Category: Taxation

MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall on Fox Business: The Democrats “Don’t Know What to Do”

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. joined The Bottom Line on Fox Business to discuss the Democrats flip-flopping on their bipartisan promises, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requesting Internal Revenue Service (IRS) personnel to protect the border, why the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) needs major reform, and the current status of President Donald Trump’s cabinet nominees.

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You may click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full interview.
Highlights from Senator Marshall’s interview include:
On the Democrats reversing course on bipartisanship:
“It looks like my friends across the aisle will work with anybody whose name is not Donald Trump. The way I see it up here right now, if this were an MMA fight, the Democrats would be tapping out. It’s like Donald Trump has hit them with body flip, body jab after body jab, and now they’re folding. They’ve lost their confidence. They don’t know what to do.”
“This turn of bipartisanship is just a turn of convenience. But now we have Donald Trump doing what he said he was going to do. He’s going to get rid of waste, fraud, abuse, and incompetence, and now they’ve lost it, and Donald Trump is winning this fight.”
“Yeah, take USAID, for instance. Congress asked multiple times – open these books up for us and show it to us. We’ve asked the Pentagon to assess their own spending as well, and it never happens. It’s taken someone like an Elon Musk to work for President Trump to do exactly what Americans ask him to do – and that’s get rid of this waste, fraud, and abuse.”
On FEMA needing large-scale reform:
“It’s been four months since hurricane Helene. We still have 3500 North Carolina families that don’t have a home. Something’s not working right here. Here’s a former Governor, Governor Noem there, saying, look, let’s let the Governors use some of that money and put it to work in the right way as well. So we’ve got to do something differently.”
“Let’s not forget, it wasn’t too long that FEMA used over a billion dollars to take care and house people that were here illegally as well. So we need a redo there at FEMA. We need to start over. We need to pause and figure out how to do this the right way.”
On deputizing and deploying IRS agents to the U.S. southern border at the request of DHS:
“Promises made, promises kept here. President Trump said all hands on deck. I think most Americans would agree with me that the most significant initial concern to our country right now is this open southern border. So let’s use the IRS agents to chase the money. Think about this, all the human trafficking, all the fentanyl poisoning… behind that is money laundering. Who would be better than the IRS agents to track down that money laundering and work with the DHS agents? I think this is very good use of our resources as well.”
“I just want to emphasize goodness, we’re losing 200 people Americans every day from fentanyl poisoning, and the money used for that is being laundered by the Chinese triad, this Chinese organized crime group, and using a crypto a lot of at times as well. So we need to unleash all the resources we have to secure our borders, but then chase the bad guys, as they say. And I think the IRS is very equipped to do this. Let’s work together. If, wherever the you know the hemorrhaging is going, let’s stop that hemorrhaging. And that’s exactly what President Trump’s doing here.”
On President Trump’s Cabinet nominees advancing through confirmations:
“I want to brag on John Thune – Leader John Thune – and the job that he’s doing. We’re way ahead of Biden’s pace for getting people approved. I think we’re right there even with Barack Obama, his pace getting things approved, so we’re making progress.”
“This is a big week. We have Tulsi Gabbard and Bobby Kennedy Jr. up in front of us today. I think those are probably the two toughest hurdles we’ve got going on. Kash Patel will be a little bit of a hurdle as well, but I think we’re making excellent progress.”
“I think the senators up here are hearing Americans out there – they’re hearing across the country that they want Bobby Kennedy to be a game changer, to be a disrupter as well. You know, I saw something interesting this week that President Trump’s numbers with younger people especially went up like 10% – 10 points here in the past week or two. I think a lot of that is because of people like Tulsi Gabbard, people like Bobby Kennedy, Jr, Kash Patel, that relate to younger people as well. So it’s a great week. It’s a great month to be up here working with President Trump.”

MIL OSI USA News –

February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: The number of self-employed in Moscow has exceeded 1.9 million

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

In the capital, the number of payers of the professional income tax at the beginning of 2025 exceeded 1.9 million people. This was reported by Maria Bagreeva, Deputy Mayor of Moscow, Head of the Department of Economic Policy and City Development.

“Moscow’s large consumer market and the support measures provided by the city allow entrepreneurs to develop their businesses in the directions and formats that are attractive to them. In 2024, the number of self-employed people working in the capital increased by almost 350 thousand and exceeded 1.9 million people. 16 percent of Russian registered professional income taxpayers work in Moscow. Over the entire period of this tax regime, which has been in effect in the capital since January 1, 2019, they have earned almost 1.5 trillion rubles, including 536 billion rubles in 2024,” noted Maria Bagreeva.

Last year, the self-employed transferred 15.1 billion rubles to the Moscow budget – 46 percent more than in 2023. Over the entire period of the special tax regime, more than 39 billion rubles in professional income tax have already been received by the capital’s budget.

In 2024, 181 million checks were issued to clients — twice as many as the year before. This indicates an increase in business activity among the self-employed in Moscow. At the same time, the average check size at the end of 2024 was 3,152 rubles.

The advantages of this tax regime are the ease of registration and the automated mode of transferring information about the income received. In addition, the self-employed person is not required to submit tax reports or use cash registers.

According to the Federal Tax Service, in 2024, the most popular types of activity among the capital’s self-employed, which they indicated during registration, were passenger and freight transportation, delivery, apartment rental, construction, advertising and marketing.

Moscow has a developed modern infrastructure for professional self-realization, including those who choose the entrepreneurial scenario. On Shchepkina Street (house 38, building 1) there is a center for innovative personnel services “Professions of the Future”Here you can master one of 75 in-demand specialties in various sectors of the economy, get help in finding a job or start your own business. All this will take a maximum of 3.5 months.

At the flagship center “My work” (Shabolovka Street, Building 48) a unique full-cycle ecosystem, “Self-Employment in Hands,” has been created. Here you can get advice on starting your own business, take part in career guidance classes and develop entrepreneurial skills.

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.

Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/149931073/

MIL OSI Russia News –

February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: International Monetary Fund (IMF) Staff Completes 2025 Article IV Consultation with Morocco
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

RABAT, Morocco, February 11, 2025/APO Group/ —
- Economic growth is accelerating thanks to strong domestic demand, amid a new investment cycle in many sectors.
- Tax reforms have allowed the fiscal deficit in 2024 to be lower than expected while also funding spending measures. Going forward, saving part of the revenue windfall would help strengthen the fiscal buffers. The current monetary policy stance is appropriate and should remain data dependent.
- Structural reforms should focus on strengthening job creation, including by better targeting active labor market polices, consolidating programs to support small and medium firms, and removing regulatory distortions that hinder firms’ growth.
An International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff team led by Roberto Cardarelli conducted discussions with the Moroccan authorities in Rabat on the 2025 Article IV Consultation from January 27 to February 7. At the conclusion of the visit, Mr. Cardarelli issued the following statement:

“Economic activity is expected to have grown by 3.2 percent in 2024 and to accelerate to 3.9 percent in 2025, as agricultural output rebounds after the recent droughts and the nonagricultural sector continues to expand at a robust pace amid strong domestic demand. Higher growth is expected to increase the current account deficit towards its estimated medium-term norm of around 3 percent, while inflation is expected to stabilize at around 2 percent. The risks to the outlook are broadly balanced, with significant uncertainty regarding the economic impact of geopolitical tensions and changing climate conditions.

“With inflation expectations anchored around 2 percent and little signs of demand pressures, the current broadly neutral monetary policy stance is appropriate, and staff agrees with Bank Al-Maghrib that future changes of policy rates should remain data dependent. With inflation back to around 2 percent, Bank Al-Maghrib should continue its preparation to adopt an inflation-targeting framework.”

“Recent reforms to the tax system and tax administration have helped expand the tax base while lowering the tax burden. As a result, tax revenues in 2024 have been greater than expected. With only a small part of the additional tax revenues being saved, the central government’s deficit for the year was 4.1 percent of GDP compared to the 4.3 announced in the 2024 Budget. While the 2025 Budget confirms the gradual pace of fiscal adjustment projected last year, higher-than-expected revenues should be used to accelerate the pace of debt reduction to levels closer to pre-pandemic. In addition, continuing to finance structural reforms may require further efforts to expand the tax base and rationalize spending, including by reducing transfers to state-owned enterprises as part of the ongoing reform of the sector and expanding the use of the Unified Social Registry to all social programs.

“Staff welcomes the ongoing reform of the Organic Budget Law that should introduce a new fiscal rule based on a medium-term debt anchor. Good progress has been made in the Medium-Term fiscal framework to include an assessment of the risk from climate change. Staff encourages the authorities to build on this progress by adding more information on the impact of new policy measures and a quantification of the risks from the increased reliance on public-private partnership (PPP) projects.

“Stronger job creation requires a novel approach to active labor market policies, focusing on labor displaced from the agricultural sector due to the sequence of droughts. A special focus should be placed on encouraging the growth of small and medium size enterprises (SME) and favoring their integration into sectoral value chains. Staff welcomes the progress in the operationalization of the Mohammed VI Investment Fund that should help SMEs access equity financing. Measures that may encourage the development of a more buoyant private sector include strengthening the support for SMEs under the new Charter of Investment, strengthening regional investment centers so they can better help SMEs access the financial and technical resources needed for their growth, and reviewing the labor code, tax system, and regulatory and governance frameworks so as remove the distortion that incentivize firms to remain small or informal. It will also be necessary that the ongoing SOE reform effectively pursues market neutrality between public and private sector firms.

“The IMF team held discussions with senior officials of the government of Morocco, Bank Al-Maghrib, and representatives of the public and private sectors. The team thanks the Moroccan authorities and other stakeholders for their hospitality and candid and productive discussions.”

MIL OSI Africa –
February 11, 2025

MIL-OSI: International Petroleum Corporation Announces 2024 Year-End Financial and Operational Results and 2025 Budget, Reserves and Guidance

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

TORONTO, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — International Petroleum Corporation (IPC or the Corporation) (TSX, Nasdaq Stockholm: IPCO) today released its financial and operating results and related management’s discussion and analysis (MD&A) for the three months and year ended December 31, 2024. IPC is also pleased to announce its 2025 budget, including that IPC continues to progress the development of the Blackrod Phase 1 project in Canada in line with schedule and budget. IPC previously announced the renewal of the normal course issuer bid (NCIB) under which IPC may acquire a further 5.3 million common shares up to December 2025, in addition to the 2.2 million common shares already purchased for cancellation under the NCIB in December 2024 and January 2025. IPC’s 2025 capital and decommissioning expenditure budget is USD 320 million and its 2025 average daily production guidance is between 43,000 and 45,000 barrels of oil equivalent (boe) per day (boepd). 2024 year-end proved plus probable (2P) reserves are 493 million boe (MMboe) and best estimate contingent resources (unrisked) are 1,107 MMboe.⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾

William Lundin, IPC’s President and Chief Executive Officer, comments: “We are very pleased to announce that IPC achieved strong operational results in 2024. Our average net production was 47,400 boepd for the full year, with very strong operational and ESG performance across all our areas of operation. 2024 was a very significant investment year for our Blackrod Phase 1 development project, and we have spent over two-thirds of the forecast capital expenditure by the end of 2024. We generated strong cash flows from our business, and we returned USD 102 million to shareholders through share buybacks in 2024. With gross cash resources of USD 247 million at 2024 year-end, we continue to be well positioned to deliver on our three strategic pillars of Organic Growth, Stakeholder Returns, and M&A that drive value creation for our stakeholders.⁽¹⁾⁽³⁾

On Organic Growth, we are very pleased with the progress of the development of Phase 1 of the Blackrod project, Canada, which remains in line with schedule and budget. Phase 1 of the Blackrod project continues to forecast first oil in late 2026, with peak production planned to increase to 30,000 bopd by 2028. In 2024, IPC achieved over 250% reserves replacement ratio, ending the year with 493 MMboe of 2P reserves, the highest in our history.⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾

On Stakeholder Returns, we completed the 2023/2024 NCIB program, purchasing and cancelling 8.3 million IPC common shares over the period of December 5, 2023 to December 4, 2024, representing approximately 6.5% of the common shares outstanding at the start of that program. We immediately recommenced purchasing under the renewed 2024/2025 NCIB, purchasing for cancellation 0.8 million common shares during December 2024 and over 1.4 million common shares during January 2024. We are permitted to purchase up to a further 5.3 million common shares by early December 2025, which will represent a 6.2% reduction in the number of shares common outstanding at the beginning of the 2024/2025 NCIB.

On M&A, we continue to review potential opportunities in Canada and internationally. IPC’s principal focus continues to be on progressing the Blackrod Phase 1 development as well as developing our existing asset base in Canada, France and Malaysia.

IPC is well-positioned for 2025 and beyond as our Blackrod Phase 1 project is progressing according to plan, our existing production operations continue to generate strong cash flows, and our balance sheet is strong. At the same time, we continue return value to our shareholders by repurchasing and cancelling our common shares under the NCIB. I look forward to another exciting year at IPC with our high quality assets and our highly skilled and motivated teams across all areas of operation.”

2024 Business Highlights

Average net production of approximately 47,400 boepd for the fourth quarter of 2024 was in line with the guidance range for the period (51% heavy crude oil, 15% light and medium crude oil and 34% natural gas).⁽¹⁾
Full year 2024 average net production was 47,400 boepd, above the mid-point of the 2024 annual guidance of 46,000 to 48,000 boepd.⁽¹⁾
Development activities on Phase 1 of the Blackrod project progressed in 2024 on schedule and on budget, with forecast first oil in late 2026. All major third-party contracts have been executed and construction is advancing according to plan, including construction of the central processing facility (CPF) and well pad facilities, finalization of the midstream agreements for the input fuel gas, diluent and oil blend pipelines, and advancement of drilling operations. As at the end of 2024, over two-thirds of the forecast Blackrod Phase 1 development capital expenditure of USD 850 million has been spent since project sanction in early 2023.
Drilling activity at the Southern Alberta assets in Canada continued with a total of thirteen wells drilled during 2024.
Successful completion of planned maintenance shutdowns at Onion Lake Thermal (OLT) in Canada and the Bertam field in Malaysia during 2024.
8.3 million common shares purchased and cancelled from December 2023 to early December 2024 under IPC’s 2023/2024 NCIB and a further 2.2 million common shares purchased for cancellation during December 2024 and January 2025 under the renewed 2024/2025 NCIB.
In Q3 2024, published IPC’s fifth annual Sustainability Report.

2024 Financial Highlights

Operating costs per boe of USD 18.2 for the fourth quarter of 2024 and USD 17.0 for the full year, in line with the most recent 2024 guidance of less than USD 18.0 per boe for the full year.⁽³⁾
Strong operating cash flow (OCF) generation for the fourth quarter and full year 2024 amounted to MUSD 78 and MUSD 342, respectively.⁽³⁾
Capital and decommissioning expenditures of MUSD 129 for the fourth quarter and MUSD 442 for the full year 2024, in line with the full year guidance of MUSD 437.
Free cash flow (FCF) generation for the full year 2024 of negative MUSD 135, with negative FCF generation of MUSD 61 for the fourth quarter in line with expectations and taking into account the significant capital expenditures during the quarter in respect of the Blackrod project. FCF for the full year 2024, before 2024 Blackrod Phase 1 development expenditure of MUSD 351, was MUSD 216.⁽³⁾
Net debt of MUSD 209 and gross cash of MUSD 247 as at December 31, 2024.⁽³⁾
Net result of MUSD 0.4 for the fourth quarter of 2024 and MUSD 102 for the full year 2024.
Entered into a letter of credit facility in Canada during 2024 to cover operational letters of credit, giving full availability under IPC’s undrawn CAD 180 million Revolving Credit Facility.

Reserves and Resources

Total 2P reserves as at December 31, 2024 of 493 MMboe, with a reserve life index (RLI) of 31 years.⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾
Contingent resources (best estimate, unrisked) as at December 31, 2024 of 1,107 MMboe.⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾
2P reserves net asset value (NAV) as at December 31, 2024 of MUSD 3,083 (10% discount rate).^(1)(2)(⁵⁾⁽⁶⁾

2025 Annual Guidance

Full year 2025 average net production forecast at 43,000 to 45,000 boepd.⁽¹⁾
Full year 2025 operating costs forecast at USD 18 to 19 per boe.⁽³⁾
Full year 2025 OCF guidance estimated at between MUSD 210 and 280 (assuming Brent USD 65 to 85 per barrel).⁽³⁾
Full year 2025 capital and decommissioning expenditures guidance forecast at MUSD 320, including MUSD 230 relating to Blackrod capital expenditure.
Full year 2025 FCF ranges from approximately MUSD 80 to 150 (assuming Brent USD 65 to 85 per barrel) before taking into account proposed Blackrod capital expenditures, or negative MUSD 150 to 80 including proposed Blackrod capital expenditures.⁽³⁾

Business Plan Production and Cash Flow Guidance

2025 – 2029 business plan forecasts:
- average net production forecast approximately 57,000 boepd.⁽¹⁾⁽⁸⁾
- capital expenditure forecast of USD 8 per boe, including USD 3 per boe for growth expenditure.⁽⁸⁾
- operating costs forecast of USD 18 to 19 per boe.⁽³⁾⁽⁸⁾
- FCF forecast of approximately MUSD 1,200 to 2,000 (assuming Brent USD 75 to 95 per barrel).⁽³⁾⁽⁸⁾
2030 – 2034 business plan forecasts:
- average net production forecast of approximately 63,000 boepd.⁽¹⁾⁽⁸⁾
- capital expenditure forecast of USD 5 per boe.⁽⁸⁾
- operating costs forecast of USD 18 to 19 per boe.⁽³⁾⁽⁸⁾
- FCF forecast of approximately MUSD 1,600 to 2,600 (assuming Brent USD 75 to 95 per barrel).⁽³⁾⁽⁸⁾

	Three months ended December 31				Year ended December 31
USD Thousands	2024		2023		2024		2023
Revenue	199,124		198,460		797,783		853,906
Gross profit	42,774		39,955		210,171		250,514
Net result	415		29,710		102,219		172,979
Operating cash flow ⁽³⁾	78,158		73,634		341,989		353,048
Free cash flow ⁽³⁾	(61,476	)	(64,688	)	(135,497	)	2,689
EBITDA ⁽³⁾	76,184		66,284		335,488		350,618
Net Cash / (Debt) ⁽³⁾	(208,528	)	58,043		(208,528	)	58,043

IPC was launched in 2017 by way of spinning off the non-Norwegian assets from Lundin Energy. The strategy and vision from the outset was to be the international E&P growth vehicle for the Lundin Group by pursuing growth organically and through acquisitions. The foundation of this strategy was and is predicated on maximising long-term stakeholder value through responsible business operations focused on operational excellence and financial resilience to underpin optimal capital allocation decision-making.

We are very pleased with the track record of value creation achieved by the company to date. IPC’s production, reserves, resources and cash flow exposure has increased materially through accretive acquisitions supplemented by base business investment. Excluding the growth capital expenditure assigned to the Blackrod Phase 1 development, over USD 1.5 billion in free cash flow (FCF) has been generated and over USD 0.5 billion has been returned to shareholders in the form of share buybacks since inception. IPC’s current shares outstanding are less than 5% higher than the original shares outstanding upon the formation of the company. IPC is determined to build on the historical success and the growth outlook has never been brighter.⁽³⁾

2024 was a milestone year for the company through successfully delivering the largest capital investment campaign in its history. The record investment was accompanied by strong safety, operational and financial performance. IPC returned USD 102 million of value to shareholders in the year through share repurchases, whilst maintaining a strong balance sheet.

Oil prices were rangebound in 2024 between Brent USD 70 to 90 per barrel, with a full year Brent average of USD 81 per barrel, in line with our original oil price sensitivities guided at CMD. The fourth quarter 2024 Brent price averaged USD 75 per barrel, the lowest quarterly price average in the year. The downward trend in benchmark oil prices through the second half of 2024 has been slightly reversed in current time as continuous crude inventory draws, strong demand, underwhelming non-OPEC production growth and continued OPEC production curtailments have supported the market balance. A new administration in the White House presents uncertainty for the oil market, as looming tariffs and sanctions pose a risk to global supply chain systems and trade flows. Around 40% of our 2025 Dated Brent and WTI exposure is hedged at USD 76 per barrel and USD 71 per barrel respectively.

The fourth quarter 2024 WTI to WCS price differentials averaged less than USD 13 per barrel, around USD 2 per barrel lower than the full year average of USD 15 per barrel. The fourth quarter differential was the lowest quarterly average since the Covid pandemic in 2020 when benchmark oil prices were more than USD 30 per barrel less than current levels. The TMX pipeline is driving the tighter differentials with excess take-away capacity in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin (WCSB) relative to supply. Close to 50% of our 2025 WCS to WTI differential exposure is hedged at USD 14 per barrel, which should assist in mitigating adverse effects of potential US tariffs on Canadian production.

Natural gas prices averaged CAD 1.5 per Mcf for 2024 and in the fourth quarter. Western Canada gas storage levels continue to sit above the five-year range. This is in part due to delays of the LNG Canada start-up project which was supposed to be onstream at end 2024, start-up is now anticipated for mid-2025. IPC has around 9,600 Mcf per day hedged at CAD 2.6 per Mcf for 2025.

Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Highlights

During the fourth quarter of 2024, IPC’s assets delivered average net production of 47,400 boepd, in line with guidance for the quarter. Full year 2024 average net production of 47,400 boepd was above the 2024 mid-point guidance range of 46,000 to 48,000 boepd.⁽¹⁾

IPC’s operating costs per boe for the fourth quarter of 2024 was USD 18.2. Full year 2024 operating costs per boe was USD 17.0, in line with the most recent 2024 annual guidance of less than USD 18 per boe.⁽³⁾

Operating cash flow (OCF) generation for the fourth quarter of 2024 was USD 78 million. Full year 2024 OCF was USD 342 million in line with the most recent guidance of USD 335 to 342 million.⁽³⁾

Capital and decommissioning expenditure for the fourth quarter of 2024 was USD 129 million. Full year 2024 capital and decommissioning expenditure of USD 442 million was in line with guidance of USD 437 million.

Free cash flow (FCF) generation was in line with guidance at negative USD 61 million during the fourth quarter of 2024, reflecting the higher level of capital expenditure on the Blackrod Phase 1 development project. Full year 2024 FCF generation was negative USD 135 million, in line with the most recent guidance of negative USD 140 to 133 million.⁽³⁾

As at December 31, 2024, IPC’s net debt position was USD 209 million. IPC’s gross cash on the balance sheet amounts to USD 247 million which provides IPC with significant financial strength to continue progressing its strategies in 2025, including advancing the Blackrod development project, returning value to shareholders through the 2024/2025 NCIB, and remaining opportunistic to mergers and acquisitions activity.⁽³⁾

Blackrod Project

The Blackrod asset is 100% owned by IPC and hosts the largest booked reserves and contingent resources within the IPC portfolio. After more than a decade of pilot operations, subsurface delineation and commercial engineering studies, IPC sanctioned the Phase 1 Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) development in the first quarter of 2023. The Phase 1 development targets 259 MMboe of 2P reserves, with a multi-year forecast capital expenditure of USD 850 million to first oil planned in late 2026. The Phase 1 development is planned for plateau production of 30,000 bopd which is expected by early 2028.⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾

As at the end of 2024, USD 591 million of cumulative growth capital, has been spent on the Blackrod Phase 1 development since sanction with a peak annual investment of USD 351 million incurred in 2024. Significant progress has been made across all key scopes of the project including but not limited to: detailed engineering, procurement, fabrication, drilling, construction, third party transport pipelines, commissioning and operations planning. Site health and safety control has been excellent with zero lost time incidents since commercial development activities commenced.

Looking forward, USD 230 million is planned to be spent in 2025 mainly relating to advancing the remaining fabrication, construction and substantial completion of the Central Processing Facility (CPF) for the Phase 1 development. The remaining growth capital expenditure to first oil is forecast to be spent in 2026 on drilling, completions and commissioning of the CPF with first steam anticipated by end Q1 2026.

IPC is strongly positioned to deliver within plan with a clear line of sight to start-up. The Blackrod Phase 1 project is expected to generate significant value for all our stakeholders. And with over 1 billion barrels of best estimate contingent resources (unrisked) beyond Phase 1, IPC is pleased to announce a resource maturation plan that sees significant volume maturation into reserves through low cost of less than USD 0.15 per barrel. The 2P reserves attributable to Phase 1 has increased by 40 MMboe to 259 MMboe from year end 2023 to year end 2024.⁽²⁾

As at the end of 2024, 70% of the Blackrod Phase 1 development capital had been spent since the project sanction in early 2023. All major work streams are progressing as planned and the focus continues to be on executing the detailed sequencing of events as facility modules are safely delivered and installed at site. The total Phase 1 project guidance of USD 850 million capital expenditure to first oil in late 2026 is unchanged. IPC intends to fund the remaining Blackrod Phase 1 development costs with forecast cash flow generated by its operations and cash on hand.

Stakeholder Returns: Normal Course Issuer Bid

During the period of December 5, 2023 to December 4, 2024, IPC purchased and cancelled an aggregate of approximately 8.3 million common shares under the 2023/2024 NCIB. The average price of shares purchased under the 2023/2024 NCIB was SEK 131 / CAD 17 per share.

In Q4 2024, IPC announced the renewal of the NCIB, with the ability to repurchase up to approximately 7.5 million common shares over the period of December 5, 2024 to December 4, 2025. Under the 2024/2025 NCIB, IPC repurchased and cancelled approximately 0.8 million common shares in December 2024. By the end of January 2025, IPC repurchased for cancellation over 1.4 million common shares under the 2024/2025 NCIB. The average price of common shares purchased under the 2024/2025 NCIB during December 2024 and January 2025 was SEK 135 / CAD 17.5 per share.

As at February 7, 2025, IPC had a total of 117,781,927 common shares issued and outstanding, of which IPC holds 508,853 common shares in treasury.

Under the 2024/2025 NCIB, IPC may purchase and cancel a further 5.3 million common shares by December 4, 2025. This would result in the cancellation of 6.2% of shares outstanding as at the beginning of December 2024. IPC continues to believe that reducing the number of shares outstanding while in parallel investing in material production growth at Blackrod will prove to be a winning formula for our stakeholders.

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Performance

As part of IPC’s commitment to operational excellence and responsible development, IPC’s objective is to reduce risk and eliminate hazards to prevent occurrence of accidents, ill health, and environmental damage, as these are essential to the success of our business operations. During the fourth quarter and for the full year 2024, IPC recorded no material safety or environmental incidents.

As previously announced, IPC targets a reduction of our net GHG emissions intensity by the end of 2025 to 50% of IPC’s 2019 baseline and IPC remains on track to achieve this reduction. During 2024, IPC announced the commitment to remain at end 2025 levels of 20 kg CO2/boe through to the end of 2028.⁽⁴⁾

Reserves, Resources and Value

As at the end of December 2024, IPC’s 2P reserves are 493 MMboe. During 2024, IPC replaced 251% of the annual 2024 production. The reserves life index (RLI) as at December 31, 2024, is approximately 31 years.⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾

The net present value (NPV) of IPC’s 2P reserves as at December 31, 2024 was USD 3.3 billion. IPC’s net asset value (NAV) was USD 3.1 billion or SEK 287 / CAD 37 per share as at December 31, 2024.⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾⁽⁵⁾⁽⁶⁾⁽⁷⁾

In addition, IPC’s best estimate contingent resources (unrisked) as at December 31, 2024 are 1,107 MMboe, of which 1,025 MMboe relate to future potential phases of the Blackrod project.⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾

2025 Budget and Operational Guidance

IPC is pleased to announce its 2025 average net production guidance is 43,000 to 45,000 boepd. IPC forecasts operating costs for 2025 between USD 18 and 19 per boe.⁽¹⁾⁽³⁾

IPC’s 2025 capital and decommissioning expenditure budget is USD 320 million, with USD 230 million forecast relating to Blackrod capital expenditure. The remainder of the 2025 budget in Canada includes drilling and ongoing optimization work at Onion Lake Thermal and Suffield Area assets. IPC also plans to advance the next phase of infill drilling and complete well maintenance works at the Bertam field in Malaysia. IPC expects to conduct technical studies for future development potential in France. In all of IPC’s areas of operation, IPC has significant flexibility to control its pace of spend based on the development of commodity prices during 2025.

Notwithstanding a modest production decline expected in 2025, IPC’s production per share metric remains largely unchanged relative to 2024 and 2023. IPC has prioritised capital allocation to the transformational Blackrod Phase 1 development and share buybacks as opposed to further increasing its base business investment to preserve balance sheet strength and maximise long- term shareholder value.

Further details regarding IPC’s proposed 2025 budget and operational guidance will be provided at IPC’s Capital Markets Day presentation to be held on February 11, 2025 at 15:00 CET. A copy of the Capital Markets Day presentation will be available on IPC’s website at www.international-petroleum.com.

Notes:

(1) See “Supplemental Information regarding Product Types” in “Reserves and Resources Advisory” below. See also the material change report (MCR) available on IPC’s website at www.international-petroleum.com and filed on the date of this press release under IPC’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.
(2) See “Reserves and Resources Advisory“ below. Further information with respect to IPC’s reserves, contingent resources and estimates of future net revenue, including assumptions relating to the calculation of NPV, are described in the MCR. The reserve life index (RLI) is calculated by dividing the 2P reserves of 493 MMboe as at December 31, 2024 by the mid-point of the 2025 CMD production guidance of 43,000 to 45,000 boepd. Reserves replacement ratio is based on 2P reserves of 468 boe as at December 31, 2024, sales production during 2024 of 16.6 MMboe, net additions to 2P reserves during 2024 of 41.7 MMboe, and 2P reserves of 493 MMboe as at December 31, 2024.
(3) Non-IFRS measure, see “Non-IFRS Measures” below and in the MD&A.
(4) Emissions intensity is the ratio between oil and gas production and the associated carbon emissions, and net emissions intensity reflects gross emissions less operational emission reductions and carbon offsets.
(5) Net present value (NPV) is after tax, discounted at 10% and based upon the forecast prices and other assumptions further described in the MCR. See “Reserves and Resources Advisory” below.
(6) Net asset value (NAV) is calculated as NPV less net debt of USD 209 million as at December 31, 2024.
(7) NAV per share is based on 119,059,315 IPC common shares as at December 31, 2024, being 119,169,471 common shares outstanding less 110,156 common shares held in treasury and cancelled in January 2025. NAV per share is not predictive and may not be reflective of current or future market prices for IPC common shares.
(8) Estimated FCF generation is based on IPC’s current business plans over the periods of 2025 to 2029 and 2030 to 2034, including net debt of USD 209 million as at December 31, 2024, with assumptions based on the reports of IPC’s independent reserves evaluators, and including certain corporate adjustments relating to estimated general and administration costs and hedging, and excluding shareholder distributions and financing costs. Assumptions include average net production of approximately 57 Mboepd over the period of 2025 to 2029, average net production of approximately 63 Mboepd over the period of 2030 to 2034, average Brent oil prices of USD 75 to 95 per bbl escalating by 2% per year, and average Brent to Western Canadian Select differentials and average gas prices as estimated by IPC’s independent reserves evaluator and as further described in the MCR. IPC’s market capitalization is at close on January 31, 2025 (USD 1,557 million based on 146.8 SEK/share, 117.7 million IPC shares outstanding (net of treasury shares) and exchange rate of 11.10 SEK/USD). IPC’s current business plans and assumptions, and the business environment, are subject to change. Actual results may differ materially from forward-looking estimates and forecasts. See “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Non-IFRS Measures” below.

