reAlpha’s goal is to offer a more affordable, streamlined experience for those on the journey to homeownership. For more information, visit www.realpha.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    The information in this press release includes “forward-looking statements”. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements about the appointment of Mr. Phadke as Chief Financial Officer and the anticipated benefits thereof. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may”, “should”, “could”, “might”, “plan”, “possible”, “project”, “strive”, “budget”, “forecast”, “expect”, “intend”, “will”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “predict”, “potential” or “continue”, or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar terminology. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: reAlpha’s limited operating history and that reAlpha has not yet fully developed its AI-based technologies; reAlpha’s ability to commercialize its developing AI-based technologies; whether reAlpha’s technology and products will be accepted and adopted by its customers and intended users; reAlpha’s ability to integrate the business of its acquired companies into its existing business and the anticipated demand for such acquired companies’ services; reAlpha’s ability to successfully enter new geographic markets; reAlpha’s ability to obtain the necessary regulatory and legal approvals to expand into additional U.S. states and maintain, or obtain, brokerage licenses in such states; reAlpha’s ability to generate additional sales or revenue from having access to, or obtaining, additional U.S. states brokerage licenses; reAlpha’s inability to accurately forecast demand for short-term rentals, corporate relocation programs and AI-based real estate focused products; the inability to execute business objectives and growth strategies successfully or sustain reAlpha’s growth; the inability of reAlpha’s customers to pay for reAlpha’s services; changes in applicable laws or regulations, and the impact of the regulatory environment and complexities with compliance related to such environment; and other risks and uncertainties indicated in reAlpha’s SEC filings. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Although reAlpha believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. reAlpha’s future results, level of activity, performance or achievements may differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, and there is no representation that the actual results achieved will be the same, in whole or in part, as those set out in the forward-looking statements. For more information about the factors that could cause such differences, please refer to reAlpha’s filings with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and reAlpha does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

    Investor Relations Contact
    investorrelations@realpha.com

    Media Contact
    Alliance Advisors IR on behalf of reAlpha
    Fatema Bhabrawala
    FBhabrawala@allianceadvisors.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: FirstCash Reports Record Fourth Quarter and Full-Year Operating Results; Accelerating Pawn Demand Drives Record Revenue & Earnings; Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORT WORTH, Texas, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FirstCash Holdings, Inc. (“FirstCash” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: FCFS), the leading international operator of more than 3,000 retail pawn stores and a leading provider of retail point-of-sale (“POS”) payment solutions, today announced operating results for the fourth quarter and full-year ended December 31, 2024. The Company also announced that the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.38 per share, which will be paid on February 28, 2025.

    Mr. Rick Wessel, chief executive officer, stated, “FirstCash posted record fourth quarter and full year revenues and earnings primarily fueled by exceptionally strong pawn operating results. Same-store pawn receivables increased 12% in both the U.S. and Latin America (local currency basis) compared to last year. This marked the sixth consecutive quarter of double digit same-store pawn receivable growth in the U.S. The POS payment solutions segment (“AFF”) had solid profitability as well, and posted growth in transaction volumes and door counts for the quarter and year-to-date periods.

    “A total of 16 pawn stores were added in the fourth quarter, including an acquisition of 10 stores coupled with six new store openings. For the full year, 99 pawn stores were opened or acquired, boosting the total store base to 3,026 locations. FirstCash’s cash flows and balance sheet remain strong and we believe that we are well positioned to fund further anticipated store growth in 2025 along with dividends and potential share buybacks.”

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

        Three Months Ended December 31,
        As Reported (GAAP)   Adjusted (Non-GAAP)
    In thousands, except per share amounts   2024   2023   2024   2023
    Revenue   $               883,811   $ 852,134   $               883,811   $ 852,134
    Net income   $                 83,547   $ 69,589   $                 95,415   $ 92,846
    Diluted earnings per share   $                     1.86   $ 1.53   $                     2.12   $ 2.04
    EBITDA (non-GAAP measure)   $               162,636   $ 145,493   $               165,685   $ 161,704
    Weighted-average diluted shares                       45,038     45,425                       45,038     45,425
     
        Twelve Months Ended December 31,
        As Reported (GAAP)   Adjusted (Non-GAAP)
    In thousands, except per share amounts   2024   2023   2024   2023
    Revenue   $           3,388,514   $ 3,151,796   $           3,388,514   $ 3,151,796
    Net income   $               258,815   $ 219,301   $               302,680   $ 276,874
    Diluted earnings per share   $                     5.73   $ 4.80   $                     6.70   $ 6.06
    EBITDA (non-GAAP measure)   $               551,008   $ 493,784   $               558,437   $ 511,732
    Weighted-average diluted shares                       45,168     45,693                       45,168     45,693
     

    Consolidated Operating Highlights

    • Gross revenues totaled a record $3.4 billion in 2024, an increase of 8% on both a GAAP and constant currency basis compared to last year. Revenues totaled $884 million in the fourth quarter, an increase of 4% on a GAAP basis and 7% on a constant currency basis compared to the prior-year quarter.
    • Diluted earnings per share for 2024 increased 19% over last year on a GAAP basis while adjusted diluted earnings per share increased 11% compared to the prior year. For the fourth quarter, diluted earnings per share increased 22% over the prior-year quarter on a GAAP basis while adjusted diluted earnings per share increased 4% compared to the prior-year quarter. These results were even more impressive in light of lower foreign currency exchange rates, which reduced 2024 earnings per share by approximately $0.06 for the fourth quarter and $0.04 for the full year compared to the prior-year periods.
    • Record net income for 2024 totaled $259 million on a GAAP basis while adjusted net income was a record $303 million, which represented increases of 18% and 9%, respectively, over the prior year.
    • Adjusted EBITDA for the full year was $558 million, an increase of $47 million, or 9%, compared to the prior year.

    Store Base and Platform Growth

    • Pawn Stores – 16 pawn locations were added in Mexico during the fourth quarter, consisting of ten acquired stores and six de novo stores. For the full year, a total of 99 pawn locations were added, including 29 stores in the U.S. and 70 stores in Latin America.

      As of December 31, 2024, the Company had 3,026 locations, comprised of 1,200 U.S. locations and 1,826 locations in Latin America.

    • Retail POS Payment Solutions (AFF) Merchant Partnerships – As of December 31, 2024, there were approximately 13,600 active retail and e-commerce merchant partner locations, representing a 17% increase in the number of active merchant locations compared to a year ago. Excluding certain furniture locations closed due to bankruptcies, the number of active doors increased over 25%.

    U.S. Pawn Segment Operating Results

    • Fourth quarter 2024 segment pre-tax operating income was $112 million, an increase of $13 million, or 14%, compared to the prior-year quarter. The resulting segment pre-tax operating margin remained strong at 26% for the quarter.
    • Full year 2024 segment pre-tax operating income was $397 million, an increase of $61 million, or 18%, compared to the prior year. The resulting segment pre-tax operating margin was 25% for the full year, which equaled the prior year.
    • Pawn receivables grew significantly over the course of the fourth quarter, totaling almost $400 million by year end and increasing 15% compared to the prior year. The increase in total pawn receivables was driven by a 5% increase in the year-to-date weighted-average store count coupled with an impressive 12% same-store increase. On a two-year stacked basis, same-store pawn receivables were up 26%.
    • Pawn loan fees increased 11% for the fourth quarter and 16% for the full year, while on a same-store basis, pawn loan fee revenue increased 9% and 11% compared to both of the respective prior-year periods.
    • Retail merchandise sales increased 10% in the fourth quarter and 13% for the full year compared to the respective prior-year periods. Same-store retail sales increased 6% for both the quarter and full year compared to the respective prior-year periods, as the Company saw continued retail demand from value-conscious consumers.
    • Retail sales margins improved to a robust 43% in the fourth quarter compared to 42% in the prior-year quarter. Full year retail margins were 42% in 2024 compared to 43% in 2023.
    • Annualized inventory turnover was consistent at 2.8 times for both 2024 and 2023. Inventories aged greater than one year at December 31, 2024 remained extremely low at 1% of total inventories.
    • Operating expenses for the fourth quarter and full year increased 10% and 12%, respectively, as compared to the prior-year periods, primarily due to store additions and increased labor and variable compensation expenses. On a same-store basis, expenses increased 7% for the quarter and 5% for the full year compared to the respective prior-year periods. 

    Latin America Pawn Segment Operating Results

    Note: Certain growth rates below are calculated on a constant currency basis, a non-GAAP financial measure defined at the end of this release. The average Mexican peso to U.S. dollar exchange rate for the fourth quarter of 2024 was 20.1 pesos / dollar, an unfavorable change of 14% versus the comparable prior-year period, and for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2024 was 18.3 pesos / dollar, an unfavorable change of 3% versus the prior-year period.

    • While fourth quarter segment pre-tax operating income decreased 4% on a U.S. dollar basis compared to last year, it increased 7% on a constant currency basis. The resulting segment pre-tax operating margin was 20% for both the fourth quarter of 2024 and 2023.
    • For the full year of 2024, segment pre-tax operating income decreased 4% on a U.S. dollar basis compared to the prior year and decreased 2% on a constant currency basis. The resulting segment pre-tax operating margin was 19%, equaling the prior year.
    • While pawn receivables at December 31, 2024 decreased 5% on a U.S. dollar basis, they increased 13% on a constant currency basis compared to the prior year. On a same-store basis, pawn receivables decreased 6% on a U.S. dollar basis but increased 12% on a constant currency basis compared to the prior year.
    • While total and same-store pawn loan fees in the fourth quarter decreased 3% in U.S. dollars, they increased 10% on a constant currency basis compared to the prior-year quarter. For the full year, both total and same-store pawn loan fees increased 4%, or 7% on a constant currency basis, compared to the prior year.
    • Although retail merchandise sales in the fourth quarter of 2024 decreased 5% compared to the prior-year quarter, they increased 7% on a constant currency basis. Same-store retail merchandise sales in the fourth quarter of 2024 decreased 6% on a U.S. dollar basis while increasing 7% on a constant currency basis compared to the prior-year quarter. For the full year, retail merchandise sales increased 2%, or 4% on a constant currency basis, compared to the prior year, while same-store retail merchandise sales increased 1%, or 4% on a constant currency basis, compared to the prior year.
    • Retail margins were 34% for the fourth quarter of 2024 and 35% for the full year, both similar to prior-period results. Annualized inventory turnover was 4.2 times in 2024 versus 4.4 times in 2023, while inventories aged greater than one year at December 31, 2024 remained extremely low at 1%.
    • Operating expenses for the fourth quarter of 2024 decreased 5% in total but increased 7% on a constant currency basis compared to the prior-year quarter while full year operating expenses increased 7%, or 9% on a constant currency basis compared to last year. The increase in constant currency expenses from all stores reflected increased store counts and higher labor costs (due primarily to further increases in the federal minimum wage and other mandated benefit programs), along with other inflationary impacts.

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

    • Fourth quarter segment pre-tax operating income totaled $39 million, a decrease of 10% compared to the prior-year quarter. The anticipated decline in earnings was reflective of lower net revenue from its furniture vertical, partially offset by strong growth in non-furniture net revenues.
    • For the full year, segment pre-tax operating income remained strong at $129 million, a nominal decrease of 3% over the prior year.
    • Segment revenues for the quarter, comprised of lease-to-own (“LTO”) fees and interest and fees on finance receivables, decreased 1% compared to the prior-year quarter. Revenues for the full year increased 3% compared to the prior year.
    • Gross transaction volume of lease and loan originations during the fourth quarter increased $12 million, or 4%, compared to last year, driven primarily by the 17% increase in active merchant door counts and continued growth in non-furniture verticals. Excluding furniture, fourth quarter origination volume increased approximately 36%. For the full year, overall gross transaction volume increased 5% over the prior year and was up 27%, excluding furniture.
    • Combined gross leased merchandise and finance receivables outstanding at December 31, 2024 decreased 1% compared to the December 31, 2023 balances.
    • The combined lease and loan loss provision as a percentage of the total gross transaction volume originated was 29% for both 2024 and 2023. The resulting allowance on combined leased merchandise and finance receivables at December 31, 2024 was 42% compared to 40% in the prior year.
    • The average monthly net charge-off (“NCO”) rate for combined leased merchandise and finance receivable products for the full year 2024 was 5.3% compared to the prior-year rate of 5.0%, and was in line with the Company’s targeted range for NCO’s.

    Cash Flow and Liquidity

    • Each of the Company’s three business segments generated significant operating cash flows in 2024. Consolidated operating cash flows for the full year grew 30% and totaled $540 million compared to $416 million in 2023.
    • Adjusted free cash flows (a non-GAAP measure) increased 24% to $262 million in 2024, compared to $212 million in the prior year.
    • The operating cash flows helped fund significant growth in earning assets and continued investments in the pawn store platform with a nominal increase in net debt.  Key investments made in 2024 included:
      • Pawn earning assets (pawn receivables and inventories) increased $69 million.
      • A total of 38 pawn stores were acquired for a combined cash purchase price of $76 million. 
      • 61 new, or de novo, pawn stores were added for a total investment of $19 million in fixed assets and working capital.
      • Real estate purchases totaling $86 million as the Company purchased the underlying real estate at 58 of its existing pawn stores, bringing the number of Company-owned properties to 400 locations.
    • Net debt at December 31, 2024 was $1.6 billion, a modest 5% increase over the prior year. Over $1.5 billion of the Company’s long-term financing remains fixed rate debt with favorable interest rates ranging from 4.625% to 6.875% and maturity dates that do not begin until 2028 and continue into 2032.
    • The Company’s net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio was 2.8x at December 31, 2024.

    Shareholder Returns

    • The Board of Directors declared a $0.38 per share first quarter cash dividend, which will be paid on February 28, 2025 to stockholders of record as of February 14, 2025. This represents an annualized dividend of $1.52 per share. Any future dividends are subject to approval by the Company’s Board of Directors.
    • During 2024, FirstCash repurchased $85 million of its common stock. The Company has $115 million available under the $200 million share repurchase program authorized in July 2023. Future share repurchases are subject to expected liquidity, acquisitions and other investment opportunities, debt covenant restrictions, market conditions and other relevant factors.
    • Combined shareholder payouts in the form of cash dividends and stock repurchases were over $150 million in 2024 and have totaled almost $800 million over the last five years.
    • The Company generated a 13% return on equity and a 6% return on assets in 2024. Using adjusted net income for 2024, the adjusted return on equity was 15% while the adjusted return on assets was 7%.

    2025 Outlook

    The Company’s outlook for 2025 is highly positive given the continued growth in pawn receivables and expectations for further pawn store additions and AFF merchant partner growth. Anticipated conditions and trends for 2025 include the following:

    Pawn Operations:

    • Pawn operations will continue to be the primary earnings driver, as the Company expects the contribution from the combined U.S. and Latin America pawn segments to be approximately 85% of total segment level pre-tax income for 2025.
    • The Company expects further growth in the pawn store base in 2025 through a combination of new store openings and potential acquisitions. Over the last five years, the Company has added an average of 115 new and acquired stores per year. The guidance presented below does not assume any material acquisition activity.

    U.S. Pawn

    • U.S. Pawn is anticipated to contribute approximately 65% of total segment level pre-tax income for 2025.
    • Same-store pawn loans began 2025 up 12% compared to a year ago, with January balances to date up similarly. Given the strength of the 2024 same-store results, growth rates are expected to moderate slightly over the course of the year, but still result in strong pawn fee growth that is expected to be in a range of 8% to 11% for the full year. 
    • Similar retail sales growth is projected for 2025, with retail margins expected to be in a normalized range targeted at approximately 42%.
    • Given the strong revenue momentum coupled with modest expense growth, the Company anticipates solid double-digit segment earnings growth in 2025 from this, its largest segment.

    Latin America Pawn

    • LatAm Pawn is anticipated to contribute approximately 20% of total segment level pre-tax income for 2025.
    • U.S. dollar-reported results for Latin America in 2025 are expected to be impacted by the lower exchange rate for the Mexican peso, which has most recently been in a range 20 to 21 pesos per U.S. dollar compared to the average exchange rate of 18.3 to 1 in 2024.
    • Same-store pawn receivables began 2025 down 6% on a U.S. dollar basis but up 12% on a constant currency basis. Full year pawn fee growth is expected to remain in a range of 8% to 11% on a local currency basis while it is projected to be down in a range of 2% to 5% on a U.S. dollar basis, given the current exchange rate.
    • Retail sales in Latin America are also expected to track similarly to pawn fees in 2025 with consistent retail margins.
    • While operating expenses are expected to increase by 6% to 9% in Latin America on a local currency basis (given the enacted 10% increase in the Mexico minimum wage for 2025), expenses are anticipated to decline in a range of 3% to 6% on a U.S. dollar basis, which should dampen the overall currency impact on dollar-denominated segment earnings.

    Retail POS Payment Solutions (AFF) Operations:

    • AFF is anticipated to contribute approximately 15% of total segment level pre-tax income for 2025.
    • As a result of recent merchant partner bankruptcies in the furniture sector (Conn’s HomePlus and American Freight), the Company anticipates first half 2025 origination volume being down to the prior year, given lower expected furniture originations, which are more seasonally weighted to the income tax refund season. Despite this headwind, full year origination volume for 2025 is expected to increase in a low single digit range compared to 2024, given continued growth in door counts and originations from new and other existing merchants. Excluding originations from Conn’s HomePlus and American Freight, origination volumes are expected to increase in a range of 20% to 25% over 2024.
    • While full year 2025 net revenues are forecast to decline in a range of 10% to 15% compared to the prior year due to lower LTO balances and first half originations, reduced operating expenses related to the changes in product mix and other expense reduction initiatives are expected to offset much of the decrease in net revenue. Resulting full year segment pre-tax income is expected to be flat to down only slightly compared to the prior year.

    Tax Rates and Currency:

    • The full year 2025 effective income tax rate under current tax codes in the U.S. and Latin America is expected to range from 24% to 25%.
    • Each full point change in the exchange rate of the Mexican peso is projected to have an annual earnings impact of approximately $0.10 per share.

    Additional Commentary and Analysis

    Mr. Wessel further commented on FirstCash’s 2024 operating results and the outlook for 2025, “Our core pawn segments continue to see exceptional growth in pawn receivables, pawn fees and retail sales. Strong sequential acceleration in same-store pawn receivable growth rates during the fourth quarter resulted in end of year increases in pawn receivables of 15% in the U.S. and 13% (constant currency basis) in Latin America compared to last year. We believe this growth continues to be driven by inflationary impacts and credit tightening for consumers with small, immediate cash needs. Furthermore, we saw excellent retail sales results in the fourth quarter, with same-store sales up 6% in the U.S. and 7% in LatAm (constant currency) compared to the prior-year quarter while maintaining strong gross margins, which we attribute to our deep value retail pricing, attractive interest-free layaway programs and excellent customer service.

    “Our industry-leading pawn operations were further expanded in 2024 as we added almost 100 locations through new store openings across all markets, coupled with strategic acquisitions in the U.S. and Mexico. Over the last five years, we have opened or acquired more than 550 pawn locations and we began 2025 with a strong pipeline of new store openings already in process. While most of our new store openings will continue to be in Latin America, we currently have three store openings slated for growth markets in the U.S. Additionally, we continue to see accretive acquisition opportunities in multiple markets which can be funded from available cash and credit facilities.

    “While a smaller component of FirstCash’s consolidated operations, AFF posted solid results in 2024 by contributing almost $130 million in segment earnings and generating meaningful cash flow. Although this was a difficult year in the retail furniture industry, given weak sales volumes and store closings at several retailers of size, AFF posted overall origination growth in 2024, driven by successful expansion in other vertical categories and its strong field sales channel.

    “We began 2025 in a strong position to again deliver meaningful earnings growth with the current momentum in our core pawn business in both the U.S. and Latin America and opportunities for additional growth through pawnshop acquisitions and de novo store openings. AFF’s prospects remain positive as well, as it continues to grow and diversify its merchant base. On a consolidated basis, our strong cash flows and balance sheet position us well to support this growth, and combined with ongoing cash dividends and potential share repurchases, are expected to drive further shareholder returns,” concluded Mr. Wessel.

    About FirstCash

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

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

    Forward-Looking Information     

    This release contains forward-looking statements about the business, financial condition, outlook and prospects of FirstCash Holdings, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (together, the “Company”), including the Company’s outlook for 2025. Forward-looking statements, as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “outlook,” “believes,” “projects,” “expects,” “may,” “estimates,” “should,” “plans,” “targets,” “intends,” “could,” “would,” “anticipates,” “potential,” “confident,” “optimistic,” or the negative thereof, or other variations thereon, or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy, objectives, estimates, guidance, expectations, outlook and future plans. Forward-looking statements can also be identified by the fact that these statements do not relate strictly to historical or current matters. Rather, forward-looking statements relate to anticipated or expected events, activities, trends or results. Because forward-looking statements relate to matters that have not yet occurred, these statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties.

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

    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
    (unaudited, in thousands)
     
        Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
        December 31,   December 31,
        2024   2023   2024   2023
    Revenue:                
    Retail merchandise sales   $      413,671     $ 397,412     $ 1,507,096     $ 1,381,272  
    Pawn loan fees            189,984       178,238              737,126       658,536  
    Leased merchandise income            177,440       190,057              766,241       752,682  
    Interest and fees on finance receivables              70,507       59,571              245,891       233,818  
    Wholesale scrap jewelry sales              32,209       26,856              132,160       125,488  
    Total revenue            883,811       852,134           3,388,514       3,151,796  
                     
    Cost of revenue:                
    Cost of retail merchandise sold            249,831       241,402              909,685       832,393  
    Depreciation of leased merchandise              97,937       103,631              433,306       411,455  
    Provision for lease losses              33,561       34,184              163,395       175,858  
    Provision for loan losses              41,736       32,459              143,827       123,030  
    Cost of wholesale scrap jewelry sold              27,058       22,809              108,769       101,821  
    Total cost of revenue            450,123       434,485           1,758,982       1,644,557  
                     
    Net revenue            433,688       417,649           1,629,532       1,507,239  
                     
    Expenses and other income:                
    Operating expenses            226,547       216,783              900,978       832,149  
    Administrative expenses              43,636       51,887              173,199       176,315  
    Depreciation and amortization              26,434       27,635              104,941       109,161  
    Interest expense              27,197       26,586              105,226       93,243  
    Interest income                  (528 )     (216 )              (1,935 )     (1,469 )
    Loss (gain) on foreign exchange                    508       376                  2,641       (1,529 )
    Merger and acquisition expenses                      42       4,252                  2,228       7,922  
    Other expenses (income), net                    319       (1,142 )                  (522 )     (1,402 )
    Total expenses and other income            324,155       326,161           1,286,756       1,214,390  
                     
    Income before income taxes            109,533       91,488              342,776       292,849  
                     
    Provision for income taxes              25,986       21,899                83,961       73,548  
                     
    Net income   $        83,547     $ 69,589     $      258,815     $ 219,301  
     
    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (unaudited, in thousands)
     
        December 31,
        2024   2023
    ASSETS        
    Cash and cash equivalents   $            175,095     $ 127,018  
    Accounts receivable, net                     73,325       71,922  
    Pawn loans                   517,867       471,846  
    Finance receivables, net                   147,501       113,901  
    Inventories                   334,580       312,089  
    Leased merchandise, net                   128,437       171,191  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets                     26,943       38,634  
    Total current assets               1,403,748       1,306,601  
             
    Property and equipment, net                   717,916       632,724  
    Operating lease right of use asset                   324,646       328,458  
    Goodwill               1,787,172       1,727,652  
    Intangible assets, net                   228,858       277,724  
    Other assets                       9,934       10,242  
    Deferred tax assets, net                       4,712       6,514  
    Total assets   $         4,476,986     $ 4,289,915  
             
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY        
    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   $            171,540     $ 163,050  
    Customer deposits and prepayments                     72,703       70,580  
    Lease liability, current                     95,161       101,962  
    Total current liabilities                   339,404       335,592  
             
    Revolving unsecured credit facilities                   198,000       568,000  
    Senior unsecured notes               1,531,346       1,037,647  
    Deferred tax liabilities, net                   128,574       136,773  
    Lease liability, non-current                   225,498       215,485  
    Total liabilities               2,422,822       2,293,497  
             
    Stockholders’ equity:        
    Common stock                          575       573  
    Additional paid-in capital               1,767,569       1,741,046  
    Retained earnings               1,411,083       1,218,029  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss                 (129,596 )     (43,037 )
    Common stock held in treasury, at cost                 (995,467 )     (920,193 )
    Total stockholders’ equity               2,054,164       1,996,418  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $         4,476,986     $ 4,289,915  
     
    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    U.S. PAWN SEGMENT RESULTS
    (UNAUDITED)
     
    U.S. Pawn Operating Results and Margins (dollars in thousands)
     
        Three Months Ended        
        December 31,    
        2024   2023   Increase
    Revenue:                    
    Retail merchandise sales   $             267,251     $ 243,697       10 %  
    Pawn loan fees                 133,563       120,083       11 %  
    Wholesale scrap jewelry sales                   23,201       17,463       33 %  
    Total revenue                 424,015       381,243       11 %  
                         
    Cost of revenue:                    
    Cost of retail merchandise sold                 153,641       141,406       9 %  
    Cost of wholesale scrap jewelry sold                   19,755       14,941       32 %  
    Total cost of revenue                 173,396       156,347       11 %  
                         
    Net revenue                 250,619       224,896       11 %  
                         
    Segment expenses:                    
    Operating expenses                 131,439       119,627       10 %  
    Depreciation and amortization                     7,371       6,799       8 %  
    Total segment expenses                 138,810       126,426       10 %  
                         
    Segment pre-tax operating income   $             111,809     $ 98,470       14 %  
                         
    Operating metrics:                    
    Retail merchandise sales margin   43 %   42 %        
    Net revenue margin   59 %   59 %        
    Segment pre-tax operating margin   26 %   26 %        
     
    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    U.S. PAWN SEGMENT RESULTS (CONTINUED)
    (UNAUDITED)
     
        Twelve Months Ended        
        December 31,    
        2024   2023   Increase
    Revenue:                    
    Retail merchandise sales   $             969,371     $ 854,190       13 %  
    Pawn loan fees                 505,262       435,762       16 %  
    Wholesale scrap jewelry sales                   93,923       78,571       20 %  
    Total revenue             1,568,556       1,368,523       15 %  
                         
    Cost of revenue:                    
    Cost of retail merchandise sold                 560,970       490,544       14 %  
    Cost of wholesale scrap jewelry sold                   77,683       64,545       20 %  
    Total cost of revenue                 638,653       555,089       15 %  
                         
    Net revenue                 929,903       813,434       14 %  
                         
    Segment expenses:                    
    Operating expenses                 503,630       451,543       12 %  
    Depreciation and amortization                   28,980       25,585       13 %  
    Total segment expenses                 532,610       477,128       12 %  
                         
    Segment pre-tax operating income   $             397,293     $ 336,306       18 %  
                         
    Operating metrics:                    
    Retail merchandise sales margin   42 %   43 %        
    Net revenue margin   59 %   59 %        
    Segment pre-tax operating margin   25 %   25 %        
     
    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    U.S. PAWN SEGMENT RESULTS (CONTINUED)
    (UNAUDITED)
     
    U.S. Pawn Earning Assets and Portfolio Metrics (dollars in thousands, except as otherwise noted)
     
        As of December 31,    
        2024   2023   Increase
    Earning assets:                    
    Pawn loans   $      396,667     $ 344,152       15 %  
    Inventories          245,492       221,843       11 %  
        $      642,159     $ 565,995       13 %  
                         
    Average outstanding pawn loan amount (in ones)   $              283     $ 258       10 %  
                         
    Composition of pawn collateral:                    
    General merchandise   28 %   30 %        
    Jewelry   72 %   70 %        
        100 %   100 %        
                         
    Composition of inventories:                    
    General merchandise   41 %   43 %        
    Jewelry   59 %   57 %        
        100 %   100 %        
                         
    Percentage of inventory aged greater than one year   1 %   1 %        
                         
    Inventory turnover (trailing twelve months cost of merchandise sales divided by average inventories)   2.8 times   2.8 times        
     

    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    LATIN AMERICA PAWN SEGMENT RESULTS
    (UNAUDITED)

    Latin America Pawn Segment Results

    Constant currency results are non-GAAP financial measures, which exclude the effects of foreign currency translation and are calculated by translating current-year results at prior-year average exchange rates. See the “Constant Currency Results” section below for additional discussion of constant currency operating results.

    Latin America Pawn Operating Results and Margins (dollars in thousands)

                            Constant Currency Basis
                            Three Months        
                      Ended        
        Three Months Ended           December 31,   Increase /
        December 31,       2024   (Decrease)
        2024   2023   (Decrease)   (Non-GAAP)   (Non-GAAP)
    Revenue:                                
    Retail merchandise sales   $        147,412     $ 155,310       (5) %   $            166,927       7 %  
    Pawn loan fees              56,421       58,155       (3) %                     63,893       10 %  
    Wholesale scrap jewelry sales                9,008       9,393       (4) %                       9,008       (4) %  
    Total revenue            212,841       222,858       (4) %                   239,828       8 %  
                                     
    Cost of revenue:                                
    Cost of retail merchandise sold              96,718       100,870       (4) %                   109,445       9 %  
    Cost of wholesale scrap jewelry sold                7,303       7,868       (7) %                       8,278       5 %  
    Total cost of revenue            104,021       108,738       (4) %                   117,723       8 %  
                                     
    Net revenue            108,820       114,120       (5) %                   122,105       7 %  
                                     
    Segment expenses:                                
    Operating expenses              60,918       63,976       (5) %                     68,628       7 %  
    Depreciation and amortization                5,170       5,466       (5) %                       5,754       5 %  
    Total segment expenses              66,088       69,442       (5) %                     74,382       7 %  
                                     
    Segment pre-tax operating income   $          42,732     $ 44,678       (4) %   $              47,723       7 %  
                                     
    Operating metrics:                                
    Retail merchandise sales margin   34 %   35 %         34 %        
    Net revenue margin   51 %   51 %         51 %        
    Segment pre-tax operating margin   20 %   20 %         20 %        
     
    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    LATIN AMERICA PAWN SEGMENT RESULTS (CONTINUED)
    (UNAUDITED)
     
                          Constant Currency Basis
                    Twelve Months    
                    Ended    
        Twelve Months Ended         December 31,   Increase /
        December 31,   Increase / 2024   (Decrease)
        2024   2023   (Decrease) (Non-GAAP)   (Non-GAAP)
    Revenue:                              
    Retail merchandise sales   $        541,787     $ 533,612       2 %   $              556,686       4 %  
    Pawn loan fees            231,864       222,774       4 %                     238,305       7 %  
    Wholesale scrap jewelry sales              38,237       46,917       (19) %                       38,237       (19) %  
    Total revenue            811,888       803,303       1 %                     833,228       4 %  
                                   
    Cost of revenue:                              
    Cost of retail merchandise sold            350,906       345,309       2 %                     360,452       4 %  
    Cost of wholesale scrap jewelry sold              31,086       37,276       (17) %                       31,977       (14) %  
    Total cost of revenue            381,992       382,585       %                     392,429       3 %  
                                   
    Net revenue            429,896       420,718       2 %                     440,799       5 %  
                                   
    Segment expenses:                              
    Operating expenses            259,307       243,146       7 %                     266,102       9 %  
    Depreciation and amortization              20,369       21,350       (5) %                       20,855       (2) %  
    Total segment expenses            279,676       264,496       6 %                     286,957       8 %  
                                   
    Segment pre-tax operating income   $        150,220     $ 156,222       (4) %   $              153,842       (2) %  
                                   
    Operating metrics:                              
    Retail merchandise sales margin   35 %   35 %         35 %        
    Net revenue margin   53 %   52 %         53 %        
    Segment pre-tax operating margin   19 %   19 %         18 %        
     
    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    LATIN AMERICA PAWN SEGMENT RESULTS (CONTINUED)
    (UNAUDITED)
     
    Latin America Pawn Earning Assets and Portfolio Metrics (dollars in thousands, except as otherwise noted)
     
                            Constant Currency Basis
                            As of        
                            December 31,    
        As of December 31,       2024   Increase
        2024   2023   (Decrease)   (Non-GAAP)   (Non-GAAP)
    Earning assets:                                
    Pawn loans   $       121,200     $ 127,694       (5) %   $           143,805     13 %  
    Inventories             89,088       90,246       (1) %                 105,686     17 %  
        $       210,288     $ 217,940       (4) %   $           249,491     14 %  
                                     
    Average outstanding pawn loan amount  (in ones)   $                 87     $ 95       (8) %   $                   103     8 %  
                                     
    Composition of pawn collateral:                                
    General merchandise   58 %   63 %                    
    Jewelry   42 %   37 %                    
        100 %   100 %                    
                                     
    Composition of inventories:                                
    General merchandise   65 %   67 %                    
    Jewelry   35 %   33 %                    
        100 %   100 %                    
                                     
    Percentage of inventory aged greater than one year   1 %   1 %                    
                                     
    Inventory turnover (trailing twelve months cost of merchandise sales divided by average inventories)   4.2 times   4.4 times                    
     
    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    RETAIL POS PAYMENT SOLUTIONS SEGMENT RESULTS
    (UNAUDITED)
     
    Retail POS Payment Solutions Operating Results (dollars in thousands)
     
        Three Months Ended        
        December 31,   Increase /
        2024   2023   (Decrease)
    Revenue:                
    Leased merchandise income   $               177,440   $ 190,057     (7) %  
    Interest and fees on finance receivables                       70,507     59,571     18 %  
    Total revenue                     247,947     249,628     (1) %  
                     
    Cost of revenue:                
    Depreciation of leased merchandise                       98,266     104,114     (6) %  
    Provision for lease losses                       33,665     35,564     (5) %  
    Provision for loan losses                       41,736     32,459     29 %  
    Total cost of revenue                     173,667     172,137     1 %  
                     
    Net revenue                       74,280     77,491     (4) %  
                     
    Segment expenses:                
    Operating expenses                       34,190     33,180     3 %  
    Depreciation and amortization                             705     772     (9) %  
    Total segment expenses                       34,895     33,952     3 %  
                     
    Segment pre-tax operating income   $                 39,385   $ 43,539     (10) %  
     
    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    RETAIL POS PAYMENT SOLUTIONS SEGMENT RESULTS (CONTINUED)
    (UNAUDITED)
     
        Twelve Months Ended        
        December 31,   Increase /
        2024   2023   (Decrease)
    Revenue:                
    Leased merchandise income   $               766,241   $ 752,682     2 %  
    Interest and fees on finance receivables                     245,891     233,818     5 %  
    Total revenue                  1,012,132     986,500     3 %  
                     
    Cost of revenue:                
    Depreciation of leased merchandise                     434,915     413,546     5 %  
    Provision for lease losses                     163,937     177,418     (8) %  
    Provision for loan losses                     143,827     123,030     17 %  
    Total cost of revenue                     742,679     713,994     4 %  
                     
    Net revenue                     269,453     272,506     (1) %  
                     
    Segment expenses:                
    Operating expenses                     138,041     137,460     %  
    Depreciation and amortization                         2,783     3,030     (8) %  
    Total segment expenses                     140,824     140,490     %  
                     
    Segment pre-tax operating income   $               128,629   $ 132,016     (3) %  
     
    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    RETAIL POS PAYMENT SOLUTIONS SEGMENT RESULTS (CONTINUED)
    (UNAUDITED)
     
    Retail POS Payment Solutions Gross Transaction Volumes (dollars in thousands)
     
        Three Months Ended      
        December 31, Increase /
        2024   2023   (Decrease)
    Leased merchandise   $          124,590   $ 170,278     (27) %  
    Finance receivables                 159,898     102,279     56 %  
    Total gross transaction volume   $          284,488   $ 272,557     4 %  
     
        Twelve Months Ended      
        December 31, Increase /
        2024   2023   (Decrease)
    Leased merchandise   $          568,635   $ 623,069     (9) %  
    Finance receivables                 510,231     405,765     26 %  
    Total gross transaction volume   $       1,078,866   $ 1,028,834     5 %  
     

    Retail POS Payment Solutions Earning Assets (dollars in thousands)

        As of December 31,   Increase /
        2024     2023     (Decrease)
    Leased merchandise, net:                
    Leased merchandise, before allowance for lease losses   $          209,333     $ 267,458       (22) %  
    Less allowance for lease losses                 (80,661 )     (95,752 )     (16) %  
    Leased merchandise, net   $          128,672     $ 171,706       (25) %  
                     
    Finance receivables, net:                
    Finance receivables, before allowance for loan losses   $          264,506     $ 210,355       26 %  
    Less allowance for loan losses               (117,005 )     (96,454 )     21 %  
    Finance receivables, net   $          147,501     $ 113,901       29 %  
     
    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    RETAIL POS PAYMENT SOLUTIONS SEGMENT RESULTS (CONTINUED)
    (UNAUDITED)
     
    Allowance for Lease and Loan Losses and Other Portfolio Metrics (dollars in thousands)
               
        Three Months Ended      
        December 31,   Increase /
        2024   2023   (Decrease)
    Allowance for lease losses:              
    Balance at beginning of period   $                 93,823     $ 105,472     (11) %  
    Provision for lease losses                       33,665       35,564     (5) %  
    Charge-offs                     (48,607 )     (46,986 )   3 %  
    Recoveries                         1,780       1,702     5 %  
    Balance at end of period   $                 80,661     $ 95,752     (16) %  
                   
    Leased merchandise portfolio metrics:              
    Provision rate (1)   27 %   21 %      
    Average monthly net charge-off rate (2)   7.1 %   5.8 %      
    Delinquency rate (3)   24.4 %   21.7 %      
                   
    Allowance for loan losses:              
    Balance at beginning of period   $               109,197     $ 96,684     13 %  
    Provision for loan losses                       41,736       32,459     29 %  
    Charge-offs                     (35,751 )     (34,680 )   3 %  
    Recoveries                         1,823       1,991     (8) %  
    Balance at end of period   $               117,005     $ 96,454     21 %  
                   
    Finance receivables portfolio metrics:              
    Provision rate (1)   26 %   32 %      
    Average monthly net charge-off rate (2)   4.5 %   5.2 %      
    Delinquency rate (3)   20.0 %   21.8 %      
                       
    (1)        Calculated as provision for lease or loan losses as a percentage of the respective gross transaction volume originated.         
                       
