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Category: Russian Federation

  • MIL-OSI Russia: NSU teachers are prize winners of the regional Spartakiad

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    NSU
    News and Events
    News
    NSU teachers are prize winners of the regional Spartakiad

    02.20.2025

    Latest news

    02/19/2025

    NSU scientist talks about the current epidemic season

    In the last two weeks of January and the first two weeks of February, there was a slight increase in the incidence of respiratory viral infections; the H3N2 subtype of influenza A viruses that were dominant in the 2023/24 season were replaced by strains of the H1N1 subtype.

    02/19/2025

    Exhibition “Life as a Vocation” to Open at NSU

    It is dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the birth of Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor, Honorary Professor of NSU, Honored Scientist of the Russian Federation, founder of the scientific school of modern Siberian science studies and cultural studies, veteran of the Great Patriotic War Varlen Lvovich Soskin.

    02/18/2025

    Sergey Netesov: “You have to root for the positive”

    To overcome ARVI, medications and immune stimulation alone are not enough. The patient’s emotional state is no less important. A positive attitude will make the medications more effective.

    All news

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    February 20, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: ISI opens coworking space and interactive video studio

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    Two new locations have opened at the Institute of Civil Engineering of SPbPU — the coworking space “koTworking” and the interactive video studio “Dzhalinga”. The event was attended by the management of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, as well as teachers and students of the Institute of Civil Engineering. The coworking space will become a comfortable place for them to work, study and relax. The ribbon was cut by the Vice-Rector for Educational Activities of SPbPU Lyudmila Pankova and the Director of the Institute of Civil Engineering Marina Petrochenko.

    The ceremonial event was also attended by Vice-Rector for Organizational and Economic Work Stanislav Vladimirov, Vice-Rector for Information Technology Andrey Lyamin, Vice-Rector for Youth Policy and Communication Technologies Maxim Pasholikov, Vice-Rector for Economics and Finance Alexander Rechinsky, Vice-Rector for Additional and Pre-University Education Dmitry Tikhonov, Acting Vice-Rector for Prospective Projects Maria Vrublevskaya, Advisor to the Rector’s Office Vladimir Glukhov, Academic Secretary of the University Dmitry Karpov, and Director of the Department of Economics and Finance Elena Vinogradova.

    The event began with a speech by the Vice-Rector for Educational Activities of SPbPU Lyudmila Pankova, who noted the need for such platforms for students: I congratulate the students of ISI on the opening of a wonderful coworking location, where you can not only relax and communicate, but also use this space for learning and implementing your ideas. I wish the institute to create more such points of attraction, where students can spend their time and joint events.

    Guys, we are happy to congratulate you on the opening of a space for rest and study. In this place, we wanted to create an atmosphere of home comfort, especially for out-of-town students who miss home. That is why cute cats greet you here, and our coworking is called “koTworking”, which means a place for joint creativity. I congratulate you and wish you creative success, – emphasized the director of the Civil Engineering Institute Marina Petrochenko.

    Coworking “koTworking” is a modern space created specifically for students of the Civil Engineering Institute. The initiative is aimed at supporting the creative potential of students in an informal, friendly atmosphere. “KoTworking” is equipped with everything necessary for productive work: comfortable work areas and cozy corners for rest are provided here. The space should become a place where students can exchange ideas, hold meetings and find inspiration for the implementation of their own ideas.

    ISI also opened a digital interactive video studio “Jalinga”. It allows you to conduct webinars for a large audience of listeners in real time, shoot video content for lectures and practical classes, conduct interviews, shoot reels in high quality, with subsequent quick processing of the resulting material without an operator and almost without editing. This significantly saves resources and time for developing online courses, and also reduces the cost of video production. The studio and software “Jalinga” allow you to independently control the filming, without resorting to the help of specialists.

    Today, the video studio is filming 15 online courses of the Master’s program “Industrial and Civil Construction” and 5 courses of the DPO programs, – noted Marina Petrochenko.

    The opening of the video studio will expand the capabilities of ISI in the field of online education. Now students and teachers will be able to prepare high-quality video materials that will make the learning process more visual and accessible.

    Photo archive

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    February 20, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Russian House in Addis Ababa opened the Information Center of RAFU and SPbPU

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    The grand opening of the Information Center of the Russian-African Network University Consortium and Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University took place in the capital of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, at the Russian House. The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Konstantin Mogilevsky, Head of Rossotrudnichestvo Yevgeny Primakov, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Department Stepan Sokolov and Head of the Russian House in Ethiopia Vladimir Golovachev. The Polytechnic was represented by the head of the RAFU project office, Maxim Zalyvsky.

    The new center will become an important link in strengthening scientific and educational cooperation between Russia and Ethiopia, and will also promote Russian education on the African continent. The main goal is to develop partnerships with Ethiopian universities, popularize Russian educational programs, and prepare applicants interested in entering universities participating in the RAFU consortium. The center is equipped with information materials about Russian universities and methodological literature that will help future students make an informed choice.

    At the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Konstantin Mogilevsky emphasized: Cooperation between Russia and Ethiopia is developing in various key areas: education, science, culture. To obtain the best Russian education, especially in the engineering and technical field, it is important to have a good knowledge of mathematics, physics and other natural sciences from the very beginning. To help you on this path, today we are opening three new centers at the Russian House.

    As part of the event, the Russian Language Center of the Nizhny Novgorod State Linguistic University and the Pre-University Education Center of the Saint Petersburg State Electrotechnical University “LETI” were also opened in the capital of Ethiopia.

    We strive to create conditions so that every potential applicant could receive all the necessary information about Russian universities, areas of study, admission procedures, as well as available grants and scholarships. This will help young people make the right choice of their future profession and discover new opportunities for studying in Russia, – said Maxim Zalyvsky, head of the RAFU project office.

    The opening of the center was an important step in strengthening Russian-Ethiopian relations in the field of education and science. It will become not only a platform for information, but also a place where students and teachers can exchange experiences, participate in joint projects and build long-term cooperation.

    The head of Rossotrudnichestvo, Yevgeny Primakov, added: We are happy to share knowledge and strive for young people, enriched by Russian culture and science, to make their countries stronger, to raise their economies, technologies, and businesses. The Russian House in Ethiopia is a living embodiment of this philosophy. It will develop, filling with people, ideas, and the energy of the young.

    The Russian-African Network University unites leading Russian universities that are actively developing partnerships with African countries. The Polytechnic University has been the coordinator of the RAFU consortium since 2023.

    As part of the ceremonial event, NGLU and the Ethiopian Association of Graduates of Soviet and Russian Universities joined the RAFU consortium.

    The Polytechnic University is interested in strengthening educational and scientific ties with Ethiopia and other African countries. The opening of the joint Information Center of SPbPU and RAFU is an important step in implementing the strategy of the Russian Government to expand the presence of Russian education and science on the African continent, emphasized Dmitry Arsenyev, Vice-Rector for International Affairs at SPbPU.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    February 20, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Cohen’s Statement on Support for Ukraine

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

    MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), the House Ranking Member on the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission, made the following statement on his support for Ukraine as the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly prepares to meet in Vienna:

    “As the House Ranking Member of the Helsinki Commission, the U.S. delegation to the Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA), which is convening this weekend in Vienna for its Annual Meeting, I have strongly supported Ukraine as a free and democratic country since Russia invaded on February 24, 2022. 

    “As Hannah Arendt would say, it is ‘preposterous’ to suggest Ukraine started this war. By parroting this and other Russian propaganda, President Trump is betraying and abandoning President Zelensky who is fighting on behalf of the entire free world. Despite enduring military and civilian casualties, continued bombings and war crimes including child abductions, the people of Ukraine have maintained pride in their country and love for democracy by fighting on. 

    “I am appalled by the conduct of President Trump who ordered U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia that not only excluded our European allies but excluded Ukraine itself. If this war is to come to a successful conclusion, Ukraine and all our NATO allies need to be at the negotiating table. We cannot discuss the future of Ukraine without Ukraine. There must be security assurances and mechanisms strong enough to enforce peace by deterring Putin from starting any new wars. 

    “I advise President Trump not to believe Putin so readily. Putin has a terrible track record for telling the truth including saying he wouldn’t invade Ukraine days before doing it and refusing to call his war anything other than a ‘special military operation.’ 

    “I will continue my strong support for Ukraine and admire the work of President Zelensky and the people of Ukraine. They are on the front lines of democracy and are fighting for democracy in Europe and around the world.”

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 20, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: To the team of the Zvezda TV channel

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The Zvezda TV channel is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

    Dear friends!

    I sincerely congratulate you and your multi-million audience on this significant event – the 20th anniversary of the start of broadcasting of the Zvezda TV channel.

    Over the years, the first military-patriotic TV channel in our country has become one of the leaders in the Russian media space. Its dynamic development is the result of the coordinated work of a large creative team, talented and creative people – presenters, correspondents, cameramen, directors and editors, everyone who is in the frame and behind it. Sincerely devoted to your work, you are creating a unique information space. Around the clock, you share with viewers relevant and objective news from the scene of events in the country and the world. You are looking for new formats, introducing modern technologies, expanding the boundaries of broadcasting. For many years, your popular science, educational and entertainment projects, live broadcasts and special reports, including from hot spots, have been in demand among viewers of different generations.

    The current year has been declared by the President as the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland. All those who ensure the defense capability and national security of our country deserve special attention. And your programs dedicated to the Russian army, heroes and participants of the SVO, innovative developments of the defense-industrial complex are becoming an important part of modern history.

    I am confident that the TV channel’s team will continue to work on preserving the memory and cultural heritage of Russia and the patriotic education of youth.

    I wish you the fulfillment of your plans, new projects and all the best.

     

    M. Mishustin

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    February 20, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: ING to redeem Perpetual Capital Securities

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ING to redeem Perpetual Capital Securities

    ING announced today it will redeem USD 1,250 million of 6.500% Perpetual Additional Tier 1 Contingent Convertible Capital Securities (the “Perpetual Capital Securities”) on the call date of 16 April 2025, in line with ING’s goal to continuously optimise its capital structure.