International Petroleum Corp. (IPC) is an international oil and gas exploration and production company with a high quality portfolio of assets located in Canada, Malaysia and France, providing a solid foundation for organic and inorganic growth. IPC is a member of the Lundin Group of Companies. IPC is incorporated in Canada and IPC’s shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and the Nasdaq Stockholm exchange under the symbol “IPCO”.

For further information, please contact:

Rebecca Gordon SVP Corporate Planning and Investor Relations rebecca.gordon@international-petroleum.com Tel: +41 22 595 10 50		Or		Robert Eriksson Media Manager reriksson@rive6.ch Tel: +46 701 11 26 15

This information is information that International Petroleum Corporation is required to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and the Securities Markets Act. The information was submitted for publication, through the contact persons set out above, at 07:30 CET on February 11, 2025. The Corporation’s audited condensed consolidated financial statements (Financial Statements) and management’s discussion and analysis (MD&A) for the three months and year ended December 31, 2024 have been filed on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and are also available on the Corporation’s website (www.international-petroleum.com).

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains statements and information which constitute “forward-looking statements” or “forward-looking information” (within the meaning of applicable securities legislation). Such statements and information (together, “forward-looking statements”) relate to future events, including the Corporation’s future performance, business prospects or opportunities. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, unless otherwise indicated. IPC does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws.

All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, forecasts, guidance, budgets, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as “seek”, “anticipate”, “plan”, “continue”, “estimate”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “forecast”, “predict”, “potential”, “targeting”, “intend”, “could”, “might”, “should”, “believe”, “budget” and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be “forward-looking statements”.

Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to:

2025 production ranges (including total daily average production), production composition, cash flows, operating costs and capital and decommissioning expenditure estimates;
Estimates of future production, cash flows, operating costs and capital expenditures that are based on IPC’s current business plans and assumptions regarding the business environment, which are subject to change;
IPC’s financial and operational flexibility to navigate the Corporation through periods of volatile commodity prices;
The ability to fully fund future expenditures from cash flows and current borrowing capacity;
IPC’s intention and ability to continue to implement its strategies to build long-term shareholder value;
The ability of IPC’s portfolio of assets to provide a solid foundation for organic and inorganic growth;
The continued facility uptime and reservoir performance in IPC’s areas of operation;
Development of the Blackrod project in Canada, including estimates of resource volumes, future production, timing, regulatory approvals, third party commercial arrangements, breakeven oil prices and net present values;
Current and future production performance, operations and development potential of the Onion Lake Thermal, Suffield, Brooks, Ferguson and Mooney operations, including the timing and success of future oil and gas drilling and optimization programs;
The potential improvement in the Canadian oil egress situation and IPC’s ability to benefit from any such improvements;
The ability of IPC to achieve and maintain current and forecast production in France and Malaysia;
The intention and ability of IPC to acquire further common shares under the NCIB, including the timing of any such purchases;
The return of value to IPC’s shareholders as a result of the NCIB;
IPC’s ability to implement its GHG emissions intensity and climate strategies and to achieve its net GHG emissions intensity reduction targets;
IPC’s ability to implement projects to reduce net emissions intensity, including potential carbon capture and storage;
Estimates of reserves and contingent resources;
The ability to generate free cash flows and use that cash to repay debt;
IPC’s continued access to its existing credit facilities, including current financial headroom, on terms acceptable to the Corporation;
IPC’s ability to identify and complete future acquisitions;
Expectations regarding the oil and gas industry in Canada, Malaysia and France, including assumptions regarding future royalty rates, regulatory approvals, legislative changes, and ongoing projects and their expected completion; and
Future drilling and other exploration and development activities.

Statements relating to “reserves” and “contingent resources” are also deemed to be forward-looking statements, as they involve the implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions, that the reserves and resources described exist in the quantities predicted or estimated and that the reserves and resources can be profitably produced in the future. Ultimate recovery of reserves or resources is based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management.

Although IPC believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because IPC can give no assurances that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks.

These include, but are not limited to general global economic, market and business conditions, the risks associated with the oil and gas industry in general such as operational risks in development, exploration and production; delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures; the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to reserves, resources, production, revenues, costs and expenses; health, safety and environmental risks; commodity price fluctuations; interest rate and exchange rate fluctuations; marketing and transportation; loss of markets; environmental and climate-related risks; competition; incorrect assessment of the value of acquisitions; failure to complete or realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions or dispositions; the ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources; failure to obtain required regulatory and other approvals; and changes in legislation, including but not limited to tax laws, royalties, environmental and abandonment regulations.

Additional information on these and other factors that could affect IPC, or its operations or financial results, are included in the MD&A (See “Risk Factors”, “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information” and “Reserves and Resources Advisory” therein), the Corporation’s material change report dated February 11, 2025 (MCR), the Corporation’s Annual Information Form (AIF) for the year ended December 31, 2023, (See “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information”, “Reserves and Resources Advisory” and “Risk Factors”) and other reports on file with applicable securities regulatory authorities, including previous financial reports, management’s discussion and analysis and material change reports, which may be accessed through the SEDAR+ website (www.sedarplus.ca) or IPC’s website (www.international-petroleum.com).

Management of IPC approved the production, operating costs, operating cash flow, capital and decommissioning expenditures and free cash flow guidance and estimates contained herein as of the date of this press release. The purpose of these guidance and estimates is to assist readers in understanding IPC’s expected and targeted financial results, and this information may not be appropriate for other purposes.

Estimated FCF generation is based on IPC’s current business plans over the periods of 2025 to 2029 and 2030 to 2034, including net debt of USD 209 million as at December 31, 2024, with assumptions based on the reports of IPC’s independent reserves evaluators, and including certain corporate adjustments relating to estimated general and administration costs and hedging, and excluding shareholder distributions and financing costs. Assumptions include average net production of approximately 57 Mboepd over the period of 2025 to 2029, average net production of approximately 63 Mboepd over the period of 2030 to 2034, average Brent oil prices of USD 75 to 95 per bbl escalating by 2% per year, and average Brent to Western Canadian Select differentials and average gas prices as estimated by IPC’s independent reserves evaluator and as further described in the MCR. IPC’s current business plans and assumptions, and the business environment, are subject to change. Actual results may differ materially from forward-looking estimates and forecasts.

Non-IFRS Measures
References are made in this press release to “operating cash flow” (OCF), “free cash flow” (FCF), “Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortization” (EBITDA), “operating costs” and “net debt”/”net cash”, which are not generally accepted accounting measures under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and, therefore, may not be comparable with similar measures presented by other public companies. Non-IFRS measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures prepared in accordance with IFRS.

The definition of each non-IFRS measure is presented in IPC’s MD&A (See “Non-IFRS Measures” therein).

Operating cash flow
The following table sets out how operating cash flow is calculated from figures shown in the Financial Statements:

	Three months ended December 31				Year ended December 31
USD Thousands	2024		2023		2024		2023
Revenue	199,124		198,460		797,783		853,906
Production costs and net sales of diluent to third party¹	(119,371	)	(126,414	)	(447,481	)	(491,303	)
Current tax	(1,595	)	1,588		(8,313	)	(14,457	)
Operating cash flow	78,158		73,634		341,989		348,146

¹ Include net sales of diluent to third party amounting to USD 737 thousand for the fourth quarter of 2024 and the year ended December 31, 2024.

The operating cash flow for the year ended December 31, 2023 including the operating cash flow contribution of the Brooks assets acquisition from the effective date of January 1, 2023 to the completion date of March 3, 2023 amounted to USD 353,048 thousand.

Free cash flow
The following table sets out how free cash flow is calculated from figures shown in the Financial Statements:

	Three months ended December 31				Year ended December 31
USD Thousands	2024		2023		2024		2023
Operating cash flow – see above	78,158		73,634		341,989		348,146
Capital expenditures	(126,256	)	(128,825	)	(434,713	)	(312,729	)
Abandonment and farm-in expenditures¹	(3,364	)	(1,516	)	(8,302	)	(9,199	)
General, administration and depreciation expenses before depreciation²	(3,569	)	(5,762	)	(14,814	)	(16,886	)
Cash financial items³	(6,445	)	(2,219	)	(19,657	)	(5,812	)
Free cash flow	(61,476	)	(64,688	)	(135,497	)	3,520

¹ See note 19 to the Financial Statements
² Depreciation is not specifically disclosed in the Financial Statements
³ See notes 5 and 6 to the Financial Statements

The free cash flow for the year ended December 31, 2023 including the free cash flow contribution of the Brooks assets acquisition from the effective date of January 1, 2023 to the completion date of March 3, 2023 amounted to USD 2,689 thousand. Free cash flow is before shareholder distributions and financing costs.

EBITDA
The following table sets out the reconciliation from net result from the consolidated statement of operations to EBITDA:

	Three months ended December 31				Year ended December 31
USD Thousands	2024		2023		2024		2023
Net result	415		29,710		102,219		172,979
Net financial items	35,767		6,509		59,709		22,736
Income tax	3,852		4,691		33,325		55,362
Depletion and decommissioning costs	32,087		30,434		128,392		101,922
Depreciation of other tangible fixed assets	2,430		1,309		8,933		7,812
Exploration and business development costs	1,725		348		2,069		2,355
Depreciation included in general, administration and depreciation expenses¹	308		389		1,241		1,569
Sale of assets²	(400	)	(7,106	)	(400	)	(19,018	)
EBITDA	76,814		66,284		335,488		345,717

¹ Item is not shown in the Financial Statements
² Sale of assets is included under “Other income/(expense)” but not specifically disclosed in the Financial Statements

The EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2023 including the EBITDA contribution of the Brooks assets acquisition from the effective date of January 1, 2023 to the completion date of March 3, 2023 amounted to USD 350,618 thousand.

Operating costs
The following table sets out how operating costs is calculated:

	Three months ended December 31				Year ended December 31
USD Thousands	2024		2023		2024		2023
Production costs	120,108		126,414		448,218		491,303
Cost of blending	(36,036	)	(44,473	)	(152,735	)	(172,996	)
Change in inventory position	(4,633	)	1,427		(1,473	)	3,655
Operating costs	79,439		83,368		294,010		321,962

The operating costs for the year ended December 31, 2023 including the operating costs contribution of the Brooks assets acquisition from the effective date of January 1, 2023 to the completion date of March 3, 2023 amounted to USD 328,763 thousand.

Net cash / (debt)
The following table sets out how net cash / (debt) is calculated from figures shown in the Financial Statements:

USD Thousands	December 31, 2024		December 31, 2023
Bank loans	(5,121	)	(9,031	)
Bonds¹	(450,000	)	(450,000	)
Cash and cash equivalents	246,593		517,074
Net cash / (debt)	(208,528	)	58,043

¹ The bond amount represents the redeemable value at maturity (February 2027).

Reserves and Resources Advisory
This press release contains references to estimates of gross and net reserves and resources attributed to the Corporation’s oil and gas assets. For additional information with respect to such reserves and resources, refer to “Reserves and Resources Advisory” in the MD&A and the MCR. Light, medium and heavy crude oil reserves/resources disclosed in this press release include solution gas and other by-products. Also see “Supplemental Information regarding Product Types” below.

Reserve estimates, contingent resource estimates and estimates of future net revenue in respect of IPC’s oil and gas assets in Canada are effective as of December 31, 2024, and are included in the reports prepared by Sproule Associates Limited (Sproule), an independent qualified reserves evaluator, in accordance with National Instrument 51-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities (NI 51-101) and the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook (the COGE Handbook) and using Sproule’s December 31, 2024 price forecasts.

Reserve estimates, contingent resource estimates and estimates of future net revenue in respect of IPC’s oil and gas assets in France and Malaysia are effective as of December 31, 2024, and are included in the report prepared by ERC Equipoise Ltd. (ERCE), an independent qualified reserves auditor, in accordance with NI 51-101 and the COGE Handbook, and using Sproule’s December 31, 2024 price forecasts.

The price forecasts used in the Sproule and ERCE reports are available on the website of Sproule (sproule.com) and are contained in the MCR. These price forecasts are as at December 31, 2024 and may not be reflective of current and future forecast commodity prices.

The reserve life index (RLI) is calculated by dividing the 2P reserves of 493 MMboe as at December 31, 2024 by the mid-point of the 2025 CMD production guidance of 43,000 to 45,000 boepd. Reserves replacement ratio is based on 2P reserves of 468 MMboe as at December 31, 2023, sales production during 2024 of 16.6 MMboe, net additions to 2P reserves during 2024 of 41.7 MMboe and 2P reserves of 493 MMboe as at December 31, 2024.

The reserves and resources information and data provided in this press release present only a portion of the disclosure required under NI 51-101. All of the required information will be contained in the Corporation’s Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2024, which will be filed on SEDAR+ (accessible at www.sedarplus.ca) on or before April 1, 2025. Further information with respect to IPC’s reserves, contingent resources and estimates of future net revenue, including assumptions relating to the calculation of net present value and other relevant information related to the contingent resources disclosed, is disclosed in the MCR available under IPC’s profile on www.sedarplus.ca and on IPC’s website at www.international-petroleum.com.

IPC uses the industry-accepted standard conversion of six thousand cubic feet of natural gas to one barrel of oil (6 Mcf = 1 bbl). A BOE conversion ratio of 6:1 is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. As the value ratio between natural gas and crude oil based on the current prices of natural gas and crude oil is significantly different from the energy equivalency of 6:1, utilizing a 6:1 conversion basis may be misleading as an indication of value.

Supplemental Information regarding Product Types

The following table is intended to provide supplemental information about the product type composition of IPC’s net average daily production figures provided in this press release:

	Heavy Crude Oil (Mbopd)	Light and Medium Crude Oil (Mbopd)	Conventional Natural Gas (per day)	Total (Mboepd)
Three months ended
December 31, 2024	24.3	7.1	95.9 MMcf (16.0 Mboe)	47.4
December 31, 2023	25.7	6.6	103.8 MMcf (17.3 Mboe)	49.6
Year ended
December 31, 2024	23.9	7.7	95.1 MMcf (15.8 Mboe)	47.4
December 31, 2023	25.8	8.1	102.8 MMcf (17.1 Mboe)	51.1

This press release also makes reference to IPC’s forecast total average daily production of 43,000 to 45,000 boepd for 2025. IPC estimates that approximately 55% of that production will be comprised of heavy oil, approximately 12% will be comprised of light and medium crude oil and approximately 33% will be comprised of conventional natural gas.

Currency
All dollar amounts in this press release are expressed in United States dollars, except where otherwise noted. References herein to USD mean United States dollars. References herein to CAD mean Canadian dollars.

The MIL Network –

February 11, 2025

MIL-OSI: Unaudited financial results of LHV Group for Q4 and 12 months of 2024

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

The year-end was a successful one for LHV, supported by strong loan issue and deposit taking. The company met the profit target set in the financial plan.

In 2024, AS LHV Group generated net revenue of 338.3 million euros, i.e., 11% more than in the previous year, thanks to strong business growth. Annual net interest income increased to 273.3 million euros (+8%) and net fee and commission income to 60.3 million euros (+24%). Consolidated expenditure for 2024 totalled 146.9 million euros, i.e., 14% higher than the previous year. The consolidated net profit of AS LHV Group in 2024 was 150.3 million euros, i.e., 9.4 million euros more than in 2023 (+7%).

Of the subsidiaries, AS LHV Pank earned a total of 140.5 million euros in net profit in 2024, UK Bank Limited 5.8 million euros, AS LHV Varahaldus 1.6 million euros, and AS LHV Kindlustus 1.2 million euros.

By the end of 2024, the consolidated assets of LHV Group increased to 8.74 billion euros, growing by 23% year-on-year, i.e., 1.64 billion euros. In Q4, the volume of assets increased by 12%.

The consolidated loan portfolio of LHV increased by 990 million euros to 4.55 billion euros (+28%) in 2024. In Q4, the loan portfolio increased by 10%, i.e., 426 million euros. Corporate loans increased by 328 million euros over the quarter and retail loans by 98 million euros.

The Group’s consolidated deposits grew by 1.18 billion euros over the year to 6.91 billion euros (+21%). In Q4, deposits increased by 624 million euros, i.e., 10%, while deposits of regular clients increased by 134 million euros.

The total volume of funds managed by LHV increased by 39 million euros to 1.56 billion euros (+3%) over the year. In the last quarter of the year, the volume of funds increased by 37 million euros (+2%).

The number of processed payments related to clients that were financial intermediaries amounted to 74.8 million payments in 2024 (+51% compared to 49.5 million payments in 2023). In Q4, 19.8 million such payments were made, i.e., 6% more than in Q3.

In Q4 of 2024, AS LHV Group’s consolidated net profit amounted to 36.3 million euros, which is 1.6 million euros more than in Q3 (+5%). On a year-on-year basis, quarterly profit increased by 11%. AS LHV Pank earned 34.8 million euros in net profit in Q4. In the last quarter of the year, LHV Bank Ltd earned a net profit of 640 thousand euros, AS LHV Varahaldus 509 thousand euros, and AS LHV Kindlustus 68 thousand euros. The return on equity attributable to the shareholders of the Group was 22% in Q4.

The Group’s consolidated net income increased by 2% in Q4 compared to the previous quarter of the year to 84.9 million euros. Net income was 1% higher than last year. Net interest income was generated at 66.6 million euros, and net fee and commission income at 17.3 million euros. Consolidated operating expenses were 40.8 million euros in Q4, which is 14% higher than in Q3 and 13% higher than a year earlier.

Income statement, EUR thousand	Q4-2024	Q3-2024	Q4-2023
Net interest income	66 556	67 426	67 670
Net fee and commission income	17 324	14 630	14 264
Net gains from financial assets	-198	799	480
Other income	1 190	354	1 243
Result from insurance activities	49	357	371
Total revenue	84 921	83 566	84 029
Staff costs	-22 831	-19 499	-17 765
Office rent and expenses	-715	-801	-872
IT expenses	-4 270	-3 612	-4 067
Marketing expenses	-2 086	-1 298	-1 117
Other operating expenses	-10 885	-10 702	-12 366
Total operating expenses	-40 786	-35 911	-36 187
EBIT	44 136	47 655	47 841
Earnings before impairment losses	44 136	47 655	47 841
Impairment losses on loans and advances	-1 085	-7 277	-9 430
Income tax	-6 733	-5 681	-5 643
Net profit	36 318	34 698	32 768
Profit attributable to non-controlling interest	566	312	231
Profit attributable to share holders of the parent	35 752	34 386	32 537

Profit attributable to non-controlling interest	0.11	0.11	0.10
Profit attributable to share holders of the parent	0.11	0.10	0.10

Balance sheet, EUR thousand	Dec 2024	Sep 2024	Dec 2023
Cash and cash equivalents	3 818 305	3 376 016	3 119 394
Financial assets	309 804	259 933	340 341
Loans granted	4 591 906	4 168 778	3 591 517
Loan impairments	-39 813	-42 543	-29 725
Receivables from customers	5 367	10 598	49 505
Other assets	50 742	47 567	54 559
Total assets	8 736 311	7 820 348	7 125 590
Demand deposits	4 855 101	4 160 516	3 808 162
Term deposits	2 055 009	2 125 844	1 922 843
Loans received	927 686	679 550	563 634
Loans received and deposits from customers	7 837 795	6 965 910	6 294 639
Other liabilities	93 601	108 605	147 934
Subordinated loans	126 257	106 079	126 652
Total liabilities	8 057 653	7 180 595	6 569 225
Equity	678 657	639 754	556 365
Minority interest	8 571	8 006	7 937
Total liabilities and equity	8 736 311	7 820 348	7 125 590

LHV Group continued its rapid growth in 2024. The strong end to the year was influenced by a good level of client activity and higher than previous fee and commission income. The decline in interest income was mitigated by strong growth in the loan portfolio. Thanks to the good quality of the portfolio and the improvement in the macroeconomic situation, LHV reduced write-downs. The updated financial plan was accurately fulfilled by the end of the year.

The number of clients of LHV Pank increased by 10,900 to 455 thousand clients in Q4. Over the year, the number of the bank’s clients increased by 38,000, i.e., more than 9%. At the end of the year, clients also actively used LHV’s banking services, and the decrease in interest income was offset by better fee and commission income, especially from investment banking. As interest income continues to be under pressure, the bank is paying attention to limiting costs by increasing efficiency. In this regard, LHV Pank announced layoffs in December, reducing the workforce by 44 people.

The loan issue intensified in the last months of the year and, in Q4, the loan portfolio of LHV Pank increased by 300 million euros. The quality of the loan portfolio has remained stronger than planned, and write-downs on loans were reduced. The deposits of LHV Pank increased by 577 million euros in the last quarter of the year, of which 180 million euros came from deposits of regular clients and 450 million euros from financial intermediaries, and platform deposits were reduced. The bank is still keeping the focus on growing deposits. At the beginning of October, the bank also issued 250 million euros worth of covered bonds.

At the beginning of December, The Banker magazine of the Financial Times declared LHV the best bank of the year in Estonia. Furthermore, Q4 included a review of several important cooperation projects: LHV will be the main sponsor of both Estonian football and the biathlon in the coming years.

The loan portfolio of LHV Bank operating in the United Kingdom grew by more than half for the second quarter in a row. The loan portfolio increased by 126 million euros, while another 119 million euros of loans have been approved but not issued by the Credit Committee. The quality of the loan portfolio is generally strong. The volume of the deposits of LHV Bank increased by 70 million euros, with a total of nearly 11,600 depositors being involved. The volume of payments by financial intermediaries rose to record levels at the end of the year.

In December, LHV Bank opened a new mobile bank for its first clients, through which private persons can open an account and make payments. Further, the offer and app will continue to be improved, and their wider introduction to the market will be held in order to attract deposits directly from retail clients.

By the end of the year, the number of active clients of LHV Varahaldus making monthly contributions was 114,000. Nearly 14,000 of them submitted applications for larger contributions to the II pillar. Seasonally, contributions to the III pillar were actively made again. Operating income and expenses for the quarter remained at the level of the previous quarter. The profit was affected by a more modest financial income from the growth of the funds’ own units than before, but the financial plan still managed to be outpaced.

The stock markets had a strong quarter driven by tech stocks and the U.S. market. The quarterly rate of return of the pension funds M and L managed by LHV was 1.0% and 0.6%, respectively, while XL decreased by 1.4% against the background of a weak December. The rate of return of the more conservative funds XS and S is 0.8% and 1.2%, respectively. Pensionifond Indeks increased by 4.2%; Pensionifond Roheline lost 5.7% in value over the quarter.

For LHV Kindlustus, strong sales results, but also seasonally increased loss events, set the tone at the end of the year. The number of policies in force and clients is in a stable growth trend. A good sales result was shown by most types of insurance. Revenue from the insurance service continued to grow, while operating expenses increased. Gross losses increased a little faster compared to earned income. For the year as a whole, LHV Kindlustus earned 1.2 million from net profit and, thus, outperformed the financial plan.

LHV Group’s annual cost/income ratio turned out to be 43.4%, and return on equity 24.5%. The Group’s liquidity and capitalisation remain strong. In November, LHV Group conducted a successful offering of subordinated bonds, raising 20 million euros in capital from investors. LHV Group will publish the 2025 financial plan and five-year forecast on 13 February.

Comment by Madis Toomsalu, Chairman of the Management Board at LHV Group:
“The changes taking place in the world are probably the biggest in the last half century. We are witnessing the growth of geopolitical ambitions, structural changes in the economy, the decline of free trade, and the exponential growth of technological development.

Despite the different directions, 2024 was a successful year for LHV. After the supervisory exchange, we were able to restore the historically ambitious growth in business volumes. With a strong growth of 1 billion euros, i.e., 28% of the loan portfolio and a higher base interest rate, we achieved the highest business volumes and financial results in history.

In Estonia, we have grown into the second largest bank in terms of corporate loans. At the same time, the volume of home loans and the insurance business are also growing rapidly. The number of the Estonian bank’s clients increased by 38,000 and activity increased in all the important areas. In the United Kingdom, the corporate loan portfolio already exceeded 300 million euros by the end of the year, which is why we are increasing our long-term expectations. This is also reflected in the mobile app launched at the end of the year.”

To access the reports of AS LHV Group, please visit the website at: https://investor.lhv.ee/en/reports/.

In order to present the financial results, LHV Group will organise an investor meeting via the Zoom webinar platform. The virtual investor meeting will take place on 11 February at 9.00, before the market opens. The presentation will be in Estonian. We kindly ask you to register at the following address: https://lhvbank.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_UP-IqHxNSRSVeoKeUcTOfQ.

LHV Group is the largest domestic financial group and capital provider in Estonia. LHV Group’s key subsidiaries are LHV Pank, LHV Varahaldus, LHV Kindlustus, and LHV Bank Limited. The Group employs over 1,200 people. As at the end of December, LHV’s banking services are being used by nearly 460,000 clients, the pension funds managed by LHV have 114,000 active clients, and LHV Kindlustus is protecting a total of 170,000 clients. LHV Bank Limited, a subsidiary of the Group, holds a banking licence in the United Kingdom and provides banking services to international financial technology companies, as well as loans to small and medium-sized enterprises.

Priit Rum
Communications Manager
Phone: +372 502 0786
Email: priit.rum@lhv.ee

Attachments

The MIL Network –

February 11, 2025

MIL-OSI USA News: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Restores American Competitiveness and Security in FCPA Enforcement
Source: The White House
ELIMINATING UNDUE BARRIERS TO U.S. SUCCESS: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to restore American competitiveness and security by ordering revised, reasonable enforcement guidelines for the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) of 1977.
- The Order directs the Attorney General to pause FCPA actions until she issues revised FCPA enforcement guidance that promotes American competitiveness and efficient use of federal law enforcement resources.
  
  Past and existing FCPA actions will be reviewed.
  
  Future FCPA investigations and enforcement actions will be governed by this new guidance and must be approved by the Attorney General.
AMERICAN SECURITY REQUIRES AMERICAN ECONOMIC STRENGTH: American national security depends on America and its companies gaining strategic commercial advantages around the world, and President Trump is stopping excessive, unpredictable FCPA enforcement that makes American companies less competitive.
- U.S. companies are harmed by FCPA overenforcement because they are prohibited from engaging in practices common among international competitors, creating an uneven playing field.
- Strategic advantages in critical minerals, deep-water ports, and other key infrastructure or assets around the world are critical to American national security.
- FCPA overenforcement infringes upon the President’s Article II authority to conduct foreign affairs, necessitating this review and new enforcement policies.
- Over time, FCPA interpretation and enforcement by U.S. prosecutors has broadened, imposing a growing cost on our Nation’s economy.
  
  In 2024, the DOJ and SEC filed 26 FCPA-related enforcement actions, and at least 31 companies were under investigation by year end.
  
  Over the past decade, there has been an average of 36 FCPA-related enforcement actions per year, draining resources from both American businesses and law enforcement.
PUTTING AMERICA FIRST: President Trump is committed to prioritizing American economic and security interests and ensuring U.S. businesses have the tools to succeed globally.

Since returning to office, President Trump has signed several executive actions aimed at enhancing American economic competitiveness, including an Executive Order to strengthen U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence (AI) and tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China to protect the American people. a 10-to-1 deregulation initiative, ensuring every new rule is justified by clear benefits

President Trump renegotiated trade deals, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to secure better terms for American workers and businesses.

President Trump has worked to cut burdensome regulations that hinder U.S. businesses, ensuring they can operate efficiently and competitively on the world stage.

President Trump: “We have to save our country. Every policy must be geared toward that which supports the American worker, the American family, and businesses, both large and small, and allows our country to compete with other nations on a very level playing field…”
MIL OSI USA News –
February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Pillen Advocates for Property Tax Relief Through TEEOSA Adjustments
Source: US State of Nebraska

. Pillen Advocates for Property Tax Relief Through TEEOSA Adjustments

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen testified before the Nebraska Legislature’s Education Committee in favor of LB303 which aims to provide Nebraskans with additional property tax relief by altering the Tax Equity and Educational Opportunities Support Act (TEEOSA). Senator Jana Hughes introduced LB303 at the Governor’s request.

TEEOSA has been Nebraska’s school funding formula since 1990. Its primary function is to provide state equalization aid to those schools where the needs exceed budget resources. During his testimony, Gov. Pillen pointed out that since 2000, school district taxes have increased from $1 billion to over $3 billion, and in that same time frame, the number of equalized school districts has dropped significantly, from 226 to just 60.

“Nebraska’s students and taxpayers need stability in funding. School districts often live under uncertain budget circumstances. It is difficult to project the amount of dollars that will come from the TEEOSA formula as property tax valuations continue to rise across the state,” said Gov. Pillen. “Providing stability to the TEEOSA formula is necessary and will require constant review and consideration. We must start managing the formula and not allowing the formula to manage us.”

Among the proposed changes to TEEOSA in LB303:
- Dropping the maximum levy from $1.05 to $1.02
- Increasing the minimum amount of state aid for each public-school student (Foundation Aid) by 6%, from $1500 to $1590 per student
- Prohibiting school districts with a base levy adjustment of lower than $.30 from receiving state aid
- Creating a commission to review the TEEOSA formula every year and provide feedback to elected officials on potential improvements
Both Sen. Hughes and Gov. Pillen emphasized that ensuring local control among school districts was paramount to this legislation.