    (2)        Calculated as charge-offs, net of recoveries, as a percentage of the respective average earning asset balance before allowance for lease or loan losses.         
                       
    (3)        Calculated as the percentage of the respective contractual earning asset balance owed that is 1 to 89 days past due (the Company charges off leases and finance receivables when they are 90 days or more contractually past due).         
     
    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    RETAIL POS PAYMENT SOLUTIONS SEGMENT RESULTS (CONTINUED)
    (UNAUDITED)
     
      Twelve Months Ended        
        December 31,       Increase /
        2024   2023   (Decrease)
    Allowance for lease losses:                
    Balance at beginning of period   $                 95,752     $ 79,576       20 %  
    Provision for lease losses                     163,937       177,418       (8) %  
    Charge-offs                   (186,123 )     (167,952 )     11 %  
    Recoveries                         7,095       6,710       6 %  
    Balance at end of period   $                 80,661     $ 95,752       (16) %  
                     
    Leased merchandise portfolio metrics:                
    Provision rate (1) 29 %   28 %        
    Average monthly net charge-off rate (2) 6.3 %   5.4 %        
    Delinquency rate (3) 24.4 %   21.7 %        
                     
    Allowance for loan losses:                
    Balance at beginning of period   $                 96,454     $ 84,833       14 %  
    Provision for loan losses                     143,827       123,030       17 %  
    Charge-offs                   (130,812 )     (117,961 )     11 %  
    Recoveries                         7,536       6,552       15 %  
    Balance at end of period   $               117,005     $ 96,454       21 %  
                     
    Finance receivables portfolio metrics:                
    Provision rate (1) 28 %   30 %        
    Average monthly net charge-off rate (2) 4.3 %   4.7 %        
    Delinquency rate (3) 20.0 %   21.8 %        
     
    (1)        Calculated as provision for lease or loan losses as a percentage of the respective gross transaction volume originated.
     
    (2)        Calculated as charge-offs, net of recoveries, as a percentage of the respective average earning asset balance before allowance for lease or loan losses.
     
    (3)        Calculated as the percentage of the respective contractual earning asset balance owed that is 1 to 89 days past due (the Company charges off leases and finance receivables when they are 90 days or more contractually past due).
     

    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    PAWN STORE LOCATIONS AND MERCHANT PARTNER LOCATIONS

    Pawn Operations

    As of December 31, 2024, the Company operated 3,026 pawn store locations comprised of 1,200 stores in 29 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, 1,725 stores in 32 states in Mexico, 72 stores in Guatemala, 17 stores in El Salvador and 12 stores in Colombia.

    The following tables detail pawn store count activity for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024:

        Three Months Ended December 31, 2024
        U.S.   Latin America   Total
    Total locations, beginning of period   1,201     1,824     3,025  
    New locations opened       6     6  
    Locations acquired       10     10  
    Consolidation of existing pawn locations (1)   (1 )   (14 )   (15 )
    Total locations, end of period   1,200     1,826     3,026  
                 
                 
        Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2024
        U.S.   Latin America   Total
    Total locations, beginning of period   1,183     1,814     2,997  
    New locations opened   1     60     61  
    Locations acquired   28     10     38  
    Consolidation of existing pawn locations (1) (2)   (12 )   (58 )   (70 )
    Total locations, end of period   1,200     1,826     3,026  
     

    (1)        Store consolidations were primarily acquired locations which have been combined with overlapping stores and for which the Company expects to maintain a significant portion of the acquired customer base in the consolidated location.

    (2)        Includes 10 pawnshops located in Acapulco, Mexico that were severely damaged by a hurricane in the fall of 2023, which the Company elected to consolidate with other stores in this market. The Company expects to replace certain of these locations in this market over time as the city’s infrastructure recovers.

    Retail POS Payment Solutions

    As of December 31, 2024, AFF provided LTO and retail POS payment solutions for consumer goods and services through a network of approximately 13,600 active retail merchant partner locations, which is net of the closing of approximately 1,000 Conn’s HomePlus and American Freight locations due to bankruptcy during the fourth quarter of 2024. This compares to the active door count of approximately 11,600 locations at December 31, 2023. 

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

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

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

    The Company has certain leases in Mexico which are denominated in U.S. dollars. The lease liability of these U.S. dollar-denominated leases, which is considered a monetary liability, is remeasured into Mexican pesos using current period exchange rates, resulting in the recognition of foreign currency exchange gains or losses. The Company has adjusted the applicable financial measures to exclude these remeasurement gains or losses (1) because they are non-cash, non-operating items that could create volatility in the Company’s consolidated results of operations due to the magnitude of the end of period lease liability being remeasured and (2) to improve comparability of current periods presented with prior periods.

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

    Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share

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

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

        Three Months Ended December 31,   Twelve Months Ended December 31,
        2024   2023   2024   2023   2024   2023   2024   2023
        In
    Thousands
      In
    Thousands
      Per
    Share
      Per
    Share
      In
    Thousands
      In
    Thousands
      Per
    Share
      Per
    Share
    Net income and diluted earnings per share, as reported   $      83,547   $ 69,589     $      1.86   $ 1.53     $    258,815   $ 219,301     $      5.73   $ 4.80  
    Adjustments, net of tax:                                
    Merger and acquisition expenses                    31     3,271                 —     0.07                1,706     6,089              0.04     0.13  
    Non-cash foreign currency loss (gain) related to lease liability                  504     (607 )            0.01     (0.01 )              2,627     (1,778 )            0.06     (0.04 )
    AFF purchase accounting and other adjustments              9,572     21,472              0.21     0.47              38,289     54,341              0.85     1.19  
    Other expenses (income), net              1,761     (879 )            0.04     (0.02 )              1,243     (1,079 )            0.02     (0.02 )
    Adjusted net income and diluted earnings per share   $      95,415   $ 92,846     $      2.12   $ 2.04     $    302,680   $ 276,874     $      6.70   $ 6.06  
     

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

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

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

        Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
        December 31,   December 31,
        2024   2023   2024   2023
    Net income   $         83,547     $ 69,589     $       258,815     $ 219,301  
    Income taxes             25,986       21,899               83,961       73,548  
    Depreciation and amortization             26,434       27,635             104,941       109,161  
    Interest expense             27,197       26,586             105,226       93,243  
    Interest income                (528 )     (216 )             (1,935 )     (1,469 )
    EBITDA           162,636       145,493             551,008       493,784  
    Adjustments:                        
    Merger and acquisition expenses                     42       4,252                 2,228       7,922  
    Non-cash foreign currency loss (gain) related to lease liability                  720       (867 )               3,755       (2,540 )
    AFF purchase accounting and other adjustments (1)                     —       13,968                       —       13,968  
    Other expenses (income), net               2,287       (1,142 )               1,446       (1,402 )
    Adjusted EBITDA   $       165,685     $ 161,704     $       558,437     $ 511,732  
     

    (1)        For the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2023, amount represents other non-recurring costs included in administrative expenses related to a discontinued finance product.

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

    Free Cash Flow and Adjusted Free Cash Flow

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

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

        Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
        December 31,   December 31,
        2024   2023   2024   2023
    Cash flow from operating activities   $        198,149     $ 99,105     $        539,958     $ 416,142  
    Cash flow from investing activities:                
    Pawn loans, net (1)                 (2,276 )     24,448                 (71,999 )     (34,978 )
    Finance receivables, net               (53,128 )     (27,448 )            (139,314 )     (115,442 )
    Purchases of furniture, fixtures, equipment and improvements               (12,213 )     (13,425 )               (68,245 )     (60,148 )
    Free cash flow              130,532       82,680                260,400       205,574  
    Merger and acquisition expenses paid, net of tax benefit                        31       3,271                     1,706       6,089  
    Adjusted free cash flow   $        130,563     $ 85,951     $        262,106     $ 211,663  
     

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

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

    Adjusted Return on Equity and Adjusted Return on Assets

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

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

        Twelve Months Ended
        December 31, 2024
    Adjusted net income (1)   $ 302,680  
           
    Average stockholders’ equity (average of five most recent quarter-end balances)   $ 2,014,721  
    Adjusted return on equity (trailing twelve months adjusted net income divided by average equity)   15 %
           
    Average total assets (average of five most recent quarter-end balances)   $ 4,345,922  
    Adjusted return on assets (trailing twelve months adjusted net income divided by average total assets)   7 %
     
    (1)       See detail of adjustments to net income in the “Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share” section above.
     

    Constant Currency Results

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

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

    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    RECONCILIATIONS OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
    TO GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (CONTINUED)
    (UNAUDITED)
     
    Exchange Rates for the Mexican Peso, Guatemalan Quetzal and Colombian Peso
     
        December 31,   Favorable /
        2024   2023   (Unfavorable)
    Mexican peso / U.S. dollar exchange rate:                
    End-of-period   20.3   16.9     (20) %  
    Three months ended   20.1   17.6     (14) %  
    Twelve months ended   18.3   17.8     (3) %  
                     
    Guatemalan quetzal / U.S. dollar exchange rate:                
    End-of-period   7.7   7.8     1 %  
    Three months ended   7.7   7.8     1 %  
    Twelve months ended   7.8   7.8     %  
                     
    Colombian peso / U.S. dollar exchange rate:                
    End-of-period   4,409   3,822     (15) %  
    Three months ended   4,348   4,070     (7) %  
    Twelve months ended   4,071   4,328     6 %  
     

    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    INTERSEGMENT TRANSACTIONS
    (UNAUDITED)

    Intersegment transactions relate to the Company offering AFF’s LTO payment solution in its U.S. pawn stores and are eliminated to arrive at consolidated totals. For the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, these intersegment amounts are as follows:

    • U.S. pawn retail merchandise sales includes $1.0 million and $1.6 million, respectively. Excluding these intersegment sales, consolidated U.S. retail merchandise sales totaled $266.3 million and $242.1 million, respectively.
    • U.S. pawn cost of retail merchandise sold includes $0.5 million and $0.9 million, respectively. Excluding these intersegment sales, consolidated U.S. cost of retail merchandise sold totaled $153.1 million and $140.5 million, respectively.
    • Retail POS payment solutions depreciation of leased merchandise includes $0.3 million and $0.5 million, respectively. Excluding these intersegment transactions, consolidated depreciation of leased merchandise totaled $97.9 million and $103.6 million, respectively.
    • Retail POS payment solutions provision for lease losses includes $0.1 million and $1.4 million, respectively. Excluding these intersegment transactions, consolidated provision for lease losses totaled $33.6 million and $34.2 million, respectively.

    For the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, these intersegment amounts are as follows:

    • U.S. pawn retail merchandise sales includes $4.1 million and $6.5 million, respectively. Excluding these intersegment sales, consolidated U.S. retail merchandise sales totaled $965.3 million and $847.7 million, respectively.
    • U.S. pawn cost of retail merchandise sold includes $2.2 million and $3.5 million, respectively. Excluding these intersegment sales, consolidated U.S. cost of retail merchandise sold totaled $558.8 million and $487.1 million, respectively.
    • Retail POS payment solutions depreciation of leased merchandise includes $1.6 million and $2.1 million, respectively. Excluding these intersegment transactions, consolidated depreciation of leased merchandise totaled $433.3 million and $411.5 million, respectively.
    • Retail POS payment solutions provision for lease losses includes $0.5 million and $1.6 million, respectively. Excluding these intersegment transactions, consolidated provision for lease losses totaled $163.4 million and $175.9 million, respectively.

    As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, these intersegment amounts are as follows:

    • Retail POS payment solutions leased merchandise, net includes $0.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively. Excluding these intersegment transactions, consolidated net leased merchandise totaled $128.4 million and $171.2 million, respectively.

    For further information, please contact: 
    Gar Jackson
    Global IR Group
    Phone:    (817) 886-6998
    Email:     gar@globalirgroup.com

    Doug Orr, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
    Phone:    (817) 258-2650
    Email:     investorrelations@firstcash.com
    Website:  investors.firstcash.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Forbes Lists Bitget Amongst The World’s Most Trustworthy Crypto Exchanges

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company was announced in the list of Top 25 most trusted crypto exchanges by Forbes. Ranking eight on the list, Bitget has reported an influx of users in the last year along with a multitude of upgrades and collaborations which has supported its position in entering the club. With top players such as Coinbase, Binance and Robinhood, the list highlights crypto exchanges from all over the globe.

    Recently in its transparency report, Bitget recorded a 400% increase in its userbase surpassing 100M users in December and Spot trading volume increased from $160 billion in Q1 to $600 billion in Q4. Right from collaborating with Turkish national athletes, to legendary football league LALIGA to having new chiefs joining the company and the establishment of multiple licenses, Bitget has strengthened its position as a global leader, becoming the second largest crypto exchange ecosystem.

    Bitget is focusing in its expansion markets via localized marketing, partnerships, and educational initiatives. The exchange offers simplified onboarding, fiat gateways, and localized customer support to ease access. Bitget also invests in blockchain education, strategic sponsorships, and incentive programs to retain users in high-growth regions. With the joining of Hon NG, CLO at Bitget, the team is heavily invested in compliance. Recently, Bitget achieved UK approval, a BSP license in El Salvador and even opened a new exchange in Vietnam to run it as per local requirements.

    A recent report from CCData highlights Bitget’s success as the market share rose to 4.25%, surpassing its previous all-time high recorded in April 2024. Comparing the change in market share of the combined spot and derivatives market, Bitget, Coinbase and Crypto(dot)com were the biggest beneficiaries of 2024, increasing their market share by 4.05%, 3.89% and 3.39% to 10.5%, 5.43%, and 4.71% respectively.

    Previously, Bitget Token (BGB) was ranked as one of the top 10 best-performing cryptocurrencies by Forbes for H1 2024. Since then, BGB has surpassed all expectations with a surge of over 1000% last year. By reducing BGB’s supply, enhancing utility, and expanding real-world applications, Bitget plans to strengthen more functionalities and products in the Bitget ecosystem driving sustainable growth and long-term value for holders.

    Bitget’s debut on Forbes’ 2025 list of the world’s most trustworthy crypto exchanges highlights its remarkable growth and increasing credibility in the industry. With a strong BTC-ETH holding score and a focus on transparency, Bitget stands as one of the most secure crypto exchanges in the world. With transparent proof of reserves insuring 100% of its assets and a $600M Protection Fund safeguarding users, the exchange has accelerated its growth worldwide. The inclusion in the Forbes ranking list shows the exchange’s rising influence in the cryptospace.

    About Bitget

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

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

    For more information, visit: WebsiteTwitterTelegramLinkedInDiscordBitget Wallet
    For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

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

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bbcc6417-899e-4a61-92b8-900a237e68f3

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Check Point Software Reports Fourth Quarter and 2024 Full Year Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TEL AVIV, Israel, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Check Point® Software Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: CHKP), today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024.

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Highlights

    • Calculated Billings* reached $959 million, an 11 percent increase year over year
    • Remaining Performance Obligation (RPO)**: $2.5 billion, a 12 percent increase year over year
    • Total Revenues: $704 million, a 6 percent increase year over year
    • Product, License & Subscription Revenues: $463 million, a 9 percent increase year over year
    • GAAP Operating Income: $254 million, representing 36 percent of revenues
    • Non-GAAP Operating Income: $306 million, representing 44 percent of revenues
    • GAAP EPS: $2.30, a 7 percent increase year over year
    • Non-GAAP EPS: $2.70, a 5 percent increase year over year

    Full Year 2024 Highlights

    • Calculated Billings* reached $2,658 million, a 9 percent increase year over year
    • Total Revenues: $2,565 million, a 6 percent increase year over year
    • Security Subscriptions Revenues: $1,104 million, a 13 percent increase year over year
    • GAAP EPS: $7.46, a 5 percent increase year over year
    • Non-GAAP EPS: $9.16, a 9 percent increase year over year

    “We delivered exceptional fourth quarter results, a wonderful way to transition into my new Executive Chairman role. The success in the quarter was underscored by strong 8 percent revenue growth in our core Quantum Force appliance business, our industry leading Harmony E-mail solution, and expanded adoption of the Infinity platform,” said, Gil Shwed, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Check Point Software. “I would like to thank Check Point’s customers, partners, and the Global Check Point Team for their contributions to our continued success. I look forward to Check Point achieving new heights under the leadership of our new Chief Executive Officer, Nadav Zafrir,” concluded, Mr. Shwed.

    “I would like to thank Gil and the Board for the opportunity to lead such an exemplary organization. 2024 was a successful year and provides a great springboard for 2025 and beyond,” stated Nadav Zafrir, Chief Executive Officer of Check Point Software. “My first one hundred days are focused on meeting with customers and partners to understand the key challenges they face in today’s unprecedented threat environment. From my conversations so far, I have become increasingly confident that Check Point is uniquely positioned to address the cybersecurity demands of enterprises worldwide. Check Point’s future is bright, and we are focused on driving market share expansion and taking growth to the next levels,” stated Mr. Zafrir.

    “After a successful fourth quarter and 2024, we are starting 2025 with an expanded executive team to balance our corporate and Go-To-Market leadership roles, and bring even more attention to customer facing functions,” said Nadav Zafrir, CEO of Check Point Software. Among the new roles joining the executive team is that of Chief Revenue Officer. Itai Greenberg will serve in this role, driving our global top-line revenue across our platform worldwide. He brings more than two decades of experience in product management and sales roles, having most recently served as Check Point’s Chief Strategy Officer and head of the Cloud and SASE businesses. Replacing Itai in the role of Chief Strategy Officer, we welcome Roi Karo to Check Point. Roi brings more than two decades of expertise in security, AI, and big data with a focus on strategy and planning.

    In conclusion, after three successful years as Check Point’s President, Rupal Hollenbeck has chosen to conclude her tenure at the end of the first quarter and will remain available to support the smooth transition of the new executive team members. “I want to thank Rupal for her incredible work and dedication over the last three years during which the Go-To-Market organizations composition, reach, and focus was transformed all around the world. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors,” said Nadav Zafrir, CEO of Check Point Software. “We welcome Itai and Roi into their new executive team roles. I am excited about the opportunities before us, and I am more confident than ever that the best of Check Point is yet to come,” concluded, Mr. Zafrir.

    Financial Highlights Commentary

    • Cash Balances, Marketable Securities & Short-Term Deposits: $2,784 million as of December 31, 2024, compared to $2,960 million as of December 31, 2023. The decrease in cash is primarily a result of $186 million net of cash consideration utilized for Cyberint Ltd. acquisition in 2024.
    • Share Repurchase Program: During the fourth quarter of 2024, the company repurchased approximately 1.7 million shares at a total cost of approximately $325 million. During full year 2024, we repurchased approximately 7.7 million shares at a total cost of approximately $1,300 million.
    • Cash Flow: Cash flow from operations was $1,059, which included $18 million of costs related to our currency hedging transactions, and acquisition-related costs were insignificant. This compares to $1,035 million in 2023, which included $39 million of costs related to our currency hedging transactions and $25 million in costs related to acquisitions.

    For information regarding the non-GAAP financial measures discussed in this release, as well as a reconciliation of such non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, please see “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information” and “Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Information.”

    Conference Call and Webcast Information
    Check Point will host a conference call with the investment community on January 30, 2025, at 8:30 AM ET/5:30 AM PT. To listen to the live webcast or replay, please visit the website www.checkpoint.com/ir.
    First Quarter 2025 Investor Conference Participation Schedule

    • Wolfe Research March Madness 1×1 Conference
      February 27, 2025, NY, NY – 1×1 meetings
    • Susquehanna Technology Conference
      February 27, 2025, NY, NY – 1×1 meetings
    • Raymond James 2025 Institutional Investor Conference
      March 3, 2025, Orlando, FL – Fireside & 1×1 meetings
    • Morgan Stanley 2025 Media, Telecommunications & Technology Conference
      March 4, 2025, SF, CA – Fireside & 1×1 meetings
    • Roth Capital Partners 37thAnnual Conference
      March 17-18, 2025, Dana Point, CA – 1×1 meetings

    Members of Check Point’s management team are expected to present at these conferences and discuss the latest company strategies and initiatives. Check Point’s conference presentations are expected to be available via webcast on the company’s web site. To hear these presentations and access the most updated information please visit the company’s web site at www.checkpoint.com/ir. The schedule is subject to change.

    Follow Check Point via:
    Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/checkpointsw
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/checkpointsoftware
    Blog: http://blog.checkpoint.com
    YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/CPGlobal
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/check-point-software-technologies

    About Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.
    Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (http://www.checkpoint.com) is a leading AI-powered, cloud-delivered cyber security platform provider protecting over 100,000 organizations worldwide. Check Point leverages the power of AI everywhere to enhance cyber security efficiency and accuracy through its Infinity Platform, with industry-leading catch rates enabling proactive threat anticipation and smarter, faster response times. The comprehensive platform includes cloud-delivered technologies consisting of Check Point Harmony to secure the workspace, Check Point CloudGuard to secure the cloud, Check Point Quantum to secure the network, and Check Point Infinity Core Services for collaborative security operations and services.

    Legal Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements generally relate to future events or our future financial or operating performance. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements related to our management transitions, expectations regarding our products and solutions, and our participation in investor conferences and Check Point Experience (CPX) events and other events during the first quarter of 2025. Our expectations and beliefs regarding these matters may not materialize, and actual results or events in the future are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those projected. These risks include our ability to continue to develop platform capabilities and solutions; customer acceptance and purchase of our existing solutions and new solutions; the market for IT security continuing to develop; competition from other products and services; appointments and departures of our executive officers; and general market, political, economic, and business conditions, including acts of terrorism or war. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to other risks and uncertainties, including those more fully described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 2, 2024. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to Check Point as of the date hereof, and Check Point disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

    Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information
    In addition to reporting financial results in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, Check Point uses non-GAAP measures of operating income, net income and earnings per diluted share, which are adjustments from results based on GAAP to exclude, as applicable, stock-based compensation expenses, amortization of intangible assets and acquisition related expenses and the related tax affects. Check Point’s management believes the non-GAAP financial information provided in this release is useful to investors’ understanding and assessment of Check Point’s ongoing core operations and prospects for the future. Historically, Check Point has also publicly presented these supplemental non-GAAP financial measures to assist the investment community to see the company “through the eyes of management,” and thereby enhance understanding of its operating performance. The presentation of this non-GAAP financial information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for results prepared in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures discussed in this press release to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures is included with the financial statements contained in this press release. Management uses both GAAP and non-GAAP information in evaluating and operating business internally and as such has determined that it is important to provide this information to investors.

    * Calculated Billings is a measure that we defined as total revenues recognized in accordance with GAAP plus the change in Total Deferred Revenues during the period

    ** Remaining Performance Obligation (RPO) is a measure that represents the total value of non-cancellable contracted products and/or services that are yet to be recognized as Revenue as of the period

     
    CHECK POINT SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
     
    (Unaudited, in millions, except per share amounts)
           
      Three Months Ended   Year Ended
      December 31,   December 31,
      2024   2023   2024   2023
    Revenues:              
    Products and licenses $ 170.6   $ 158.3   $ 507.9   $ 497.4
    Security subscriptions   292.2     265.8     1,104.2     981.2
    Total revenues from products and security subscriptions   462.8     424.1     1,612.1     1,478.6
    Software updates and maintenance   240.9     239.4     952.9     936.1
    Total revenues   703.7     663.5     2,565.0     2,414.7
                   
    Operating expenses:              
    Cost of products and licenses   29.6     28.0     97.8     99.3
    Cost of security subscriptions   19.7     17.2     72.6     57.0
    Total cost of products and security subscriptions   49.3     45.2     170.4     156.3
    Cost of Software updates and maintenance   33.4     30.5     123.9     112.3
    Amortization of technology   7.6     5.8     25.0     14.0
    Total cost of revenues   90.3     81.5     319.3     282.6
                   
    Research and development   101.1     100.0     394.9     368.9
    Selling and marketing   232.1     200.5     862.9     747.1
    General and administrative   25.9     29.7     111.9     117.0
    Total operating expenses   449.4     411.7     1,689.0     1,515.6
                   
    Operating income   254.3     251.8     876.0     899.1
    Financial income, net   24.5     18.4     96.1     76.5
    Income before taxes on income   278.8     270.2     972.1     975.6
    Taxes on income (tax benefit)   21.3     21.0     126.4     135.3
    Net income $ 257.5   $ 249.2   $ 845.7   $ 840.3
                           
    Basic earnings per share $ 2.36   $ 2.19   $ 7.65   $ 7.19
    Number of shares used in computing basic earnings per share   109.2     114.0     110.6     116.9
                           
    Diluted earnings per share $ 2.30   $ 2.15   $ 7.46   $ 7.10
    Number of shares used in computing diluted earnings per share   112.1     115.9     113.4     118.3
     
     
    CHECK POINT SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    SELECTED FINANCIAL METRICS
    (Unaudited, in millions, except per share amounts)
             
        Three Months Ended   Year Ended
        December 31,   December 31,
        2024   2023   2024   2023
                     
    Revenues   $ 703.7   $ 663.5   $ 2,565.0   $ 2,414.7
    Non-GAAP operating income     306.4     308.6     1,097.5     1,079.1
    Non-GAAP net income     303.2     298.5     1,039.1     997.1
    Diluted Non-GAAP Earnings per share   $ 2.70   $ 2.57   $ 9.16   $ 8.42
    Number of shares used in computing diluted Non-GAAP Earnings per share     112.1     115.9     113.4     118.3
                             
     
    CHECK POINT SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION
    (Unaudited, in millions, except per share amounts)
             
        Three Months Ended   Year Ended
        December 31,   December 31,
          2024       2023       2024       2023  
                     
    GAAP operating income   $ 254.3     $ 251.8     $ 876.0     $ 899.1  
    Stock-based compensation (1)     29.8       39.9       149.7       145.3  
    Amortization of intangible assets and acquisition related expenses (2)     22.3       16.9       71.8       34.7  
    Non-GAAP operating income   $ 306.4     $ 308.6     $ 1,097.5     $ 1,079.1  
                     
    GAAP net income   $ 257.5     $ 249.2     $ 845.7     $ 840.3  
    Stock-based compensation (1)     29.8       39.9       149.7       145.3  
    Amortization of intangible assets and acquisition related expenses (2)     22.3       16.9       71.8       34.7  
    Taxes on the above items (3)     (6.4 )     (7.5 )     (28.1 )     (23.2 )
                                     
    Non-GAAP net income   $ 303.2     $ 298.5     $ 1,039.1     $ 997.1  
                     
    Diluted GAAP Earnings per share   $ 2.30     $ 2.15     $ 7.46     $ 7.10  
    Stock-based compensation (1)     0.26       0.34       1.32       1.23  
    Amortization of intangible assets and acquisition related expenses (2)     0.20       0.15       0.63       0.29  
    Taxes on the above items (3)     (0.06 )     (0.07 )     (0.25 )     (0.20 )
    Diluted Non-GAAP Earnings per share   $ 2.70     $ 2.57     $ 9.16     $ 8.42  
                     
    Number of shares used in computing diluted Non-GAAP Earnings per share     112.1       115.9       113.4       118.3  
                     
    (1) Stock-based compensation:                
    Cost of products and licenses   $ 0.1     $ 0.1     $ 0.4     $ 0.4  
    Cost of software updates and maintenance     2.0       2.4       8.2       7.3  
    Research and development     10.8       14.2       53.1       48.7  
    Selling and marketing     12.0       15.2       58.2       56.3  
    General and administrative     4.9       8.0       29.8       32.6  
          29.8       39.9       149.7       145.3  
                     
    (2) Amortization of intangible assets and acquisition related expenses:                
    Amortization of technology-cost of revenues     7.6       5.8       25.0       14.0  
    Research and development     1.7       2.0       6.5       7.0  
    Selling and marketing     13.0       9.1       40.3       13.7  
          22.3       16.9       71.8       34.7  
    (3) Taxes on the above items     (6.4 )     (7.5 )     (28.1 )     (23.2 )
    Total, net   $ 45.7     $ 49.3     $ 193.4     $ 156.8  
     
     
    CHECK POINT SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA
     
    (In millions)
     
    ASSETS
               
          December 31,   December 31,
          2024
    (Unaudited)
      2023
    (Audited)
    Current assets:          
    Cash and cash equivalents     $ 506.2   $ 537.7
    Marketable securities and short-term deposits       865.7     992.3
    Trade receivables, net       728.8     657.7
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets       92.7     70.0
    Total current assets       2,193.4     2,257.7
               
    Long-term assets:          
    Marketable securities       1,411.9     1,429.7
    Property and equipment, net       80.8     80.4
    Deferred tax asset, net       63.6     81.8
    Goodwill and other intangible assets, net       1,897.1     1,748.5
    Other assets       96.6     97.4
    Total long-term assets       3,550.0     3,437.8
               
    Total assets     $ 5,743.4   $ 5,695.5
     
               
    LIABILITIES AND
    SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
    Current liabilities:          
    Deferred revenues     $ 1,471.3     $ 1,413.8  
    Trade payables and other accrued liabilities       472.9       502.3  
    Total current liabilities       1,944.2       1,916.1  
               
    Long-term liabilities:          
    Long-term deferred revenues       529.0       493.9  
    Income tax accrual       448.5       436.1  
    Other long-term liabilities       32.3       28.4  
            1,009.8       958.4  
               
    Total liabilities       2,954.0       2,874.5  
               
    Shareholders’ equity:          
    Share capital       0.8       0.8  
    Additional paid-in capital       3,052.8       2,732.5  
    Treasury shares at cost       (14,267.7 )     (13,041.2 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive gain (loss)       (10.3 )     (39.2 )
    Retained earnings       14,013.8       13,168.1  
    Total shareholders’ equity       2,789.4       2,821.0  
                       
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity     $ 5,743.4     $ 5,695.5  
    Total cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, and short-term deposits     $ 2,783.8     $ 2,959.7  
     
     
    CHECK POINT SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    SELECTED CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW DATA
     
    (Unaudited, in millions)
     
      Three Months Ended   Year Ended
      December 31,   December 31,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Cash flow from operating activities:              
    Net income $ 257.5     $ 249.2     $ 845.7     $ 840.3  
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:              
    Depreciation of property and equipment   6.3       5.7       24.0       23.1  
    Amortization of intangible assets   19.2       13.5       59.6       24.3  
    Stock-based compensation   29.8       39.9       149.7       145.3  
    Realized loss on marketable securities                     6.7  
    Increase in trade and other receivables, net   (337.1 )     (324.3 )     (78.9 )     (61.0 )
    Increase in deferred revenues, trade payables and other accrued liabilities   273.0       270.6       59.7       65.5  
    Deferred income taxes, net   0.3       (18.8 )     (1.0 )     (9.5 )
    Net cash provided by operating activities   249.0       235.8       1,058.8       1,034.7  
                   
    Cash flow from investing activities:              
    Payment in conjunction with acquisitions, net of acquired cash         (3.8 )     (185.8 )     (458.8 )
    Investment in property and equipment   (6.5 )     (4.7 )     (24.2 )     (18.6 )
    Net cash used in investing activities   (6.5 )     (8.5 )     (210.0 )     (477.4 )
                   
    Cash flow from financing activities:              
    Proceeds from issuance of shares upon exercise of options   9.0       16.0       258.6       133.7  
    Purchase of treasury shares   (325.0 )     (313.2 )     (1,299.9 )     (1,287.6 )
    Payments related to shares withheld for taxes   (1.5 )     (1.2 )     (18.6 )     (11.0 )
    Net cash used in financing activities   (317.5 )     (298.4 )     (1,059.9 )     (1,164.9 )
                   
    Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net   (14.0 )     42.1       35.2       64.1  
                   
    Decrease in cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, and short-term deposits   (89.0 )     (29.0 )     (175.9 )     (543.5 )
                   
    Cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, and short-term deposits at the beginning of the period   2,872.8       2,988.7       2,959.7       3,503.2  
                   
    Cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, and short-term deposits at the end of the period $ 2,783.8     $ 2,959.7     $ 2,783.8     $ 2,959.7  
     
       
    Investors: Kip E. Meintzer
    Check Point Software Technologies, Ltd.
    +1.650.628.2040
    ir@checkpoint.com
    Media: Gil Messing
    Check Point Software Technologies, Ltd.
    +1.650.628.2260
    press@checkpoint.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OSCE strengthens Albania’s asset recovery efforts

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: OSCE strengthens Albania’s asset recovery efforts

    Panelists at an OSCE workshop on asset recovery and extended confiscation in Tirana, 28 January 2025. (OSCE/Joana Karapataqi) Photo details

    The OSCE Transnational Threats Department and the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, in co-operation with the OSCE Presence in Albania, organized a workshop on asset recovery and extended confiscation on 28 and 29 January 2025 in Tirana.
    The event brought together key institutions involved in asset recovery including the Prosecutor General’s Office, the Special Structure against Corruption and Organized Crime, district prosecutors and judges, the National Bureau of Investigation, the Albanian State Police, and the Agency for the Administration of Seized and Confiscated Assets. The participants engaged in discussions on international good practices and examined case studies.
    Strengthening the application of extended confiscation mechanisms ensures that crime does not go unpunished and that the recovery of illegal assets is effective, while extended confiscation is a powerful mechanism in disrupting criminal activity as it allows authorities to confiscate assets beyond those that are direct proceeds of crime.
    In his opening remarks, Ambassador Michel Tarran, Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania emphasized the critical role of asset recovery in combating organized crime and corruption. “Through this workshop, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of extended confiscation and asset recovery processes, strengthen institutional collaboration and provide participants with practical tools to enhance their efforts in combating transnational organized crime,” he said.
    Prosecutor General Olsian Çela highlighted that support to the asset recovery efforts in Albania is a further step in the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding and Co-operation signed between his Office and the OSCE.
    The workshop was conducted as part of the OSCE extra-budgetary project “Strengthening Asset Recovery Efforts in the OSCE Region,” funded by Austria, Germany, Italy and the United States of America.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI: Karolinska Development’s portfolio company Dilafor advances tafoxiparin following successful meetings with FDA and European regulatory authorities

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN – January 30, 2025. Karolinska Development AB (Nasdaq Stockholm: KDEV) today announces that its portfolio company Dilafor has successfully completed regulatory meetings with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, and European Health Agencies, regarding the continued development of the company’s drug candidate tafoxiparin. The completed meetings mark the end of a comprehensive dialogue with regulatory authorities in the US and EU to reach an alignment between the authorities on designing pivotal clinical Phase 3 studies in Europe and the US to evaluate tafoxiparin as a new potential treatment for priming of labor.

    Dilafor has completed interactions with US and European authorities during 2023 – 2024 to achieve an alignment in the regulatory process ahead of the upcoming clinical phase 3 trials with the company’s drug candidate tafoxiparin, developed for priming of labor. Positive outcomes from scientific advice meetings with the FDA and the EMA, were followed by a Simultaneous National Scientific Advice, SNSA, including five key national EU authorities, in December 2024. The meetings resulted in an agreement on the overall study design; in particular the primary endpoint, inclusion criteria, and the performance of the study. Following this positive development, Dilafor will now finalize the detailed planning for pivotal Phase 3 studies in the US and Europe.

