Category: Trade

  • MIL-OSI: Viventium Unveils Enhanced Per Visit Pay Solution to Empower Home Health Agencies

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BERKELEY HEIGHTS, N.J., May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Viventium, who offers an industry-leading payroll, HR, and compliance platform purpose-built for healthcare providers, today announced Per Visit Pay enhancements to Viventium Payroll. Designed specifically to meet the growing needs of home health agencies, these enhancements streamline payroll processing and safeguard agencies against frequent errors that can result in costly penalties.

    As home health agencies adapt to shifting regulations, tight margins, and workforce expectations, Viventium Payroll with Per Visit Pay provides a smarter way for agencies to pay clinicians for skilled nursing and therapy visits. By aligning compensation with visit type while ensuring full compliance with Fair Labor Standards Act and Affordable Care Act requirements, the enhanced offering allows agencies to scale, optimize labor costs, and improve care delivery.

    “Home health organizations are being asked to do more with less while continuing to deliver exceptional care,” said Navin Gupta, CEO at Viventium. “Viventium Payroll is purpose-built for home health agencies. Our mission is to deliver industry-specific functionality that empowers agencies to stay compliant, support clinicians, and gain financial control — all in one powerful platform.”

    Unlike legacy payroll systems that convert visits into hours using a fixed multiplier, Viventium Payroll captures both the actual hours worked and the number of visits completed. This dual-tracking approach ensures accurate calculation of overtime, retroactive pay, ACA eligibility, sick leave accruals, and more. By automating every step of the payroll process, Viventium Payroll helps eliminate errors, prevent under- or overpayment, and ensure full compliance, streamlining the entire payroll process from start to finish.

    Key benefits for home health agencies include:

    • Predictable profitability: Consistent visit-based pay enables better cost forecasting and margin control.
    • Full compliance: Automatically tracks hours worked across visit types for accurate overtime, sick leave accruals, PTO accruals, and benefit calculations.
    • Integrated workflow: Imports data from the EHR and combines visit pay, hourly pay (meetings, travel, documentation), and mileage to reduce errors and save time.
    • Transparency and trust: Itemized pay stubs with visit details that clinicians can access easily in the employee self-service app reduce confusion and improve staff satisfaction.
    • Higher productivity: Seeing the direct impact of productivity on earnings potential, clinicians are rewarded for being efficient.

    This release comes at a crucial time. Despite rising costs, home health agencies only saw a modest 0.5% Medicare rate increase in 2025, a rate well below inflation. With expectations that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will further adjust payments under the Patient-Driven Groupings Model, agencies must maximize efficiency and quality to stay competitive.

    “With rising cost pressures and increasingly complex compliance demands, it’s more important than ever for home health agencies to have a payroll partner that truly understands their unique needs. At Viventium, we designed our enhanced Per Visit Pay solution to deliver the precision, adaptability, and visibility agencies need to support their clinicians and protect their margins with confidence,” said Terra Vicario, Chief Client Officer, Viventium.

    To learn more about Viventium Payroll and Per Visit Pay, visit viventium.com.

    About Viventium
    Viventium is healthcare’s trusted ally for payroll, HR, and compliance, combining innovative solutions with deep expertise in the healthcare industry. Its purpose-built cloud-based platform is designed to tackle the complexity and compliance challenges healthcare providers face, simplifying the workday, every day. Viventium helps organizations hire and retain care staff, improve the employee experience, and drive measurable value. Serving clients in all fifty states and supporting over 500,000 healthcare employees, Viventium enables organizations to focus on what matters most: providing compassionate care. It’s a new day, with Viventium. 

    For more information, visit viventium.com.

    Media Contact:
    Amanda Evans
    Director of Marketing, Home-Based Care
    aevans@viventium.com
    718.766.0360

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: MEXC Lists USD1, Accelerating Global Stablecoin Innovation with World Liberty Financial

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, announced that it will list World Liberty Financial USD (USD1) in the Innovation Zone on May 9, 2025 (UTC). The USD1/USDT trading pair will also open at 08:00 on May 8, 2025 (UTC), and the MEXC Convert feature will be available from 09:00 on May 8, 2025 (UTC), offering users a seamless asset conversion experience. This listing expands the range of digital assets on the platform and further demonstrates MEXC’s commitment to advancing the global stablecoin ecosystem.

    USD1: A New Era in Stablecoins and Financial Transparency

    USD1 is World Liberty Financial’s stablecoin that provides secure and transparent digital asset services for global users. The stablecoin is backed 1:1 by the US dollar, with its reserve assets custodied by BitGo, held by Fidelity and subject to regular audits by third-party accounting firms to ensure transparency and stability. Currently, USD1 is deployed on both Ethereum and Binance Smart Chain (BSC), with plans to expand to additional blockchains in the future to enhance interoperability.

    Furthermore, USD1 has made significant strides in the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem. For example, ListaDAO has launched a USD1 lending vault on BNB Chain, providing liquidity support for 20 million USD1. Renowned market maker DWF Labs has also deployed USD1 liquidity across multiple platforms, further enhancing its availability and market depth. According to the data from CoinMarketCap, USD1’s market capitalization has surpassed USD 2.12 billion, demonstrating strong market demand.

    Special Promotion to Celebrate the Listing

    To celebrate the successful listing of USD1, MEXC is launching a series of special offers to thank its users for their support. Starting May 8, 2025, at 08:00 (UTC), users can enjoy the following benefits:

    • Zero Trading Fees: The USD1/USDT spot trading pair will have 0 trading fees.
    • Zero Withdrawal Fees: Users will enjoy 0 withdrawal fees when withdrawing USD1.

    MEXC Drives the Evolution of Stablecoins Through Ecosystem Empowerment

    As a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, MEXC has earned the trust of 36 million users across 170+ countries worldwide, thanks to its fast token listing process, diverse asset offerings, deep liquidity, and robust security. At the same time, MEXC continues to empower quality projects and partners, actively promoting the healthy development of the global digital asset and stablecoin ecosystem.

    Looking Ahead: A Shared Vision for the Future of Stablecoins

    MEXC’s listing partnership with World Liberty Financial further drives innovation in the development of stablecoins. Looking ahead, MEXC will continue to strengthen its support for stablecoin projects, promoting the widespread adoption of stablecoins globally. At the same time, the platform will keep iterating its products and services to provide users with a more secure and seamless trading experience.

    About MEXC
    Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto.” Serving over 36 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, everyday airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.
    MEXC Official WebsiteXTelegramHow to Sign Up on MEXC

    Risk Disclaimer:
    The information provided in this article regarding cryptocurrencies does not constitute investment advice. Given the highly volatile nature of the cryptocurrency market, investors are encouraged to carefully assess market fluctuations, the fundamentals of projects, and potential financial risks before making any trading decisions.

    Source

    Contact:
    Lucia Hu
    lucia.hu@mexc.com

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by MEXC. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/15818921-c5b2-4fbf-93a6-e7e0c7d6fdf6

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Leading the way on internal trade: Minister Jones

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Landmark Economic Deal with US saves thousands of jobs

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Landmark Economic Deal with US saves thousands of jobs

    Today the UK and US has agreed a landmark economic deal which will save thousands of jobs for British carmakers and steel industry

    • Britain secures the first US trade deal protecting British business and British jobs, the second landmark deal in Britain’s national interest in a matter of days following the India deal
    • Prime Minister delivers on his promise to save UK steel and British car makers – saving thousands of jobs across the country
    • US tariffs on automotives immediately slashed from 27.5%, with steel and aluminium reduced to zero
    • Unprecedented market access for British farmers with protections on food standards maintained 

    Thousands of jobs have been saved as the Prime Minister secured a first-of-a-kind trade agreement with the US.

    It is the second major trade announcement this week – following the India Free Trade Agreement on Tuesday, this historic agreement with the US to slash tariffs delivers for UK carmakers, steelworks and farmers – protecting jobs and providing stability for exporters. 

    Car export tariffs will reduce from 27.5% to 10% – saving hundreds of millions a year for Jaguar Land Rover alone. This will apply to a quota of 100,000 UK cars, almost the total the UK exported last year. 

    The Prime Minister visited Jaguar Land Rover last month announcing greater freedom for car manufacturers to back British industry in the face of global headwinds. During this visit he told workers he would accelerate trade deals to protect their jobs, their livelihoods, and to champion British business worldwide. 

    The UK steel industry – which was on the brink of collapse just weeks ago – will no longer face tariffs thanks to today’s deal. The Prime Minister negotiated the 25% tariff down to zero, meaning UK steelmakers can carry on exporting to the US. This follows last month’s intervention from the Prime Minister to take control of British Steel to save thousands of jobs in Scunthorpe.

    In a win for both nations, we have agreed new reciprocal market access on beef – with UK farmers given a tariff free quota for 13,000 metric tonnes. There will be no weakening of UK food standards on imports. 

    We will also remove the tariff on ethanol – which is used to produce beer – coming into the UK from the US, down to zero. 

    It is one of many international deals that the Government is landing to boost our economy – following an Indian trade deal which will add £4.8 billion to the UK economy and £2.2 billion in wages every year.

    Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, said:

    “The new global era demands a government that steps up, not stands aside. 

    “This historic deal delivers for British business and British workers protecting thousands of British jobs in key sectors including car manufacturing and steel. 

    “My government has put Britain at the front of the queue because we want to work constructively with allies for mutual benefit rather than turning our back on the world.

    “As VE Day reminds us, the UK has no greater ally than the United States, so I am delighted that eight decades on, under President Trump the special relationship remains a force for economic and national security. 

    “This is jobs saved, jobs won but not job done and our teams will continue to work to build on this agreement. 

    “My Government is determined to go further and faster to strengthen the UK’s economy, putting more money in working people’s pockets as part of our Plan for Change.”

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    “I am delighted our calm approach and proactive engagement with the US has resulted in this deal which cuts tariffs for UK industry and cuts costs for businesses.

    “Businesses across the country will be glad to see our approach working, but this is only the beginning. We look forward to strengthening our trading relationship with the US through a wider economic deal, which will help us to deliver on our Plan for Change to provide economic stability and make this country fit for the future.”

    Adrian Mardell, Chief Executive Officer, JLR said:  

    “The car industry is vital to the UK’s economic prosperity, sustaining 250,000 jobs. We warmly welcome this deal which secures greater certainty for our sector and the communities it supports. We would like to thank the UK and US Governments for agreeing this deal at pace and look forward to continued engagement over the coming months.”

    Work will continue on the remaining sectors – such as pharmaceuticals and remaining reciprocal tariffs. But – in an important move – the US has agreed that the UK will get preferential treatment in any further tariffs imposed as part of Section 232 investigations. The deal opens the way to a future UK US technology partnership through which our science-rich nations will collaborate in key areas of advanced technology, for example biotech, life sciences, quantum computing, nuclear fusion, aerospace and space. 

    The Digital Services Tax remains unchanged as part of today’s deal. Instead the two nations have agreed to work on a digital trade deal that will strip back paperwork for British firms trying to export to the US – opening the UK up to a huge market that will put rocket boosters on the UK economy.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Landmark economic deal with United States saves thousands of jobs for British car makers and steel industry

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Landmark economic deal with United States saves thousands of jobs for British car makers and steel industry

    Thousands of jobs have been saved as the Prime Minister secured a first-of-a-kind trade agreement with the US.

    • Britain secures the first US trade deal protecting British business and British jobs, the second landmark deal in Britain’s national interest in a matter of days following the India deal
    • Prime Minister delivers on his promise to save UK steel and British car makers – saving thousands of jobs across the country
    • US tariffs on automotives immediately slashed from 27.5%, with steel and aluminium reduced to zero
    • Unprecedented market access for British farmers with protections on food standards maintained

    Thousands of jobs have been saved as the Prime Minister secured a first-of-a-kind trade agreement with the US.

    It is the second major trade announcement this week – following the India Free Trade Agreement on Tuesday, this historic agreement with the US to slash tariffs delivers for UK carmakers, steelworks and farmers – protecting jobs and providing stability for exporters. 

    Car export tariffs will reduce from 27.5% to 10% – saving hundreds of millions a year for Jaguar Land Rover alone. This will apply to a quota of 100,000 UK cars, almost the total the UK exported last year. 

    The Prime Minister visited Jaguar Land Rover last month announcing greater freedom for car manufacturers to back British industry in the face of global headwinds. During this visit he told workers he would accelerate trade deals to protect their jobs, their livelihoods, and to champion British business worldwide. 

    The UK steel industry – which was on the brink of collapse just weeks ago – will no longer face tariffs thanks to today’s deal. The Prime Minister negotiated the 25% tariff down to zero, meaning UK steelmakers can carry on exporting to the US. This follows last month’s intervention from the Prime Minister to take control of British Steel to save thousands of jobs in Scunthorpe.

    In a win for both nations, we have agreed new reciprocal market access on beef – with UK farmers given a tariff free quota for 13,000 metric tonnes. There will be no weakening of UK food standards on imports. 

    We will also remove the tariff on ethanol – which is used to produce beer – coming into the UK from the US, down to zero. 

    It is one of many international deals that the Government is landing to boost our economy – following an Indian trade deal which will add £4.8 billion to the UK economy and £2.2 billion in wages every year.

    Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, said:

    The new global era demands a government that steps up, not stands aside. 

    This historic deal delivers for British business and British workers protecting thousands of British jobs in key sectors including car manufacturing and steel. 

    My government has put Britain at the front of the queue because we want to work constructively with allies for mutual benefit rather than turning our back on the world.

    As VE Day reminds us, the UK has no greater ally than the United States, so I am delighted that eight decades on, under President Trump the special relationship remains a force for economic and national security. 

    This is jobs saved, jobs won but not job done and our teams will continue to work to build on this agreement. 

    My Government is determined to go further and faster to strengthen the UK’s economy, putting more money in working people’s pockets as part of our Plan for Change.

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    I am delighted our calm approach and proactive engagement with the US has resulted in this deal which cuts tariffs for UK industry and cuts costs for businesses.

    Businesses across the country will be glad to see our approach working, but this is only the beginning. We look forward to strengthening our trading relationship with the US through a wider economic deal, which will help us to deliver on our Plan for Change to provide economic stability and make this country fit for the future.

    Adrian Mardell, Chief Executive Officer, JLR said:

    The car industry is vital to the UK’s economic prosperity, sustaining 250,000 jobs. We warmly welcome this deal which secures greater certainty for our sector and the communities it supports. We would like to thank the UK and US Governments for agreeing this deal at pace and look forward to continued engagement over the coming months.

    Work will continue on the remaining sectors – such as pharmaceuticals and remaining reciprocal tariffs. But – in an important move – the US has agreed that the UK will get preferential treatment in any further tariffs imposed as part of Section 232 investigations. The deal opens the way to a future UK US technology partnership through which our science-rich nations will collaborate in key areas of advanced technology, for example biotech, life sciences, quantum computing, nuclear fusion, aerospace and space. 

    The Digital Services Tax remains unchanged as part of today’s deal. Instead the two nations have agreed to work on a digital trade deal that will strip back paperwork for British firms trying to export to the US – opening the UK up to a huge market that will put rocket boosters on the UK economy.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: Subsea 7 S.A. announces changes to Board composition

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Luxembourg – 8 May 2025 – Subsea 7 S.A. (Oslo Børs: SUBC, ADR: SUBCY) today announced the election of Lucia Andrade as a Non-Executive Director at the 2025 annual general meeting of shareholders (AGM) and the decision of Jean Cahuzac to retire from his position as Non-Executive Director with immediate effect.

    Jean has served on the Board since 2008, and was also CEO of Subsea7 until 31 December 2019. The Board would like to thank him for his commitment and valuable contribution to Subsea7.

    Jean was a member of the Compensation Committee and the Tender Committee and changes to committee memberships will be discussed at the next meeting of the Board, later this month.

    *******************************************************************************
    Subsea7 is a global leader in the delivery of offshore projects and services for the evolving energy industry, creating sustainable value by being the industry’s partner and employer of choice in delivering the efficient offshore solutions the world needs.
    Subsea7 is listed on the Oslo Børs (SUBC), ISIN LU0075646355, LEI 222100AIF0CBCY80AH62.

    *******************************************************************************

    Contact for investment community enquiries:
    Katherine Tonks
    Investor Relations Director
    Tel +44 20 8210 5568
    ir@subsea7.com
    agm@subsea7.com

    This information is subject of the disclosure requirements of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.
    This stock exchange release was published by Katherine Tonks, Investor Relations, Subsea7, on 8 May 2025 at 17:00 CET.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Subsea 7 S.A. – 2025 AGM and EGM

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Luxembourg – 8 May 2025 – Subsea 7 S.A. (Oslo Børs: SUBC, ADR: SUBCY, the Company) today announced that, at the 2025 annual general meeting of shareholders (AGM) on 8 May 2025, all resolutions were approved, including the payment of a dividend of NOK 13.00 per common share, to be paid in two equal instalments.

    In addition, at the subsequent extraordinary general meeting of shareholders (EGM) on the same day, both proposed resolutions, which related to (i) to the authority of the Board of Directors to repurchase and, as the case may be, to subsequently cancel Company shares and reduce the issued share capital accordingly and (ii) the renewal of authorisation for the Board of Directors to issue new shares and to limit or suppress preferential subscription rights, for up to 10% of the issued share capital, were approved.

    The minutes of both the AGM and EGM which detail the resolutions passed and the result of the votes cast in relation to each resolution and the changes to the Company’s articles of association are attached hereto. The minutes can also be found on the Company’s website.

    *******************************************************************************
    Subsea7 is a global leader in the delivery of offshore projects and services for the evolving energy industry, creating sustainable value by being the industry’s partner and employer of choice in delivering the efficient offshore solutions the world needs.

    Subsea7 is listed on the Oslo Børs (SUBC), ISIN LU0075646355, LEI 222100AIF0CBCY80AH62.

