NewzIntel.com

Category: Finance

  • MIL-OSI: Artisan Partners Asset Management Inc. to Announce 3Q24 Results on October 29, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MILWAUKEE, Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Artisan Partners Asset Management Inc. (NYSE: APAM) will report its third quarter 2024 financial results and information relating to its quarterly dividend on October 29, 2024 at approximately 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time). Artisan Partners Asset Management’s earnings release and supplemental materials will be available on the investor relations section of artisanpartners.com at that time. Chief Executive Officer Eric Colson, President Jason Gottlieb and Chief Financial Officer C.J. Daley will host a conference call on October 30, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) to discuss the results.

    A live webcast of the conference call will be available via the investor relations section of artisanpartners.com. Those interested in participating in the conference call should dial:              

    United States/Toll Free: 1-877-328-5507
    International: 1-412-317-5423
    Conference ID: 10192111

    An audio replay of the conference call will be available one hour after the end of the conference until November 6, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) by dialing the following:         

    United States/Toll Free: 1-877-344-7529
    International: 1-412-317-0088
    Replay Conference ID: 5832848

    An audio replay will also be available via the investor relations section of artisanpartners.com within 24 hours after the end of the conference.

    About Artisan Partners

    Artisan Partners is a global investment management firm that provides a broad range of high value-added investment strategies in growing asset classes to sophisticated clients around the world. Since 1994, the firm has been committed to attracting experienced, disciplined investment professionals to manage client assets. Artisan Partners’ autonomous investment teams oversee a diverse range of investment strategies across multiple asset classes. Strategies are offered through various investment vehicles to accommodate a broad range of client mandates.

    Artisan Partners Asset Management Inc.

    Investor Relations Inquiries
    866.632.1770
    ir@artisanpartners.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Brookfield Corporation to Host Third Quarter 2024 Results Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BROOKFIELD, NEWS, Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Brookfield Corporation (TSX: BN, NYSE: BN) will host its third quarter 2024 conference call and webcast on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. (ET).

    Results will be released that morning before 7:00 a.m. (ET) and will be available on our website at https://bn.brookfield.com/news-events/press-releases.

    Participants can join by conference call or webcast:

    Conference Call

    Webcast

    About Brookfield Corporation

    Brookfield Corporation is a leading global investment firm focused on building long-term wealth for institutions and individuals around the world. We have three core businesses: Alternative Asset Management, Wealth Solutions, and our Operating Businesses which are in renewable power, infrastructure, business and industrial services, and real estate.

    We have a track record of delivering 15%+ annualized returns to shareholders for over 30 years, supported by our unrivaled investment and operational experience. Our conservatively managed balance sheet, extensive operational experience, and global sourcing networks allow us to consistently access unique opportunities. At the center of our success is the Brookfield Ecosystem, which is based on the fundamental principle that each group within Brookfield benefits from being part of the broader organization. Brookfield Corporation is publicly traded in New York and Toronto (NYSE: BN, TSX: BN).

    For more information, please visit our website at http://www.bn.brookfield.com or contact:

    Media
    Kerrie McHugh
    Tel: (212) 618-3469
    Email: kerrie.mchugh@brookfield.com    		            Investor Relations
    Linda Northwood
    Tel: (416) 359-8647
    Email: linda.northwood@brookfield.com
         

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: APA Corporation Announces Retirement of General Counsel Anthony Lannie and Promotion of David J. Bernal to Vice President Legal

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — APA Corporation (Nasdaq: APA) announces the retirement of executive vice president and general counsel Anthony Lannie, effective Oct. 9, 2024. David J. Bernal has been promoted to vice president Legal and acting general counsel.

    Mr. Bernal joined APA in 2008 and has handled commercial litigation and counseled executives and senior management. During his time at APA, Mr. Bernal has supported numerous initiatives across the company, both domestic and international, and provided mentorship for the legal team. Previously, after appointment by the Governor and confirmation by the Senate, Mr. Bernal served as a Texas state district judge, presiding over hundreds of jury and bench trials, evidentiary hearings and other motions involving various types of civil litigation. From 1995 to 2003, Mr. Bernal was a legal associate at both Baker Botts and King & Spalding. 

    “I look forward to David’s leadership and counsel as he takes the helm of the corporate legal function, and I want to personally thank Anthony for his 21 years of dedicated service as General Counsel and commitment to APA as he moves into retirement,” said John J. Christmann, IV, CEO of APA Corporation.

    About APA

    APA Corporation owns consolidated subsidiaries that explore for and produce oil and natural gas in the United States, Egypt and the United Kingdom and that explore for oil and natural gas offshore Suriname and elsewhere. APA posts announcements, operational updates, investor information and press releases on its website, http://www.apacorp.com.

    Contacts

    Investor: (281) 302-2286 Gary Clark
    Media: (713) 296-7276 Alexandra Franceschi

    Website: http://www.apacorp.com

    APA-G

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Tertia Freas appointed to First Hawaiian, Inc. and First Hawaiian Bank Boards of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HONOLULU, Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — First Hawaiian, Inc. (NASDAQ: FHB), announced today the appointment of Tertia Freas to serve on its Board of Directors and the Board of Directors of First Hawaiian Bank. Freas also was appointed to the Board of Directors’ Audit Committee. All appointments are effective October 15, 2024.

    “We are pleased to welcome Tertia Freas and thank her for agreeing to serve on our Board,” said Bob Harrison, First Hawaiian, Inc. Chairman, President and CEO. “Her deep expertise in accounting and finance and her commitment to community service make her an outstanding addition to our leadership team. I look forward to collaborating with her as we continue to move First Hawaiian Bank forward.”

    Tertia Freas is the executive director of The Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation, a private foundation that provides grants to nonprofit organizations in Hawaii for education, healthcare, children, youth and family, sustainability, housing and arts, culture and innovation. She has 35 years of experience in public accounting, working for Deloitte & Touche LLP. During her career at Deloitte, she served as an audit partner for more than 20 years, Honolulu office recruiter, national trainer, and was the leader for the Honolulu office Women’s Initiative program.

    In 2005, Freas was inducted to the University of Hawaii, Shidler College of Business Alumni Hall of Honor. She is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Hawaii Society of CPAs. She currently serves on the Board of Directors and as the Chair of the Finance Committee for First Presbyterian Church of Honolulu.

    About First Hawaiian
    First Hawaiian, Inc. (NASDAQ:FHB) is a bank holding company headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaii. Its principal subsidiary, First Hawaiian Bank, founded in 1858 under the name Bishop & Company, is Hawaii’s oldest and largest financial institution with branch locations throughout Hawaii, Guam and Saipan. The company offers a comprehensive suite of banking services to consumer and commercial customers including deposit products, loans, wealth management, insurance, trust, retirement planning, credit card and merchant processing services. Customers may also access their accounts through ATMs, online and mobile banking channels. For more information about First Hawaiian, Inc., visit http://www.FHB.com.

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Kevin Haseyama
    (808) 525-6268
    khaseyama@fhb.com

    Media Contact:
    Lindsay Chambers
    (808) 525-6254
    lchambers@fhb.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d8bb39bc-332e-4aa3-a2ca-b21cbaef55cc

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Silvaco Announces Preliminary Unaudited Revenue for Q3 and Updates Full Year 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SANTA CLARA, Calif., Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Silvaco Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: SVCO) (“Silvaco” or the “Company”), a provider of TCAD, EDA software, and SIP solutions that enable semiconductor design and digital twin modeling through AI software and innovation, today announced preliminary unaudited revenue results for the third quarter 2024 and updated its outlook for the full year 2024. The Company will report its full third quarter 2024 earnings results and hold a conference call with an earnings presentation on November 12, 2024.

    “Similar to trends observed across the semiconductor industry, we saw a decline in orders from Asia during Q3 primarily driven by economic challenges and the ongoing strain in U.S.-China trade relations. Accordingly, we are adjusting our expectations for the remainder of the year,” said Babak Taheri, Silvaco’s Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Taheri continued, “We remain confident in our long-term strategy and continue to believe we will be able to achieve double-digit long-term revenue growth driven by our proprietary platform and solutions, examples of which are described in our recent press release of September 24, 2024, alongside our ability to effectively capitalize on strategic acquisition opportunities.”

    Preliminarily, the Company expects total unaudited revenues for the third quarter 2024 to be approximately $11.0 million, not including a large order of approximately $5.0 million, which was expected in the third quarter of 2024, but was received in the first week of the fourth quarter of 2024. This order is included in our full-year guidance for bookings below and is expected to contribute to the Company’s fourth quarter of 2024 revenue. Preliminary results are unaudited, subject to completion of the Company’s financial reporting process, based on information known by management as of the date of this press release, and do not represent a comprehensive statement of our financial results for the third quarter 2024.