    “There is generally a lack of new product development in the obstetrical area, and tafoxiparin represents a new principle and mode of action compared to available therapies. The extensive interactions with regulatory bodies in the US and Europe have been extremely helpful and have led to an alignment on the design of a Phase 3 program. Along the way, the FDA has been clear that they share the view on tafoxiparin’s mode of action resulting in priming of labor,” says Lena Degling Wikingsson, CEO, Dilafor.

    Currently, more than 30 percent of term pregnant women are induced into labor. Existing interventions require fetal and maternal surveillance in hospital due to maternal and fetal high risk of complications, generating high healthcare costs. National guidance for labor induction have recently been revised to encourage delivery at 39 weeks of gestation in the US and at 40–41 weeks in Europe. The change in routines is supported by strong scientific publications and has been shown to reduce the risk of stillbirth, neonatal complications, operative deliveries leading to improved maternal and neonatal outcomes. The new guidance will lead to a further increase in the number of deliveries requiring labor induction. To reduce the constraints at the obstetrical clinics a new, safe home-based treatment option for labor priming may be a future solution.

    Tafoxiparins novel mechanism of action represents a potential breakthrough in obstetrical care by mimicking the natural priming of labor process. The drug candidate uniquely initiates both cervical ripening and myometrial remodeling over several days, initiating a spontaneous onset of labor leading to a vaginal delivery without traditional mechanical or pharmacological interventions. Tafoxiparin is the first drug developed for self-administration by the mother using a daily autoinjector at home, marking a possible improvement in quality of life for the pregnant woman and her family. Moreover, the tafoxiparin drug candidate has in Phase 2 studies demonstrated potential to reduce fetal and maternal complications and associated healthcare expenses.

    “We are seeing a clear trend towards earlier induction of labor in both Europe and the US as it has been shown to reduce infant mortality and the risk of complications during delivery radically. This is putting pressure on an already strained maternity care system with increased hospitalization. The aim of tafoxiparin is to enable treatment at home to start a natural process of labor priming resulting in spontaneous onset of labor,” says Viktor Drvota, CEO, Karolinska Development.

    Karolinska Development’s direct ownership in Dilafor amounts to 3% and indirect ownership interest via KDev Investment in Dilafor amounts to 29%.

    For further information, please contact:

    Viktor Drvota, CEO, Karolinska Development AB
    Phone: +46 73 982 52 02, e-mail: viktor.drvota@karolinskadevelopment.com 

    Johan Dighed, General Counsel and Deputy CEO, Karolinska Development AB
    Phone: +46 70 207 48 26, e-mail: johan.dighed@karolinskadevelopment.com

    TO THE EDITORS

    About Karolinska Development AB

    Karolinska Development AB (Nasdaq Stockholm: KDEV) is a Nordic life sciences investment company. The company focuses on identifying breakthrough medical innovations in the Nordic region that are developed by entrepreneurs and leadership teams. The Company invests in the creation and growth of companies that advance these assets into commercial products that are designed to make a difference to patient’s lives while providing an attractive return on investment to shareholders.

    Karolinska Development has access to world-class medical innovations at the Karolinska Institutet and other leading universities and research institutes in the Nordic region. The Company aims to build companies around scientists who are leaders in their fields, supported by experienced management teams and advisers, and co-funded by specialist international investors, to provide the greatest chance of success.

    Karolinska Development has a portfolio of eleven companies targeting opportunities in innovative treatment for life-threatening or serious debilitating diseases.

    The Company is led by an entrepreneurial team of investment professionals with a proven track record as company builders and with access to a strong global network.

    For more information, please visit www.karolinskadevelopment.com.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Global: Corporate transparency is a step toward a greener economy, but further change is needed

    Source: The Conversation – France – By Madlen Sobkowiak, Associate Professor in Social and Environmental Accounting, EDHEC Business School

    Could corporate transparency be one of the solutions to climate change? Or, at the very least, could it be a way to hold businesses accountable for their environmental impacts? Not by itself, according to our paper, “Shaping nature outcomes in corporate settings”, recently published by The Royal Society.

    Ninety-four percent of investors are doubtful of the validity of corporate sustainability reporting, citing unsupported claims, according to PwC’s Global Investor Survey 2023. And their skepticism is not unfounded.

    Indeed, our paper shows that while corporate transparency is a crucial first step toward a more sustainable economy, it alone will not be enough to drive positive corporate nature outcomes. For change to actually happen, three critical steps are needed: linking corporate actions to their environmental impact, embedding nature outcomes into daily operations and aligning financial incentives with ecological goals.

    The risk of greenwashing

    Even if there is a growing push for nature-related regulation, and especially nature-related disclosures, companies have only started to provide information about their nature-related performance, impacts and risks. This is the essence of the European Union’s Sustainable Finance Disclosures Regulation (SFDR) that came into effect in 2021 and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) that came into effect in 2023. Both initiatives aim to strengthen transparency obligations on environmental, sustainable and governance (ESG) issues within the bloc. This is characteristic of a certain kind of governance, which uses mandated information disclosure as a way of regulating behaviour.

    Does it work? Not on its own, as companies still struggle to fully understand their impacts on nature or the impacts of their supply chain. And they often lack the knowledge and expertise to navigate the evolving and complex landscape of national and international sustainability reporting requirements, let alone take meaningful action. This could result in the dilution of the concept of transparency and a rise in greenwashing, the process of making false or misleading environmental claims.

    Greenwashing might distort relevant information that investors require to make decisions and, in the end, erode their trust in sustainability-related products and/or practices. A study commissioned by the European Union in 2023 found that 53% of green claims on products and services make vague, misleading or even unfounded claims, and 40% have no supporting evidence. In the United States, 68% of executives admitted to being guilty of greenwashing. In this context, the standardisation of sustainability reporting in the EU is necessary and overdue.

    Three key factors for corporate accountability

    My co-authors and I identify three conditions for information disclosures to positively impact nature outcomes: linking companies and ecosystems, translating aspiration into operations and shaping financial-system responsiveness.

    Our current approach, which uses disclosure requirements to drive company behaviour, may be limited, because providing information does not in itself encourage companies to fully achieve nature-positive impacts.

    Linking companies and ecosystems

    This first condition means putting in place radical traceability that links company actions to outcomes in particular settings. This would create the potential for companies to be held accountable regardless of whether they publish data, as well as incentives for them to produce their own data rather than having to respond to requirements created by third parties.

    One example is Cargill, a supplier for the food sector. In the company’s “South American Soy Sustainability Report”, it traces the soy it produces and purchases through its supply chain with locations in several South American countries. The sites are geospatially located with data on the degree of deforestation in each polygon obtained from satellite images. In this respect, traceability creates the possibility for nature accounts.

    Translating aspirations into operations

    This approach is about developing routines and tools that translate strategic intent into on-the-ground behaviour: in other words, linking knowledge and action. Even if companies are well informed about their impacts on nature, translating strategies to reduce impacts and restore nature into operational targets might be difficult. In this regard, it might be useful to translate ambitions into specific metrics that, once embedded in companies, create visibilities and routines that focus on making a change.

    For example, Holcim Spain, an aggregates and cement producer, has developed a monitoring system to evaluate restoration processes by studying nature assets. It has also studied resources based on field samples by cataloguing flora, identifying vegetation, establishing the distribution of birds and insects, assessing the status of biodiversity in the quarry and developing strategies and action plans. Monitoring of activities has been undertaken using a biodiversity index developed in collaboration with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)‘s Biodiversity Indicator and Reporting System.

    Shaping financial-system responsiveness

    The final requirement relates to identifying how financial-system actors can enable company actions. To put it another way, it is about aligning financial incentives with environmental goals.

    Company owners and those who fund companies are the most powerful financial actors in this context. Financial stability relies on well-functioning ecosystems; indeed, recent studies have shown that climate change threatens it. Information governance could be used to draw investor attention to nature impacts, mirroring more developed interventions. An example of such a mechanism is the EU’s SFDR, which requires banks, insurers and asset managers to provide information about how they address sustainability risks.

    Another example comes from ASN Bank, which specialises in sustainability banking products and has developed a biodiversity footprinting tool for financial institutions to estimate the impacts of an investment portfolio and identify hotspots therein.

    Better information, less greenwashing

    The more solid, standardised and transparent corporate sustainability information is shared, the better we can combat the greenwashing that undermines the credibility of sustainability efforts. But, while disclosure is key, it is time we take its limits into account. For businesses, this implies adopting governance approaches that shape action and ceasing to rely solely on reporting.

    Madlen Sobkowiak ne travaille pas, ne conseille pas, ne possède pas de parts, ne reçoit pas de fonds d’une organisation qui pourrait tirer profit de cet article, et n’a déclaré aucune autre affiliation que son organisme de recherche.

    ref. Corporate transparency is a step toward a greener economy, but further change is needed – https://theconversation.com/corporate-transparency-is-a-step-toward-a-greener-economy-but-further-change-is-needed-243215

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Rise in US stocks benefits stock funds

    Source: Danmarks Nationalbank

    Investment funds

    Statistics period: December 2024

    Danish private investors investing in stock funds received a return of 19.7 per cent in 2024. The high return in 2024 was primarily due to large gains on US stocks – including technology stocks such as NVIDIA, Apple og Amazon. Around half of the return in Danish investment funds in 2024, measured in kroner, came from US stocks. The returns in bond funds and mixed funds were also at higher levels in 2024 compared to previous years. Bond funds achieved a return of 4.3 per cent, while mixed funds, which invests in both stocks and bonds, ended up with a return of 10.6 per cent. In previous years, these funds have not given nearly as high returns as equity funds due to their investments in bonds, which resulted in losses after interest rates rose. When interest rates fell again, this resulted in capital gains and positive bond returns.



    Stock funds achieved a return of 19.7 per cent in 2024

    Note:

    Private investors (employees etc.) time weighted returns in investment funds by main categories of the funds: stocks, bonds, and mixed. Data covers Danish investment funds, regulated by the Danish Investment Associations etc. Act (i.e., UCITS). Find chart data in the Statbank.

    MIL OSI Global Banks

  • MIL-OSI: SHELL PLC 4th QUARTER 2024 AND FULL YEAR UNAUDITED RESULTS

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

                                 
    SHELL PLC
    4th QUARTER 2024 AND FULL YEAR UNAUDITED RESULTS
           
                                                         
     
    SUMMARY OF UNAUDITED RESULTS
    Quarters $ million   Full year
    Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2023   Reference 2024 2023 %
    928    4,291    474    -78 Income/(loss) attributable to Shell plc shareholders   16,093    19,359    -17
    3,661    6,028    7,306    -39 Adjusted Earnings A 23,716    28,250    -16
    14,281    16,005    16,335    -11 Adjusted EBITDA A 65,803    68,538    -4
    13,162    14,684    12,575    -10 Cash flow from operating activities   54,684    54,191    +1
    (4,431)   (3,857)   (5,657)     Cash flow from investing activities   (15,154)   (17,734)    
    8,731    10,827    6,918      Free cash flow G 39,530    36,457     
    6,924    4,950    7,113      Cash capital expenditure C 21,084    24,392     
    9,401    9,570    10,897    -2 Operating expenses F 36,918    39,960    -8
    9,138    8,864    10,565    +3 Underlying operating expenses F 35,707    39,201    -9
    11.3% 12.8% 12.8%   ROACE2 D 11.3% 12.8%  
    77,078    76,613    81,541      Total debt E 77,078    81,541     
    38,809    35,234    43,542      Net debt E 38,809    43,542     
    17.7% 15.7% 18.8%   Gearing E 17.7% 18.8%  
    2,815    2,801    2,827    +1 Oil and gas production available for sale (thousand boe/d)   2,836    2,791    +2
    0.15    0.69    0.07 -78 Basic earnings per share ($)   2.55    2.88    -11
    0.60    0.96    1.11    -38 Adjusted Earnings per share ($) B 3.76    4.20    -10
    0.3580    0.3440    0.3440    +4 Dividend per share ($)   1.3900    1.2935    +7

    1.Q4 on Q3 change

    2.Effective first quarter 2024, the definition has been amended and comparative information has been revised. See Reference D.

    Quarter Analysis1

    Income attributable to Shell plc shareholders, compared with the third quarter 2024, reflected higher exploration well write-offs, lower margins from crude and oil products trading and optimisation, lower Marketing margins and volumes, lower LNG trading and optimisation margins, lower realised oil prices, and unfavourable tax movements.

    Fourth quarter 2024 income attributable to Shell plc shareholders also included net impairment charges and reversals of $2.2 billion, and net losses related to sale of assets. These items are included in identified items amounting to a net loss of $2.8 billion in the quarter. This compares with identified items in the third quarter 2024 which amounted to a net loss of $1.3 billion.

    Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted EBITDA2 were driven by the same factors as income attributable to Shell plc shareholders and adjusted for the above identified items.

    Cash flow from operating activities for the fourth quarter 2024 was $13.2 billion, and primarily driven by Adjusted EBITDA, and working capital inflows of $2.4 billion partly offset by tax payments of $2.9 billion, and outflows relating to the timing impact of payments relating to emission certificates and biofuel programmes of $1.4 billion. The working capital inflows mainly reflected accounts receivable and payable movements, and initial margin inflow.

    Cash flow from investing activities for the quarter was an outflow of $4.4 billion, and included cash capital expenditure of $6.9 billion, partly offset by net other investing cash inflows of $1.1 billion, and divestment proceeds of $0.8 billion.

    Net debt and Gearing: At the end of the fourth quarter 2024, net debt was $38.8 billion, compared with $35.2 billion at the end of the third quarter 2024, mainly reflecting lease additions of $5.4 billion, share buybacks, cash dividends paid to Shell plc shareholders, and interest payments, partly offset by free cash flow. Gearing was 17.7% at the end of the fourth quarter 2024, compared with 15.7% at the end of the third quarter 2024, mainly driven by higher net debt.


    SHELL PLC
    4th QUARTER 2024 AND FULL YEAR UNAUDITED RESULTS

    Shareholder distributions

    Total shareholder distributions in the quarter amounted to $5.7 billion comprising repurchases of shares of $3.6 billion and cash dividends paid to Shell plc shareholders of $2.1 billion. Dividends declared to Shell plc shareholders for the fourth quarter 2024 amount to $0.3580 per share. Shell has now completed $3.5 billion of share buybacks announced in the third quarter 2024 results announcement. Today, Shell announces a share buyback programme of $3.5 billion which is expected to be completed by the first quarter 2025 results announcement.

    Full Year Analysis1

    Income attributable to Shell plc shareholders, compared with the full year 2023, reflected lower LNG trading and optimisation margins, lower realised prices, lower refining margins, as well as lower trading and optimisation margins of power and pipeline gas in Renewables and Energy Solutions, partly offset by lower operating expenses, and higher realised Chemicals margins.

    By focusing the portfolio and simplifying the organisation, $3.1 billion of pre-tax structural cost reductions3 were delivered through 2024 compared with 2022 levels, with $2.1 billion in the full year 2024.

    Full year 2024 income attributable to Shell plc shareholders also included net impairment charges and reversals of $4.4 billion, reclassifications from equity to profit and loss of cumulative currency translation differences related to funding structures, unfavourable movements relating to an accounting mismatch due to fair value accounting of commodity derivatives, and charges related to redundancy and restructuring. These charges, reclassifications and movements are included in identified items amounting to a net loss of $7.4 billion. This compares with identified items in the full year 2023 which amounted to a net loss of $8.2 billion.

    Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted EBITDA2 for the full year 2024 were driven by the same factors as income attributable to Shell plc shareholders and adjusted for identified items and the cost of supplies adjustment of positive $0.3 billion.

    Cash flow from operating activities for the full year 2024 was $54.7 billion, and primarily driven by Adjusted EBITDA, and working capital inflows of $2.1 billion, partly offset by tax payments of $12.0 billion.

    Cash flow from investing activities for the full year 2024 was an outflow of $15.2 billion and included cash capital expenditure of $21.1 billion, partly offset by divestment proceeds of $2.8 billion, and interest received of $2.4 billion.

    This Unaudited Condensed Financial Report, together with supplementary financial and operational disclosure for this quarter, is available at www.shell.com/investors 4 . Details of progress to date on the financial targets that were announced during Capital Markets Day in June 2023 is available at https://www.shell.com/progress-on-cmd24.html 4.

    1.All earnings amounts are shown post-tax, unless stated otherwise.

    2.Adjusted EBITDA is without taxation.

    3.See Reference J.

    4.Not incorporated by reference.

    FOURTH QUARTER 2024 PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENTS

    Upstream

    In October 2024, we announced the start of production of the floating production storage and offloading facility (FPSO) Marechal Duque de Caxias in the Mero field, in the pre-salt area of the Santos Basin, offshore Brazil. Also known as Mero-3, the FPSO has an operational capacity of 180,000 barrels of oil per day (Shell share 19.3%).

    In December 2024, we, along with Equinor ASA, announced the combination of our UK offshore oil and gas assets and expertise to form a new company which will be the UK North Sea’s biggest independent producer. On deal completion, the new independent producer will be jointly owned by Equinor (50%) and Shell (50%). Completion of the transaction remains subject to approvals and is expected by the end of 2025.

    In December 2024, we announced a final investment decision (FID) on Bonga North, a deep-water project off the coast of Nigeria. Shell (55%) operates the Bonga field in partnership with Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Ltd. (20%), Nigerian Agip Exploration Ltd. (12.5%), and TotalEnergies Exploration and Production Nigeria Ltd. (12.5%), on behalf of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

    In January 2025, we announced the start of production at the Shell-operated Whale floating production facility in the Gulf of Mexico. The Whale development is owned by Shell (60%, operator) and Chevron U.S.A. Inc. (40%).

             Page 2


    SHELL PLC
    4th QUARTER 2024 AND FULL YEAR UNAUDITED RESULTS

    Chemicals and Products

    In January 2025, CNOOC and Shell Petrochemicals Company Limited (CSPC), a 50:50 joint venture between Shell and CNOOC Petrochemicals Investment Ltd, has taken a FID to expand its petrochemical complex in Daya Bay, Huizhou, south China.

    Renewables and Energy Solutions

    In October 2024, we signed an agreement to acquire a 100% equity stake in RISEC Holdings, LLC, which owns a 609-megawatt (MW) two-unit combined-cycle gas turbine power plant in Rhode Island, USA. The deal was completed in January 2025.

             Page 2


    SHELL PLC
    4th QUARTER 2024 AND FULL YEAR UNAUDITED RESULTS

    PERFORMANCE BY SEGMENT

                                                         
     
    INTEGRATED GAS        
    Quarters $ million   Full year
    Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2023   Reference 2024 2023 %
    1,744    2,631    1,733    -34 Segment earnings   9,590    7,058    +36
    (421)   (240)   (2,235)     Of which: Identified items A (1,800)   (6,861)    
    2,165    2,871    3,968    -25 Adjusted Earnings A 11,390    13,919    -18
    4,568    5,234    6,584    -13 Adjusted EBITDA A 20,978    23,773    -12
    4,391    3,623    3,597    +21 Cash flow from operating activities A 16,909    17,520    -3
    1,337    1,236    1,196      Cash capital expenditure C 4,766    4,196     
    116    136    113    -15 Liquids production available for sale (thousand b/d)   132    128    +2
    4,574    4,669    4,570    -2 Natural gas production available for sale (million scf/d)   4,769    4,700    +1
    905    941    901    -4 Total production available for sale (thousand boe/d)   954    939    +2
    7.06    7.50    7.06    -6 LNG liquefaction volumes (million tonnes)   29.09    28.29    +3
    15.50    17.04    18.09    -9 LNG sales volumes (million tonnes)   65.82    67.09    -2

    1.Q4 on Q3 change

    Integrated Gas includes liquefied natural gas (LNG), conversion of natural gas into gas-to-liquids (GTL) fuels and other products. It includes natural gas and liquids exploration and extraction, and the operation of the upstream and midstream infrastructure necessary to deliver these to market. Integrated Gas also includes the marketing, trading and optimisation of LNG.

    Quarter Analysis1

    Segment earnings, compared with the third quarter 2024, reflected the net effect of lower contributions from trading and optimisation mainly driven by the comparative (non-cash) impact of expiring hedging contracts and slightly higher realised prices (decrease of $340 million), lower volumes (decrease of $283 million), and higher exploration well write-offs (increase of $275 million), partly offset by lower operating expenses (decrease of $97 million).

    Fourth quarter 2024 segment earnings also included impairment charges of $339 million and a loss of $96 million related to sale of assets, partly offset by favourable movements of $109 million relating to an accounting mismatch due to fair value accounting of commodity derivatives. These charges and favourable movements are part of identified items and compare with the third quarter 2024 which included unfavourable movements of $213 million due to the fair value accounting of commodity derivatives. As part of Shell’s normal business, commodity derivative hedge contracts are entered into for mitigation of economic exposures on future purchases, sales and inventory.

    Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted EBITDA2 were driven by the same factors as the segment earnings and adjusted for identified items.

    Cash flow from operating activities for the quarter was primarily driven by Adjusted EBITDA, net cash inflows related to derivatives of $120 million and working capital inflows of $114 million, partly offset by tax payments of $635 million.

    Total oil and gas production, compared with the third quarter 2024, decreased by 4% mainly due to planned maintenance in Pearl GTL (Qatar). LNG liquefaction volumes decreased by 6% mainly due to lower feedgas supply and fewer cargoes due to the timing of liftings.

    Full Year Analysis1

    Segment earnings, compared with the full year 2023, reflected the combined effect of lower contributions from trading and optimisation and lower realised prices (decrease of $3,819 million), partly offset by higher volumes (increase of $514 million), lower operating expenses (decrease of $478 million), and favourable deferred tax movements ($399 million).

    Full year 2024 segment earnings also included unfavourable movements of $1,088 million relating to an accounting mismatch due to fair value accounting of commodity derivatives, impairment charges of $363 million, and a net loss of $96 million related to sale of assets. These unfavourable movements and charges are part of identified items and compare with the full year 2023 which included unfavourable movements of $4,407 million due to the fair value accounting of commodity derivatives, and net impairment charges and reversals of $2,247 million. As part of Shell’s normal business, commodity derivative hedge contracts are entered into for mitigation of economic exposures on future purchases, sales and inventory.

             Page 3


    SHELL PLC
    4th QUARTER 2024 AND FULL YEAR UNAUDITED RESULTS

    Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted EBITDA2 were driven by the same factors as the segment earnings and adjusted for identified items.

    Cash flow from operating activities for the full year 2024 was primarily driven by Adjusted EBITDA, and working capital inflows of $467 million, partly offset by tax payments of $2,955 million and net cash outflows related to derivatives of $1,466 million.

    Total oil and gas production, compared with the full year 2023, increased by 2% mainly due to ramp-up of fields in Oman and Australia. LNG liquefaction volumes increased by 3% mainly due to lower maintenance in Australia.

    1.All earnings amounts are shown post-tax, unless stated otherwise.

    2.Adjusted EBITDA is without taxation.

             Page 4


    SHELL PLC
    4th QUARTER 2024 AND FULL YEAR UNAUDITED RESULTS

                                                         
     
    UPSTREAM          
    Quarters $ million   Full year
    Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2023   Reference 2024 2023 %
    1,031    2,289    2,151    -55 Segment earnings   7,772    8,539    -9
    (651)   (153)   (909)     Of which: Identified items A (623)   (1,267)    
    1,682    2,443    3,060    -31 Adjusted Earnings A 8,395    9,806    -14
    7,676    7,871    7,872    -2 Adjusted EBITDA A 31,264    30,622    +2
    4,509    5,268    5,787    -14 Cash flow from operating activities A 21,244    21,450    -1
    2,076    1,974    2,436      Cash capital expenditure C 7,890    8,343     
    1,332    1,321    1,361    +1 Liquids production available for sale (thousand b/d)   1,320    1,325   
    3,056    2,844    2,952    +7 Natural gas production available for sale (million scf/d)   2,964    2,754    +8
    1,859    1,811    1,870    +3 Total production available for sale (thousand boe/d)   1,831    1,800    +2

    1.Q4 on Q3 change

    The Upstream segment includes exploration and extraction of crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids. It also markets and transports oil and gas, and operates the infrastructure necessary to deliver them to the market.

    Quarter Analysis1

    Segment earnings, compared with the third quarter 2024, reflected higher operating expenses (increase of $291 million), higher exploration well write-offs (increase of $283 million), unfavourable tax movements ($245 million) and lower realised liquids prices (decrease of $227 million), partly offset by higher volumes (increase of $370 million).

    Fourth quarter 2024 segment earnings also included a loss of $161 million related to the impact of the weakening Brazilian real on a deferred tax position, and net impairment charges and reversals of $152 million. These charges are part of identified items, and compare with the third quarter 2024 which included charges of $138 million related to redundancy and restructuring and charges of $104 million related to decommissioning provisions.

    Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted EBITDA2 were driven by the same factors as the segment earnings and adjusted for identified items.

    Cash flow from operating activities for the quarter was primarily driven by Adjusted EBITDA, partly offset by tax payments of $2,019 million and working capital outflows of $611 million.

    Total production, compared with the third quarter 2024, increased mainly due to new oil production and lower scheduled maintenance.

    Full Year Analysis1

    Segment earnings, compared with the full year 2023, reflected unfavourable tax movements ($1,289 million), lower realised prices (decrease of $949 million) and higher exploration well write-offs (increase of $541 million), partly offset by the comparative favourable impact of $962 million mainly relating to gas storage effects.

    Full year 2024 segment earnings also included a loss of $325 million related to the impact of the weakening Brazilian real on a deferred tax position, net impairment charges and reversals of $323 million and charges of $214 million related to redundancy and restructuring, partly offset by gains of $638 million related to the impact of inflationary adjustments in Argentina on a deferred tax position. These charges and gains are part of identified items, and compare with the full year 2023 which included net impairment charges and reversals of $642 million, and net charges of $295 million related to the impact of the weakening Argentine peso and strengthening Brazilian real on a deferred tax position.

    Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted EBITDA2 were driven by the same factors as the segment earnings and adjusted for identified items.

    Cash flow from operating activities for the full year 2024 was primarily driven by Adjusted EBITDA, partly offset by tax payments of $7,851 million and the timing impact of dividends (net of profits) from joint ventures and associates of $946 million.

    Total production, compared with the full year 2023, increased mainly due to new oil production, partly offset by field decline.

    1.All earnings amounts are shown post-tax, unless stated otherwise.

    2.Adjusted EBITDA is without taxation.

             Page 5


    SHELL PLC
    4th QUARTER 2024 AND FULL YEAR UNAUDITED RESULTS

                                                         
     
    MARKETING        
    Quarters $ million   Full year
    Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2023   Reference 2024 2023 %
    103    760    226    -86 Segment earnings2   1,894    3,058    -38
    (736)   (422)   (567)     Of which: Identified items2 A (1,991)   (254)    
    839    1,182    794    -29 Adjusted Earnings2 A 3,885    3,312    +17
    1,709    2,081    1,500    -18 Adjusted EBITDA2 A 7,476    6,337    +18
    1,363    2,722    1,767    -50 Cash flow from operating activities2 A 7,363    5,561    +32
    811    525    1,385      Cash capital expenditure2 C 2,445    5,790     
    2,795    2,945    2,997    -5 Marketing sales volumes (thousand b/d)2   2,843    3,045    -7

    1.Q4 on Q3 change

    2.Wholesale commercial fuels, previously reported in the Chemicals and Products segment, is reported in the Marketing segment (Mobility) with effect from Q1 2024. Comparative information for the Marketing segment and the Chemicals and Products segment has been revised.

    The Marketing segment comprises the Mobility, Lubricants, and Sectors and Decarbonisation businesses. The Mobility business operates Shell’s retail network including electric vehicle charging services and the Wholesale commercial fuels business which provides fuels for transport, industry and heating. The Lubricants business produces, markets and sells lubricants for road transport, and machinery used in manufacturing, mining, power generation, agriculture and construction. The Sectors and Decarbonisation business sells fuels, speciality products and services including low-carbon energy solutions to a broad range of commercial customers including the aviation, marine, and agricultural sectors.

    Quarter Analysis1

    Segment earnings, compared with the third quarter 2024, reflected lower Marketing margins (decrease of $395 million) mainly due to seasonal impact of lower volumes and lower Mobility unit margins as well as lower Sectors and Decarbonisation and Lubricants margins. These were partly offset by lower operating expenses (decrease of $118 million).

    Fourth quarter 2024 segment earnings also included impairment charges of $458 million, and net losses of $247 million related to sale of assets. These charges are part of identified items, and compare with the third quarter 2024 impairment charges of $179 million, charges of $98 million related to redundancy and restructuring, and net losses of $84 million related to sale of assets.

    Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted EBITDA2 were driven by the same factors as the segment earnings and adjusted for identified items.

    Cash flow from operating activities for the quarter was primarily driven by Adjusted EBITDA, working capital inflows of $845 million, and dividends (net of profits) from joint ventures and associates of $172 million. These inflows were partly offset by outflows relating to the timing impact of payments relating to emission certificates and biofuel programmes of $1,187 million and tax payments of $130 million.

    Marketing sales volumes (comprising hydrocarbon sales), compared with the third quarter 2024, decreased mainly due to seasonality.

    Full Year Analysis1

    Segment earnings, compared with the full year 2023, reflected higher Marketing margins (increase of $483 million) including higher unit margins in Lubricants and Mobility partly offset by lower Sectors and Decarbonisation margins. Segment earnings also reflected lower operating expenses (decrease of $449 million). These were partly offset by unfavourable tax movements ($157 million) and higher depreciation charges (increase of $142 million).

    Full year 2024 segment earnings also included impairment charges of $1,423 million mainly relating to an asset in the Netherlands, net losses of $386 million related to the sale of assets and charges of $215 million related to redundancy and restructuring. These charges are part of identified items and compare with the full year 2023 which included net impairment charges and reversals of $466 million, and charges of $113 million related to redundancy and restructuring partly offset by gains of $298 million related to indirect tax credits.

    Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted EBITDA2 were driven by the same factors as the segment earnings and adjusted for identified items.

    Cash flow from operating activities for the full year 2024 was primarily driven by Adjusted EBITDA, working capital inflows of $998 million, and dividends (net of profits) from joint ventures and associates of $262 million. These inflows

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    4th QUARTER 2024 AND FULL YEAR UNAUDITED RESULTS

    were partly offset by tax payments of $562 million, non-cash cost of supplies adjustment of $254 million, and outflows relating to the timing impact of payments relating to emission certificates and biofuel programmes of $221 million.

    Marketing sales volumes (comprising hydrocarbon sales), compared with the full year 2023, decreased mainly in Mobility including increased focus on value over volume.

    1.All earnings amounts are shown post-tax, unless stated otherwise.

    2.Adjusted EBITDA is without taxation.

             Page 7


    SHELL PLC
    4th QUARTER 2024 AND FULL YEAR UNAUDITED RESULTS

                                                         
     
    CHEMICALS AND PRODUCTS        
    Quarters $ million   Full year
    Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2023   Reference 2024 2023 %
    (328)   341    (1,828)   -196 Segment earnings2   1,757    1,482    +19
    (99)   (122)   (1,857)     Of which: Identified items2 A (1,177)   (2,135)    
    (229)   463    29    -150 Adjusted Earnings2 A 2,934    3,617    -19
    475    1,240    670    -62 Adjusted EBITDA2 A 6,783    7,489    -9
    2,032    3,321    1,150    -39 Cash flow from operating activities2 A 7,253    7,513    -3
    1,392    761    986      Cash capital expenditure2 C 3,290    3,013     
    1,215    1,305    1,315    -7 Refinery processing intake (thousand b/d)   1,344    1,349   
    2,926    3,015    2,588    -3 Chemicals sales volumes (thousand tonnes)   11,875    11,245    +6

    1.Q4 on Q3 change

    2.Wholesale commercial fuels, previously reported in the Chemicals and Products segment, is reported in the Marketing segment (Mobility) with effect from Q1 2024. Comparative information for the Marketing segment and the Chemicals and Products segment has been revised.

    The Chemicals and Products segment includes chemicals manufacturing plants with their own marketing network, and refineries which turn crude oil and other feedstocks into a range of oil products which are moved and marketed around the world for domestic, industrial and transport use. The segment also includes the pipeline business, trading and optimisation of crude oil, oil products and petrochemicals, and Oil Sands activities (the extraction of bitumen from mined oil sands and its conversion into synthetic crude oil).

    Quarter Analysis1

    Segment earnings, compared with the third quarter 2024, reflected lower Products margins (decrease of $442 million) mainly driven by lower margins from trading and optimisation. Segment earnings also reflected lower Chemicals margins (decrease of $138 million) mainly due to lower realised prices. In addition, the fourth quarter 2024 reflected unfavourable tax movements ($67 million).

    Fourth quarter 2024 segment earnings also included net impairment charges and reversals of $224 million, partly offset by favourable deferred tax movements of $114 million. These charges and favourable movements are part of identified items, and compare with the third quarter 2024 which included charges of $101 million related to redundancy and restructuring, and net impairment charges and reversals of $92 million, partly offset by favourable movements of $95 million relating to an accounting mismatch due to fair value accounting of commodity derivatives. As part of Shell’s normal business, commodity derivative hedge contracts are entered into for mitigation of economic exposures on future purchases, sales and inventory.

    Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted EBITDA2 were driven by the same factors as the segment earnings and adjusted for identified items. In the fourth quarter 2024, Chemicals had negative Adjusted Earnings of $258 million and Products had positive Adjusted Earnings of $29 million.

    Cash flow from operating activities for the quarter was primarily driven by working capital inflows of $1,394 million, Adjusted EBITDA, net cash inflows relating to commodity derivatives of $230 million, dividends (net of profits) from joint ventures and associates of $139 million, and non-cash cost of supplies adjustment of $73 million. These inflows were partly offset by outflows relating to the timing impact of payments relating to emission certificates and biofuel programmes of $371 million.

    Chemicals manufacturing plant utilisation was 75% compared with 76% in the third quarter 2024.

    Refinery utilisation was 76% compared with 81% in the third quarter 2024, mainly due to higher planned maintenance.

    Full Year Analysis1

    Segment earnings, compared with the full year 2023, reflected lower Products margins (decrease of $1,832 million), mainly driven by lower refining margins, and unfavourable tax movements ($248 million). These were partly offset by lower operating expenses (decrease of $812 million) and higher Chemicals margins (increase of $602 million).

    Full year 2024 segment earnings also included net impairment charges and reversals of $1,176 million mainly relating to assets in Singapore, charges of $142 million related to redundancy and restructuring, and unfavourable movements of $86 million relating to an accounting mismatch due to fair value accounting of commodity derivatives, partly offset by favourable deferred tax movements of $114 million. These charges and movements are part of identified items, and compare with the full year 2023 which included net impairment charges and reversals of $2,195 million mainly relating to

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    4th QUARTER 2024 AND FULL YEAR UNAUDITED RESULTS

    the Chemicals assets in Singapore, and charges of $82 million related to redundancy and restructuring partly offset by favourable movements of $214 million relating to an accounting mismatch due to fair value accounting of commodity derivatives. As part of Shell’s normal business, commodity derivative hedge contracts are entered into for mitigation of economic exposures on future purchases, sales and inventory.

    Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted EBITDA2 were driven by the same factors as the segment earnings and adjusted for identified items. In the full year 2024, Chemicals had negative Adjusted Earnings of $432 million and Products had positive Adjusted Earnings of $3,366 million.

    Cash flow from operating activities for the full year 2024 was primarily driven by Adjusted EBITDA, working capital inflows of $524 million, dividends (net of profits) from joint ventures and associates of $304 million and net cash inflows relating to commodity derivatives of $219 million. These inflows were partly offset by cash outflows relating to legal provisions of $215 million, tax payments of $146 million, cash outflows relating to the timing impact of payments relating to emission certificates and biofuel programmes of $114 million, and non-cash cost of supplies adjustment of $109 million.

    Chemicals manufacturing plant utilisation was 76% compared with 68% in the full year 2023, mainly due to economic optimisation in the full year 2023. The increase was also driven by ramp-up of Shell Polymers Monaca and lower unplanned maintenance in the full year 2024.

    Refinery utilisation was 85% compared with 85% in the full year 2023.

    1.All earnings amounts are shown post-tax, unless stated otherwise.

    2.Adjusted EBITDA is without taxation.