“During the current fiscal year, 111 schools have seen a decrease in state aid. Modeling from the Nebraska Department of Education shows that LB303 will provide just over $62 million more in state aid to schools,” said Sen. Hughes. “While this doesn’t fully compensate for the loss due to rising valuations, it will lessen the impact on property taxpayers next year. Without the increase in funds provided to schools through LB303, the entire loss in state aid to these districts will fall to taxpayers.”

Organizations testifying in favor of LB 303 included the Nebraska State Education Association (NSEA), Greater Nebraska Schools Association (GNSA), Educational Service Units (ESUs), Nebraska Association of School Boards (NASB), Nebraska Council of School Administrators (NCSA), Open Sky Policy Institute, Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association (NRCSA), Schools Taking Action for Nebraska Children’s Education (STANCE), Nebraska Farmers Union and the Nebraska Farm Bureau, representing a working group of ag organizations.

MIL OSI USA News –
February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Hagerty Introduces Legislation to Hold NGOs Accountable for Facilitating Illegal Immigration

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Tennessee Bill Hagerty
WASHINGTON—United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today introduced the Fixing Exemptions for Networks Choosing to Enable Illegal Migration (FENCE) Act, legislation to revoke the tax-exempt status of organizations that engage in a consistent pattern of providing financial assistance, benefits, services, or other forms of material support to individuals they know to be unlawfully present in the United States.
“It’s absurd that our federal government has been giving tax exemptions and federal funding to NGOs that have helped facilitate record illegal immigration and carry out the far-left’s agenda, while cloaked as charities,” said Senator Hagerty. “President Trump’s executive order requiring a review of federal funding to NGOs will expose this malpractice that has occurred for too long. I’m pleased to introduce this legislation that will augment the President’s work to hold these NGOs accountable by revoking their tax-exempt statuses.”
Background:
The Biden Administration’s immigration policies have drawn significant attention to the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in facilitating illegal immigration. Many of these organizations have been involved in efforts to transport and harbor illegal aliens, actions that undermine the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its ability to enforce federal immigration laws. In numerous cases, these activities have also raised concerns about risks to American citizens’ safety and security.
Despite their tax-exempt status and, in many cases, access to hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding, these NGOs continue to play a significant role in aiding illegal migration into the United States. Taxpayers have been double-funding these organizations, once through resettlement grants and again through tax exemption.
In March 2024, Hagerty forced the Senate to take a vote to stop taxpayer dollars from going to NGOs who were facilitating resettlement of illegal aliens in American cities. Unfortunately, every Senate Democrat voted against the proposal, which would have shifted funding away from NGOs flying illegal aliens into U.S. cities and toward deportation flights to send them back to their country of origin.
Full text of the legislation can be found here.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Address to Public Service Leaders

Source: New Zealand Government

Good afternoon everyone and thank you all for making the time to be here.
I wanted to speak to you early in my tenure as your new Minister for the Public Service because I have a message for you: I’m here to support you in your efforts to deliver the best service possible for the employer we have in common. The taxpayer.
I’m very happy to have the public service portfolio and I want to acknowledge your hard work and commitment during what has been a challenging past year for many, as ministries and departments have been right-sizing.
We know it is the right thing to do, to run a ruler over everything we do to make sure we are delivering our best, but it’s never easy telling someone a programme they’ve worked on for several years won’t be proceeding, or that their role no longer exists. I know. I have had to do it.
It’s not something the government has done lightly but it is something that absolutely needed to be done.
In the six years from 2017 to 2023, the number of people employed in the core public service* grew 34 percent, to 63,117 full-time equivalent employees. Total salary costs for this core public service workforce grew a staggering 72 percent, to about $6.1 billion a year, over the same period.
We simply do not have sufficient taxpayers to support that kind of growth. We do not have sufficient economic growth to support that level of public spending.
And, as I said before, taxpayers pay our wages, and it is the New Zealand taxpayers that we serve. They want to know we are spending their money in ways that are timely and cost-effective.
New challenges, new solutions
We live in a fast-changing world that constantly throws up new challenges. Governments and the public service are always under pressure to find new solutions and new ways of working.
I don’t need to tell you the business of government is complex and challenging and, at times, messy.
And when you are knee-deep trying to deliver priorities and the myriad daily challenges that come with the job, it’s not easy looking ahead.
I know you’ve heard all this before. But my point is this: the more complex and challenging it gets, the more simple we need to keep it.
Serving the public must always be our top priority, regardless of how tough the operating environment is. We should never lose sight of this simple objective.
Setting the highest standards
It almost goes without saying that the public service must set the highest standards.
For me, that means doing the basics well and sticking to core business. It means being competent at what you do, upholding political neutrality and delivering free and frank advice, being efficient with taxpayers’ money, being corruption-free and – above all – delivering results for the people we serve.
Keeping it simple is also being efficient and respectful with the use of taxpayers’ money. Taxpayers trust us to use their resources wisely, and we can not, in the fog of daily pressures and challenges, lose sight of that.
Here’s a simple question I would urge you and your staff to ask themselves: if this was my money, would I spend it this way? This is the simple question that I ask myself when I am making funding decisions. It’s what I need you to do and to enforce.
Think of the sharemilker up at the crack of dawn every day whatever the weather. Think of the aged care worker doing their best to give our elderly the care and respect they deserve in their twilight years. Think of the bus driver. The taxi driver. The truck driver.
All these people want – and deserve – to know that their money is being spent in a way that delivers the services they need in the best way possible. They want results. They don’t want flow charts, frameworks, roadmaps, or bubble diagrams.
They are inherently practical people who want to know that you are helping make their country wealthier, and safer. They want you to treat their taxpayers’ dollars as though it came out of your bank account.
Not doing so can harm the reputation of the government, an agency and the public service. Building trust and confidence, as you know, is a slow and laborious task over many years. But it can be destroyed with one seemingly innocuous act.
Free and frank
To that end, I cannot state clearly enough how important it is that you provide free and frank advice.
Public servants who speak truth to power by telling Ministers their pet policy ideas are crazy and unworkable don’t get far. But neither do public servants who nod along and promise to deliver the undeliverable. That is a betrayal of the responsibilities of a public servant and it results in policy disaster.
Ministers do want free and frank advice. Tell us how we can implement our priorities and policies. Tell us how we can improve our policies. Tell us how we can improve outcomes for individuals, families and communities. Tell us when intervention is necessary. And tell us when to stop or change a policy.
And remember that Ministers, just like senior public servants, have a way of coming back!
The best public servants know how to use analysis to persuade. They know how to reconcile the vision with realism. And they know how to square the hole. I’ve worked with some fine public servants … some of you here.
Public Service Act
One area of opportunity I want to touch on is the Public Service Act. I think it’s too prescriptive. It’s not allowing the public service to be as innovative as it could be.
I intend to look at tightening what the Act says around chief executive responsibilities. The way I see it is that your responsibilities have become too diffuse and roles have become confused. Instead of telling you that you have to comply with certain named laws brought in by a previous government, why not just require you to implement the law. Laws change. Standards should not.
Coming back into government, it seems to me that you are getting weighed down with things that don’t have much to do with your core responsibilities and where everything becomes a priority.
Your core role is to serve the government of the day and focus on the basics, and the Act should reflect this.
I’d like to hear your thoughts on this. What changes can we make to the Act that will help you do your job better? What are the barriers to you doing your job? What can we change that will allow you to drive innovation and improve service delivery. You are better placed than me and other ministers, so I look forward to any suggestions you have.
I know the Prime Minister and Minister Willis have asked you to be bold and take a few risks. I’d like to reinforce that. Freedom to fail (hopefully in a small way) can give us freedom to succeed.
Innovation isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s a must. We are facing complex challenges that require immediate action. It’s not just being open to new ways of doing things, we need to be doing it. As Benjamin Franklin said, ‘well done is better than well said.’ That’s the culture I’d like to see in the public service.
Open to new ideas
I can assure you the Government is open to new ideas. My only condition is that it leads to better outcomes for the public. That’s tangible results.
And the language you use needs to be fit for the person who is your customer. As a lawyer in private practice, I learned to explain legal terminology in everyday language.
If I talked to customers about the ‘mens rea’ and the ‘actus reus’ required for an offence to have been committed, I would have shown them I know some ‘legal’ Latin, and they might have been impressed. But really, I would just be showing them that I did not understand the first rule of communication -which is to be understood.
You and your staff need to think about your customers. When you are talking to or writing to your customers, think how it sounds to them.
Is it gobbledygook?
Is it a word salad?
Is it arrogant and lacking in empathy?
Is it inherently distancing you from the people who are paying your salary?
My suggestion is to leave the acronyms at the door.
Keep your superior language skills for those who will appreciate them.
Be appropriate. And remember… it’s no use if you can understand you, but your audience can not. Speak to people as you would like to be spoken to and show respect. And, no matter what, be genuine.
Digitising government
As you know, I am also the Minister for Digitising Government. It’s a portfolio that goes hand in glove with the public service.
The use of data and Artificial Intelligence is the big opportunity of our time. We stand at the cusp of a digital revolution that has the power to transform the way our government serves New Zealanders.
If done right, the digitisation of our public service will be game changing, and I am committed to ensuring this happens.
Online portals, mobile applications and AI-enabled interfaces will ensure people and businesses can access important government services and information, anytime and from anywhere.
Data-driven AI technologies will allow government agencies to tailor services to meet the specific needs of individuals, communities and businesses.
New Zealanders already interact with AI-powered services daily. They expect government agencies will be analysing data to gain insights into customer behaviour, preferences and needs.
I’d like to see the public service embrace the potential of AI.
I look forward to seeing a centralised, AI-powered data platform that enables real-time sharing of insights and collaboration between agencies like health, education and housing. It will be able to identify connections that may not be immediately obvious.
Data dashboards and predictive analytics will provide the insight and evidence Ministers need to make better decisions and timely interventions to improve outcomes.
In modernising our public service for the benefit of New Zealanders, think about how we can, in digital procurement, help Kiwi businesses deliver. Other countries are looking to how they can use procurement as a way to deliver better and more cost effective results by emphasising their own industrial or technology base. When it makes sense, we should too.
Say Yes
The work you do is vital. New Zealanders depend on it, and on our ability to drive the change required.
We have to deliver results. There simply is no other option. New Zealanders need us and expect us to get on with the job now, and I back you to support the government to do what is required.
As the Prime Minister has made clear, a culture of saying No is not acceptable. Your challenge is to inspire your staff, your team, to say “Yes”.
Yes to the licence.
Yes to the permit.
Yes to considering trialling AI tutors for kids.
Yes to delivering a government app that provides the sort of service that the commercial world delivers.
And Yes to treating our customers like customers.
New Zealanders should be treated as though they are valued customers with options. That’s what we need to deliver. Treat the taxpayer with dignity and the level of respect that you like to receive.
I know you are up for the challenge. But performance is non-negotiable.
I know how hard you work. And you are doing some great work. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take opportunities to reset and ensure our focus is on what matters most – delivering better, more timely results for New Zealanders.
I’m excited to be your Minister, and I’m excited at the prospect of what we can achieve together. And I have full confidence in each of you as leaders of our public service.
As we move forward together, let’s remember who we serve and how our work impacts the lives of New Zealanders.
With hard work, innovation, courage and a shared sense of purpose, we have the power to create a public service that is not only effective, but transformative.
I look forward to working with Sir Brian and you to drive the change that is required.
Thank you.

** The core Public Service are departments and departmental agencies only. It excludes the wider public sector, such as defence personnel, police, teachers and public healthcare workers.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Three People Charged in Commercial Bribery Scheme

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Edward Joseph Chmiel, 49, Henry Lozano, 43, and Sabino Loera, 51, have been charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering arising out of a scheme to submit fraudulent invoices to a contractor providing services for a Colorado electrical utility.

Loera and Lozano made their initial appearances in federal court on February 10. Chmiel is expected to have his initial appearance later this month. According to the criminal information, Chmiel and Loera worked for a company providing electrical contracting services to a utility company in Colorado. Lozano owned a company providing trucking and hauling services. In August 2018, the three agreed that Lozano’s company would provide those services in exchange for kickback payments to Chmiel and Loera. To generate the money that would pay the kickbacks, the three schemed to submit false invoices from Lozano’s company to Chmiel and Loera’s. Once Lozano was paid for those invoices, Loera would direct Lozano to issue checks to a network of 15 other people. Those people cashed the checks and then gave the cash to Chmiel and Loera. Between August 2018 and June 2020, the false invoices generated approximately $1,495,781.51 in kickback proceeds.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation and the FBI Denver Field Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sonia Dave and Bryan Fields.

Case Number: 25-cr-00024-RMR

MIL Security OSI –

February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Schiff, Western Senators Raise Alarm on Trump’s Illegal Funding Cuts Targeting Wildfire Mitigation Efforts

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

Padilla, Schiff, Western Senators Raise Alarm on Trump’s Illegal Funding Cuts Targeting Wildfire Mitigation Efforts

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) joined Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and 10 other Western Democratic Senators to sound the alarm over threats to the removal of hazardous fuels on U.S. public lands. The Bureau of Land Management recently issued stop work orders to small businesses and organizations across America carrying out critical hazardous fuel removal projects on high-risk federal lands. Delaying these treatments risks missing out on the right seasonal and weather conditions for safely treating hazardous fuels.

The letter follows President Donald Trump’s illegal executive orders cutting federal funds needed to mitigate and fight wildfires, despite the devastating fires that ravaged Southern California communities last month. The Senators demanded that Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Acting Agriculture Secretary Gary Washington rescind the order to stop work on essential hazardous fuels reduction efforts and any other wildland fire management and risk-reduction programs.

“Catastrophic wildfires across the United States are an ongoing national crisis and responding to them must be a national priority. These stop work orders and funding freezes jeopardize communities that depend on a robust federal response to our wildfire crisis — and also jeopardize small businesses, often in frontier and rural communities, that are contracted to do the work on the ground to reduce hazardous fuels,” wrote the Senators.

“As we’ve seen with the recent fires surrounding Los Angeles, wildfire does not distinguish between homes and trees. But we do have ways to mitigate the risk,” continued the Senators. “One of the most effective strategies to reduce that risk is to reduce the hazardous natural fuels that surround our communities. These fuels reduction projects save lives and property, reduce the danger to firefighters, and return our lands to a fire-adapted ecosystem that can better withstand the threat to human life, communities, infrastructure, and property.

The hazardous fuel reduction projects are a core component of the Wildfire Crisis Strategy, to which Congress appropriated over $3 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act. These investments in fuels reduction treatments for high-risk firesheds were recommended in the nonpartisan Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission Report.

In addition to Senators Padilla, Schiff, Merkley, and Heinrich, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

Senator Padilla has long been a leader in strengthening the federal and state response to wildfires. Last week, Padilla introduced bipartisan legislation to create a national Wildfire Intelligence Center to streamline federal response and create a whole-of-government approach to combat wildfires. He also announced a package of three bipartisan bills to bolster fire resilience and proactive mitigation efforts, including the Wildfire Emergency Act, the Fire-Safe Electrical Corridors Act, and the Disaster Mitigation and Tax Parity Act, the last of which is co-led by Senator Schiff. Padilla’s legislation to strengthen FEMA’s wildfire preparedness and response efforts, the FIRE Act, became law in 2022.

Padilla previously questioned Secretary Burgum on his support for wildfire aid, securing his commitment to responding to wildfires regardless of which state they impact with all necessary resources and support possible.

Full text of the letter can be found here and below:

Dear Secretary Burgum and Acting Secretary Washington,

We are writing with great concern about reports from our constituents that the Bureau of Land Management has issued stop work orders for hazardous fuels reduction projects. We are further concerned that fuels projects overseen by the U.S. Forest Service will be next. These projects are integral to increased safety and resiliency and any delay in implementation puts those communities at greater risk. We urge you to immediately rescind these stop work orders, halt any further stop work orders or funding freezes, and instead work with the tools and funds Congress has provided to better safeguard our communities from the serious risk of catastrophic wildfire.

These projects are part of the Wildfire Crisis Strategy, funded by the Infrastructure and Investment in Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Investing in fuels reduction treatments is a primary recommendation in the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission Report, a nonpartisan strategy document to tackle the myriad challenges associated with wildfire across the country. We also note with alarm that this report was removed from federal websites this week.

In 2022, the Forest Service identified high-risk firesheds across the country to be prioritized for hazardous fuels reduction work through the Wildlife Crisis Strategy and Implementation Plan. The Forest Service chose 10 high-priority landscapes with the enactment of IIJA and an additional 11 landscapes with the enactment of IRA – each of these landscapes require significant investment to reduce wildfire risk. These 21 landscapes were awarded a total of $1.73 billion to protect at-risk communities, critical infrastructure, public water sources, and adjacent Tribal lands in 10 Western states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. The Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service, States, Tribes, local stakeholders, and small businesses have been working together over the last three years to implement fuels reduction on these landscapes.

Catastrophic wildfires across the United States are an ongoing national crisis and responding to them must be a national priority. These stop work orders and funding freezes jeopardize communities that depend on a robust federal response to our wildfire crisis – and also jeopardize small businesses, often in frontier and rural communities, that are contracted to do the work on the ground to reduce hazardous fuels.

In addition to endangering communities, the President’s Executive Orders freezing funding are flagrantly illegal. The Government Accountability Office, the Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel (including in an opinion written by future Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, William H. Rehnquist), and the Supreme Court of the United States have all disavowed the notion of some “inherent Presidential power to impound,” as some in the Administration, as well as pending Administration nominees, have tried to argue without legal or textual basis.

Not only does the Constitution vest the power of the purse with Congress and provide no power to the President to impound funds, but there have been several bedrock fiscal statutes enacted to protect Congress’ constitutional power of the purse and prevent unlawful executive overreach, including the Antideficiency Act and the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (ICA). The ICA prohibits any action or inaction that precludes Federal funds from being obligated or spent, either temporarily or permanently, without following the strictly circumscribed requirements of that law, which have not been honored in this instance.

As we’ve seen with the recent fires surrounding Los Angeles, wildfire does not distinguish between homes and trees. But we do have ways to mitigate the risk. One of the most effective strategies to reduce that risk is to reduce the hazardous natural fuels that surround our communities. These fuels reduction projects save lives and property, reduce the danger to firefighters, and return our lands to a fire-adapted ecosystem that can better withstand the threat to human life, communities, infrastructure, and property.

By terminating or even pausing these projects, all of the progress made at protecting these communities is at risk. We are imploring you to rescind the order to stop work on these hazardous fuels reduction efforts, as well as any other wildland fire management programs that are working to reduce risk and safeguard communities from catastrophic wildfire.

We hope to work with you to combat the scourge of catastrophic wildfire.

Sincerely,

MIL OSI USA News –

February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts, Lankford Introduce Bill to Block Tax Breaks for Marijuana Businesses

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)

February 10, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Recently, U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and James Lankford (R-OK)introduced the No Deductions for Marijuana Businesses Act. The legislation will prevent marijuana businesses from deducting business expenses from their federal taxes.

“The federal government should not be subsidizing an industry that profits from addiction and undermines public safety,” Ricketts said. “This bill ensures that marijuana businesses do not receive tax breaks while they continue to violate federal law.”

“Marijuana doesn’t make our families stronger, our streets safer, or our workplaces more productive.”said Lankford. “Businesses who sell federally illegal drugs—including marijuana businesses—shouldn’t get federal tax breaks. This bill clarifies federal tax law to make sure a federally illegal product does not have a federally legal tax deduction.”

“The federal government should not be in the business of giving tax relief to the federally illegal, addiction-for-profit marijuana industry. This legislation would prevent deficit increases while ensuring that taxpayers don’t foot the bill for the revenue gap made by tax write-offs for people who choose to violate federal law and poison our kids,” said Dr. Kevin Sabet, President and CEO of Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM).

Since the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982, tax law has prevented businesses trafficking Schedule I or II drugs from deducting business expenses. However, if the Biden Administration’s push to reschedule marijuana is successful, marijuana businesses would be able to take business deductions. This bill preempts that loophole and ensures that marijuana businesses would not be able to deduct business expenses from their taxes.

Bill text can be found here.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Hassan, Cassidy Reintroduce Bill to Connect Individuals to The Workforce
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) reintroduced the Improve and Enhance the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Act to build the U.S. workforce and help connect individuals to good jobs. The bill will strengthen the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), which has a proven track record of helping disadvantaged individuals secure employment. Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Representative Lloyd Smucker (R-PA-11).

“Ensuring that every American has access to a good-paying job is critical to the success of our country and our local communities,” said Senator Hassan. “This commonsense, bipartisan legislation will help connect more Granite Staters to good-paying jobs, while also lowering costs for businesses that invest in hiring veterans, people with disabilities, and others who may face barriers to employment.”

“It’s not always easy to rejoin the workforce,” said Dr. Cassidy. “By helping employers connect with prospective employees struggling to find work, we boost the American economy and reduce the reliance on government assistance. It’s a win-win.”

“The best anti-poverty program is a good job. The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a program that supports employers and employees as they reenter the workforce. I am committed to helping disadvantaged Americans get back to work by advancing legislation to improve this proven tool. WOTC is a bipartisan solution that every Member of Congress should support,” said Representative Smucker.

The WOTC provides a federal tax credit to employers who invest in American workers who have consistently faced barriers to employment, including eligible veterans, SNAP recipients, individuals with disabilities, and long-term unemployed individuals. Employers incur higher recruitment and training costs to reach WOTC eligible populations and support their successful transition back into employment. WOTC has not been updated since its enactment twenty-seven years ago, and its value has been eroded significantly due to inflation. The National Employment Opportunity Network reports that the WOTC has saved federal governments an estimated $202 billion over ten years.

The Improve and Enhance the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Act would:
- Update the WOTC, which has not been changed since its enactment twenty-seven years ago and encourage longer-service employment.
- Increase the current credit percentage from 40% to 50% of qualified wages.
- Add a second level of credit for employees who work 400 or more hours.
- Eliminate the arbitrary age cap at which SNAP recipients are eligible for WOTC. This change will provide an incentive to hire older workers and better align the credit with previously adopted work reforms.
The bill is supported by the Louisiana Retailers Association, Albertsons, American Health Care Association, American Hotel & Lodging Association, American Seniors Housing Association, American Staffing Association, American Trucking Associations, Argentum, Asian American Hotel Owners Association, Associated Builders and Contractors, Associated General Contractors of America, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc., Brookshire’s, Brookshire Grocery Company, Coalition of Franchisee Associations, Critical Labor Coalition, Due Process Institute, Dunkin Donuts Independent Franchisee Organization, FMI – The Food Industry Association, Franchise Business Services, Fresh By Brookshire’s, Giant Eagle and GetGo Café + Market, H-E-B. Honest Jobs, ICSC, International Franchise Association, The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association, The Kroger Co., NAACP, NAPEO, National Association of Convenience Stores, National Association for Home Care and Hospice, National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors, National Beer Wholesalers Association, National Employment Opportunity Network (NEON), National Franchisee Association, National Grocers Association, National Restaurant Association, National Urban League, NATSO, Pete & Gerry’s Organics, LLC, Reasor’s, Retail Industry Leaders Association, Retail Grocers Association MO&KS, Retail Merchants Association, SIGMA: America’s Leading Fuel Marketers, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council, Society for Human Resource Management, Spring Market, Super 1 Foods, UPS, and Wakefern Food Corp.

“The restaurant industry has hundreds of thousands of jobs that it needs to fill every month, many of which can be filled by individuals who have traditionally faced barriers to employment. Getting these people back to work is valuable to the individual, the restaurant operator and the community. We appreciate Sens. Cassidy and Hassan’s efforts to improve on WOTC as a tool for restaurant operators to hire needed staff and increase their business viability,” said Sean Kennedy, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs, National Restaurant Association.

“The Louisiana Restaurant Association applauds Sen. Cassidy for his leadership in introducing the Improve and Enhance the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) Act. Restaurants in Louisiana are not just places to enjoy great food; they are training grounds for skill development and second chances for many individuals facing employment barriers. The WOTC program is essential for fostering opportunities, strengthening our workforce, and contributing to the economic vitality of our communities,” said Stan Harris, President and CEO, Louisiana Restaurant Association.

“America’s workforce is facing a perfect storm. The labor shortage, exacerbated by demographic shifts, aging population, declining participation, mismatch of skills and the lingering effects of the pandemic, has left employers struggling to fill jobs in critical industries. The Critical Labor Coalition strongly supports the Improve and Enhance the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Act, which will modernize WOTC to reflect today’s labor market realities and ensure that businesses—especially those hit hardest by workforce shortages—are incentivized to hire individuals from historically underemployed groups who may otherwise face barriers to entering the workforce,” said Misty Chally, Executive Director, Critical Labor Coalition.

“FMI – The Food Industry Association applauds Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) for introducing this legislation to improve the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC). WOTC is an important workforce-building tool, utilized by our grocery, wholesaler, and product supplier members, to hire individuals facing barriers to employment. FMI is excited to work with Senators Cassidy and Hassan and House companion bill sponsors Representatives Lloyd Smucker (R-PA) and Terri Sewell (D-AL) on strengthening the path for veterans, SNAP participants, justice-involved individuals, and others to obtain meaningful employment in the food industry through enactment of this measure,” said Christine Pollack, FMI Vice President, Government Relations.

“The Work Opportunity Tax Credit has been a vital resource for franchise business owners that provide job opportunities to workers who have faced barriers to employment. IFA applauds Sens. Cassidy and Hassan for taking this important step to help franchised businesses hire workers from underserved communities and provide additional relief, especially since finding labor remains the most significant challenge for local franchises,” said Mike Layman, Chief Advocacy Officer, International Franchise Association.
MIL OSI USA News –
February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Wethersfield Man Sentenced to More Than 8 Years in Prison for Distributing Fentanyl and Oxycodone to Overdose Victim

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JIMMY LASSUS, 40, of Wethersfield, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 100 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl and oxycodone to an overdose victim.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in the early morning of October 6, 2023, Meriden Police responded to a residence on a report of a suspected overdose and found a 27-year-old woman unresponsive in a bedroom. She was transported to the hospital where she was pronounced deceased. The investigation revealed that for several months before the victim’s death, the victim engaged in numerous drug-related text message conversations with Lassus. The text messages revealed that Lassus supplied the victim with oxycodone, and that he supplied her with fentanyl that she ingested in the hours before she died. The victim stated in text messages and in a journal entry that it was her first time using fentanyl.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined the victim’s death to be caused by acute intoxication due to the combined effects of fentanyl, benzodiazepines, xylazine, and oxycodone.

Lassus has been detained since his arrest on April 11, 2024. On September 30, 2024, he pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl and oxycodone.

This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force and the Meriden Police Department, with the assistance of the Wethersfield Police Department. The Task Force includes members from the DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Connecticut State Police and the New Haven, Waterbury, East Haven, Branford, West Haven, Ansonia, Meriden, Naugatuck, and Shelton Police Departments.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brendan Keefe and Reed Durham.

MIL Security OSI –

February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Clearwater Man Pleads Guilty To Obstructing And Impeding The Administration Of The Internal Revenue Laws

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Terence Taylor has pleaded guilty to obstructing and impeding the administration of the internal revenue laws for actions seeking to defeat the collection of back taxes he owed to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Taylor faces a maximum penalty of three years in federal prison.

According to the plea agreement, Taylor was sentenced in 2012 for failing to file his income taxes for several years while he lived in the Northern District of New York. He owed more than $810,000 in taxes and was required to pay the tax debt during the term of his sentence.

For more than seven years, continuing after he moved to the Middle District of Florida, Taylor engaged in a series of obstructive acts to defeat the efforts by the IRS to collect those taxes. During those years, Taylor hid assets from the IRS, placed other asserts and income in the names of alter egos or nominees such as his wife, and used money that he could have used to pay off his back taxes to make purchases of assets including boats, jewelry, and a home in Palm Harbor. Taylor continued to earn income from his work as a financial consultant during those years after 2012. He used that income for numerous personal purposes and expenses and only minimally paid his tax debt to the IRS during that time.

The IRS made extensive efforts to collect on Taylor’s tax debt between 2004 and 2008. Aside from contacting Taylor on numerous occasions, IRS Revenue Officers also sent him numerous forms for detailing his financial situation. Taylor submitted false or incomplete information on those forms, omitting to record assets he owned such as boats and providing false information about his business and its accounts and dates of operation. Instead of using it to repay his tax debt, Taylor used his business income and bank accounts after 2012 to pay for a large number of personal expenses, including marina and yacht club expenses, boat expenses, and jewelry purchases, while knowing of his tax debt to the IRS. In February 2017, Taylor used income that he had earned from his business to buy a $73,000 boat, which he then titled in his wife’s name in an effort to shield that asset from the IRS collection effort.

Taylor also failed to file personal income tax returns for several years after his New York sentence had ended. He did so, even though he was earning sufficient income requiring him to file tax returns.

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jay L. Hoffer.

MIL Security OSI –

February 11, 2025

MIL-OSI: PrairieSky Announces Fourth Quarter and Year-End Results for 2024, Including Record Annual Oil Royalty Production and Increased Annual Dividend

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

CALGARY, Alberta, Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PrairieSky Royalty Ltd. (“PrairieSky” or the “Company”) (TSX: PSK) is pleased to announce its fourth quarter and year-end operating and financial results for the period ended December 31, 2024. PrairieSky is also pleased to announce a 4% increase in its annual dividend policy to $1.04 per common share ($0.26 per common share quarterly).

Fourth Quarter Highlights:

Oil royalty production volumes averaged 13,317 barrels per day, a 4% increase over Q4 2023⁽¹⁾, driven by strong third-party activity in the Mannville Stack⁽²⁾ and Clearwater. Total royalty production averaged 24,982 BOE per day, a 2% decrease from Q4 2023 due to declines in natural gas and NGL production.
Royalty production revenue of $115.6 million combined with other revenue of $20.0 million to generate total revenues of $135.6 million for Q4 2024⁽¹⁾. Other revenue included bonus consideration of $15.8 million earned on entering into 60 new leasing arrangements focused on light and heavy oil targets across a number of different plays.
Funds from operations totaled $99.0 million or $0.41 per share, 11% below Q4 2023 primarily due to lower natural gas benchmark pricing.
Declared a fourth quarter dividend of $59.9 million ($0.25 per common share), representing a payout ratio of 61%.
Completed $31.5 million of both producing and non-producing royalty interest acquisitions primarily targeting light and heavy oil plays in Central Alberta and Saskatchewan. Acquisitions of producing assets (50 BOE per day) closed in late December 2024.