    In addition, based on current business trends and conditions, the Company is updating its expectations regarding the full year 2024, as follows:

      Previous Full Year 2024 Guidance Updated Full Year 2024 Guidance
    Gross bookings $67 million to $71 million $64 million to $67 million
    Revenue $63 million to $66 million $60 million to $63 million
    year-over-year growth 16% to 22% 10% to 16%
    Non-GAAP gross margin 85% to 89% 85% to 87%
    Non-GAAP operating income $8.0 million to $11.0 million $5.0 million to $8.0 million
         

    This updated guidance represents Silvaco’s current estimates of its operations and financial results as of October 15, 2024. The financial information above represents forward-looking financial information and in some instances forward-looking, non-GAAP financial information, including estimates of non-GAAP gross margin and non-GAAP operating income. GAAP gross margin is the most comparable GAAP measure to non-GAAP gross margin, and GAAP operating income is the most comparable GAAP measure to non-GAAP operating income. Non-GAAP operating income differs from GAAP operating income in that it excludes items such as certain transaction-related costs, IPO preparation costs, estimated acquisition-related litigation claims and costs, stock-based compensation, amortization of acquired intangible assets, impairment charges and executive severance costs. Silvaco is unable to predict with reasonable certainty the ultimate outcome of these exclusions without unreasonable effort. Therefore, Silvaco has not provided guidance for GAAP gross margin or GAAP operating income or a reconciliation of the forward-looking non-GAAP gross margin or non-GAAP operating income guidance to GAAP gross margin or GAAP operating income, respectively. However, it is important to note that these excluded items could be material to our results computed in accordance with GAAP in future periods.

    Q3 2024 Conference Call Details

    A press release highlighting the Company’s results along with supplemental financial results will be available at https://investors.silvaco.com/ along with an earnings presentation to accompany management’s prepared remarks on the day of the conference call, after market close. An archived replay of the conference call will be available on this website for a limited time after the call. Participants who want to join the call and ask a question may register for the call here to receive the dial-in numbers and unique PIN.

    Date: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
    Time: 5:00 p.m. Eastern time
    Webcast: Here (live and replay)

    About Silvaco

    Silvaco is a provider of TCAD, EDA software, and SIP solutions that enable semiconductor design and digital twin modeling through AI software and innovation. Silvaco’s solutions are used for semiconductor and photonics processes, devices, and systems development across display, power devices, automotive, memory, high performance compute, foundries, photonics, internet of things, and 5G/6G mobile markets for complex SoC design. Silvaco is headquartered in Santa Clara, California, and has a global presence with offices located in North America, Europe, Brazil, China, Japan, Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This press release contains forward-looking statements based on Silvaco’s current expectations. The words “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “anticipate”, “plan”, “project”, “will”, and similar phrases as they relate to Silvaco are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect the current views and assumptions of Silvaco and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations.

    These forward-looking statements include but are not limited to, statements regarding our future operating results, financial position, and guidance, our business strategy and plans, our objectives for future operations, our development or delivery of new or enhanced products, and anticipated results of those products for our customers, our competitive positioning, projected costs, technological capabilities, and plans, and macroeconomic trends.

    A variety of risks and factors that are beyond our control could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements including, without limitation, the following: (a) market conditions; (b) anticipated trends, challenges and growth in our business and the markets in which we operate; (c) our ability to appropriately respond to changing technologies on a timely and cost-effective basis; (d) the size and growth potential of the markets for our software solutions, and our ability to serve those markets; (e) our expectations regarding competition in our existing and new markets; (f) the level of demand in our customers’ end markets; (g) regulatory developments in the United States and foreign countries; (h) changes in trade policies, including the imposition of tariffs; (i) proposed new software solutions, services or developments; (j) our ability to attract and retain key management personnel; (k) our customer relationships and our ability to retain and expand our customer relationships; (l) our ability to diversify our customer base and develop relationships in new markets; (m) the strategies, prospects, plans, expectations, and objectives of management for future operations; (n) public health crises, pandemics, and epidemics and their effects on our business and our customers’ businesses; (o) the impact of the current conflicts between Ukraine and Russia and Israel and its adversaries including Hamas and Hezbollah and the ongoing trade disputes among the United States and China on our business, financial condition or prospects, including extreme volatility in the global capital markets making debt or equity financing more difficult to obtain, more costly or more dilutive, delays and disruptions of the global supply chains and the business activities of our suppliers, distributors, customers and other business partners; (p) changes in general economic or business conditions or economic or demographic trends in the United States and foreign countries including changes in interest rates and inflation; (q) our ability to raise additional capital; (r) our ability to accurately forecast demand for our software solutions; (s) our expectations regarding the outcome of any ongoing litigation; (t) our expectations regarding the period during which we qualify as an emerging growth company under the JOBS Act and as a smaller reporting company under the Exchange Act; (u) our expectations regarding our ability to obtain, maintain, protect and enforce intellectual property protection for our technology; (v) our status as a controlled company; and (w) our use of the net proceeds from our initial public offering.

    It is not possible for us to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements we may make. Accordingly, you should not rely on any of the forward-looking statements. Additional information relating to the uncertainty affecting the Silvaco’s business is contained in Silvaco’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These documents are available on the SEC Filings section of the Investor Relations section of Silvaco’s website at http://investors.silvaco.com/. These forward-looking statements represent Silvaco’s expectations as of the date of this press release. Subsequent events may cause these expectations to change, and Silvaco disclaims any obligations to update or alter these forward-looking statements in the future, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Discussion of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    We use certain non-GAAP financial measures to supplement the performance measures in our consolidated financial statements which are presented in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures include non-GAAP gross margin, and non-GAAP operating income (loss). We use these non-GAAP financial measures for financial and operational decision-making and as a means to assist us in evaluating period-to-period comparisons.

    We define non-GAAP gross margin as our GAAP gross margin adjusted to exclude certain costs, including stock-based compensation and amortization of acquired intangible assets. We define non-GAAP operating income (loss) as our GAAP operating income (loss) adjusted to exclude certain costs, including certain transaction-related costs, IPO preparation costs, estimated acquisition-related litigation claims and costs, stock-based compensation, amortization of acquired intangible assets, impairment charges, and executive severance costs. We monitor non-GAAP gross margin and non-GAAP operating income (loss) as non-GAAP financial measures to supplement the financial information we present in accordance with GAAP to provide investors with additional information regarding our financial results.

    Certain of the items excluded from our non-GAAP gross margin and non-GAAP operating income (loss) are non-cash in nature or are not indicative of our core operating performance and render comparisons with prior periods and our competitors less meaningful. We adjust GAAP gross margin and GAAP operating income (loss) for these items to arrive at non-GAAP gross margin and non-GAAP operating income (loss) because these amounts can vary substantially from company to company within our industry depending upon accounting methods and book values of assets, capital structure and the method by which the assets were acquired. By excluding certain items that may not be indicative of our recurring core operating results, we believe that non-GAAP gross margin and non-GAAP operating income (loss) provide meaningful supplemental information regarding our performance.

    We believe these non-GAAP financial measures are useful to investors and others because they allow for additional information with respect to financial measures used by management in its financial and operational decision-making and they may be used by our institutional investors and the analyst community to help them analyze our financial performance and the health of our business. However, there are a number of limitations related to the use of non-GAAP financial measures, and these non-GAAP measures should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for or in isolation from, our financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP. Other companies, including companies in our industry, may calculate these non-GAAP financial measures differently or not at all, which reduces their usefulness as comparative measures.

    Investor Contact:
    Greg McNiff
    investors@silvaco.com

    Media Contact:
    Tyler Weiland
    press@silvaco.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Stack Capital Group Inc. Announces Best Efforts Financing

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THE UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

    TORONTO, Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Stack Capital Group Inc., (the “Company”) (TSX:STCK) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Raymond James Ltd., Canaccord Genuity Corp., RBC Capital Markets, and TD Securities Inc., as co-lead agents and joint bookrunners, on behalf of a syndicate of Agents, in connection with a “best efforts” private placement (the “Offering”) of up to 1,318,181 units (the “Units”) of the Company for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $14.5 million, priced at $11.00 per Unit (the “Issue Price”).

    Each Unit will be comprised of one common share (a “Common Share”) and one half of one common share purchase warrant of the Company (each common share purchase warrant, a “Warrant”). Each Warrant shall be exercisable to acquire one common share of the Company (a “Warrant Share”) for a period of 36 months following the Closing Date (as hereinafter defined) at an exercise price of $11.00 per Warrant Share, subject to adjustment in certain events.

    In addition, the Company will grant the Agents an option (the “Agents Option”) to arrange for the purchase of up to such number of additional Units as is equal to 15% of the Units offered under the base Offering, being up to an additional 197,727 Units, at the Issue Price. The Agents Option shall be exercisable, in whole or in part, at any time for a period ending 48 hours prior to the Closing Date (as defined below).

    The net proceeds of the offering will be used for general corporate purposes and investments in accordance with the Company’s investment principles.

    The Offering is expected to close on or before October 30, 2024 (the “Closing Date”) and is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals including the approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”).

    The Offering will be made by way of private placement to certain accredited investors in each of the provinces and territories of Canada. In addition, the Agents will offer the Units for sale by way of private placement exemptions (i) in the United States and (ii) in those jurisdictions outside of Canada and the United States that are agreed to by the Company and Raymond James; provided it is understood that the Company will not be required to register or make any filings (other than reports on sales of securities in the United States and Canada) in such jurisdictions.

    The securities to be issued under the Offering will have a hold period of four months and one day from the Closing Date.

    At the closing of the Offering, the Company will pay to the Agents a cash fee equal to 5.0% of all gross proceeds raised in connection with the Offering.

