Category: GlobeNewswire

  • MIL-OSI: Bread Financial to Participate in the BofA Securities 2025 Financial Services Conference

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bread Financial® Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: BFH), a tech-forward financial services company that provides simple, personalized payment, lending and saving solutions to millions of U.S consumers, today announced the company’s participation in the BofA Securities 2025 Financial Services Conference on Tuesday, Feb. 11.

    Bread Financial Chief Financial Officer Perry Beberman will participate in a fireside chat. The fireside chat will take place at 3:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live here.

    The fireside chat can also be accessed through Bread Financial’s investor relations website. A replay of the webcast will be available for 90 days following the event.

    About Bread Financial® 
    Bread Financial® (NYSE: BFH) is a tech-forward financial services company that provides simple, personalized payment, lending and saving solutions to millions of U.S. consumers. Our payment solutions, including Bread Financial general purpose credit cards and savings products, empower our customers and their passions for a better life. Additionally, we deliver growth for some of the most recognized brands in travel & entertainment, health & beauty, jewelry and specialty apparel through our private label and co-brand credit cards and pay-over-time products providing choice and value to our shared customers.

    To learn more about Bread Financial, our global associates and our sustainability commitments, visit breadfinancial.com or follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

    Contacts

    Brian Vereb — Investor Relations
    Brian.Vereb@breadfinancial.com

    Susan Haugen — Investor Relations
    Susan.Haugen@breadfinancial.com

    Rachel Stultz — Media
    Rachel.Stultz@breadfinancial.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Applied Materials Awards Suppliers for Outstanding Performance

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SANTA CLARA, Calif., Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Applied Materials, Inc. today announced the recipients of Supplier Excellence Awards for contributions made to Applied’s business over the past year. The awards reflect outstanding technical and operational performance in areas including quality, service, sustainability, lead time, delivery, cost and responsiveness.

    “Congratulations to our Supplier Excellence Award recipients for providing extraordinary levels of performance, agility and quality in support of Applied Materials,” said Dr. Paul Chhabra, Group Vice President of Global Supply Chain at Applied Materials. “Global megatrends like artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things are driving the need for major advances in semiconductor technology, and we are collaborating closely with our supply chain to deliver innovations in materials engineering to the industry.”

    The following 13 companies received Supplier Excellence Awards in their designated categories for consistently exceeding Applied’s performance expectations over the past year:

    Best in Class Performance
    Adecco
    EDIS Anlagenbau GmbH
    ETLA Limited
    Foxsemicon Integrated Technology Inc.
    KSM Component Co., Ltd.
    Rapid Manufacturing
    Richport Technology Pte Ltd.
    Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    TRUMPF Huettinger, Inc.

    Excellence in Aftermarket Support
    Ferrotec Holdings Corporation

    Excellence in New Product Support
    NorCal Engineering Inc.

    Excellence in Sustainability
    SMC Corporation

    Excellence in Quality
    Brooks Instrument

    About Applied Materials
    Applied Materials, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMAT) is the leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. Our expertise in modifying materials at atomic levels and on an industrial scale enables customers to transform possibilities into reality. At Applied Materials, our innovations make possible a better future. Learn more at www.appliedmaterials.com.

    Contact:
    Ricky Gradwohl (editorial/media) 408.235.4676
    Liz Morali (financial community) 408.986.7977

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Charging Robotics: Revoltz Receives Israeli Standards Institute Approval for PORTO EV Micro Vehicle

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Tel Aviv, Israel, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Charging Robotics Inc. (OTC: CHEV), announced today that its affiliate, Revoltz Ltd. (of which Charging Robotics owns 19.9%), has received approval from the Israeli Standards Institute to sell its PORTO EV micro vehicle in Israel.

    The Israeli Standards Institute approval (Standard 6230 Type Approval) is a critical milestone, as it enables PORTO EV riders as young as 16 to operate the vehicle without requiring any driver’s license. This significantly lowers barriers to adoption and makes last-mile delivery solutions more accessible to a broader audience, particularly in dense urban areas where efficient, compact transportation is in high demand.

    The PORTO EV is designed specifically for the last-mile delivery market, offering a seamless blend of functionality, robust design, and agility. Capable of long-range deliveries and a full day’s work on a single charge, the PORTO EV provides a storage capacity comparable to the trunk of a small hatchback car. It features a robust tilting mechanism to ensure maximum stability, even under full load, and integrates high-volume loading spaces over the front and rear axles, distributing cargo weight evenly for a safe and confidence-inspiring ride.

    Strong Market Potential in Israel for Micro-Mobility Solutions

    Israel is known for its rapid adoption of innovative transportation technologies and its emphasis on efficient, sustainable urban mobility solutions. The growing demand for cost-effective, eco-friendly, last-mile delivery options makes Israel an ideal market for the introduction of the PORTO EV.

    In 2023, Revoltz entered into an exclusive distribution agreement valued at $2.7 million with a premier distributor in Israel, aiming to introduce the advanced PORTO EVs into Israel and adjacent markets. As part of this agreement, the distributor initially purchased 50 PORTO EVs and committed to purchasing a total of 150 vehicles in the first year. The five-year agreement includes annual milestones and scaled-up sales targets, with the distributor providing service and maintenance for the PORTO EVs, focusing mainly on the local delivery market.

    Amir Zaid, CEO and co-founder of Revoltz, stated, “We believe that achieving this production milestone and bringing to light our strategic agreement represents significant steps forward for Revoltz. We are aiming to revolutionize the last-mile delivery market with our PORTO EVs. Our collaboration with a leading distributor in Israel is a testament to our shared vision and commitment to excellence. We eagerly anticipate scaling our operations and reinforcing our position as a micro-mobility leader.”

    The approval from the Israeli Standards Institute marks a significant milestone for Revoltz, enabling the company to commence sales and marketing activities for the PORTO EV micro vehicle in Israel. This development aligns with Charging Robotics’ commitment to advancing sustainable transportation solutions and expanding its presence in the EV market.

    Zaid added: “Israel represents a highly promising market for the PORTO EV, known for its advanced and sophisticated consumer base. The Israeli market frequently adopts innovative technologies ahead of global trends, making it an ideal environment for the introduction of innovative products like the PORTO EV. This approval allows Revoltz to cater to a tech-savvy audience that values efficiency, sustainability, and cutting-edge design, further solidifying its presence in this forward-looking region”.

    About Revoltz Ltd.

    Revoltz Ltd., an affiliate of Charging Robotics Ltd., specializes in the design and manufacture of high-end, mini electric vehicles, bridging the gap between traditional automotive design and emerging micro-mobility solutions. Revoltz is committed to creating cutting-edge designs that revolutionize the micro-mobility sector.

    About Charging Robotics

    Charging Robotics is developing various automatic wireless charging solutions such as robotic and stationary charging systems for EVs. Robotic solutions are intended to offer the driver the ability to initiate charging by use of a simple smartphone app that instructs an autonomous robot, which navigates under the EV for access and charging capabilities. Our stationary systems offer various charging solutions, including in automatic car parks where the company’s system allowing EVs to charge in places where drivers can’t connect plugs to sockets. For further information, visit: https://www.chargingrobotics.com/

    Forward Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbour” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other Federal securities laws. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates” and similar expressions or variations of such words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Because such statements deal with future events and are based on the current expectations of Charging Robotics, and its subsidiary Charging Robotics Ltd. (together, the “Company”), they are subject to various risks and uncertainties, and actual results, performance or achievements of the Company could differ materially from those described in or implied by the statements in this press release. For example, the Company uses forward looking statements when it discusses how Revoltz is aiming to revolutionize the last-mile delivery market with our PORTO EVs and how Revoltz eagerly anticipates scaling its operations and reinforcing its position as a micro-mobility leader.

    The forward-looking statements contained or implied in this press release are subject to other risks and uncertainties, including those discussed in any filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as otherwise required by law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. References and links to websites have been provided as a convenience, and the information contained on such websites is not incorporated by reference into this press release. The Company is not responsible for the contents of any third-party websites.

    Investor Relations Contact:

    Michal Efraty
    Investor Relations
    michal@efraty.com 

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: YieldMax™ ETFs Announces Distributions on BIGY ($0.5025) and SOXY ($0.4883)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, MILWAUKEE and NEW YORK, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — YieldMax™ today announced distributions for the YieldMax™ Target 12™ ETFs listed in the table below. The Fund seeks to generate income with a 12% target annual income level.

    ETF Ticker1 ETF Name Reference Asset Distribution per Share Distribution Frequency Ex-Date & Record Date Payment Date
    BIGY YieldMax™ Target 12™ Big 50 Option Income ETF Multiple $0.5025 Monthly 2/5/2025 2/6/2025
    SOXY YieldMax™ Target 12™ Semiconductor Option Income ETF Multiple $0.4883 Monthly 2/5/2025 2/6/2025

    You are not guaranteed a distribution under the ETFs. Distributions for the ETFs (if any) are variable and may vary significantly from period to period and may be zero.

    Investors in the Funds will not have rights to receive dividends or other distributions with respect to the underlying reference asset(s).

    1Each ETF’s strategy will cap potential gains if its reference asset’s shares increase in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset’s shares decrease in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF.

    Each Fund has a limited operating history and while each Fund’s objective is to provide current income, there is no guarantee the Fund will make a distribution. Distributions are likely to vary greatly in amount.

    Important Information

    Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. For a prospectus or summary prospectus with this and other information about each Fund, visit our website at www.YieldMaxETFs.com. Read the prospectus or summary prospectus carefully before investing.

    There is no guarantee that any Fund’s investment strategy will be properly implemented, and an investor may lose some or all of its investment in any such Fund.

    Tidal Financial Group is the adviser for all YieldMax™ ETFs.

    THE FUND, TRUST, AND ADVISER ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY UNDERLYING REFERENCE ASSET.

    Risk Disclosures

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

    Call Writing Strategy Risk. The path dependency (i.e., the continued use) of the Fund’s call writing strategy will impact the extent that the Fund participates in the positive price returns of the underlying reference asset and, in turn, the Fund’s returns, both during the term of the sold call options and over longer periods.

    Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in options contracts. Transactions in some types of derivatives, including options, are required to be centrally cleared (“cleared derivatives”). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members.

    Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, imperfect correlation with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions.

    Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events.

    Distribution Risk. As part of the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund seeks to provide current income. There is no assurance that the Fund will make a distribution in any given period. If the Fund does make distributions, the amounts of such distributions will likely vary greatly from one distribution to the next.

    High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings. A high portfolio turnover rate increases transaction costs, which may increase the Fund’s expenses.

    Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund, including options contracts, may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil.

    Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund.

    New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

    Price Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of call option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will participate in increases in value experienced by the underlying reference asset over the Call Period.

    Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.

    YieldMax™ ETFs are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC. Foreside is not affiliated with Tidal Financial Group, YieldMax™ ETFs.

    © 2025 YieldMax™ ETFs

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: FactSet Declares Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NORWALK, Conn., Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FactSet (NYSE: FDS | NASDAQ: FDS), a global financial digital platform and enterprise solutions provider, today announced that its Board of Directors approved a regular quarterly cash dividend of $1.04 per share.

    The cash dividend will be paid on March 20, 2025, to holders of record of FactSet’s common stock at the close of business on February 28, 2025.

    About FactSet

    FactSet (NYSE:FDS | NASDAQ:FDS) helps the financial community to see more, think bigger, and work better. Our digital platform and enterprise solutions deliver financial data, analytics, and open technology to more than 8,200 global clients, including over 218,000 individual users. Clients across the buy-side and sell-side as well as wealth managers, private equity firms, and corporations achieve more every day with our comprehensive and connected content, flexible next-generation workflow solutions, and client-centric specialized support. As a member of the S&P 500, we are committed to sustainable growth and have been recognized amongst the Best Places to Work in 2023 by Glassdoor as a Glassdoor Employees’ Choice Award winner. Learn more at www.factset.com and follow us on X and LinkedIn. 

    FactSet
    Investor Relations:
    Yet He
    +1.212.973.5701
    yet.he@factset.com 

    Media Relations:
    Megan Kovach
    +1.512.736.2795
    megan.kovach@factset.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Lantronix to Debut New LM4 AI-Powered Out-of-Band Management Platform at Cisco Live

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lantronix Inc. (NASDAQ: LTRX), a global leader of compute and connectivity for IoT solutions enabling AI Edge intelligence, will debut its new LM4 AI-powered Out-of-Band Management (OOBM) platform at Stand A10 during Cisco Live, February 10–14, 2025, at Amsterdam RAI. Lantronix’s LM4 is the industry’s first console server specifically designed, sized and priced for Intermediate Distribution Frames (IDFs) and compact environments such as ATMs, kiosks, and network aggregation points. Engineered for healthcare, finance, utilities, telecommunications, government, retail and manufacturing, the LM4 delivers enterprise-grade automation, compliance and cybersecurity capabilities, leveraging technology proven in military and financial networks.

    “We’re excited to introduce the LM4 Out-of-Band Management platform, which enables our customers to leverage rules-based AI for secure, reliable and automated network infrastructure recovery and mitigation,” said Mathi Gurusamy, chief strategy officer at Lantronix. “At Lantronix, we are committed to enabling network management automation with innovative solutions that enable our customers to be more efficient, secure and bottom-line focused.”

    Serial console servers represented a $320 million worldwide market in 2024 and are growing at a steady 7 percent rate to a projected $391 million in 2026, according to the Dell’Oro Group.

    Out-of-Band Management Everywhere

    An advanced out-of-band management platform, the small yet powerful LM4 provides access, continuous monitoring and automated remediation of issues as well as control of network infrastructure devices. Operational whether the network is up or down, the expert system uses rules-based AI to recover and mitigate network infrastructure automatically, including reliable and secure access to remote gear during an outage. With up to four ports of serial console connections for directly managing gear plus support for up to 48 virtual ports, the LM4’s compact size and affordable price enables network managers to utilize out-of-band everywhere, including many locations previously considered too small and numerous for advanced out-of-band management.

    Running the powerful LMOS software, the LM4 brings the power of NOC-based software to the network’s edge to create a separate management plane in the rack with network infrastructure. With continuous monitoring and automated runbook responses, the LM4 can detect and solve issues before traditional NOC-based tools even know there is an issue. LMOS features a granular authorization model that integrates with existing access controls as well as automated change management functions, including the ability to store multiple config and OS files with local backups to enable automated rollback of failed config changes.

    Standardize on Lantronix LM-Series Solutions for Enterprise-Grade OOB Management

    The LM4 runs the same LMOS software as the LM83X and LM80 console servers, expanding the LM-Series console access options anywhere from 2–104 ports. The LM-Series is centrally managed by the Lantronix Control Center, which is available to run on-premises as a VM or hosted in the cloud. Lantronix’s LM-Series products allow customers to standardize their out-of-band management and deploy enterprise-grade functionality and AI-driven automation at all points in the network. The result is a more resilient network that’s easier to manage with fewer issues, reduced support truck rolls and stronger security and compliance.

    Lantronix is the go-to source for innovative out-of-band solutions, providing a suite of reliable, secure and easy-to-deploy platforms, all supported by its exceptional service team.

    Also being shown at Cisco Live are:

    Out-of-Band Management Solutions

    • LM83X, delivering AI-driven out-of-band management of 8–104 devices over serial console connections in a scalable and robust console server with dual power inputs. 
    • LM80, providing a fixed 8-port serial AI-driven out-of-band management solution that can automate a majority of routine IT maintenance and recovery tasks quickly and error-free.
    • Lantronix Control Center, a single pane of glass for managing all LM-series devices for secure remote access as well as for automating management of each of the connected network infrastructure devices. It is a single source for Authorization-Authentication-Accounting (AAA) controls, creating monitoring and action rules without scripting, centrally archiving both monitored device operating system and configuration files and compliance reporting.

    Reliable Gateways and Console Servers With Trusted Performance

    • EMG 8500, Lantronix’s Edge Management Gateway that provides secure remote access for branch offices, remote locations, retail stores or anywhere an offsite network device gateway is needed and where space is limited.
    • SLC 8000: Advanced Console Manager, providing secure access to IT equipment with 8–48 ports of RS-232 and USB console connections.
    • G520 Series, Lantronix’s next-generation IoT cellular LTE CAT 4G and 5G gateway designed for industrial applications, including pre-enabled Percepxion™ Edge Solution Platform to increase operational efficiency and prevent cyber-attacks. 
    • X300 Series, a Cellular Compact IoT Gateway Solution that includes Lantronix’s IoT gateway hardware and centralized device management, cellular data, enhanced security and expert technical support in an all-in-one package.

    Expert Technical Support

    • LEVEL Technical Services, providing dedicated technical support experts to assist with implementing out-of-band deployments and limited lifetime equipment warranties. 

    About Lantronix

    Lantronix Inc. is a global leader of compute and connectivity IoT solutions that target high-growth markets, including Smart Cities, Enterprise and Transportation. Lantronix’s products and services empower companies to succeed in the growing IoT markets by delivering customizable solutions that enable AI Edge Intelligence. Lantronix’s advanced solutions include Intelligent Substations infrastructure, Infotainment systems and Video Surveillance, supplemented with advanced Out-of-Band Management (OOB) for Cloud and Edge Computing.

    For more information, visit the Lantronix website.

    “Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws, including, without limitation, statements related to Lantronix leadership. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results, future business, financial condition, or performance to differ materially from our historical results or those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement contained in this news release. The potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, such factors as the effects of negative or worsening regional and worldwide economic conditions or market instability on our business, including effects on purchasing decisions by our customers; our ability to mitigate any disruption in our and our suppliers’ and vendors’ supply chains due to the COVID-19 pandemic or other outbreaks, wars and recent tensions in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, or other factors; future responses to and effects of public health crises; cybersecurity risks; changes in applicable U.S. and foreign government laws, regulations, and tariffs; our ability to successfully implement our acquisitions strategy or integrate acquired companies; difficulties and costs of protecting patents and other proprietary rights; the level of our indebtedness, our ability to service our indebtedness and the restrictions in our debt agreements; and any additional factors included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on Sept. 9, 2024, including in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I of that report, as well as in our other public filings with the SEC. Additional risk factors may be identified from time to time in our future filings. In addition, actual results may differ as a result of additional risks and uncertainties of which we are currently unaware or which we do not currently view as material to our business. For these reasons, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements we make speak only as of the date on which they are made. We expressly disclaim any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date hereof to conform such statements to actual results or to changes in our opinions or expectations, except as required by applicable law or the rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC. If we do update or correct any forward-looking statements, investors should not conclude that we will make additional updates or corrections.

    ©2025 Lantronix, Inc. All rights reserved. Lantronix is a registered trademark. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.

    Lantronix Media Contact:
    Gail Kathryn Miller
    Corporate Marketing &
    Communications Manager
    media@lantronix.com

    Lantronix Analyst and Investor Contact:
    investors@lantronix.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bce840fa-a24a-413e-96ca-23443e7d1d6b

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Regula’s ID Verification Software Is Now Compatible with Most Passport Readers on the Market

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RESTON, Va., Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Leveraging its decades-long expertise in identity verification, Regula has made its advanced document verification software fully compatible with a wide range of third-party ID scanners and passport readers available on the market. Now, border control checkpoints, hotels, banks, medical organizations, and other institutions can take advantage of the most robust, forensic-level automated document verification and authentication regardless of the devices they are currently using.

    Image: Regula’s document verification software is fully compatible with a wide range of third-party ID scanners and passport readers on the market.

    Regula’s ID verification software is an on-premises solution, which means it works offline and keeps sensitive ID data secure. It seamlessly integrates with leading passport readers and can be fully customized depending on the device model and its functional capabilities. This not only ensures quick migration to a robust identity verification (IDV) core solution, but also allows businesses and government agencies to maximize the potential of their existing hardware investments.

    Forensic-level document verification

    Regula’s ID verification software for document readers offers the most comprehensive set of ID authenticity checks. It automatically reads, analyzes, and cross-compares data from multiple sources, including RFID chips, machine-readable zones (MRZs), barcodes, and visual zones, to ensure they are consistent and not tampered with.

    Regula’s software also supports authenticity checks in various illumination modes, such as white, ultraviolet (UV), infrared (IR), and coaxial lighting. Plus, the solution allows checking holograms and other optically variable devices and inks.

    Global ID support

    The software comes with the market’s most comprehensive identity document template database, which Regula owns and maintains. It currently contains over 14,800 ID templates from 251 countries and territories, and keeps growing. Also, the database enables the recognition of 138 languages and a great variety of scripts.