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    4th QUARTER 2024 AND FULL YEAR UNAUDITED RESULTS

                                                         
     
    RENEWABLES AND ENERGY SOLUTIONS        
    Quarters $ million   Full year
    Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2023   Reference 2024 2023 %
    (1,226)   (481)   (272)   -155 Segment earnings   (1,229)   3,089    -140
    (914)   (319)   (445)     Of which: Identified items A (732)   2,333     
    (311)   (162)   173    -92 Adjusted Earnings A (497)   756    -166
    (123)   (75)   253    -64 Adjusted EBITDA A (22)   1,481    -101
    850    (364)   (1,265)   +333 Cash flow from operating activities A 3,798    2,984    +27
    1,277    409    1,026      Cash capital expenditure C 2,549    2,681     
    76    79    68    -4 External power sales (terawatt hours)2   306    279    +10
    165    148    175    +11 Sales of pipeline gas to end-use customers (terawatt hours)3   652    738    -12

    1.Q4 on Q3 change

    2.Physical power sales to third parties; excluding financial trades and physical trade with brokers, investors, financial institutions, trading platforms, and wholesale traders.

    3.Physical natural gas sales to third parties; excluding financial trades and physical trade with brokers, investors, financial institutions, trading platforms, and wholesale traders. Excluding sales of natural gas by other segments and LNG sales.

    Renewables and Energy Solutions includes activities such as renewable power generation, the marketing and trading and optimisation of power and pipeline gas, as well as carbon credits, and digitally enabled customer solutions. It also includes the production and marketing of hydrogen, development of commercial carbon capture and storage hubs, investment in nature-based projects that avoid or reduce carbon emissions, and Shell Ventures, which invests in companies that work to accelerate the energy and mobility transformation.

    Quarter Analysis1

    Segment earnings, compared with the third quarter 2024, reflected unfavourable one-off tax movements ($107 million), and higher operating expenses (increase of $71 million).

    Fourth quarter 2024 segment earnings also included impairment charges of $996 million mainly relating to renewable generation assets in North America, partly offset by favourable movements of $50 million relating to an accounting mismatch due to fair value accounting of commodity derivatives. These charges and favourable movements are part of identified items and compare with the third quarter 2024 which included unfavourable movements of $279 million due to the fair value accounting of commodity derivatives. As part of Shell’s normal business, commodity derivative hedge contracts are entered into for mitigation of economic exposures on future purchases, sales and inventory.

    Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted EBITDA2 were driven by the same factors as the segment earnings and adjusted for identified items. Most Renewables and Energy Solutions activities were loss-making in the fourth quarter 2024.

    Cash flow from operating activities for the quarter was primarily driven by net cash inflows related to derivatives of $533 million, and working capital inflows of $353 million, partly offset by Adjusted EBITDA.

    Full Year Analysis1

    Segment earnings, compared with the full year 2023, reflected lower margins (decrease of $1,719 million) mainly from trading and optimisation primarily in Europe due to lower volatility, partly offset by lower operating expenses (decrease of $632 million).

    Full year 2024 segment earnings also included net impairment charges and reversals of $1,085 million mainly relating to renewable generation assets in North America, partly offset by favourable movements of $300 million relating to an accounting mismatch due to fair value accounting of commodity derivatives and a net gain on sale of assets of $94 million. These net charges and favourable movements are part of identified items and compare with the full year 2023 which included favourable movements of $2,756 million due to the fair value accounting of commodity derivatives partly offset by net impairment charges and reversals of $669 million. As part of Shell’s normal business, commodity derivative hedge contracts are entered into for mitigation of economic exposures on future purchases, sales and inventory.

    Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted EBITDA2 were driven by the same factors as the segment earnings and adjusted for identified items. Most Renewables and Energy Solutions activities were loss-making for the full year 2024, which was partly offset by positive Adjusted Earnings from trading and optimisation.

             Page 10


    SHELL PLC
    4th QUARTER 2024 AND FULL YEAR UNAUDITED RESULTS

    Cash flow from operating activities for the full year 2024 was primarily driven by net cash inflows related to derivatives of $3,012 million, and working capital inflows of $923 million, partly offset by tax payments of $457 million and Adjusted EBITDA.

    1.All earnings amounts are shown post-tax, unless stated otherwise.

    2.Adjusted EBITDA is without taxation.

    Additional Growth Measures

                                                         
    Quarters     Full year
    Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2023     2024 2023 %
            Renewable power generation capacity (gigawatt):        
    3.4    3.4    2.5    – In operation2   3.4    2.5    +34
    4.0    3.9    4.1    +2 – Under construction and/or committed for sale3   4.0    4.1    -1

    1.Q4 on Q3 change

    2.Shell’s equity share of renewable generation capacity post commercial operation date. It excludes Shell’s equity share of associates where information cannot be obtained.

    3.Shell’s equity share of renewable generation capacity under construction and/or committed for sale under long-term offtake agreements (PPA). It excludes Shell’s equity share of associates where information cannot be obtained.

                                             
     
    CORPORATE      
    Quarters $ million   Full year
    Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2023   Reference 2024 2023
    (335)   (647)   (629)   Segment earnings1   (2,992)   (2,944)  
    45    (3)   (19)   Of which: Identified items A (1,024)   (69)  
    (380)   (643)   (609)   Adjusted Earnings1 A (1,968)   (2,875)  
    (24)   (346)   (544)   Adjusted EBITDA1 A (675)   (1,164)  
    16    115    1,540    Cash flow from operating activities A (1,882)   (832)  

    1.From the first quarter 2024, Shell’s longer-term innovation portfolio is managed centrally and hence reported as part of the Corporate segment (previously all other segments). Prior period comparatives have been revised to conform with current year presentation with an offsetting impact on all the other segments.

    The Corporate segment covers the non-operating activities supporting Shell. It comprises Shell’s holdings and treasury organisation, headquarters and central functions, self-insurance activities and centrally managed longer-term innovation portfolio. All finance expense, income and related taxes are included in Corporate segment earnings rather than in the earnings of business segments.

    Quarter Analysis1

    Segment earnings, compared with the third quarter 2024, reflected favourable tax movements and favourable currency exchange rate effects.

    Adjusted EBITDA2 was mainly driven by favourable currency exchange rate effects.

    Full Year Analysis1

    Segment earnings, compared with the full year 2023, were primarily driven by favourable tax movements, favourable net interest movements and favourable currency exchange rate effects.

    Full year 2024 segment earnings also included reclassifications from equity to profit and loss of cumulative currency translation differences related to funding structures resulting in unfavourable movements of $1,122 million. These reclassifications are included in identified items.

    Adjusted EBITDA2 was mainly driven by favourable currency exchange rate effects and lower operating expenses.

    1.All earnings amounts are shown post-tax, unless stated otherwise.

    2.Adjusted EBITDA is without taxation.

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    4th QUARTER 2024 AND FULL YEAR UNAUDITED RESULTS

    PRELIMINARY RESERVES UPDATE

    When final volumes are reported in the 2024 Annual Report and Accounts and 2024 Form 20-F, Shell expects that SEC proved oil and gas reserves additions before taking into account production will be approximately 0.9 billion boe, and that 2024 production will be approximately 1.1 billion boe. As a result, total proved reserves on an SEC basis are expected to be approximately 9.6 billion boe1, 2, 3. Acquisitions and divestments of 2024 reserves are expected to account for a net increase of approximately 0.05 billion boe.

    The proved Reserves Replacement Ratio on an SEC basis is expected to be 85% for the year (106% without debooking Groundbirch because of the low average AECO price in 2024) and 108% for the 3-year average. Excluding the impact of acquisitions and divestments, the proved Reserves Replacement Ratio is expected to be 80% (102% without debooking Groundbirch) for the year and 68% for the 3-year average.

    Further information will be provided in the 2024 Annual Report and Accounts and 2024 Form 20-F.

    1.Pursuant to our 2017 agreement with Canadian Natural Resources Limited, our remaining mining interest and associated synthetic crude oil reserves will be swapped for an additional 10% interest in the Scotford upgrader and Quest CCS project. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the first quarter 2025, subject to regulatory approvals. The associated proved reserves at December 31, 2024 are 0.7 billion barrels (of which 50% attributable to non-controlling interest).

    2.On January 16, 2024, we announced an agreement to sell our Nigerian onshore subsidiary The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) which holds a 30% interest in the SPDC JV to Renaissance, subject to various conditions. As of December 31, 2024, we had proved reserves of 0.5 billion boe in SPDC.

    3.In December 2024, we, along with Equinor ASA, announced the combination of our UK offshore oil and gas assets and expertise to form a new company which will be the UK North Sea’s biggest independent producer. On deal completion, the new independent producer will be jointly owned by Equinor (50%) and Shell (50%) and 0.16 billion boe (as of December 31, 2024) of Shell’s proved reserves will be contributed to the new joint venture alongside proved reserves contributed by Equinor. Subsequently, Shell will report 50% of the proved reserves of the new joint venture as part of Shell’s share of proved reserves from joint ventures and associates.

             Page 12


    SHELL PLC
    4th QUARTER 2024 AND FULL YEAR UNAUDITED RESULTS

    OUTLOOK FOR THE FIRST QUARTER 2025

    Full year 2024 cash capital expenditure was $21 billion. Our cash capital expenditure range for the full year 2025 is expected to be lower than our 2024 range, with more guidance to come at the Capital Markets Day 2025.

    Integrated Gas production is expected to be approximately 930 – 990 thousand boe/d. First quarter 2025 outlook reflects Pearl GTL back in operation after a major turnaround. LNG liquefaction volumes are expected to be approximately 6.6 – 7.2 million tonnes.

    Upstream production is expected to be approximately 1,750 – 1,950 thousand boe/d.

    Marketing sales volumes are expected to be approximately 2,500 – 3,000 thousand b/d.

    Refinery utilisation is expected to be approximately 80% – 88%. Chemicals manufacturing plant utilisation is expected to be approximately 78% – 86%.

    Corporate Adjusted Earnings were a net expense of $380 million1 for the fourth quarter 2024. Corporate Adjusted Earnings2 are expected to be a net expense of approximately $400 – $600 million in the first quarter 2025.

    1.From the first quarter 2024, Shell’s longer-term innovation portfolio is managed centrally and hence reported as part of the Corporate segment (previously all other segments). Prior period comparatives have been revised to conform with current year presentation with an offsetting impact on all the other segments.

    2.For the definition of Adjusted Earnings and the most comparable GAAP measure please see reference A.

    FORTHCOMING EVENTS

               
     
    Date Event
    February 25, 2025 Shell LNG Outlook 2025 publication
       
    March 25, 2025 Publication of Annual Report and Accounts and filing of Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024
    March 25, 2025 Capital Markets Day 2025
    May 2, 2025 First quarter 2025 results and dividends
    May 20, 2025 Annual General Meeting
    July 31, 2025 Second quarter 2025 results and dividends
    October 30, 2025 Third quarter 2025 results and dividends

             Page 13


    SHELL PLC
    4th QUARTER 2024 AND FULL YEAR UNAUDITED RESULTS

    UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                       
     
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME    
    Quarters $ million Full year
    Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2023   2024 2023
    66,281    71,089    78,732    Revenue1 284,312    316,620   
    (156)   933    768    Share of profit/(loss) of joint ventures and associates 2,993    3,725   
    683    440    631    Interest and other income/(expenses)2 1,724    2,838   
    66,807    72,462    80,131    Total revenue and other income/(expenses) 289,029    323,183   
    43,610    48,225    54,745    Purchases 188,120    212,883   
    5,839    6,138    6,807    Production and manufacturing expenses 23,379    25,240   
    3,231    3,139    3,621    Selling, distribution and administrative expenses 12,439    13,433   
    331    294    469    Research and development 1,099    1,287   
    861    305    467    Exploration 2,411    1,750   
    7,520    5,916    11,221    Depreciation, depletion and amortisation2 26,872    31,290   
    1,213    1,174    1,166    Interest expense 4,787    4,673   
    62,605    65,190    78,496    Total expenditure 259,107    290,556   
    4,205    7,270    1,635    Income/(loss) before taxation 29,922    32,627   
    3,164    2,879    1,099    Taxation charge/(credit)2 13,401    12,991   
    1,041    4,391    536    Income/(loss) for the period 16,521    19,636   
    113    100    62    Income/(loss) attributable to non-controlling interest 427    277   
    928    4,291    474    Income/(loss) attributable to Shell plc shareholders 16,093    19,359   
    0.15    0.69    0.07    Basic earnings per share ($)3 2.55    2.88   
    0.15    0.68    0.07    Diluted earnings per share ($)3 2.53    2.85   

    1.See Note 2 “Segment information”.

    2.See Note 8 “Other notes to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements”.

    3.See Note 4 “Earnings per share”.

                                       
     
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME    
    Quarters $ million Full year
    Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2023   2024 2023
    1,041    4,391    536    Income/(loss) for the period 16,521    19,636   
          Other comprehensive income/(loss) net of tax:    
          Items that may be reclassified to income in later periods:    
    (4,899)   2,947    2,571    – Currency translation differences1 (3,248)   1,397   
    (11)   35    29    – Debt instruments remeasurements   41   
    224    (75)   11    – Cash flow hedging gains/(losses) 216    71   
    —    —    —    – Net investment hedging gains/(losses) —    (44)  
    (50)   (2)   (53)   – Deferred cost of hedging (73)   (148)  
    (91)   35    135    – Share of other comprehensive income/(loss) of joint ventures and associates (118)   18   
    (4,827)   2,940    2,692    Total (3,217)   1,335   
          Items that are not reclassified to income in later periods:    
    239    419    (1,207)   – Retirement benefits remeasurements 1,407    (1,083)  
    (50)   80    (84)   – Equity instruments remeasurements 28    (99)  
    46    (53)   (186)   – Share of other comprehensive income/(loss) of joint ventures and associates 47    (201)  
    235    446    (1,477)   Total 1,482    (1,383)  
    (4,592)   3,386    1,215    Other comprehensive income/(loss) for the period (1,735)   (48)  
    (3,552)   7,777    1,750    Comprehensive income/(loss) for the period 14,786    19,588   
    50    177    96    Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to non-controlling interest 407    312   
    (3,602)   7,600    1,654    Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Shell plc shareholders 14,379    19,276   

    1.See Note 8 “Other notes to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements”.

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    SHELL PLC
    4th QUARTER 2024 AND FULL YEAR UNAUDITED RESULTS

                     
     
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
    $ million    
      December 31, 2024 December 31, 2023
    Assets    
    Non-current assets    
    Goodwill 16,032    16,660   
    Other intangible assets 9,480    10,253   
    Property, plant and equipment 185,219    194,835   
    Joint ventures and associates 23,445    24,457   
    Investments in securities 2,255    3,246   
    Deferred tax 6,857    6,454   
    Retirement benefits1 10,003    9,151   
    Trade and other receivables 6,018    6,298   
    Derivative financial instruments² 374    801   
      259,681    272,155   
    Current assets    
    Inventories 23,426    26,019   
    Trade and other receivables 45,860    53,273   
    Derivative financial instruments² 9,673    15,098   
    Cash and cash equivalents 39,110    38,774   
      118,069    133,164   
    Assets classified as held for sale1 9,857    951   
      127,926    134,115   
    Total assets 387,607    406,270   
    Liabilities    
    Non-current liabilities    
    Debt 65,448    71,610   
    Trade and other payables 3,290    3,103   
    Derivative financial instruments² 2,185    2,301   
    Deferred tax 13,505    15,347   
    Retirement benefits1 6,752    7,549   
    Decommissioning and other provisions 21,227    22,531   
      112,408    122,441   
    Current liabilities    
    Debt 11,630    9,931   
    Trade and other payables 60,693    68,237   
    Derivative financial instruments² 7,391    9,529   
    Income taxes payable 4,648    3,422   
    Decommissioning and other provisions 4,469    4,041   
      88,831    95,160   
    Liabilities directly associated with assets classified as held for sale1 6,203    307   
      95,034    95,467   
    Total liabilities 207,442    217,908   
    Equity attributable to Shell plc shareholders 178,303    186,607   
    Non-controlling interest 1,861    1,755   
    Total equity 180,165    188,362   
    Total liabilities and equity 387,607    406,270   

    1.    See Note 8 “Other notes to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements”.

    2.    See Note 7 “Derivative financial instruments and debt excluding lease liabilities”.

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    SHELL PLC
    4th QUARTER 2024 AND FULL YEAR UNAUDITED RESULTS

                                                         
     
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
      Equity attributable to Shell plc shareholders      
    $ million Share capital1 Shares held in trust Other reserves² Retained earnings Total Non-controlling interest   Total equity
    At January 1, 2024 544    (997)   21,145    165,915    186,607    1,755      188,362   
    Comprehensive income/(loss) for the period —    —    (1,715)   16,093    14,378    407      14,785   
    Transfer from other comprehensive income —    —    193    (193)   —    —      —   
    Dividends³ —    —    —    (8,669)   (8,669)   (308)     (8,976)  
    Repurchases of shares4 (34)   —    34    (14,057)   (14,057)   —      (14,057)  
    Share-based compensation —    194    109    (354)   (52)   —      (52)  
    Other changes —    —    —    96    96        103   
    At December 31, 2024 510    (804)   19,766    158,832    178,303    1,861      180,165   
    At January 1, 2023 584    (726)   21,132    169,482    190,472    2,125      192,597   
    Comprehensive income/(loss) for the period —    —    (83)   19,359    19,276    312      19,588   
    Transfer from other comprehensive income —    —    (112)   112    —    —      —   
    Dividends3 —    —    —    (8,389)   (8,389)   (764)     (9,153)  
    Repurchases of shares4 (40)   —    40    (14,571)   (14,571)   —      (14,571)  
    Share-based compensation —    (271)   168    (85)   (188)   —      (188)  
    Other changes —    —    —        82      89   
    At December 31, 2023 544    (997)   21,145    165,915    186,607    1,755      188,362   

    1.    See Note 5 “Share capital”.

    2.    See Note 6 “Other reserves”.

    3.    The amount charged to retained earnings is based on prevailing exchange rates on payment date.

    4.     Includes shares committed to repurchase under an irrevocable contract and repurchases subject to settlement at the end of the quarter.

             Page 16


    SHELL PLC
    4th QUARTER 2024 AND FULL YEAR UNAUDITED RESULTS

                                             
     
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS    
    Quarters $ million Full year
    Q4 2024   Q3 2024 Q4 2023   2024 2023
    4,205      7,270    1,635    Income before taxation for the period 29,922    32,627   
            Adjustment for:    
    665      554    571    – Interest expense (net) 2,415    2,360   
    7,520      5,916    11,221    – Depreciation, depletion and amortisation1 26,872    31,290   
    649      150    243    – Exploration well write-offs 1,622    868   
    288      154    (222)   – Net (gains)/losses on sale and revaluation of non-current assets and businesses 288    (246)  
    156      (933)   (768)   – Share of (profit)/loss of joint ventures and associates (2,993)   (3,725)  
    1,241      860    1,145    – Dividends received from joint ventures and associates 3,632    3,674   
    131      2,705    4,088    – (Increase)/decrease in inventories 1,273    6,325   
    751      4,057    (704)   – (Increase)/decrease in current receivables 6,578    12,401   
    1,524      (4,096)   (701)   – Increase/(decrease) in current payables2 (5,789)   (11,581)  
    111      735    328    – Derivative financial instruments 2,484    (5,723)  
    (58)     125    (68)   – Retirement benefits (326)   (37)  
    (256)     359    430    – Decommissioning and other provisions2 (828)   220   
    (856)     (144)   (1,021)   – Other1 1,536    (550)  
    (2,910)     (3,028)   (3,604)   Tax paid (12,002)   (13,712)  
    13,162      14,684    12,575    Cash flow from operating activities 54,684    54,191   
    (6,486)     (4,690)   (6,960)      Capital expenditure (19,601)   (22,993)  
    (421)     (222)   (109)      Investments in joint ventures and associates (1,404)   (1,202)  
    (17)     (38)   (44)      Investments in equity securities (80)   (197)  
    (6,924)     (4,950)   (7,113)   Cash capital expenditure (21,084)   (24,392)  
    493      94    540    Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and businesses 1,621    2,565   
    305      94    49    Proceeds from joint ventures and associates from sale, capital reduction and repayment of long-term loans 590    474   
          24    Proceeds from sale of equity securities 582    51   
    581      593    568    Interest received 2,399    2,124   
    1,762      1,074    960    Other investing cash inflows1 4,576    4,269   
    (655)     (769)   (685)   Other investing cash outflows (3,838)   (2,825)  
    (4,431)     (3,857)   (5,657)   Cash flow from investing activities (15,154)   (17,734)  
    65      (89)   (27)   Net increase/(decrease) in debt with maturity period within three months (310)   (211)  
            Other debt:    
    (13)     78    64    – New borrowings 363    1,029   
    (2,664)     (1,322)   (4,054)   – Repayments (9,672)   (10,650)  
    (1,379)     (979)   (1,366)   Interest paid (4,557)   (4,441)  
    (833)     652    702    Derivative financial instruments (594)   723   
    (10)     —    (1)   Change in non-controlling interest (15)   (22)  
            Cash dividends paid to:    
    (2,114)     (2,167)   (2,201)   – Shell plc shareholders (8,668)   (8,393)  
    (53)     (92)   (128)   – Non-controlling interest (295)   (764)  
    (3,579)     (3,537)   (3,977)   Repurchases of shares (13,898)   (14,617)  
    (309)       (714)   Shares held in trust: net sales/(purchases) and dividends received (789)   (889)  
    (10,889)     (7,452)   (11,703)   Cash flow from financing activities (38,434)   (38,235)  
    (985)     729    529    Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (761)   306   
    (3,142)     4,105    (4,256)   Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 336    (1,472)  
    42,252      38,148    43,031    Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 38,774    40,246   
    39,110      42,252    38,774    Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 39,110    38,774   

    1.See Note 8 “Other notes to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements”.

    2.To further enhance consistency between working capital and the Balance Sheet and the Statement of Cash Flows, from January 1, 2024, onwards movements in current other provisions are recognised in ‘Decommissioning and other provisions’ instead of ‘Increase/(decrease) in current payables’. Comparatives for the fourth quarter 2023 and the full year 2023 have been reclassified accordingly by $653 million and $693 million respectively to conform with current period presentation.

             Page 17


    SHELL PLC
    4th QUARTER 2024 AND FULL YEAR UNAUDITED RESULTS

    NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

    1. Basis of preparation

    These unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of Shell plc (“the Company”) and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “Shell”) have been prepared on the basis of the same accounting principles as those used in the Company’s Annual Report and Accounts (pages 244 to 316) for the year ended December 31, 2023, as filed with the Registrar of Companies for England and Wales and as filed with the Autoriteit Financiële Markten (the Netherlands) and Form 20-F (pages 217 to 290) for the year ended December 31, 2023, as filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, and should be read in conjunction with these filings.

    The financial information presented in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements does not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of section 434(3) of the Companies Act 2006 (“the Act”). Statutory accounts for the year ended December 31, 2023, were published in Shell’s Annual Report and Accounts, a copy of which was delivered to the Registrar of Companies for England and Wales, and in Shell’s Form 20-F. The auditor’s report on those accounts was unqualified, did not include a reference to any matters to which the auditor drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying the report and did not contain a statement under sections 498(2) or 498(3) of the Act. The statutory accounts for the year ended December 31, 2024, will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies for England and Wales in due course.

    2. Segment information

    Segment earnings are presented on a current cost of supplies basis (CCS earnings), which is the earnings measure used by the Chief Executive Officer for the purposes of making decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance. On this basis, the purchase price of volumes sold during the period is based on the current cost of supplies during the same period after making allowance for the tax effect. CCS earnings therefore exclude the effect of changes in the oil price on inventory carrying amounts. Sales between segments are based on prices generally equivalent to commercially available prices.

    From the first quarter 2024, Wholesale commercial fuels forms part of Mobility with inclusion in the Marketing segment (previously Chemicals and Products segment). The change in segmentation reflects the increasing alignment between the economic characteristics of Wholesale commercial fuels and other Mobility businesses, and is consistent with changes in the information provided to the Chief Operating Decision Maker. Prior period comparatives have been revised to conform with current year presentation with an offsetting impact between the Marketing and the Chemicals and Products segment (see below). Also, from the first quarter 2024, Shell’s longer-term innovation portfolio is managed centrally and hence reported as part of the Corporate segment (previously all other segments). Prior period comparatives have been revised to conform with current year presentation with an offsetting impact on all the other segments (see below).

             Page 18


    SHELL PLC
    4th QUARTER 2024 AND FULL YEAR UNAUDITED RESULTS

                                       
     
    REVENUE AND CCS EARNINGS BY SEGMENT    
    Quarters $ million Full year
    Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2023   2024 2023
          Third-party revenue    
    9,294    9,748    10,437    Integrated Gas 37,290    37,645   
    1,652    1,605    1,263    Upstream 6,606    6,475   
    27,524    30,519    31,761    Marketing2 120,088    130,560   
    19,992    22,608    24,957    Chemicals and Products2 90,918    97,079   
    7,808    6,599    10,302    Renewables and Energy Solutions 29,366    44,819   
    10    10    11    Corporate 43    42   
    66,281    71,089    78,732    Total third-party revenue1 284,312    316,620   
          Inter-segment revenue    
    2,024    2,131    2,614    Integrated Gas 8,715    11,560   
    9,931    9,618    10,948    Upstream 39,939    41,230   
    984    1,235    1,243    Marketing2 4,937    5,299   
    8,656    9,564    10,163    Chemicals and Products2 38,381    42,816   
    1,879    1,131    1,567    Renewables and Energy Solutions 4,971    4,707   
    —    —    —    Corporate —    —   
          CCS earnings    
    1,744    2,631    1,733    Integrated Gas 9,590    7,058   
    1,031    2,289    2,151    Upstream 7,772    8,539   
    103    760    226    Marketing2 1,894    3,058   
    (328)   341    (1,828)   Chemicals and Products2 1,757    1,482   
    (1,226)   (481)   (272)   Renewables and Energy Solutions (1,229)   3,089   
    (335)   (647)   (629)   Corporate3 (2,992)   (2,944)  
    989    4,894    1,381    Total CCS earnings4 16,792    20,281   

    1.Includes revenue from sources other than from contracts with customers, which mainly comprises the impact of fair value accounting of commodity derivatives.

    2.From January 1, 2024, onwards Wholesale commercial fuels has been reallocated from the Chemicals and Products segment to the Marketing segment. Comparatives for the fourth quarter 2023 and the full year 2023 have been reclassified accordingly, by $5,332 million and $21,702 million respectively for Third-party revenue and by $82 million and $104 million respectively for CCS earnings to conform with current period presentation. For Inter-segment revenue the reallocation and revision of comparative figures for the fourth quarter 2023 and the full year 2023 led to an increase in inter-segment revenue in the Marketing segment of $1,058 million and $4,675 million respectively and an increase in the Chemicals and Products segment of $9,553 million and $40,564 million respectively.

    3.From January 1, 2024, onwards costs for Shell’s centrally managed longer-term innovation portfolio are reported as part of the Corporate segment. Prior period comparatives for Corporate for the fourth quarter 2023 and the full year 2023 have been revised by $43 million and $133 million respectively, with a net offsetting impact in all other segments to conform with current period presentation.

    4.See Note 3 “Reconciliation of income for the period to CCS Earnings, Operating expenses and Total Debt”.

             Page 19


    SHELL PLC
    4th QUARTER 2024 AND FULL YEAR UNAUDITED RESULTS

    Cash capital expenditure is a measure used by the Chief Executive Officer for the purposes of making decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance.

                                       
     
    CASH CAPITAL EXPENDITURE BY SEGMENT
    Quarters $ million Full year
    Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2023   2024 2023
          Capital expenditure    
    1,123    1,090    1,034    Integrated Gas 4,095    3,491   
    2,205    1,998    2,547    Upstream 7,738    8,249   
    798    488    1,383    Marketing1 2,357    5,741   
    1,121    748    983    Chemicals and Products1 2,943    2,928   
    1,214    327    932    Renewables and Energy Solutions 2,338    2,314   
    25    39    81    Corporate 129    270   
    6,486    4,690    6,960    Total capital expenditure 19,601    22,993   
          Add: Investments in joint ventures and associates    
    214    147    162    Integrated Gas 671    705   
    (117)   (37)   (111)   Upstream 150    94   
    13    37      Marketing 88    49   
    271    13      Chemicals and Products 347    84   
    36    59    56    Renewables and Energy Solutions 138    261   
        (2)   Corporate    
    421    222    109    Total investments in joint ventures and associates 1,404    1,202   
          Add: Investments in equity securities    
    —    —    —    Integrated Gas —    —   
    (11)   12    —    Upstream   —   
    —    —    —    Marketing —    —   
    —    —    —    Chemicals and Products —     
    28    23    38    Renewables and Energy Solutions 73    106   
    —        Corporate   89   
    17    38    44    Total investments in equity securities 80    197   
          Cash capital expenditure    
    1,337    1,236    1,196    Integrated Gas 4,766    4,196   
    2,076    1,974    2,436    Upstream 7,890    8,343   
    811    525    1,385    Marketing1 2,445    5,790   
    1,392    761    986    Chemicals and Products1 3,290    3,013   
    1,277    409    1,026    Renewables and Energy Solutions 2,549    2,681   
    30    45    85    Corporate 144    368   
    6,924    4,950    7,113    Total Cash capital expenditure 21,084    24,392   

    1.From January 1, 2024, onwards Wholesale commercial fuels has been reallocated from the Chemicals and Products segment to the Marketing segment. Comparatives for the fourth quarter 2023 and the full year 2023 have been reclassified accordingly by $46 million and $178 million respectively for capital expenditure and cash capital expenditure to conform with current period presentation.

             Page 20


    SHELL PLC
    4th QUARTER 2024 AND FULL YEAR UNAUDITED RESULTS

    3. Reconciliation of income for the period to CCS Earnings, Operating expenses and Total Debt

                                       
     
    RECONCILIATION OF INCOME FOR THE PERIOD TO CCS EARNINGS    
    Quarters $ million Full year
    Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2023   2024 2023
    928    4,291    474    Income/(loss) attributable to Shell plc shareholders 16,093    19,359   
    113    100    62    Income/(loss) attributable to non-controlling interest 427    277   
    1,041    4,391    536    Income/(loss) for the period 16,521    19,636   
          Current cost of supplies adjustment:    
    (84)   668    1,089    Purchases 389    815   
    23    (162)   (263)   Taxation (91)   (203)  
      (2)   19    Share of profit/(loss) of joint ventures and associates (26)   33   
    (52)   503    846    Current cost of supplies adjustment 272    645   
          Of which:    
    (45)   477    811    Attributable to Shell plc shareholders 257    650
    (7)   26    34    Attributable to non-controlling interest 14    (5)
    989    4,894    1,381    CCS earnings 16,792    20,281   
          Of which:    
    883    4,768    1,285    CCS earnings attributable to Shell plc shareholders 16,351    20,008   
    106    126    97    CCS earnings attributable to non-controlling interest 442    273   
                                       
     
    RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING EXPENSES    
    Quarters $ million Full year
    Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2023   2024 2023
    5,839    6,138    6,807    Production and manufacturing expenses 23,379    25,240   
    3,231    3,139    3,621    Selling, distribution and administrative expenses 12,439    13,433   
    331    294    469    Research and development 1,099    1,287   
    9,401    9,570    10,897    Operating expenses 36,918    39,960   
                                       
     
    RECONCILIATION OF TOTAL DEBT    
    Quarters $ million Full year
    Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2023   2024 2023
    December 31, 2024 September 30, 2024 December 31, 2023   December 31, 2024 December 31, 2023
    11,630    12,015    9,931    Current debt 11,630    9,931   
    65,448    64,597    71,610    Non-current debt 65,448    71,610   
    77,078    76,613    81,541    Total debt 77,078    81,541   

    4. Earnings per share

                                       
     
    EARNINGS PER SHARE
    Quarters   Full year
    Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2023   2024 2023
    928    4,291    474    Income/(loss) attributable to Shell plc shareholders ($ million) 16,093    19,359   
               
          Weighted average number of shares used as the basis for determining:    
    6,148.4    6,256.5    6,558.3    Basic earnings per share (million) 6,299.6    6,733.5   
    6,213.9    6,320.9    6,631.1    Diluted earnings per share (million) 6,363.7    6,799.8   

             Page 21


    SHELL PLC
    4th QUARTER 2024 AND FULL YEAR UNAUDITED RESULTS

    5. Share capital

                             
     
    ISSUED AND FULLY PAID ORDINARY SHARES OF €0.07 EACH
      Number of shares   Nominal value
    ($ million)
    At January 1, 2024 6,524,109,049      544     
    Repurchases of shares (409,077,891)     (34)    
    At December 31, 2024 6,115,031,158      510     
    At January 1, 2023 7,003,503,393      584     
    Repurchases of shares (479,394,344)     (40)    
    At December 31, 2023 6,524,109,049      544     

    At Shell plc’s Annual General Meeting on May 21, 2024, the Board was authorised to allot ordinary shares in Shell plc, and to grant rights to subscribe for, or to convert, any security into ordinary shares in Shell plc, up to an aggregate nominal amount of approximately €150 million (representing approximately 2,147 million ordinary shares of €0.07 each), and to list such shares or rights on any stock exchange. This authority expires at the earlier of the close of business on August 20, 2025, or the end of the Annual General Meeting to be held in 2025, unless previously renewed, revoked or varied by Shell plc in a general meeting.

    6. Other reserves

                                             
     
    OTHER RESERVES
    $ million Merger reserve Share premium reserve Capital redemption reserve Share plan reserve Accumulated other comprehensive income Total
    At January 1, 2024 37,298    154    236    1,308    (17,851)   21,145   
    Other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Shell plc shareholders —    —    —    —    (1,715)   (1,715)  
    Transfer from other comprehensive income —    —    —    —    193    193   
    Repurchases of shares —    —    34    —    —    34   
    Share-based compensation —    —    —    109    —    109   
    At December 31, 2024 37,298    154    270    1,416    (19,373)   19,766   
    At January 1, 2023 37,298    154    196    1,140    (17,656)   21,132   
    Other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Shell plc shareholders —    —    —    —    (83)   (83)  
    Transfer from other comprehensive income —    —    —    —    (112)   (112)  
    Repurchases of shares —    —    40    —    —    40   
    Share-based compensation —    —    —    168    —    168   
    At December 31, 2023 37,298    154    236    1,308    (17,851)   21,145   

    The merger reserve and share premium reserve were established as a consequence of Shell plc (formerly Royal Dutch Shell plc) becoming the single parent company of Royal Dutch Petroleum Company and The “Shell” Transport and Trading Company, p.l.c., now The Shell Transport and Trading Company Limited, in 2005. The merger reserve increased in 2016 following the issuance of shares for the acquisition of BG Group plc. The capital redemption reserve was established in connection with repurchases of shares of Shell plc. The share plan reserve is in respect of equity-settled share-based compensation plans.

    7. Derivative financial instruments and debt excluding lease liabilities

    As disclosed in the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2023, presented in the Annual Report and Accounts and Form 20-F for that year, Shell is exposed to the risks of changes in fair value of its financial assets and liabilities. The fair values of the financial assets and liabilities are defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair values at December 31, 2024, are consistent with those used in the year ended December 31, 2023, though the carrying amounts of derivative financial instruments have changed since that

             Page 22


    SHELL PLC
    4th QUARTER 2024 AND FULL YEAR UNAUDITED RESULTS

    date. The movement of the derivative financial instruments between December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2024 is a decrease of $5,425 million for the current assets and a decrease of $2,138 million for the current liabilities.

    The table below provides the comparison of the fair value with the carrying amount of debt excluding lease liabilities, disclosed in accordance with IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures.