    No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release. This news release is for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities of the Company in the United States of America. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”) or any state securities laws and may not be offered, sold or delivered, directly or indirectly, within the United States, its possessions and other areas subject to its jurisdiction or for the account or for the benefit of U.S. Persons (as defined under applicable securities laws) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration is available.

    About Stack Capital Group Inc.

    The Company is an investment holding company and its business objective is to invest in equity, debt and/or other securities of growth-to-late-stage private businesses. Through the Company, shareholders have the opportunity to gain exposure to the diversified private investment portfolio; participate in the private market; and have liquidity due to the listing of the Common Shares on the TSX. At the same time, the public structure also allows the Company to focus its efforts on maximizing long-term performance through a portfolio of high growth businesses, which are not widely available to most Canadian investors. SC Partners Ltd. has taken the initiative in creating the Company and acts as the Company’s administrator and is responsible to source and advise with respect to all investments for the Company.

    For Media inquiries and investor relations, please contact:‍

    Brian Viveiros
    VP, Corporate Development & Investor Relations
    brian@stackcapitalgroup.com
    647.280.3307

    Forward looking and other cautionary statements

    Certain information in this news release constitutes forward-looking statements under applicable securities law. Any statements that are contained in this news release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as “may”, “should”, “anticipate”, “expect”, “intend” and similar expressions. Forward-looking information contained or referred to in this news release includes, but may not be limited to, the details of the Offering, the completion date of the Offering, the approval of the TSX and the business of the Company.

    Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. The material assumptions supporting these forward-looking statements include, among others, that the Company will receive the necessary approval for the Offering from the TSX and will satisfy the commercial closing conditions of the Offering. Additional risk factors that may impact the Company or cause actual results and performance to differ from the forward looking statements contained herein are set forth in the Company’s Annual Information form under the heading Risk Factors (a copy of which can be obtained under the Company’s profile on http://www.sedarplus.com).

    Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Except as required by applicable law, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: PubMatic to Announce Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results on November 12, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NO-HEADQUARTERS/REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PubMatic, Inc. (Nasdaq: PUBM), an independent technology company delivering digital advertising’s supply chain of the future, today announced that it will release its financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 after market close on November 12, 2024. On that day, PubMatic will host a webcast at 1:30 p.m. Pacific Time (4:30 p.m. Eastern Time) to discuss the company’s financial results.

    Webcast Details

    • What: PubMatic’s Third Quarter 2024 Earnings Webcast
    • When: Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. Pacific Time (4:30 p.m. Eastern Time)
    • Webcast: A live and archived webcast can be accessed from the News & Events section of PubMatic’s Investor Relations website: https://investors.pubmatic.com

    About PubMatic
    PubMatic is an independent technology company maximizing customer value by delivering digital advertising’s supply chain of the future. PubMatic’s sell-side platform empowers the world’s leading digital content creators across the open internet to control access to their inventory and increase monetization by enabling marketers to drive return on investment and reach addressable audiences across ad formats and devices. Since 2006, PubMatic’s infrastructure-driven approach has allowed for the efficient processing and utilization of data in real time. By delivering scalable and flexible programmatic innovation, PubMatic improves outcomes for its customers while championing a vibrant and transparent digital advertising supply chain.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: EverQuote to Announce Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results on November 4, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EverQuote, Inc. (Nasdaq: EVER), a leading online insurance marketplace, today announced that it will report third quarter 2024 financial results after the market close on Monday, November 4, 2024. Management will host a conference call and webcast to discuss the Company’s financial results, recent developments, and business outlook at 4:30 p.m. ET.

    What: EverQuote Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results Conference Call
       
    When: Monday, November 4, 2024
       
    Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
       
    Live Call: US Toll Free: (800) 715-9871
      All Other: +1 (646) 307-1963
      Conference ID: 4210704
       
    Live Webcast and Replay: http://investors.everquote.com/
       

    About EverQuote

    EverQuote operates a leading online insurance marketplace, connecting consumers with insurance providers. The Company’s mission is to empower insurance shoppers to better protect life’s most important assets—their family, property, and future. Our vision is to become the largest online source of insurance policies by using data, technology, and knowledgeable advisors to make insurance simpler, more affordable, and personalized.

    For more information, visit https://investors.everquote.com and follow on LinkedIn.

    Investor Relations Contact:

    Brinlea Johnson
    The Blueshirt Group
    415-489-2193
    brinlea@blueshirtgroup.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Repeat Sex Trafficker Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Traffic Four Women Using Violence and Threats

    Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)

    Defendant began recruiting women upon release from state prison for sex trafficking

    BOSTON – A Stoughton man, previously convicted of multiple counts of sex trafficking, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to sex trafficking multiple adult women.

    Marvin Pompilus, 39, pleaded guilty to four counts of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine. Pompilus was previously arrested and charged in in November 2023, and indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2024. U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for Jan. 23, 2025.

    In February 2018, Pompilus was convicted in Suffolk Superior Court of multiple counts of trafficking a person for sexual servitude and deriving support for prostitution. He was sentenced to six years in state prison and was released in October 2021.

    “Marvin Pompilus targeted and brutalized his victims, and this was promptly after he was released from jail following his conviction on similar state charges,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “These crimes are a violation of human dignity and human rights. Our office, along with our federal, state and local partners, are dedicating substantial resources to both protecting victims of trafficking and holding defendants accountable by prosecuting them to the fullest extent of the law. This is especially true for repeat offenders like Mr. Pompilus.”

    “This defendant callously picked up right where he left off when he was released from state prison, believing that he could profit by peddling drugs and misery to people suffering with substance abuse issues,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The defendant specifically targeted victims who were struggling with addiction to opioids and cocaine, coerced them into sex trafficking and cruelly exploited them because of their vulnerability. The Justice Department will continue to investigate and prosecute human traffickers who exploit for their own personal gain the most vulnerable members of society, such as those experiencing substance abuse disorders.”

    “Marvin Pompilus admitted today that after being released from state prison for sex trafficking, he started doing it again, targeting and exploiting four vulnerable women using violence and threats to force them to engage in commercial sex. What he did is unconscionable, and the harm he’s inflicted on these women is immeasurable,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Boston Division. “The FBI will do everything in its power to protect trafficking victims from further harm and see the predators who so viciously abuse them brought to justice.”

    Following his release from state custody in October  2021, Pompilus conspired to exploit and recruit multiple women into the commercial sex trade, using a combination of physical violence, sexual violence, threats of violence, verbal abuse and withholding of controlled substances from drug dependent victims to coerce and/or force them to engage in commercial sex acts. He then collected all of the proceeds.  Pompilus required his victims to check in with him, forbade them from interacting with other men, and precluded them from obtaining drugs from anyone other than him. If one of the victims attempted to keep any of the proceeds from commercial sex or attempted to refuse to see a sex buyer, Pompilus would become physically violent, at times striking the victim in the face and kicking them. Pompilus would also engage in other forms of abuse as well such as using degrading names toward his victims, spitting on them, and throwing drinks on them, as well as isolating them from others.

    If you or someone you know may be impacted or experiencing commercial sex trafficking, please contact USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov.

    The charge of conspiracy to sex traffic by force, fraud, or coercion provides for a sentence of up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least two years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Levy; AAG Clarke; and FBI SAC Cohen made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Boston and Randolph Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Riley, Chief of the Human Trafficking & Civil Rights Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Tokash of the Justice Department’s Human Trafficking Protection Unit are prosecuting the case.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: 15/10/2024 Currency balance in September 2024

    MIL ASI Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –

    Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.

    Foreign currency balance in September 202415/10/2024

    The Ministry of Finance announces that as part of the servicing of the State Treasury’s foreign debt in September 2024, the following payments were made in foreign currencies: capital – the equivalent of 52.9 million de euros (226.1 million de PLN), interest – the equivalent of 171.4 million de euros (734.1 million de PLN). The balance of foreign currency funds in budget accounts at the end of September 2024 amounted to a total of 10,389.6 million de euros (44,458.1 million de PLN).

    MILES AXIS

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Translation: 15/10/2024 Euro bond valuation

    MIL ASI Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –

    Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.

    Bond valuation con euro15.10.2024

    On October 15, 2024, the Ministry of Finance placed 7- and 15-year benchmark bonds with a total nominal value of EUR 3.00 billion on the euro market. Investors once again confirmed their huge interest in Polish bonds denominated in euro, reporting historically high demand, which exceeded EUR 15.4 billion. 7-year bonds worth EUR 1.25 billion due October 22, 2031 were priced at 85 basis points above the average swap rate. A yield of 3.197% was obtained, with an annual coupon of 3.125%. 15-year bonds worth EUR 1.75 billion due October 22, 2039 were priced at 140 basis points above the average swap rate. The yield was 3.898%, with an annual coupon of 3.875%. The issue was carried out on the basis of the European Medium-Term Bond Issue Program (EMTN). The managers of the consortium organizing the issue were the banks: Commerzbank, ING, JP Morgan and Société Générale.

    MILES AXIS

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government announces appointment of Commissioner of the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada

    Source: Government of Canada News

    News release

    October 15, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Department of Finance Canada

    Today, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, announced the appointment of Shereen Miller as Commissioner of the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) for a five-year term, beginning on November 7, 2024.