    The Perpetual Capital Securities (CUSIP 456837AF0/ISIN US456837AF06) will be redeemed in full in accordance with their terms, with payment to be made on 16 April 2025. The redemption price will be the principal amount of the Perpetual Capital Securities. Accrued and unpaid interest due on the redemption date will be paid in the usual manner to holders of record as of 15 April 2025. The paying agent for the Perpetual Capital Securities is The Bank of New York Mellon, London Branch 160 Queen Victoria Street London EC4V 4LA United Kingdom.

    Any future decisions by ING as to whether it will exercise (or cause to be exercised) calls in respect of debt securities will be made on an economic basis, taking into account the interests of all stakeholders. Other factors that ING will consider include prevailing market conditions, regulatory approval and capital requirements.

    Note for editors

    For more on ING, please visit www.ing.com. Frequent news updates can be found in the Newsroom or via X @ING_news feed. Photos of ING operations, buildings and its executives are available for download at Flickr.

    ING PROFILE
    ING is a global financial institution with a strong European base, offering banking services through its operating company ING Bank. The purpose of ING Bank is: empowering people to stay a step ahead in life and in business. ING Bank’s more than 60,000 employees offer retail and wholesale banking services to customers in over 40 countries.

    ING Group shares are listed on the exchanges of Amsterdam (INGA NA, INGA.AS), Brussels and on the New York Stock Exchange (ADRs: ING US, ING.N).

    ING aims to put sustainability at the heart of what we do. Our policies and actions are assessed by independent research and ratings providers, which give updates on them annually. ING’s ESG rating by MSCI was reconfirmed by MSCI as ‘AA’ in August 2024 for the fifth year. As of December 2023, in Sustainalytics’ view, ING’s management of ESG material risk is ‘Strong’. Our current ESG Risk Rating, is 17.2 (Low Risk). ING Group shares are also included in major sustainability and ESG index products of leading providers. Here are some examples: Euronext, STOXX, Morningstar and FTSE Russell. Society is transitioning to a low-carbon economy. So are our clients, and so is ING. We finance a lot of sustainable activities, but we still finance more that’s not. Follow our progress on ing.com/climate.

    Important legal information

    Elements of this press release contain or may contain information about ING Groep N.V. and/ or ING Bank N.V. within the meaning of Article 7(1) to (4) of EU Regulation No 596/2014 (‘Market Abuse Regulation’).

    ING Group’s annual accounts are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union (‘IFRS- EU’). In preparing the financial information in this document, except as described otherwise, the same accounting principles are applied as in the 2023 ING Group consolidated annual accounts. All figures in this document are unaudited. Small differences are possible in the tables due to rounding.

    Certain of the statements contained herein are not historical facts, including, without limitation, certain statements made of future expectations and other forward-looking statements that are based on management’s current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Actual results, performance or events may differ materially from those in such statements due to a number of factors, including, without limitation: (1) changes in general economic conditions and customer behaviour, in particular economic conditions in ING’s core markets, including changes affecting currency exchange rates and the regional and global economic impact of the invasion of Russia into Ukraine and related international response measures (2) changes affecting interest rate levels (3) any default of a major market participant and related market disruption (4) changes in performance of financial markets, including in Europe and developing markets (5) fiscal uncertainty in Europe and the United States (6) discontinuation of or changes in ‘benchmark’ indices (7) inflation and deflation in our principal markets (8) changes in conditions in the credit and capital markets generally, including changes in borrower and counterparty creditworthiness (9) failures of banks falling under the scope of state compensation schemes (10) non-compliance with or changes in laws and regulations, including those concerning financial services, financial economic crimes and tax laws, and the interpretation and application thereof (11) geopolitical risks, political instabilities and policies and actions of governmental and regulatory authorities, including in connection with the invasion of Russia into Ukraine and the related international response measures (12) legal and regulatory risks in certain countries with less developed legal and regulatory frameworks (13) prudential supervision and regulations, including in relation to stress tests and regulatory restrictions on dividends and distributions (also among members of the group) (14) ING’s ability to meet minimum capital and other prudential regulatory requirements (15) changes in regulation of US commodities and derivatives businesses of ING and its customers (16) application of bank recovery and resolution regimes, including write down and conversion powers in relation to our securities (17) outcome of current and future litigation, enforcement proceedings, investigations or other regulatory actions, including claims by customers or stakeholders who feel misled or treated unfairly, and other conduct issues (18) changes in tax laws and regulations and risks of non-compliance or investigation in connection with tax laws, including FATCA (19) operational and IT risks, such as system disruptions or failures, breaches of security, cyber-attacks, human error, changes in operational practices or inadequate controls including in respect of third parties with which we do business and including any risks as a result of incomplete, inaccurate, or otherwise flawed outputs from the algorithms and data sets utilized in artificial intelligence (20) risks and challenges related to cybercrime including the effects of cyberattacks and changes in legislation and regulation related to cybersecurity and data privacy, including such risks and challenges as a consequence of the use of emerging technologies, such as advanced forms of artificial intelligence and quantum computing (21) changes in general competitive factors, including ability to increase or maintain market share (22) inability to protect our intellectual property and infringement claims by third parties (23) inability of counterparties to meet financial obligations or ability to enforce rights against such counterparties (24) changes in credit ratings (25) business, operational, regulatory, reputation, transition and other risks and challenges in connection with climate change and ESG-related matters, including data gathering and reporting (26) inability to attract and retain key personnel (27) future liabilities under defined benefit retirement plans (28) failure to manage business risks, including in connection with use of models, use of derivatives, or maintaining appropriate policies and guidelines (29) changes in capital and credit markets, including interbank funding, as well as customer deposits, which provide the liquidity and capital required to fund our operations, and (30) the other risks and uncertainties detailed in the most recent annual report of ING Groep N.V. (including the Risk Factors contained therein) and ING’s more recent disclosures, including press releases, which are available on www.ING.com.

    This document may contain ESG-related material that has been prepared by ING on the basis of publicly available information, internally developed data and other third-party sources believed to be reliable. ING has not sought to independently verify information obtained from public and third-party sources and makes no representations or warranties as to accuracy, completeness, reasonableness or reliability of such information.

    Materiality, as used in the context of ESG, is distinct from, and should not be confused with, such term as defined in the Market Abuse Regulation or as defined for Securities and Exchange Commission (‘SEC’) reporting purposes. Any issues identified as material for purposes of ESG in this document are therefore not necessarily material as defined in the Market Abuse Regulation or for SEC reporting purposes. In addition, there is currently no single, globally recognized set of accepted definitions in assessing whether activities are “green” or “sustainable.” Without limiting any of the statements contained herein, we make no representation or warranty as to whether any of our securities constitutes a green or sustainable security or conforms to present or future investor expectations or objectives for green or sustainable investing. For information on characteristics of a security, use of proceeds, a description of applicable project(s) and/or any other relevant information, please reference the offering documents for such security.

    This document may contain inactive textual addresses to internet websites operated by us and third parties. Reference to such websites is made for information purposes only, and information found at such websites is not incorporated by reference into this document. ING does not make any representation or warranty with respect to the accuracy or completeness of, or take any responsibility for, any information found at any websites operated by third parties. ING specifically disclaims any liability with respect to any information found at websites operated by third parties. ING cannot guarantee that websites operated by third parties remain available following the publication of this document, or that any information found at such websites will not change following the filing of this document. Many of those factors are beyond ING’s control.

    Any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of ING speak only as of the date they are made, and ING assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or for any other reason.

    This document does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase, any securities in the United States or any other jurisdiction.

    Attachment

    • ING to redeem Perpetual Capital Securities

    The MIL Network –

    February 20, 2025
  • MIL-Evening Report: The ASIO threat assessment is a dark outlook for Australia’s security. Are our laws up to the task?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sarah Kendall, Adjunct Research Fellow, The University of Queensland

    Shutterstock

    This week, ASIO chief Mike Burgess delivered his sixth Annual Threat Assessment.

    His approach this time was unprecedented. Instead of focusing on past and present threats, Burgess declassified parts of ASIO’s assessment for the future, warning us about Australia’s security outlook to 2030.

    Over the next five years, ASIO is expecting “an unprecedented number of challenges, and an unprecedented cumulative level of potential harm”, Burgess warned. At the same time, the threat environment will become more diverse.

    Espionage and foreign interference are already at extreme levels, but are anticipated to intensify. Sabotage is expected to pose an increasing threat. Politically motivated violence and communal violence will also remain an elevated concern.

    What does this mean for our criminal laws? Are they robust enough to protect us from the growing and diversifying threat of espionage, sabotage and foreign interference? Or will they need bolstering?

    What are the threats?

    Espionage, or spying, involves the theft of information. Burgess has warned that both our enemies and our friends will seek to steal information from us.

    This includes information about our military capabilities and alliances, such as AUKUS.

    Instead of using traditional spies to gather this information, Burgess expects greater use of proxies.

    These proxies could be unwittingly involved in the espionage efforts of a foreign country – such as private investigators. Or they could know exactly what they’re doing.

    Foreign interference involves covertly shaping decision-making to the advantage of a foreign power. Burgess has warned that foreign governments are monitoring, intimidating and coercing Australians and diaspora communities, including engaging in coerced repatriations.

    He also expects that foreign interference may be used to undermine community support for AUKUS.

    Concerningly, ASIO has disrupted plots by foreign countries to physically harm (or even kill) people living in Australia. This includes activists, journalists and ordinary citizens – all critics of certain foreign governments.

    Both espionage and foreign interference will be enabled by advances in technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), deep fakes and large online pools of personal data.

    Sabotage involves deliberately destroying or damaging infrastructure.