                     
     
    DEBT EXCLUDING LEASE LIABILITIES
    $ million December 31, 2024 December 31, 2023
    Carrying amount1 48,376    53,832   
    Fair value2 44,119    50,866   

    1.    Shell issued no debt under the US shelf or under the Euro medium-term note programmes during the year 2024.

    2.     Mainly determined from the prices quoted for these securities.

    8. Other notes to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

    Consolidated Statement of Income

    Interest and other income

                                       
     
    Quarters $ million Full year
    Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2023   2024 2023
    683    440    631    Interest and other income/(expenses) 1,724    2,838   
          Of which:    
    548    619    595    Interest income 2,372    2,313   
    25      14    Dividend income (from investments in equity securities) 83    49   
    (288)   (154)   222    Net gains/(losses) on sales and revaluation of non-current assets and businesses (288)   257   
    267    (189)   (398)   Net foreign exchange gains/(losses) on financing activities (1,025)   (458)  
    131    159    199    Other 582    677   

    Depreciation, depletion and amortisation

                                       
     
    Quarters $ million Full year
    Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2023   2024 2023
    7,520    5,916    11,221    Depreciation, depletion and amortisation 26,872    31,290   
          Of which:    
    5,829 5,578 5,986 Depreciation 22,703    23,106   
    1,797 340 5,508 Impairments 4,502    8,947   
    (106) (2) (273) Impairment reversals (333)   (762)  

    Impairments recognised in the fourth quarter 2024 of $2,659 million pre-tax ($2,245 million post-tax), of which $1,797 million recognised in depreciation, depletion and amortisation and $863 million recognised in share of profit of joint ventures and associates, mainly relate to Renewables and Energy Solutions ($1,068 million pre-tax; $1,000 million post-tax), Integrated Gas ($532 million pre-tax; $345 million post-tax), Marketing ($495 million pre-tax; $459 million post-tax), Chemicals and Products ($315 million pre-tax; $247 million post-tax) and Upstream ($248 million pre-tax; $194 million post-tax). The impairment in Renewables and Energy Solutions was principally triggered by a portfolio choice regarding renewable generation assets in North America. The impairments in other segments relate to various smaller impairments.

    Impairments recognised in the third quarter 2024 of $340 million pre-tax ($290 million post-tax) mainly relate to various

    assets in Marketing and Chemicals and Products.

    Impairments recognised in the fourth quarter 2023 of $5,508 million pre-tax ($4,044 million post-tax) relate to various

    assets in Chemicals and Products ($2,490 million), Upstream ($1,161 million), Integrated Gas ($873 million), Renewables

    and Energy Solutions ($614 million) and Marketing ($370 million).

             Page 23


    SHELL PLC
    4th QUARTER 2024 AND FULL YEAR UNAUDITED RESULTS

    Taxation charge/credit

                                       
     
    Quarters $ million Full year
    Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2023   2024 2023
    3,164    2,879    1,099    Taxation charge/(credit) 13,401    12,991   
          Of which:    
    3,125 2,834 1,099 Income tax excluding Pillar Two income tax 13,150    12,991   
    39 45 Income tax related to Pillar Two income tax 251   

    On June 20, 2023, the UK substantively enacted Pillar Two Model Rules, effective as from January 1, 2024.

    As required by IAS 12 Income Taxes, Shell has applied the exception to recognising and disclosing information about deferred tax assets and liabilities related to Pillar Two income taxes.

    Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

    Currency translation differences

                                       
     
    Quarters $ million Full year
    Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2023   2024 2023
    (4,899)   2,947    2,571    Currency translation differences (3,248)   1,397   
          Of which:    
    (5,028) 2,912 2,578 Recognised in Other comprehensive income (4,504)   1,396   
    129 35 (7) (Gain)/loss reclassified to profit or loss 1,256    1

    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

    Retirement benefits

                     
     
    $ million    
      December 31, 2024 December 31, 2023
    Non-current assets    
    Retirement benefits 10,003    9,151   
    Non-current liabilities    
    Retirement benefits 6,752    7,549   
    Surplus/(deficit) 3,251    1,602   

    Amounts recognised in the Balance Sheet in relation to defined benefit plans include both plan assets and obligations that are presented on a net basis on a plan-by-plan basis. The change in the net retirement benefit asset as at December 31, 2024, is mainly driven by an increase of the market yield on high-quality corporate bonds in the USA, the UK and Eurozone since December 31, 2023, partly offset by losses on plan assets.

    Assets classified as held for sale

                       
       
    $ million      
      December 31, 2024 December 31, 2023  
    Assets classified as held for sale 9,857    951     
    Liabilities directly associated with assets classified as held for sale 6,203    307     

    Assets classified as held for sale and associated liabilities at December 31, 2024 principally relate to Shell’s UK offshore oil and gas assets in Upstream, mining interests in Canada in Chemicals and Products and an energy and chemicals park in Chemicals and Products in Singapore. Upon completion of the sale, Shell’s UK offshore assets will be derecognised in exchange for a 50% interest in a newly formed joint venture.

    The major classes of assets and liabilities classified as held for sale at December 31, 2024, are Property, plant and equipment ($8,283 million; December 31, 2023: $250 million), Inventories ($1,180 million; December 31, 2023:

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    4th QUARTER 2024 AND FULL YEAR UNAUDITED RESULTS

    $463 million), Decommissioning and other provisions ($3,053 million; December 31, 2023: $75 million), deferred tax liabilities ($2,042 million; December 31, 2023: nil) and Debt ($624 million; December 31, 2023: $84 million).

    Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

    Cash flow from operating activities – Other

                                       
     
    Quarters $ million Full year
    Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2023   2024 2023
    (856)   (144)   (1,021)   Other 1,536    (550)  

    ‘Cash flow from operating activities – Other’ for the fourth quarter 2024 includes $1,447 million of net outflows (third quarter 2024: $432 million net inflows; fourth quarter 2023: $875 million net outflows) due to the timing of payments relating to emission certificates and biofuel programmes in Europe and North America and $672 million in relation to reversal of currency exchange losses on Cash and cash equivalents (third quarter 2024: $539 million gains; fourth quarter 2023: $398 million gains).

    Cash flow from investing activities – Other investing cash inflows

                                       
     
    Quarters $ million Full year
    Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2023   2024 2023
    1,762    1,074    960    Other investing cash inflows 4,576    4,269   

    ‘Cash flow from investing activities – Other investing cash inflows’ for the fourth quarter 2024 mainly relates to the sale of pension-related debt securities and repayments of short-term loans.

    9. Post-balance sheet events

    On January 23, 2025, Shell announced changes to the Executive Committee. In line with the company’s ongoing transformation, Shell will continue to evolve its structure to enable Shell’s strategy to deliver more value with less emissions. As a result, Trading and Supply will move up to the Executive Committee and out of the Downstream, Renewables and Energy Solutions directorate with effect from April 1, 2025. These changes will not affect Shell’s financial reporting segments.

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    ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE (NON-GAAP) MEASURES

    A.Adjusted Earnings, Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (“Adjusted EBITDA”) and Cash flow from operating activities

    The “Adjusted Earnings” measure aims to facilitate a comparative understanding of Shell’s financial performance from period to period by removing the effects of oil price changes on inventory carrying amounts and removing the effects of identified items. These items are in some cases driven by external factors and may, either individually or collectively, hinder the comparative understanding of Shell’s financial results from period to period. This measure excludes earnings attributable to non-controlling interest.

    We define “Adjusted EBITDA” as “Income/(loss) for the period” adjusted for current cost of supplies; identified items; tax charge/(credit); depreciation, amortisation and depletion; exploration well write-offs and net interest expense. All items include the non-controlling interest component. Management uses this measure to evaluate Shell’s performance in the period and over time.

                                       
         
    Quarters $ million Full year
    Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2023   2024 2023
    928    4,291    474    Income/(loss) attributable to Shell plc shareholders 16,093    19,359   
    113    100    62    Income/(loss) attributable to non-controlling interest 427    277   
    (45)   477    811    Add: Current cost of supplies adjustment attributable to Shell plc shareholders 257    650   
    (7)   26    34    Add: Current cost of supplies adjustment attributable to non-controlling interest 14    (5)  
    989    4,894    1,381    CCS earnings 16,792    20,281   
                                                   
     
    Q4 2024 $ million
      Total Integrated Gas Upstream Marketing Chemicals and Products Renewables and Energy Solutions Corporate
    CCS earnings 989 1,744 1,031 103 (328) (1,226) (335)
    Less: Identified items (2,778) (421) (651) (736) (99) (914) 45
    Less: CCS earnings attributable to non-controlling interest 106            
    Add: Identified items attributable to non-controlling interest            
    Adjusted Earnings 3,661            
    Add: Non-controlling interest 106            
    Adjusted Earnings plus non-controlling interest 3,766 2,165 1,682 839 (229) (311) (380)
    Add: Taxation charge/(credit) excluding tax impact of identified items 3,371 635 2,618 266 (198) 97 (46)
    Add: Depreciation, depletion and amortisation excluding impairments 5,829 1,440 2,803 587 896 96 8
    Add: Exploration well write-offs 649 277 372        
    Add: Interest expense excluding identified items 1,213 54 201 17 16 2 923
    Less: Interest income 548 3 10 7 529
    Adjusted EBITDA 14,281 4,568 7,676 1,709 475 (123) (24)
    Less: Current cost of supplies adjustment before taxation (75)     (2) (73)    
    Joint ventures and associates (dividends received less profit) 451 110 (22) 172 139 51
    Derivative financial instruments 319 120 (28) (8) 230 533 (527)
    Taxation paid (2,910) (635) (2,019) (130) 36 (41) (120)
    Other (1,461) 114 (486) (1,227) (313) 77 375
    (Increase)/decrease in working capital 2,407 114 (611) 845 1,394 353 312
    Cash flow from operating activities 13,162 4,391 4,509 1,363 2,032 850 16

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    Q3 2024 $ million
      Total Integrated Gas Upstream Marketing Chemicals and Products Renewables and Energy Solutions Corporate
    CCS earnings 4,894 2,631 2,289 760 341 (481) (647)
    Less: Identified items (1,259) (240) (153) (422) (122) (319) (3)
    Less: CCS earnings attributable to non-controlling interest 126            
    Add: Identified items attributable to non-controlling interest            
    Adjusted Earnings 6,028            
    Add: Non-controlling interest 126            
    Adjusted Earnings plus non-controlling interest 6,153 2,871 2,443 1,182 463 (162) (643)
    Add: Taxation charge/(credit) excluding tax impact of identified items 3,571 949 2,413 322 (73) (1) (39)
    Add: Depreciation, depletion and amortisation excluding impairments 5,578 1,369 2,691 564 862 86 6
    Add: Exploration well write-offs 150 2 148
    Add: Interest expense excluding identified items 1,173 49 183 13 14 2 912
    Less: Interest income 619 5 8 25 581
    Adjusted EBITDA 16,005 5,234 7,871 2,081 1,240 (75) (346)
    Less: Current cost of supplies adjustment before taxation 665     334 331    
    Joint ventures and associates (dividends received less profit) (62) (146) (90) 51 63 61
    Derivative financial instruments 133 (373) 47 98 88 (106) 380
    Taxation paid (3,028) (814) (2,074) (241) 23 (33) 112
    Other (365) (32) (406) 275 107 (75) (234)
    (Increase)/decrease in working capital 2,665 (247) (78) 792 2,131 (136) 204
    Cash flow from operating activities 14,684 3,623 5,268 2,722 3,321 (364) 115
                                                   
     
    Q4 2023 $ million
      Total Integrated Gas Upstream Marketing Chemicals and Products Renewables and Energy Solutions Corporate
    CCS earnings 1,381 1,733 2,151 226 (1,828) (272) (629)
    Less: Identified items (6,033) (2,235) (909) (567) (1,857) (445) (19)
    Less: CCS earnings attributable to non-controlling interest 97            
    Add: Identified items attributable to non-controlling interest (11)            
    Adjusted Earnings 7,306            
    Add: Non-controlling interest 108            
    Adjusted Earnings plus non-controlling interest 7,414 3,968 3,060 794 29 173 (609)
    Add: Taxation charge/(credit) excluding tax impact of identified items 2,121 1,065 1,560 128 (271) (4) (358)
    Add: Depreciation, depletion and amortisation excluding impairments 5,986 1,457 2,951 569 915 89 6
    Add: Exploration well write-offs 243 63 180
    Add: Interest expense excluding identified items 1,165 36 135 10 21 1 961
    Less: Interest income 595 4 14 1 24 7 544
    Adjusted EBITDA 16,335 6,584 7,872 1,500 670 253 (544)
    Less: Current cost of supplies adjustment before taxation 1,109     572 537    
    Joint ventures and associates (dividends received less profit) 246 208 (250) 32 225 29 1
    Derivative financial instruments (1,030) (1,596) 52 4 293 (268) 487
    Taxation paid (3,604) (731) (2,015) (282) (270) (413) 108
    Other (947) (229) 388 (508) (422) 146 (322)
    (Increase)/decrease in working capital 2,683 (639) (260) 1,593 1,191 (1,012) 1,810
    Cash flow from operating activities 12,575 3,597 5,787 1,767 1,150 (1,265) 1,540

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    4th QUARTER 2024 AND FULL YEAR UNAUDITED RESULTS

                                                   
     
    Full year 2024 $ million
      Total Integrated Gas Upstream Marketing Chemicals and Products Renewables and Energy Solutions Corporate
    CCS earnings 16,792 9,590 7,772 1,894 1,757 (1,229) (2,992)
    Less: Identified items (7,347) (1,800) (623) (1,991) (1,177) (732) (1,024)
    Less: CCS earnings attributable to non-controlling interest 442            
    Add: Identified items attributable to non-controlling interest 18            
    Adjusted Earnings 23,716            
    Add: Non-controlling interest 424            
    Adjusted Earnings plus non-controlling interest 24,139 11,390 8,395 3,885 2,934 (497) (1,968)
    Add: Taxation charge/(credit) excluding tax impact of identified items 15,013 3,520 9,865 1,305 364 87 (128)
    Add: Depreciation, depletion and amortisation excluding impairments 22,703 5,594 10,971 2,235 3,495 383 25
    Add: Exploration well write-offs 1,622 291 1,331        
    Add: Interest expense excluding identified items 4,697 189 720 52 70 6 3,660
    Less: Interest income 2,372 8 18 1 79 2 2,265
    Adjusted EBITDA 65,803 20,978 31,264 7,476 6,783 (22) (675)
    Less: Current cost of supplies adjustment before taxation 363     254 109    
    Joint ventures and associates (dividends received less profit) (328) (137) (946) 262 304 190
    Derivative financial instruments 1,472 (1,466) 24 59 219 3,012 (376)
    Taxation paid (12,002) (2,955) (7,851) (562) (146) (457) (31)
    Other (1,961) 23 (1,464) (616) (321) 152 264
    (Increase)/decrease in working capital 2,062 467 216 998 524 923 (1,065)
    Cash flow from operating activities 54,684 16,909 21,244 7,363 7,253 3,798 (1,882)
                                                   
     
    Full year 2023 $ million
      Total Integrated Gas Upstream Marketing Chemicals and Products Renewables and Energy Solutions Corporate
    CCS earnings 20,281 7,058 8,539 3,058 1,482 3,089 (2,944)
    Less: Identified items (8,252) (6,861) (1,267) (254) (2,135) 2,333 (69)
    Less: CCS earnings attributable to non-controlling interest 273            
    Add: Identified items attributable to non-controlling interest (11)            
    Adjusted Earnings 28,250            
    Add: Non-controlling interest 284            
    Adjusted Earnings plus non-controlling interest 28,534 13,919 9,806 3,312 3,617 756 (2,875)
    Add: Taxation charge/(credit) excluding tax impact of identified items 13,674 3,837 8,280 936 287 341 (8)
    Add: Depreciation, depletion and amortisation excluding impairments 23,106 5,756 11,309 2,048 3,582 392 19
    Add: Exploration well write-offs 867 121 746
    Add: Interest expense excluding identified items 4,669 146 507 50 60 4 3,902
    Less: Interest income 2,313 6 27 9 57 12 2,201
    Adjusted EBITDA 68,538 23,773 30,622 6,337 7,489 1,481 (1,164)
    Less: Current cost of supplies adjustment before taxation 848     478 370    
    Joint ventures and associates (dividends received less profit) 79 241 (692) 117 310 102 3
    Derivative financial instruments (6,142) (4,668) 51 (14) 518 (1,988) (41)
    Taxation paid (13,712) (3,574) (8,470) (760) (467) (762) 322
    Other (865) (313) (142) (486) (138) 450 (237)
    (Increase)/decrease in working capital 7,145 2,061 82 845 172 3,701 284
    Cash flow from operating activities 54,191 17,520 21,450 5,561 7,513 2,984 (832)

    Identified Items

    Identified items comprise: divestment gains and losses, impairments, redundancy and restructuring, provisions for onerous contracts, fair value accounting of commodity derivatives and certain gas contracts and the impact of exchange rate movements and inflationary adjustments on certain deferred tax balances, and other items. Identified items in the tables below are presented on a net basis.

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    4th QUARTER 2024 AND FULL YEAR UNAUDITED RESULTS

                                                   
     
    Q4 2024 $ million
      Total Integrated Gas Upstream Marketing Chemicals and Products Renewables and Energy Solutions Corporate
    Identified items included in Income/(loss) before taxation              
    Divestment gains/(losses) (288) (99) (66) (216) 42 51
    Impairment reversals/(impairments) (2,554) (523) (183) (493) (288) (1,065) (1)
    Redundancy and restructuring (175) (27) (62) (70) (5) (11) (1)
    Provisions for onerous contracts
    Fair value accounting of commodity derivatives and certain gas contracts 209 136 (14) 58 (38) 67
    Other (200) (165) (33) (2)
    Total identified items included in Income/(loss) before taxation (3,008) (514) (491) (753) (291) (958) (2)
    Less: total identified items included in Taxation charge/(credit) (230) (92) 160 (17) (191) (43) (47)
    Identified items included in Income/(loss) for the period              
    Divestment gains/(losses) (321) (96) (51) (247) 33 40
    Impairment reversals/(impairments) (2,170) (339) (152) (458) (224) (996) (1)
    Redundancy and restructuring (115) (16) (34) (52) (3) (8) (1)
    Provisions for onerous contracts
    Fair value accounting of commodity derivatives and certain gas contracts 184 109 (4) 46 (17) 50
    Impact of exchange rate movements and inflationary adjustments on tax balances (210) (57) (199) 46
    Other (147) (22) (212) (25) 113
    Impact on CCS earnings (2,778) (421) (651) (736) (99) (914) 45
    Impact on CCS earnings attributable to non-controlling interest
    Impact on CCS earnings attributable to Shell plc shareholders (2,778) (421) (651) (736) (99) (914) 45

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    Q3 2024 $ million
      Total Integrated Gas Upstream Marketing Chemicals and Products Renewables and Energy Solutions Corporate
    Identified items included in Income/(loss) before taxation              
    Divestment gains/(losses) (154) 1 (2) (110) (19) (20) (3)
    Impairment reversals/(impairments) (338) (6) (3) (195) (120) (14)
    Redundancy and restructuring (552) (69) (189) (136) (141) (26) 10
    Provisions for onerous contracts (7) (7)
    Fair value accounting of commodity derivatives and certain gas contracts (602) (252) (13) (78) 126 (385)
    Other1 (136) (141) (1) (11) 16
    Total identified items included in Income/(loss) before taxation (1,789) (327) (348) (526) (165) (430) 7
    Less: total identified items included in Taxation charge/(credit) (530) (87) (195) (104) (43) (111) 10
    Identified items included in Income/(loss) for the period              
    Divestment gains/(losses) (129) 1 (6) (84) (15) (23) (2)
    Impairment reversals/(impairments) (288) (4) (2) (179) (92) (10)
    Redundancy and restructuring (397) (48) (138) (98) (101) (19) 7
    Provisions for onerous contracts (5) (5)
    Fair value accounting of commodity derivatives and certain gas contracts (456) (213) (3) (56) 95 (279)
    Impact of exchange rate movements and inflationary adjustments on tax balances 120 24 104 (8)
    Other (105) (108) (8) 12
    Impact on CCS earnings (1,259) (240) (153) (422) (122) (319) (3)
    Impact on CCS earnings attributable to non-controlling interest
    Impact on CCS earnings attributable to Shell plc shareholders (1,259) (240) (153) (422) (122) (319) (3)

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    Q4 2023 $ million
      Total Integrated Gas Upstream Marketing Chemicals and Products Renewables and Energy Solutions Corporate
    Identified items included in Income/(loss) before taxation              
    Divestment gains/(losses) 222 (21) 134 (30) (33) 168 5
    Impairment reversals/(impairments) (5,348) (873) (988) (460) (2,391) (636)
    Redundancy and restructuring (275) (1) (11) (128) (102) (31) (2)
    Provisions for onerous contracts
    Fair value accounting of commodity derivatives and certain gas contracts (1,357) (1,708) 60 (47) 199 138
    Other (33) 57 (170) 2 77
    Total identified items included in Income/(loss) before taxation (6,792) (2,545) (974) (664) (2,250) (361) 2
    Less: total identified items included in Taxation charge/(credit) (759) (309) (65) (96) (394) 84 22
    Identified items included in Income/(loss) for the period              
    Divestment gains/(losses) 227 (13) 128 (23) (26) 158 3
    Impairment reversals/(impairments) (3,935) (547) (454) (415) (1,968) (551)
    Redundancy and restructuring (206) (6) (96) (78) (24) (1)
    Provisions for onerous contracts
    Fair value accounting of commodity derivatives and certain gas contracts (1,336) (1,587) 21 (34) 138 125
    Impact of exchange rate movements and inflationary adjustments on tax balances (363) 31 (373) (21)
    Other (419) (119) (225) 2 77 (154)
    Impact on CCS earnings (6,033) (2,235) (909) (567) (1,857) (445) (19)
    Impact on CCS earnings attributable to non-controlling interest (11) (11)
    Impact on CCS earnings attributable to Shell plc shareholders (6,022) (2,235) (909) (556) (1,857) (445) (19)

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    Full year 2024 $ million
      Total Integrated Gas Upstream Marketing Chemicals and Products Renewables and Energy Solutions Corporate
    Identified items included in Income/(loss) before taxation              
    Divestment gains/(losses) (288) (100) 89 (400) 6 119 (3)
    Impairment reversals/(impairments) (5,051) (555) (362) (1,747) (1,205) (1,181) (1)
    Redundancy and restructuring (1,012) (106) (320) (296) (195) (97) 2
    Provisions for onerous contracts (24) (3) (14) (7)
    Fair value accounting of commodity derivatives and certain gas contracts (1,012) (1,286) (58) 49 (117) 399
    Other1 (1,481) (126) (436) (1) 146 39 (1,103)
    Total identified items included in Income/(loss) before taxation (8,867) (2,176) (1,100) (2,402) (1,364) (720) (1,105)
    Less: total identified items included in Taxation charge/(credit) (1,521) (376) (477) (411) (187) 12 (81)
    Identified items included in Income/(loss) for the period              
    Divestment gains/(losses) (319) (96) 67 (386) 4 94 (2)
    Impairment reversals/(impairments) (4,371) (363) (323) (1,423) (1,176) (1,085) (1)
    Redundancy and restructuring (712) (71) (214) (215) (142) (71) 1
    Provisions for onerous contracts (19) (3) (11) (5)
    Fair value accounting of commodity derivatives and certain gas contracts (849) (1,088) (14) 40 (86) 300
    Impact of exchange rate movements and inflationary adjustments on tax balances 363 (49) 313 99
    Other1 (1,440) (130) (440) (1) 223 30 (1,122)
    Impact on CCS earnings (7,347) (1,800) (623) (1,991) (1,177) (732) (1,024)
    Impact on CCS earnings attributable to non-controlling interest 18 18
    Impact on CCS earnings attributable to Shell plc shareholders (7,365) (1,800) (623) (1,991) (1,195) (732) (1,024)

    1.Corporate includes reclassifications from equity to profit and loss of cumulative currency translation differences related to funding structures resulting in unfavourable movements of $1,122 million. These currency translation differences were previously recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity as part of accumulated other comprehensive income.

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    4th QUARTER 2024 AND FULL YEAR UNAUDITED RESULTS

                                                   
     
    Full year 2023 $ million
      Total Integrated Gas Upstream Marketing Chemicals and Products Renewables and Energy Solutions Corporate
    Identified items included in Income/(loss) before taxation              
    Divestment gains/(losses) 257 (22) 209 1 (46) 109 5
    Impairment reversals/(impairments) (8,300) (3,147) (1,187) (509) (2,690) (767)
    Redundancy and restructuring (329) (1) (21) (150) (106) (32) (18)
    Provisions for onerous contracts (24) (24)
    Fair value accounting of commodity derivatives and certain gas contracts (419) (4,755) 447 20 276 3,593
    Other 82 32 (615) 300 (43) 408
    Total identified items included in Income/(loss) before taxation (8,732) (7,892) (1,166) (339) (2,632) 3,311 (14)
    Less: total identified items included in Taxation charge/(credit) (481) (1,031) 100 (85) (497) 978 55
    Identified items included in Income/(loss) for the period              
    Divestment gains/(losses) 277 (14) 208 1 (35) 113 3
    Impairment reversals/(impairments) (6,219) (2,247) (642) (466) (2,195) (669)
    Redundancy and restructuring (241) (9) (113) (82) (24) (12)
    Provisions for onerous contracts (18) (18)
    Fair value accounting of commodity derivatives and certain gas contracts (1,284) (4,407) 127 26 214 2,756
    Impact of exchange rate movements and inflationary adjustments on tax balances (355) (295) (60)
    Other (412) (193) (656) 298 (19) 158
    Impact on CCS earnings (8,252) (6,861) (1,267) (254) (2,135) 2,333 (69)
    Impact on CCS earnings attributable to non-controlling interest (11) (11)
    Impact on CCS earnings attributable to Shell plc shareholders (8,240) (6,861) (1,267) (242) (2,135) 2,333 (69)

    The identified items categories above may include after-tax impacts of identified items of joint ventures and associates which are fully reported within “Share of profit/(loss) of joint ventures and associates” in the Consolidated Statement of Income, and fully reported as identified items included in Income/(loss) before taxation in the table above. Identified items related to subsidiaries are consolidated and reported across appropriate lines of the Consolidated Statement of Income. Only pre-tax identified items reported by subsidiaries are taken into account in the calculation of underlying operating expenses (Reference F).

    Provisions for onerous contracts: Provisions for onerous contracts that relate to businesses that Shell has exited or to redundant assets or assets that cannot be used.

    Fair value accounting of commodity derivatives and certain gas contracts: In the ordinary course of business, Shell enters into contracts to supply or purchase oil and gas products, as well as power and environmental products. Shell also enters into contracts for tolling, pipeline and storage capacity. Derivative contracts are entered into for mitigation of resulting economic exposures (generally price exposure) and these derivative contracts are carried at period-end market price (fair value), with movements in fair value recognised in income for the period. Supply and purchase contracts entered into for operational purposes, as well as contracts for tolling, pipeline and storage capacity, are, by contrast, recognised when the transaction occurs; furthermore, inventory is carried at historical cost or net realisable value, whichever is lower. As a consequence, accounting mismatches occur because: (a) the supply or purchase transaction is recognised in a different period, or (b) the inventory is measured on a different basis. In addition, certain contracts are, due to pricing or delivery conditions, deemed to contain embedded derivatives or written options and are also required to be carried at fair value even though they are entered into for operational purposes. The accounting impacts are reported as identified items.

    Impact of exchange rate movements and inflationary adjustments on tax balances represents the impact on tax balances of exchange rate movements and inflationary adjustments arising on (a) the conversion to dollars of the local currency tax base of non-monetary assets and liabilities, as well as losses (this primarily impacts the Upstream and Integrated Gas segments) and (b) the conversion of dollar-denominated inter-segment loans to local currency, leading to taxable exchange rate gains or losses (this primarily impacts the Corporate segment).

    Other identified items represent other credits or charges that based on Shell management’s assessment hinder the comparative understanding of Shell’s financial results from period to period.

             Page 33


    SHELL PLC
    4th QUARTER 2024 AND FULL YEAR UNAUDITED RESULTS

    B.    Adjusted Earnings per share

    Adjusted Earnings per share is calculated as Adjusted Earnings (see Reference A), divided by the weighted average number of shares used as the basis for basic earnings per share (see Note 4).

    C.    Cash capital expenditure

    Cash capital expenditure represents cash spent on maintaining and developing assets as well as on investments in the period. Management regularly monitors this measure as a key lever to delivering sustainable cash flows. Cash capital expenditure is the sum of the following lines from the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows: Capital expenditure, Investments in joint ventures and associates and Investments in equity securities.

    See Note 2 “Segment information” for the reconciliation of cash capital expenditure.

    D.    Capital employed and Return on average capital employed

    Return on average capital employed (“ROACE”) measures the efficiency of Shell’s utilisation of the capital that it employs. Effective first quarter 2024, the definition of capital employed has been amended to reflect the deduction of cash and cash equivalents. In addition, the numerator applied to ROACE on an Adjusted Earnings plus non-controlling interest basis has been amended to remove interest on cash and cash equivalents for consistency with the revised capital employed definition. Comparative information has been revised to reflect the updated definition. Also, the presentation of ROACE on a net income basis has been discontinued, as this measure is not routinely used by management in assessing the efficiency of capital employed.

    The measure refers to Capital employed which consists of total equity, current debt, and non-current debt reduced by cash and cash equivalents.

    Management believes that the updated methodology better reflects Shell’s approach to managing capital employed, including the management of cash and cash equivalents alongside total debt and equity as part of the financial framework.

    In this calculation, the sum of Adjusted Earnings (see Reference A) plus non-controlling interest (NCI) excluding identified items for the current and previous three quarters, adjusted for after-tax interest expense and after-tax interest income, is expressed as a percentage of the average capital employed excluding cash and cash equivalents for the same period.

                           
     
    $ million Quarters
      Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2023
    Current debt 9,931 10,119 9,001
    Non-current debt 71,610 72,028 74,794
    Total equity 188,362 192,943 192,597
    Less: Cash and cash equivalents (38,774) (43,031) (40,246)
    Capital employed – opening 231,128 232,059 236,146
    Current debt 11,630 12,015 9,931
    Non-current debt 65,448 64,597 71,610
    Total equity 180,165 189,538 188,362
    Less: Cash and cash equivalents (39,110) (42,252) (38,774)
    Capital employed – closing 218,132 223,898 231,128
    Capital employed – average 224,630 227,979 233,637

             Page 34


    SHELL PLC
    4th QUARTER 2024 AND FULL YEAR UNAUDITED RESULTS

                           
     
    $ million Quarters
      Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2023
    Adjusted Earnings – current and previous three quarters (Reference A) 23,716 27,361 28,250
    Add: Income/(loss) attributable to NCI – current and previous three quarters 427 376 277
    Add: Current cost of supplies adjustment attributable to NCI – current and previous three quarters 14 56 (5)
    Less: Identified items attributable to NCI (Reference A) – current and previous three quarters 18 7 (11)
    Adjusted Earnings plus NCI excluding identified items – current and previous three quarters 24,139 27,787 28,534
    Add: Interest expense after tax – current and previous three quarters 2,701 2,698 2,728
    Less: Interest income after tax on cash and cash equivalents – current and previous three quarters 1,389 1,392 1,287
    Adjusted Earnings plus NCI excluding identified items before interest expense and interest income – current and previous three quarters 25,452 29,093 29,975
    Capital employed – average 224,630 227,979 233,637
    ROACE on an Adjusted Earnings plus NCI basis 11.3% 12.8% 12.8%

    E.    Net debt and gearing

    Net debt is defined as the sum of current and non-current debt, less cash and cash equivalents, adjusted for the fair value of derivative financial instruments used to hedge foreign exchange and interest rate risk relating to debt, and associated collateral balances. Management considers this adjustment useful because it reduces the volatility of net debt caused by fluctuations in foreign exchange and interest rates, and eliminates the potential impact of related collateral payments or receipts. Debt-related derivative financial instruments are a subset of the derivative financial instrument assets and liabilities presented on the balance sheet. Collateral balances are reported under “Trade and other receivables” or “Trade and other payables” as appropriate.

    Gearing is a measure of Shell’s capital structure and is defined as net debt (total debt less cash and cash equivalents) as a percentage of total capital (net debt plus total equity).

                           
     
    $ million  
      December 31, 2024 September 30, 2024 December 31, 2023
    Current debt 11,630    12,015    9,931   
    Non-current debt 65,448    64,597    71,610   
    Total debt 77,078    76,613    81,541   
    Of which lease liabilities 28,702    25,590    27,709   
    Add: Debt-related derivative financial instruments: net liability/(asset) 2,469    1,694    1,835   
    Add: Collateral on debt-related derivatives: net liability/(asset) (1,628)   (821)   (1,060)  
    Less: Cash and cash equivalents (39,110)   (42,252)   (38,774)  
    Net debt 38,809    35,234    43,542   
    Total equity 180,165    189,538    188,362   
    Total capital 218,974    224,772    231,902   
    Gearing 17.7  % 15.7  % 18.8  %

    F.    Operating expenses and Underlying operating expenses

    Operating expenses

    Operating expenses is a measure of Shell’s cost management performance, comprising the following items from the Consolidated Statement of Income: production and manufacturing expenses; selling, distribution and administrative expenses; and research and development expenses.

             Page 35


    SHELL PLC
    4th QUARTER 2024 AND FULL YEAR UNAUDITED RESULTS

                                                   
     
    Q4 2024 $ million
      Total Integrated Gas Upstream Marketing Chemicals and Products Renewables and Energy Solutions Corporate
    Production and manufacturing expenses 5,839 982 2,470 270 1,632 480 5
    Selling, distribution and administrative expenses 3,231 39 96 2,258 471 241 126
    Research and development 331 40 69 73 46 37 66
    Operating expenses 9,401 1,061 2,635 2,602 2,149 757 196
                                                   
     
    Q3 2024 $ million
      Total Integrated Gas Upstream Marketing Chemicals and Products Renewables and Energy Solutions Corporate
    Production and manufacturing expenses 6,138 1,164 2,394 367 1,766 453 (6)
    Selling, distribution and administrative expenses 3,139 (1) (39) 2,408 453 209 110
    Research and development 294 27 75 55 34 22 81
    Operating expenses 9,570 1,190 2,430 2,830 2,253 684 185
                                                   
     
    Q4 2023 $ million
      Total Integrated Gas Upstream Marketing Chemicals and Products Renewables and Energy Solutions Corporate
    Production and manufacturing expenses 6,807 1,187 2,595 433 1,815 732 44
    Selling, distribution and administrative expenses1 3,621 39 109 2,520 530 271 153
    Research and development1 469 42 102 67 52 93 112
    Operating expenses 10,897 1,268 2,806 3,021 2,397 1,096 309
                                                   
     
    Full year 2024 $ million
      Total Integrated Gas Upstream Marketing Chemicals and Products Renewables and Energy Solutions Corporate
    Production and manufacturing expenses 23,379 4,153 9,351 1,322 6,605 1,934 14
    Selling, distribution and administrative expenses 12,439 164 176 9,149 1,637 887 426
    Research and development 1,099 125 263 209 151 94 257
    Operating expenses 36,918 4,441 9,791 10,681 8,392 2,915 698
                                                   
     
    Full year 2023 $ million
      Total Integrated Gas Upstream Marketing Chemicals and Products Renewables and Energy Solutions Corporate
    Production and manufacturing expenses 25,240 4,529 9,186 1,463 7,394 2,610 58
    Selling, distribution and administrative expenses1 13,433 154 325 9,426 2,023 1,058 446
    Research and development1 1,287 126 318 252 181 96 314
    Operating expenses 39,960 4,808 9,829 11,141 9,598 3,763 818

    1.From the first quarter 2024, Wholesale commercial fuels forms part of Mobility with inclusion in the Marketing segment (previously Chemicals and Products segment). Prior period comparatives have been revised to conform with current year presentation with an offsetting impact between Marketing and Chemicals and Products segments (see Note 2). Also, from the first quarter 2024, Shell’s longer-term innovation portfolio is managed centrally and hence reported as part of the Corporate segment (previously all other segments). Prior period comparatives have been revised to conform with current year presentation with an offsetting impact on all the other segments (see Note 2).

    Underlying operating expenses

    Underlying operating expenses is a measure aimed at facilitating a comparative understanding of performance from period to period by removing the effects of identified items, which, either individually or collectively, can cause volatility, in some cases driven by external factors.

             Page 36


    SHELL PLC
    4th QUARTER 2024 AND FULL YEAR UNAUDITED RESULTS

                                       
         
    Quarters $ million Full year
    Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2023   2024 2023
    9,401    9,570    10,897    Operating expenses 36,918    39,960   
    (174)   (552)   (274)   Redundancy and restructuring (charges)/reversal (1,009)   (325)  
    (88)   (154)   (58)   (Provisions)/reversal (454)   (434)  
    —    —    —    Other 252    —   
    (262)   (706)   (332)   Total identified items (1,210)   (758)  
    9,138    8,864    10,565    Underlying operating expenses 35,707    39,201   

    G.    Free cash flow and Organic free cash flow

    Free cash flow is used to evaluate cash available for financing activities, including dividend payments and debt servicing, after investment in maintaining and growing the business. It is defined as the sum of “Cash flow from operating activities” and “Cash flow from investing activities”.

    Cash flows from acquisition and divestment activities are removed from Free cash flow to arrive at the Organic free cash flow, a measure used by management to evaluate the generation of free cash flow without these activities.