    Optionally, the software can be integrated with the Regula Information Reference System, a unique digital collection of detailed images and descriptions of identity and vehicle documents, as well as banknotes and coins. Covering every country and territory in the world, the Regula Information Reference System contains over 337,000 high-resolution images of documents and their security features captured in different light sources. Thus, the system provides an indispensable and reliable reference to compare against, even for the rarest documents.

    Effortless installation and flexible licensing

    Designed with user convenience in mind, Regula’s ID verification software is a turnkey solution that can be installed in three clicks and requires no development time or tech-heavy resources. With extensive documentation and native support for all major frameworks and programming languages, the software integrates seamlessly into existing systems and workflows. The flexible licensing options fit almost any use case and cover various verification scenarios.

    Streamlined document processing

    Regula’s ID verification software takes document processing to the next level with its powerful and highly accurate Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology. The software offers advanced capabilities such as support for parsing names, surnames, addresses, countries, and other key fields. It automatically divides text into separate fields—for instance, segmenting an address into postal code, state, and country—making the extracted data more organized and actionable. Additionally, the OCR module handles complex date formats and characters from different character sets within a single line, ensuring seamless data interpretation across diverse document types.

    Future-ready solution

    As identity verification standards and document formats continue to evolve, Regula stays at the cutting edge of this transformation. Not only is Regula’s IDV software constantly updated, but it proactively supports new identity document types, security features, and verification methods. For example, with its latest update, Regula ID verification software ensures full support of Digital Travel Credentials (DTCs), a new digital way of presenting and processing travel documents. With this approach, any passport reader will remain comprehensively equipped to perform the most innovative IDV checks.

    “By ensuring compatibility with most passport readers on the market, we’re empowering organizations to leverage advanced ID verification software without the need for new hardware investments and drastic changes. Regula’s software offers forensic-level precision, customization and flexibility, as well as compliance with the highest security standards, setting a new benchmark for document authentication,” says Ihar Kliashchou, Chief Technology Officer at Regula.

    To learn more about the features and capabilities of Regula’s ID verification software for passport readers, please visit the official website.

    About Regula

    Regula is a global developer of forensic devices and identity verification solutions. With our 30+ years of experience in forensic research and the most comprehensive library of document templates in the world, we create breakthrough technologies for document and biometric verification. Our hardware and software solutions allow over 1,000 organizations and 80 border control authorities globally to provide top-notch client service without compromising safety, security, or speed. Regula has been repeatedly named a Representative Vendor in the Gartner® Market Guide for Identity Verification.

    Learn more at www.regulaforensics.com.

    Contact:
    Kristina – ks@regulaforensics.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/36dbee31-4060-4c49-881b-8d658f5dfa91

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Cority Partners with Salus Technical, Bringing Advanced Bowtie Risk Analysis to CorityOne Ecosystem

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cority, the global leader in enterprise Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) software, today announced a strategic partnership with Salus Technical, a UK-based provider of bowtie risk analysis software. Through this partnership, Cority customers can access Salus Technical’s Bowtie Master solution, with its advanced Bowtie Risk diagramming and analysis features, enhancing their ability to manage complex risks within high-hazard settings.

    Managing risk is a growing demand for and one of the most critical challenges for organizations operating in high hazard environments. Traditional methods of risk assessment often struggle to adequately capture complexities common in high-reliability environments with intricate & highly coupled processes. Bowtie Risk Analysis, with its intuitive visual diagrams, enables organizations to proactively identify and assess compliance, or Bowtie Risk Analysis tools help organizations build a clear, actionable framework for advanced risk management.

    Through this partnership, Cority will integrate Bowtie Master with Cority’s Risk Management solution. As part of CorityOne, the company’s comprehensive EHS and sustainability SaaS-based ecosystem, customers will also be able to access other Safety-based Cority applications and, eventually, the full spectrum of environmental, health, quality, and sustainability programs. This holistic approach provides users with one place for better insights, collaboration, and decision making.

    Addressing Complex Risks with Cutting-Edge Tools

    “Process safety and risk management require tools that not only analyze risks but also make the insights actionable,” said David Jamieson, founder of Salus Technical. “This partnership allows organizations to streamline their risk assessment workflows, ensuring they can visualize complex scenarios, identify key dependencies, and prioritize resources to protect their workforce and operations.”

    Salus Technical’s Bowtie Master dynamically builds bowtie risk diagrams, simplifying the complexities of process safety. Unlike traditional tabular methods, Salus Technical’s Bowtie Master solution enables users to build bowtie risk diagrams dynamically with simple drag-and-drop features, providing a holistic view of risks and dependencies, and helping organizations prioritize required preventive and corrective actions. The integration with CorityOne will allow customers to connect insights from their bowtie risk analysis to other EHS workflows, helping them make informed decisions that increase resiliency, boost system reliability, and reduce the likelihood of catastrophic events.

    Benefits of the partnership Include:

    • Enhanced Risk Visibility: Intuitive, dynamic diagrams simplify complex risk scenarios, improving cross-team collaboration and understanding.
    • Proactive Risk Management: Organizations can prioritize and address risks before incidents occur, reducing downtime and improving operational safety.
    • Improved Efficiency: Seamless integration with CorityOne enables streamlined workflows, data visualization, and effective reporting.

    A Growing Demand for Bowtie Risk Analysis
    Bowtie risk analysis has become a preferred tool in industries such as oil and gas, energy, mining, and transportation, where the stakes of operational failures are high. Regulatory trends in specific regions, including Australia, are further driving demand for bowtie risk analysis capabilities integrated in enterprise-grade EHS software.

    A Unified Approach to Risk Management
    “Organizations in high-hazard industries are demanding for solutions that simplify complex risk management processes while delivering actionable insights to support intelligent action,” said Sean Baldry, senior director of product management at Cority. “With Bowtie Master, we are bringing our customers a powerful, integrated tool that enhances their ability to manage the most complex risk scenarios effectively and efficiently.”

    This partnership underscores Cority’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its CorityOne ecosystem through organic development and strategic collaborations, delivering comprehensive solutions that help organizations drive safety, operational excellence, and sustainability.

    For more information, visit www.cority.com and www.bowtiemaster.com.

    About Cority
    Cority gives every employee from the field to the boardroom the power to make a difference, reducing risks and creating a safer, healthier, and more sustainable world. For over 35 years, Cority’s people-first software solutions have been built by EHS and sustainability experts who know the pressures businesses face. Time-tested, scalable, and configurable, CorityOne is the responsible business platform that combines datasets from across the organization to enable improved efficiencies, actionable insights, data-driven decisions, and more accurate reporting on performance. Trusted by over 1,500 organizations worldwide and consistently recognized as a leader in the EHS industry by independent analyst firms, Cority deeply cares about helping people work toward a better future for everyone. To learn more, visit www.cority.com

    About Salus Technical
    Salus Technical, based in Aberdeen, Scotland, provides engineering, training, and software solutions to help organizations understand and manage risks from major accidents. Their flagship product, Bowtie Master, offers advanced process safety tools trusted by industries worldwide.

    Media Contact
    Natalie Rizk
    RiotMind
    natalier@theriotmind.agency

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Xtract One Accelerating Growth with New Distributor Velasea

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Xtract One Technologies (TSX: XTRA)(OTCQX: XTRAF)(FRA: 0PL) (“Xtract One” or the “Company”) with Velasea, announced a new partnership designed to bring Xtract One’s leading technology-driven threat detection and security solutions to Velasea’s network of integrators. Xtract One and Velasea, a market-leading full-service OEM distributor of physical security, retail analytics, computer vision, and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, will jointly market and sell Xtract One’s products to the broader marketplace, and through Velasea’s channel of over 900 channel partners. Through this offering, Xtract One’s advanced security detection systems, SmartGateway and One Gateway, will be available through the broad channel network to schools, hospitals, museums, theaters, arenas and other venues where high quality security and guest experience are priorities. Velasea’s network spans over 50 countries globally.

    At a pivotal time when modern-day security threats are becoming increasingly prevalent, this partnership enables integrators to offer their customers technology designed to help elevate safety and enhance the overall individual experience. Further, it allows organizations the flexibility to tailor their security solutions to best fit the specific needs of their respective facility. This contributes to advanced protection, operational efficiency, and individual experience.

    “We’re grateful to be partnering with Velasea and to be working together to bring our innovative system to even more forward-thinking organizations. This partnership broadens our reach deeper into the key markets we serve, and wider to a global marketplace” said Peter Evans, CEO of Xtract One. “By offering our security solutions in partnership with Velasea, we can provide more organizations with the advanced security they require, at a much larger scale, all while enabling individuals to feel the difference our solutions are designed to make in enhancing safety, and overall experience.”

    “The addition of Xtract One solutions to our suite of products we offer to integrators provides a real weapons screening solution tailored to individual users needs from a company who cares about their customers” said Tom Larson, President of Velasea. “Velasea has always been known for delivering cutting edge solutions to our partners and customers, and the innovation that Xtract One leads with fits our business and growth strategy. We’re looking forward to working with Xtract One in setting new standards in security, and supporting a greater range of organizations in their technology needs.”

    Xtract One’s products revolutionize weapons security and operational efficiency by replacing intimidating, traditional metal detectors with fast, reliable, and seamless screening solutions. The system leverages AI-powered sensors to unobtrusively scan individuals and their personal items as they walk through, reducing long entry lines and promoting uninterrupted flow of movement. The systems are designed to help attendees quickly and safely enter the space to enjoy their event with peace of mind – quicker than traditional methods allow.

    To learn more, visit www.xtractone.com.

    About Xtract One
    Xtract One Technologies is a leading technology-driven provider of threat detection and security solutions leveraging AI to deliver seamless and secure experiences. The Company makes unobtrusive weapons and threat detection systems that are designed to assist facility operators in prioritizing- and delivering improved “Walk-right-In” experiences while enhancing safety. Xtract One’s innovative portfolio of AI-powered Gateway solutions excels at allowing facilities to discreetly screen and identify weapons and other threats at points of entry and exit without disrupting the flow of traffic. With solutions built to serve the unique market needs for schools, hospitals, arenas, stadiums, manufacturing, distribution, and other customers, Xtract One is recognized as a market leader delivering the highest security in combination with the best individual experience. For more information, visit www.xtractone.com or connect on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

    About Velasea
    Velasea’s mission is to design smarter outcomes for a safer world. Whether building ultra-compact or massive configurations, Velasea successfully provides solutions to challenging emerging technology problems in incredibly demanding, yet varied, environments like casinos, prisons, utility systems, schools, government facilities, etc.

    From our distribution facility and state of the art configuration lab, Velasea designs and implements cost-effective, full stack solutions that involve the most advanced AI and security software available today.

    To carry out their mission, Velasea partners with leading technology manufacturers such as Intel, Nvidia, Dell, Lenovo, NetApp, Microsoft, Hanwha, DDN, Seagate, Western Digital, Infrared Cameras Inc, and more. They are one of only a handful of OEMs certified as a system builder by Milestone. Learn More at www.velasea.com.

    About Threat Detection Systems
    Xtract One solutions, when properly configured, deployed, and utilized, are designed to help enhance safety and reduce threats. Given the wide range of potential threats in today’s world, no threat detection system is 100% effective. Xtract One solutions should be utilized as one element in a multilayered approach to physical security.

    Forward Looking Statements
    This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, are “forward-looking statements”. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “estimates”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, events or developments to be materially different from any future results, events or developments expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risks detailed from time to time in the continuous disclosure filings made by the Company with securities regulations. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other risk factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements. The Company has no obligation to update any forward looking statement, even if new information becomes available as a result of future events, new information or for any other reason except as required by law.

    For further information, please contact:
    Xtract One Inquiries: info@xtractone.com, http://www.xtractone.com   
    Investor Relations: Chris Witty, Darrow Associates, cwitty@darrowir.com, 646-438-9385
    Media Contact: Kristen Aikey, JMG Public Relations, kristen@jmgpr.com, 212-206-1645

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Navatar’s A-Game Podcast: How Left Lane Associates Beats Top Investment Banks Like Goldman Sachs to Dominate Supply Chain M&A

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK and LONDON, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A small boutique investment banking firm based in Canada consistently punches above its weight, competing against big firms like Bank of America, Citibank, and Goldman Sachs to win M&A deals in the supply chain sector.

    In the latest episode of the A-Game podcast, Peter Stefanovich, President of Left Lane Associates, describes how Left Lane’s deep knowledge and wealth of experience in the supply chain has turned them into the advisor of choice in the sector. Left Lane has been doing more deals in the supply chain sector than any other advisory firm in North America, based on deal volume.

    “Somebody like a Goldman Sachs, they are a behemoth, we look up to them, they’re obviously the gold standard. The difference is that the majority of our professionals have lived and breathed transportation. Some of them are third or fourth generation transportation company owners who bought and sold businesses,” says Stefanovich during the podcast conversation with Alok Misra, CEO of Navatar.

    With the knowledge and experience gained from its time spent dedicated to the sector, Left Lane’s team has also developed deep connections with supply chain business owners, executives, and industry-leading associations. In an extensive transaction process, these connections to the industry can play a vital role in resolving issues and negotiating favorable terms for a client.

    Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from industry leaders. The entire episode can be viewed here:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8U1emTtfgs

    About Navatar

    Navatar (@navatargroup), the CRM platform for alternative assets and investment banking firms, enables investment professionals make informed decisions based on superior proprietary intelligence. Navatar is used by hundreds of firms including private equity funds, M&A boutiques and bulge brackets, fund of funds, multi-asset credit, hedge funds, real estate funds, venture capital firms, corporate development groups, family offices, private placement and other financial services companies. For more information, visit www.navatargroup.com.

    About Left Lane Associates

    Left Lane Associates is North America’s premier supply chain M&A experts that companies trust to drive their growth and exit plans. Left Lane Associates’ team builds personal relationships through supply chain thought leadership and experience while delivering industry-specific deal expertise to maximize value for its clients, supported by its proprietary processes and research. For more information, visit www.leftlaneassociates.ca.

    Sales Team
    Navatar
    sales@navatargroup.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Form 8.3 – [LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES GROUP PLC – 03 02 2025] – (CGWL)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

    PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
    A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
    Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: CANACCORD GENUITY WEALTH LIMITED (for Discretionary clients)
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.
    N/A
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree
    LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES GROUP PLC
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: N/A
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure
    03 FEBRUARY 2025
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”
    N/A

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

    (a)      Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

    Class of relevant security: 0.375p ORDINARY
      Interests Short positions
    Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 9,653,126 1.2181    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        
    TOTAL: 9,653,126 1.2181    

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

    Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

    (b)      Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)

    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:  
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:  

    3.        DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

    The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit
    0.375p ORDINARY SALE 6,000 92.5418p
    0.375p ORDINARY SALE 9,770 93.2421p

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. CFD
    Nature of dealing
    e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position
    Number of reference securities Price per unit
    NONE        

    (c)        Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type
    e.g. American, European etc.
    Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
    NONE              

    (ii)        Exercise

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. call option
    Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit

    (d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing
    e.g. subscription, conversion
    Details Price per unit (if applicable)
    NONE      

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i)   the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii)   the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO
    Date of disclosure: 04 FEBRUARY 2025
    Contact name: MARK ELLIOTT
    Telephone number: 01253 376539

    Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

    The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

    The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Form 8.5 (EPT/RI) – Warpaint London Plc

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.5 (EPT/RI)

    PUBLIC DEALING DISCLOSURE BY AN EXEMPT PRINCIPAL TRADER WITH RECOGNISED INTERMEDIARY STATUS DEALING IN A CLIENT-SERVING CAPACITY
    Rule 8.5 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)        Name of exempt principal trader: Shore Capital Stockbrokers Ltd
    (b)        Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree
    Warpaint London Plc
    (c)        Name of the party to the offer with which exempt principal trader is connected: Warpaint London Plc
    (d)        Date dealing undertaken: 03 February 2025
    (e)        Has the EPT previously disclosed, or is it today disclosing, under the Code in respect of any other party to this offer? Yes – Brand Architekts Group plc

    2.        DEALINGS BY THE EXEMPT PRINCIPAL TRADER

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchases/ sales Total number of securities Highest price per unit paid/received Lowest price per unit paid/received
    Ordinary Purchases 149,113 511.25p 492p
    Ordinary Sales 69,500 504p 496p

    (b)        Derivatives transactions (other than option)

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. CFD
    Nature of dealing
    e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position
    Number of reference securities Price per unit
             

    (c)        Options transactions in respect of existing securities

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type
    e.g. American, European etc.
    Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
                   

    (ii)        Exercising

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. call option
    Number of securities Exercise price per unit
           

    (d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing
    e.g. subscription, conversion
    Details Price per unit (if applicable)
           

    The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(b), copy table 2(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

    3.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the exempt principal trader making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    None

    (b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the exempt principal trader making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i)        the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii)        the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    None

    Date of disclosure: 04 February 2025
    Contact name: Justin Ball
    Telephone number: 0207 647 8130

    Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service and must also be emailed to the Takeover Panel at monitoring@disclosure.org.uk. The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s dealing disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.
    The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Form 8.3 – [LOUNGERS PLC – 03 02 2025] – (CGWL)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

    PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
    A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
    Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: CANACCORD GENUITY WEALTH LIMITED (for Discretionary Clients)
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.
    N/A
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree
    LOUNGERS PLC
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: N/A
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure

    03 FEBRUARY 2025

    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”
    N/A

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

    (a)      Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

    Class of relevant security: 1p ORDINARY
      Interests Short positions
    Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 1,288,957 1.2399    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        
    TOTAL: 1,288,957 1.2399    

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

    Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

    (b)      Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)

    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:  
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:  

    3.        DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

    The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit
    1p ORDINARY SALE 3,520 323.1p

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. CFD
    Nature of dealing
    e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position
    Number of reference securities Price per unit
    NONE        

    (c)        Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type
    e.g. American, European etc.
    Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
    NONE              

    (ii)        Exercise

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. call option
    Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit

    (d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing
    e.g. subscription, conversion
    Details Price per unit (if applicable)
    NONE      

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i)   the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii)   the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO
    Date of disclosure: 04 FEBRUARY 2025
    Contact name: MARK ELLIOTT
    Telephone number: 01253 376539

    Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

    The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

    The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Form 8.5 (EPT/RI) – Brand Architekts Group plc

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.5 (EPT/RI)

    PUBLIC DEALING DISCLOSURE BY AN EXEMPT PRINCIPAL TRADER WITH RECOGNISED INTERMEDIARY STATUS DEALING IN A CLIENT-SERVING CAPACITY
    Rule 8.5 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)        Name of exempt principal trader: Shore Capital Stockbrokers Ltd
    (b)        Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree
    Brand Architekts Group plc
    (c)        Name of the party to the offer with which exempt principal trader is connected: Warpaint London Plc
    (d)        Date dealing undertaken: 03 February 2025
    (e)        Has the EPT previously disclosed, or is it today disclosing, under the Code in respect of any other party to this offer? Yes – Warpaint London Plc

    2.        DEALINGS BY THE EXEMPT PRINCIPAL TRADER

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchases/ sales Total number of securities Highest price per unit paid/received Lowest price per unit paid/received
    Ordinary Purchases 28,994 47p 47p
    Ordinary Sales 28,994 47p 47p

    (b)        Derivatives transactions (other than option)

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. CFD
    Nature of dealing
    e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position
    Number of reference securities Price per unit
             

    (c)        Options transactions in respect of existing securities

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type
    e.g. American, European etc.
    Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
                   

    (ii)        Exercising

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. call option
    Number of securities Exercise price per unit
           

    (d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing
    e.g. subscription, conversion
    Details Price per unit (if applicable)
           

    The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(b), copy table 2(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

    3.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the exempt principal trader making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    None

    (b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the exempt principal trader making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i)        the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii)        the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    None

    Date of disclosure: 04 February 2025
    Contact name: Justin Ball
    Telephone number: 0207 647 8130

    Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service and must also be emailed to the Takeover Panel at monitoring@disclosure.org.uk. The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s dealing disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.
    The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Descartes Sets Date to Announce Fiscal 2025 Fourth Quarter and Year-End Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WATERLOO, Ontario and ATLANTA, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Descartes Systems Group (TSX: DSG) (Nasdaq: DSGX), the global leader in uniting logistics-intensive businesses in commerce, is scheduled to report its fiscal 2024 fourth-quarter and year-end financial results after market close on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.

    Descartes’ executive management team will hold a conference call to discuss the company’s financial results at 5:30 PM ET on Wednesday, March 5. Designated numbers are +1 289 514 5100 or +1 800 717 1738 for North America Toll-Free, using Passcode 45440#.