Annual Highlights:

Record annual oil royalty production volumes averaged 13,125 barrels per day, a 6% increase over YE 2023⁽¹⁾. Total royalty production averaged 25,186 BOE per day, a 1% increase over YE 2023 as higher oil royalty volumes were partially offset by lower natural gas and NGL royalty volumes due to shut-ins and declines related to weak benchmark natural gas pricing.
Royalty production revenue of $465.8 million combined with other revenue of $43.4 million to generate total revenues of $509.2 million for YE 2024⁽¹⁾. Other revenue included bonus consideration of $30.8 million earned on entering into 219 new leasing arrangements focused on light and heavy oil targets across a number of different plays.
Funds from operations totaled $380.5 million or $1.59 per share, 1% below YE 2023.
Corporate proved plus probable reserves totaled 63,653 MBOE relative to 65,762 MBOE at December 31, 2023. Proved plus probable oil reserves totaled 26,620 Mbbl, a 3.5% increase over the prior year primarily due to drilling extensions in the Clearwater, Duvernay and Mannville light and heavy oil plays.
Declared cumulative annual dividends of $239.0 million ($1.00 per common share), representing a payout ratio of 63%.
Completed $57.3 million of both producing and non-producing royalty interest acquisitions primarily targeting light and heavy oil plays in Central Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Net debt totaled $134.9 million as at December 31, 2024, a decrease of $87.2 million or 39% since December 31, 2023.

Dividend Increase:

PrairieSky is pleased to announce a 4% increase in its annual dividend policy to $1.04 per common share, to be paid on a quarterly basis ($0.26 per common share quarterly). Subject to the approval of the Board of Directors, the first quarterly dividend of $0.26 per common share is expected to be effective for the March 31, 2025 record date.

President’s Message

Oil royalty production averaged 13,317 barrels per day in Q4 2024 and drove funds from operations which totaled $99.0 million ($0.41 per share). These results capped off a strong 2024 with annual funds from operations of $380.5 million ($1.59 per share) and record annual oil royalty production of 13,125 barrels per day, a 6% increase over YE 2023. The growth in oil royalty volumes is a direct result of our strategy of investing in royalties in low-cost oil plays. For 2024, oil royalty production from the Clearwater and Mannville Stack plays represented 21% of total oil royalty production, up from 17% in 2023. The momentum in these plays is expected to continue into 2025 and beyond. We have also seen strong initial results from new wells on our West Shale Duvernay acreage as well as incremental well licensing, which we expect to provide growth in high netback light oil volumes in 2025.

Third-party operators spud 205 wells on PrairieSky’s royalty acreage during Q4 2024, an increase from 197 wells spud in Q4 2023. The average royalty rate for wells spud in the quarter was 6.2% (Q4 2023 – 7.2%). There were 46 wells spud in the Clearwater, a 5% increase over Q4 2023, with an additional 13 wells spud in the Mannville Stack in the quarter. This brought 2024 annual spuds on PrairieSky’s royalty properties to 741 wells, as compared to 805 wells in 2023, with an average royalty rate of 5.9% (2023 – 7.2%). Multi-lateral drilling continues to increase on our lands accounting for 77 of the spuds in the quarter and bringing 2024 annual multi-lateral drilling to 36% of the activity on our royalty lands versus 31% in YE 2023. Increased multi-lateral drilling activity helped drive the 3.5% increase in proved plus probable oil reserves to 26,620 Mbbl. Corporate proved plus probable reserves decreased to 63,653 MBOE primarily due to lower natural gas pricing impacting both the level of activity in 2024 and future economics.

Strong oil royalty volumes generated royalty revenue of $100.0 million and represented 87% of total royalty production revenue of $115.6 million for Q4 2024. Natural gas royalty production of 55.1 MMcf per day and NGL royalty production of 2,482 barrels per day decreased 9% and 8% in the quarter, respectively, as compared to Q4 2023 due to lower third-party drilling activity driven by weak natural gas benchmark pricing with daily AECO index pricing averaging $1.48 per Mcf. Natural gas royalty revenue totaled $6.3 million and NGL royalty revenue totaled $9.3 million in the quarter. Total royalty production averaged 24,982 BOE per day in Q4 2024, 2% lower than Q4 2023. PrairieSky’s annual total royalty production averaged 25,186 BOE per day, 1% ahead of YE 2023, and generated annual royalty production revenue of $465.8 million, 2% behind YE 2023.

Leasing continued to be busy across a number of oil plays including the Duvernay, Mannville and Mannville Stack. Our team issued 60 new leases to 47 separate counterparties and earned $15.8 million in lease bonus consideration in the quarter, which included non-cash consideration of $8.2 million for certain leases that were exchanged for a non-producing gross overriding royalty interest targeting Mannville heavy oil with polymer enhanced oil recovery⁽³⁾ potential. For YE 2024, lease bonus consideration totaled $30.8 million from issuing 219 new leases to 101 separate counterparties, the second highest number of leases issued in a single year as third-party operators looked to build out their drilling inventories.

In addition to active leasing in the quarter, PrairieSky acquired $31.5 million of incremental producing and non-producing royalty interests focused on heavy and light oil plays in Central Alberta and Saskatchewan. Acquisitions of producing assets, approximately 50 BOE per day, closed in late December 2024. PrairieSky also entered into an arrangement with a third-party operator to provide a letter of credit which secured their bank facility in order to provide capital to the operator to advance its Montney oil drilling program where PrairieSky has a royalty interest. The letter of credit is secured by a debenture over certain of the third-party operator’s assets. For YE 2024, acquisitions of producing and non-producing royalty properties totaled $57.3 million and were focused on heavy and light oil plays in Central Alberta and Saskatchewan. On January 10, 2025, PrairieSky completed an acquisition of fee lands, lessor interests and gross overriding royalty interests primarily in Central Alberta and Southeast Saskatchewan for cash consideration of $50 million, before customary closing adjustments. The acquisition is expected to add approximately 350 BOE per day of production (65% liquids).

PrairieSky declared a dividend of $0.25 per share or $59.9 million in the quarter with a resulting payout ratio of 61%. Excess funds from operations, after the payment of the dividend and acquisitions, were used to reduce PrairieSky’s net debt which totaled $134.9 million at December 31, 2024, a decrease of $87.2 million from December 31, 2023. During the quarter, PrairieSky amended its credit facility, voluntarily reducing it to $350 million from $725 million. The credit facility provides for a permitted increase up to $600 million, subject to lender consent. Management believes PrairieSky’s high margin, low-cost business model is uniquely suited to provide sustainable returns to shareholders through all commodity price cycles and we are pleased to announce a 4% increase to our annual dividend policy to $1.04 per common share annually ($0.26 per share quarterly). Subject to the approval of the Board of Directors, the first quarterly dividend of $0.26 per common share is expected to be effective for the March 31, 2025 record date.

The level of activity on our land base and cash flow generation underscores the benefits of our strategy of investing in low-cost oil plays and the optionality of owning fee mineral title acreage. I am very pleased with our 2024 annual results and the trajectory of the business. I would like to thank our staff for their hard work throughout the year and our shareholders for their continued support.

Andrew Phillips, President & CEO

ACTIVITY ON PRAIRIESKY’S ROYALTY PROPERTIES

Third-party operators continued to be active across PrairieSky’s land base in Q4 2024. There were 205 wells spud (97% oil wells) in the quarter which included 114 wells on GORR acreage, 80 wells on Fee Lands, and 11 unit wells. There were a total of 198 oil wells spud during the quarter which included 55 Mannville light and heavy oil wells, 46 Clearwater wells, 28 Viking wells, 22 Mississippian wells, 17 Bakken wells and 30 additional oil wells spud in the Belly River, Cardium, Charlie Lake, Devonian, Duvernay, Montney, Nisku, and Triassic formations. There were 3 Montney natural gas wells spud in Q4 2024 as well as additional gas wells in the Mannville and Viking formations. PrairieSky’s average royalty rate for wells spud in Q4 2024 was 6.2% (Q4 2023 – 7.2%). 2024 annual spuds on PrairieSky’s royalty properties totaled 741 wells, as compared to 805 wells in 2023, with an average royalty rate of 5.9% (2023 – 7.2%).

For YE 2024, PrairieSky estimates that $1.9 billion (net – $93 million) in third-party capital was spent drilling and completing wells on PrairieSky’s royalty properties, a decrease from $2.0 billion (net capital – $112 million) in YE 2023. Activity on PrairieSky’s lands drove a 3.5% increase in proved plus probable oil reserves as discussed further below.

ANNUAL DIVIDEND INCREASED 4% TO $1.04 PER SHARE

PrairieSky is pleased to announce a 4% increase in its annual dividend policy to $1.04 per common share in 2025, to be paid on a quarterly basis. Subject to the approval of the Board of Directors, the first quarterly dividend of $0.26 per common share is expected to be effective for the March 31, 2025 record date. In determining changes to the dividend policy, the Board of Directors considers a number of factors including current and projected activity levels on PrairieSky’s royalty lands, the current commodity price environment, the working capital and bank debt balance and net earnings of the Company.

2024 RESERVES INFORMATION

PrairieSky’s proved plus probable oil reserves increased 3.5% to 26,620 MBOE at December 31, 2024, as drilling extensions and improved recoveries outpaced annual production. PrairieSky’s corporate proved plus probable reserves totaled 63,653 MBOE at December 31, 2024 (December 31, 2023 – 65,762 MBOE). Proved plus probable reserves decreased from 2023, with positive year over year changes to oil reserves outpaced by declines in natural gas and NGL reserves, primarily as a result of lower natural gas pricing impacting both activity on the royalty properties in 2024 and the future economics of certain natural gas plays using the pricing assumptions at December 31, 2024. The increase in oil proved plus probable reserves drove a 5% increase in the before-tax net present value of total proved plus probable reserves, discounted at 10%, to $1.93 billion (2023 – $1.84 billion). Changes to proved plus probable reserves comprised of additions related to third-party drilling and improved recovery (7,131 MBOE), technical additions (624 MBOE) and acquisitions (205 MBOE) less 2024 royalty production volumes of 9,218 MBOE and economic factors (851 MBOE). PrairieSky’s proved plus probable reserves include only developed assets (developed producing and developed non-producing properties) and do not include any future development capital on undeveloped lands.

PrairieSky’s YE 2024 reserves were evaluated by independent reserves evaluators GLJ Ltd. The evaluation of PrairieSky’s royalty properties was done in accordance with the definitions, standards and procedures contained in the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook and National Instrument 51-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities. PrairieSky’s reserves information is included in the Company’s Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2024, which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com and PrairieSky’s website at www.prairiesky.com.

2025 INVESTOR DAY

PrairieSky will be hosting an investor day on May 14, 2025, in Calgary, Alberta, where members of PrairieSky’s management team will present details on the Company’s oil and natural gas plays. The investor day will be webcast starting at 9:30 a.m. MDT (11:30 a.m. EDT). Interested parties may participate in the webcast which will be available through PrairieSky’s investor center at www.prairiesky.com. The webcast will be archived and accessible for replay after the event.

NOTES AND REFERENCES

(1) In this press release, the financial reporting periods are referred to as follows: “Q4 2024” or “the quarter” refers to the three months ended December 31, 2024; “YE 2024” or “the year” refers to the year ended December 31, 2024; “Q4 2023” and “YE 2023” refer to the three months and year ended December 31, 2023, respectively.

(2) For further details on the “Mannville Stack”, we refer you to PrairieSky’s most recent Corporate Presentation contained on PrairieSky’s website at www.prairiesky.com.

(3) “enhanced oil recovery” means the extraction of additional crude oil, natural gas, and related substances from reservoirs through a production process other than natural depletion; includes both secondary and tertiary recovery processes such as pressure maintenance, cycling, waterflooding, thermal methods, chemical flooding, and using miscible and immiscible displacement fluids.

Unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires, terms used in this press release but not defined above are as defined in in the Company’s Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2024 which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com and PrairieSky’s website at www.prairiesky.com.

FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL INFORMATION

The following table summarizes select operational and financial information of the Company for the periods noted. All dollar amounts are stated in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted.

A full version of PrairieSky’s management’s discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) and annual audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the fiscal period ended December 31, 2024 is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com and PrairieSky’s website at www.prairiesky.com.

	Three months ended						Year ended
	December 31		September 30		December 31		December 31		December 31
($ millions, except per share or as otherwise noted)	2024		2024		2023		2024		2023
FINANCIAL
Revenues	135.6		117.3		136.6		509.2		513.2

Funds from operations	99.0		92.4		111.1		380.5		382.5
Per share – basic and diluted⁽¹⁾	0.41		0.39		0.46		1.59		1.60

Net earnings	60.2		47.3		67.4		215.3		227.6
Per share – basic and diluted⁽¹⁾	0.25		0.20		0.28		0.90		0.95

Dividends declared⁽²⁾	59.9		59.7		57.3		239.0		229.2
Per share	0.25		0.25		0.24		1.00		0.96

Dividend payout ratio⁽³⁾	61	%	65	%	52	%	63	%	60	%

Acquisitions – including non-cash consideration⁽⁴⁾	31.5		4.7		22.2		57.3		58.4
Net debt⁽⁵⁾	134.9		149.6		222.1		134.9		222.1

Shares outstanding
Shares outstanding at period end	239.0		239.0		239.0		239.0		239.0
Weighted average – basic and diluted	239.0		239.0		239.0		239.0		239.0

OPERATIONAL
Royalty production volumes
Crude oil (bbls/d)	13,317		12,733		12,844		13,125		12,438
NGL (bbls/d)	2,482		2,189		2,697		2,378		2,502
Natural gas (MMcf/d)	55.1		57.0		60.4		58.1		59.5
Royalty Production (BOE/d)⁽⁶⁾	24,982		24,422		25,608		25,186		24,857

Realized pricing
Crude oil ($/bbl)	81.66		85.90		83.27		84.12		82.52
NGL ($/bbl)	40.68		41.10		46.07		43.28		47.60
Natural gas ($/Mcf)	1.23		0.50		2.19		1.13		2.60
Total ($/BOE)⁽⁶⁾	50.30		49.63		51.78		50.53		52.31

Operating netback per BOE⁽⁷⁾	45.86		46.65		48.68		45.82		46.32

Funds from operations per BOE	43.07		41.12		47.16		41.28		42.16

Oil price benchmarks
West Texas Intermediate (WTI) (US$/bbl)	70.27		75.10		78.32		75.72		77.62
Edmonton light sweet ($/bbl)	94.90		97.77		99.72		97.55		100.46
Western Canadian Select (WCS) crude oil differential to WTI (US$/bbl)	(12.55	)	(13.55	)	(21.89	)	(14.76	)	(18.65	)

Natural gas price benchmarks
AECO Monthly Index ($/Mcf)	1.46		0.81		2.66		1.44		2.93
AECO Daily Index ($/Mcf)	1.48		0.69		2.30		1.46		2.64

Foreign exchange rate (US$/CAD$)	0.7147		0.7341		0.7343		0.7299		0.7410
(1) Funds from operations and net earnings per share are calculated using the weighted average number of basic and diluted common shares outstanding. (2) A dividend of $0.25 per share was declared on December 3, 2024. The dividend was paid on January 15, 2025 to shareholders of record as at December 31, 2024. (3) Dividend payout ratio is defined under the “Non-GAAP Measures and Ratios” section of this press release. (4) Excluding right-of-use asset additions. (5) See Note 16 “Capital Management” in the annual audited consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 and Note 14 “Capital Management” in the interim condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023. (6) See “Conversions of Natural Gas to BOE”. (7) Operating netback per BOE is defined under the “Non-GAAP Measures and Ratios” section of this press release.

CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS

A conference call to discuss the results will be held for the investment community on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, beginning at 6:30 a.m. MST (8:30 a.m. EST). To participate in the conference call, you are asked to register at one of the links provided below. Details regarding the call will be provided to you upon registration.

Live call participant registration
URL: https://register.vevent.com/register/BIec7e34fab05745059bfbdddfab97dbdb

Live webcast participant registration (listen in only)
URL: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/xfyj3o3u

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release includes certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) which may include, but are not limited to PrairieSky’s future plans, current expectations and views of future operations and contains forward-looking statements that the Company believes allow readers to better understand the Company’s business and prospects. The use of any of the words “expect”, “expected to”, “anticipate”, “continue”, “estimate”, “objective”, “ongoing”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “should”, “believe”, “plans”, “intends”, “strategy” and similar expressions (including negative variations) are intended to identify forward-looking information or statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, but are not limited to, estimates regarding our expectations with respect to PrairieSky’s business and growth strategy and trajectory, including the benefits of the Company’s strategy of investing in low-cost oil plays and the optionality of owning fee mineral title acreage, the expectation that the production growth momentum in the Clearwater and Mannville Stack heavy oil plays will continue, the expectation that incremental well licensing in the Duvernay play will provide growth in high netback light oil volumes in 2025 and the expectation that, subject to approval of the Board of Directors, PrairieSky will declare a quarterly dividend of $0.26 per common share for shareholders of record on March 31, 2025.

With respect to forward-looking statements contained in this press release, PrairieSky has made several assumptions including those described in detail in our MD&A and the Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2024. Readers and investors are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such forward-looking information and statements, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. PrairieSky’s actual results, performance, or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. PrairieSky can give no assurance that any of the events anticipated will transpire or occur, or if any of them do, what benefits the Company will derive from them.

By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond PrairieSky’s control, including the impact of general economic conditions including inflation, industry conditions, volatility of commodity prices, lack of pipeline capacity, currency fluctuations, increasing interest rates, imprecision of reserve estimates, competitive factors impacting royalty rates, environmental risks, taxation, regulation, changes in tax or other legislation, competition from other industry participants, the lack of availability of qualified personnel or management, stock market volatility, political and geopolitical instability, the imposition of any tariffs or other restrictive trade measures or countermeasures affecting trade between Canada and the United States and the Company’s ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources. In addition, PrairieSky is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties in relation to acquisitions. These risks and uncertainties include risks relating to the potential for disputes to arise with counterparties, and limited ability to recover indemnification under certain agreements. The foregoing and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions are described in more detail in PrairieSky’s MD&A, and the Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2024 under the headings “Risk Management” and “Risk Factors”, respectively, each of which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com and PrairieSky’s website at www.prairiesky.com.

Further, any forward-looking statement is made only as of the date of this press release, and PrairieSky undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement or statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by applicable securities laws. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for PrairieSky to predict all of these factors or to assess, in advance, the impact of each such factor on PrairieSky’s business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this document are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

CONVERSIONS OF NATURAL GAS TO BOE

To provide a single unit of production for analytical purposes, natural gas production and reserves volumes are converted mathematically to equivalent barrels of oil (BOE). PrairieSky uses the industry-accepted standard conversion of six thousand cubic feet of natural gas to one barrel of oil (6 Mcf = 1 bbl). The 6:1 BOE ratio is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip. It does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead and is not based on either energy content or current prices. While the BOE ratio is useful for comparative measures and observing trends, it does not accurately reflect individual product values and might be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. As well, given that the value ratio, based on the current price of crude oil to natural gas, is significantly different from the 6:1 energy equivalency ratio, using a 6:1 conversion ratio may be misleading as an indication of value.

NON-GAAP MEASURES AND RATIOS

Certain measures and ratios in this document do not have any standardized meaning as prescribed by IFRS and, therefore, are considered non-GAAP measures and ratios. These measures and ratios may not be comparable to similar measures and ratios presented by other issuers. These measures and ratios are commonly used in the oil and natural gas industry and by PrairieSky to provide potential investors with additional information regarding the Company’s liquidity and its ability to generate funds to conduct its business. Non-GAAP measures and ratios include operating netback per BOE and dividend payout ratio. Management’s use of these measures and ratios is discussed further below. Further information can be found in the Non-GAAP Measures and Ratios section of PrairieSky’s MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.

“Operating netback per BOE” represents the cash margin for products sold on a BOE basis. Operating netback per BOE is calculated by dividing the operating netback (royalty production revenue less production and mineral taxes and cash administrative expenses) by the average daily production volumes for the period. Operating netback per BOE is used to assess the cash generating and operating performance per unit of product sold and the comparability of the underlying performance between years. Operating netback per BOE measures are commonly used in the oil and natural gas industry to assess performance comparability. Refer to the Operating Results table on page 7 of PrairieSky’s MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 and page 7 of PrairieSky’s MD&A for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.

	Three months ended						Year ended
	December 31		September 30		December 31		December 31		December 31
($ millions)	2024		2024		2023		2024		2023
Cash from operating activities	91.3		109.6		128.0		379.9		318.9
Other revenue	(20.0	)	(5.8	)	(14.6	)	(43.4	)	(38.6	)
Other revenue – non-cash	8.2		–		–		8.2		0.5
Amortization of debt issuance costs	(0.2	)	(0.1	)	(0.1	)	(0.5	)	(0.4	)
Finance expense	2.3		2.7		3.9		12.2		17.5
Current tax expense	16.2		15.6		14.4		65.5		58.8
Interest on lease obligation	(0.1	)	–		–		(0.1	)	–
Net change in non-cash working capital	7.7		(17.2	)	(16.9	)	0.6		63.6
Operating netback	105.4		104.8		114.7		422.4		420.3

“Operating Margin” represents operating netback as a percentage of royalty production revenue. Management uses this measure to demonstrate the comparability between the Company and production and exploration companies in the oil and natural gas industry as it shows net revenue generation from operations.

	Three months ended						Year ended
	December 31		September 30		December 31		December 31		December 31
($ millions)	2024		2024		2023		2024		2023
Royalty production revenue	115.6		111.5		122.0		465.8		474.6
Operating netback	105.4		104.8		114.7		422.4		420.3
Operating margin	91	%	94	%	94	%	91	%	89	%

“Dividend payout ratio” is calculated as dividends declared as a percentage of funds from operations. Payout ratio is used by dividend paying companies to assess dividend levels in relation to the funds generated and used in operating activities.

	Three months ended						Year ended
	December 31		September 30		December 31		December 31		December 31
($ millions, except otherwise noted)	2024		2024		2023		2024		2023
Funds from operations	99.0		92.4		111.1		380.5		382.5
Dividends declared	59.9		59.7		57.3		239.0		229.2
Dividend payout ratio	61	%	65	%	52	%	63	%	60	%

ABOUT PRAIRIESKY ROYALTY LTD.

PrairieSky is a royalty company, generating royalty production revenues as oil and natural gas are produced from its properties. PrairieSky has a diverse portfolio of properties that have a long history of generating funds from operations and that represent the largest and most consolidated independently-owned fee simple mineral title position in Canada. PrairieSky’s common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol PSK.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Andrew M. Phillips
President & Chief Executive Officer
PrairieSky Royalty Ltd.
(587) 293-4005

Michael T. Murphy
Vice-President, Geosciences & Capital Markets
PrairieSky Royalty Ltd.
(587) 293-4056

Investor Relations
(587) 293-4000
www.prairiesky.com

Pamela P. Kazeil
Senior Vice-President, Finance & Chief Financial
Officer
PrairieSky Royalty Ltd.
(587) 293-4089

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The MIL Network –

February 11, 2025

MIL-OSI: Prospect Capital Announces Financial Results for Fiscal December 2024 Quarter

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Prospect Capital Corporation (NASDAQ: PSEC) (“Prospect”, “our”, or “we”) today announced financial results for our fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2024.

FINANCIAL RESULTS

All amounts in $000’s except per share amounts (on weighted average basis for period numbers)	Quarter Ended	Quarter Ended	Quarter Ended
	December 31, 2024	September 30, 2024	December 31, 2023

Net Investment Income (“NII”)	$86,431	$89,877	$96,927
NII per Common Share	$0.20	$0.21	$0.24
Interest as % of Total Investment Income	91.0%	94.0%	92.3%

Net Income (Loss) Applicable to Common Shareholders	$(30,993)	$(165,069)	$(51,436)
Net Income (Loss) per Common Share	$(0.07)	$(0.38)	$(0.13)

Distributions to Common Shareholders	$65,554	$77,358	$74,056
Distributions per Common Share	$0.15	$0.18	$0.18
Cumulative Paid and Declared Distributions to Common Shareholders⁽¹⁾	$4,445,060	$4,384,924	$4,162,509
Cumulative Paid and Declared Distributions per Common Share⁽¹⁾	$21.39	$21.25	$20.76
Multiple of Net Asset Value (“NAV”) per Common Share⁽¹⁾	2.7x	2.6x	2.3x

Total Assets	$7,234,855	$7,592,705	$7,781,214
Total Liabilities	$2,164,305	$2,469,590	$2,596,824
Preferred Stock	$1,630,514	$1,612,302	$1,500,741
Net Asset Value (“NAV”) to Common Shareholders	$3,440,036	$3,510,813	$3,683,649
NAV per Common Share	$7.84	$8.10	$8.92

Balance Sheet Cash + Undrawn Revolving Credit Facility Commitments	$1,879,738	$1,631,291	$1,187,740

Net of Cash Debt to Total Assets	28.1%	29.7%	31.2%
Net of Cash Debt to Equity Ratio⁽²⁾	39.8%	43.7%	46.2%
Net of Cash Asset Coverage of Debt Ratio⁽²⁾	351%	329%	316%

Unsecured Debt + Preferred Equity as % of Total Debt + Preferred Equity	91.9%	86.0%	78.4%
Unsecured and Non-Recourse Debt as % of Total Debt	100.0%	100.0%	100.0%

⁽¹⁾	Declared dividends are through the April 2025 distribution. February through April 2025 distributions are estimated based on shares outstanding as of 2/7/2025.
⁽²⁾	Including our preferred stock as equity.

CASH COMMON SHAREHOLDER DISTRIBUTION DECLARATION

Prospect is declaring distributions to common shareholders as follows:

Monthly Cash Common Shareholder Distribution	Record Date	Payment Date	Amount ($ per share)
February 2025	2/26/2025	3/20/2025	$0.0450
March 2025	3/27/2025	4/17/2025	$0.0450
April 2025	4/28/2025	5/20/2025	$0.0450

Prospect expects to declare May 2025, June 2025, July 2025, and August 2025 distributions to common shareholders in May 2025.

Taking into account past distributions and our current share count for declared distributions, since inception through our April 2025 declared distribution, Prospect will have distributed $21.39 per share to original common shareholders, representing 2.7 times December 2024 common NAV per share, aggregating $4.4 billion in cumulative distributions to all common shareholders.

Since Prospect’s initial public offering in July 2004 through December 31, 2024, Prospect has invested over $21 billion across over 400 investments, exiting over 300 of these investments.

Drivers focused on optimizing our business include: (1) rotation of assets into and increased focus on our core business of first lien senior secured middle market loans, including sometimes with selected equity investments, (2) continued amortization of our subordinated structured notes portfolio, (3) prudent exits of equity linked assets (including real estate properties and corporate investments), (4) enhancement of portfolio company operating performance, and (5) greater utilization of our cost efficient revolving floating rate credit facility.

In our middle market lending strategy, we recently provided a first lien senior secured term loan, a first lien senior secured convertible term loan, and a preferred equity investment to Taos Footwear Holdings, LLC (“Taos Footwear”), aggregating $65 million, in collaboration with Taos Footwear’s founder and leadership team. Taos Footwear is a leading, innovative footwear brand providing customers with stylish and supportive footwear products. Taos Footwear is renowned for its supportive footbed that has reshaped the lifestyle footwear industry over the past 20 years.

Examples of similar recent investments in our middle market lending strategy with both first lien senior secured debt and equity linked investments include Druid City Infusion, LLC (an infusion therapy services company with multiple locations across the South and Mountain West regions of the United States), Discovery Point Retreat, LLC (a rapidly growing detox and rehabilitation provider in North Texas), The RK Logistics Group, Inc. (a logistics service provider of turnkey inventory management and transportation services focused on technology and other sectors), and iQor Holdings, Inc. (a provider of customer experience services and business process outsourcing services).

Our subordinated structured notes portfolio as of December 31, 2024 represented 5.8% of our investment portfolio, a reduction of 210 basis points from 7.9% as of December 31, 2023. Since the inception of this strategy in 2011 and through December 31, 2024, we have exited 15 subordinated structured note investments that have earned an unlevered investment level gross cash internal rate of return (“IRR”) of 12.1% and cash on cash multiple of 1.3 times. The remaining subordinated structured notes portfolio had a trailing twelve month average cash yield of 24.4% and an annualized GAAP yield of 3.9% (in each case as of December 31, 2024, based on fair value, and excluding investments being redeemed), with the difference between cash yield and GAAP yield representing amortization of our cost basis.

In our real estate property portfolio at National Property REIT Corp. (“NPRC”), since the inception of this strategy in 2012 and through December 31, 2024, we have exited 51 property investments (including two exits in the December 2024 quarter) that have earned an unlevered investment-level gross cash IRR of 24.3% and cash on cash multiple of 2.5 times. The remaining real estate property portfolio included 59 properties and paid us an income yield of 6.9% for the quarter ended December 31, 2024. Our aggregate investments in the related portfolio company had a $522 million unrealized gain as of December 31, 2024.

Our senior management team and employees own 28.7% of all common shares outstanding (an increase of 240 basis points since June 30, 2024) or approximately $1.0 billion of our common equity as measured at NAV.

PORTFOLIO UPDATE AND INVESTMENT ACTIVITY

All amounts in $000’s except per unit amounts	As of	As of	As of
All amounts in $000’s except per unit amounts	December 31, 2024	September 30, 2024	December 31, 2023

Total Investments (at fair value)	$7,132,928	$7,476,641	$7,631,846
Number of Portfolio Companies	114	117	126
Number of Industries	33	33	36

First Lien Debt	64.9%	64.9%	58.7%
Second Lien Debt	10.2%	11.1%	15.5%
Subordinated Structured Notes	5.8%	6.2%	7.9%
Unsecured Debt	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%
Equity Investments	19.0%	17.7%	17.8%
Mix of Investments with Underlying Collateral Security	80.9%	82.2%	82.1%

Annualized Current Yield – All Investments	9.1%	9.7%	10.1%
Annualized Current Yield – Performing Interest Bearing Investments	11.2%	11.8%	12.3%

Non-Accrual Loans as % of Total Assets ⁽¹⁾	0.4%	0.5%	0.2%

Middle-Market Loan Portfolio Company Weighted Average EBITDA⁽²⁾	$101,644	$104,682	$109,719
Middle-Market Loan Portfolio Company Weighted Average Net Leverage Ratio⁽²⁾	6.1x	5.7x	5.4x

⁽¹⁾	Calculated at fair value.
⁽²⁾	For additional disclosure see “Middle-Market Loan Portfolio Company Weighted Average EBITDA and Net Leverage” at the end of the release.