                                       
     
    Quarters $ million Full year
    Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2023   2024 2023
    13,162    14,684    12,575    Cash flow from operating activities 54,684    54,191   
    (4,431)   (3,857)   (5,657)   Cash flow from investing activities (15,154)   (17,734)  
    8,731    10,827    6,918    Free cash flow 39,530    36,457   
    805    194    612    Less: Divestment proceeds (Reference I) 2,793    3,091   
      —    —    Add: Tax paid on divestments (reported under “Other investing cash outflows”)      
    525    —    206    Add: Cash outflows related to inorganic capital expenditure1 776    2,522   
    8,453    10,633    6,511    Organic free cash flow2 37,514    35,888   

    1.Cash outflows related to inorganic capital expenditure includes portfolio actions which expand Shell’s activities through acquisitions and restructuring activities as reported in capital expenditure lines in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

    2.Free cash flow less divestment proceeds, adding back outflows related to inorganic expenditure.

    H.    Cash flow from operating activities and cash flow from operating activities excluding working capital movements

    Working capital movements are defined as the sum of the following items in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows: (i) (increase)/decrease in inventories, (ii) (increase)/decrease in current receivables, and (iii) increase/(decrease) in current payables.

    Cash flow from operating activities excluding working capital movements is a measure used by Shell to analyse its operating cash generation over time excluding the timing effects of changes in inventories and operating receivables and payables from period to period.

                                       
     
    Quarters $ million Full year
    Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2023   2024 2023
    13,162    14,684    12,575    Cash flow from operating activities 54,684    54,191   
    131    2,705    4,088    (Increase)/decrease in inventories 1,273    6,325   
    751    4,057    (704)   (Increase)/decrease in current receivables 6,578    12,401   
    1,524    (4,096)   (701)   Increase/(decrease) in current payables1 (5,789)   (11,581)  
    2,407    2,665    2,683    (Increase)/decrease in working capital 2,062    7,145   
    10,755    12,019    9,891    Cash flow from operating activities excluding working capital movements 52,622    47,052   

    1.To further enhance consistency between working capital and the Balance Sheet and the Statement of Cash Flows, from January 1, 2024, onwards movements in current other provisions are recognised in ‘Decommissioning and other provisions’ instead of ‘Increase/(decrease) in current payables’. Comparatives for the fourth quarter 2023 and the full year 2023 have been reclassified accordingly by $653 million and $693 million respectively to conform with current period presentation.

             Page 37


    SHELL PLC
    4th QUARTER 2024 AND FULL YEAR UNAUDITED RESULTS

    I.    Divestment proceeds

    Divestment proceeds represent cash received from divestment activities in the period. Management regularly monitors this measure as a key lever to deliver free cash flow.

                                       
     
    Quarters $ million Full year
    Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2023   2024 2023
    493    94 540 Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and businesses 1,621 2,565
    305    94 49 Proceeds from joint ventures and associates from sale, capital reduction and repayment of long-term loans 590 474
      6 24 Proceeds from sale of equity securities 582 51
    805    194 612 Divestment proceeds 2,793 3,091

    J.    Structural cost reduction

    The structural cost reduction target is used for the purpose of demonstrating how management drives cost discipline across the entire organisation, simplifying our processes and portfolio, and streamlining the way we work.

    Structural cost reduction describes the decrease in underlying operating expenses as a result of operational efficiencies, divestments, workforce reductions and other cost-saving measures that are expected to be sustainable compared with 2022 levels.

    The total change between periods in underlying operating expenses will reflect both structural cost reductions and other changes in spend, including market factors, such as inflation and foreign exchange impacts, as well as changes in activity levels and costs associated with new operations.

    Structural cost reductions are stewarded internally to support management’s oversight of spending over time. 2025 target reflects annualised saving achieved by end-2025.

                           
     
    $ million
      2024 2023 Total1
    Underlying Operating expenses current year 35,707    39,201     
    Underlying Operating expenses previous year 39,201    39,456     
    Total decrease in Underlying operating expenses (3,494)   (255)   (3,749)  
    Of which:      
    Structural cost reduction (2,132)   (987)   (3,119)  
    (Decrease)/Increase of underlying operating expenses except structural cost reduction (1,362)   732    (630)  

    1.Structural cost reductions up to 2024 compared with 2022.

             Page 38


    SHELL PLC
    4th QUARTER 2024 AND FULL YEAR UNAUDITED RESULTS

    CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

    All amounts shown throughout this Unaudited Condensed Financial Report are unaudited. All peak production figures in Portfolio Developments are quoted at 100% expected production. The numbers presented throughout this Unaudited Condensed Financial Report may not sum precisely to the totals provided and percentages may not precisely reflect the absolute figures, due to rounding.

    The companies in which Shell plc directly and indirectly owns investments are separate legal entities. In this Unaudited Condensed Financial Report, “Shell”, “Shell Group” and “Group” are sometimes used for convenience where references are made to Shell plc and its subsidiaries in general. Likewise, the words “we”, “us” and “our” are also used to refer to Shell plc and its subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them. These terms are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular entity or entities. “Subsidiaries”, “Shell subsidiaries” and “Shell companies” as used in this Unaudited Condensed Financial Report, refer to entities over which Shell plc either directly or indirectly has control. The terms “joint venture”, “joint operations”, “joint arrangements”, and “associates” may also be used to refer to a commercial arrangement in which Shell has a direct or indirect ownership interest with one or more parties. The term “Shell interest” is used for convenience to indicate the direct and/or indirect ownership interest held by Shell in an entity or unincorporated joint arrangement, after exclusion of all third-party interest.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This Unaudited Condensed Financial Report contains forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) concerning the financial condition, results of operations and businesses of Shell. All statements other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements of future expectations that are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements concerning the potential exposure of Shell to market risks and statements expressing management’s expectations, beliefs, estimates, forecasts, projections and assumptions. These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as “aim”; “ambition”; “anticipate”; “believe”; “commit”; “commitment”; “could”; “estimate”; “expect”; “goals”; “intend”; “may”; “milestones”; “objectives”; “outlook”; “plan”; “probably”; “project”; “risks”; “schedule”; “seek”; “should”; “target”; “will”; “would” and similar terms and phrases. There are a number of factors that could affect the future operations of Shell and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements included in this Unaudited Condensed Financial Report, including (without limitation): (a) price fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas; (b) changes in demand for Shell’s products; (c) currency fluctuations; (d) drilling and production results; (e) reserves estimates; (f) loss of market share and industry competition; (g) environmental and physical risks; (h) risks associated with the identification of suitable potential acquisition properties and targets, and successful negotiation and completion of such transactions; (i) the risk of doing business in developing countries and countries subject to international sanctions; (j) legislative, judicial, fiscal and regulatory developments including regulatory measures addressing climate change; (k) economic and financial market conditions in various countries and regions; (l) political risks, including the risks of expropriation and renegotiation of the terms of contracts with governmental entities, delays or advancements in the approval of projects and delays in the reimbursement for shared costs; (m) risks associated with the impact of pandemics, such as the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak, regional conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine war, and a significant cyber security breach; and (n) changes in trading conditions. No assurance is provided that future dividend payments will match or exceed previous dividend payments. All forward-looking statements contained in this Unaudited Condensed Financial Report are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional risk factors that may affect future results are contained in Shell plc’s Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023 (available at www.shell.com/investors/news-and-filings/sec-filings.html and www.sec.gov). These risk factors also expressly qualify all forward-looking statements contained in this Unaudited Condensed Financial Report and should be considered by the reader. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this Unaudited Condensed Financial Report, January 30, 2025. Neither Shell plc nor any of its subsidiaries undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or other information. In light of these risks, results could differ materially from those stated, implied or inferred from the forward-looking statements contained in this Unaudited Condensed Financial Report.

    Shell’s Net Carbon Intensity

    Also, in this Unaudited Condensed Financial Report we may refer to Shell’s “Net Carbon Intensity” (NCI), which includes Shell’s carbon emissions from the production of our energy products, our suppliers’ carbon emissions in supplying energy for that production and our customers’ carbon emissions associated with their use of the energy products we sell. Shell’s NCI also includes the emissions associated with the production and use of energy products produced by others which Shell purchases for resale. Shell only controls its own emissions. The use of the terms Shell’s “Net Carbon Intensity” or NCI is for convenience only and not intended to suggest these emissions are those of Shell plc or its subsidiaries.

    Shell’s Net-Zero Emissions Target

    Shell’s operating plan, outlook and budgets are forecasted for a ten-year period and are updated every year. They reflect the current economic environment and what we can reasonably expect to see over the next ten years. Accordingly, they reflect our Scope 1, Scope 2 and NCI targets over the next ten years. However, Shell’s operating plans cannot reflect our 2050 net-zero emissions target, as this target is currently outside our planning period. In the future, as society moves towards net-zero emissions, we expect Shell’s operating plans to reflect this movement. However, if society is not net zero in 2050, as of today, there would be significant risk that Shell may not meet this target.

    Forward-Looking Non-GAAP measures

    This Unaudited Condensed Financial Report may contain certain forward-looking non-GAAP measures such as cash capital expenditure and divestments. We are unable to provide a reconciliation of these forward-looking non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP financial measures because certain information needed to reconcile those non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP financial measures is dependent on future events some of which are outside the control of Shell, such as oil and gas prices, interest rates and exchange rates. Moreover, estimating such GAAP measures with the required precision necessary to provide a meaningful reconciliation is extremely difficult and could not be accomplished without unreasonable effort. Non-GAAP measures in respect of future periods which cannot be reconciled to the most comparable GAAP financial measure are calculated in a manner which is consistent with the accounting policies applied in Shell plc’s consolidated financial statements.

    The contents of websites referred to in this Unaudited Condensed Financial Report do not form part of this Unaudited Condensed Financial Report.

    We may have used certain terms, such as resources, in this Unaudited Condensed Financial Report that the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) strictly prohibits us from including in our filings with the SEC. Investors are urged to consider closely the disclosure in our Form 20-F, File No 1-32575, available on the SEC website www.sec.gov.

    This Unaudited Condensed Financial Report contains inside information.

    January 30, 2025

             Page 39


    SHELL PLC
    4th QUARTER 2024 AND FULL YEAR UNAUDITED RESULTS

         
    The information in this Unaudited Condensed Financial Report reflects the unaudited consolidated financial position and results of Shell plc. Company No. 4366849, Registered Office: Shell Centre, London, SE1 7NA, England, UK.

    Contacts:

    – Sean Ashley, Company Secretary

    – Media: International +44 (0) 207 934 5550; USA +1 832 337 4355

    LEI number of Shell plc: 21380068P1DRHMJ8KU70

    Classification: Inside Information

             Page 40

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Shell plc publishes fourth quarter 2024 press release

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    London, January 30, 2025

    “2024 was another year of strong financial performance across Shell. Despite the lower earnings this quarter, cash delivery remained solid and we generated free cash flow of $40 billion across the year, higher than 2023, in a lower price environment. Our continued focus on simplification helped to deliver over $3 billion in structural cost reductions since 2022, meeting our target ahead of schedule, whilst also making significant progress against all our other financial targets1.

    Today, we announce a 4% increase in our dividends and another $3.5 billion buyback programme, making this the 13th consecutive quarter of at least $3 billion of buybacks, all whilst further strengthening our balance sheet this year to position us well for the future.

    We will outline the next steps in our strategy to deliver more value with less emissions at our Capital Markets Day in March.”

    Shell plc Chief Executive Officer, Wael Sawan


    SOLID CASH FLOW GENERATION; RESILIENT DISTRIBUTIONS

    • Robust CFFO of $13.2 billion in Q4 2024, with CFFO of $54.7 billion and free cash flow of $39.5 billion for the full year 2024. $22.6 billion distributed to shareholders in 2024, representing 41% of CFFO generated.
    • Q4 2024 Adjusted Earnings2 of $3.7 billion reflect lower prices and margins, higher exploration well write-offs, and the non-cash impact of expiring hedging contracts on LNG trading and optimisation results.
    • Structural cost reductions of $3.1 billion achieved since 2022, meeting the 2023 Capital Markets Day (CMD23) target a year early, with significant progress against the other CMD23 financial targets1.
    • Focus on disciplined capital allocation drove down 2024 cash capex to $21.1 billion; our cash capex range for the full year 2025 is expected to be lower than our 2024 range, with more guidance to come at the Capital Markets Day in March.
    • Increasing dividend per share by 4% to $0.358 for the fourth quarter, while commencing a $3.5 billion share buyback programme, expected to be completed by Q1 2025 results announcement. 
    $ million2 Adj. Earnings Adj. EBITDA CFFO Cash capex
    Integrated Gas 2,165 4,568 4,391 1,337
    Upstream 1,682 7,676 4,509 2,076
    Marketing 839 1,709 1,363 811
    Chemicals & Products3 (229) 475 2,032 1,392
    Renewables & Energy Solutions (311) (123) 850 1,277
    Corporate (380) (24) 16 30
    Less: Non-controlling interest (NCI) 106      
    Shell Q4 2024 3,661 14,281 13,162 6,924
    Q3 2024 6,028 16,005 14,684 4,950
    FY 2024 23,716 65,803 54,684 21,084
    FY 2023 28,250 68,538 54,191 24,392

    1Progress to date on the financial targets that were announced during Capital Markets Day in June 2023 is available at www.shell.com/2024-progress-on-cmd23.html.

    2Income/(loss) attributable to shareholders for Q4 2024 is $0.9 billion. Reconciliation of non-GAAP measures can be found in the unaudited results, available at www.shell.com/investors.

    3Chemicals & Products Adjusted Earnings at a subsegment level are as follows – Chemicals $(0.3) billion and Products $0.0 billion.

    • CFFO of $13.2 billion for Q4 2024 includes a working capital inflow of $2.4 billion. CFFO reflects tax payments of $2.9 billion, and a $1.4 billion outflow1 related to the timing impact of payments for emissions certificates and biofuel programmes.
    • Net debt increased by $3.6 billion over the quarter to $38.8 billion, reflecting the recognition of the LNG Canada pipeline lease liability. Net debt at the end of 2024 was $4.7 billion lower than at the beginning of the year.
    $ billion2 Q4 2023 Q1 2024 Q2 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2024
    Divestment proceeds 0.6 1.0 0.8 0.2 0.8
    Free cash flow 6.9 9.8 10.2 10.8 8.7
    Net debt 43.5 40.5 38.3 35.2 38.8


    1 Includes payments for the Brennstoffemissionshandelsgesetz (Fuel Emissions Trading Act), excludes the payment of German Mineral Oil Taxes.

    2 Reconciliation of non-GAAP measures can be found in the unaudited results, available at www.shell.com/investors.

    Q4 2024 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE DRIVERS

    INTEGRATED GAS

    Key data Q3 2024 Q4 2024 Q1 2025 outlook
    Realised liquids price ($/bbl) 63 63
    Realised gas price ($/thousand scf) 7.9 8.1
    Production (kboe/d) 941 905 930 – 990
    LNG liquefaction volumes (MT) 7.5 7.1 6.6 – 7.2
    LNG sales volumes (MT) 17.0 15.5
    • Adjusted Earnings reflect lower trading and optimisation results driven by the (non-cash) impact of expiring hedging contracts, and lower volumes due to Pearl GTL turnaround, lower feedgas supply and lower liftings (timing) versus Q3 2024.
    • Q1 2025 production outlook reflects Pearl GTL being back in operation; LNG liquefaction volumes outlook is impacted by lower feedgas supply.

    UPSTREAM

    Key data Q3 2024 Q4 2024 Q1 2025 outlook
    Realised liquids price ($/bbl) 75 71
    Realised gas price ($/thousand scf) 6.6 7.0
    Liquids production (kboe/d) 1,321 1,332
    Gas production (million scf/d) 2,844 3,056
    Total production (kboe/d) 1,811 1,859 1,750 – 1,950
    • Adjusted Earnings reflect higher volumes, offset by lower prices, above-average well write-offs, and higher year-end opex.
    • First production achieved from Mero-3 and Whale (January), and FID taken on Bonga North, supporting portfolio longevity.

    MARKETING

    Key data Q3 2024 Q4 2024 Q1 2025 outlook
    Marketing sales volumes (kb/d) 2,945 2,795 2,500 – 3,000
    Mobility (kb/d) 2,119 2,041
    Lubricants (kb/d) 81 77
    Sectors & Decarbonisation (kb/d) 745 678

    Wholesale commercial fuels, previously reported in the Chemicals & Products segment, is reported in the Marketing segment (Mobility) with effect from Q1 2024.
    Comparative information for the Marketing segment and the Chemicals & Products segment has been revised.

    • Adjusted Earnings in Q4 2024 reflect the seasonal impact of lower volumes and lower Mobility margins.
    • 2024 full year Adjusted Earnings were $3.9 billion, up $0.6 billion from 2023, driven by improved margins and lower opex.

    CHEMICALS & PRODUCTS

    Key data Q3 2024 Q4 2024 Q1 2025 outlook1
    Refinery processing intake (kb/d) 1,305 1,215
    Chemicals sales volumes (kT) 3,015 2,926
    Refinery utilisation (%) 81 76 80 – 88
    Chemicals manufacturing plant utilisation (%) 76 75 78 – 86
    Global indicative refining margin ($/bbl) 5.5 5.5
    Global indicative chemical margin ($/t) 164 138

    1Oil sands production: In Q1 2025, Shell’s remaining interest in the Canadian oil sands is expected to be swapped for an additional 10% interest in the Scotford upgrader and Quest CCS projects.

    Wholesale commercial fuels, previously reported in the Chemicals & Products segment, is reported in the Marketing segment (Mobility) with effect from Q1 2024.
    Comparative information for the Marketing segment and the Chemicals & Products segment has been revised.

    • Adjusted Earnings reflect significantly lower contribution from trading and optimisation, including seasonality effects, and continued weak chemicals margin environment.

    RENEWABLES & ENERGY SOLUTIONS

    Key data Q3 2024 Q4 2024
    External power sales (TWh) 79 76
    Sales of pipeline gas to end-use customers (TWh) 148 165
    Renewables power generation capacity (GW)* 7.3 7.4
    • in operation (GW)
    3.4 3.4
    • under construction and/or committed for sale (GW)
    3.9 4.0

      *Excludes Shell’s equity share of associates where information cannot be obtained.

    • Adjusted Earnings were lower than in Q3 2024, largely driven by one-off tax charges in the quarter.
    • Acquired a 609 MW combined-cycle gas turbine power plant in Rhode Island, USA.

    Renewables and Energy Solutions includes activities such as renewable power generation, the marketing and trading and optimisation of power and pipeline gas, as well as carbon credits, and digitally enabled customer solutions. It also includes the production and marketing of hydrogen, development of commercial carbon capture and storage hubs, investment in nature-based projects that avoid or reduce carbon emissions, and Shell Ventures, which invests in companies that work to accelerate the energy and mobility transformation.

    CORPORATE

    Key data Q3 2024 Q4 2024 Q1 2025 outlook
    Adjusted Earnings ($ billion) (0.6) (0.4) (0.6) – (0.4)

    2024 FULL YEAR

    $ billion Adj. Earnings CFFO excl. WC CFFO Cash capex Free cash flow
    FY 2024 23.7 52.6 54.7 21.1 39.5
    FY 2023 28.3 47.1 54.2 24.4 36.5
    Operational performance FY 2023 FY 2024 % change
    Oil and gas production (kboe/d) 2,791 2,836 2%
    LNG liquefaction volumes (MT) 28.3 29.1 3%
    Marketing sales volumes (kb/d) 3,045 2,843 (7)%
    Refinery processing intake (kb/d) 1,349 1,344 (0)%
    Chemicals sales volumes (kT) 11,245 11,875 6%
    Macro indicators FY 2023 FY 2024 % change
    Brent ($/bbl) 83 81 (2)%
    Henry Hub ($/MMBtu) 2.5 2.2 (13)%
    EU TTF ($/MMBtu) 13.0 11.0 (16)%
    Indicative refining margin ($/bbl) 12.5 7.7 (38)%
    Indicative chemicals margin ($/t) 133 152 14%

    UPCOMING INVESTOR EVENTS

    February 25, 2025 Shell LNG Outlook 2025 publication
    March 25, 2025 Capital Markets Day 2025
    May 2, 2025 First quarter 2025 results and dividends
    May 20, 2025 Annual General Meeting
    July 31, 2025 Second quarter 2025 results and dividends
    October 30, 2025 Third quarter 2025 results and dividends

    USEFUL LINKS

    Results materials Q4 2024

    Quarterly Databook Q4 2024

    Webcast registration Q4 2024

    Dividend announcement Q4 2024

    ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE (NON-GAAP) MEASURES

    This announcement includes certain measures that are calculated and presented on the basis of methodologies other than in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) such as IFRS, including Adjusted Earnings, Adjusted EBITDA, CFFO excluding working capital movements, Cash capital expenditure, free cash flow, Divestment proceeds and Net debt. This information, along with comparable GAAP measures, is useful to investors because it provides a basis for measuring Shell plc’s operating performance and ability to retire debt and invest in new business opportunities. Shell plc’s management uses these financial measures, along with the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, in evaluating the business performance.

    This announcement may contain certain forward-looking non-GAAP measures for cash capital expenditure and divestments. We are unable to provide a reconciliation of these forward-looking non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP financial measures because certain information needed to reconcile the non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP financial measures is dependent on future events some of which are outside the control of the company, such as oil and gas prices, interest rates and exchange rates. Moreover, estimating such GAAP measures with the required precision necessary to provide a meaningful reconciliation is extremely difficult and could not be accomplished without unreasonable effort. Non-GAAP measures in respect of future periods which cannot be reconciled to the most comparable GAAP financial measure are estimated in a manner which is consistent with the accounting policies applied in Shell plc’s consolidated financial statements.

    CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

    The companies in which Shell plc directly and indirectly owns investments are separate legal entities. In this announcement “Shell”, “Shell Group” and “Group” are sometimes used for convenience where references are made to Shell plc and its subsidiaries in general. Likewise, the words “we”, “us” and “our” are also used to refer to Shell plc and its subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them. These terms are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular entity or entities. “Subsidiaries”, “Shell subsidiaries” and “Shell companies” as used in this announcement refer to entities over which Shell plc either directly or indirectly has control. The terms “joint venture”, “joint operations”, “joint arrangements”, and “associates” may also be used to refer to a commercial arrangement in which Shell has a direct or indirect ownership interest with one or more parties. The term “Shell interest” is used for convenience to indicate the direct and/or indirect ownership interest held by Shell in an entity or unincorporated joint arrangement, after exclusion of all third-party interest.

    This announcement contains forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) concerning the financial condition, results of operations and businesses of Shell. All statements other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements of future expectations that are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements concerning the potential exposure of Shell to market risks and statements expressing management’s expectations, beliefs, estimates, forecasts, projections and assumptions. These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as “aim”; “ambition”; “anticipate”; “believe”; “commit”; “commitment”; “could”; “estimate”; “expect”; “goals”; “intend”; “may”; “milestones”; “objectives”; “outlook”; “plan”; “probably”; “project”; “risks”; “schedule”; “seek”; “should”; “target”; “will”; “would” and similar terms and phrases. There are a number of factors that could affect the future operations of Shell and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements included in this announcement, including (without limitation): (a) price fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas; (b) changes in demand for Shell’s products; (c) currency fluctuations; (d) drilling and production results; (e) reserves estimates; (f) loss of market share and industry competition; (g) environmental and physical risks; (h) risks associated with the identification of suitable potential acquisition properties and targets, and successful negotiation and completion of such transactions; (i) the risk of doing business in developing countries and countries subject to international sanctions; (j) legislative, judicial, fiscal and regulatory developments including regulatory measures addressing climate change; (k) economic and financial market conditions in various countries and regions; (l) political risks, including the risks of expropriation and renegotiation of the terms of contracts with governmental entities, delays or advancements in the approval of projects and delays in the reimbursement for shared costs; (m) risks associated with the impact of pandemics, such as the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak, regional conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine war, and a significant cyber security breach; and (n) changes in trading conditions. No assurance is provided that future dividend payments will match or exceed previous dividend payments. All forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional risk factors that may affect future results are contained in Shell plc’s Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023 (available at www.shell.com/investors/news-and-filings/sec-filings.html and www.sec.gov). These risk factors also expressly qualify all forward-looking statements contained in this announcement and should be considered by the reader. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this announcement, January 30, 2025. Neither Shell plc nor any of its subsidiaries undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or other information. In light of these risks, results could differ materially from those stated, implied or inferred from the forward-looking statements contained in this announcement.

    All amounts shown throughout this announcement are unaudited. The numbers presented throughout this announcement may not sum precisely to the totals provided and percentages may not precisely reflect the absolute figures, due to rounding.

    Shell’s Net Carbon Intensity

    Also, in this announcement we may refer to Shell’s “Net Carbon Intensity” (NCI), which includes Shell’s carbon emissions from the production of our energy products, our suppliers’ carbon emissions in supplying energy for that production and our customers’ carbon emissions associated with their use of the energy products we sell. Shell’s NCI also includes the emissions associated with the production and use of energy products produced by others which Shell purchases for resale. Shell only controls its own emissions. The use of the terms Shell’s “Net Carbon Intensity” or NCI is for convenience only and not intended to suggest these emissions are those of Shell plc or its subsidiaries.

    Shell’s Net-Zero Emissions Target

    Shell’s operating plan, outlook and budgets are forecasted for a ten-year period and are updated every year. They reflect the current economic environment and what we can reasonably expect to see over the next ten years. Accordingly, they reflect our Scope 1, Scope 2 and NCI targets over the next ten years. However, Shell’s operating plans cannot reflect our 2050 net-zero emissions target, as this target is currently outside our planning period. In the future, as society moves towards net-zero emissions, we expect Shell’s operating plans to reflect this movement. However, if society is not net zero in 2050, as of today, there would be significant risk that Shell may not meet this target.

    The content of websites referred to in this announcement does not form part of this announcement.

    We may have used certain terms, such as resources, in this announcement that the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) strictly prohibits us from including in our filings with the SEC. Investors are urged to consider closely the disclosure in our Form 20-F, File No 1-32575, available on the SEC website www.sec.gov.

    The financial information presented in this announcement does not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of section 434(3) of the Companies Act 2006 (“the Act”). Statutory accounts for the year ended December 31, 2023 were published in Shell’s Annual Report and Accounts, a copy of which was delivered to the Registrar of Companies for England and Wales, and in Shell’s Form 20-F. The auditor’s report on those accounts was unqualified, did not include a reference to any matters to which the auditor drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying the report and did not contain a statement under sections 498(2) or 498(3) of the Act. The statutory accounts for the year ended December 31, 2024 will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies for England and Wales in due course.

    The information in this announcement does not constitute the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements which are contained in Shell’s fourth quarter 2024 and full year 2024 unaudited results available on www.shell.com/investors.

    CONTACTS

    • Media: International +44 207 934 5550; USA +1 832 337 4355

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Shell plc Fourth Quarter 2024 Interim Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    London, January 30, 2025 − The Board of Shell plc (the “Company”) (XLON: SHEL, XNYS: SHEL, XAMS: SHELL) today announced an interim dividend in respect of the fourth quarter of 2024 of US$ 0.358 per ordinary share.

    Details relating to the fourth quarter 2024 interim dividend

    Per ordinary share
    (GB00BP6MXD84)
    Q4 2024
    Shell Shares (US$) 0.358

    Shareholders will be able to elect to receive their dividends in US dollars, euros or pounds sterling.

    Absent any valid election to the contrary, persons holding their ordinary shares through Euroclear Nederland will receive their dividends in euros.

    Absent any valid election to the contrary, shareholders (both holding in certificated and uncertificated form (CREST members)) and persons holding their shares through the Shell Corporate Nominee will receive their dividends in pounds sterling.

    The pound sterling and euro equivalent dividend payments will be announced on March 10, 2025.

    Per ADS
    (US7802593050)
    Q4 2024
    Shell ADSs (US$) 0.716

    Cash dividends on American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”) will be paid, by default, in US dollars.

    Each ADS represents two ordinary shares. ADSs are evidenced by an American Depositary Receipt (“ADR”) certificate. In many cases the terms ADR and ADS are used interchangeably.

    Dividend timetable for the fourth quarter 2024 interim dividend

    Event Date
    Announcement date January 30, 2025
    Ex- Dividend Date for ADSs February 14, 2025
    Ex- Dividend Date for ordinary shares February 13, 2025
    Record date February 14, 2025
    Closing of currency election date (see Note below) February 28, 2025
    Pound sterling and euro equivalents announcement date March 10, 2025
    Payment date March 24, 2025

    Note

    A different currency election date may apply to shareholders holding shares in a securities account with a bank or financial institution ultimately holding through Euroclear Nederland. This may also apply to other shareholders who do not hold their shares either directly on the Register of Members or in the corporate sponsored nominee arrangement. Shareholders can contact their broker, financial intermediary, bank or financial institution for the election deadline that applies.

    Taxation – cash dividends

    If you are uncertain as to the tax treatment of any dividends you should consult your tax advisor.

    Dividend Reinvestment Programmes (“DRIP”)

    The following organisations offer Dividend Reinvestment Plans (“DRIPs”) which enable the Company’s shareholders to elect to have their dividend payments used to purchase the Company’s shares:

    • Equiniti Financial Services Limited (“EFSL”), for those holding shares (a) directly on the register as certificate holder or as CREST Member and (b) via the Shell Corporate Nominee;
    • ABN-AMRO NV (“ABN”) for Financial Intermediaries holding shares via Euroclear Nederland;
    • JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“JPM”) for holders of ADSs; and
    • Other DRIPs may also be available from the intermediary through which investors hold their shares and ADSs.

    These DRIP offerors provide their DRIPs fully on their account and not on behalf of the Company. Interested parties should contact the relevant DRIP offeror directly.

    More information can be found at https://www.shell.com/drip

    To be eligible to participate in the DRIPs for the next dividend, shareholders must make a valid dividend reinvestment election before the published date for the close of elections. 

    Enquiries
    Media International: +44 207 934 5550
    Media Americas: +1 832 337 4355

    Cautionary Note

    The companies in which Shell plc directly and indirectly owns investments are separate legal entities. In this announcement “Shell”, “Shell Group” and “Group” are sometimes used for convenience where references are made to Shell plc and its subsidiaries in general. Likewise, the words “we”, “us” and “our” are also used to refer to Shell plc and its subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them. These terms are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular entity or entities. ‘‘Subsidiaries’’, “Shell subsidiaries” and “Shell companies” as used in this announcement refer to entities over which Shell plc either directly or indirectly has control. The terms “joint venture”, “joint operations”, “joint arrangements”, and “associates” may also be used to refer to a commercial arrangement in which Shell has a direct or indirect ownership interest with one or more parties.  The term “Shell interest” is used for convenience to indicate the direct and/or indirect ownership interest held by Shell in an entity or unincorporated joint arrangement, after exclusion of all third-party interest.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This announcement contains forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) concerning the financial condition, results of operations and businesses of Shell. All statements other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements of future expectations that are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements concerning the potential exposure of Shell to market risks and statements expressing management’s expectations, beliefs, estimates, forecasts, projections and assumptions. These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as “aim”; “ambition”; ‘‘anticipate’’; ‘‘believe’’; “commit”; “commitment”; ‘‘could’’; ‘‘estimate’’; ‘‘expect’’; ‘‘goals’’; ‘‘intend’’; ‘‘may’’; “milestones”; ‘‘objectives’’; ‘‘outlook’’; ‘‘plan’’; ‘‘probably’’; ‘‘project’’; ‘‘risks’’; “schedule”; ‘‘seek’’; ‘‘should’’; ‘‘target’’; ‘‘will’’; “would” and similar terms and phrases. There are a number of factors that could affect the future operations of Shell and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements included in this announcement, including (without limitation): (a) price fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas; (b) changes in demand for Shell’s products; (c) currency fluctuations; (d) drilling and production results; (e) reserves estimates; (f) loss of market share and industry competition; (g) environmental and physical risks; (h) risks associated with the identification of suitable potential acquisition properties and targets, and successful negotiation and completion of such transactions; (i) the risk of doing business in developing countries and countries subject to international sanctions; (j) legislative, judicial, fiscal and regulatory developments including regulatory measures addressing climate change; (k) economic and financial market conditions in various countries and regions; (l) political risks, including the risks of expropriation and renegotiation of the terms of contracts with governmental entities, delays or advancements in the approval of projects and delays in the reimbursement for shared costs; (m) risks associated with the impact of pandemics, such as the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak, regional conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine war, and a significant cyber security breach; and (n) changes in trading conditions. No assurance is provided that future dividend payments will match or exceed previous dividend payments. All forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional risk factors that may affect future results are contained in Shell plc’s Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023 (available at www.shell.com/investors/news-and-filings/sec-filings.html and www.sec.gov). These risk factors also expressly qualify all forward-looking statements contained in this announcement and should be considered by the reader.  Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this announcement, January 30, 2025. Neither Shell plc nor any of its subsidiaries undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or other information. In light of these risks, results could differ materially from those stated, implied or inferred from the forward-looking statements contained in this announcement.

    Shell’s Net Carbon Intensity

    Also, in this announcement we may refer to Shell’s “Net Carbon Intensity” (NCI), which includes Shell’s carbon emissions from the production of our energy products, our suppliers’ carbon emissions in supplying energy for that production and our customers’ carbon emissions associated with their use of the energy products we sell. Shell’s NCI also includes the emissions associated with the production and use of energy products produced by others which Shell purchases for resale. Shell only controls its own emissions. The use of the terms Shell’s “Net Carbon Intensity” or NCI is for convenience only and not intended to suggest these emissions are those of Shell plc or its subsidiaries.

    Shell’s net-zero emissions target

    Shell’s operating plan, outlook and budgets are forecasted for a ten-year period and are updated every year. They reflect the current economic environment and what we can reasonably expect to see over the next ten years. Accordingly, they reflect our Scope 1, Scope 2 and NCI targets over the next ten years. However, Shell’s operating plans cannot reflect our 2050 net-zero emissions target, as this target is currently outside our planning period. In the future, as society moves towards net-zero emissions, we expect Shell’s operating plans to reflect this movement. However, if society is not net zero in 2050, as of today, there would be significant risk that Shell may not meet this target.

    Forward-Looking non-GAAP measures

    This announcement may contain certain forward-looking non-GAAP measures such as cash capital expenditure and divestments. We are unable to provide a reconciliation of these forward-looking non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP financial measures because certain information needed to reconcile those non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP financial measures is dependent on future events some of which are outside the control of Shell, such as oil and gas prices, interest rates and exchange rates. Moreover, estimating such GAAP measures with the required precision necessary to provide a meaningful reconciliation is extremely difficult and could not be accomplished without unreasonable effort. Non-GAAP measures in respect of future periods which cannot be reconciled to the most comparable GAAP financial measure are calculated in a manner which is consistent with the accounting policies applied in Shell plc’s consolidated financial statements.

    The contents of websites referred to in this announcement do not form part of this announcement.

    We may have used certain terms, such as resources, in this announcement that the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) strictly prohibits us from including in our filings with the SEC.  Investors are urged to consider closely the disclosure in our Form 20-F, File No 1-32575, available on the SEC website www.sec.gov.

    LEI number of Shell plc: 21380068P1DRHMJ8KU70
    Classification: Additional regulated information required to be disclosed under the laws of the United Kingdom

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Europe: 2024: Mixed picture despite record exports

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Finance

    While foreign trade was still negative in both directions in the previous year, exports reached a new high of +3.2% in 2024. However, this record was achieved almost exclusively thanks to the chemicals and pharmaceuticals sector. On the import side, on the other hand, last year’s decline continued at –1.6%, albeit at a slightly slower pace. The opposing trend between imports and exports resulted in a new record trade surplus of CHF 60.6 billion

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI: CLIQ Digital Reports Preliminary 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CLIQ Digital Reports Preliminary 2024 Results

    • 4Q sales declined q/q by 11% to €48m (-26% y/y)
    • Total customer acquisition costs in 4Q improved by 15% q/q (-45% y/y)
    • €21m EBITDA before special items realised in FY (€10m reported EBITDA)
    • €12m net cash position per year-end vs. €16m at end of 2023
    • Share buyback programme successfully completed

    DÜSSELDORF, 30 January 2025 – The CLIQ Group announces today its preliminary and unaudited 2024 headline financial results. On 20 February 2025, the audited 2024 Annual Report will be published on the company’s website at https://cliqdigital.com/investors/financialreporting and presented by Management during an earnings call.