    Russia has been engaging in diverse acts of sabotage in Europe, aiming to erode support for Ukraine and damage cohesion. These attacks include arson against various types of infrastructure (including defence and munitions facilities), jamming civil aviation GPS systems, and disrupting railways.

    While Burgess warned that the risk of similar attacks against Australia is increasing (including attacks against infrastructure arising out of AUKUS), cyber-enabled sabotage will be of more concern. At the moment, foreign governments are exploring and exploiting Australia’s critical infrastructure networks to map systems and maintain access in the future.

    As with espionage, Burgess expects criminal proxies to be used more frequently to engage in sabotage. This includes state-sponsored or state-supported terrorist groups.

    Are our laws ready to deal with this?

    With the espionage, sabotage and foreign interference threat growing and diversifying over the next five years, you’d be right to ask whether our criminal laws are robust enough to stand up to the challenge.

    For the most part, they are.

    All the laws apply to conduct that occurs “in the real world” and online. The laws also apply to any foreign country, including our friends, as well as terrorist organisations.

    In addition to foreign countries, the laws apply to conduct on behalf of a foreign country, including where the conduct is directed, funded or supervised by the foreign country or a person acting on its behalf. This means the laws would apply to proxies hired to engage in espionage or sabotage.

    Our sabotage laws are broad enough to cover the explorations of critical infrastructure networks currently being undertaken. An act of sabotage does not have to be committed to be an offence under these laws.

    Our foreign interference laws would cover coerced repatriations. While plots to harm Australians may also fall within these offences, a number of other offences also exist for harming or killing Australian citizens or residents.

    Room for improvement

    Our espionage, sabotage and foreign interference laws certainly are “world-leading”. However, there are some drawbacks.

    For example, the laws are yet to grapple with the rise of AI and its use to gather information for espionage or generate mis- or disinformation for foreign interference.

    While the laws have broad extraterritorial reach – they apply to conduct that occurs within or outside Australia – the practicalities of enforcing the laws when offenders are located overseas is a big barrier.

    But in today’s digital age where espionage, sabotage and foreign interference can be conducted online from the safety of a foreign country and therefore beyond the reach of Australia’s criminal law, we need more than a robust legal response.

    As Burgess stressed, these issues “require whole of government, whole of community, whole of society responses […] national security is truly national security: everybody’s business”.

    We all need to be aware of the risks and what we – as individuals, employees, researchers and business owners – can do to mitigate them.

    This article was written in Sarah Kendall’s personal capacity as an Adjunct Research Fellow at the University of Queensland School of Law. It does not reflect the views of the Queensland Law Reform Commission or the Queensland Government.

    – ref. The ASIO threat assessment is a dark outlook for Australia’s security. Are our laws up to the task? – https://theconversation.com/the-asio-threat-assessment-is-a-dark-outlook-for-australias-security-are-our-laws-up-to-the-task-250372

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    February 20, 2025
  • MIL-OSI China: Putin: Russian troops crossed into Ukraine from Kursk region

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks at the plenary session of the 27th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg, Russia, on June 7, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Russian President Vladimir Putin said that he was informed an hour ago that Russian forces had crossed the border with Ukraine from the Kursk region, the TASS news agency reported Wednesday.

    “The most recent information that I was reported just an hour ago is that tonight the fighters of the 810th brigade crossed the border of the Russian Federation and Ukraine and entered the territory of the enemy,” Putin said, while answering journalists’ questions during a visit to a drone plant in St. Petersburg.

    Russia’s army has been pushing back Ukrainian forces in Kursk region following their surprise cross-border attack in August 2024.

    MIL OSI China News –

    February 20, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth Reaction to Trump’s Latest Betrayal of Our Partners in Ukraine in Favor of Authoritarian Dictator Vladimir Putin

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    February 19, 2025
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) released the following statement in response to President Donald Trump’s latest false claims about Russia’s unjustified war and his outrageous prioritization of Vladimir Putin over our partners in Ukraine:
    “Trump’s latest comments parroting Vladimir Putin’s talking points are a complete betrayal of the Ukrainian people, American leadership and our values. By inviting Putin to visit the U.S., suggesting President Zelenskyy is a ‘dictator’ or claiming that anyone other than Putin ‘started this war,’ our Commander-in-Chief is proving again and again that one of America’s main adversaries has him exactly where he wants him—and that should terrify all of us.
    “Adding insult to injury, it is extremely alarming that Trump would even consider beginning negotiations with Putin without Ukraine or our European allies—allies who be on the front lines if Putin continues his march West. The more Donald Trump cozies up to this dictator, the more he emboldens Russian aggression that puts Ukraine, our national security and the security of all NATO allies at risk.
    “My Republican colleagues need to grow a spine and condemn Trump’s remarks for what they are: wrong, unhinged and dangerous. America’s allies are watching.”
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 20, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: Five best articles in Russian for 19.02.2025

    MIL Analysis: Here are the top five Russian language articles published today. The analysis includes five key articles currently prioritized.

    The economy is productive. The Moscow Exchange is providing its new records of profitability and opportunities for investors and traders to expand.

    Education is evolving, with an increasing trend toward humanitarization. Peter the Great University in St. Petersburg strengthens the psychological health of students, staff and parents.

    At Novosibirsk University you can see the exhibition “Life as a Vocation” dedicated to the work of Varlen Lvovich Soskin on February 26 at 11:50.

    You can read one of the articles below.

    1. Financial news: Moscow Exchange launched a full-featured version of the Algopack analytical service.

    Moscow Exchange has expanded opportunities for investors and traders by launching a full-featured version of the analytical service “Algopack”. All users of the service now have access to a graphical interface for presenting data on all stocks and futures traded on the Moscow Exchange.

    2. Financial news: The Moscow Exchange Full Yield Index updated its historical maximum.

    The Moscow Exchange Total Return Index set a historical record, at the close of trading on February 17, 2025, its value was 8,199.68 points. This is the maximum index value since the start of calculation in January 2004. The previous maximum was recorded on October 20, 2021 at 8,125.76 points.

    3. Do you want to talk about it? Polytechnic’s psychologists help you cope with stress.

    Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    “All diseases come from nerves,” people say, and for good reason. Constant stress is not harmless at all, and sometimes we do not even realize what serious consequences can result from worrying about personal troubles or events in the world, anxiety and worry, fear of failure and hyper-responsibility, and other similar things. In order to preserve mental health and performance, it is better to seek help from a specialist in a timely manner.

    4. Dmitry Chernyshenko, Sergey Kravtsov, Valery Falkov and Grigory Gurov, Head of Rosmolodezh, commented on the results of the stratsession on the development of education.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko took part in the stratsession on education development.

    Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, Minister of Education Sergey Kravtsov, Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov, Head of Rosmolodezh Grigory Gurov and Head of Rosobrnadzor Anzor Muzayev took part in the strategic session chaired by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

    5. The exhibition “Life as a Vocation” will open at NSU.

    Novosibirsk State University -.

    On February 26 at 11:50 a.m., the NSU History Museum will open the exhibition “Life as a Vocation” dedicated to the activities of Varlen Lvovich Soskin. The exhibition is part of a series of events timed to the 100th anniversary of the birth of Varlen Lvovich Soskin, Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor, Honorary Professor of NSU, Honored Scientist of the Russian Federation, founder of the scientific school of modern Siberian science and cultural studies, veteran of the Great Patriotic War.

    Learn more about MIL’s content and data services by visiting milnz.co.nz.

    Regards MIL!

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    February 20, 2025
  • MIL-OSI China: Putin, Trump may meet before end of February: Kremlin

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump could meet as early as this month, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Wednesday.

    “The Western media write a lot, our media write a lot … Maybe, or maybe not,” said Peskov when asked whether Putin and Trump could meet before the end of February.

    The meeting would require some preparation from the Russian foreign ministry, he said.

    Russian and U.S. officials held talks on Tuesday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

    MIL OSI China News –

    February 20, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Global: In pushing for Ukraine elections, Trump is falling into Putin-laid trap to delegitimize Zelenskyy

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Lena Surzhko Harned, Associate Teaching Professor of Political Science, Penn State

    President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meet on Sept. 25, 2019, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

    Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was shut out of the discussions concerning the future of his country, which took place in Saudi Arabia on Feb. 18, 2025. In fact, there were no Ukrainian representatives, nor any European Union ones – just U.S. and Russian delegations, and their Saudi hosts.

    The meeting – which followed a mutually complimentary phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin just days earlier – was gleefully celebrated in Moscow. The absence of Ukraine in deciding its own future is very much in line with Putin’s policy toward its neighbor. Putin has long rejected Ukrainian statehood and the legitimacy of the Ukrainian government, or as he calls it the “Kyiv regime.”

    While the U.S. delegation did reiterate that future discussions would have to involve Ukraine at some stage, the Trump administration’s actions and words have no doubt undermined Kyiv’s position and influence.

    To that end, the U.S. is increasingly falling in line with Moscow on a key plank of the Kremlin’s plan to delegitimize Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian government: calling for elections in Ukraine as part of any peace deal.

    Questioning Zelenskyy’s legitimacy

    Challenging Zelenskyy’s legitimacy is part of a deliberate ongoing propaganda campaign by Russia to discredit Ukrainian leadership, weaken support for Ukraine from its key allies and remove Zelenskyy – and potentially Ukraine – as a partner in negotiations.

    Claims by the Russian president that his country is ready for peace negotiations appear, to many observers of its three-year war, highly suspect given Russia’s ongoing attacks on its neighbor and its steadfast refusal to date to agree to any temporary truce.

    Yet the Kremlin is pushing the narrative that the problem is that there is no legitimate Ukrainian authority with which it can deal. As such, Putin can proclaim his commitments to a peace without making any commitments or compromises necessary to any true negotiation process.

    Meanwhile, painting Zelenskyy as a “dictator” dampens the enthusiastic support that once greeted him from democratic countries. This, is turn, can translate to the reduction or even end of military support for Kyiv, Putin hopes, allowing him a fillip in what has become a war of attrition.