    *******************************************************************************

    Contact for investment community enquiries:
    Katherine Tonks
    Investor Relations Director
    Tel +44 20 8210 5568
    ir@subsea7.com
    agm@subsea7.com

    This information is subject to the disclosure requirements of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. 
    This stock exchange release was published by Katherine Tonks, Investor Relations, Subsea7, on 8 May 2025 at 17:15 CET.

    Attachments

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: New Yorkers Encouraged to Sign Up for ‘Triple Three Triple One’

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of “Triple Three Triple One” – a new real-time emergency and weather alert system – as part of the State’s Hurricane Preparedness Week recognition efforts. Managed by the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES), this text option allows New Yorkers to text their county of residence to 3-3-3-1-1-1 to begin receiving real time emergency and weather alerts and updates directly to their phones. In New York City, text the name of your borough with no spaces. The system is not case sensitive. If you want all of metro New York, text NewYorkCity. Additionally, State-initiated hurricane preparedness activities include initiating the distribution of $15 million in flood-related equipment to counties and conducting specialized training for State emergency operations personnel.

    “My highest priority is the safety of New Yorkers, especially during times of severe and unpredictable emergency events,” Governor Hochul said. “To best prepare for inclement weather – especially as hurricane season approaches – I am encouraging all New Yorkers to sign up for alerts so they can remain safe and vigilant when high-impact events occur.”

    It’s easy to get started and free to sign up. New Yorkers can simply text the name of the county they’d like to receive alerts for to 3-3-3-1-1-1. Once the text message is sent, users will automatically be enrolled and begin receiving emergency and weather alerts when they occur in their selected county. In New York City, text the name of your borough with no spaces. For example, StatenIsland. For the entire New York City metro area, text NewYorkCity. The system is not case sensitive. Users can also register to receive alerts for multiple counties by texting additional county names, one at a time. This will allow residents to stay up to date on alerts in areas where their loved ones may live. It is free to sign up for Triple Three Triple One and the service is available on all cellular carriers. Standard text messaging and data rates may apply.

    New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “As Hurricane Season approaches, the launch of Triple Three Triple One alerting gives New Yorkers access to another tool that they can use to help keep themselves and their loved ones prepared for and safe during severe weather. And, it’s an additional way that we can assist our local emergency management partners. I encourage everyone to take a moment right now and text their county name to Triple Three Triple One.”

    In addition to launching the Triple Three Triple One text alerts, New York State recently signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with 51 counties to provide them with $15 million of flood-related equipment and supplies. The equipment, being procured by DHSES includes pumps, generators, chain saws, and flood barrier technology.

    Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. On April 3, Colorado State University released its preseason hurricane forecast, calling for above average activity in the tropical Atlantic with 17 named storms, nine hurricanes, and four major hurricanes predicted. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is expected to release the 2025 Hurricane Outlook later in May.

    In December 2023, Governor Hochul announced the creation of New York’s State Weather Risk Communication Center (SWRCC) at the State University of New York at Albany. The Center is a first-of-its kind operational collaboration between university researchers and state emergency managers and serves as a clearinghouse for critical weather information. It also works to develop tools to help emergency managers make informed decisions to help protect communities and examines how communicating extreme weather risks to the public can be improved.

    New York State Weather Risk Communication Center Director Dr. Nick Bassill said, “Being prepared is crucial when it comes to extreme weather. New York is no stranger to the impacts hurricanes can have on our communities, so have a plan made ahead of time to ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones in the event of an emergency. Follow trusted news sources such as the National Weather Service and state and local government alerts, so you can respond accordingly when severe weather strikes.”

    The National Weather Service said, “Everyone should learn their risk by considering the threats from tropical storms. Threats include storm surge, flooding from heavy rain, strong winds, tornadoes and rip currents. All of these threats can occur far from the center of a storm so pay attention to the latest forecasts and be alert for warnings.”

    State agencies undertake a number of activities to prepare for hurricane season including:

    The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services operates the State Office of Emergency Management (OEM). OEM routinely assists local governments, voluntary organizations, and private industry through a variety of emergency management programs including hazard identification, loss prevention, planning, training, operational response to emergencies, technical support, and disaster recovery assistance.

    In April, OEM launched a weeklong State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Training and Simulation initiative created to introduce new staff to the major functions of the EOC. This initiative included EOC simulations, including one simulation focused on responding to a forecasted tropical storm. This training builds understanding across State OEM personnel so that during a real activation teams are prepared to respond accordingly.

    DHSES also conducts the Citizen Preparedness Corps training program, along with the New York National Guard and the American Red Cross. The course provides an introduction to responding to a natural or human-caused disaster. Participants are advised on how to properly develop family emergency plans and stock up on emergency supplies. To date, more than 400,000 people have been trained.

    The Department of Public Service reports New York’s utilities have approximately 5,500 workers available statewide to engage in damage assessment, response, repair and restoration efforts across New York State in the event of a hurricane or a major storm. Utilities maintain agreements with external contractors who may be able to assist in restoration efforts. Department of Public Service staff track utilities’ work throughout all events and work to ensure appropriate staffing for regions that experience the greatest impact.

    The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s hurricane preparedness efforts take place year-round. New and renewed assets are designed to meet or exceed the agency’s climate resilience guidelines, which consider the potential risks of climate change out to 2100. Across the agency’s airports, a host of flood protection measures have been implemented, including flood walls, flood rated doors, and deployable shields. At LaGuardia Airport, electrical substations, pumps, and newly constructed terminals have been elevated or protected to reduce the risk of hurricane flooding, even as sea levels rise. Other flood mitigation projects include installation of flexible floodproof barriers at the Holland Tunnel portals and a water intrusion protection system to seal off the iconic World Trade Center site from coastal storm surge. The Port Authority’s Office of Emergency Management tracks storm development, projecting eventual impacts on the New York and New Jersey region, and communicating with each Port Authority facility, where staff use customized information to respond to rapidly changing conditions.

    For more information, visit the Hurricane Safety page on the DHSES website.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Breaking News: EU to Launch WTO Case Over US Tariffs

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Xinhua | 08. 05. 2025

    Keywords: wto,us duties,eu intends,urgent,trial,european union will appeal,thursday declared,dispute resolution,consultations,us measures,duties,usa,request,organization,violate,opinion

    BRUSSELS, May 8 (Xinhua) — The European Union will ask the World Trade Organization (WTO) for consultations to resolve disputes with the United States over U.S. “mirror tariffs” and duties on cars and auto parts, the European Commission said Thursday, saying the U.S. tariffs violate fundamental WTO rules. -0-

    Source: Xinhua

    Breaking News: EU to initiate WTO case over US tariffs Breaking News: EU to initiate WTO case over US tariffs

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI: Baltic Horizon Fund consolidated unaudited results for Q1 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Management Board of Northern Horizon Capital AS has approved the unaudited financial results of Baltic Horizon Fund (the Fund) for the three months of 2025.

    Our strategic ambitions
    Over the past years, our focus has been on reshaping our strategy to foster sustainable value in a very demanding environment, concentrating efforts on avenues that promise reliable and consistent growth for our investors.

    We firmly believe that the execution of the ‘Modern City Life’ strategy, introduced to investors in 2024, is paramount to their best interests. This strategy emphasizes developing centrally located, multi-functional properties with adaptable spaces designed to inspire, uplift, and enhance the lives of modern citizens and communities. Our value proposition is built on quality, flexibility, sustainability, and exceptional service, supported by strategic locations that cater to the evolving needs of our tenants, visitors and neighbours.

    The Fund management team has implemented and specified its key performance indicators (KPIs) as a means to effectively measure and track performance because we acknowledge that clear and measurable benchmarks are essential for evaluating progress towards the Fund’s objectives. By defining specific KPIs, the team aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and facilitate decision-making processes.

    In 2025 the Fund will focus on four KPIs:

    • Occupancy of not less than 90% by the year end. We aim to decrease the current vacancies across the portfolio. At the end of Q1 occupancy rate (based on handover date) was 82.3%
    • Attaining a net operating income (NOI) of EUR 130 per square meter by 2027. Due to possible divestments, from 2025 the management has a new target of NOI/sq.m. rather than total NOI p.a.
    • Loan to value ratio not exceeding 50%. The Fund recently introduced its divestment strategy with the aim to reduce financing costs and decrease LTV levels. In March 2025 the Fund disposed the Meraki business centre in Vilnius. Proceeds of the disposal were used to repay the outstanding loan and early repay the bonds in the amount of EUR 3 million.
    • Optimizing the property portfolio by considering the disposal of non-strategic assets if deemed strategically beneficial.

    Leasing performance
    During the 3 months of 2025, the Fund signed new leases for approx. 2,000 sq. m. Moreover, leases of approx. 5,500 sq. m. were prolonged. 7 new tenants have been attracted to our buildings, while 8 existing tenants have decided to continue their cooperation with us.

    As of the end of March 2025, the portfolio occupancy rate based on handover date stood at 82.3%, while occupancy calculated according to lease signing date reached 86.9%, marking significant progress toward the target of 90%.

    Notably, less than 14% of leases are set to expire during the next 9 months, while the vast majority expire in 2026 and later. We aim to spread our lease terms evenly so that no more than 20% of our leases expire each year.

    Recent successful leasing activity is reflected in the increase in the weighted average unexpired lease term until the first break option, which was 3.6 years as of 31 March 2025 (compared to 3.4 and 2.9 years as of 31 December 2024 and 2023).

    Outlook
    In 2025 the Fund will focus on flexible and sustainable solutions to meet tenant demands and market conditions. Our key goals are increasing the occupancy of the portfolio and decreasing the LTV by way of repaying part of the bonds.

    In 2025, we will continue advancing our social and environmental commitments. All our assets have been BREEAM-certified, and by the end of Q1 2025, we achieved 95% green leases across our portfolio, with a target to further increase this share in the coming year.

    In a challenging leasing market, the Baltic Horizon Fund is focusing on minimizing administration expenses to offset reduced income. By regularly reviewing overhead costs, investing in technology upgrades, and negotiating fees, the fund aims to enhance operational efficiency and improve long-term investment returns. These strategies are essential for maintaining financial health and maximizing results despite limited income opportunities.

    Simultaneously, to reinforce its financial position, the Fund is committed to improving its debt service ratio and reducing loan-to-value levels. By focusing on increasing occupancy rates and optimizing property concepts, we aim to enhance asset performance and maximize net operating income. Adaptive leasing strategies, property repositioning, and targeted investments in high-demand segments will remain key priorities. These initiatives are designed to create long-term value for investors while ensuring the Fund remains resilient in a dynamic market environment.

    Baltic Horizon achieves a 100% BREEAM certified portfolio
    Our portfolio is 100% BREEAM certified.

    GRESB benchmarking
    In 2024 the Fund received a 3-star GRESB rating. During 2024, the Fund has implemented a GRESB improvement plan and aims to receive 4-stars again in the year 2025.

    Net result and net rental income
    The Group earned consolidated net rental income of EUR 3.0 million in Q1 2025 (Q1 2024: 2.8 million). The results for Q1 2025 include two months of net rental income of the Meraki office property (EUR 0.2 million), which was sold on 13 March 2025.

    The portfolio net rental income in Q1 2025 was 6.3% higher than in Q1 2024, mainly due to higher occupancy in Galerija Centrs since the complex was undergoing a transition period of certain tenants in the buildings in Q1 2024, as well as higher occupancy in Meraki as the international office furniture company NARBUTAS fully moved in to the premises at the end of 2024.

    In Q1 2025, the Group recorded a net loss of EUR 968 thousand compared with a net loss of EUR 624 thousand for Q1 2024. The result was mainly driven by the losses on disposal of investment properties. Earnings per unit for Q1 2025 were negative at EUR 0.01 (Q1 2024: negative at EUR 0.01).

    Investment properties
    At the end of Q1 2025, the Baltic Horizon Fund portfolio consisted of 11 cash flow generating investment properties in the Baltic capitals. The fair value of the Fund’s portfolio was EUR 226.2 million at the end of March 2025 (31 December 2024: EUR 241.2 million) and incorporated a total net leasable area of 110.7 thousand sq. m. During Q1 2025 the Group invested approximately EUR 1.4 million in tenant fit-outs.

    Gross Asset Value (GAV)
    As of 31 March 2025, the Fund’s GAV was EUR 243.2 million (31 December 2024: EUR 256.0 million). The decrease compared to the prior year was mainly related to the disposal of the Meraki office building, which had contributed approx. EUR 16.4 million to the GAV.

    Net Asset Value (NAV)
    As of 31 March 2025, the Fund’s NAV was EUR 97.2 million (31 December 2024: EUR 98.1 million). The NAV decrease was mainly due to losses on disposal of Meraki. As of 31 March 2025, IFRS NAV per unit amounted to EUR 0.6769 (31 December 2024: EUR 0.6833), while EPRA net tangible assets and EPRA net reinstatement value were EUR 0.7209 per unit (31 December 2024: EUR 0.7267). EPRA net disposal value was EUR 0.6736 per unit (31 December 2024: EUR 0.6797).

    Interest-bearing loans and bonds
    As of 31 March 2025, interest-bearing loans and bonds (excluding lease liabilities) were EUR 138.9 million (31 December 2024: EUR 149.0 million).
    As of 31 March 2025, the Fund’s consolidated cash and cash equivalents amounted to EUR 12.8 million (31 December 2024: EUR 10.1 million).

    Cash flow
    Cash inflow from core operating activities in Q1 2025 amounted to EUR 1.3 million (Q1 2024: cash inflow of EUR 1.9 million). Cash inflow from investing activities was EUR 14.3 million (Q1 2024: cash outflow of EUR 1.3 million) mainly due to the sale of Meraki in March 2025 for EUR 16 million. Cash outflow from financing activities was EUR 12.8 million (Q1 2024: cash inflow of EUR 5.7 million). In Q1 2025, the Fund repaid the BH Novus UAB (previously BH Meraki UAB) loan amounting to EUR 10.3 million and paid interest on bank loans and bonds.

    Key earnings figures

    EUR ‘000 2025 Q1 2024 Q1 Change (%)
    Net rental income 2,970 2,794 6.3%
    Administrative expenses (548) (585) (6.3%)
    Other operating income (expenses) 18 10 80.0%
    Losses on disposal of investment properties (905) (367) 146.6%
    Valuation losses on investment properties (5) (4) 25.0%
    Operating (loss) profit 1,530 1,848 (17.2%)
    Net financial expenses (2,673) (2,497) 7.0%
    (Loss) profit before tax (1,143) (649) 76.1%
    Income tax 175 25 600.0%
    Net (loss) profit for the period (968) (624) 55.1%
           
    Weighted average number of units outstanding (units) 143,562,514 119,635,429 20.0%
    Earnings per unit (EUR) (0.01) (0.01)

    Key financial position figures

    EUR ‘000 31.03.2025 31.12.2024 Change (%)
    Investment properties in use 226,220 241,158 (6.2%)
    Gross asset value (GAV) 243,208 256,048 (5.0%)
           
    Interest-bearing loans and bonds 138,914 148,989 (6.8%)
    Total liabilities 146,035 157,953 (7.5%)
           
    IFRS Net asset value (IFRS NAV) 97,173 98,095 (0.9%)
    EPRA Net Reinstatement Value (EPRA NRV) 103,496 104,333 (0.8%)
           
    Number of units outstanding (units) 143,562,514 143,562,514
    IFRS Net asset value (IFRS NAV) per unit (EUR) 0.6769 0.6833 (0.9%)
    EPRA Net Reinstatement Value (EPRA NRV) per unit (EUR) 0.7209 0.7267 (0.8%)
           
    Loan-to-Value ratio (%) 61.4% 61.8% (0.4%)
    Average effective interest rate (%) 6.5% 6.7% (0.2%)

    During Q1 2025, the average actual occupancy of the portfolio was 82.7% (Q4 2024: 81.0%). The occupancy rate increased to 82.3% as of 31 March 2025 (31 December 2024: 82.1%).

    Overview of the Fund’s investment properties as of 31 March 2025

    Property name Sector Fair value1 NLA Direct property yield Net initial yield Occupancy rate
    (EUR ‘000) (sq. m)  20252 20253
    Vilnius, Lithuania            
    Europa SC Retail 36,106 17,127 2.7% 3.1% 81.6%
    North Star Office 19,550 10,740 5.6% 6.2% 90.3%
    Total Vilnius   55,656 27,867 3.9% 4.7% 85.0%
    Riga, Latvia            
    Upmalas Biroji BC Office 19,241 11,204 3.4% 4.3% 64.1%
    Vainodes I Office 15,936 8,128 6.2% 8.5% 100.0%
    LNK Centre Office 11,641 7,452 (2.4%) (3.7%) 0.0%
    Sky SC Retail 4,910 3,260 8.7% 9.3% 100.0%
    Galerija Centrs Retail 60,863 19,441 3.4% 4.5% 84.7%
    Total Riga   112,591 49,485 3.3% 4.4% 70.8%
    Tallinn, Estonia            
    Postimaja & CC Plaza complex Retail 21,876 9,232 3.1% 5.2% 100.0%
    Postimaja & CC Plaza complex Leisure 13,195 7,877 6.4% 5.8% 100.0%
    Lincona Office 13,110 10,767 6.7% 8.3% 92.6%
    Pirita SC Retail 9,792 5,425 6.6% 8.5% 97.1%
    Total Tallinn   57,973 33,301 4.9% 6.6% 97.1%
    Total portfolio   226,220 110,653 3.9% 5.0% 82.3%
    1. Based on the latest valuation as of 31 December 2024, recognised right-of-use assets and subsequent capital expenditure.  
    2. Direct property yield (DPY) is calculated by dividing annualized NOI by the acquisition value and subsequent capital expenditure of the property.
    3. The net initial yield (NIY) is calculated by dividing annualized NOI by the market value of the property.

    Consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income

    EUR ‘000    
    01.01.2025
    – 31.03.2025
    01.01.2024
    – 31.03.2024
    Rental income 3,794 3,846
    Service charge income 1,332 1,048
    Cost of rental activities (2,156) (2,100)
    Net rental income 2,970 2,794
         
    Administrative expenses (548) (585)
    Other operating income 18 10
    Losses on disposal of investment properties (905) (367)
     Valuation losses on investment properties (5) (4)
    Operating profit (loss) 1,530 1,848
         
    Financial income 42 4
    Financial expenses (2,715) (2,501)
    Net financial expenses (2,673) (2,497)
         
    Profit (loss) before tax (1,143) (649)
    Income tax charge 175 25
    Profit (loss) for the period (968) (624)
       
    Other comprehensive income that is or may be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods
    Net gain (loss) on cash flow hedges 51 (219)
    Income tax relating to net gain (loss) on cash flow hedges (5) 27
    Other comprehensive income (expense), net of tax, that is or may be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods 46 (192)
         
    Total comprehensive income (expense) for the period, net of tax (922) (816)
         
    Basic and diluted earnings per unit (EUR) (0.01) (0.01)
           

    Consolidated statement of financial position

    EUR ‘000   31.03.2025 31.12.2024
    Non-current assets      
    Investment properties   226,220 241,158
    Intangible assets  
    Property, plant and equipment   2 5
    Derivative financial instruments              – 1                      
    Other non-current assets   845 1,225
    Total non-current assets   227,069 242,393
           
    Current assets      
    Trade and other receivables   2,848 2,800
    Prepayments   444 802
    Cash and cash equivalents   12,847 10,053
    Total current assets   16,139 13,655
    Total assets   243,208 256,048
           
    Equity      
    Paid in capital   151,495 151,495
    Cash flow hedge reserve   (374) (420)
    Retained earnings   (53,948) (52,980)
    Total equity   97,173 98,095
           
    Non-current liabilities      
    Interest-bearing loans and borrowings   83,896 98,491
    Deferred tax liabilities   1,742 1,898
    Other non-current liabilities   1,143 1,446
    Total non-current liabilities   86,781 101,835
           
    Current liabilities      
    Interest-bearing loans and borrowings   55,259 50,736
    Trade and other payables   3,331 4,473
    Income tax payable   14
    Derivative financial instruments   303 317
    Other current liabilities   361 578
    Total current liabilities   59,254 56,118
    Total liabilities   146,035 157,953
    Total equity and liabilities   243,208 256,048

    For additional information, please contact:

    Tarmo Karotam
    Baltic Horizon Fund manager
    E-mail tarmo.karotam@nh-cap.com
    www.baltichorizon.com

    The Fund is a registered contractual public closed-end real estate fund that is managed by Alternative Investment Fund Manager license holder Northern Horizon Capital AS. 

    Distribution: GlobeNewswire, Nasdaq Tallinn, Nasdaq Stockholm, www.baltichorizon.com

    To receive Nasdaq announcements and news from Baltic Horizon Fund about its projects, plans and more, register on www.baltichorizon.com. You can also follow Baltic Horizon Fund on www.baltichorizon.com and on LinkedIn, FacebookX and YouTube.

    This announcement contains information that the Management Company is obliged to disclose pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the above distributors, at 17:45 EET on 08 May 2025.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Afreximbank’s Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) unveils third edition of short film competition

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    Afreximbank’s Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) unveils third edition of short film competition Filmmakers between the ages of 18 and 35 years can enter the competition for a chance to win a cash prize of $2,000 for outstanding work in each of the competition’s three categories: Best Fiction, Best Documentary, and Best Animation CAIRO, Egypt, May 8, 2025/APO Group/ — Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX), an intervention by African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) has announced the third edition of its vibrant short film competition, CANEX Shorts, that is designed to recognise and celebrate talents of young filmmakers from Africa and the Diaspora.   Filmmakers between the ages of 18 and 35 years can enter the competition for a chance to win a cash prize of $2,000 for outstanding work in each of the competition’s three categories: Best Fiction, Best Documentary, and Best Animation. To be eligible, they must be Africans living on the continent, in the diaspora or the Caribbean. Each filmmaker can only enter one film for which they must hold all rights. The entered films should have been produced in 2023 or after and can be in any language.   Besides the cash prize, CANEX Shorts winners will also get an opportunity to participate and have their films screened at CANEX at IATF2025, which will take place in Algiers, Algeria, from 4 – 10 September 2025. This will also provide them with a chance to connect with potential investors and partners in what has become the largest gathering of creatives on the continent.  To enter the competition, filmmakers are required to submit their films, not more than five minutes long, via the Film Freeway digital platform (https://FilmFreeway.com/CANEXShorts). From all entries, the selection committee will curate a shortlist of 30 films – 10 films per category for submission to the jury that comprises, well-respected film experts from across the continent. The jury will then select a winning film in each of the categories during CANEX at IATF2025.  The 2024 CANEX shorts winners were unveiled at CANEX WKND 2024. The winning films were: Silent Screams by Esenaga Mbwe (Botswana) in the CANEX Shorts Best Fiction category; We Shall Not Forget by Brian Obra (Kenya) in the CANEX Shorts Best Documentary category; and Room-5 by Francis Y. Brown (Ghana) in the CANEX Shorts Best Animation category. According to the jury, the quality of films submitted during CANEX WKND 2024 was exceptionally high, necessitating award of two Special Mentions: Vodoun Nouminssin and Rain Is Not the Cloud’s Last Parade.  CANEX at IATF2025, where the winners will be unveiled, will provide a unique platform for nurturing business, investment opportunities, collaboration, partnerships and inspiration amongst the creatives fraternity across value chains of diverse creative and cultural industries from film, music, and fashion to culinary arts, sports, and visual arts amongst others. The event participants will include creatives, policymakers, financial institutions, business and political leaders, development partners, thought leaders as well as some of the most respected names in the Creative and Cultural Industries from across the continent and the diaspora.   Highlighting the importance of the competition, Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade and Export Development at Afreximbank said: “Africa’s film industry, estimated at over $5 billion is thriving and brimming with untapped potential,” adding, “At Afreximbank, we are committed to unlocking this immense value by supporting platforms like CANEX Shorts that aim to propel African storytelling to the global stage. By investing in our creatives, we are not only creating jobs and economic opportunities; we’re actively ensuring Africa’s vibrant culture and talents gain global recognition.”  To enter the 2025 CANEX Shorts competition, please visit Filmfreeway: https://FilmFreeway.com/CANEXShorts. To register to attend CANEX at IATF for free: Canex.Africa (https://apo-opa.co/3GK4Bo8).   Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank. Media contact:  Vincent Musumba  Communications and Events Manager (Media Relations)  Email: press@afreximbank.com About CANEX: Given the relevance and opportunities provided by the creative economy as a key driver for development and job creation, Afreximbank has developed the Creative Africa Nexus programme to facilitate the development and growth of the creative and cultural industries in Africa and the diaspora. The initiative provides a range of financing and non-financing instruments /interventions aimed at supporting and developing Africa’s production, trade, and investment in the creative sector. The key strategic objectives under the CANEX Programme include increasing Africa’s share of global cultural trade flows through trade and investment promotion activities, deploying specialized financial products to support the CCI ecosystem, facilitating technical capacity programs that enable export-grade production, facilitating market access to high-value demand hubs (through partnerships) and advocating for harmonized regulatory reform, especially concerning IP rights and incentives  About Afreximbank: African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2024, Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies stood at over US$40.1 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$7.2 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody’s (Baa1), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its equity impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.  About the Intra-African Trade Fair: Organised by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) is intended to provide a unique platform for facilitating trade and investment information exchange in support of increased intra-African trade and investment, especially in the context of implementing the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). IATF brings together continental and global players to showcase and exhibit their goods and services and to explore business and investment opportunities in the continent. It also provides a platform to share trade, investment and market information with stakeholders and allows participants to discuss and identify solutions to the challenges confronting intra-African trade and investment. In addition to African participants, the Trade Fair is also open to businesses and investors from non-African countries interested in doing business in Africa and in supporting the continent’s transformation through industrialisation and export development. 

    Text copied to clipboard.

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Wallet Launches Full Support for Sei Network, Announces $700K Ecosystem Initiative

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget Wallet, a leading Web3 non-custodial wallet, now offers full support for the Sei network — expanding its multi-chain capabilities and making it easier for users globally to access and interact with the Sei ecosystem.

    With this integration, Bitget Wallet now supports native Sei token transfers, in-app trading, and live price tracking. Users can bridge assets from major blockchains like Solana and BNB Chain into Sei through Bitget Wallet’s cross-chain infrastructure, which spans over 30 networks. Trading is powered by Super DEX, Bitget Wallet’s aggregator connecting liquidity across more than 130 blockchains — allowing users to securely access the Sei ecosystem and interact with other networks from a single wallet interface.

    We’re excited to support direct access to Sei through Bitget Wallet,” said Alvin Kan, COO of Bitget Wallet. “By making Sei more accessible to our global user base, we’re not only expanding the reach of one of the fastest-growing L1 networks, but also reinforcing our mission to make Web3 simpler, faster, and more rewarding for everyone.

    Sei is a Layer-1 blockchain combining the best of Ethereum and Solana — the developer tooling, mindshare, and network effects of the EVM, with the performance and scalability of next-generation blockchains like Solana. Its architecture achieves block finality in under 400 milliseconds, making it one of the fastest blockchains currently available.”Expanding user access and improving ecosystem onboarding are key priorities,” said Justin Barlow, Executive Director at Sei Development Foundation. This integration with Bitget Wallet lowers the barriers for users to explore and interact with applications across the network.

    As part of the rollout, Sei Ecosystem Month — a $700,000 initiative — is being launched to spotlight applications building on Sei and drive ecosystem engagement. The program will include trading competitions, quest-based activities, and new product experiences, all accessible through the Bitget Wallet app.

    For more information, visit the Bitget Wallet blog and Bitget Wallet Sei Ecosystem Month website.

    About Sei

    Sei is a Layer-1 blockchain that combines the advantages of Ethereum and Solana: the dominant development standard of Ethereum with the performance of Solana. Sei launched its mainnet in 2023, and has since processed billions of transactions across more than 18 million wallets. Currently on Devnet, Sei’s V3 Giga update will make Sei 50x more performant than any existing EVM chain, serving as a groundbreaking new scaling approach for the Ethereum ecosystem. The team is backed by Multicoin, Jump, Coinbase Ventures, and many more

    To learn more about Sei, please visit https://www.sei.io/

    About Bitget Wallet
    Bitget Wallet is a non-custodial crypto wallet designed to make crypto simple, secure, and accessible for everyone. With over 60 million users, it brings together a full suite of crypto services, including swaps, market insights, staking, rewards, a DApp browser, and crypto payment solutions. Supporting 130+ blockchains, 20,000+ DApps, and a million tokens, Bitget Wallet enables seamless multi-chain trading across hundreds of DEXs and cross-chain bridges. Backed by a $300+ million user protection fund, it ensures the highest level of security for users’ assets.
    For more information, visit: X | Telegram | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn | TikTok | Discord | Facebook
    For media inquiries, contact media.web3@bitget.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/43f5d030-7803-4dfa-9749-14c9ab517325

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Trading Icon Moves Markets with the Iron Condor Strategy and Empowers Retail Investors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SPARKS, Nev., May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — David Chau, known in the financial world as Captain Condor, continues to redefine the world of options trading with his audacious bets and market-moving trades. Recently featured in The Wall Street Journal, Chau’s influence in the options market has skyrocketed, making waves not just with institutional investors but with individual traders as well.

    As the founder of InsideOptions, an exclusive educational community of over 1,000 traders, Chau has made headlines for his ability to move the S&P 500 index through massive options trades tied to the volatility of the market. His proprietary Iron Condor strategy, which profits from S&P 500 movement within a defined range, has drawn attention for its complexity and ability to generate significant returns even in volatile market conditions.

    Chau’s influence has been compared to that of legendary traders throughout history, as his trades have been large enough to move the markets and spark conversations across the financial world. His online community amplifies his trades, and when he shares his positions, many of his followers mimic his actions, creating an outsized impact.

    “Trading is a mental battlefield, and you need the fortitude to take risks while staying grounded in strategy,” said David Chau, reflecting on his approach to trading. “It’s about seeing the bigger picture and understanding how to navigate complex market dynamics.”

    InsideOptions: An Educational Community Revolutionizing Retail Trading

    At the heart of Chau’s approach is InsideOptions, where he shares his expertise with fellow traders. With an annual fee for membership, InsideOptions offers more than just trade alerts; it’s a comprehensive educational trading system designed for serious investors who want to dive deep into the world of options.

    Unlike many trading programs, InsideOptions does not simply cater to novice traders. Members of the community range from seasoned Wall Street professionals to doctors and engineers seeking to learn more about options trading. This diverse, committed group follows Chau’s educational content, amplifying his market knowledge and solidifying the power of informed retail investors.

    Chau’s approach has drawn both admiration and caution. Some financial experts warn that such high-risk strategies could be seen as gambling, but Chau believes his disciplined strategy is the key to his success. “It’s about understanding risk and controlling the environment you trade in,” said Chau.

    The Iron Condor Strategy: A Unique Path to Profits

    Chau’s signature strategy, the Iron Condor, involves creating a position that benefits from limited price movement. By selling both a put and a call option on the S&P 500 index at different strike prices, he profits if the index stays within a certain range. It’s a strategy that is designed for savvy traders, but Chau’s success in executing it has captured the attention of both the media and his growing network of followers.

    Through his educational content, Chau and his community have contributed to the dramatic rise of individual investors within the options market. With the number of daily options contracts surging in recent years, retail traders now account for nearly 30% of all options activity. Chau’s ability to tap into this trend has made him a household name in the trading world.

    SPX Program Fund LP: Institutional-Grade Investment Vehicle

    Alongside his educational platform InsideOptions, Chau is also actively working on expanding the SPX Program Fund LP, a separate investment vehicle focused on professional, institutional-grade trading strategies. This fund caters exclusively to accredited investors and operates independently from InsideOptions under its own specific regulatory framework.

    “As the founder of InsideOptions, I continue to manage and grow my options trading community and educational platform. Alongside this, I am also actively working on expanding my SPX Program Fund LP, a separate investment vehicle focused on professional, institutional-grade trading strategies with the goal of providing exceptional returns for accredited investors. These two entities, while both benefiting from my expertise in options trading, operate independently, and I am committed to ensuring that each one adheres to its own specific regulatory and operational framework,” states Chau.

    The fund aims to provide exceptional returns using sophisticated options strategies while maintaining strict compliance with all applicable securities regulations. Potential investors must meet accreditation requirements as defined by SEC guidelines.

    The Rise of Retail Power in Finance

    Chau’s influence comes at a time when retail trading is experiencing unprecedented growth. Following the market rally of 2020 and a surge in options activity, retail investors have taken center stage, contributing to the dramatic swings in stock prices and creating new opportunities for those willing to take risks.

    “People are fascinated by big market-moving trades, and they want to see what happens when a trader puts it all on the line,” said Avanidhar Subrahmanyam, a professor of behavioral finance at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management. “The curiosity around these trades, and their outcomes, has created a new culture of retail trading.”

    What’s Next for Captain Condor?

    Looking ahead, David Chau plans to expand his influence even further. With a growing presence on social media, plans for speaking engagements, and potential partnerships with academic institutions, Chau is positioned to continue leading the charge in the evolution of retail trading while growing his professional fund operations.

    “The journey is just beginning,” Chau said. “There’s much more to learn, and I’m excited to continue helping people master their trading psychology and gain a deeper understanding of the markets through InsideOptions, while also pursuing institutional-grade investment strategies through the SPX Program Fund LP.”

    For media inquiries or to schedule an interview with David Chau, please contact:
    Patricia Baronowski-Schneider
    President, Pristine Advisers
    pbaronowski@pristineadvisers.com
    516-473-4052

    About David Chau (“Captain Condor”)

    David Chau, known as Captain Condor, is a full-time options trader who has gained recognition for his market-moving trades. As the founder of InsideOptions, he leads an exclusive educational community of traders and offers educational content to help individual investors navigate the complex world of options trading. Additionally, he manages the SPX Program Fund LP, an independent investment vehicle for accredited investors focused on institutional-grade options strategies. His trading approach, focused on the Iron Condor strategy, has made him one of the most influential retail traders in the market today.

    For more information, visit www.insideoptions.io.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Bitcoin Eyes $100K: BexBack Calls on Traders to Ride the Bull Market with 100x Leverage and Zero KYC

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Bitcoin steadily approaches the historic $100,000 milestone, analysts and investors alike are turning increasingly bullish on the next phase of the crypto market. With momentum building across the industry, BexBack, a fast-growing cryptocurrency derivatives exchange, is urging global traders to seize the opportunity using 100x leverage, no-KYC trading, and exclusive deposit bonuses.

    Offering perpetual contracts on 50+ major cryptocurrencies, including BTC, ETH, SOL, XRP, and ADA, BexBack is positioning itself as the go-to platform for those looking to maximize gains in the upcoming bull run.

    “The market is heating up again, and we believe traders deserve the right tools to take full advantage of it,” said David, Operations Director at BexBack. “With high leverage, zero spread, and no identity checks, we’re removing the barriers between our users and their trading potential.”

    Why Now Is the Time to Trade on BexBack

    • Bitcoin Nears $100,000
      With BTC on track to break six figures, the market is entering a new bullish phase — ideal for leveraged trading strategies.
    • 100x Leverage on 50+ Crypto Pairs
      Amplify positions across BTC, ETH, ADA, SOL, XRP, and other top altcoins with up to 100x leverage.
    • No KYC Required
      Get started instantly with just an email address. Trade anonymously and freely without verification delays.
    • 100% Deposit Bonus
      Double your trading power. BexBack matches your first deposit dollar-for-dollar (used as margin only).
    • $100 Trading Bonus
      Make a deposit of 0.01 BTC or 1000 USDT and receive $100 to jumpstart your trading journey.
    • Zero Spread & Deep Liquidity
      Trades are executed without price difference between buying and selling — no slippage, no hidden costs.
    • Risk-Free Demo Account
      Practice and test strategies with 10 BTC or 1M USDT in virtual funds.

