Category: Intelligence Agencies

  • MIL-OSI Security: North Carolina Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

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

    HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – A North Carolina man was sentenced for attempted enticement of a minor, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples.

    U.S. District Court Judge Anna M. Manasco sentenced Jonathan Allen Norris, 45, of Carolina Beach, North Carolina, to 120 months in prison, followed by a life term of supervised release. In October 2024, Norris pleaded guilty to attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. This conviction will require Norris to register as a sex offender in accordance with the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

    According to the plea agreement, in December 2022, an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a 15-year-old girl responded to an ad posted by Norris on a social media application.  On January 6, 2023, Norris arrived in Birmingham from New Mexico to engage in a sexual act with a minor.

    If you suspect or become aware of possible sexual exploitation of a child, please contact law enforcement. To alert the FBI Birmingham Office, call 205-326-6166. Reports can also be filed with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) or online at www.cybertipline.org.

    The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet and to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

    The FBI investigated the case along with the Homewood Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel S. McBrayer prosecuted the case. 

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Safe Streets Task Force Arrests Homicide Fugitive From Washington State

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)

    On February 24, 2025, the FBI Safe Streets Violent Crime Task Force, with assistance from the Utah County Major Crimes Task Force and the Orem Police Department, arrested 20-year-old Jose Antonio Cedeno-Ponce, wanted in connection with a homicide that occurred on January 10, 2025, in King County, Washington. Law enforcement encountered Cedeno-Ponce at a business in Utah County and took him into custody without incident.

    “Task forces allow law enforcement to seamlessly work together with the shared goal of keeping our communities safe,” said Special Agent in Charge Mehtab Syed of the Salt Lake City FBI. “It’s important that the defendant face the serious charges brought against him.”

    Cedeno-Ponce has been charged in the Superior Court of Washington for King County with Murder in the Second Degree. According to the court documents, Cedeno-Ponce drove to a location in Tukwila to engage in a fight with high schoolers and armed himself with a knife before anyone approached him. During the fight, he fatally struck the victim. Cedeno-Ponce subsequently left the state and abandoned his vehicle in Idaho.

    Cedeno-Ponce is currently being held at the Utah County Jail where he will await extradition to Washington state. The public should be reminded that the above are merely allegations and that all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

    The FBI Safe Streets Task Force is made up of agents and law enforcement from Salt Lake City, West Valley City, and Springville Police Departments. The Task Force investigates violent crime and gang violence in the greater Salt Lake Metro area.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sex Offender Sentenced to More than 10 Years in Prison for Possessing Child Pornography

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    CAPE GIRARDEAU – U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr. on Tuesday sentenced a registered sex offender caught with child sexual abuse material to 130 months in prison. 

    Thomas O. Stroud Jr., 43, of Wappapello, in Wayne County, Missouri, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau in November to possession of child pornography.

    According to court documents, Stroud has a prior federal conviction for possessing child pornography in 2009.  Following his release from federal prison, Stroud was required to register as a sex offender.  He was also placed on a 40-year term of supervised release.  In March 2024, while Stroud was serving his term of supervised release, Stroud’s probation officer discovered that he had been using a cell phone to communicate with someone in Indiana.  During the communications, Stroud obtained several images of child pornography.  

    After serving his 130-month sentence, Stroud will once again be placed on supervised release.    

    This case was investigated by the U.S. Probation Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Koester prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Middle School Teacher Admits Child Pornography Charge

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    ST. LOUIS – A former St. Louis County, Missouri middle school teacher on Wednesday admitted possessing hundreds of images and videos containing child sexual abuse material.

    Scott R. Ellis, 38, pleaded guilty to one felony count of possession of child pornography. Ellis admitted possessing 72 images containing child abuse material on his cell phone and about 700 videos and more than 900 images in his Mega cloud storage account.

    The investigation began with two cyber tipline reports to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about child pornography in Ellis’ Google account.

    Ellis is scheduled to be sentenced on June 3. The charge carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison.

    The FBI and the St. Louis County Police Department Bureau of Special Investigations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jillian Anderson is prosecuting the case.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: GreyMatter by GreyOrange Recognized in Interact Analysis’ Warehouse Software Market Insight Report

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ATLANTA, Feb. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GreyOrange Inc., a leader in AI-driven fulfillment automation, announces recognition of its GreyMatter hyper-intelligent warehouse orchestration in Interact Analysis’ comprehensive report, Warehouse Software Market Insight. Authored by Interact Analysis Research Manager Rueben Scriven and Senior Analyst Irene Zhang, the report reveals key insights into the rapidly evolving warehouse software market, highlighting a projected CAGR of 12.7% from 2023 to 2030. Interact Analysis predicts the warehouse automation software market will reach over $16 billion by 2030.

    The report underscores the pivotal role of mobile robots in propelling growth within the fleet management system market. Their swift deployment, space efficiency compared to fixed automation, and flexible purchasing models, such as Robotics as a Service (RaaS), have accelerated the adoption of mobile robots – and the need for corresponding software.

    According to the report, “To enhance operational efficiency in warehouses, implementing a Warehouse Execution System (WES) is likely to be considered a strategic choice.”

    “With more disparate automation systems being used, along with more complex logistical processes, the need for fine-tuned orchestration and execution is becoming paramount to stay ahead of the curve,” said Rueben Scriven, Research Manager, Interact Analysis. “Being able to orchestrate fixed automation, mobile automation, and manual operations, GreyMatter is a true Warehouse Execution System.”

    In alignment with this concept, GreyMatter’s hyper-intelligent warehouse orchestration is at the forefront of this software revolution. GreyMatter is designed to solve critical warehouse operation challenges. It seamlessly supports both fixed automation and robotics while maintaining exceptional reliability as agent numbers grow. With advanced functional areas like Fulfillment Engine, Inventory in Motion, and Integrated Automation, GreyMatter ensures precise and efficient operational orchestration.

    “The recognition of GreyMatter’s value to the industry by Interact Analysis is a nod to the commitment of GreyOrange to producing competitive advantages for our customers,” said Akash Gupta, Co-Founder and CEO, GreyOrange. “GreyMatter’s capability to operate across various facility types, flex up and down according to inventory levels and demand, and provide agnostic multiagent orchestration for robotic and human labor differentiates the WES, and prepares companies today with solutions for future needs.”

    Download the Warehouse Software Market Insight report, compliments of GreyOrange here.

    Learn more about GreyOrange’s GreyMatter by visiting www.greyorange.com.

    1. Interact Analysis, Warehouse Software Market Insight 2025, Rueben Scriven and Irene Zhang; January 2025

    About Interact Analysis
    Interact Analysis is the leading authority on the warehouse automation market. With analysts located across the world including the US, China, UK, and Germany, Interact Analysis helps its clients stay ahead of the curve with its high quality research and analysis.

    About GreyOrange
    GreyOrange Inc. is at the forefront of AI-driven robotics systems, transforming distribution and fulfillment centers worldwide. Its emphasis on orchestration, innovation, and customer satisfaction marks a new era in efficient, responsive supply chain solutions. The company’s solutions offer a competitive advantage by increasing productivity, empowering growth and scale, mitigating labor challenges, reducing risk and time to market, and creating better experiences for customers and employees. Founded in 2012, GreyOrange is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with offices and partners across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. For more information, visit www.greyorange.com.

    Media Contact
    Leah R H Robinson, APR
    LeadCoverage
    leah@leadcoverage.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/92008480-c341-412b-9df1-dca3d9c05478

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pikeville Man Sentenced for Drug Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PIKEVILLE, Ky. – A Pikeville, Ky. man, Christopher Springfield, 43, was sentenced on Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves to 172 months, for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, including 40 grams or more of fentanyl, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and 28 grams of cocaine. 

    According to his plea agreement, in April and May of 2024, law enforcement used a confidential informant to make two controlled purchases of fentanyl from Springfield. On May 24, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a residence Springfield occupied, and located over 400 grams of methamphetamine, over 200 grams of fentanyl, over 100 grams of cocaine, a firearm, and $18,537 in cash. Springfield admitted to possessing these substances and intended to distribute them. 

    In 2011, Springfield had previously been sentenced to 92 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia.

    Under federal law, Springfield must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence.  Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for eight years. 

    Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; and Michael Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office, jointly announced the sentence.

    The investigation was conducted by the FBI.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Drew Trimble prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

    — END —

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: TRC Amends Its Tender Offer for Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Feb. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TRC Capital Investment Corporation (TRC) announced today that based on current market conditions, TRC has amended the terms of its tender offer for up to 2,000,000 common shares of Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. (the Company) and has decreased the offer price payable to US$51.00 per share from US$55.95 per share.

    TRC also announced that its offer will still expire at one minute after 11:59 p.m. New York City time on March 13, 2025, unless further extended.

    As of close of business on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, no shares had been tendered.

    TRC will accept for payment and will pay for all shares validly tendered prior to the expiration date and not properly withdrawn in accordance with the terms of the offer. TRC will not be required to accept for payment or pay for any shares and may terminate the offer if certain conditions which, in the reasonable judgment of TRC in any such case, makes it inadvisable to proceed with the offer or with such acceptance for payment or payment.

    Stockholders of the Company who have already tendered their shares and have not withdrawn such shares need not take any additional action with respect to TRC’s amended tender offer. These stockholders will receive the decreased offer price of US$51.00 per share in TRC’s tender offer.

    TRC has amended its tender offer materials to reflect the decreased offer price and other relevant changes.

    THIS PRESS RELEASE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT AN OFFER TO BUY OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO SELL ANY SHARES. THE SOLICITATION AND THE OFFER TO BUY THE COMPANY’S SHARES WILL ONLY BE MADE PURSUANT TO THE OFFER TO PURCHASE AND RELATED MATERIALS, AS SUCH DOCUMENTS ARE SUPPLEMENTED AND AMENDED. STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD READ THESE MATERIALS CAREFULLY BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION, INCLUDING THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE OFFER. STOCKHOLDERS CAN OBTAIN A COPY OF THE OFFER TO PURCHASE AND RELATED MATERIALS WITH RESPECT TO THE TENDER OFFER BY CONTACTING THE INFORMATION AGENT FOR THE OFFER, CNRA FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. AT (416) 861-9446.

    TRC Capital Investment Corporation is a private investment corporation that manages a diverse investment portfolio.

    For further information, contact:

    Contact:        Lorne H. Albaum, President
    Phone:          (416) 304-1474

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Drones Becoming Smaller, Lighter, More Reliable Allowing Them to Perform Broader Range of Tasks

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., Feb. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – Due to the advancements in software and artificial intelligence, the increasing use of drones is making it easier to control and automate them. They play a crucial role in improving farming techniques. Improving productivity, and are used for environmental monitoring, disaster relief, and search & rescue operations. Drones are becoming smaller, lighter, and more reliable, which allows them to perform a broader range of tasks. Their growing popularity stems from benefits such as improved efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and safety. The increase in precision farming needs, aiming to boost crop productivity, drives market growth. Drone OEMs are investing in R&D for thermal cameras, multispectral sensors, and LiDAR, improving drone efficacy in monitoring fields, creating vegetation maps, and detecting issues such as disease and irrigation irregularities. Thus, it drives the market growth during the forecast period. Agricultural drones, flying at a specific altitude with sensors, provide crucial analytical data for controls crop health, treatment, exploration, field soil analysis, and yield assessments, aiding farmers in making informed decisions and reducing time and costs. According to a report from MarketsAndMarkets “Commercial drones can be provided wireless coverage during emergency cases where each drone serves as an aerial wireless base station when the cellular network goes down. They can also be used to supplement the ground base station to provide better coverage and higher data rates for users. Drones can also assist various terrestrial networks, such as device-to-device and vehicular networks. For instance, due to their mobility and LOS Communications, drones can facilitate rapid formation dissemination among ground device. Furthermore, drones can potentially improve the reliability of wireless links in D2D and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications while exploiting transmit diversity.” Active Companies in the drone industry today include ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA), Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO), EHang Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: EH), Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCAT), AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS).

    MarketsAndMarkets continued: “Flying drones can help broadcast common information to ground devices, thereby reducing interferences in ground networks by decreasing the number of transmissions between devices. Based on operational mode, the commercial drone market has been classified into remotely piloted, optionally piloted, and fully autonomous. The remotely piloted segment is projected to grow at a significant rate during the forecast period, driven by the cost-effective usage of remotely piloted UAVs in several applications ranging from defense operations to surveys. Fully autonomous drones significantly enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs across various end use such as agriculture, transport, logistics & warehousing, and Oil & Gas. Based on function, the Commercial Drone market has been segmented into passenger drones, inspection & monitoring drones, surveying & mapping drones, spraying & seeding drones, cargo air vehicles, and others. Passenger Drone segment is projected to record the highest growth during the forecast period with emergence of drone taxis as convenient means of aerial transportation of passenger at high speed.”

    ZenaTech (NASDAQ:ZENA) ZenaDrone Advances IQ Square Drone to Manufacturing Stage for Outdoor Applications Including Inspections, Surveys, and the Fast-Growth Power Washing Sector – ZenaTech, Inc. (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”), a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drones, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS and Quantum Computing solutions, announces that its subsidiary ZenaDrone has moved its first batch of IQ Square multifunction drones from prototype to manufacturing stage. This drone was designed for outdoor applications for operator line-of-site inspections such as for building and construction inspections, short-range land surveys, power washing and other business and government applications. The IQ Square is also expected to be a key part of ZenaDrone’s multifunction drone inventory for its Drone as a Service or DaaS business, which enables business and government users to hire a turnkey drone service and drone pilot through a local store for easy subscription-based or pay-as-you-go access to drones for various uses.

    “The IQ Square’s rapid progression from the prototype stage, initiated in 2022, to the manufacturing and assembly stage is a testament to our hardware and engineering team’s dedication and hard work. We see many commercial and government applications for the IQ Square, which we also envision will be central to powering our future DaaS operations as a versatile multifunction drone for multiple outdoor uses requiring line-of-site including fast growth uses like power washing,” said CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D.

    The IQ Square will be equipped with a power wash system for use in larger-scale cleaning jobs such as stadium seating, building exteriors, and public spaces; drones eliminate the need for scaffolding, lifts, or manual labor by providing a more efficient, safe, and cost-effective solution. Tethered to a ground-based water and a power source, it is designed to maintain a continuous supply of high-pressure water needed to clean large areas without the weight limitations of onboard tanks.

    The mold and drone body frames of the first batch of IQ Square drones are currently being completed, after which they will be assembled, integrated, and tested at the company’s Sharjah, UAE production facility. The Company will oversee the integration and quality inspection of electronics, battery and propulsion systems, software, and sensor installation and calibration, concluding with final flight testing.

    According to QYResearch, the global market for drone cleaning services, including applications such as water hose-tethered power washing for stadium seats and public areas, is projected to reach approximately $53.89 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 19.3%.

    ZenaTech’s Drone as a Service or DaaS business model enables government agencies, building developers, entertainment facilities, farmers, environmental firms, etc. to conveniently access a turnkey drone solution via a local store on a pay-as-you-go or subscription basis rather than having to buy the entire drone hardware and software solution. Like Amazon Web Services, where Amazon owns computer equipment platforms and hires the personnel, with the DaaS model, ZenaDrone owns the drones, hires the pilots and ensures regulatory compliance to enable the cost savings, precision and efficiency of drones over existing legacy methods. Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-zena/

    Other recent developments in the drone industry include:

    Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO) recently confirms through recent sales activities its positioning and preparedness to support the enhancement of border security amid evolving global trade and security uncertainties and shifting geopolitical dynamics. Highlighting recent sales activities with policing agencies, Draganfly continues to strengthen its position to support border security with advanced drone technology solutions.

    “Recent global trade challenges, tariff uncertainties, and security concerns underscore the critical importance of secure borders and resilient supply chains,” said Cameron Chell, CEO of Draganfly Inc. “Our recent sales activities with policing agencies is a testament to our ability and readiness to provide drone technology and services in support of border security solutions.”

    EHang Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: EH) recently announced a strategic cooperation framework agreement with Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group Co., Ltd. (“JAC Motors”) and Hefei Guoxian Holdings Co., Ltd. (“Guoxian Holdings”). Under this agreement, cooperation will focus on establishing a joint venture in Hefei to invest in the construction of a state-of-the-art manufacturing base for low-altitude aircraft. The facility will integrate advanced technology, standardization, and automation to produce intelligent and pilotless electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (“eVTOL”).

    The strategic cooperation signing ceremony was attended by key officials including Fei Yuan, Standing Committee Member of Hefei Municipal Committee and Vice Mayor of Hefei; Xingchu Xiang, Chairman, and General Manager of JAC Motors; Xingke Yin, Vice General Manager of JAC Motors; Huazhi Hu, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of EHang; and Zhao Wang, Chief Operating Officer of EHang. They were joined by other distinguished guests in witnessing the signing of the strategic cooperation agreement, marking a new milestone in the high-quality development of China’s low-altitude economy ecosystem.

    Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCAT) recently announced that its Black Widow drone and FlightWave Edge 130 were included on the list of 23 platforms and 14 unique components and capabilities selected as winners of the Blue UAS Refresh. The platforms will undergo National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) verification and cyber security review with the ultimate goal of joining the Blue UAS List.

    Over the coming months, the Blue UAS List and Blue UAS Framework will expand with new additions. The inclusion of the Black Widow and Edge 130 as winners of the Refresh further validates Red Cat’s commitment to delivering NDAA-compliant unmanned systems for defense and government applications.

    AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS) recently announced its participation in the inaugural XPONENTIAL Europe trade show in Dusseldorf Germany held February 18-20, 2025. AgEagle CEO Bill Irby commented, “Invaluable visibility was achieved at XPONENTIAL Europe as AgEagle further strengthened its leadership role in the worldwide UAS marketplace. Our entire product line was presented to a prominent and influential audience both directly by AgEagle and through our industry-leading partners. Notably, major European defense contractor Rheinmetall, presented AgEagle’s eBee VISION as an integral part of their offering as did Dronivo and MKS Servo. The diverse needs of European nations both commercially and defense-wise were reviewed with high-value insight provided by the congregation which included representatives from NATO. AgEagle remains committed to consistently expanding the capabilities and global footprint of our best-in-class UAS products as we continue to build long-term value for all our stakeholders.”

    XPONENTIAL Europe offered a unique combination of trade fair, live demonstrations and a top-class conference program. Daily keynotes by internationally renowned speakers before the start of the trade fair brought exhibitors and visitors together and provided important impetus for the future of autonomy. The tradeshow is the very first event put on by Messe Dusseldorf in partnership with AUVSI. Various members of the drone customer community were present, such as the German Bundeswehr and the U.S. Army, along with members of the press and industrial community.

    About FN Media Group:

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    DISCLAIMER: FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates FinancialNewsMedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNM’s market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed FNM has been compensated fifty four hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by ZenaTech, Inc. by the Company. FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

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    SOURCE: FN Media Group

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Lingokids Introduces “Theater” Mode: A Safe, Ad-Free Video Experience for Kids

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Feb. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lingokids, the #1 learning app for kids, has introduced a new feature, Theater, in selected markets. This dedicated space within the app offers a curated, ad-free video experience designed to provide children with high-quality educational and entertaining content.

    Previously known as Video Mode, this new Mode of Use “Theater” is now completely available for all users in Canada, Australia, Singapore, and Colombia, where families can explore a library of engaging videos tailored to support early learning and development.

    A Safe and Educational Alternative to Streaming Platforms

    Lingokids Theater is designed as a safe and controlled environment where young learners can access age-appropriate content created by educators. The feature includes:

    • Animated stories, songs, and puppetry that introduce key early learning concepts in a fun and engaging way.
    • Activity-based videos such as drawing, dance, yoga, and interactive storytelling that encourage creativity and self-expression.
    • Educational video series developed to reinforce cognitive, social, and emotional skills.

    Unlike traditional streaming platforms, Lingokids Theater ensures a 100% ad-free experience, prioritizing a safe and educational space that aligns with parents’ expectations for quality screen time.

    “Our goal is to offer families a dedicated space where children can enjoy enriching, educational content in a safe and engaging way,” said Rhona Anne Dick, Education & Child Development Lead at Lingokids. “Theater is designed to complement our Playlearning™ approach, giving young learners access to a variety of carefully selected videos that entertain while reinforcing important skills.”

    Currently, Theater is available only in these selected test markets within the Lingokids app. Further updates regarding its availability in other regions will be announced in the future.

    About Lingokids

    Lingokids is an innovative educational platform committed to reimagining early learning. By integrating traditional education with essential life skills, Lingokids’ Playlearning™ approach places children at the heart of an expansive educational ecosystem. Through +2,000 interactive activities across various media formats, the app empowers children to navigate topics such as engineering, empathy, literacy, and resilience. Lingokids is dedicated to preparing children for a well-rounded future that balances academic excellence with personal growth.

    For more information about Lingokids and its educational offerings, visit www.lingokids.com and follow us on social media @Lingokids.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d336fb6b-8c74-4e04-a691-31e7b2c5019a

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Mavenir’s Network Intelligence as a Service AI Agents Deliver 40% Mobility KPI Gains in 5G Non-Standalone Networks

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RICHARDSON, Texas, Feb. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mavenir, the cloud-native network infrastructure provider building the future of networks, today announced a groundbreaking achievement with its full-stack AI framework, Network Intelligence as a Service (NIaaS). For the first time globally, deep reinforcement learning (RL)-based live AI Agents – an integral component of Mavenir’s NIaaS – are autonomously controlling and performing full-closed-loop optimization for operational 5G non-standalone (NSA) networks, delivering over 40% gains in key performance indicators (KPIs) related to mobility in radio access networks (RAN). The significant performance gains were also cost-effective, since NIaaS runs only on CPUs in the field rather than GPUs. Hosted in Mavenir’s RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC), NIaaS has proven these milestones in live Open RAN deployments with two Tier 1 5G NSA operators in South Asia, with each deployment corresponding to 25+ sites and 100+ LTE and New Radio (NR) cells.

    Presenting the first-of-its-kind telco AI capability for large-scale Open RAN operations, Mavenir’s NIaaS has significantly reduced the rate of unstable handovers (including mobility ping-pongs, too-late handovers, too-early handovers, radio link failures and wrong-cell handovers) by 40% to 60% for the aggregate KPI and individual KPI components, thereby improving the mobility robustness of 4G/5G mobile subscribers in the live networks.

    “We are thrilled to lead the industry with our innovative NIaaS that is revolutionizing telecom network operations,” said BG Kumar, President, Access Networks, Platforms, and Digital Enablement at Mavenir. “While traditional SON systems are too functionality-centric, without any guarantees of tangible improvement of the target KPIs in the field, our AI-native NIaaS is KPI-centric, extracting deep-dive intelligence about the KPIs from cell-to-cell, site-to-site, market-to-market, and precisely optimizing those factors impacting the KPIs in the live network. This achievement underscores our commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies and our in-house skillset of inventing, innovating and designing state-of-the-art AI/ML models to drive tangible improvements in network performance and customer experience,” added Kumar.

    Looking ahead, Mavenir’s NIaaS will focus on consistently improving other operational Telco KPIs, such as connectivity, coverage, traffic management, accessibility, retainability, traffic quality, efficiency and CAPEX/OPEX. Though hosted in Mavenir RIC for the Open RAN deployments, NIaaS is also offered as a stand-alone telco intelligence capability for other domains (such as Packet Core, IMS, etc.). Moreover, NIaaS is not only confined to offering telco AI capabilities in markets with Mavenir network functions (NFs), but also to markets with third-party NFs as well.

    Mavenir NIaaS thus represents a significant leap forward in live telco AIOps, providing operators with AI-native tools to enhance network efficiency, reduce operational costs, and deliver superior service quality to their customers. As the telecom industry continues to evolve, Mavenir remains at the forefront of innovation, dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what is possible with AI/ML technologies.

    Mavenir’s NIaaS hosts state-of-the-art AI suite including Deep-RL AI Agents – developed by Mavenir – that are blended with transfer learning to autonomously control and optimize mobility offsets across LTE cells, reducing network-wide unstable handovers. These Deep-RL AI Agents for optimization are significantly aided by other agents & models in full-stack AI suite of NIaaS. For example, AI causation and explainability models help in identifying and quantifying the root causes of unstable handovers and mobility KPI degradations, and data clustering and classification models help in correlating radio frequency, mobility, traffic, and other observability patterns across cells and across time, towards evaluating the net effect. The Deep-RL AI Agents address these factors and account for the effect, optimizing the mobility thresholds autonomously in the field.

    About Mavenir:

    Mavenir is building the future of networks today with cloud-native, AI-enabled solutions which are green by design, empowering operators to realize the benefits of 5G and achieve intelligent, automated, programmable networks. As the pioneer of Open RAN and a proven industry disruptor, Mavenir’s award-winning solutions are delivering automation and monetization across mobile networks globally, accelerating software network transformation for 300+ Communications Service Providers in over 120 countries, which serve more than 50% of the world’s subscribers. For more information, please visit www.mavenir.com

    Meet Mavenir at Mobile World Congress 2025, Barcelona, Mar 3-6, 2025.

    To explore Mavenir’s latest innovations and learn more about how Mavenir is delivering the Future of Networks – Today, visit us in Hall 2 (Stand 2H60) at #MWC25.

    Mavenir PR Contact:
    Emmanuela Spiteri
    PR@mavenir.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: Office of the Governor — News Release — Gov. Green Considers Judicial Nominations

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    Office of the Governor — News Release — Gov. Green Considers Judicial Nominations

    Posted on Feb 26, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom, Office of the Governor Press Releases

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI 
    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI 

     
    JOSH GREEN, M.D. 
    GOVERNOR
    KE KIAʻĀINA 

     

    GOVERNOR GREEN CONSIDERS JUDICIAL NOMINATIONS

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    February 26, 2025

    HONOLULU — Four nominees for Circuit Judge for the Circuit Court of the Third Circuit (Island of Hawaiʻi) have been announced for consideration. Governor Josh Green, M.D., will nominate a successor to fill the vacancy left by the retirement of Circuit Judge Robert D.S., Kim in July of 2024.

    The State Judicial Selection Commission transmitted the list of nominees to Governor  Green following a thorough review of the qualifications and backgrounds of all applicants.

    The nominees are:

    • Mark D. Disher; currently Deputy Corporation Counsel in the County of Hawaiʻi Office of the Corporation Counsel. He is a graduate of the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
    • Brandon K. Flores; currently Assistant Administrator of the Child Support Enforcement Agency in the state of Hawaiʻi Department of the Attorney General. Flores is a graduate of the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
    • Kauanoe A.D. Jackson; currently a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, county of Hawaiʻi Office of the Prosecuting Attorney. Jackson is a graduate of the Chapman University School of Law (known now as the Dale E. Fowler School of Law).
    • Scott K.D. Shishido; currently the Hawaiʻi Island Managing Attorney for the Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi. Shishido is a graduate of the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.