    The FCAC Commissioner plays a leading role advocating for the rights and interests of Canadians when accessing financial products and services, as well as works to improve the financial well-being of Canadians. 

    Quotes

    “I extend my thanks to Ms. Miller for stepping up to advance Canadians’ rights and interests in their dealings with financial institutions across the country. Ms. Miller’s extensive experience in government, ensuring responsible regulatory oversight and developing relationships with businesses, will serve Canadians well as she delivers on FCAC’s mandate. I also wish to thank the outgoing interim Commissioner, Mr. Werner Liedtke, for his service over the past year.”

    – The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance

    Quick facts

    • The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) was established in 2001 to protect the rights and interests of consumers of federally regulated financial products and services, and strengthen Canadians’ access to financial literacy tools.

    • As a regulator, FCAC monitors and supervises the compliance of financial institutions, external complaints bodies, and payment card network operators with consumer protection measures set out in legislation, public commitments, and codes of conduct. 

    • FCAC’s focus on protecting consumers complements the work of the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OFSI). OFSI’s mandate is to regulate and supervise banks, insurance companies, and pension plans, by ensuring they maintain sound prudential standing, uphold robust governance and risk management practices, and meet or exceed their regulatory requirements. 

    Related products

    Associated links

    Contacts

    Media may contact:

    Katherine Cuplinskas
    Deputy Director of Communications
    Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance
    Katherine.Cuplinskas@fin.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Department of Finance Canada
    mediare@fin.gc.ca
    613-369-4000

    General enquiries

    Phone: 1-833-712-2292
    TTY: 613-369-3230
    E-mail: financepublic-financepublique@fin.gc.ca

    Stay Connected

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: Runway Growth Finance Corp. Announces Date for Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results and Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MENLO PARK, Calif., Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Runway Growth Finance Corp. (Nasdaq: RWAY) (“Runway Growth”), a leading provider of flexible capital solutions to late- and growth-stage companies seeking an alternative to raising equity, today announced that it will release its third quarter 2024 financial results after market close on Tuesday, November 12, 2024. Runway Growth will discuss its financial results on a conference call that day at 2:00 p.m. PT (5:00 p.m. ET).

    To participate in the conference call or webcast, participants should register online at the Runway Growth Investor Relations website. Participants are requested to register a day in advance or at a minimum 15 minutes before the start of the call. The earnings call can also be accessed through the following links:

    A replay of the webcast will be available two hours after the call and archived on the same web page for 90 days.

    About Runway Growth Finance Corp.
    Runway Growth is a growing specialty finance company focused on providing flexible capital solutions to late- and growth-stage companies seeking an alternative to raising equity. Runway Growth is a closed-end investment fund that has elected to be regulated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Runway Growth is externally managed by Runway Growth Capital LLC, an established registered investment advisor that was formed in 2015 and led by industry veteran David Spreng. For more information, please visit http://www.runwaygrowth.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    Statements included herein may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements and are not guarantees of future performance, condition or results and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, which change over time. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including those described from time to time in Runway Growth’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Runway Growth undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statement made herein. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release.

    IR Contacts:
    Taylor Donahue, Prosek Partners, tdonahue@prosek.com
    Thomas B. Raterman, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, tr@runwaygrowth.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Agba Completes Merger With Triller

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, NY / LOS ANGELES, CA, Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AGBA Group Holding Limited (Nasdaq: AGBA) (“AGBA”) today announced the completion of its previously announced merger (the “Merger”) with Triller Corp. (“Triller”).

    In connection with the Merger, AGBA has changed its name to Triller Group Inc. (the “Company”). The combined company’s common stock and warrants are expected to begin trading under the tickers “ILLR” and “ILLRW,” respectively, on Nasdaq Capital Market on October 16, 2024.

    “This merger is terrific news for both the users and the content creators on our app.  Whether they are fans of BKFC, or they watch sports and entertainment events around the world on TrillerTV, or are using our brand and creator tools to find their audience, they now have in Triller an innovative, exciting partner.” said Bob Diamond, Chairman of the combined company and Founder and CEO of Atlas Merchant Capital LLC.

    Leadership

    The Company will make a statement on future leadership, strategy and objectives on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. 

    Domestication to Delaware

    Concurrent with the closing of the Merger, AGBA changed its jurisdiction of incorporation from the British Virgin Islands to the State of Delaware, and changed its corporate name to “Triller Group Inc.”

    Financial Terms

    Following the completion of the Merger, former AGBA shareholders and former Triller stockholders own 30% and 70% of the combined company’s outstanding common stock, respectively.

    The latest press release is available on the company’s website, please visit: http://www.agba.com/ir.

    About AGBA
    Established in 1993, AGBA Group Holding Limited is a leading, multi-channel business platform that incorporates cutting edge machine-learning and offers a broad set of financial services and healthcare products to consumers through a tech-led ecosystem, enabling clients to unlock the choices that best suit their needs. Trusted by over 400,000 individual and corporate customers, the Group is organized into four market-leading businesses: Platform Business, Distribution Business, Healthcare Business, and Fintech Business.

    For more information, please visit http://www.agba.com.

    About Triller Corp.
    Triller Corp. is a next generation, AI-powered, social media and live-streaming event platform for creators. Pairing music culture with sports, fashion, entertainment, and influencers through a 360-degree view of content and technology, Triller Corp. uses proprietary AI technology to push and track content virally to affiliated and non-affiliated sites and networks, enabling them to reach millions of additional users. Triller Corp. additionally owns Triller Sports, Bare-Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC); Amplify.ai, a leading machine-learning, AI platform; and TrillerTV, a premier global PPV, AVOD, and SVOD streaming service.

    For more information, visit http://www.triller.co.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements that are other than statements of historical facts. When the Company uses words such as “may,” “will,” “intend,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “estimate” or similar expressions that do not relate solely to historical matters, it is making forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations discussed in the forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, the following: the Company’s goals and strategies; the Company’s future business development; product and service demand and acceptance; changes in technology; economic conditions; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against us following the consummation of the business combination; expectations regarding our strategies and future financial performance, including its future business plans or objectives, prospective performance and opportunities and competitors, revenues, products, pricing, operating expenses, market trends, liquidity, cash flows and uses of cash, capital expenditures, and our ability to invest in growth initiatives and pursue acquisition opportunities; reputation and brand; the impact of competition and pricing; government regulations; fluctuations in general economic and business conditions in Hong Kong and the international markets the Company plans to serve and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing and other risks contained in reports filed by the Company with the SEC, the length and severity of the recent coronavirus outbreak, including its impacts across our business and operations. For these reasons, among others, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements in this press release. Additional factors are discussed in the Company’s filings with the SEC, which are available for review at http://www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward–looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof.

    Investor & Media Relations:

    Bethany Lai
    ir@agba.com

    Anthony Silverman
    ads@apellaadvisors.com

    # # #

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Sixty years of the African Development Bank: Burundi celebrates a solid partnership for socio-economic development

    Source: African Development Bank Group

    Burundi has joined other African countries in commemorating the 60th anniversary of the African Development Bank (AfDB), marking six decades of partnership and unveiling plans for future collaboration with the premier development finance institution.

    The celebration, held under the patronage of Burundi’s Minister of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning Audace Niyonzima, brought together representatives of government and civil society, development partners, and academics in the capital, Bujumbura.

    The occasion also marked the presentation of the Bank’s 2024-2029 Country Strategy Paper for Burundi, which aims to support the country’s efforts towards a more inclusive and sustainable future, aligning with its National Development Plan 2018-2027.

    Six decades of fruitful cooperation

    Since joining the AfDB in 1968, Burundi has benefited from 173 projects financed by the Bank, totaling $1.52 billion in critical sectors such as energy, transport infrastructure and agriculture.

    Pascal Yembiline, head of the Bank’s country office in Burundi, reaffirmed the AfDB’s ongoing commitment to Burundi’s development. “The successes achieved, particularly in infrastructure and access to energy, testify to our commitment to Burundi,” Yembiline stated during the launch ceremony.

    Damas Bakuranimana, Permanent Secretary at Burundi’s Ministry of Finance, commended the Bank’s ongoing support, highlighting the progress made in strategic sectors such as energy and agriculture. “We hope that this cooperation will continue and will help to accomplish our vision for Burundi as an emerging country by 2040 and a developed country by 2060,” he said.

    The two-day celebration included a conference debate at the University of Burundi, featuring representatives of the Bank, UNDP, IMF and the World Bank, as well as academics and students from the Faculty of Economics and Management. Discussions focused on the role of international financial institutions in Africa’s development, particularly in Burundi.

    An open-day event for Burundian civil society organizations (CSOs) showcased the Bank’s policies and partnership opportunities. Bernard Ndiho, representing Burundi’s Youth Association for Peace through Development, praised the Bank’s efforts to engage with local CSOs.

    Participants visited the East African Nutrition Sciences Institute – an important project that illustrates the Bank’s commitment to health and nutrition in Burundi

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Former Air Force Member Indicted for 2019 Sexual Assault at Air Base in the United Kingdom

    Source: US State of Vermont

    A former U.S. Air Force member was charged in an indictment unsealed today in the Southern District of Florida with sexually assaulting another service member at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, United Kingdom, in May 2019.