    The Bull Run Is Here — Trade It Smart

    With the market showing renewed strength and Bitcoin leading the charge, leveraged trading offers unmatched capital efficiency. BexBack’s platform is built to help both seasoned traders and ambitious newcomers ride the waves of the crypto bull market — all while maintaining full control and privacy.

    About BexBack

    BexBack is a global crypto derivatives trading platform offering up to 100x leverage on perpetual contracts for 50+ digital assets. Headquartered in Singapore and fully compliant with U.S. FinCEN MSB regulations, BexBack combines security, speed, and simplicity for traders around the world. With no KYC requirement, powerful bonuses, and institutional-grade infrastructure, BexBack is redefining the next generation of crypto trading.

    Take Action Now—Don’t Miss Another Opportunity!

    If you missed the previous crypto bull run, this could be your chance. With BexBack’s 100x leverage and 100% deposit bonus and $50 bonus for new users (complete one trade within one week of registration), you can be a winner in the new bull run.

    Sign up on BexBack now, claim your exclusive bonus and start accumulating more BTC today!

    Website: www.bexback.com

    Contact: business@bexback.com

    Contact:
    Amanda
    business@bexback.com

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by BexBack. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4f491764-a3f6-4ee7-8f00-8efe053f4b2b

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cb1451cb-bf38-4a8d-bb38-cdfc7136f539

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b1935621-1a2c-47e1-af44-994e63d735ac

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2763ecea-6b93-49fd-a4c4-b655f2fd2eda

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU consults public and prepares WTO dispute against the US over tariffs

    Source: European Union 2

    The Commission has launched a public consultation on a list of US industrial and agricultural imports, which could become subject to EU countermeasures, if EU-US negotiations on US tariffs fail. The EU will also launch a WTO dispute against the US over its universal reciprocal tariffs.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI: Catch the High-Speed Action Again! American Rebel Light Beer NHRA 4-Wide Nationals Replay on FS1 – May 8, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Buckle up, crack open a cold American Rebel Light Beer, and get ready for pure NHRA excitement on the FS1 telecast!

    Nashville, TN, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB) (“American Rebel” or the “Company”), creator of American Rebel Light Beer (americanrebelbeer.com) and a designer, manufacturer, and marketer of branded safes, personal security and self-defense products and apparel (americanrebel.com), is excited to announce that racing fans get another chance to witness the adrenaline-pumping excitement of NHRA’s 4-Wide Nationals, presented by American Rebel Light Beer, airing Thursday, May 8, 2025, on FS1’s NHRA Sportsman Series (check your local listings). Total combined television audience viewership was over 700,000 on the original broadcasts and is expected to exceed 900,000 viewers once the audience totals are finalized.

    Following a record-breaking weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway’s zMAX Dragway (April 25–27, 2025), viewers can relive the historic 1,000th Top Fuel race, featuring four-wide drag racing at speeds over 300 mph – the fastest accelerating machines on the planet! American Rebel Light Beer, America’s fastest growing beer was featured prominently as the title sponsor and is a perfect match with the NHRA and our sponsorship with TSR Nitro Racing (tsrnitro.com).

    What to Expect on FS1 NHRA Sportsman Series Replay:

    • Date: Thursday, May 8, 2025
    • Network: FS1
    • Featured Racing: Super Stock, Stock Eliminator, Super Comp, Super Gas, and Top Sportsman

    American Rebel Light Beer: A Bold and Growing Presence in Motorsports

    The official title sponsorship of the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals marked a major milestone for American Rebel Light Beer, reinforcing its event-driven, patriotic brand identity. The beer’s trackside activations, promotional tents, and sampling stations helped expand its presence in North Carolina, fueling racing fans with America’s Patriotic, God Fearing, Constitution Loving, National Anthem Singing, Stand Your Ground Beer.

    Marketing Highlights:

    • Original Broadcast Audience: Nearly 700,000 viewers
    • Expected Final Viewership: Up to 1 million, including FS1 Sportsman Series replays
    • NHRA Social Media Reach: Over 9.2 million impressions
    • Live Concert Experience: American Rebel CEO Andy Ross performed a patriotic rock ‘n’ roll show between Nitro Qualifying Sessions

    Don’t Miss the Replay and look for the American Rebel Light Funny Car driven by Matt Hagan and the American Rebel Light Pro Stock Motorcycle driven by John Hall. Tune in Thursday, May 8, 2025, on FS1, and experience the raw horsepower, side-by-side battles, and all-American racing energy of NHRA’s Sportsman Series, powered by American Rebel Light Beer.

    American Rebel Light Funny Car

    The American Rebel Light Funny Car, driven by four-time NHRA Funny Car champion Matt Hagan, is a high-horsepower, American-made beast that embodies the bold, patriotic spirit of American Rebel Light Beer.

    Car Specs & Performance:

    • Supercharged Hemi engine, pushing over 11,000 horsepower
    • Capable of 330+ MPH in under 4 seconds
    • Patriotic design wrap, featuring American Rebel Light Beer’s bold branding
    • Drew massive fan engagement with trackside meet & greets, beer promotions, and live music from American Rebel CEO Andy Ross

    With Matt Hagan behind the wheel, the American Rebel Light Funny Car isn’t just a race car—it’s a high-speed symbol of freedom, power, and unapologetic American pride just like American Rebel Light Beer.

    Fast, fearless, and fueled by the spirit of American Rebel Light Beer—this Funny Car is built to win!

    American Rebel Light Pro Stock Motorcycle

    The American Rebel Pro Stock Motorcycle, piloted by John Hall, is a high-performance, all-American machine built for speed, power, and precision on the NHRA drag racing circuit.

    Bike Specs & Performance:

    • V-Twin engine, delivering high-horsepower acceleration
    • Capable of 6-second quarter-mile runs at speeds exceeding 200 mph
    • Wrapped in the American Rebel Light Beer brand symbolizing bold, stand-your-ground energy

    NHRA Sportsman Series

    • The NHRA Sportsman Series on FS1 features Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series events, showcasing amateur and semi-professional racers competing in various sportsman-level categories. These races include Super Stock, Stock Eliminator, Super Comp, Super Gas, and Top Sportsman, among others.
    • FS1 and FS2 air NHRA Sportsman Series events throughout the season, often as part of NHRA national event weekends. The broadcasts highlight grassroots drag racing, giving fans a look at up-and-coming drivers and regional competitors.
    • For the 2025 season, FS1 is scheduled to air multiple NHRA Sportsman Series events.

    About American Rebel Light:

    American Rebel Light is more than just a beer—it’s a celebration of freedom, passion, and quality. Brewed with care and precision, our light beer delivers a refreshing taste that’s perfect for every occasion.

    For more information about American Rebel Light and its sponsorship of the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals, visit American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals | Events | Charlotte Motor Speedway or follow us on social media @AmericanRebelBeer

    Since its launch in September 2024, American Rebel Light Beer has rolled out in Tennessee, Connecticut, Kansas, Kentucky, Ohio, Iowa, Missouri, North Carolina, Florida and Indiana and is adding new distributors and territories regularly. For more information about the launch events and the availability of American Rebel Beer, please visit americanrebelbeer.com or follow us on our social media platforms.

    Produced in partnership with AlcSource, American Rebel Light Beer (americanrebelbeer.com) is a domestic premium light lager celebrated for its exceptional quality and patriotic values. It stands out as America’s Patriotic, God-Fearing, Constitution-Loving, National Anthem-Singing, Stand Your Ground Beer.

    American Rebel Light is a Premium Domestic Light Lager Beer – All Natural, Crisp, Clean and Bold Taste with a Lighter Feel. With approximately 100 calories, 3.2 carbohydrates, and 4.3% alcoholic content per 12 oz serving, American Rebel Light Beer delivers a lighter option for those who love great beer but prefer a more balanced lifestyle. It’s all natural with no added supplements and importantly does not use corn, rice, or other sweeteners typically found in mass produced beers.

    About American Rebel Holdings, Inc.

    American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB) has operated primarily as a designer, manufacturer and marketer of branded safes and personal security and self-defense products and has recently transitioned into the beverage industry through the introduction of American Rebel Light Beer. The Company also designs and produces branded apparel and accessories. To learn more, visit americanrebel.com and americanrebelbeer.com. For investor information, visit americanrebelbeer.com/investor-relations.

    American Rebel Holdings, Inc.
    info@americanrebel.com

    American Rebel Beverages, LLC
    Todd Porter, President
    tporter@americanrebelbeer.com

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. American Rebel Holdings, Inc., (NASDAQ: AREB; AREBW) (the “Company,” “American Rebel,” “we,” “our” or “us”) desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words “forecasts” “believe,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “could,” “target,” “potential,” “is likely,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements primarily on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements include benefits of a launch party, actual launch timing and availability of American Rebel Beer, success and availability of the promotional activities, our ability to effectively execute our business plan, and the Risk Factors contained within our filings with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

    Company Contact:
    tporter@americanrebelbeer.com
    info@americanrebel.com

    For more details on American Rebel Light Beer and upcoming events, visit www.AmericanRebelBeer.com or follow @AmericanRebelBeer on social media.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch, Blackburn Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Rideshare Passengers’ Privacy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) reintroduced the Safe and Private Rides Act, bipartisan legislation to require transportation network companies (TNCs) to notify passengers when their driver has a video recording device in the car. The Senators’ legislation would also allow passengers to opt out of riding with a driver with a dashcam, preventing rideshare drivers from violating passengers’ privacy. 
    “Millions of people around the country rely on rideshare services for transportation every day, whether it’s to the doctor, work, or the airport. Folks using rideshare services deserve to have peace of mind about their digital privacy during a ride, which includes knowing if they will be filmed before calling a ride,” said Senator Welch. “Our bipartisan Safe and Private Rides Act gives passengers using rideshare services straightforward privacy protections by allowing the option to opt out of a rideshare using video recording devices that record passengers.” 
    “Passengers shouldn’t have to sacrifice their right to privacy the moment they step into a rideshare vehicle, and they deserve to know when they are being recorded,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Safe and Private Rides Act would increase transparency and ensure that both driver safety and passenger privacy are protected as more Americans take advantage of these services.” 
    51% of Americans between the ages of 18 and 29 have used a rideshare service, and ridesharing companies are expected to generate $54 billion annually by 2027. As more and more Americans take advantage of these services, safety and privacy must be prioritized. 
    Dashcams, while beneficial for the driver, present privacy concerns for passengers. There have been reported instances of rideshare drivers recording passengers and subsequently releasing the footage online.  
    Rideshares offer convenience and accessibility, and they are an example of American innovation. As they grow, their drivers should be able to use technology to protect themselves. Passengers should also be able to make decisions to preserve their privacy. 
    The Safe and Private Rides Act would increase transparency by giving passengers a choice while preserving the driver’s safety. Specifically, the Safe and Private Rides Act would:  
    Require TNCs to notify passengers when their driver has a video recording device in the car; 
    Require TNCs to allow passengers to opt out of riding with a driver with a recording device in the car; and  
    Grant the Federal Trade Commission the authority to enforce these transparency requirements. 
    Read and download the full text of the bill. 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Global: Humans are killing helpful insects in hundreds of ways − simple steps can reduce the harm

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Christopher Halsch, Ecologist, Binghamton University, State University of New York

    Dragonflies, just like bees and butterflies, face threats that humans can help prevent. Christopher Halsch

    Insects are all around us – an ant on the sidewalk, a bee buzzing by, a butterfly floating on the breeze – and they shape the world we experience. They pollinate flowering plants, decompose waste, control pests, and are critical links in food chains.

    Despite how much humans rely on insects, our actions are reducing their populations in many parts of the world. A recent study found that the United States lost more than 20% of its butterflies over the past two decades. Sadly, this rate of decline is not unusual. Many studies have found that insect populations are declining at 1% to 2% per year.

    To understand why this is happening, Status of Insects, an international research group we are part of, reviewed 175 recent studies on the causes of insect decline. We found hundreds of potential causes that are all highly connected, almost all of which stem directly or indirectly from human activities.

    The drivers of insect decline are connected

    The causes of insect decline are led by a few major sources: intensive agriculture, climate change, pollution, invasive species and habitat loss. Some drivers are bigger threats than others, but all of them play a role in causing insect declines.

    Importantly, many insects experience more than one of these stressors at the same time.

    The Mitchell’s satyr butterfly relies on prairie wetlands, many of which have been drained or altered, and is now critically endangered. Its greatest threats are habitat loss and insecticides from agricultural areas. This one was spotted in Michigan.
    U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

    Urban risks

    Picture a moth in a city park. It is threatened by habitat loss as the city grows, but its habitat may also be threatened by invasive plants that escape from gardens. At the same time, it is suffering from the effects of pollution – light, air and noise pollution are common in urban areas.

    Light pollution is especially important for moths because they are attracted to artificial lights at night, and so are their predators. Spiders, for example, have learned to hunt in lit areas. When moth species that fly at night spend a lot of time around lights, they can expend a lot of energy, leaving less for other activities, such as pollinating plants.

    In addition to being pollinators, moths also control plant growth by eating leaves during their caterpillar stage. And they provide food for many species of birds and bats, which play their own important roles in ecosystems.

    Risks on farmland and orchards

    Intensive agriculture is one of the most commonly discussed drivers of insect decline. It is also heavily connected to other causes.

    Consider native bees in agricultural areas. As agriculture expands, their native habitat is reduced. Agricultural landscapes also tend to have high levels of chemical pollution – especially insecticides, fungicides, herbicides and fertilizers. Insecticides are designed to disrupt insect physiology and can directly harm bees, while herbicides indirectly disrupt bees by removing plants that provide food.

    Flowers, and the insects that rely on them, can fall victim to chemicals used on farms.
    Dixit Motiwala/Unsplash, CC BY

    Often, U.S. farms also use honeybees, native to Europe, for pollination. These introduced bees are easier to manage but can spread diseases and parasites into native bee populations.

    Native bees may be able to survive one of these threats, but all three together present a much bigger challenge.

    Polluted water can also harm insects

    Humans often focus on insects such as bees and butterflies because they are more visible, but many insects spend much of their life underwater, where they face another set of threats.

    For instance, dragonflies are aquatic when they are juveniles. The threats at this stage of life are no less severe but are entirely different from those facing adults.

    When water levels in streams or ponds decrease, that reduces young dragonflies’ habitat. These insects can also be threatened by water pollution from runoff and increases in water temperature with climate change.

    Successful conservation considers all the risks

    These connections mean humans must be thoughtful about conservation.

    Well-meaning actions such as reducing pollution or controlling invasive species can help, but they will have little effect if there is no habitat for insects to return to. Restoring habitat can have widespread benefits and potentially help insects respond to other threats.

    Many insects play important roles in humans’ lives. Caterpillars, for example, help keep plant growth under control.
    Christopher Halsch

    There are more insect species on Earth than species in any other plant or animal group. They can be found almost everywhere you look.

    Yet public attention is mostly focused on pollinators. That can leave other insects facing unaddressed human threats.

    Preserving and restoring water resources such as wetlands, lakes and streams is vital for aquatic insects like dragonflies. Many other insects spend much of their lives underground. Soil-dwelling insects, such as some beetles and flies, serve important functions, like decomposing dead plant material.

    Successful conservation also considers species throughout their life cycles. For instance, planting pollinator gardens provides nectar for adult hoverflies – an important but often overlooked pollinator. But a garden alone would not necessarily provide food for their larval stage, when many hoverflies decompose plant and animal matter.

    How to help insects

    The simplest way to help insects is by providing high-quality habitats.

    This includes supporting a variety of native plants that can provide both nectar and leaves, which are food for many herbivorous insects throughout their lives.

    A good habitat also provides places for insects to nest, such as bare ground or leaf litter. Bigger patches are better, but even small gardens can be helpful.

    Wildflower gardens can help insects thrive.
    California Native Plant Society/Flickr, CC BY

    At the same time, limiting exposure to other threats is important. Actions such as dimming artificial lights at night and reducing the use of pesticides can help.

    There are many reasons for insect decline, making population recovery an imposing challenge. But there are also many ways – large and small – that people, cities and companies can reduce the harm and help these valuable critters thrive.

    Christopher Halsch has received funding from the USDA NIFA (2022-67011-36563).

    Eliza Grames receives funding from the National Science Foundation (DEB 2225092).

    ref. Humans are killing helpful insects in hundreds of ways − simple steps can reduce the harm – https://theconversation.com/humans-are-killing-helpful-insects-in-hundreds-of-ways-simple-steps-can-reduce-the-harm-255844

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI Global: When doctors don’t believe their patients’ pain – experts explain the all-too-common experience of medical gaslighting

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Elizabeth Hintz, Assistant Professor of Health Communication, University of Connecticut

    Medical gaslighting stems from centuries of gender bias in medicine. SimpleImages/Moment via Getty Images

    For people with chronic gynecological pain conditions, pain can be constant, making everyday activities like sitting, riding a bicycle and even wearing underwear extremely uncomfortable. For many of these people – most of whom identify as women – sexual intercourse and routine pelvic exams are unbearable.

    Endometriosis and vulvodynia, or chronic genital pain, are common gynecological conditions that can cause severe pain. They each affect about 1 in 10 American women.

    Yet many women face skepticism and gaslighting in health care settings when they seek care for this type of pain.

    We know this well through our research on social cognition and on how people with misunderstood health conditions manage difficult conversations with their doctors and family, as well as through volunteer work alongside people living with these conditions.

    We’ve consistently found that medical gaslighting around chronic gynecological pain is a complex societal problem, fueled by holes in medical research and training.

    ‘It’s all in your head’

    A 2024 study of patients who went to a clinic for vulvovaginal pain – pain experienced in the external female genitals and vagina – found that 45% of these patients had been told that they “just needed to relax more” and 39% were made to feel that they were “crazy”. A staggering 55% had considered giving up on seeking care.