    Governor Green must make his appointment within 30 days, or by Friday, March 28, 2025.

    The public is invited to provide comments on the nominees via the Governor’s website https://governor.hawaii.gov/contact-us/contact-the-governor/.

    # # #

    Media Contacts:   
    Erika Engle
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawai‘i
    Office: 808-586-0120
    Email: [email protected] 

    Makana McClellan
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawaiʻi
    Cell: 808-265-0083
    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: Enerflex Ltd. Announces Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial and Operational Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ADJUSTED EBITDA OF $121 MILLION AND FREE CASH FLOW OF $76 MILLION1

    EI CONTRACT BACKLOG AND ES BACKLOG OF $1.5 BILLION AND $1.3 BILLION, RESPECTIVELY, PROVIDING STRONG OPERATIONAL VISIBILITY

    REDUCED BANK ADJUSTED NET DEBT-TO-EBITDA RATIO2TO 1.5X TIMES AT YEAR-END

    CALGARY, Alberta, Feb. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enerflex Ltd. (TSX: EFX) (NYSE: EFXT) (“Enerflex” or the “Company”) today reported its financial and operational results for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024.

    All amounts presented are in U.S. Dollars (“USD”) unless otherwise stated.

    Q4/24 FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW         

    • Generated revenue of $561 million compared to $574 million in Q4/23 and $601 million in Q3/24.
    • Recorded gross margin before depreciation and amortization of $174 million, or 31% of revenue, compared to $158 million, or 28% of revenue in Q4/23 and $176 million, or 29% of revenue during Q3/24.
      • Energy Infrastructure (“EI”) and After-Market Services (“AMS”) product lines generated 67% of consolidated gross margin before depreciation and amortization during Q4/24 and 69% on a full-year basis in 2024.
      • ES gross margin before depreciation and amortization increased to 21% in Q4/24 compared to 15% in Q4/23 and 19% in Q3/24, benefiting from favorable product mix and strong project execution.
    • Adjusted earnings before finance costs, income taxes, depreciation, and amortization (“adjusted EBITDA”) of $121 million compared to $91 million in Q4/23 and $120 million during Q3/24. The year-over-year increase in adjusted EBITDA reflects improved gross margin and favorable foreign exchange rate movements.
    • Cash provided by operating activities was $113 million, which included net working capital recovery of $39 million. This compares to cash provided by operating activities of $158 million in Q4/23 and $98 million in Q3/24. Free cash flow was $76 million in Q4/24 compared to $139 million during Q4/23 and $78 million during Q3/241.
    • Invested $47 million in the business in Q4/24, consisting of $32 million in capital expenditures and $15 million for expansion of an EI project in the Eastern Hemisphere (“EH”) that will be accounted for as a finance lease.
    • Recorded ES bookings of $301 million inclusive of a $75 million derecognition, with no associated gross margin on future revenue, related to the termination of the cryogenic natural gas processing facility project contract in Kurdistan. The majority of bookings originated in the North America segment and relate to gas compression solutions. Total backlog as at December 31, 2024 was $1.3 billion, providing strong visibility into future revenue generation and business activity levels.
    • Enerflex’s USA contract compression business continues to perform well, led by increasing natural gas production in the Permian basin and continued discipline across industry competitors.
      • This business generated revenue of $36 million and gross margin before depreciation and amortization of 78% during Q4/24 compared to $33 million and 76% in Q4/23 and $37 million and 70% during Q3/24.
      • Utilization remained stable at 95% across a fleet size of approximately 428,000 horsepower. Enerflex expects its North American contract compression fleet will grow to over 475,000 horsepower by the end of 2025.
    • The Board of Directors has declared a quarterly dividend of CAD$0.0375 per share, payable on March 24, 2025, to shareholders of record on March 10, 2025.

    BALANCE SHEET AND LIQUIDITY

    • Enerflex exited Q4/24 with net debt of $616 million, which included $92 million of cash and cash equivalents, a reduction of $208 million compared to Q4/23 and $76 million lower than the third quarter.
    • During Q4/24, Enerflex redeemed $62.5 million (or 10% of the aggregate principal amount originally issued) of its 9.00% Senior Secured Notes due 2027. The redemption was completed at a price of 103% of the principal amount of the Notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest up to, but excluding, the redemption date. The redemption was funded with available liquidity, which included cash and cash equivalents and the undrawn portion of Enerflex’s lower cost $800 million revolving credit facility.
    • Enerflex’s bank-adjusted net debt-to-EBITDA ratio was approximately 1.5x at the end of Q4/24, down from 2.3x at the end of Q4/23 and 1.9x at the end of Q3/24. The leverage ratio at the end of Q4/24 is within Enerflex’s target bank-adjusted net debt-to-EBITDA ratio range of 1.5x to 2.0x.
    • The Company maintains strong liquidity with access to $614 million under its credit facility.

    __________________________________________
    1 During the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company modified its calculation of free cash flow. Free cash flow is now defined as cash provided by (used in) operating activities, less total capital expenditures (growth and maintenance) for PP&E and EI assets, mandatory debt repayments, and lease payments, while proceeds on disposals of PP&E and EI assets are added back. Refer to the “Free Cash Flow” section of this press release for further details.
    2 The Company defines bank-adjusted net debt to EBITDA as borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility (“RCF”) and its 9.00% Senior Secured Notes due 2027 (the “Notes”) less cash and cash equivalents, divided by EBITDA as defined by the Company’s lenders for the trailing 12- months.


    MANAGEMENT COMMENTARY

    “We delivered a strong finish to the year, with solid operating results across Enerflex’s geographies and product lines,” said Marc Rossiter, Enerflex’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our Energy Infrastructure and After-Market Services business lines continue to provide steady, reliable performance and revenue streams, reinforcing Enerflex’s ability to deliver sustainable returns across our global platform. Our Engineered Systems business delivered solid performance throughout 2024, highlighted by strong project execution.”

    Rossiter continued, “As we enter 2025, visibility across our business remains solid, underpinned by a $1.5 billion contract backlog for our Energy Infrastructure assets, the recurring nature of our After-Market Services business, and a $1.3 billion Engineered Systems backlog. By focusing on operational execution, optimizing our core business, and maintaining disciplined capital allocation, we expect to further reduce debt and create meaningful long-term value for our shareholders.”

    Preet S. Dhindsa, Enerflex’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, stated, “Enerflex delivered fourth-quarter results that exceeded the ranges included in our 2024 guidance. We are particularly pleased with our ongoing progress in efficiently managing working capital, lowering net finance costs, and optimizing the Company’s debt stack. Backed by Enerflex’s strong global leadership team and talented employees, we continue to enhance the profitability and resilience of our operations. Our focus remains on generating sustainable free cash flow, further improving our balance sheet health and positioning the Company for long-term growth and value creation.”

    SUMMARY RESULTS

      Three months ended
    December 31,
    Twelve months ended
    December 31,
    ($ millions, except percentages and ratios)   2024   2023   2024   2023
    Revenue $ 561 $ 574 $ 2,414 $ 2,343
    Gross margin   140   119   504   457
    Gross margin as a percentage of revenue   25.0%   20.7%   20.9%   19.5%
    Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”)   92   74   327   293
    Foreign exchange (gain) loss   (2)   16   4   43
    Operating income   50   29   173   121
    EBITDA1   92     364   240
    EBIT1   47   (51)   179   42
    EBT1   21   (76)   81   (52)
    Net earnings (loss)   15   (95)   32   (83)
    Cash provided by operating activities   113   158   324   206
                     
    Key Financial Performance Indicators (“KPIs”)2                
    ES bookings3 $ 301 $ 265 $ 1,401 $ 1,306
    ES backlog3   1,280   1,134   1,280   1,134
    EI contract backlog4   1,545   1,700   1,545   1,700
    Gross margin before depreciation and amortization (“Gross margin before D&A”)5   174   158   642   609
    Gross margin before D&A as a percentage of revenue5   31.0%   27.5%   26.6%   26.0%
    Adjusted EBITDA6   121   91   432   378
    Free cash flow7   76   139   222   95
    Net debt   616   824   616   824
    Bank-adjusted net debt to EBITDA ratio   1.5x   2.3x   1.5x   2.3x
    Return on capital employed (“ROCE”)8   10.3%   2.1%   10.3%   2.1%


    1
    EBITDA is defined as earnings before finance costs, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. EBIT is defined as earnings before finance costs and income taxes. EBT is defined as earnings before taxes.
    2These KPIs are non-IFRS measures. Further detail is provided in the “Non-IFRS Measures” section of the fourth quarter 2024 MD&A.
    3Refer to the “ES Bookings and Backlog” section of the MD&A for more information on these KPIs.
    4Refer to the “EI Contract Backlog” section of the MD&A.
    5Refer to the “Gross Margin by Product line” section of the MD&A for further details.
    6Refer to the “Adjusted EBITDA” section of the MD&A for further details.
    7During the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company modified its calculation of free cash flow. Free cash flow is now defined as cash provided by (used in) operating activities, less total capital expenditures (growth and maintenance) for PP&E and EI assets, mandatory debt repayments, and lease payments, while proceeds on disposals of PP&E and EI assets are added back. Refer to the “Free Cash Flow” section of this press release for further details.
    8Determined by using the trailing 12-month period.

    Enerflex’s consolidated financial statements and notes (the “financial statements”) and Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) as at December 31, 2024, can be accessed on the Company’s website at www.enerflex.com and under the Company’s SEDAR+ and EDGAR profiles at www.sedarplus.ca and www.sec.gov/edgar, respectively.

    OUTLOOK        

    During 2025, Enerflex’s priorities include: (1) enhancing the profitability of core operations; (2) leveraging the Company’s leading position in core operating countries to capitalize on expected increases in natural gas and produced water volumes; and (3) maximizing free cash flow to further strengthen Enerflex’s financial position, provide direct shareholder returns, and invest in selective customer supported growth opportunities.

    Industry Update

    Enerflex’s preliminary outlook for 2025 reflects steady demand across its business lines and geographic regions. Operating results will be underpinned by the highly contracted EI product line and the recurring nature of AMS, which together are expected to account for approximately 65% of our gross margin before depreciation and amortization. Enerflex’s EI product line is supported by customer contracts, which are expected to generate approximately $1.5 billion of revenue during their current terms.

    Complementing Enerflex’s recurring revenue businesses is the ES product line, which carried a backlog of approximately $1.3 billion as at December 31, 2024, the majority of which is expected to convert into revenue over the next 12 months. During 2025, ES gross margin before depreciation and amortization is expected to be more consistent with the historical long-term average for this business line, reflective of the weakness in domestic natural gas prices during much of 2024 and a shift of project mix in Enerflex’s ES backlog. Notwithstanding, near-term revenue for this business line is expected to remain steady. Enerflex is encouraged by initial customer response to improved domestic natural gas prices, and the medium-term outlook for ES products and services continues to be attractive, driven by expected increases in natural gas and produced water volumes across Enerflex’s global footprint.

    The Company continues to closely monitor geopolitical tensions across North America, including the potential application of tariffs. Based on currently available information, the direct impact of tariffs on Enerflex’s business is expected to be mitigated by the Company’s diversified operations and proactive risk management. Enerflex’s operations in the USA, Canada and Mexico are largely distinct in the customers and projects they serve, and the Company has been working to mitigate the impact of potential tariffs. The United States is Enerflex’s largest operating region, generating 45% of consolidated revenue in 2024 by destination of sale, and we believe the Company is well positioned to benefit from growth in domestic energy production. Enerflex’s operations in Canada and Mexico generated 10% and 3% of consolidated revenue in 2024, respectively.

    Capital Spending

    Enerflex is targeting a disciplined capital program in 2025, with total capital expenditures of $110 million to $130 million. This includes a total of approximately $70 million for maintenance and PP&E capital expenditures. Similar to 2024, disciplined capital spending will focus on customer supported opportunities in the USA and Middle East. Notably, the fundamentals for contract compression in the USA remain strong, led by expected increases in natural gas production in the Permian basin and capital spending discipline from market participants. Enerflex will continue to make selective customer supported growth investments in this business.

    Capital Allocation

    Providing meaningful direct shareholder returns is a priority for Enerflex. With the Company operating within its target leverage range of bank-adjusted net debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 1.5x to 2.0x, Enerflex is positioned to increase direct shareholder returns. This is reflected through the previously announced 50% increase of the Company’s quarterly dividend.

    Going forward, capital allocation decisions will be based on delivering value to Enerflex shareholders and measured against Enerflex’s ability to maintain balance sheet strength. In addition to increases to the Company’s dividend, share repurchases, and disciplined growth capital spending, Enerflex will also consider reducing leverage below its target range to further improve balance sheet strength and lower net finance costs. Unlocking greater financial flexibility positions the Company to capitalize on opportunities to optimize its debt stack and respond to evolving market conditions.

    DIVIDEND DECLARATION

    Enerflex is committed to paying a sustainable quarterly cash dividend to shareholders. The Board of Directors has declared a quarterly dividend of CAD$0.0375 per share, payable on March 24, 2025, to shareholders of record on March 10, 2025. With this dividend declaration, Enerflex has shortened the number of calendar days between its record date and payment date to better align the Company’s dividend approach with peers.

    CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST DETAILS

    Investors, analysts, members of the media, and other interested parties, are invited to participate in a conference call and audio webcast on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. (MST), where members of senior management will discuss the Company’s results. A question-and-answer period will follow.

    To participate, register at https://register.vevent.com/register/BI3947144f36ac4488be4e38db59385a7f. Once registered, participants will receive the dial-in numbers and a unique PIN to enter the call. The audio webcast of the conference call will be available on the Enerflex website at www.enerflex.com under the Investors section or can be accessed directly at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/dvksnz6g/.

    NON-IFRS MEASURES

    Throughout this news release and other materials disclosed by the Company, Enerflex employs certain measures to analyze its financial performance, financial position, and cash flows, including net debt-to-EBITDA ratio and bank-adjusted net debt-to-EBITDA ratio. These non-IFRS measures are not standardized financial measures under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. Accordingly, non-IFRS measures should not be considered more meaningful than generally accepted accounting principles measures as indicators of Enerflex’s performance. Refer to “Non-IFRS Measures” of Enerflex’s MD&A for the three months ended December 31, 2024, for information which is incorporated by reference into this news release and can be accessed on Enerflex’s website at www.enerflex.com and under the Company’s SEDAR+ and EDGAR profiles at www.sedarplus.ca and www.sec.gov/edgar, respectively.

    ADJUSTED EBITDA

    Three months ended
    December 31, 2024
    ($ millions)   NAM   LATAM   EH   Total
    Net earnings1             $ 15
    Income taxes1               6
    Net finance costs1,2               26
    EBIT3 $ 34 $ 11 $ 4 $ 47
    Depreciation and Amortization   19   12   14   45
    EBITDA $ 53 $ 23 $ 18 $ 92
    Restructuring, transaction and integration costs   1       1
    Share-based compensation   11   2   3   16
    Impact of finance leases                
    Principal payments received       10   10
    Loss on redemption options3               2
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 65 $ 25 $ 31 $ 121


    1
    The Company included net earnings, income taxes, and net finance costs on a consolidated basis to reconcile to EBIT.
    2Net finance costs are considered corporate expenditures and therefore have not been allocated to reporting segments.
    3EBIT includes $2 million loss on redemption options associated with the Notes. Debt is managed within Corporate and is not allocated to reporting segments.

    Three months ended
    December 31, 2023
    ($ millions)   NAM   LATAM   EH   Total
    Net loss1             $ (95)
    Income taxes1               19
    Net finance costs1,2               25
    EBIT $ 47 $ (84) $ (14) $ (51)
    Depreciation and amortization   18   14   19   51
    EBITDA $ 65 $ (70) $ 5 $
    Restructuring, transaction and integration costs   3   2   13   18
    Share-based compensation   (1)       (1)
    Impact of finance leases                
    Principal payments received       9   9
    Goodwill impairment     65     65
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 67 $ (3) $ 27 $ 91


    1
    The Company included net earnings, income taxes, and net finance costs on a consolidated basis to reconcile to EBIT.
    2Net finance costs are considered corporate expenditures and therefore have not been allocated to reporting segments.

    Twelve months ended
    December 31, 2024
    ($ millions)   NAM   LATAM   EH   Total
    Net earnings1             $ 32
    Income taxes1               49
    Net finance costs1,2               98
    EBIT3 $ 166 $ 29 $ (33) $ 179
    Depreciation and amortization   74   53   58   185
    EBITDA $ 240 $ 82 $ 25 $ 364
    Restructuring, transaction and integration costs   7   4   3   14
    Share-based compensation   19   5   5   29
    Impact of finance leases                
    Upfront gain       (3)   (3)
    Principal payments received     1   44   45
    Gain on redemption options3               (17)
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 266 $ 92 $ 74 $ 432


    1
    The Company included net earnings, income taxes, and net finance costs on a consolidated basis to reconcile to EBIT.
    2Net finance costs are considered corporate expenditures and therefore have not been allocated to reporting segments.
    3EBIT includes $17 million gain on redemption options associated with the Notes. Debt is managed within Corporate and is not allocated to reporting segments.

    Twelve months ended
    December 31, 2023
    ($ millions)   NAM   LATAM   EH   Total
    Net loss1             $ (83)
    Income taxes1               31
    Net finance costs1,2               94
    EBIT $ 127 $ (90) $ 5 $ 42
    Depreciation and amortization   69   48   81   198
    EBITDA $ 196 $ (42) $ 86 $ 240
    Restructuring, transaction and integration costs   11   10   23   44
    Share-based compensation   4   1   1   6
    Impact of finance leases                
    Upfront gain       (13)   (13)
    Principal payments received     1   35   36
    Goodwill impairment     65     65
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 211 $ 35 $ 132 $ 378


    1
    The Company included net earnings, income taxes, and net finance costs on a consolidated basis to reconcile to EBIT.
    2Net finance costs are considered corporate expenditures and therefore have not been allocated to reporting segments.


    FREE CASH FLOW AND DIVIDEND PAYOUT RATIO

    The Company modified its calculation of free cash flow to include a deduction for growth capital expenditures and exclude the deduction for dividends paid. Free cash flow is now defined as cash provided by (used in) operating activities, less total capital expenditures (growth and maintenance) for PP&E and EI assets, mandatory debt repayments, and lease payments, while proceeds on disposals of PP&E and EI assets are added back. This modification is aimed at providing additional clarity into Enerflex’s free cash flow and help users of the financial statements assess the level of free cash generated to fund other non-operating activities. These activities could include dividend payments, share repurchases, and non-mandatory debt repayments. Free cash flow may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies as it does not have a standardized meaning under IFRS. Management has adopted this non-IFRS measure to improve comparability with its peers.

      Three months ended
    December 31,
    Twelve months ended
    December 31,
    ($ millions, except percentages)   2024   2023   2024   2023
    Cash provided by operating activities before changes in working capital and other1 $ 74 $ 46 $ 218 $ 193
    Net change in working capital and other   39   112   106   13
    Cash provided by operating activities2 $ 113 $ 158 $ 324 $ 206
    Less:                
    Capital expenditures – Maintenance and PP&E   (21)   (13)   (53)   (45)
    Capital expenditures – Growth   (11)   (4)   (22)   (61)
    Mandatory debt repayments     (10)   (10)   (20)
    Lease payments   (5)   (3)   (20)   (15)
    Add:                
    Proceeds on disposals of PP&E and EI assets     11   3   30
    Free cash flow $ 76 $ 139 $ 222 $ 95
    Dividends paid   2   2   9   9
    Dividend payout ratio   2.6%   1.4%   4.1%   9.5%


    1
    Enerflex also refers to cash provided by operating activities before changes in working capital and other as “Funds from operations” or “FFO”.
    2Enerflex also refers to cash provided by operating activities as “Cashflow from operations” or “CFO”.


    BANK-ADJUSTED NET DEBT-TO-EBITDA RATIO

    The Company defines net debt as short- and long-term debt less cash and cash equivalents at period end, which is then divided by EBITDA for the trailing 12 months. In assessing whether the Company is compliant with the financial covenants related to its debt instruments, certain adjustments are made to net debt and EBITDA to determine Enerflex’s bank-adjusted net debt-to-EBITDA ratio. These adjustments and Enerflex’s bank-adjusted net-debt-to EBITDA ratio are calculated in accordance with, and derived from, the Company’s financing agreements.

    GROSS MARGIN BEFORE DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION

    Gross margin before depreciation and amortization is a non-IFRS measure defined as gross margin excluding the impact of depreciation and amortization. The historical costs of assets may differ if they were acquired through acquisition or constructed, resulting in differing depreciation. Gross margin before depreciation and amortization is useful to present operating performance of the business before the impact of depreciation and amortization that may not be comparable across assets.

    ADVISORY REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

    This news release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws and “forward-looking statements” (and together with “forward-looking information”, “FLI”) within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact are FLI. The use of any of the words “anticipate”, “believe”, “could”, “estimate”, “expect”, “future”, “intend”, “may”, “plan”, “potential”, “predict”, “should”, “will” and similar expressions, (including negatives thereof) are intended to identify FLI.

    In particular, this news release includes (without limitation) forward-looking information and statements pertaining to:

    • expectations that the North American contract compression fleet will grow to over 475,000 horsepower by the end of 2025;
    • the Company’s expectations to further reduce debt, provide direct shareholder returns and create meaningful long-term value for Enerflex shareholders, and the timing associated therewith, if at all;
    • disclosures under the heading “Outlook” including:
      • steady demand will continue across our business lines and geographic regions for 2025;
      • the highly contracted EI product line and the recurring nature of AMS will, together, account for approximately 65% of Enerflex’s gross margin before depreciation and amortization;
      • customer contracts within Enerflex’s EI product line will generate approximately $1.5 billion of revenue during their current terms;  
      • a majority of the ES product line backlog of approximately $1.3 billion as at December 31, 2024, will convert into revenue over the next 12 months;
      • ES gross margin before depreciation and amortization is expected to be more consistent with the historical long-term average for this business line with near term revenue remaining steady;
      • the potential application of tariffs and the anticipated impact of such tariffs including the Company’s expectation that such impact to Enerflex will be mitigated by the Company’s diversified operations and proactive risk management;
      • that the Company is well positioned to benefit from growth in domestic energy production;
      • total capital expenditures in 2025 will be $110 million to $130 million which includes approximately $70 million for maintenance and PP&E capital expenditures; and
      • the fundamentals for contract compression in the USA remain strong, led by expected increases in natural gas production in the Permian and capital spending discipline from market participants;
    • the ability of Enerflex to continue to pay a sustainable quarterly cash dividend.

    FLI reflect management’s current beliefs and assumptions with respect to such things as the impact of general economic conditions; commodity prices; the markets in which Enerflex’s products and services are used; general industry conditions, forecasts, and trends; changes to, and introduction of new, governmental regulations, laws, and income taxes; increased competition; availability of qualified personnel; political unrest and geopolitical conditions; and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Enerflex. More specifically, Enerflex’s expectations in respect of its FLI are based on a number of assumptions, estimates and projections developed based on past experience and anticipated trends, including but not limited to:

    • any potential tariffs imposed will have a manageable impact on our operations and cost structure and increased domestic energy production will offset any negative effects of such tariffs;
    • market dynamics, including increased energy demand, infrastructure development, and production activity, will drive growth in natural gas and produced water volumes across Enerflex’s core operating countries;
    • market conditions, customer activity, and industry fundamentals will support stable demand across our business lines and geographic regions throughout 2025;
    • the high level of contractual commitments within the EI product line and the predictable, recurring revenue from AMS will continue;
    • existing customer contracts within the EI product line will remain in effect and with no material cancellations or renegotiations over their remaining terms;
    • the execution of projects within the ES product line will proceed as scheduled and the conversion to revenue will proceed without significant delays or cancellations;
    • no significant unforeseen cost overruns or project delays;
    • Enerflex will maintain sufficient cash flow, profitability, and financial flexibility to support the ongoing payment of a sustainable quarterly cash dividend, subject to market conditions, operational performance, and board approval.

    As a result of the foregoing, actual results, performance, or achievements of Enerflex could differ and such differences could be material from those expressed in, or implied by, the FLI. The principal risks, uncertainties and other factors affecting Enerflex and its business are identified under the heading “Risk Factors” in: (i) Enerflex’s Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2024, dated February 27, 2025; and (ii) Enerflex’s Annual Report dated February 28, 2024, copies of which are available under the electronic profile of the Company on SEDAR+ and EDGAR at www.sedarplus.ca and www.sec.gov/edgar, respectively.

    The FLI included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and are based on the information available to the Company at such time and, other than as required by law, Enerflex disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any FLI, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. This news release and its contents should not be construed, under any circumstances, as investment, tax, or legal advice.

    The outlook provided in this news release is based on assumptions about future events, including economic conditions and proposed courses of action, based on Management’s assessment of the relevant information currently available. The outlook is based on the same assumptions and risk factors set forth above and is based on the Company’s historical results of operations. The outlook set forth in this news release was approved by Management and the Board of Directors. Management believes that the prospective financial information set forth in this news release has been prepared on a reasonable basis, reflecting Management’s best estimates and judgments, and represents the Company’s expected course of action in developing and executing its business strategy relating to its business operations. The prospective financial information set forth in this news release should not be relied on as necessarily indicative of future results. Actual results may vary, and such variance may be material.

    ABOUT ENERFLEX

    Enerflex is a premier integrated global provider of energy infrastructure and energy transition solutions, deploying natural gas, low-carbon, and treated water solutions – from individual, modularized products and services to integrated custom solutions. With over 4,600 engineers, manufacturers, technicians, and innovators, Enerflex is bound together by a shared vision: Transforming Energy for a Sustainable Future. The Company remains committed to the future of natural gas and the critical role it plays, while focused on sustainability offerings to support the energy transition and growing decarbonization efforts.

    Enerflex’s common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “EFX” and on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “EFXT”. For more information about Enerflex, visit www.enerflex.com.

    For investor and media enquiries, contact:

    Marc Rossiter
    President and Chief Executive Officer
    E-mail: MRossiter@enerflex.com

    Preet S. Dhindsa
    Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
    E-mail: PDhindsa@enerflex.com

    Jeff Fetterly
    Vice President, Corporate Development and Investor Relations
    E-mail: JFetterly@enerflex.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Asimily and Blood Centers of America Partner to Protect the Nation’s Blood Banking Network from Cyberattacks

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SUNNYVALE, Calif., Feb. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Asimily, a leading innovator in IoT, OT, and IoMT risk management, today announced a partnership with Blood Centers of America (BCA), whose 60+ member and affiliate organizations are responsible for over 50% of the U.S. blood supply. This partnership makes Asimily’s comprehensive Lab, Medical Device, and IoT security and risk management platform directly available to all BCA members, enabling blood centers to protect their critical connected equipment and sensitive data.