    The indictment charges James Loubeau, 36, of Miami, with one count of sexual abuse and two counts of abusive sexual contact. Loubeau made his initial court appearance today in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

    According to the indictment, on May 4, 2019, Loubeau sexually assaulted the victim at Royal Air Force Mildenhall. Loubeau was later discharged from the Air Force in March 2020. The charges were brought under the Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act (MEJA), which establishes U.S. jurisdiction over certain offenses committed abroad by, among others, persons who served with the armed forces but who are no longer subject to military prosecution.

    If convicted, Loubeau faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida; Special Agent in Charge Michael Koellner of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI); and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of FBI’s Miami Field Office made the announcement.

    The Air Force OSI and FBI are investigating the case.

    Trial Attorney Ryan Lipes of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Arielle Klepach for the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: dLocal to Report Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay, Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DLocal Limited (NASDAQ: DLO, “dLocal” or the “Company”), a technology-first payments platform enabling global enterprise merchants to connect with billions of consumers in emerging markets, intends to release financial results for its third fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2024 on November 13, 2024 after market close.

    The Company will host a conference call and video webcast on November 13, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

    Please click here to pre-register for the conference call and obtain your dial in number and passcode. The live conference call can be also accessed via audio webcast at the investor relations section of the Company’s website, at https://investor.dlocal.com/. An archive of the webcast will be available for one year following the conclusion of the conference call.

    About dLocal

    dLocal powers local payments in emerging markets connecting global enterprise merchants with billions of emerging market consumers across APAC, the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa. Through the “One dLocal” concept (one direct API, one platform, and one contract), global companies can accept payments, send pay-outs and settle funds globally without the need to manage separate pay-in and pay-out processors, set up numerous local entities, and integrate multiple acquirers and payment methods in each market.

    Forward Looking Statements

    This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements convey dLocal’s current expectations or forecasts of future events. Forward-looking statements regarding dLocal involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause dLocal’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Certain of these risks and uncertainties are described in the “Risk Factors,” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” sections of dLocal’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Unless required by law, dLocal undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events after the date hereof.

    Investor Relations Contact:

    investor@dlocal.com

    Media Contact:

    marketing@dlocal.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Air Force Member Indicted for 2019 Sexual Assault at Air Base in the United Kingdom

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    A former U.S. Air Force member was charged in an indictment unsealed today in the Southern District of Florida with sexually assaulting another service member at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, United Kingdom, in May 2019.

    The indictment charges James Loubeau, 36, of Miami, with one count of sexual abuse and two counts of abusive sexual contact. Loubeau made his initial court appearance today in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

    According to the indictment, on May 4, 2019, Loubeau sexually assaulted the victim at Royal Air Force Mildenhall. Loubeau was later discharged from the Air Force in March 2020. The charges were brought under the Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act (MEJA), which establishes U.S. jurisdiction over certain offenses committed abroad by, among others, persons who served with the armed forces but who are no longer subject to military prosecution.

    If convicted, Loubeau faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida; Special Agent in Charge Michael Koellner of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI); and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of FBI’s Miami Field Office made the announcement.

    The Air Force OSI and FBI are investigating the case.

    Trial Attorney Ryan Lipes of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Arielle Klepach for the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: MARA Announces Access to $200M Line of Credit

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Fort Lauderdale, FL, Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MARA (NASDAQ: MARA) (“MARA” or the “Company”), a global leader in leveraging digital asset compute to support the energy transformation, today announced that it has secured a $200 million line of credit, collateralized by a portion of its bitcoin holdings. MARA may use the funds to capitalize on strategic opportunities and for other general corporate purposes.

    Investor Notice

    Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider the risks, uncertainties and forward-looking statements described under the heading “Risk Factors” in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any other periodic reports that we may file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). If any of these risks were to occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations would likely suffer. In that event, the value of our securities could decline, and you could lose part or all of your investment. The risks and uncertainties we describe are not the only ones facing us. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business operations. In addition, our past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance, and historical trends should not be used to anticipate results in the future. See “Forward-Looking Statements” below.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included in this press release are forward-looking statements. The words “may,” “will,” “could,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “believe,” “continue,” “target” and similar expressions or variations or negatives of these words are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Such forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements related to our anticipated use of proceeds. Such forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations about future events as of the date hereof and involve many risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in our forward-looking statements. Subsequent events and developments, including actual results or changes in our assumptions, may cause our views to change. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements except to the extent required by applicable law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements included herein are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. Our actual results and outcomes could differ materially from those included in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, the factors set forth under the heading “Risk Factors” in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K, and any other periodic reports that we may file with the SEC.

    About MARA

    MARA (NASDAQ:MARA) is a global leader in digital asset compute that develops and deploys innovative technologies to build a more sustainable and inclusive future. MARA secures the world’s preeminent blockchain ledger and supports the energy transformation by converting clean, stranded, or otherwise underutilized energy into economic value.

    For more information, visit http://www.mara.com, or follow us on:

    Twitter: @MarathonDH
    LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/marathon-digital-holdings
    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MarathonDigitalHoldings/
    Instagram: @marathondigitalholdings

    MARA Company Contact:

    Telephone: 800-804-1690
    Email: ir@mara.com

    MARA Media Contact:

    Email: marathon@wachsman.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ringleader Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Key Role in Methamphetamine Trafficking Organization

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Derrell Cashawn Massey, also known as “Rell” and “Fat Rell,” 34, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced today to 20 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Massey admitted to a leading role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) responsible for distributing large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl in the Southern District of West Virginia.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 3, 2023, Massey distributed approximately 1 pound of methamphetamine to a confidential informant at a Ninth Street residence in Huntington where Massey was living. The confidential informant had called Massey beforehand to arrange the transaction, agreeing to pay $2,000 in exchange for the methamphetamine.

    Massey admitted to the transaction and further admitted to participating in the DTO from at least November 2022 through November 2023. Massey’s participation included arranging for quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl to be transported from Detroit and other areas to Huntington for distribution. Massey also distributed at least 30 pounds of methamphetamine to a specific customer in Nitro, West Virginia, and directed other individuals to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl to various customers. Massey admitted that he aided and abetted the distribution of a total of 8.6 pounds of methamphetamine on 10 separate occasions between February 27, 2023, and September 7, 2023.

    Massey and other DTO participants used multiple residences to store and distribute quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl, including Massey’s Ninth Avenue residence in Huntington. On September 12, 2023, law enforcement officers seized six 9mm semiautomatic pistols at Massey’s Ninth Avenue residence.

    Massey is among 27 individuals indicted in a 53-count indictment that charges the defendants with distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl transported from Detroit, Michigan, in Huntington and other locations within the Southern District of West Virginia.

    Massey is also among 21 defendants who have pleaded guilty in the main case. One other of the 27 indicted individuals pleaded guilty to a related offense in a separate case. The indictment against the remaining defendants is pending. An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the West Virginia State Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. MDENT is composed of the Charleston Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Nitro Police Department, the St. Albans Police Department and the South Charleston Police Department.

    United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph F. Adams and Stephanie Taylor prosecuted the case.

    The investigation was part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-180.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: authID Announces Inducement Grants Under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Denver, Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — authID Inc. (Nasdaq: AUID), a leading provider of secure identity verification and authentication solutions, today announced that the Compensation Committee of the Company approved the grant of options as an inducement to new employees entering into employment with the Company in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4).

    During the period from September 30, through today the Company has granted Options to purchase 15,000, 15,000 and 25,000 Shares respectively to three new employees. The Exercise Prices are $6.29, $6.00 and $6.66 respectively.  The Company has also agreed to a further grant of Options to purchase 15,000 to a new employee who is expected to commence employment shortly.  The exercise price for the future Options shall be the closing price of the AUID shares on the Nasdaq stock market on the date of grant.   All Options will vest in 36 equal amounts, on a monthly basis, over a period of three years, subject to continued employment, with a term of 10 years. 

    About authID

    authID (Nasdaq: AUID) ensures enterprises “Know Who’s Behind the Device™” for every customer or employee login and transaction through its easy-to-integrate, patented, biometric identity platform. authID quickly and accurately verifies a user’s identity and eliminates any assumption of ‘who’ is behind a device to prevent cybercriminals from compromising account openings or taking over accounts. Combining secure digital onboarding, FIDO2 passwordless login, and biometric authentication and account recovery, with a fast, accurate, user-friendly experience, authID delivers biometric identity processing in 700ms. Binding a biometric root of trust for each user to their account, authID stops fraud at onboarding, detects and stops deepfakes, eliminates password risks and costs, and provides the fastest, frictionless, and the more accurate user identity experience demanded by today’s digital ecosystem. Discover how authID can help your organization secure your workforce or consumer applications against identity fraud, cyberattacks and account takeover at http://www.authID.ai.

    Investor Relations Contacts

    Gateway Group, Inc.
    Cody Slach and Alex Thompson
    1-949-574-3860
    AUID@gateway-grp.com

    Investor-Relations@authid.ai

    Media Contact
    Walter Fowler
    NextTech Communications
    1-631-334-3864
    wfowler@nexttechcomms.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Preferred Bank Announces 2024 Third Quarter Earnings Release and Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES, Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Preferred Bank (NASDAQ: PFBC), one of the larger independent commercial banks in California, today announced plans to release its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024 before the open of market on Monday, October 21, 2024. That same day, management will host a conference call at 2:00 p.m. Eastern (11:00 a.m. Pacific). The call will be simultaneously broadcast over the Internet.