    The company will simultaneously conduct an audio webcast on the Descartes website at www.descartes.com/descartes/investor-relations. Phone conference dial-in or webcast login is required approximately 10 minutes beforehand.

    Replays of the conference call will be available until March 12, 2025, by dialing +1 289 819 1325 or Toll-Free for North America using +1 888 660 6264 with Playback Passcode: 45440#. An archived replay of the webcast will be available at www.descartes.com/descartes/investor-relations..

    About Descartes Systems Group
    Descartes is the global leader in providing on-demand, software-as-a-service solutions focused on improving the productivity, security, and sustainability of logistics-intensive businesses. Customers use our modular, software-as-a-service solutions to route, track and help improve the safety, performance and compliance of delivery resources; plan, allocate and execute shipments; rate, audit and pay transportation invoices; access global trade data; file customs and security documents for imports and exports; and complete numerous other logistics processes by participating in the world’s largest, collaborative multimodal logistics community. Our headquarters are in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada and we have offices and partners around the world. Learn more at www.descartes.com, and connect with us on LinkedIn and X (Twitter).        

    Descartes Investor Contact         
    Laurie McCauley
    (519) 746-2969
    investor@descartes.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: QSEC-CEE 2025 Concludes with Breakthroughs in Quantum Cybersecurity

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    KOŠICE, SLOVAKIA, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Decent Cybersecurity concluded its highly anticipated conference QSEC-CEE 2025 on post-quantum cybersecurity, bringing together experts and innovators at Bistro HÁJE and online, on Jan 31, 2025. The sold-out hybrid event gathered leading cybersecurity professionals from across Central and Eastern Europe, fostering critical discussions on the future of quantum-resistant security solutions.

    The conference, organized by Decent Cybersecurity, a founding member of the Critical Infrastructure Association of the Slovak Republic (Asociácia kritickej infraštruktúry Slovenskej republiky, AKI), showcased the region’s emerging leadership in quantum security innovation.

    The day opened with powerful keynotes from industry leaders. Matej Michalko, CEO of Decent Cybersecurity, delivered an inspiring vision of Central Europe’s role in quantum security, followed by Michaela Abel, COO, who outlined practical steps for building quantum-ready organizations.

    The program flowed seamlessly through technical and strategic presentations. Ing. Pavol Krcho, PhD. traced the fascinating evolution from punch cards to post-quantum cryptography, while doc. Ing. Jaroslav Sivák CSc. delivered crucial insights on critical infrastructure security. Marek Procháska brought fresh perspectives on the post-quantum future of DevOps.

    The afternoon sessions saw Ing. Hana Krchová, Ph.D., MBA tackling the future of R&D project management, followed by Mgr. Jozef Binder’s exploration of agile methodologies in the quantum era. Certified cybersecurity auditor and manager Ing. Pavol Adámek rounded out the program with a comprehensive overview of NIS2 implementation in Slovakia.

    “The quantum threat isn’t coming – it’s here,” warned Michaela Abel during her keynote. “And today showed that Central Europe isn’t waiting for solutions from Silicon Valley or Tel Aviv. We’re building them ourselves.”

    The carefully curated single-track format ensured all attendees, both in-person and virtual, shared the same powerful experience. Live translation services in English, Slovak, and Czech enabled seamless communication across the region.

    “The energy here is different,” noted one attendee from Prague. “It’s not just another tech conference – there’s real work getting done, whether you’re here in person or joining remotely.”

    The choice of venue proved inspired. Bistro HÁJE, perched in Košice’s Lorinčík district, offered a refreshing break from sterile conference centers. Between sessions, in-person attendees networked over local specialties while taking in panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, while virtual participants engaged through dedicated networking channels.

    About Decent Cybersecurity

    A founding member of the Critical Infrastructure Association of the Slovak Republic, Decent Cybersecurity leads the charge in European cybersecurity solutions, with a laser focus on post-quantum security and critical infrastructure protection. The company holds ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certifications from TÜV SÜD, and maintains national, EU, and NATO security clearances at the “Secret” level. As a certified provider of cybersecurity audit by the National Security Authority, Decent Cybersecurity brings the highest level of security expertise to protect critical infrastructure and sensitive data.

    About Critical Infrastructure Association of the Slovak Republic

    The Critical Infrastructure Association of the Slovak Republic (Asociácia kritickej infraštruktúry Slovenskej republiky, AKI) unites key players in Slovakia’s critical infrastructure security sector, driving innovation in national security solutions.

    About Bistro HÁJE

    Tucked away at Pod Hájmi 28, Košice-Lorinčík, Bistro HÁJE has become Košice’s go-to venue for high-stakes business gatherings. Its blend of professional facilities and stunning natural surroundings offers a welcome departure from conventional conference spaces.

    For conference materials and future events: www.decentcybersecurity.eu and www.akisr.sk

    Contact

    Decent Cybersecurity s.r.o.

    media@decentcybersecurity.eu

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Apollo Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Apollo Global Management, Inc. (NYSE: APO) (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, “Apollo”) today reported results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024.

    Marc Rowan, Chief Executive Officer at Apollo said, “Our fourth quarter results punctuate a very strong year of performance for Apollo. 2024 highlights include record origination activity exceeding $220 billion, inflows of more than $150 billion, and assets under management surpassing $750 billion. Entering 2025, our growth strategy is clear, our team is focused on execution, and we are playing to win.”

    Apollo issued a full detailed presentation of its fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024 results, which can be viewed on Apollo’s Investor Relations website at ir.apollo.com.

    Dividend

    Apollo Global Management, Inc. has declared a cash dividend of $0.4625 per share of its Common Stock for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2024. This dividend will be paid on February 28, 2025 to holders of record at the close of business on February 18, 2025.

    Apollo Global Management, Inc. has also declared and set aside for payment a cash dividend of $0.8438 per share of its Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, which will be paid on April 30, 2025 to holders of record at the close of business on April 15, 2025.

    The declaration and payment of dividends on the Common Stock and the Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock are at the sole discretion of Apollo Global Management, Inc.’s board of directors. Apollo cannot assure its stockholders that they will receive any dividends in the future.

    Conference Call

    Apollo will host a public audio webcast on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. During the webcast, members of Apollo’s senior management team will review Apollo’s financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024.

    The webcast may be accessed at ir.apollo.com. For those unable to listen to the live broadcast, there will be a replay of the webcast available at the same link one hour after the event.

    Apollo distributes its earnings releases via its website and email distribution lists. Those interested in receiving firm updates by email can sign up for them at ir.apollo.com.

    About Apollo

    Apollo is a high-growth, global alternative asset manager. In our asset management business, we seek to provide our clients excess return at every point along the risk-reward spectrum from investment grade credit to private equity. For more than three decades, our investing expertise across our fully integrated platform has served the financial return needs of our clients and provided businesses with innovative capital solutions for growth. Through Athene, our retirement services business, we specialize in helping clients achieve financial security by providing a suite of retirement savings products and acting as a solutions provider to institutions. Our patient, creative, and knowledgeable approach to investing aligns our clients, businesses we invest in, our employees, and the communities we impact, to expand opportunity and achieve positive outcomes. As of December 31, 2024, Apollo had approximately $751 billion of assets under management. To learn more, please visit www.apollo.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    In this press release, references to “Apollo,” “we,” “us,” “our” and the “Company” refer collectively to Apollo Global Management, Inc. and its subsidiaries, or as the context may otherwise require. This press release may contain forward-looking statements that are within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements include, but are not limited to, discussions related to Apollo’s expectations regarding the performance of its business, its liquidity and capital resources and other non-historical statements. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s beliefs, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management. When used in this press release, the words “believe,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to have been correct. These statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including risks relating to inflation, interest rate fluctuations and market conditions generally, the impact of energy market dislocation, our ability to manage our growth, our ability to operate in highly competitive environments, the performance of the funds we manage, our ability to raise new funds, the variability of our revenues, earnings and cash flow, the accuracy of management’s assumptions and estimates, our dependence on certain key personnel, our use of leverage to finance our businesses and investments by the funds we manage, Athene’s ability to maintain or improve financial strength ratings, the impact of Athene’s reinsurers failing to meet their assumed obligations, Athene’s ability to manage its business in a highly regulated industry, changes in our regulatory environment and tax status, and litigation risks, among others. We believe these factors include but are not limited to those described under the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on February 27, 2024, and the quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on November 6, 2024, as such factors may be updated from time to time in our periodic filings with the SEC, which are accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in this press release and in our other filings with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. This press release does not constitute an offer of any Apollo fund.

    Investor and Media Relations Contacts

    For investors please contact:
    Noah Gunn
    Global Head of Investor Relations
    Apollo Global Management, Inc.
    212-822-0540
    ir@apollo.com

    For media inquiries please contact:
    Joanna Rose
    Global Head of Corporate Communications
    Apollo Global Management, Inc.
    212-822-0491
    communications@apollo.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Oaktree Specialty Lending Corporation Announces First Fiscal Quarter 2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Oaktree Specialty Lending Corporation (NASDAQ: OCSL) (“Oaktree Specialty Lending” or the “Company”), a specialty finance company, today announced its financial results for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2024.

    Financial Highlights for the Quarter Ended December 31, 2024

    • Oaktree Capital I, L.P. purchased $100.0 million of shares of OCSL common stock on February 3, 2025 at the Company’s net asset value as of January 31, 2025, which was $17.63 per share and represented a 10% premium to the closing stock price and resulted in a nearly 7% increase to NAV. The equity raise will help grow OCSL’s asset base and further diversify the portfolio.
    • Implemented total return hurdle resulting in waived Part I incentive fees of $6.4 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2024. In connection with the institution of this incentive fee cap, the calculation of the Part I incentive fee will consider capital gains and losses when determining Part I incentive fees payable. This new arrangement includes a lookback provision that commences effective October 1, 2024, and will build over time to a rolling 12 quarter lookback by the Company’s 2027 fiscal year-end.
    • Total investment income was $86.6 million ($1.05 per share) for the first fiscal quarter of 2025, as compared with $94.7 million ($1.15 per share) for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2024. Adjusted total investment income was $87.1 million ($1.06 per share) for the first fiscal quarter, as compared with $95.0 million ($1.16 per share) for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2024. The decrease was driven by (i) lower interest income, which was attributable to decreases in reference rates, the impact of certain investments that were placed on non-accrual status, a smaller investment portfolio and lower original issue discount (“OID”) acceleration from investment repayments, (ii) lower fee income from a decrease in prepayment fees and (iii) lower dividend income from the Company’s investment in Senior Loan Fund JV I, LLC (“SLF JV I”).
    • GAAP net investment income was $44.3 million ($0.54 per share) for the first fiscal quarter of 2025, as compared with $44.9 million ($0.55 per share) for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2024. The decrease for the quarter was primarily driven by lower total investment income and higher operating expenses, partially offset by lower interest expense and lower management and income-based (“Part I”) incentive fees (net of fees waived).
    • Adjusted net investment income was $44.7 million ($0.54 per share) for the first fiscal quarter of 2025, as compared with $45.2 million ($0.55 per share) for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2024. The decrease for the quarter was primarily driven by lower adjusted total investment income and higher operating expenses, partially offset by lower interest expense and lower management and Part I incentive fees (net of fees waived).
    • Net asset value (“NAV”) per share was $17.63 as of December 31, 2024, down as compared with $18.09 as of September 30, 2024. The decline from September 30, 2024 primarily reflected losses on certain debt and equity investments.
    • Originated $198.1 million of new investment commitments and received $352.4 million of proceeds from prepayments, exits, other paydowns and sales during the quarter ended December 31, 2024. The weighted average yield on new debt investments was 9.6%.
    • Total debt outstanding was $1,610.0 million as of December 31, 2024. The total debt to equity ratio was 1.11x, and the net debt to equity ratio was 1.03x, after adjusting for cash and cash equivalents.
    • Liquidity as of December 31, 2024 was composed of $112.9 million of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and $957.5 million of undrawn capacity under the Company’s credit facilities (subject to borrowing base and other limitations). Unfunded investment commitments were $302.3 million, or $275.2 million excluding unfunded commitments to the Company’s joint ventures. Of the $275.2 million, approximately $243.7 million can be drawn immediately with the remaining amount subject to certain milestones that must be met by portfolio companies or other restrictions.
    • A quarterly and supplemental cash distribution was declared of $0.40 per share and $0.07 per share, respectively, payable in cash on March 31, 2025 to stockholders of record on March 17, 2025. The modification to the dividend policy introduces a stable base dividend, which is anticipated to be sustainable across market cycles, amid fluctuations in rates and spreads.

    Armen Panossian, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Chief Investment Officer said, “We had several positive outcomes within the portfolio, but continued to face challenges with several names. We remain focused on our underperforming borrowers, working through each situation to identify the appropriate course of action.”

    “We remain committed to our shareholders and growing our business. As part of that process, Oaktree has purchased $100 million of shares at NAV. And, in addition to the permanent fee reduction announced last year and additional support provided via voluntary fee waivers, starting with the quarter ending December 31, 2024, we have instituted a cap in the calculation of our Part I Incentive Fee to consider capital gains and losses, which will build up over time and look back to 12 quarters by our 2027 fiscal year-end. We believe these actions further demonstrate our ongoing commitment to our shareholders while providing the capital to execute on our long-term initiatives.”

    Distribution Declaration

    The Board of Directors declared a quarterly distribution of $0.40 per share, payable in cash on March 31, 2025 to stockholders of record on March 17, 2025. The Board of Directors also declared a supplemental distribution of $0.07 per share, payable in cash on March 31, 2025 to stockholders of record on March 17, 2025. For the quarter ended December 31, 2024 and going forward, in addition to a quarterly base dividend of $0.40 per share, the Company’s Board of Directors expects to declare, when applicable, a quarterly supplemental dividend in an amount to be determined each quarter.

    Distributions are paid primarily from distributable (taxable) income. To the extent taxable earnings for a fiscal taxable year fall below the total amount of distributions for that fiscal year, a portion of those distributions may be deemed a return of capital to the Company’s stockholders.

    Results of Operations

        For the three months ended
    ($ in thousands, except per share data)   December 31, 2024 (unaudited)   September 30, 2024 (unaudited)   December 31, 2023 (unaudited)
    GAAP operating results:            
    Interest income   $ 78,422     $ 83,626     $ 91,414  
    PIK interest income     5,728       6,018       3,849  
    Fee income     1,679       3,897       1,307  
    Dividend income     818       1,144       1,415  
    Total investment income     86,647       94,685       97,985  
    Net expenses     42,082       49,764       53,796  
    Net investment income before taxes     44,565       44,921       44,189  
    (Provision) benefit for taxes on net investment income     (263 )            
    Net investment income     44,302       44,921       44,189  
    Net realized and unrealized gains (losses), net of taxes     (37,063 )     (8,008 )     (33,654 )
    Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   $ 7,239     $ 36,913     $ 10,535  
    Total investment income per common share   $ 1.05     $ 1.15     $ 1.26  
    Net investment income per common share   $ 0.54     $ 0.55     $ 0.57  
    Net realized and unrealized gains (losses), net of taxes per common share   $ (0.45 )   $ (0.10 )   $ (0.43 )
    Earnings (loss) per common share — basic and diluted   $ 0.09     $ 0.45     $ 0.14  
    Non-GAAP Financial Measures1:            
    Adjusted total investment income   $ 87,070     $ 95,000     $ 98,014  
    Adjusted net investment income   $ 44,725     $ 45,236     $ 44,218  
    Adjusted net realized and unrealized gains (losses), net of taxes   $ (37,124 )   $ (8,322 )   $ (32,858 )
    Adjusted earnings (loss)   $ 7,601     $ 36,914     $ 11,360  
    Adjusted total investment income per share   $ 1.06     $ 1.16     $ 1.26  
    Adjusted net investment income per share   $ 0.54     $ 0.55     $ 0.57  
    Adjusted net realized and unrealized gains (losses), net of taxes per share   $ (0.45 )   $ (0.10 )   $ (0.42 )
    Adjusted earnings (loss) per share   $ 0.09     $ 0.45     $ 0.15  

    ______________________ 
    1 See Non-GAAP Financial Measures below for a description of the non-GAAP measures and the reconciliations from the most comparable GAAP financial measures to the Company’s non-GAAP measures, including on a per share basis. The Company’s management uses these non-GAAP financial measures internally to analyze and evaluate financial results and performance and believes that these non-GAAP financial measures are useful to investors as an additional tool to evaluate ongoing results and trends for the Company and to review the Company’s performance without giving effect to non-cash income/gain/loss resulting from the merger of Oaktree Strategic Income Corporation (“OCSI”) with and into the Company in March 2021 (the “OCSI Merger”) and the merger of Oaktree Strategic Income II, Inc. (“OSI2”) with and into the Company in January 2023 (the “OSI2 Merger”) and, in the case of adjusted net investment income, without giving effect to capital gains incentive fees. The presentation of non-GAAP measures is not intended to be a substitute for financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered in isolation.

         
        As of
    ($ in thousands, except per share data and ratios)   December 31, 2024 (unaudited)   September 30, 2024     December 31, 2023 (unaudited)
    Select balance sheet and other data:              
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 112,913     $ 63,966     $ 112,369  
    Investment portfolio at fair value     2,835,294       3,021,279       3,018,552  
    Total debt outstanding (net of unamortized financing costs)     1,577,795       1,638,693       1,622,717  
    Net assets     1,449,815       1,487,811       1,511,651  
    Net asset value per share     17.63       18.09       19.14  
    Total debt to equity ratio     1.11x     1.12x       1.10x  
    Net debt to equity ratio     1.03x     1.07x       1.02x  
                           

    Adjusted total investment income for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 was $87.1 million and included $78.9 million of interest income from portfolio investments, $5.7 million of payment-in-kind (“PIK”) interest income, $1.7 million of fee income and $0.8 million of dividend income. The $7.9 million quarterly decline in adjusted total investment income was primarily due to a $5.4 million decrease in interest income, which resulted from a decreases in reference rates, the impact of certain investments that were placed on non-accrual status, a smaller investment portfolio and lower OID acceleration from investment repayments. Additionally, there was a $2.2 million decrease in fee income driven by lower prepayment fees and a $0.3 million reduction in dividend income from the Company’s investment in SLF JV I.

    Net expenses for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 totaled $42.1 million, down $7.7 million from the quarter ended September 30, 2024. The decrease for the quarter was primarily driven by $6.2 million of lower Part I incentive fees (net of fees waived) and $1.5 million of lower interest expense due to lower reference rates on the Company’s floating rate liabilities.

    Adjusted net investment income was $44.7 million ($0.54 per share) for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, which was down from $45.2 million ($0.55 per share) for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. The decline of $0.5 million primarily reflected $7.9 million of lower adjusted total investment income and an increase in income tax expense of $0.3 million, partially offset by $7.7 million of lower net expenses.

    Adjusted net realized and unrealized losses, net of taxes, were $37.1 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, primarily reflecting realized and unrealized losses on certain debt and equity investments.

    Portfolio and Investment Activity

        As of
    ($ in thousands)   December 31, 2024 (unaudited)   September 30, 2024 (unaudited)   December 31, 2023 (unaudited)
    Investments at fair value   $ 2,835,294     $ 3,021,279     $ 3,018,552  
    Number of portfolio companies     136       144       146  
    Average portfolio company debt size   $ 22,000     $ 22,000     $ 20,200  
                 
    Asset class:            
    First lien debt     81.8 %     81.7 %     77.9 %
    Second lien debt     3.0 %     3.5 %     8.4 %
    Unsecured debt     3.9 %     3.6 %     2.5 %
    Equity     4.8 %     5.0 %     4.8 %
    JV interests     6.5 %     6.1 %     6.4 %
                 
    Non-accrual debt investments:            
    Non-accrual investments at fair value   $ 105,326     $ 114,292     $ 120,713  
    Non-accrual investments at cost     138,703       140,748       174,897  
    Non-accrual investments as a percentage of debt investments at fair value     3.9 %     4.0 %     4.2 %
    Non-accrual investments as a percentage of debt investments at cost     5.1 %     4.9 %     5.9 %
    Number of investments on non-accrual     9       9       7  
                 
    Interest rate type:            
    Percentage floating-rate     87.6 %     88.4 %     84.3 %
    Percentage fixed-rate     12.4 %     11.6 %     15.7 %
                 
    Yields:            
    Weighted average yield on debt investments1     10.7 %     11.2 %     12.2 %
    Cash component of weighted average yield on debt investments     9.5 %     10.0 %     11.1 %
    Weighted average yield on total portfolio investments2     10.2 %     10.7 %     11.7 %
                 
    Investment activity:            
    New investment commitments   $ 198,100     $ 259,000     $ 370,300  
    New funded investment activity3   $ 201,300     $ 232,700     $ 367,600  
    Proceeds from prepayments, exits, other paydowns and sales   $ 352,400     $ 338,300     $ 213,500  
    Net new investments4   $ (151,100 )   $ (105,600 )   $ 154,100  
    Number of new investment commitments in new portfolio companies     5       9       14  
    Number of new investment commitments in existing portfolio companies     8       10       10  
    Number of portfolio company exits     13       23       10  

    ______________________
    1 Annual stated yield earned plus net annual amortization of OID or premium earned on accruing investments, including the Company’s share of the return on debt investments in SLF JV I and Glick JV, and excluding any amortization or accretion of interest income resulting solely from the cost basis established by ASC 805 (see Non-GAAP Financial Measures below) for the assets acquired in connection with the OCSI Merger and OSI2 Merger.
    2 Annual stated yield earned plus net annual amortization of OID or premium earned on accruing investments and dividend income, including the Company’s share of the return on debt investments in SLF JV I and Glick JV, and excluding any amortization or accretion of interest income resulting solely from the cost basis established by ASC 805 for the assets acquired in connection with the OCSI Merger and OSI2 Merger.
    3 New funded investment activity includes drawdowns on existing revolver and delayed draw term loan commitments.
    4 Net new investments consists of new funded investment activity less proceeds from prepayments, exits, other paydowns and sales.