    This partnership addresses protecting the various connected devices in the blood bank ecosystem, from collections through testing and ultimately distribution.

    “The security of our members’ operations directly impacts the safety and availability of America’s blood supply,” said Sam Keith, Senior Vice President, Blood Centers of America. “By partnering with Asimily, we’re ensuring our nationwide member organizations have the industry-leading solution to secure their Lab, Medical, and IoT devices and to protect their critical equipment and sensitive data. The Asimily platform’s capabilities, the trust that other healthcare-industry customers have in Asimily, and BCA’s support have made this an ideal solution for securing our operations and protecting the communities we serve. This partnership reflects our commitment to providing our members with proven solutions that strengthen their operations and resilience.”

    Asimily’s platform combines comprehensive device visibility, vulnerability management, continuous threat monitoring, and streamlined remediation workflows that are optimized for healthcare and life sciences environments like blood centers. The company has extensive experience securing organizations’ critical healthcare operations, with customers including MemorialCare and Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare. Asimily is also the top-ranked medical device security solution by Gartner Peer Review Insights.

    “Recent security breaches continue to underscore how attractive healthcare and life sciences targets are for cybercriminals—unfortunately, blood centers have been part of that story,” said Mike McDermott, Vice President, Asimily. “Particularly with FDA guidance becoming more specific and urgent for blood centers, Asimily’s technology ensures that all devices and equipment can be monitored for the most current and serious vulnerabilities and threats. With Asimily, blood centers can confidently scale IoT assets with the visibility and continuous monitoring required to protect data thoroughly and efficiently.”

    The Asimily platform enables BCA members to:

    • Monitor all connected devices, including critical blood testing and processing equipment
    • Reduce their threat surface by mitigating exploitable vulnerabilities
    • Detect and respond to threats before they impact blood center operations
    • Automate security operations with healthcare-optimized workflows
    • Meet stringent compliance requirements and follow FDA guidance
    • Safeguard sensitive patient data and intellectual property

    For more information about Asimily’s security solutions for blood centers, BCA members can contact Asimily’s IoT specialist team.

    About Asimily

    Asimily has built an industry-leading risk management platform that secures IoT devices for organizations in healthcare, manufacturing, higher education, government, life sciences, retail, and finance. With the most extensive knowledge base of IoT and security protocols, Asimily inventories and classifies every device across organizations, both connected and standalone. Because risk assessment—and threats—are not a static target, Asimily monitors organizations’ devices, detects anomalous behavior, and alerts operators to remediate any identified anomalies. With secure IoT devices and equipment, Asimily customers know their business-critical devices and data are safe. For more information on Asimily, visit https://www.asimily.com

    About BCA

    Blood Centers of America (BCA) is the largest blood supply network in the U.S., uniquely positioning us to sustain, advocate and mobilize for the nation’s blood supply. Our 60+ independent community blood centers collect and distribute 50% of the nation’s blood supply, delivering reliable service with a profound commitment to the communities we serve. For more information about BCA, visit https://www.bca.coop

    Asimily Contact

    Kyle Peterson

    kyle@clementpeterson.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: London leaders unveil Growth Plan to turbocharge productivity and add more than £100bn to London’s economy

    Source: Mayor of London

    • London Growth Plan aims to put an extra £11k a year in the pocket of every Londoner and provide £27bn extra tax revenue to fund vital public services in the capital and across the country  
    • The plan targets restoring London’s productivity growth back to 2% per year – making London’s economy £107bn larger by 2035 
    • Plan’s inclusive growth ambitions include a 20% rise in household income for the lowest earning 20% of Londoners 
    • £21m additional funding this year will revitalise local high streets  
    • The Mayor and London Councils issue joint call on UK Government for more investment and devolution to boost local and national growth 

     

    The Mayor of London and London Councils have come together today (Thursday 27 February 2025) with local leaders from business, education and the voluntary sector to launch a bold new plan to turbocharge economic growth and increase prosperity across the capital.

     

    Developed together with London & Partners – in collaboration with businesses, trade unions and London’s communities – the London Growth Plan sets out a blueprint to kickstart the capital’s productivity, which has flatlined since the 2008 global financial crisis.

     

    The plan aims to restore productivity growth to an average of two per cent a year in the next decade, which would make London’s economy £107bn* larger by 2035 and put an extra £11,000 on average in the pockets of the near-nine million Londoners. This would also mean the capital contributing an extra £27.5bn in taxes to the Treasury in 2035, providing vital revenues for investment in public services.

     

    London’s productivity grew by an average of 3.16 per cent each year between 1998 and 2007, but between 2008 and 2022, average productivity growth was just 0.12 per cent a year. Growing productivity is the key to higher wages, higher living standards and increased investment in public services in London and across the UK.

     

    The new plan focuses on inclusive economic growth to make sure that more Londoners can contribute to and benefit from the capital’s success. Helping more Londoners into work, bringing down housing costs and improving public transport are all vital to reducing poverty in London, improving living standards and driving growth. The plan aims to achieve a 20 per cent rise in the household weekly income (after housing costs) of the lowest earning 20 per cent of Londoners – which would mean more than a million London households would have an extra £50 to spend each week, on average, after paying for housing costs. 

     

    The London Growth Plan outlines huge opportunities for turbocharging the capital’s economy and harnessing the growth potential of sectors such as AI, life sciences, robotics, clean tech, quantum computing and the creative industries. Key drivers to deliver the plan’s growth ambitions for the capital include a renewed focus on nurturing world-class talent, helping Londoners get the skills they need for productive careers, backing business innovation with new investment and technology, taking a bolder approach to housing and infrastructure, and reinvigorating London’s local high streets. 

     

    A long-term strategic relationship between London and the UK Government will be a crucial part of delivering the plan. London is the engine of the UK economy and, with national support, this plan can harness its economic power and potential for the benefit of all Londoners and the whole country, helping to fund investment in public services across Britain.

     

    Priorities in the London Growth Plan include:  

     

    • Backing business: London government will help to power ‘industrial innovation corridors’ around the capital – supporting new space, facilities and infrastructure to ensure innovation can thrive. This will build on the potential of the WestTech Corridor (anchored in White City going through Old Oak and Park Royal), the UK Innovation Corridor (anchored in the Knowledge Quarter going towards Cambridge) and the Thames Estuary (anchored in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park going out to Essex and Kent).  A new proposed London Tech and Inclusive Growth Fund could provide up to £100m loan and equity funding for high-growth small and midsize enterprises.  
    • Talent and skills: An Inclusive Talent Strategy will build the capital’s skilled workforce to unleash the potential of Londoners and – in turn – London’s economy. This will help create at least 150,000 high quality jobs, with a focus on fair pay and good work, to deliver Mayoral manifesto commitments. As well as supporting more people into work and ensuring all Londoners can get the skills or training needed to progress their careers, the strategy will help attract world-class talent to study and work in the capital. New rent-controlled Key Worker Homes will also help London to attract and retain its essential workforce. 
    • Housing and infrastructure: Local leaders will work with UK Government to extend and upgrade London’s public transport network, prioritising transformational projects to unlock new affordable homes and growth – including the Docklands Light Railway extension to Thamesmead, the Bakerloo line extension and the West London Orbital. The plan also calls for more devolution of London’s suburban rail services. This will be reinforced by the next London Plan, which will prioritise growth, increase housing delivery and ensure better digital connectivity.  
    • Inward investment and promotion: London will take the lead in implementing national reforms to the Local Government Pension Scheme, exploring the development of a major joint fund to invest in places that encourage innovation, including venture capital. The plan will also support London’s goal to be a net-zero city by 2030, attracting significant institutional capital for green infrastructure. There will be support to set up a new quantum tech incubator, London Life Sciences Week will be backed to become a key global event for the sector, and London leaders will explore a new business visitor centre to promote the capital’s world-leading offer by bringing companies together with agencies and developers.  
    • High streets and local economies: £21m additional funding this year will support boroughs with town centre regeneration, including potentially creating a publicly owned High Street Estate Agency to bring empty properties back into use. The plan also reiterates the Mayor’s commitment to revitalising neighbourhood policing so that the capital’s high streets always feel welcoming and safe.  

     

    Delivering the London Growth Plan will be a genuine partnership between the Mayor, local government leaders and central government, working in coalition with universities, incubators, accelerators, venture capitalists, innovation districts, corporate innovators, capital markets and international investors.  

     

    London’s leaders want central government to help unleash the capital’s economic potential by giving the Mayor and boroughs more freedoms to fund their own growth priorities, and the flexibility to spend money in the best way to drive good growth. This is on top of continuing to lobby the Government to secure agreements with our biggest international trading partners that ensure London’s key sectors can continue to grow and thrive.  

     

    Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “This growth plan provides a golden opportunity to turbocharge growth and unlock London’s full potential – for the benefit of all Londoners and the whole country.  

     

    “It’s a blueprint for how we can help to create 150,000 good jobs, build more affordable homes, deliver major new transport upgrades and skill up Londoners for the well-paid jobs of tomorrow. From AI, life sciences and climate tech to our financial and creative industries, London is home to many of the best businesses in the world, which we want to back to grow and thrive over the next decade. 

     

    “Ultimately, growth means little if people cannot feel the benefits or see the positive change it brings to their area. So our goal is to deliver economic growth in every corner of our city that helps to raise living standards, puts more money in people’s pockets and enables us to invest in our public services, as we continue to build a fairer and more prosperous London for all.” 

     

    Cllr Claire Holland, leader of London Councils, added: “The London Growth Plan is a blueprint to drive inclusive economic growth in the capital and across the UK, boosting productivity and ensuring more Londoners can feel the benefits of growth.

     

    “It sets out our ambitions to unleash growth in the industries of the future, deliver new housing and infrastructure to support the London economy, and develop a new Inclusive Talent Strategy, helping more people to get into work and get the skills they need to progress.

     

    “Boroughs are resolutely pro-growth and are committed to working with business, the Mayor of London and national government to turbocharge growth in every corner of our city.” 

     

    Laura Citron, chief executive of London & Partners, concluded: “This is a huge moment for our city: a shared vision, a clear plan, and now the momentum to make it happen. As the capital’s growth agency, we’ll be working closely with investors, entrepreneurs, partners, and places across the city to drive growth for London and Londoners – attracting investment, scaling our businesses, bringing in visitors and world-class events, while telling London’s story brilliantly. Our city is built on reinvention, and this is our next big chapter.”

    London’s universities and research institutes will be key partners in nurturing the talent and innovation required to deliver the Plan’s growth targets. The Plan highlights University College London’s Person-Environment-Activity Research Laboratory and Imperial’s recent purchase of the Victoria Industrial Estate in the proposed WestTech innovation corridor as examples of the specialist spaces needed to support inclusive growth. 

    Prof Hugh Brady, President of Imperial College London, said: “Universities like Imperial play a critical role in attracting and nurturing world-class talent, fuelling inclusive growth, and strengthening London’s position as a global leader in innovation. That’s why the best innovation ecosystems have world-renowned research universities at their heart.

    “The WestTech Corridor, anchored by Imperial College London, will be central to delivering the Mayor’s ambitious London Growth Plan, driving a vibrant innovation ecosystem in West London and acting as a powerful engine for investment, economic growth and job creation across the UK and the wider world.”

    Dr Michael Spence, President and Provost at UCL, said: “Innovation, driven by universities working with local government and businesses, has huge potential to spur growth and create jobs in London. The London Growth Plan reflects the importance of universities like UCL in helping to attract, nurture and realise inclusive growth in our capital city.

    “UCL’s campuses are at the heart of London’s innovation corridors, driving the talent pipeline alongside our cutting-edge facilities delivering world class research. Within ten minutes of our Bloomsbury campus, one of the world’s largest and most collaborative innovation districts is taking shape in the Knowledge Quarter, with huge potential to bring together life science, technology, healthcare and academia in one place. On Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, UCL East is at the heart of the UK’s newest culture and learning quarter at East Bank, a driving force behind cultural and creative industries innovation and regeneration in London.”

    The newly published London Growth Plan has also been welcomed by leading voices from across the capital’s business community.  

    Karim Fatehi OBE, Chief Executive of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “LCCI welcomes the Mayor’s London Growth Plan to maximise London’s economic potential and maintain its position as the best city in the world to do business. Businesses of all sizes are the lifeblood of the London economy, and measures such as the London Tech and Inclusive Growth fund will help them grow and attract investment.

    “We especially welcome the Growth Plan’s focus on skills – giving Londoners access to industry-relevant training, employment and careers support. This inclusive strategy will ensure London’s economic success means prosperity for all Londoners.”

    Laura Timm, London Policy Representative at the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “FSB is delighted to see a strong, ambitious and upbeat Growth Plan that hones in on three key FSB drivers for small business growth—namely, access to targeted finance, cultivating a high-functioning skills system, and presenting opportunities for small firms to win public procurement contracts.

    “Over 99 per cent of all firms in the capital are small in size but significant in growth potential. We look forward to working with the Mayor of London, the Deputy Mayor for Business and other stakeholders in implementing the Growth Plan – which we hope will create the environment that helps a local small firm take on their first apprentice, seal an exporting opportunity, and tackle the scourge of business crimes up and down our high streets.”

    John Dickie, Chief Executive of Business LDN, said: “The bold ambitions set out in the London Growth Plan rightly focus on unlocking the city’s full potential so that businesses can succeed and Londoners thrive. Delivering on this agenda will require the city to double down on existing efforts to tackle barriers to inclusive growth such as housing and skills where we have the agency to act.

    “The Government needs to ensure London has the tools it needs to turbocharge growth and help the UK get out of the economic slow lane. This means stepping up by providing long-term, flexible funding to unlock vital infrastructure and affordable housing so that the city remains an attractive place to live, work, visit and do business.”

    Read more at www.growthplan.london.  

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: KANZHUN LIMITED to Report Fourth Quarter and FY2024 Results on March 11, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BEIJING, Feb. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — KANZHUN LIMITED (“BOSS Zhipin” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: BZ; HKEX: 2076), a leading online recruitment platform in China, today announced that it will report its unaudited consolidated results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024, before the U.S. market opens on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.

    The Company will host a conference call on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at 8:00PM Beijing Time (8:00AM U.S. Eastern Time) to discuss the results.

    Participants are required to pre-register for the conference call at:
    https://register.vevent.com/register/BIf38866f4e46849c3b6fe1743c4231f65 

    Upon registration, participants will receive an email containing participant dial-in numbers and unique personal PIN. This information will allow you to gain immediate access to the call. Participants may pre-register at any time, including up to and after the call start time.

    A live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company’s investor relations website at https://ir.zhipin.com.

    About KANZHUN LIMITED

    KANZHUN LIMITED operates the leading online recruitment platform BOSS Zhipin in China. The Company connects job seekers and enterprise users in an efficient and seamless manner through its highly interactive mobile app, a transformative product that promotes two-way communication, focuses on intelligent recommendations, and creates new scenarios in the online recruiting process. Benefiting from its large and diverse user base, BOSS Zhipin has developed powerful network effects to deliver higher recruitment efficiency and drive rapid expansion.

    For more information, please visit https://ir.zhipin.com.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact: 

    KANZHUN LIMITED
    Investor Relations
    Email: ir@kanzhun.com

    In China:

    PIACENTE FINANCIAL COMMUNICATIONS
    Helen Wu
    Tel: +86-10-6508-0677
    Email: kanzhun@tpg-ir.com

    In the United States:

    PIACENTE FINANCIAL COMMUNICATIONS
    Brandi Piacente
    Phone: +1-212-481-2050
    Email: kanzhun@tpg-ir.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: BW Offshore: Fourth quarter and full year results 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Fourth quarter and full year results 2024

    HIGHLIGHTS

    • Q4 EBITDA USD 72 million and 2024 EBITDA USD 318 million in line with guidance
    • Strong commercial performance with Q4 operating cashflow of USD 79 million and 2024 operating cashflow of USD 363 million
    • Robust balance sheet with an equity ratio 30.8% and USD 540 million in available liquidity
    • Q4 cash dividend raised to USD 0.14 per share
    • Increased cash flow in sight with Barossa FPSO on track for April sail-away
    • Full-year 2025 EBITDA guidance in the range of USD 220-250 million

    BW Offshore continues to progress the Barossa project according to schedule and well within the updated budget. As of end January 2025, construction and integration was 99% complete and commissioning at 85% completion. The vessel is currently being prepared for sail-away in late April. The FPSO is on track for first gas in mid-2025.

    For 2025, BW Offshore expects to report EBITDA in the range of USD 220 to 250 million. The EBITDA outlook reflects the firm backlog for BW Adolo and BW Catcher and the expected start of IFRS revenue recognition from BW Opal at full practical completion during the fourth quarter. Dayrate received for the BW Opal during the start-up and early production phase from mid-2025 will be amortised over the 15-year contract period. Contract negotiations for BW Pioneer are progressing well, however no guidance on EBITDA has been included beyond firm contract.

    The Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of USD 0.14 per share. The shares will trade ex-dividend from 3 March 2025. Shareholders recorded in VPS following the close of trading on Oslo Børs on 4 March 2025, will be entitled to the distribution payable on or around 11 March 2025. The total dividend for 2024 amounts to USD 59.2 million, equal to 50% of net Income for the year.

    “We continue to maintain a strong balance sheet supported by consistent high commercial uptime and robust cash generation from the fleet with 2024 EBITDA above initial guidance. Our commitment to returning value to shareholders stands firm as reflected in the increased fourth-quarter dividend, and a total distribution for 2024 reflecting 50% of net profit for a second consecutive year,” said Marco Beenen, CEO of BW Offshore. “As BW Opal progresses to schedule and soon departs the yard in Singapore for the Barossa field, we are moving ahead with potential new FPSO projects that meet our selection criteria in a market with high tendering and FEED activity.”

    FINANCIALS
    EBITDA for the fourth quarter of 2024 was USD 71.9 million (USD 83.2 million in Q3). The EBITDA reflects solid operational performance across the FPSO fleet. Third quarter EBITDA was higher due to the final contribution from engineering and design work on the Sakarya project.

    EBIT for the fourth quarter was USD 30.8 million (USD 37.6 million).

    Net financial items were positive at USD 19.4 million (negative USD 16.4 million), of which net interest expense amounted to USD 3.0 million (USD 4.3 million). Fourth quarter was impacted by the recognition of a valuation gain on the finance liability related to the Barossa project, due to changes in timing of future expected cash flows and a positive mark-to-market adjustment on interest rate hedges resulting from an increase in swap rates.

    The share of loss from equity-accounted investments was USD 9.5 million, including a valuation adjustment on the Barossa finance receivable related to changes in timing of future expected cash flows (loss of USD 5.7 million).

    Net profit for the fourth quarter increased significantly to USD 40.8 million (USD 13.0 million).

    Total equity as of 31 December 2024 was USD 1 246.6 million (USD 1 208.6 million). The equity ratio was 30.8% at the end of the quarter (29.6%).

    As a result of strong cash generation from the fleet and the sale of BW Energy shares in 2024, the Company was net cash positive by USD 74.4 million as of 31 December 2024 (USD 38.4 million net cash positive at the end of September).

    Available liquidity was USD 540 million, excluding consolidated cash from BW Ideol and including USD 233.8 million available under the corporate loan facility.

    FPSO OPERATIONS
    The FPSO fleet continued to deliver stable uptime in the quarter with a weighted average fleet uptime of 99.2% (98.9% in the third quarter).

    BW Adolo delivered strong commercial performance as fourth quarter production increased to 37,150 barrels per day (bbls/day), resulting in strong cash flow stemming from the tariff under the contract that generate USD 1.5/bbl for the first 20,000 bbls/day of production and USD 3/bbl for production beyond 20,000 bbls/day.

    Performance from BW Catcher and BW Pioneer was stable and consistent with high commercial uptime.

    FPSO PROJECTS
    In January, BW Offshore was selected to perform the pre-FEED study for the Bay du Nord FPSO project by Equinor. The project reflects BW Offshore’s expertise in floating production solutions for harsh environment conditions, and commitment to delivering sustainable and innovative solutions. The pre-FEED study will play an important role in supporting Equinor’s strategic goals for the Bay du Nord development.

    LOW CARBON ENERGY SOLUTIONS
    BW Offshore is committed to contribute to the energy transition by developing low-carbon offshore energy production solutions, by leveraging FPSO expertise to deliver low-carbon energy and expand into new sectors, focusing on low-emission oil and gas, CO2 transport, gas-to-power and floating ammonia to meet evolving energy demands. The Company maintains a disciplined approach with selective and diligent allocation of capital and a commitment to creating shareholder value.

    BW Offshore also owns 64% of BW Ideol. BW Ideol is a leader in offshore floating wind technology and co-development, with over 14 years of experience in the development of floating wind projects.

    In December, BW Ideol’s project partners, EDF Renewables and Maple Power, were awarded the Mediterranean Tender (AO6) floating offshore wind project in France. The 250-megawatt (MW) development will leverage BW Ideol’s proprietary Damping Pool® technology, a proven solution that optimises the stability and performance of floating wind turbines in challenging marine environments. A total of 12 floating foundations and turbines are planned to be installed at the site.

    OUTLOOK
    Growing energy demand continues to drive interest in developing new infrastructure-type FPSO projects with long production profiles, low break-even costs and focus on lower emissions. Increased project complexity, combined with higher construction costs, necessitates financial structures with significant day rate prepayments during the construction period for new lease and operate projects.

    Alternatively, oil and gas majors may finance and own FPSOs, relying on FPSO specialists for the design, construction and installation scope, combined with operation and maintenance services. BW Offshore is well positioned to offer both solutions.

    In recent years, the number of sanctioned FPSO projects have lagged market expectations. Consequently, there is a growing number of projects at various stages of maturity, reflecting a pent-up demand for FPSOs. Increased FEED and tendering activity is a function of this, and BW Offshore expects that a number of the FPSO projects the Company is engaging with will reach a final investment decision over the next 12 to 36 months. The market dynamics, combined with the high competence levels required for project execution, should enable better risk-reward and improved margins for FPSO companies going forward.

    BW Offshore continues to selectively evaluate new projects that meet required return targets, offer contracts with no residual value risk after firm period, and provide a financeable structure with strong national or investment-grade counterparties.

    BW Offshore expects that the fleet will continue to generate significant cash flows in the time ahead, supported by the USD 5.3 billion firm contract backlog at the end of December 2024.

    Please see attached the Q4 Presentation. The earnings tables are available at:

    https://www.bwoffshore.com/ir/

    BW Offshore will host a webcast of the financial results 09:00 (CET) today. The presentation will be given by CEO Marco Beenen and CFO Ståle Andreassen.

    Webcast information:
    You can follow the presentation via webcast with supporting slides and a Q&A module, available on:

    BW Offshore Limited – Q4 Presentation Webcast

    Please note, that if you follow the webcast via the above URL, you will experience a 30 second delay compared to the main conference call. The web page works best in an updated browser – Chrome is recommended.

    For further information, please contact:
    Ståle Andreassen, CFO, +47 91 71 86 55
    IR@bwoffshore.com or www.bwoffshore.com

    About BW Offshore:
    BW Offshore engineers innovative floating production solutions. The Company has a fleet of 3 FPSOs with potential and ambition to grow. By leveraging four decades of offshore operations and project execution, the Company creates tailored offshore energy solutions for evolving markets world-wide. BW Offshore has around 1,100 employees and is publicly listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange.

    This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

    Attachments

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tajik National Arrested in Brooklyn for Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISIS

    Source: US State of California

    Mansuri Manuchekhri, 33, of Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, New York, was arrested today for allegedly conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) and to the Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISIS-K), possessing firearms while unlawfully in the United States, and immigration fraud. Manuchekhri was arrested today and made his initial appearance this afternoon in the Eastern District of New York.

    “Under no circumstances will my Department of Justice tolerate terrorism,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi. “We stand ready to find, arrest, and prosecute those who seek to harm American citizens with the full force of the law. I stand with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners who work to keep Americans safe and evil off our streets.” 

    “The defendant allegedly supported ISIS and sent thousands of dollars overseas to individuals connected to ISIS,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “The FBI is focused on preventing acts of terrorism and ISIS has a long and violent record of harming U.S. citizens. We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to find and hold accountable those who assist terrorists and endanger the safety of Americans at home or abroad.”

    “The Justice Department will relentlessly pursue those who fund and support terrorists,” said Sue Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “We will not allow our immigration or financial systems to be exploited. Our country will not be a safe haven for those who try to harm Americans.”

    “As alleged, the defendant facilitated thousands of dollars in contributions to ISIS extremists overseas,” said U.S. Attorney John J. Durham for the Eastern District of New York. “Protecting the homeland and prosecuting evildoers who assist terrorist organizations by funding their violent and hateful agenda, here and abroad, will always be a priority of this office.”   

    As alleged in the complaint, Manuchekhri traveled to the United States from Tajikistan in June 2016 on a non-immigrant tourist visa and remained in the country after his visa expired in December 2016. In March 2017, Manuchekhri paid an American citizen to enter into a sham marriage with him so that he could obtain legal status in the United States. However, he failed to provide supporting documentation that was requested of him and his petition was never granted. 

    As alleged in the complaint, Manuchekhri traveled to the United States from Tajikistan in June 2016 on a non-immigrant tourist visa and remained in the country after his visa expired in December 2016. In March 2017, Manuchekhri paid an American citizen to enter into a sham marriage with him so that he could obtain legal status in the United States. However, he failed to provide supporting documentation that was requested of him and his petition was never granted.

    From approximately December 2021 through April 2023, while residing in Brooklyn, Manuchekhri facilitated more than $50,000 in payments to ISIS-affiliated individuals in Turkey and Syria, including to an individual who was later arrested by Turkish authorities for his alleged involvement in a January 2024 terrorist attack on a church in Istanbul for which ISIS-K publicly claimed responsibility. Manuchekhri expressed his support for ISIS to others by praising past ISIS attacks in the United States and by collecting jihadi propaganda videos promoting violence and martyrdom.

    The complaint further alleges that Manuchekhri possessed and used firearms and made frequent visits to shooting ranges even though he was prohibited from doing so as an alien unlawfully in the United States. In February 2022, Manuchekhri recorded himself firing an assault rifle at a shooting range in New Jersey and sent the video to one of the ISIS-affiliated individuals in Turkey with the message, “Praise God, I am ready, brother.”