    Interested participants and investors may access the conference call by dialing 844-826-3037 (domestic) or 412-317-5182 (international) and referencing “Preferred Bank.” There will also be a live webcast of the call available at the Investor Relations section of Preferred Bank’s website at http://www.preferredbank.com.

    Preferred Bank’s Chairman and CEO Li Yu, President and Chief Operating Officer Wellington Chen, Chief Financial Officer Edward J. Czajka, Chief Credit Officer Nick Pi and Deputy Chief Operating Officer Johnny Hsu will discuss Preferred Bank’s financial results, business highlights and outlook. After the live webcast, a replay will be available at the Investor Relations section of Preferred Bank’s website. A replay of the call will also be available at 877-344-7529 (domestic) or 412-317-0088 (international) through November 4, 2024; the passcode is 7955778.

    About Preferred Bank

    Preferred Bank is one of the larger independent commercial banks headquartered in California. The Bank is chartered by the State of California, and its deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC, to the maximum extent permitted by law. The Bank conducts its banking business from its main office in Los Angeles, California, and through full-service branch banking offices in California (Alhambra, Century City, City of Industry, Torrance, Arcadia, Irvine (2), Diamond Bar, Pico Rivera, Tarzana and San Francisco (2)). The Bank also operates a branch in Flushing, New York and in the Houston suburb of Sugar Land, Texas in addition to a satellite office in Manhattan, New York and a Loan Production office in Silicon Valley, California. Preferred Bank offers a broad range of deposit and loan products and services to both commercial and consumer customers. The Bank provides personalized deposit services as well as real estate finance, commercial loans and trade finance to small and mid-sized businesses, entrepreneurs, real estate developers, professionals and high net worth individuals. Although originally founded as a Chinese-American Bank, Preferred Bank now derives most of its customers from the diversified mainstream market but does continue to benefit from the significant migration to California of ethnic Chinese from China and other areas of East Asia.

    AT THE COMPANY:   AT FINANCIAL PROFILES:
    Edward J. Czajka   Jeffrey Haas
    Executive Vice President   General Information
    Chief Financial Officer   (310) 622-8240
    (213) 891-1188   PFBC@finprofiles.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: LeddarTech Announces Receipt of US$3.0 Million Following Disbursement of the Second Tranche of the Previously Announced Bridge Financing

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    QUEBEC CITY, Canada, Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LeddarTech® Holdings Inc. (“LeddarTech” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: LDTC), an automotive software company that provides patented disruptive AI-based low-level sensor fusion and perception software technology, LeddarVision™, for ADAS, AD and parking applications, announced today that the Company received the second tranche of the bridge loans (the “Bridge Loans”) in an aggregate amount of US$3.0 million, which are part of a bridge financing in an aggregate amount of up to US$9.0 million (the “Bridge Financing”) made available to the Company by certain of its principal shareholders, namely FS Investors (“FS”), Investissement Québec (“IQ”) and its senior lender, Fédération des caisses Desjardins du Québec (“Desjardins” and, together with FS and IQ, the “Initial Bridge Lenders”). The principal details of the Bridge Financing were announced by the Company on August 19, 2024.

    As previously announced, the Bridge Financing is comprised of two tranches, with the first tranche of US$6.0 million funded on August 19, 2024. The second tranche of the Bridge Financing, in an amount of up to US$3.0 million, was conditioned on the absence of a default under the Bridge Loans and the receipt by the Company of a commitment from a strategic investor of its intent to invest a minimum amount of US$5.0 million in a subsequent equity capital raise.

    In connection with the Bridge Financing, FS converted US$1.5 million of its existing convertible notes into common shares in the capital of the Company at an above-market conversion price of US$2.00 per share, reducing the convertible note balance by US$1.5 million. The Company also received additional Bridge Loans in an aggregate amount of approximately US$334,000 from certain members of management and the board of directors (collectively, the “Additional Bridge Lenders” and, together with the Initial Bridge Lenders, the “Bridge Lenders”) in accordance with the terms of the Bridge Financing.

    The Bridge Financing constitutes a “related-party transaction” within the meaning of Regulation 61-101 – Protections of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (“Regulation 61-101”) as FS, IQ and the Additional Bridge Lenders are all “insiders” of the Company under Canadian securities laws. However, in light of the fact that the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”) have determined that the Company is in serious financial difficulty, the Company is relying on the exemption from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements contained in Regulation 61-101 on the basis of the “financial hardship” exemption therein.

    After considering and reviewing all of the circumstances currently surrounding the Company and the Bridge Financing, the Board, including all independent members of the Board who are free from interest in the Bridge Financing and unrelated to the Bridge Lenders, acting in good faith, unanimously determined that (i) the Company is in serious financial difficulty, (ii) the Bridge Financing is designed to improve the financial condition of the Company, and (iii) the terms of the Bridge Financing are reasonable in the Company’s circumstances.

    The Bridge Loans have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or applicable State securities laws, and accordingly may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an effective registration statement or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and such applicable State securities laws.

    This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor will there be any sales of any securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction.

    About LeddarTech

    A global software company founded in 2007 and headquartered in Quebec City with additional R&D centers in Montreal and Tel Aviv, Israel, LeddarTech develops and provides comprehensive AI-based low-level sensor fusion and perception software solutions that enable the deployment of ADAS, autonomous driving (AD) and parking applications. LeddarTech’s automotive-grade software applies advanced AI and computer vision algorithms to generate accurate 3D models of the environment to achieve better decision making and safer navigation. This high-performance, scalable, cost-effective technology is available to OEMs and Tier 1-2 suppliers to efficiently implement automotive and off-road vehicle ADAS solutions.

    LeddarTech is responsible for several remote-sensing innovations, with over 160 patent applications (87 granted) that enhance ADAS, AD and parking capabilities. Better awareness around the vehicle is critical in making global mobility safer, more efficient, sustainable and affordable: this is what drives LeddarTech to seek to become the most widely adopted sensor fusion and perception software solution.

    Additional information about LeddarTech is accessible at http://www.LeddarTech.com and on LinkedIn, Twitter (X), Facebook and YouTube.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements contained in this Press Release may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (which forward-looking statements also include forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws), including, but not limited to, statements relating to LeddarTech’s anticipated strategy, future operations, prospects, objectives and financial projections and other financial metrics. Forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “likely,” “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend” and other similar expressions among others. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors, including, without limitation: (i) the possibility that anticipated benefits of LeddarTech’s recent business combination will not be realized; (ii) the risk that shareholder litigation in connection with the business combination or other settlements or investigations may result in significant costs of defense, indemnification and liability; (iii) changes in general economic and/or industry-specific conditions; (iv) possible disruptions from the business combination that could harm LeddarTech’s business; (v) the ability of LeddarTech to retain, attract and hire key personnel; (vi) potential adverse reactions or changes to relationships with customers, employees, suppliers or other parties; (vii) potential business uncertainty, including changes to existing business relationships following the business combination that could affect LeddarTech’s financial performance; (viii) legislative, regulatory and economic developments; (ix) unpredictability and severity of catastrophic events, including, but not limited to, acts of terrorism, outbreak or escalation of war or hostilities and any epidemic, pandemic or disease outbreak (including COVID-19), as well as management’s response to any of the aforementioned factors; (x) access to capital and financing and LeddarTech’s ability to maintain compliance with debt covenants; (xi) LeddarTech’s ability to execute its business model, achieve design wins and generate meaningful revenue; and (xii) other risk factors as detailed from time to time in LeddarTech’s reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and on the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at http://www.sedarplus.ca, including the risk factors contained in LeddarTech’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023. The foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. Except as required by applicable law, LeddarTech does not undertake any obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Contact:
    Daniel Aitken, Vice-President, Global Marketing, Communications and Investor Relations, LeddarTech Holdings Inc. Tel.: + 1-418-653-9000 ext. 232 daniel.aitken@LeddarTech.com

    Leddar, LeddarTech, LeddarVision, LeddarSP, VAYADrive, VayaVision and related logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of LeddarTech Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries. All other brands, product names and marks are or may be trademarks or registered trademarks used to identify products or services of their respective owners.

    LeddarTech Holdings Inc. is a public company listed on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “LDTC.”

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Discusses Colorado’s Leadership in Workforce Development, Celebrates New Housing Units in Aurora

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER/AURORA – Today, Governor Polis discussed Colorado’s leadership in developing a more robust workforce and helping Coloradans build needed skills, and joined for the grand opening of new housing units Coloradans can afford in Aurora. Governor Polis began his day discussing Colorado’s leadership in workforce development at the Human Potential Summit in Denver, a three-day conference focused on innovative approaches to developing a strong workforce. 

    “Investing in our workforce is investing in our economy, our communities, and our future. In Colorado, we continue to lead the way when it comes to finding new and innovative efforts to connect hardworking Coloradans with the skills and training needed to get the job and earn a good wage. We know that the actions we take at the state level are a powerful signal to the private sector, and we continue to take bold steps that we hope businesses will scale and replicate,” said Governor Polis. 