    What Putin needs for this plan to work is a willing partner to help get the message out that Zelenskyy and the current Ukraine government are not legitimate representatives of their country – and into this gap the new U.S. administration appears to have stepped.

    Then-candidate Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a polling station during Ukraine’s presidential election in Kiev on March 31, 2019.
    Genya Savilov/AFP via Getty Images)

    Dictating terms

    Take the narrative on elections.

    At the meeting in Saudi Arabia, the U.S. reportedly discussed elections in Ukraine as being a key part of any peace deal. Trump himself has raised the prospect of elections, noting in a Feb. 18 press conference: “We have a situation where we haven’t had elections in Ukraine, where we have martial law.” The U.S. president went on to claim, incorrectly, that Zelenskyy’s approval rating was down to “4%.” The latest polling actually shows the Ukrainian president to be sitting on a 57% approval rating.

    A day later, Trump upped the attacks, describing Zelenskyy as a “dictator without elections.”

    Such statements echo Russia’s narrative that the government in Kyiv is illegitimate.

    The Kremlin’s claims regarding what it describes as the “legal aspects related to his [Zelenskyy’s] legitimacy” are based on the premise that the Ukraine president’s five-year term as president of Ukraine should have ended in 2024.

    And elections in Ukraine would have taken place in May of that year had it not been for the martial law that Ukraine put into place when the Russian Federation launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

    The Martial Law Act – which Ukraine imposed on Feb. 24, 2022 – explicitly bans all elections in Ukraine for the duration of the emergency action.

    And while the Ukrainian Constitution only includes language regarding the extension of parliament’s powers until martial law is lifted, constitutional lawyers in Ukraine tend to agree that the implication is that this also applies to presidential powers.

    Notwithstanding what the law says, the Kremlin’s questioning of the democratic institutions of Ukraine and its push for elections in Ukraine have found traction in Washington of late. Trump’s special envoy Gen. Keith Kellogg declared on Feb. 1 that elections “need to be done” as part of peace process, saying that elections are a “beauty of a solid democracy.”

    The ballot box trap

    Zelenskyy is not opposed to elections in principle and has agreed that elections should be held when the time is right. “Once martial law is over, then the ball is in parliament’s court – the parliament then picks a date for elections,” Zelenskyy stated in a Jan. 2 interview.

    And he appears to have the backing of the majority of Ukrainians. In May 2024, 69% of Ukrainians polled said Zelenskyy should remain president until the end of marshal law, after which elections should be held.

    The issue, as Zelenskyy has said, is the timing and circumstances. “During the war, there can be no elections. It’s necessary to change legislation, the constitution, and so on. These are significant challenges. But there are also nonlegal, very human challenges,” he said on Jan. 4.

    Even opposition politicians in Ukraine agree that now is not the time. Petro Poroshenko, Zelenskyy’s main political rival, has dismissed the idea of wartime elections, as has Inna Sovsun, the leader of the opposition Golos Party.

    Apart from logistical problems of ensuring free and fair elections in the middle of a war, the conflict would present logistical hurdles to campaigning and accessing polling sites. There is also the question of whether and how to include Ukrainians in Russian-occupied territories and those who are internally displaced, as well as the 6.5 million who fled fighting and currently reside abroad.

    Good elections … and bad

    Russia did, of course, hold elections during the current conflict. But the 2024 election that Putin won with 87% of the vote was, according to most international observers, neither free nor fair.

    Rather, it was a sham vote that only underlined what most political scientists will confirm: Elections are at best a necessary but insufficient marker of democracy.

    This point is not wasted on Ukrainians, whose commitment to democracy strengthened in the years leading up to the 2022 invasion. Indeed, a survey taken a few months into the war found that 76% of Ukrainians agreed that democracy was the best form of governance – up from 41% three years earlier.

    There are other reasons Ukraine might be wary of elections. The adversarial nature of political campaigns can be divisive, especially among a society in high stress.

    Ukrainian politicians have openly argued that holding an election during the war would be destabilizing for Ukrainian society, undermining the internal unity in face of Russian aggression.

    Outside influence

    And then there is concern over outside influence in any election. Ukrainians have had enough experience with Russian meddling in their politics to take it for granted that the Kremlin will attempt to put a thumb on the scale.

    Russia has since the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991 employed its substantial resources to influence Ukraine’s politics through all available means, ranging from propaganda, economic pressures and incentives to energy blackmail, threats and use of violence.

    In 2004, Moscow’s electoral manipulations in favor of the pro-Russian candidate, Viktor Yanukovich, led to the Orange Revolution – in which Ukrainians rose up to reject rigged elections. Nine years later, Yanukovich – who became president in 2010 – was deposed though the Revolution of Dignity, which saw Ukrainians oust a man many saw as a Russian stooge in favor of a path toward greater integration with Europe.

    Putin’s history of meddling in elections extends beyond Ukraine, of course. Most recently, the Romanian Constitutional Court annulled the country’s presidential elections, citing an electoral process compromised by foreign interference.

    An impossible position

    In raising elections as a prerequisite to negotiations, Putin is setting a
    “catch-22” trap for Ukraine: The Ukrainian Constitution states that elections can happen only when martial law is lifted; but the lifting of the martial law is possible only when the “hot phase” of the war is over. So without a ceasefire, no election is possible.

    But in refusing to agree to elections, Ukraine can be cast as the blockage to any peace deal – playing to a narrative that is already forming in the U.S. administration that Kyiv is the problem and will need to be sidelined for there to be progress.

    In short, in seemingly echoing Russian talking points on an election being a prerequisite for peace, the U.S. puts the Ukrainian government in an impossible position: Agree to the vote and risk internal division and outside interference, or reject it and allow Moscow – and, perhaps, Washington – to frame Ukraine’s leaders as illegitimate and unable to negotiate on the behalf of their people.

    Lena Surzhko Harned does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. In pushing for Ukraine elections, Trump is falling into Putin-laid trap to delegitimize Zelenskyy – https://theconversation.com/in-pushing-for-ukraine-elections-trump-is-falling-into-putin-laid-trap-to-delegitimize-zelenskyy-250003

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    February 20, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, 21 Colleagues Urge Secretary Rubio to Replace Nuclear Arms Treaty With Russia

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    February 19, 2025

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, on Wednesday joined 21 members of Congress in writing a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urging him to replace the 2010 New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), a nuclear arms agreement between the United States and Russia. On February 5, 2026, the 2010 New START Treaty between the United States and Russia will expire. Unless a new agreement is in place by that date, there will be no legal limits on U.S. and Russian strategic nuclear forces, reversing decades of work to reduce the risk of nuclear war. In their letter, the bicameral lawmakers urge Secretary Rubio to work with Congress to replace New START and prevent a dangerous and costly arms race between the United States and Russia.
    “The Trump administration has a historic opportunity to initiate high-level talks for a new pact and, until those talks reach completion, to mutually agree to respect the limits of New START using existing technical means of verification. Given the time it would take to negotiate a new agreement, an executive understanding that both sides will adhere to New START limits would help to reduce uncertainty in this interim period,” the members wrote.
    They added: “We condemn Putin’s nuclear saber-rattling against Ukraine. Russia’s illegal war against the Ukrainian people is at odds with our democratic ideals. Yet even when our nations have had profound disagreements, including during the Cold War, we managed to come to the table to bring the world back from the precipice of nuclear catastrophe.”
    U.S. Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D.-Ore.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Jack Reed (D-R.I), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Cory Booker (D-N.J), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Angus King (I-Maine), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) also signed the letter, along with U.S. Representatives Bill Foster (D-Ill.-11), Jim McGovern (D-Mass.-02), Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.-05), Eleanor Holmes-Norton (D-D.C.), Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.-05), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.-12), and Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas-37).
    Full text of the letter is available HERE and below.
    Dear Secretary Rubio:
    On February 5, 2026, the 2010 New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) between the United States and Russia will expire. Unless a new agreement is in place by that date, there will be no legal limits on U.S. and Russian strategic nuclear forces, reversing decades of work to reduce the risk of nuclear war.
    We urge you to work with Congress to replace New START and prevent a dangerous and costly arms race between the United States and Russia, the world’s two largest nuclear powers. We also ask that the Department of State provide a briefing on the Administration’s plan for New START in a timely manner.
    For five decades, American presidents, including Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, and both George H.W. and George W. Bush, have supported the U.S.-Russia nuclear arms control process. This long-standing, bipartisan effort has enjoyed high approval ratings among the American public, who recognize the dangers of nuclear proliferation.
    The Trump Administration has a historic opportunity to initiate high-level talks for a new pact and, until those talks reach completion, to mutually agree to respect the limits of New START using existing technical means of verification. Given the time it would take to negotiate a new agreement, an executive understanding that both sides will adhere to New START limits would help to reduce uncertainty in this interim period. It is critical that the Administration not increase the U.S. arsenal above New START limits or resume nuclear testing, which would set back the bipartisan progress made on nuclear nonproliferation and arms control. An unconstrained arms race would make the U.S. less secure and increase the risks to global security.
    New START enhances U.S. national security by placing legal limits on all Russian-deployed intercontinentalrange nuclear weapons. The United States and Russia agreed in 2021 to extend the treaty through February 5, 2026, and in February 2023, President Vladimir Putin announced Russia was “suspending” its implementation of the treaty. While Russia has agreed to abide by the treaty’s limits, we believe it is in the best interest of both of our nations to pursue formal mechanisms aimed at preventing a nuclear arms race.
    We condemn Putin’s nuclear saber-rattling against Ukraine. Russia’s illegal war against the Ukrainian people is at odds with our democratic ideals. Yet even when our nations have had profound disagreements, including during the Cold War, we managed to come to the table to bring the world back from the precipice of nuclear catastrophe. Today, we must do so again.
    Thank you for your attention to this important issue.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 20, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: Government meeting (2025, No. 5)

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    1. On the allocation of budgetary appropriations to the Ministry of Labor of Russia in 2025 from the reserve fund of the Government of the Russian Federation for the provision of another inter-budget transfer to the budget of the Kursk region

    The draft order is aimed at providing social support to citizens living in the Kursk region and who have lost essential property.