    If convicted, Manuchekhri faces a maximum penalty of 45 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert M. Pollack and Andrew D. Reich for the Eastern District of New York are prosecuting the case with assistance from Trial Attorneys John Cella, Andrea Broach, George Kraehe, and Ryan White of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and Paralegal Specialist Wayne Colón.

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

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Men Sentenced to Life in Federal Prison for Double Murder and Attempted Murder of a Federal Officer on the Colville Reservation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Spokane, Washington – Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker announced that on February 26, 2025, Zachary L. Holt, age 24, and Dezmonique D. Tenzsley (a/k/a “Privilege”), age 36, were sentenced on seventeen counts including Felony Murder in Indian Country, Attempted Murder of a Federal Officer, Assault of a Federal Officer, Attempted Robbery in Indian Country, Robbery Affecting Commerce, as well as several firearm offenses. Holt also was sentenced for First-Degree Murder in Indian Country and Murder Resulting from Discharging a Firearm During a Crime of Violence. Holt and Tenzsley were convicted of these crimes on November 25, 2024, following a jury trial. United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced both men to life in prison, which was the mandatory sentence for Holt and Tenzsley’s crimes.

    “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and numerous federal agencies came together to secure some measure of justice on behalf of the victims in this case,” stated Acting United States Attorney Barker, who served as a lead counsel on the case from the start. “This was a complicated investigation and trial, involving nearly sixty witnesses.  The U.S. Attorneys Office would not have been able to present this case without the sacrifices of our incredible law enforcement team.” 

    According to court documents and information disclosed at trial and sentencing, Holt and Tenzsley went on a six-week crime spree that began in September 2022 in Northern Idaho and continued until the Defendants’ arrests in Eastern Washington on October 21, 2022. Over these six weeks, Defendants Holt and Tenzsley committed home invasions as well as a robbery in Northern Idaho, and then took their firearms and much of the stolen property into Eastern Washington, where they shot and killed Gale and Jeremy Neal at roughly 4:21 p.m. on October 20, 2022, in Keller, Washington. Gale and Jeremy Neal were shot twice inside their trailer during a failed robbery. Eyewitnesses described three armed men wearing masks, who arrived at the trailer in a red sedan. Surveillance video presented at trial showed the red sedan arrive at about 4:19 p.m. and depart two minutes and ten seconds later, at 4:21 p.m., just moments after the murder.

    Approximately 30 minutes before the murders, Holt and Tenzsley were driving on a dirt road in the Keller area. Holt, who was speeding, swerved to miss a school bus, causing Holt’s vehicle to roll over into a ditch. Minutes later, Holt’s brother, Curry Pinkham, pulled up in the red sedan to give both Holt and Tenzsley a ride.  Just before getting into the car, Holt and Tenzsley moved several firearms – including the murder weapon – and thousands of rounds of ammunition out of the crashed car and into the red sedan – a 2007 Toyota Camry.

    Testimony at trial established that Holt was upset about wrecking his car and demanded that Pinkham take them to a location where they could get more drugs and find someone to rob. Pinkham agreed to drive Holt to the home of a known drug dealer in the Keller area.

    When Holt, Tenzsley, and Pinkham arrived at the residence of the known drug dealer, Holt and Tenzsley put on rubber gloves and masks. Holt, Tenzsley and Pinkham then grabbed firearms out of the red sedan. Rather than go to the main residence, where the purported drug dealer lived, Holt and Tenzsley walked to the back of the property, where Gale Neal’s trailer was located. As Holt and Tenzsley approached, Jeremy Neal came to the door of the trailer. Holt immediately began demanding Neal’s money and property.  Moments later, Holt fired two shots, killing Jeremy Neal. Holt then turned to Gale Neal, who leaned back into the couch in fear, and fired two more shots, killing Gale. Throughout, Tenzsley was standing guard, armed with a shotgun and his face covered by a mask.

    After the robbery and murder, and while law enforcement was responding to the scene, Tenzsley, Holt, and Pinkham drove towards Nespelem, Washington. As Pinkham was driving the getaway car, Holt fired several additional shots – this time at law enforcement, who was attempting stop the red Camry. During the chase, a Colville Tribal Police Sergeant, who was cross-deputized as a federal officer, was hit in the forearm.  Several additional bullets hit the Sergeant’s patrol vehicle. After shooting the first officer, Holt opened fire at a second Colville Tribal Police Officer, who also had attempted to stop the red sedan. Evidence at trial established that Tenzsley reloaded firearm magazines as Holt continued to fire at law enforcement to evade apprehension after murdering the Neals.

    When Holt, Tenzsley, and Pinkham later arrived in the Nespelem area, the three men tried to hide the getaway car under a tarp and fled on foot. They also hid their firearms and ammunition throughout the Nespelem area. When Holt and Tenzsley were finally apprehended the next day, Tenzsley gave a false name.  Holt got into fist fight with a concerned citizen, who had called the police just prior to Holt’s arrest.

    During the investigation into the murders of Jeremy and Gale Neal, Tribal and federal law enforcement identified a series of other crimes that Holt and Tenzsley committed as part of their six-week crime spree and conspiracy. On September 3, 2022, Holt and Tenzsley robbed and severely assaulted a man at gunpoint inside his trailer in Latah County, Idaho. The pair stole ammunition, gun parts, the victim’s car keys, and a safe containing the title to the victim’s camper trailer. As Holt and Tenzsley were fleeing the robbery scene, they exchanged fire with the robbery victim.

    Additional evidence established that on October 12, 2022, Holt and Tenzsley, who again were both armed, invaded two homes and assaulted multiple victims on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation in Lapwai, Idaho. The evidence at trial showed that Holt and Tenzsley were again looking for someone to rob when they committed these assaults.  During the second home invasion that evening, Holt and Tenzsley shot a dog in the face on the Nez Perce Reservation. Fortunately, the dog survived the gunshot.

    In the days immediately after the Lapwai, Idaho assaults, Holt and Tenzsley traveled to Keller, Washington – leading to the tragic deaths of Gale and Jeremy Neal, as well as the attempted murder of one federal officer and the assault of another.  The firearm used in the shooting on the Nez Perce Reservation was the same gun Holt and Tenzsley used during the Neal murders, as well as the attempted murder and assault of the two federal officers.

    “On October 20, 2022, these defendants tragically destroyed too many lives to count.  They killed two innocent members of the Colville Tribe, permanently injured a dedicated Tribal officer, and opened fire at another officer,” Acting United States Attorney Barker added.  “On the day of these senseless crimes, the entire Nespelem community was in lock down, while Tribal and federal police sought to apprehend Mr. Holt and Mr. Tenzsley. The community then rallied in typical Colville fashion to support the investigation and prosecution of those responsible. Similarly, the Nez Perce Reservation’s Tribal Police Department was instrumental in bringing the Defendants to justice for the criminal conspiracy that began in Northern Idaho.”   

    Acting U.S. Attorney Barker continued, “The subsequent investigation involved numerous witness interviews across three Tribal communities in two states, dozens of search warrants, extensive forensic testing by the Washington State Patrol, voluminous legal filings, and numerous meetings with victims and their families. In the end, our entire district came together to seek justice for the Neal family and the officers, who were shot and nearly killed. Without our state, local, and Tribal partnerships, as well as every member of my office, the outcome of this case and investigation could have gone much differently. I am particularly grateful for the incredible team of victim advocates, litigation technology specialists, legal support staff, and Assistant United States Attorneys, who worked tirelessly on this case.  Our team shows up every day to help keep our communities, neighborhoods, and reservations safe, and this case is just one example of the amazing things our office is able to accomplish.”   

    The Chairman of the Colville Tribes, Jarred Michael Erickson, said, “These events were incredibly disruptive to the Colville community. People died and their neighbors had to grapple with shock, grief, and fear as these despicable crimes unfolded. It is extremely gratifying to see justice done today as these murderers will spend the rest of their lives in prison. Criminals everywhere must understand that if they commit their crimes on the Colville Reservation, they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

    Chairman Erickson continued, “Our Colville Tribal Police reacted to this crisis with incredible bravery and professionalism. The murderers shot at two Colville officers as the officers attempted to apprehend them, and seriously injured one officer when they shot him in the forearm. As the Colville police continued to work with other law enforcement agencies throughout the investigation and eventual arrest of these felons, Det. McNulty and Chief Brown distinguished themselves with their efforts to bring these killers to justice. The Colville Tribes is grateful for the efforts of every individual and non-tribal agency that assisted in this case, but we especially want to thank Acting U.S. Attorney Richard Barker, who worked as lead counsel on this case through trial. Richard and his office have been friends and partners to the Colville Tribes for many years now. It is an understatement to say we greatly appreciate the effort and skill the U.S. Attorney’s office devoted to prosecuting this case, and for the work they do every day to keep our community safe.”

    “The ruthless violence Mr. Holt and Mr. Tenzsley displayed will not be tolerated and demonstrates that prison is where they belong. Communities across Idaho and Eastern Washington will be safer with them there.” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “It is fortunate more people were not injured or worse by these two dangerous criminals. I am grateful to the courageous officers who were able to apprehend them and to the investigators who put an end to their crime spree and held them accountable for their violent actions.”

    “This case is a prime example of how interagency cooperation between state, city, county, tribal, and federal partners can lead to communities being kept safe and take criminals off the street,” stated Latah County Sheriff Richard Skiles. “I would personally like to thank our Detective Corporal Ryan Weaver for his exemplary work on this case. I would also like to thank the United States Department of Justice for their relentless prosecution of this case and keeping all local law enforcement agencies involved in this case. Justice has been served.”

    This case was investigated by the Colville Tribal Police Department, the FBI, the FBI’s Salish Safe Trails Task Force, Latah County Sherif’s Office, Nez Perce Tribal Police Department, Idaho State Patrol, Spokane Tribal Police Department, Kalispel Tribal Police Department, Grant County Sheriff’s Office, Okanogan Sheriff’s Office, Ephrata Police Department, Soap Lake Police Department, U.S. Border Patrol, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the United States Marshals Service, and the Washington State Patrol. The case was prosecuted by Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker, Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Ellis, and Contractor Echo D. Fatsis.

    2:22-cr-00157-TOR

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: KC Man Sentenced for Illegal Ammunition, Assaulting Officer

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man who rammed into a federal agent’s vehicle while attempting to escape arrest was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing ammunition and assaulting a federal law enforcement officer.

    Charles D. Jackson, also known as “Grove Street” and “C Jackem,” 31, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to five years and 10 months in federal prison without parole.

    On June 13, 2024, Jackson pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition and one count of assaulting a federal law enforcement officer.

    On Aug. 24, 2023, agents and task officers with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives executed a search warrant at Jackson’s residence, one of multiple residential search warrants being executed for evidence related to federal violations committed by various individuals associated with an alliance of three street gangs: the Click Clack Gang, the Park Side Greasies and the South Benton Gang.

    As several officers approached Jackson’s residence on foot, an ATF agent pulled her Jeep into the driveway to pin in a black Kia sedan that was backed into the driveway and still running. All of the agents and officers were wearing clearly marked body armor identifying them as “ATF Police.”

    The officers announced themselves and the ATF agent activated the red and blue flashing lights on her Jeep, which was hood-to-hood with the Kia. Jackson, who was fully reclined in the driver’s seat, popped up and put the car in drive. He rammed into the front of the ATF vehicle, then backed up and drove forward several times in an apparent attempt to escape, nearly striking another ATF agent on foot. However, the ATF agent pushed the Kia into the garage with her Jeep, immobilizing it. Jackson must pay restitution for the damage he caused to the government vehicle.

    On the floorboard of the front’s driver’s seat where Jackson had been sitting, agents located a loaded AR-style 5.56-caliber pistol with no serial number and with an extended magazine, which contained 39 rounds of ammunition.

    Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Jackson has a prior felony conviction for first degree robbery.

    This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John C. Constance. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

    Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force

    This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. 

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Tajik National Arrested in Brooklyn for Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISIS

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    A criminal complaint was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging Mansuri Manuchekhri with conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) and to the Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISIS-K), possessing firearms while unlawfully in the United States and immigration fraud.  Manuchekhri was arrested today and made his initial appearance this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Robert M. Levy who ordered the defendant detained.

    John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Sue Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, James E. Dennehy, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI) and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the arrest and charges.

    “As alleged, the defendant, who was in the United States illegally, not only facilitated tens of thousands of dollars in contributions to ISIS extremists overseas, but trained with assault rifles at shooting ranges in the United States and declared his readiness to ISIS,” stated United States Attorney Durham.  “Protecting the homeland and prosecuting evildoers who assist terrorist organizations by funding their violent and hateful agenda, here and abroad, will always be a priority of this Office.”   

    Mr. Durham praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, which consists of investigators and analysts from the FBI, the NYPD and over 50 other federal, state and local agencies.

    “The Justice Department will relentlessly pursue those who fund and support terrorists,” stated Sue Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.  “We will not allow our immigration or financial systems to be exploited. Our country will not be a safe haven for those who try to harm Americans.”

    “Today’s arrest demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to protecting the American people from the threat of terrorism,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Dennehy.  “As alleged in the complaint, the defendant not only violated our immigration laws, but while unlawfully in the United States also provided substantial financial support to violent extremists affiliated with a designated foreign terrorist organization. In his promotion of violence and praise for terrorist attacks on U.S. soil, the defendant made clear his desire to support violent extremism, and I am grateful to all our folks on the Joint Terrorism Task Force for their vigilance and dedication to disrupting this threat and putting him behind bars.”

    “The NYPD will stop at nothing to protect New Yorkers from those who support and pledge loyalty to violent ISIS extremists,” stated NYPD Commissioner Tisch.  “I commend the NYPD investigators and all of our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners for identifying and arresting this gun-toting fraudster, and for thwarting the dangerous domestic threat he posed to our communities.”

    As alleged in the complaint, Manuchekhri traveled to the United States from Tajikistan in June 2016 on a non-immigrant tourist visa and remained in the country after his visa expired in December 2016.  In March 2017, Manuchekhri paid an American citizen to enter into a sham marriage with him so that he could obtain legal status in the United States.  However, he failed to provide certain supporting documentation that was requested by the government and his petition was never granted. 

    From approximately December 2021 through April 2023, while residing in Brooklyn, Manuchekhri facilitated approximately $70,000 in payments to ISIS-affiliated individuals in Turkey and Syria, including to an individual who was later arrested by Turkish authorities for his alleged involvement in a January 2024 terrorist attack on a church in Istanbul for which ISIS-K publicly claimed responsibility.  Manuchekhri expressed his support for ISIS to others by praising past ISIS attacks in the United States and by collecting jihadi propaganda videos promoting violence and martyrdom.

    The complaint further alleges that Manuchekhri possessed and used firearms and made frequent visits to shooting ranges even though he was prohibited from doing so as an alien unlawfully in the United States.  In February 2022, Manuchekhri recorded himself firing an assault rifle at a shooting range in New Jersey and sent the video to one of the ISIS-affiliated individuals in Turkey with the message, “Thank God, I am ready, brother.”        

    The charges in the complaint are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  If convicted, Manuchekhri faces a maximum sentence of 45 years’ imprisonment.

    The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section.  Assistant United States Attorneys Robert M. Pollack and Andrew D. Reich are in charge of the prosecution with assistance from Trial Attorneys John Cella and Andrea Broach of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and Paralegal Specialist Wayne Colón.

    The Defendant:

    MANSURI MANUCHEKHRI
    Age: 33
    Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-MJ-64

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: Ormat Technologies Reports Fourth Quarter and Year-End 2024 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    STRATEGIC PORTFOLIO EXPANSION SUPPORTS CONTINUED REVENUE AND ADJUSTED EBITDA GROWTH

    STRONG FULL-YEAR RESULTS REINFORCES ORMAT’S MOMENTUM, REMAINING ON PACE TO ACHIEVE GENERATING CAPACITY GOALS OF 2.6 TO 2.8 GW BY 2028

    HIGHLIGHTS

    • TOTAL REVENUES FOR THE FULL-YEAR INCREASED 6.1% COMPARED TO 2023, DRIVEN BY GROWTH IN ALL THREE SEGMENTS
    • FULL YEAR OPERATING INCOME AND ADJUSTED EBITDA IMPROVED 3.5% AND 14.3%, RESPECTIVELY
    • FOURTH QUARTER NET INCOME AND ADJUSTED NET INCOME IMPROVED BY 14.3% AND 7.7% YEAR-OVER-YEAR, RESPECTIVELY
    • ORMAT ANNOUNCES FULL YEAR 2025 OUTLOOK AND GROWTH EXPECTATIONS

    RENO, Nev., Feb. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ormat Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: ORA) (the “Company” or “Ormat”), a leading renewable energy company, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024.

    KEY FINANCIAL RESULTS

      Q4
    2024
    Q4
    2023
    Change (%) 12 months 2024 12 months 2023 Change (%)  
    GAAP Measures              
    Revenues ($ millions)              
    Electricity 180.1   183.9   (2.1)%   702.3   666.8   5.3%    
    Product 39.6   50.4   (21.4)%   139.7   133.8   4.4%    
    Energy Storage 11.0   7.0   56.7%   37.7   28.9   30.6%    
    Total Revenues 230.7   241.3   (4.4)%   879.7   829.4   6.1%    
    Gross Profit              
    73.6   78.5   (6.2)%   272.6   264.0   3.3%    
    Gross margin (%)              
    Electricity 34.9%   39.5%     34.6%   36.6%      
    Product 24.5%   12.6%     18.4%   13.4%      
    Energy Storage 9.5%   (8.9)%     10.9%   6.4%      
    Gross margin (%) 31.9%   32.5%     31.0%   31.8%      
                   
    Operating income ($ millions) 49.1   51.6   (4.9)%   172.5   166.6   3.5%    
    Net income attributable to the Company’s stockholders 40.8   35.7   14.3%   123.7   124.4   (0.5)%    
    Diluted EPS ($) 0.67   0.59   13.6%   2.04   2.08   (1.9)%    
                   
    Non-GAAP Measures              
    Adjusted Net income attributable to the Company’s stockholders 43.6   40.5   7.7%   133.7   121.9   9.7%    
    Adjusted Diluted EPS ($) 0.72   0.67   7.5%   2.20   2.05   7.3%    
    Adjusted EBITDA1($ millions) 145.5   139.0   4.6%   550.5   481.7   14.3%    

    “2024 was another successful year for Ormat and our growth trajectory, highlighted by a top-line improvement of 6.1%, translating into a 3.5% increase in operating income and a 14.3% increase in adjusted EBITDA, with solid growth performance across all three of our business segments,” said Doron Blachar, Chief Executive Officer of Ormat Technologies. “In 2024, we added 253MW of new capacity organically and through strategic, accretive M&A, with 133MW added to our Electricity segment and 120MW to our Energy Storage business.”

    “Within our Electricity segment, the Enel assets Ormat acquired at the beginning of the year have been immediately accretive and have played a key role in our year-over-year growth. Our performance was further supported by the Heber complex repowering project, the enhanced output at the Olkaria power plant, and the improved generation performance and pricing at the Puna power plant, helping to more than offset the impact of unplanned maintenance at Dixie Valley and the previously disclosed curtailments in the U.S.”

    “We continue to make great progress towards improving the revenue and margin profile of our Energy Storage business, positioning the segment to become a more stable and consistent factor in our consolidated growth. This strategic effort is reflected by the 56.7% and 30.6% increase in revenue on a quarter-over-quarter and year-over-year basis, respectively. We expect this improved performance to carry forward into 2025 as we begin to recognize the benefits of the recent CODs at our 80MW/320MWh Bottleneck and 20MW/20MWh Montague facilities, as well as the other Energy Storage projects in our development pipeline that are expected to come online later this year.”

    Blachar continued, “Looking ahead, we expect to benefit from the growing global demand for renewable power needed to support data centers and the transition to a cleaner energy future. We are currently in negotiations for approximately 250MW with hyper-scalers with favorable conditions for both new projects and expiring PPAs at rates exceeding $100 per MWh. To help ensure that we are well-positioned to meet the growing level of demand we have taken strategic actions to safe harbor, for PTC eligibility (pursuant to the current provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act and related guidance), all geothermal projects with expected CODs through 2028, as well as the associated ITC benefits for all energy storage projects through 2026. This has strengthened our confidence in our trajectory, and we believe will help us remain on track to achieve our generating capacity goals of 2.6 to 2.8 GW by the end of 2028.”

    FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

    • Net income attributable to the Company’s stockholders for the fourth quarter and for the full year 2024 was $40.8 million and $123.7 million, respectively, an increase of 14.3% and a decrease of 0.5%, respectively, compared to last year. Diluted EPS for the fourth quarter and for the full year 2024 were $0.67 and $2.04 per share, respectively, an increase of 13.6% and a decrease of 1.9%, respectively, compared to last year.
    • Adjusted net income attributable to the Company’s stockholders and diluted EPS for the fourth quarter increased 7.7% and 7.5% compared to last year. Adjusted net income attributable to the Company’s stockholders and diluted EPS for the full year 2024 increased 9.7% and 7.3% compared to last year.
    • Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter and for the year was $145.5 million, and $550.5 million, respectively, an increase of 4.6% and 14.3%, respectively, compared to 2023. The year-over-year increase in Adjusted EBITDA was driven, in the Electricity segment, by the contribution of the acquired assets in the first quarter of 2024, the improved performance of the Olkaria complex in Kenya, higher pricing of our Puna power plant and the sale of tax benefits from newly built plants. In the Product segment, the increase was derived from the improved contracts’ margin and Energy Storage drove improved performance due to the contribution of the new assets as well as a legal settlement with a battery supplier, which we expect to continue to receive over the next 5 quarters, to compensate us for lost revenues as a result of battery non- supply.
    • Electricity segment revenues decreased by 2.1% for the fourth quarter and increased by 5.3% in the full year 2024, compared to 2023. The year-over-year decrease in fourth quarter revenue was driven by the partial outage at our Dixie Valley power plant, which returned to full operation in November 2024. Additionally, in the fourth quarter we experienced heavy curtailments mainly to our McGinness complex due to maintenance on the transmission line by the local grid operator. Full-year revenue growth was driven by the contribution of our acquired Enel assets, Heber complex repowering, and higher generation and pricing at Puna.
    • Product segment revenues decreased by 21.4% in the fourth quarter and increased by 4.4% in the full year 2024, largely due to the timing of revenue recognition. Gross margin increased from 12.6% in the fourth quarter 2023 to 24.5% in 2024 and from 13.4% in the full year 2023 to 18.4% in 2024.
    • Product segment backlog stands at a record of approximately $340.0 million as of February 25, 2025, and includes approximately $210.0 million from the recently signed Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract for the development of the Te Mihi Stage 2 geothermal plant in New Zealand.
    • Energy Storage segment revenues increased 56.7% for the fourth quarter and 30.6% for the full year compared to 2023, supported by a total of 120MW/360 MWh of new capacity that started operation since the beginning of 2024 as well as new assets that came online during the second half of 2023.

    BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS:

    • Won a tender, in February 2025, issued by the Israeli Electricity Authority and was awarded two separate 15-year tolling agreements for two energy storage facilities. The facilities under the tolling agreements are expected to have a combined capacity of approximately 300MW/1200MWh and we will have 50% equity interest.
    • In February 2025, commenced commercial operations of the 35MW Ijen geothermal power plant in Indonesia, in which the Company holds a 49% equity interest.
    • Signed a 10-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), in January 2025, with Calpine Energy Solutions for up to 15MW of carbon-free geothermal capacity at favorable terms that will replace the current lower price PPA with Southern California Edison for Mammoth 2 in the first quarter of 2027.
    • In December 2024, commenced commercial operations at the Montague energy storage facility to deliver 20MW/20MWh of energy storage capacity to the PJM market.
    • In October 2024, commenced commercial operations of the 80MW/320MWh Bottleneck Energy Storage facility in the Central Valley of California. The Bottleneck facility is the Company’s largest energy storage facility in its portfolio.

    2025 GUIDANCE TBU

    • Total revenues of between $935 million and $975 million.
    • Electricity segment revenues between $710 million and $725 million.
    • Product segment revenues of between $172 million and $187 million.
    • Energy Storage revenues of between $53 million and $63 million.
    • Adjusted EBITDA to be between $563 million and $593 million.
      • Adjusted EBITDA attributable to minority interest of approximately $23 million.

    The Company provides a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024. However, the Company does not provide guidance on net income and is unable to provide a reconciliation for its Adjusted EBITDA guidance range to net income without unreasonable efforts due to high variability and complexity with respect to estimating certain forward-looking amounts. These include impairments and disposition and acquisition of business interests, income tax expense, and other non-cash expenses and adjusting items that are excluded from the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA.

    DIVIDEND

    On February 26, 2025, the Company’s Board of Directors declared, approved, and authorized payment of a quarterly dividend of $0.12 per share pursuant to the Company’s dividend policy. The dividend will be paid on March 26, 2025, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 12, 2025. In addition, the Company expects to pay a quarterly dividend of $0.12 per share in each of the next three quarters.

    CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS

    Ormat will host a conference call to discuss its financial results and other matters discussed in this press release on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. ET.

    Participants within the United States and Canada, please dial +1-800-715-9871, approximately 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start of the call. If you are calling outside of the United States and Canada, please dial +1-646-960-0440. The access code for the call is 9044930. Please request the “Ormat Technologies, Inc. call” when prompted by the conference call operator. The conference call will also be accompanied by a live webcast which will be hosted on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website.

    A replay will be available one hour after the end of the conference call. To access the replay within the United States and Canada, please dial 1-800-770-2030. From outside of the United States and Canada, please dial +1-647-362-9199. Please use the replay access code 9044930. The webcast will also be archived on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website.

    ABOUT ORMAT TECHNOLOGIES

    With over five decades of experience, Ormat Technologies, Inc. is a leading geothermal company and the only vertically integrated company engaged in geothermal and recovered energy generation (“REG”), with robust plans to accelerate long-term growth in the energy storage market and to establish a leading position in the U.S. energy storage market. The Company owns, operates, designs, manufactures and sells geothermal and REG power plants primarily based on the Ormat Energy Converter – a power generation unit that converts low-, medium- and high-temperature heat into electricity. The Company has engineered, manufactured and constructed power plants, which it currently owns or has installed for utilities and developers worldwide, totaling approximately 3,400 MW of gross capacity. Ormat leveraged its core capabilities in the geothermal and REG industries and its global presence to expand the Company’s activity into energy storage services, solar Photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage plus Solar PV. Ormat’s current total generating portfolio is 1,538MW with a 1,248MW geothermal and solar generation portfolio that is spread globally in the U.S., Kenya, Guatemala, Indonesia, Honduras, and Guadeloupe, and a 290MW energy storage portfolio that is located in the U.S.