    Earlier this year, Governor Polis signed legislation to create two free years of college for families making up to $90,000. He has also signed legislation to make in-demand credentials in health care, construction, law enforcement, early childhood education, and more free for all interested Coloradans. Governor Polis and the Colorado Office of Economic Development (OEDIT) announced over $55 million in Opportunity Now Grants to better prepare Coloradans for in-demand, high-wage jobs and careers. This funding has helped more than 15,000 Coloradans gain skills for the innovative sectors of tomorrow that strengthen Colorado’s economy and expand opportunity. Last year, Governor Polis signed an Executive Order to make skills-based-hiring part of our state’s hiring practices, and ensure that degree requirements don’t limit the number of qualified applicants if their skills support the work. 

    Governor Polis also visited the grand opening of Eagle Meadow Homes in Aurora, which includes 93 new units, over half of which are two and three bedroom units, for households making 30-60% AMI. These units were supported by $2,6 million from the Department of Local Affairs. Earlier this year, Governor Polis signed legislation to break down barriers and expand access to housing Coloradans can afford, by giving Coloradans the freedom to build an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) on their own property, expanding housing near transit and job centers, eliminating costly parking requirements and discriminatory occupancy limits, and creating more housing supply that’s affordable to fill critical gaps in our communities. 

    “In Colorado we are focused on creating housing that Coloradans can afford, in the communities they want to live in. Initiatives like Eagle Meadows are a great example of our continued work to expand housing opportunities, and invest in our communities. Helping to maintain Colorado as the best place to work, live, and raise a family” said Governor Polis. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Frederica Wilson joined City of Miami Commission Meeting to Present $1,000,000 Check for Little Haiti Youth Center at Athalie Range Park

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Frederica S Wilson (24th District of Florida)

    At the City of Miami Commission Meeting Tuesday, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) presented a $1,000,000 check to the City of Miami for the Little Haiti Youth Center at Athalie Range Park. It is designed to provide local youth and residents with a safe, state-of-the-art space to gather and thrive.

    Congresswoman Frederica Wilson said, “This isn’t just any building; it’ll be a 12,000 square-foot hub of creativity and activity. This will be a place where our children and families can gather, learn, and create lasting memories together. Because let’s be real—no child should have to sit in a McDonalds parking lot just to find WiFi to finish their homework. Our kids deserve better, and it’s our job to create those spaces for them. I’m incredibly proud to be part of this effort to uplift our community and invest in our future.”

    This approximately 12,000 sq. ft. ADA-compliant facility will feature a 3,000 sq. ft. multipurpose room, a computer lab with charging stations, three homework rooms, an arts and crafts room, an indoor fitness area with equipment and lockers, a kitchen, restrooms, and ample storage. Outside, a large plaza with concrete seating and shade structures will support outdoor activities. These innovative features will create a space where children and families can enrich their lives and strengthen social development.  This funding was secured as part of the Fiscal Year 2024 Congressional Appropriations process.

    City of Miami Chairwoman Christine King, who represents this park in her district, said, “Thank you Congresswoman Wilson for helping the future generations of our community with this $1M fund for the Little Haiti Youth Center at Athalie Range Park. It is our responsibility to provide children of every ability a place they can play, learn, and connect. By supporting their development and providing them meaningful engagement opportunities, we are nourishing the minds and dreams of future community advocates and leaders.

    Miami-Dade County Commissioner Keon Hardeman said, “Investing in a safe, state-of-the-art space at Athalie Range Park is essential for our local youth and residents to flourish. This new space will foster new connections, empower dreams, and cultivate a thriving environment that will uplift our community for decades to come.”

    City of Miami Commissioner Manolo Reyes said, “[Congresswoman Wilson] goes beyond her district, and when you talk about a real public servant, this is an example of it.”

    City of Miami Commissioner Damian Pardo said, “I just want to express my gratitude and what a pleasure it is to work with [Congresswoman Wilson], and I look forward to the work we’re doing in Little Bahamas.”

    This park is named after Athalie Range, a trailblazing Bahamian American civil rights activist and the first Black person to serve on the Miami City Commission. She also previously served as President of her children’s school PTA and Miami-Dade PTA.

    To view the full recording of the presentation, please visit the City of Miami TV to see the City of Miami Commission Meeting Archives.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Smith Letter Urging Further West Bank Sanctions

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adam Smith (9th District of Washington)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash) sent a letter to President Joe Biden urging the United States to impose sanctions on individuals and entities destabilizing the Middle East.

    See the full letter below. 

    Dear President Biden,

    I write to express my deep concern over escalating violence in the West Bank and the continued expansion of Israeli settlements. In order to bring us closer to a path to peace in the region and the ultimate goal of a two-state solution, I urge you to impose further sanctions on individuals and entities destabilizing the West Bank.

    The only way out of the vicious cycle of regional conflict is by forming a coalition with the U.S., Israel, Saudi Arabia, U.A.E., Jordan, Qatar, and other Arab states as a deterrence to Iran. This coalition will never form without a future for the Palestinian people. While I understand Israel’s motivations to respond to the threat from Iran and their proxies in the region, I am adamantly opposed to Israel’s approach to the West Bank.

    Israel’s actions in the West Bank threaten peace and stability in the region and have no support under international law. Prime Minister Netanyahu, Finance Minister Smotrich, and National Security Minister Ben-Gvir have promoted rapid Israeli settlement expansion, including retroactive legalization of outposts, and tacitly have enabled settler violence.

    I support your issuance and implementation of Executive Order (E.O.) 14115, which imposes sanctions on individuals and entities undermining peace, security, and stability in the West Bank.1 Your administration has rightly used this Executive Order to crack down on some of the worst perpetrators of violence, both Israeli and Palestinian, including Palestinian terrorist group Lions’ Den.

    I urge your administration to more forcefully leverage E.O. 14115, especially regarding entities such as Amana, in order to discourage Israeli settlement expansion and settler violence. Amana has provided critical support for the settlement movement for decades and is responsible for the construction of 83 of the 146 settlements in the West Bank.3 Notably, Amana is also funding the proliferation of now-sanctioned outposts considered illegal under Israeli law,4 including the expansion of pastoral farms in the West Bank that facilitate the rapid seizure of large swaths of Palestinian lland.5 These outposts and farms are particularly associated with extremist settler violence.

    The U.S. imposing additional sanctions under E.O. 14115 would send a strong signal to the Israeli government that unilateral and often violent seizure of Palestinian lands, whether by the Israeli government or Israeli citizens, cannot continue with impunity. I appreciate your administration’s attention to these matters.

    10.10.2024 SMITH Letter on West Bank Sanctions[4123].pdf (415.4 KB)

    A full copy of the letter can be found at the link above. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Construction Economy – NZ construction costs show minor uptick amidst ongoing industry slowdown – CoreLogic

    Source: CoreLogic

    Tax changes, high levels of existing stock on the market, and credit-constrained buyers have compounded the building industry slowdown, holding construction cost growth low for more than 18 months.

    CoreLogic’s latest Cordell Construction Cost Index (CCCI) recorded a 1.1% rise in the September quarter, reversing the fall recorded in Q2. It marks the first time quarterly growth has exceeded 1% since December 2022.

    However, the annual growth rate remains subdued at 1.3% – the second lowest since late 2013 and well below the long-term average growth rate of 4.3%.
    CoreLogic Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson said overall construction cost growth remains subdued, reflecting an easing of pressure for both labour and materials.

    The index recorded a drop in sub-contractor charge-out rates in Q3, alongside many plumbing materials such as PVC piping, although the cost for materials such as window hardware and kitchen joinery rose over the period.
    “The wider residential construction sector has been in a downturn for about two years now, with dwelling consents falling and actual workloads subsequently declining too,” he said.
    “The industry has come off extreme highs recorded during COVID, and building activity remains solid when compared to previous cycles. Even so, it does look like there is capacity opening up, which has reduced the pressure on costs.”

    Mr Davidson said the industry is grappling with additional challenges, as many households remain financially cautious despite falling mortgage rates and the number of established property listings available for sale remains high.
    New Zealand currently has about 26,000 properties listed for sale—up from 23,000 at the same time last year and double the 13,000 that were available in 2021.
    “With such an elevated stock of existing listings, there’s less incentive for buyers to consider new-build properties,” he said. “The shortening of the Brightline Test and the reinstatement of mortgage interest deductibility for all properties regardless of age has also lessened the appeal of new-builds.”
    The supply pipeline has also slowed, with annual dwelling consents peaking at about 51,000 in May 2022 before falling 34% to 33,632 in August this year. Meanwhile, Mr Davidson said actual construction workloads, measured by ‘work put in place’, are down around 15% from their peak.
    While the outlook for the sector isn’t particularly buoyant in the short term, signs of life might just be starting to emerge, and Mr Davidson noted that the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s newly introduced debt-to-income ratio restrictions, which exempt new builds, could help stimulate demand in this segment.

    Further interest rate cuts and improvements in the labour market are also likely to have a positive impact on construction activity into 2025.
    “Developers may feel more confident to increase supply if these changes, combined with falling mortgage rates, create a relative shift in demand towards new builds over the next 12 to 18 months,” Mr Davidson said.