    2. On the draft amendments of the Government of the Russian Federation to the draft federal law No. 770471-8 “On Amending Article 5 of the Federal Law “On Biological Safety in the Russian Federation””

    The draft amendments propose to introduce changes that, among other things, provide for the granting of authority to the Russian Ministry of Health to establish the procedure for applying clinical recommendations.

    3. On amending the Resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation of June 19, 2012 No. 608 (in terms of amending the Regulation on the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation)

    The draft resolution provides for the Russian Ministry of Health to be empowered to approve a list of identity documents that can be used to establish the age of a person purchasing potentially dangerous gas-containing household goods.

    4. On the draft federal law “On Amendments to Article 8 of the Federal Law “On the Development of Small and Medium-Sized Entrepreneurship in the Russian Federation”

    The bill is aimed at specifying the list of support programs, information about the recipients of which must be entered by the bodies and organizations that provided such support into the unified register of small and medium-sized businesses that are recipients of support.

    5. On amendments to the Resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation of July 28, 2018 No. 884 (in terms of amendments to the Regulation on the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation)

    The draft resolution is aimed at granting the Russian Ministry of Education the authority to approve a federal program of educational work for children’s recreation and health organizations.

    6. On Amendments to the Resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation of July 30, 2004 No. 401 (in terms of amending the Regulation on the Federal Service for Environmental, Technological and Nuclear Supervision)

    The draft resolution is aimed at clarifying the powers of Rostekhnadzor concerning the establishment of standards for permissible emissions of radioactive substances, as well as the approval of methods for developing these standards.

    Moscow, February 19, 2025

    The content of the press releases of the Department of Press Service and References is a presentation of materials submitted by federal executive bodies for discussion at a meeting of the Government of the Russian Federation.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    February 20, 2025
  • 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 –

    February 20, 2025
  • 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

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/771cf00e-f710-44a2-8ccc-01eb3722147f

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    This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.

    The MIL Network –

    February 20, 2025
  • 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 –

    February 20, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM call with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine: 19 February 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Prime Minister spoke to President Zelenskyy this evening.

    The Prime Minister spoke to President Zelenskyy this evening and stressed the need for everyone to work together. 

    The Prime Minister expressed his support for President Zelenskyy as Ukraine’s democratically elected leader and said that it was perfectly reasonable to suspend elections during war time as the UK did during World War II. 

    The Prime Minister reiterated his support for the US-led efforts to get a lasting peace in Ukraine that deterred Russia from any future aggression.

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    Published 19 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 20, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Nations: New UN Mediator for Libya — Tenth in 14 Years — Must Avoid Past Failures, Delegate Warns Security Council

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    UN Political Chief Says Libyans’ Dream Unfulfilled after February Revolution 14 Years Ago

    Libya’s leaders and security actors are prioritizing political and personal gain over national interests, the United Nations’ top political official told the Security Council today, as the country’s delegate blamed proxy wars for its instability.

    Fourteen years on since the 17 February 2011 Revolution in Libya, “the dream of a civil, democratic and prosperous Libya remains unfulfilled” due to “entrenched divisions, economic mismanagement, continued human rights violations and competing domestic and external interests”, said Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs.  Highlighting efforts by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) to revive the political process, she noted the establishment of an Advisory Committee comprising legal and constitutional experts to provide proposals supporting efforts towards holding national elections.

    Pointing to the lack of progress on a unified budget or an agreed spending framework, as well as disagreement over the leadership of the Libyan Audit Bureau, she said it is critical to support the Central Bank’s efforts to stabilize the financial situation.  The dispute over the position of President of the High Council of State remains unresolved.  “Politicization and political divisions are also hindering progress on national reconciliation,” she said, noting that amendments to a draft law on that topic have raised concerns over the independence of a future National Reconciliation Commission.

    Following successful local elections in 56 municipalities in November 2024, the High National Elections Commission is preparing for the next 63 elections.  “Funding from the Government is crucial to enable the High National Elections Commission to implement this next phase of municipal council elections,” she stressed.  On the security front, the activities of non-State and quasi-State armed actors continue to pose a threat to Libya’s fragile stability, she said, noting that the 2020 Ceasefire Agreement has only been partially implemented.

    She also expressed concern about the continuing trend of arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances across Libya.  Drawing attention to “the alarming and tragic discovery of mass graves” earlier this month in north-east and south-east Libya, she said:  “This is yet another reminder of the urgent need to protect migrants and combat human trafficking.”  Calling for support to the 2025 Libyan chapter of the Sudan Refugee Regional Response Plan, which requires $106 million, she urged Council members to support the newly appointed Special Representative Hanna Tetteh, who will be taking up her functions in Tripoli on 20 February.

    In December 2024, a senior UN official announced a new UN-mediated process aimed at breaking the political deadlock — marked by the presence of rival Governments — and facilitating elections.  (See Press Release SC/15938.)

    Libya Battleground for Proxy Wars

    Libya’s delegate, who spoke at the end of today’s meeting, pointed out that Ms. Tetteh will be the tenth Special Representative of the Secretary-General assigned to his country in 14 years, calling this “a record”.  The Council must reflect on whether this indicates a “problem” with the imposition of solutions, UN mechanisms or the officials themselves.  He added:  “We hope that she will harness the lessons from the past and will not repeat the same misgivings by trying the same things and expecting different results.”  He also raised several concerns about the Advisory Committee established by UNSMIL, including whether it was expected to put forward a single proposal or numerous proposals, and how exactly political stakeholders would contribute to this process.

    “My country has become a ground for the settlement of disputes” in proxy wars, he said, adding that it is influenced by instability in the region, including “political and security-based changes”.  However, he pointed out, the recent holding of municipal elections around the country is a good example of Libya’s ability to ensure electoral processes where there is support and political will.  Any reconciliation must be based “on transitional justice, on accountability, on truth and on redress and compensation”, he stressed, while reiterating a request for the removal of individuals on the Sanctions List for humanitarian reasons or if their “listing was erroneous, or because their file was used to further political friction”.

    Many Council members welcomed the establishment of the Advisory Committee and the appointment of the new Special Representative as positive steps towards relaunching the political process.

    The representative of the United States said Ms. Tetteh’s prior experience in Sudan and South Sudan can inform her approach in Libya.  A political solution is the path to long-term stability, and time is of the essence, she said, noting “destabilizing activities from external actors” and the need for “east-west security integration”. Recalling the visit of a delegation from her country to Libya, she urged all parties to reach agreement on a unified budget to end persistent conflicts over revenue-sharing.

    The Russian Federation’s delegate expressed hope that the new Special Representative will adopt an impartial approach, informed by a sober assessment of the political climate.  Ms. Tetteh will have the difficult task of redressing imbalance and revitalizing UN mediation efforts, he said.  This month marks the fourteenth anniversary since the “egregious Western intervention and the virtual destruction of Libyan Statehood”, he observed, adding:  “The collapse of the country took place and is ongoing to this date.”

    Updating Sanctions Regime

    The United Kingdom’s delegate welcomed the recent adoption of new designation criteria for the UN sanctions regime to hold those exploiting Libyan crude oil and petroleum accountable and help to safeguard its resources.  “Until a unifying political agreement is achieved in Libya, it will be impossible to unlock its great potential,” she added.  (See Press Release SC/15967.)  Along similar lines, France’s delegate said:  “Libyan money needs to benefit the Libyan people”, adding that a unified budget and a unified Government go hand in hand.  Such a Government, capable of organizing presidential and legislative elections as soon as possible, is crucial.

    “Good-faith engagement and demonstrating compromise” will be essential in overcoming all outstanding, contentious issues, Slovenia’s speaker advised, adding that the political process must include Libyans from all walks of life, with women and young people.  Denmark’s delegate added:  “No woman should fear reprisals as a consequence of political engagement — neither online, nor offline.”  Further, organizations promoting women’s rights should be able to operate freely.

    The representative of Panama acknowledged the enormous political challenges in Libya, where “the crisis has fragmented the social fabric and institutions in the country”, as he expressed support for efforts to hold elections representing different factions of Libyan society.  Greece’s delegate pointed out that stability in Libya remains key for the region, and even more so for immediate neighbours like his own country which are impacted by the significant increase of irregular migration flows.

    Communications between East-West Security Institutions

    On security, the representative of Pakistan highlighted the reported agreement between Eastern and Western security institutions to establish a joint centre for communication and information exchange.  Noting that these are preliminary steps, he added:  “This will need a well-defined comprehensive peacebuilding and reconciliation strategy”.  Also welcoming the establishment of the joint centre for border security, the representative of the Republic of Korea noted that efforts to unify military institutions will be essential for strengthening Libya’s security.  Calling on “foreign Powers” to refrain from providing arms to Tripoli “for their narrow geopolitical interests”, he said that those weapons destabilize the broader region and bolster terrorism.

    Several speakers echoed the need to avoid external interference and respect the leadership of the Libyan people.  The representative of Guyana, also speaking for Algeria, Sierra Leone and Somalia, said the Advisory Committee’s proposals are meant to foster further consultations between UNSMIL and the relevant Libyan decision makers and stakeholders.  She called for “careful attention to how this work is undertaken, so that it “avoids creating any additional challenges”.  She also expressed concern about the lack of progress in convening national elections.

    The representative of China, Council President for February, speaking in his national capacity, stressed the need to avoid undue external interference, while Libya is on the path to elections and national reconciliation.  UNSMIL must strengthen its communication with Libyan parties and put forward practical proposals, he said, hoping that the Special Representative will advance the political process.  The Mission should monitor the ceasefire, he said, noting that improving the security situation and fighting the crime trajectory are imperative.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    February 20, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Parliament and member states agree on new support plan for Moldova

    Source: European Parliament 3

    EU member states and MEPs have agreed on essential improvements to a new support facility for Moldova, focusing on better financing and democratic oversight.