    ORMAT’S SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

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

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

    ORMAT TECHNOLOGIES, INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations
    For the three and twelve month periods Ended December 31, 2024, and 2023

      Three Months Ended
    December 31,
    Year Ended 
    December 31,
      2024   2023   2024   2023  
      (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
    Revenues:        
    Electricity 180,147   183,921   702,264   666,767  
    Product 39,643   50,432   139,661   133,763  
    Energy storage 10,951   6,987   37,729   28,894  
    Total revenues 230,741   241,340   879,654   829,424  
    Cost of revenues:        
    Electricity 117,340   111,201   459,526   422,549  
    Product 29,929   44,073   113,911   115,802  
    Energy storage 9,911   7,610   33,598   27,055  
    Total cost of revenues 157,180   162,884   607,035   565,406  
    Gross profit 73,561   78,456   272,619   264,018  
    Operating expenses:        
    Research and development expenses 1,391   2,452   6,501   7,215  
    Selling and marketing expenses 4,153   4,307   17,694   18,306  
    General and administrative expenses 19,583   18,654   80,119   68,179  
    Other operating income (3,125)     (9,375)    
    Impairment of long-lived assets     1,280    
    Write-off of unsuccessful exploration activities and storage activities 2,474   1,415   3,930   3,733  
    Operating income 49,085   51,628   172,470   166,585  
    Other income (expense):        
    Interest income 1,389   2,363   7,883   11,983  
    Interest expense, net (34,525)   (25,803)   (134,031)   (98,881)  
    Derivatives and foreign currency transaction gains (losses) (4,319)   712   (4,187)   (3,278)  
    Income attributable to sale of tax benefits 20,020   18,676   73,054   61,157  
    Other non-operating income (expense), net 66   1,272   188   1,519  
    Income from operations before income tax and equity in earnings (losses) of investees 31,716   48,848   115,377   139,085  
    Income tax (provision) benefit 11,771   (8,188)   16,289   (5,983)  
    Equity in earnings (losses) of investees (862)   (1,827)   (425)   35  
    Net income 42,625   38,833   131,241   133,137  
    Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest (1,804)   (3,107)   (7,508)   (8,738)  
    Net income attributable to the Company’s stockholders 40,821   35,726   123,733   124,399  
    Earnings per share attributable to the Company’s stockholders:        
    Basic: 0.67   0.59   2.05   2.09  
    Diluted: 0.67   0.59   2.04   2.08  
    Weighted average number of shares used in computation of earnings per share attributable to the Company’s stockholders:        
    Basic 60,480   60,367   60,455   59,424  
    Diluted 60,770   60,505   60,790   59,762  
             

    ORMAT TECHNOLOGIES, INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
    For the Periods Ended December 31, 2024, and 2023

      December 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
    ASSETS
    Current assets:      
    Cash and cash equivalents 94,395     195,808  
    Restricted cash and cash equivalents (primarily related to VIEs) 111,377     91,962  
    Receivables:      
    Trade less allowance for credit losses of $224 and $90, respectively (primarily related to VIEs) 164,050     208,704  
    Other 50,792     44,530  
    Inventories 38,092     45,037  
    Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts 29,243     18,367  
    Prepaid expenses and other 59,173     41,595  
    Total current assets 547,122     646,003  
    Investment in an unconsolidated company 144,585     125,439  
    Deposits and other 75,383     44,631  
    Deferred income taxes 153,936     152,570  
    Property, plant and equipment, net ($3,271,248 and $2,802,920 related to VIEs, respectively) 3,501,886     2,998,949  
    Construction-in-process ($251,442 and $376,602 related to VIEs, respectively) 755,589     814,967  
    Operating leases right of use ($13,989 and $9,326 related to VIEs, respectively) 32,114     24,057  
    Finance leases right of use (none related to VIEs) 2,841     3,510  
    Intangible assets, net 301,745     307,609  
    Goodwill 151,023     90,544  
    Total assets 5,666,224     5,208,279  
           
    LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
    Current liabilities:      
    Accounts payable and accrued expenses 234,334     214,518  
    Short term revolving credit lines with banks (full recourse)     20,000  
    Commercial paper (less deferred financing costs of $23 and $29, respectively) 99,977     99,971  
    Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts 23,091     18,669  
    Current portion of long-term debt:      
    Limited and non-recourse (primarily related to VIEs):
    (primarily related to VIEs and less deferred financing costs of $8,473 and $7,889, respectively)
    70,262     57,207  
    Full recourse 161,313     116,864  
    Financing Liability 4,093     5,141  
    Operating lease liabilities 3,633     3,329  
    Finance lease liabilities 1,375     1,313  
    Total current liabilities 598,078     537,012  
    Long-term debt, net of current portion:      
    Limited and non-recourse (primarily related to VIEs and less deferred financing costs of $8,849 and $7,889, respectively) 578,204     447,389  
    Full recourse (less deferred financing costs of $4,671 and $3,056, respectively) 822,828     698,187  
    Convertible senior notes (less deferred financing costs of $6,820 and $8,146, respectively) 469,617     423,104  
    LT Financing liability-Dixie 216,476     220,619  
    Operating lease liabilities 22,523     19,790  
    Finance lease liabilities 1,529     2,238  
    Liability associated with sale of tax benefits 152,292     184,612  
    Deferred income taxes 68,616     66,748  
    Liability for unrecognized tax benefits 6,272     8,673  
    Liabilities for severance pay 10,488     11,844  
    Asset retirement obligation 129,651     114,370  
    Other long-term liabilities 29,270     22,107  
    Total liabilities 3,105,844     2,756,693  
           
    Redeemable noncontrolling interest 9,448     10,599  
           
    Equity:      
    The Company’s stockholders’ equity:      
    Common stock, par value $0.001 per share; 200,000,000 shares authorized; 60,500,580 and 60,358,887 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively 61     60  
    Additional paid-in capital 1,635,245     1,614,769  
    Treasury stock, at cost (258,667 shares held as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively) (17,964)     (17,964)  
    Retained earnings 814,518     719,894  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss (6,731)     (1,332)  
    Total stockholders’ equity attributable to Company’s stockholders 2,425,129     2,315,427  
    Noncontrolling interest 125,803     125,560  
    Total equity 2,550,932     2,440,987  
    Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interest and equity 5,666,224     5,208,279  

    ORMAT TECHNOLOGIES, INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA
    For the three and twelve month period ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

    We calculate EBITDA as net income before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and accretion. We calculate Adjusted EBITDA as net income before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and accretion, adjusted for (i) mark-to-market gains or losses from accounting for derivatives not designated as hedging instruments; (ii) stock-based compensation, (iii) merger and acquisition transaction costs; (iv) gain or loss from extinguishment of liabilities; (v) costs related to a settlement agreement; (vi) non-cash impairment charges; (vii) write-off of unsuccessful exploration activities; and (viii) other unusual or non-recurring items. We adjust for these factors as they may be non-cash, unusual in nature and/or are not factors used by management for evaluating operating performance. We believe that presentation of these measures will enhance an investor’s ability to evaluate our financial and operating performance. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not measurements of financial performance or liquidity under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or U.S. GAAP, and should not be considered as an alternative to cash flow from operating activities or as a measure of liquidity or an alternative to net earnings as indicators of our operating performance or any other measures of performance derived in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Our Board of Directors and senior management use EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to evaluate our financial performance. However, other companies in our industry may calculate EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA differently than we do.

    The following table reconciles net income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2024, and 2023:

      Three Months Ended
    December 31,
      Year Ended December 31,
      2024     2023     2024     2023  
      (Dollars in thousands)   (Dollars in thousands)
    Net income 42,625     38,833     131,241     133,137  
    Adjusted for:              
    Interest expense, net (including amortization of deferred financing costs) 33,136     23,440     126,148     86,898  
    Income tax provision (benefit) (11,771)     8,188     (16,289)     5,983  
    Adjustment to investment in unconsolidated companies: our Proportionate share in interest expense, tax and depreciation and amortization in Sarulla and Ijen 4,964     5,243     17,637     16,069  
    Depreciation, amortization and accretion 68,907     59,331     259,151     221,415  
    EBITDA 137,861     135,035     517,888     463,502  
    Mark-to-market on derivative instruments (14)     (2,490)     856     (2,206)  
    Stock-based compensation 5,310     4,243     20,197     15,478  
    Impairment of long-lived assets         1,280      
    Allowance for bad debts 13         355      
    Merger and acquisition transaction costs 570     816     1,949     1,234  
    Legal fees related to a settlement agreement with a third-party battery systems supplier (750)         4,000      
    Write-off of unsuccessful exploration and Storage activities 2,474     1,415     3,930     3,733  
    Adjusted EBITDA 145,464     139,019     550,455     481,741  

    ORMAT TECHNOLOGIES, INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Reconciliation of Adjusted Net Income attributable to the Company’s stockholders and Adjusted EPS
    For the Three and twelve-month periods ended December 31, 2024, and 2023

    Adjusted Net Income attributable to the Company’s stockholders and Adjusted EPS are adjusted for one-time expense items that are not representative of our ongoing business and operations. The use of Adjusted Net income attributable to the Company’s stockholders and Adjusted EPS is intended to enhance the usefulness of our financial information by providing measures to assess the overall performance of our ongoing business.

    The following tables reconciles Net income attributable to the Company’s stockholders and Adjusted EPS for the three and twelve -month periods ended December 31, 2024, and 2023.

                   
      Three Months Ended December 31,   Twelve Months Ended December 31,
      2024     2023   2024   2023  
                   
    GAAP Net income attributable to the Company’s stockholders 40.8     35.7   123.7   124.4  
    Impact of changes in the Kenya Finance Act 2023     2.0     (7.4)  
    Tax asset write-off in Sarulla, our unconsolidated company 0.9     1.0   0.9   1.0  
    Impairment of long-lived assets       1.0    
    Write-off of unsuccessful exploration activities and Storage activities 2.0     1.1   3.1   2.9  
    Merger and acquisition transaction costs 0.5     0.6   1.5   1.0  
    Allowance for bad debts 0.0       0.3    
    Legal fees related to a settlement agreement with a third-party battery supplier (0.6)       3.2    
    Adjusted Net income attributable to the Company’s stockholders 43.6     40.5   133.7   121.9  
    GAAP diluted EPS 0.67     0.59   2.04   2.08  
    Impact of changes in the Kenya Finance Act 2023     0.03     (0.12)  
    Tax asset write-off in Sarulla, our unconsolidated company 0.01     0.02   0.01   0.02  
    Impairment of long-lived assets         0.02    
    Write-off of unsuccessful exploration activities and Storage activities 0.03     0.02   0.05   0.05  
    Merger and acquisition transaction costs 0.01     0.01   0.03   0.02  
    Allowance for bad debts 0.00       0.00    
    Legal fees related to a settlement agreement with a third-party battery supplier (0.01)       0.05    
    Diluted Adjusted EPS ($) 0.72     0.67   2.20   2.05  
    Ormat Technologies Contact: Investor Relations Agency Contact:
    Smadar Lavi Joseph Caminiti or Josh Carroll
    VP Head of IR and ESG Planning & Reporting Alpha IR Group
    775-356-9029 (ext. 65726) 312-445-2870
    slavi@ormat.com ORA@alpha-ir.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: NVIDIA Announces Financial Results for Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Record quarterly revenue of $39.3 billion, up 12% from Q3 and up 78% from a year ago
    • Record quarterly Data Center revenue of $35.6 billion, up 16% from Q3 and up 93% from a year ago
    • Record full-year revenue of $130.5 billion, up 114%

    SANTA CLARA, Calif., Feb. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA) today reported revenue for the fourth quarter ended January 26, 2025, of $39.3 billion, up 12% from the previous quarter and up 78% from a year ago.

    For the quarter, GAAP earnings per diluted share was $0.89, up 14% from the previous quarter and up 82% from a year ago. Non-GAAP earnings per diluted share was $0.89, up 10% from the previous quarter and up 71% from a year ago.

    For fiscal 2025, revenue was $130.5 billion, up 114% from a year ago. GAAP earnings per diluted share was $2.94, up 147% from a year ago. Non-GAAP earnings per diluted share was $2.99, up 130% from a year ago.

    “Demand for Blackwell is amazing as reasoning AI adds another scaling law — increasing compute for training makes models smarter and increasing compute for long thinking makes the answer smarter,” said Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA.

    “We’ve successfully ramped up the massive-scale production of Blackwell AI supercomputers, achieving billions of dollars in sales in its first quarter. AI is advancing at light speed as agentic AI and physical AI set the stage for the next wave of AI to revolutionize the largest industries.”

    NVIDIA will pay its next quarterly cash dividend of $0.01 per share on April 2, 2025, to all shareholders of record on March 12, 2025.

    Q4 Fiscal 2025 Summary

    GAAP
    ($ in millions, except earnings
    per share)
    Q4 FY25 Q3 FY25 Q4 FY24 Q/Q Y/Y
    Revenue $39,331 $35,082 $22,103 Up 12% Up 78%
    Gross margin 73.0% 74.6% 76.0% Down 1.6 pts Down 3.0 pts
    Operating expenses $4,689 $4,287 $3,176 Up 9% Up 48%
    Operating income $24,034 $21,869 $13,615 Up 10% Up 77%
    Net income $22,091 $19,309 $12,285 Up 14% Up 80%
    Diluted earnings per share* $0.89 $0.78 $0.49 Up 14% Up 82%
    Non-GAAP
    ($ in millions, except earnings
    per share)
    Q4 FY25 Q3 FY25 Q4 FY24 Q/Q Y/Y
    Revenue $39,331 $35,082 $22,103 Up 12% Up 78%
    Gross margin 73.5% 75.0% 76.7% Down 1.5 pts Down 3.2 pts
    Operating expenses $3,378 $3,046 $2,210 Up 11% Up 53%
    Operating income $25,516 $23,276 $14,749 Up 10% Up 73%
    Net income $22,066 $20,010 $12,839 Up 10% Up 72%
    Diluted earnings per share* $0.89 $0.81 $0.52 Up 10% Up 71%


    Fiscal 2025 Summary

    GAAP
    ($ in millions, except earnings
    per share)
    FY25 FY24 Y/Y
    Revenue $130,497 $60,922 Up 114%
    Gross margin 75.0% 72.7% Up 2.3 pts
    Operating expenses $16,405 $11,329 Up 45%
    Operating income $81,453 $32,972 Up 147%
    Net income $72,880 $29,760 Up 145%
    Diluted earnings per share* $2.94 $1.19 Up 147%
    Non-GAAP
    ($ in millions, except earnings
    per share)
    FY25 FY24 Y/Y
    Revenue $130,497 $60,922 Up 114%
    Gross margin 75.5% 73.8% Up 1.7 pts
    Operating expenses $11,716 $7,825 Up 50%
    Operating income $86,789 $37,134 Up 134%
    Net income $74,265 $32,312 Up 130%
    Diluted earnings per share* $2.99 $1.30 Up 130%

    *All per share amounts presented herein have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the ten-for-one stock split, which was effective June 7, 2024.

    Outlook
    NVIDIA’s outlook for the first quarter of fiscal 2026 is as follows:

    • Revenue is expected to be $43.0 billion, plus or minus 2%.
    • GAAP and non-GAAP gross margins are expected to be 70.6% and 71.0%, respectively, plus or minus 50 basis points.
    • GAAP and non-GAAP operating expenses are expected to be approximately $5.2 billion and $3.6 billion, respectively.
    • GAAP and non-GAAP other income and expense are expected to be an income of approximately $400 million, excluding gains and losses from non-marketable and publicly-held equity securities.
    • GAAP and non-GAAP tax rates are expected to be 17.0%, plus or minus 1%, excluding any discrete items.

    Highlights

    NVIDIA achieved progress since its previous earnings announcement in these areas: 

    Data Center

    • Fourth-quarter revenue was a record $35.6 billion, up 16% from the previous quarter and up 93% from a year ago. Full-year revenue rose 142% to a record $115.2 billion.
    • Announced that NVIDIA will serve as a key technology partner for the $500 billion Stargate Project.
    • Revealed that cloud service providers AWS, CoreWeave, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Microsoft Azure and Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) are bringing NVIDIA® GB200 systems to cloud regions around the world to meet surging customer demand for AI.
    • Partnered with AWS to make the NVIDIA DGX™ Cloud AI computing platform and NVIDIA NIM™ microservices available through AWS Marketplace.
    • Revealed that Cisco will integrate NVIDIA Spectrum-X™ into its networking portfolio to help enterprises build AI infrastructure.
    • Revealed that more than 75% of the systems on the TOP500 list of the world’s most powerful supercomputers are powered by NVIDIA technologies.
    • Announced a collaboration with Verizon to integrate NVIDIA AI Enterprise, NIM and accelerated computing with Verizon’s private 5G network to power a range of edge enterprise AI applications and services.
    • Unveiled partnerships with industry leaders including IQVIA, Illumina, Mayo Clinic and Arc Institute to advance genomics, drug discovery and healthcare.
    • Launched NVIDIA AI Blueprints and Llama Nemotron model families for building AI agents and released NVIDIA NIM microservices to safeguard applications for agentic AI.
    • Announced the opening of NVIDIA’s first R&D center in Vietnam.
    • Revealed that Siemens Healthineers has adopted MONAI Deploy for medical imaging AI.

    Gaming and AI PC

    • Fourth-quarter Gaming revenue was $2.5 billion, down 22% from the previous quarter and down 11% from a year ago. Full-year revenue rose 9% to $11.4 billion.
    • Announced new GeForce RTX™ 50 Series graphics cards and laptops powered by the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture, delivering breakthroughs in AI-driven rendering to gamers, creators and developers.
    • Launched GeForce RTX 5090 and 5080 graphics cards, delivering up to a 2x performance improvement over the prior generation.
    • Introduced NVIDIA DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation and image quality enhancements, with 75 games and apps supporting it at launch, and unveiled NVIDIA Reflex 2 technology, which can reduce PC latency by up to 75%.
    • Unveiled NVIDIA NIM microservices, AI Blueprints and the Llama Nemotron family of open models for RTX AI PCs to help developers and enthusiasts build AI agents and creative workflows.

    Professional Visualization

    • Fourth-quarter revenue was $511 million, up 5% from the previous quarter and up 10% from a year ago. Full-year revenue rose 21% to $1.9 billion.
    • Unveiled NVIDIA Project DIGITS, a personal AI supercomputer that provides AI researchers, data scientists and students worldwide with access to the power of the NVIDIA Grace™ Blackwell platform.
    • Announced generative AI models and blueprints that expand NVIDIA Omniverse™ integration further into physical AI applications, including robotics, autonomous vehicles and vision AI.
    • Introduced NVIDIA Media2, an AI-powered initiative transforming content creation, streaming and live media experiences, built on NIM and AI Blueprints.

    Automotive and Robotics

    • Fourth-quarter Automotive revenue was $570 million, up 27% from the previous quarter and up 103% from a year ago. Full-year revenue rose 55% to $1.7 billion.
    • Announced that Toyota, the world’s largest automaker, will build its next-generation vehicles on NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Orin™ running the safety-certified NVIDIA DriveOS operating system.  
    • Partnered with Hyundai Motor Group to create safer, smarter vehicles, supercharge manufacturing and deploy cutting-edge robotics with NVIDIA AI and NVIDIA Omniverse.
    • Announced that the NVIDIA DriveOS safe autonomous driving operating system received ASIL-D functional safety certification and launched the NVIDIA DRIVE™ AI Systems Inspection Lab.
    • Launched NVIDIA Cosmos™, a platform comprising state-of-the-art generative world foundation models, to accelerate physical AI development, with adoption by leading robotics and automotive companies 1X, Agile Robots, Waabi, Uber and others.
    • Unveiled the NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano™ Super, which delivers up to a 1.7x gain in generative AI performance.

    CFO Commentary
    Commentary on the quarter by Colette Kress, NVIDIA’s executive vice president and chief financial officer, is available at https://investor.nvidia.com.

    Conference Call and Webcast Information
    NVIDIA will conduct a conference call with analysts and investors to discuss its fourth quarter and fiscal 2025 financial results and current financial prospects today at 2 p.m. Pacific time (5 p.m. Eastern time). A live webcast (listen-only mode) of the conference call will be accessible at NVIDIA’s investor relations website, https://investor.nvidia.com. The webcast will be recorded and available for replay until NVIDIA’s conference call to discuss its financial results for its first quarter of fiscal 2026.

    Non-GAAP Measures
    To supplement NVIDIA’s condensed consolidated financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP, the company uses non-GAAP measures of certain components of financial performance. These non-GAAP measures include non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP gross margin, non-GAAP operating expenses, non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP other income (expense), net, non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP net income, or earnings, per diluted share, and free cash flow. For NVIDIA’s investors to be better able to compare its current results with those of previous periods, the company has shown a reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures. These reconciliations adjust the related GAAP financial measures to exclude stock-based compensation expense, acquisition-related and other costs, other, gains from non-marketable and publicly-held equity securities, net, interest expense related to amortization of debt discount, and the associated tax impact of these items where applicable. Free cash flow is calculated as GAAP net cash provided by operating activities less both purchases related to property and equipment and intangible assets and principal payments on property and equipment and intangible assets. NVIDIA believes the presentation of its non-GAAP financial measures enhances the user’s overall understanding of the company’s historical financial performance. The presentation of the company’s non-GAAP financial measures is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the company’s financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP, and the company’s non-GAAP measures may be different from non-GAAP measures used by other companies.

     NVIDIA CORPORATION 
      CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME 
     (In millions, except per share data) 
     (Unaudited) 
                       
          Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
          January 26,   January 28,   January 26,   January 28,
            2025       2024       2025       2024  
                       
    Revenue $ 39,331     $ 22,103     $ 130,497     $ 60,922  
    Cost of revenue    10,608       5,312       32,639       16,621  
    Gross profit   28,723       16,791       97,858       44,301  
                       
    Operating expenses              
      Research and development     3,714       2,465       12,914       8,675  
      Sales, general and administrative   975       711       3,491       2,654  
        Total operating expenses   4,689       3,176       16,405       11,329  
                       
    Operating income   24,034       13,615       81,453       32,972  
      Interest income   511       294       1,786       866  
      Interest expense   (61 )     (63 )     (247 )     (257 )
      Other, net   733       260       1,034       237  
        Other income (expense), net   1,183       491       2,573       846  
                       
    Income before income tax   25,217       14,106       84,026       33,818  
    Income tax expense   3,126       1,821       11,146       4,058  
    Net income $ 22,091     $ 12,285     $ 72,880     $ 29,760  
                       
    Net income per share:              
      Basic $ 0.90     $ 0.51     $ 2.97     $ 1.21  
      Diluted $ 0.89     $ 0.49     $ 2.94     $ 1.19  
                       
    Weighted average shares used in per share computation:              
      Basic   24,489       24,660       24,555       24,690  
      Diluted   24,706       24,900       24,804       24,940  
    NVIDIA CORPORATION
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (In millions)
    (Unaudited)
                 
            January 26,   January 28,
            2025   2024
    ASSETS        
                 
    Current assets:        
      Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities   $ 43,210   $ 25,984
      Accounts receivable, net     23,065     9,999
      Inventories     10,080     5,282
      Prepaid expenses and other current assets     3,771     3,080
        Total current assets     80,126     44,345
                 
    Property and equipment, net     6,283     3,914
    Operating lease assets     1,793     1,346
    Goodwill     5,188     4,430
    Intangible assets, net     807     1,112
    Deferred income tax assets     10,979     6,081
    Other assets      6,425     4,500
        Total assets   $ 111,601   $ 65,728
                 
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                 
    Current liabilities:        
      Accounts payable   $ 6,310   $ 2,699
      Accrued and other current liabilities     11,737     6,682
      Short-term debt         1,250
        Total current liabilities     18,047     10,631
                 
    Long-term debt     8,463     8,459
    Long-term operating lease liabilities     1,519     1,119
    Other long-term liabilities     4,245     2,541
        Total liabilities     32,274     22,750
                 
    Shareholders’ equity     79,327     42,978
        Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 111,601   $ 65,728
     NVIDIA CORPORATION 
     CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 
     (In millions) 
     (Unaudited) 
                     
          Three Months Ended     Twelve Months Ended 
         January 26,   January 28,   January 26,   January 28,
           2025       2024       2025       2024  
                      
    Cash flows from operating activities:              
    Net income $ 22,091     $ 12,285     $ 72,880     $ 29,760  
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash              
    provided by operating activities:              
      Stock-based compensation expense   1,321       993       4,737       3,549  
      Depreciation and amortization   543       387       1,864       1,508  
      Deferred income taxes   (598 )     (78 )     (4,477 )     (2,489 )
      Gains on non-marketable equity securities and publicly-held equity securities, net   (727 )     (260 )     (1,030 )     (238 )
      Other   (138 )     (109 )     (502 )     (278 )
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:              
      Accounts receivable   (5,370 )     (1,690 )     (13,063 )     (6,172 )
      Inventories   (2,424 )     (503 )     (4,781 )     (98 )
      Prepaid expenses and other assets   331       (1,184 )     (395 )     (1,522 )
      Accounts payable   867       281       3,357       1,531  
      Accrued and other current liabilities   360       1,072       4,278       2,025  
      Other long-term liabilities   372       305       1,221       514  
    Net cash provided by operating activities   16,628       11,499       64,089       28,090  
                      
    Cash flows from investing activities:              
      Proceeds from maturities of marketable securities   1,710       1,731       11,195       9,732  
      Proceeds from sales of marketable securities   177       50       495       50  
      Proceeds from sales of non-marketable equity securities               171       1  
      Purchases of marketable securities   (7,010 )     (7,524 )     (26,575 )     (18,211 )
      Purchase related to property and equipment and intangible assets   (1,077 )     (253 )     (3,236 )     (1,069 )
      Purchases of non-marketable equity securities   (478 )     (113 )     (1,486 )     (862 )
      Acquisitions, net of cash acquired   (542 )           (1,007 )     (83 )
      Other   22             22       (124 )
    Net cash used in investing activities   (7,198 )     (6,109 )     (20,421 )     (10,566 )
                      
    Cash flows from financing activities:              
      Proceeds related to employee stock plans               490       403  
      Payments related to repurchases of common stock   (7,810 )     (2,660 )     (33,706 )     (9,533 )
      Payments related to tax on restricted stock units   (1,861 )     (841 )     (6,930 )     (2,783 )
      Repayment of debt               (1,250 )     (1,250 )
      Dividends paid   (245 )     (99 )     (834 )     (395 )
      Principal payments on property and equipment and intangible assets   (32 )     (29 )     (129 )     (74 )
      Other                     (1 )
    Net cash used in financing activities   (9,948 )     (3,629 )     (42,359 )     (13,633 )
                      