During the March 2025 (to date), December 2024, and September 2024 quarters, investment originations (including follow on investments in existing portfolio companies) and repayments were as follows:

All amounts in $000’s	Quarter Ended	Quarter Ended	Quarter Ended
All amounts in $000’s	March 31, 2025 (to date)	December 31, 2024	September 30, 2024

Total Originations	$110,724	$134,956	$290,639

Middle-Market Lending	86.4%	67.7%	85.8%
Middle-Market Lending / Buyouts	—%	14.5%	6.1%
Real Estate	13.6%	17.8%	7.8%
Subordinated Structured Notes	—%	—%	—%

Total Repayments and Sales	$19,480	$383,363	$282,328

Originations, Net of Repayments and Sales	$91,244	$(248,407)	$8,311

For additional disclosure see “Primary Origination Strategies” at the end of this release.

CAPITAL AND LIQUIDITY

Our multi-year, long-term laddered and diversified historical funding profile has included a $2.1 billion revolving credit facility (aggregate commitments with 48 current lenders), program notes, institutional bonds, convertible bonds, listed preferred stock, and program preferred stock. We have retired multiple upcoming maturities and, after we retire our upcoming $156.2 million convertible bond maturity due March 2025 (utilizing existing liquidity on hand), will have just $3.9 million remaining of debt maturing during calendar year 2025.

On June 28, 2024, we completed an extension and upsizing of our Revolving Credit Facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”), which extended the term of the Facility five years and the revolving period to four years from such date. The Facility includes a revolving period that extends through June 28, 2028, followed by an additional one-year amortization period. The interest rate for amounts drawn under the Facility remained unchanged from prior to the extension and upsizing and is one-month SOFR plus 2.05%.

Our total unfunded eligible commitments to portfolio companies totals approximately $62 million, of which $29 million are considered at our sole discretion, representing 0.9% and 0.4% of our total assets as of December 31, 2024, respectively.

	As of	As of
All amounts in $000’s	December 31, 2024	September 30, 2024
Net of Cash Debt to Total Assets Ratio	28.1%	29.7%
Net of Cash Debt to Equity Ratio⁽¹⁾	39.8%	43.7%
% of Interest-Bearing Assets at Floating Rates	79.8%	81.0%
Unsecured Debt + Preferred Equity as % of Total Debt + Preferred Equity	91.9%	86.0%

Balance Sheet Cash + Undrawn Revolving Credit Facility Commitments	$1,879,738	$1,631,291

Unencumbered Assets	$4,763,601	$4,852,971
% of Total Assets	65.8%	63.9%

⁽¹⁾	Including our preferred stock as equity.

The below table summarizes our December 2024 quarter term debt issuance and repurchase/repayment activity:

All amounts in $000’s	Principal	Coupon	Maturity
Debt Issuances
Prospect Capital InterNotes®	$41,759	6.625% – 7.75%	January 2027 – December 2034
Total Debt Issuances	$41,759

Debt Repurchases/Repayments
Prospect Capital InterNotes®	$1,187	2.25% – 6.63%	May 2026 – December 2051
2026 Notes	$11,443	3.706%	January 2026
Total Debt Repurchases/Repayments	$12,630

Net Debt Repurchases/Repayments	$29,129

We currently have four separate unsecured debt issuances aggregating approximately $1.1 billion outstanding, not including our program notes, with laddered maturities extending through October 2028. At December 31, 2024, $644 million of program notes were outstanding with laddered maturities through March 2052.

At December 31, 2024 our weighted average cost of unsecured debt financing was 4.49%, an increase of 0.07% from September 30, 2024, and an increase of 0.34% from December 31, 2023.

We have raised significant capital from our existing $2.25 billion perpetual preferred stock offering programs. The preferred stock provides Prospect with a diversified source of programmatic capital without creating scheduled maturity risk due to the perpetual term of multiple preferred tranches.

DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN

We have adopted a dividend reinvestment plan (also known as our “DRIP”) that provides for reinvestment of our distributions on behalf of our shareholders, unless a shareholder elects to receive cash. On April 17, 2020, our board of directors approved amendments to the Company’s DRIP, effective May 21, 2020. These amendments principally provide for the number of newly-issued shares pursuant to the DRIP to be determined by dividing (i) the total dollar amount of the distribution payable by (ii) 95% of the closing market price per share of our stock on the valuation date of the distribution (providing a 5% discount to the market price of our common stock), a benefit to shareholders who participate.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN OUR DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN

Shares held with a broker or financial institution

Many shareholders have been automatically “opted out” of our DRIP by their brokers. Even if you have elected to automatically reinvest your PSEC stock with your broker, your broker may have “opted out” of our DRIP (which utilizes DTC’s dividend reinvestment service), and you may therefore not be receiving the 5% pricing discount. Shareholders interested in participating in our DRIP to receive the 5% discount should contact their brokers to make sure each such DRIP participation election has been made through DTC. In making such DRIP election, each shareholder should specify to one’s broker the desire to participate in the “Prospect Capital Corporation DRIP through DTC” that issues shares based on 95% of the market price (a 5% discount to the market price) and not the broker’s own “synthetic DRIP” plan (if any) that offers no such discount. Each shareholder should not assume one’s broker will automatically place such shareholder in our DRIP through DTC. Each shareholder will need to make this election proactively with one’s broker or risk not receiving the 5% discount. Each shareholder may also consult with a representative of such shareholder’s broker to request that the number of shares the shareholder wishes to enroll in our DRIP be re-registered by the broker in the shareholder’s own name as record owner in order to participate directly in our DRIP.

Shares registered directly with our transfer agent

If a shareholder holds shares registered in the shareholder’s own name with our transfer agent (less than 0.1% of our shareholders hold shares this way) and wants to make a change to how the shareholder receives dividends, please contact our plan administrator, Equiniti Trust Company, LLC by calling (888) 888-0313 or by mailing Equiniti Trust Company LLC, PO Box 10027, Newark, New Jersey 07101.

EARNINGS CONFERENCE CALL

Prospect will host an earnings call on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Dial 888-338-7333. For a replay after February 11, 2025 visit www.prospectstreet.com or call 877-344-7529 with passcode 2146236.

PROSPECT CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (in thousands, except share and per share data)

	December 31, 2024		June 30, 2024
	(Unaudited)		(Audited)
Assets
Investments at fair value:
Control investments (amortized cost of $3,323,998 and $3,280,415, respectively)	$	3,772,329	$	3,872,575
Affiliate investments (amortized cost of $11,735 and $11,594, respectively)	20,212		18,069
Non-control/non-affiliate investments (amortized cost of $3,689,972 and $4,155,165, respectively)	3,340,387		3,827,599
Total investments at fair value (amortized cost of $7,025,705 and $7,447,174, respectively)	7,132,928		7,718,243
Cash and cash equivalents (restricted cash of $1,508 and $3,974, respectively)	59,760		85,872
Receivables for:
Interest, net	18,428		26,936
Other	1,914		1,091
Deferred financing costs on Revolving Credit Facility	21,180		22,975
Prepaid expenses	641		1,162
Due from broker	—		734
Due from Affiliate	4		79
Total Assets	7,234,855		7,857,092
Liabilities
Revolving Credit Facility	301,522		794,796
Public Notes (less unamortized discount and debt issuance costs of $10,075 and $12,433, respectively)	966,197		987,567
Prospect Capital InterNotes® (less unamortized debt issuance costs of $9,299 and $7,999, respectively)	634,535		496,029
Convertible Notes (less unamortized debt issuance costs of $166 and $649, respectively)	156,002		155,519
Due to Prospect Capital Management	50,700		58,624
Interest payable	23,214		21,294
Dividends payable	20,076		25,804
Due to Prospect Administration	5,070		5,433
Accrued expenses	4,028		3,591
Due to broker	2,762		10,272
Other liabilities	199		242
Total Liabilities	2,164,305		2,559,171
Commitments and Contingencies
Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share (847,900,000 and 647,900,000 shares of preferred stock authorized, with 80,000,000 and 80,000,000 as Series A1, 80,000,000 and 80,000,000 as Series M1, 80,000,000 and 80,000,000 as Series M2, 20,000,000 and 20,000,000 as Series AA1, 20,000,000 and 20,000,000 as Series MM1, 1,000,000 and 1,000,000 as Series A2, 6,900,000 and 6,900,000 as Series A, 80,000,000 and 80,000,000 as Series A3, 80,000,000 and 80,000,000 as Series M3, 90,000,000 and 80,000,000 as Series A4, 90,000,000 and 80,000,000 as Series M4, 20,000,000 and 20,000,000 as Series AA2, 20,000,000 and 20,000,000 as Series MM2, 90,000,000 and 0 as Series A5, and 90,000,000 and 0 as Series M5, each as of December 31, 2024 and June 30, 2024; 27,968,443 and 28,932,457 Series A1 shares issued and outstanding, 1,309,907 and 1,788,851 Series M1 shares issued and outstanding, 0 and 0 Series M2 shares issued and outstanding, 0 and 0 Series AA1 shares issued and outstanding, 0 and 0 Series MM1 shares issued and outstanding, 163,000 and 164,000 Series A2 shares issued and outstanding, 5,251,157 and 5,251,157 Series A shares issued and outstanding, 24,476,826 and 24,810,648 Series A3 shares issued and outstanding, 2,732,317 and 3,351,101 Series M3 shares issued and outstanding, 2,192,884 and 1,401,747 Series M4 shares issued and outstanding, 7,012,458 and 3,766,166 Series A4 issued and outstanding, 0 and 0 Series AA2 shares issued and outstanding, 0 and 0 Series MM2 shares issued and outstanding, 0 and 0 Series A5 issued and outstanding, and 0 and 0 Series M5 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and June 30, 2024, respectively) at carrying value plus cumulative accrued and unpaid dividends	1,630,514		1,586,188
Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares	$	3,440,036	$	3,711,733
Components of Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares and Net Assets, respectively
Common stock, par value $0.001 per share (1,152,100,000 and 1,352,100,000 common shares authorized; 438,851,578 and 424,846,963 issued and outstanding, respectively)	439		425
Paid-in capital in excess of par	4,267,636		4,208,607
Total distributable (loss)	(828,039)		(497,299)
Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares	$	3,440,036	$	3,711,733
Net Asset Value Per Common Share	$	7.84	$	8.74

PROSPECT CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (in thousands, except share and per share data) (Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended December 31,				Six Months Ended December 31,
	2024		2023		2024		2023
Investment Income
Interest income (excluding payment-in-kind (“PIK”) interest income):
Control investments	$	57,386	$	41,690	$	109,768	$	90,816
Non-control/non-affiliate investments	87,159		105,749		182,069		212,105
Structured credit securities	4,054		8,882		8,233		25,569
Total interest income (excluding PIK interest income)	148,599		156,321		300,070		328,490
PIK interest income:
Control investments	13,884		26,834		33,594		50,951
Non-control/non-affiliate investments	6,315		11,476		19,749		17,637
Total PIK Interest Income	20,199		38,310		53,343		68,588
Total interest income	168,798		194,631		353,413		397,078
Dividend income:
Control investments	4,387		—		4,387		227
Affiliate investments	—		—		141		1,307
Non-control/non-affiliate investments	2,574		1,340		4,843		2,865
Total dividend income	6,961		1,340		9,371		4,399
Other income:
Control investments	8,416		11,616		15,383		41,361
Non-control/non-affiliate investments	1,291		3,355		3,607		4,349
Total other income	9,707		14,971		18,990		45,710
Total Investment Income	185,466		210,942		381,774		447,187
Operating Expenses
Base management fee	37,069		39,087		75,675		78,376
Income incentive fee	13,632		18,325		29,312		43,942
Interest and credit facility expenses	37,979		40,044		77,739		80,637
Allocation of overhead from Prospect Administration	5,708		12,252		11,416		14,365
Audit, compliance and tax related fees	80		479		1,800		1,496
Directors’ fees	150		131		300		266
Other general and administrative expenses	4,417		3,697		9,224		5,566
Total Operating Expenses	99,035		114,015		205,466		224,648
Net Investment Income	86,431		96,927		176,308		222,539
Net Realized and Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses) from Investments
Net realized gains (losses)
Control investments	3		—		6,370		(147)
Non-control/non-affiliate investments	(46,656)		123		(153,393)		(207,219)
Net realized gains (losses)	(46,653)		123		(147,023)		(207,366)
Net change in unrealized gains (losses)
Control investments	30,419		(99,441)		(143,829)		(117,235)
Affiliate investments	(1,446)		1,751		2,002		2,588
Non-control/non-affiliate investments	(69,053)		(27,051)		(22,020)		188,535
Net change in unrealized gains (losses)	(40,080)		(124,741)		(163,847)		73,888
Net Realized and Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses) from Investments	(86,733)		(124,618)		(310,870)		(133,478)
Net realized gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt	236		(53)		484		(144)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations	(66)		(27,744)		(134,078)		88,917
Preferred Stock dividends	(26,228)		(24,070)		(53,385)		(47,221)
Net gain (loss) on redemptions of Preferred Stock	(906)		378		1,398		879
Gain (loss) on Accretion to Redemption Value of Preferred Stock	(3,793)		—		(9,997)		—
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations applicable to Common Stockholders	$	(30,993)	$	(51,436)	$	(196,062)	$	42,575

PROSPECT CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES ROLLFORWARD OF NET ASSET VALUE PER COMMON SHARE (in actual dollars)

	Three Months Ended December 31,						Six Months Ended December 31,
	2024			2023			2024			2023
Per Share Data
Net asset value per common share at beginning of period	$	8.10		$	9.25		$	8.74		$	9.24
Net investment income⁽¹⁾	0.20			0.24			0.41			0.54
Net realized and change in unrealized gains (losses)⁽¹⁾	(0.21)			(0.30)			(0.74)			(0.33)
Net increase (decrease) from operations	(0.01)			(0.06)			(0.33)			0.21
Distributions of net investment income to preferred stockholders	(0.06)		₍₄₎	(0.07)		₍₃₎	(0.12)		₍₄₎	(0.12)		₍₃₎
Distributions of capital gains to preferred stockholders	—		₍₄₎	—		₍₃₎	—		₍₄₎	—		₍₃₎
Total distributions to preferred stockholders	(0.06)			(0.07)			(0.12)			(0.12)
Net increase (decrease) from operations applicable to common stockholders	(0.07)			(0.13)			(0.45)			0.10		₍₇₎
Distributions of net investment income to common stockholders	(0.15)		₍₄₎	(0.18)		₍₃₎	(0.33)		₍₄₎	(0.34)		₍₃₎
Return of capital to common stockholders	—		₍₄₎	—		₍₃₎	—		₍₄₎	(0.02)		₍₃₎₍₆₎
Total distributions to common stockholders	(0.15)			(0.18)			(0.33)			(0.36)
Common stock transactions⁽²⁾	(0.04)			(0.02)			(0.13)			(0.06)
Net asset value per common share at end of period	$	7.84		$	8.92		$	7.84	₍₇₎	$	8.92	₍₇₎

⁽¹⁾	Per share data amount is based on the basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the year/period presented (except for dividends to stockholders which is based on actual rate per share). Realized gains (losses) is inclusive of net realized losses (gains) on investments, realized losses (gains) from extinguishment of debt and realized gains (losses) from the repurchases and redemptions of preferred stock.

⁽²⁾	Common stock transactions include the effect of our issuance of common stock in public offerings (net of underwriting and offering costs), shares issued in connection with our common stock dividend reinvestment plan, common shares issued to acquire investments, common shares repurchased below net asset value pursuant to our Repurchase Program, and common shares issued pursuant to the Holder Optional Conversion of our 5.50% Preferred Stock and 6.50% Preferred Stock.

⁽³⁾	Tax character of distributions is not yet finalized for the respective fiscal period and will not be finalized until we file our tax return for our tax year ending August 31, 2024.

⁽⁴⁾	Tax character of distributions is not yet finalized for the respective fiscal period and will not be finalized until we file our tax return for our tax year ending August 31, 2025.

⁽⁵⁾	Diluted net decrease from operations applicable to common stockholders was $0.07 for the three months ended December 31, 2024. Diluted net decrease from operations applicable to common stockholders was $0.13 for the three months ended December 31, 2023. Diluted net decrease from operations applicable to common stockholders was $0.45 for the six months ended December 31, 2024. Diluted net increase from operations applicable to common stockholders was $0.10 for the six months ended December 31, 2023.

⁽⁶⁾	The amounts reflected for the respective fiscal periods were updated based on tax information received subsequent to our Form 10-K filing for the year ended June 30, 2023 and our Form 10-Q filing for December 31, 2023. Certain reclassifications have been made in the presentation of prior period amounts.

⁽⁷⁾	Does not foot due to rounding.

MIDDLE-MARKET LOAN PORTFOLIO COMPANY WEIGHTED AVERAGE EBITDA, NET LEVERAGE AND INTERNAL RATE OF RETURN

Middle-Market Loan Portfolio Company Weighted Average Net Leverage (“Middle-Market Portfolio Net Leverage”) and Middle-Market Loan Portfolio Company Weighted Average EBITDA (“Middle-Market Portfolio EBITDA”) provide clarity into the underlying capital structure of PSEC’s middle-market loan portfolio investments and the likelihood that such portfolio will make interest payments and repay principal.

Middle-Market Portfolio Net Leverage reflects the net leverage of each of PSEC’s middle-market loan portfolio company debt investments, weighted based on the current fair market value of such debt investments. The net leverage for each middle-market loan portfolio company is calculated based on PSEC’s investment in the capital structure of such portfolio company, with a maximum limit of 10.0x adjusted EBITDA. This calculation excludes debt subordinate to PSEC’s position within the capital structure because PSEC’s exposure to interest payment and principal repayment risk is limited beyond that point. Additionally, subordinated structured notes, rated secured structured notes, real estate investments, investments for which EBITDA is not available, and equity investments, for which principal repayment is not fixed, are also not included in the calculation. The calculation does not exceed 10.0x adjusted EBITDA for any individual investment because 10.0x captures the highest level of risk to PSEC. Middle-Market Portfolio Net Leverage provides PSEC with some guidance as to PSEC’s exposure to the interest payment and principal repayment risk of PSEC’s middle-market loan portfolio. PSEC monitors its Middle-Market Portfolio Net Leverage on a quarterly basis.

Middle-Market Portfolio EBITDA is used by PSEC to supplement Middle-Market Portfolio Net Leverage and generally indicates a portfolio company’s ability to make interest payments and repay principal. Middle-Market Portfolio EBITDA is calculated using the EBITDA of each of PSEC’s middle-market loan portfolio companies, weighted based on the current fair market value of the related investments. The calculation provides PSEC with insight into profitability and scale of the portfolio companies within PSEC’s middle-market loan portfolio.

These calculations include addbacks that are typically negotiated and documented in the applicable investment documents, including but not limited to transaction costs, share-based compensation, management fees, foreign currency translation adjustments, and other nonrecurring transaction expenses.

Together, Middle-Market Portfolio Net Leverage and Middle-Market Portfolio EBITDA assist PSEC in assessing the likelihood that PSEC will timely receive interest and principal payments. However, these calculations are not meant to substitute for an analysis of PSEC’s underlying portfolio company debt investments, but to supplement such analysis.

Internal Rate of Return (“IRR”) is the discount rate that makes the net present value of all cash flows related to a particular investment equal to zero. IRR is gross of general expenses not related to specific investments as these expenses are not allocable to specific investments. Investments are considered to be exited when the original investment objective has been achieved through the receipt of cash and/or non-cash consideration upon the repayment of a debt investment or sale of an investment or through the determination that no further consideration was collectible and, thus, a loss may have been realized. Prospect’s gross IRR calculations are unaudited. Information regarding internal rates of return are historical results relating to Prospect’s past performance and are not necessarily indicative of future results, the achievement of which cannot be assured.

PRIMARY ORIGINATION STRATEGIES

Lending to Companies – We make directly-originated, agented loans to companies, including companies which are controlled by private equity sponsors and companies that are not controlled by private equity sponsors (such as companies that are controlled by the management team, the founder, a family or public shareholders). This debt can take the form of first lien, second lien, unitranche or unsecured loans. These loans typically have equity subordinate to our loan position. We may also purchase selected equity investments in such companies. In addition to directly-originated, agented loans, we also invest in senior and secured loans syndicated loans and high yield bonds that have been sold to a club or syndicate of buyers, both in the primary and secondary markets. These investments are often purchased with a long term, buy-and-hold outlook, and we often look to provide significant input to the transaction by providing anchoring orders.

Lending to Companies and Purchasing Controlling Equity Positions in Such Companies – This strategy involves purchasing senior and secured yield-producing debt and controlling equity positions in operating companies across various industries. We believe this strategy provides enhanced certainty of closing to sellers and the opportunity for management to continue on in their current roles. These investments are often structured in tax-efficient partnerships, enhancing returns.

Purchasing Controlling Equity Positions and Lending to Real Estate Companies – We purchase debt and controlling equity positions in tax-efficient real estate investment trusts (“REIT” or “REITs”). The real estate investments of National Property REIT Corp. (“NPRC”) are in various classes of developed and occupied real estate properties that generate current yields, including multi-family properties, student housing and senior living. NPRC seeks to identify properties that have historically significant occupancy rates and recurring cash flow generation. NPRC generally co-invests with established and experienced property management teams that manage such properties after acquisition. Additionally, NPRC makes investments in rated secured structured notes (primarily debt of structured credit). NPRC also purchases loans originated by certain consumer loan facilitators. It purchases each loan in its entirety (i.e., a “whole loan”). The borrowers are consumers, and the loans are typically serviced by the facilitators of the loans.

Investing in Structured Credit – We make investments in structured credit, often taking a significant position in subordinated structured notes (equity). The underlying portfolio of each structured credit investment is diversified across approximately 100 to 200 broadly syndicated loans and does not have direct exposure to real estate, mortgages, or consumer-based credit assets. The structured credit portfolios in which we invest are managed by established collateral management teams with many years of experience in the industry.

About Prospect Capital Corporation

Prospect is a business development company lending to and investing in private businesses. Prospect’s investment objective is to generate both current income and long-term capital appreciation through debt and equity investments.

Prospect has elected to be treated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940. We have elected to be treated as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, whose safe harbor for forward-looking statements does not apply to business development companies. Any such statements, other than statements of historical fact, are highly likely to be affected by other unknowable future events and conditions, including elements of the future that are or are not under our control, and that we may or may not have considered; accordingly, such statements cannot be guarantees or assurances of any aspect of future performance. Actual developments and results are highly likely to vary materially from any forward-looking statements. Such statements speak only as of the time when made, and we undertake no obligation to update any such statement now or in the future.

For additional information, contact:

Grier Eliasek, President and Chief Operating Officer
grier@prospectcap.com
Telephone (212) 448-0702

The MIL Network –

February 11, 2025

MIL-OSI: Astera Labs Announces Financial Results for the Fourth Quarter of Fiscal Year 2024

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Record quarterly revenue of $141.1 million, up 25% QoQ and up 179% YoY
Fiscal 2024 record revenue of $396.3 million, up 242% versus the prior year
Ramping across diverse set of customers and platforms with four product families in fiscal 2025

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Astera Labs, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALAB), a global leader in semiconductor-based connectivity solutions for cloud and AI infrastructure, today announced preliminary financial results for the fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2024, ended December 31, 2024.

“Astera Labs delivered strong Q4 results, with revenue growing 25% versus the previous quarter, and capped off a stellar 2024 with 242% revenue growth year-over-year,” said Jitendra Mohan, Astera Labs’ Chief Executive Officer. “The revenue growth in 2024 was largely driven by Aries PCIe Retimer products, with Taurus Smart Cable Modules for Ethernet coming in strongly in Q4. We expect 2025 to be a breakout year as we enter a new phase of growth driven by revenue from all four of our product families to support a diverse set of customers and platforms. This includes our flagship Scorpio Fabric products for head-node PCIe connectivity and backend AI accelerator scale-up clustering.”

Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2024 Financial Highlights

GAAP Financial Results:

Revenue of $141.1 million, up 25% sequentially and up 179% year-over-year
GAAP gross margin of 74.0%
GAAP operating income of $0.1 million
GAAP operating margin of 0.1%
GAAP net income of $24.7 million
GAAP diluted net earnings per share of $0.14

Non-GAAP Financial Results (excluding the impact of stock-based compensation expense and the income tax effects of non-GAAP adjustments):

Non-GAAP gross margin of 74.1%
Non-GAAP operating income of $48.4 million
Non-GAAP operating margin of 34.3%
Non-GAAP net income of $66.5 million
Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share of $0.37

Full Year Fiscal 2024 Financial Highlights

GAAP Financial Results:

Revenue of $396.3 million, up 242% year-over-year
GAAP gross margin of 76.4%
GAAP operating loss of $116.1 million
GAAP operating margin of (29.3%)
GAAP net loss of $83.4 million
GAAP diluted net loss per share of $0.64

Non-GAAP and Non-GAAP Financial Results (excluding the impact of stock-based compensation expense and the income tax effects of non-GAAP adjustments):

Non-GAAP gross margin of 76.6%
Non-GAAP operating income of $119.6 million
Non-GAAP operating margin of 30.2%
Non-GAAP net income of $143.3 million
Pro forma non-GAAP diluted earnings per share of $0.84

Full Year Fiscal 2024 Business Highlights

Introduced new portfolio of Scorpio Smart Fabric Switches purpose-built for AI infrastructure at cloud-scale. The Scorpio Smart Fabric Switch family features two application-specific product lines with a multi-generational roadmap, including the P-Series for GPU-to-CPU/NIC/SSD PCIe Gen 6 connectivity and the X-Series for platform-specific, back-end AI accelerator clustering. Scorpio is currently shipping in pre-production quantities.
Joined the Ultra Accelerator Link Consortium as a promoting member on the Board of Directors. UALink technology will be used to enable efficient high-speed scale-up connectivity between AI accelerators within large and growing cluster sizes for AI workloads. Astera Labs is well positioned to quickly contribute to this new and compelling industry initiative to develop and advance UALink technology.
Demonstrated the industry’s first end-to-end PCIe optical connectivity link to provide extended reach for larger, disaggregated GPU clusters. PCIe over optics expands Astera Labs’ widely deployed and field-tested Aries family of Smart DSP retimers and Smart Cable Modules (SCMs) to deliver robust PCIe and CXL connectivity in chip-to-chip, box-to-box, and rack-to-rack topologies throughout the data center.
Expanded the widely deployed and field-tested Aries PCIe/CXL Smart DSP Retimer portfolio with the introduction and initial shipment of Aries 6 Retimers, the industry’s lowest power PCIe 6.x/CXL 3.x Retimer solution, to achieve higher bandwidth and extended reach across complex AI and compute topologies.
Shipped Aries PCIe/CXL Smart Cable Modules for Active Electrical Cable applications to enable multi-rack GPU clustering and low-latency memory fabric connectivity within AI infrastructure. The solution drives seven meters of reach over flexible copper cables to seamlessly and affordably interconnect clusters of GPUs across rack enclosures.
Showcased the first public demonstration of end-to-end interoperability between a PCIe 6.x Switch and a PCIe 6.x SSD at DesignCon 2025. The PCIe 6.x link-up was between an Astera Labs Scorpio P-Series Fabric Switch and Micron’s PCIe 6.x SSDs and showcased remarkable sequential read speeds exceeding 26GB/s.

First Quarter of Fiscal 2025 Financial Outlook

Based on current business trends and conditions, Astera Labs estimates the following:

GAAP Financial Outlook:

Revenue within a range of $151 million to $155 million
GAAP gross margin of approximately 74%
GAAP operating expenses within a range of approximately $113 million to $114 million
GAAP tax expense of approximately $3 million
GAAP diluted earnings per share within a range of approximately $0.03 to $0.04 on weighted-average diluted shares outstanding of approximately 180 million

Non-GAAP Financial Outlook (excluding the impact of approximately $47 million of stock-based compensation and including approximately $3 million of additional income taxes):

Non-GAAP gross margin of approximately 74%
Non-GAAP operating expenses within a range of approximately $66 million to $67 million
Non-GAAP tax rate of approximately 10%
Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share within a range of approximately $0.28 to $0.29 on non-GAAP weighted-average diluted shares outstanding of approximately 180 million

Earnings Webcast and Conference Call
Astera Labs will host a conference call to review its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of fiscal 2024 and to discuss our financial outlook today at 1:30 p.m. Pacific Time. Interested parties may join the conference call by dialing 1-800-715-9871 and using conference ID 5908687. The call will also be webcast and can be accessed at the Astera Labs website at https://ir.asteralabs.com/. The webcast will be recorded and available for replay on the company’s website for the next six months.

Discussion of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We use certain non-GAAP financial measures to supplement the performance measures in our consolidated financial statements, which are presented in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to the closest GAAP measure can be found later in this release. These non-GAAP financial measures include non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP gross margin, non-GAAP operating expenses, non-GAAP operating income (loss), non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP tax rate, non-GAAP net income (loss), non-GAAP diluted earnings (loss) per share, and non-GAAP weighted-average share count. We use these non-GAAP financial measures for financial and operational decision-making and as a means to assist us in evaluating period-to-period comparisons. By excluding certain items that may not be indicative of our recurring core operating results, we believe that, non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP gross margin, non-GAAP operating expenses, non-GAAP operating income (loss), non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP tax rate, non-GAAP net income (loss), non-GAAP pro forma diluted earnings (loss) per share, and non-GAAP pro forma weighted-average share count provide meaningful supplemental information regarding our performance. Accordingly, we believe these non-GAAP financial measures are useful to investors and others because they allow for additional information with respect to financial measures used by management in its financial and operational decision-making and they may be used by our institutional investors and the analyst community to help them analyze the health of our business. However, there are a number of limitations related to the use of non-GAAP financial measures, and these non-GAAP measures should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for or in isolation from, our financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP. Other companies, including companies in our industry, may calculate these non-GAAP financial measures differently or not at all, which reduces their usefulness as comparative measures.