    Negotiators from the European Parliament and the Council of the EU have reached a provisional agreement on Wednesday on the Reform and Growth Facility for Moldova. The Facility aims to support Moldova in facing significant challenges, notably to mitigate the profound impact of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine on Moldova’s security, economy, and citizens’ livelihoods and to strengthen its resilience against the ongoing and unprecedented hybrid attacks and foreign malign interference targeting the country and democratic processes and institutions.

    Key improvements:

    Increased grant-based support: Negotiators agreed to allocate €520 million in grants – a €100 million increase compared to initial proposals – alongside €1.5 billion in low-interest loans. This adjustment ensures Moldova can implement reforms without unsustainable debt accumulation.

    Accelerated funding access: The Facility provides 18% pre-financing, up from 7% originally, of total support, enabling rapid deployment of resources to address energy security, anti-corruption infrastructure, and public service modernisation.

    Administrative capacity building: A dedicated 20% of grant funds will strengthen Moldova’s institutions through digital governance systems, civil service training, and judicial reforms – prerequisites for effective EU fund management.

    Reinforced oversight framework: To ensure full parliamentary scrutiny the agreement establishes a Dialogue between Parliament and the Commission to review implementation progress regularly.

    Also agreed was to make available additional voluntary contributions in the form of external assigned revenue from other donors such as international financing organisations for further financial support to Moldova, and that the Facility shall not support activities or measures which undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Moldova.

    Quotes

    Siegfried Mureșan (EPP, Romania), co-rapporteur for the Committee on Budgets: “With a €200 million increase in pre-financing and €100 million in total allocations, we are mobilizing enhanced immediate support to assist Moldova in advancing reforms, accelerating its European integration, and countering the economic and energy repercussions of Russian aggression. This ambitious agreement underscores Europe’s capacity to respond decisively to escalating geopolitical challenges.”

    Sven Mikser (S&D, Estonia), co-rapporteur for the Committee on Foreign Affairs: “This Facility underscores our commitment to Moldova’s EU accession journey and supports the country in undertaking necessary reforms to strengthen democratic institutions, enhance energy security, boost economic growth, and improve the lives of its citizens. Raising the grant component to 20.5% and the pre-financing rate to 18% secures €520 million in non-repayable support for Moldova and ensures rapid access to funding.”

    Next steps

    The provisional agreement will be submitted to Parliament’s plenary (March) and the Council for final approval.

    Background

    Between 2025 and 2027, the maximum resources to be made available to Moldova through the Facility will amount to €1.785 billion (in current prices). This includes up to €1.5 billion in concessional loans and €385 million in non-repayable financial support. Additionally, €135 million will be set aside to provision the loans.

    The Reform and Growth Facility is part of a broader EU Growth Plan for Moldova aimed at doubling its economy within a decade while fostering socio-economic stability. The facility is modelled after similar initiatives in other EU candidate regions, such as the Western Balkans Facility, representing a significant step forward in Moldova’s path toward EU membership.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 20, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Russian shadow fleet causing environmental risks to our waters and coastal communities – Commission should enforce EU sanctions violation law – E-000627/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000627/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy (Renew)

    A ‘shadow fleet’ of hundreds of old, rickety tankers is shipping Russian oil, thus bypassing sanctions. Many ships in the fleet pose an environmental threat to European waters and coastal communities. Some have been involved in outright sabotage. EU-based individuals and companies have earned up to EUR 6 billion from this form of sanctions evasion. An embarrassing statistic. Sadly, the Council has been unable to act on this problem, blocked by just a small number of its members. Individual Member States in the Baltic region have had enough and are looking for ways to act on their own.

    • 1.Does the Commission agree that it can act independently of the Council of the EU, the European Council and Member States when it comes to upholding the EU’s sanctions violation law that has been in effect since 2024[1]?
    • 2.Will the Commission exclude companies and individuals profiting from sanctions violation through the shadow fleet from public procurement, tenders and contracts that involve EU funds? If not, please explain why.
    • 3.Will the Commission freeze funding for EU projects if they involve companies and/or individuals who participate in the illegal shipping of Russian oil by way of the so-called shadow fleet?

    Submitted: 11.2.2025

    • [1] OJ L, 2024/1226, 29.4.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1226/oj.
    Last updated: 19 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 20, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: President Calviño’s interview with the Süddeutsche Zeitung

    Source: European Investment Bank

    Interview by Matthias Kolb and Alexander Mühlauer (Süddeutschen Zeitung)

    Nadia Calviño is President of the European Investment Bank (EIB), the largest promotional bank in the world. On behalf of the EU Member States, it is tasked with ensuring stability through investments within and beyond the European Union. So it’s little wonder that the former Deputy Prime Minister of Spain would attend the 61st Munich Security Conference. Shortly before the event, Calviño visited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, signing investment agreements totalling around  €1 billion. Before beginning her interview with the Süddeutsche Zeitung, the 56-year-old wanted to get one thing straight, right from the start: Europe must realise that we are at a turning point in history.

    Something seems to have ruptured between the United States and the European Union. Trump is talking with Putin about the future of Ukraine, without the EU at the table. The US Secretary of Defense says that America will no longer guarantee security in Europe. And US Vice President J.D. Vance says the greatest risk for Europe is not Russia or China, but the alleged internal threat to freedom of expression. How shocked are you by this?

    Calviño: I’m not shocked, or even surprised. I was certain we would see a fundamental change in transatlantic relations. We Europeans need to remember where our strengths lie, stand up for our interests and defend the rules-based world order from which we have benefited so richly over the past 80 years. And the Americans even more so.

    Isn’t the new US government threatening to destroy this world order?

    I am convinced that good transatlantic relations are strategically important for both sides. We must work to create a new foundation for them. In such turbulent times, it is more important than ever for Europe to stand for stability and reliability – not just within our own borders, but also for the rest of the world. That Europe should do even more to uphold a rules-based world order is something I hear often from our partners across the globe.

    But again, do the United States pose a risk to the global order?

    It is in their interest to preserve the things that have made America great. Institutions like the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund or the World Trade Organization, which we founded together. That’s one reason the US dollar is a global reserve currency. There are many win-win situations to be had from working together, and with Europe. But the most important thing is for us to accept that the world of tomorrow is very different from the world of yesterday.

    “We are at a turning point in history.”

    The European Investment Bank is the world’s largest promotional bank. As its president, what can you do to help Europe stand the test of time in this new world?

    We are at a crucial moment in history. And at a turning point in the geopolitical order. The future will depend on the decisions we make today, and every decision counts.

    What does that mean exactly?

    Since I joined the EIB as president in 2024, I have held talks with all 27 EU Member States and our European and international partners, but also with civil society and industry. For the first time, we have set out a clear Strategic Roadmap. 2024 was a record year for us, in which the EIB signed €89 billion in financing to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and security. These funds will go, for example, to energy infrastructure and renewable projects, to new technologies like artificial intelligence or quantum computers, and to supporting the transport and automotive industries. In 2024, we invested a record amount in energy networks. We also doubled our support for security and defence – to €1 billion – and we expect to double it again in 2025.

    At the Munich Security Conference, we kept hearing the question of where Member States could get the many billions of euros they would need to invest in their armies, including under pressure from Trump. Are they all coming to you now?

    Ursula von der Leyen has already proposed relaxing the rules under the Stability Pact so that EU countries can finance their defence spending. Olaf Scholz has similar ideas. The EIB is not a defence ministry, but there is a lot we can do to help in this area. For example, if Member States want to renovate their roads and bridges to improve military mobility, we can fund that, just like we can fund protection of critical infrastructure like submarine cables, or investments in cybersecurity. We are doing this, and are exchanging with Europe’s finance and defence ministries and with industry.

    What is the EIB financing in Germany in this domain?

    We are currently looking into 14 specific projects across Europe. In 2021, for example, we granted the Munich-based drone startup Quantum Systems a loan of €10 million. Their products are now used by the Ukrainian military, and have both civilian and military applications, so they can be supported by the EIB. The Lithuanian government has just applied to us with a proposal that we are now evaluating. It seeks financial assistance to build the base for the new German army brigade in Rūdninkai, near the border with Belarus.

    Soon 5 000 German soldiers will be permanently stationed in Lithuania, as a deterrent to Russia. Cost projections by the German Defence Ministry for this brigade are over €10 billion. Lithuania would like to invest around €1 billion in the new base. How much money could come from the EIB?

    This is a very important and demanding project, and we’ve only just started looking into the details. Another good example is the EIB support for the expansion of the Danish port in Esbjerg. Going forward, it will be better able to accommodate NATO vessels and the transport of materials for offshore wind farms.

    You just came from a visit to Ukraine. How is the EIB supporting that country?

    The trip to Ukraine was my first one outside the EU as EIB President. We are probably Ukraine’s most important investment partner, and our role is one that our partners value greatly. During my visit, we signed agreements for investment totalling around €1 billion. They will allow major Ukrainian banks to grant more loans to medium-sized companies. And with the country’s government, we have signed packages to finance infrastructure for energy, transport, water and district heating, as well as the construction of bunkers in schools and nurseries. So we are actively investing in all of the important areas for the Ukrainian people to lead normal lives, as far as possible. And, of course, we aim to strengthen the country’s resilience.

    Are you also supporting Ukraine’s defence industry?

    We support the European security and defence industry, which also helps Ukraine. In 2024 we expanded the dual-use approach, so that we can now support a wide range of projects, such as border security, cybersecurity, satellites and drones, and mine clearance.

    The CEO of the Italian arms company Leonardo recently told our reporters that Europe has one main problem: Member States spend more and more money on defence, but don’t work together enough. Is he right?