    As of December 31, 2024, the fair value of the investment portfolio was $2.8 billion and was composed of investments in 136 companies. These included debt investments in 114 companies, equity investments in 42 companies, and the Company’s joint venture investments in SLF JV I and OCSI Glick JV LLC (“Glick JV”). 22 of the equity investments were in companies in which the Company also had a debt investment.

    As of December 31, 2024, 94.4% of the Company’s portfolio at fair value consisted of debt investments, including 81.8% of first lien loans, 3.0% of second lien loans and 9.6% of unsecured debt investments, including the debt investments in SLF JV I and Glick JV. This compared to 81.7% of first lien loans, 3.5% of second lien loans and 9.0% of unsecured debt investments, including the debt investments in SLF JV I and Glick JV, as of September 30, 2024.

    As of December 31, 2024, there were nine investments on non-accrual status, which represented 5.1% and 3.9% of the debt portfolio at cost and fair value, respectively. As of September 30, 2024, there were nine investments on non-accrual status, which represented 4.9% and 4.0% of the debt portfolio at cost and fair value, respectively.

    SLF JV I

    The Company’s investments in SLF JV I totaled $135.4 million at fair value as of December 31, 2024, up 0.1% from $135.2 million as of September 30, 2024.

    As of December 31, 2024, SLF JV I had $344.9 million in assets, including senior secured loans to 42 portfolio companies. This compared to $375.8 million in assets, including senior secured loans to 48 portfolio companies, as of September 30, 2024. SLF JV I generated cash interest income of $3.4 million for the Company during the quarter ended December 31, 2024, down from $3.6 million in the prior quarter. In addition, SLF JV I generated dividend income of $0.7 million for the Company during the quarter ended December 31, 2024, down from $1.1 million in the prior quarter. As of December 31, 2024, SLF JV I had $95.0 million of undrawn capacity (subject to borrowing base and other limitations) on its $270 million senior revolving credit facility, and its debt to equity ratio was 1.1x.

    Glick JV

    The Company’s investments in Glick JV totaled $49.6 million at fair value as of December 31, 2024, up 1.4% from $48.9 million as of September 30, 2024. The increase was primarily driven by Glick JV’s use of leverage and unrealized appreciation in the underlying investment portfolio.

    As of December 31, 2024, Glick JV had $127.9 million in assets, including senior secured loans to 39 portfolio companies. This compared to $145.0 million in assets, including senior secured loans to 44 portfolio companies, as of September 30, 2024. Glick JV generated cash interest income of $1.4 million for the Company during the quarter ended December 31, 2024, down from $1.5 million in the prior quarter. As of December 31, 2024, Glick JV had $31.0 million of undrawn capacity (subject to borrowing base and other limitations) on its $100 million senior revolving credit facility, and its debt to equity ratio was 1.2x.

    Liquidity and Capital Resources

    As of December 31, 2024, the Company had total principal value of debt outstanding of $1,610.0 million, including $660.0 million of outstanding borrowings under its revolving credit facilities, $300.0 million of the 3.500% Notes due 2025, $350.0 million of the 2.700% Notes due 2027 and $300.0 million of the 7.100% Notes due 2029. The funding mix was composed of 41% secured and 59% unsecured borrowings as of December 31, 2024. The Company was in compliance with all financial covenants under its credit facilities as of December 31, 2024.

    As of December 31, 2024, the Company had $112.9 million of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and $957.5 million of undrawn capacity on its credit facilities (subject to borrowing base and other limitations). As of December 31, 2024, unfunded investment commitments were $302.3 million, or $275.2 million excluding unfunded commitments to the Company’s joint ventures. Of the $275.2 million, approximately $243.7 million could be drawn immediately with the remaining amount subject to certain milestones that must be met by portfolio companies or other restrictions. The Company has analyzed cash and cash equivalents, availability under its credit facilities, the ability to rotate out of certain assets and amounts of unfunded commitments that could be drawn and believes its liquidity and capital resources are sufficient to invest in market opportunities as they arise.

    As of December 31, 2024, the weighted average interest rate on debt outstanding, including the effect of the interest rate swap agreements was 6.2%, down from 6.7% as of September 30, 2024, primarily driven by the impact of lower interest rates on the Company’s floating rate liabilities.

    The Company’s total debt to equity ratio was 1.11x and 1.12x as of each of December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024, respectively. The Company’s net debt to equity ratio was 1.03x and 1.07x as of each of December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024, respectively.

    Incentive Fee Lookback

    Effective as of October 1, 2024, Oaktree has agreed to waive incentive fees on income to institute an incentive fee cap (also known as a “total return hurdle”) in the calculation of the Part I Incentive Fee, which will consider capital gains and losses. This new arrangement includes a lookback provision that commences effective October 1, 2024, and will build over time to a rolling 12-quarter lookback by the Company’s 2027 fiscal year-end. Additional details regarding this new arrangement can be found in the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on February 4, 2025.

    Purchase Agreement

    On January 31, 2025, the Company and Oaktree Capital I, L.P., an affiliate of the Adviser, entered into a purchase agreement pursuant to which Oaktree Capital I, L.P. purchased 5,672,149 shares of the Company’s common stock on February 3, 2025 for an aggregate purchase price of $100.0 million. These shares were sold at the Company’s net asset value per share as of January 31, 2025, which was $17.63 per share and calculated in accordance with Section 23 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. Oaktree Capital I, L.P. has agreed not to sell the shares acquired in this transaction through February 3, 2026. This transaction represented a 10% premium to the closing stock price on January 31, 2025, and resulted in a nearly 7% increase in net assets, which (coupled with additional leverage) will increase dry powder for deployment, enabling growth and further diversification of the portfolio.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    On a supplemental basis, the Company is disclosing certain adjusted financial measures, each of which is calculated and presented on a basis of methodology other than in accordance with GAAP (“non-GAAP”). The Company’s management uses these non-GAAP financial measures internally to analyze and evaluate financial results and performance and believes that these non-GAAP financial measures are useful to investors as an additional tool to evaluate ongoing results and trends for the Company and to review the Company’s performance without giving effect to non-cash income/gain/loss resulting from the OCSI Merger and the OSI2 Merger and in the case of adjusted net investment income, without giving effect to capital gains incentive fees. The presentation of the below non-GAAP measures is not intended to be a substitute for financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered in isolation.

    • “Adjusted Total Investment Income” and “Adjusted Total Investment Income Per Share” – represents total investment income excluding any amortization or accretion of interest income resulting solely from the cost basis established by ASC 805 (see below) for the assets acquired in connection with the OCSI Merger and the OSI2 Merger.
    • “Adjusted Net Investment Income” and “Adjusted Net Investment Income Per Share” – represents net investment income, excluding (i) any amortization or accretion of interest income resulting solely from the cost basis established by ASC 805 (see below) for the assets acquired in connection with the OCSI Merger and the OSI2 Merger and (ii) capital gains incentive fees (“Part II incentive fees”).
    • “Adjusted Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses), Net of Taxes” and “Adjusted Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses), Net of Taxes Per Share” – represents net realized and unrealized gains (losses) net of taxes excluding any net realized and unrealized gains (losses) resulting solely from the cost basis established by ASC 805 (see below) for the assets acquired in connection with the OCSI Merger and the OSI2 Merger.
    • “Adjusted Earnings (Loss)” and “Adjusted Earnings (Loss) Per Share” – represents the sum of (i) Adjusted Net Investment Income and (ii) Adjusted Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses), Net of Taxes and includes the impact of Part II incentive fees1, if any.

    The OCSI Merger and the OSI2 Merger (the “Mergers”) were accounted for as asset acquisitions in accordance with the asset acquisition method of accounting as detailed in ASC 805-50, Business Combinations—Related Issues (“ASC 805”). The consideration paid to each of the stockholders of OCSI and OSI2 were allocated to the individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on the relative fair values of the net identifiable assets acquired other than “non-qualifying” assets, which established a new cost basis for the acquired investments under ASC 805 that, in aggregate, was different than the historical cost basis of the acquired investments prior to the OCSI Merger or the OSI2 Merger, as applicable. Additionally, immediately following the completion of the Mergers, the acquired investments were marked to their respective fair values under ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements, which resulted in unrealized appreciation/depreciation. The new cost basis established by ASC 805 on debt investments acquired will accrete/amortize over the life of each respective debt investment through interest income, with a corresponding adjustment recorded to unrealized appreciation/depreciation on such investment acquired through its ultimate disposition. The new cost basis established by ASC 805 on equity investments acquired will not accrete/amortize over the life of such investments through interest income and, assuming no subsequent change to the fair value of the equity investments acquired and disposition of such equity investments at fair value, the Company will recognize a realized gain/loss with a corresponding reversal of the unrealized appreciation/depreciation on disposition of such equity investments acquired.

    The Company’s management uses the non-GAAP financial measures described above internally to analyze and evaluate financial results and performance and to compare its financial results with those of other business development companies that have not adjusted the cost basis of certain investments pursuant to ASC 805. The Company’s management believes “Adjusted Total Investment Income”, “Adjusted Total Investment Income Per Share”, “Adjusted Net Investment Income” and “Adjusted Net Investment Income Per Share” are useful to investors as an additional tool to evaluate ongoing results and trends for the Company without giving effect to the income resulting from the new cost basis of the investments acquired in the Mergers because these amounts do not impact the fees payable to Oaktree Fund Advisors, LLC (the “Adviser”) under its investment advisory agreement (as amended and restated from time to time, the “A&R Advisory Agreement”), and specifically as its relates to “Adjusted Net Investment Income” and “Adjusted Net Investment Income Per Share”, without giving effect to Part II incentive fees. In addition, the Company’s management believes that “Adjusted Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses), Net of Taxes”, “Adjusted Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses), Net of Taxes Per Share”, “Adjusted Earnings (Loss)” and “Adjusted Earnings (Loss) Per Share” are useful to investors as they exclude the non-cash income and gain/loss resulting from the Mergers and are used by management to evaluate the economic earnings of its investment portfolio. Moreover, these metrics more closely align the Company’s key financial measures with the calculation of incentive fees payable to the Adviser under with the A&R Advisory Agreement (i.e., excluding amounts resulting solely from the lower cost basis of the acquired investments established by ASC 805 that would have been to the benefit of the Adviser absent such exclusion).

    The following table provides a reconciliation of total investment income (the most comparable U.S. GAAP measure) to adjusted total investment income for the periods presented:

        For the three months ended
        December 31, 2024 (unaudited)   September 30, 2024 (unaudited)   December 31, 2023 (unaudited)
    ($ in thousands, except per share data)   Amount   Per Share   Amount   Per Share   Amount   Per Share
    GAAP total investment income   $ 86,647     $ 1.05     $ 94,685     $ 1.15     $ 97,985     $ 1.26  
    Interest income amortization (accretion) related to merger accounting adjustments     423       0.01       315             29        
    Adjusted total investment income   $ 87,070     $ 1.06     $ 95,000     $ 1.16     $ 98,014     $ 1.26  
                                                     

    The following table provides a reconciliation of net investment income (the most comparable U.S. GAAP measure) to adjusted net investment income for the periods presented:

        For the three months ended
        December 31, 2024 (unaudited)   September 30, 2024 (unaudited)   December 31, 2023 (unaudited)
    ($ in thousands, except per share data)   Amount   Per Share   Amount   Per Share   Amount   Per Share
    GAAP net investment income   $ 44,302     $ 0.54     $ 44,921     $ 0.55     $ 44,189     $ 0.57  
    Interest income amortization (accretion) related to merger accounting adjustments     423       0.01       315             29        
    Part II incentive fee                                    
    Adjusted net investment income   $ 44,725     $ 0.54     $ 45,236     $ 0.55     $ 44,218     $ 0.57  
                                                     

    The following table provides a reconciliation of net realized and unrealized gains (losses), net of taxes (the most comparable U.S. GAAP measure) to adjusted net realized and unrealized gains (losses), net of taxes for the periods presented:

        For the three months ended
        December 31, 2024 (unaudited)   September 30, 2024 (unaudited)   December 31, 2023 (unaudited)
    ($ in thousands, except per share data)   Amount   Per Share   Amount   Per Share   Amount   Per Share
    GAAP net realized and unrealized gains (losses), net of taxes   $ (37,063 )   $ (0.45 )   $ (8,008 )   $ (0.10 )   $ (33,654 )   $ (0.43 )
    Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) related to merger accounting adjustments     (61 )           (314 )           796       0.01  
    Adjusted net realized and unrealized gains (losses), net of taxes   $ (37,124 )   $ (0.45 )   $ (8,322 )   $ (0.10 )   $ (32,858 )   $ (0.42 )
                                                     

    The following table provides a reconciliation of net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations (the most comparable U.S. GAAP measure) to adjusted earnings (loss) for the periods presented:

        For the three months ended
        December 31, 2024 (unaudited)   September 30, 2024 (unaudited)   December 31, 2023 (unaudited)
    ($ in thousands, except per share data)   Amount   Per Share   Amount   Per Share   Amount   Per Share
    Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   $ 7,239     $ 0.09     $ 36,913     $ 0.45     $ 10,535     $ 0.14  
    Interest income amortization (accretion) related to merger accounting adjustments     423       0.01       315             29        
    Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) related to merger accounting adjustments     (61 )           (314 )           796       0.01  
    Adjusted earnings (loss)   $ 7,601     $ 0.09     $ 36,914     $ 0.45     $ 11,360     $ 0.15  
                                                     

    Conference Call Information

    Oaktree Specialty Lending will host a conference call to discuss its first fiscal quarter 2025 results at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time / 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time on February 4, 2025. The conference call may be accessed by dialing (877) 507-3275 (U.S. callers) or +1 (412) 317-5238 (non-U.S. callers). All callers will need to reference “Oaktree Specialty Lending” once connected with the operator. Alternatively, a live webcast of the conference call can be accessed through the Investors section of Oaktree Specialty Lending’s website, www.oaktreespecialtylending.com. During the conference call, the Company intends to refer to an investor presentation that will be available on the Investors section of its website.

    For those individuals unable to listen to the live broadcast of the conference call, a replay will be available on Oaktree Specialty Lending’s website, or by dialing (877) 344-7529 (U.S. callers) or +1 (412) 317-0088 (non-U.S. callers), access code 1211943, beginning approximately one hour after the broadcast.

    About Oaktree Specialty Lending Corporation

    Oaktree Specialty Lending Corporation (NASDAQ:OCSL) is a specialty finance company dedicated to providing customized one-stop credit solutions to companies with limited access to public or syndicated capital markets. The Company’s investment objective is to generate current income and capital appreciation by providing companies with flexible and innovative financing solutions including first and second lien loans, unsecured and mezzanine loans, and preferred equity. The Company is regulated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and is externally managed by Oaktree Fund Advisors, LLC, an affiliate of Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. For additional information, please visit Oaktree Specialty Lending’s website at www.oaktreespecialtylending.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Some of the statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements because they relate to future events, future performance or financial condition. The forward-looking statements may include statements as to: future operating results of the Company and distribution projections; business prospects of the Company and the prospects of its portfolio companies; and the impact of the investments that the Company expects to make. In addition, words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “seek,” “plan,” “should,” “estimate,” “project” and “intend” indicate forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements include these words. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release involve risks and uncertainties. Certain factors could cause actual results and conditions to differ materially from those projected, including the uncertainties associated with (i) changes in the economy, financial markets and political environment, including the impacts of inflation and elevated interest rates; (ii) risks associated with possible disruption in the operations of the Company or the economy generally due to terrorism, war or other geopolitical conflict (including the current conflicts in Ukraine and Israel), natural disasters, pandemics or cybersecurity incidents; (iii) future changes in laws or regulations (including the interpretation of these laws and regulations by regulatory authorities); (iv) conditions in the Company’s operating areas, particularly with respect to business development companies or regulated investment companies; and (v) other considerations that may be disclosed from time to time in the Company’s publicly disseminated documents and filings. The Company has based the forward-looking statements included in this press release on information available to it on the date of this press release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, you are advised to consult any additional disclosures that it may make directly to you or through reports that the Company in the future may file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K.