    These results echo what one of us – Elizabeth Hintz – found in her 2023 meta-synthesis: Female patients with chronic pain conditions frequently hear this “It’s all in your head” response from doctors.

    Another study followed patients in two different major U.S. cities who were seeking care for vulvovaginal pain. The researchers found that most patients saw multiple clinicians but never received a diagnosis. Given the challenges of seeking medical care, many patients turn to social media sources like Reddit for support and information.

    These studies, among others, illustrate how people with these conditions often spend years going to clinician after clinician seeking care and being told their pain is psychological or perhaps not even real. Given these experiences, why do patients keep seeking care?

    “Let me describe the pain that would drive me to try so many different doctors, tests and treatments,” a patient with vulvovaginal pain said to her doctor. For her, sex “is like taking your most sensitive area and trying to rip it apart.”

    “I can now wear any pants or underwear that I want with no pain,” said another patient after successful treatment. “I never realized how much of a toll the pain took on my body every day until it was gone.”

    The World Health Organization estimates that at least 1 in 10 women suffers from endometriosis, yet many doctors miss it or dismiss it.

    Medical gaslighting

    Many patients worldwide experience medical gaslightinga social phenomenon where a patient’s health concerns are not given appropriate medical evaluation and are instead downplayed, misattributed or dismissed outright.

    Medical gaslighting is rooted in centuries of gender bias in medicine.

    Women’s reproductive health issues have long been dismissed as psychological or “hysterical.” Genital and pelvic pain especially has been misattributed to psychological rather than biological causes: A century ago, Freudian psychoanalysts incorrectly believed that female sexual pain came from psychological complexes like penis envy.

    These historical views help shed light on why these symptoms are still not taken seriously today.

    Consequences of medical gaslighting

    In addition to the physical toll of untreated pain, medical gaslighting can take a psychological toll. Women may become isolated when other people do not believe their pain. Some internalize this disbelief and can begin to doubt their own perceptions of pain and even their sanity.

    This cycle of gaslighting compounds the burden of the pain and might lead to long-term psychological effects like anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress symptoms. For some, the repeated experience of being dismissed by clinicians erodes their sense of trust in the health care system. They might hesitate to seek medical attention in the future, fearing they will once again be dismissed.

    Although some chronic gynecological pain conditions like endometriosis are gaining public attention and becoming better understood, these dynamics persist.

    A funding crisis

    Part of the reason for the misunderstanding surrounding chronic gynecological pain conditions is the lack of research on them. A January 2025 report from the National Academies found that research on diseases disproportionately affecting women were underfunded compared with diseases disproportionately affecting men.

    This problem has gotten worse over time. The proportion of funding from the National Institutes of Health spent on women’s health has actually declined over the past decade. Despite these known disparities, in April 2025 the Trump administration threatened to end funding for the Women’s Health Initiative, a long-running women’s health research program, further worsening the problem.

    Without sustained federal funding for women’s health research, conditions like endometriosis and vulvodynia will remain poorly understood, leaving clinicians in the dark and patients stranded.

    Disparities in care

    As hard as it is for any female patient to have their pain believed and treated, gaining recognition for chronic pain is even harder for those who face discrimination based on class or race.

    One 2016 study found that half of the white medical students surveyed endorsed at least one false belief about biological differences between Black and white patients, such as that Black people have physically thicker skin or less sensitive nerve endings than white people. The medical students and residents who endorsed these false beliefs also underestimated Black patients’ pain and offered them less accurate treatment recommendations.

    Research shows that medical students and residents often hold false beliefs about biological differences between Black and white patients.
    FG Trade Latin/E+ via Getty Images

    Studies show that women are more likely to develop chronic pain conditions and report more frequent and severe pain than men. But women are perceived as more emotional and thus less reliable in describing their pain than men. Consequently, female patients who describe the same symptoms as male patients are judged to be in less pain and are less likely to be offered pain relief, even in emergency settings and with female clinicians. Compared to male patients, female patients are more likely to be prescribed psychological care instead of pain medicine.

    These lingering erroneous beliefs about gender and race are key reasons patients’ pain is dismissed, misunderstood and ignored. The very real-life consequences for patients include delayed diagnosis, treatment and even death.

    Practical steps to disrupt medical gaslighting

    Correcting these problems will require a shift in clinical training, so as to challenge biased views about pain in women and racial minorities and to educate clinicians about common pain conditions like vulvodynia. Research suggests that medical training needs to teach students to better listen to patients’ lived experiences and admit when an answer isn’t known.

    In the meantime, people navigating the health care system can take practical steps when encountering dismissive care.

    They can educate themselves about chronic gynecological pain conditions by reading books like “When Sex Hurts: Understanding and Healing Pelvic Pain” or educational information from trusted sources like the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health, the International Pelvic Pain Society and the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease.

    Although these steps do not address the roots of medical gaslighting, they can empower patients to better understand the medical conditions that could cause their symptoms, helping to counteract the effects of gaslighting.

    If someone you know has experienced medical gaslighting and would like support, there are resources available.

    Organizations like The Endometriosis Association and the National Vulvodynia Association offer support networks and information – like how to find knowledgeable providers. Additionally, connecting with patient advocacy groups like Tight Lipped can provide opportunities for patients to engage in changing the health care system.

    Elizabeth Hintz volunteers with Tight Lipped, a non-profit patient advocacy organization by and for people with chronic vulvovaginal and pelvic pain.

    Marlene Berke volunteers with Tight Lipped, a non-profit patient advocacy organization by and for people with chronic vulvovaginal and pelvic pain.

    ref. When doctors don’t believe their patients’ pain – experts explain the all-too-common experience of medical gaslighting – https://theconversation.com/when-doctors-dont-believe-their-patients-pain-experts-explain-the-all-too-common-experience-of-medical-gaslighting-250770

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI China: Record-breaking Canton Fair highlights China’s trade resilience

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Defying global trade headwinds, the just-concluded 137th China Import and Export Fair set multiple records, demonstrating great vitality in foreign trade and injecting fresh momentum into global trade development.

    Also known as the Canton Fair, the event, which concluded on Monday in south China’s Guangdong Province, attracted over 288,000 overseas buyers, a 17.3 percent increase from the session of the same period last year and a new high, according to the China Foreign Trade Centre (CFTC), the organizer of the fair.

    Another record high was set by the number of leading multinational purchasing enterprises participating in the fair — reaching 376.

    “The fair’s phenomenal turnout demonstrates international buyers’ strong endorsement of high-quality ‘Made in China’ products and underscores China’s pivotal role in global supply chains,” said Mao Yanhua, director of the Institute of Regional Openness and Cooperation at Sun Yat-sen University.

    WIDESPREAD OPTIMISM

    “I’m continually impressed by China’s technology and unmatched manufacturing excellence. This inspires our great optimism about the economic prospects of China,” said Osama Alrefaei, China general manager of Alrefaei trading company from Saudi Arabia, who attended the session.

    At the 136th Canton Fair last year, Alrefaei inked a collaboration agreement with a Chinese baby products supplier. They are currently finalizing the terms of cooperation to jointly create a new baby product brand, which will be sold in Saudi Arabia.

    Among the record-breaking participation of over 288,000 overseas buyers at the 137th Canton Fair, there were over 170,000 first-time attendees, up 14.6 percent year on year.

    “This is our first time participating in the fair, and our focus is on processing machinery and equipment,” said a purchasing manager with DF import and export company from Vietnam. “With China’s ‘technology toolbox,’ more and more Southeast Asian countries are accelerating their transformation from assembly workshops to manufacturing hubs.”

    Despite the current complex international situation, overseas buyers demonstrated strong confidence in China and Chinese products, with many emphasizing their visit was more than just symbolic — the 137th Canton Fair has recorded 25.44 billion U.S. dollars in on-site intended export deals.

    According to the organizer, the international buyers come from 219 countries and regions. Purchasers from countries participating in Belt and Road cooperation totaled 187,450, up 17.4 percent year on year and representing 64.9 percent of all overseas buyers.

    “The fair holds an irreplaceable position in our business ecosystem,” said Davut Taser, general manager of Hometraz Trading Company from Türkiye, which has been participating in the Canton Fair for 25 years.

    Taser noted that many of the company’s core components come from China, calling such complementary cooperation “a vivid reflection of global industrial chains.”

    PRODUCT UPGRADE

    According to Chinese exhibitors at the 137th Canton Fair, products with exceptional quality, innovative features, and strong brand recognition have gained particular favor among international buyers, further boosting their confidence in pursuing diversified market expansion.

    After ordering 100 mobile smart panels manufactured by Shenzhen KTC Commercial Display Technology Co., Ltd. at the fair, a thrilled international purchaser even wanted to take away the company’s exhibition samples as well.

    “The market has voted — our innovative products are worth the price,” said Liu Feng, general manager of the commercial sales department of the Guangdong-based company. “We have completed our technology reserves and will deploy them when market conditions mature, aiming to attract more clients from emerging markets such as Central Asia, the Middle East, and South America.”

    As buyers arrive with higher expectations, Chinese companies are responding with more diverse and higher-quality products and services. Zhang Sihong, deputy director of the CFTC, noted that this edition of the Canton Fair has seen a surge in new technologies, innovative designs, advanced materials, and cutting-edge manufacturing processes.

    A total of 4.55 million exhibits were showcased, including 1.02 million new products, 880,000 green and low-carbon products, and 320,000 smart products.

    Deevesh Khatri, business development manager of Emerald Appliances from Dubai, has been visiting the Canton Fair with his father for over a decade, and now 99 percent of the firm’s suppliers are sourced from the event.

    “It’s like a one-stop supermarket and an industry think tank,” he said. “Here, we spot trends, expand our network, and even reinvent our business models.”

    Established in 1957, the Canton Fair is held twice a year in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong. It is the longest-running of several international trade events in China and has been hailed as the barometer of China’s foreign trade.

    According to the General Administration of Customs, China’s total goods imports and exports in yuan-denominated terms expanded 1.3 percent year on year in the first quarter of 2025. 

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Afreximbank extends EUR15-million factoring line of credit to Banque Postale du Congo

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    CAIRO, Egypt, May 8, 2025/APO Group/ —

    African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) has signed a EUR 15 million Factoring line of credit agreement with Banque Postale du Congo (BPC) in Cairo. The facility will provide liquidity to BPC for factoring supplier invoices accepted by eligible buyers, as well as  for engaging in cross-border factoring.

    Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade and Export Development at Afreximbank, explained that the dual-tranche factoring facility would support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Republic of Congo and enable BPC to expand its cross-border factoring activities.  

    She noted that the facility would significantly boost SME financing in Congo, where BPC is currently the only institution offering factoring. It is expected that the facility will be revolved severally over the next year, resulting in cumulative financing of up to EUR 60 million for SMEs.

    Mrs. Awani highlighted that the transaction is part of a broader strategic partnership between Afreximbank and BPC aimed at promoting factoring in the Republic of Congo and across the Central Africa region. The partnership is also designed to improve access to finance for SMEs, which are vital contributors to job creation and economic growth as well as strengthen capacity building and legal and regulatory framework

    “Factoring has been identified as a key instrument to facilitate the implementation of Afreximbank’s current strategy, Impact 2026 – Extending Frontiers, by providing financing to SMEs that may not meet the criteria for traditional bank lending,” said Mrs. Awani. “This facility will support SMEs and improve their competitiveness by enabling them to trade on open account terms, thereby expanding trade frontiers.”

    Mr. Calixte Tabangoli, Chief Executive Officer of BPC, who signed on behalf of his organisation commented: “We are honoured to once again partner with Afreximbank through this expanded facility. Over the past two years, the Bank’s support has enabled us to provide vital working capital to more than 100 SMEs in Congo. This new EUR 15 million facility will further strengthen our ability to promote financial inclusion and economic development. We deeply appreciate the unwavering commitment of Mrs. Kanayo Awani and her team, whose leadership continues to demonstrate that factoring is a powerful instrument for SME growth across Africa.”

    The facility builds on a strong and evolving partnership between Afreximbank and BPC, which began in 2018 with an initial EUR 5million facility. That support was subsequently increased to EUR 10million in 2022. Since then, BPC’s factoring volumes have grown from EUR 1.5 million in 2018 to EUR 30.5 million in 2024.

    In addition to financing, the partnership has included key capacity-building and policy initiatives. Notably, Afreximbank supported the Republic of Congo’s adoption of a Model of Law on Factoring in 2021. The Bank has also provided technical assistance, including a week-long secondment of three BPC staff members to Afreximbank in June 2024, and has collaborated with BPC in promoting awareness and developing the factoring ecosystem across the region.

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI: Siebert Financial Appoints Industry Veteran Fredrick Scuteri as Chief Operating Officer of its Broker-Dealer Subsidiary

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Siebert Financial Corp. (NASDAQ: SIEB), announced the appointment of Fredrick Scuteri as Chief Operating Officer of its broker-dealer subsidiary Muriel Siebert & Co., LLC. In this role, Scuteri will oversee day-to-day operational functions, trading infrastructure, and platform modernization efforts as the firm continues to scale its brokerage services.

    Scuteri brings nearly three decades of experience across institutional trading, asset management, and broker-dealer operations. Prior to joining Siebert, he served as Chief Operating Officer of DriveWealth Institutional, following the firm’s acquisition of Cuttone & Co. He also held the role of Vice President and Head of Trading Operations and Treasury at AQR Capital Management, where he led operations team proving global, multi-asset class coverage for over 250 trading accounts.

    “Siebert Financial has a legacy of resilience and reinvention,” said Scuteri. “I look forward to building on that foundation by bringing scalable, tech-forward solutions to our operations. My focus will be on streamlining workflows, increasing transparency, and applying automation and AI to help future-proof the business, without compromising the firm’s commitment to client service and regulatory excellence.”

    Under Scuteri’s leadership, Siebert will expand its operational capabilities and continue investing in infrastructure to support growth across institutional and retail channels.

    “Fred brings both depth and range to this role,” said John J. Gebbia, CEO of Siebert Financial. “He understands the intricacies of capital markets and, more importantly, he knows how to execute. His ability to turn complexity into clarity is exactly what we need at this stage for the growth of Siebert.”

    “Having someone with Fred’s operational rigor and fintech expertise is a significant advantage,” added John M. Gebbia, Principal at Siebert Financial. “He’s already thinking several steps ahead, whether it’s about optimizing capital, improving workflows integrating AI-automation, or preparing our systems for scale. We’re excited to have him on board.”

    Scuteri is a FINRA-registered Financial Operations Principal (Series 27) with degrees in Finance, an MBA from St. John’s University, and, lately, certifications in Generative AI and Advanced Prompt Engineering from Vanderbilt University.

    About Siebert Financial Corp.
    Siebert is a diversified financial services company and has been a member of the NYSE since 1967 when Muriel Siebert became the first woman to own a seat on the NYSE and the first to head one of its member firms.

    Siebert operates through its subsidiaries Muriel Siebert & Co., LLC, Siebert AdvisorNXT, LLC, Park Wilshire Companies, Inc., RISE Financial Services, LLC, Siebert Technologies, LLC, and StockCross Digital Solutions, Ltd, and Gebbia Media LLC. Through these entities, Siebert provides a full range of brokerage and financial advisory services, including securities brokerage, investment advisory and insurance offerings, securities lending, and corporate stock plan administration solutions, in addition to entertainment and media productions. For over 55 years, Siebert has been a company that values its clients, shareholders, and employees. More information is available at www.siebert.com.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
    The statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts, including statements about our beliefs and expectations, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements preceded by, followed by, or that include the words “may,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “estimate,” “target,” “project,” “intend” and similar words or expressions. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections, or other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements.

    These forward-looking statements, which reflect beliefs, objectives, and expectations as of the date hereof, are based on the best judgment of the management of Siebert. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in such statements, including, without limitation, the following: economic, social and political conditions, global economic downturns resulting from extraordinary events; securities industry risks; interest rate risks; liquidity risks; credit risk with clients and counterparties; risk of liability for errors in clearing functions; systemic risk; systems failures, delays and capacity constraints; network security risks; competition; reliance on external service providers; new laws and regulations affecting Siebert’s business; net capital requirements; extensive regulation, regulatory uncertainties and legal matters; failure to maintain relationships with employees, customers, business partners or governmental entities; the inability to achieve synergies or to implement integration plans; and other consequences associated with risks and uncertainties detailed in Part I, Item 1A – Risk Factors of Siebert’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and Siebert’s filings with the SEC.

    Siebert cautions that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive, and new factors may emerge, or changes to the foregoing factors may occur that could impact its business. Siebert undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except to the extent required by the federal securities laws.

    Media Contact
    Deborah Kostroun, Zito Partners
    deborah@zitopartners.com
    +1 (201) 403-8185

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5ec79525-8910-4122-a10b-0e856542cab0

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Live Ventures Reports Fiscal Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LAS VEGAS, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Live Ventures Incorporated (Nasdaq: LIVE) (“Live Ventures” or the “Company”), a diversified holding company, today announced financial results for its fiscal second quarter 2025 ended March 31, 2025. 

    Fiscal Second Quarter 2025 Key Highlights:

    • Revenue was $107.0 million, compared to $118.6 million in the prior year period
    • Operating income increased $2.9 million to $2.1 million, compared to an operating loss of $0.8 million in the prior year period
    • Successfully negotiated a $19 million reduction on the balance owed under the Flooring Liquidators, Inc. (“Flooring Liquidators”) seller note, which, when including the cancellation of accrued interest and other items, resulted in a $22.8 million net gain for Live Ventures
    • Income before provision for income taxes was $21.1 million, compared to the prior year period loss before benefit from income taxes of $4.5 million. Income before provision for income taxes for the second quarter of 2025 includes the $22.8 million gain as described above
    • Adjusted EBITDA¹ increased $2.0 million to $6.4 million, compared to $4.5 million in the prior year period
    • Repurchased 31,323 shares of the Company’s common stock at an average price of $8.28 per share
    • Total assets of $393.6 million and stockholders’ equity of $88.9 million as of March 31, 2025
    • Approximately $26.6 million of cash and availability under the Company’s credit facilities as of March 31, 2025

    “Continuing the trend from the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, our Retail-Entertainment and Steel Manufacturing segments delivered improved operating performance in the second quarter, with higher operating income and operating margin compared to the same period last year. At the same time, ongoing softness in the new home construction and home refurbishment markets continued to pressure our Retail-Flooring and Flooring Manufacturing segments, where reduced consumer demand impacted performance,” commented David Verret, Chief Financial Officer of Live Ventures.