    Change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash   (518 )     1,761       1,309       3,891  
    Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period   9,107       5,519       7,280       3,389  
    Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period $ 8,589     $ 7,280     $ 8,589     $ 7,280  
                      
    Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:              
    Cash paid for income taxes, net $ 4,129     $ 1,874     $ 15,118     $ 6,549  
    Cash paid for interest $ 22     $ 26     $ 246     $ 252  
       NVIDIA CORPORATION 
       RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES 
       (In millions, except per share data) 
       (Unaudited) 
                         
             Three Months Ended      Twelve Months Ended 
            January 26,   October 27,   January 28,   January 26,   January 28,
              2025       2024       2024       2025       2024  
                             
      GAAP cost of revenue $ 10,608     $ 8,926     $ 5,312     $ 32,639     $ 16,621  
      GAAP gross profit $ 28,723     $ 26,156     $ 16,791     $ 97,858     $ 44,301  
        GAAP gross margin   73.0 %     74.6 %     76.0 %     75.0 %     72.7 %
        Acquisition-related and other costs (A)   118       116       119       472       477  
        Stock-based compensation expense (B)   53       50       45       178       141  
        Other (C)                 4       (3 )     40  
      Non-GAAP cost of revenue $ 10,437     $ 8,759     $ 5,144     $ 31,992     $ 15,963  
      Non-GAAP gross profit $ 28,894     $ 26,322     $ 16,959     $ 98,505     $ 44,959  
        Non-GAAP gross margin   73.5 %     75.0 %     76.7 %     75.5 %     73.8 %
                             
      GAAP operating expenses $ 4,689     $ 4,287     $ 3,176     $ 16,405     $ 11,329  
        Stock-based compensation expense (B)     (1,268 )     (1,202 )     (948 )     (4,559 )     (3,408 )
        Acquisition-related and other costs (A)   (43 )     (39 )     (18 )     (130 )     (106 )
        Other (C)                             10  
      Non-GAAP operating expenses $ 3,378     $ 3,046     $ 2,210     $ 11,716     $ 7,825  
                             
      GAAP operating income $ 24,034     $ 21,869     $ 13,615     $ 81,453     $ 32,972  
        Total impact of non-GAAP adjustments to operating income   1,482       1,407       1,134       5,336       4,162  
      Non-GAAP operating income $ 25,516     $ 23,276     $ 14,749     $ 86,789     $ 37,134  
                             
      GAAP other income (expense), net $ 1,183     $ 447     $ 491     $ 2,573     $ 846  
        Gains from non-marketable equity securities and publicly-held equity securities, net   (727 )     (37 )     (260 )     (1,030 )     (238 )
        Interest expense related to amortization of debt discount   1       1       1       4       4  
      Non-GAAP other income (expense), net $ 457     $ 411     $ 232     $ 1,547     $ 612  
                             
      GAAP net income $ 22,091     $ 19,309     $ 12,285     $ 72,880     $ 29,760  
        Total pre-tax impact of non-GAAP adjustments   756       1,371       875       4,310       3,928  
        Income tax impact of non-GAAP adjustments (D)   (781 )     (670 )     (321 )     (2,925 )     (1,376 )
      Non-GAAP net income  $ 22,066     $ 20,010     $ 12,839     $ 74,265     $ 32,312  
                             
      Diluted net income per share (E)                  
        GAAP   $ 0.89     $ 0.78     $ 0.49     $ 2.94     $ 1.19  
        Non-GAAP    $ 0.89     $ 0.81     $ 0.52     $ 2.99     $ 1.30  
                             
      Weighted average shares used in diluted net income per share computation (E)   24,706       24,774       24,900       24,804       24,936  
                             
      GAAP net cash provided by operating activities $ 16,628     $ 17,629     $ 11,499     $ 64,089     $ 28,090  
        Purchases related to property and equipment and intangible assets   (1,077 )     (813 )     (253 )     (3,236 )     (1,069 )
        Principal payments on property and equipment and intangible assets   (32 )     (29 )     (29 )     (129 )     (74 )
      Free cash flow   $ 15,519     $ 16,787     $ 11,217     $ 60,724     $ 26,947  
                             
       
                             
      (A) Acquisition-related and other costs are comprised of amortization of intangible assets, transaction costs, and certain compensation charges and are included in the following line items:
            Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
            January 26,   October 27,   January 28,   January 26,   January 28,
              2025       2024       2024       2025       2024  
        Cost of revenue   $ 118     $ 116     $ 119     $ 472     $ 477  
        Research and development   $ 27     $ 23     $ 12     $ 79     $ 49  
        Sales, general and administrative   $ 16     $ 16     $ 6     $ 51     $ 57  
                             
      (B) Stock-based compensation consists of the following:      
            Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
            January 26,   October 27,   January 28,   January 26,   January 28,
              2025       2024       2024       2025       2024  
        Cost of revenue   $ 53     $ 50     $ 45     $ 178     $ 141  
        Research and development   $ 955     $ 910     $ 706     $ 3,423     $ 2,532  
        Sales, general and administrative   $ 313     $ 292     $ 242     $ 1,136     $ 876  
                             
      (C) Other consists of IP-related costs and assets held for sale related adjustments
     
      (D) Income tax impact of non-GAAP adjustments, including the recognition of excess tax benefits or deficiencies related to stock-based compensation under GAAP accounting standard (ASU 2016-09).
                             
      (E) Reflects a ten-for-one stock split on June 7, 2024
     NVIDIA CORPORATION 
     RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP OUTLOOK 
         
         Q1 FY2026 Outlook 
        ($ in millions)
         
    GAAP gross margin   70.6 %
      Impact of stock-based compensation expense, acquisition-related costs, and other costs   0.4 %
    Non-GAAP gross margin   71.0 %
         
    GAAP operating expenses $ 5,150  
      Stock-based compensation expense, acquisition-related costs, and other costs   (1,550 )
    Non-GAAP operating expenses $ 3,600  
           

    About NVIDIA
    NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA) is the world leader in accelerated computing.

    Certain statements in this press release including, but not limited to, statements as to: AI advancing at light speed as agentic AI and physical AI set the stage for the next wave of AI to revolutionize the largest industries; expectations with respect to growth, performance and benefits of NVIDIA’s products, services and technologies, including Blackwell, and related trends and drivers; expectations with respect to supply and demand for NVIDIA’s products, services and technologies, including Blackwell, and related matters including inventory, production and distribution; expectations with respect to NVIDIA’s third party arrangements, including with its collaborators and partners; expectations with respect to technology developments and related trends and drivers; future NVIDIA cash dividends or other returns to stockholders; NVIDIA’s financial and business outlook for the first quarter of fiscal 2026 and beyond; projected market growth and trends; expectations with respect to AI and related industries; and other statements that are not historical facts are risks and uncertainties that could cause results to be materially different than expectations. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include: global economic and political conditions; NVIDIA’s reliance on third parties to manufacture, assemble, package and test NVIDIA’s products; the impact of technological development and competition; development of new products and technologies or enhancements to NVIDIA’s existing product and technologies; market acceptance of NVIDIA’s products or NVIDIA’s partners’ products; design, manufacturing or software defects; changes in consumer preferences or demands; changes in industry standards and interfaces; unexpected loss of performance of NVIDIA’s products or technologies when integrated into systems; and changes in applicable laws and regulations, as well as other factors detailed from time to time in the most recent reports NVIDIA files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, including, but not limited to, its annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Copies of reports filed with the SEC are posted on the company’s website and are available from NVIDIA without charge. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and speak only as of the date hereof, and, except as required by law, NVIDIA disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances.

    © 2025 NVIDIA Corporation. All rights reserved. NVIDIA, the NVIDIA logo, GeForce RTX, NVIDIA Cosmos, NVIDIA Spectrum-X, NVIDIA DGX, NVIDIA DRIVE, NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Orin, NVIDIA Grace, NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano, NVIDIA NIM and NVIDIA Omniverse are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of NVIDIA Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated. Features, pricing, availability and specifications are subject to change without notice.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/aabe86db-ce89-4434-b83c-495082979801

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: New Reed-backed Bill to Combat Crypto ATM Fraud

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
    WASHINGTON, DC – With scams using crypto kiosks (also known as ‘crypto ATMs’ or ‘Bitcoin ATMs’) to steal from older Americans on the rise, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) is stepping up efforts to help fight fraud and prevent criminal from preying on senior citizens.  Federal law enforcement officials have referred to these crypto kiosks as ‘payment portals for scammers.’
    Reed is teaming up with U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Peter Welch (D-VT) to introduce the Crypto ATM Fraud Prevention Act (S. 710) to help prevent scammers from stealing Americans’ savings through cryptocurrency schemes.  The bill would improve fraud warnings on all crypto kiosks; make cryptocurrency ATM operators develop a comprehensive anti-fraud policy, which must be submitted to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN); and protect new customers — who are most likely to be victims of fraud — by limiting initial transaction amounts, requiring  verbal confirmation of major transactions, and making victims of fraud eligible for refunds if they file a report within 30 days.
    “Crypto kiosk operators need to ensure their machines aren’t being used to victimize vulnerable citizens and launder money for illegal activities.  This bill takes commonsense steps to ensure the businesses that profit from these machines are doing their part to prevent fraud.  It’s a positive first step towards stopping the surge in crypto kiosk scams and cracking down on criminals,” said Senator Reed.  “We must also continue working to educate vulnerable populations, especially older Americans, to recognize and avoid crypto scams.”
    Today, there are over 30,000 crypto kiosks nationwide, which are largely unregulated.  Many of them are placed in locations such as gas stations, vape shops, and laundromats.  These entities are paid a monthly fee by the crypto kiosk owner to allow the crypto kiosk to be operated on site.  While crypto ATMs are touted by operators as an easy way to change cash into crypto, in reality, they have become a preferred payment platform for international criminal enterprises who utilize the machines to carry out millions of dollars’ worth of anonymous, irreversible fraud – especially against older Americans.
    The proposed federal legislation would replace a patchwork of state regulations with a uniform national standard that would defer to state regulations as long as they don’t weaken or conflict with federal law.
    The Crypto ATM Fraud Prevention Act, which is led by Senator Durbin, will require crypto ATM operators to warn consumers about scams and take reasonable steps to prevent fraud at their machines.  It will also put in place measures to limit the amount that new consumers lose when they do fall victim to scams and will give law enforcement new tools to track down scammers.
    Often, crypto scammers will contact elderly Americans, and using threats, intimidation, and fabricated backstories, try to coerce them into depositing large sums of money into the criminals’ crypto wallets via cryptocurrency ATMs.  According to data recently released by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the amount consumers reported losing annually in this form of fraud increased nearly tenfold between 2020 and 2023—from $12 million to $114 million and topping $65 million in the first half of 2024.  In 2023, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center received nearly 2,700 crypto ATM fraud complaints from individuals aged 60 and older—more than all other age groups combined.
    Specifically, the Crypto ATM Fraud Prevention Act will:
    Require warnings about the risk of fraud: This bill would require cryptocurrency ATM operators to provide clear warnings to consumers about the risk of fraud, including warnings of common types of scams and that consumers should never send money to someone they have never met.
    Require operators to develop fraud prevention policies: For the first time, cryptocurrency ATM operators would be required to appoint a chief compliance officer and develop comprehensive anti-fraud policies, which must be submitted to the FinCEN Network.  Operators also would be required to provide live customer support during all operating hours.
    Special protections for first tim-users and new customers—who are most likely to be victims of fraud: New customers, defined as a customer within 14 days of their first transaction, would be protected by the following provisions:
    – Transaction limits of $2,000 per day, and $10,000 total over the first 14 days.
    – Full refunds for fraudulent transactions if the customer makes a report within 30 days.   
    – Requiring live, verbal confirmation for any transaction greater than $500.
    Require crypto ATM operators to register and disclose ATM locations: Cryptocurrency ATM operators would be required to register with the U.S. Treasury Department and to disclose and regularly update the locations of all their ATMs.  Operators also would be required to provide a point of contact to relevant regulators and law enforcement agencies.
    Require receipts and information sufficient to trace the transaction: Operators would be required to provide receipts for each transaction, including information sufficient to trace the transaction, such as the time, place, and amount of the transaction, and a transaction hash.  Receipts also would have to include contact information for relevant law enforcement and a link to the operator’s refund policy.
    The bill has earned the endorsement of Americans for Financial Reform, National Consumers League, Public Citizen, Better Markets, and the National Consumer Law Center on behalf of its low-income clients.
    To spot and avoid scams visit ftc.gov/scams. Report scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Minister Rishworth doorstop interview in Cairns, Queensland

    Source: Ministers for Social Services

    E&OE TRANSCRIPT

    Topic: Expanding crisis accommodation services for First Nations communities.

    MATT SMITH, LABOR CANDIDATE FOR LEICHHARDT: Morning. My name is Matt Smith, the ALP’s candidate for the Federal seat of Leichhardt, standing here at Warringu today. I’ve just been out the back speaking to some of the workforce here, Davina and Karen, and they are doing some absolutely fantastic work keeping women and children safe right across the region. Every woman and child deserves safety. Organisations such as Warringu are able to provide that support for those fleeing domestic violence situations and preparing the women and the children, helping them get back onto their feet and back into the community.

    We’re here today specifically as well for an announcement for additional targeted funding for the Torres Strait, a bit over $1.2 million to improve the services of women’s shelters up there to make sure they too can provide culturally appropriate services for their women and children. Shelters is an interesting term. There are a lot of implications behind it. The guys here at Warringu prefer the new term healing places, which is what they are. It gives the women and children space to heal, become themselves and get back out and live their best lives. I’ll hand over now to Minister Rishworth who has more detail.

    AMANDA RISHWORTH, MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SERVICES: It’s absolutely wonderful to be here with Matt Smith and we’ve just been speaking to those working at Warringu, an Aboriginal-controlled organisation providing important safety safety to women and children escaping family and domestic violence. What we heard today is the activities they are undertaking as a result of a grant that we provided them of over a million dollars. And part of that work is about building the capacity of the women’s shelters across the whole of Far North Queensland. Hearing how they’re supporting women’s shelters across Far North Queensland, to feel like they’re not alone, to support them with extra clinical expertise and governance support. This is really important work and what it does is it enables the whole network of 13 different women’s shelters to be able to build capacity and improve their service offering. But today what we’re also announcing is an immediate boost of $1.25 million to be directed into the Torres Strait.

    We know that many Torres Strait Islander women and children don’t want to come all the way to Cairns if they are wanting to get out of a family and domestic violence situation. The message we heard very clear as we developed our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan, but also through the rapid review, was that women and children don’t want to leave the Torres Strait to find safety. And that’s why the immediate funding boost that we’re announcing today for the Torres Strait will enable that organisation up there, the women’s shelter up there, to expand their capacity and to do more work with women and children escaping family and domestic violence. This is one of just one of the initiatives that we have taken as a government for funding family and domestic violence. It builds on our National Plan to end violence against women and children in one generation, and of course, our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan that was actually developed alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This is really important investment and funding, and I look forward to seeing the results that it will be able to deliver.

    JOURNALIST: What exactly will this money go towards? I mean, will it be more employees? Will it be more buildings?

    AMANDA RISHWORTH: This funding is about expanding the capacity of the shelter. It really is flexible funding to respond to local need. What we heard here at Warringu was the funding went particularly to workers that can work with sexual violence in particular, because that is something that has not been focused on as much as they would like to. The funding also went to connecting up and supporting shelters across the region so that they can have better systems in place to support women and children. So, we will work with the local shelter on Thursday Island to work out what investment they need to improve the capacity of their shelter. So, it is deliberately designed to be flexible to meet local needs. And hearing from Warringu today, they said the flexibility is critically important so they can meet the needs of local community.

    JOURNALIST: Why have you decided to start this funding in the Torres Strait? Are the domestic violence rates particularly bad there?

    AMANDA RISHWORTH: It is not because there is more violence in the Torres Strait. Why we are investing in the Torres Strait is because we heard the deep desire to make sure people do not have to leave the Torres Strait. So, women and children clearly said through our rapid review, through our consultations on our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander plan, that they don’t want to travel too far from community. So, the Torres Strait was particularly identified because we want to ensure that there is increased capacity so that women and children can stay in the Torres Strait and don’t have to, for example, come all the way to Cairns.

    JOURNALIST: How many people – women and children – are seen at this facility roughly?

    AMANDA RISHWORTH: I will leave it to local organisations to talk about that. What we hear though, is that many, many women and children do seek support and do seek crisis accommodation. But as we heard from the workers here today, it is also about healing and recovery. And that’s a really important part of the National Plan and the work they do, but each location is different. But, of course, women and children escaping family and domestic violence – there is high demand, and we want to make sure there’s a safe place for them to go. Thank you.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI: Expand Energy Corporation Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2024 Results, Issues 2025 Outlook

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OKLAHOMA CITY, Feb. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Expand Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:EXE) (“Expand Energy” or the “Company”) today reported fourth quarter and full-year 2024 financial and operating results and issued its 2025 outlook.

    Fourth Quarter Highlights

    • Net cash provided by operating activities of $382 million
    • Net loss of $399 million, or $1.72 per fully diluted share; adjusted net income(1)of $131 million, or $0.55 per share
    • Adjusted EBITDAX(1)of $964 million
    • Produced approximately 6.41 Bcfe/d net (91% natural gas)
    • Debut $750 million Investment Grade issuance, setting record spread for energy rising star (+132 bps to 10-year Treasury)

    2025 Outlook

    • Increasing expected synergy capture to ~$400 million in 2025, with the total target of $500 million in annual synergies expected to be achieved by year end 2026
    • Quarterly base dividend of $0.575 per common share to be paid in March 2025, 16th straight quarter paying a dividend
    • Expected to produce ~7.1 Bcfe/d for ~$2.7 billion of capital and deploy $300 million of incremental capital to create an additional ~300 MMcfe/d of productive capacity in 2026

    (1) Definitions of non-GAAP financial measures and reconciliations of each non-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure are included at the end of this news release.

    “The global need for reliable, affordable, lower carbon energy has never been greater. Our strong fourth quarter results and 2025 outlook clearly demonstrate, as the nation’s largest gas producer, we are ready to answer the call and expand opportunity for consumers and investors alike,” said Nick Dell’Osso, Expand Energy’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “The powerful combination of our attractive, market-connected portfolio, peer-leading returns program, and resilient financial foundation is distinctly unique among domestic natural gas producers. Our focus on integration and operational execution continues to deliver, allowing us to capture 80% of our $500 million synergy target in 2025 as we drive to lower our breakeven costs and more efficiently reach markets in need. Importantly, our capital plan positions us to continue our strategy to build productive capacity, positioning the company to efficiently and rapidly respond with production in 2026 should market conditions warrant.”

    Operations Update

    In the fourth quarter, Expand Energy operated an average of twelve rigs to drill 44 wells and turned 41 wells in line, resulting in net production of approximately 6.41 Bcfe per day (91% natural gas). A detailed breakdown of fourth quarter production, capital expenditures and activity can be found in supplemental slides which have been posted at https://investors.expandenergy.com/events-presentations.

    2025 Annual Synergy, Capital and Operating Outlook

    In 2025, Expand Energy expects to run ~12 rigs and invest approximately $2.7 billion yielding an estimated daily production of approximately 7.1 Bcfe/d. The company intends to build incremental productive capacity for an additional $300 million by running ~15 rigs in the second half of the year. This positions the company to efficiently grow production from a year-end 2025 exit rate of approximately 7.2 Bcfe/d to average approximately 7.5 Bcfe/d in 2026 should market conditions warrant.

    Expand Energy is increasing its 2025 expected annual synergy target by $175 million to approximately $400 million. The company expects to achieve the full $500 million in annual synergies by year end 2026.

    A detailed breakdown of 2025 annual synergy, capital, and operating outlook can be found in supplemental slides which have been posted at https://investors.expandenergy.com/events-presentations.

    Shareholder Returns Update

    Expand Energy enhanced its capital return framework in 2024 to more efficiently return cash to shareholders and reduce net debt. The company plans to pay its quarterly base dividend of $0.575 per share on March 27, 2025 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 11, 2025. The company expects to allocate $500 million to net debt reduction in 2025, and at current market conditions, to have additional free cash flow available to allocate to the combination of variable dividends, share repurchases, and the balance sheet.

    Conference Call Information

    A conference call to discuss Expand Energy’s fourth quarter and full-year 2024 financial and operating results and 2025 outlook has been scheduled for 9 a.m. EDT on February 27, 2025. Participants can access the live webcast at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/jwd532c5/. Participants who would like to ask a question, can register at https://register.vevent.com/register/BIada59e18f58249708a9b9b311a92efae, and will receive the dial-in info and a unique PIN to join the call. Links to the conference call will be provided at https://investors.expandenergy.com/. A replay will be available on the website following the call.

    Financial Statements, Non-GAAP Financial Measures and 2025 Guidance and Outlook Projections

    This news release contains the non-GAAP financial measures described below in the section titled “Non-GAAP Financial Measures.” Reconciliations of each non-GAAP financial measure used in this news release to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure are provided below. Additional detail on the company’s 2024 fourth quarter and full-year financial and operational results, along with non-GAAP measures that adjust for items typically excluded by securities analysts, are available on the company’s website. Non-GAAP measures should not be considered as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, GAAP measures. Management’s guidance for 2025 can be found on the company’s website at www.expandenergy.com.

    Expand Energy Corporation (NASDAQ: EXE) is the largest independent natural gas producer in the United States, powered by dedicated and innovative employees focused on disrupting the industry’s traditional cost and market delivery model to responsibly develop assets in the nation’s most prolific natural gas basins. Expand Energy’s returns-driven strategy strives to create sustainable value for its stakeholders by leveraging its scale, financial strength and operational execution. Expand Energy is committed to expanding America’s energy reach to fuel a more affordable, reliable, lower carbon future.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements include our current expectations or forecasts of future events, including matters relating to armed conflict and instability in Europe and the Middle East, along with the effects of the current global economic environment, and the impact of each on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, actions by, or disputes among or between, members of OPEC+ and other foreign oil-exporting countries, market factors, market prices, our ability to meet debt service requirements, our ability to continue to pay cash dividends, our ability to capture synergies, the amount and timing of any cash dividends and our ESG initiatives. Forward-looking and other statements in this news release regarding our environmental, social and other sustainability plans and goals are not an indication that these statements are necessarily material to investors or required to be disclosed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange commission (“SEC”). In addition, historical, current, and forward-looking environmental, social and sustainability-related statements may be based on standards for measuring progress that are still developing, internal controls and processes that continue to evolve, and assumptions that are subject to change in the future. Forward-looking statements often address our expected future business, financial performance and financial condition, and often contain words such as “aim”, “predict”, “should”, “expect,” “could,” “may,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “ability,” “believe,” “seek,” “see,” “will,” “would,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “target,” “guidance,” “outlook,” “opportunity” or “strategy.” The absence of such words or expressions does not necessarily mean the statements are not forward-looking.

    Although we believe the expectations and forecasts reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, they are inherently subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. No assurance can be given that such forward-looking statements will be correct or achieved or that the assumptions are accurate or will not change over time. Particular uncertainties that could cause our actual results to be materially different than those expressed in our forward-looking statements include:

    • Reduce demand for natural gas, oil, and natural gas liquids;
    • negative public perceptions of our industry;
    • competition in the natural gas and oil exploration and production industry;
    • the volatility of natural gas, oil and NGL prices, which are affected by general economic and business conditions, as well as increased demand for (and availability of) alternative fuels and electric vehicles;
    • risks from regional epidemics or pandemics and related economic turmoil, including supply chain constraints;
    • write-downs of our natural gas and oil asset carrying values due to low commodity prices;
    • significant capital expenditures are required to replace our reserves and conduct our business;
    • our ability to replace reserves and sustain production;
    • uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of natural gas, oil and NGL reserves and projecting future rates of production and the amount and timing of development expenditures;
    • drilling and operating risks and resulting liabilities;
    • our ability to generate profits or achieve targeted results in drilling and well operations;
    • leasehold terms expiring before production can be established;
    • risks from our commodity price risk management activities;
    • uncertainties, risks and costs associated with natural gas and oil operations;
    • our need to secure adequate supplies of water for our drilling operations and to dispose of or recycle the water used;
    • pipeline and gathering system capacity constraints and transportation interruptions;
    • risks related to our plans to participate in the global LNG value chain;
    • terrorist activities and/or cyber-attacks adversely impacting our operations;
    • risks from failure to protect personal information and data and compliance with data privacy and security laws and regulations;
    • disruption of our business by natural or human causes beyond our control;
    • a deterioration in general economic, business or industry conditions;
    • the impact of inflation and commodity price volatility, including as a result of decisions made by OPEC+ and armed conflict and instability in Europe and the Middle East, along with the effects of the current global economic environment, on our business, financial condition, employees, contractors, vendors and the global demand for natural gas and oil and on U.S. and global financial markets;
    • our inability to access the capital markets on favorable terms;
    • the limitations on our financial flexibility due to our level of indebtedness and restrictive covenants from our indebtedness;
    • challenges with employee retention and increasingly competitive labor market
    • risks related to acquisitions or dispositions, or potential acquisitions or dispositions; risks related to loss of management personnel, other key employees, customers, suppliers, vendors, landlords, joint venture partners and other business partners as a result of the merger with Southwestern Energy Company (“Southwestern”); the risk that problems may arise in successfully integrating the businesses of the companies, which may result in the combined company not operating as effectively and efficiently as expected; and the risk that the combined company may be unable to achieve synergies or other anticipated benefits of the Southwestern merger or it may take longer than expected to achieve those synergies or benefits;
    • security threats, including cybersecurity threats and disruptions to our business and operations from breaches of our information technology systems, or from breaches of information technology systems of third parties with whom we transact business;
    • our ability to achieve and maintain ESG certifications, goals and commitments;
    • environmental and ESG legislation and regulatory initiatives, including those addressing the impact of climate change or further regulating hydraulic fracturing, methane emissions, flaring or water disposal;
    • federal and state tax proposals affecting our industry;
    • risks related to an annual limitation on the utilization of our tax attributes, which was triggered upon the completion of the Southwestern merger, as well as trading in our common stock, additional issuance of common stock, and certain other stock transactions, which could lead to an additional, potentially more restrictive, annual limitation; and
    • other factors that are described under Risk Factors in Item 1A of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.

    We caution you not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this news release, which speak only as of the filing date, and we undertake no obligation and have no intention to update any forward-looking statement, except as required by law. We urge you to carefully review and consider the disclosures in this news release and our filings with the SEC that attempt to advise interested parties of the risks and factors that may affect our business.