    Contacts

    Investor Relations:
    Oaktree Specialty Lending Corporation
    Dane Kleven
    (213) 356-3260
    ocsl-ir@oaktreecapital.com

    Media Relations:
    Financial Profiles, Inc.
    Moira Conlon
    (310) 478-2700
    mediainquiries@oaktreecapital.com

     
    Oaktree Specialty Lending Corporation
    Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities
    (in thousands, except per share amounts)
           
      December 31, 2024 (unaudited)   September 30, 2024
    ASSETS      
    Investments at fair value:      
    Control investments (cost December 31, 2024: $374,509; cost September 30, 2024: $372,901) $ 267,782     $ 289,404  
    Affiliate investments (cost December 31, 2024: $37,358; cost September 30, 2024: $38,175)   35,180       35,677  
    Non-control/Non-affiliate investments (cost December 31, 2024: $2,576,053; cost September 30, 2024: $2,733,843)   2,532,332       2,696,198  
    Total investments at fair value (cost December 31, 2024: $2,987,920; September 30, 2024: $3,144,919)   2,835,294       3,021,279  
    Cash and cash equivalents   112,913       63,966  
    Restricted cash   13,159       14,577  
    Interest, dividends and fees receivable   25,290       38,804  
    Due from portfolio companies   408       12,530  
    Receivables from unsettled transactions   55,661       17,548  
    Due from broker   21,880       17,060  
    Deferred financing costs   10,936       11,677  
    Deferred offering costs   162       125  
    Derivative assets at fair value   6,652        
    Other assets   1,437       775  
    Total assets $ 3,083,792     $ 3,198,341  
           
    LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS      
    Liabilities:      
    Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities $ 3,371     $ 3,492  
    Base management fee and incentive fee payable   8,930       15,517  
    Due to affiliate   1,508       4,088  
    Interest payable   17,600       16,231  
    Payables from unsettled transactions         15,666  
    Derivative liabilities at fair value   24,759       16,843  
    Deferred tax liability   14        
    Credit facilities payable   660,000       710,000  
    Unsecured notes payable (net of $4,401 and $4,935 of unamortized financing costs as of December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024, respectively)   917,795       928,693  
    Total liabilities   1,633,977       1,710,530  
    Commitments and contingencies      
    Net assets:      
    Common stock, $0.01 par value per share, 250,000 shares authorized; 82,245 and 82,245 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024, respectively   822       822  
    Additional paid-in-capital   2,264,449       2,264,449  
    Accumulated overdistributed earnings   (815,456 )     (777,460 )
    Total net assets (equivalent to $17.63 and $18.09 per common share as of December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024, respectively)   1,449,815       1,487,811  
    Total liabilities and net assets $ 3,083,792     $ 3,198,341  
     
    Oaktree Specialty Lending Corporation
    Consolidated Statements of Operations
    (in thousands, except per share amounts)
     
                 
        Three months ended
    December 31, 2024 (unaudited)
      Three months ended
    September 30, 2024 (unaudited)
      Three months ended
    December 31, 2023 (unaudited)
    Interest income:            
    Control investments   $ 5,226     $ 6,012     $ 6,005  
    Affiliate investments     166       159       324  
    Non-control/Non-affiliate investments     71,809       76,476       82,721  
    Interest on cash and cash equivalents     1,221       979       2,364  
    Total interest income     78,422       83,626       91,414  
    PIK interest income:            
    Control investments     830       765       544  
    Affiliate investments     28       45        
    Non-control/Non-affiliate investments     4,870       5,208       3,305  
    Total PIK interest income     5,728       6,018       3,849  
    Fee income:            
    Control investments           12       13  
    Affiliate investments                 5  
    Non-control/Non-affiliate investments     1,679       3,885       1,289  
    Total fee income     1,679       3,897       1,307  
    Dividend income:            
    Control investments     700       1,050       1,400  
    Non-control/Non-affiliate investments     118       94       15  
    Total dividend income     818       1,144       1,415  
    Total investment income     86,647       94,685       97,985  
    Expenses:            
    Base management fee     8,144       8,550       11,477  
    Part I incentive fee     7,913       8,943       9,028  
    Professional fees     1,067       862       1,504  
    Directors fees     160       160       160  
    Interest expense     30,562       32,058       32,170  
    Administrator expense     437       465       366  
    General and administrative expenses     926       704       591  
    Total expenses     49,209       51,742       55,296  
    Management fees waived     (750 )     (750 )     (1,500 )
    Part I incentive fees waived     (6,377 )     (1,228 )      
    Net expenses     42,082       49,764       53,796  
    Net investment income before taxes     44,565       44,921       44,189  
    (Provision) benefit for taxes on net investment income     (263 )            
    Net investment income     44,302       44,921       44,189  
    Unrealized appreciation (depreciation):            
    Control investments     (23,230 )     (12,909 )     1,339  
    Affiliate investments     320       207       (925 )
    Non-control/Non-affiliate investments     (7,198 )     60,159       (17,615 )
    Foreign currency forward contracts     10,494       (4,278 )     (7,824 )
    Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)     (19,614 )     43,179       (25,025 )
    Realized gains (losses):            
    Control investments                 786  
    Affiliate investments     (288 )            
    Non-control/Non-affiliate investments     (17,056 )     (50,349 )     (13,340 )
    Foreign currency forward contracts     34       (1,499 )     4,101  
    Net realized gains (losses)     (17,310 )     (51,848 )     (8,453 )
    (Provision) benefit for taxes on realized and unrealized gains (losses)     (139 )     661       (176 )
    Net realized and unrealized gains (losses), net of taxes     (37,063 )     (8,008 )     (33,654 )
    Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   $ 7,239     $ 36,913     $ 10,535  
    Net investment income per common share — basic and diluted   $ 0.54     $ 0.55     $ 0.57  
    Earnings (loss) per common share — basic and diluted   $ 0.09     $ 0.45     $ 0.14  
    Weighted average common shares outstanding — basic and diluted     82,245       82,245       77,840  

    1 Adjusted earnings (loss) includes accrued Part II incentive fees. As of and for the three months ended December 31, 2024, there was no accrued Part II incentive fee liability. Part II incentive fees are contractually calculated and paid at the end of the fiscal year in accordance with the A&R Advisory Agreement, which differs from Part II incentive fees accrued under GAAP. For the three months ended December 31, 2024, no amounts were payable under the A&R Advisory Agreement.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Unlock Your Trading Edge with Axi at the 2025 Money Expo Mexico

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SYDNEY, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Leading online FX and CFD broker Axi announced that it is attending this year’s Money Expo Mexico, taking place on February 26-27, 2025, at Centro Citibanamex.

    Event attendees will have the opportunity to learn about Axi Select, Axi’s innovative capital allocation program designed to empower ambitious traders on their trading journey, as well as meet Axi Select traders who are well on their way to reaching the $1million milestone. “We invite all traders to visit our team at Booth 14 and uncover the future of trading with Axi,” says Greg Rubin, Head of Axi Select at Axi, before adding “We look forward to networking with fellow traders and showcasing the exceptional benefits of Axi Select. Our program features zero registration fees, capital funding of up to $1,000,000 USD, the opportunity to earn up to 90% of the profits, and advanced tools to accelerate traders’ trading potential.”

    Additionally, visitors can explore their Introducing Broker (IB) and Affiliate programs or learn more about Axi’s longstanding partnership with Manchester City, Premier League Champions. Man City memorabilia and the club’s mascots will be on-site for photos and attendees stand the chance to win exciting prizes from the broker, including signed player shirts and other merchandise.

    The broker has a longstanding partnership with Premier League club, Manchester City FC, as well as LaLiga club, Girona FC, and Brazilian club, Esporte Clube Bahia. In 2023, they also announced England international John Stones as their Brand Ambassador. More recently, the broker was recognised with the ‘Innovator of the Year’ award at the 2024 Dubai Forex Expo, as well as being named ‘Most Innovative Proprietary Trading Firm’ by Finance Feeds.

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

    About Axi

    Axi is a global online FX and CFD trading company, with thousands of customers in 100+ countries worldwide. Axi offers CFDs for several asset classes including Forex, Gold, Oil, and more.

    For more information or additional comments from Axi, please contact: mediaenquiries@axi.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Picus Security Finds 3X Increase in Malware Targeting Password Stores

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Picus Security, the leading security validation company, today released The Red Report™ 2025. Based on an in-depth analysis of more than 1 million pieces of malware collected in 2024, the fifth annual report reveals that 25% of malware targets credentials in password stores — a 3X increase from 2023. For the first time ever, stealing credentials from password stores is in the top 10 techniques listed in the MITRE ATT&CK Framework. The report reveals that these top 10 techniques accounted for 93% of all malicious actions in 2024.

    “Threat actors are leveraging sophisticated extraction methods, including memory scraping, registry harvesting and compromising local and cloud-based password stores, to obtain credentials that give attackers the keys to the kingdom,” said Picus Security co-founder and VP of Picus Labs, Dr. Suleyman Ozarslan. “It’s vital that password managers are used in tandem with multi-factor authentication, and that employees never reuse a password, especially for their password manager.”

    Picus observed that attackers are prioritizing complex, prolonged, multi-stage attacks that require a new generation of malware to succeed. Picus Labs researchers coined the term “SneakThief” to represent the evolution of info-stealing malware, which involves increased stealth, persistence and automation. They liken the increasingly sophisticated approach to “the perfect heist,” noting that most malware samples now contain more than a dozen malicious actions designed to help attackers evade defenses, increase permissions and exfiltrate data.

    “Focusing on Top 10 MITRE ATT&CK techniques is the most viable way to stop the kill chain of sophisticated malware strains as early as possible”, said Volkan Ertürk, CTO and co-founder of Picus. “SneakThief malware is not an exception, enterprise security teams can stop ninety percent of malware by focusing on just 10 of MITRE’s entire library of techniques.”

    Additional key findings from the report include:

    • Malware samples now contain an average of 14 malicious actions. This means each individual piece of malware is more complex and can perform more actions in the cyber kill chain.
    • Exfiltration and stealth tactics made up 11.3 million actions in 2024. Adversaries are shifting to covert exfiltration methods — “whispering channels” like encrypted communications (HTTPS, DoH) — and living-off-the-land techniques to blend malicious activity into legitimate traffic. It is more common than ever to see tactics like process injection and application layer protocols used as key enablers, allowing attackers to persist in environments and exfiltrate data without triggering an alert.
    • No evidence that cybercriminals are using AI-driven malware. Despite the widespread hype surrounding AI and its potential applications in cybersecurity, Picus’s analysis revealed no significant increase in the use of AI-driven malware techniques in 2024.

    Methodology
    Picus Labs processed 1,094,744 pieces of malware collected between January and December 2024. From the identified malicious files, 14,010,853 malicious actions were detected, averaging approximately 14 actions per malware sample. These malicious actions were systematically mapped to the MITRE ATT&CK framework. The Picus Red Report offers a more in-depth description of the research methodology.

    To learn more, download the Picus Red Report 2025 and register to explore the report results with the Picus Research team during a (live) webinar on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. EST.

    Resources

    About Picus Security 
    Picus Security, the leading security validation company, gives organizations a clear picture of their cyber risk based on business context. Picus transforms security practices by correlating, prioritizing and validating exposures across siloed findings so teams can focus on critical gaps and high-impact fixes. With Picus, security teams can quickly take action with one-click mitigations to stop more threats with less effort.

    The pioneer of Breach and Attack Simulation, Picus delivers award-winning, threat-centric technology that allows teams to pinpoint fixes worth pursuing, offering a 95% recommendation in Gartner® Peer Insights™ Customers’ Choice for 2024 in the BAS tools category.

    Contact Info:
    Jennifer Tanner
    Look Left Marketing
    picus@lookleftmarketing.com 

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/73c8bf25-cd5e-41a8-8b6d-4561fe99df09

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/009eaa50-d2e3-4bee-aadb-f2140af1864c

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: WTW Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Earnings

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Revenue1 increased 4% over prior year to $3.0 billion for the quarter and increased 5% to $9.9 billion for the year
    • Organic Revenue growth of 5% for both the quarter and the year
    • Diluted Earnings per Share was $12.25 for the quarter, up 105% over prior year, and Diluted Loss2 was $0.96 for the year.
    • Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share was $8.13 for the quarter, up 9% from prior year, and $16.93 for the year, up 17% over prior year 
    • Operating Margin was 29.7% for the quarter, up 300 basis points over prior year, and 6.3% for the year, down 810 basis points from prior year
    • Adjusted Operating Margin was 36.1% for the quarter, up 190 basis points from prior year, and 23.9% for the year, up 190 basis points over prior year

    LONDON, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — WTW (NASDAQ: WTW) (the “Company”), a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2024.

    “WTW is entering 2025 with considerable momentum after delivering on our 2024 financial targets through solid revenue growth, robust margin expansion and earnings growth,” said Carl Hess, WTW’s chief executive officer. “The successful completion of our Grow, Simplify and Transform strategy has primed all of our businesses to perform, and we are now stronger, more connected and more efficient than we have ever been. I’m confident our new strategy to accelerate our performance, enhance our efficiency and optimize our portfolio will produce innovative solutions for our customers and create more value for shareholders. I’m proud of our team’s dedication and look forward to executing on our strategic and financial goals in the years ahead.”

    Consolidated Results

    Fourth Quarter 2024, as reported, USD millions, except %

    Key Metrics Q4-24 Q4-23 Y/Y Change
    Revenue1 $3,035 $2,914 Reported 4% | CC 5% | Organic 5%
    Income from Operations $901 $779 16%
    Operating Margin % 29.7% 26.7% 300 bps
    Adjusted Operating Income $1,096 $998 10%
    Adjusted Operating Margin % 36.1% 34.2% 190 bps
    Net Income $1,248 $623 100%
    Adjusted Net Income $827 $775 7%
    Diluted EPS $12.25 $5.97 105%
    Adjusted Diluted EPS $8.13 $7.44 9%

    Revenue was $3.04 billion for the fourth quarter of 2024, an increase of 4% as compared to $2.91 billion for the same period in the prior year. Excluding the impact of foreign currency, revenue increased 5%. On an organic basis, revenue increased 5%. See Supplemental Segment Information for additional detail on book-of-business settlements and interest income included in revenue.

    Net Income for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $1.25 billion compared to Net Income of $623 million in the prior-year fourth quarter. Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter was $1.2 billion, or 38.6% of revenue, an increase of 9%, compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $1.1 billion, or 37.1% of revenue, in the prior-year fourth quarter. The U.S. GAAP tax rate for the fourth quarter was 26.0%, and the adjusted income tax rate for the fourth quarter used in calculating adjusted diluted earnings per share was 21.3%.

    Full Year 2024, as reported, USD millions, except %

    Key Metrics FY-24 FY-23 Y/Y Change
    Revenue1 $9,930 $9,483 Reported 5% | CC 5% | Organic 5%
    Income from Operations $627 $1,365 (54)%
    Operating Margin % 6.3% 14.4% (810) bps
    Adjusted Operating Income $2,378 $2,082 14%
    Adjusted Operating Margin % 23.9% 22.0% 190 bps
    Net (Loss)/Income2 $(88) $1,064 NM
    Adjusted Net Income $1,730 $1,536 13%
    Diluted EPS2 $(0.96) $9.95 NM
    Adjusted Diluted EPS $16.93 $14.49 17%
    1 The revenue amounts included in this release are presented on a U.S. GAAP basis except where stated otherwise. This excludes reinsurance revenue which is reported in discontinued operations. The segment discussion is on an organic basis.
    2 Net Loss and Diluted Loss Per Share for the year ended 2024 primarily includes impairment charges of over $1.0 billion related to the sale of TRANZACT.
    NM Not meaningful

    Revenue was $9.93 billion for the year ended December 31, 2024, an increase of 5% as compared to $9.48 billion for the prior year. On an organic basis, revenue increased 5%. See Supplemental Segment Information for additional detail on book-of-business settlements and interest income included in revenue.

    Net Loss for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $88 million, compared to Net Income of $1.1 billion in the prior year. Adjusted EBITDA for 2024 was $2.7 billion, or 27.3% of revenue, an increase of $278 million, compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $2.4 billion, or 25.6% of revenue, in the prior year.

    The U.S. GAAP tax rate for 2024 was 184.7%, and the adjusted income tax rate for 2024 used in calculating adjusted diluted earnings per share was 21.5%.

    Cash Flow and Capital Allocation 

    Cash flows from operating activities were $1.5 billion for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $1.3 billion for the prior year. Free cash flow for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was $1.4 billion and $1.2 billion, respectively, an increase of $184 million, primarily driven by operating margin expansion, partially offset by cash outflows related to transformation and discretionary compensation payments. During the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2024, the Company repurchased $395 million and $901 million of WTW shares, respectively.

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Segment Highlights

    Health, Wealth & Career (“HWC”)

    As reported, USD millions, except %

    Health, Wealth & Career Q4-24 Q4-23 Y/Y Change
    Total Revenue $1,853 $1,798 Reported 3% | CC 3% | Organic 3%
    Operating Income $776 $729 6%
    Operating Margin % 41.9% 40.5% 140 bps

    The HWC segment had revenue of $1.85 billion in the fourth quarter of 2024, an increase of 3% (3% increase constant currency and organic) from $1.80 billion in the prior year. Health had organic revenue growth led by increased project work and brokerage income in North America and the continued expansion of our Global Benefits Management client portfolio in International and Europe. Wealth generated organic revenue growth from higher levels of Retirement work globally, an increase in our Investments business due to growth of our LifeSight solution and capital market improvements. Career had organic revenue growth from increased advisory services and product revenue. Benefits Delivery & Outsourcing (BD&O) had an organic revenue decline for the quarter primarily as a result of deliberately moderating growth in TRANZACT.

    Operating margins in the HWC segment increased 140 basis points from the prior-year fourth quarter to 41.9%, primarily from Transformation savings. Please refer to the Supplemental Slides for TRANZACT’s standalone historical financial results.

    Risk & Broking (“R&B”)

    As reported, USD millions, except %

    Risk & Broking Q4-24 Q4-23 Y/Y Change
    Total Revenue $1,141 $1,076 Reported 6% | CC 7% | Organic 7%
    Operating Income $383 $354 8%
    Operating Margin % 33.5% 32.9% 60 bps

    The R&B segment had revenue of $1.14 billion in the fourth quarter of 2024, an increase of 6% (7% increase constant currency and organic) from $1.08 billion in the prior year. Corporate Risk & Broking (CRB) had organic revenue growth driven by higher levels of new business activity and strong client retention. Insurance Consulting and Technology (ICT) had organic revenue growth for the quarter primarily due to strong software sales in Technology.

    Operating margins in the R&B segment increased 60 basis points from the prior-year fourth quarter to 33.5%, primarily due to operating leverage driven by organic revenue growth and disciplined expense management, as well as Transformation savings which were partially offset by headwinds from book-of-business activity and foreign currency fluctuations.

    Select 2025 Financial Considerations

    Changes to Non-GAAP financial measures:

    • All reported non-GAAP metrics will exclude non-cash net periodic pension and postretirement benefit credits
    • Free cash flow and free cash flow margin will capture cash outflows for capitalized software costs
    • Refer to Supplemental Slides for recast of historical Non-GAAP measures

    Business mix:

    • Divested TRANZACT business, which contributed $1.14 to adjusted diluted earnings per share in 2024, is no longer part of the business portfolio
    • Reinsurance joint venture expected to be a headwind on adjusted diluted earnings per share of approximately $0.25 to $0.35

    Free cash flow:

    • Expect cash outflows in 2025 from the settlement of accrued costs related to the Transformation program which concluded in 2024
    • Cash taxes related to receipt of earnout from reinsurance divestiture will be classified as Cash Flows from Operating Activities on Statement of Cash Flows

    Capital allocation:

    • Expect share repurchases of ~$1.5 billion, subject to market conditions and potential capital allocation to organic and inorganic investment opportunities

    Foreign exchange:

    • Expect a foreign currency headwind on adjusted diluted earnings per share of approximately $0.18 in 2025 at today’s rates

    Adjusted operating margin outlook:

    • ~100 basis points of average annual margin expansion over next 3 years in R&B
    • Incremental annual margin expansion at HWC and enterprise levels

    The 2025 Financial Considerations above include Non-GAAP financial measures. We do not reconcile forward-looking Non-GAAP measures for reasons explained under “WTW Non-GAAP Measures” below.

    Conference Call

    The Company will host a live webcast and conference call to discuss the financial results for the fourth quarter 2024. It will be held on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. A live broadcast of the conference call will be available on WTW’s website here. The conference call will include a question-and-answer session. To participate in the question-and-answer session, please register here. An online replay will be available at www.wtwco.com shortly after the call concludes.

    About WTW

    At WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), we provide data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk and capital. Leveraging the global view and local expertise of our colleagues serving 140 countries and markets, we help organizations sharpen their strategy, enhance organizational resilience, motivate their workforce and maximize performance. Working shoulder to shoulder with our clients, we uncover opportunities for sustainable success—and provide perspective that moves you. Learn more at www.wtwco.com.

    WTW Non-GAAP Measures

    In order to assist readers of our consolidated financial statements in understanding the core operating results that WTW’s management uses to evaluate the business and for financial planning, we present the following non-GAAP measures: (1) Constant Currency Change, (2) Organic Change, (3) Adjusted Operating Income/Margin, (4) Adjusted EBITDA/Margin, (5) Adjusted Net Income, (6) Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share, (7) Adjusted Income Before Taxes, (8) Adjusted Income Taxes/Tax Rate, (9) Free Cash Flow and (10) Free Cash Flow Margin.

    We believe that those measures are relevant and provide pertinent information widely used by analysts, investors and other interested parties in our industry to provide a baseline for evaluating and comparing our operating performance, and in the case of free cash flow, our liquidity results.

    Within the measures referred to as ‘adjusted’, we adjust for significant items which will not be settled in cash, or which we believe to be items that are not core to our current or future operations. Some of these items may not be applicable for the current quarter, however they may be part of our full-year results. Additionally, we have historically adjusted for certain items which are not described below, but for which we may adjust in a future period when applicable. Items applicable to the quarter or full year results, or the comparable periods, include the following:

    • Restructuring costs and transaction and transformation – Management believes it is appropriate to adjust for restructuring costs and transaction and transformation when they relate to a specific significant program with a defined set of activities and costs that are not expected to continue beyond a defined period of time, or significant acquisition-related transaction expenses. We believe the adjustment is necessary to present how the Company is performing, both now and in the future when the incurrence of these costs will have concluded.
    • Impairment – Adjustment to remove the non-cash goodwill impairment associated with our Benefits, Delivery and Administration reporting unit related to the sale of our TRANZACT business.
    • Provisions for specified litigation matters – We will include provisions for litigation matters which we believe are not representative of our core business operations. Among other things, we determine this by reference to the amount of the loss (net of insurance and other recovery receivables) and by reference to whether the matter relates to an unusual and complex scenario that is not expected to be repeated as part of our ongoing, ordinary business. These amounts are presented net of insurance and other recovery receivables. See the footnotes to the respective reconciliation tables below for more specificity on the litigation matter excluded from adjusted results.
    • Gains and losses on disposals of operations – Adjustment to remove the gains or losses resulting from disposed operations that have not been classified as discontinued operations.
    • Pension settlement – Adjustment to remove significant pension settlement to better present how the Company is performing.
    • Tax effect of significant adjustments – Relates to the incremental tax expense or benefit resulting from significant or unusual events including significant statutory tax rate changes enacted in material jurisdictions in which we operate, internal reorganizations of ownership of certain businesses that reduced the investment held by our U.S.-controlled subsidiaries and the recovery of certain refunds or payment of taxes related to businesses in which we no longer participate.