    “This could lead to a resurgence in New Zealand’s construction sector, with agents and developers watching closely for any signs of a turnaround in 2025.”

    CoreLogic’s research, tracks and reports on materials and labour costs which flows through to its Cordell construction solutions to help businesses make more informed decisions, estimate rebuild and insurance quotes easily and, ultimately, appropriate risk effectively.
    The CCCI report measures the rate of change of construction costs within the residential market for a typical, ‘standard’ three-bedroom, two-bathroom brick and tile single-storey dwelling.
    To read the report, visit http://www.corelogic.co.nz/reports/cordell-construction-cost-index.

    About CoreLogic
    CoreLogic NZ is a leading, independent provider of property data and analytics. We help people build better lives by providing rich, up-to-the-minute property insights that inform the very best property decisions. Formed in 2014 following the merger of two companies that had strong foundations in New Zealand’s property industry – Terralink Ltd and PropertyIQ NZ Ltd – we have the most comprehensive property database with coverage of 99% of the NZ property market and more than 500 million decision points in our database.
    We provide services across a wide range of industries, including Banking & Finance, Real Estate, Government, Insurance and Construction. Our diverse, innovative solutions help our clients identify and manage growth opportunities, improve performance and mitigate risk. We also operate consumer-facing portal propertyvalue.co.nz – providing important insights for people looking to buy or sell their home or investment property. We are a wholly owned subsidiary of CoreLogic, Inc – one of the largest data and analytics companies in the world with offices in New Zealand, Australia, the United States and United Kingdom. For more information visit corelogic.co.nz.
    About Cordell Building Indices
    The Cordell Building Indices (CBI) are a series of construction industry index figures that are used to monitor the movement in costs associated with building work within particular segments of the industry. The CBI indicate the rate of change in prices within particular segments of the New Zealand construction industry.
    The changes in prices are measured daily through the use of detailed cost surveys, and are reported on a quarterly basis. This ensures the most current and comprehensive industry information available. Each index is based on a combination of labour, material, plant hire and subcontract services required to construct buildings within the particular segment being measured. The CBI measure the change in the cost of constructing buildings, and as such do not provide the actual costs.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst, Stefanik Demand FBI Take Action Against Antisemitic Terrorist Threats

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)

    WASHINGTON – As antisemitic incidents in the United States have increased 200% since Oct. 7, 2023, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) demanded the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigate Columbia University Apartheid Divest’s (CUAD) terrorist threats.
    After CUAD celebrated the anniversary of the horrific Oct. 7 attacks as a “moral, military and political victory,” praised a Hamas-claimed terrorist attack in Tel Aviv, and once again called for and endorsed violence, Ernst and Stefanik urged the FBI’s New York field office and Columbia University leadership not to repeat last year’s failures, when Jewish students were told to hide at home.
    “The time to act is now. Rarely has the FBI had such public and obvious evidence of potentially imminent violence. This cannot become another instance in which a terrible case of violence takes place at a school and the FBI issues a statement after the fact that the perpetrators were ‘on its radar,’ but did nothing,” the lawmakers wrote.
    Click here to read the full letter.
    Background:
    As cases of antisemitism on campuses started to increase after the Oct. 7 attack on Israel, Ernst introduced the Students Bill of Rights Act to protect the First Amendment rights of students and stem discrimination at its source.
    In May 2024, Ernst led her colleagues in demanding the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) investigate if 501(c)(3) organizations that have backed the violent pro-Hamas protests on college campuses violated the terms of their tax-exempt status.
    In response to antisemitic incidents on college campuses increasing by 700% last year, Ernst introduced legislation requiring universities and the Department of Education to immediately address civil rights complaints if a student experiences violence or harassment on campus because of their heritage.
    Last week, Senator Ernst raised concern that Hamas-linked entities on college campuses may be circumventing the Foreign Agents Registration Act to shape U.S. public opinion and policy outcomes.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Africa – ATIDI and MIGA Partner to Streamline Investments in Africa

    Source: MediaFast

    ·       Organizations sign second three-year agreement to scale and replicate successful partnership models

    ·       Agreement will set up mechanism to measure progress and results as well as joint marketing initiatives to strengthen cooperation and explore new investment opportunities

    Washington, DC, USA – 15 October, 2024 – The African Trade & Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI), and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), part of World Bank Group Guarantees, have signed a three-year partnership to accelerate foreign direct investment across Africa. This is the second agreement between the two organizations aimed at maximising development impact.

    The organizations will collaborate by leveraging ATIDI’s expertise in insurance and guarantee products across the African continent and MIGA’s range of guarantee solutions and guarantee expertise through the World Bank Group guarantee platform. The partnership will also seek to improve efficiency in joint project due diligence, maximising cost savings and eliminating duplication.

     Quote from Manuel Moses, CEO, ATIDI

    “Enabling more investment to finance transformational projects is vital to Africa’s sustained development. MIGA and ATIDI’s de-risking solutions are essential to achieve this crucial agenda. Beyond signing of this agreement, we look forward to a dynamic collaboration with MIGA, to leverage our institutions’ respective assets for the benefit of our continent.”

    The agreement framework emphasizes mutual reliance, accountability, and comparability. Each party will regularly share operating standards and procedures to help identify comparable outcomes to further both organizations’ development mandates.

    Quote from Hiroshi Matano, MIGA Executive Vice President

    “Our partnership with ATIDI will enable us to support countries in Africa in scaling and replicating development projects, thereby accelerating prosperity. This agreement will play a significant role in helping the continent attract foreign investment for key development projects.”  

    Both organizations have agreed to set up mechanisms to measure progress and results, including reports on joint projects, new products, capital mobilized, and reduced project processing times. Moreover, both parties will carry out joint marketing efforts, training, and seminars to strengthen cooperation and explore new investment opportunities in Africa.

    The strategic agreement framework underscores the commitment of MIGA and ATIDI to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. The two organizations aim to mitigate investment risks by pooling resources, thereby accelerating sustainable economic growth in Africa.

    About ATIDI

    ATIDI was founded in 2001 by African States to cover trade and investment risks of companies doing business in Africa. ATIDI predominantly provides Political Risk, Credit Insurance and Surety Insurance. Since inception, ATIDI has supported USD85 billion worth of investments and cross border trade into Africa. For over a decade, ATIDI has maintained an ‘A/Stable’ rating for Financial Strength and Counterparty Credit by Standard & Poor’s, and in 2019, ATIDI obtained an A3/Stable rating from Moody’s, which has now been upgraded to A2/Positive.

    For more on ATIDI, visit: http://www.atidi.africa

    Media registration link: https://www.atidi.africa/media-kit/

     About World Bank Group Guarantees  

    Initiated in 2024, World Bank Group Guarantees consolidates all guarantee products and experts from across the World Bank Group institutions at MIGA. It provides a simplified and comprehensive menu of guarantee solutions, enabling clients to select the instrument that best suits their needs. The platform streamlines processes, removes redundancies, and provides greater accessibility by de-risking investments in developing countries. Its goal is to boost the WBG’s annual guarantee issuance to USD20 billion by 2030.    

    For more information about the guarantee platform, visit: https://www.worldbank.org/wbgguarantees

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI: CECO Environmental to Release Third Quarter Earnings and Host Conference Call on October 29

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DALLAS, Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CECO Environmental Corp. (Nasdaq: CECO), a leading environmentally focused, diversified industrial company whose solutions protect people, the environment and industrial equipment, today announced that it will report its third quarter 2024 financial results on October 29, 2024, premarket. The Company will also host its earnings call starting at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (7:30 a.m. CT). The Company’s financial results and presentation will be posted on its website at http://www.cecoenviro.com.

    The details for the webcast are:

    When: Tuesday, October 29 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time

    Where: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/4ui844vi

    How: Live over the internet – Simply log on to the web at the address above

    Register to receive the dial-in info and a unique pin:
    https://register.vevent.com/register/BI76b0c5bac3f448b6b1a734e15bff87ec

    A replay of the conference call will be available on the Company’s website shortly after the live webcast has concluded.

    ABOUT CECO ENVIRONMENTAL
    CECO Environmental is a leading environmentally focused, diversified industrial company, serving a broad landscape of industrial air, industrial water, and energy transition markets across the globe through its key business segments: Engineered Systems and Industrial Process Solutions. Providing innovative technology and application expertise, CECO helps companies grow their business with safe, clean, and more efficient solutions that help protect people, the environment and industrial equipment. In regions around the world, CECO works to improve air quality, optimize the energy value chain, and provide custom solutions for applications including power generation, petrochemical processing, general industrial, refining, midstream oil and gas, electric vehicle production, poly silicon fabrication, battery recycling, beverage can, and water/wastewater treatment along with a wide range of other applications. CECO is listed on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “CECO.” Incorporated in 1966, CECO’s global headquarters is in Dallas, Texas. For more information, please visit http://www.cecoenviro.com.

    Company Contact:
    Peter Johansson
    Chief Financial and Strategy Officer
    888-990-6670

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Steven Hooser and Jean Marie Young
    Three Part Advisors
    214-872-2710
    Investor.Relations@OneCECO.com

    The MIL Network –