    “We are pleased with the operational improvements in our Retail-Entertainment and Steel Manufacturing segments during the first half of the year,” stated Jon Isaac, President and Chief Executive Officer of Live Ventures. “In response to our flooring businesses’ industry-specific challenges, we are implementing measures to enhance efficiency. In the second quarter, we initiated large cost-reduction initiatives in the Retail-Flooring segment, which have already resulted in significant savings. We remain focused on operational excellence and are confident in the long-term fundamentals of our businesses.”

     
    Second Quarter FY 2025 Financial Summary (in thousands except per share amounts)
      For the three months ended March 31,
        2025     2024     % Change
    Revenue $ 107,013   $ 118,626     -9.8 %
    Operating income (loss) $ 2,092   $ (838 )   N/A
    Income (loss) before provision for income taxes $ 21,103   $ (4,498 )   N/A
    Net income (loss) $ 15,866   $ (3,281 )   N/A
    Diluted earnings (loss) per share $ 5.05   $ (1.04 )   N/A
    Adjusted EBITDA¹ $ 6,446   $ 4,457     44.6 %
                       

    Revenue decreased approximately $11.6 million, or 9.8%, to approximately $107.0 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, compared to revenue of approximately $118.6 million in the prior year period. The decrease is attributable to the Retail-Flooring, Flooring Manufacturing, and Steel Manufacturing segments, which decreased by approximately $13.2 million in the aggregate.

    Operating income increased approximately $2.9 million, to approximately $2.1 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, compared with an operating loss of approximately $0.8 million in the prior year period. Operating income increased primarily due to lower general and administrative expenses and sales and marketing expenses resulting from cost reduction initiatives at the Retail-Flooring segment and lower general and administrative expenses in the Corporate and Other segment.

    For the quarter ended March 31, 2025, income before provision for income taxes was $21.1 million, compared to the prior year period loss before benefit from income taxes of $4.5 million. The increase in income before provision for income taxes is primarily attributable to a $22.8 million gain on a modification of the Flooring Liquidators seller note.

    Adjusted EBITDA¹ for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 was approximately $6.4 million, an increase of approximately $2.0 million, or 44.6%, compared to the prior year period Adjusted EBITDA of $4.5 million. Adjusted EBITDA increased primarily due to lower operating expenses at the Retail-Flooring segment resulting from cost reduction initiatives.

    As of March 31, 2025, the Company had total cash availability of $26.6 million, consisting of cash on hand of $6.9 million and availability under its various lines of credit of $19.7 million.

    Second Quarter FY 2025 Segment Results (in thousands)

      For the three months ended March 31,
        2025       2024     % Change
    Revenue          
    Retail – Entertainment $ 18,467     $ 16,842     9.6 %
    Retail – Flooring   27,399       32,032     -14.5 %
    Flooring Manufacturing   29,820       34,180     -12.8 %
    Steel Manufacturing   31,321       35,488     -11.7 %
    Corporate & Other   6       84     -92.9 %
    Total Revenue $ 107,013     $ 118,626     -9.8 %
               
      For the three months ended March 31,
        2025       2024     % Change
    Operating Income (loss)          
    Retail – Entertainment $ 2,498     $ 1,784     40.0 %
    Retail – Flooring   (2,741 )     (3,023 )   9.3 %
    Flooring Manufacturing   1,483       1,978     -25.0 %
    Steel Manufacturing   2,196       872     151.8 %
    Corporate & Other   (1,344 )     (2,449 )   45.2 %
    Total Operating Income $ 2,092     $ (838 )   N/A
               
      For the three months ended March 31,
        2025       2024     % Change
    Adjusted EBITDA¹          
    Retail – Entertainment $ 2,755     $ 2,153     28.0 %
    Retail – Flooring   (1,778 )     (1,849 )   3.8 %
    Flooring Manufacturing   2,272       2,897     -21.6 %
    Steel Manufacturing   3,742       2,331     60.5 %
    Corporate & Other   (545 )     (1,075 )   49.3 %
    Total Adjusted EBITDA¹ $ 6,446     $ 4,457     44.6 %
               
    Adjusted EBITDA¹ as a percentage of revenue          
    Retail – Entertainment   14.9 %     12.8 %    
    Retail – Flooring   -6.5 %     -5.8 %    
    Flooring Manufacturing   7.6 %     8.5 %    
    Steel Manufacturing   11.9 %     6.6 %    
    Corporate & Other N/A   N/A    
    Total Adjusted EBITDA¹   6.0 %     3.8 %    
    as a percentage of revenue          
               

    Retail – Entertainment

    The Retail-Entertainment segment revenue for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 was approximately $18.5 million, an increase of approximately $1.6 million, or 9.6%, compared to prior year period revenue of approximately $16.8 million. Revenue increased primarily due to changes in product mix toward new products, which generally have higher selling prices. Gross margin increased to 59.1% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, compared to 58.4% for the prior year period. The change in product mix contributed to the increase in gross margin. Operating income for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 was approximately $2.5 million, compared to operating income of approximately $1.8 million for the prior year period.

    Retail – Flooring

    The Retail-Flooring segment revenue for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 was approximately $27.4 million, a decrease of approximately $4.6 million, or 14.5%, compared to the prior year period revenue of approximately $32.0 million. The decrease in revenue was primarily attributable to the disposition of certain Johnson Floor & Home Carpet One stores in May 2024. Gross margin for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 was 34.4%, compared to 36.5% for the prior year period. The decrease in gross margin was primarily driven by a change in product mix. Operating loss for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 was approximately $2.7 million, compared to an operating loss of approximately $3.0 million for the prior year period.

    Flooring Manufacturing

    The Flooring Manufacturing segment revenue for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 was approximately $29.8 million, a decrease of approximately $4.4 million, or 12.8%, compared to prior year period revenue of approximately $34.2 million. The decrease in revenue was primarily due to reduced consumer demand, as a result of the ongoing weakness in the housing market and uncertainty about the current economic outlook. Gross margin was 27.5% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, compared to 25.6% for the prior year period. The increase in gross margin was primarily due to changes in product mix. Operating income for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 was approximately $1.5 million, compared to approximately $2.0 million in the prior year period.

    Steel Manufacturing

    The Steel Manufacturing segment revenue for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 was approximately $31.3 million, a decrease of approximately $4.2 million, or 11.7%, compared to prior year period revenue of approximately $35.5 million. The decline was primarily driven by lower sales volumes at certain business units, partially offset by incremental revenue of $3.8 million at Central Steel Fabricators, LLC (“Central Steel”), which was acquired in May 2024. Gross margin was 21.2% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, compared to 14.3% for the prior year period. The increase in gross margin was primarily due to strategic price increases as well as the acquisition of Central Steel. Operating income for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 was approximately $2.2 million, compared to approximately $0.9 million in the prior year period.

    Corporate and Other

    The Corporate and Other segment operating loss was approximately $1.3 million and $2.4 million for the quarters ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

    Six Months FY 2025 Financial Summary (in thousands except per share amounts)
      For the six months ended March 31,
        2025     2024     % Change
    Revenue $ 218,521   $ 236,219     -7.5 %
    Operating income $ 2,854   $ 2,703     5.6 %
    Income (loss) before provision for income taxes $ 21,676   $ (5,404 )   N/A
    Net income (loss) $ 16,358   $ (3,963 )   N/A
    Diluted earnings (loss) per share $ 5.20   $ (1.25 )   N/A
    Adjusted EBITDA¹ $ 12,191   $ 13,153     -7.3 %
                       

    Revenue decreased approximately $17.7 million, or 7.5%, to approximately $218.5 million for the six months ended March 31, 2025, compared to revenue of approximately $236.2 million in the prior year period. The decrease is attributable to the Flooring Manufacturing, Retail-Flooring, and Steel Manufacturing segments, which decreased by approximately $20.0 million in the aggregate.

    Operating income increased approximately 5.6% to approximately $2.9 million for the six months ended March 31, 2025, compared with operating income of approximately $2.7 million in the prior year period. The increase in operating income is primarily attributable to lower sales and marketing expenses in the Retail-Flooring segment and lower general and administrative expenses in the Corporate and Other segment.

    For the six months ended March 31, 2025, income before provision for income taxes was approximately $21.7 million, compared with a loss before benefit from income taxes of approximately $5.4 million. The increase in income before provision for income taxes is primarily attributable to the $22.8 million gain on the modification of the Flooring Liquidators seller note and the $2.8 million gain on the settlement of the earnout liability related to the Precision Metal Works, Inc. (“PMW”) acquisition and a $0.7 million gain on the settlement of the PMW seller notes, both in the first quarter of fiscal year 2025.

    Adjusted EBITDA¹ for the six months ended March 31, 2025 was approximately $12.2 million, a decrease of approximately $1.0 million, or 7.3%, compared to the prior year period Adjusted EBITDA of $13.2 million. The decrease in adjusted EBITDA is primarily due to a decrease in gross profit.

    Six Months FY 2025 Segment Results (in thousands)

      For the six months ended March 31,
        2025       2024     % Change
    Revenue          
    Retail – Entertainment $ 39,740     $ 37,428     6.2 %
    Retail – Flooring   59,146       66,351     -10.9 %
    Flooring Manufacturing   55,815       63,425     -12.0 %
    Steel Manufacturing   63,757       68,841     -7.4 %
    Corporate & Other   63       174     -63.8 %
    Total Revenue $ 218,521     $ 236,219     -7.5 %
               
      For the six months ended March 31,
        2025       2024     % Change
    Operating Income (loss)          
    Retail – Entertainment $ 5,905     $ 4,973     18.7 %
    Retail – Flooring   (4,914 )     (2,935 )   -67.4 %
    Flooring Manufacturing   1,401       2,923     -52.1 %
    Steel Manufacturing   3,362       1,855     81.2 %
    Corporate & Other   (2,900 )     (4,113 )   29.5 %
    Total Operating Income $ 2,854     $ 2,703     5.6 %
               
      For the six months ended March 31,
        2025       2024     % Change
    Adjusted EBITDA¹          
    Retail – Entertainment $ 6,565     $ 5,867     11.9 %
    Retail – Flooring   (2,749 )     (546 )   N/A
    Flooring Manufacturing   3,023       4,774     -36.7 %
    Steel Manufacturing   6,543       5,133     27.5 %
    Corporate & Other   (1,191 )     (2,075 )   42.6 %
    Total Adjusted EBITDA¹ $ 12,191     $ 13,153     -7.3 %
               
    Adjusted EBITDA¹ as a percentage of revenue          
    Retail – Entertainment   16.5 %     15.7 %    
    Retail – Flooring   -4.6 %     -0.8 %    
    Flooring Manufacturing   5.4 %     7.5 %    
    Steel Manufacturing   10.3 %     7.5 %    
    Corporate & Other N/A   N/A    
    Total Adjusted EBITDA¹   5.6 %     5.6 %    
    as a percentage of revenue          
               

    Retail – Entertainment

    The Retail-Entertainment segment revenue for the six months ended March 31, 2025 was approximately $39.7 million, an increase of approximately $2.3 million, or 6.2%, compared to prior year period revenue of approximately $37.4 million. Revenue increased primarily due to changes in product mix toward new products, which generally have higher selling prices. Gross margin increased to 57.8% for the six months ended March 31, 2025, compared to 57.1% for the prior year period. The change in product mix contributed to the increase in gross margin. Operating income for the six months ended March 31, 2025 was approximately $5.9 million, compared to operating income of approximately $5.0 million for the prior year period.

    Retail – Flooring

    The Retail-Flooring segment revenue for the six months ended March 31, 2025 was approximately $59.1 million, a decrease of approximately $7.2 million, or 10.9%, compared to the prior year period revenue of approximately $66.4 million. The decrease was primarily attributable to the disposition of certain Johnson Floor & Home Carpet One stores in May 2024. Gross margin for the six months ended March 31, 2025 was 35.9%, compared to 37.3% for the prior year period. The decrease in gross margin was primarily driven by a change in product mix. Operating loss for the six months ended March 31, 2025 was approximately $4.9 million, compared to an operating loss of approximately $2.9 million for the prior year period. The increase in operating loss was primarily due to the decrease in revenues and gross margin, partially offset by cost reduction initiatives implemented during the second quarter of fiscal 2025.

    Flooring Manufacturing

    The Flooring Manufacturing segment revenue for the six months ended March 31, 2025 was approximately $55.8 million, a decrease of approximately $7.6 million, or 12.0%, compared to prior year period revenue of approximately $63.4 million. The decrease in revenue was primarily due to reduced consumer demand as a result of the ongoing weakness in the housing market and uncertainty about the current economic outlook. Gross margin was 24.6% for the six months ended March 31, 2025, compared to 23.9% for the prior year period. The increase in gross margin was primarily due to changes in product mix. Operating income for the six months ended March 31, 2025 was approximately $1.4 million, compared to operating income of approximately $2.9 million for the prior year period.

    Steel Manufacturing

    The Steel Manufacturing segment revenue for the six months ended March 31, 2025 was approximately $63.8 million, a decrease of approximately $5.0 million or 7.4%, compared to prior year period revenue of approximately $68.8 million. The decline was primarily driven by lower sales volumes at certain business units partially offset by incremental revenue of $6.9 million at Central Steel, which was acquired in May 2024. Gross margin was 19.7% for the six months ended March 31, 2025, compared to 15.0% for the prior year period. The increase in gross margin was primarily due to strategic price increases, as well as the acquisition of Central Steel. Operating income for the six months ended March 31, 2025 was approximately $3.4 million, compared to operating income of approximately $1.9 million in the prior year period.

    Corporate and Other

    The Corporate and Other segment operating loss was approximately $2.9 million and $4.1 million for the six months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

    Non-GAAP Financial Information

    Adjusted EBITDA

    We evaluate the performance of our operations based on financial measures, such as “Adjusted EBITDA,” which is a non-GAAP financial measure. We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) before interest expense, interest income, income taxes, depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation, and other non-cash or nonrecurring charges. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA is an important indicator of the operational strength and performance of the business, including the business’s ability to fund acquisitions and other capital expenditures and to service its debt. Additionally, this measure is used by management to evaluate operating results and perform analytical comparisons and identify strategies to improve performance. Adjusted EBITDA is also a measure that is customarily used by financial analysts to evaluate a company’s financial performance, subject to certain adjustments. Adjusted EBITDA does not represent cash flows from operations, as defined by generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), should not be construed as an alternative to net income or loss, and is indicative neither of our results of operations, nor of cash flow available to fund our cash needs. It is, however, a measurement that the Company believes is useful to investors in analyzing its operating performance. Accordingly, Adjusted EBITDA should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, net income, cash flow provided by operating activities, and other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. As companies often define non-GAAP financial measures differently, Adjusted EBITDA, as calculated by Live Ventures Incorporated, should not be compared to any similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

    Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements

    The use of the word “Company” refers to Live Ventures and its wholly owned subsidiaries. Certain statements in this press release contain or may suggest “forward-looking” information within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended, that are intended to be covered by the “safe harbor” created by those sections. Words such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” and similar statements are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Live Ventures may also make forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Forms 10-K and 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, in its annual report to stockholders, in press releases and other written materials, and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and there are a number of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by the Company, including, but not limited to, plans and objectives of management for future operations or products, the market acceptance or future success of our products, and our future financial performance. The Company cautions that these forward-looking statements are further qualified by other factors including, but not limited to, those set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. Additionally, new risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all such risk factors, or to assess the impact such risk factors might have on our business. Live Ventures undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    About Live Ventures Incorporated

    Live Ventures is a diversified holding company with a strategic focus on value-oriented acquisitions of domestic middle-market companies. Live Ventures’ acquisition strategy is sector-agnostic and focuses on well-run, closely held businesses with a demonstrated track record of earnings growth and cash flow generation. The Company looks for opportunities to partner with management teams of its acquired businesses to build increased stockholder value through a disciplined buy-build-hold long-term focused strategy. Live Ventures was founded in 1968. In late 2011, Jon Isaac, Chief Executive Officer and strategic investor, joined the Company’s Board of Directors and later refocused it into a diversified holding company. The Company’s current portfolio of diversified operating subsidiaries includes companies in the textile, flooring, tools, steel, and entertainment industries.