    We evaluate our revenue on an as reported (U.S. GAAP), constant currency and organic basis. We believe presenting constant currency and organic information provides valuable supplemental information regarding our comparable results, consistent with how we evaluate our performance internally.

    We consider Constant Currency Change, Organic Change, Adjusted Operating Income/Margin, Adjusted EBITDA/Margin, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share, Adjusted Income Before Taxes, Adjusted Income Taxes/Tax Rate and Free Cash Flow to be important financial measures, which are used to internally evaluate and assess our core operations and to benchmark our operating and liquidity results against our competitors. These non-GAAP measures are important in illustrating what our comparable operating and liquidity results would have been had we not incurred transaction-related and non-recurring items. Reconciliations of these measures are included in the accompanying tables with the following exception: The Company does not reconcile its forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to the corresponding U.S. GAAP measures, due to variability and difficulty in making accurate forecasts and projections and/or certain information not being ascertainable or accessible; and because not all of the information, such as foreign currency impacts necessary for a quantitative reconciliation of these forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, is available to the Company without unreasonable efforts. For the same reasons, the Company is unable to address the probable significance of the unavailable information. The Company provides non-GAAP financial measures that it believes will be achieved, however it cannot accurately predict all of the components of the adjusted calculations and the U.S. GAAP measures may be materially different than the non-GAAP measures.

    Our non-GAAP measures and their accompanying definitions are presented as follows:

    Constant Currency Change – Represents the year-over-year change in revenue excluding the impact of foreign currency fluctuations. To calculate this impact, the prior year local currency results are first translated using the current year monthly average exchange rates. The change is calculated by comparing the prior year revenue, translated at the current year monthly average exchange rates, to the current year as reported revenue, for the same period. We believe constant currency measures provide useful information to investors because they provide transparency to performance by excluding the effects that foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations have on period-over-period comparability given volatility in foreign currency exchange markets.

    Organic Change – Excludes the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, as described above and the period-over-period impact of acquisitions and divestitures on current-year revenue. We believe that excluding transaction-related items from our U.S. GAAP financial measures provides useful supplemental information to our investors, and it is important in illustrating what our core operating results would have been had we not included these transaction-related items, since the nature, size and number of these transaction-related items can vary from period to period.

    Adjusted Operating Income/Margin – (Loss)/Income from operations adjusted for impairment, amortization, restructuring costs, transaction and transformation and non-recurring items that, in management’s judgment, significantly affect the period-over-period assessment of operating results. Adjusted operating income margin is calculated by dividing adjusted operating income by revenue. We consider adjusted operating income/margin to be important financial measures, which are used internally to evaluate and assess our core operations and to benchmark our operating results against our competitors.

    Adjusted EBITDA/Margin – Net (Loss)/Income adjusted for provision for income taxes, interest expense, impairment, depreciation and amortization, restructuring costs, transaction and transformation, gains and losses on disposals of operations and non-recurring items that, in management’s judgment, significantly affect the period-over-period assessment of operating results. Adjusted EBITDA Margin is calculated by dividing adjusted EBITDA by revenue. We consider adjusted EBITDA/margin to be important financial measures, which are used internally to evaluate and assess our core operations, to benchmark our operating results against our competitors and to evaluate and measure our performance-based compensation plans.

    Adjusted Net Income – Net (Loss)/Income Attributable to WTW adjusted for impairment, amortization, restructuring costs, transaction and transformation, gains and losses on disposals of operations and non-recurring items that, in management’s judgment, significantly affect the period-over-period assessment of operating results and the related tax effect of those adjustments and the tax effects of internal reorganizations. This measure is used solely for the purpose of calculating adjusted diluted earnings per share.

    Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share – Adjusted Net Income divided by the weighted-average number of ordinary shares, diluted. Adjusted diluted earnings per share is used to internally evaluate and assess our core operations and to benchmark our operating results against our competitors.

    Adjusted Income Before Taxes – (Loss)/Income from operations before income taxes adjusted for impairment, amortization, restructuring costs, transaction and transformation, gains and losses on disposals of operations and non-recurring items that, in management’s judgment, significantly affect the period-over-period assessment of operating results. Adjusted income before taxes is used solely for the purpose of calculating the adjusted income tax rate.

    Adjusted Income Taxes/Tax Rate – Benefit from/(provision for) income taxes adjusted for taxes on certain items of impairment, amortization, restructuring costs, transaction and transformation, gains and losses on disposals of operations, the tax effects of internal reorganizations, and non-recurring items that, in management’s judgment, significantly affect the period-over-period assessment of operating results, divided by adjusted income before taxes. Adjusted income taxes is used solely for the purpose of calculating the adjusted income tax rate. Management believes that the adjusted income tax rate presents a rate that is more closely aligned to the rate that we would incur if not for the reduction of pre-tax income for the adjusted items and the tax effects of internal reorganizations, which are not core to our current and future operations.

    Free Cash Flow – Cash flows from operating activities less cash used to purchase fixed assets and software for internal use. Free Cash Flow is a liquidity measure and is not meant to represent residual cash flow available for discretionary expenditures. Management believes that free cash flow presents the core operating performance and cash-generating capabilities of our business operations.

    Free Cash Flow Margin – Free Cash Flow as a percentage of revenue, which represents how much of revenue would be realized on a cash basis. We consider this measure to be a meaningful metric for tracking cash conversion on a year-over-year basis due to the non-cash nature of our pension income, which is included in our GAAP and Non-GAAP earnings metrics presented herein.

    These non-GAAP measures are not defined in the same manner by all companies and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. Non-GAAP measures should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, the information contained within our condensed consolidated financial statements.

    WTW Forward-Looking Statements

    This document contains ‘forward-looking statements’ within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created by those laws. These forward-looking statements include information about possible or assumed future results of our operations or certain considerations relating to our future results. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, that address activities, events, or developments that we expect or anticipate may occur in the future, including such things as our outlook, plans and references to future performance, including our future financial and operating results (including our revenue, costs, or margins), short-term and long-term financial goals, plans, objectives, expectations and intentions, including with respect to organic revenue growth, free cash flow generation, adjusted net revenue, adjusted operating margin and adjusted earnings per share; future share repurchases; demand for our services and competitive strengths; strategic goals; existing and evolving business strategies including those related to acquisition and disposition activity; the benefits of new initiatives; the growth of our business and operations; the sustained health of our product, service, transaction, client, and talent assessment and management pipelines; our ability to successfully manage ongoing leadership, organizational, and technology changes, including investments in improving systems and processes; our ability to implement and realize anticipated benefits of any cost-savings initiatives including our multi-year operational transformation program; the potential impact of natural or man-made disasters like health pandemics and other world health crises; future capital expenditures; ongoing working capital efforts; the impact of changes to tax laws on our financial results; and our recognition of future impairment charges or write-off of receivables, are forward-looking statements. Also, when we use words such as ‘may’, ‘will’, ‘would’, ‘anticipate’, ‘believe’, ‘estimate’, ‘expect’, ‘intend’, ‘plan’, ‘continues’, ‘seek’, ‘target’, ‘goal’, ‘focus’, ‘probably’, or similar expressions, we are making forward-looking statements. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of our management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking disclosure is speculative by its nature.

    There are important risks, uncertainties, events and factors that could cause our actual results or performance to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements contained in this document, including the following: our ability to successfully establish, execute and achieve our global business strategy as it evolves; our ability to fully realize the anticipated benefits of our growth strategy, including inorganic growth through acquisitions; our ability to execute strategic transactions, including both acquisitions and dispositions, including our ability to receive adequate consideration or any earnout proceeds in return for any dispositions or integrate or manage acquired businesses or effect internal reorganizations; incremental risks relating to the transitional arrangements in effect subsequent to our previously completed sale of TRANZACT; our ability to successfully manage ongoing organizational changes, investments in improving systems and processes, and in connection with our acquisition and divestiture activities; risks relating to changes in our management structures and in senior leadership; our ability to achieve our short-term and long-term financial goals, such as with respect to our cash flow generation, and the timing with respect to such achievement; the risks related to changes in general economic conditions, business and political conditions, changes in the financial markets, inflation, credit availability, increased interest rates and changes in trade policies; the risks to our short-term and long-term financial goals from any of the risks or uncertainties set forth herein; the risks relating to the adverse impacts of macroeconomic trends, including inflation, changes in interest rates and trade policies, as well as political events, war, such as the Russia-Ukraine and Middle East conflicts, and other international disputes, terrorism, natural disasters, public health issues and other business interruptions on the global economy and capital markets, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and long-term goals; our ability to successfully hedge against fluctuations in foreign currency rates; the risks relating to the adverse impacts of natural or man-made disasters such as health pandemics and other world health crises on the demand for our products and services, our cash flows and our business operations; material interruptions to or loss of our information processing capabilities, or failure to effectively maintain and upgrade our information technology resources and systems and related risks of cybersecurity breaches or incidents; our ability to comply with complex and evolving regulations related to data privacy, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence; significant competition that we face and the potential for loss of market share and/or profitability; the impact of seasonality and differences in timing of renewals and non-recurring revenue increases from disposals and book-of-business sales; the insufficiency of client data protection, potential breaches of information systems or insufficient safeguards against cybersecurity breaches or incidents; the risk of increased liability or new legal claims arising from our new and existing products and services, and expectations, intentions and outcomes relating to outstanding litigation; the risk of substantial negative outcomes on existing litigation or investigation matters; changes in the regulatory environment in which we operate, including, among other risks, the impacts of pending competition law and regulatory investigations; various claims, government inquiries or investigations or the potential for regulatory action; our ability to integrate direct-to-consumer sales and marketing solutions with our existing offerings and solutions; disasters or business continuity problems; our ability to successfully enhance our billing, collection and other working capital efforts, and thereby increase our free cash flow; our ability to properly identify and manage conflicts of interest; reputational damage, including from association with third parties; reliance on third-party service providers and suppliers; the loss of key employees or a large number of employees and rehiring rates; our ability to maintain our corporate culture; doing business internationally, including the impact of foreign currency exchange rates; compliance with extensive government regulation; the risk of sanctions imposed by governments, or changes to associated sanction regulations (such as sanctions imposed on Russia) and related counter-sanctions; our ability to effectively apply technology, data and analytics changes for internal operations, maintaining industry standards and meeting client preferences; changes and developments in the insurance industry or the U.S. healthcare system, including those related to Medicare, any legislative actions from the current U.S. Congress, the recent Final Rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for contract year 2025 and any judicial claims, rulings and appeals related thereto, and any other changes and developments in legal, regulatory, economic, business or operational conditions that could impact our Medicare benefits businesses; the inability to protect our intellectual property rights, or the potential infringement upon the intellectual property rights of others; fluctuations in our pension assets and liabilities and related changes in pension income, including as a result of, related to, or derived from movements in the interest rate environment, investment returns, inflation, or changes in other assumptions that are used to estimate our benefit obligations and their effect on adjusted earnings per share; our capital structure, including indebtedness amounts, the limitations imposed by the covenants in the documents governing such indebtedness and the maintenance of the financial and disclosure controls and procedures of each; our ability to obtain financing on favorable terms or at all; adverse changes in our credit ratings; the impact of recent or potential changes to U.S. or foreign laws, and the enactment of additional, or the revision of existing, state, federal, and/or foreign laws and regulations, recent judicial decisions and development of case law, other regulations and any policy changes and legislative actions, including those that may impose additional excise taxes or impact our effective tax rate; U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. persons owning at least 10% of our shares; changes in accounting principles, estimates or assumptions; our recognition of future non-cash pre-tax losses and related impairment charges; risks relating to or arising from environmental, social and governance practices; fluctuation in revenue against our relatively fixed or higher than expected expenses; the laws of Ireland being different from the laws of the U.S. and potentially affording less protections to the holders of our securities; and our holding company structure potentially preventing us from being able to receive dividends or other distributions in needed amounts from our subsidiaries.

    The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive and new factors may emerge from time to time that could also affect actual performance and results. For more information, please see Part I, Item 1A in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, and our subsequent filings with the SEC. Copies are available online at www.sec.gov or www.wtwco.com.

    Although we believe that the assumptions underlying our forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of these assumptions, and therefore also the forward-looking statements based on these assumptions, could themselves prove to be inaccurate. Given the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included in this document, our inclusion of this information is not a representation or guarantee by us that our objectives and plans will be achieved.

    Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and we will not update these forward-looking statements unless the securities laws require us to do so. With regard to these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this document may not occur, and we caution you against unduly relying on these forward-looking statements.

    Contact

    INVESTORS
    Claudia De La Hoz | Claudia.Delahoz@wtwco.com

     

    WTW
    Supplemental Segment Information
    (In millions of U.S. dollars)
    (Unaudited)
     
    REVENUE    
                  Components of Revenue Change(i)
                        Less:       Less:    
        Three Months Ended
     December 31,
        As Reported   Currency   Constant Currency   Acquisitions/   Organic
        2024     2023     % Change   Impact   Change   Divestitures   Change
                                     
    Health, Wealth & Career                                
    Revenue excluding interest income   $ 1,847     $ 1,791     3%   0%   3%   0%   3%
    Interest income     6       7                      
    Total     1,853       1,798     3%   0%   3%   0%   3%
                                     
    Risk & Broking                                
    Revenue excluding interest income   $ 1,115     $ 1,049     6%   (1)%   7%   0%   7%
    Interest income     26       27                      
    Total     1,141       1,076     6%   (1)%   7%   0%   7%
                                     
    Segment Revenue   $ 2,994     $ 2,874     4%   (1)%   5%   0%   5%
    Corporate, reimbursable expenses and other     37       35                      
    Interest income     4       5                      
    Revenue   $ 3,035     $ 2,914     4%   (1)%   5%   0%   5%(ii)
                  Components of Revenue Change(i)
                        Less:       Less:    
        Years Ended December 31,    As Reported   Currency   Constant Currency   Acquisitions/   Organic
        2024    2023    % Change   Impact   Change   Divestitures   Change
                                     
    Health, Wealth & Career                                
    Revenue excluding interest income   $ 5,745     $ 5,557     3%   0%   3%   0%   4%
    Interest income     32       25                      
    Total     5,777       5,582     3%   0%   4%   0%   4%
                                     
    Risk & Broking                                
    Revenue excluding interest income   $ 3,926     $ 3,656     7%   0%   8%   0%   8%
    Interest income     112       79                      
    Total     4,038       3,735     8%   (1)%   9%   0%   8%
                                     
    Segment Revenue   $ 9,815     $ 9,317     5%   0%   6%   0%   6%
    Corporate, reimbursable expenses and other     93       125                      
    Interest income     22       41                      
    Revenue   $ 9,930     $ 9,483     5%   0%   5%   0%   5%(ii)

    (i)  Components of revenue change may not add due to rounding.
    (ii)  Interest income did not contribute to organic change for the three months and year ended December 31, 2024.

    BOOK-OF-BUSINESS SETTLEMENTS AND INTEREST INCOME

        Three Months Ended December 31,  
        HWC    R&B    Corporate    Total 
        2024    2023    2024    2023    2024    2023    2024    2023 
    Book-of-business settlements   $ 5     $ 1     $ 6     $ 14     $     $     $ 11     $ 15  
    Interest income     6       7       26       27       4       5       36       39  
    Total   $ 11     $ 8     $ 32     $ 41     $ 4     $ 5     $ 47     $ 54  
        Years Ended December 31,  
        HWC    R&B    Corporate    Total 
        2024    2023    2024    2023    2024    2023    2024    2023 
    Book-of-business settlements   $ 8     $ 1     $ 14     $ 25     $     $     $ 22     $ 26  
    Interest income     32       25       112       79       22       41       166       145  
    Total   $ 40     $ 26     $ 126     $ 104     $ 22     $ 41     $ 188     $ 171  


    SEGMENT OPERATING INCOME (i)

        Three Months Ended
    December 31, 
        2024    2023 
                 
    Health, Wealth & Career   $ 776     $ 729  
    Risk & Broking     383       354  
    Segment Operating Income   $ 1,159     $ 1,083  
        Years Ended
    December 31, 
        2024    2023 
                 
    Health, Wealth & Career   $ 1,717     $ 1,565  
    Risk & Broking     958       813  
    Segment Operating Income   $ 2,675     $ 2,378  


    (i)
    Segment operating income excludes certain costs, including amortization of intangibles, restructuring costs, transaction and transformation expenses, certain litigation provisions, and to the extent that the actual expense based upon which allocations are made differs from the forecast/budget amount, a reconciling item will be created between internally-allocated expenses and the actual expenses reported for U.S. GAAP purposes.

    SEGMENT OPERATING MARGINS

        Three Months Ended December 31,
        2024    2023 
    Health, Wealth & Career   41.9%   40.5%
    Risk & Broking   33.5%   32.9%
        Years Ended
    December 31,
        2024    2023 
    Health, Wealth & Career   29.7%   28.0%
    Risk & Broking   23.7%   21.8%


    RECONCILIATIONS OF SEGMENT OPERATING INCOME TO INCOME FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES

        Three Months Ended December 31, 
        2024    2023 
                 
    Segment Operating Income   $ 1,159     $ 1,083  
    Amortization     (50 )     (60 )
    Restructuring costs     (32 )     (38 )
    Transaction and transformation(i)     (113 )     (121 )
    Unallocated, net(ii)     (63 )     (85 )
    Income from Operations     901       779  
    Interest expense     (66 )     (63 )
    Other income, net     853       23  
    Income from operations before income taxes   $ 1,688     $ 739  
        Years Ended December 31, 
        2024    2023 
                 
    Segment Operating Income   $ 2,675     $ 2,378  
    Impairment(iii)     (1,042 )      
    Amortization     (226 )     (263 )
    Restructuring costs     (61 )     (68 )
    Transaction and transformation(i)     (409 )     (386 )
    Unallocated, net(ii)     (310 )     (296 )
    Income from Operations     627       1,365  
    Interest expense     (263 )     (235 )
    Other (loss)/income, net     (260 )     149  
    Income from operations before income taxes   $ 104     $ 1,279  

     (i) In 2024 and 2023, in addition to legal fees and other transaction costs, includes primarily consulting fees and compensation costs related to the Transformation program.
     (ii) Includes certain costs, primarily related to corporate functions which are not directly related to the segments, and certain differences between budgeted expenses determined at the beginning of the year and actual expenses that we report for U.S. GAAP purposes.
     (iii) Represents the non-cash goodwill impairment associated with our BDA reporting unit related to the completed sale of our TRANZACT business.

    WTW
    Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Measures
    (In millions of U.S. dollars, except per share data)
    (Unaudited)

    RECONCILIATIONS OF NET INCOME/(LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO WTW TO ADJUSTED DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE

        Three Months Ended December 31, 
        2024    2023 
                 
    Net income attributable to WTW   $ 1,246     $ 622  
    Adjusted for certain items:            
    Amortization     50       60  
    Restructuring costs     32       38  
    Transaction and transformation     113       121  
    Pension settlement     23        
    (Gain)/loss on disposal of operations     (853 )     1  
    Tax effect on certain items listed above(i)     216       (67 )
    Adjusted Net Income   $ 827     $ 775  
                 
    Weighted-average ordinary shares, diluted     102       104  
                 
    Diluted Earnings Per Share   $ 12.25     $ 5.97  
    Adjusted for certain items:(ii)            
    Amortization     0.49       0.58  
    Restructuring costs     0.31       0.36  
    Transaction and transformation     1.11       1.16  
    Pension settlement     0.23        
    (Gain)/loss on disposal of operations     (8.39 )     0.01  
    Tax effect on certain items listed above(i)     2.12       (0.64 )
    Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share(ii)   $ 8.13     $ 7.44  
        Years Ended December 31, 
        2024    2023 
                 
    Net (loss)/income attributable to WTW   $ (98 )   $ 1,055  
    Adjusted for certain items:            
    Impairment     1,042        
    Amortization     226       263  
    Restructuring costs     61       68  
    Transaction and transformation     409       386  
    Provision for specified litigation matter(iii)     13        
    Pension settlement     23        
    Loss/(gain) on disposal of operations     337       (43 )
    Tax effect on certain items listed above(i)     (276 )     (195 )
    Tax effect of significant adjustments     (7 )     2  
    Adjusted Net Income   $ 1,730     $ 1,536  
                 
    Weighted-average ordinary shares, diluted(iv)     102       106  
                 
    Diluted (Loss)/Earnings Per Share(iv)   $ (0.96 )   $ 9.95  
    Adjusted for certain items:(ii)            
    Impairment     10.20        
    Amortization     2.21       2.48  
    Restructuring costs     0.60       0.64  
    Transaction and transformation     4.00       3.64  
    Provision for specified litigation matter(iii)     0.13        
    Pension settlement     0.23        
    Loss/(gain) on disposal of operations     3.30       (0.41 )
    Tax effect on certain items listed above(i)     (2.70 )     (1.84 )
    Tax effect of significant adjustments     (0.07 )     0.02  
    Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share(ii)   $ 16.93     $ 14.49  

     (i) The tax effect was calculated using an effective tax rate for each item.
    (ii) Per share values and totals may differ due to rounding.
    (iii) Represents a provision related to litigation arising out of a structured insurance program originally placed for a client over 15 years ago. The program is of a type and complexity that was highly bespoke to the client and for that reason is unlikely to be exactly replicated elsewhere. We believe excluding this matter from adjusted results makes results more comparable from period to period and more representative of our core business operations.
    (iv) When there is a net loss attributable to WTW for the period, basic and diluted shares and earnings per share are the same values.