    It is clear that a common European procurement system would make us stronger and more efficient, especially when it comes to our flagship projects. And yes, I think the European Investment Bank can contribute by acting as an independent appraiser for projects. In 2024, to bring in top expertise, we signed agreements with the NATO Innovation Fund and the European Defence Agency so that we can draw on their technical knowledge in this regard.

    Is there any dispute at the EIB due to differing positions on Ukraine, with member countries like Hungary or Slovakia that have pro-Moscow governments?

    No, not at all.

    “I would never presume to tell a Member State what to do.”

    So you are president of one of the only EU institutions that aren’t divided?

    I told you that I visited the 27 Member States, and listened very carefully to them. On that basis, we drew up our strategy, which was unanimously supported. We are therefore well aligned with the EU priorities and the expectations of the Member States. There is strong support for what we are doing. Including in Ukraine.

    When it comes to Europe’s future, one word always comes up: competitiveness. What does Europe need to do to avoid falling even further behind the US and China economically?

    The different reports, for example by Enrico Letta and Mario Draghi, are quite unanimous: We need market integration, streamlining and investment. So what we need to do is clear. And I think the new Commission is willing to go in that direction. On streamlining, for example, we have teamed up with the Commission to adapt environmental reporting standards so that we can pursue the Paris Agreement and our green transformation objectives in a way that promotes the competitiveness of European industry, as well as green finance and green investment.

    How optimistic are you that Europe will finally begin to react more quickly and actually make decisions? With the capital markets union, we’ve been waiting ten years for things to finally happen. And that’s just one example of many.

    As Spain’s Minister of Finance and its Deputy Prime Minister, I saw lots of things. The euro area crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic. And I have seen how Europe can succeed: Together, we developed the vaccines, and we dealt with the crisis. With the NextGenerationEU package, Spain has made some very far-reaching reforms and, thanks to mobilising investment, it is now the best-performing economy in Europe and a driver of growth and prosperity on the continent. We succeed when we unite, act decisively, truly focus and bring all our energy together.

    In contrast to Spain and other countries, Germany’s economy has been hit hard. Many experts see the debt brake as an obstacle to further growth. What does Germany have to do for things to start looking up again?

    I would never presume to tell a Member State what to do. I simply wish for a strong Germany with a stable, pro-Europe government – because we need a strong Germany at the centre of our union.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 20, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Condemns President Trump’s Comments About Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    February 19, 2025

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, released the following statement after President Donald Trump publicly attacked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In the post, President Trump claimed the U.S. was “duped” into spending billions to help Ukraine defend itself following Russia’s 2022 full-scale military invasion and that President Zelenskyy is a “dictator without elections.” Further parroting a Kremlin propaganda point, President Trump also falsely claimed that Ukraine started the war against Russia.

    “The 46,000 Ukrainians who have died defending their country from Putin’s invasion deserve more than the insulting rant President Trump delivered this morning.

    “I would call on President Trump to apologize to the people of Ukraine, but it would be a waste of breath. Donald Trump is a pushover for Putin.”

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 20, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Displaced Ukrainians: Challenges and outlook for integration in the EU – 19-02-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022 forced millions of people to flee Ukraine. To date, approximately 6.8°million people have had to seek refuge, mostly in the EU and its neighbourhood. The EU responded rapidly in March 2022, activating the Temporary Protection Directive (TPD) for the first time ever. The TPD’s emergency mechanism offers swift protection and rights to those in need who arrive in large numbers, preventing Member States’ asylum systems from becoming overwhelmed. Rights under the TPD include access to a residence permit, employment, housing, medical and social welfare assistance, and education for children and adolescents. For those fleeing Ukraine, these rights also include travel within the EU, and to and from Ukraine. Currently, the largest number of beneficiaries of temporary protection from Ukraine reside in Germany, Poland and Czechia. Among them are nearly 1.3 million children, with 50 % still awaiting enrolment in their host countries’ education systems. Many pupils attend online classes delivered from Ukraine, as parents prefer to keep ties with their home country. The EU and its Member States have made efforts and funds available to support the integration of displaced people from Ukraine in terms of employment, housing, education and healthcare. Research indicates that Ukrainian refugees have a high employment rate in host countries, reflecting the circular mobility pattern observed among Ukrainians prior to 2022, when they were the largest non-EU workforce within the EU. However, with no end to the war in sight, the situation of Ukrainian refugees remains uncertain. There is currently no EU-level strategy regarding the status of refugees from Ukraine beyond the extension of temporary protection until March 2026. By April 2024, an estimated 1.2 million Ukrainians had already returned to their country despite the war. While most only go for brief visits to see family or tend to their properties, some intend to return permanently. Both the EU and Ukrainian policymakers face questions about the potential scale of and reasons for returns, as they seek to adapt and prepare their policies.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 20, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – EU-India relations: Time for a new boost? – 19-02-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Union (EU) is seeking to strengthen its strategic partnership with India, in place since 2004. The European Commission has given a strong signal in this direction. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced in Davos that the first visit of the whole College of Commissioners to a third country would be to India, on 27 and 28 February 2025. The EU-India Trade and Technology Council will also meet. A joint communication on a new strategic EU-India agenda is expected in the second quarter of 2025. An EU-India summit may take place in the last quarter of 2025. The EU wants to develop its relationship with India, whose market and economic growth (including in green technology) represents a valuable opportunity for EU companies. India’s strategic geographical position in the heart of the Indo-Pacific, where about 80 % of total global trade by volume passes, makes it a key partner for maintaining the security of the region and the freedom of navigation that are crucial to EU interests. The EU is also looking to expand its circle of key partners, against a backdrop of uncertainty over transatlantic relations. India meanwhile maintains a privileged relationship with Russia and is strengthening ties with the Trump administration. The EU and India are currently negotiating a free trade agreement, an investment protection agreement and an agreement on geographical indications. They also cooperate on a wide range of policies, including security, climate and energy, connectivity, research and innovation, and space. However, as the European Parliament underlined in its report on EU-India relations in January 2024, the partnership has not yet reached its full potential. Meanwhile, the EU-India five-year roadmap to 2025 is coming to an end, creating an opportunity to continue building a strong relationship. To develop their partnership, the EU and India would need to address some challenges. In particular, on trade negotiations New Delhi considers the EU carbon border adjustment mechanism and deforestation legislation to be unfair and detrimental to domestic markets. The EU is concerned about India’s stance on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and about its human rights situation.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 20, 2025
  • 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 –

    February 20, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Ukraine: Three years of war reverses progress for women and girls

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    19 February 2025 Peace and Security

    Three years of war in Ukraine have reversed decades of progress for women and girls, leaving millions in urgent need of support, according to UN Women.

    Russia’s full-scale invasion has forced more than 1.8 million women to flee their homes within Ukraine, while nearly 6.7 million require humanitarian assistance.

    More than 3,799 women and 289 girls have been killed, though the real toll is believed to be significantly higher.

    “The full-scale war has pushed an entire generation of Ukrainian women backwards,” said Sabine Freizer Gunes, UN Women Representative in the country.

    “They are facing heightened exposure to gender-based violence; rising unemployment; decreased decision-making power; greater domestic burdens; and a severe mental health crisis,” she explained.

    Stressed out

    Gender-based violence has surged by 36 per cent since 2022, driven in part by conflict-related stress, UN Women reported. In parallel, depression rates among women and girls have worsened.

    On the economic front, opportunities have shrunk. By 2024, less than half of displaced women had jobs whilst the gender pay gap doubled since the beginning of the war.

    Meanwhile, the burden of unpaid care, from cooking to caring for children, has intensified as childcare services centres have closed and services dwindled. Women spent an average of 56 hours a week on childcare in 2024, up from 49 hours before the war.

    Leaders of humanitarian recovery

    Despite these hardships, Ukrainian women are leading humanitarian responses and driving economic resilience.

    Women have assumed key roles as aid workers, community leaders and entrepreneurs. Today, one in every two businesses in Ukraine is founded by a woman.

    Women are also entering traditionally male-dominated sectors such as security, transportation and demining.

    “Donors’ support to Ukrainian women-led organizations and programmes is crucial so they can continue promoting gender equality, women’s rights and leadership,” said Ms. Gunes.

    “Women’s full engagement will be essential to rebuild Ukraine as a gender-equal and gender-responsive society,” she added.

    Support and call for action

    In 2024 alone, UN Women supported more than 180,000 women and girls affected by the war through initiatives under the Women Peace and Humanitarian Fund.

    The agency provides life-saving humanitarian aid, psychosocial and legal support, protection services and programmes to strengthen women’s economic independence.

    Four years on since the beginning of the war, UN Women is working to ensure that women are included in decision-making and recovery efforts, advocating for legal reforms to secure equal rights and representation.

    Overnight attack on Odesa

    The UN aid coordination office in Ukraine, OCHA, reported that an attack on Odesa City in the small hours of Wednesday morning had injured a number of civilians, including a child.

    Local authorities say the attack left a large residential area without electricity and heating, affecting at least 160,000 people – in the midst of winter.

    “Multiple apartment buildings were damaged, as well as a children’s hospital, and a kindergarten. For our part, we are providing emergency shelter materials, hot meals, psychosocial support, legal aid, and child protection services,” said UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric.,            

    Medical teams are conducting quick health checks and distributing medicines, while schools will remain closed until power and heating are restored.  

    In the southern city of Kherson aid workers are continuing to respond to an attack that took place on 17 February, and damaged a critical energy facility. 2,500 residents were left without electricity, heating, and water.  

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    February 20, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Global: Censorship, abortion and the ‘threat within’: what a free speech expert thinks of J.D. Vance’s remarks to Europe

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Eric Heinze, Professor of Law, Queen Mary University of London

    Donald Trump is famous for his attacks on journalists and the media. He has banned critical reporters from official events, threatened them with lawsuits, and branded mainstream outlets the “enemy of the people”. Since last year, the US has dropped ten notches on the World Press Freedom Index. Now in 55th place, the country trails far behind many European and other democracies.