    Performance

    in millions of € 4Q
    2024
    3Q
    2024
    Δ   FY
    2024
    FY
    2023
    Δ
    Sales 48 54 -11%   243 326 -26%
    Expected average LTV (in €) 70 72 -2%   77 85 -10%
    Total CAC1 -11 -10 15%   -75 -135 -45%
    EBITDA (before special items) 5 6 -15%   21 50 -57%
    EBITDA margin2 10% 11%     9% 15%  
    Operating free cash flow 4 3 39%   3 19 -82%
    • Sales: In 4Q 2024, Group sales declined by 11% quarter-on-quarter to €48 million (3Q 2024: €54 million) mainly due to less customers. The expected average lifetime value (LTV) decreased quarter-on-quarter from €72 to €70 due to the higher churn rates resulting from new customer care tools in place at the card scheme companies, which consequently resulted in shorter average customer loyalty durations. However, the quarter-on-quarter Group sales decrease decelerated notably from -21% in 3Q 2024 to -11% in the fourth quarter.
    • Customer acquisition costs: The Group’s decision to strategically increase its focus on profitability was attributable for the lowering of the cost per acquisition (CPA).
    • EBITDA: Quarter-on-quarter, EBITDA before special items in 4Q 2024 decreased by 15% to €5 million (3Q 2024: €6 million) and the corresponding EBITDA margin was marginally lower at 10% (3Q 2024: 11%) predominantly as a result of the lower sales development and despite reduced cost of sales and operating expenses. €2 million special items related mostly to costs incurred from the “Fit For Future” transformation programme to restructure and optimise the Group’s operational structures. Reported EBITDA was stable at €3 million (3Q 2024: €3 million) and the EBITDA margin came in at 6% (3Q 2024: 5%).
    • Liquidity: Quarter-on-quarter, CLIQ increased its operating free cash flow by €1 million to €4 million in 4Q 2024 (3Q 2024: €3 million). In the full year 2024, the operating free cash flow decreased by €16 million to €3 million (2023: €19 million). The net cash position at the year-end close was €12 million (31/12/2023: €16 million) after buying back shares for €5.5 million and distributing €0.3 million in dividends in April 2024.

    Share buyback programme

    The Group successfully completed its share buyback programme ahead of schedule on 3 January 2025. In total, CLIQ bought back 646,871 own shares for €5.5 million at an average share price of €8.48, which equalled 9.9% of the total share capital issued.

    Management Board statement

    2024 was a very tough year for CLIQ and also for my fellow shareholders as our business faced tougher market conditions and the new sales growth initiatives progressed slower than expected,” said Luc Voncken, CEO. “Although market conditions in 2025 remain unstable, we have fixed our foundations and now we must build the future with a fresh entrepreneurial spirit and a clear sense of renewal to tap into the growth opportunities that lie ahead of us.”

    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 Digital Group is a leading online performance marketing company selling subscription-based streaming services that bundle movies & series, music, audiobooks, sports and games to consumers worldwide. The Group licenses streaming content from partners, bundles it and sells the content through its numerous streaming services. Over the years, CLIQ Digital has become a specialist in online advertising and creating streaming services that are advertised towards specific consumer groups.

    CLIQ Digital 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, Paris and Toronto. CLIQ Digital is listed in the Scale segment of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (ISIN: DE000A35JS40, GSIN/WKN: A35JS4) and is a constituent of the MSCI World Micro Cap Index.

    Visit our website at https://cliqdigital.com/investors, where you will find all publications as well as further information about CLIQ Digital and please follow us on LinkedIn.


    1 customer acquisition costs
    2 before special items

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Proposals by the Board of Directors to Nokia Corporation’s Annual General Meeting 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Nokia Corporation
    Stock Exchange Release
    30 January 2025 at 8:10 EET

    Proposals by the Board of Directors to Nokia Corporation’s Annual General Meeting 2025

    Nokia Corporation’s Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday 29 April 2025 at 13:00 (EEST) at Finlandia Hall, Helsinki, Finland. The Board submits the following proposals to the Annual General Meeting. Complete proposals are available as of today at www.nokia.com/agm2025. The notice of the Annual General Meeting with more detailed information on the participation and voting will be published separately during week 7, 2025 on the Company’s website and by a stock exchange release.

    Authorization of the Board of Directors to decide on the distribution of dividend and assets from the reserve for invested unrestricted equity

    The Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting to be authorized to resolve in its discretion on the distribution of an aggregate maximum of EUR 0.14 per share as dividend from the retained earnings and/or as assets from the reserve for invested unrestricted equity.

    The authorization will be used to distribute dividend and/or assets from the reserve for invested unrestricted equity in four installments during the period of validity of the authorization unless the Board of Directors decides otherwise for a justified reason. The proposed total authorization for asset distribution is in line with the Company’s dividend policy. The authorization would be valid until the opening of the next Annual General Meeting.

    The Board would make separate resolutions on the amount and timing of each distribution of the dividend and/or assets from the reserve for invested unrestricted equity so that the preliminary record and payment dates will be as set out below. The Company shall make a separate announcement of each such Board resolution.

    Preliminary record date Preliminary payment date
    5 May 2025 12 May 2025
    29 July 2025 7 August 2025
    28 October 2025 6 November 2025
    3 February 2026 12 February 2026

    Each installment based on the resolution of the Board of Directors will be paid to a shareholder registered in the Company’s shareholders’ register maintained by Euroclear Finland Oy on the record date of the payment.

    Board composition and remuneration

    Søren Skou and Carla Smits-Nusteling have informed the Board’s Corporate Governance and Nomination Committee that they will no longer be available to serve on the Nokia Board of Directors after the Annual General Meeting. On the recommendation of the Corporate Governance and Nomination Committee, the Board proposes to the Annual General Meeting that the number of Board members be ten (10). However, should any number of the candidates proposed by the Board not be available for election, the number of Board members shall be decreased accordingly.

    On the recommendation of the Corporate Governance and Nomination Committee, the Board further proposes to the Annual General Meeting that the following current Board members be re-elected as members of the Board of Directors for a term until the close of the next Annual General Meeting: Timo Ahopelto, Sari Baldauf, Elizabeth Crain, Thomas Dannenfeldt, Lisa Hook, Mike McNamara, Thomas Saueressig and Kai Öistämö. In addition, it is proposed that Pernille Erenbjerg, Danish citizen, former Group CEO and President of TDC Group; and Timo Ihamuotila, Finnish citizen, Chief Financial Officer of ABB Ltd, be elected as new members of the Board of Directors for a term until the close of the next Annual General Meeting.

    Resumes of the Board candidates are presented in the Board’s proposal available as of today at www.nokia.com/agm2025.

    The Corporate Governance and Nomination Committee will propose in the assembly meeting of the new Board of Directors after the Annual General Meeting that Sari Baldauf be re-elected as the Chair of the Board and Timo Ihamuotila be elected as the Vice Chair, subject to their election to the Board.

    On the recommendation of the Corporate Governance and Nomination Committee, the Board proposes to the Annual General Meeting that the annual fees payable to Board members for a term ending at the close of the next Annual General Meeting are kept at the current levels:

    • EUR 440 000 for the Chair of the Board;
    • EUR 210 000 for the Vice Chair of the Board;
    • EUR 185 000 for each member of the Board;
    • EUR 30 000 each for the Chairs of the Audit Committee and the Personnel Committee and EUR 20 000 for the Chairs of the Technology Committee and the Strategy Committee as an additional annual fee; and
    • EUR 15 000 for each member of the Audit Committee and the Personnel Committee and EUR 10 000 for each member of the Technology Committee and the Strategy Committee as an additional annual fee.

    In line with Nokia’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, the Board proposes that approximately 40% of the annual fee be paid in Nokia shares. The rest of the annual fee would be paid in cash to cover taxes arising from the remuneration. The Directors shall retain until the end of their directorship such number of shares that they have received as Board remuneration during their first three years of service on the Board.

    In addition, the Board proposes that the meeting fees for Board and Committee meetings remain at their current level. The meeting fees are based on travel required between the Board member’s home location and the location of a meeting and paid for a maximum of seven meetings per term as follows:

    • EUR 5 000 per meeting requiring intercontinental travel; and
    • EUR 2 000 per meeting requiring intracontinental travel.

    Only one meeting fee is paid if the travel entitling to the fee includes several meetings of the Board and the Committees. Moreover, it is proposed that members of the Board shall be compensated for travel and accommodation expenses as well as other costs directly related to Board and Committee work.

    Auditor election and remuneration

    On the recommendation of the Audit Committee, the Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that Deloitte Oy be re-elected as the auditor of the Company for the financial year 2026.

    It is also proposed that the auditor elected for the financial year 2026 be reimbursed based on the purchase policy approved by the Audit Committee and the invoice approved by the Company.

    Sustainability reporting assurer election and remuneration

    On the recommendation of the Audit Committee, the Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that Authorized Sustainability Audit Firm Deloitte Oy be re-elected as the sustainability reporting assurer for the financial year 2026.

    It is also proposed that the assurer of the sustainability reporting elected for the financial year 2026 be reimbursed based on the purchase policy approved by the Audit Committee and the invoice approved by the Company.

    Authorization to the Board to issue shares and repurchase Company’s shares

    The Board proposes that the Annual General Meeting authorize the Board to resolve to issue in total a maximum of 530 million shares through issuance of shares or special rights entitling to shares under Chapter 10, Section 1 of the Finnish Limited Liability Companies Act in one or more issues during the effective period of the authorization. The Board may issue either new shares or treasury shares held by the Company. Shares and special rights entitling to shares may be issued in deviation from the shareholders’ pre-emptive rights within the limits set by law. The authorization may be used to develop the Company’s capital structure, diversify the shareholder base, finance or carry out acquisitions or other arrangements, to settle the Company’s equity-based incentive plans or for other purposes resolved by the Board. It is proposed that the authorization be effective until 28 October 2026 and terminate the authorization for issuance of shares and special rights entitling to shares resolved at the Annual General Meeting on 3 April 2024.

    The Board also proposes that the Board be authorized to resolve to repurchase a maximum of 530 million shares. The repurchases would reduce distributable funds of the Company. The shares may be repurchased otherwise than in proportion to the shares held by the shareholders (directed repurchase). Shares may be repurchased to be cancelled, held to be reissued, transferred further or for other purposes resolved by the Board. It is proposed that the authorization be effective until 28 October 2026 and terminate the authorization for repurchasing the Company’s shares granted by the Annual General Meeting on 3 April 2024 to the extent that the Board has not previously resolved to repurchase shares based on such authorization.

    530 million shares corresponds to less than 10 percent of the Company’s total number of shares. The Board shall resolve on all other matters related to the issuance or repurchase of Nokia shares in accordance with the resolution by the Annual General Meeting.

    Other matters to be addressed by the Annual General Meeting

    Furthermore, the Annual General Meeting would address adopting the Company’s financial statements for the financial year 2024, discharging the members of the Board of Directors and the President and Chief Executive Officer from liability for the financial year 2024, adopting the updated Remuneration Policy for the Company’s governing bodies and adopting the Remuneration Report 2024.

    The Remuneration Report for 2024 and the “Nokia in 2024” annual report, which includes the Company’s Annual Accounts, the review by the Board of Directors and the auditor’s report, are expected to be published and available at www.nokia.com/agm2025 in week 11 of 2025. The updated Remuneration Policy is expected to be published as an attachment to the Notice of the Annual General Meeting and available at www.nokia.com/agm2025 in week 7 of 2025.

    About Nokia
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.

    With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

    Inquiries:

    Nokia Communications
    Phone: +358 10 448 4900
    Email: press.services@nokia.com
    Maria Vaismaa, Head of External Communications

    Nokia
    Investor Relations
    Phone: +358 931 580 507
    Email: investor.relations@nokia.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Klaus Agent Becomes the First Blockchain AI Agent to Integrate Custom DeepSeek Model

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Klaus Agent, the AI-powered blockchain assistant, has officially integrated a custom DeepSeek model, making it one of the most intelligent, cost-effective, and autonomous AI agents in the market.

    Built on the Klaus meme, the Klaus AI agent is designed to be an advanced digital assistant, capable of voice-to-voice interactions and executing real-world tasks such as sending emails, purchasing products, trading crypto, and managing schedules.

    With this latest integration, the Klaus development team has downloaded, modified, and optimized the DeepSeek large language model (LLM) to run on their own GPUs, enhancing performance, efficiency, and affordability within its proprietary tech stack.

    A Breakthrough AI Tech Stack

    Unlike most AI agents that rely solely on external LLMs, Klaus Agent operates on a proprietary AI system built for speed, intelligence, and autonomy. The core tech stack includes:

    • Google DialogFlow – Enables ultra-fast response times by interpreting user commands before engaging LLM processing.
    • Klaus Novel Graph – A supervised learning graph that categorizes and routes user queries, reducing reliance on generative AI.
    • Klaus Neural Network – A multi-cluster system that organizes and processes AI-driven tasks, from shopping to crypto trading.
    • Klaus Vectorized Database – A self-learning database that enables continuous improvement, user behavior adaptation, and seamless AI development.
    • Claude Anthropic – Enhances response structuring while providing advanced human-like interaction modeling.

    DeepSeek Integration: A New Era of AI Learning

    DeepSeek’s open-source model has now been fully incorporated into the Klaus Agent’s unsupervised learning framework. Unlike closed-source LLMs such as GPT or Claude, DeepSeek allows fine-tuning using the Klaus vectorized data, enabling the AI to learn and evolve based on real-world interactions.

    “This integration means Klaus Agent is no longer just a passive AI responding to prompts—it’s an adaptive digital entity, capable of learning from its experiences while leveraging DeepSeek’s extensive training data,” said the Klaus Agent’s Lead Developer.

    Klaus Agent’s First Live Deployment

    The first use case of this powerful AI integration is already live at x.com/Klaus_Agent, where Klaus:

    • Finds and verifies the latest news using AI-driven fact-checking.
    • Cross-references multiple sources to eliminate misinformation.
    • Presents unbiased, AI-curated insights in real time.

    Join the AI Revolution

    As one of the first blockchain AI agents with an independently trained DeepSeek model, Klaus is pioneering the future of autonomous digital assistants.

    For more information, visit x.com/Klaus_Agent and experience the next evolution in AI.

    Media details:
    Webmail: Info@klausoneth.com
    Website: https://www.klausoneth.com
    Location: Dubai, UAE
    Person Name: Liam Johnson

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by Klaus on ETH. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the sponsor and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in cloud mining and related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at:
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/96dd2bcd-841c-45f5-b2e3-2273b4d62ac0

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Nokia Corporation Financial Report for Q4 and full year 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Nokia Corporation
    Financial Statement Release
    30 January 2025 at 08:00 EET

    Nokia Corporation Financial Report for Q4 and full year 2024

    Strong Q4 growth and profitability as market trends improve

    • Q4 net sales increased 9% y-o-y in constant currency (10% reported). Network Infrastructure net sales grew strongly with all units contributing, Nokia Technologies grew significantly and Cloud and Network Services also grew in Q4.
    • Comparable gross margin in Q4 increased by 250bps y-o-y to 47.2% (reported increased 280bps to 46.1%), with a strong contribution from Nokia Technologies along with smaller contributions from other businesses.
    • Q4 comparable operating margin increased 380bps y-o-y to 19.1% (reported up 540bps to 15.3%), mainly due to higher gross margin, continued cost control and higher contribution from Nokia Technologies.
    • Q4 comparable diluted EPS for the period of EUR 0.18; reported diluted EPS for the period of EUR 0.15.
    • Q4 free cash flow of EUR 0.05 billion, net cash balance of EUR 4.9 billion.
    • Full year 2024 net sales declined 9% in both reported and constant currency, of which 7 percentage points was related to India. Comparable operating profit was EUR 2.6 billion (reported EUR 2.0 billion).
    • Full year comparable diluted EPS of EUR 0.39; reported diluted EPS of 0.23.
    • Board proposes dividend authorization of EUR 0.14 per share.
    • Nokia issues full year 2025 outlook on an organic basis. Nokia expects comparable operating profit of between EUR 1.9 billion and 2.4 billion and free cash flow conversion from comparable operating profit of between 50% and 80%.

    This is a summary of the Nokia Corporation Financial report for Q4 and full year 2024 published today. Nokia only publishes a summary of its financial reports in stock exchange releases. The summary focuses on Nokia Group’s financial information as well as on Nokia’s outlook. The detailed, segment-level discussion will be available in the complete financial report hosted at www.nokia.com/financials. A video interview summarizing the key points of our Q4 results will also be published on the website. Investors should not solely rely on summaries of Nokia’s financial reports and should also review the complete reports with tables.

    PEKKA LUNDMARK, PRESIDENT AND CEO, ON Q4 AND FULL YEAR 2024 RESULTS

    In the following quote, net sales growth rates are on a constant currency basis
    We saw a strong finish to 2024 with 9% net sales growth year-on-year in Q4. I am optimistic that the improving market trends we are now seeing will persist into 2025. Alongside the net sales growth, we saw excellent profitability in Q4 with a comparable operating margin of 19.1%. This meant our full year comparable operating profit was EUR 2.6 billion, at the mid-point of our guidance of EUR 2.3 to 2.9 billion.

    All business groups delivered a strong operational performance in the quarter. Net sales growth in Network Infrastructure accelerated to 17%, with IP Networks growing 24%, Fixed Networks 16% and Optical Networks 7%. This reflected a strong recovery in demand from communication service providers, notably in North America.

    Mobile Networks net sales stabilized with continued resilience in gross margin. We also secured many important deals, winning 18 000 additional base station sites, since the start of 2024 on a net basis. This was achieved while maintaining our commercial and pricing discipline to protect our gross margins.

    Cloud and Network Services returned to 7% net sales growth in the quarter, despite a headwind of 4 percentage points from a prior business disposal, and its operating margin improved over the full year. Both Core Networks and Enterprise Campus Edge grew strongly. The fourth quarter saw the acquisition of Rapid’s technology assets. This will bolster our R&D capacity in Network as Code and increase our developer access. Taken together with our autonomous networks application suite, we are accelerating our efforts to help operators fully automate and monetize their networks.

    Nokia Technologies had an extremely active quarter. We signed a deal with Transsion, a previously unlicensed mobile devices vendor, along with multimedia deals with HP and Samsung, as well as many other smaller deals. Our annual net sales run-rate increased to approximately between EUR 1.3 and 1.4 billion in Q4, progressing towards our mid-term EUR 1.4 to 1.5 billion target.

    We delivered a strong cash performance throughout 2024, ending with full year free cash flow of EUR 2.0 billion. This means we continue to have a strong balance sheet supporting our business with net cash of EUR 4.9 billion at the end of the year, even after returning EUR 1.4 billion to shareholders through dividend and share buybacks. The Board is proposing an increase in the dividend to EUR 0.14 per share in respect of the financial year 2024. We also continue to execute against our outstanding share buyback program to offset any dilution from the equity component of our pending Infinera acquisition. Going forward, our target remains to maintain a net cash position of between 10-15% of annual net sales.

    Q4 also saw further progress in efforts to expand our presence in the data center market. We signed important deals with Microsoft and Nscale for our data center switching products, along with announcing partnerships with both Kyndryl and Lenovo. We are now stepping up our investments to broaden our addressable market in data center IP networking. We will invest up to an additional EUR 100 million in annual operating expenses with a view to driving incremental net sales of EUR 1 billion by 2028. In the short-term this will moderate the pace of operating margin expansion in Network Infrastructure, but we anticipate a strong return on investment considering the momentum we already have today in the market.

    Looking further ahead into 2025, we expect the improved trends we have seen in Network Infrastructure in the second half of this year, to sustain and drive strong growth. Cloud and Network Services is also expected to grow with strong 5G Core momentum and growth in our Enterprise Campus Edge business. End markets in Mobile Networks are improving and we currently assume largely stable net sales. Nokia Technologies is expected to deliver approximately EUR 1.1 billion of operating profit.

    At the Nokia level, we currently estimate we will deliver comparable operating profit of between EUR 1.9 and 2.4 billion in 2025. We also target free cash flow conversion from comparable operating profit of between 50% and 80%. Excluding the one-time items that benefited 2024 by over EUR 700 million which were mostly in the first half of the year, this guidance would imply a strong improvement in our comparable operating profit in 2025 despite select increased investments.

    Given the market volatility in 2024, our results demonstrate the responsiveness and capacity of the Nokia team to execute in all market conditions. I thank the whole Nokia team for their commitment, hard work and drive which made these results possible.

    FINANCIAL RESULTS

    EUR million (except for EPS in EUR) Q4’24 Q4’23 YoY change Constant currency YoY change Q1-Q4’24 Q1-Q4’23 YoY change Constant currency YoY change
    Reported results                
    Net sales 5 983 5 416 10% 9% 19 220 21 138 (9)% (9)%
    Gross margin % 46.1% 43.3% 280bps   46.1% 40.4% 570bps  
    Research and development expenses (1 136) (1 080) 5%   (4 512) (4 277) 5%  
    Selling, general and administrative expenses (789) (774) 2%   (2 890) (2 878) 0%  
    Operating profit 917 534 72%   1 999 1 661 20%  
    Operating margin % 15.3% 9.9% 540bps   10.4% 7.9% 250bps  
    Profit/(loss) from continuing operations 746 (51)     1 711 649 164%  
    Profit/(loss) from discontinued operations 67 18 272%   (427) 30    
    Profit/(loss) for the period 813 (33)     1 284 679 89%  
    EPS for the period, diluted 0.15 (0.01)     0.23 0.12 92%  
    Net cash and interest-bearing financial investments 4 854 4 323 12%   4 854 4 323 12%  
    Comparable results                
    Net sales 5 983 5 416 10% 9% 19 220 21 138 (9)% (9)%
    Gross margin % 47.2% 44.7% 250bps   47.1% 41.1% 600bps  
    Research and development expenses (1 129) (1 023) 10%   (4 298) (4 143) 4%  
    Selling, general and administrative expenses (638) (615) 4%   (2 423) (2 448) (1)%  
    Operating profit 1 142 830 38%   2 619 2 337 12%  
    Operating margin % 19.1% 15.3% 380bps   13.6% 11.1% 250bps  
    Profit for the period 977 555 76%   2 175 1 590 37%  
    EPS for the period, diluted 0.18 0.10 80%   0.39 0.28 39%  
    ROIC(1) 13.0% 9.9% 310bps   13.0% 9.9% 310bps  

    1 Comparable ROIC = Comparable operating profit after tax, last four quarters / invested capital, average of last five quarters’ ending balances. Refer to the Alternative performance measures section in Nokia Corporation Financial Report for Q4 and full year 2024 for details.

    Business group results Network
    Infrastructure
    Mobile
    Networks
    Cloud and Network Services Nokia
    Technologies
    Group Common and Other
    EUR million Q4’24 Q4’23 Q4’24 Q4’23 Q4’24 Q4’23 Q4’24 Q4’23 Q4’24 Q4’23
    Net sales 2 031 1 712 2 431 2 450 1 054 977 463 251 6 25
    YoY change 19%   (1)%   8%   84%   (76)%  
    Constant currency YoY change 17%   (2)%   7%   85%   (76)%  
    Gross margin % 45.4% 44.7% 38.1% 38.3% 48.1% 47.6% 99.8% 100.0%    
    Operating profit/(loss) 398 264 187 281 236 223 356 169 (35) (106)
    Operating margin % 19.6% 15.4% 7.7% 11.5% 22.4% 22.8% 76.9% 67.3%    

    SHAREHOLDER DISTRIBUTION

    Dividend

    The Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meeting 2025 authorizes the Board to resolve on the distribution of an aggregate maximum of EUR 0.14 per share to be paid in respect of the financial year 2024. The authorization would be used to distribute dividend and/or assets from the reserve for invested unrestricted equity in four installments during the authorization period, in connection with the quarterly results, unless the Board decides otherwise for a justified reason.

    Under the current authorization by the Annual General Meeting held on 3 April 2024, the Board of Directors may resolve on the distribution of an aggregate maximum of EUR 0.13 per share to be paid in respect of financial year 2023. The authorization will be used to distribute dividend and/or assets from the reserve for invested unrestricted equity in four installments during the authorization period, in connection with the quarterly results, unless the Board decides otherwise for a justified reason.

    On 30 January 2025, the Board resolved to distribute a dividend of EUR 0.03 per share. The dividend record date is 4 February 2025 and the dividend will be paid on 13 February 2025. The actual dividend payment date outside Finland will be determined by the practices of the intermediary banks transferring the dividend payments.

    Following this announced distribution of the fourth installment and executed payments of the previous installments, the Board has no remaining distribution authorization.

    Share buyback programs

    In January 2024, Nokia’s Board of Directors initiated a share buyback program to repurchase shares to return up to EUR 600 million of cash to shareholders in tranches over a period of two years. The share buyback execution started on 20 March 2024. On 19 July 2024, Nokia’s Board of Directors decided to accelerate the timeframe for the share buyback program with the aim of completing the full EUR 600 million program by the end of the year instead of the initial two year timeframe. The program was completed on 21 November 2024 and the repurchased 157 646 220 shares were canceled on 4 December 2024.

    On 27 June 2024, Nokia announced its intention to acquire Infinera in a transaction that valued Infinera at US$1.7 billion equity value with up to 30% of the consideration to be paid in Nokia American depositary shares (“ADSs”), depending on the elections of Infinera shareholders. To offset the dilution from the transaction to Nokia shareholders, on 22 November 2024 Nokia announced a new share buyback program targeting to repurchase 150 million shares for an aggregate purchase price not exceeding EUR 900 million. Under this share buyback program, by 31 December 2024, Nokia had repurchased 19 186 046 of its own shares at an average price per share of approximately EUR 4.14.

    OUTLOOK

      Full Year 2025
    Comparable operating profit(1) EUR 1.9 billion to EUR 2.4 billion (excluding any impact from pending Infinera acquisition)
    Free cash flow(1) 50% to 80% conversion from comparable operating profit (excluding any impact from pending Infinera acquisition)

    1Please refer to Alternative performance measures section in Nokia Corporation Financial Report for Q4 and full year 2024 for a full explanation of how these terms are defined.

    The outlook, long-term targets and all of the underlying outlook assumptions described below are forward-looking statements subject to a number of risks and uncertainties as described or referred to in the Risk Factors section later in this report. release.

    Along with Nokia’s official outlook targets provided above, Nokia provides the below additional assumptions that support the group level financial outlook. Considering the pending Infinera acquisition along with the transfer of Managed Services from Cloud and Network Services to Mobile Networks (further details of this transfer are included in the Additional Topics section), Nokia is not currently providing assumptions by business group as it did previously.

      Full year 2025
    Group Common and Other operating expenses approximately
    EUR 400 million
    Comparable financial income and expenses Positive EUR 50 to 150 million
    Comparable income tax rate ~25%
    Cash outflows related to income taxes EUR 450 million
    Capital Expenditures EUR 550 million

    2026 TARGETS

    Nokia’s current targets for its existing perimeter of the business for 2026 are outlined below. This does not consider pending acquisitions. Nokia sees further opportunities to increase margins beyond 2026 and believes an operating margin of 14% remains achievable over the longer term.

    Net sales Grow faster than the market
    Comparable operating margin(1) ≥ 13%
    Free cash flow(1) 55% to 85% conversion from comparable operating profit

    1 Please refer to Alternative Performance measures section in Nokia Corporation Financial Report for Q4 and full year 2024 for a full explanation of how these terms are defined.

    The comparable operating margin target for Nokia group is built on the following assumptions by business group for 2026:

    Network Infrastructure 13 – 16% operating margin
    Mobile Networks 6 – 9% operating margin
    Cloud and Network Services 7 – 10% operating margin
    Nokia Technologies Operating profit more than EUR 1.1 billion
    Group common and other Approximately EUR 300 million of operating expenses

    ADDITIONAL TOPICS

    Progress on Infinera acquisition
    On 27 June 2024, Nokia announced a definitive agreement under which Nokia will acquire Infinera, a global supplier of innovative open optical networking solutions and advanced optical semiconductors. The acquisition process continues to proceed as expected. On 13 September 2024, the applicable waiting period under the US pre-merger review expired and the Department of Justice decided not to investigate the planned transaction. On 1 October 2024, Infinera shareholders approved the planned acquisition. On 7 October 2024, Nokia and Infinera received approval from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). During the fourth quarter Nokia received many of the outstanding required approvals for the deal. At this point approval from the European Union and Taiwan, along with contractual closing conditions, are the major items outstanding to proceed to closing. Assuming the current target timelines, Nokia and Infinera now expect the deal to close during the first quarter of 2025.

    Nokia exercised NSB call option to simplify ownership structure in China

    Nokia and its joint venture partner China Huaxin have been together reviewing the future ownership structure of Nokia Shanghai Bell (NSB). Following those discussions, Nokia exercised its call option, outlined in NSB’s shareholders’ agreement, to initiate the process to become the sole shareholder by purchasing China Huaxin’s approximately 50% share in NSB. This will allow Nokia to simplify its ownership structure in China while Nokia remains committed to continue serving the local market.
    Since the creation of the joint venture Nokia has recorded a liability on its balance sheet based on the estimated future cash settlement to acquire China Huaxin’s ownership interest. The execution of the call option is subject to completing required steps under the shareholders’ agreement.

    Managed Services business transferred from Cloud and Network Services into Mobile Networks in 2025
    Nokia has moved its Managed Services business into Mobile Networks (MN), effective 1 January 2025. The Managed Services business provides outsourced network management of multi-vendor RAN networks for operators and since 2021 has been part of our Cloud and Network Services (CNS) business group. Considering CNS is increasingly transitioning towards cloud-native software sales, ‘as-a-service’ product offerings and helping customers to monetize networks through API’s, Nokia believes that this business is more aligned and fits better with its MN business. Based on 2024 results, this change is expected to lead to a transfer of approximately EUR 430 million of net sales and approximately EUR 40 million of comparable operating profit from CNS to MN. Nokia will provide recast financial information for 2024 for MN and CNS reflecting this change prior to Nokia’s Q1 financial results.

    RISK FACTORS

    Nokia and its businesses are exposed to a number of risks and uncertainties which include but are not limited to:

    • Competitive intensity, which is expected to continue at a high level as some competitors seek to take share;
    • Changes in customer network investments related to their ability to monetize the network;
    • Our ability to ensure competitiveness of our product roadmaps and costs through additional R&D investments;
    • Our ability to procure certain standard components and the costs thereof, such as semiconductors;
    • Disturbance in the global supply chain;
    • Impact of inflation, increased global macro-uncertainty, major currency fluctuations, changes in tariffs and higher interest rates;
    • Potential economic impact and disruption of global pandemics;
    • War or other geopolitical conflicts, disruptions and potential costs thereof;
    • Other macroeconomic, industry and competitive developments;
    • Timing and value of new, renewed and existing patent licensing agreements with licensees;
    • Results in brand and technology licensing; costs to protect and enforce our intellectual property rights; on-going litigation with respect to licensing and regulatory landscape for patent licensing;
    • The outcomes of on-going and potential disputes and litigation;
    • Our ability to execute, complete, successfully integrate and realize the expected benefits from our ongoing transactions;
    • Timing of completions and acceptances of certain projects;
    • Our product and regional mix;
    • Uncertainty in forecasting income tax expenses and cash outflows, over the long-term, as they are also subject to possible changes due to business mix, the timing of patent licensing cash flow and changes in tax legislation, including potential tax reforms in various countries and OECD initiatives;
    • Our ability to utilize our Finnish deferred tax assets and their recognition on our balance sheet;
    • Our ability to meet our sustainability and other ESG targets, including our targets relating to greenhouse gas emissions;

    as well the risk factors specified under Forward-looking statements of this release, and our 2023 annual report on Form 20-F published on 29 February 2024 under Operating and financial review and prospects-Risk factors.

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    Certain statements herein that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect Nokia’s current expectations and views of future developments and include statements regarding: A) expectations, plans, benefits or outlook related to our strategies, projects, programs, product launches, growth management, licenses, sustainability and other ESG targets, operational key performance indicators and decisions on market exits; B) expectations, plans or benefits related to future performance of our businesses (including the expected impact, timing and duration of potential global pandemics, geopolitical conflicts and the general or regional macroeconomic conditions on our businesses, our supply chain, the timing of market changes or turning points in demand and our customers’ businesses) and any future dividends and other distributions of profit; C) expectations and targets regarding financial performance and results of operations, including market share, prices, net sales, income, margins, cash flows, cost savings, the timing of receivables, operating expenses, provisions, impairments, taxes, currency exchange rates, hedging, investment funds, inflation, product cost reductions, competitiveness, revenue generation in any specific region, and licensing income and payments; D) ability to execute, expectations, plans or benefits related to our ongoing transactions, investments and changes in organizational structure and operating model; E) impact on revenue with respect to litigation/renewal discussions; and F) any statements preceded by or including “anticipate”, “continue”, “believe”, “envisage”, “expect”, “aim”, “will”, “target”, “may”, “would”, “see”, “plan” or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which could cause our actual results to differ materially from such statements. These statements are based on management’s best assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to them. These forward-looking statements are only predictions based upon our current expectations and views of future events and developments and are subject to risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future. Factors, including risks and uncertainties that could cause these differences, include those risks and uncertainties identified in the Risk Factors above.

    ANALYST WEBCAST

    • Nokia’s webcast will begin on 30 January 2025 at 11.30 a.m. Finnish time (EET). The webcast will last approximately 60 minutes.
    • The webcast will be a presentation followed by a Q&A session. Presentation slides will be available for download at www.nokia.com/financials.
    • A link to the webcast will be available at www.nokia.com/financials.
    • Media representatives can listen in via the link, or alternatively call +1-412-317-5619.

    FINANCIAL CALENDAR

    • Nokia plans to publish its “Nokia in 2024” annual report, which includes the review by the Board of Directors and the audited annual accounts, during the week starting on 10 March 2025.
    • Nokia plans to publish its first quarter 2025 results on 24 April 2025.
    • Nokia’s Annual General Meeting 2025 is planned to be held on 29 April 2025.
    • Nokia plans to publish its second quarter and half year 2025 results on 24 July 2025.
    • Nokia plans to publish its third quarter and January-September 2025 results on 23 October 2025.

    About Nokia

    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.

    With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

    Inquiries:

    Nokia
    Communications
    Phone: +358 10 448 4900
    Email: press.services@nokia.com
    Maria Vaismaa, Global Head of External Communications

    Nokia
    Investor Relations
    Phone: +358 931 580 507
    Email: investor.relations@nokia.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Washington Field Office Statement on Aviation Incident at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    The FBI Washington Field Office’s National Capital Response Squad is responding to an aviation incident at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in support of our law enforcement and public safety partners. Please direct questions to the National Transportation Safety Board.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Parkline Place new workplace hub for NSW Government agencies

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Parkline Place new workplace hub for NSW Government agencies

    Published: 30 January 2025

    Released by: Minister for Lands and Property


    The NSW Government is set to take up residence in a new workplace hub in the heart of Sydney from early 2025.

    Parkline Place is a 39-storey energy efficient tower building located on the corner of Pitt and Park Streets above Gadigal metro station. The development has created 600 construction jobs and will support up to 4000 workers spanning across the government and private sectors.

    The NSW Government’s central property agency, Property and Development NSW (PDNSW) has negotiated the lease arrangements for the four agencies, and is leading the CBD Workplace Hub design and delivery project, which aims to provide modern and sustainable government workplaces as public sector workers return to the office.

    The lease arrangements are as follows:

    • A 12-year lease for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), with the agency now occupying four floors since the start of January.
    • A 12-year lease for the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) for flexible touchdown space across three floors. The agencies are due to move into the building from April 2025.
    • A 13-and-a-half-year lease for the Crown Solicitor’s Office (CSO) to occupy three full floors, plus another floor partially, with the agency set to relocate in mid-2026.

    The leases support the NSW Government’s net zero emissions targets. Parkline Place is fully electric and powered by renewable energy, and targets net zero scope 1 and 2 emissions in operation. It is also designed to achieve 5.5-star NABERS Energy, 3.5-star NABERS Water, and 6-star Green Star Design and As-Built V1.3 sustainability ratings.

    The development has been delivered and will be managed by Investa, on behalf of co-owners Oxford Properties Group and Mitsubishi Estate Asia, with four government agencies to occupy more than 10 floors in the building.

    For more information about the CBD Workplace Hub at Parkline Place, visit the Parkline Place workplace hub page.

    Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

    “Our leases at Parkline Place will provide public servants with quality and sustainable modern workplaces. They will support flexibility and increased collaboration to deliver better service outcomes for the people of NSW.”

    Investa Head of Leasing Mark Podgornik said:

    “We are delighted to welcome the NSW Government this year as one of the first tenants at Parkline Place.”