    RECONCILIATIONS OF NET INCOME/(LOSS) TO ADJUSTED EBITDA

        Three Months Ended December 31,    
        2024    2023   
                   
    Net Income   $ 1,248   41.1% $ 623   21.4%
    Provision for income taxes     440       116    
    Interest expense     66       63    
    Depreciation     54       58    
    Amortization     50       60    
    Restructuring costs     32       38    
    Transaction and transformation     113       121    
    Pension settlement     23          
    (Gain)/loss on disposal of operations     (853 )     1    
    Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin   $ 1,173   38.6% $ 1,080   37.1%
        Years Ended December 31,    
        2024    2023   
                   
    Net (Loss)/Income   $ (88 ) (0.9)% $ 1,064   11.2%
    Provision for income taxes     192       215    
    Interest expense     263       235    
    Impairment     1,042          
    Depreciation     230       242    
    Amortization     226       263    
    Restructuring costs     61       68    
    Transaction and transformation     409       386    
    Provision for specified litigation matter(i)     13          
    Pension settlement     23          
    Loss/(gain) on disposal of operations     337       (43 )  
    Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin   $ 2,708   27.3% $ 2,430   25.6%

     (i) Represents a provision related to litigation arising out of a structured insurance program originally placed for a client over 15 years ago. The program is of a type and complexity that was highly bespoke to the client and for that reason is unlikely to be exactly replicated elsewhere. We believe excluding this matter from adjusted results makes results more comparable from period to period and more representative of our core business operations.

    RECONCILIATIONS OF INCOME FROM OPERATIONS TO ADJUSTED OPERATING INCOME

        Three Months Ended December 31,    
        2024     2023    
                   
    Income from operations and Operating margin   $ 901   29.7% $ 779   26.7%
    Adjusted for certain items:              
    Amortization     50       60    
    Restructuring costs     32       38    
    Transaction and transformation     113       121    
    Adjusted operating income and Adjusted operating income margin   $ 1,096   36.1% $ 998   34.2%
        Years Ended December 31,    
        2024     2023    
                   
    Income from operations and Operating margin   $ 627   6.3% $ 1,365   14.4%
    Adjusted for certain items:              
    Impairment     1,042          
    Amortization     226       263    
    Restructuring costs     61       68    
    Transaction and transformation     409       386    
    Provision for specified litigation matter(i)     13          
    Adjusted operating income and Adjusted operating income margin   $ 2,378   23.9% $ 2,082   22.0%

    (i) Represents a provision related to litigation arising out of a structured insurance program originally placed for a client over 15 years ago. The program is of a type and complexity that was highly bespoke to the client and for that reason is unlikely to be exactly replicated elsewhere. We believe excluding this matter from adjusted results makes results more comparable from period to period and more representative of our core business operations.

    RECONCILIATIONS OF GAAP INCOME TAXES/TAX RATE TO ADJUSTED INCOME TAXES/TAX RATE

        Three Months Ended December 31, 
        2024    2023 
                 
    Income from operations before income taxes   $ 1,688     $ 739  
                 
    Adjusted for certain items:            
    Amortization     50       60  
    Restructuring costs     32       38  
    Transaction and transformation     113       121  
    Pension settlement     23        
    (Gain)/loss on disposal of operations     (853 )     1  
    Adjusted income before taxes   $ 1,053     $ 959  
                 
    Provision for income taxes   $ 440     $ 116  
    Tax effect on certain items listed above(ii)     (216 )     67  
    Adjusted income taxes   $ 224     $ 183  
                 
    U.S. GAAP tax rate     26.0 %     15.7 %
    Adjusted income tax rate     21.3 %     19.1 %
        Years Ended December 31, 
        2024    2023 
                 
    Income from operations before income taxes   $ 104     $ 1,279  
                 
    Adjusted for certain items:            
    Impairment     1,042        
    Amortization     226       263  
    Restructuring costs     61       68  
    Transaction and transformation     409       386  
    Provision for specified litigation matter(i)     13        
    Pension settlement     23        
    Loss/(gain) on disposal of operations     337       (43 )
    Adjusted income before taxes   $ 2,215     $ 1,953  
                 
    Provision for income taxes   $ 192     $ 215  
    Tax effect on certain items listed above(ii)     276       195  
    Tax effect of significant adjustments     7       (2 )
    Adjusted income taxes   $ 475     $ 408  
                 
    U.S. GAAP tax rate     184.7 %     16.8 %
    Adjusted income tax rate     21.5 %     20.9 %

    (i) Represents a provision related to litigation arising out of a structured insurance program originally placed for a client over 15 years ago. The program is of a type and complexity that was highly bespoke to the client and for that reason is unlikely to be exactly replicated elsewhere. We believe excluding this matter from adjusted results makes results more comparable from period to period and more representative of our core business operations.
    (ii) The tax effect was calculated using an effective tax rate for each item.

    RECONCILIATION OF CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES TO FREE CASH FLOW

        Years Ended December 31, 
        2024    2023 
                 
    Cash flows from operating activities   $ 1,512     $ 1,345  
    Less: Additions to fixed assets and software for internal use     (136 )     (153 )
    Free Cash Flow   $ 1,376     $ 1,192  
                 
    Revenue   $ 9,930     $ 9,483  
    Free Cash Flow Margin     13.9 %     12.6 %

     

    WILLIS TOWERS WATSON PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
    (In millions of U.S. dollars, except per share data)
    (Unaudited)
                 
        Three Months Ended
     December 31, 
      Years Ended
     December 31, 
        2024    2023    2024    2023 
    Revenue   $ 3,035     $ 2,914     $ 9,930     $ 9,483  
                             
    Costs of providing services                        
    Salaries and benefits     1,367       1,325       5,502       5,344  
    Other operating expenses     518       533       1,833       1,815  
    Impairment                 1,042        
    Depreciation     54       58       230       242  
    Amortization     50       60       226       263  
    Restructuring costs     32       38       61       68  
    Transaction and transformation     113       121       409       386  
    Total costs of providing services     2,134       2,135       9,303       8,118  
                             
    Income from operations     901       779       627       1,365  
                             
    Interest expense     (66 )     (63 )     (263 )     (235 )
    Other income/(loss), net     853       23       (260 )     149  
                             
    INCOME FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES   1,688       739       104       1,279  
                             
    Provision for income taxes     (440 )     (116 )     (192 )     (215 )
                             
    NET INCOME/(LOSS)   1,248       623       (88 )     1,064  
                             
    Income attributable to non-controlling interests     (2 )     (1 )     (10 )     (9 )
                             
    NET INCOME/(LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO WTW   $ 1,246     $ 622     $ (98 )   $ 1,055  
                             
    EARNINGS/(LOSS) PER SHARE                        
    Basic earnings/(loss) per share   $ 12.32     $ 6.02     $ (0.96 )   $ 10.01  
    Diluted earnings/(loss) per share   $ 12.25     $ 5.97     $ (0.96 )   $ 9.95  
                             
    Weighted-average ordinary shares, basic     101       103       102       105  
    Weighted-average ordinary shares, diluted     102       104       102       106  

     

    WILLIS TOWERS WATSON PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY
    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (In millions of U.S. dollars, except share data)
    (Unaudited)
     
        December 31,    December 31, 
        2024    2023 
    ASSETS            
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 1,890     $ 1,424  
    Fiduciary assets     9,504       9,073  
    Accounts receivable, net     2,494       2,572  
    Prepaid and other current assets     1,217       364  
    Total current assets     15,105       13,433  
    Fixed assets, net     661       720  
    Goodwill     8,799       10,195  
    Other intangible assets, net     1,295       2,016  
    Right-of-use assets     485       565  
    Pension benefits assets     530       588  
    Other non-current assets     806       1,573  
    Total non-current assets     12,576       15,657  
    TOTAL ASSETS   $ 27,681     $ 29,090  
    LIABILITIES AND EQUITY            
    Fiduciary liabilities   $ 9,504     $ 9,073  
    Deferred revenue and accrued expenses     2,211       2,104  
    Current debt           650  
    Current lease liabilities     118       125  
    Other current liabilities     793       678  
    Total current liabilities     12,626       12,630  
    Long-term debt     5,309       4,567  
    Liability for pension benefits     615       563  
    Deferred tax liabilities     45       542  
    Provision for liabilities     341       365  
    Long-term lease liabilities     502       592  
    Other non-current liabilities     226       238  
    Total non-current liabilities     7,038       6,867  
    TOTAL LIABILITIES     19,664       19,497  
    COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES            
    EQUITY(i)            
    Additional paid-in capital     10,989       10,910  
    Retained earnings     109       1,466  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax     (3,158 )     (2,856 )
    Total WTW shareholders’ equity     7,940       9,520  
    Non-controlling interests     77       73  
    Total Equity     8,017       9,593  
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY   $ 27,681     $ 29,090  

    ________________________
    (i)  Equity includes (a) Ordinary shares $0.000304635 nominal value; Authorized 1,510,003,775; Issued 99,805,780 (2024) and 102,538,072 (2023); Outstanding 99,805,780 (2024) and 102,538,072 (2023) and (b) Preference shares, $0.000115 nominal value; Authorized 1,000,000,000 and Issued none in 2024 and 2023.

     

    WILLIS TOWERS WATSON PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    (In millions of U.S. dollars)
    (Unaudited)
         
        Years Ended December 31, 
        2024    2023 
    CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES            
    NET (LOSS)/INCOME   $ (88 )   $ 1,064  
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to total net cash from operating activities:            
    Depreciation     230       242  
    Amortization     226       263  
    Impairment     1,042        
    Non-cash restructuring charges     41       38  
    Non-cash lease expense     98       105  
    Net periodic benefit of defined benefit pension plans     4       (26 )
    Provision for doubtful receivables from clients     13       6  
    Benefit from deferred income taxes     (213 )     (109 )
    Share-based compensation     121       125  
    Net loss/(gain) on disposal of operations     337       (43 )
    Non-cash foreign exchange (gain)/loss     (31 )     20  
    Other, net     58       31  
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from purchase of subsidiaries:            
    Accounts receivable     (233 )     (206 )
    Other assets     (373 )     (185 )
    Other liabilities     301       16  
    Provisions     (21 )     4  
    Net cash from operating activities     1,512       1,345  
                 
    CASH FLOWS FROM/(USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES            
    Additions to fixed assets and software for internal use     (136 )     (153 )
    Capitalized software costs     (109 )     (89 )
    Acquisitions of operations, net of cash acquired     (107 )     (6 )
    Proceeds from sale of operations     619       89  
    Cash and fiduciary funds transferred in sale of operations     (5 )     (922 )
    Purchase of investments     (12 )     (4 )
    Net cash from/(used in) investing activities     250       (1,085 )
                 
    CASH FLOWS USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES            
    Senior notes issued     746       748  
    Debt issuance costs     (9 )     (7 )
    Repayments of debt     (655 )     (254 )
    Repurchase of shares     (901 )     (1,000 )
    Net proceeds/(payments) from fiduciary funds held for clients     785       (234 )
    Payments of deferred and contingent consideration related to acquisitions     (2 )     (12 )
    Cash paid for employee taxes on withholding shares     (56 )     (26 )
    Dividends paid     (354 )     (352 )
    Acquisitions of and dividends paid to non-controlling interests     (13 )     (63 )
    Net cash used in financing activities     (459 )     (1,200 )
                 
    INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED
       CASH
        1,303       (940 )
    Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash     (97 )     11  
    CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH, BEGINNING OF
       PERIOD (i)
        3,792       4,721  
    CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH, END OF PERIOD (i)   $ 4,998     $ 3,792  

    ________________________
    (i)  The amounts of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, their respective classification on the condensed consolidated balance sheets, as well as their respective portions of the increase or decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash for each of the periods presented have been included in the Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information section.

    SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION

        Years Ended December 31, 
        2024    2023 
                 
    Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:            
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 1,890     $ 1,424  
    Fiduciary funds (included in fiduciary assets)     3,108       2,368  
    Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash   $ 4,998     $ 3,792  
                 
    Increase/(decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and other restricted cash   $ 510     $ 163  
    Increase/(decrease) in fiduciary funds     793       (1,103 )
    Total (i)   $ 1,303     $ (940 )

    (i) Does not include the effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: CIB Marine Bancshares, Inc. Announces Common Stock Repurchase Plan

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BROOKFIELD, Wis., Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Board of Directors of CIB Marine Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company” or “CIB Marine”) (OTCQX: CIBH), the parent company of CIBM Bank, has authorized a 2025 share repurchase program for up to $1 million worth of the Company’s outstanding common stock. This marks the Company’s first common stock repurchase program since completing the repurchase of all Company-issued preferred stock in 2024.

    Repurchases are expected to commence in the first quarter of 2025. Common stock may be repurchased in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. Common share repurchases will be made at the Company’s discretion, with the timing and amount determined by a number of factors, including, the availability of common shares, general market conditions, trading prices, economic conditions, regulatory requirements, and the Company’s financial performance. All stock purchases will be made in accordance with applicable legal requirements. The repurchase program does not obligate the Company to purchase a specific amount of common stock within any particular time frame, and there is no guarantee that any shares will be repurchased upon criteria established by the Company. The Board of Directors will evaluate repurchase conditions at least quarterly to determine the terms and conditions for repurchase activity.

    “Having just completed our very successful preferred stock repurchase plan in October, this common stock repurchase program will build off of the momentum of 2024 as we continue to expand meaningful opportunities for shareholder value,” stated Brian Chaffin, President and CEO. “We recognize the important opportunity that current market conditions afford for stock repurchase activity, and the benefits it provides to our shareholders.”

    CIB Marine Bancshares, Inc. is the holding company for CIBM Bank, which operates nine banking offices and has mortgage loan officers and/or offices in nine states. More information on the Company is available at www.cibmarine.com, including recent shareholder letters, links to regulatory financial reports, and audited financial statements.

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
    CIB Marine has made statements in this release that may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. CIB Marine intends these forward-looking statements to be subject to the safe harbor created thereby and is including this statement to avail itself of the safe harbor. Forward-looking statements are identified generally by statements containing words and phrases such as “may,” “project,” “are confident,” “should be,” “intend,” “predict,” “believe,” “plan,” “expect,” “estimate,” “anticipate” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements reflect CIB Marine’s current views with respect to future events and financial performance that are subject to many uncertainties and factors relating to CIB Marine’s operations and the business environment, which could change at any time.

    There are inherent difficulties in predicting factors that may affect the accuracy of forward-looking statements.

    Stockholders should note that many factors, some of which are discussed elsewhere in this release and in the documents that are incorporated by reference, could affect the future financial results of CIB Marine and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements contained or incorporated by reference in this document. These factors, many of which are beyond CIB Marine’s control, include but are not limited to:

    • operating, legal, execution, credit, market, security (including cyber), and regulatory risks;
    • economic, political, and competitive forces affecting CIB Marine’s banking business;
    • the impact on net interest income and securities values from changes in monetary policy and general economic and political conditions; and
    • the risk that CIB Marine’s analyses of these risks and forces could be incorrect and/or that the strategies developed to address them could be unsuccessful.

    These factors should be considered in evaluating the forward-looking statements, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. CIB Marine undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties and CIB Marine’s actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in forward-looking statements.

    FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
    J. Brian Chaffin, President & CEO
    (217) 355-0900
    brian.chaffin@cibmbank.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Dimensional Fund Advisors Ltd. : Form 8.3 – RENEWI PLC – Ordinary Shares

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

    PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
    A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
    Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

    1. KEY INFORMATION  
       
    (a) Full name of discloser: Dimensional Fund Advisors Ltd. in its capacity as investment advisor and on behalf its affiliates who are also investment advisors (”Dimensional”). Dimensional expressly disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares described in this form 8.3.  
    (b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
    The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.
       
    (c) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
    Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree
    Renewi PLC  
    (d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:    
    (e) Date position held/dealing undertaken:
    For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure
    03 February 2025  
    (f) In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
    If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”
    N/A  
       
    2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE  
       
    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.  
    (a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)  
       
    Class of relevant security: 100p ordinary (GB00BNR4T868)  
      Interests Short Positions  
      Number % Number %  
    (1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 2,287,078 2.84 %      
    (2) Cash-settled derivatives:          
    (3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:          
      Total 2,287,078 * 2.84 %      
    * Dimensional Fund Advisors LP and/or its affiliates do not have discretion regarding voting decisions in respect of 7,989 shares that are included in the total above.  
       
    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

    Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

     
       
       
    (b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)  
       
    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:    
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:    
       
    3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE  
       
    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

    The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

     
    (a) Purchases and sales  
       
    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit  
    100p ordinary (GB00BNR4T868) Purchase 25,067 8.0113 GBP  

    Please note, there were net transfers in of 5,886

     
    (b) Cash-settled derivative transactions  
       
    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. CFD Nature of dealing e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position Number of reference securities Price per unit  
               
       
    (c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)
     
    (i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying
     
    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type e.g. American, European etc. Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
                   
       
    (ii) Exercise  
       
    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit  
               
       
    (d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)  
                 
    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing e.g. subscription, conversion Details Price per unit (if applicable)  
             
       
    4. OTHER INFORMATION  
       
    (a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements  
       
    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”
     
    None  
       
    (b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives  
       
    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”
     
    None  
       
    (c) Attachments  
       
    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO  
       
    Date of disclosure 04 February 2025  
    Contact name Thomas Hone  
    Telephone number +44 20 3033 3419  
       

    Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

    The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

    The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Decentralized Privacy Centric Search Engine Presearch Launches “NSFW” Spicy Mode Search Experience

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Toronto, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Presearch (www.presearch.io), the privacy-centric, non-profiling meta-search engine, announced today the launch of a free “Spicy” NSFW adult search service. Building on the successful Presearch Takeover Advertising (PTA) format, this new offering creates a privacy-focused space where adult products, services, and creators can connect with audiences. It’s already achieving click-through rates 10 times higher than those of traditional takeover ads. Established industry leaders have already enthusiastically joined the platform including Lovense, Stripchat, Subseeker, OnlyFinder, Creatr.uk and OnlyTraffic.

    By toggling the chili-pepper icon in the Presearch search bar and confirming they are the legal age of consent, users can select the NSFW “after hours” search experience with adult-oriented registered wallpaper style takeover ads that rotate in the background.  The “Spicy” feature, available now for Presearch users, empowers those who opt in to access curated content from advertisers in the adult industry, including OnlyFans creators, cam models, dating platforms, adult toys and sexual wellness products.  A dedicated OnlyFans creator search feature, unavailable directly on the OnlyFans platform, will also be seamlessly integrated. 

    This initiative upholds Presearch’s commitment to user empowerment, anonymity and ethical advertising by providing a non-judgmental, non-profiling, tracker free space for adult-focused brands to promote their offerings free from stigma or restrictive policies commonly found. 

    “The history of the internet wouldn’t be possible without adult brands, from Minitel Rose to OnlyFans,” said Presearch.com CEO Tim Enneking. “The new spicy ‘NSFW’ option for Presearch allows qualified users to engage with this sex-positive content if they wish, while finally providing a safe-space for adult content creators, products and services to advertise freely and thrive.”

    Presearch ensures age safety through periodic age verification while adhering to privacy-respecting practices that never associate user behavior with identity or IP addresses. Additionally, Presearch complies with the RTA (Restricted to Adults) industry standard. 