No reconciliation is provided with respect to the forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures included in our non-GAAP financial outlook, as the GAAP measures are not accessible on a forward-looking basis. As a result, we cannot reliably predict all necessary components or their impact to reconcile such financial measures without unreasonable effort. The events necessitating a non-GAAP adjustment are inherently unpredictable and may have a significant impact on our future GAAP financial results.

We adjust the following items from one or more of our non-GAAP financial measures:

Stock-based compensation expense
We exclude stock-based compensation expense, which is a non-cash expense, from certain of our non-GAAP financial measures because we believe that excluding this item provides meaningful supplemental information regarding operational performance. In particular, companies calculate non-cash stock-based compensation expense using a variety of valuation methodologies and subjective assumptions. Moreover, stock-based compensation expense is a non-cash charge that can vary significantly from period to period for reasons that are unrelated to our core operating performance, and therefore excluding this item provides investors and other users of our financial information with information that allows meaningful comparisons of our business performance across periods.

Employer payroll taxes related to stock-based compensation resulting from our IPO
We exclude employer payroll taxes related to the time-based vesting and net settlement of restricted stock units in connection with our initial public offering (the “IPO”), because this does not correlate to the operation of our business. We believe that excluding this item provides meaningful supplemental information regarding operational performance given the amount of employer payroll tax-related items on employee stock transactions was immaterial prior to our IPO.

Income tax effect
This represents the impact of the non-GAAP adjustments on an after-tax basis and one-off discrete tax adjustments that are unrelated to our core operating performance in connection with the presentation of non-GAAP net income (loss) and non-GAAP net income (loss) per diluted share. This approach is designed to enhance investors’ ability to understand the impact of our non-GAAP tax expense on our current operations, provide improved modeling accuracy, and substantially reduce fluctuations caused by GAAP to non-GAAP adjustments.

Non-GAAP pro forma weighted-average shares to compute non-GAAP pro forma net income (loss) per share
We present non-GAAP pro forma weighted-average shares, assuming our redeemable convertible preferred stock is converted from the beginning of each respective periods presented, to provide meaningful supplemental information regarding EPS trend on a consistent basis. All of our outstanding redeemable preferred stock converted into the equivalent number of shares of common stock in connection with our IPO.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements based on Astera Labs’ current expectations. The words “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “may”, “anticipate”, “plan”, “project”, “will”, and similar phrases as they relate to Astera Labs are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect the current views and assumptions of Astera Labs and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations. These forward-looking statements include but are not limited to, statements regarding our future operating results, financial position and guidance, including for the first quarter of fiscal 2025, our business strategy and plans, our objectives for future operations, our development or delivery of new or enhanced products and anticipated results of those products for our customers, our competitive positioning, including to meet the connectivity market opportunity in the future and initiative to advance UALink technology, technological capabilities and plans, our plans to add R&D talent and strategic IP blocks, and macroeconomic trends in cloud and AI infrastructure. A variety of risks and factors that are beyond our control could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements including, without limitation: the competitive and cyclical nature of the semiconductor industry; the concentration of our customer base; the changes in demand for AI; the macroeconomic environment; risks that demand and the supply chain may be adversely affected, including by the imposition of tariffs by the United States and any corresponding retaliatory tariffs, changes in political policies, military conflict (such as between Russia/Ukraine and Israel/Hamas), terrorism, sanctions or other geopolitical events globally (including conflict between Taiwan and China); quarterly fluctuations in revenues and operating results; difficulties developing new products that achieve market acceptance; risks associated with managing international activities (including trade barriers, particularly with respect to China); absence of long-term commitments from customers; risks that Astera Labs may not be able to manage strains associated with its growth; credit risks associated with its accounts receivable; stock price volatility; information technology risks, including cyber-attacks against Astera Labs’ products and its networks; and other risks and uncertainties that are detailed under the caption “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in our Annual Report on 10-K that will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and in Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC and the other SEC filings and reports Astera Labs may make from time to time. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment, and new risks may emerge from time to time. It is not possible for our management to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor(s) may cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements we may make. Accordingly, you should not rely on any of the forward-looking statements. Astera Labs disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

About Astera Labs
Our PCIe, CXL and Ethernet semiconductor-based connectivity solutions are purpose-built to unleash the full potential of accelerated computing at cloud-scale. Inspired by trusted partnerships with hyperscalers and the data center ecosystem, we are an innovation leader of products that are customizable, interoperable, and reliable. Discover how we are transforming AI and modern data-driven applications at www.asteralabs.com.


ASTERA LABS, INC.CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (In thousands)

	December 31, 2024			December 31, 2023
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	79,551		$	45,098
Marketable securities		834,750			104,215
Accounts receivable, net		38,811			8,335
Inventory		43,215			24,095
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		16,652			4,064
Total current assets		1,012,979			185,807
Property and equipment, net		35,651			4,712
Other assets		5,878			5,773
Total assets	$	1,054,508		$	196,292

Liabilities, Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	$	26,918		$	6,337
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		59,624			28,742
Total current liabilities		86,542			35,079
Other liabilities		3,167			3,787
Total liabilities		89,709			38,866
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable convertible preferred stock		–			255,127
Stockholders’ equity (deficit)
Common stock		16			4
Additional paid-in capital		1,173,153			27,411
Accumulated other comprehensive income		426			259
Accumulated deficit		(208,796	)		(125,375	)
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)		964,799			(97,701	)
Total liabilities, redeemable convertible preferred stock and stockholders’ equity (deficit)	$	1,054,508		$	196,292


ASTERA LABS, INC.CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) (In thousands, except per share amounts)

	Three Months Ended									Years Ended
	December 31, 2024			September 30, 2024			December 31, 2023			December 31, 2024			December 31, 2023
Revenue	$	141,096		$	113,086		$	50,514		$	396,290		$	115,794
Cost of revenue		36,648			25,209			11,489			93,591			35,967
Gross profit		104,448			87,877			39,025			302,699			79,827

Operating expenses
Research and development		56,524			50,659			19,654			200,830			73,407
Sales and marketing		22,818			23,248			4,995			123,652			19,992
General and administrative		24,962			22,866			5,356			94,283			15,925
Total operating expenses		104,304			96,773			30,005			418,765			109,324
Operating income (loss)		144			(8,896	)		9,020			(116,066	)		(29,497	)
Interest income		10,558			10,912			1,674			34,288			6,549
Income (loss) before income taxes		10,702			2,016			10,694			(81,778	)		(22,948	)
Income tax (benefit) provision		(14,011	)		9,609			(3,631	)		1,643			3,309
Net income (loss)	$	24,713		$	(7,593	)	$	14,325		$	(83,421	)	$	(26,257	)

Net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders:
Basic	$	0.15		$	(0.05	)	$	—		$	(0.64	)	$	(0.71	)
Diluted	$	0.14		$	(0.05	)	$	—		$	(0.64	)	$	(0.71	)
Weighted-average shares used in calculating net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders:
Basic		159,895			156,831			38,627			131,262			37,131
Diluted		177,559			156,831			47,636			131,262			37,131


ASTERA LABS, INC.CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (In thousands)

	Years Ended December 31,
		2024			2023
Cash flows from operating activities
Net loss	$	(83,421	)	$	(26,257	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
Stock-based compensation		234,588			10,679
Depreciation		3,154			1,781
Non-cash operating lease expense		2,428			1,232
Warrants contra revenue		1,395			805
Inventory write-downs		168			10,343
Accretion of discounts on marketable securities		(8,341	)		(1,624	)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net		(30,480	)		2,386
Inventory		(19,287	)		(5,564	)
Prepaid expenses and other assets		(13,031	)		(720	)
Accounts payable		20,887			(4,264	)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		31,018			(167	)
Operating lease liability		(2,402	)		(1,346	)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		136,676			(12,716	)

Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases of property and equipment		(34,245	)		(2,761	)
Purchases of marketable securities		(930,575	)		(126,225	)
Sales and maturities of marketable securities		208,665			111,214
Other investing activities		(1,413	)		—
Net cash used in investing activities		(757,568	)		(17,772	)

Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of common stock in connection with initial public offering, net of underwriting discounts and commissions		672,198			—
Payment of deferred offering costs		(4,801	)		(1,407	)
Proceeds from exercises of stock options		5,458			1,115
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan		4,160			—
Tax withholding related to net share settlements of restricted stock units		(20,111	)		—
Repurchase of common stock upon termination		(1,066	)		(210	)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		655,838			(502	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash		34,946			(30,990	)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
Beginning of the period		45,098			76,088
End of the period	$	80,044		$	45,098


ASTERA LABS, INC.RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (Unaudited) (In thousands, except percentages and per share amounts)

	Three Months Ended									Years Ended
	December 31, 2024			September 30, 2024			December 31, 2023			December 31, 2024			December 31, 2023
GAAP gross profit	$	104,448		$	87,877		$	39,025		$	302,699		$	79,827
Stock-based compensation expense upon IPO ⁽¹⁾		—			—			—			516			—
Stock-based compensation expense		131			102			8			329			24
Non-GAAP gross profit	$	104,579		$	87,979		$	39,033		$	303,544		$	79,851

GAAP gross margin		74.0	%		77.7	%		77.3	%		76.4	%		68.9	%
Stock-based compensation expense upon IPO ⁽¹⁾		—			—			—			0.1			—
Stock-based compensation expense		0.1			0.1			—			0.1			0.1
Non-GAAP gross margin		74.1	%		77.8	%		77.3	%		76.6	%		69.0	%

GAAP operating income (loss)	$	144		$	(8,896	)	$	9,020		$	(116,066	)	$	(29,497	)
Stock-based compensation expense upon IPO ⁽¹⁾		—			—			—			88,873			—
Stock-based compensation expense		48,218			45,535			3,299			145,715			10,679
Employer payroll tax related to stock-based compensation from IPO ⁽²⁾		—			—			—			1,072			—
Non-GAAP operating income (loss)	$	48,362		$	36,639		$	12,319		$	119,594		$	(18,818	)

GAAP operating margin		0.1	%	(7.9)%				17.9	%	(29.3)%			(25.5)%
Stock-based compensation expense upon IPO ⁽¹⁾		—			—			—			22.4			—
Stock-based compensation expense		34.2			40.3			6.5			36.8			9.2
Employer payroll tax related to stock-based compensation from IPO ⁽²⁾		—			—			—			0.3			—
Non-GAAP operating margin		34.3	%		32.4	%		24.4	%		30.2	%	(16.3)%

GAAP net income (loss)	$	24,713		$	(7,593	)	$	14,325		$	(83,421	)	$	(26,257	)
Stock-based compensation expense upon IPO ⁽¹⁾		—			—			—			88,873			—
Stock-based compensation expense		48,218			45,535			3,299			145,715			10,679
Employer payroll tax related to stock-based compensation from IPO ⁽²⁾		—			—			—			1,072			—
Income tax effect ⁽³⁾		(6,439	)		2,340			—			(8,910	)		—
Non-GAAP net income (loss)	$	66,492		$	40,282		$	17,624		$	143,329		$	(15,578	)

Net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders:
GAAP – basic	$	0.15		$	(0.05	)	$	—		$	(0.64	)	$	(0.71	)
GAAP – diluted	$	0.14		$	(0.05	)	$	—		$	(0.64	)	$	(0.71	)
Non-GAAP pro forma – diluted	$	0.37		$	0.23		$	0.12		$	0.84		$	(0.12	)

Weighted average shares used to compute net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders:
GAAP – basic		159,895			156,831			38,627			131,262			37,131
GAAP – diluted		177,559			156,831			47,636			131,262			37,131
Non-GAAP pro forma – diluted ⁽⁴⁾		177,559			173,832			138,527			168,913			128,022

____________________

(1) Stock-based compensation expense recognized in connection with the time-based vesting and settlement of RSUs that had previously met the time-based vesting condition and for which the liquidity event vesting condition was satisfied in connection with our IPO.

(2) Employer payroll taxes related to the time-based vesting and settlement of RSUs, that had previously met the time-based vesting condition and for which the liquidity event vesting condition was satisfied in connection with our IPO.

(3) Income tax effect is calculated based on the tax laws in the jurisdictions in which we operate and is calculated to exclude the impact of stock-based compensation expense and one-off discrete tax adjustments that are unrelated to our core operating performance. For the three months ended December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024, the non-GAAP tax benefit rate was 13% and tax expense rate of 15%, respectively. The adjustments for the three months ended December 31, 2023 were not material. For the years ended December 31, 2024, the non-GAAP tax expense rate was 7% compared to a tax benefit rate of 27% for the year ended December 31, 2023.

(4) We present the non-GAAP pro forma weighted average shares to provide meaningful supplemental information of comparable shares for each periods presented. The non-GAAP pro forma weighted average shares is calculated as follows:

	Three Months Ended			Years Ended
	December 31, 2024	September 30, 2024	December 31, 2023	December 31, 2024	December 31, 2023
Shares used to compute GAAP net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders – diluted	177,559	156,831	47,636	131,262	37,131
Weighted average effect of the assumed conversion of redeemable convertible preferred stock from the beginning of the periods	—	—	90,891	19,165	90,891
Effect of dilutive equivalent shares	—	17,001	—	18,486	—
Shares used to compute non-GAAP pro forma net income (loss) per share- diluted	177,559	173,832	138,527	168,913	128,022


ASTERA LABS, INC.SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATIONSTOCK-BASED COMPENSATION EXPENSE (Unaudited) (In thousands)

	Three Months Ended						Years Ended
	December 31, 2024		September 30, 2024		December 31, 2023		December 31, 2024		December 31, 2023
Cost of revenue	$	131	$	102	$	8	$	845	$	24
Research and development		18,808		14,641		2,303		76,427		7,360
Sales and marketing		14,671		16,200		681		95,887		2,067
General and administrative		14,608		14,592		307		61,429		1,228
Total stock-based compensation expense ⁽¹⁾	$	48,218	$	45,535	$	3,299	$	234,588	$	10,679

____________________

(1) Stock-based compensation expense recognized during the year ended December 31, 2024 included $88.9 million of cumulative stock-based compensation expense related to the time-based vesting and settlement of RSUs that had previously met the time-based vesting condition and for which the liquidity event vesting condition was satisfied in connection with our IPO.

IR CONTACT: Leslie Green
leslie.green@asteralabs.com

The MIL Network –

February 11, 2025

MIL-OSI: PennantPark Floating Rate Capital Ltd. Announces Financial Results for the First Quarter Ended December 31, 2024

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

MIAMI, Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PennantPark Floating Rate Capital Ltd. (NYSE: PFLT) announced today its financial results for the first quarter ended December 31, 2024.

HIGHLIGHTS
Quarter ended December 31, 2024 (Unaudited)
($ in millions, except per share amounts)

Assets and Liabilities:
Investment portfolio ⁽¹⁾	$	2,193.9
Net assets	$	962.7
GAAP net asset value per share	$	11.34
Quarterly increase in GAAP net asset value per share		0.3	%
Adjusted net asset value per share ⁽²⁾	$	11.34
Quarterly increase in adjusted net asset value per share ⁽²⁾		0.3	%

Credit Facility	$	608.8
2036 Asset-Backed Debt	$	284.2
2036-R Asset Backed Debt	$	265.3
2026 Notes	$	184.0
Regulatory debt to equity	1.40x
Weighted average yield on debt investments at quarter-end		10.6	%

Operating Results:
Net investment income	$	30.0
Net investment income per share (GAAP)	$	0.37
Core net investment income per share ⁽³⁾	$	0.33
Distributions declared per share	$	0.31

Portfolio Activity:
Purchases of investments	$	606.9
Sales and repayments of investments	$	401.3

PSSL Portfolio data:
PSSL investment portfolio	$	1,046.2
Purchases of investments	$	224.9
Sales and repayments of investments	$	86.6

Includes investments in PennantPark Senior Secured Loan Fund I LLC, or PSSL, an unconsolidated joint venture, totaling $286.6 million, at fair value.
This is a non-GAAP financial measure. The Company believes that this number provides useful information to investors and management because it reflects the Company’s financial performance excluding the impact of the unrealized amounts on the Credit Facility. The presentation of this additional information is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP.
Core net investment income (“Core NII”) is a non-GAAP financial measure. The Company believes that Core NII provides useful information to investors and management because it reflects the Company’s financial performance excluding one-time or non-recurring investment income and expenses. The presentation of this additional information is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP. For the quarter ended December 31, 2024, Core NII excluded: i) $3.8m of accelerated amortization income from the early repayment of a loan and ii) $0.8m of incentive fee expense.

CONFERENCE CALL AT 9:00 A.M. ET ON FEBRUARY 11, 2025

The Company will also host a conference call at 9:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) on Tuesday February 11, 2025 to discuss its financial results. All interested parties are welcome to participate. You can access the conference call by dialing toll-free (888) 394-8218 approximately 5-10 minutes prior to the call. International callers should dial (929) 477-0402. All callers should reference conference ID #1777320 or PennantPark Floating Rate Capital Ltd. An archived replay will also be available on a webcast link located on the Quarterly Earnings page in the Investor section of PennantPark’s website.

PORTFOLIO AND INVESTMENT ACTIVITY

“We are pleased to have another quarter of solid performance from both an NAV and net investment income perspective. We are actively investing in this excellent vintage of new core middle market loans,” said Art Penn, Chairman and CEO. “Through the growing balance sheets of PFLT and our PSSL joint venture, we are driving meaningfully increased income.”

As of December 31, 2024, our portfolio totaled $2,193.9 million, and consisted of $1,963.8 million of first lien secured debt (including $237.7 million in PSSL), $3.4 million of subordinated debt and $226.7 million of preferred and common equity (including $48.9 million in PSSL). Our debt portfolio consisted of approximately 100% variable-rate investments. As of December 31, 2024, we had two portfolio companies on non-accrual, representing 0.4% and 0.1% of our overall portfolio on a cost and fair value basis, respectively. As of December 31, 2024, the portfolio had net unrealized depreciation of $40.4 million. Our overall portfolio consisted of 159 companies with an average investment size of $13.8 million and had a weighted average yield on debt investments of 10.6%.

As of September 30, 2024, our portfolio totaled $1,983.5 million and consisted of $1,746.7 million of first lien secured debt (including $237.7 million in PSSL), $2.7 million of second lien secured debt and subordinated debt and $234.1 million of preferred and common equity (including $56.5 million in PSSL). Our debt portfolio consisted of approximately 100% variable-rate investments. As of September 30, 2024, we had two portfolio companies on non-accrual, representing 0.4% and 0.2% of our overall portfolio on a cost and fair value basis, respectively. As of September 30, 2024, the portfolio had net unrealized depreciation of $11.4 million. Our overall portfolio consisted of 158 companies with an average investment size of $12.6 million, and a weighted average yield on debt investments of 11.5%.

For the three months ended December 31, 2024, we invested $606.9 million in 11 new and 58 existing portfolio companies at a weighted average yield on debt investments of 10.3%. Sales and repayments of investments for the same period totaled $401.3 million including $187.7 million of sales to PSSL. For the three months ended December 31, 2023, we invested $302.6 million in 13 new and 34 existing portfolio companies with a weighted average yield on debt investments of 11.9%. Sales and repayments of investments for the same period totaled $103.8 million, including $62.7 million of sales to PSSL.

PennantPark Senior Secured Loan Fund I LLC

The Company and its joint venture partner jointly agreed to invest an additional $100 million of capital in PSSL. In conjunction with increased leverage capacity at PSSL, the $100 million investment will expand the joint venture’s total investment capacity to $1.5 billion, representing a nearly $500 million increase.

As of December 31, 2024, PSSL’s portfolio totaled $1,046.2 million, consisted of 118 companies with an average investment size of $8.9 million and had a weighted average yield on debt investments of 10.8%. As of September 30, 2024, PSSL’s portfolio totaled $913.3 million, consisted of 109 companies with an average investment size of $8.4 million and had a weighted average yield on debt investments of 11.4%.

For the three months ended December 31, 2024, PSSL invested $224.9 million (including $187.7 million purchase from the Company) in 17 new and eight existing portfolio companies with a weighted average yield on debt investments of 10.3%. PSSL’s sales and repayments of investments for the same period totaled $86.6 million. For the three months ended December 31, 2023, PSSL invested $75.7 million (including $62.7 million purchased from the Company) in four new and nine existing portfolio companies with a weighted average yield on debt investments of 12.3%. PSSL’s sales and repayments of investments for the same period totaled $27.7 million.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Set forth below are the results of operations for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.

Investment Income

For the three months ended December 31, 2024 investment income was $67.0 million, which was attributable to $61.0 million from first lien secured debt and $6.0 million from other investments. For the three months ended December 31, 2023, investment income was $38.0 million, which was attributable to $33.2 million from first lien secured debt and $4.8 million from other investments. The increase in investment income was primarily due to the increase in the size of the debt portfolio.

Expenses

For the three months ended December 31, 2024, expenses totaled $37.0 million and were comprised of: $22.4 million of debt related interest and expenses, $5.3 million of base management fees, $7.5 million of performance-based incentive fees, $1.7 million of general and administrative expenses and $0.2 million of taxes. For the three months ended December 31, 2023, expenses totaled $18.5 million and were comprised of: $8.9 million of debt related interest and expenses, $3.0 million of base management fees, $4.9 million of performance-based incentive fees, $1.6 million of general and administrative expenses and $0.2 million of taxes. The increase in expenses was primarily due to the increase in interest expense from increased borrowings and an increase in base management fees and incentive fee as a result of the increase in our investment portfolio.

Net Investment Income

For the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, net investment income totaled $30.0 million or $0.37 per share, and $19.4 million or $0.33 per share, respectively. The increase in net investment income was primarily due to an increase in investment income partially offset by an increase in expenses.

Net Realized Gains or Losses

For the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, net realized gains (losses) totaled $26.7 million and $(3.1) million, respectively. The change in net realized gains (losses) was primarily due to changes in the market conditions of our investments and the values at which they were realized.

Unrealized Appreciation or Depreciation on Investments and Debt

For the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we reported net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments of $(29.0) million and $6.2 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024, our net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments totaled $(40.4) million and $(11.4) million, respectively. The net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on our investments was primarily due to the operating performance of the portfolio companies within our portfolio and changes in the capital market conditions of our investments and realization of investments.

For the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, our Credit Facility had a net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of $0.1 million and of less than ($0.1) million, respectively. As of December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024, the net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the Credit Facility totaled approximately $0.1 million and zero, respectively. The net change in net unrealized (appreciation) or depreciation was primarily due to changes in the capital markets.

Net Change in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

For the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations totaled $28.3 million or $0.35 per share and $22.5 million, or $0.38 per share, respectively. The net increase or (decrease) from operations was primarily due to operating performance of our portfolio and changes in capital market conditions of our investments along with change in size and cost yield of our debt portfolio and costs of financing.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our liquidity and capital resources are derived primarily from cash flows from operations, including income earned, proceeds from investment sales and repayments, and proceeds of securities offerings and debt financings. Our primary use of funds from operations includes investments in portfolio companies and payments of fees and other operating expenses we incur. We have used, and expect to continue to use, our debt capital, proceeds from our portfolio and proceeds from public and private offerings of securities to finance our investment objectives and operations.

The multi-currency Credit Facility with affiliates of Truist Bank, or the Lenders, was upsized during the quarter to $736 million (increased from $636 million in December 2024).

For the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the annualized weighted average cost of debt, inclusive of the fee on the undrawn commitment on the Credit Facility, amendment costs and debt issuance costs, was 7.0% and 6.8%, respectively. As of December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024, we had $127.1 million and $192.1 million of unused borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility, respectively, subject to leverage and borrowing base restrictions.

As of December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024, we had cash equivalents of $102.3 million and $112.1 million, respectively, available for investing and general corporate purposes. We believe our liquidity and capital resources are sufficient to take advantage of market opportunities.

For the three months ended December 31, 2024, our operating activities used cash of $232.7 million and our financing activities provided cash of $222.9 million. Our operating activities used cash primarily due to our investment activities and our financing activities provided cash primarily from proceeds from the ATM program and borrowings under the Credit Facility.

For the three months ended December 31, 2023, our operating activities used cash of $181.9 million and our financing activities provided cash of $157.2 million. Our operating activities used cash primarily due to our investment activities and our financing activities provided cash primarily due to borrowings under the Credit Facility partially offset by the repayment of the 2023 Notes.

DISTRIBUTIONS

During the three months ended December 31, 2024 we declared distributions of $0.3075 per share for total distributions of $25.2 million. During the three months ended December 31, 2023, we declared distributions of $0.3075 per share for total distributions of $18.1 million. We monitor available net investment income to determine if a return of capital for tax purposes may occur for the fiscal year. To the extent our taxable earnings fall below the total amount of our distributions for any given fiscal year, stockholders will be notified of the portion of those distributions deemed to be a tax return of capital. Tax characteristics of all distributions will be reported to stockholders subject to information reporting on Form 1099-DIV after the end of each calendar year and in our periodic reports filed with the SEC.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

In February 2025, the Company priced a new securitization financing that is expected to close by early March. The new financing is a $361 million term debt securitization transaction with a weighted average spread of 1.59%, a four-year reinvestment period and a 12-year final maturity. The weighted average spread of 1.59% is a decrease of 30 basis points from an existing securitization financing that we refinanced in July 2024.

Securitization financing continues to be a good match for our lower risk first lien assets. We believe securitizations are attractive financing structures as they have a 12 year stated maturity and generally have 4 to 5 year reinvestment periods. The securitization financings are governed by an indenture similar to other bond instruments which prescribes how the securitization deals with credit deterioration, which means there is no risk of unpredictable behavior from the counterparties. In addition, securitizations are non mark to market financings regardless of broader market volatility. The only time an asset gets marked to market would be if there are defaults or if we experience CCC downgrades that would cause an excess CCC concentration, whereby only the excess CCC collateral is marked to market. The securitizations provide an attractive cost of capital that is well matched to the portfolio and provide a downside mitigation tool given the stable and consistent long-term nature of the financing.

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

The Company makes available on its website its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC, and stockholders may find such report on its website at www.pennantpark.com.

PENNANTPARK FLOATING RATE CAPITAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (in thousands, except per share data)

	December 31, 2024			September 30, 2024
	(unaudited)
Assets
Investments at fair value
Non-controlled, non-affiliated investments (amortized cost— $1,894,793 and $1,622,669, respectively)	$	1,907,349		$	1,632,269
Controlled, affiliated investments (amortized cost— $339,500 and $372,271, respectively)		286,561			351,235
Total investments (amortized cost— $2,234,293 and $1,994,940, respectively)		2,193,910			1,983,504
Cash and cash equivalents (cost— $102,273 and $112,046, respectively)		102,262			112,050
Interest receivable		13,024			12,167
Receivables from investments sold		29,090			—
Distributions receivable		577			635
Due from affiliate		312			291
Prepaid expenses and other assets		5,026			198
Total assets		2,344,201			2,108,845
Liabilities
Credit Facility payable, at fair value (cost— $608,855 and $443,855, respectively)		608,791			443,880
2026 Notes payable, net (par—$185,000)		184,026			183,832
2036 Asset-Backed Debt, net (par—$287,000)		284,222			284,086
2036-R Asset-Backed Debt, net (par-$266,000)		265,268			265,235
Payable for investments purchased		471			20,363
Interest payable on debt		13,318			14,645
Distributions payable		8,698			7,834
Base management fee payable		5,264			4,588
Incentive fee payable		7,492			3,189
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		2,920			2,187
Deferred tax liability		1,080			1,712
Total liabilities		1,381,550			1,231,551
Net assets
Common stock, 84,855,896 and 77,579,896 shares issued and outstanding, respectively Par value $0.001 per share and 200,000,000 shares authorized		85			78
Paid-in capital in excess of par value		1,058,949			976,744
Accumulated deficit		(96,383	)		(99,528	)
Total net assets	$	962,651		$	877,294
Total liabilities and net assets	$	2,344,201		$	2,108,845
Net asset value per share	$	11.34		$	11.31

PENNANTPARK FLOATING RATE CAPITAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (in thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended December 31,
	2024			2023
Investment income:
From non-controlled, non-affiliated investments:
Interest	$	47,463		$	23,768
Dividend		577			508
Other income		1,480			1,763
From controlled, affiliated investments:
Interest		12,808			8,434
Dividend		4,375			3,500
Other income		306			—
Total investment income		67,009			37,973
Expenses:
Interest and expenses on debt		22,361			8,942
Performance-based incentive fee		7,492			4,863
Base management fee		5,264			2,951
General and administrative expenses		1,200			988
Administrative services expenses		500			626
Expenses before provision for taxes and financing costs		36,817			18,370
Provision for taxes on net investment income		225			154
Total expenses		37,042			18,524
Net investment income		29,967			19,449
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and debt:
Net realized gain (loss) on:
Non-controlled, non-affiliated investments		1,181			(3,089	)
Non-controlled and controlled, affiliated investments		25,493			—
Provision for taxes on realized gain on investments		(73	)		—
Net realized gain (loss) on investments		26,601			(3,089	)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:
Non-controlled, non-affiliated investments		2,943			5,228
Controlled and non-controlled, affiliated investments		(31,904	)		943
Provision for taxes on unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments		632			—
Debt appreciation (depreciation)		90			(62	)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and debt		(28,239	)		6,109
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) from investments and debt		(1,638	)		3,020
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations	$	28,329		$	22,469
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations per common share	$	0.35		$	0.38
Net investment income per common share	$	0.37		$	0.33

ABOUT PENNANTPARK FLOATING RATE CAPITAL LTD.

PennantPark Floating Rate Capital Ltd. is a business development company which primarily invests in U.S. middle-market companies in the form of floating rate senior secured loans, including first lien secured debt, second lien secured debt and subordinated debt. From time to time, the Company may also invest in equity investments. PennantPark Floating Rate Capital Ltd. is managed by PennantPark Investment Advisers, LLC.

ABOUT PENNANTPARK INVESTMENT ADVISERS, LLC

PennantPark Investment Advisers, LLC is a leading middle-market credit platform, managing $9.4 billion of investable capital, including potential leverage. Since its inception in 2007, PennantPark Investment Advisers, LLC has provided investors access to middle-market credit by offering private equity firms and their portfolio companies as well as other middle-market borrowers a comprehensive range of creative and flexible financing solutions. PennantPark Investment Advisers, LLC is headquartered in Miami and has offices in New York, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and Amsterdam.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND OTHER

This press release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You should understand that under Section 27A(b)(2)(B) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E(b)(2)(B) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 do not apply to forward-looking statements made in periodic reports we file under the Exchange Act. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release are forward-looking statements and are not guarantees of future performance or results, and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including those described from time to time in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. PennantPark Floating Rate Capital Ltd. undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statement made herein. You should not place undue influence on such forward-looking statements as such statements speak only as of the date on which they are made.

We may use words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “seeks,” “plans,” “estimates” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on currently available operating, financial and competitive information and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our present expectations.

The information contained herein is based on current tax laws, which may change in the future. The Company cannot be held responsible for any direct or incidental loss resulting from applying any of the information provided in this publication or from any other source mentioned. The information provided in this material does not constitute any specific legal, tax or accounting advice. Please consult with qualified professionals for this type of advice.

CONTACT:	Richard T. Allorto, Jr.
	PennantPark Floating Rate Capital Ltd.
	(212) 905-1000
	www.pennantpark.com

The MIL Network –

February 11, 2025

MIL-OSI: iBio Reports Fiscal Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — iBio, Inc. (NYSEA:IBIO), today reported financial results for the second quarter ended Dec. 31, 2024, and provided a corporate update on its progress.

“In our second fiscal quarter we further strengthened our leadership with key Board appointments, reinforcing our commitment to innovation and execution as we work to develop next-generation therapeutics,” said CEO and Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Martin Brenner, Ph.D. “Following more recent developments, we also want to highlight the significant strides we have made in advancing our preclinical pipeline with the in-licensing of potentially best-in-class IBIO-600, the notable discovery of a novel Activin E antibody, and the launch of a bispecific antibody program targeting myostatin/activin A. We are excited by the momentum we have built through these results and remain focused on leveraging our AI-driven platform as we aim to transform the treatment landscape for patients with cardiometabolic diseases and obesity, offering hope for more effective, targeted therapies addressing the underlying causes of these conditions while improving overall metabolic health and quality of life.”

Fiscal Second Quarter 2025 & Recent Corporate Updates:
- Discovered a novel antibody targeting activin E in collaboration with AstralBio, leveraging iBio’s Machine-Learning Antibody Engine to overcome significant technical challenges, demonstrating the platform’s ability to engineer innovative therapeutics potentially for cardiometabolic disease and obesity.
- Expanded iBio’s cardiometabolic and obesity program with IBIO-600, the long-acting anti-myostatin antibody in-licensed from AstralBio in January. IBIO-600 was discovered by AstralBio through the use of iBio’s Machine-Learning Antibody Engine and was designed for subcutaneous administration with the potential for an extended half-life.
- Initiated a bispecific antibody program targeting myostatin/activin A to promote weight loss, muscle preservation, and prevent weight regain with plans for clinical investigation in obesity and cardiometabolic disorders in 2026. The program leverages iBio’s Machine-Learning Antibody Engine as well as the technology of IBIO-600.
- In January we further extended our cash runway with the closing of a private placement offering with members of our Board of Directors and Officers, underscoring their confidence and support in our strategy to advance as a clinical-stage biotech.
Fiscal Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results:
- Revenue of $0.2 million was reported for services provided to a collaborative partner during the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2024.
- R&D and G&A expenses for the second quarter of fiscal 2025 totaled approximately $4.6 million as compared to $4.5 million in the same period of fiscal year 2024, an increase of approximately 3%. This slight increase is a result of additional spending on consumables supplies and research related activities offset by lower G&A personnel related costs, consulting fees and outside services spending. Net loss from continuing operations for the second quarter ended Dec. 31, 2024, was approximately $4.4 million, or $0.48 per share, compared to a net loss of approximately $4.5 million, or $2.42 per share, in the same period of fiscal 2024.
- Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash as of Dec. 31, 2024, was approximately $7.2 million, inclusive of $0.2 million of restricted cash.
About iBio, Inc.

iBio (NYSEA: IBIO) is a cutting-edge biotech company leveraging AI and advanced computational biology to develop next-generation biopharmaceuticals for cardiometabolic diseases, obesity, cancer and other hard-to-treat diseases. By combining proprietary 3D modeling with innovative drug discovery platforms, iBio is creating a pipeline of breakthrough antibody treatments to address significant unmet medical needs. Our mission is to transform drug discovery, accelerate development timelines, and unlock new possibilities in precision medicine. For more information, visit www.ibioinc.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

Safe Harbor Statement

Any statements contained in this press release about future expectations, plans, and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements.” The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These statements include statements regarding the potential for IBIO-600 to be best-in-class; leveraging iBio’s AI-driven platform to transform the treatment landscape for patients with cardiometabolic diseases and obesity, offering hope for more effective, targeted therapies addressing the underlying causes of these conditions while improving overall metabolic health and quality of life; IBIO-600’s potential for an extended half-life; iBio’s clinical investigation in obesity and cardiometabolic disorders in 2026; advancing as a clinical-stage biotech; the creation of a pipeline of breakthrough antibody treatments to address significant unmet medical needs; and transforming drug discovery, accelerating development timelines, and unlocking new possibilities in precision medicine… Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including iBio’s ability to -leverage its AI-driven platform to transform the treatment landscape for patients with cardiometabolic diseases and obesity with more effective, targeted therapies addressing the underlying causes of these conditions while improving overall metabolic health and quality of life; extend the half-life of IBIO-600; advance as a clinical-stage biotech and commence a clinical investigation in obesity and cardiometabolic disorders in 2026; create a pipeline of breakthrough antibody treatments to address significant unmet medical needs; and transform drug discovery, accelerate development timelines, and unlock new possibilities in precision medicine the ability to advance iBio’s internal pipeline priorities in immuno-oncology and cardiometabolics, and drive partnerships in new therapeutic areas, the ability to finance when needed and the risk factors described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Juen 30, 2024, and the Company’s subsequent filings with the SEC, including subsequent periodic reports on Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof and, except as required by federal securities laws, iBio, Inc. specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Corporate Contact:

iBio, Inc.
Investor Relations
ir@ibioinc.com

Media Contacts:

Ignacio Guerrero-Ros, Ph.D., or David Schull
Russo Partners, LLC
Ignacio.guerrero-ros@russopartnersllc.com
David.schull@russopartnersllc.com
(858) 717-2310 or (646) 942-5604

The MIL Network –
February 11, 2025

MIL-OSI: SPS Commerce Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Company delivers 96th consecutive quarter of topline growth

Fourth quarter 2024 revenue grew 18% and recurring revenue grew 19% from the fourth quarter of 2023

MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SPS Commerce, Inc. (NASDAQ: SPSC), a leader in retail supply chain cloud services, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2024.

Financial Highlights

Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights

Revenue was $170.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $145.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, reflecting 18% growth.
Recurring revenue grew 19% from the fourth quarter of 2023.
Net income was $17.6 million or $0.46 per diluted share, compared to net income of $19.0 million or $0.51 per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2023.
Non-GAAP income per diluted share was $0.89, compared to non-GAAP income per diluted share of $0.75 in the fourth quarter of 2023.
Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter of 2024 increased 18% to $49.6 million compared to the fourth quarter of 2023.

Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Highlights

Revenue was $637.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $536.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, reflecting 19% growth.
Recurring revenue grew 20% from the year ended December 31, 2023.
Net income was $77.1 million or $2.04 per diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to net income of $65.8 million or $1.76 per diluted share for the comparable period in 2023, reflecting 17% growth in year-over-year net income.
Non-GAAP income per diluted share was $3.48, compared to non-GAAP income per diluted share of $2.85 in the year ended December 31, 2023.
Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2024 increased 18% to $186.6 million compared to the year ended December 31, 2023.

“We are pleased with what we have accomplished in 2024, and I would like to congratulate SPS Commerce employees for their unwavering commitment to excellence and exceptional understanding of the retail supply chain,” said Chad Collins, CEO of SPS Commerce. “With the depth and breadth of solutions we offer today, we are uniquely positioned to support all trading relationships and continue growing our network to move the world of commerce forward.”

“We believe that SPS’ leading retail network and competitive product portfolio position us well to continue on our profitable growth trajectory,” said Kim Nelson, CFO of SPS Commerce.

Guidance*

First Quarter 2025 Guidance

Revenue is expected to be in the range of $178.5 million to $180.0 million, representing 19% to 20% year-over-year growth.
Net income per diluted share is expected to be in the range of $0.39 to $0.41, with fully diluted weighted average shares outstanding of 38.7 million shares.
Non-GAAP income per diluted share is expected to be in the range of $0.82 to $0.84.
Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be in the range of $49.5 million to $50.5 million.
Non-cash, share-based compensation expense is expected to be $15.0 million, depreciation expense is expected to be $5.4 million, and amortization expense is expected to be $9.2 million.

Fiscal Year 2025 Guidance

Revenue is expected to be in the range of $758.0 million to $763.0 million, representing 19% to 20% growth over 2024.
Net income per diluted share is expected to be in the range of $1.93 to $1.99, with fully diluted weighted average shares outstanding of 38.9 million shares.
Non-GAAP income per diluted share is expected to be in the range of $3.78 to $3.84.
Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be in the range of $227.5 million to $231.0 million, representing 22% to 24% growth over 2024.
Non-cash, share-based compensation expense is expected to be $63.0 million, depreciation expense is expected to be $23.5 million, and amortization expense is expected to be $39.8 million.

*Inclusive of the expected results of the Carbon6 acquisition

The forward-looking measures and the underlying assumptions involve significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties, and actual results may vary materially. The Company does not present a reconciliation of the forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures, including Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, and non-GAAP income per share, to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures because it is impractical to forecast certain items without unreasonable efforts due to the uncertainty and inherent difficulty of predicting, within a reasonable range, the occurrence and financial impact of and the periods in which such items may be recognized.

Quarterly Conference Call

To access the call, please dial 1-833-816-1382, or outside the U.S. 1-412-317-0475 at least 15 minutes prior to the 3:30 p.m. CT start time. Please ask to join the SPS Commerce Q4 2024 conference call. A live webcast of the call will also be available at http://investors.spscommerce.com under the Events and Presentations menu. The replay will also be available on our website at http://investors.spscommerce.com.

About SPS Commerce

SPS Commerce is the world’s leading retail network, connecting trading partners around the globe to optimize supply chain operations for all retail partners. We support data-driven partnerships with innovative cloud technology, customer-obsessed service, and accessible experts so our customers can focus on what they do best. Over 45,000 recurring revenue customers in retail, grocery, distribution, supply, manufacturing, and logistics are using SPS as their retail network. SPS has achieved 96 consecutive quarters of revenue growth and is headquartered in Minneapolis. For additional information, contact SPS at 866-245-8100 or visit www.spscommerce.com.

SPS COMMERCE, SPS, SPS logo and INFINITE RETAIL POWER are marks of SPS Commerce, Inc. and registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, along with other SPS marks. Such marks may also be registered or otherwise protected in other countries.

SPS-F

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement our consolidated financial statements, we provide investors with Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin, and non-GAAP income per share, all of which are non-GAAP financial measures. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to our management, Board of Directors, and investors regarding certain financial and business trends relating to our financial condition and results of operations.

Our management uses these non-GAAP financial measures to compare our performance to that of prior periods for trend analyses and planning purposes. Adjusted EBITDA is also used for purposes of determining executive and senior management incentive compensation. We believe these non-GAAP financial measures are useful to an investor as they are widely used in evaluating operating performance. Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are used to measure operating performance without regard to items such as depreciation and amortization, which can vary depending upon accounting methods and the book value of assets, and to present a meaningful measure of corporate performance exclusive of capital structure and the method by which assets were acquired.

These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures exclude significant expenses and income that are required by GAAP to be recorded in our consolidated financial statements and are subject to inherent limitations. Investors should review the reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to the comparable GAAP financial measures that are included in this press release.

Adjusted EBITDA Measures:

Adjusted EBITDA consists of net income adjusted for income tax expense, depreciation and amortization expense, stock-based compensation expense, realized gain or loss from investments held and foreign currency impact on cash and investments, investment income, and other adjustments as necessary for a fair presentation. Other adjustments for the year ended December 31, 2024 included the expense impacts from disposals of certain capitalized internally developed software and one-time acquisition-related insurance costs. Other adjustments for the year ended December 31, 2023 included the expense impacts from disposals of certain capitalized internally developed software and acquisition-related employee severance costs. Net income is the comparable GAAP measure of financial performance.

Adjusted EBITDA Margin consists of Adjusted EBITDA divided by revenue. Margin, the comparable GAAP measure of financial performance, consists of net income divided by revenue.

Non-GAAP Income Per Share Measure:

Non-GAAP income per share consists of net income adjusted for stock-based compensation expense, amortization expense related to intangible assets, realized gain or loss from investments held and foreign currency impact on cash and investments, other adjustments as necessary for a fair presentation, including for the year ended December 31, 2024 the expense impacts from disposals of certain capitalized internally developed software and one-time acquisition-related insurance costs, and for the year ended December 31, 2023 the expense impacts from disposals of certain capitalized internally developed software and acquisition-related employee severance costs, and the corresponding tax impacts of the adjustments to net income, divided by the weighted average number of shares of common and diluted stock outstanding during each period. Net income per share, the comparable GAAP measure of financial performance, consists of net income divided by the weighted average number of shares of common and diluted stock outstanding during each period. To quantify the tax effects, we recalculated income tax expense excluding the direct book and tax effects of the specific items constituting the non-GAAP adjustments. The difference between this recalculated income tax expense and GAAP income tax expense is presented as the income tax effect of the non-GAAP adjustments.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements, including information about management’s view of SPS Commerce’s future expectations, plans and prospects, including our views regarding future execution within our business, the opportunity we see in the retail supply chain world and our performance for the first quarter and full year of 2025, within the safe harbor provisions under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the results of SPS Commerce to be materially different than those expressed or implied in such statements. Certain of these risk factors and others are included in documents SPS Commerce files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to, SPS Commerce’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, as well as subsequent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other unknown or unpredictable factors also could have material adverse effects on SPS Commerce’s future results. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date hereof. SPS Commerce cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Finally, SPS Commerce expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.



SPS COMMERCE, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited; in thousands, except shares)

	December 31, 2024			December 31, 2023
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	241,017		$	219,081
Short-term investments		—			56,359
Accounts receivable		56,214			50,160
Allowance for credit losses		(4,179	)		(3,320	)
Accounts receivable, net		52,035			46,840
Deferred costs		65,342			62,403
Other assets		23,513			16,758
Total current assets		381,907			401,441
Property and equipment, net		37,547			36,043
Operating lease right-of-use assets		8,192			7,862
Goodwill		399,180			249,176
Intangible assets, net		181,294			107,344
Other assets
Deferred costs, non-current		20,572			20,347
Deferred income tax assets		505			505
Other assets, non-current		2,033			1,126
Total assets	$	1,031,230		$	823,844
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	$	8,577		$	7,420
Accrued compensation		47,160			41,588
Accrued expenses		12,108			8,014
Deferred revenue		74,256			69,187
Operating lease liabilities		4,583			4,460
Total current liabilities		146,684			130,669
Other liabilities
Deferred revenue, non-current		6,189			6,930
Operating lease liabilities, non-current		7,885			9,569
Deferred income tax liabilities		15,541			8,972
Other liabilities, non-current		241			229
Total liabilities		176,540			156,369
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity
Common stock		40			39
Treasury stock		(99,748	)		(128,892	)
Additional paid-in capital		627,982			537,061
Retained earnings		336,099			259,045
Accumulated other comprehensive gain (loss)		(9,683	)		222
Total stockholders’ equity		854,690			667,475
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	1,031,230		$	823,844


SPS COMMERCE, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited; in thousands, except per share amounts)

	Three Months Ended December 31,					Twelve Months Ended December 31,
		2024			2023		2024		2023
Revenues	$	170,907		$	144,965	$	637,765	$	536,910
Cost of revenues		55,585			49,040		210,714		182,069
Gross profit		115,322			95,925		427,051		354,841
Operating expenses
Sales and marketing		39,220			33,214		148,920		122,936
Research and development		17,142			14,216		62,809		53,654
General and administrative		26,354			20,612		102,929		84,887
Amortization of intangible assets		7,862			4,998		23,510		16,116
Total operating expenses		90,578			73,040		338,168		277,593
Income from operations		24,744			22,885		88,883		77,248
Other income (expense), net		(373	)		3,456		10,593		8,315
Income before income taxes		24,371			26,341		99,476		85,563
Income tax expense		6,812			7,330		22,422		19,739
Net income	$	17,559		$	19,011	$	77,054	$	65,824

Net income per share
Basic	$	0.47		$	0.52	$	2.07	$	1.80
Diluted	$	0.46		$	0.51	$	2.04	$	1.76

Weighted average common shares used to compute net income per share
Basic		37,646			36,831		37,306		36,646
Diluted		38,133			37,640		37,856		37,475


SPS COMMERCE, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited; in thousands)

	Twelve Months Ended December 31,
		2024			2023
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$	77,054		$	65,824
Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities
Deferred income taxes		(9,786	)		(10,079	)
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment		18,721			18,631
Amortization of intangible assets		23,510			16,116
Provision for credit losses		7,683			5,707
Stock-based compensation		54,557			45,508
Other, net		577			2,415
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions
Accounts receivable		(9,653	)		(11,949	)
Deferred costs		(3,120	)		(10,724	)
Other assets and liabilities		(7,313	)		1,834
Accounts payable		796			(3,947	)
Accrued compensation		1,434			7,143
Accrued expenses		4,115			1,302
Deferred revenue		728			6,464
Operating leases		(1,905	)		(1,947	)
Net cash provided by operating activities		157,398			132,298
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases of property and equipment		(20,046	)		(19,761	)
Purchases of investments		(85,759	)		(133,994	)
Maturities of investments		143,275			131,331
Acquisition of businesses, net		(147,924	)		(70,218	)
Net cash used in investing activities		(110,454	)		(92,642	)
Cash flows from financing activities
Repurchases of common stock		(37,567	)		—
Net proceeds from exercise of options to purchase common stock		4,714			9,856
Net proceeds from employee stock purchase plan activity		9,827			8,114
Payments for contingent consideration		—			(2,000	)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		(23,026	)		15,970
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes		(1,982	)		562
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents		21,936			56,188
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		219,081			162,893
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	241,017		$	219,081



SPS COMMERCE, INC. NON-GAAP RECONCILIATIONS (Unaudited; in thousands, except Margin, Adjusted EBITDA Margin, and per share amounts)

Adjusted EBITDA
	Three Months Ended						Twelve Months Ended
	December 31,						December 31,
		2024			2023			2024			2023
Net income	$	17,559		$	19,011		$	77,054		$	65,824
Income tax expense		6,812			7,330			22,422			19,739
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment		4,711			4,667			18,721			18,631
Amortization of intangible assets		7,862			4,998			23,510			16,116
Stock-based compensation expense		12,293			9,411			54,557			45,508
Realized (gain) loss from investments held and foreign currency impact on cash and investments		2,521			(1,201	)		(115	)		(1,726	)
Investment income		(2,205	)		(2,287	)		(10,582	)		(7,660	)
Other		86			28			1,064			1,198
Adjusted EBITDA	$	49,639		$	41,957		$	186,631		$	157,630

Adjusted EBITDA Margin
	Three Months Ended						Twelve Months Ended
	December 31,						December 31,
	2024			2023			2024			2023
Revenue	$	170,907		$	144,965		$	637,765		$	536,910

Net income		17,559			19,011			77,054			65,824
Margin		10	%		13	%		12	%		12	%

Adjusted EBITDA		49,639			41,957			186,631			157,630
Adjusted EBITDA Margin		29	%		29	%		29	%		29	%

Non-GAAP Income per Share
	Three Months Ended						Twelve Months Ended
	December 31,						December 31,
		2024			2023			2024			2023
Net income	$	17,559		$	19,011		$	77,054		$	65,824
Stock-based compensation expense		12,293			9,411			54,557			45,508
Amortization of intangible assets		7,862			4,998			23,510			16,116
Realized (gain) loss from investments held and foreign currency impact on cash and investments		2,521			(1,201	)		(115	)		(1,726	)
Other		86			28			1,064			1,198
Income tax effects of adjustments		(6,371	)		(3,906	)		(24,505	)		(19,983	)
Non-GAAP income	$	33,950		$	28,341		$	131,565		$	106,937

Shares used to compute net income and non-GAAP income per share
Basic		37,646			36,831			37,306			36,646
Diluted		38,133			37,640			37,856			37,475

Net income per share, basic	$	0.47		$	0.52		$	2.07		$	1.80
Non-GAAP adjustments to net income per share, basic		0.43			0.25			1.46			1.12
Non-GAAP income per share, basic	$	0.90		$	0.77		$	3.53		$	2.92

Net income per share, diluted	$	0.46		$	0.51		$	2.04		$	1.76
Non-GAAP adjustments to net income per share, diluted		0.43			0.24			1.44			1.09
Non-GAAP income per share, diluted	$	0.89		$	0.75		$	3.48		$	2.85

The annual per share amounts may not cross-sum due to rounding.

Contact:
Investor Relations
The Blueshirt Group
Irmina Blaszczyk & Lisa Laukkanen
SPSC@blueshirtgroup.com
415-217-4962

The MIL Network –

February 11, 2025

MIL-OSI: PennantPark Investment Corporation Announces Financial Results for the Quarter Ended December 31, 2024

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

MIAMI, Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PennantPark Investment Corporation (NYSE: PNNT) announced today its financial results for the first quarter ended December 31, 2024.

HIGHLIGHTS
Quarter ended December 31, 2024 (unaudited)
($ in millions, except per share amounts)

Assets and Liabilities:
Investment portfolio ⁽¹⁾	$	1,298.1
Net assets	$	494.3
GAAP net asset value per share	$	7.57
Quarterly increase in GAAP net asset value per share		0.1	%
Adjusted net asset value per share ⁽²⁾	$	7.57
Quarterly increase in adjusted net asset value per share ⁽²⁾		0.1	%

Credit Facility	$	460.0
2026 Notes	$	148.8
2026-2 Notes	$	163.3
Regulatory debt to equity	1.58x
Weighted average yield on debt investments		12.0	%

Operating Results:
Net investment income	$	13.0
Net investment income per share	$	0.20
Core net investment income per share ⁽³⁾	$	0.20
Distributions declared per share	$	0.24

Portfolio Activity:
Purchases of investments*	$	295.7
Sales and repayments of investments*	$	353.7

PSLF Portfolio data:
PSLF investment portfolio	$	1,275.1
Purchases of investments	$	353.8
Sales and repayments of investments	$	109.1

________________________
* excludes U.S. Government Securities

Includes investments in PennantPark Senior Loan Fund, LLC (“PSLF”), an unconsolidated joint venture, totaling $208.2 million, at fair value.
This is a non-GAAP financial measure. The Company believes that this number provides useful information to investors and management because it reflects the Company’s financial performance excluding the impact of unrealized gain on the Company’s multi-currency, senior secured revolving credit facility with Truist Bank, as amended, the “Credit Facility.” The presentation of this additional information is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP.
Core net investment income (“Core NII”) is a non-GAAP financial measure. The Company believes that Core NII provides useful information to investors and management because it reflects the Company’s financial performance excluding one-time or non-recurring investment income and expenses. The presentation of this additional information is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP. For the quarter ended December 31, 2024, there were no one-time events, resulting in $0.20 of Core NII..

CONFERENCE CALL AT 12:00 P.M. EST ON FEBRUARY 11, 2025

PennantPark Investment Corporation (“we,” “our,” “us” or the “Company”) will also host a conference call at 12:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 to discuss its financial results. All interested parties are welcome to participate. You can access the conference call by dialing toll-free (888) 394-8218 approximately 5-10 minutes prior to the call. International callers should dial (646) 828-8193. All callers should reference conference ID #9452525 or PennantPark Investment Corporation. An archived replay will also be available on a webcast link located on the Quarterly Earnings page in the Investor section of PennantPark’s website.

PORTFOLIO AND INVESTMENT ACTIVITY

“We are pleased to announce another quarter of solid NAV and credit performance,” said Arthur Penn, Chairman and CEO. “Our earnings stream continues to be strong and is driven in part by the excellent returns generated by our PSLF Joint Venture. Additionally, our dividend stream is supported by substantial spillover income.”

As of December 31, 2024, our portfolio totaled $1,298.1 million and consisted of $575.0 million or 44% of first lien secured debt, $124.8 million or 10% of U.S. Government Securities, $50.0 million or 4% of second lien secured debt, $206.1 million or 16% of subordinated debt (including $132.2 million or 10% in PSLF) and $342.2 million or 26% of preferred and common equity (including $76.0 million or 6% in PSLF). Our interest bearing debt portfolio consisted of 92% variable-rate investments and 8% fixed-rate investments. As of December 31, 2024, we had two portfolio companies on non-accrual, representing 4.3% and 1.5% percent of our overall portfolio on a cost and fair value basis, respectively. Overall, the portfolio had net unrealized appreciation of $13.6 million as of December 31, 2024. Our overall portfolio consisted of 158 companies with an average investment size of $7.4 million (excluding U.S. Government Securities), had a weighted average yield on interest bearing debt investments of 12.0%.

As of September 30, 2024, our portfolio totaled $1,328.1 million and consisted of $667.9 million or 50% of first lien secured debt, $99.6 million or 8% of U.S. Government Securities, $67.2 million or 5% of second lien secured debt, $181.7 million or 14% of subordinated debt (including $115.9 million or 9% in PSLF) and $311.7 million or 23% of preferred and common equity (including $67.9 million or 5% in PSLF). Our interest bearing debt portfolio consisted of 94% variable-rate investments and 6% fixed-rate investments. As of September 30, 2024, we had two portfolio companies on non-accrual, representing 4.1% and 2.3% percent of our overall portfolio on a cost and fair value basis, respectively. Overall, the portfolio had net unrealized appreciation of $11.2 million as of September 30, 2024. Our overall portfolio consisted of 152 companies with an average investment size of $8.1 million (excluding U.S. Government Securities), had a weighted average yield on interest bearing debt investments of 12.3%.

For the three months ended December 31, 2024, we invested $295.7 million in 12 new and 61 existing portfolio companies with a weighted average yield on debt investments of 10.6% (excluding U.S. Government Securities). For the three months ended December 31, 2024, sales and repayments of investments totaled $353.7 million (excluding U.S. Government Securities).

For the three months ended December 31, 2023, we invested $231.1 million in 12 new and 32 existing portfolio companies with a weighted average yield on debt investments of 11.9%. For the three months ended December 31, 2023, sales and repayments of investments totaled $71.0 million (excluding U.S. Government Securities).

PennantPark Senior Loan Fund, LLC

As of December 31, 2024, PSLF’s portfolio totaled $1,275.1 million, consisted of 112 companies with an average investment size of $11.4 million and had a weighted average yield interest bearing debt investments of 10.7%.

As of September 30, 2024, PSLF’s portfolio totaled $1,031.2 million, consisted of 102 companies with an average investment size of $10.1 million and had a weighted average yield interest bearing debt investments of 11.3%.

For the three months ended December 31, 2024, PSLF invested $353.8 million (including $286.6 million was purchased from the Company) in 15 new and 43 existing portfolio companies at weighted average yield interest bearing debt investments of 10.5%. PSLF’s sales and repayments of investments for the same period totaled $109.1 million.

For the three months ended December 31, 2023, PSLF invested $81.0 million (including $50.8 million were purchased from the Company) in five new and seven existing portfolio companies at weighted average yield on interest bearing debt investments of 12.7%. PSLF’s sales and repayments of investments for the same period totaled $29.1 million.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Set forth below are the results of operations during the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.

Investment Income

For the three months ended December 31, 2024, investment income was $34.2 million, which was attributable to $25.2 million from first lien secured debt, $2.0 million from second lien secured debt, $1.1 million from subordinated debt and $5.9 million from other investments, respectively. For the three months ended December 31, 2023, investment income was $34.3 million, which was attributable to $25.1 million from first lien secured debt, $2.6 million from second lien secured debt, $1.3 million from subordinated debt and $5.3 million from preferred and common equity, respectively. The decrease in investment income for the three months ended December 31, 2024 was primarily due to the changes in our portfolio and investment yields.

Expenses

For the three months ended December 31, 2024, expenses totaled $21.2 million and were comprised of $11.7 million of debt related interest and expenses, $4.3 million of base management fees, $2.8 million of incentive fees, $1.7 million of general and administrative expenses and $0.7 million of provision for excise taxes. For the three months ended December 31, 2023, expenses totaled $18.7 million, and were comprised of; $9.6 million of debt-related interest and expenses, $4.0 million of base management fees, $3.3 million of incentive fees, $1.4 million of general and administrative expenses and $0.4 million of provision for excise taxes. The increase in expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2024 was primarily due an increase in debt related interest and expenses.

Net Investment Income

For the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, net investment income totaled $13.0 million, or $0.20 per share and $15.7 million, or $0.24 per share. The decrease in net investment income for the three months ended December 31, 2024 was primarily due to increase in interest expense.

Net Realized Gains or Losses

For the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, net realized gains (losses) totaled $(2.6) million and $1.8 million, respectively. The change in realized gains (losses) was primarily due to changes in the market conditions of our investments and the values at which they were realized.

Unrealized Appreciation or Depreciation on Investments and Debt

For the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we reported net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments of $2.4 million and $(5.0) million, respectively. As of December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024, our net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments totaled $13.6 million and $11.2 million, respectively. The net change in unrealized depreciation on our investments was primarily due to changes in the capital market conditions of our investments and the values at which they were realized.

For the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Truist Credit Facility had a net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of $3.3 million and $(2.0) million, respectively. As of December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024, the net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the Truist Credit Facility totaled $4.4 million and $1.1 million, respectively. The net change in unrealized depreciation was primarily due to changes in the capital markets.

Net Change in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

For the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations totaled $16.1 million or $0.25 per share and $10.7 million or $0.16 per share, respectively. The increase in net assets from operations for the three months ended December 31, 2024 was primarily due to a decrease in the net realized and unrealized depreciation in the portfolio primarily driven by changes in market conditions.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our liquidity and capital resources are derived primarily from cash flows from operations, including investment sales and repayments, income earned, proceeds of securities offerings and debt financings. Our primary use of funds from operations includes investments in portfolio companies and payments of interest expense, fees and other operating expenses we incur. We have used, and expect to continue to use, our debt capital, proceeds from the rotation of our portfolio and proceeds from public and private offerings of securities to finance our investment objectives and operations.

As of December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024, we had $464.5 million and $461.5 million, respectively, in outstanding borrowings under the Truist Credit Facility. The Truist Credit Facility had a weighted average interest rate of 6.8% and 7.2%, respectively, exclusive of the fee on undrawn commitments. As of December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024, we had $10.5 million and $13.5 million of unused borrowing capacity under the Truist Credit Facility, respectively, subject to leverage and borrowing base restrictions.

As of December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024, we had cash and cash equivalents of $55.9 million and $49.9 million, respectively, available for investing and general corporate purposes. We believe our liquidity and capital resources are sufficient to allows us to effectively operate our business.

For the three months ended December 31, 2024, our operating activities provided cash of $18.7 million and our financing activities used cash of $12.7 million. Our operating activities provided cash primarily due to our investment activities and our financing activities used cash primarily for distributions paid to stockholders.

For the three months ended December 31, 2023, our operating activities used cash of $155.1 million and our financing activities provided cash of $153.2 million. Our operating activities used cash primarily due to our investment activities and our financing activities provided cash primarily from borrowings under the Truist Credit Facility.

DISTRIBUTIONS

During the three months ended December 31, 2024, we declared distributions of $0.24 per share, for total distributions of $15.7 million. During the three months ended December 31, 2023, we declared distributions of $0.21 per share, for total distributions of $13.7 million. We monitor available net investment income to determine if a return of capital for tax purposes may occur for the fiscal year. To the extent our taxable earnings fall below the total amount of our distributions for any given fiscal year, stockholders will be notified of the portion of those distributions deemed to be a tax return of capital. Tax characteristics of all distributions will be reported to stockholders subject to information reporting on Form 1099-DIV after the end of each calendar year and in our periodic reports filed with the SEC.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

The multi-currency Truist Credit Facility was upsized to $500.0 million (increased from $475 million in February 2025).

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

The Company makes available on its website its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC and stockholders may find the report on our website at www.pennantpark.com.


PENNANTPARK INVESTMENT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (In thousands, except share data)

	December 31, 2024			September 30, 2024
	(unaudited)
Assets
Investments at fair value
Non-controlled, non-affiliated investments (amortized cost—$856,406 and $916,168, respectively)	$	845,829		$	910,323
Non-controlled, affiliated investments (amortized cost—$57,109 and $56,734, respectively)		11,032			33,423
Controlled, affiliated investments (amortized cost—$370,967 and $343,970, respectively)		441,205			384,304
Total investments (amortized cost—$1,284,482 and $1,316,872, respectively)		1,298,066			1,328,050
Cash and cash equivalents (cost—$55,868 and $49,833, respectively)		55,851			49,861
Interest receivable		5,227			5,261
Receivable for investments sold		47,230			—
Distribution receivable		5,359			5,417
Due from affiliates		144			228
Prepaid expenses and other assets		214			269
Total assets		1,412,091			1,389,086
Liabilities
Truist Credit Facility payable, at fair value (cost—$464,456 and $461,456, respectively)		460,033			460,361
2026 Notes payable, net (par— $150,000)		148,796			148,571
2026 Notes-2 payable, net (par— $165,000)		163,293			163,080
Payable for investment purchased		125,050			100,096
Distributions payable		5,224			5,224
Base management fee payable		4,268			4,297
Incentive fee payable		2,756			3,057
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		5,500			4,053
Interest payable on debt		2,850			6,406
Due to affiliates		—			33
Total liabilities		917,770			895,178
Net assets
Common stock, 65,296,094 and 65,296,094 shares issued and outstanding, respectively Par value $0.001 per share and 200,000,000 shares authorized		65			65
Paid-in capital in excess of par value		743,968			743,968
Accumulated deficit		(249,712	)		(250,125	)
Total net assets	$	494,321		$	493,908
Total liabilities and net assets	$	1,412,091		$	1,389,086
Net asset value per share	$	7.57		$	7.56


PENNANTPARK INVESTMENT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (In thousands, except share data) (Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended December 31,
	2024			2023
Investment income:
From non-controlled, non-affiliated investments:
Interest	$	18,767		$	21,068
Payment-in-kind		1,421			2
Dividend income		508			692
Other income		582			1,425
From non-controlled, affiliated investments:
Payment-in-kind		—			347
From controlled, affiliated investments:
Interest		7,255			5,481
Payment-in-kind		823			632
Dividend income		4,851			4,689
Total investment income		34,207			34,336
Expenses:
Interest and expenses on debt		11,741			9,557
Base management fee		4,268			4,004
Incentive fee		2,756			3,321
General and administrative expenses		1,250			1,214
Administrative services expenses		500			189
Expenses before provision for taxes		20,515			18,285
Provision for taxes on net investment income		700			393
Net expenses		21,215			18,678
Net investment income		12,992			15,658
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and debt:
Net realized gain (loss) on investments and debt:
Non-controlled, non-affiliated investments		(2,560	)		2,581
Non-controlled and controlled, affiliated investments		—			(750	)
Net realized gain (loss) on investments and debt		(2,560	)		1,831
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:
Non-controlled, non-affiliated investments		(4,777	)		(12,270	)
Non-controlled and controlled, affiliated investments		7,138			7,324
Provision for taxes on unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments		(37	)		150
Debt appreciation (depreciation)		3,328			(2,040	)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and debt		5,652			(6,836	)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) from investments and debt		3,092			(5,005	)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations	$	16,084		$	10,653
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations per common share	$	0.25		$	0.16
Net investment income per common share	$	0.20		$	0.24

ABOUT PENNANTPARK INVESTMENT CORPORATION

PennantPark Investment Corporation, or the Company, is a business development company that invests primarily in U.S. middle-market companies in the form of first lien secured debt, second lien secured debt, subordinated debt and equity investments. PennantPark Investment Corporation is managed by PennantPark Investment Advisers, LLC.

ABOUT PENNANTPARK INVESTMENT ADVISERS, LLC

PennantPark Investment Advisers, LLC is a leading middle market credit platform, managing $9.4 billion of investable capital, including available leverage. Since its inception in 2007, PennantPark Investment Advisers, LLC has provided investors access to middle market credit by offering private equity firms and their portfolio companies as well as other middle-market borrowers a comprehensive range of creative and flexible financing solutions. PennantPark Investment Advisers, LLC is headquartered in Miami and has offices in New York, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and Amsterdam.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You should understand that under Section 27A(b)(2)(B) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E(b)(2)(B) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 do not apply to forward-looking statements made in periodic reports PennantPark Investment Corporation files under the Exchange Act. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release are forward-looking statements and are not guarantees of future performance or results and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including those described from time to time in filings with the SEC. PennantPark Investment Corporation undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statement made herein. You should not place undue influence on such forward-looking statements as such statements speak only as of the date on which they are made.

Contact:	Richard T. Allorto, Jr.
	PennantPark Investment Corporation
	(212) 905-1000
	www.pennantpark.com

The MIL Network –

February 11, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy, Hassan Reintroduce Bill to Connect Individuals to The Workforce

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) reintroduced the Improve and Enhance the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Act to build the U.S. workforce and help connect individuals to good jobs. The bill will strengthen the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), which has a proven track record of helping disadvantaged individuals secure employment. Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Representative Lloyd Smucker (R-PA-11).
“It’s not always easy to rejoin the workforce,” said Dr. Cassidy. “By helping employers connect with prospective employees struggling to find work, we boost the American economy and reduce the reliance on government assistance. It’s a win-win.”
“Ensuring that every American has access to a good-paying job is critical to the success of our country and our local communities,” said Senator Hassan. “This commonsense, bipartisan legislation will help connect more Granite Staters to good-paying jobs, while also lowering costs for businesses that invest in hiring veterans, people with disabilities, and others who may face barriers to employment.”
“The best anti-poverty program is a good job. The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a program that supports employers and employees as they reenter the workforce. I am committed to helping disadvantaged Americans get back to work by advancing legislation to improve this proven tool. WOTC is a bipartisan solution that every Member of Congress should support,” said Representative Smucker.
The WOTC provides a federal tax credit to employers who invest in American workers who have consistently faced barriers to employment, including eligible veterans, SNAP recipients, individuals with disabilities, and long-term unemployed individuals. Employers incur higher recruitment and training costs to reach WOTC eligible populations and support their successful transition back into employment. WOTC has not been updated since its enactment twenty-seven years ago, and its value has been eroded significantly due to inflation. The National Employment Opportunity Network reports that the WOTC has saved federal governments an estimated $202 billion over ten years.
The Improve and Enhance the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Act would:

Update the WOTC, which has not been changed since its enactment twenty-seven years ago and encourage longer-service employment.
Increase the current credit percentage from 40% to 50% of qualified wages.
Add a second level of credit for employees who work 400 or more hours.
Eliminate the arbitrary age cap at which SNAP recipients are eligible for WOTC. This change will provide an incentive to hire older workers and better align the credit with previously adopted work reforms.

The bill is supported by the Louisiana Retailers Association, Albertsons, American Health Care Association, American Hotel & Lodging Association, American Seniors Housing Association, American Staffing Association, American Trucking Associations, Argentum, Asian American Hotel Owners Association, Associated Builders and Contractors, Associated General Contractors of America, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc., Brookshire’s, Brookshire Grocery Company, Coalition of Franchisee Associations, Critical Labor Coalition, Due Process Institute, Dunkin Donuts Independent Franchisee Organization, FMI – The Food Industry Association, Franchise Business Services, Fresh By Brookshire’s, Giant Eagle and GetGo Café + Market, H-E-B. Honest Jobs, ICSC, International Franchise Association, The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association, The Kroger Co., NAACP, NAPEO, National Association of Convenience Stores, National Association for Home Care and Hospice, National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors, National Beer Wholesalers Association, National Employment Opportunity Network (NEON), National Franchisee Association, National Grocers Association, National Restaurant Association, National Urban League, NATSO, Pete & Gerry’s Organics, LLC, Reasor’s, Retail Industry Leaders Association, Retail Grocers Association MO&KS, Retail Merchants Association, SIGMA: America’s Leading Fuel Marketers, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council, Society for Human Resource Management, Spring Market, Super 1 Foods, UPS, and Wakefern Food Corp.
“The restaurant industry has hundreds of thousands of jobs that it needs to fill every month, many of which can be filled by individuals who have traditionally faced barriers to employment. Getting these people back to work is valuable to the individual, the restaurant operator and the community. We appreciate Sens. Cassidy and Hassan’s efforts to improve on WOTC as a tool for restaurant operators to hire needed staff and increase their business viability,” said Sean Kennedy, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs, National Restaurant Association.
“The Louisiana Restaurant Association applauds Sen. Cassidy for his leadership in introducing the Improve and Enhance the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) Act. Restaurants in Louisiana are not just places to enjoy great food; they are training grounds for skill development and second chances for many individuals facing employment barriers. The WOTC program is essential for fostering opportunities, strengthening our workforce, and contributing to the economic vitality of our communities,” said Stan Harris, President and CEO, Louisiana Restaurant Association.
“America’s workforce is facing a perfect storm. The labor shortage, exacerbated by demographic shifts, aging population, declining participation, mismatch of skills and the lingering effects of the pandemic, has left employers struggling to fill jobs in critical industries. The Critical Labor Coalition strongly supports the Improve and Enhance the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Act, which will modernize WOTC to reflect today’s labor market realities and ensure that businesses—especially those hit hardest by workforce shortages—are incentivized to hire individuals from historically underemployed groups who may otherwise face barriers to entering the workforce,” said Misty Chally, Executive Director, Critical Labor Coalition.
“FMI – The Food Industry Association applauds Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) for introducing this legislation to improve the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC). WOTC is an important workforce-building tool, utilized by our grocery, wholesaler, and product supplier members, to hire individuals facing barriers to employment. FMI is excited to work with Senators Cassidy and Hassan and House companion bill sponsors Representatives Lloyd Smucker (R-PA) and Terri Sewell (D-AL) on strengthening the path for veterans, SNAP participants, justice-involved individuals, and others to obtain meaningful employment in the food industry through enactment of this measure,” said Christine Pollack, FMI Vice President, Government Relations.
“The Work Opportunity Tax Credit has been a vital resource for franchise business owners that provide job opportunities to workers who have faced barriers to employment. IFA applauds Sens. Cassidy and Hassan for taking this important step to help franchised businesses hire workers from underserved communities and provide additional relief, especially since finding labor remains the most significant challenge for local franchises,” said Mike Layman, Chief Advocacy Officer, International Franchise Association.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Two convicted in Eastern District of Texas COVID fraud scheme

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

SHERMAN, Texas – A Collin County man and a Floridian have been convicted of federal violations related to a COVID fraud scheme in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.

Cord Dean Newman, 47, of Homosassa, Florida, and Eric “Phoenix” Marascio, 53, of Allen, were found guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering following a four-day trial before U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on February 6, 2025.

According to information presented in court, Newman, a Hollywood stuntman, and Marascio, an author and baker, were convicted for their involvement in a multimillion-dollar loan fraud and money laundering conspiracy. The evidence at trial showed they were involved in a scheme to defraud lenders and the Small Business Administration’s (SBA’s) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) by applying for and obtaining fraudulent PPP loans during the COVID-19 pandemic. Once Newman and Marascio obtained the loans, they used the funds in a manner inconsistent with the program, including to invest in foreign exchange currency markets, to purchase vehicles, and for various other non-business-related expenditures.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was a federal law enacted in March 2020 and designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who were suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses, through a program referred to as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program was an SBA program that provided low-interest financing to small businesses, renters, and homeowners in regions affected by declared disasters.

The defendants each face up to 20 years in federal prison at sentencing. The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the Eastern District of Texas.

###

MIL Security OSI –

February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Growing Colorado’s Leading Aerospace Industry: Gov. Polis Announces Digantara Expansion in Colorado Springs

Source: US State of Colorado

COLORADO SPRINGS – Today, Governor Polis and the Global Business Development Division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) announced that Digantara, a leading space surveillance and intelligence company specializing in space domain awareness, has selected Colorado Springs, Colorado, for expansion.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Digantara to Colorado, the best place to live, work, and do business. Digantara will bring 61 new, good-paying jobs while supporting safer space operations,” said Governor Polis.

Based in India, Digantara develops space surveillance systems designed to manage increasing orbital traffic and enhance space operations by delivering accurate and real-time orbital insights. The company’s systems pair constellations of cost-efficient nanosatellites in low earth orbit with precise modeling to enable the space industry to secure long-term spaceflight safety and build maps for space.

“Colorado is a leader in aerospace innovation, and we’re thrilled to welcome Digantara to our growing Aerospace community,” said Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera and co-chair of the Colorado Space Coalition. “With top research institutions, a skilled workforce, and strong industry partnerships, our state is the ideal place for companies shaping the future of space. We look forward to seeing Digantara’s impact on space sustainability and security.”

Digantara specializes in patented space-to-space tracking Optical and LiDAR systems. The company plans to establish a Satellite Assembly, Integration and Testing (AIT) facility in Colorado Springs to develop these payloads locally, catering to the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) needs of U.S. Government and Department of Defense agencies.

“Colorado stands at the heart of the US aerospace-defense ecosystem, making it the perfect base for Digantara. Here, we aim to collaborate with the US aerospace and defense community locally, advancing global space security through innovation and partnership. Our mission is clear: contribute to U.S. and its allies’ defense efforts and help ensure a safe, sustainable space for a secure future,” said Anirudh Sharma, CEO of Digantara.

Digantara champions space sustainability, with active advocacy in the Paris Peace Forum’s Net Zero Space Initiative and the UN Space Bridge Dialogue on Global Space Traffic Coordination. In Colorado Springs, the company plans to establish a U.S. base to pursue opportunities to collaborate with U.S. defense agencies on surveillance and defense initiatives. This includes a capital investment of $35 million. Proximity to talent and the opportunity to locate in a leading aerospace market were key considerations.

“Colorado is now home to 2,000 aerospace companies, an increase of 26% over the last five years. When companies like Digantara expand in our state, they continue to strengthen this key sector of our economy while advancing innovative new technologies that will be critical to space and space missions,” said OEDIT Executive Director Eve Lieberman.

Digantara expects to create 61 net new jobs at an average annual wage of $82,645, which is 130% of the average annual wage in El Paso County. The positions will include software engineers, systems engineers, business developers, human resources, and finance roles.

The Colorado Economic Development Commission approved up to $759,034 in a performance-based Job Growth Incentive Tax Credit for the company over an eight-year period. These incentives are contingent upon Digantara, referred to as Project Diamond throughout the OEDIT review process, meeting net new job creation and salary requirements. The Colorado Springs City Council approved $198,225 over a four-year period in performance-based incentives. The sales and use tax rebates apply to the purchases of construction materials, equipment, machinery, furniture, and fixtures. The City’s Economic Development Department also offered to support the company through its Rapid Response Program, as well as talent and workforce development support. Additionally, El Paso County approved $812,030 in incentives.

“We are thrilled to welcome Digantara as they open their first U.S. office right here in our Colorado Springs, Olympic City USA,” said Mayor Yemi Mobolade. “As a key player in space surveillance and intelligence, specializing in space domain awareness, they are a perfect fit for our growing ecosystem of tech, aerospace, space, and cybersecurity companies. This is yet another example of the exciting expansion we’re seeing in this critical sector, further solidifying Colorado Springs’ position at the forefront of space innovation.”

“El Paso County is proud to support Digantara, which enhances our region’s leadership in the aerospace and defense industries—sectors that drive our local economy and safeguard our national security. We are committed to supporting businesses that create jobs, invest in our workforce, and strengthen our local economy. This investment goes beyond a single project; it represents a commitment to the future of our region, reinforcing our position as a place where businesses can innovate, expand, and thrive,” said El Paso County Commissioner and Chair Carrie Geitner.

“Digantara’s expansion is a big win for Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region, boosting our space talent and reinforcing our reputation as a prominent force in national security and a top location for aerospace and defense investments,” said Johnna Reeder Kleymeyer, President & CEO of Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC. “With our strong and diverse economy, highly skilled workforce, and cutting-edge technologies, it’s clear that Colorado Springs is the ideal place for space companies to innovate and thrive.”

In addition to Colorado, Digantara considered North Carolina, Texas and California for expansion. The company currently has 70 employees, none of whom are in Colorado.

About Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works to empower all to thrive in Colorado’s economy. Under the leadership of the Governor and in collaboration with economic development partners across the state, we foster a thriving business environment through funding and financial programs, training, consulting and informational resources across industries and regions. We promote economic growth and long-term job creation by recruiting, retaining, and expanding Colorado businesses and providing programs that support entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes at every stage of growth. Our goal is to protect what makes our state a great place to live, work, start a business, raise a family, visit and retire—and make it accessible to everyone. Learn more about OEDIT.

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MIL OSI USA News –

February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: IRS, Postal Employees Indicted for Stealing U.S. Treasury Check

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Employees with the IRS and the U.S. Postal Service are among three defendants who have been indicted by a federal grand jury for stealing and cashing a U.S. Treasury check.

Sierra S. McCall, 31, of Independence, Mo., Jalen Koonce, 31, of Raytown, Mo., and Julian A. King, 31, address unknown, where charged in a three-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Thursday, Feb. 6. The indictment was unsealed and made public following Koonce’s arrest and initial court appearance on Friday, Feb. 7.

McCall is employed by the IRS as a customer contact representative. Koonce is employed by the U.S. Postal Service at the sorting facility where government checks are processed. King is the father of McCall’s child.

The federal indictment charges McCall, Koonce, and King together in one count of the theft of government property. The indictment alleges they aided and abetted each other to steal and cash a $72,236 U.S. Treasury check on Aug. 9, 2023.

The indictment also charges Koonce and King each with one count of money laundering related to financial transactions on Aug. 9, 2023, that involved the proceeds of the theft of government property.

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul S. Becker. It was investigated by Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) and the U.S. Postal Service – Office of Inspector General.

MIL Security OSI –

February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Camden Man Admits To Conspiring To Commit Tax Fraud

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

CAMDEN, N.J. – A Camden County, New Jersey, man today admitted to conspiring to defraud the IRS by concealing cash wages paid to his business’s employees, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced.

Tri Anh Tieu, 53, of Camden, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Christine P. O’Hearn to an indictment charging him and co-defendant Andy Tran with one count of conspiring to defraud the United States.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

Tieu owned Tri States Staffing LLC, a business based in Pennsauken, New Jersey. Tri States Staffing provided temporary workers to New Jersey businesses located in Gloucester and Burlington Counties. As part of its agreement with its customer businesses, Tri States Staffing was responsible for collecting and paying over to the IRS the payroll taxes due and owing on the wages paid to the temporary workers provided by Tri States Staffing.

Between the third quarter of 2018 and the second quarter of 2022, Tri States received more than $2.5 million in payments from its customer businesses. Tieu paid Tri States’s employees in cash and failed to pay over the payroll taxes due and owing on those wages. Tieu spent at least some of the unpaid taxes on personal expenditures, including gambling. Tieu admitted that the conspiracy caused a tax loss of approximately $305,332.

The count of conspiracy to defraud the United States carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for June 26, 2025.

Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Yury Kruty in Philadelphia and Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s plea.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Bender of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden.

MIL Security OSI –

February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Raksha Mantri holds bilateral meetings with Defence Ministers of Tanzania & Zambia and Minister Delegate to the Minister of National Defence, Chief of Staff of People’s National Army of Algeria on the sidelines of Aero India 2025

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 10 FEB 2025 8:09PM by PIB Delhi

On the sidelines of Aero India 2025, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh held bilateral meetings with Minister for Defence & National Service of Tanzania Dr Stergomena Lawrence Tax, Minister Delegate to the Minister of National Defence, Chief of Staff of People’s National Army of Algeria General Saïd Chanegriha and Minister of Defence of Zambia Mr Ambrose Lwiji Lufuma in Bengaluru on February 10, 2025.

In his meeting with the Defence Minister of Tanzania, both leaders discussed cross-border terrorism and bilateral defence cooperation in a number of areas, including dockyard development & shipbuilding. Both sides welcomed co-hosting of maiden Africa India key Maritime Exercise in April 2025.

The meeting with Minister Delegate to the Minister of National Defence, Chief of Staff of People’s National Army of Algeria gave further impetus to defence engagement with the North African nation in diverse fields. Possibility of signing of Terms of Reference for a Joint Commission in the Military Field to reap full benefits of the MoU was also discussed.

In his meeting with the Minister of Defence of Zambia, both leaders reviewed and agreed to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation, especially in the areas of capacity building and UN peacekeeping operations. Both sides agreed to early finalisation of Terms of Reference for institutionalizing a Joint Defence Cooperation Committee.

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VK/Savvy

(Release ID: 2101504) Visitor Counter : 79

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SUSTAINABLE URBAN GROWTH MEASURES

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 10 FEB 2025 5:20PM by PIB Delhi

As per 12^th Schedule of the Constitution of India, urban planning including urban planning & urban development is the function of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)/ Urban Development Authorities. Government of India supplements the efforts of the States through schematic interventions/ advisories. It provides financial and technical support to the States.

The Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India has issued Urban and Regional Development Plan Formulation and Implementation (URDPFI) Guidelines, 2014 (https://mohua.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/URDPFI%20Guidelines% 20Vol%20I(2).pdf). The Chapter – 6 “Sustainability Guidelines” of URDPFI guidelines 2014 deals with various aspects of sustainable urban development.

Under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), a sub-Scheme ‘Formulation of GIS based Master plans for 500 AMRUT cities’ is being implemented by MoHUA. The Sub-Scheme aims at geo data base creation and formulation of GIS based Master Plans. At present, 461 AMRUT Cities in 35 States including Maharashtra are on boarded under the scheme and Master Plans for 229 towns have been finalized so far, which include 44 towns of Maharashtra. Under AMRUT 2.0, the sub-scheme Formulation of GIS based Master Plans has been extended to cover Class-II Towns with population of 50,000 – 99,999. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed with National Remote Sensing Centre and Survey of India for creation of geo database.

MoHUA is supporting States/ Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in capacity building activities through various Schemes of the Ministry such as AMRUT, for improving the capacities of ULB functionaries, elected representatives, etc., Under AMRUT, against the target of 45,000 functionaries, 57134 functionaries have already been trained so far. Under AMRUT 2.0, capacity building programs are conducted for all stakeholders including contractors, plumbers, plant operators, students, women and citizens.

MoHUA has designated 4 Institutes in different regions as Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Urban Planning and Design, which inter alia impart certified trainings/ certified courses to Civil Servants, State Town Planners, Municipal Oﬀicials, practitioners/professionals, young students etc. These centres have been provided endowment funds of ₹ 250 crore each.

Besides, MoHUA has also designated 6 institutes as AMRUT Funded Centre of Urban Planning for Capacity Building. The role envisaged for these institutes inter alia includes subject specific trainings to Municipal officials/ Town and Country Planning officials, augmenting capacity building of State / Local authorities and hand hold them in urban planning.

All States/ UTs including Maharashtra can avail the training facilities of these centres.

The Government has announced the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SSASCI) in 2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25, under which States are incentivized for taking the urban planning reforms. The details of urban planning reforms under SSACI are as under:

Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2022-23 – Part – VI (Urban Planning Reforms). The reform components included Modernization of Building Bylaws by removing contradictions and optimizing land use, Adoption of modern urban planning tools like Transferrable Development Rights (TDR), Implementation of Local Area Plans (LAP) and Town Planning Schemes (TPS), Implementation of Transit-oriented Development (ToD). Further States were incentivized for Creation of Sponge Cities, Removing Taxation for running the Buses for Public Transport.

Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2023-24 – Part – III (Urban Planning Reforms). The reform components included Augmentation of human resources by hiring qualified urban planners, Implementation of Town Planning Scheme (TPS)/ Land Pooling Scheme, Modernization of Building Bylaws, Promoting in-situ slum rehabilitation, Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), Transferable Development Rights as planning tool, Strengthening natural ecosystems of urban areas through urban planning, development of waterfronts etc.

Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2024-25 – Part – XIII (Urban Planning Reforms). The reform components include implementation of Town planning Schemes / Land Pooling Scheme, rationalization of Building Bye-laws/ Zoning initiatives, comprehensive parking paradigm, creative re-development of cities, Planning of Peri Urban areas, Transit Oriented Development, Technology based reforms, climate sustainability through urban planning, comprehensive mobility plan for ease of transit in NE/ Hilly states etc.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, Shri. Tokhan Sahu, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

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Jane Namchu/Sushil Kumar

(Release ID: 2101370) Visitor Counter : 9

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 11, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Religious Institutions Benefitted Under Seva Bhoj Yojana

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 10 FEB 2025 5:06PM by PIB Delhi

Seva Bhoj Yojana was launched by the Ministry of Culture in August, 2018. Under the Seva Bhoj Yojana, Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) and Central Government’s share of Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) paid on purchase of specific raw food items by the eligible Charitable/Religious Institutions for distributing free food to at least 5000 people in a calendar month are reimbursed to these organizations by the Government of India through the concerned GST Authority. The State-wise details of the charitable and religious institutions that have been benefitted under the Seva Bhoj Yojana as of January, 2025 are Annexed.

As per the guidelines of Seva Bhoj Yojana, a Certificate from District Magistrate indicating that the Charitable/Religious Institution is involved in Charitable/Religious activities and is distributing free food to public/devotees etc. since last three years at least on daily/monthly basis is mandatorily required, as one of the eligibility criteria, for these institutions in order to get enrolled on the CSMS Portal of the Ministry of Culture. However, the details of individuals benefitted indirectly through the free meals are not sought by the Ministry while providing the benefit of reimbursement, as mentioned at Sl. No. (a) above under the Seva Bhoj Yojana from Charitable /Religious Institutions.

Under the Seva Bhoj Yojana, Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) and Central Government’s share of Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) paid on purchase of specific raw food items by the eligible Charitable/Religious Institutions for distributing free food to public are reimbursed to these organizations by the Government of India through the concerned GST Authority. The following procedure is adopted to ensure transparency and accountability in the utilization of funds granted under the Seva Bhoj Scheme: –

(i) Upon registration with NGO Darpan Portal of NITI Aayog, the Charitable/Religious Institutions enrol and submit their application in CSMS Portal of the Ministry of Culture.

(ii) After enrolment with the Ministry of Culture, the applicant submits its application along with a copy of the registration certificate issued by the Ministry of Culture to the Nodal Central Tax Officer in their concerned State/UT.

(iii) The Nodal Central Tax Officer on receipt of the application and registration certificate generates a Unique Identity Number (UIN).

(iv) Thereafter, the concerned GST Authority forward the Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) and Central Government’s share of Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) claims verified and passed by them in respect of the eligible Charitable/Religious Institutions to the Ministry for releasing the same.

(v) The Ministry provides fund to the concerned GST Authority who further reimburses to these Charitable/Religious Institutions.

It has been the constant endeavour of the Ministry to promote all the schemes including Seva Bhoj Yojana and raise its awareness through various platforms viz. website of the Ministry, social media platforms etc. so that benefit of the scheme reaches to various types of eligible Charitable/Religious organizations situated across the country thereby leading to equitable representation of all religions and communities as the beneficiaries of the scheme.

The application and reimbursement process as mentioned at Sl. No. (c) above already ensures ease and faster reimbursement to the eligible Charitable/Religious Institutions.

This information was given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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Annexure

(Rs.in lakhs)

Sl. No.	Financial Year	Name of Organizations	State	Fund Released
	2019-2020	Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Amritsar	Punjab	171.00
		Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, Tirupati	Andhra Pradesh	19.63
		Sri Venkateswara Annaprasadam Trust, Tirupati	Andhra Pradesh	5.27
	2020-2021	Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC)	Punjab	159.39
		Dreams & Beauty Charitable Trust, Ludhiana		1.22
		Durgiana Temple, Amritsar		8.84
	2021-2022	Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC)	Punjab	149.83
		Dreams & Beauty Charitable Trust, Ludhiana		0.28
		Durgiana Temple, Amritsar		4.81
	2022-2023	Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC)	Punjab	140.44
		Dreams & Beauty Charitable Trust, Ludhiana		0.80
		Durgiana Temple, Amritsar		1.76
	2023-2024	Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC)	Punjab	142.12
	2023-2024	Durgiana Temple, Amritsar	Punjab	3.88

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Sunil Kumar Tiwari

pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

(Release ID: 2101345) Visitor Counter : 48

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 11, 2025

Category: Taxation

Padilla, Schiff, Western Senators Raise Alarm on Trump’s Illegal Funding Cuts Targeting Wildfire Mitigation Efforts