    Contact:
    Live Ventures Incorporated
    Greg Powell, Director of Investor Relations
    725.500.5597
    gpowell@liveventures.com
    www.liveventures.com

    Source: Live Ventures Incorporated

     
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (UNAUDITED)
    (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
     
      March 31, 2025   September 30, 2024
      (Unaudited)    
    Assets      
    Cash $ 6,931     $ 4,601  
    Trade receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2.1 million at March 31, 2025 and $1.5 million at September 30, 2024   41,205       46,861  
    Inventories, net   122,304       126,350  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets   3,754       4,123  
    Total current assets   174,194       181,935  
    Property and equipment, net   80,540       82,869  
    Right of use asset – operating leases   53,547       55,701  
    Deposits and other assets   1,557       787  
    Intangible assets, net   22,591       25,103  
    Goodwill   61,152       61,152  
    Total assets $ 393,581     $ 407,547  
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity      
    Liabilities:      
    Accounts payable $ 28,368     $ 31,002  
    Accrued liabilities   31,164       31,740  
    Income taxes payable   211       948  
    Current portion of lease obligations – operating leases   13,203       12,885  
    Current portion of lease obligations – finance leases   553       368  
    Current portion of long-term debt   41,423       43,816  
    Current portion of notes payable related parties   10,070       6,400  
    Current portion of seller notes – related parties         2,500  
    Total current liabilities   124,992       129,659  
    Long-term debt, net of current portion   53,687       54,994  
    Lease obligation long term – operating leases   44,942       50,111  
    Lease obligation long term – finance leases   42,236       41,677  
    Notes payable related parties, net of current portion   6,894       4,934  
    Seller notes – related parties   18,143       40,361  
    Deferred tax liability   10,607       6,267  
    Other non-current obligations   3,149       6,655  
    Total liabilities   304,650       334,658  
    Commitments and contingencies      
    Stockholders’ equity:      
    Series E convertible preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 200,000 shares authorized, 47,840 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2025 and September 30, 2024, with a liquidation preference of $0.30 per share outstanding          
    Common stock, $0.001 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, 3,084,351 and 3,131,360 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2025 and September 30, 2024, respectively   2       2  
    Paid in capital   69,792       69,692  
    Treasury stock common 741,696 and 694,687 shares as of March 31, 2025 and September 30, 2024, respectively   (9,488 )     (9,072 )
    Treasury stock Series E preferred 80,000 shares as of March 31, 2025 and September 30, 2024   (7 )     (7 )
    Retained earnings   28,632       12,274  
    Total stockholders’ equity   88,931       72,889  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 393,581     $ 407,547  
                   
     
    LIVE VENTURES, INCORPORATED
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
    (dollars in thousands, except per share)
     
      For the Three Months Ended March 31,   For the Six Months Ended March 31,
        2025       2024       2025       2024  
    Revenue $ 107,013     $ 118,626     $ 218,521     $ 236,219  
    Cost of revenue   71,865       83,159       148,011       164,425  
    Gross profit   35,148       35,467       70,510       71,794  
                   
    Operating expenses:              
    General and administrative expenses   28,321       29,824       58,392       57,503  
    Sales and marketing expenses   4,735       6,481       9,264       11,588  
    Total operating expenses   33,056       36,305       67,656       69,091  
    Operating income (loss)   2,092       (838 )     2,854       2,703  
    Other expense:              
    Interest expense, net   (3,933 )     (4,167 )     (8,095 )     (8,330 )
    Gain on extinguishment of debt               713        
    Gain on settlement of earnout liability               2,840        
    Gain on modification of seller note   22,784             22,784        
    Other income   160       507       580       223  
    Total other income (expense), net   19,011       (3,660 )     18,822       (8,107 )
    Income (loss) before provision for income taxes   21,103       (4,498 )     21,676       (5,404 )
    Provision for (benefit from) income taxes   5,237       (1,217 )     5,318       (1,441 )
    Net income (loss) $ 15,866     $ (3,281 )   $ 16,358     $ (3,963 )
                   
    Income (loss) per share:              
    Basic $ 5.10     $ (1.04 )   $ 5.25     $ (1.25 )
    Diluted $ 5.05     $ (1.04 )   $ 5.20     $ (1.25 )
                   
    Weighted average common shares outstanding:              
    Basic   3,109,362       3,154,771       3,113,864       3,159,180  
    Diluted   3,138,717       3,154,771       3,143,219       3,159,180  
                                   
     
    LIVE VENTURES INCORPORATED
    NON-GAAP MEASURES RECONCILIATION
     
    Adjusted EBITDA

    The following table provides a reconciliation of Net (loss) income to total Adjusted EBITDA¹ for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

     
      For the Three Months Ended   For the Six Months Ended
      March 31, 2025   March 31, 2024   March 31, 2025   March 31, 2024
    Net income (loss) $ 15,866     $ (3,281 )   $ 16,358     $ (3,963 )
    Depreciation and amortization   4,401       4,188       8,816       8,483  
    Stock-based compensation   49       50       100       100  
    Interest expense, net   3,933       4,167       8,095       8,330  
    Income tax expense (benefit)   5,237       (1,217 )     5,318       (1,441 )
    Gain on extinguishment of debt               (713 )      
    Gain on modification of seller note   (22,784 )           (22,784 )      
    Gain on settlement of earnout liability               (2,840 )      
    Acquisition costs         468             874  
    Debt acquisition costs                     183  
    Other non-recurring charges   (256 )     82       (159 )     587  
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 6,446     $ 4,457     $ 12,191     $ 13,153  
     

    1 Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure. A reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures is included below.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: MEXC Lists Doodles (DOOD) with 50,000 USDT Worth of DOOD and 50,000 USDT Bonus Prize Pool

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, announces it will list Doodles (DOOD) on May 9, 2025 (UTC). To celebrate this significant addition to the exchange, MEXC is launching a special event with a prize pool of 50,000 USDT Worth of DOOD & 50,000 USDT Bonus for new and existing users.

    Doodles is a Web3-native creative brand established in October 2021 by Canadian digital artist Burnt Toast (Scott Martin), alongside Evan Keast and Jordan Castro. The project features a collection of 10,000 unique generative NFT avatars, renowned for their vibrant, pastel-colored designs. Since its inception, Doodles has evolved into a multifaceted entertainment brand, expanding into animation, music, and fashion collaborations. Doodles has also partnered with prominent brands like Adidas, Crocs, and McDonald’s to bridge NFT culture with mainstream audiences.

    In February 2025, Doodles announced the launch of its official token, DOOD, aimed at enhancing community engagement and supporting the decentralized development strategy of Doodles. Following the announcement of the token, Doodles NFT trading volume surged to $16 million in one week, marking the second-highest weekly trading volume in the project’s history. The total supply of DOOD is capped at 10 billion, with no possibility of inflation. As a key element in fostering community interaction and value sharing, DOOD enables token holders to participate in governance, access exclusive content, and contribute to the growth of the Doodles ecosystem.

    To celebrate the listing, MEXC is hosting an Airdrop+ event from May 8, 11:00 to May 18, 11:00, 2025 (UTC), offering a range of rewards and exclusive opportunities:

    Benefit 1: Deposit and share $32,000 USDT in DOOD (New user exclusive)
    Benefit 2: Spot Challenge – Trade to share $10,000 in DOOD (For all users)
    Benefit 3: Futures Challenge – Trade to share 50,000 USDT in Futures bonus (For all users)
    Benefit 4: Invite new users and share $8,000 in DOOD (For all users)

    MEXC has established itself as an industry leader by consistently providing users with early access to promising projects. According to the latest TokenInsight report, MEXC led the industry with an impressive 461 spot listings. During each bi-weekly period, MEXC maintained a high listing frequency, consistently ranking among the top six exchanges and demonstrating its ability to capture market trends quickly. To date, the exchange has listed more than 3,000 digital assets. MEXC will continue to maintain its industry-leading listing efficiency, innovate, and expand its offerings, ensuring users have access to the best opportunities in the ever-evolving crypto landscape.

    For full event details and participation rules, please visit here.

    About MEXC
    Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto.” Serving over 36 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, everyday airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.
    MEXC Official WebsiteXTelegramHow to Sign Up on MEXC

    Risk Disclaimer:
    The information provided in this article regarding cryptocurrencies does not constitute investment advice. Given the highly volatile nature of the cryptocurrency market, investors are encouraged to carefully assess market fluctuations, the fundamentals of projects, and potential financial risks before making any trading decisions.

    Source

    Contact:
    Lucia Hu
    lucia.hu@mexc.com

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by MEXC. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b631a595-d2ed-4ac7-8d15-5009779b29cd

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: 21Shares AG – Publication of Base Prospectus

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    21Shares AG

    LEI: 254900UWHMJRRODS3Z64

    8 May 2025

    Publication of Base Prospectus

    The following Base Prospectus has been approved by the Financial Conduct Authority and is available for viewing:

    Base Prospectus dated 8 May 2025 (the “Base Prospectus”) relating to the Exchange Traded Products Programme of 21Shares AG.

    To view the Base Prospectus in full, please paste the following URL into the address bar of your browser:

    https://www.21shares.com/en-eu/ir/prospectus

    A copy of the Base Prospectus will be submitted to the Financial Conduct Authority’s Electronic Submission Service and may shortly be viewed on the National Storage Mechanism at:

    https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism

    Enquiries:

    ETP@21Shares.com

    DISCLAIMER – INTENDED ADDRESSEES

    Please note that the information contained in the Base Prospectus may be addressed to and/or targeted at persons who are residents of particular countries (specified in the Base Prospectus) only and is not intended for use and should not be relied upon by any person outside these countries and/or to whom the offer contained in the Base Prospectus is not addressed. Prior to relying on the information contained in the Base Prospectus you must ascertain from the Base Prospectus whether or not you are part of the intended addressees of the information contained in the Base Prospectus.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Parliament backs extension of trade liberalisation measure for Ukrainian imports

    Source: European Parliament 3

    MEPs voted on Thursday to renew the suspension of import duties and quotas for certain imports from Ukraine, such as iron and steel, due to expire on 5 June 2025.

    With the adoption of the Autonomous Trade Measures (ATM) Regulation, the EU liberalised trade with Ukraine by suspending trade defence measures on 4 June 2022. This exemption has since been renewed, with the most recent extension due to expire on 5 June.

    MEPs have now approved the proposed prolongation of these trade liberalisation measures, which focus steel, to provide Ukraine with vital export revenues.

    Quote

    Parliament’s rapporteur Karin Karlsbro (Renew, SE) said: ”Ukraine’s steel industry is the backbone of the Ukrainian economy. It continues to deliver, despite many workers having left the steel plants to fight on the front lines and factories being subjected to severe attacks by Russia. The deepening of trade relations between the EU and Ukraine is not a matter of charity, but a mutually beneficial exchange that strengthens both parties.”

    The proposal was adopted by 354 votes in favour and 147 against, with 53 abstentions. The new regulation will enter into force for three years, until June 2028, once an agreement has been reached with the Council.

    The Commission is currently working on a longer-term solution to offer economic certainty for EU-Ukraine trade.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Latest news – Meeting on role of European arms industry and violence in the oPT (07/05/25) – Delegation for relations with Palestine

    Source: European Parliament

    The meeting of the Delegation for relations with Palestine took place on Wednesday, 7 May 2025, in Strasbourg.

    The main topic of discussion was the role of the European arms industry in facilitating violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories with:

    × Dr Sam Perlo-Freeman, Research Coordinator for Campaign Against Arms Trade

    × Mr Frank Slijper, economist and researcher specialising in arms trade at Dutch peace organisation PAX

    × Mr Andrew Feinstein – former ANC MP in South Africa and author of a number of books on the global arms trade

    The meeting was web-streamed through the European Parliament’s Multimedia Centre. Interpretation services were provided in English, French, Italian, and Spanish.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Met Police continues clampdown on tool theft across London

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Met officers have seized around half a million pounds worth of suspected stolen tools following a proactive policing operation at a car boot sale in east London.

    Local officers made six arrests and recovered around 1,500 tools worth £150,000 at the Warren Farm Bonzer Boot Sale in Romford. A further 159 tools were seized during another search at a property in Hackney.

    The intelligence-led activity was carried out in response to concerns from tradespeople about tool theft and is part of the Met’s continued focus on tackling the crimes that matter most to Londoners.

    Inspector Mark Connolly, from the Met’s Havering Safer Neighbourhood Team who led the operation, said:

    “We know tool theft has a significant impact on tradespeople and we’re working hard across the Met to tackle it through targeted operations like this and prevention, such as holding tool marking events and issuing advice on keeping vehicles secure.

    “While victims have their livelihoods disrupted, organised crime groups are making huge sums of money from selling on suspected stolen tools and we won’t stand for it.

    “This is the second operation of this kind we’ve carried out over the past month and we will continue to take action against those who make the lives of Londoners a misery through this type of offending.”

    Among the items recovered were three surveillance systems used to monitor earth and infrastructure movements each worth more than £30,000, a device used to measure ground depth worth around £20,000, and a motorised heist worth £17,000.

    Met officers were also joined by partners including Havering Council’s trading standards team at the operation on Thursday, 1 May.

    Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, added:

    “This is once again excellent work from our trading standards team working in partnership with police and other partners.

    “Illegal and harmful products have been taken off the streets in our borough as a result of this operation. I know there has been a lot of work to get this result, so I thank everyone involved.

    “It’s our aim to help keep our residents safe and we want to continue to crackdown on a crime that is often hiding in plain sight in venues such as car boot sales and our town centres. That is why we will continue to take the strongest action we can against those trying to sell these harmful and illegal products and work with the police to bring them to justice.”

    Four men and two women, aged between 25 and 60 and from Hackney, Newham and Kent, were arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods. They have since been bailed while officers carry out further enquiries.

    Tradesperson and social media influencer Shoaib Awan, widely known as The Gas Expert, said:

    “As a tradesperson who has invested years in education, training and building a business, repeated incidents of tool theft are not only demoralising, but financially crippling, and is forcing many to walk away from their respective trades.

    “I fully support the great work the Met Police is doing to crack down on this type of illegal activity and I’ll continue to work with them alongside our partners to bring down the organised crime groups and people who have a complete disregard for the law and their victims.”

    The activity is part of the Met’s continued crackdown on tool theft which last month resulted in around £50,000 worth of suspected stolen tools being recovered from a car boot sale in Rainham.

    Officers will work over the coming weeks to identify the tools and trace their original owners.

    Any tradespeople or those in possession of power tools are advised to mark their property, take photographs, and record serial numbers so that, in the event of theft, officers have more chance of returning property.

    If you suspect anyone of selling stolen or counterfeit goods, you can report this to us online or anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: YieldMax™ Introduces Option Income Strategy ETF on Robinhood Markets, Inc. (HOOD)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO and MILWAUKEE and NEW YORK, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — YieldMax™ announced the launch today of the following ETF:

    YieldMax™ HOOD Option Income Strategy ETF (NYSE Arca: HOOY)

    HOOY seeks to generate current income by pursuing options-based strategies on Robinhood Markets, Inc. (HOOD). HOOY is managed by Tidal Financial Group. HOOY does not invest directly in HOOD.

    HOOY is the newest member of the YieldMax™ ETF family and like all YieldMax™ ETFs, aims to deliver current income to investors. With respect to distributions, HOOY will be a Group C ETF, and its first distribution is expected to be announced on May 28, 2025. Please see the table below for distribution information for all outstanding YieldMax™ ETFs.

    ETF
    Ticker
    1
    ETF Name Distribution
    Frequency
    Distribution
    per Share
    Distribution
    Rate
    2,4
    30-Day
    SEC Yield3
    ROC5
    CHPY YieldMax™ Semiconductor Portfolio Option Income ETF Weekly $0.3767 97.94%
    GPTY YieldMax™ AI & Tech Portfolio Option Income ETF Weekly $0.2738 35.61% 0.00% 100.00%
    LFGY YieldMax™ Crypto Industry & Tech Portfolio Option Income ETF Weekly $0.7511 105.48% 0.00% 100.00%
    QDTY YieldMax™ Nasdaq 100 0DTE Covered Call Strategy ETF Weekly $0.2841 36.92% 0.00% 100.00%
    RDTY YieldMax™ R2000 0DTE Covered Call Strategy ETF Weekly $0.4634 55.54% 0.00% 100.00%
    SDTY YieldMax™ S&P 500 0DTE Covered Call Strategy ETF Weekly $0.2714 33.51% 0.00% 100.00%
    ULTY YieldMax™ Ultra Option Income Strategy ETF Weekly $0.1181 103.33% 0.00% 100.00%
    YMAG YieldMax™ Magnificent 7 Fund of Option Income ETFs Weekly $0.1059 36.97% 70.00% 94.72%
    YMAX YieldMax™ Universe Fund of Option Income ETFs Weekly $0.1679 66.24% 95.10% 89.73%
    BIGY YieldMax™ Target 12™ Big 50 Option Income ETF Monthly $0.4609 12.17% 0.18% 66.89%
    RNTY* YieldMax™ Target 12™ Real Estate Option Income ETF Monthly
    SOXY YieldMax™ Target 12™ Semiconductor Option Income ETF Monthly $0.4384 11.99% 0.12% 100.00%
    ABNY YieldMax™ ABNB Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.6020 67.26% 3.22% 94.97%
    AIYY YieldMax™ AI Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.3245 87.29% 3.75% 96.09%
    AMDY YieldMax™ AMD Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.3365 62.11% 3.31% 94.47%
    AMZY YieldMax™ AMZN Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.7963 65.77% 3.68% 94.99%
    APLY YieldMax™ AAPL Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.6512 63.24% 3.13% 94.81%
    BABO YieldMax™ BABA Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.6587 49.99% 4.01% 91.80%
    CONY YieldMax™ COIN Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.6510 115.53% 3.39% 96.77%
    CRSH YieldMax™ Short TSLA Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.5616 116.94% 1.81% 0.00%
    CVNY YieldMax™ CVNA Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $2.6816 88.82% 2.37% 68.30%
    DIPS YieldMax™ Short NVDA Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.6186 76.30% 2.19% 0.00%
    DISO YieldMax™ DIS Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.5291 49.63% 3.72% 94.23%
    FBY YieldMax™ META Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.5216 43.30% 3.86% 91.40%
    FEAT YieldMax™ Dorsey Wright Featured 5 Income ETF Every 4 weeks $1.6435 59.38% 55.86% 0.00%
    FIAT YieldMax™ Short COIN Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.5618 105.46% 1.14% 0.00%
    FIVY YieldMax™ Dorsey Wright Hybrid 5 Income ETF Every 4 weeks $1.0283 35.56% 38.10% 0.00%
    GDXY YieldMax™ Gold Miners Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.7284 60.35% 2.66% 0.00%
    GOOY YieldMax™ GOOGL Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.3729 41.63% 3.52% 90.74%
    JPMO YieldMax™ JPM Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.5612 46.19% 3.39% 92.60%
    MARO YieldMax™ MARA Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $1.8468 110.67% 3.33% 97.16%
    MRNY YieldMax™ MRNA Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.1261 71.18% 4.27% 0.00%
    MSFO YieldMax™ MSFT Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.5255 40.57% 3.26% 92.04%
    MSTY YieldMax™ MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $2.3734 123.15% 1.00% 98.39%
    NFLY YieldMax™ NFLX Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.9230 65.94% 2.79% 95.72%
    NVDY YieldMax™ NVDA Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.6734 57.41% 3.56% 85.30%
    OARK YieldMax™ Innovation Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.2923 51.00% 3.10% 93.61%
    PLTY YieldMax™ PLTR Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $4.6556 95.97% 2.36% 98.08%
    PYPY YieldMax™ PYPL Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.5519 56.42% 3.54% 94.52%
    SMCY YieldMax™ SMCI Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $1.4128 100.24% 3.85% 97.08%
    SNOY YieldMax™ SNOW Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.6864 56.07% 2.87% 94.51%
    TSLY YieldMax™ TSLA Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.6598 103.22% 3.27% 96.85%
    TSMY YieldMax™ TSM Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.5635 49.99% 3.43% 16.38%
    WNTR YieldMax™ Short MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $2.7190 85.90% 3.26% 95.65%
    XOMO YieldMax™ XOM Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.3500 35.44% 3.42% 90.74%
    XYZY YieldMax™ XYZ Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.4140 59.93% 3.80% 95.54%
    YBIT YieldMax™ Bitcoin Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.4110 49.16% 1.20% 30.49%
    YQQQ YieldMax™ Short N100 Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.4357 34.61% 2.97% 91.77%


    Standardized Performance
    and Fund details can be obtained by clicking the ETF Ticker in the table above or by visiting us at www.yieldmaxetfs.com

    Performance data quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted above. Performance current to the most recent month-end can be obtained by calling (833) 378-0717.