    All forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

             
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited)        
             
    ($ in millions, except per share data)   December 31, 2024   December 31, 2023
    Assets        
    Current assets:        
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 317     $ 1,079  
    Restricted cash     78       74  
    Accounts receivable, net     1,226       593  
    Derivative assets     84       637  
    Other current assets     292       226  
    Total current assets     1,997       2,609  
    Property and equipment:        
    Natural gas and oil properties, successful efforts method        
    Proved natural gas and oil properties     23,093       11,468  
    Unproved properties     5,897       1,806  
    Other property and equipment     654       497  
    Total property and equipment     29,644       13,771  
    Less: accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization     (5,362 )     (3,674 )
    Total property and equipment, net     24,282       10,097  
    Long-term derivative assets     1       74  
    Deferred income tax assets     589       933  
    Other long-term assets     1,025       663  
    Total assets   $ 27,894     $ 14,376  
             
    Liabilities and stockholders’ equity        
    Current liabilities:        
    Accounts payable   $ 777     $ 425  
    Current maturities of long-term debt, net     389        
    Accrued interest     100       39  
    Derivative liabilities     71       3  
    Other current liabilities     1,786       847  
    Total current liabilities     3,123       1,314  
    Long-term debt, net     5,291       2,028  
    Long-term derivative liabilities     68       9  
    Asset retirement obligations, net of current portion     499       265  
    Long-term contract liabilities     1,227        
    Other long-term liabilities     121       31  
    Total liabilities     10,329       3,647  
    Contingencies and commitments        
    Stockholders’ equity:        
    Common stock, $0.01 par value, 450,000,000 shares authorized: 231,769,886 and 130,789,936 shares issued     2       1  
    Additional paid-in capital     13,687       5,754  
    Retained earnings     3,876       4,974  
    Total stockholders’ equity     17,565       10,729  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 27,894     $ 14,376  
                     
         
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited)    
             
        Three Months Ended December 31,   Year Ended December 31,
        2024   2023   2024   2023
    ($ in millions, except per share data)                
    Revenues and other:                
    Natural gas, oil and NGL   $ 1,595     $ 763     $ 2,969     $ 3,547  
    Marketing     649       513       1,290       2,500  
    Natural gas, oil and NGL derivatives     (245 )     533       (38 )     1,728  
    Gains on sales of assets     2       139       14       946  
    Total revenues and other     2,001       1,948       4,235       8,721  
    Operating expenses:                
    Production     158       63       316       356  
    Gathering, processing and transportation     556       190       1,035       853  
    Severance and ad valorem taxes     39       31       97       167  
    Exploration     3       8       10       27  
    Marketing     654       514       1,310       2,499  
    General and administrative     53       32       186       127  
    Separation and other termination costs           2       23       5  
    Depreciation, depletion and amortization     647       379       1,729       1,527  
    Other operating expense, net     277       3       332       18  
    Total operating expenses     2,387       1,222       5,038       5,579  
    Income (loss) from operations     (386 )     726       (803 )     3,142  
    Other income (expense):                
    Interest expense     (64 )     (22 )     (123 )     (104 )
    Gains (losses) on purchases, exchanges or extinguishments of debt     1             (1 )      
    Other income, net     28       31       86       79  
    Total other income (expense)     (35 )     9       (38 )     (25 )
    Income (loss) before income taxes     (421 )     735       (841 )     3,117  
    Income tax expense (benefit)     (22 )     166       (127 )     698  
    Net income (loss)   $ (399 )   $ 569     $ (714 )   $ 2,419  
    Earnings (loss) per common share:                
    Basic   $ (1.72 )   $ 4.34     $ (4.55 )   $ 18.21  
    Diluted   $ (1.72 )   $ 4.02     $ (4.55 )   $ 16.92  
    Weighted average common shares outstanding (in thousands):                
    Basic     231,539       130,999       156,989       132,840  
    Diluted     231,539       141,491       156,989       142,976  
                                     
         
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)    
             
        Three Months Ended December 31,   Year Ended December 31,
    ($ in millions)   2024   2023   2024   2023
    Cash flows from operating activities:                
    Net income (loss)   $ (399 )   $ 569     $ (714 )   $ 2,419  
    Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:                
    Depreciation, depletion and amortization     647       379       1,729       1,527  
    Deferred income tax expense (benefit)     (18 )     109       (123 )     428  
    Derivative (gains) losses, net     245       (533 )     38       (1,728 )
    Cash receipts on derivative settlements, net     252       187       947       354  
    Share-based compensation     9       8       38       33  
    Gains on sales of assets     (2 )     (139 )     (14 )     (946 )
    Contract amortization     (57 )           (57 )      
    (Gains) losses on purchases, exchanges or extinguishments of debt     (1 )           1        
    Other     51       (17 )     35       18  
    Changes in assets and liabilities     (345 )     (93 )     (315 )     275  
    Net cash provided by operating activities     382       470       1,565       2,380  
    Cash flows from investing activities:                
    Capital expenditures     (536 )     (379 )     (1,557 )     (1,829 )
    Receipts of deferred consideration     50             166        
    Business combination, net     (459 )           (459 )      
    Contributions to investments     (4 )     (82 )     (75 )     (231 )
    Proceeds from divestitures of property and equipment     4       566       21       2,533  
    Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities     (945 )     105       (1,904 )     473  
    Cash flows from financing activities:                
    Proceeds from Credit Facility     20             20       1,125  
    Payments on Credit Facility     (20 )           (20 )     (2,175 )
    Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net     747             747        
    Funds held for transition services           (91 )            
    Proceeds from warrant exercise     2             3        
    Debt issuance and other financing costs     (7 )           (11 )      
    Cash paid to repurchase and retire common stock           (42 )           (355 )
    Cash paid to purchase debt     (767 )           (767 )      
    Cash paid for common stock dividends     (134 )     (75 )     (388 )     (487 )
    Other     (3 )           (3 )      
    Net cash used in financing activities     (162 )     (208 )     (419 )     (1,892 )
    Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash     (725 )     367       (758 )     961  
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period     1,120       786       1,153       192  
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period   $ 395     $ 1,153     $ 395     $ 1,153  
                     
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 317     $ 1,079     $ 317     $ 1,079  
    Restricted cash     78       74       78       74  
    Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash   $ 395     $ 1,153     $ 395     $ 1,153  
                                     
             
    NATURAL GAS, OIL AND NGL PRODUCTION AND AVERAGE SALES PRICES (unaudited)        
                                     
        Three Months Ended December 31, 2024
        Natural Gas   Oil   NGL   Total
        MMcf per day   $/Mcf   MBbl per day   $/Bbl   MBbl per day   $/Bbl   MMcfe per day   $/Mcfe
    Haynesville   2,338   2.57           2,338   2.57
    Northeast Appalachia   2,425   2.34           2,425   2.34
    Southwest Appalachia   1,067   2.42   12   60.41   85   27.44   1,649   3.42
    Total   5,830   2.45   12   60.41   85   27.44   6,412   2.70
                                     
    Average NYMEX Price       2.79       70.27                
    Average Realized Price (including realized derivatives)       2.91       61.28       26.90       3.11
        Three Months Ended December 31, 2023
        Natural Gas   Oil   NGL   Total
        MMcf per day   $/Mcf   MBbl per day   $/Bbl   MBbl per day   $/Bbl   MMcfe per day   $/Mcfe
    Haynesville   1,497   2.41           1,497   2.41
    Northeast Appalachia   1,801   2.15           1,801   2.15
    Eagle Ford   52   2.42   6   82.49   7   25.67   129   6.30
    Total   3,350   2.27   6   82.49   7   25.67   3,427   2.42
                                     
    Average NYMEX Price       2.88       78.35                
    Average Realized Price (including realized derivatives)       2.87       82.49       25.67       3.01
        Year Ended December 31, 2024
        Natural Gas   Oil   NGL   Total
        MMcf per day   $/Mcf   MBbl per day   $/Bbl   MBbl per day   $/Bbl   MMcfe per day   $/Mcfe
    Haynesville   1,532   2.14           1,532   2.14
    Northeast Appalachia   1,809   1.88           1,809   1.88
    Southwest Appalachia   270   2.42   3   60.41   21   27.44   417   3.42
    Total   3,611   2.03   3   60.41   21   27.44   3,758   2.16
                                     
    Average NYMEX Price       2.27       75.72                
    Average Realized Price (including realized derivatives)       2.75       61.04       26.91       2.84
        Year Ended December 31, 2023
        Natural Gas   Oil   NGL   Total
        MMcf per day   $/Mcf   MBbl per day   $/Bbl   MBbl per day   $/Bbl   MMcfe per day   $/Mcfe
    Haynesville   1,551   2.30           1,551   2.30
    Northeast Appalachia   1,834   2.22           1,834   2.22
    Eagle Ford   85   2.25   21   77.80   10   25.62   274   7.64
    Total   3,470   2.25   21   77.80   10   25.62   3,659   2.66
                                     
    Average NYMEX Price       2.74       77.63                
    Average Realized Price (including realized derivatives)       2.64       72.89       25.62       2.99
                                     
         
    CAPITAL EXPENDITURES ACCRUED (unaudited)    
             
        Three Months Ended December 31,   Year Ended December 31,
        2024
      2023
      2024
      2023
    ($ in millions)                
    Drilling and completion capital expenditures:                
    Haynesville   $ 300     $ 187     $ 777     $ 891  
    Northeast Appalachia     97       119       377       443  
    Southwest Appalachia     103             103        
    Eagle Ford                       222  
    Total drilling and completion capital expenditures     500       306       1,257       1,556  
    Non-drilling and completion – field     51       50       157       150  
    Non-drilling and completion – corporate     42       20       115       76  
    Total capital expenditures   $ 593     $ 376     $ 1,529     $ 1,782  
                                     
       
    NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES  
       

    As a supplement to the financial results prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, Expand Energy’s quarterly earnings releases contain certain financial measures that are not prepared or presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures include Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Common Share, Adjusted EBITDAX, Free Cash Flow, Adjusted Free Cash Flow and Net Debt. A reconciliation of each financial measure to its most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is included in the tables below. Management believes these adjusted financial measures are a meaningful adjunct to earnings and cash flows calculated in accordance with GAAP because (a) management uses these financial measures to evaluate the company’s trends and performance, (b) these financial measures are comparable to estimates provided by securities analysts, and (c) items excluded generally are one-time items or items whose timing or amount cannot be reasonably estimated. Accordingly, any guidance provided by the company generally excludes information regarding these types of items.

    Expand Energy’s definitions of each non-GAAP measure presented herein are provided below. Because not all companies or securities analysts use identical calculations, Expand Energy’s non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies or securities analysts.

    Adjusted Net Income: Adjusted Net Income is defined as net income (loss) adjusted to exclude unrealized (gains) losses on natural gas and oil derivatives, (gains) losses on sales of assets, and certain items management believes affect the comparability of operating results, less a tax effect using applicable rates. Expand Energy believes that Adjusted Net Income facilitates comparisons of the company’s period-over-period performance, by excluding the impact of items that, in the opinion of management, do not reflect Expand Energy’s core operating performance. Adjusted Net Income should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income (loss) as presented in accordance with GAAP.

    Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Common Share: Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Common Share is defined as diluted earnings (loss) per common share adjusted to exclude the per diluted share amounts attributed to unrealized (gains) losses on natural gas and oil derivatives, (gains) losses on sales of assets, and certain items management believes affect the comparability of operating results, less a tax effect using applicable rates. Expand Energy believes that Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Common Share facilitates comparisons of the company’s period-over-period performance, by excluding the impact of items that, in the opinion of management, do not reflect Expand Energy’s core operating performance. Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Common Share should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, earnings (loss) per common share as presented in accordance with GAAP.

    Adjusted EBITDAX: Adjusted EBITDAX is defined as net income (loss) before interest expense, income tax expense (benefit), depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, exploration expense, unrealized (gains) losses on natural gas and oil derivatives, separation and other termination costs, (gains) losses on sales of assets, and certain items management believes affect the comparability of operating results. Adjusted EBITDAX is presented as it provides investors an indication of the company’s ability to internally fund exploration and development activities and service or incur debt. Adjusted EBITDAX should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income (loss) as presented in accordance with GAAP.

    Free Cash Flow: Free Cash Flow is defined as net cash provided by operating activities less cash capital expenditures. Free Cash Flow is a liquidity measure that provides investors additional information regarding the company’s ability to service or incur debt and return cash to shareholders. Free Cash Flow should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, or any other measure of liquidity presented in accordance with GAAP.

    Adjusted Free Cash Flow: Adjusted Free Cash Flow is defined as net cash provided by operating activities less cash capital expenditures and cash contributions to investments, adjusted to exclude certain items management believes affect the comparability of operating results. Adjusted Free Cash Flow is a liquidity measure that provides investors additional information regarding the company’s ability to service or incur debt and return cash to shareholders and is used to determine Expand Energy’s payout of enhanced returns framework. Adjusted Free Cash Flow should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, or any other measure of liquidity presented in accordance with GAAP.

    Net Debt: Net Debt is defined as GAAP total debt excluding premiums, discounts, and deferred issuance costs less cash and cash equivalents. Net Debt is useful to investors as a widely understood measure of liquidity and leverage, but this measure should not be considered as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, total debt presented in accordance with GAAP.

    Present Value of Estimated Future Net Revenues or PV-10: Present Value of Estimated Future Net Revenues or PV-10 is defined as the estimated future gross revenue to be generated from the production of proved reserves, net of estimated production and future development costs, using prices calculated as the average natural gas and oil price during the preceding 12-month period prior to the end of the current reporting period, (determined as the unweighted arithmetic average of prices on the first day of each month within the 12-month period) and costs in effect at the determination date (unless such costs are subject to change pursuant to contractual provisions), without giving effect to non-property related expenses such as general and administrative expenses, debt service and future income tax expense or to depreciation, depletion and amortization, discounted using an annual discount rate of 10%. PV-10 is derived from the standardized measure, which is the most directly comparable financial measure computed using GAAP and differs in that PV-10 does not include the effects of income taxes on future net revenues. Management uses PV-10, which is calculated without deducting estimated future income tax expenses, as a measure of the value of the Company’s current proved reserves and to compare relative values among peer companies. Present Value of Estimated Future Net Revenues or PV-10 should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, the standardized measure presented in accordance with GAAP. Neither PV-10 nor the standardized measure represents an estimate of the fair market value of the Company’s natural gas and oil properties.

         
    RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME (LOSS) TO ADJUSTED NET INCOME (unaudited)    
             
        Three Months Ended December 31,   Year Ended December 31,
    ($ in millions)   2024   2023   2024   2023
    Net income (loss) (GAAP)   $ (399 )   $ 569     $ (714 )   $ 2,419  
                     
    Adjustments:                
    Unrealized (gains) losses on natural gas and oil derivatives     490       (347 )     979       (1,278 )
    Separation and other termination costs           2       23       5  
    Gains on sales of assets     (2 )     (139 )     (14 )     (946 )
    Other operating expense, net(a)     267       4       325       22  
    (Gains) losses on purchases, exchanges or extinguishments of debt     (1 )           1        
    Contract amortization     (57 )           (57 )      
    Other     (21 )     (18 )     (38 )     (37 )
    Tax effect of adjustments(b)     (146 )     114       (271 )     517  
    Adjusted net income (Non-GAAP)   $ 131     $ 185     $ 234     $ 702  
    (a)   The three- and twelve-month periods ended December 31, 2024 include an adjustment for costs incurred related to the Southwestern Merger.
    (b)   The three- and twelve-month periods ended December 31, 2024 include a tax effect attributed to the reconciling adjustments using a statutory rate of 22% and the three- and twelve-month periods December 31, 2023 include a tax effect attributed to the reconciling adjustments using a statutory rate of 23%.
         
         
    RECONCILIATION OF EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE TO ADJUSTED DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (unaudited)    
             
        Three Months Ended December 31,   Year Ended December 31,
    ($/share)   2024   2023   2024   2023
    Earnings (loss) per common share (GAAP)   $ (1.72 )   $ 4.34     $ (4.55 )   $ 18.21  
    Effect of dilutive securities           (0.32 )           (1.29 )
    Diluted earnings (loss) per common share (GAAP)   $ (1.72 )   $ 4.02     $ (4.55 )   $ 16.92  
                     
    Adjustments:                
    Unrealized (gains) losses on natural gas and oil derivatives     2.12       (2.44 )     6.24       (8.94 )
    Separation and other termination costs           0.01       0.14       0.04  
    Gains on sales of assets     (0.01 )     (0.99 )     (0.09 )     (6.62 )
    Other operating expense, net(a)     1.16       0.03       2.07       0.15  
    (Gains) losses on purchases, exchanges or extinguishments of debt                 0.01        
    Contract amortization     (0.24 )           (0.36 )      
    Other     (0.09 )     (0.13 )     (0.24 )     (0.26 )
    Tax effect of adjustments(b)     (0.64 )     0.81       (1.73 )     3.62  
    Effect of dilutive securities     (0.03 )           (0.08 )      
    Adjusted diluted earnings per common share (Non-GAAP)   $ 0.55     $ 1.31     $ 1.41     $ 4.91  
    (a)   The three- and twelve-month periods ended December 31, 2024 include an adjustment for costs incurred related to the Southwestern Merger.
    (b)   The three- and twelve-month periods ended December 31, 2024 include a tax effect attributed to the reconciling adjustments using a statutory rate of 22% and the three- and twelve-month periods December 31, 2023 include a tax effect attributed to the reconciling adjustments using a statutory rate of 23%.
         
         
    RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME (LOSS) TO ADJUSTED EBITDAX (unaudited)    
             
        Three Months Ended December 31,   Year Ended December 31,
        2024   2023   2024   2023
    ($ in millions)                
    Net income (loss) (GAAP)   $ (399 )   $ 569     $ (714 )   $ 2,419  
                     
    Adjustments:                
    Interest expense     64       22       123       104  
    Income tax expense (benefit)     (22 )     166       (127 )     698  
    Depreciation, depletion and amortization     647       379       1,729       1,527  
    Exploration     3       8       10       27  
    Unrealized (gains) losses on natural gas and oil derivatives     490       (347 )     979       (1,278 )
    Separation and other termination costs           2       23       5  
    Gains on sales of assets     (2 )     (139 )     (14 )     (946 )
    Other operating expense, net(a)     267       4       325       22  
    (Gains) losses on purchases, exchanges or extinguishments of debt     (1 )           1        
    Contract amortization     (57 )           (57 )      
    Other     (26 )     (29 )     (83 )     (65 )
    Adjusted EBITDAX (Non-GAAP)   $ 964     $ 635     $ 2,195     $ 2,513  
    (a)   The three- and twelve-month periods ended December 31, 2024 include an adjustment for costs incurred related to the Southwestern Merger.
         
         
    RECONCILIATION OF NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES TO ADJUSTED FREE CASH FLOW (unaudited)    
             
        Three Months Ended December 31,   Year Ended December 31,
        2024   2023   2024   2023
    ($ in millions)                
    Net cash provided by operating activities (GAAP)   $ 382     $ 470     $ 1,565     $ 2,380  
    Cash capital expenditures     (536 )     (379 )     (1,557 )     (1,829 )
    Free cash flow (Non-GAAP)     (154 )     91       8       551  
    Cash paid for merger expenses     231             269        
    Cash contributions to investments     (4 )     (82 )     (75 )     (231 )
    Free cash flow associated with divested assets(a)           (48 )           (243 )
    Adjusted free cash flow (Non-GAAP)   $ 73     $ (39 )   $ 202     $ 77  
    (a)   In March and April of 2023, we closed two divestitures of certain Eagle Ford assets. Due to the structure of these transactions, both of which had an effective date of October 1, 2022, the cash generated by these assets was delivered to the respective buyers through a reduction in the proceeds we received at the closing of each transaction. Additionally, in November 2023, we closed the divestiture of the final portion of our Eagle Ford assets, with an effective date of February 1, 2023 and the cash generated by these assets was delivered to the buyer through a reduction in the proceeds we received at the closing of the transaction.
         
         
    RECONCILIATION OF TOTAL DEBT TO NET DEBT (unaudited)    
         
    ($ in millions)   December 31, 2024
    Total debt (GAAP)   $ 5,680  
    Premiums, discounts and issuance costs on debt     6  
    Principal amount of debt     5,686  
    Cash and cash equivalents     (317 )
    Net debt (Non-GAAP)   $ 5,369  
             
             
    PROVED RESERVES (unaudited)        
             
        SEC pricing(a)   Five-year strip pricing(b)
    ($ in millions)        
    Proved reserves (Bcfe)     20,800       26,816  
    Standardized measure   $ 7,531     $ 22,120  
    PV-10(c)   $ 7,567     $ 25,975  
    (a)   SEC proved reserves as of December 31, 2024 were based on a natural gas price of $2.13 per Mcf and an oil price of $75.48 per barrel of oil and NGL. Pricing was determined in accordance with the SEC requirement using the unweighted arithmetic average of the prices on the first day of each month within the 12-month period ended December 31, 2024. The average adjusted product prices weighted by production over the remaining lives of the properties are $0.65 per Mcf of gas, $65.16 per barrel of oil and $15.20 per barrel of NGL.
    (b)   Pricing used in the five-year strip pricing sensitivity reflects five-year strip pricing as of February 19, 2025 and held constant thereafter using (i) the NYMEX five-year strip adjusted for regional differentials using Henry Hub for gas and (ii) the NYMEX West Texas Intermediate five-year strip for oil, adjusted for regional differentials consistent with those used in the SEC pricing, and holding all other assumptions constant. The average adjusted product prices weighted by production over the remaining lives of the properties would be $2.35 per Mcf of gas, $54.16 per barrel of oil, and $12.86 per barrel of NGL.

    The NYMEX strip price for proved reserves and related metrics are intended to illustrate reserve sensitivities to market expectations of commodity prices and should not be confused with SEC pricing for proved reserves and do not comply with SEC pricing assumptions. Management believes that the presentation of reserve volume and related metrics using NYMEX forward strip prices provides investors with additional useful information about the Company’s reserves because the forward prices are based on the market’s forward-looking expectations of oil and gas prices as of a certain date. The price at which the Company can sell its production in the future is the major determinant of the likely economic producibility of the Company’s reserves. The Company hedges certain amounts of future production based on futures prices. In addition, the Company uses such forward-looking market-based data in developing its drilling plans, assessing its capital expenditure needs and projecting future cash flows. While NYMEX strip prices represent a consensus estimate of future pricing, such prices are only an estimate and are not necessarily an accurate projection of future oil and gas prices. Actual future prices may vary significantly from NYMEX prices; therefore, actual revenue and value generated may be more or less than the amounts disclosed. Investors should be careful to consider forward prices in addition to, and not as a substitute for, SEC pricing, when considering the Company’s reserves.

    (c)   PV-10 differs from the standardized measure because the former does not include the effects of estimated future income tax expense. PV-10 using SEC pricing excludes $36 million of estimated future income tax expense, and PV-10 using February 19, 2025 strip pricing excludes $3,855 million of estimated future income tax expense.
         
         
    INVESTOR CONTACT: MEDIA CONTACT: EXPAND ENERGY CORPORATION
    Chris Ayres Brooke Coe 6100 North Western Avenue
    (405) 935-8870 (405) 935-8878 P.O. Box 18496
    ir@expandenergy.com media@expandenergy.com Oklahoma City, OK 73154
         

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Encore Capital Group Announces Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2024 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Favorable U.S. market for portfolio supply continues
    • Global portfolio purchases in 2024 up 26% to record $1.35 billion
    • Global collections in 2024 up 16% to $2.16 billion
    • Actions taken to resolve Cabot issues resulted in a loss for the quarter and the year

    SAN DIEGO, Feb. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Encore Capital Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: ECPG), an international specialty finance company, today reported consolidated financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024.

    “2024 was a year of significant growth for Encore,” said Ashish Masih, Encore’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our global portfolio purchases increased by 26% to an all-time high for us and global collections increased by 16% compared to 2023. Higher portfolio purchasing in recent years is a key driver of our growth in collections and ultimately cash generation growth of 20% for the year.”

    “In the U.S. in 2024, continued growth in bank lending, coupled with rising delinquencies and charge-offs, led to record supply for non-performing loan portfolios and a continuation of the favorable purchasing environment in the U.S. market. As a result, our largest business, MCM, increased U.S. portfolio purchases in 2024 by 23% to a record $1 billion. In addition, anchored by stable consumer payment behavior throughout the year, MCM collections increased by 20% compared to 2023.”

    “For our Cabot business in the U.K. and Europe, 2024 was a year of progress, but also significant restructuring to resolve certain persistent issues and enable future success. Cabot portfolio purchases increased by 36% compared to 2023, driven by exceptional Q4 purchases of $200 million that included large spot-market portfolio purchases at attractive returns. For the year, Cabot collections increased by 8% compared to 2023. Despite these successes, Cabot’s business environment continued to be highly competitive and impacted by macroeconomic factors such as subdued lending growth and low charge-offs. In 2024, we took certain restructuring actions including the exit from two underperforming markets, beginning with the Spanish secured non-performing loan (NPL) market in Q3 followed by the Italian NPL market in Q4. We also made adjustments to Cabot’s estimated remaining collections (ERC), particularly in the fourth quarter. These actions resulted in a $101 million goodwill charge in Q4.”

    “We believe our reported financial results in 2024, and in particular our net loss of $139 million, or ($5.83) per share, are not indicative of the operational performance of our business due to certain non-cash charges, the largest of which were the goodwill impairment related to our Cabot business and the adjustments to Cabot’s ERC in Q4, which reduced earnings for the quarter and the year. We believe these Cabot ERC adjustments, in addition to other actions taken during the year, place Cabot on a more solid footing. We expect Cabot’s future performance to align closely with its rebased ERC.”

    “Looking ahead, guided by our three pillar strategy, we remain committed to our long-standing financial objectives and our capital allocation priorities. We anticipate our global portfolio purchases in 2025 to exceed the $1.35 billion of purchases we made in 2024. We expect global collections in 2025 to increase by 11% to $2.4 billion. As a result of our continued growth in cash generation and its impact on our improving leverage, we plan to resume share repurchases in 2025. We also remain committed to the critical role we play in the consumer credit ecosystem and to helping consumers restore their financial health,” said Masih.

       
    Financial Highlights for the Full Year of 2024:
       
      Year Ended December 31,
    (in thousands, except percentages and earnings per share)   2024       2023     Change
    Collections $ 2,162,478     $ 1,862,567     16 %
    Revenues $ 1,316,361     $ 1,222,680     8 %
    Portfolio purchases(1) $ 1,352,035     $ 1,073,812     26 %
    Estimated Remaining Collections (ERC) $ 8,501,370     $ 8,191,913     4 %
    Operating expenses $ 1,159,031     $ 1,206,145     (4 )%
    GAAP net loss $ (139,244 )   $ (206,492 )   NM
    GAAP loss per share $ (5.83 )   $ (8.72 )   NM

    __________________

    (1) Includes U.S. purchases of $998.9 million and $814.6 million, and Europe purchases of $353.2 million and $259.3 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively.
       