    “I’m 1,000% confident that once users—especially remote workers and digital nomads—experience this new search paradigm, they’ll never want to go back to basic, boring search again,” said Brenden Tacon, Business Development Lead at Presearch. “We’re offering users a unique, enticing, and pleasurable search experience while fostering inclusivity and freedom of expression, which all aligns with the Presearch Ethos. At the same time, we’re addressing a major void in the market and meeting a significant demand by providing advertisers in the adult industry with a critical platform.”

    Presearch Takeover Advertising has become a game-changer in the industry, empowering brands by eliminating invasive tracking methods and offering advertisers a unique opportunity to reach privacy-conscious users. By expanding into the NSFW space, Presearch opens new doors for adult brands often excluded from mainstream advertising platforms, ensuring they can reach their audience without compromising ethical standards.

    The “Spicy” NSFW feature is available now. Advertisers and users interested in learning more can visit Presearch’s Advertising page: https://presearch.io/advertise.

    About Presearch
    Presearch.com offers a privacy-focused, non-profiling search experience with results comparable to leading search engines. Its search-to-earn model rewards users with PRE tokens for every search, creating a unique value proposition. Powered by a decentralized node infrastructure, Presearch promotes fairness and mitigates biases in search outcomes unlike conventional platforms that may prioritize self-serving content and suppress others. With a loyal community, the platform serves nearly 12 million searches per month.

    MEDIA CONTACT: 
    presearch@transformgroup.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Virtune AB (Publ) (“Virtune”) has completed the monthly rebalancing for January 2025 of its Virtune Crypto Top 10 Index ETP, the first crypto index ETP in the Nordics

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Stockholm, 4th of February 2025 – Today Virtune announces that it has finalized its monthly rebalancing for Virtune Crypto Top 10 Index ETP, listed on Nasdaq Stockholm for both the SEK-denominated (ISIN code SE0020052207, ticker name VIR10SEK) and the EUR-denominated (ISIN code SE0020052215, ticker name VIR10EUR) ETP.

    In addition to the Virtune Crypto Top 10 Index ETP, Virtune’s product portfolio includes:  

    Virtune Bitcoin ETP
    Virtune Staked Ethereum ETP
    Virtune Staked Solana
    Virtune Staked Polkadot ETP
    Virtune XRP ETP
    Virtune Avalanche ETP
    Virtune Chainlink ETP
    Virtune Arbitrum ETP
    Virtune Staked Polygon ETP 
    Virtune Staked Cardano ETP
    Virtune Crypto Altcoin Index ETP

    Index allocation as of 31st of January (before rebalancing):

    Bitcoin: 39.74%
    Ethereum: 30.80%
    XRP: 14.03%
    Solana: 8.75%
    Cardano: 2.75%
    Chainlink: 1.37%
    Avalanche: 1.23%
    Litecoin: 0.75%
    Uniswap: 0.59%

    Index allocation as of 31st of January (after rebalancing):

    Bitcoin: 40.00%
    Ethereum: 30.59%
    XRP: 13.72%
    Solana: 9.46%
    Cardano: 2.62%
    Chainlink: 1.23%
    Avalanche: 1.12%
    Litecoin: 0.69%
    Uniswap: 0.57%

    In connection with this month’s rebalancing, there is no change in the crypto assets included in the index. Virtune Crypto Top 10 Index ETP SEK outcome for January was +7.42%.

    The rebalancing is carried out according to the index that the ETP tracks, the Virtune Vinter Crypto Top 10 Index. The purpose of the monthly rebalancing is to ensure that the ETP always reflects the current market conditions and to effectively absorb volatility in the crypto market.

    In January, the crypto market showed mixed performance. Bitcoin increased by +9.54%, while Ethereum declined by -1.28%. However, some altcoins performed stronger, such as XRP, which rose by +46%, and Solana by +22.3%.
    The performance of the crypto assets included in Virtune Crypto Top 10 Index ETP in January:

    XRP +46%
    Chainlink +25.3%
    Litecoin +24.3%
    Solana +22.3%
    Cardano +11.6%
    Bitcoin +9.54%
    Ethereum -1.28%
    Avalanche -3.72%
    Uniswap -11.1%

    Virtune’s crypto index ETP is the first of its kind in the Nordic region. The ETP includes up to 10 leading crypto assets that are part of the Nasdaq Crypto Index, based on their total market capitalization, with a maximum weight of 40% per crypto asset to promote diversification. This allows investors to benefit from broad exposure to the crypto market without being heavily concentrated in any single crypto asset.

    If you, as an (institutional) investor, are interested in meeting with Virtune to discuss the opportunities our ETPs offer for your asset management services or to learn more about Virtune and our ETPs, please do not hesitate to contact us at hello@virtune.com. You can also read more about Virtune and our ETPs at www.virtune.com and register your email address on our website to subscribe to our newsletters, which cover updates on Virtune’s upcoming ETP launches and other news related to digital assets.

    Press contact

    Christopher Kock, CEO Virtune AB (Publ)
    Christopher@virtune.com
    +46 70 073 45 64

    Virtune with its headquarters in Stockholm is a regulated Swedish digital asset manager and issuer of crypto exchange traded products on regulated European exchanges. With regulatory compliance, strategic collaborations with industry leaders and our proficient team, we empower investors on a global level to access innovative and sophisticated investment products that are aligned with the evolving landscape of the global crypto market.

    Cryptocurrency investments are associated with high risk. Virtune does not provide investment advice. Investments are made at your own risk. Securities may increase or decrease in value, and there is no guarantee that you will recover your invested capital. Please read the prospectus, KID, terms at www.virtune.com.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Final terms for bonds to be listed 7th February 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    To Nasdaq Copenhagen A/S                        4th February 2025
                                            Announcement no. 12/2025

    Final terms for bonds to be listed 7thFebruary 2025

    On 7th February 2025, Jyske Realkredit A/S will be listing new Covered Bonds (SDO). Final terms for the bonds are attached to this announcement.

    The full prospectus for the Bonds consist of the attached final terms and the previously disclosed ”Base Prospectus for the issue of Covered Bonds (SDO), Mortgage bonds (“RO”) and Mortgage Bonds (RO) and bonds issued pursuant to Section 15 of the Danish Mortgage-Credit Loans and Mortgage-Credit Bonds etc. Act (Section 15 Bonds).”, dated June 28th, 2024.

    Jyske Realkredit’s base prospectus is available on Jyske Realkredit’s home page jyskerealkredit.com

    Yours sincerely,
    Jyske Realkredit A/S

    www.jyskerealkredit.com

    Please observe that the Danish version of this announcement prevails.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Atos ranked in the top 5% of the IT Services industry in the 2024 S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

                                                                    Press Release

    Atos ranked in the top 5% of the
    IT Services industry in the 2024
    S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment

    Paris, France – February 4, 2025 – Atos Group today announces that it has been recognized by S&P Global as one of the most sustainable companies worldwide in its industry for the 11th consecutive year. Atos achieved a score of 74/100 in the 2024 S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA), placing Atos within the top 5% of the IT services industry among 166 companies assessed with an average industry score of 32/100. This high rating reflects Atos’ long-standing dedication to sustainability and its exemplary performance in Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) practices.

    The assessment highlighted significant strengths in environmental management and the transparency of sustainable reporting, recognizing Atos’ ambitious environmental program, which started 14 years ago.

    Alexandra Knupe, Group Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Atos comments “Atos is proud to rank within the top 5% of IT services companies globally. The S&P Global CSA recognizes our commitment and continuous development towards excellence in Environmental, Social & Governance practices. By continuously improving our practices, we aim to set a benchmark in the industry and contribute positively to global environmental and social challenges”.

    The S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment is an annual evaluation of companies’ sustainability practices. It covers over 10,000 companies globally. The CSA has been assessing sustainability criteria that are both general and industry-specific since 1999. More information about the CSA methodology can be found here.

    Atos has recently been awarded a “Platinum” EcoVadis Medal for its commitment to sustainability for the 5th consecutive year, following 8 years of receiving the EcoVadis Gold Medal. Find out more about Atos’ CSR program here.

    ***

    About Atos

    Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with c. 82,000 employees and annual revenue of c. € 10 billion. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high-performance computing, the Group provides tailored end-to-end solutions for all industries in 69 countries. A pioneer in decarbonization services and products, Atos is committed to a secure and decarbonized digital for its clients. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea) and listed on Euronext Paris.

    The purpose of Atos is to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space.

    Press contact

    Florence Vayleux | florence.vayleux@atos.net | +33 (0) 6 32 12 22 96

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: EcoEngineers Expands Accreditation and Scope Extensions Internationally

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DES MOINES, Iowa, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EcoEngineers (Eco), a consulting, auditing, and advisory firm with an exclusive focus on the energy transition and decarbonization, today announced two new scope extensions granted by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) National Accreditation Board (ANAB).

    The ANAB scope accreditations are a testament to the firm’s commitment to robust and comprehensive quality management systems. The accreditations underscore the firm’s dedication to providing clients with the assurance, credibility, rigor, and continuous improvement they need on their journey to develop green hydrogen and greenhouse gas (GHG)-mitigation projects worldwide.

    Specifically, Eco was granted scope accreditation for the following:

    1. Green Hydrogen (CFR Sector 4): Verification of applications and reports under Canada’s Clean Fuel Regulations (CFR), strengthening the company’s leadership in hydrogen verification and bolstering Eco’s ability to support U.S.-based clients expanding into Canada and open new avenues for verification projects.
    2. Land Use and Forestry (ANAB Group 3): Verification of GHG emission reductions and removals, including soil carbon sequestration, positioning the company as a leading verifier of sustainable farming practices for Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) crops used as biofuel feedstock.

    The latest scope extensions follow Eco’s accreditation granted by ANAB as a validation and verification body (VVB) in accordance with International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards in 2023 and the CFR Sector 2 Renewable/Bio/Low-CI Fuels scope accreditation achieved in 2024.

    “These new scope extensions demonstrate Eco’s ongoing dedication to excellence in verification and our ability to adapt to the evolving needs of the carbon marketplace,” said Randy Prati, vice president of strategic initiatives at EcoEngineers. “Our clients can rely on us to deliver robust, credible, and transparent verification services.”

    Poised for Growth

    In parallel, Eco is pursuing additional accreditations such as becoming a certification body under international voluntary and regulatory compliance schemes. Eco is also expanding its presence in Europe to obtain national body accreditation recognition, which will allow the firm to offer its clients verification and certification services under multiple European voluntary schemes.

    “Our ability to help clients substantiate their GHG claims through accurate and transparent processes strengthens their credibility and advances the energy transition,” said Shashi Menon, CEO of EcoEngineers. “These new capabilities highlight our position as a trusted partner in the carbon marketplace.”

    About ANAB

    Launched in 2008, ANAB’s accreditation program for GHG/verification bodies oversees the competence and professional conduct of third parties responsible for verifying the accuracy of emission attestations and applies to a broad spectrum of industries. For more information, visit www.anab.org.

    About EcoEngineers

    EcoEngineers is a consulting, auditing, and advisory firm with an exclusive focus on the energy transition and decarbonization. Its team of engineers, scientists, auditors, consultants, and researchers live and work at the intersection of low-carbon fuel policy, innovative technologies, and the carbon marketplace. Eco’s global team is shaping the response to climate change by advising businesses across the energy transition. Visit www.ecoengineers.us.

    Contact:
    Mary Shaughnessy
    For EcoEngineers
    marys@astorystore.com
    312.218.4508

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: AT&T extends voice core relationship with Nokia to drive new services, faster deployment times, and operational efficiencies

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release

    AT&T extends voice core relationship with Nokia to drive new services, faster deployment times, and operational efficiencies

    • Multi-year expansion deal will support AT&T in delivering on its vision of securely providing customer-focused networks and automation that drive new services, faster deployment times, and operational efficiencies.
    • Deal includes Nokia 5G IMS Voice Core and Nokia Digital Operations software.
    • AT&T will utilize Nokia’s voice core applications through the Nokia Cloud Platform to streamline network activities, enhance automation, and minimize manual intervention.

    4 February 2025

    Espoo, Finland – AT&T is extending its voice core relationship with Nokia in a multi-year expansion deal that will support the U.S. operator in delivering on its vision of securely providing customer-focused networks and automation that drive new services, faster deployment times, and operational efficiencies.

    AT&T is evolving its current Nokia IMS Voice Core to include Voice over New Radio (VoNR). The updated IMS Voice Core is a fully cloud-native architecture that enables flexible scaling and increased automation to improve AT&T’s time to market with new services and yield greater cost savings.

    Yigal Elbaz, Senior Vice President, Technology & Network Services at AT&T, said: “With focused execution and investment, AT&T continues to make excellent progress in realizing automation at all levels of its network and service operations. We are pleased to continue our relationship with Nokia to further optimize our network operations and enable new services that better support our customers’ evolving needs.”

    The U.S. operator will utilize Nokia’s voice core applications through the Nokia Cloud Platform (NCP) to streamline network activities, enhance automation, and minimize manual intervention. NCP reflects Nokia’s multi-cloud strategy of providing operators with the infrastructure of their choice.

    AT&T will also use Nokia Digital Operations software solutions, open and designed for multi-vendor networks, to deliver capabilities that automate the design, delivery, and assurance of customer services at scale.

    Raghav Sahgal, President of Cloud and Network Services at Nokia, said: “As a long-time collaborator with AT&T, Nokia fully understands the important journey AT&T is on to enhance automation, reduce complexity, decrease deployment times, and perform operational workflows faster to better serve its customers, and glean more value from its network. Through our network solutions, Nokia will boost AT&T’s network agility, efficiency, and service offerings.”

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

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

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

    Media inquiries
    Nokia Press Office
    Email: Press.Services@nokia.com

    Follow us on social media
    LinkedIn X Instagram Facebook YouTube

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Jabra Launches the PanaCast 40 VBS, the First 180-Degree Android-Powered Video Bar Designed for Small Rooms

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Jabra extends its premium collaboration portfolio with PanaCast 40 VBS (Video Bar System), the only small room Android-bar that captures the entire room with 180-degree field of view
    • The PanaCast 40 VBS has advanced audio technology for exceptional voice clarity with quick and easy installation, ensuring a seamless setup experience
    • Future-proof investment with flexible deployment options on Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or permanent BYOD setups and managed seamlessly with Jabra+

    BARCELONA, Spain, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ISE — Today, Jabra, the world’s leading professional audio brand, announced the launch of the PanaCast 40 VBS, the only Android-powered video bar designed specifically for small meeting rooms that captures the entire room with 180-degree field-of-view (FoV). This latest innovation builds on the success of Jabra’s PanaCast 50 VBS, bringing the same powerful performance to smaller spaces in a more compact and cost-effective package.

    As more organizations transition back to the office and hybrid work environments become the norm, the demand for efficient small meeting space solutions continues to grow. These spaces often pose unique challenges for video collaboration, as traditional solutions struggle to capture all participants equally—particularly those seated closer to the screen—while some lack video conferencing equipment altogether. This imbalance can result in empty meeting rooms and gaps in communication, underscoring the need for solutions that provide clear, inclusive experiences for everyone, regardless of location.

    The PanaCast 40 VBS bridges this gap by delivering an all-in-one solution that transforms small meeting rooms into high-performing collaboration hubs. With its wide field of view, exceptional audio quality, and seamless usability, the PanaCast 40 VBS ensures every participant is seen and heard clearly, enabling organizations to fully utilize their small spaces and bring collaboration to new heights.

    Redefining collaboration for small spaces

    Globally, less than 3% of small meeting spaces, or huddle rooms, are video enabled*, leaving millions of these rooms underutilized and underserved. The PanaCast 40 VBS addresses this challenge with its innovative dual-camera systems, delivering a seamless 180-degree field of view through advanced stitching technology. This ensures full room coverage, making every participant clearly visible on video.

    The video capabilities are matched by the advanced audio performance, which stems from the GN group-wide unique sound processing capabilities. The sound is powered by a single high-quality speaker and six microphones with adaptive beamforming. Intelligent audio algorithms enhance sound clarity for exceptional voice pickup, so every word is heard clearly and accurately, fostering more natural and engaging virtual interactions and ensuring remote participants feel fully included.

    The PanaCast 40 VBS reimagines what’s possible for huddle rooms, transforming small spaces into comfortable collaboration areas and allowing facility managers to unlock the full potential of these underutilized spaces.

    Designed for ease of use and rapid deployment

    Designed with simplicity and ease of use at its core, the PanaCast 40 VBS offers a straightforward installation process—from unboxing to mounting to the first meeting. Its intuitive setup ensures that even first-time customers can get their systems up and running in seconds, making collaboration effortless.

    New packaging enhances the deployment experience further by allowing provisioning without the need to remove the product from the box. The design also features easy cable routing, reducing installation time. The PanaCast 40 VBS is ideal for quick and easy installations in small rooms, such as Express Install for Microsoft Teams Rooms.  

    It also ensures a consistent and seamless experience for small meeting spaces by sharing many of the same accessories as its medium room counterpart, the PanaCast 50 VBS. This enables simplified operations for administrators and flexibility across different room sizes, making the PanaCast 40 VBS a versatile and efficient solution for modern office needs.

    A future-proof investment

    The PanaCast 40 VBS is built to adapt to the evolving needs of modern workplaces, particularly for small Android environments. With its certified compatibility for Android environments, it offers flexibility with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and BYOD deployment options.

    To enhance usability and longevity, the PanaCast 40 VBS includes optional accessories such as a touch controller and a detachable faceplate for easy cleaning. It can also be purchased as a bundle, with both the PanaCast 40 VBS and the touch controller included. Seamless integration with ecosystem partners ensures a future-proof investment, complemented by up-to-date manageability through Jabra+ software and the reassurance of Jabra Warranty+ services.

    Holger Reisinger, SVP Enterprise Video Business Unit at Jabra said: “The modern workplace is undergoing a transformation, with organizations reimagining how their spaces can drive productivity and collaboration. Small rooms, phone booths and huddle spaces are a cornerstone of this evolution, yet they’ve often been overlooked by traditional video solutions. With the PanaCast 40 VBS, we’re addressing this gap by delivering a flexible, intuitive, and future-proof Android solution that empowers teams to collaborate seamlessly, regardless of room size or platform preference.”

    Key features of the PanaCast 40 VBS include:

    • Full-room coverage – 180-degree field-of-view with dual cameras and 4x digital zoom
    • Superior audio – 1 speaker and 6 microphones, enhanced by intelligent audio algorithms for crystal-clear sound and voice pickup
    • Streamlined setup – New packaging enables provisioning without removing the product from the box
    • Consistent experience – Shared touch controller and stand with the PanaCast 50 VBS medium room solution for seamless integration across spaces
    • Effortless installation – Simplified cable routing and protection for easy, clean setup
    • Flexible deployment – Compatible with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and BYOD setups
    • MDEP-based solution (Microsoft Device Ecosystem Platform) – Delivers strengthened security and enhanced meeting experiences
    • Intelligent Meeting Space – Enables users to personalize and set virtual meeting space boundaries – perfect for open-plan offices or glass-walled rooms
    • Always up to date – Managed via Jabra+, ensuring the latest features and functionality
    • Reliability – Backed by Jabra Warranty+ for added peace of mind
    • Modern design – Clean, professional aesthetic that fits seamlessly into contemporary workspaces
    • Practical features – Easy-clean cover and ADA compliance for enhanced usability

    Jabra PanaCast 40 VBS will be available from Mid-2025. MSRP: $1,499. For more information please visit https://www.jabra.com/panacast40vbs.

    *Frost and Sullivan, 2024

    Note to editors 

    Hayley Minardi
    Manager, PR & Communications, North America
    hminardi@jabra.com  

    About Jabra

    Jabra is a world leading brand in audio, video and collaboration solutions – engineered to empower businesses. Proudly part of GN Group, we are committed to bringing people closer to one another and to what is important to them. Jabra engineering excellence leads the way, building on over 150 years of pioneering work within GN. This allows us to create integrated tools for contact centers, offices, and collaboration to help professionals work more productively from anywhere. www.jabra.com

    Founded in 1869, GN Group employs more than 7,000 people and is listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen (GN.CO). GN’s solutions are sold in 100 countries across the world.  Visit our homepage GN.com or connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X

    © 2024 GN Group. All rights reserved. Jabra® is a registered trademark of GN Group. All other trademarks included herein are the property of their respective owners (design and specifications are subject to change without notice).

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fc30d00d-063a-40a9-ad5b-70d4406a3597

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c026aaa2-62ef-4c1c-9b32-bd137bad8bc4

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d94cff48-9b76-41f5-81d5-e2143affc28a

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/989c5fb5-678a-4287-b7f3-9f7266ce11c3

    The MIL Network