    It is ironic, then, that vice president J.D. Vance dashed to the Munich Security Conference last week to scold Europeans for their supposed failings on free speech and democracy.

    Speaking to European leaders, Vance fretted: “The threat that I worry the most about vis-à-vis Europe is not Russia, it’s not China, it’s not any other external actor.” Rather, it is “the threat from within”. This rehashing of tropes about “the enemy within” forms part of a Trumpist vocabulary borrowed from the most sinister 20th century autocracies.

    One of Vance’s key claims for the decline of free speech in Europe left many UK observers dumbfounded. He rebuked the Scottish government for sending out letters in October 2024 cautioning citizens that, in his words, “even private prayer within their own homes may amount to breaking the law”.

    Vance was referring to Scotland’s Safe Access Zones Act, which prohibits protesters from gathering within 200 metres of clinics that perform abortions. Yet his accusation teaches volumes about Trumpism. To call it distorted would be diplomatic: it is a bold-faced lie. The Scottish government has confirmed that letters sent to residents near safe access zones did not instruct people to stop praying in the privacy of their homes.

    However, the letters did advise against conduct such as displaying anti-abortion posters or banners, or protesting on their property in ways that might be seen or heard within proximity of the clinics, or might encourage such activity in those areas.

    The Scottish law echoes similar laws in other democracies, including several US states. Yes, the right to protest is essential to democratic societies, but these societies have always accepted that protesters must not harass or threaten citizens going about their everyday business, let alone when seeking essential services such as medical appointments.

    Admittedly, “buffer zones” around abortion clinics cannot and need not extend so far as to impede protesters’ freedoms of expression, so a debate about the precise reach of the Scottish law can and should take place. However, as observed in England and Wales, zones have not generally been drawn with excessively broad perimeters.

    Clearly, Vance’s eyes were more fixed on his own future presidential bid, playing more to religious fundamentalists back home than to anyone who might seriously care about free expression. His 18-minute speech invoked God three times, and “prayer” nine times, while saying nothing about the main issue for which delegates had gathered: Russia’s unprovoked onslaught on Ukraine.

    Curiously, Vance whispered not a word of criticism about UK government crackdowns on the kinds of protests that, in the US, Trump most fears, such as protests against specific government policies and practices.

    I should not have to point out that anti-abortionists in Scotland remain entirely free to proclaim their opinions, in public and in print, alongside countless other types of political expression. Such expression has long been recognised as protected under UK law, and enshrined in the Human Rights Act.

    The only impact of Scotland’s new law is to prevent residents living within 200 metres of such clinics from displaying placards or holding events that would target women visiting such facilities. Admittedly, someone “only standing and praying” nearby a clinic may present a borderline case – but well within bounds that can be assessed through our democratic processes, the very processes that Trump loyalists increasingly disdain.

    We can debate the rights and wrongs of the Scottish law, but any suggestion that it seriously abridges free speech – when compared to the kinds of incursions Trump himself wages – would be farcical.

    Admittedly, while Scotland rightly protects its medical facilities, some people will ask whether a law can legitimately reach so far as to regulate the opinions that people wish to display in their windows and gardens. In recent years, many UK homes have flown Ukrainian or Palestinian flags from their homes, which some neighbours may find inappropriate. Yet British law protects their rights to do so.

    Clearly then, we can have meaningful debates about how far free expression in the home extends, but nothing in what Trump officials have said or done on their home turf suggests that this is their real concern.

    Free speech in retreat?

    As it happens, Vance was not totally wrong when he mused: “In Britain and across Europe, free speech, I fear, is in retreat.” For years, Hungarians have faced relentless attacks on free speech under Viktor Orbán – the autocrat whom Trump followers, including Vance himself, have so often praised.

    On several occasions in The Conversation and elsewhere, I have advocated free speech and I have every intention to continue doing so. I am also willing to concede that, despite Trump’s compulsive attacks on free speech, his supporters have raised some valid concerns about the stifling of opinion on the left.

    Abortion exemplifies the type of issue that sparks widespread ethical controversies. Any democracy must ensure that speakers on all sides have safe means of expressing their views in the public arena. Everyone in today’s democracies could use a few lessons in free speech – and the Trump team tops the list.

    Eric Heinze has received past funding from the European Union.

    – ref. Censorship, abortion and the ‘threat within’: what a free speech expert thinks of J.D. Vance’s remarks to Europe – https://theconversation.com/censorship-abortion-and-the-threat-within-what-a-free-speech-expert-thinks-of-j-d-vances-remarks-to-europe-250188

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    February 20, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Global: Trust in politics is in long-term decline around the world – new research

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Viktor Valgarðsson, Leverhulme Early Career Fellow in the Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Southampton

    Pro-Trump rioters stormed the US Capitol building to protest against the result of the 2020 presidential election. 72westy / Shutterstock

    Citizens’ trust in their political institutions has been falling around the world. This may not come as a shock to many.

    British politics has been in chaos since the Brexit referendum in 2016. Rioters stormed the US Capitol in protest against the result of the 2020 presidential election. And the US president, Donald Trump, is continuing to attack the supposed “deep-state” controlling American politics. None of these things scream public trust in government.

    But declining political trust is not self-evident. It’s possible that we may be too focused on a couple of countries that dominate our attention, and a lot has been going on in recent years that could explain the situation that we find ourselves in.

    Many researchers have also pointed out that people have never been particularly fond of politics. They suggest that we’ve simply been seeing “trendless fluctuations” in trust – ebbs and flows where we happen to notice declines more than rises or stability.

    In a recently published study, my co-authors and I took on this debate. We analysed more data on political trust than previous studies, from over 5 million respondents to 3,377 surveys conducted in 143 countries between 1958 and 2019.

    Our models suggest that, at least since 1990, trust in parliament and government has indeed been declining by an average of about 8.4 and 7.3 percentage points respectively in democratic countries across the world.

    The same does not apply to trust in non-representative “implementing institutions”, such as the civil service, justice system or police. In fact, we find that trust in the police has increased by about 12.5 percentage points across democracies on average over the same period.

    Thus, declining trust in government appears to be rooted in how politics is practised, which is seemingly less inspiring to citizens today, rather than in a growing distaste for social institutions in general.

    Global trends in trust in six types of institutions in democratic countries between 1990 and 2019.
    Valgarðsson et al. (2025) / British Journal of Political Science, CC BY-NC-ND

    Of course, this global picture masks a more nuanced story. Political trust has been rising in a few smaller countries: Denmark, Ecuador, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland. These nations may chart a path forward for the rest of the democratic world.

    Conversely, trust in the legal system has been declining in many countries in eastern Europe and Latin America. The same appears to be the case more recently in the US, suggesting that implementing institutions are not immune to the political trust crisis.

    Our findings do not answer why citizens of democracies are gradually losing faith in their democratic institutions, or what the consequences could be. They also do not suggest how trust in politics can be rebuilt. But what we do know is concerning.

    For instance, our data tells us that political trust was declining dramatically in Hungary right up until 2010, when Viktor Orbán was re-elected as prime minister (his first term ended in 2002). When in office, Orbán started dismantling the country’s constitutional and liberal democratic order.

    Trust in parliament, the legal system and the police in western Europe and North America.
    Valgarðsson et al. (2025) / British Journal of Political Science, CC BY-NC-ND

    We also know that the US has seen one of the more dramatic declines of political trust in recent times, and that political distrust was a powerful predictor of voting for Trump at least in the 2016 Republican primaries.

    In a survey conducted that year by American National Election Studies, about 24% of Trump’s primary voters said they would “never” trust the federal government to do what is right. This compared with about 9% of voters for rival Republican candidate John Kasich, and 8% and 4% of voters for Democrat candidates Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton respectively.

    We do not yet have data for the 2024 US presidential election. But it does not take a political scientist to know that Trump leaned even more heavily on people’s distrust in government in his campaign. Since becoming president, he has stepped up his efforts to dismantle America’s constitutional and liberal democratic order.

    Declining political trust is not the only cause of these developments. We are also seeing illiberal candidates and parties doing increasingly well in countries where we didn’t see the same trust declines in our data. The rising popularity of Geert Wilders in the Netherlands or the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party in Germany are both good examples.

    Some of this may be driven partly by more recent trust declines, like in the Netherlands where trust in parliament has dropped substantially since 2020. Or it could be driven by a polarisation of trust between a more trusting majority and a deeply distrusting minority. But much of it is also probably driven by other factors, such as economic distress, attitudes towards immigration and the “culture wars” of our day.

    It stands to reason that voters who deeply distrust the political establishment would tend to be attracted to populist leaders who rail against that establishment.

    These voters probably still support democracy as an ideal. Support for democratic principles has, in fact, remained high globally – although there are worrying signs among younger generations in US and UK. But these voters appear to be more willing to vote for politicians who will attack the institutions needed to make it work.

    Sceptical mistrust of government

    This brings us to one crucial question: are citizens right to distrust government? After all, political institutions haven’t been working all that well for a large portion of citizens – except maybe in areas like Scandinavia, where we have seen rising trust in recent times.

    A degree of sceptical mistrust of government is certainly vital for a healthy democracy. We are reminded of this by some of the more sobering points in our data.

    China has the highest rates of reported trust in the world, while Hungary and Russia have both seen rising trust levels as their governments have become less democratic and seized control of the media environment. Clearly, trust is not unequivocally good from a democratic perspective.

    Our challenge is to find the right balance: a climate of sceptical trust, where we hold our governments to account and engage critically with our institutions without throwing them away in favour of autocratic populists.

    To save the foundations of liberal democracy, we may need to rediscover its appeal to the ordinary citizen. If it’s something about the way politics is practised that citizens distrust, perhaps those politics need to change.

    Viktor Valgarðsson does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Trust in politics is in long-term decline around the world – new research – https://theconversation.com/trust-in-politics-is-in-long-term-decline-around-the-world-new-research-250078

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    February 20, 2025
  • 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 News –

    February 20, 2025
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