    Financial Highlights for the Fourth Quarter of 2024:
       
      Three Months Ended December 31,
    (in thousands, except percentages and earnings per share)   2024       2023     Change
    Collections $ 554,595     $ 458,350     21 %
    Revenues $ 265,619     $ 277,387     (4 )%
    Portfolio purchases(1) $ 495,144     $ 292,497     69 %
    Operating expenses $ 399,809     $ 494,580     (19 )%
    GAAP net loss $ (225,307 )   $ (270,762 )   NM
    GAAP loss per share $ (9.42 )   $ (11.40 )   NM

    __________________

    (1) Includes U.S. purchases of $295.3 million and $208.5 million, and Europe purchases of $199.8 million and $84.0 million in Q4 2024 and Q4 2023, respectively.
       
    Key Impacts from Cabot Actions and other items for the Fourth Quarter of 2024:
       
      Three Months Ended
    December 31,
    (in thousands, except earnings per share impact)   2024     EPS Impact(1)
    Cabot changes in expected future recoveries $ (129,128 )   $ (5.40 )
    Goodwill impairment $ (100,600 )   $ (4.21 )
    Cabot IT-related asset impairment $ (18,544 )   $ (0.78 )
    Loss on extinguishment of debt $ (7,832 )   $ (0.28 )
    Cabot restructuring charges $ (6,087 )   $ (0.25 )
    Total $ (262,191 )   $ (10.92 )

    __________________

    (1) Basic share count was used to calculate EPS impacts.
       

    Conference Call and Webcast

    The Company will host a conference call and slide presentation today, February 26, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Pacific time / 5:00 p.m. Eastern time to discuss fourth quarter and full year results.

    Members of the public are invited to access the live webcast via the Internet by logging in on the Investor Relations page of Encore’s website at www.encorecapital.com. To access the live conference call by telephone, please pre-register using this link. Registrants will receive confirmation with dial-in details.

    For those who cannot listen to the live broadcast, a replay of the webcast will be available on the Company’s website shortly after the call concludes.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    This news release includes certain financial measures that exclude the impact of certain items and therefore have not been calculated in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The Company has included information concerning adjusted EBITDA because management utilizes this information in the evaluation of its operations and believes that this measure, when added to collections applied to principal balance, is a useful indicator of the Company’s ability to generate cash collections in excess of operating expenses through the liquidation of its receivable portfolios. Adjusted EBITDA has not been prepared in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income as an indicator of the Company’s operating performance. Further, this non-GAAP financial measure, as presented by the Company, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. The Company has attached to this news release a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.

    About Encore Capital Group, Inc.

    Encore Capital Group is an international specialty finance company that provides debt recovery solutions and other related services for consumers across a broad range of financial assets. Through its subsidiaries around the globe, Encore purchases portfolios of consumer receivables from major banks, credit unions, and utility providers. 

    Encore partners with individuals as they repay their debt obligations, helping them on the road to financial recovery and ultimately improving their economic well-being. Encore is the first and only company of its kind to operate with a Consumer Bill of Rights that provides industry-leading commitments to consumers. Headquartered in San Diego, Encore is a publicly traded NASDAQ Global Select company (ticker symbol: ECPG) and a component stock of the Russell 2000, the S&P Small Cap 600 and the Wilshire 4500. More information about the company can be found at http://www.encorecapital.com.

    Forward Looking Statements
    The statements in this press release that are not historical facts, including, most importantly, those statements preceded by, or that include, the words “will,” “may,” “believe,” “projects,” “expects,” “anticipates” or the negation thereof, or similar expressions, constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Reform Act”). These statements may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our future operating results (including portfolio purchase volumes, collections and cash generation), performance, business plans or prospects as well as statements regarding future supply, consumer behavior, or macroeconomic environment. For all “forward-looking statements,” the Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Reform Act. Such forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of the Company and its subsidiaries to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors are discussed in the reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the most recent reports on Form 10-K, as it may be amended from time to time. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

    Contact:
    Bruce Thomas
    Encore Capital Group, Inc.
    Vice President, Global Investor Relations
    bruce.thomas@encorecapital.com

    SOURCE: Encore Capital Group, Inc.

    FINANCIAL TABLES FOLLOW

           
    ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP, INC.
    Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
    (In Thousands, Except Par Value Amounts)
           
      December 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
    Assets      
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 199,865     $ 158,364  
    Investment in receivable portfolios, net   3,776,369       3,468,432  
    Property and equipment, net   80,597       103,959  
    Other assets   225,090       293,256  
    Goodwill   507,808       606,475  
    Total assets $ 4,789,729     $ 4,630,486  
    Liabilities and Equity      
    Liabilities:      
    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 233,545     $ 189,928  
    Borrowings   3,672,762       3,318,031  
    Other liabilities   116,091       185,989  
    Total liabilities   4,022,398       3,693,948  
    Commitments and contingencies      
    Equity:      
    Convertible preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 5,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding          
    Common stock, $0.01 par value, 75,000 shares authorized, 23,691 shares and 23,545 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively   237       235  
    Additional paid-in capital   19,297       11,052  
    Accumulated earnings   909,927       1,049,171  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (162,130 )     (123,920 )
    Total stockholders’ equity   767,331       936,538  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 4,789,729     $ 4,630,486  
                   

    The following table presents certain assets and liabilities of consolidated variable interest entities (“VIEs”) included in the consolidated statements of financial condition above. Most assets in the table below include those assets that can only be used to settle obligations of consolidated VIEs. The liabilities exclude amounts where creditors or beneficial interest holders have recourse to the general credit of the Company.

           
      December 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
    Assets      
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 23,875   $ 24,472
    Investment in receivable portfolios, net   895,704     717,556
    Other assets   3,699     19,358
    Liabilities      
    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   2,946     1,854
    Borrowings   599,830     494,925
    Other liabilities   887     2,452
               
               
           
    ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP, INC.
    Consolidated Statements of Operations
    (In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
           
      (Unaudited)
    Three Months Ended
    December 31,
      Year Ended
    December 31,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Revenues              
    Revenue from receivable portfolios $ 336,666     $ 304,892     $ 1,302,567     $ 1,204,437  
    Changes in recoveries   (95,760 )     (52,476 )     (89,740 )     (82,530 )
    Total debt purchasing revenue   240,906       252,416       1,212,827       1,121,907  
    Servicing revenue   20,525       19,650       84,783       83,136  
    Other revenues   4,188       5,321       18,751       17,637  
    Total revenues   265,619       277,387       1,316,361       1,222,680  
    Operating expenses              
    Salaries and employee benefits   104,616       96,760       422,910       391,532  
    Cost of legal collections   68,989       56,727       259,298       224,252  
    General and administrative expenses   52,019       36,809       163,847       144,862  
    Other operating expenses   37,786       29,315       130,802       111,179  
    Collection agency commissions   8,288       9,074       30,596       35,657  
    Depreciation and amortization   8,967       8,969       32,434       41,737  
    Goodwill impairment   100,600       238,200       100,600       238,200  
    Impairment of assets   18,544       18,726       18,544       18,726  
    Total operating expenses   399,809       494,580       1,159,031       1,206,145  
    (Loss) income from operations   (134,190 )     (217,193 )     157,330       16,535  
    Other expense              
    Interest expense   (68,498 )     (54,501 )     (252,545 )     (201,877 )
    Loss on extinguishment of debt   (7,832 )           (7,832 )      
    Other income (expense)   541       (2 )     6,832       5,078  
    Total other expense   (75,789 )     (54,503 )     (253,545 )     (196,799 )
    (Loss) income before income taxes   (209,979 )     (271,696 )     (96,215 )     (180,264 )
    (Provision) benefit for income taxes   (15,328 )     934       (43,029 )     (26,228 )
    Net loss $ (225,307 )   $ (270,762 )   $ (139,244 )   $ (206,492 )
                   
    Loss per share:              
    Basic $ (9.42 )   $ (11.40 )   $ (5.83 )   $ (8.72 )
    Diluted $ (9.42 )   $ (11.40 )   $ (5.83 )   $ (8.72 )
                   
    Weighted average shares outstanding:              
    Basic   23,916       23,741       23,873       23,670  
    Diluted   23,916       23,741       23,873       23,670  
                                   
                                   
       
    ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP, INC.
    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    (In Thousands)
       
      Year Ended December 31,
        2024       2023       2022  
    Operating activities:          
    Net (loss) income $ (139,244 )   $ (206,492 )   $ 194,564  
    Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:          
    Depreciation and amortization   32,434       41,737       46,419  
    Other non-cash interest expense, net   16,325       17,160       15,875  
    Stock-based compensation expense   14,012       13,854       15,402  
    Deferred income taxes   (22,280 )     (55,916 )     46,410  
    Goodwill impairment   100,600       238,200        
    Impairment of assets   18,544       18,726       4,075  
    Changes in recoveries   89,740       82,530       (93,145 )
    Other, net   17,880       (2,259 )     18,798  
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities          
    Other assets   (28,245 )     15,894       (6,722 )
    Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other liabilities   56,402       (10,443 )     (30,995 )
    Net cash provided by operating activities   156,168       152,991       210,681  
    Investing activities:          
    Purchases of receivable portfolios, net of put-backs   (1,336,442 )     (1,060,206 )     (790,569 )
    Collections applied to investment in receivable portfolios, net   859,911       658,130       709,176  
    Purchases of real estate owned   (212 )     (26,901 )     (39,340 )
    Purchases of property and equipment   (29,007 )     (24,807 )     (37,224 )
    Proceeds from sale of real estate owned   56,396       52,636       27,722  
    Other, net   8,924       (793 )      
    Net cash used in investing activities   (440,430 )     (401,941 )     (130,235 )
    Financing activities:          
    Payment of loan and debt refinancing costs   (21,418 )     (13,707 )     (1,659 )
    Proceeds from credit facilities   2,031,470       1,196,046       779,513  
    Repayment of credit facilities   (1,868,111 )     (989,627 )     (515,703 )
    Proceeds from senior secured notes   1,000,000       104,188        
    Repayment of senior secured notes   (789,106 )     (39,080 )     (39,080 )
    Proceeds from issuance of convertible senior notes         230,000        
    Repayment of convertible senior notes         (212,480 )     (221,153 )
    Payments to settle derivative instruments   (40,038 )            
    Repurchase and retirement of common stock               (87,006 )
    Other, net   4,977       (7,040 )     (22,357 )
    Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities   317,774       268,300       (107,445 )
    Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   33,512       19,350       (26,999 )
    Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents   7,989       (4,898 )     (18,734 )
    Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period   158,364       143,912       189,645  
    Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 199,865     $ 158,364     $ 143,912  
               
    Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:          
    Cash paid for interest $ 210,580     $ 163,815     $ 131,391  
    Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds   67,091       68,522       71,276  
    Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:          
    Investment in receivable portfolios transferred to real estate owned $ 5,966     $ 7,957     $ 1,903  
                           
                           
           
    ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP, INC.
    Supplemental Financial Information
    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Metrics
           
    Adjusted EBITDA    
           
    (in thousands, unaudited) Three Months Ended
    December 31,
      Year Ended
    December 31,
      2024       2023       2024       2023  
    GAAP net loss, as reported $ (225,307 )   $ (270,762 )   $ (139,244 )   $ (206,492 )
    Adjustments:              
    Interest expense   68,498       54,501       252,545       201,877  
    Loss on extinguishment of debt   7,832             7,832        
    Interest income   (1,971 )     (1,364 )     (7,008 )     (4,746 )
    Provision (benefit) for income taxes   15,328       (934 )     43,029       26,228  
    Depreciation and amortization   8,967       8,969       32,434       41,737  
    Net loss (gain) on derivative instruments(1)         342       (267 )     (3,170 )
    Stock-based compensation expense   2,281       2,837       14,012       13,854  
    Acquisition, integration and restructuring related expenses(2)   6,087       827       10,451       7,401  
    Goodwill Impairment(3)   100,600       238,200       100,600       238,200  
    Impairment of assets(3)   18,544       18,726       18,544       18,726  
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 859     $ 51,342     $ 332,928     $ 333,615  
    Collections applied to principal balance(4) $ 337,464     $ 213,769     $ 1,004,230     $ 776,280  

    ________________________

    (1) Amount represents gain or loss recognized on derivative instruments that are not designated as hedging instruments or gain or loss recognized on derivative instruments upon dedesignation of hedge relationships. We adjust for this amount because we believe the gain or loss on derivative contracts is not indicative of ongoing operations.
    (2) Amount represents acquisition, integration and restructuring related expenses. We adjust for this amount because we believe these expenses are not indicative of ongoing operations; therefore, adjusting for these expenses enhances comparability to prior periods, anticipated future periods, and our competitors’ results.
    (3) During the years ended December 31, 2024, and 2023, we recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $100.6 million and $238.2 million, respectively. We recorded a non-cash impairment of long-lived assets of $18.5 million and a non-cash impairment of intangible assets of $18.7 million during the years ended December 31, 2024, and 2023, respectively. We believe these non-cash impairment charges are not indicative of ongoing operations, therefore adjusting for these expenses enhances comparability to prior periods, anticipated future periods, and our competitors’ results. Refer to “Note 15: Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets” and “Note 5: Composition of Certain Financial Statement Items” to our consolidated financial statements for further details.
    (4) Amount represents (a) gross collections from receivable portfolios less (b) debt purchasing revenue, plus (c) proceeds applied to basis from sales of real estate owned (“REO”) assets and exit activities. A reconciliation of “collections applied to investment in receivable portfolios, net” to “collections applied to principal balance” is available in the Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 2024.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Security: High-Ranking Sinaloa Leader Extradited to El Paso, Faces up to Life in Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    EL PASO, Texas – A high-ranking member of the Sinaloa Cartel was extradited from Mexico to El Paso, indicted for criminal charges related to his alleged federal racketeering, narcotics, money laundering, firearms, and continuing criminal enterprise offenses.

    According to court documents, Daniel Franco Lopez aka “Micha” aka “Neon” aka “Fer,” 40, of Mexico, allegedly coordinated the shipments of hundreds of kilograms of cocaine and thousands of kilograms of marijuana into the United States, along with the pickup of drug proceeds, and kidnappings and murders.

    Lopez was indicted in April 2012 along with Joaquin Guzman Loera aka “Chapo,” Ismael Zambada Garcia “Mayo,” and over a dozen other codefendants. He was arrested Aug. 14, 2012, and remained in Mexican custody until his extradition. Lopez made his initial appearance in federal court Monday.

    “The extradition of this defendant is a of many significant pieces in a very large cartel case that spans more than a decade,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas. “Not only are we grateful for the enduring and successful efforts our federal law enforcement partners at the DEA, FBI and ATF, but I want to emphasize our goal to put an end to these organizations is shared by this U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Justice Department and our counterparts in Mexico.”

    “Daniel Franco Lopez was defendant #16 on DEA’s RICO indictment that included Joaquin ‘Chapo’ Guzman and Ismael ‘Mayo’ Zambada,” said Special Agent in Charge Towanda Thorne-James for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s El Paso Division. “This extradition demonstrates that the men and women of DEA will never tire of pursuing the most violent, drug traffickers responsible for thousands of deaths in our country. We thank our domestic and international partners for their assistance on this case.”

    “The extradition is one more step towards dismantling and ending violence perpetrated by criminal drug trafficking organizations such as the Sinaloa Cartel,” said Special Agent in Charge John Morales for FBI El Paso. “The FBI and our partners will endlessly pursue and prosecute cartel members and associates who attempt to control and intimidate their communities through violence.  This extradition starts the justice process to all of those who have suffered as a result of Franco Lopez’s criminal actions as a member of the Sinaloa Cartel.” 

    “This case reads like a Hollywood movie script. You know the film…cartels, guns, drugs, money, feds,” said Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey C Boshek II for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Dallas Field Division. “Fortunately for the citizens of the United States, the good guys prevailed in this one. Mr. Lopez, an alleged underground criminal mastermind, left a path of destruction in his path. The American people are safer with this bandit in handcuffs and behind bars.”

    Lopez is charged with one count of RICO conspiracy; two counts related to conspiracy to possess and import over five kgs of cocaine and over 1,000 kgs of marijuana; one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments; one count of conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes and aid and abet; and one count of engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise in furtherance of drug trafficking. If convicted, Lopez faces up to life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The DEA, FBI, and ATF are investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Antonio Franco, Kyle Myers and Suzanna Martinez are prosecuting the case for the Western District of Texas. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Mexico to secure the arrest and extradition of Lopez.

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

    ###

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Previously Convicted Sex Offender Sentenced to 114 Months for Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Materials

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

               WASHINGTON – Rashid Lamont McFadden, 29, of Baltimore, Maryland, was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court to 114 months in prison for distributing videos depicting the violent rape of prepubescent children by adults, images of young children engaged in sadistic and masochistic acts, and images of children engaging in sexual acts with animals. 

               The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sean T. Ryan of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division.

               McFadden pleaded guilty on May 29, 2024, to one count of distribution of child pornography. In addition to the 141-month prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Carl J. Nichols ordered McFadden to serve 15 years of supervised release. ­­­

              According to court documents, on February 16, 2023, an undercover officer (UC) from the FBI Washington Field Office was monitoring an online messaging application where individuals met, discussed, and traded sexually explicit images and videos of children. The UC observed an individual identified as “tng6” post a video of child sexual exploitation to the group. Shortly thereafter, tng6 responded to a conversation about meeting other likeminded pedophiles and their children. At that point, the UC initiated a private chat with tng6, who was later identified as McFadden.

               As the UC chatted with McFadden, McFadden continued to post child sex videos to the group. McFadden told the UC that he knew the children in the videos and had produced some of the videos himself. The UC then claimed to be the father of an 8-year-old daughter and that he would show McFadden images of the purported girl on FaceTime.

               On February 17, 2023, Baltimore Police arrested McFadden on an unrelated matter. On February 21, law enforcement executed a search warrant at McFadden’s home in Baltimore and seized McFadden’s cell phone. McFadden refused to provide the passcode for the phone. Law enforcement reviewed the contents of McFadden’s cloud storage account and found several videos and images of children being sexually abused by adults.

               McFadden is currently facing additional criminal charges for possession of child pornography in a separate case pending in the Circuit Court for Maryland in Baltimore County.

               This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force in cooperation with the Metropolitan Police Department’s Youth Division, and the Baltimore Police Department. The task force is composed of FBI agents, along with other federal agents and detectives from northern Virginia and the District of Columbia. The task force is charged with investigating and bringing federal charges against individuals engaged in the exploitation of children and those engaged in human trafficking.

               The matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen Shinskie.

               This case was brought as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood initiative. In February 2006, the Attorney General created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

    23cr0165

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hardin County, Kentucky Man Sentenced to 4 Years in Federal Prison for Mailing Threats to Kill and Extort

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Louisville, KY – A Hardin County, Kentucky man was sentenced yesterday to 4 years in prison for mailing letters with threats to kill and extort.

    U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman, Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office, Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police, and Chief Jeremy Thompson of the Elizabethtown Police Department made the announcement.

    According to court documents, Kyle Miller, 21, was sentenced to 4 years in federal prison, followed by 3 years supervised release, for mailing threatening communications with threats to kill and extort. On July 6, 2023, August 28, 2023, and October 16, 2023, Miller mailed letters to a victim containing threats to kill. On January 28, 2024, Miller mailed letters to a victim containing threats to kill and extort. On October 13, 2023, Miller mailed a letter to a victim containing a threat to kill.

    There is no parole in the federal system.   

    This case was investigated by the FBI, KSP and Elizabethtown Police Department.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Erwin Roberts prosecuted the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: 8 Charged in North Charleston Public Corruption Schemes, including 3 City Councilmen

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHARLESTON, S.C. — Eight people have been charged in federal court for a series of bribery, kickback, extortion, and money laundering schemes following a public corruption investigation in North Charleston. Three of the individuals charged are elected members of the North Charleston City Council.

    Four individuals have been charged by Information and have agreed to plead guilty:

    Jerome Sydney Heyward, 61, North Charleston City Councilmember;

    Sandino Savalas Moses, 50, North Charleston City Councilmember;

    Donavan Laval Moten, 46, founder of Core4Success Foundation; and

    Aaron Charles-Lee Hicks, 37, resident of North Charleston.

    A federal grand jury returned indictments against four others:

    Mike A. Brown, 46, North Charleston City Council Member;

    Hason Tatorian (“Tory”) Fields, 51, a Goose Creek resident;

    Rose Emily Lorenzo, 65, a North Carolina resident; and

    Michelle Stent-Hilton, 56, a North Charleston resident.

    Heyward is charged in three separate schemes with corruptly using his position as a North Charleston City Councilman to personally enrich himself through bribes, kickbacks, and extortion and to deprive the citizens and the government of North Charleston of their intangible right to the honest and faithful services of the North Charleston City Council. In the first scheme, Heyward extorted a businessman by soliciting payments in exchange for his official action as a City Councilman. In the second scheme, Heyward conspired with Mike A. Brown and Aaron Hicks to solicit and accept bribes from Aaron Hicks—working on behalf of a company with business before North Charleston City Council—in exchange for his support of the rezoning of the Baker Hospital site. In the third scheme, Heyward conspired with Donavan Moten, Rose Lorenzo, and Michelle Stent-Hilton to embezzle funds belonging to North Charleston by soliciting and accepting kickbacks from non-profit organizations run by Moten and Stent-Hilton that received violence reduction grant funds from the City.

    Heyward has agreed to plead guilty to: extortion under color of official right and using fear of economic harm; multiple counts of conspiracy to commit bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds and honest services wire fraud; multiple counts of bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds and honest services wire fraud; theft with respect to programs receiving federal funds; and multiple counts of money laundering. Heyward faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $500,000, and a term of supervised release of three years. Heyward has agreed to cooperate with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

    Mike A. Brown is charged with conspiring with Heyward and Hicks to commit bribery and honest services wire fraud. The indictment alleges that Mike A. Brown, while serving as a North Charleston City Councilmember, solicited and accepted bribes from Hicks—working on behalf of a company requesting the rezoning of the Baker Hospital site—in exchange for his support of the rezoning application. Mike A. Brown faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of three years. He will be arraigned on these charges in March.

    Aaron Hicks is charged with a conspiracy to pay bribes to Mike A. Brown and Jerome Heyward and a separate conspiracy with Hason Tatorian Fields to bribe Sandino Moses in exchange for their influence on North Charleston City Council and their support of the rezoning of the Baker Hospital site. Hicks has agreed to plead guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds and honest services wire fraud; bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds, and honest services wire fraud. Hicks has agreed to cooperate fully with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Hicks faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of three years.

    Hason Tatorian (“Tory”) Fields is charged with conspiracy to commit bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds and honest services wire fraud, bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds, and honest services wire fraud. The indictment alleges that Fields conspired with Hicks to pay bribes to Sandino Moses. Thereafter, Fields paid Moses two bribes in an attempt to influence him in connection with his official action regarding the rezoning of the Baker Hospital site. Fields faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $250,000 and a term of supervised release of three years.

    Sandino Moses is charged with misprision of a felony. The Information alleges that Moses knew that Fields and others attempted to bribe him and paid him bribes but he failed to disclose that criminal conduct and instead took steps to conceal the bribes by returning the money to Fields. Moses has agreed to plead guilty and to cooperate fully with federal state and local law enforcement agencies. He faces a maximum term of imprisonment of three years, a fine of $250,000, and a maximum term of supervised release of one year.

    Donavan Laval Moten has agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds and honest services wire fraud, theft with respect to programs receiving federal funds, bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds, honest services wire fraud, and money laundering. The information alleges that Moten conspired with Jerome Heyward and Rose Lorenzo to kick back a portion of funds that Moten’s nonprofit received from North Charleston to Heyward, who at the time was on North Charleston’s City Council. The indictment further alleges that after receiving the money from North Charleston, Moten laundered Heyward’s portion through Lorenzo. Moten has agreed to cooperate fully with federal, state, and local enforcement officials. Moten faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $500,000 and a term of supervised release of three years.

    Michelle Stent-Hilton is charged with conspiracy to commit bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds and honest services wire fraud, theft with respect to programs receiving federal funds, bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds, honest services wire fraud, and money laundering. The indictment alleges that Stent-Hilton, who is affiliated with a non-profit and served as Jerome Heyward’s personal assistant, promised to pay Heyward a portion of money the non-profit received from the city of North Charleston. At the time, Heyward was serving on North Charleston City Council and voted on the grant proposal to distribute funds to non-profits, including Stent-Hilton’s. The indictment further alleges that after receiving money from North Charleston, Stent-Hilton laundered Heyward’s kick back through Rose Lorenzo. Stent-Hilton faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $500,000 and a term of supervised release of three years.

    Rose Emily Lorenzo is charged with conspiracy to commit bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds and honest services wire fraud, theft with respect to programs receiving federal funds, bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds, honest services wire fraud, and money laundering. The indictment alleges that Lorenzo conspired with Jerome Heyward and others to kick back a portion of City of North Charleston grant funds that were awarded to non-profits affiliated with Donavan Moten and Michelle Stent-Hilton to Heyward. The indictment further alleges that Lorenzo agreed to launder the funds by acting as an intermediary who received the funds from Moten and Stent-Hilton, and then wired them to Heyward for the purpose of concealing the true purpose of the transaction. Lorenzo faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $500,000 and a term of supervised release of three years.

    Heyward, Moten, Hicks, and Moses are scheduled to plead guilty before the Honorable Richard M. Gergel on Friday, Feb. 28.

    “When elected officials take their oath of office, they make a sacred promise to the people they serve.  They pledge to uphold the law, to act with integrity, and to place the public interest above their own,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Brook B. Andrews for the District of South Carolina. “Public service should never merely be a job – it is a public trust. The allegations in this case describe a profound betrayal of that trust.”

    “Public corruption at any level of government cannot be tolerated,” said Steve Jensen Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Columbia Field Office. “Citizens have a right to expect honesty, fairness, and integrity from their leaders. The FBI, in collaboration with our law enforcement partners, is dedicated to aggressively investigating corruption and ensuring those responsible are held accountable.”

    “SLED Agents worked hand-in-hand with our federal partners to ensure that justice will be served,” said SLED Chief Mark Keel. “No matter who you are, or what position you hold, you will be held accountable for breaking the law. Elected officials and citizens should be working together to better their community, not exploiting others.”

    The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily Limehouse and Whit Sowards are prosecuting the case.

    All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI