Category: Middle East

  • MIL-OSI: First Capital, Inc. Announces Quarterly Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CORYDON, Ind., Feb. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Board of Directors of First Capital, Inc. (NASDAQ: FCAP) has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.29 (twenty-nine cents) per share of common stock, according to Michael C. Frederick, President and Chief Executive Officer. The dividend will be paid on March 28, 2025 to shareholders of record as of March 14, 2025.

    First Capital, Inc. is the holding company for First Harrison Bank. First Harrison currently has eighteen offices in the Indiana communities of Corydon, Edwardsville, Greenville, Floyds Knobs, Palmyra, New Albany, New Salisbury, Jeffersonville, Salem, Lanesville and Charlestown and the Kentucky communities of Shepherdsville, Mt. Washington and Lebanon Junction. Access to First Harrison Bank accounts, including online banking and electronic bill payments, is available anywhere with Internet access through the Bank’s website at www.firstharrison.com. For more information and financial data about First Capital, Inc., please visit Investor Relations at First Harrison Bank’s aforementioned website.

    Contact:
    Joshua P. Stevens
    Chief Financial Officer
    812-738-1570

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: First Capital, Inc. Announces Date of Annual Meeting

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CORYDON, Ind., Feb. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — First Capital, Inc. (NASDAQ:FCAP), the holding company for First Harrison Bank, today announced that its annual meeting of stockholders will be held on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.

    The Bank currently has eighteen offices in the Indiana communities of Corydon, Edwardsville, Greenville, Floyds Knobs, Palmyra, New Albany, New Salisbury, Jeffersonville, Salem, Lanesville and Charlestown and the Kentucky communities of Shepherdsville, Mt. Washington and Lebanon Junction.

    Access to First Harrison Bank accounts, including online banking and electronic bill payments, is available through the Bank’s website at www.firstharrison.com. For more information and financial data about the Company, please visit Investor Relations at the Bank’s aforementioned website. The Bank can also be followed on Facebook.

    Contact:
    Joshua P. Stevens
    Executive Vice President
    Chief Financial Officer
    First Capital, Inc.
    200 Federal Drive, N.W.
    Corydon, Indiana 47112
    (812) 738-1570

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE investigation leads to 8 criminal arrests and charges for Trinitarios gang members

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    BOSTON — An investigation led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement led to federal charges unsealed against two dozen leaders, members and associates of the Trinitarios gang — a violent transnational criminal organization. An ICE Homeland Security Investigations-led a task force arrested eight alleged gang members early Feb. 19, and 22 individuals have been charged with federal offenses, including racketeering conspiracy in connection with six murders and 11 attempted murders. Two individuals, who were juveniles at the time of the alleged criminal offenses, have been charged by the Essex County District Attorney’s Office with murder.

    The charges are the result of a multijurisdictional investigation that began in the aftermath of four murders, and a series of attempted murders and shootings that took place in Lynn, Massachusetts in 2023, allegedly committed by the Trinitarios criminal enterprise.

    According to court documents, Chapters of the Trinitarios were identified in in Lawrence, Lynn, Boston and Haverhill. Trinitarios members in these cities allegedly undertake efforts to dominate their communities by intimidating rival gangs and establishing control over certain neighborhoods. It is further alleged that the Trinitarios do not hesitate to use violence, including murder, to further the organization’s goals and purposes. According to the charging document, these gang rivalries develop through personal enmity and disrespect between members of the rival gangs, competition over drug territory and customers as well as violent acts (such as robberies, shootings and murders) that have been committed by the gangs against each other in the past. It is alleged that these rivalries have become deadly and multiple murders have been committed by Trinitarios gang members.

    Specifically, ICE HSI’s investigation allegedly identified that the Massachusetts Trinitarios have committed at least 10 homicides in Essex County over the past decade and are believed to be responsible for numerous attempted murders, shootings, kidnappings and robberies. Sixteen members of the Trinitarios criminal enterprise in Massachusetts have been charged with six of these murders — two of which took place in Lawrence in 2017 and two double murders in Lynn in 2023. The remaining four homicides are being prosecuted by the Essex District Attorney’s Office.

    “Today the message should be loud and clear: transnational criminal organizations and foreign-born malign actors committing violent acts in our communities will never have refuge in the United States. We are working every day with our state, local, and federal partners to tackle transnational crime from all angles with all of the resources available to us to make our streets safer,” said ICE HSI New England Special Agent in Charge, Michael J. Krol.

    According to the charging documents, the Trinitarios are a hierarchical criminal organization, with positions that are known to exist at the state and local chapter level, whose members adhere to a code of conduct. Enmanuel Paula-Cabral, aka “Nelfew,” aka “Gordo,” aka “Manny,” allegedly serves as the State Supreme of the Trinitarios for Massachusetts, responsible for the entirety of the gang’s criminal activities, coordination with other state leaders and communication with leadership of the Trinitarios in the Dominican Republic.

    Paula-Cabral is also allegedly responsible for the Trinitarios Chapter operating in Manchester, New Hampshire as well the Trinitarios located in Maine, where the gang operates a lucrative drug-trade. Below the Supreme is a position referred to as the “Flag” or “Segundo,” which in Massachusetts is allegedly held by Ery Jordani Rosario, aka “Racacha.”

    The Massachusetts Trinitarios allegedly recruit new members among communities of legal immigrants and illegal aliens from the Dominican Republic — specifically juveniles in local high schools in Lawrence and Lynn. To curry favor with these new recruits, the Trinitarios allegedly appeal to their shared Spanish language and culture, Dominican patriotism and use the appearance of prosperity and brotherhood.

    It is further alleged that members are generally initiated into the gang after a period of observation or probation and are often inducted following the completion of a “mission” — which is generally a substantial act of violence such as shootings, beatings, or fist fights with rival gang members that were the same age or stature. According to the court documents, upon induction, new members are formally “blessed” into the organization during a formal ceremony, are administered oaths by the State Supreme and are awarded with ceremonial beaded necklaces. Younger members are allegedly tasked with lesser roles during many violent “missions,” including standing lookout during a shooting, holding or concealing weapons on behalf of full members and transporting weapons after their use in shootings.

    According to the charging documents, the Trinitarios endeavor to project power over the internet and social media allegedly producing music and music videos featuring members in Trinitarios colors and clothing holding weapons, cash and other items, as well as lyrics that boast about violence, drugs and other criminal endeavors as warnings and threats to other rival gangs.

    “As the court papers make clear, for well over a decade, Trinitarios gang members have engaged in brazen acts of murder, assault, and drug distribution — instilling fear in the communities of Lynn and Lawrence in particular. Today’s law enforcement operation has struck a significant blow against the leadership of the Trinitarios operating in Massachusetts — virtually dismantling an organization responsible for years of bloodshed, drug trafficking, and lawlessness,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “This enforcement action ends the Trinitarios reign of terror in Massachusetts. Today, our communities are safer with the removal of these alleged violent offenders from our streets, and where appropriate, from our country. This operation is a testament to the tireless collaboration among the dedicated members of our federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Such shameless and senseless acts of violence have no place anywhere; especially not in any city in Massachusetts. If you threaten the safety of our residents, we will find you, we will hold you accountable, and we will ensure that justice is served.”

    “This operation is another example of how the FBI and our law enforcement partners work together to dismantle large-scale, violent transnational criminal organizations that cause chaos and death in our communities. We believe those arrested today — leaders, members, and close associates of the Trinitarios – have allegedly shown a reckless indifference to human life in order to control their turf, push their poison, and make money. There is no question our streets are safer because of this takedown,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “The FBI’s North Shore Gang Task Force will continue to work on the public’s behalf to lock up these dangerous offenders who shatter folks’ sense of security and quality of life.”

    “Gang violence, as well as illegal gun and drug trafficking, have no place in the Commonwealth,” said Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoff Noble. “Operations like this show the Massachusetts State Police is committed to working alongside our law enforcement partners to find those responsible for these crimes, arrest them, and pursue justice. Getting these criminals off the street makes Massachusetts a safer place to live.”

    “This investigation and the results represent the best of law enforcement partnerships. The residents of Essex County are safer today with the dismantling of this violent criminal enterprise,” said Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker.

    “Today’s operation marks the culmination of an extensive investigation, demonstrating the strength of our collaborative efforts to combat gangs and violent criminal activity. These significant arrests will undoubtedly prevent further harm to our community. I want to express my deepest gratitude to our officers and our State and Federal law enforcement partners, the Essex County District Attorney’s Office and the Office of the United States Attorney for Massachusetts for their relentless pursuit of justice and for their commitment to making our city safer,” said Lynn Police Chief Christopher P. Reddy.

    “I commend the successful collaboration with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations,” says Manchester New Hampshire Police Chief Peter Marr. “By arresting multiple gang members involved in violent criminal activities throughout the region, we are reinforcing the commitment to making our community safer.”

    The charge of conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity (also known as “racketeering conspiracy” or “RICO conspiracy”) provides for a sentence of up to life in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act conspiracy) provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.

    The investigation was led by ICE HSI New England’s Strike Force, Massachusetts State Police, the Essex District Attorney’s Office, the Lynn Police Department and the Manchester New Hampshire Police Department. Valuable assistance was provided by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Federal Bureau of Investigations; and the Andover, Boston, Franklin, Lawrence, Peabody and Salem Police Departments.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: Amplify Energy Schedules Fourth Quarter 2024 Earnings Release and Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, Feb. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Amplify Energy Corp. (“Amplify” or the “Company”) (NYSE: AMPY) announced today that it will report fourth quarter 2024 financial and operating results after the U.S. financial markets close on March 5, 2025. Management will host a conference call at 10:00 a.m. CT on March 6, 2025, to discuss the Company’s results. Interested parties are invited to participate in the conference call by dialing (888) 999-5318 (Conference ID: AEC4Q24) at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the call. A telephonic replay will be available for fourteen days following the call by dialing (800) 654-1563 and providing the Access Code: 71724906. A transcript and a recorded replay of the call will also be available on our website after the call.

    About Amplify Energy

    Amplify Energy Corp. is an independent oil and natural gas company engaged in the acquisition, development, exploitation and production of oil and natural gas properties. Amplify’s operations are focused in Oklahoma, the Rockies (Bairoil), federal waters offshore Southern California (Beta), East Texas / North Louisiana, and the Eagle Ford (Non-op). For more information, visit www.amplifyenergy.com.

    Investor Relations Contacts

    Jim Frew — SVP & Chief Financial Officer
    (832) 219-9044
    jim.frew@amplifyenergy.com

    Michael Jordan — Director, Finance and Treasurer
    (832) 219-9051
    michael.jordan@amplifyenergy.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Tenaris Announces 2024 Fourth Quarter and Annual Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The financial and operational information contained in this press release is based on audited consolidated financial statements presented in U.S. dollars and prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standard Board and adopted by the European Union, or IFRS. Additionally, this press release includes non-IFRS alternative performance measures i.e., EBITDA, Free Cash Flow, Net cash / debt and Operating working capital days. See exhibit I for more details on these alternative performance measures.

    LUXEMBOURG, Feb. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tenaris S.A. (NYSE and Mexico: TS and EXM Italy: TEN) (“Tenaris”) today announced its results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2024 in comparison with its results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2023.

    Summary of 2024 Fourth Quarter Results

    (Comparison with third quarter of 2024 and fourth quarter of 2023)

      4Q 2024 3Q 2024 4Q 2023
    Net sales ($ million) 2,845 2,915 (2%) 3,415 (17%)
    Operating income ($ million) 558 537 4% 819 (32%)
    Net income ($ million) 519 459 13% 1,146 (55%)
    Shareholders’ net income ($ million) 516 448 15% 1,129 (54%)
    Earnings per ADS ($) 0.94 0.81 16% 1.92 (51%)
    Earnings per share ($) 0.47 0.40 16% 0.96 (51%)
    EBITDA* ($ million) 726 688 6% 975 (26%)
    EBITDA margin (% of net sales) 25.5% 23.6%   28.6%  
               

    *EBITDA in fourth quarter of 2024 includes a $67 million gain from the partial reversal of a provision for the ongoing litigation related to the acquisition of a participation in Usiminas. If this charge was not included EBITDA would have amounted to $659 million, or 23.2% of sales

    Net sales in the fourth quarter were more resilient than expected as we were able to reduce inventories and advance some shipments in the Middle East and Turkey, despite lower demand in Mexico, Argentina and Saudi Arabia. Our EBITDA declined 4% on a comparable basis with the margin supported by a favorable product mix which offset the effect of residual price declines in North America. Net income increased due to the partial reversal of the provision made in the second quarter for the ongoing litigation related to the acquisition of a participation in Usiminas jointly with our associate company, Ternium.

    During the quarter, our free cash flow amounted to $310 million and, after spending $299 million on dividends and $454 million on share buybacks, our net cash position declined to $3.6 billion at December 31, 2024.

    Summary of 2024 Annual Results

      12M 2024 12M 2023 Increase/(Decrease)
    Net sales ($ million) 12,524 14,869 (16%)
    Operating income ($ million) 2,419 4,316 (44%)
    Net income ($ million) 2,077 3,958 (48%)
    Shareholders’ net income ($ million) 2,036 3,918 (48%)
    Earnings per ADS ($) 3.61 6.65 (46%)
    Earnings per share ($) 1.81 3.32 (45%)
    EBITDA* ($ million) 3,052 4,865 (37%)
    EBITDA margin (% of net sales) 24.4% 32.7%  
           

    *EBITDA in 12M 2024 includes a $107 million loss from the provision for the ongoing litigation related to the acquisition of a participation in Usiminas. If this charge was not included EBITDA would have amounted to $3,159 million, or 25.2% of sales.

    Our sales in 2024 amounted to $12.5 billion with a decrease of 16% compared to 2023, primarily reflecting a decline in market prices for our tubular products used in onshore drilling applications in the Americas, lower drilling activity in Mexico and Colombia, lower shipments for pipeline projects in Argentina and lower sales of mechanical pipes in Europe. On the other hand, sales in the Middle East reached a record level as Saudi Aramco replenished OCTG stocks and increased gas drilling activity. EBITDA and margins also declined to $3.1 billion, being further affected by a $107 million loss from a provision for the ongoing litigation related to the acquisition of a participation in Usiminas. Net income amounted to $2.1 billion, or 17% of net sales, and was affected by a reduction of $43 million from our participation in Ternium related to the same case.

    Cash flow provided by operating activities amounted to $2.9 billion during 2024. This was used to fund capital expenditures of $694 million, with the remainder distributed to shareholders through dividend payments of $758 million and share buybacks for $1,440 million in the year. We maintained a net cash position of $3.6 billion at the end of December 2024.

    Change of Chief Financial Officer

    Effective as of May 2, 2025, Mr. Carlos Gomez Alzaga will assume the position of Chief Financial Officer, replacing Ms. Alicia Mondolo, who will retire from this role.

    Mr. Gomez Alzaga, who has more than 20 years of experience in Administration and Finance at Tenaris, previously served as Regional CFO for Mexico and Central America, and Economic and Financial Planning Director, among other positions, and currently holds the position of Regional CFO for Argentina and South America.

    Ms. Mondolo will continue to serve as senior advisor to our Chairman and CEO.

    Paolo Rocca and the Board of Tenaris would like to express their gratitude and appreciation for Alicia´s contribution as CFO of Tenaris and her 41 years of service within the Techint Group.

    Market Background and Outlook

    Oil prices remain relatively stable (as they have done over the past two years) with OPEC+ maintaining their voluntary production cuts in the face of limited global demand growth. European and US natural gas prices have, however, risen as relatively cold winter weather and the cutoff of Russian supply have led to a rapid drawdown in inventories.

    These prices and the continuing balance between oil and gas demand and supply should continue to support overall investment in oil and gas drilling activity, as well as OCTG demand, at current levels, albeit with some regional nuances.

    In North America, consolidation among major operators and drilling efficiencies led to a drop in US drilling activity last year, which has now stabilized, while OCTG consumption per rig has been increasing. In Latin America, drilling activity is increasing in Argentina, as investment in pipeline and LNG infrastructure investment for the Vaca Muerta shale moves forward, while, in Mexico, it has been affected by financial constraints on Pemex. In the Middle East, some reduction in oil drilling has taken place in Saudi Arabia while gas drilling has risen, and, in Abu Dhabi, oil drilling is increasing.

    OCTG reference prices in North America, which fell steadily for two years until the second half of 2024, have so far recovered by 9% from their August low and could rise further following the US government’s announced reset of Section 232 tariffs on all imports of steel products without exception.

    In this environment, we expect our sales and EBITDA (excluding extraordinary effects) in the first quarter to be in line with the previous one before rising moderately in the second quarter. Beyond that, likely changes in US tariffs and their possible ramifications on trade flows will introduce a new dynamic with a high level of uncertainty for costs and prices to our results.

    Annual Dividend Proposal

    Upon approval of the Company´s annual accounts in April 2025, the board of directors intends to propose, for approval of the annual general shareholders’ meeting to be held on May 6, 2025, the payment of a dividend per share of $0.83 (in an aggregate amount of approximately $0.9 billion), which would include the interim dividend per share of $0.27 (approximately $0.3 billion) paid in November 2024. If the annual dividend is approved by the shareholders, a dividend of $0.56 per share ($1.12 per ADS), or approximately $0.6 billion, will be paid according to the following timetable:

    • Payment date: May 21, 2025
    • Record date: May 20, 2025
    • Ex-dividend for securities listed in Europe and Mexico: May 19, 2025
    • Ex-dividend for securities listed in the United States: May 20, 2025

    Analysis of 2024 Fourth Quarter Results

    Tubes

    The following table indicates, for our Tubes business segment, sales volumes of seamless and welded pipes for the periods indicated below:

    Tubes Sales volume (thousand metric tons) 4Q 2024 3Q 2024
    4Q 2023
    Seamless 748 746 0% 760 (2%)
    Welded 164 191 (14%) 246 (33%)
    Total 913 937 (3%) 1,006 (9%)
               

    The following table indicates, for our Tubes business segment, net sales by geographic region, operating income and operating income as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated below:

    Tubes 4Q 2024 3Q 2024 4Q 2023
    (Net sales – $ million)          
    North America 1,131 1,273 (11%) 1,501 (25%)
    South America 595 484 23% 590 1%
    Europe 341 280 22% 302 13%
    Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa 629 754 (17%) 805 (22%)
    Total net sales ($ million) 2,695 2,790 (3%) 3,198 (16%)
    Services performed on third party tubes ($ million) 93 97 (4%) 34 176%
    Operating income ($ million) 533 527 1% 780 (32%)
    Operating margin (% of sales) 19.8% 18.9%   24.4%  
               

    Net sales of tubular products and services decreased 3% sequentially and 16% year on year. Sequentially volumes sold decreased 3% while average selling prices decreased less than 1% as a favorable product mix offset price declines in North America. Sequentially, in North America sales declined due to lower prices throughout the region and lower activity in Mexico. In South America sales increased as higher sales in Brazil with shipments to the Raia pipeline and a recovery of OCTG offset lower sales for pipelines and the industrial market in Argentina. In Europe sales increased due to shipments to the Sakarya offshore line pipe project and higher sales of OCTG in Turkey. In Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa sales declined due to lower sales in Saudi Arabia upon completion of inventory replenishment program and lower activity, partially offset by an increase in sales to the UAE.

    Operating results from tubular products and services amounted to a gain of $533 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to a gain of $527 million in the previous quarter and a gain of $780 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. This quarter’s operating income includes a $67 million gain from the partial reversal of a provision for the ongoing litigation related to the acquisition of a participation in Usiminas. Excluding this gain Tubes operating income would have amounted to $467 million (17.3% of sales) in the fourth quarter, a 12% sequential reduction following the decline in sales and margins. Margins declined due to the decline in prices and a more costly product mix.

    Others

    The following table indicates, for our Others business segment, net sales, operating income and operating income as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated below:

    Others 4Q 2024 3Q 2024 4Q 2023
    Net sales ($ million) 150 125 20% 217 (31%)
    Operating income ($ million) 25 10 156% 39 (36%)
    Operating margin (% of sales) 16.8% 7.9%   18.1%  
               

    Net sales of other products and services increased 20% sequentially and decreased 31% year on year. Sequentially, sales increased mainly due to higher sales of oil services in Argentina and coiled tubing.

    Selling, general and administrative expenses, or SG&A, amounted to $446 million, or 15.7% of net sales, in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $454 million, 15.6% in the previous quarter and $471 million, 13.8% in the fourth quarter of 2023. Sequentially, the decline in SG&A is mainly due to lower shipment costs due to a reduction in volumes shipped.

    Other operating results amounted to a net gain of $81 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to a gain of $11 million in the previous quarter and a $5 million loss in the fourth quarter of 2023. The fourth quarter of 2024 includes a $67 million gain from the partial reversal of a provision for the ongoing litigation related to the acquisition of a participation in Usiminas.

    Financial results amounted to a gain of $48 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to a gain of $48 million in the previous quarter and a gain of $93 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. Financial result of the quarter is mainly attributable to a $42 million net finance income from the net return of our portfolio investments.

    Equity in earnings of non-consolidated companies generated a gain of $35 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to a gain of $8 million in the previous quarter and a gain of $57 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. These results are mainly derived from our participation in Ternium (NYSE:TX). During the fourth quarter of 2024 the result from Ternium´s investment includes a $43 million gain from the partial reversal of a provision for the ongoing litigation related to the acquisition of a participation in Usiminas.

    Income tax charge amounted to $123 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $134 million in the previous quarter and $177 million in the fourth quarter of 2023.

    Cash Flow and Liquidity of 2024 Fourth Quarter

    Net cash generated by operating activities during the fourth quarter of 2024 was $492 million, compared to $552 million in the previous quarter and $0.8 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023. During the fourth quarter of 2024 cash generated by operating activities includes a net working capital increase of $37 million.

    With capital expenditures of $182 million, our free cash flow amounted to $310 million during the quarter. Following a dividend payment of $299 million and share buybacks of $454 million in the quarter, our net cash position amounted to $3.6 billion at December 31, 2024.

    Analysis of 2024 Annual Results

    The following table shows our net sales by business segment for the periods indicated below:

    Net sales ($ million) 12M 2024
    12M 2023
    Increase/(Decrease)
    Tubes 11,907 95% 14,185 95% (16%)
    Others 617 5% 684 5% (10%)
    Total 12,524   14,869   (16%)
               

    Tubes

    The following table indicates, for our Tubes business segment, sales volumes of seamless and welded pipes for the periods indicated below:

    Tubes Sales volume (thousand metric tons) 12M 2024 12M 2023 Increase/(Decrease)
    Seamless 3,077 3,189 (4%)
    Welded 852 953 (11%)
    Total 3,928 4,141 (5%)
           

    The following table indicates, for our Tubes business segment, net sales by geographic region, operating income and operating income as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated below:

    Tubes 12M 2024 12M 2023 Increase/(Decrease)
    (Net sales – $ million)      
    North America 5,432 7,572 (28%)
    South America 2,294 3,067 (25%)
    Europe 1,143 1,055 8%
    Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa 3,038 2,491 22%
    Total net sales ($ million) 11,907 14,185 (16%)
    Services performed on third party tubes ($ million) 484 165 193%
    Operating income ($ million) 2,305 4,183 (45%)
    Operating margin (% of sales) 19.4% 29.5%  
           

    Net sales of tubular products and services decreased 16% to $11,907 million in 2024, compared to $14,185 million in 2023 due to a 5% decrease in volumes and a 12% decrease in average selling prices, primarily reflecting a decline in market prices for our tubular products used in onshore drilling applications in the Americas, lower drilling activity in Mexico and Colombia, lower shipments for pipeline projects in Argentina and lower sales of mechanical pipes in Europe. On the other hand, sales in the Middle East reached a record level as Saudi Aramco replenished OCTG stocks and increased gas drilling activity.

    Operating results from tubular products and services amounted to a gain of $2,305 million in 2024 compared to a gain of $4,183 million in 2023. The decline in operating results is mainly due to the decline in average selling prices and the corresponding impact on sales and margins. Additionally, in 2024 our Tubes operating income includes a charge of $107 million from the provision for the ongoing litigation related to the acquisition of a participation in Usiminas, included in other operating expenses.

    Others

    The following table indicates, for our Others business segment, net sales, operating income and operating income as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated below:

    Others 12M 2024 12M 2023 Increase/(Decrease)
    Net sales ($ million) 617 684 (10%)
    Operating income ($ million) 113 133 (15%)
    Operating margin (% of sales) 18.4% 19.5%  
           

    Net sales of other products and services decreased 10% to $617 million in 2024, compared to $684 million in 2023.

    Operating results from other products and services amounted to a gain of $113 million in 2024, compared to a gain of $133 million in 2023.

    Selling, general and administrative expenses, or SG&A, amounted to $1,905 million in 2024, representing 15.2% of sales, and $1,919 million in 2023, representing 12.9% of sales. SG&A expenses increased as a percentage of sales due to the 16% decline in revenues, mainly due to lower Tubes average selling prices and an increase of fixed costs.

    Other operating results amounted to a loss of $65 million in 2024, compared to a gain of $36 million in 2023. In 2024 we recorded a $107 million loss from provision for the ongoing litigation related to the acquisition of a participation in Usiminas. In 2023 other operating income includes a non-recurring gain of $33 million corresponding to the transfer of the awards related to the Company’s Venezuelan nationalized assets.

    Financial results amounted to a gain of $129 million in 2024, compared to a gain of $221 million in 2023. While net finance income increased due to a higher net financial position, net foreign exchange results decreased significantly in respect to the previous year.

    Equity in earnings of non-consolidated companies generated a gain of $9 million in 2024, compared to a gain of $95 million in 2023. These results were mainly derived from our equity investment in Ternium (NYSE:TX) and in 2024 were negatively affected by a $43 million loss from the provision for the ongoing litigation related to the acquisition of a participation in Usiminas on our Ternium investment.

    Income tax amounted to a charge of $480 million in 2024, compared to $675 million in 2023. The lower income tax charge mainly reflects the reduction in results at several subsidiaries.

    Cash Flow and Liquidity of 2024

    Net cash provided by operating activities in 2024 amounted to $2.9 billion (including a reduction in working capital of $287 million), compared to cash provided by operations of $4.4 billion (including a reduction in working capital of $182 million) in 2023.

    Capital expenditures amounted to $694 million in 2024, compared to $619 million in 2023. Free cash flow amounted to $2.2 billion in 2024, compared to $3.8 billion in 2023.

    Following dividend payments of $758 million and share buybacks of $1.4 billion during 2024, our net cash position amounted to $3.6 billion at December 31, 2024.

    Conference call

    Tenaris will hold a conference call to discuss the above reported results, on February 20, 2025, at 08:00 a.m. (Eastern Time). Following a brief summary, the conference call will be opened to questions.

    To listen to the conference please join through one of the following options:
    ir.tenaris.com/events-and-presentations or
    https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/p836i5mj 

    If you wish to participate in the Q&A session please register at the following link:

    https://register.vevent.com/register/BIb7ae4609ff564d95a338d90813a3c8cc 

    Please connect 10 minutes before the scheduled start time.

    A replay of the conference call will also be available on our webpage at: ir.tenaris.com/events-and-presentations

    Some of the statements contained in this press release are “forward-looking statements”. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by those statements. These risks include but are not limited to risks arising from uncertainties as to future oil and gas prices and their impact on investment programs by oil and gas companies.

    Consolidated Income Statement

    (all amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars) Three-month period ended
    December 31,
    Twelve-month period ended
    December 31,
      2024 2023 2024 2023
             
    Net sales 2,845,226 3,414,930 12,523,934 14,868,860
    Cost of sales (1,922,263) (2,120,591) (8,135,489) (8,668,915)
    Gross profit 922,963 1,294,339 4,388,445 6,199,945
    Selling, general and administrative expenses (445,988) (470,542) (1,904,828) (1,919,307)
    Other operating income 18,483 1,468 60,650 53,043
    Other operating expenses 62,919 (6,302) (125,418) (17,273)
    Operating income 558,377 818,963 2,418,849 4,316,408
    Finance income 51,331 63,621 242,319 213,474
    Finance cost (8,928) (19,759) (61,212) (106,862)
    Other financial results 5,777 49,249 (52,051) 114,365
    Income before equity in earnings of non-consolidated companies and income tax 606,557 912,074 2,547,905 4,537,385
    Equity in earnings of non-consolidated companies 35,283 56,859 8,548 95,404
    Income before income tax 641,840 968,933 2,556,453 4,632,789
    Income tax (122,709) 176,848 (479,680) (674,956)
    Income for the period 519,131 1,145,781 2,076,773 3,957,833
             
    Attributable to:        
    Shareholders’ equity 516,213 1,129,098 2,036,445 3,918,065
    Non-controlling interests 2,918 16,683 40,328 39,768
      519,131 1,145,781 2,076,773 3,957,833
             

    Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

    (all amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars) At December 31, 2024   At December 31, 2023
             
    ASSETS          
    Non-current assets          
    Property, plant and equipment, net 6,121,471     6,078,179  
    Intangible assets, net 1,357,749     1,377,110  
    Right-of-use assets, net 148,868     132,138  
    Investments in non-consolidated companies 1,543,657     1,608,804  
    Other investments 1,005,300     405,631  
    Deferred tax assets 831,298     789,615  
    Receivables, net 205,602 11,213,945   185,959 10,577,436
    Current assets          
    Inventories, net 3,709,942     3,921,097  
    Receivables and prepayments, net 179,614     181,368  
    Current tax assets 332,621     256,401  
    Contract assets 50,757     47,451  
    Trade receivables, net 1,907,507     2,480,889  
    Derivative financial instruments 7,484     9,801  
    Other investments 2,372,999     1,969,631  
    Cash and cash equivalents 675,256 9,236,180   1,637,821 10,504,459
    Total assets   20,450,125     21,081,895
    EQUITY          
    Shareholders’ equity   16,593,257     16,842,972
    Non-controlling interests   220,578     187,465
    Total equity   16,813,835     17,030,437
    LIABILITIES          
    Non-current liabilities          
    Borrowings 11,399     48,304  
    Lease liabilities 100,436     96,598  
    Derivative financial instruments     255  
    Deferred tax liabilities 503,941     631,605  
    Other liabilities 301,751     271,268  
    Provisions 82,106 999,633   101,453 1,149,483
    Current liabilities          
    Borrowings 425,999     535,133  
    Lease liabilities 44,490     37,835  
    Derivative financial instruments 8,300     10,895  
    Current tax liabilities 366,292     488,277  
    Other liabilities 585,775     422,645  
    Provisions 119,344     35,959  
    Customer advances 206,196     263,664  
    Trade payables 880,261 2,636,657   1,107,567 2,901,975
    Total liabilities   3,636,290     4,051,458
    Total equity and liabilities   20,450,125     21,081,895
               

    Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

      Three-month period ended
    December 31,
    Twelve-month period ended
    December 31,
    (all amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars) 2024 2023 2024 2023
             
    Cash flows from operating activities        
    Income for the period 519,131 1,145,781 2,076,773 3,957,833
    Adjustments for:        
    Depreciation and amortization 167,781 156,347 632,854 548,510
    Bargain purchase gain (2,211) (3,162)
    Income tax accruals less payments (160) (277,559) (222,510) (143,391)
    Equity in earnings of non-consolidated companies (35,283) (56,859) (8,548) (95,404)
    Interest accruals less payments, net 7,246 (8,554) (1,067) (53,480)
    Provision for the ongoing litigation related to the acquisition of participation in Usiminas (87,975) 89,371
    Changes in provisions (19,808) (651) (25,155) 21,284
    Reclassification of currency translation adjustment reserve (878) (878)
    Changes in working capital (36,604) (65,697) 286,917 182,428
    Others, including net foreign exchange differences (22,100) (56,195) 39,794 (18,667)
    Net cash provided by operating activities 492,228 835,735 2,866,218 4,395,073
             
    Cash flows from investing activities        
    Capital expenditures (181,870) (166,820) (693,956) (619,445)
    Changes in advance to suppliers of property, plant and equipment 5,092 834 (10,391) 1,736
    Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired (161,238) 31,446 (265,657)
    Other investments at fair value (1,126) (1,126)
    Additions to associated companies (22,661)
    Loan to joint ventures (1,414) (1,092) (5,551) (3,754)
    Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 9,646 3,858 28,963 12,881
    Dividends received from non-consolidated companies 20,674 25,268 73,810 68,781
    Changes in investments in securities 458,407 740,153 (821,478) (1,857,272)
    Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 310,535 439,837 (1,397,157) (2,686,517)
             
    Cash flows from financing activities        
    Dividends paid (299,230) (235,128) (757,786) (636,511)
    Dividends paid to non-controlling interest in subsidiaries (5,862) (18,967)
    Changes in non-controlling interests 28 1,143 3,772
    Acquisition of treasury shares (454,462) (213,739) (1,439,589) (213,739)
    Payments of lease liabilities (17,248) (15,524) (68,574) (51,492)
    Proceeds from borrowings 344,222 365,455 1,870,666 1,723,677
    Repayments of borrowings (382,656) (406,774) (1,999,427) (1,931,747)
    Net cash used in financing activities (809,346) (505,711) (2,399,429) (1,125,007)
             
    (Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (6,583) 769,861 (930,368) 583,549
             
    Movement in cash and cash equivalents        
    At the beginning of the year 681,306 864,012 1,616,597 1,091,433
    Effect of exchange rate changes (13,925) (17,276) (25,431) (58,385)
    (Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (6,583) 769,861 (930,368) 583,549
    At December 31, 660,798 1,616,597 660,798 1,616,597
             

    Exhibit I – Alternative performance measures

    Alternative performance measures should be considered in addition to, not as substitute for or superior to, other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with IFRS.

    EBITDA, Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization.

    EBITDA provides an analysis of the operating results excluding depreciation and amortization and impairments, as they are recurring non-cash variables which can vary substantially from company to company depending on accounting policies and the accounting value of the assets. EBITDA is an approximation to pre-tax operating cash flow and reflects cash generation before working capital variation. EBITDA is widely used by investors when evaluating businesses (multiples valuation), as well as by rating agencies and creditors to evaluate the level of debt, comparing EBITDA with net debt.

    EBITDA is calculated in the following manner:

    EBITDA = Net income for the period + Income tax charges +/- Equity in Earnings (losses) of non-consolidated companies +/- Financial results + Depreciation and amortization +/- Impairment charges/(reversals).

    EBITDA is a non-IFRS alternative performance measure.

    (all amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars) Three-month period ended
    December 31,
    Twelve-month period ended
    December 31,
      2024 2023 2024 2023
    Income for the period 519,131 1,145,781 2,076,773 3,957,833
    Income tax charge / (credit) 122,709 (176,848) 479,680 674,956
    Equity in earnings of non-consolidated companies (35,283) (56,859) (8,548) (95,404)
    Financial results (48,180) (93,111) (129,056) (220,977)
    Depreciation and amortization 167,781 156,347 632,854 548,510
    EBITDA 726,158 975,310 3,051,703 4,864,918
             

    Free Cash Flow

    Free cash flow is a measure of financial performance, calculated as operating cash flow less capital expenditures. FCF represents the cash that a company is able to generate after spending the money required to maintain or expand its asset base.

    Free cash flow is calculated in the following manner:

    Free cash flow = Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities – Capital expenditures.

    Free cash flow is a non-IFRS alternative performance measure.

    (all amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars) Three-month period ended
    December 31,
    Twelve-month period ended
    December 31,
      2024 2023 2024 2023
    Net cash provided by operating activities 492,228 835,735 2,866,218 4,395,073
    Capital expenditures (181,870) (166,820) (693,956) (619,445)
    Free cash flow 310,358 668,915 2,172,262 3,775,628
             

    Net Cash / (Debt)

    This is the net balance of cash and cash equivalents, other current investments and fixed income investments held to maturity less total borrowings. It provides a summary of the financial solvency and liquidity of the company. Net cash / (debt) is widely used by investors and rating agencies and creditors to assess the company’s leverage, financial strength, flexibility and risks.

    Net cash/ debt is calculated in the following manner:

    Net cash = Cash and cash equivalents + Other investments (Current and Non-Current)+/- Derivatives hedging borrowings and investments – Borrowings (Current and Non-Current).

    Net cash/debt is a non-IFRS alternative performance measure.

    (all amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars) At December 31,
      2024 2023
    Cash and cash equivalents 675,256 1,637,821
    Other current investments 2,372,999 1,969,631
    Non-current investments 998,251 398,220
    Current borrowings (425,999) (535,133)
    Non-current borrowings (11,399) (48,304)
    Net cash / (debt) 3,609,108 3,422,235
         

    Operating working capital days

    Operating working capital is the difference between the main operating components of current assets and current liabilities. Operating working capital is a measure of a company’s operational efficiency, and short-term financial health.

    Operating working capital days is calculated in the following manner:

    Operating working capital days = [(Inventories + Trade receivables – Trade payables – Customer advances) / Annualized quarterly sales ] x 365.

    Operating working capital days is a non-IFRS alternative performance measure.

    (all amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars) Three-month period ended December 31,
      2024 2023
    Inventories 3,709,942 3,921,097
    Trade receivables 1,907,507 2,480,889
    Customer advances (206,196) (263,664)
    Trade payables (880,261) (1,107,567)
    Operating working capital 4,530,992 5,030,755
    Annualized quarterly sales 11,380,904 13,659,720
    Operating working capital 145 134
         

    Giovanni Sardagna        
    Tenaris
    1-888-300-5432
    www.tenaris.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Ansys Announces Q4 and FY 2024 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    / Q4 2024 Results

    • Revenue of $882.2 million
    • GAAP diluted earnings per share of $3.21 and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share of $4.44
    • GAAP operating profit margin of 40.3% and non-GAAP operating profit margin of 53.3%
    • Operating cash flows of $258.0 million and unlevered operating cash flows of $266.8 million
    • Annual contract value (ACV) of $1,094.6 million

    /FY 2024 Results

    • Revenue of $2,544.8 million
    • GAAP diluted earnings per share of $6.55 and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share of $10.91
    • GAAP operating profit margin of 28.2% and non-GAAP operating profit margin of 45.7%
    • Operating cash flows of $795.7 million and unlevered operating cash flows of $834.6 million
    • ACV of $2,563.0 million
    • Deferred revenue and backlog of $1,718.3 million on December 31, 2024

    PITTSBURGH, Feb. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ANSYS, Inc. (NASDAQ: ANSS), today reported fourth quarter 2024 revenue of $882.2 million, an increase of 10% in reported currency, or 11% in constant currency, when compared to the fourth quarter of 2023. For FY 2024, revenue growth was 12% in reported currency, or 13% in constant currency, when compared to FY 2023. For the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company reported diluted earnings per share of $3.21 and $4.44 on a GAAP and non-GAAP basis, respectively, compared to $3.14 and $3.94 on a GAAP and non-GAAP basis, respectively, for the fourth quarter of 2023. For FY 2024, the Company reported diluted earnings per share of $6.55 and $10.91 on a GAAP and non-GAAP basis, respectively, compared to $5.73 and $8.80 on a GAAP and non-GAAP basis, respectively, for FY 2023. Additionally, the Company reported fourth quarter and FY 2024 ACV growth of 15% and 11% in reported currency, respectively, or 16% and 13% in constant currency, respectively, when compared to the fourth quarter and FY 2023. Fourth quarter 2024 ACV of $1.1 billion contributed 43% of the full year 2024 ACV while Q1, Q2 and Q3 each contributed 16%, 20% and 21%, respectively. The Company expects double-digit FY 2025 ACV growth.

    As previously announced, on January 15, 2024, Ansys entered into a definitive agreement with Synopsys, Inc. (“Synopsys”) under which Synopsys will acquire Ansys. As previously announced by Synopsys, Ansys and Synopsys have received conditional clearance from the European Commission. The U.K. Competition and Markets Authority provisionally accepted our remedies towards a transaction approval in Phase 1. The State Administration for Market Regulation of the People’s Republic of China has officially accepted our filing, and its review of the proposed transaction is in process. We continue to work with the regulators in other relevant jurisdictions to conclude their reviews. The transaction is anticipated to close in the first half of 2025, subject to the receipt of required regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. As previously announced, in light of the pending transaction with Synopsys, Ansys has suspended quarterly earnings conference calls and no longer provides quarterly or annual guidance.

    The non-GAAP financial results highlighted represent non-GAAP financial measures. Reconciliations of these measures to the comparable GAAP measures can be found later in this release.
     

    / Summary of Financial Results

    Ansys’ fourth quarter and fiscal year (FY) 2024 and 2023 financial results are presented below. The 2024 and 2023 non-GAAP results exclude the income statement effects of stock-based compensation, excess payroll taxes related to stock-based compensation, amortization of acquired intangible assets, expenses related to business combinations and adjustments for the income tax effect of the excluded items.

    Our results are as follows:

      GAAP
    (in thousands, except per share data and percentages) Q4 QTD
    2024
      Q4 QTD
    2023
      % Change   FY
    2024
      FY
    2023
      % Change
    Revenue $ 882,174     $ 805,108     9.6 %   $ 2,544,809     $ 2,269,949     12.1 %
    Net income $ 282,688     $ 274,762     2.9 %   $ 575,692     $ 500,412     15.0 %
    Diluted earnings per share $ 3.21     $ 3.14     2.2 %   $ 6.55     $ 5.73     14.3 %
    Gross margin   91.8 %     91.3 %         89.0 %     88.0 %    
    Operating profit margin   40.3 %     41.4 %         28.2 %     27.6 %    
    Effective tax rate   21.3 %     15.4 %         19.8 %     15.5 %    
                                           
      Non-GAAP
    (in thousands, except per share data and percentages) Q4 QTD
    2024
      Q4 QTD
    2023
      % Change   FY
    2024
      FY
    2023
      % Change
    Net income $ 391,044     $ 345,317     13.2 %   $ 959,252     $ 769,308     24.7 %
    Diluted earnings per share $ 4.44     $ 3.94     12.7 %   $ 10.91     $ 8.80     24.0 %
    Gross margin   94.6 %     94.3 %         93.1 %     92.2 %    
    Operating profit margin   53.3 %     53.0 %         45.7 %     42.6 %    
    Effective tax rate   17.5 %     17.5 %         17.5 %     17.5 %    
                                           
      Other Metrics
    (in thousands, except percentages) Q4 QTD
    2024
      Q4 QTD
    2023
      % Change   FY
    2024
      FY
    2023
      % Change
    ACV $   1,094,552   $   955,161   14.6 %   $ 2,563,029   $ 2,300,466   11.4 %
    Operating cash flows $   257,973   $   232,722   10.9 %   $    795,740   $    717,122   11.0 %
    Unlevered operating cash flows $   266,777   $   242,848   9.9 %   $    834,582   $    755,129   10.5 %
                                       

    / Key Long-Term Metrics

    The Company’s long-term outlook covering the years 2022 through 2025 provided at the 2022 Investor Update has been suspended given the pending transaction with Synopsys. Below is a summary of key metrics covering the years 2022 through 2024.

    • Consistent double-digit ACV growth with a 2022 through 2024 CAGR of 12.3% at actual exchange rates and 13.0% at 2022 exchange rates.
    • Unlevered operating cash flows grew faster than ACV with a 2022 through 2024 CAGR of 13.5%.
    • With FY 2024 unlevered operating cash flows of $834.6 million, cumulative 3-year unlevered operating cash flows (FY 2022 to 2024) are $2.2 billion.
    • Note: 2024 unlevered operating cash flows includes $28.2 million of cash outflows primarily associated with the pending transaction with Synopsys.
    Supplemental Financial Information

    / Annual Contract Value

    (in thousands, except percentages) Q4 QTD
    2024
      Q4 QTD 2024 in Constant Currency   Q4 QTD
    2023
      % Change   % Change in
    Constant Currency
    ACV $    1,094,552   $      1,110,711   $        955,161   14.6 %   16.3 %
                       
    (in thousands, except percentages) FY
    2024
      FY 2024 in
    Constant Currency
      FY
    2023
      % Change   % Change in
    Constant Currency
    ACV $    2,563,029   $      2,593,819   $    2,300,466   11.4 %   12.8 %
                                 

    *Subscription lease ACV includes the bundled arrangement of time-based licenses with related maintenance.
    **Perpetual and service ACV includes perpetual licenses, with related maintenance, and services.

    Recurring ACV includes both subscription lease ACV and all maintenance ACV (including maintenance from perpetual licenses). It excludes perpetual license ACV and service ACV.

      

    / Revenue

    (in thousands, except percentages) Q4 QTD
    2024
      Q4 QTD 2024 in Constant Currency   Q4 QTD
    2023
      % Change   % Change in
    Constant Currency
    Revenue $        882,174   $         893,996   $        805,108   9.6 %   11.0 %
                       
    (in thousands, except percentages) FY
    2024
      FY 2024 in
    Constant Currency
      FY
    2023
      % Change   % Change in
    Constant Currency
    Revenue $    2,544,809   $     2,570,207   $    2,269,949   12.1 %   13.2 %
                                 
    REVENUE BY LICENSE TYPE
                           
    (in thousands, except percentages) Q4 QTD
    2024
      % of Total   Q4 QTD
    2023
      % of Total   % Change   % Change in Constant Currency
    Subscription Lease $        441,120   50.0 %   $        399,556   49.6 %   10.4 %   12.1 %
    Perpetual            102,295   11.6 %              102,721   12.8 %   (0.4)%   1.7 %
    Maintenance1            319,381   36.2 %              283,130   35.2 %   12.8 %   13.8 %
    Service              19,378   2.2 %                19,701   2.4 %   (1.6)%   (1.2)%
    Total $        882,174       $        805,108       9.6 %   11.0 %
                           
                           
    (in thousands, except percentages) FY
    2024
      % of Total   FY
    2023
      % of Total   % Change   % Change in Constant Currency
    Subscription Lease $        948,831   37.3 %   $        786,050   34.6 %   20.7 %   22.1 %
    Perpetual            315,085   12.4 %              302,698   13.3 %   4.1 %   5.1 %
    Maintenance1         1,209,217   47.5 %           1,103,523   48.6 %   9.6 %   10.6 %
    Service              71,676   2.8 %                77,678   3.4 %   (7.7)%   (7.4)%
    Total $    2,544,809       $    2,269,949       12.1 %   13.2 %
                                   

    1Maintenance revenue is inclusive of both maintenance associated with perpetual licenses and the maintenance component of subscription leases.

    REVENUE BY GEOGRAPHY
                           
    (in thousands, except percentages) Q4 QTD
    2024
      % of Total   Q4 QTD
    2023
      % of Total   % Change   % Change in Constant Currency
    Americas $        457,752   51.9 %   $        410,681   51.0 %   11.5 %   11.5 %
                           
    Germany              98,527   11.2 %                81,828   10.2 %   20.4 %   24.2 %
    Other EMEA            170,541   19.3 %              155,023   19.3 %   10.0 %   12.2 %
    EMEA            269,068   30.5 %              236,851   29.4 %   13.6 %   16.3 %
                           
    Japan              52,294   5.9 %                61,243   7.6 %   (14.6)%   (11.1)%
    Other Asia-Pacific            103,060   11.7 %                96,333   12.0 %   7.0 %   10.1 %
    Asia-Pacific            155,354   17.6 %              157,576   19.6 %   (1.4)%   1.8 %
                           
    Total $        882,174       $        805,108       9.6 %   11.0 %
                           
                           
    (in thousands, except percentages) FY
    2024
      % of Total   FY
    2023
      % of Total   % Change   % Change in Constant Currency
    Americas $    1,297,367   51.0 %   $    1,106,242   48.7 %   17.3 %   17.3 %
                           
    Germany            209,714   8.2 %              199,068   8.8 %   5.3 %   6.6 %
    Other EMEA            445,791   17.5 %              406,719   17.9 %   9.6 %   9.8 %
    EMEA            655,505   25.8 %              605,787   26.7 %   8.2 %   8.8 %
                           
    Japan            184,547   7.3 %              203,013   8.9 %   (9.1)%   (2.1)%
    Other Asia-Pacific            407,390   16.0 %              354,907   15.6 %   14.8 %   16.9 %
    Asia-Pacific            591,937   23.3 %              557,920   24.6 %   6.1 %   10.0 %
                           
    Total $    2,544,809       $    2,269,949       12.1 %   13.2 %
                                   
    REVENUE BY CHANNEL
                   
      Q4 QTD
    2024
      Q4 QTD
    2023
      FY
    2024
      FY
    2023
    Direct revenue, as a percentage of total revenue 79.7 %   74.5 %   75.2 %   73.9 %
    Indirect revenue, as a percentage of total revenue 20.3 %   25.5 %   24.8 %   26.1 %
                           

    / Deferred Revenue and Backlog

    (in thousands) December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
      September 30,
    2023
    Current Deferred Revenue $            504,527   $            427,188   $            457,514   $            349,668
    Current Backlog                524,617                  475,604                  439,879                  424,547
    Total Current Deferred Revenue and Backlog            1,029,144                  902,792                  897,393                  774,215
                   
    Long-Term Deferred Revenue                  31,778                    24,150                    22,240                    20,765
    Long-Term Backlog                657,345                  536,855                  552,951                  410,697
    Total Long-Term Deferred Revenue and Backlog                689,123                  561,005                  575,191                  431,462
                   
    Total Deferred Revenue and Backlog $        1,718,267   $        1,463,797   $        1,472,584   $        1,205,677
                           

    / Currency

    The fourth quarter and FY 2024 revenue, operating income, ACV and deferred revenue and backlog, as compared to the fourth quarter and FY 2023, were impacted by fluctuations in the exchange rates of foreign currencies against the U.S. Dollar. The currency fluctuation impacts on revenue, GAAP and non-GAAP operating income, ACV, and deferred revenue and backlog based on 2023 exchange rates are reflected in the tables below. Amounts in brackets indicate an adverse impact from currency fluctuations.

    (in thousands) Q4 QTD
    2024
      FY
    2024
    Revenue $       (11,822 )   $       (25,398 )
    GAAP operating income $          (9,057 )   $       (19,588 )
    Non-GAAP operating income $          (9,076 )   $       (19,335 )
    ACV $       (16,159 )   $       (30,790 )
    Deferred revenue and backlog $       (38,306 )   $       (40,993 )
                   

    The most meaningful currency impacts are typically attributable to U.S. Dollar exchange rate changes against the Euro and Japanese Yen. Historical exchange rates are reflected in the charts below.

      Period-End Exchange Rates
    As of EUR/USD   USD/JPY
    December 31, 2024                    1.04                       157
    December 31, 2023                    1.10                       141
    December 31, 2022                    1.07                       131
           
      Average Exchange Rates
    Three Months Ended EUR/USD   USD/JPY
    December 31, 2024                    1.07                       153
    December 31, 2023                    1.08                       148
           
      Average Exchange Rates
    Twelve Months Ended EUR/USD   USD/JPY
    December 31, 2024                    1.08                       151
    December 31, 2023                    1.08                       140
           

    / GAAP Financial Statements

    ANSYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (Unaudited)
    (in thousands) December 31, 2024   December 31, 2023
    ASSETS:      
    Cash & short-term investments $                      1,497,517   $                          860,390
    Accounts receivable, net                          1,022,850                                864,526
    Goodwill                          3,778,128                             3,805,874
    Other intangibles, net                              716,244                                835,417
    Other assets                          1,036,692                                956,668
    Total assets $                      8,051,431   $                      7,322,875
    LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:      
    Current deferred revenue $                          504,527   $                          457,514
    Long-term debt                              754,208                                753,891
    Other liabilities                              706,256                                721,106
    Stockholders’ equity                          6,086,440                             5,390,364
    Total liabilities & stockholders’ equity $                      8,051,431   $                      7,322,875
               
    ANSYS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
    (Unaudited)
      Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
    (in thousands, except per share data) December 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
      December 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
    Revenue:              
    Software licenses $                   543,415     $                   502,277     $               1,263,916     $           1,088,748  
    Maintenance and service                       338,759                           302,831                        1,280,893                   1,181,201  
    Total revenue                       882,174                           805,108                        2,544,809                   2,269,949  
    Cost of sales:              
    Software licenses                         12,947                             10,909                             45,367                         40,004  
    Amortization                         21,801                             20,586                             88,560                         80,990  
    Maintenance and service                         37,940                             38,554                           145,892                       150,304  
    Total cost of sales                         72,688                             70,049                           279,819                       271,298  
    Gross profit                       809,486                           735,059                        2,264,990                   1,998,651  
    Operating expenses:              
    Selling, general and administrative                       314,009                           269,857                           995,340                       855,135  
    Research and development                       134,259                           126,288                           528,014                       494,869  
    Amortization                            5,623                                5,914                             23,748                         22,512  
    Total operating expenses                       453,891                           402,059                        1,547,102                   1,372,516  
    Operating income                       355,595                           333,000                           717,888                       626,135  
    Interest income                         14,636                                7,199                             51,131                         19,588  
    Interest expense                        (10,924 )                          (12,551 )                          (47,849 )                     (47,145 )
    Other expense, net                               (14 )                            (2,876 )                            (3,132 )                       (6,440 )
    Income before income tax provision                       359,293                           324,772                           718,038                       592,138  
    Income tax provision                         76,605                             50,010                           142,346                         91,726  
    Net income $                   282,688     $                   274,762     $                   575,692     $              500,412  
    Earnings per share – basic:              
    Earnings per share $                          3.23     $                          3.16     $                          6.59     $                     5.76  
    Weighted average shares                         87,455                             86,888                             87,313                         86,833  
    Earnings per share – diluted:              
    Earnings per share $                          3.21     $                          3.14     $                          6.55     $                     5.73  
    Weighted average shares                         88,137                             87,541                             87,895                         87,386  
                                   

    / Glossary of Terms

    Annual Contract Value (ACV): ACV is a key performance metric and is useful to investors in assessing the strength and trajectory of our business. ACV is a supplemental metric to help evaluate the annual performance of the business. Over the life of the contract, ACV equals the total value realized from a customer. ACV is not impacted by the timing of license revenue recognition. ACV is used by management in financial and operational decision-making and in setting sales targets used for compensation. ACV is not a replacement for, and should be viewed independently of, GAAP revenue and deferred revenue as ACV is a performance metric and is not intended to be combined with any of these items. There is no GAAP measure comparable to ACV. ACV is composed of the following:

    • the annualized value of maintenance and subscription lease contracts with start dates or anniversary dates during the period, plus
    • the value of perpetual license contracts with start dates during the period, plus
    • the annualized value of fixed-term services contracts with start dates or anniversary dates during the period, plus
    • the value of work performed during the period on fixed-deliverable services contracts.

    When we refer to the anniversary dates in the definition of ACV above, we are referencing the date of the beginning of the next twelve-month period in a contractually committed multi-year contract. If a contract is three years in duration, with a start date of July 1, 2024, the anniversary dates would be July 1, 2025 and July 1, 2026. We label these anniversary dates as they are contractually committed. While this contract would be up for renewal on July 1, 2027, our ACV performance metric does not assume any contract renewals.

    Example 1: For purposes of calculating ACV, a $100,000 subscription lease contract or a $100,000 maintenance contract with a term of July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025, would each contribute $100,000 to ACV for fiscal year 2024 with no contribution to ACV for fiscal year 2025.

    Example 2: For purposes of calculating ACV, a $300,000 subscription lease contract or a $300,000 maintenance contract with a term of July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027, would each contribute $100,000 to ACV in each of fiscal years 2024, 2025 and 2026. There would be no contribution to ACV for fiscal year 2027 as each period captures the full annual value upon the anniversary date.

    Example 3: A perpetual license valued at $200,000 with a contract start date of March 1, 2024 would contribute $200,000 to ACV in fiscal year 2024.

    Backlog: Deferred revenue associated with installment billings for periods beyond the current quarterly billing cycle and committed contracts with start dates beyond the end of the current period.

    Deferred Revenue: Billings made or payments received in advance of revenue recognition.

    Subscription Lease or Time-Based License: A license of a stated product of our software that is granted to a customer for use over a specified time period, which can be months or years in length. In addition to the use of the software, the customer is provided with access to maintenance (unspecified version upgrades and technical support) without additional charge. The revenue related to these contracts is recognized ratably over the contract period for the maintenance portion and up front for the license portion.

    Perpetual / Paid-Up License: A license of a stated product and version of our software that is granted to a customer for use in perpetuity. The revenue related to this type of license is recognized up front.

    Maintenance: A contract, typically one year in duration, that is purchased by the owner of a perpetual license and that provides access to unspecified version upgrades and technical support during the duration of the contract. The revenue from these contracts is recognized ratably over the contract period.

    / Reconciliations of GAAP to Non-GAAP Measures (Unaudited)

      Three Months Ended
      December 31, 2024
    (in thousands, except percentages and per share data) Gross Profit   % of Revenue   Operating Income   % of Revenue   Net Income   EPS – Diluted1
    Total GAAP $      809,486   91.8 %   $      355,595   40.3 %   $    282,688     $        3.21  
    Stock-based compensation expense               3,635   0.4 %              73,016   8.2 %             73,016                 0.83  
    Excess payroll taxes related to stock-based awards                     39   %                1,272   0.2 %               1,272                 0.01  
    Amortization of intangible assets from acquisitions             21,801   2.4 %              27,424   3.1 %             27,424                 0.31  
    Expenses related to business combinations                     —   %              12,988   1.5 %             12,988                 0.15  
    Adjustment for income tax effect                     —   %                      —   %             (6,344 )             (0.07 )
    Total non-GAAP $      834,961   94.6 %   $      470,295   53.3 %   $    391,044     $        4.44  
                                           

    1 Diluted weighted average shares were 88,137.

      Three Months Ended
      December 31, 2023
    (in thousands, except percentages and per share data) Gross Profit   % of Revenue   Operating Income   % of Revenue   Net Income   EPS – Diluted1
    Total GAAP $      735,059   91.3 %   $     333,000   41.4 %   $    274,762     $        3.14  
    Stock-based compensation expense               3,413   0.4 %              63,358   7.9 %             63,358                 0.73  
    Excess payroll taxes related to stock-based awards                       4   %                   271   %                  271                    —  
    Amortization of intangible assets from acquisitions             20,586   2.6 %              26,500   3.3 %             26,500                 0.30  
    Expenses related to business combinations                     —   %                3,664   0.4 %               3,664                 0.04  
    Adjustment for income tax effect                     —   %                      —   %           (23,238 )             (0.27 )
    Total non-GAAP $      759,062   94.3 %   $     426,793   53.0 %   $    345,317     $        3.94  
                                           

    1 Diluted weighted average shares were 87,541.

      Twelve Months Ended
      December 31, 2024
    (in thousands, except percentages and per share data) Gross Profit   % of Revenue   Operating Income   % of Revenue   Net Income   EPS – Diluted1
    Total GAAP $   2,264,990   89.0 %   $     717,888   28.2 %   $    575,692     $        6.55  
    Stock-based compensation expense             14,313   0.6 %           270,900   10.7 %           270,900                 3.08  
    Excess payroll taxes related to stock-based awards                  506   %                8,643   0.3 %               8,643                 0.10  
    Amortization of intangible assets from acquisitions             88,560   3.5 %           112,308   4.4 %           112,308                 1.28  
    Expenses related to business combinations                     —   %             52,841   2.1 %             52,841                 0.60  
    Adjustment for income tax effect                     —   %                      —   %           (61,132 )             (0.70 )
    Total non-GAAP $   2,368,369   93.1 %   $ 1,162,580   45.7 %   $    959,252     $      10.91  
                                           

    1 Diluted weighted average shares were 87,895.

      Twelve Months Ended
      December 31, 2023
    (in thousands, except percentages and per share data) Gross Profit   % of Revenue   Operating Income   % of Revenue   Net Income   EPS – Diluted1
    Total GAAP $   1,998,651   88.0 %   $     626,135   27.6 %   $    500,412     $        5.73  
    Stock-based compensation expense             13,337   0.6 %           221,891   9.9 %           221,891                 2.54  
    Excess payroll taxes related to stock-based awards                  307   0.1 %                5,541   0.2 %               5,541                 0.06  
    Amortization of intangible assets from acquisitions             80,990   3.5 %           103,502   4.5 %           103,502                 1.18  
    Expenses related to business combinations                     —   %                9,422   0.4 %               9,422                 0.11  
    Adjustment for income tax effect                     —   %                      —   %           (71,460 )             (0.82 )
    Total non-GAAP $   2,093,285   92.2 %   $     966,491   42.6 %   $    769,308     $        8.80  
                                           

    1 Diluted weighted average shares were 87,386.

      Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
    (in thousands) December 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
      December 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
      December 31,
    2022
    Net cash provided by operating activities $            257,973     $            232,722     $            795,740     $            717,122     $            631,003  
    Cash paid for interest                  10,671                      12,274                      47,081                      46,069                      20,844  
    Tax benefit                   (1,867 )                     (2,148 )                     (8,239 )                     (8,062 )                     (3,752 )
    Unlevered operating cash flows $            266,777     $            242,848     $            834,582     $            755,129     $            648,095  
                                           

    / Use of Non-GAAP Measures

    We provide non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP gross profit margin, non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP operating profit margin, non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP diluted earnings per share and unlevered operating cash flows as supplemental measures to GAAP regarding our operational performance. These financial measures exclude the impact of certain items and, therefore, have not been calculated in accordance with GAAP. A detailed explanation of each of the adjustments to these financial measures is described below. This press release also contains a reconciliation of each of these non-GAAP financial measures to its most comparable GAAP financial measure, as applicable.

    We use non-GAAP financial measures (a) to evaluate our historical and prospective financial performance as well as our performance relative to our competitors, (b) to set internal sales targets and spending budgets, (c) to allocate resources, (d) to measure operational profitability and the accuracy of forecasting, (e) to assess financial discipline over operational expenditures and (f) as an important factor in determining variable compensation for management and employees. In addition, many financial analysts that follow us focus on and publish both historical results and future projections based on non-GAAP financial measures. We believe that it is in the best interest of our investors to provide this information to analysts so that they accurately report the non-GAAP financial information. Moreover, investors have historically requested, and we have historically reported, these non-GAAP financial measures as a means of providing consistent and comparable information with past reports of financial results.

    While we believe that these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful supplemental information to investors, there are limitations associated with the use of these non-GAAP financial measures. These non-GAAP financial measures are not prepared in accordance with GAAP, are not reported by all our competitors and may not be directly comparable to similarly titled measures of our competitors due to potential differences in the exact method of calculation. We compensate for these limitations by using these non-GAAP financial measures as supplements to GAAP financial measures and by reviewing the reconciliations of the non-GAAP financial measures to their most comparable GAAP financial measures.

    The adjustments to these non-GAAP financial measures, and the basis for such adjustments, are outlined below:

    Amortization of intangible assets from acquisitions. We incur amortization of intangible assets, included in our GAAP presentation of amortization expense, related to various acquisitions we have made. We exclude these expenses for the purpose of calculating non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP gross profit margin, non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP operating profit margin, non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share when we evaluate our continuing operational performance because these costs are fixed at the time of an acquisition, are then amortized over a period of several years after the acquisition and generally cannot be changed or influenced by us after the acquisition. Accordingly, we do not consider these expenses for purposes of evaluating our performance during the applicable time period after the acquisition, and we exclude such expenses when making decisions to allocate resources. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures are useful to investors because they allow investors to (a) evaluate the effectiveness of the methodology and information used by us in our financial and operational decision-making, and (b) compare our past reports of financial results as we have historically reported these non-GAAP financial measures.

    Stock-based compensation expense. We incur expense related to stock-based compensation included in our GAAP presentation of cost of maintenance and service; research and development expense; and selling, general and administrative expense. We also incur excess payroll tax expense related to stock-based compensation, which is an additional non-GAAP adjustment. Although stock-based compensation is an expense and viewed as a form of compensation, we exclude these expenses for the purpose of calculating non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP gross profit margin, non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP operating profit margin, non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share when we evaluate our continuing operational performance. Specifically, we exclude stock-based compensation during our annual budgeting process and our quarterly and annual assessments of our performance. The annual budgeting process is the primary mechanism whereby we allocate resources to various initiatives and operational requirements. Additionally, the annual review by our Board of Directors during which it compares our historical business model and profitability to the planned business model and profitability for the forthcoming year excludes the impact of stock-based compensation. In evaluating the performance of our senior management and department managers, charges related to stock-based compensation are excluded from expenditure and profitability results. In fact, we record stock-based compensation expense into a stand-alone cost center for which no single operational manager is responsible or accountable. In this way, we can review, on a period-to-period basis, each manager’s performance and assess financial discipline over operational expenditures without the effect of stock-based compensation. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures are useful to investors because they allow investors to (a) evaluate our operating results and the effectiveness of the methodology used by us to review our operating results, and (b) review historical comparability in our financial reporting as well as comparability with competitors’ operating results.

    Expenses related to business combinations. We incur expenses for professional services rendered in connection with acquisitions and divestitures, which are included in our GAAP presentation of selling, general and administrative expense. We also incur other expenses directly related to business combinations, including compensation expenses and concurrent restructuring activities, such as employee severances and other exit costs. These costs are included in our GAAP presentation of selling, general and administrative and research and development expenses. We exclude these acquisition-related expenses for the purpose of calculating non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP operating profit margin, non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share when we evaluate our continuing operational performance, as we generally would not have otherwise incurred these expenses in the periods presented as a part of our operations. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures are useful to investors because they allow investors to (a) evaluate our operating results and the effectiveness of the methodology used by us to review our operating results, and (b) review historical comparability in our financial reporting as well as comparability with competitors’ operating results.

    Non-GAAP tax provision. We utilize a normalized non-GAAP annual effective tax rate (AETR) to calculate non-GAAP measures. This methodology provides better consistency across interim reporting periods by eliminating the effects of non-recurring items and aligning the non-GAAP tax rate with our expected geographic earnings mix. To project this rate, we analyzed our historic and projected non-GAAP earnings mix by geography along with other factors such as our current tax structure, recurring tax credits and incentives, and expected tax positions. On an annual basis we re-evaluate and update this rate for significant items that may materially affect our projections.

    Unlevered operating cash flows. We make cash payments for the interest incurred in connection with our debt financing which are included in our GAAP presentation of operating cash flows. We exclude this cash paid for interest, net of the associated tax benefit, for the purpose of calculating unlevered operating cash flows. Unlevered operating cash flow is a supplemental non-GAAP measure that we use to evaluate our core operating business. We believe this measure is useful to investors and management because it provides a measure of our cash generated through operating activities independent of the capital structure of the business.

    Non-GAAP financial measures are not in accordance with, or an alternative for, GAAP. Our non-GAAP financial measures are not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for comparable GAAP financial measures and should be read only in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP.

    We have provided a reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures as listed below:

    GAAP Reporting Measure Non-GAAP Reporting Measure
    Gross Profit Non-GAAP Gross Profit
    Gross Profit Margin Non-GAAP Gross Profit Margin
    Operating Income Non-GAAP Operating Income
    Operating Profit Margin Non-GAAP Operating Profit Margin
    Net Income Non-GAAP Net Income
    Diluted Earnings Per Share Non-GAAP Diluted Earnings Per Share
    Operating Cash Flows Unlevered Operating Cash Flows
       

    Constant currency. In addition to the non-GAAP financial measures detailed above, we use constant currency results for financial and operational decision-making and as a means to evaluate period-to-period comparisons by excluding the effects of foreign currency fluctuations on the reported results. To present this information, the 2024 period results for entities whose functional currency is a currency other than the U.S. Dollar were converted to U.S. Dollars at rates that were in effect for the 2023 comparable period, rather than the actual exchange rates in effect for 2024. Constant currency growth rates are calculated by adjusting the 2024 period reported amounts by the 2024 currency fluctuation impacts and comparing the adjusted amounts to the 2023 comparable period reported amounts. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures are useful to investors because they allow investors to (a) evaluate the effectiveness of the methodology and information used by us in our financial and operational decision-making, and (b) compare our reported results to our past reports of financial results without the effects of foreign currency fluctuations.

    / About Ansys

    Our Mission: Powering Innovation that Drives Human Advancement™

    When visionary companies need to know how their world-changing ideas will perform, they close the gap between design and reality with Ansys simulation. For more than 50 years, Ansys software has enabled innovators across industries to push boundaries by using the predictive power of simulation. From sustainable transportation to advanced semiconductors, from satellite systems to life-saving medical devices, the next great leaps in human advancement will be powered by Ansys.

    / Forward-Looking Information

    This document contains 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 (the Exchange Act). Forward-looking statements are statements that provide current expectations or forecasts of future events based on certain assumptions. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and factors relating to our business which could cause our actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements.

    Forward-looking statements use words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “outlook,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” or other words of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements include those about market opportunity, including our total addressable market, the proposed transaction with Synopsys, including the expected date of closing and the potential benefits thereof, and other aspects of future operations. We caution readers not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. We undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

    The risks associated with the following, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in any forward-looking statements:

    • our ability to complete the proposed transaction with Synopsys on anticipated terms and timing, including completing the associated divestiture of our PowerArtist RTL business and obtaining regulatory approvals, and other conditions related to the completion of the transaction with Synopsys;
       
    • the realization of the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction with Synopsys, including potential disruptions to our and Synopsys’ businesses and commercial relationships with others resulting from the announcement, pendency, or completion of the proposed transaction and uncertainty as to the long-term value of Synopsys’ common stock;
       
    • restrictions on our operations during the pendency of the proposed transaction with Synopsys that could impact our ability to pursue certain business opportunities or strategic transactions, including tuck-in M&A;
       
    • adverse conditions in the macroeconomic environment, including inflation, recessionary conditions and volatility in equity and foreign exchange markets;
       
    • political, economic and regulatory uncertainties in the countries and regions in which we operate;
       
    • impacts from tariffs, trade sanctions, export controls or other trade barriers, including export control restrictions and licensing requirements for exports to China;
       
    • impacts resulting from the conflict between Israel and Hamas and other countries and groups in the Middle East, including impacts from changes to diplomatic relations and trade policy between the United States and other countries resulting from the conflict;
       
    • impacts from changes to diplomatic relations and trade policy between the United States and Russia or between the United States and other countries that may support Russia or take similar actions due to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine;
       
    • constrained credit and liquidity due to disruptions in the global economy and financial markets, which may limit or delay availability of credit under our existing or new credit facilities, or which may limit our ability to obtain credit or financing on acceptable terms or at all;
       
    • our ability to timely recruit and retain key personnel in a highly competitive labor market, including potential financial impacts of wage inflation and potential impacts due to the proposed transaction with Synopsys;
       
    • our ability to protect our proprietary technology; cybersecurity threats or other security breaches, including in relation to breaches occurring through our products and an increased level of our activity that is occurring from remote global off-site locations; and disclosure or misuse of employee or customer data whether as a result of a cybersecurity incident or otherwise;
       
    • volatility in our revenue due to the timing, duration and value of multi-year subscription lease contracts; and our reliance on high renewal rates for annual subscription lease and maintenance contracts;
       
    • declines in our customers’ businesses resulting in adverse changes in procurement patterns; disruptions in accounts receivable and cash flow due to customers’ liquidity challenges and commercial deterioration; uncertainties regarding demand for our products and services in the future and our customers’ acceptance of new products; delays or declines in anticipated sales due to reduced or altered sales and marketing interactions with customers; and potential variations in our sales forecast compared to actual sales;
       
    • our ability and our channel partners’ ability to comply with laws and regulations in relevant jurisdictions; and the outcome of contingencies, including legal proceedings, government or regulatory investigations and tax audit cases;
       
    • uncertainty regarding income tax estimates in the jurisdictions in which we operate; and the effect of changes in tax laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate;
       
    • the quality of our products, including the strength of features, functionality and integrated multiphysics capabilities; our ability to develop and market new products to address the industry’s rapidly changing technology, including the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in our products as well as the products of our competitors; failures or errors in our products and services; and increased pricing pressure as a result of the competitive environment in which we operate;
       
    • investments in complementary companies, products, services and technologies; our ability to complete and successfully integrate our acquisitions and realize the financial and business benefits of such transactions; and the impact indebtedness incurred in connection with any acquisition could have on our operations;
       
    • investments in global sales and marketing organizations and global business infrastructure, and dependence on our channel partners for the distribution of our products;
       
    • current and potential future impacts of any global health crisis, natural disaster or catastrophe; the actions taken to address these events by our customers, our suppliers, and regulatory authorities; the resulting effects on our business, the global economy and our consolidated financial statements; and other public health and safety risks and related government actions or mandates;
       
    • operational disruptions generally or specifically in connection with transitions to and from remote work environments; and the failure of our technological infrastructure or those of the service providers upon whom we rely including for infrastructure and cloud services;
       
    • our intention to repatriate previously taxed earnings and to reinvest all other earnings of our non-U.S. subsidiaries;
       
    • plans for future capital spending; the extent of corporate benefits from such spending including with respect to customer relationship management; and higher than anticipated costs for research and development or a slowdown in our research and development activities;
       
    • our ability to execute on our strategies related to environmental, social, and governance matters, and meet evolving and varied expectations, including as a result of evolving regulatory and other standards, processes, and assumptions, the pace of scientific and technological developments, increased costs and the availability of requisite financing, and changes in carbon markets; and
       
    • other risks and uncertainties described in our reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC).  

    Ansys and any and all ANSYS, Inc. brand, product, service and feature names, logos and slogans are registered trademarks or trademarks of ANSYS, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States or other countries. All other brand, product, service and feature names or trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

    Visit https://investors.ansys.com for more information.

    ANSS-F

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    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Vital Energy Reports Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2024 Financial and Operating Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Reports record total and oil production for 4Q-24 and FY-24

    Updates development inventory to >11 years of oil-weighted locations

    TULSA, OK, Feb. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Vital Energy, Inc. (NYSE: VTLE) (“Vital Energy” or the “Company”) today reported fourth-quarter and full-year 2024 financial and operating results and provided its 2025 outlook. Supplemental slides have been posted to the Company’s website and can be found at www.vitalenergy.com. A conference call to discuss results is planned for 7:30 a.m. CT, Thursday, February 20, 2025. A webcast will be available on the Company’s website.

    Fourth-Quarter 2024 Highlights

    • Successfully integrated Point Energy assets; acquired production exceeding expectations and operating cost reductions in-line with expectations
    • Reported a net loss of $359.4 million, Adjusted Net Income1 of $86.5 million and cash flows from operating activities of $257.2 million
    • Generated Consolidated EBITDAX1 of $383.5 million and Adjusted Free Cash Flow1 of $110.8 million
    • Produced Company-record 147.8 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day (“MBOE/d”) and oil production of 69.8 thousand barrels of oil per day (“MBO/d”)
    • Reported lease operating expense (“LOE”) of $8.89 per BOE, below guidance of $9.35 per BOE
    • Reported capital investments of $226.1 million, excluding non-budgeted acquisitions and leasehold expenditures

    Full-Year 2024 Highlights

    • Increased oil-weighted inventory to ~925 locations, ~400 of which breakeven below $50 per barrel WTI
    • Issued an aggregate $1 billion of senior unsecured notes due 2032 at 7.875% and utilized the proceeds to repurchase higher coupon notes, resulting in annualized interest expense savings of $11 million
    • Reported a net loss of $173.5 million, Adjusted Net Income1 of $270.0 million and cash flows from operating activities of $1.0 billion
    • Generated Consolidated EBITDAX1 of $1.3 billion and Adjusted Free Cash Flow1 of $232.8 million
    • Reported year-end 2024 proved reserves of 455.3 million BOE, an increase of 12% versus prior year

    1Non-GAAP financial measure; please see supplemental reconciliations of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures at the end of this release. 

    “We strengthened our business in 2024 through enhanced scale, optimized assets and a lengthened runway of high-quality inventory,” said Jason Pigott, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We successfully integrated our largest ever asset purchase in the Delaware Basin and early results positively impacted our operating and financial performance. Vital Energy continues to show that our talented people can capture important synergies from acquisitions while expanding inventory.”

    “In 2025, our primary goals are reducing costs, maximizing Adjusted Free Cash Flow generation, absolute debt reduction, and extending and enhancing our existing inventory,” continued Pigott. “Our inventory provides us with ample high-return development opportunities and a strong outlook for Adjusted Free Cash Flow generation. Recent operational achievements, like horseshoe wells, are creating new efficiencies and allowing us to develop highly productive, stranded leasehold. We will continue to focus on optimizing our asset base to achieve our cash flow and debt repayment targets.”

    Fourth-Quarter 2024 Financial and Operations Summary
    Financial Results. The Company reported a net loss of $359.4 million, or $(9.59) per diluted share, which included a non-cash pre-tax impairment loss on oil and gas properties of $481.3 million, and Adjusted Net Income of $86.5 million, or $2.30 per adjusted diluted share. Cash flows from operating activities were $257.2 million and Consolidated EBITDAX was $383.5 million.

    Production. Vital Energy’s total and oil production exceeded the high end of guidance, averaging 147,819 BOE/d and 69,827 BO/d, respectively. Volumes were driven by better-than-expected production from the Point Energy assets.

    Capital Investments. Total capital investments, excluding non-budgeted acquisitions and leasehold expenditures, were $226 million, including approximately $17 million of additional drilling and completions investments related to increased working interest and carried interest and $5 million from acceleration of activity into the fourth quarter.

    Investments included $190 million for drilling and completions, $22 million in infrastructure investments, $8 million in other capitalized costs and $6 million in land, exploration and data-related costs.

    Operating Expenses. LOE during the period was $8.89 per BOE, below guidance of $9.35 per BOE, as the Company integrated its Point Energy assets. Lower expenses were primarily related to reduced workover activity on the Point Energy assets during integration.

    General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses totaled $1.95 per BOE for fourth-quarter 2024, in line with guidance. General and administrative expenses, excluding long-term incentive plan (“LTIP”) and transaction expenses were $1.71 per BOE. Cash LTIP expenses were $0.02 per BOE and reflected the decrease in Vital Energy’s common stock price during the third quarter. Non-cash LTIP expenses were $0.22 per BOE.

    Liquidity. At December 31, 2024, the Company had $880 million drawn on its $1.5 billion senior secured credit facility and cash and cash equivalents of $40 million.

    2025 Outlook

    Vital Energy’s 2025 development plan is designed to maximize cash flow to facilitate debt repayment, supported by its robust hedge position. In comparison to the Company’s earlier projections, the finalized 2025 outlook has lower capital investment levels and slightly lower oil production. In 2025, the Company expects to generate approximately $330 million of Adjusted Free Cash Flow at $70 per barrel WTI.

    Capital Investments. Vital Energy plans to invest $825 – $925 million in 2025, excluding non-budgeted acquisitions and leasehold expenditures. Efficiencies and lower costs are driving capital investments approximately 3% lower than earlier projections while expecting to complete approximately the same net lateral feet as in 2024.

    Production. The Company expects total production of 134.0 – 140.0 MBOE/d and oil production of 62.5 – 66.5 MBO/d. Production is approximately 3% lower than earlier projections. The shortfall is related to operational delays and the underperformance of a seven-well development package in Upton County.

    Operating Expenses. The Company has made significant progress reducing operating expenses through integration of its Point Energy assets. Some workover expense was deferred from fourth-quarter 2024 into the first quarter of 2025. Average LOE for the two quarters is expected to be around $9.20 per BOE, putting the Company on pace to achieve LOE below $9.00 per BOE by the end of 2025.

    Oil-Weighted Inventory

    The Company has continued to extend and enhance its inventory of high-return development locations. At year-end 2024, Vital Energy had approximately 925 locations with an average breakeven WTI oil price of around $50 WTI. Approximately 400 of these locations breakeven below $50 per barrel WTI. Additionally, there are an additional approximately 250 locations that can be added to inventory pending successful delineation.

    2024 Proved Reserves

    Vital Energy’s total proved reserves at year-end 2024 were 455.3 MMBOE (40% oil, 70% developed). The standardized measure of discounted net cash flows was $4.22 billion and the PV-10 value was $4.51 billion utilizing SEC benchmark pricing of $75.48 per barrel WTI for oil ($76.76 per barrel average realized price) and $2.13 per MMBtu Henry Hub for natural gas ($0.85 per Mcf average realized price).

    First-Quarter 2025 Guidance

    The table below reflects the Company’s guidance for production and capital investments.

        1Q-25E
    Total production (MBOE/d)           135.0 – 141.0
    Oil production (MBO/d)           62.0 – 66.0
    Capital investments, excluding non-budgeted acquisitions ($ MM)           $230 – $260
         

    The table below reflects the Company’s guidance for select revenue and expense items.

        1Q-25E
    Average sales price realizations (excluding derivatives):    
    Oil (% of WTI)           101%
    NGL (% of WTI)           26%
    Natural gas (% of Henry Hub)           50%
         
    Net settlements received (paid) for matured commodity derivatives ($ MM):    
    Oil           $14
    NGL           ($2)
    Natural gas           $0
         
    Selected average costs & expenses:    
    Lease operating expenses ($ MM)           $115 – $120
    Production and ad valorem taxes (% of oil, NGL and natural gas sales revenues)           6.30%
    Oil transportation and marketing expenses ($ MM)           $11.5 – $12.5
    Gas gathering, processing and transportation expenses ($ MM)           $7.0 – $8.0
    General and administrative expenses (excluding LTIP and transaction expenses, $ MM)           $21.5 – $23.0
    General and administrative expenses (LTIP cash, $ MM)           $0.5 – $0.6
    General and administrative expenses (LTIP non-cash, $ MM)           $3.0 – $3.5
    Depletion, depreciation and amortization ($ MM)           $180 – $190
         

    Conference Call Details

    Vital Energy plans to host a conference call at 7:30 a.m. CT on Thursday, February 20, 2025, to discuss its fourth-quarter and full-year 2024 financial and operating results and its 2025 outlook. Supplemental slides will be posted to the Company’s website. Interested parties are invited to listen to the call via the Company’s website at www.vitalenergy.com, under the tab for “Investor Relations | News & Presentations | Upcoming Events.”

    About Vital Energy

    Vital Energy, Inc. is an independent energy company with headquarters in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Vital Energy’s business strategy is focused on the acquisition, exploration and development of oil and natural gas properties in the Permian Basin of West Texas.

    Additional information about Vital Energy may be found on its website at www.vitalenergy.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release and any oral statements made regarding the contents of this release, including in the conference call referenced herein, contain forward-looking statements as defined under Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, that address activities that Vital Energy assumes, plans, expects, believes, intends, projects, indicates, enables, transforms, estimates or anticipates (and other similar expressions) will, should or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are based on management’s current belief, based on currently available information, as to the outcome and timing of future events. Such statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, assumptions and uncertainties. General risks relating to Vital Energy include, but are not limited to, continuing and worsening inflationary pressures and associated changes in monetary policy that may cause costs to rise; changes in domestic and global production, supply and demand for commodities, including as a result of actions by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and other producing countries (“OPEC+”) and the Russian-Ukrainian or Israeli-Hamas military conflicts, the decline in prices of oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas and the related impact to financial statements as a result of asset impairments and revisions to reserve estimates, reduced demand due to shifting market perception towards the oil and gas industry; competition in the oil and gas industry; the ability of the Company to execute its strategies, including its ability to successfully identify and consummate strategic acquisitions at purchase prices that are accretive to its financial results and to successfully integrate acquired businesses, assets and properties and its ability to successfully execute on its strategy to enhance well productivity, including by drilling long-lateral horseshoe wells, pipeline transportation and storage constraints in the Permian Basin, the effects and duration of the outbreak of disease, and any related government policies and actions, long-term performance of wells, drilling and operating risks, the possibility of production curtailment, the impact of new laws and regulations, including those regarding the use of hydraulic fracturing, and under the Inflation Reduction Act (the “IRA”), including those related to climate change, the impact of legislation or regulatory initiatives intended to address induced seismicity on our ability to conduct our operations; uncertainties in estimating reserves and production results; hedging activities, tariffs on steel, the impacts of severe weather, including the freezing of wells and pipelines in the Permian Basin due to cold weather, technological innovations and scientific developments, physical and transition risks associated with climate change, to ESG and sustainability-related matters, risks related to our public statements with respect to such matters that may be subject to heightened scrutiny from public and governmental authorities related to the risk of potential “greenwashing,” i.e., misleading information or false claims overstating potential sustainability-related benefits, risks regarding potentially conflicting anti-ESG initiatives from certain U.S. state or other governments, possible impacts of litigation and regulations, the impact of the Company’s transactions, if any, with its securities from time to time, the impact of new environmental, health and safety requirements applicable to the Company’s business activities, the possibility of the elimination of federal income tax deductions for oil and gas exploration and development and imposition of any additional taxes under the IRA or otherwise, and other factors, including those and other risks described in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 (the “2023 Annual Report”), subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and those set forth from time to time in other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). These documents are available through Vital Energy’s website at www.vitalenergy.com under the tab “Investor Relations” or through the SEC’s Electronic Data Gathering and Analysis Retrieval System at www.sec.gov. Any of these factors could cause Vital Energy’s actual results and plans to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, Vital Energy can give no assurance that its future results will be as estimated. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made. Vital Energy does not intend to, and disclaims any obligation to, correct, update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

    This press release and any accompanying disclosures include financial measures that are not in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), such as Adjusted Free Cash Flow, Adjusted Net Income, Net Debt and Consolidated EBITDAX. While management believes that such measures are useful for investors, they should not be used as a replacement for financial measures that are in accordance with GAAP. For a reconciliation of such non-GAAP financial measures to the nearest comparable measure in accordance with GAAP, please see the supplemental financial information at the end of this press release.

    Unless otherwise specified, references to “average sales price” refer to average sales price excluding the effects of the Company’s derivative transactions.

    All amounts, dollars and percentages presented in this press release are rounded and therefore approximate.

    Vital Energy, Inc.
    Selected operating data

        Three months ended December 31,   Year ended December 31,
          2024     2023       2024     2023
        (unaudited)   (unaudited)
    Sales volumes:                
    Oil (MBbl)             6,424     4,881       22,585     16,894
    NGL (MBbl)              3,703     2,808       13,270     9,128
    Natural gas (MMcf)             20,836     16,644       78,794     55,404
    Oil equivalent (MBOE)(1)             13,599     10,465       48,987     35,256
    Average daily oil equivalent sales volumes (BOE/d)(1)             147,819     113,747       133,845     96,591
    Average daily oil sales volumes (Bbl/d)(1)             69,827     53,070       61,708     46,284
    Average sales prices(1):                
    Oil ($/Bbl)(2)           $ 70.80   $ 79.37     $ 76.55   $ 78.64
    NGL ($/Bbl)(2)           $ 16.75   $ 14.14     $ 14.38   $ 15.00
    Natural gas ($/Mcf)(2)           $ 0.59   $ 0.90     $ 0.20   $ 1.14
    Average sales price ($/BOE)(2)           $ 38.92   $ 42.26     $ 39.51   $ 43.36
    Oil, with commodity derivatives ($/Bbl)(3)           $ 76.08   $ 77.73     $ 76.56   $ 76.99
    NGL, with commodity derivatives ($/Bbl)(3)           $ 16.75   $ 14.14     $ 14.29   $ 15.00
    Natural gas, with commodity derivatives ($/Mcf)(3)           $ 1.25   $ 1.18     $ 0.95   $ 1.34
    Average sales price, with commodity derivatives ($/BOE)(3)           $ 42.42   $ 41.94     $ 40.70   $ 42.87
    Selected average costs and expenses per BOE sold(1):                
    Lease operating expenses           $ 8.89   $ 8.33     $ 9.15   $ 7.41
    Production and ad valorem taxes             2.43     2.27       2.41     2.64
    Oil transportation and marketing expenses             0.76     0.85       0.92     1.17
    Gas gathering, processing and transportation expenses             0.42     0.16       0.36     0.06
    General and administrative (excluding LTIP and transaction expenses)             1.71     2.12       1.75     2.26
    Total selected operating expenses           $ 14.21   $ 13.73     $ 14.59   $ 13.54
    General and administrative (LTIP):                
    LTIP cash           $ 0.02   $ (0.09 )   $ 0.05   $ 0.11
    LTIP non-cash           $ 0.22   $ 0.22     $ 0.27   $ 0.28
    General and administrative (transaction expenses)           $   $ 0.79     $ 0.01   $ 0.32
    Depletion, depreciation and amortization           $ 15.77   $ 14.58     $ 15.15   $ 13.14

    _______________________________________________________________________________

    (1) The numbers presented are calculated based on actual amounts and may not recalculate using the rounded numbers presented in the table above.
    (2) Price reflects the average of actual sales prices received when control passes to the purchaser/customer adjusted for quality, certain transportation fees, geographical differentials, marketing bonuses or deductions and other factors affecting the price received at the delivery point.
    (3) Price reflects the after-effects of the Company’s commodity derivative transactions on its average sales prices. The Company’s calculation of such after-effects includes settlements of matured commodity derivatives during the respective periods.
       

    Vital Energy, Inc.
    Consolidated balance sheets

    (in thousands, except share data)   December 31, 2024   December 31, 2023
        (unaudited)
    Assets        
    Current assets:        
    Cash and cash equivalents           $ 40,179     $ 14,061  
    Accounts receivable, net             299,698       238,773  
    Derivatives             101,474       99,336  
    Other current assets             25,205       18,749  
    Total current assets             466,556       370,919  
    Property and equipment:        
    Oil and natural gas properties, full cost method:        
    Evaluated properties             13,587,040       11,799,155  
    Unevaluated properties not being depleted             242,792       195,457  
    Less: accumulated depletion and impairment             (8,966,200 )     (7,764,697 )
    Oil and natural gas properties, net             4,863,632       4,229,915  
    Midstream and other fixed assets, net             134,265       130,293  
    Property and equipment, net             4,997,897       4,360,208  
    Derivatives             34,564       51,071  
    Operating lease right-of-use assets             104,329       144,900  
    Deferred income taxes             239,685       188,836  
    Other noncurrent assets, net             35,915       33,647  
    Total assets           $ 5,878,946     $ 5,149,581  
    Liabilities and stockholders’ equity        
    Current liabilities:        
    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities           $ 185,115     $ 159,892  
    Accrued capital expenditures             95,593       91,937  
    Undistributed revenue and royalties             187,563       194,307  
    Operating lease liabilities             73,143       70,651  
    Other current liabilities             59,725       78,802  
    Total current liabilities             601,139       595,589  
    Long-term debt, net             2,454,242       1,609,424  
    Derivatives             5,814        
    Asset retirement obligations             82,941       81,680  
    Operating lease liabilities             26,733       71,343  
    Other noncurrent liabilities             7,506       6,288  
    Total liabilities             3,178,375       2,364,324  
    Commitments and contingencies        
    Stockholders’ equity:        
    Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, and zero and 595,104 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively                   6  
    Common stock, $0.01 par value, 80,000,000 shares authorized, and 38,144,248 and 35,413,551 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively             381       354  
    Additional paid-in capital             3,823,241       3,733,775  
    Accumulated deficit             (1,123,051 )     (948,878 )
    Total stockholders’ equity             2,700,571       2,785,257  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity           $ 5,878,946     $ 5,149,581  
                     

    Vital Energy, Inc.
    Consolidated statements of operations

        Three months ended December 31,   Year ended December 31,
    (in thousands, except per share data)     2024       2023       2024       2023  
        (unaudited)   (unaudited)
    Revenues:                
    Oil sales           $ 454,852     $ 387,536     $ 1,728,971     $ 1,328,518  
    NGL sales             62,023       39,705       190,775       136,901  
    Natural gas sales             12,394       14,954       15,544       63,214  
    Sales of purchased oil             3,759       121       12,745       14,313  
    Other operating revenues             1,342       2,205       4,279       4,658  
    Total revenues             534,370       444,521       1,952,314       1,547,604  
    Costs and expenses:                
    Lease operating expenses             120,922       87,190       448,078       261,129  
    Production and ad valorem taxes             33,010       23,726       117,947       93,224  
    Oil transportation and marketing expenses             10,366       8,893       44,843       41,284  
    Gas gathering, processing and transportation expenses             5,759       1,642       17,825       2,013  
    Costs of purchased oil             3,912       209       13,243       15,065  
    General and administrative             26,644       31,766       101,578       104,819  
    Organizational restructuring expenses             795       1,654       795       1,654  
    Depletion, depreciation and amortization             214,498       152,626       741,966       463,244  
    Impairment expense             481,305             481,305        
    Other operating expenses, net             3,434       1,685       8,799       6,223  
    Total costs and expenses             900,645       309,391       1,976,379       988,655  
    Gain on disposal of assets, net             508       132       1,513       672  
    Operating income (loss)             (365,767 )     135,262       (22,552 )     559,621  
    Non-operating income (expense):                
    Gain (loss) on derivatives, net             (43,924 )     229,105       38,140       96,230  
    Interest expense             (53,564 )     (50,431 )     (177,794 )     (149,819 )
    Loss on extinguishment of debt, net                   (4,039 )     (66,115 )     (4,039 )
    Other income, net             1,139       6,051       7,060       9,748  
    Total non-operating income (expense), net             (96,349 )     180,686       (198,709 )     (47,880 )
    Income (loss) before income taxes             (462,116 )     315,948       (221,261 )     511,741  
    Income tax benefit (expense)             102,724       (34,514 )     47,740       183,337  
    Net income (loss)              (359,392 )     281,434       (173,521 )     695,078  
    Preferred stock dividends                   (449 )     (652 )     (449 )
    Net income (loss) available to common stockholders           $ (359,392 )   $ 280,985     $ (174,173 )   $ 694,629  
    Net income (loss) per common share:                
    Basic           $ (9.59 )   $ 10.04     $ (4.74 )   $ 34.30  
    Diluted           $ (9.59 )   $ 9.44     $ (4.74 )   $ 33.44  
    Weighted-average common shares outstanding:                
    Basic             37,477       27,991       36,725       20,254  
    Diluted             37,477       29,813       36,725       20,783  
                                     

    Vital Energy, Inc.
    Consolidated statements of cash flows

        Three months ended December 31,   Year ended December 31,
    (in thousands)     2024       2023       2024       2023  
        (unaudited)   (unaudited)
    Cash flows from operating activities:                
    Net income (loss)           $ (359,392 )   $ 281,434     $ (173,521 )   $ 695,078  
    Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:                
    Share-settled equity-based compensation, net             3,398       2,592       14,646       10,994  
    Depletion, depreciation and amortization             214,498       152,626       741,966       463,244  
    Impairment expense             481,305             481,305        
    Mark-to-market on derivatives:                
    (Gain) loss on derivatives, net             43,924       (229,105 )     (38,140 )     (96,230 )
    Settlements received (paid) for matured derivatives, net             47,571       (3,328 )     58,322       (17,648 )
    Loss on extinguishment of debt, net                   4,039       66,115       4,039  
    Deferred income tax (benefit) expense             (102,474 )     31,089       (50,196 )     (189,060 )
    Other, net             8,055       5,672       27,663       13,983  
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                
    Accounts receivable, net             (74,978 )     (38,935 )     (61,163 )     (77,742 )
    Other current assets             1,211       6,835       (6,456 )     (2,754 )
    Other noncurrent assets, net             (315 )     (782 )     (1,151 )     484  
    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities             34,084       48,520       12,803       52,763  
    Undistributed revenue and royalties             (10,169 )     (32,106 )     (29,762 )     (31,907 )
    Other current liabilities             (23,572 )     7,190       (25,004 )     (5,656 )
    Other noncurrent liabilities             (5,972 )     (2,007 )     (17,097 )     (6,632 )
      Net cash provided by operating activities             257,174       233,734       1,000,330       812,956  
    Cash flows from investing activities:                
    Acquisitions of oil and natural gas properties, net             (19,686 )     (309,379 )     (850,911 )     (849,508 )
    Capital expenditures:                
    Oil and natural gas properties             (231,158 )     (162,351 )     (864,437 )     (617,397 )
    Midstream and other fixed assets             (6,711 )     (3,329 )     (23,341 )     (14,021 )
    Proceeds from dispositions of capital assets, net of selling costs             133       60       2,874       2,403  
    Other investing activities                   311       (1,776 )     2,393  
      Net cash used in investing activities             (257,422 )     (474,688 )     (1,737,591 )     (1,476,130 )
    Cash flows from financing activities:                
    Borrowings on Senior Secured Credit Facility             310,000       135,000       1,750,000       765,000  
    Payments on Senior Secured Credit Facility             (290,000 )           (1,005,000 )     (700,000 )
    Issuance of senior unsecured notes                         1,001,500       897,710  
    Extinguishment of debt                   (457,792 )     (952,214 )     (457,792 )
    Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of offering costs                   220             161,223  
    Stock exchanged for tax withholding             (36 )     (21 )     (3,569 )     (3,077 )
    Payments for debt issuance costs             (340 )     (10,680 )     (22,078 )     (27,011 )
    Other, net             (1,389 )     (1,407 )     (5,260 )     (3,253 )
    Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities             18,235       (334,680 )     763,379       632,800  
    Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents             17,987       (575,634 )     26,118       (30,374 )
    Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period             22,192       589,695       14,061       44,435  
    Cash and cash equivalents, end of period           $ 40,179     $ 14,061     $ 40,179     $ 14,061  
                                     

    Vital Energy, Inc.
    Supplemental reconciliations of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures

    Non-GAAP financial measures

    The non-GAAP financial measures of Adjusted Free Cash Flow, Adjusted Net Income, Consolidated EBITDAX, Net Debt and Net Debt to Consolidated EBITDAX, as defined by the Company, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. Furthermore, these non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for GAAP measures of liquidity or financial performance, but rather should be considered in conjunction with GAAP measures, such as net income or loss, operating income or loss or cash flows from operating activities.

    Adjusted Free Cash Flow

    Adjusted Free Cash Flow is a non-GAAP financial measure that the Company defines as net cash provided by operating activities (GAAP) before net changes in operating assets and liabilities and transaction expenses related to non-budgeted acquisitions, less capital investments, excluding non-budgeted acquisition costs. Management believes Adjusted Free Cash Flow is useful to management and investors in evaluating operating trends in its business that are affected by production, commodity prices, operating costs and other related factors. There are significant limitations to the use of Adjusted Free Cash Flow as a measure of performance, including the lack of comparability due to the different methods of calculating Adjusted Free Cash Flow reported by different companies.

    The following table presents a reconciliation of net cash provided by operating activities (GAAP) to Adjusted Free Cash Flow (non-GAAP) for the periods presented:

        Three months ended December 31,   Year ended December 31,
    (in thousands)     2024       2023       2024       2023  
        (unaudited)   (unaudited)
    Net cash provided by operating activities           $ 257,174     $ 233,734     $ 1,000,330     $ 812,956  
    Less:                
    Net changes in operating assets and liabilities             (79,711 )     (11,285 )     (127,830 )     (71,444 )
    General and administrative (transaction expenses)             19       (8,221 )     (548 )     (11,341 )
    Cash flows from operating activities before net changes in operating assets and liabilities and transaction expenses related to non-budgeted acquisitions              336,866       253,240       1,128,708       895,741  
    Less capital investments, excluding non-budgeted acquisition costs:                
    Oil and natural gas properties(1)(2)             221,033       179,696       873,637       663,025  
    Midstream and other fixed assets(1)             5,043       4,511       22,276       15,601  
    Total capital investments, excluding non-budgeted acquisition costs              226,076       184,207       895,913       678,626  
    Adjusted Free Cash Flow (non-GAAP)            $ 110,790     $ 69,033     $ 232,795     $ 217,115  

    _______________________________________________________________________________

    (1) Includes capitalized share-settled equity-based compensation and asset retirement costs.
    (2) For the three months and year ended December 31, 2024, capital investments for oil and natural gas properties, excluding non-budgeted acquisition costs, includes $16.8 million of additional drilling and completions investments related to increased working interest and carried interest.
       

    Adjusted Net Income

    Adjusted Net Income is a non-GAAP financial measure that the Company defines as net income or loss (GAAP) plus adjustments for mark-to-market on derivatives, premiums paid or received for commodity derivatives that matured during the period, organizational restructuring expenses, impairment expense, gains or losses on disposal of assets, income taxes, other non-recurring income and expenses and adjusted income tax expense. Management believes Adjusted Net Income helps investors in the oil and natural gas industry to measure and compare the Company’s performance to other oil and natural gas companies by excluding from the calculation items that can vary significantly from company to company depending upon accounting methods, the book value of assets and other non-operational factors.

    The following table presents a reconciliation of net income (loss) (GAAP) to Adjusted Net Income (non-GAAP) for the periods presented:

        Three months ended December 31,   Year ended December 31,
    (in thousands, except per share data)     2024       2023       2024       2023  
        (unaudited)   (unaudited)
    Net income (loss)            $ (359,392 )   $ 281,434     $ (173,521 )   $ 695,078  
    Plus:                
    Mark-to-market on derivatives:                
    (Gain) loss on derivatives, net             43,924       (229,105 )     (38,140 )     (96,230 )
    Settlements received (paid) for matured derivatives, net             47,571       (3,328 )     58,322       (17,068 )
    Settlements received for contingent consideration                   311             1,813  
    Organizational restructuring expenses             795       1,654       795       1,654  
    Impairment expense             481,305             481,305        
    Gain on disposal of assets, net             (508 )     (132 )     (1,513 )     (672 )
    Loss on extinguishment of debt, net                   4,039       66,115       4,039  
    Income tax (benefit) expense             (102,724 )     34,514       (47,740 )     (183,337 )
    General and administrative (transaction expenses)             (19 )     8,221       548       11,341  
    Adjusted income before adjusted income tax expense             110,952       97,608       346,171       416,618  
    Adjusted income tax expense(1)             (24,410 )     (21,474 )     (76,158 )     (91,656 )
    Adjusted Net Income (non-GAAP)           $ 86,542     $ 76,134     $ 270,013     $ 324,962  
    Net income (loss) per common share:                
    Basic           $ (9.59 )   $ 10.04     $ (4.74 )   $ 34.30  
    Diluted           $ (9.59 )   $ 9.44     $ (4.74 )   $ 33.44  
    Adjusted Net Income per common share:                
    Basic           $ 2.31     $ 2.72     $ 7.35     $ 16.04  
    Diluted           $ 2.31     $ 2.55     $ 7.35     $ 15.64  
    Adjusted diluted           $ 2.30     $ 2.55     $ 7.21     $ 15.64  
    Weighted-average common shares outstanding:                
    Basic             37,477       27,991       36,725       20,254  
    Diluted             37,477       29,813       36,725       20,783  
    Adjusted diluted             37,670       29,813       37,445       20,783  

    _______________________________________________________________________________

    (1) Adjusted income tax expense is calculated by applying a statutory tax rate of 22% for each of the periods ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
       

    Consolidated EBITDAX

    Consolidated EBITDAX is a non-GAAP financial measure defined in the Company’s Senior Secured Credit Facility as net income or loss (GAAP) plus adjustments for share-settled equity-based compensation, depletion, depreciation and amortization, impairment expense, organizational restructuring expenses, gains or losses on disposal of assets, mark-to-market on derivatives, accretion expense, interest expense, income taxes and other non-recurring income and expenses. Consolidated EBITDAX provides no information regarding a company’s capital structure, borrowings, interest costs, capital expenditures, working capital movement or tax position. Consolidated EBITDAX does not represent funds available for future discretionary use because it excludes funds required for debt service, capital expenditures, working capital, income taxes, franchise taxes and other commitments and obligations. However, management believes Consolidated EBITDAX is useful to an investor because this measure:

    • is used by investors in the oil and natural gas industry to measure a company’s operating performance without regard to items that can vary substantially from company to company depending upon accounting methods, the book value of assets, capital structure and the method by which assets were acquired, among other factors;
    • helps investors to more meaningfully evaluate and compare the results of the Company’s operations from period to period by removing the effect of the Company’s capital structure from the Company’s operating structure; and
    • is used by management for various purposes, including (i) as a measure of operating performance, (ii) as a measure of compliance under the Senior Secured Credit Facility, (iii) in presentations to the board of directors and (iv) as a basis for strategic planning and forecasting.

    There are significant limitations to the use of Consolidated EBITDAX as a measure of performance, including the inability to analyze the effect of certain recurring and non-recurring items that materially affect the Company’s net income or loss and the lack of comparability of results of operations to different companies due to the different methods of calculating Consolidated EBITDAX, or similarly titled measures, reported by different companies. The Company is subject to financial covenants under the Senior Secured Credit Facility, one of which establishes a maximum permitted ratio of Net Debt, as defined in the Senior Secured Credit Facility, to Consolidated EBITDAX. See Note 7 in the 2024 Annual Report, to be filed with the SEC, for additional discussion of the financial covenants under the Senior Secured Credit Facility. Additional information on Consolidated EBITDAX can be found in the Company’s Eleventh Amendment to the Senior Secured Credit Facility, as filed with the SEC on September 13, 2023.

    The following table presents a reconciliation of net income (loss) (GAAP) to Consolidated EBITDAX (non-GAAP) for the periods presented:

        Three months ended December 31,   Year ended December 31,
    (in thousands)     2024       2023       2024       2023  
        (unaudited)   (unaudited)
    Net income (loss)            $ (359,392 )   $ 281,434     $ (173,521 )   $ 695,078  
    Plus:                
    Share-settled equity-based compensation, net             3,398       2,592       14,646       10,994  
    Depletion, depreciation and amortization             214,498       152,626       741,966       463,244  
    Impairment expense             481,305             481,305        
    Organizational restructuring expenses             795       1,654       795       1,654  
    Gain on disposal of assets, net             (508 )     (132 )     (1,513 )     (672 )
    Mark-to-market on derivatives:                
    (Gain) loss on derivatives, net             43,924       (229,105 )     (38,140 )     (96,230 )
    Settlements received (paid) for matured derivatives, net             47,571       (3,328 )     58,322       (17,068 )
    Settlements received for contingent consideration                   311             1,813  
    Accretion expense             1,107       988       4,209       3,703  
    Interest expense             53,564       50,431       177,794       149,819  
    Loss extinguishment of debt, net                   4,039       66,115       4,039  
    Income tax (benefit) expense             (102,724 )     34,514       (47,740 )     (183,337 )
    General and administrative (transaction expenses)             (19 )     8,221       548       11,341  
    Consolidated EBITDAX (non-GAAP)           $ 383,519     $ 304,245     $ 1,284,786     $ 1,044,378  
                                     

    The following table presents a reconciliation of net cash provided by operating activities (GAAP) to Consolidated EBITDAX (non-GAAP) for the periods presented:

        Three months ended December 31,   Year ended December 31,
    (in thousands)     2024       2023       2024       2023  
        (unaudited)   (unaudited)
    Net cash provided by operating activities           $ 257,174     $ 233,734     $ 1,000,330     $ 812,956  
    Plus:                
    Interest expense             53,564       50,431       177,794       149,819  
    Organizational restructuring expenses             795       1,654       795       1,654  
    Current income tax (benefit) expense             (250 )     3,425       2,456       5,723  
    Net changes in operating assets and liabilities             79,711       11,285       127,830       71,444  
    General and administrative (transaction expenses)             (19 )     8,221       548       11,341  
    Settlements received for contingent consideration                   311             1,813  
    Other, net             (7,456 )     (4,816 )     (24,967 )     (10,372 )
    Consolidated EBITDAX (non-GAAP)           $ 383,519     $ 304,245     $ 1,284,786     $ 1,044,378  
                                     

    Net Debt

    Net Debt is a non-GAAP financial measure defined in the Company’s Senior Secured Credit Facility as the face value of long-term debt plus any outstanding letters of credit, less cash and cash equivalents, where cash and cash equivalents are capped at $100 million when there are borrowings on the Senior Secured Credit Facility. Management believes Net Debt is useful to management and investors in determining the Company’s leverage position since the Company has the ability, and may decide, to use a portion of its cash and cash equivalents to reduce debt.

    Net Debt to Consolidated EBITDAX

    Net Debt to Consolidated EBITDAX is a non-GAAP financial measure defined in the Company’s Senior Secured Credit Facility as Net Debt divided by Consolidated EBITDAX for the previous four quarters, which requires various treatment of asset transaction impacts. Net Debt to Consolidated EBITDAX is used by the Company’s management for various purposes, including as a measure of operating performance, in presentations to its board of directors and as a basis for strategic planning and forecasting.

    PV-10

    PV-10 is a non-GAAP financial measure that is derived from the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows, which is the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. PV-10 is a computation of the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows on a pre-tax basis. PV-10 is equal to the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows at the applicable date, before deducting future income taxes, discounted at 10 percent. Management believes that the presentation of PV-10 is relevant and useful to investors because it presents the discounted future net cash flows attributable to the Company’s estimated proved reserves prior to taking into account future corporate income taxes, and it is a useful measure for evaluating the relative monetary significance of the Company’s proved oil, NGL and natural gas assets. Further, investors may utilize the measure as a basis for comparison of the relative size and value of proved reserves to other companies. The Company uses this measure when assessing the potential return on investment related to proved oil, NGL and natural gas assets. However, PV-10 is not a substitute for the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows. The PV-10 measure and the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows do not purport to present the fair value of the Company’s oil, NGL and natural gas reserves of the property.

    (in millions)   December 31, 2024
        (unaudited)
    Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows           $ 4,215  
    Less: present value of future income taxes discounted at 10%             (295 )
    PV-10 (non-GAAP)           $ 4,510  

    Investor Contact:
    Ron Hagood
    918.858.5504
    ir@vitalenergy.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) Deploys to Fourth Fleet

    Source: United States Navy

    Thomas Hudner will deploy to the U.S. Southern Command Area of Responsibility (USSOUTHCOM AOR) to support bilateral and multinational maritime operations with partners in the region and conduct Theater Security Cooperation (TSC) port visits.

    “The crew of the USS Thomas Hudner is proud to answer the call for presence in USSOUTHCOM AOR,” said Cmdr. Cameron Ingram, USS Thomas Hudner Commanding Officer. “Our Team is ready to ensure maritime freedom of action in the Caribbean, protect our interests throughout the region and strengthen maritime partnerships.”

    Thomas Hudner returned to Mayport, Florida after an eight-month deployment to the U.S. Naval Forces Europe – Africa area of operations, Jan. 4, 2024. Thomas Hudner was assigned to the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (CSG). During the deployment, Thomas Hudner served as an air defense unit for the strike group off the coast of Israel, and worked closely with Allies and Partners on a variety of missions. Additionally, Thomas Hudner led a Surface Action Group comprised of Allied and Partner nations in the English Channel, designed to flex advanced Surface Warfare and Subsurface Warfare tactics.

    U.S. 4th Fleet employs maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations in order to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships that foster regional security in the USSOUTHCOM AOR.

    USSOUTHCOM AOR encompasses 31 countries and 16 dependencies and areas of special sovereignty, including the land mass of Latin America south of Mexico, waters adjacent to Central and South America, and the Caribbean Sea. The region represents about one-sixth of the landmass of the world assigned to regional unified commands.

    U.S. Fleet Forces Command is responsible for manning, training, equipping, and providing combat-ready forces forward to numbered fleets and combatant commanders around the globe.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Need to deepen discussions on WTO reform highlighted at General Council meeting

    Source: World Trade Organization

    “We are facing a new reality,” Ambassador Ølberg, the outgoing Chair of the General Council, told members. “We must all understand that some of our fundamental values and principles are being challenged. It’s not business as usual anymore for any of us. It’s not the time for any of us to insist on old positions or speaking points. We must engage in real dialogue.”

    Ambassador Ølberg said the new reality underlined the need for fundamental reform of the WTO. At MC12, WTO members for the first time agreed to undertake a comprehensive review of the WTO’s functions in order to ensure the organization is capable of responding more effectively to both the challenges facing the multilateral trading system and the opportunities provided by contemporary developments in global trade.

    “We should be open to reform, real reform, not baby steps,” he said. “Only then can our common WTO have a future. It’s up to us.” Channelling a Bob Dylan song, he warned members that “the times, they are a-changing”.

    The need to accelerate and deepen the reform as the WTO marks the 30th anniversary of its founding was highlighted by a number of members under several agenda items during the two-day General Council meeting.

    Ambassador Saqer Abdullah Almoqbel (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), who took over as General Council chair towards the conclusion of the meeting, said he was also “keenly aware of the significant challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.”

    “The global trading landscape is undergoing profound changes, driven by economic uncertainty, geopolitical shifts, technological advancement and an urgent imperative for sustainable and inclusive growth,” Ambassador Almoqbel said. “These dynamics demand that we, as a membership, work together with renewed momentum and unity to ensure that the WTO remains a cornerstone of the rules based multilateral trading system.”

    The new Chair declared that the WTO’s 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) set to take place in Cameroon in March 2026 “must be a transformative event that delivers tangible results, reinforces our shared values, and strengthens the WTO’s relevance in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.”

    Earlier in the meeting, Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala also underlined the importance of WTO reform.

    “It seems to me an opportune time to launch some serious reflections on the system, with a view to seeing what works, what doesn’t work, and how we reform it,” she told members. “I know that we’ve been engaged in reforms here in Geneva, especially the work of reform by doing … but I think it’s time to elevate the level, depth and breadth of the reforms, to take a thorough look at the organization and make sure it’s really fit for 21st century global trade challenges.”

    Such an in-depth look, she suggested, would be best carried out by an independent panel of eminent persons, chaired by a respected political leader and comprising experts in both technical trade issues as well as the political economy of trade. Members would have a chance to nominate persons to this group to enable balance and ownership, but the group would operate independently.

    The independent panel’s recommendation or interim report could be sent to ministers to deliberate over at MC14 if ready, depending on how quickly the work could be done, DG Okonjo-Iweala said. This is not a new idea, she said, noting that similar work was undertaken by former GATT and WTO Directors-General Arthur Dunkel and Supachai Panitchpakdi during their terms, albeit at a more technical level. Furthermore, during a recent development retreat, members also suggested the need for such a reform exercise, DG Okonjo-Iweala noted.

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    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary-General Travel, Deputy Secretary-General & other topics – Daily Press Briefing

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    – Secretary-General Travel
    – Deputy Secretary-General
    – Occupied Palestinian Territory
    – Democratic Republic of the Congo
    – Children in Eastern and Southern Africa
    – Sudan
    – Libya
    – Myanmar
    – Central America
    – Ukraine
    – Guest Tomorrow
    – Financial Contribution

    SECRETARY-GENERAL TRAVEL
    The Secretary-General traveled to Bridgetown, Barbados today where, this evening, he will speak at the opening ceremony of the 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community, also known as CARICOM. 
    In his remarks, he is expected to highlight three key areas where, together, we must drive progress – peace and security, the climate crisis and sustainable development.
    Also today, the Secretary-General will hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados.
    Tomorrow, the Secretary-General will have a closed session with CARICOM Heads of Government, to exchange views on pressing issues in the region, such as Haiti. 
    He is expected back in New York later tomorrow.

    DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL
    The Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, arrived in Johannesburg, South Africa today to attend the G20 Foreign Ministers meeting on behalf of the Secretary-General. Ms. Mohammed will underline support for multilateral cooperation and the South African G20 Presidency and reinforce the case for dialogue and joint action to address common challenges, including trade, tax, debt, and financing climate action. On the margins of the meeting, she is expected to meet with senior government officials from G20 members and guest countries.
    From Johannesburg, Ms. Mohammed will proceed to Nairobi, Kenya, to hold meetings with a wide range of stakeholders and UN entities in preparation of the second UN Food System Summit Stocktaking and to meet with senior government officials.
    On 26 February, Ms. Mohammed will return to South Africa – this time to Cape Town to attend the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting and open the Finance in Common Summit 2025 on behalf of the Secretary-General.
    The Deputy Secretary-General will return to New York on 27 February.

    OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
    The World Health Organization and UNICEF say that the emergency polio outbreak response in the Gaza Strip is continuing, with a mass vaccination campaign scheduled to begin on Saturday and continue until 26 February. The novel oral polio vaccine type 2 will be administered to more than 591,000 children under 10 years of age to protect them from polio. The campaign aims to reach all children under 10 – including those previously missed – to close immunity gaps and end the outbreak.
    Meanwhile, partners supporting water, sanitation and hygiene services are working to increase the production and distribution of water for drinking and domestic purposes to improve living conditions in the Strip and minimize public health risks.
    There are now more than 1,780 operational water points across Gaza. Over 85 per cent of them are used to support water trucking activities by UN partners. 
    The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that UN partners are also training and deploying mobile teams and volunteers at aid distribution points to ensure that vulnerable groups – including people with disabilities – have safe and dignified access to humanitarian assistance. More than 100 such teams are operating at nearly 70 aid distribution points throughout Gaza.
    Turning to the West Bank, OCHA says that Israeli forces’ operations in northern areas continue, causing further destruction and displacement among Palestinian residents.
    Yesterday, in Tulkarm refugee camp, Israeli forces demolished at least five homes, with several others also slated for demolition.

    Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/ossg/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=19+February+2025

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0iEq-V8ZyE

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Persons with disabilities in the occupied Palestinian territories – E-000618/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000618/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Lynn Boylan (The Left), Kathleen Funchion (The Left)

    Disability inclusion in the occupied Palestinian territories remains a critical issue. Even after the 2025 ceasefire, life-saving humanitarian aid for persons with disabilities continues to be blocked by Israel. Many forcibly displaced people are unable to return home because of the inaccessibility of the route and checkpoints. Their homes have often been destroyed, and tented accommodation lacks basic essentials for safety and security, including accessible water, sanitation and hygiene services. Persons with disabilities face a continued shortage of assistive technology and will be disproportionately impacted by the growing mental health crisis. Children and women and girls with disabilities are at particular risk.

    How is the Commission:

    • 1.ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches Palestinians with disabilities in the occupied territories, and that disability-specific requirements (such as assistive technology) are being met?
    • 2.assisting Palestinians with disabilities to return to their homes, and supporting the inclusive, accessible reconstruction of housing, transport and other public infrastructure?
    • 3.engaging with and supporting Palestinian civil society and disability advocacy groups to ensure that their voices and requirements are reflected in EU-funded work?

    Submitted: 11.2.2025

    Last updated: 19 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Turkish meddling in the Turkish Cypriot community’s education system – E-000614/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000614/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Giorgos Georgiou (The Left)

    According to recent revelations, the Turkish-controlled teachers’ union KIB-TES is attempting to influence and alter the character of the Turkish Cypriot community’s education system. A report by KIB-TES to the President of Türkiye was recently revealed, calling on Türkiye to intervene in specific ways to make the educational programme in Turkish Cypriot schools more conservative.

    This development is an extension of Türkiye’s increased interference in the internal affairs of Turkish Cypriots. As a result, among other things, transfers of teachers from Türkiye are being promoted, religious schools are being strengthened, and pressure is being exerted to establish compulsory religious education in the Occupied Territories of Cyprus.

    All of this, however, contradicts the identity and will of the overwhelming majority of the Turkish Cypriot community and its representatives (political parties, educational unions, etc.).

    In view of the above:

    • 1.Is the Commission acquainted with the positions of the Turkish Cypriots on the above issue?
    • 2.What measures does the Commission intend to put in place to support the right of the Turkish Cypriots to an independent education system?

    Submitted: 11.2.2025

    Last updated: 19 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Need for immediate EU action and financial support in response to damage caused by recent floods in Cyprus – E-002774/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission expresses its deep regret for the damage caused to Cyprus by the floods on 2 November 2024. Under the ‘Thalia 2021-2027’ Programme, Cohesion Policy supports Cyprus with EUR 79 million (EU contribution) for long-term investments aimed at risk prevention and resilience-building, particularly in coastal areas.

    These investments include targeted anti-flood measures, designed to mitigate the impacts of natural disasters. In addition, Cyprus’ recovery and resilience plan includes several anti-flood and water collection measures, as well as measures to enhance Cyprus’ civil protection system .

    Similarly, through the Cypriot Rural Development Programme 2014-2022 and the Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan 2023-2027, significant support is available for restoring agricultural potential.

    Furthermore, on 19 December 2024, the Regional Emergency Support to Reconstruction (RESTORE) proposal was approved.

    RESTORE introduces targeted flexibilities under the 2021-2027 Cohesion Policy framework, for reconstruction and repair measures to alleviate the negative socioeconomic consequences of natural disasters.

    Additional measures under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) are also available to provide liquidity support for farmers, forest holders, and small and medium-sized enterprises under the Rural Development Programmes impacted by such events.

    The Commission stands ready to collaborate with the Cypriot authorities to explore how EU resources can be deployed effectively. In line with the shared management principle, the national authorities are responsible for selecting, implementing and monitoring the EU co-funded projects, in line with the programming documents.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Strategy of weaponising illegal migrants from Turkey – E-001425/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU-Turkey statement[1] remains valid and is the main framework of cooperation with Türkiye in the area of migration. The statement has produced tangible results leading to a significant decrease of loss of human lives, a reduction in irregular crossings and perilous migrant journeys via Türkiye to the EU and improving the situation of refugees and migrants in Türkiye.

    The number of irregular border crossings between Türkiye and the EU has remained consistently and significantly lower than before the EU-Turkey statement. The Commission expects Türkiye to fulfil its commitments from the statement, including prevention of irregular arrivals to the EU.

    Full implementation of all elements of the EU-Turkey statement and the EU-Turkey readmission agreement remains key. The Commission is pursuing all strands of this key relationship, in line with the 2024 Joint Communication and the extraordinary European Council in April 2024[2], and one of the next steps should be the relaunch of the High-Level Dialogue on Migration and Security.

    In December 2024, the Commission adopted a package of support worth EUR 1 billion to assist with Syrian refugees and vulnerable communities and to support Türkiye with border and migration management.

    The EU Action Plan for the Eastern Mediterranean[3], contains targeted operational measures aiming at enhancing migration management along this route, including measures focused on strengthening cooperation with Türkiye regarding counter-smuggling and border management.

    Among the operational measures, the action plan foresees:

    — Strengthening cooperation with countries of origin and transit in Asia and Africa and Türkiye to counter migrant smuggling;

    — Supporting border management capacities on Türkiye’s eastern borders;

    — Continuing to engage with Türkiye to promote the full and effective implementation of the EU-Turkey statement and the EU-Turkey readmission agreement;

    — Continuing cooperation with Türkiye on strengthening its asylum and reception systems.

    The EU expects that Türkiye would protect the human rights of all irregular migrants in line with its international obligations.

    • [1] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2016/03/18/eu-turkey-statement/
    • [2] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/m5jlwe0p/euco-conclusions-20240417-18-en.pdf
    • [3] https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/eu-action-plan-eastern-mediterranean-route_en

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Making use of the infrastructure that has been implemented in Greece and that can ensure the energy security of the EU – E-000579/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000579/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Yannis Maniatis (S&D)

    According to recent statements by a representative of the Turkish Government, ‘Türkiye is one of the main routes for the supply of natural gas to the EU’. The representative proposed ‘resuming the EU-Türkiye High-level Energy Dialogue’ (opposed only by Cyprus), as well as ‘connecting Mediterranean reserves with the Southern Corridor’.

    At the same time, despite increased gas needs and the extensive investment undertaken by Greece (such as upgrades to the Revithoussa terminal and national network capacity, the new FSRU in Alexandroupolis) and Bulgaria (upgrades to the national network), full use has still not been made of the Vertical Corridor. At the same time, the EastMed pipeline, which has been included in the list of European Projects of Common Interest since 2013, will allow Eastern Mediterranean reserves to be directly connected to both the Vertical Corridor and the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.What initiatives does the Commission intend to take to complete the Vertical Corridor project and resolve the last outstanding issues, such as upgrading the Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria pipeline and the network in Romania and addressing the matter of high network charges between Romania and Moldova?
    • 2.How does the Commission intend to improve the diversification of natural gas supply sources and routes, for example by promoting the implementation of the EastMed pipeline project?
    • 3.Bearing in mind that Russia is using Türkiye to circumvent EU sanctions, is the Commission considering resuming the EU-Türkiye Energy Dialogue and under what conditions?

    Submitted: 7.2.2025

    Last updated: 19 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – EU funds spent by UNRWA on terrorist-linked activities – E-002294/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Given the essential role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) , which provides crucial support to the civilian population in Gaza and the wider region, as confirmed by the European Council in December 2024[1], the EU expressed grave concern about the serious allegations made on 24 January 2024 on the possible involvement of some UNRWA staff in the unprecedented 7 October 2023 attacks, which the EU condemned in the strongest possible terms.

    The Commission has been in constant contact with UNRWA at the highest levels. As a result, UNRWA committed, notably in the context of the signature of the EU-UNRWA contribution agreement to implement the actions requested in the 29 January 2024 Commission statement[2]: (i) to allow an audit to be conducted by EU-appointed independent external experts; (ii) to strengthen its Department of Internal Investigations; and (iii) to carry out a review of all UNRWA staff to confirm that they did not participate in the attacks.

    Following the fulfilment by UNRWA of all the conditions agreed for the 2024 EU funding, the Commission disbursed in three tranches a total of EUR 82 million, and an additional top-up of EUR 10 million in December 2024[3].

    This came in addition to the EUR 48.5 million of EU humanitarian funding in 2024. The Commission is committed to continuing its support for the Agency, and closely monitors the implementation of the action plan developed by UNRWA in response to the recommendations of the Independent Review Group[4] and further decisive action by the UN to ensure neutrality, accountability and to strengthen control and oversight over the operations of the Agency.

    The Commission will also continue monitoring the implementation of the recommendations resulting from the EU audit.

    • [1] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/jhlenhaj/euco-conclusions-19122024-en.pdf
    • [2] https://neighbourhood-enlargement.ec.europa.eu/news/european-commission-statement-unrwa-2024-01-29_en
    • [3] https://neighbourhood-enlargement.ec.europa.eu/news/commission-disburses-additional-eu10-million-payment-unrwa-2024-12-20_en
    • [4] https://www.unrwa.org/resources/reports/colonna-report-and-unrwa%E2%80%99s-high-level-action-plan-implementation-recommendations
    Last updated: 19 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Secretary, M/o Labour & Employment led the Indian delegation at First G20 Employment Working Group Meeting 2025 under South African Presidency

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Secretary, M/o Labour & Employment led the Indian delegation at First G20 Employment Working Group Meeting 2025 under South African Presidency

    Discussions held on Fostering Youth Transitions to Decent Work, Inclusive Labour Markets, Better Jobs for Youth and Women, Decent Jobs for Rehabilitation/ Persons with Disabilities

    Posted On: 19 FEB 2025 6:10PM by PIB Delhi

    Ms. Sumita Dawra, Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India, led the Indian delegation at the first G20 Employment Working Group (EWG) meeting under the South African Presidency, held from 18-21 February 2025 at Port Elizabeth, South Africa. The delegation included Dr. Thelma John David, Consul General of India in Durban, South Africa, and Mr. Piyush Kumar Pathak, Deputy Director from the Ministry of Labour & Employment

    Discussions were held on two priority issues namely, (i) Inclusive Growth and Youth Employment, (ii) Social Security and Digitalisation for an Inclusive Future of Work.

    First G20 Employment Working Group meeting saw interventions from G20 member countries, emphasizing their respective policy approaches to employment, social security, and skills development. Invited member States including United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of the Netherlands and Kingdom of Norway also made interventions on priority areas. International Labour Organisation (ILO) and Organisation for Economic Cooperation & Development (OECD) also made a presentation on global employment trends and best practices in labour market reforms.

    During the intervention, Secretary highlighted India’s major reforms aimed at job creation, labour market flexibility, and comprehensive social security. India, as the world’s fastest-growing major economy, continues to strengthen its economic landscape through strategic sectoral investments, including agriculture, MSMEs, manufacturing, medical education, and infrastructure development. The focus on global supply chains and export-driven employment was underscored, with initiatives to enhance warehousing and air cargo facilities.

    The intervention also emphasized India’s positive employment trends, noting a decline in the unemployment rate from 6% in 2017-18 to 3.2% in 2023-24, alongside a significant rise in the Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) and Worker Population Ratio. Labour market modernization was highlighted, particularly the four Labour Codes and other reforms aimed at improving labour welfare, expanding social security—including for gig and platform workers—formalizing employment, and increasing female labour force participation.

    India’s efforts in social security expansion were recognized, with coverage doubling from 24.4% in 2021 to 48.8% in 2024, as per the ILO’s World Social Protection Report 2024-26. With the ongoing work with ILO on including ‘in-kind’ benefits and those of the states, the potential coverage of the country will go up further.

    Secretary emphasized the success of the e-Shram portal, which has registered over 300 million unorganized workers, and the modernization of ESIC and EPFO schemes. The Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme was also highlighted as a key initiative to promote formal sector employment.

    On gender inclusion, Secretary reiterated India’s commitment to achieving 70% female workforce participation by 2047, citing progressive policies such as extended maternity leave, crèche facilities, and equal pay provisions. India’s increasing participation of women in high-growth sectors like IT, R&D, and engineering was noted as a critical driver of economic growth.

    Youth empowerment through skill development was emphasized during India’s intervention with a key focus on employability of graduates which has risen in last decade from 34% to 55%. India’s global engagement in skills mapping with the ILO and OECD was underscored, along with bilateral agreements facilitating skilled labour mobility with major G20 countries.

    Secretary reaffirmed India’s commitment to fostering economic inclusion and empowering its youth, recognizing them as key drivers of national and global growth.

    *****

    Himanshu Pathak

    (Release ID: 2104788) Visitor Counter : 68

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: President Meloni meets with the President of the State of Israel, Isaac Herzog

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, received the President of the State of Israel, Isaac Herzog, at Palazzo Chigi today, as part of the recent meetings held with the main leaders of the Middle East and the Gulf region. 

    This was the fourth meeting between the two leaders since President Meloni entered office, providing her with an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of upholding the Gaza ceasefire agreement. Said agreement has allowed for a number of the hostages to be released and for humanitarian aid to be significantly increased to the Strip, where Italy is at the forefront also through its ‘Food for Gaza’ initiative.

    During the meeting, President Meloni reiterated Italy’s commitment to the stabilisation and reconstruction of Gaza, as well as the need for a political horizon towards a just and lasting peace in the region.

    A similar hope was expressed with reference to the ceasefire reached in Lebanon, where Italy plays an irreplaceable role including through its UNIFIL contingent.

    Lastly, the meeting highlighted the common will to enhance the bilateral partnership in all sectors, starting with energy, science and technology.

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  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Amid Rising Living Costs, Climate Change, Secretary-General Tells Second Food Systems Summit Stocktake ‘All Hands on Deck’ Needed to Create Healthy, Resilient Structure

    Source: United Nations 4

    Following are UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s opening remarks, as delivered, at the Member States’ briefing on the second Food Systems Summit Stocktake, in New York today:

    It is a real pleasure to join our permanent representatives and welcome you all today.

    As you all know transforming our food systems is essential to driving progress across the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and delivering for everyone, everywhere — sufficient, nutritious food — now and in the future, particularly as we go towards the five years to deliver on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

    That is why, in 2021, the UN Secretary-General convened the UN Food Systems Summit.  This established the foundation for a new, integrated approach to food systems — placing food at the heart of our efforts to address poverty, zero hunger, inequality, climate change and biodiversity loss.  It has reshaped the global narrative, building an engine of transformation that recognizes food systems as a key lever to accelerate and reinforce SDG progress.

    Building on this momentum, the first Summit Stocktake, hosted by the Government of Italy in 2023, reaffirmed strong political will among nations.  Countries pledged to increase the pace of their efforts towards sustainable, inclusive and resilient food systems transformation.

    But, it also highlighted persistent gaps and challenges.  Among them, an urgent need to enhance public-private-community partnerships, and strengthen private sector engagement.

    These crucial issues identified at the first stocktake, resulted in the UN Secretary-General’s Call to Action.  The Call identified six critical areas for concerted action, including: securing concessional finance, investments, budget support and debt restructuring.  It also emphasized addressing food security in crisis situations.

    The proposed SDG Stimulus — of $500 billion a year — was recognized as a game-changer, offering fiscal space and resources, including through Special Drawing Rights rechannelling.  Finance was emphasized as a critical component of food systems transformation, along with support of our multilateral development banks in unlocking investments in this field.

    Given the global context riddled with challenges of rising living costs, social inequalities, climate change and geopolitical tensions, we will need all hands on deck to reach food systems transformations with the impact to advance on the 2030 Agenda.

    Now, in just over five months, Addis Ababa will host the second United Nations Food Systems Summit Stocktake.

    We are grateful to the Government of Ethiopia for hosting this important event and for making our commitment to take the second stocktake to a developing country, a reality.  Worth noting also is its leadership and extensive work on its policy environment, infrastructure development and the production of food that engages small holder farmers across the country.  We are grateful to Italy, which has agreed to co-host, for its legacy and continued leadership and support to food systems transformation.  It is important that we see leadership and sustainability of that support at the country level.

    The Stocktake will be different — it has to be — in response to many of the requests for us to have more focus and impact.

    First, we will be reflecting on progress since 2023, with a report from the system, but also a shadow report from our stakeholders.  Second, we will be partnering to track commitments and outcomes through national food systems pathways to accelerate SDG implementation.  And third, unlocking investments to sustain and scale transformative initiatives aligned with the SDGs.

    In preparations for the Stocktake, we are committed to an inclusive, cross-sectoral efforts and consultations.  We will hold a second briefing in Nairobi next week engaging UN headquarters in Nairobi, Rome and Geneva.  In addition, we will hold five regional briefings, on the margins of the United Nations Regional Forums on Sustainable Development, from March to May.

    We will also be engaging all our resident coordinators in UN country teams, at the country level so that they are fully engaged with our Member States in bringing to Addis Ababa the progress, and of course, the challenges and opportunities.

    At the same time, we will push progress towards food systems transformation, including through important gatherings this year — the fourth Financing for Development Conference in Spain, thirtieth Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30) in Brazil, the second World Summit on Social Development in Qatar and the third United Nations Ocean Conference in France.

    These are all critical platforms to drive progress, harness collective action and create new investment opportunities.

    As Member States, you are at the forefront of this transformation.  Your leadership and coordination will be instrumental in ensuring that the Stocktake inspires real action at the national level.  The United Nations is with you — committed to creating sustainable, inclusive, healthy and resilient food systems everywhere, across all our regions, reaching everyone.

    We thank you for this important opportunity that will help us to shape the Stocktake in Addis Ababa in July.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/SUDAN – Crisis between Sudan and Kenya after the signing in Nairobi of the constitutive act of an alternative Sudanese government

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Khartoum (Agenzia Fides) – A violation of “international law, the Charter of the United Nations, the Constitutive Act of the African Union and the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.” This is how the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Sudanese government, led by General Abdel Fattah al Burhan, defined Kenya’s decision to welcome the “signing of a political agreement between the terrorist militia Janjaweed, responsible for the ongoing acts of genocide in Sudan, and its affiliated individuals and groups”.The document, called the “Political Charter for the Government of Peace and Unity,” promoted by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) led by Mohamed Hamdan “Hemeti” Dagalo, together with other Sudanese political and military actors, effectively represents the creation of a parallel government to that led by Al Burhan from Port Sudan. The capital Khartoum is still disputed between the two adversaries, although the military of Al Burhan’s Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) appears to have regained some important strategic points in the region in recent weeks.“Since the stated aim of this agreement is to establish a parallel government in part of Sudanese territory, this step promotes the fragmentation of African states, violates their sovereignty and interferes in their internal affairs,” the Sudanese Foreign Ministry said in a statement. “This is therefore a clear violation of the UN Charter, the founding act of the African Union and the established principles of the modern international order.” Meanwhile, the term “Janjaweed” used in the statement evokes sad memories, especially for people in Darfur, the RSF’s bastion. The Janjaweed were the militias allied with the Khartoum regime that bloodily suppressed the uprisings in this region of western Sudan in the early 2000s. The RSF is its evolution, which in turn has rebelled against the regular army over the years.According to the statement, by hosting the event, Kenya is also complicit in the crimes committed by the RSF (“genocide, ethnically motivated massacres of civilians, attacks on camps for displaced persons and rapes”).The formation of an alternative government is seen as an attempt by the RSF leader, Dagalo, to gain international legitimacy. Both the Sudanese army and the RSF are subject to international sanctions for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the conflict. However, Al Burhan’s government enjoys international recognition that Dagalo’s troops do not. Nairobi’s decision to host the event should be seen against the backdrop of the renewed relations of the Sudanese government with Russia and Iran. Russia, through the private military company Wagner, had initially supported the RSF and has now decided to support General Al Burhan, who in return has granted Moscow a military base on the Red Sea. Iran, which until 15 years ago had close military relations with the Al-Bashir regime, which were severed by the latter under pressure from the West and some Gulf countries, now sees a new window opened for the resumption of relations with the meeting of the two foreign ministers on February 17, during which Tehran stressed the importance of Sudan’s territorial integrity and the end of foreign interference in Sudan. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 19/2/2025)
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  • MIL-OSI Europe: VATICAN/GENERAL AUDIENCE – From Gemelli Hospital the Pope continues his Magisterium: “The the poor and foreigners are invited among the first to meet God made child”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Wednesday, 19 February 2025

    Vatican Media

    Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – While Pope Francis is being treated for bilateral pneumonia at the Agostino Gemelli Hospital in Rome, the Holy See Press Office has released the text of the catechism prepared by the Holy Father for the general audience of 19 February 2025.As part of the cycle of catechisms on the life of Jesus, in the catechism published today, after speaking of the birth of the Son of God, the Pope speaks of the visit of the Magi, “people who do not belong to the people of the covenant “. They are “foreigners, who immediately arrive to pay homage to the Son of God who entered into history with an entirely precedented kingship”. After the shepherds, then the Magi. From the Gospels it is clear “that the poor and foreigners are invited among the first to meet God made child, the Saviour of the world”.The Magi, as the text says, ” are men who do not stay still but, like the great chosen ones of biblical history, feel the need to move, to go forth. They are men who are able to look beyond themselves, who know how to look upwards”.Once they arrive in Jerusalem, “their naivety and trust in asking for information about the newborn king of the Jews clashes with the shrewdness of Herod, who, troubled by the fear of losing his throne, immediately tries to obtain a better view, contacting the scribes and asking them to investigate”. In these lines “the earthly ruler thus shows all his weakness”. And not just that of the king.The experts know the Scriptures and refer to the king “the place where, according to Micah’s prophecy, the leader and shepherd of the people of Israel should be born: little Bethlehem, and not great Jerusalem! Indeed, as Paul reminds the Corinthians, “God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong” (1 Cor 1:27). The scribes, “who are able to identify the Messiah’s birthplace exactly, show the way to others, but they themselves do not move! Indeed, it is not enough to know the prophetic texts to tune in to the divine frequencies; one must let them to enter within and allow the Word of God to revive the yearning to seek, the kindle to desire to see God”.Herod asks the wise men who have come from far away to inform him when they find the child. The king, however, acts ” as do the deceitful and violent” because “for those attached to power, Jesus is not the hope to be welcomed, but a threat to be eliminated!”. But as soon as they leave Jerusalem, “the star reappears and leads them to Jesus, the sign that creation and the prophetic word represent the alphabet with which God speaks and lets Himself be found. The sight of the star inspires an irrepressible joy in those men, because the Holy Spirit, who stirs the heart of whoever sincerely seeks God, also fills it with joy”.So they reached the place where the child was and “they prostrate themselves, adore Jesus and offer Him precious gifts, worthy of a king, worthy of God”. Pope Francis describes the reason for this gesture by quoting Chromatius of Aquileia, who in commenting on the Gospel of Matthew, about the Magi, writes: they see “a humble little body that the Word has assumed; but the glory of divinity is not hidden from them. They see an infant child; but they worship God”.”The Magi thus become the first believers among the pagans, the image of the Church drawn together from every language and nation. Let us, too, follow in the footsteps of the Magi, these “pilgrims of hope” who, with great courage, turned their steps, hearts and goods towards the One who is the hope not only of Israel but of all peoples. Let us learn to adore God in His smallness, in His kingship that does not crush but rather sets us free and enables us to serve with dignity”, the Pontiff concludes. (F.B.) (Agenzia Fides, 19/2/2025)
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  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UN to continue Gaza vaccination campaign against polio

    Source: United Nations 2

    Peace and Security

    The UN World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Wednesday that the mass polio vaccination campaign in Gaza which began successfully last year, will continue in the coming days.

    WHO said in a news release that more than 591,000 children under 10 years old will receive the vaccine to protect them from the highly infectious disease, beginning this weekend for an anticipated period of five days.

    The campaign follows the recent detection of poliovirus in wastewater samples in the shattered enclave which signal that the infection is still circulating in the enclave and putting children at risk.

    Individuals with low or no immunity provide the virus an opportunity to continue spreading and potentially cause disease,” WHO said.

    The UN health agency added that dreadful sanitary conditions in Gaza which include overcrowding in shelters and severely damaged water and sewer networks had created “ideal conditions for further spread of poliovirus”.

    The mass return of people to north and south Gaza during the ongoing ceasefire is also likely to increase the spread of polio, WHO warned.

    The campaign will be led by the Palestinian Ministry of Health with support from WHO, UN children’s agency UNICEF, the Palestine refugee relief agency (UNRWA) and other partners.

    The agency stressed that polio vaccines are safe and there is no maximum number of times a child should be vaccinated, with each dose providing extra protection. An additional round of shots is planned for April.

    More to come…

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: USCGC Clarence Sutphin Jr. rescues seven mariners

    Source: United States Navy

    Following a distress signal from the mariners, the Coastguardsmen embarked a rigid-hull inflatable boat to offer assistance. After determining the vessel was no longer sea worthy, the Coastguardsmen brought the mariners back to their ship. Devastator provided back-up support during the operation.

    None of the mariners appeared to be injured.

    “Providing assistance at sea to mariners in distress is a core Coast Guard mission,” said Coast Guard Lt. Michael O’Dell, Clarence Sutphin, Jr.’s commanding officer. “It is inherently dangerous, but the team executed without hesitation – without fear – to extend their compassion to people in a dire situation. I’m incredibly proud of to be a part of this team.”

    Clarence Sutphin, Jr. is forward deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations as part of Patrol Forces Southwest Asia. Devastator is an Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship also forward deployed to U.S. 5th Fleet. Both ships help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region.

    The U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. The expanse is comprised of 20 countries and includes three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Navy Region EURAFCENT sweeps Retention Excellence Awards for FY24

    Source: United States Navy

    Commander, Navy Region EURAFCENT, Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain, Naval Support Activity Naples, Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, and Naval Support Facility (NSF) Deveselu all received retention recognition.

    The Retention Excellence Awards evaluation is conducted on 19 platforms and is earned by commands that meet or exceed their specified platforms’ reenlistment rate benchmarks and do not exceed their specified platforms’ attrition rate benchmarks for at least two quarters.

    Commander Navy Region Europe, Africa, and Central, Rear Adm. Brad Collins, remarked on the excellence and talent across the region at a time when it is most needed. Collins said, “We live in critical times, where threats to American security are ever-present. We rely heavily on our qualified, subject matter experts to ensure we answer the Nations call to deter, protect, and sustain a combat-ready force. Retaining skilled operators is of the highest importance at this critical juncture. ”

    NSA Bahrain not only received the REA for a seventh consecutive year but has also received the first Best-In-Class (BIC) distinction for the large installation category. NSA Bahrain achieved a 68% or higher retention rate and in honor of their achievement, they have been authorized to fly a blue pennant on their installation.

    In a press release, Capt. Zachariah Aperauch, commanding officer of NSA Bahrain, stated “Our installation earning the REA for the seventh straight year and first-ever best-in-class is a remarkable achievement; one that is shared by the entire team, from our most junior Sailors to our most senior leaders. The Navy is able to retain the highest-caliber talent because of this installation’s commitment to development and excellence.”

    Navy Region EURAFCENT received the Legacy REA, representative of their installations and have been authorized to fly a gold pennant. NSA Naples, NAS Sigonella, NSA Souda Bay, and NSF Deveselu met the criteria required for BIC consideration and have been authorized to fly a gold pennant on their installations, in recognition of their achievement.
    Each Sailor within Navy Region EURAFCENT, whether located in NSF Deveselu or NSA Souda Bay is an integral part of the larger mission.

    Collins stated, “The fervent commitment of the Sailors throughout the largest Navy Region, a region that spans three combatant commands, is needed to execute decisive and timely support. The Retention Excellence Awards are a testament to every Sailor’s dedication to the mission. Leadership’s ability to encourage retention along with the institutional knowledge and expertise that it preserves is what keeps our operations not only running but constantly improving.”

    The retention requirements to receive these awards take into account not only retention but also attrition rates, or Sailors who do not remain in the Navy for various circumstances. Each installation and command cannot exceed a certain percentage of attrition, based on a sliding scale of personnel density and makeup. For example, Sailors who have been in the Navy six years or less are considered ‘Zone A’ and an installation must remain at or below a 4% attrition rate amongst their 1-6 year Sailors in order to be eligible for the REA. Taking into consideration attrition rates ensures the data for retention accurately shows a positive trend in manning numbers.

    Navy Region EURAFCENT provides mission-critical logistics and support to the warfighter, their families, and the fleet across seven countries, enabling U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where they are needed, when they are needed to maintain security, stability, and freedom of navigation in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: Ashtrom Renewable Energy Announces Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with CPS Energy for El Patrimonio Solar Project in Texas

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ashtrom Renewable Energy, a global independent power producer and renewable energy developer and subsidiary of Ashtrom Group, has signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) to sell electricity to the municipality of San Antonio, Texas through CPS Energy, the city’s local utility company.

    According to the signed agreement, CPS Energy (Aa2 Moody’s) will purchase approximately 70% of the electricity produced by the project, along with purchasing green certificates (RECs), for a period of 20 years at a predetermined fixed price. Under the agreement, Ashtrom has committed to achieve the commercial operation of the El Patrimonio project by the second half of 2027. The remaining electricity produced by the project is expected to be sold within Texas’s open electricity market. The project will produce electricity equivalent to the annual consumption for about 37,500 households.

    “We are proud to announce a significant collaboration and the signing of an important agreement with CPS Energy, the largest municipal utility company in the U.S.,” said Yitsik Mermelstein, CEO of Ashtrom Renewable Energy. “The agreement is not only an expression of our great partnership with CPS Energy, but also a central pillar in realizing our strategic vision to expand renewable energy activities in the country. This step strengthens our position as a leading player in the industry and is a significant milestone in the company’s growth journey.”

    El Patrimonio is Ashtrom’s second solar project in Texas, marking a key achievement for the company that further deepens its presence in the ERCOT market. The completion of the PPA is expected to accelerate the project’s development and construction processes. The solar project is expected to be constructed in Bexar County, Texas, with a planned capacity of approximately 150 megawatts (AC).

    In addition to delivering electricity to San Antonio, the El Patrimonio project will support the local economy and community through educational activities. Ashtrom will establish an annual scholarship program, offer field tours of the El Patrimonio site for local students, and host job fairs on-site. Through these efforts, Ashtrom aims to enhance community knowledge of renewable energy and the role people can play in its future.

    About Ashtrom Renewable Energy

    Ashtrom Renewable Energy is delivering clean energy at scale. We build best-in-class renewable energy projects in the United States and around the globe. With a hands-on, risk-informed approach that emphasizes strategic and cost-effective execution, the company is an independent power producer (IPP) led by a team of energy experts with decades of experience in solar and wind siting, development, construction, financing, and operation. Ashtrom Renewable Energy leverages the financial stability and culture of excellence cultivated by Ashtrom Group (TASE: ASHG), a leading infrastructure, construction, and real estate development company with a 60-year legacy of success. With a development pipeline of ~1.8 GWdc in the U.S. and ~2.5 GWdc worldwide, Ashtrom Renewable Energy is poised to rapidly scale its development and investment activities in the U.S. market for the long term. Learn more about Ashtrom Renewable Energy at https://www.ashtromrenewableenergy.co.il/en

    About Ashtrom Group 
    Ashtrom is one of Israel’s leading construction and real estate companies whose shares are traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange 90 index The group operates in several operating sectors: Construction and infrastructure contracting in Israel – including, inter alia, residential and infrastructural contract constructions; Franchise – participation in tenders and executing planning, operations and financing activities for large-scale infrastructure and residential projects; Housing entrepreneurship in Israel, through Ashdar, a subsidiary that is a leader and among the oldest companies in the field; Investment and entrepreneurial real estate, through Ashtrom Properties, a subsidiary operating in Israel, Germany and England, holding and managing shopping malls and commercial centers, office buildings and employment centers, industrial structures and more; Industries – mainly manufacturing, marketing and selling raw materials to the construction industry and importing and marketing finishing products for the construction industry; Construction and infrastructures contracting abroad, as well as residential real estate development in the U.S. and Europe – performed by Ashtrom International; Renewable energy – investment in wind, solar, storage and other energy related projects in Israel and worldwide. Ashtrom Group chairperson is Mr. Rami Nussbaum, and the group’s CEO is Mr. Gil Gueron.

    Media Contact
    Nic Savo
    nic@teamsilverline.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: ChainSwap Set To Release Telegram Chaining Bot for Cross-Chain DeFi in Q1 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Feb. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — – ChainSwap, a leading cross-chain swap application, is set to revolutionize crypto trading with the launch of its new Telegram Bot by Q1 2025. This innovative tool brings cross-chain transaction capabilities directly to Telegram’s userbase, simplifying the trading experience for new and seasoned users.

    By integrating a DeFi application into Telegram, ChainSwap enables users to trade more efficiently and conveniently, bridging the gap between communication and financial transactions. This strategic move leverages Telegram’s vast user base to drive seamless adoption while lowering barriers for newcomers to crypto. This integration enhances user experience and positions Telegram as a gateway for mainstream decentralized finance adoption, fostering a more inclusive and accessible crypto ecosystem.

    With over a billion downloads, Telegram has established itself as a hub for crypto communities, facilitating communication and trading. Home to many decentralised finance (DeFi) projects, the platform has had explosive growth in crypto-focused groups. Recently,  Telegram-based bots have processed more than $250 million in daily trading volume—outpacing DEX volumes on major networks like Polygon.

    With Telegram’s large and engaged crypto community, we aim to bridge the gap between ease of use and sophisticated crypto trading,” said Fitzy, Founder of ChainSwap. “Our Telegram Bot enables users to perform cross-chain swaps seamlessly, eliminating the need for separate DEX platforms and complex interfaces.
    ChainSwap’s Telegram Bot supports transactions across major blockchains, including Ethereum, Arbitrum, Avalanche, Optimism, Polygon, and Base. By leveraging Telegram’s familiar interface, ChainSwap aims to make decentralized finance more accessible, and increase participation in cross-chain trading.

    ChainSwap has made notable progress since its inception, achieving key milestones that highlight its growing influence in the blockchain space. The platform now boasts more than 2500 users on its decentralized application (dApp), a total trading volume of over US$92 million, and more than 80,000 trades. These figures underscore ChainSwap’s commitment to simplifying cross-chain transactions and its role in advancing decentralized finance (DeFi) solutions.

    -END-
    About ChainSwap 

    ChainSwap is a platform at the forefront of Web3 innovation, facilitating seamless transactions across multiple blockchains and catering to emerging demand on any chain. By leveraging cutting-edge security protocols like Chainlink’s CCIP, ChainSwap provides a secure Layer 5 environment for cross-chain transactions. Its multi-chain DEX simplifies swaps, ensuring user privacy and effortless token distribution within a unified ecosystem. It also allows users to eliminate the need for bridges and decentralised exchanges that do not provide cross-chain support. ChainSwap revolutionises blockchain communication, enhancing chain interoperability and security to unprecedented levels.

    Discover more on https://www.chain-swap.org

    Media Contacts: LJ Collier, lj@lunapr.io

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Human Rights Council to Hold its Fifty-Eighth Regular Session from 24 February to 4 April 2025

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The United Nations Human Rights Council will hold its fifty-eighth regular session from 24 February to 4 April 2025 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, starting with its high-level segment from 24 to 26 February, when dignitaries representing more than 100 Member States will address the Council.

    The session will open at 9 a.m. on Monday, 24 February under the Presidency of Ambassador Jürg Lauber of Switzerland. Delivering statements at the opening will be the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres; the President of the United Nations General Assembly , Philemon Yang; the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk; as well as the Chief of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland, Ignazio Cassis. The Council will be meeting in room XX of the Palais des Nations.

    On Monday, 3 March, the Council is scheduled to hear a global update by the High Commissioner for Human Rights on the situation of human rights around the world. The general debate on his global update will start following his presentation of a number of country-specific reports and updates.

    During the session, the Council will hold 30 interactive dialogues with the High Commissioner, his Office and designated experts, with Special Procedure mandate holders and investigative mechanisms, and with Special Representatives of the Secretary-General. The Council will also hold five enhanced interactive dialogues and one high-level dialogue, as well as nine general debates.

    The Council will also hold the annual high-level panel discussion on human rights mainstreaming with a focus on the thirtieth anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action; the biennial high-level panel on the death penalty ; panel discussions on early warning and genocide, HIV response and leaving no one behind, and on rights to work and to social security ; the annual interactive debate on the rights of persons with disabilities; the annual discussion on the rights of the child; and a commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

    The Council will examine the situation of human rights in a number of countries under its various agenda items, including the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, Eritrea, Sudan, South Sudan, Nicaragua, Afghanistan and Myanmar under agenda item two; in Iran, Syria, Venezuela, Ukraine, Belarus, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and Myanmar under agenda item four; and in Mali, Haiti, Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan and Central African Republic under agenda item 10.

    The final outcomes of the Universal Periodic Review of 14 States will also be considered, namely those of Norway, Albania, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Portugal, Bhutan, Dominica, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Brunei Darussalam, Costa Rica, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Qatar and Nicaragua. 

    Towards the end of the session, the Council will appoint three new members of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

    A detailed agenda and further information on the fifty-eighth session can be found on the session’s webpage . Reports to be presented are available here. 

    First Week of the Session 

    The fifty-eighth regular session will open at 9 a.m. on Monday, 24 February with a short opening meeting, followed by the start of the high-level segment, which will continue until 26 February, and during which the Council will hear addresses by more than 100 dignitaries. Intervening during the high-level segment will be the annual high-level panel discussion on human rights mainstreaming in the afternoon of 24 February and the biennial high-level panel on the death penalty in the morning of Tuesday, 25 February. The general segment will follow the conclusion of the high-level segment in the afternoon of Wednesday, 26 February.

    On Thursday, 27 February, the Council will hold an interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner’s report on the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and the obligation to ensure accountability and justice, followed by enhanced interactive dialogues on the situation of human rights in Eritrea and on the High Commissioner’s report on Sudan, with the assistance of the designated Expert. Friday, 28 February, will see the conclusion of the discussion on Sudan, followed by an enhanced interactive dialogue on the report of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan. This will be followed by three interactive dialogues, the first on the report of the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua, the second with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, and the third on the High Commissioner’s oral update on Myanmar.

    Second Week of the Session 

    At the beginning of the second week, on the morning of Monday, 3 March, the Council will hear the High Commissioner’s global update, then conclude the interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner’s oral update on Myanmar. This will be followed by the presentation of reports on the activities of the Office of the High Commissioner in Colombia, Guatemala and Honduras, and of another report on Cyprus, and oral updates on Sri Lanka and Nicaragua. The Council will then begin the general debate under agenda item two, namely the annual report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and reports of the Office of the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General, which will conclude on Tuesday, 4 March. The Council will subsequently begin its considerations under agenda item three on the promotion and protection of all human rights, holding interactive dialogues with the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and with the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief.

    On the morning of Wednesday, 5 March, the Council will hold a panel on early warning and genocide prevention, then conclude its interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief. This will be followed by an enhanced interactive dialogue on the report of the Office of the High Commissioner on transitional justice. Another panel will be held on Thursday, 6 March on HIV response and leaving no one behind, in addition to two interactive dialogues with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders and the Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights. A third panel will be held in the morning of Friday, 7 March on rights to work and to social security, followed by two interactive dialogues with the Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing and the Independent Expert on the rights of persons with albinism.

    Third Week of the Session 

    The Council will start its third week on Monday, 10 March with a focus on disability, beginning with an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities, to be followed by the annual debate on the rights of persons with disabilities. The day will conclude with an interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert on foreign debt, which will continue in the morning of Tuesday, 11 March. Two more interactive dialogues will also be held on Tuesday with the Special Rapporteur on the right to food and the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism.

    Wednesday, 12 March will see a further three interactive dialogues with the Special Rapporteur on the right to privacy, and the Special Representatives of the Secretary-General on violence against children and on children and armed conflict, the latter of which will conclude on Thursday, 13 March. The focus on children will continue on Thursday, with the Council also holding its annual discussion on the rights of the child, the theme of which will be early childhood development, and starting an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, which will conclude on Friday, 14 March.

    On Friday, an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the human right to a healthy environment will precede the presentation of reports by the open-ended intergovernmental working group on transnational corporations and other business enterprises with respect to human rights, the Secretary-General, the High Commissioner and his Office, followed by the start of the general debate on agenda item three.

    Fourth Week of the Session

    The first day of the Council’s fourth week, Monday 17 March, will be devoted to concluding the general debate on agenda item three. From Tuesday, 18 March, consideration of agenda item four, human rights situations that require the Council’s attention, will begin. First on the schedule is a joint interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur and the independent international fact-finding mission on the situation of human rights in Iran, followed by interactive dialogues with the independent international commission of inquiry on Syria, the fact-finding mission on Venezuela and the independent international commission of inquiry on Ukraine.

    On Wednesday, 19 March, after the conclusion of the dialogue with the commission of inquiry on Ukraine, three more separate interactive dialogues will be held with the group of independent experts on the situation of human rights in Belarus and with the Special Rapporteurs on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and in Myanmar.

    Thursday, 20 March, will see the Council hear the presentation of the High Commissioner’s report on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and his oral update of the situation of human rights in Venezuela. This will be followed by the general debate on agenda item four, which will conclude on the morning of Friday, 21 March. On Friday, the Council will also hold an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on minority issues, before beginning considerations under agenda item five on human rights bodies and mechanisms. After hearing the presentation of reports by the Forum on Minority Issues, the Social Forum, and the Special Procedures of the Council, it will commence the general debate on agenda item five.

    Fifth Week of the Session 

    The Council will start its fifth week on Monday, 24 March with its consideration under agenda item six of the final outcomes of the Universal Periodic Reviews of 14 States: Norway, Albania, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Portugal, Bhutan, Dominica, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Brunei Darussalam, Costa Rica, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Qatar and Nicaragua. This consideration will continue through to the morning of Wednesday, 26 March, after which the Council will hold a general debate on agenda item six. This will be followed by the presentation of the reports of the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General under agenda item seven, namely the human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories, and the general debate on this agenda item. The general debate under agenda item eight – follow-up and implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action – is also scheduled to commence on Wednesday afternoon.

    Ending racism will be the Council’s theme for Thursday, 27 March. After concluding the debate under agenda item eight, it will hear the presentation of the report of the intergovernmental working group on the effective implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, then hold its general debate on agenda item nine, namely racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance, follow-up to and implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. From 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., the Council will also hold a meeting in commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

    Friday, 28 March will begin with the conclusion of the debate under agenda item nine, followed by three interactive dialogues conducted under agenda item 10 on technical assistance and capacity-building. The first dialogue will be with the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Mali; the second on the High Commissioner’s report on the situation of human rights in Haiti, with the participation of the Independent Expert on the subject; and the third on the High Commissioner’s oral update on the situation of human rights in Ukraine.

    Sixth Week of the Session 

    Monday, 31 March is a United Nations holiday. On Tuesday, 1 April, the Council will hold an enhanced interactive dialogue on oral updates by the High Commissioner and by the team of international experts on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, followed by an interactive dialogue on the report of the Office of the High Commissioner on technical assistance and capacity building for South Sudan and a high-level dialogue on the Central African Republic. At the end of the day, the Council will hear the annual presentation of the High Commissioner on technical cooperation and his oral update on Georgia, and the presentation of the report of the Board of Trustees of the Voluntary Fund for Technical Cooperation, followed by the general debate on agenda item 10.

    The general debate will conclude on Wednesday, 2 April, and the Council will then start to act on draft decisions and resolutions, appoint three new members of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and adopt the report of the fifty-eighth regular session, before closing the session on Friday, 4 April.

    The Human Rights Council 

    The Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system, made up of 47 States, which is responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe. The Council was created by the United Nations General Assembly on 15 March 2006 with the main purpose of addressing situations of human rights violations and making recommendations on them.

    The composition of the Human Rights Council at its fifty-eighth session is as follows: Albania (2026); Algeria (2025); Bangladesh (2025); Belgium (2025); Benin (2027); Bolivia (2027); Brazil (2026); Bulgaria (2026); Burundi (2026); Chile (2025); China (2026); Colombia (2027); Costa Rica (2025); Côte d’Ivoire (2026); Cuba (2026); Cyprus (2027); Czechia (2027); Democratic Republic of the Congo (2027); Dominican Republic (2026); Ethiopia (2027); France (2026); Gambia (2027); Georgia (2025); Germany (2025); Ghana (2026); Iceland (2027); Indonesia (2026); Japan (2026); Kenya (2027); Kuwait (2026); Kyrgyzstan (2025); Malawi (2026); Maldives (2025); Marshall Islands (2027); Mexico (2027); Morocco (2025); Netherlands (2026); North Macedonia (2027); Qatar (2027); Republic of Korea (2027); Romania (2025); South Africa (2025); Spain (2027); Sudan (2025); Switzerland (2027); Thailand (2027); and Viet Nam (2025).

    The term of membership of each State expires in the year indicated in parentheses.

    The President of the Human Rights Council in 2025 is Jürg Lauber (Switzerland). The four Vice-Presidents are Tareq Md Ariful Islam (Bangladesh), Razvan Rusu (Romania), Paul Empole Losoko Efambe (Democratic Republic of the Congo) and a fourth Vice-President to be elected later from the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States. Mr. Efambe will also serve as Rapporteur of the Geneva-based body.

    The dates and venue of the fifty-eighth session are subject to change.

    Information on the fifty-eighth session can be found here , including the annotated agenda and the reports to be presented.

    For further information, please contact Pascal Sim (simp@un.org), Matthew Brown (matthew.brown@un.org) or David Díaz Martín (David.diazmartin@un.org)

    ___________

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; 
    not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

     

    HRC.25.001E

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Egypt: Release social media users detained for supporting calls to end President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s rule  

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Egyptian authorities must immediately release dozens of people arbitrarily detained and prosecuted on terrorism-related charges, solely for posting online content supporting calls for an end to President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s rule, Amnesty International said today. The crackdown took place ahead of the anniversary of the 25 January 2011 revolution, a time when authorities routinely escalate repression to prevent any peaceful protests.

    Since late December 2024, security forces have arbitrarily arrested at least 59 people, including at least four women, for sharing content from the Facebook page “Revolution of the Joints” or interacting on a Telegram channel with the same name. Both platforms are critical of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s government and demand political change. Security forces only brought the detainees before prosecutors from 8 to 12 February, following weeks of enforced disappearance or incommunicado detention, during which some were subjected to beatings.

    “Rather than obsessively arresting dozens of people across the country every year at this time, the Egyptian authorities must address the root causes of popular discontent, including economic hardship. It is incredible how the government has the audacity to lock people up for complaining about its failure to guarantee people’s economic, social and cultural rights amid a deteriorating standard of living,” said Mahmoud Shalaby, Egypt Researcher at Amnesty International.

    “Rather than obsessively arresting dozens of people across the country every year at this time, the Egyptian authorities must address the root causes of popular discontent, including economic hardship” – Mahmoud Shalaby, Egypt Researcher

    “People must be allowed to freely express their views on the government without the risk of arrest and arbitrary detention.”

    Amnesty International documented the cases of seven male detainees who were arbitrarily arrested between 23 December 2024 and 16 January 2025 in connection with content they posted on social media. Security forces arrested five of them at their homes and two on the streets in the governorates of Mansoura, Suez, Cairo, Qualyubiya, Damanhur and Alexandria, according to their lawyers.

    The lawyers told Amnesty International that after their arrest, the authorities escorted the men to National Security Agency (NSA) facilities in their respective governorates. NSA agents held the men in incommunicado detention for periods ranging from four to six weeks before presenting them before the Supreme State Security Prosecution (SSSP) between 8 and 12 February. Two of the detainees were subjected to enforced disappearance for 28 and 41 days, as their relatives inquired about their whereabouts at local police stations, but the authorities denied their presence and refused to reveal any information about their fate.

    Prosecutors questioned the detainees about their social lives, political affiliations, and the reasons for publishing content calling for the change of the government. The men explained that the main drive for posting such content was the ongoing economic crisis and their struggle to meet basic needs amid rising prices.

    The SSSP prosecutors investigated the men on terrorism-related charges including “joining a terrorist group,” “spreading false news,” “inciting committing a terrorist crime,” and “committing a crime of funding terrorism.” Prosecutors ordered the pretrial detention of the seven for 15 days pending investigations.

    During their interrogations by the SSSP, the men told prosecutors that NSA agents questioned them while blindfolded and/or handcuffed and without a lawyer present. Four of the men reported being subjected to verbal insults and beatings at least once, while two described being subjected to electric shocks. However, prosecutors have not opened any investigations into these claims.

    “There will be no end in sight for the gross violations committed by Egyptian security forces such as enforced disappearance and torture or other ill-treatment as long as SSSP prosecutors continue to be complicit by covering up such abuses instead of investigating them,” Mahmoud Shalaby said.

    Background

    This is the second time in the last six months that the Egyptian authorities have arbitrarily arrested people for expressing their support for a change in government. In July 2024, Egyptian security forces arbitrarily detained 119 individuals, including at least seven women and one child, in at least six governorates, in connection to online calls for a “Dignity Revolution” on 12 July. Detainees posted on their social media accounts calling for protests and political change due to price hikes and the then power cuts.

    MIL OSI NGO

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – The position of the VP/HR regarding the recent developments in Syria – E-002931/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The fall of the Assad’s regime marks a historic moment for the Syrian people, who have endured immense suffering and demonstrated extraordinary resilience in their pursuit of dignity, freedom, and justice. All Syrians should now have the chance to know the truth about the fate of their loved ones. All Syrians, in the country and the diaspora, must have an opportunity to reunify, stabilise and rebuild their country.

    The EU is pursuing early engagement with Syria’s new leadership while exercising prudence. The EU is very attentive to the statements but more importantly to the acts of the new authorities. All stakeholders should engage in an inclusive, Syrian-led and Syrian-owned dialogue on all key issues to ensure an orderly, peaceful and non-discriminatory transition, guided by the respect for international law, human rights, fundamental freedoms, non-discrimination, pluralism and tolerance among all components of society.

    The European Council has tasked the Commission and the High Representative to develop actionable options to support Syria’s transition. The EU’s efforts are being carefully assessed with the Member States and coordinated with key partners.

    Last updated: 19 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Commission allocates €99 million in emergency support to farmers in Spain, Croatia, Cyprus, Latvia and Hungary

    Source: European Commission

    European Commission Press release Brussels, 19 Feb 2025 Today, Member States gave a positive opinion to the Commission proposal to mobilise €98,6 million from the agricultural reserve to directly support farmers in Spain, Croatia, Cyprus, Latvia and Hungary who have been impacted by exceptional adverse climatic events and natural disasters since spring 2024.

    MIL OSI Europe News