    “Many major employers are progressively bringing employees back to the office and placing significant value on creating a desirable workplace experience for their people through access to amenity, connected and sustainable workplaces. We are pleased to help facilitate this at Parkline Place.”

    Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) Secretary Kiersten Fishburn said:

    “This new touchdown space offers a great opportunity for our Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure’s employees to access modern facilities conveniently located near the new Metro and other excellent transport options. It also provides a prime location for them to engage with sector colleagues and key stakeholders in the heart of Sydney’s CBD.”

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Reverend Warnock to Vote Against Kennedy Leading America’s Health Care System Following Concerning Nomination Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    Senator Reverend Warnock to Vote Against Kennedy Leading America’s Health Care System Following Concerning Nomination Hearing

    During a Wednesday Senate Finance committee hearing, Senator Reverend Warnock questioned Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trump’s nominee to run the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
    Senator Reverend Warnock’s questioning defended the importance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which employs over 10,000 hardworking Georgians
    Senator Reverend Warnock expressed concerns over disturbing comments and long-held beliefs of Kennedy that would threaten health care costs, quality, and access for millions of Georgians and Americans
    Senator Reverend Warnock: “The CDC is an agency filled with hard-working, dedicated public health servants. They wake up every single day working to keep us safe. We don’t think often enough about their work because it’s easy not to celebrate folks who are protecting you from that which doesn’t appear because of the work that they’re doing”

    Watch Senator Warnock at Wednesday’s Senate Finance committee hearing  HERE
    Washington, D.C. – Today, during a Senate Finance committee hearing on the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), U.S. Senator Reverend Warnock (D-GA) pressed Kennedy on disturbing comments and long-held beliefs of Kennedy that would threaten health care costs and thousands of Georgia health care jobs.
    “Mr. Kennedy, you have compared the CDC’s work to Nazi death camps. You’ve compared it to sexual abusers in the Catholic Church. You’ve also said that many of them belong in jail,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “For me, those are disturbing characterizations of the CDC workers that I know, who are trying to keep the American public safe every single day.”
    During the line of questioning, Senator Warnock also asked the nominee about the bureaucratic hoops many people in Georgia have to jump through in order to access health care. This line of questioning led to Kennedy admitting that people in these situations need health care as opposed to programs, like work requirements in Georgia, one of the many barriers to entry for Medicaid in the state.
    “A woman I think of all the time, her name is Heather. She’s a traveling nurse from Dalton, Georgia who falls into the Medicaid coverage gap. Heather experienced a series of small strokes leaving her unable to work full time. She’s dedicated her life to caring for patients, but now she can’t afford her own medical care out-of-pocket costs because she doesn’t make enough to qualify for tax credits to buy private insurance. What does Heather need? Does she need work requirements, or does she need access to health care so she can finally get healthy and get back to work?” Senator Warnock asked Kennedy.
    “The individual that you described would need healthcare and not a work requirement,” said Kennedy.
    Senator Warnock has long championed efforts to expand affordable health care access, starting with his advocacy to close the health care coverage gap in Georgia. Last year, the Senator visited the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia for the first time as Senator to learn about the agency’s efforts to protect public health, including work to combat the maternal mortality crisis and how federal funding plays a role in keeping Georgia and the country safe from infectious diseases. In addition to pushing for solutions to close the coverage gap, Senator Warnock led a delegation of Georgia lawmakers in urging the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to provide tools to Medicaid non-expansion states like Georgia to help them protect health care access for Medicaid enrollees who lose eligibility after the end of the public health emergency declaration. Senator Warnock made his first visit to Georgia’s legislative session as a U.S. Senator last year, highlighting the need to expand Medicaid for more than 640,000 Georgians.
    Watch the Senator’s full remarks and line of questioning  HERE.
    See below a full transcript of the exchanges between Senator Warnock and Secretary of Health and Human Services nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr.:
    Senator Reverend Warnock (SRW): “I want to talk to you first about the CDC, or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. I’m proud of the work that the CDC does, proud that it’s located in Georgia, with more than 10,000 employees in my state. If confirmed, you would be the cabinet secretary over the CDC. Representing HHS is about 29% of the federal budget, CDC is a part of that.
    “Do you agree that the CDC’s work is critical to Georgia, critical for our country, and the health of the entire world?”
    Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK): Yes, Senator.
    SRW: Senator Isakson, my Republican predecessor would have agreed with that, bless his memory, he was a fierce advocate for the CDC, as am I. The CDC is an agency filled with hard-working, dedicated public health servants.
    “They wake up every single day working to keep us safe. We don’t think often enough about their work because it’s easy not to celebrate folks who are protecting you from that which doesn’t appear because of the work that they’re doing. So grateful for the work that the CDC employees do, some of them are members of my church. I saw that deep commitment firsthand when I visited the CDC just last summer.
    “Mr. Kennedy, you have compared the CDC’s work to Nazi death camps. You’ve compared it to sexual abusers in the Catholic Church. You’ve also said that many of them belong, this is a direct quote, many of them belong in jail. For me those are disturbing characterizations of the CDC workers that I know who are trying to keep the American public safe every single day and as you are presented as the nominee for this position, I need to know, do you stand by those statements that you, you made in the past or do you retract those previous statements?”
    RFK: “Senator, I don’t believe that I ever compared the CDC to Nazi death camps. I support the CDC, my job is not to dismantle or harm the CDC, my job is to empower the scientists if I’m privileged to be confirmed.”
    SRW: “So, you retract those statements?”
    RFK: “I’m not retracting it. I never said it.”
    SRW: “Well, actually I have a transcript. Let me read your words, you said ‘That the institution CDC and the vaccine program is more important than the children that is supposed to protect and you know it’s the same reason we had a pedophile scandal in the Catholic Church it’s because people were able to convince themselves that the institution of the church was more important than those little boys and girls who were being raped’
    “That’s pretty provocative language you said in another statement to me ‘This is like Nazi death camp. […] What happened to these kids? 1 in 31 boys in this country, their minds are being robbed from them.”
    RFK: “I was not comparing the CDC to Nazi death camps, I was comparing the injury rate to our children to other atrocities and I wouldn’t compare the, of course, the CDC to Nazi death camps to any extent.
    “And any statement that I made has been interpreted that way, I don’t agree with that.”
    […]
    SRW: “It sounds like you stand by those statements?”
    RFK: “My objective is to support the CDC. There’s nothing I’m going to do that is going to harm CDC. I want to make sure that our science is gold standard science, that it’s free from that same government oversight investigation committee, and that the panels [… ] within CDC. I think 97% of the people on it had conflicts. I don’t believe that that’s right. I think we need to end those conflicts and make sure that scientists are doing unobstructed science.”
    SRW: “Last week the White House gagged HHS and the CDC, preventing them from communicating all important public health information to anyone. Including our allies in the United States and global disease prevention. Do you agree with that action?”
    RFK: “I was not consulted on it, but that’s pretty much standard operating procedure for the incoming administration.”
    SRW: “So you agree with the action that gagged HHS and CDC from communicating important public health information?”
    RFK: “That directive made sure that no use public health and only non-essential travel and mass communications were temporarily suspended, pending the confirmation of a new HHS secretary, this is standard operating procedure for administration.”
    SRW: “I don’t think what we’ve seen over the last several days is standard operation for a new administration. I think we’re seeing some unprecedented actions, but you agree with it.
    “Last night mem members of the CDC, along with other federal employees were actually invited to resign, these buyouts. I actually got text messages from folks I know from the CDC (who work) for the CDC that do this important work who got that note. It’s really important because my experience is that when you send out that kind of note, the folks who resign are the folks who you least likely want to see resign.
    “They got other options, they’re gifted folks, they’ve got a lot of expertise. A lot of them are doing this work because of their patriotism, because of their commitment. Do you agree with the buyouts that were presented to CDC employees just last night?”
    RFK: “I agree the vast majority of the scientists and experts at CDC are patriots and government servants.
    SRW: “Can you tell me yes or no? […] Ok, you agree with the buyouts.”
    “In our meeting, I asked you to confirm your support for the Affordable Care Act. You also mentioned that you and President Trump want to fix the ACA by making premiums more affordable.
    “Did you know that tax credits that help families afford health insurance and save George’s an average of $531 per month per person are set to expire at the end of the year? Did you know that?”
    RFK: “I do.”
    SRW: “Do you support Congress extending these tax credits so that Americans can continue to afford health care?
    *RFK gives non “Yes” or “No” response
    SRW: “I think that the fact that you find it difficult to answer basic questions is deeply troubling for me as you present yourself as a nominee to run HHS.
    SRW: “Based on our conversations, it’s my understanding that you support work requirements and Medicaid. In 2020, President Trump approved a proposal from Georgia state leaders requiring Georgians to jump through a number of onerous bureaucratic hoops and fill out even more paperwork, to verify work and get access to health care.
    “I asked this as someone who represents a state that has not expanded Medicaid, the federal government, because of this waiver, spent $70 million on Georgia’s Medicaid waiver. 82% of that went to administrative costs.
    “The point that I’m making is that the folks that they’re insisting need to work, 90% of those folks are working. They are caregivers or they have a disability.
    “Let me give you one example. A woman I think of all the time, her name is Heather. She’s a traveling nurse from Dalton, Georgia who falls into the Medicaid coverage gap. Heather experienced a series of small strokes leaving her unable to work full time. She’s dedicated her life to caring for patients, but now she can’t afford her own medical care out-of-pocket costs because she doesn’t make enough to qualify for tax credits to buy private insurance.
    “What does Heather need? Does she need work requirements, or does she need access to health care so she can finally get healthy and get back to work?
    RFK: “The individual that you described would need healthcare and not a work requirement.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall to HHS Nominee Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. in Senate Finance Hearing: What Does Making America Healthy Again Look Like?

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. voted in support of President Trump’s Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) nominee, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. in his Senate Finance Committee confirmation hearing today. 
    Senator Marshall highlighted America’s chronic disease epidemic and the impact ultra-processed foods have had on our national health. Additionally, Senator Marshall questioned RFK Jr. about the impact of his proposed initiatives on American agriculture.  
    As the founder of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Caucus, Senator Marshall has been vocal in his support of RFK Jr. and the MAHA movement. In his hearing, RFK Jr. emphasized his holistic approach to leading HHS and what making America healthy again means: increasing access to fresh foods, ensuring medical transparency, and supporting America’s farmers and ranchers by working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) every step of the way.
    You may click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full remarks.
    Highlights from Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Responses to Senator Marshall Include: 
    On RFK Jr.’s Vision to Make America Healthy Again: 
    “We’re having epidemics of all these chronic illnesses, autoimmune diseases, neurological diseases, allergic diseases, obesity. When my uncle was president, 3% of Americans were obese. Today, 74% of Americans are obese or overweight. No other country has anything like this. In Japan, the obesity rate is still 3%.”
    “Epidemics are not caused by genes. Genes may provide the vulnerability, but you need an environmental toxin. Something is poisoning the American people, and we know that the primary culprits are our changing food supply – the switch to highly chemical-intensive processed foods.”
    “We don’t have good science on all these things, and that is deliberate. That’s a deliberate choice not to study the things that are truly making us sick, that are not only contributing to chronic disease, to mortalities, from infectious disease. We need to get a handle on this because if we don’t, it’s an existential threat.”
    “Our country is not going to be destroyed because we get the marginal tax rate wrong, or because we get one of these culture war issues that we’ve been talking about today wrong, it’s going to be destroyed if we continue down this trajectory of chronic disease. We need to fix our food supply, and that’s the number one.” 
    On RFK Jr. supporting America’s farmers and ranchers: 
    “What we need to do is we need to support the farmers. We need the farmers as partners if we’re going to make the MAHA work – and I don’t want a single farmer to go out of business under our watch.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s SOEs log revenue growth in 2024

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The revenues of China’s state-owned enterprises (SOEs) went up 1.3 percent in 2024 from the previous year, recent official data showed.

    The SOEs raked in 84.72 trillion yuan (11.77 trillion U.S. dollars) in operating revenues in 2024, data from the Ministry of Finance showed.

    The combined profits of SOEs edged up 0.4 percent year on year to 4.35 trillion yuan in 2024.

    The SOEs saw their debt-to-asset ratio reach 64.8 percent at the end of 2024, up 0.3 percentage points year on year. 

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Repeat and Dangerous Sex Offender Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison After Traveling from Arkansas to Albany to Sexually Abuse 11 Year Old

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – Kyle Biswell, age 39, of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, was sentenced today to 20 years in prison, to be followed by a life term of supervised release, after a federal judge determined that he is a repeat and dangerous sex offender against minors. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

    In July 2024, Biswell pled guilty to interstate travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct and transportation of child pornography.  After his plea, the United States Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Probation Office, and the FBI obtained evidence that Biswell had previously sexually abused an infant, which established that Biswell is a repeat and dangerous sex offender against minors – significantly enhancing his sentencing range under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.  Faced with the evidence amassed by the government, Biswell informed the prosecution that he would waive an evidentiary hearing and his objection to being sentenced as a repeat and dangerous sex offender against minors in exchange for an agreed-upon sentence of 20 years’ incarceration and a life term of supervised release. 

    According to the plea agreement and documents submitted to the Court, Biswell admitted that between January and April 2023, he communicated with an individual he believed was the mother of an 11-year-old girl through an internet-based social networking application and using his cellular phone.  Over the course of those communications, Biswell expressed his interest in engaging in sexual contact and impregnating the 11-year-old and ultimately purchased airfare to travel from his home in Arkansas to Albany, with the intent to engage in illicit sexual contact with the child on April 8, 2023.  Upon his arrival in the Capital Region on April 8, 2023, Biswell was arrested by FBI agents and admitted that he had traveled from Arkansas to Albany for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts with a child he believed to be 11 years old.  Biswell further admitted that he brought child pornography with him on his cell phone.  The cell phone was subsequently searched by the FBI and found to contain numerous videos and images depicting child pornography, including several videos depicting the sexual abuse and rape of children under the age of 5.   

    In sentencing Biswell today, United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci found that he had previously engaged in oral-to-genital contact with an infant, making him a repeat and dangerous sex offender against minors.  In addition to a 20-year term of incarceration and a lifetime of supervised release, Judge Nardacci imposed restitution in the amount of $9,000 and a special assessment of $200.  When Biswell is released from prison, he will be required to register as a sex offender. 

    The FBI investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin S. Clark prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood. 

    Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS).  Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner Questions RFK Jr. on Medicaid, Federal Funding Freeze, and His Pledge to Fire 2,200 HHS Employees

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

     

    BROADCAST-QUALITY VIDEO OF THE FULL EXCHANGE IS AVAILABLE HERE 

    WASHINGTON – Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, today questioned President Trump’s nominee for U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Kennedy’s career has focused on touting disproven claims about vaccines, and he has a rapidly changing record on abortion rights. 

    Responding to Kennedy’s statements maligning Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act, Sen. Warner said (0:05):

    “Well, I have to tell you, for literally hundreds of thousands of Virginians, Medicaid is what prevents them from health crises on a daily and weekly basis. And some imaginary new plan? If there was a new plan, that was to be the basis of what Trump was going to do on repealing Obamacare… I would have thought by now we’d have seen it.” 

    Sen. Warner’s questions also follow an unlawful directive from President Trump on Monday night to freeze trillions in government grants, loans, and programs. While the action was successfully blocked until Feb. 3 by a federal judge, it could still go into effect at that point, directly threatening countless federal benefits, funding for public schools and community health centers, local domestic violence shelters, firefighters and law enforcement, and much more.

    Kennedy’s campaign fundraised off this unlawful directive in an email to supporters, celebrating it as a way to “prevent unelected bureaucrats from further undermining our health freedom.” Kennedy’s unsuccessful presidential campaign is $2 million in debt, and the email was an attempt to garner donations from supporters to cover that shortfall. Questioning Kennedy on these decisions, Sen. Warner said (1:20),

    “So the fact that you celebrate this freeze, do you think that was a good idea to put all of this on hold for 90 days, NIH funding, and any kind of further work in your research? I’d like you to explain to a domestic violence center in Richmond that’s saying, because of this freeze, they may have to close down… where are those battered women going to go? Or to a rural nonprofit I’ve got in the Shenandoah Valley saying that freeze is going to potentially shut down their ability to operate…”

    Sen. Warner also pushed Kennedy on his pledge to remove 2,200 HHS employees, and asked what departments he might be firing people from. He also touched on President Trump’s questionably legal action to offer all federal employees a “buyout” (2:41):

    “Now, you’ve said publicly you want to immediately get rid of 600 workers on job one on day one… When we had our meeting, you said you actually like to get rid of 2,200 people from HHS. Which offices are you going to start cutting and ripping these 2,200 workers from? … When we’re looking at this purge and we’re looking at laying off workers, when we’re looking at potentially the president’s illegal offer to try to buy out federal employees, which I would say to any federal employees, think twice… has this individual in his business role ever fulfilled his contracts or obligations to any workers in the past? … But if you are in this position, will you pledge that you will not fire federal employees who work on food safety, work on trying to prevent things like salmonella?”

    While Kennedy refused to answer any specific departments he would protect or fire, Sen. Warner pushed him to see if his determinations on worthy departments would be at his discretion or based on President Trump’s ideas. When Kennedy responded that it would be his choice, Sen. Warner answered (5:09),

    “So I guess that means a lot of folks who’ve had any type of views on vaccines will be out of work.”

    Sen. Warner went on to question Kennedy about protecting funding for community health centers (5:20) and continue to push him on the federal funding freeze (6:00). His full comments can be watched here.

    Kennedy will face additional questioning in front of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) tomorrow, before the Finance Committee eventually votes on his nomination.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Albanese Government launches review to strengthen mental health system

    Source: Australian Treasurer

    The Albanese Government has tasked the Productivity Commission with a review into the mental health and suicide prevention system to deliver better mental health care and support for Australians.

    The National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement is due to expire in 2026 and it’s critical there is a review so all Australian governments are delivering mental health and suicide prevention services and support informed by this work.

    Since coming to office, the Albanese Government has invested over $2.4 billion in mental health and suicide prevention.

    We’ve made a lot of progress working closely with state and territory governments through the National Agreement, including:

    • Expanding and opening 61 Medicare Mental Health Centres – providing free walk‑in access to mental health services and support
    • Strengthening headspace – free mental health support for children and young people from 12 to 25 years with reduced wait times
    • Setting up the Head to Health Kids Hub network – mental health and wellbeing centres for children up to 12 years
    • Expanding aftercare services – immediate support for people who have recently attempted suicide
    • Investing in Distress Brief Intervention Services – compassionate care and short‑term support for people in distress
    • Bolstering Postvention support – helping people bereaved following the death by suicide of a family member or friend.

    This review is about continuing to build a mental health system that’s effective, affordable, and there for Australians when they need it.

    The Productivity Commission will consult with government agencies, commissioning bodies, service providers, peak bodies, people with lived and living experience of mental ill‑health and suicide, First Nations communities and other priority groups.

    Public hearings will be held as part of the consultation process.

    An interim report will be delivered ahead of the final review due October 2025.

    Further information is available on the Productivity Commission’s site.

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler MP

    “Mental health and suicide prevention have been at the forefront of Australian Government action and investment.

    “We have worked closely with state and territory governments to ensure people of all ages have access to appropriate and affordable services no matter where they live.

    “This review will ensure any future arrangements are underpinned by a solid analysis of the current mental health and suicide prevention arrangements.”

    Quotes attributable to Treasurer, Dr Jim Chalmers MP

    “Mental health touches every family and every community in Australia and is at the core of our national well‑being.

    “We have invested billions in Medicare and mental health has been a big part of that so that services are more accessible and more available across the country.

    “While the impacts on people are our primary concern, mental ill‑health also costs the economy tens of billions a year and these steps to strengthen the system help more broadly.”

    Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Emma McBride MP

    “The Albanese Government continues to have a strong focus on improving the mental health of all Australians.

    “As part of our plan to strengthen Medicare we have expanded access to mental health support, including through our national network of Medicare Mental Health Centres.

    “Through this review, we can make sure that our national mental health and suicide prevention agreements meet the growing need for affordable, accessible and timely care.”

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo: Kennedy Deserves to be Confirmed as HHS Secretary

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.– At the U.S. Senate Finance Committee’s hearing today to consider the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to serve as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) praised Mr. Kennedy’s commitment to ending the chronic disease epidemic and working with Congress to create a more effective, affordable and transparent health care system.  

    At the end of the hearing, Crapo concluded, “Thank you for appearing before this Committee.  You have been accessible to the members and staff on both sides of the aisle throughout a rigorous process, and I want the whole world to know that you spent hours in meetings answering questions outside of this hearing, and providing documents and responses on issue after issue.  You have gone through the most thorough vetting process that any committee in this Congress puts anybody through, and I think that you have come through well and deserve to be confirmed.”

    Click here to watch Chairman Crapo’s opening statement.

    Click here to watch Chairman Crapo question Mr. Kennedy.

    On fixing the American health care system:

    In his opening remarks, Crapo highlighted opportunities for Mr. Kennedy, if confirmed as HHS Secretary:

    “Mr. Kennedy, if confirmed, you will have the opportunity to chart a new and better course for the federal approach to tackling both the drivers and the consequences of our ailing health care system.  Your commitment to combatting chronic conditions that drive health care costs will be critical to our success.

    “Prioritizing disease prevention and addressing the factors that fuel conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease, Alzheimer’s disease, COPD and cancer will save lives, reduce costs and build a healthier, stronger country.

    “Private-sector breakthroughs, from groundbreaking cancer medications to curative gene therapies, offer hope.  But misguided government initiatives and market volatility risk eroding American leadership in lifesaving R&D.

    “Your advocacy for health care transparency has the potential to empower consumers across the country, promoting competition to enhance quality while cutting excessive spending, both for patients and for taxpayers.” 

    On how nutrition is critical for prevention:

    Crapo questioned Mr. Kennedy on the importance of nutrition in preventing chronic disease, reducing health costs and improving health outcomes.  Mr. Kennedy clarified his beliefs on the government’s role in food regulations, saying: 

    “I don’t want to take food away from anybody.  If you like a McDonald’s cheeseburger, Diet Coke—which my boss loves—you should be able to get them.  If you want to eat a Hostess Twinkie, you should be able to do that, but you should know what the impacts are on your family and on your health.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Allens advises QIC on $900 million sale of Westpoint Shopping Centre

    Source: Allens Insights

    Allens has advised the Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC) Real Estate team and QIC’s inhouse legal team on QIC’s circa $900 million sale of Westpoint Shopping Centre in Blacktown, New South Wales, the largest individual retail asset transaction in Australian history.

    Australian property investor Haben and US investment manager Hines have partnered to acquire the shopping centre and neighbouring Kmart centre.

    At the time of opening in 1973, the complex was one of the biggest in Sydney’s west and now features approximately 104,000 square metres of core retail space, 270 retail stores, co-working facilities and 4378 parking spaces. QIC held the asset for 34 years.

    ‘It was fantastic to work with the QIC team on this sale, which enabled QIC to realise value for its clients at the perfect time. It demonstrates there is demand for well-managed retail assets in strategic locations like Westpoint,’ said lead partner John Beckinsale.

    Allens legal team

    Real Estate & Development

    John Beckinsale (Partner), Felicity Rourke (Partner), Lauren Cutuli (Senior Associate), Layth Zumot (Associate), Hannah Woodfield (Lawyer), Stella Bogdanovic (Lawyer), Kerianne Kalajzich (Senior Paralegal), Jodi Harrison (Senior Paralegal)

    Disputes & Investigations

    Jonathan Light (Partner), Lauren Carroll (Associate)

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI USA: PSI Chairman Johnson Subpoenas HHS for Records on COVID-19 Vaccine Safety; Dr. Fauci’s Communications

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Ron Johnson
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) announced that on Jan. 28, 2025 he issued his first subpoena as chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for records relating to COVID-19 vaccine safety data and communications about the COVID-19 pandemic, including a subset of Dr. Anthony Fauci’s emails. The announcement came during Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s confirmation hearing before the Senate Finance Committee.
    Sen. Johnson’s subpoena to HHS is a culmination of a multi-year fight to overcome the obstruction of the Biden administration to get unredacted records and data about the COVID-19 pandemic and the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines. For years, Biden officials at HHS and its subcomponent agencies withheld crucial health information from Sen. Johnson and the public. Many of Sen. Johnson’s more than 70 oversight letters to the Biden administration were either completely ignored or inadequately addressed. Now, having recently been named chairman of PSI, Sen. Johnson has the authority to issue subpoenas.
    Sen. Johnson stated, “In the waning days of the Biden administration and after years of obstructing my oversight efforts, I warned HHS officials that when I become chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, I will subpoena records and data on the COVID-19 pandemic that have been inappropriately withheld from Congress and the American people for far too long. 
    “Just days after being named chairman of the Subcommittee, I have kept my word.  
    “Yesterday, I subpoenaed HHS for documents on the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic—including a subset of Dr. Fauci’s emails—and the development and safety of the COVID-19 vaccines. Many of these records should have been turned over to me years ago, but the Biden administration opted to keep Congress and the public in the dark.
    “I look forward to HHS’s full compliance with the subpoena.” 

    Sen. Johnson signing the Jan. 28th subpoena to HHS
    Sen. Johnson’s subpoena requires HHS to produce:
    Previously withheld or heavily redacted communications about the pandemic, including Dr. Anthony Fauci’s emails, including but not limited to the approximately 50 pages of his emails that have been withheld from my office since September 2021;
    Safety surveillance data on the COVID-19 vaccines including proportional reporting ratios and empirical Bayesian data mining;
    Unredacted records previously released through Freedom of Information Act requests regarding the government’s awareness of myocarditis and pericarditis cases in post-vaccinated individuals;
    Data and records relating to COVID-19 vaccine lots associated with higher rates of adverse events;
    Order forms and receipts showing government researchers purchasing DNA sequences from a biotechnology company; and
    All communications relating to HHS’s receipt of and response (or lack thereof) to my oversight letters between January 2021 and the present. 
    HHS is required to comply with the subpoena by Feb. 18, 2025.
    Sen. Johnson’s questioning of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. can be found here.
    The complete subpoena can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed Announces Committee Leadership Assignments for 119th Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, after the Senate Appropriations Committee fully organized, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) announced his full slate of committee and subcommittee assignments for the 119th Congress. 
    Senator Reed will continue serving on four ‘A’ committees: Armed Services; Appropriations; Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; and the Select Committee on Intelligence.  These assignments include two of the three ‘Super A’ Committees: Armed Services and Appropriations.
    Senator Reed will serve as Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and as the Ranking Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government (FSGG), which has jurisdiction over a diverse group of agencies responsible for regulating the financial and telecommunications industries; collecting taxes and providing taxpayer assistance; providing small business assistance; overseeing the White House and judicial branch operations, and the District of Columbia; construction and management of federal buildings; and overseeing the Federal workforce.
    With these assignments, Reed is well-positioned to deliver for Rhode Island while overseeing the U.S. Department of Defense and federal spending decisions through the appropriations process.
    “These key committee posts help me fix our roads and bridges, strengthen our economy, deliver for Rhode Island, and chart a responsible fiscal path.  My new assignment on the Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee provides another tool to support small business growth, expand economic opportunity, boost Rhode Island’s broadband connections, and ensure the health and safety of our financial markets,” said Reed.  “As Congress grapples with a range of complex challenges, I will do everything in my power to help lower prices for working families and ensure Rhode Islanders’ needs are met.  I will continue to be a relentless advocate for our state and focus on the issues that Rhode Islanders care about.  And I will promote and uphold the constitutional role of Congress, including Congress’s power of the purse. ”
    ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE
    Senator Reed is the Ranking Member of the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee, which is responsible for overseeing the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), military services operating across the domains of land, sea, air, cyberspace, and space, and all DOD agencies, including their budgets and policies, and national security aspects of nuclear energy.  Each year, SASC is tasked with producing and passing the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
    In 2024, under Reed’s leadership as SASC Chairman, Congress passed the fiscal year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which authorized $883.7 billion for the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and the national security programs of the U.S. Department of Energy.  The NDAA offers a blueprint to equip, supply, and train U.S. forces; provide for military families; and strengthen oversight of the Defense Department and military programs. The defense industry is a high-tech sector that contributes to Rhode Island’s economic growth, generates good-paying jobs, and has been a resilient segment of the state’s economy. According to the latest Rhode Island data, the defense industry generated over $4.3 billion in annual economic impact for Rhode Island and a total employment share of 6.2 percent of the state’s workforce.
    In addition to his leadership on the Armed Services Committee, Reed is also a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, which provides him with additional oversight responsibilities in determining how defense dollars are spent.
    APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE
    Senator Reed will continue to serve as Rhode Island’s only member of the powerful Appropriations Committee, which controls the funding of the federal government.
    Senator Reed is the third most senior Democrat on the Appropriations Committee.  He works tirelessly to direct federal funding to the Ocean State to create jobs, strengthen infrastructure, and support economic and community development initiatives.
    Senator Reed will give up his leadership post on the Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch in order to help lead the Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee. 
    The FSGG subcommittee drafts the spending plan and oversees annual funding for financial-related agencies including the U.S. Department of Treasury; the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC); and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).  It is responsible for funding the Executive Office of the President and federal election security initiatives.  The panel also has jurisdiction over two dozen key agencies and programs that have a direct impact on Rhode Island, including:
    – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), which supports local entrepreneurs and small businesses with outreach and loans and also provides loans following federally-declared disasters.
    – The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which helps ensure competition in broad sectors of the economy and helps protect consumers from false advertising and business practices.
    – The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which has jurisdiction over telecommunications and broadband matters.
    – The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), which provides funding for High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas nationwide and to Rhode Island.
    – The Federal Election Commission (FEC), with has jurisdiction over federal campaign finance laws.
    – The General Services Administration (GSA), which manages federal properties in Rhode Island and nationwide.
    – The Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund which provides hundreds of millions annually to generate economic growth in local communities and provide access to credit and technical assistance to underserved areas.
    Additionally, Senator Reed will serve on five other Appropriations Subcommittees: Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS); Defense; Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-H); Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon-VA); and Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD).
    BANKING, HOUSING & URBAN AFFAIRS
    A champion of affordable housing, consumer protection, and mass-transit, Senator Reed will continue serving as a key member of the Banking, Housing & Urban Affairs Committee, which has broad oversight over our nation’s financial institutions, capital markets, consumer finance, monetary policy, and housing and mass-transit programs. 
    Senator Reed is the most senior Democratic member of the panel, but Senate rules dictate that members may only serve atop one full committee at a time.
    Senator Reed has used his Banking Committee post to author Wall Street reform and consumer protection laws, including his ‘warrants law,’ which forced the return of over $10 billion dollars to taxpayers.  He also successfully urged the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to focus greater attention on climate risk disclosures for public companies.  The committee also oversees federal housing policy and authorizes mass-transit investments, and Senator Reed used his role on the committee led to create two affordable housing funds: the Housing Trust Fund and the Capital Magnet Fund.
    It was Senator Reed’s leadership on the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, coupled with his work on the Appropriations Committee, that earned him a spot as one of twenty members of the bipartisan working group that was tasked with developing the CARES Act (Public Law No. 116-136).  Senator Reed was the driving force behind the successful effort to create the $150 billion Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) in the CARES Act and successfully secured a small state minimum of $1.25 billion in the law.  Senator Reed continues to play an active role in pushing legislation to direct additional federal funds to states and local governments to help save lives and address the economic impact caused by the pandemic.
    As America faces an affordable housing crisis, which worsened during the pandemic, Senator Reed will play a key role in providing relief for renters and homeowners, and helping to revitalize communities by expanding the supply of affordable housing. Reed will also use his seat on this committee to boost mass-transit infrastructure in order to help connect communities and more Americans to jobs and economic opportunity.
    Senator Reed will serve on three key Banking subcommittees: Economic Policy; Financial Institutions and Consumer Protection; and Securities, Insurance, and Investment.
    INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE
    By virtue of his leadership of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Reed is also an ex officio member of the high-profile Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, which oversees the U.S. Intelligence Community.  As an ex officio member of the panel, Senator Reed regularly participates in open and closed-door briefings and hearings with top intelligence officials from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), and the National Security Agency (NSA), but he does not vote in committee.
    The Intelligence Committee was established in 1976 to oversee the range of civilian and military agencies and departments that make up the U.S. Intelligence Community, and has wide influence over U.S. national security and foreign policy.
    The President of the United States is required by law to ensure that the Intelligence Committee is kept “fully and currently informed” of intelligence activities.  As a result, U.S. intelligence agencies must notify the Committee of its activities, including covert actions.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Hassan Slams RFK Jr. as a Dangerous Rubber Stamp for Donald Trump

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan
    “When was it that you decided to sell out the values you’ve had your whole life in order to be given power by President Trump?”
    WASHINGTON – At a Senate Finance Committee hearing today, U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) slammed President Trump’s Secretary of Health and Human Services nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for being “willing to sacrifice your values, your knowledge, if President Trump tells you to do that,” specifically highlighting Mr. Kennedy’s flip-flopping on issues such as reproductive freedom.
    Click here to watch Senator Hassan question RFK Jr. on his refusal to put the health and well-being of the American people above his allegiance to Donald Trump.
    Senator Hassan began by highlighting Mr. Kennedy’s record of spreading dangerous vaccine misinformation. Then, Senator Hassan highlighted his rapidly shifting positions on the right for women to make their own reproductive health care decisions. “Mr. Kennedy…You have clearly stated in the past that bodily autonomy is one of your core values. The question is do you stand for that value or not? When was it that you decided to sell out the values you’ve had your whole life in order to be given power by President Trump?” said Senator Hassan when pressing him during the confirmation hearing today on his shifting positions.
    “What you’re telling us is if President Trump orders you to take action to make it harder for women to get direly needed health care, you’ll follow his order. If Mr. Trump, as he did yesterday, orders a halt on Medicaid payments that are essential for taking care of people with disabilities all around this country, you’re going to follow that order. Because you are willing to sacrifice your values, your knowledge, if President Trump tells you to do that. That to me is unacceptable in a Secretary of Health and Human Services,” Senator Hassan concluded.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Barrasso: HHS Nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Will Prioritize Rural Health Care

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming John Barrasso
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) discussed the various challenges health care providers and patients in rural America face with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald J. Trump’s nominee to be Secretary of Health and Human Services.
    Specifically, Senator Barrasso and Mr. Kennedy discussed the threat of hospital closures and the lack of maternity services in rural and frontier communities. They also talked about the Biden administration’s shortsighted nursing home staffing mandate, which if implemented would result in nursing home closures in Wyoming and across rural America.
    Kennedy’s confirmation hearing was held today by the Senate Committee on Finance.
    On Challenges Facing Rural Hospitals and Patients:
    “Thank you for taking the time to visit with me in my office prior to today’s hearing to talk about a lot of the important issues affecting health care in my home state of Wyoming, as well as the nation. I appreciate your willingness to serve our country.
    “During our meeting, we discussed the challenges health care providers and patients are facing in rural America including: financial obstacles facing rural hospitals, workforce shortages, issues with OBGYN, and new regulations that are painful that came out of the Biden administration hurting our ability to provide nursing home staffing.
    “Let me start off with rural hospitals and the closures of hospitals like that. There are a lot of challenges facing hospitals in rural communities and frontier areas.
    “We have 33 hospitals in Wyoming. Twenty-six are located in various locations often hard to get to or weather impacts them. Six of the hospitals are at risk of closing, two are in immediate risk of closing in the next two years, and 10 have had to cut available services.
    “This is a concern of rural hospitals both Republican and Democrat states. It’s bipartisan. It is critical that the financial, workforce challenges that we are facing are addressed.
    “Can you commit to working with us on a plan to address this critical nationwide issue in rural healthcare?”
    Follow-up on maternity services in rural areas:
    “With financial strains on a local hospital, one of the common services to be cut in rural hospitals is maternity services. We have women in Wyoming having to drive over 100 miles to access care.
    “Thirteen counties in Wyoming don’t have access to OB. Counties that are larger than the states of Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Delaware.
    “Will you commit to working with my office to find solutions to help address these specific maternal health challenges?”
    Click here to watch Sen. Barrasso’s remarks on rural hospitals and maternity services.
    On Nursing Home Closures:
    “Another issue we specifically spoke about is the harmful Biden administration rule that would have been really bad for our rural nursing homes.
    “It is a rule that would triple the registered nurse requirements in nursing homes. There just are not enough registered nurses in our state to be able to comply with this. This would lead to nursing home closures across our state.
    “Will you commit to working with me to fix this serious problem that would have been the result of a rule that came out by the Biden administration that clearly doesn’t understand rural America?”
    Click here to watch Sen. Barrasso’s remarks on nursing home closures.

    MIL OSI USA News