    Note: DIPS, FIAT, CRSH, YQQQ and WNTR are hereinafter referred to as the “Short ETFs.”

    Distributions are not guaranteed.   The Distribution Rate and 30-Day SEC Yield are not indicative of future distributions, if any, on the ETFs. In particular, future distributions on any ETF may differ significantly from its Distribution Rate or 30-Day SEC Yield. You are not guaranteed a distribution under the ETFs. Distributions for the ETFs (if any) are variable and may vary significantly from period to period and may be zero. Accordingly, the Distribution Rate and 30-Day SEC Yield will change over time, and such change may be significant.

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

    *The inception date for RNTY is April 16, 2025.

    1All YieldMax™ ETFs shown in the table above (except YMAX, YMAG, FEAT, FIVY and ULTY) have a gross expense ratio of 0.99%. YMAX and FEAT have a Management Fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.99% for a gross expense ratio of 1.28%. YMAG has a management fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.83% for a gross expense ratio of 1.12%. FIVY has a Management Fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.59% for a gross expense ratio of 0.88%. “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” are indirect fees and expenses that the Fund incurs from investing in the shares of other investment companies, namely other YieldMax™ ETFs. ULTY has a gross expense ratio of 1.40%, and a net expense ratio after the fee waiver of 1.30%. The Advisor has agreed to a fee waiver of 0.10% through at least February 28, 2026

    2The Distribution Rate shown is as of close on May 7, 2025. The Distribution Rate is the annual distribution rate an investor would receive if the most recent distribution, which includes option income, remained the same going forward. The Distribution Rate is calculated by annualizing an ETF’s Distribution per Share and dividing such annualized amount by the ETF’s most recent NAV. The Distribution Rate represents a single distribution from the ETF and does not represent its total return. Distributions may also include a combination of ordinary dividends, capital gain, and return of investor capital, which may decrease an ETF’s NAV and trading price over time. As a result, an investor may suffer significant losses to their investment. These Distribution Rates may be caused by unusually favorable market conditions and may not be sustainable. Such conditions may not continue to exist and there should be no expectation that this performance may be repeated in the future.

    3The 30-Day SEC Yield represents net investment income, which excludes option income, earned by such ETF over the 30-Day period ended April 30, 2025, expressed as an annual percentage rate based on such ETF’s share price at the end of the 30-Day period.

    4Each ETF’s strategy (except those of the Short ETFs) will cap potential gains if its reference asset’s shares increase in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset’s shares decrease in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF. Each Short ETF’s strategy will cap potential gains if its reference asset decreases in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset increases in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF.

    5ROC refers to Return of Capital. The ROC percentage is the portion of the distribution that represents an investor’s original investment.

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

    Important Information

    This material must be preceded or accompanied by the prospectus. For all prospectuses, click here.

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

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

    Risk Disclosures

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

    Referenced Index Risk. The Fund invests in options contracts that are based on the value of the Index (or the Index ETFs). This subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of companies that comprised the Index or an ETF that tracks the Index, even though it does not.

    Indirect Investment Risk. The Index is not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates and is not involved with this offering in any way. Investors in the Fund will not have the right to receive dividends or other distributions or any other rights with respect to the companies that comprise the Index but will be subject to declines in the performance of the Index.

    Russell 2000 Index Risks. The Index, which consists of small-cap U.S. companies, is particularly susceptible to economic changes, as these firms often have less financial resilience than larger companies. Market volatility can disproportionately affect these smaller businesses, leading to significant price swings. Additionally, these companies are often more exposed to specific industry risks and have less diverse revenue streams. They can also be more vulnerable to changes in domestic regulatory or policy environments.

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

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

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

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

    Distribution Risk. As part of the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund seeks to provide current income. There is no assurance that the Fund will make a distribution in any given period. If the Fund does make distributions, the amounts of such distributions will likely vary greatly from one distribution to the next. Additionally, monthly distributions, if any, may consist of returns of capital, which would decrease the Fund’s NAV and trading price over time.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, which focuses on an individual security (ARKK, TSLA, AAPL, NVDA, AMZN, META, GOOGL, NFLX, COIN, MSFT, DIS, XOM, JPM, AMD, PYPL, SQ, MRNA, AI, MSTR, Bitcoin ETP, GDX®, SNOW, ABNB, BABA, TSM, SMCI, PLTR, MARA, CVNA, HOOD), may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to GPTY)

    Artificial Intelligence Risk. Issuers engaged in artificial intelligence typically have high research and capital expenditures and, as a result, their profitability can vary widely, if they are profitable at all. The space in which they are engaged is highly competitive and issuers’ products and services may become obsolete very quickly. These companies are heavily dependent on intellectual property rights and may be adversely affected by loss or impairment of those rights. The issuers are also subject to legal, regulatory and political changes that may have a large impact on their profitability. A failure in an issuer’s product or even questions about the safety of the product could be devastating to the issuer, especially if it is the marquee product of the issuer. It can be difficult to accurately capture what qualifies as an artificial intelligence company.

    Technology Sector Risk. The Fund will invest substantially in companies in the information technology sector, and therefore the performance of the Fund could be negatively impacted by events affecting this sector. Market or economic factors impacting technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technological advances could have a significant effect on the value of the Fund’s investments. The value of stocks of information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from foreign competitors with lower production costs. Stocks of information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Information technology companies are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights, the loss or impairment of which may adversely affect profitability.

    Risk Disclosure (applicable only to MARO)

    Digital Assets Risk: The Fund does not invest directly in Bitcoin or any other digital assets. The Fund does not invest directly in derivatives that track the performance of Bitcoin or any other digital assets. The Fund does not invest in or seek direct exposure to the current “spot” or cash price of Bitcoin. Investors seeking direct exposure to the price of Bitcoin should consider an investment other than the Fund. Digital assets like Bitcoin, designed as mediums of exchange, are still an emerging asset class. They operate independently of any central authority or government backing and are subject to regulatory changes and extreme price volatility.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to BABO and TSMY)

    Currency Risk: Indirect exposure to foreign currencies subjects the Fund to the risk that currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the U.S. or abroad.

    Depositary Receipts Risk: The securities underlying BABO and TSMY are American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”). Investment in ADRs may be less liquid than the underlying shares in their primary trading market.

    Foreign Market and Trading Risk: The trading markets for many foreign securities are not as active as U.S. markets and may have less governmental regulation and oversight.

    Foreign Securities Risk: Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers involve certain risks that may not be present with investments in securities of U.S. issuers, such as risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations or to political or economic instability, as well as varying regulatory requirements applicable to investments in non-U.S. issuers. There may be less information publicly available about a non-U.S. issuer than a U.S. issuer. Non-U.S. issuers may also be subject to different regulatory, accounting, auditing, financial reporting and investor protection standards than U.S. issuers.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to GDXY)

    Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. The Fund is exposed indirectly to the securities of foreign issuers selected by GDX®’s investment adviser, which subjects the Fund to the risks associated with such companies. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities.

    Risk of Investing in Gold and Silver Mining Companies. The Fund is exposed indirectly to gold and silver mining companies selected by GDX®’s investment adviser, which subjects the Fund to the risks associated with such companies.

    The Fund invests in options contracts based on the value of the VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX®), which subjects the Fund to some of the same risks as if it owned GDX®, as well as the risks associated with Canadian, Australian and Emerging Market Issuers, and Small-and Medium-Capitalization companies.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to YBIT)

    YBIT does not invest directly in Bitcoin or any other digital assets. YBIT does not invest directly in derivatives that track the performance of Bitcoin or any other digital assets. YBIT does not invest in or seek direct exposure to the current “spot” or cash price of Bitcoin. Investors seeking direct exposure to the price of Bitcoin should consider an investment other than YBIT.

    Bitcoin Investment Risk: The Fund’s indirect investment in Bitcoin, through holdings in one or more Underlying ETPs, exposes it to the unique risks of this emerging innovation. Bitcoin’s price is highly volatile, and its market is influenced by the changing Bitcoin network, fluctuating acceptance levels, and unpredictable usage trends.

    Digital Assets Risk: Digital assets like Bitcoin, designed as mediums of exchange, are still an emerging asset class. They operate independently of any central authority or government backing and are subject to regulatory changes and extreme price volatility. Potentially No 1940 Act Protections. As of the date of this Prospectus, there is only a single eligible Underlying ETP, and it is an investment company subject to the 1940 Act.

    Bitcoin ETP Risk: The Fund invests in options contracts that are based on the value of the Bitcoin ETP. This subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of the Bitcoin ETP, even though it does not. Bitcoin ETPs are subject, but not limited, to significant risk and heightened volatility. An investor in a Bitcoin ETP may lose their entire investment. Bitcoin ETPs are not suitable for all investors. In addition, not all Bitcoin ETPs are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Those Bitcoin ETPs that are not registered under such statute are therefore not subject to the same regulations as exchange traded products that are so registered.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to the Short ETFs)

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

    Price Appreciation Risk. As part of the Fund’s synthetic covered put strategy, the Fund purchases and sells call and put option contracts that are based on the value of the underlying reference asset. This strategy subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it shorted the underlying reference asset, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the value of the underlying reference asset, the Fund is subject to the risk that the value of the underlying reference asset increases. If the value of the underlying reference asset increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses.

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

    Purchased OTM Call Options Risk. The Fund’s strategy is subject to potential losses if the underlying reference asset increases in value, which may not be offset by the purchase of out-of-the-money (OTM) call options. The Fund purchases OTM calls to seek to manage (cap) the Fund’s potential losses from the Fund’s short exposure to the underlying reference asset if it appreciates significantly in value. However, the OTM call options will cap the Fund’s losses only to the extent that the value of the underlying reference asset increases to a level that is at or above the strike level of the purchased OTM call options. Any increase in the value of the underlying reference asset to a level that is below the strike level of the purchased OTM call options will result in a corresponding loss for the Fund. For example, if the OTM call options have a strike level that is approximately 100% above the then-current value of the underlying reference asset at the time of the call option purchase, and the value of the underlying reference asset increases by at least 100% during the term of the purchased OTM call options, the Fund will lose all its value. Since the Fund bears the costs of purchasing the OTM calls, such costs will decrease the Fund’s value and/or any income otherwise generated by the Fund’s investment strategy.

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

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

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

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

    High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings.

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

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

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

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

    Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, for any Fund that focuses on an individual security (e.g., TSLA, COIN, NVDA, MSTR), may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole.

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

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to CHPY)

    Semiconductor Industry Risk. Semiconductor companies may face intense competition, both domestically and internationally, and such competition may have an adverse effect on their profit margins. Semiconductor companies may have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel. Semiconductor companies’ supply chain and operations are dependent on the availability of materials that meet exacting standards and the use of third parties to provide components and services.

    The products of semiconductor companies may face obsolescence due to rapid technological developments and frequent new product introduction, unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel. Capital equipment expenditures could be substantial, and equipment generally suffers from rapid obsolescence. Companies in the semiconductor industry are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights. The loss or impairment of these rights would adversely affect the profitability of these companies.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to YQQQ)

    Index Overview. The Nasdaq 100 Index is a benchmark index that includes 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market, based on market capitalization.

    Index Level Appreciation Risk. As part of the Fund’s synthetic covered put strategy, the Fund purchases and sells call and put option contracts that are based on the Index level. This strategy subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it shorted the Index, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the Index level, the Fund is subject to the risk that the Index level increases. If the Index level increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses. The Fund may also be subject to the following risks: innovation and technological advancement; strong market presence of Index constituent companies; adaptability to global market trends; and resilience and recovery potential.

    Index Level Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of put option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will benefit from decreases in the Index level experienced over the Put Period. This means that if the Index level experiences a decrease in value below the strike level of the sold put options during a Put Period, the Fund will likely not experience that increase to the same extent and any Fund gains may significantly differ from the level of the Index losses over the Put Period. Additionally, because the Fund is limited in the degree to which it will participate in decreases in value experienced by the Index level over each Put Period, but has significant negative exposure to any increases in value experienced by the Index level over the Put Period, the NAV of the Fund may decrease over any given period. The Fund’s NAV is dependent on the value of each options portfolio, which is based principally upon the inverse of the performance of the Index level. The Fund’s ability to benefit from the Index level decreases will depend on prevailing market conditions, especially market volatility, at the time the Fund enters into the sold put option contracts and will vary from Put Period to Put Period. The value of the options contracts is affected by changes in the value and dividend rates of component companies that comprise the Index, changes in interest rates, changes in the actual or perceived volatility of the Index and the remaining time to the options’ expiration, as well as trading conditions in the options market. As the Index level changes and time moves towards the expiration of each Put Period, the value of the options contracts, and therefore the Fund’s NAV, will change. However, it is not expected for the Fund’s NAV to directly inversely correlate on a day-to-day basis with the returns of the Index level. The amount of time remaining until the options contract’s expiration date affects the impact that the value of the options contracts has on the Fund’s NAV, which may not be in full effect until the expiration date of the Fund’s options contracts. Therefore, while changes in the Index level will result in changes to the Fund’s NAV, the Fund generally anticipates that the rate of change in the Fund’s NAV will be different than the inverse of the changes experienced by the Index level.

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

    © 2025 YieldMax™ ETFs

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: BigCommerce Announces First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AUSTIN, Texas, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BigCommerce Holdings, Inc. (“BigCommerce” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: BIGC), an open SaaS, composable ecommerce platform for fast-growing and established B2C and B2B brands, retailers, manufacturers and distributors, today announced financial results for its first quarter ended March 31, 2025.

    “Our transformation efforts are leading to encouraging signs of progress, including positive increases in pipeline and leads in the three months ended March 31, 2025,” said Travis Hess, CEO of BigCommerce. “We have acted decisively to transform the Company, brought in top leaders with SaaS and commerce expertise, and invested strategically to strengthen our core offerings for B2B and B2C businesses across all three of our products, BigCommerce, Feedonomics and Makeswift. Reaccelerating growth remains our top priority for the remainder of this year.”

    First Quarter Financial Highlights:

    • Total revenue was $82.4 million, up 3% compared to the first quarter of 2024.
    • Total annual revenue run-rate (“ARR”) as of March 31, 2025 was $350.8 million, up 3% compared to March 31, 2024.
    • Subscription solutions revenue was $62.1 million, up 2% compared to the first quarter of 2024.
    • ARR from accounts with at least one enterprise plan (“Enterprise Accounts”) was $263.8 million as of March 31, 2025, up 6% from March 31, 2024.
    • ARR from Enterprise Accounts as a percent of total ARR was 75% as of March 31, 2025, compared to 73% as of March 31, 2024.
    • GAAP gross margin was 79%, compared to 77% in the first quarter of 2024. Non-GAAP gross margin was 80%, compared to 78% in the first quarter of 2024.

    Other Key Business Metrics

    • Number of enterprise accounts was 5,825, down 2% compared to the first quarter of 2024.
    • Average revenue per account (“ARPA”) of enterprise accounts was $45,290, up 9% compared to the first quarter of 2024.
    • Revenue in the United States grew by 2% compared to the first quarter of 2024.
    • Revenue in EMEA grew by 8% and revenue in APAC declined by 5% compared to the first quarter of 2024.

    Loss from Operations and Non-GAAP Operating Income (Loss)

    • GAAP loss from operations was ($2.4) million, compared to ($8.2) million in the first quarter of 2024.
    • Included in GAAP loss from operations was a restructuring charge of $1.9 million.
    • Non-GAAP operating income was $7.6 million, compared to $3.2 million in the first quarter of 2024.

    Net Income (Loss) and Earnings Per Share

    • GAAP net loss was ($0.4) million, compared to ($6.4) million in the first quarter of 2024.
    • Non-GAAP net income was $5.7 million or 7% of revenue, compared to $5.0 million or 6% of revenue in the first quarter of 2024.
    • GAAP basic net loss per share was ($0.00) based on 78.8 million shares of common stock, compared to ($0.08) based on 76.6 million shares of common stock in the first quarter of 2024.
    • Non-GAAP basic net income per share was $0.07 based on 78.8 million shares of common stock, compared to $0.07 based on 76.6 million shares of common stock in the first quarter of 2024.

    Adjusted EBITDA

    • Adjusted EBITDA was $8.8 million, compared to $4.2 million in the first quarter of 2024.

    Cash

    • Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and marketable securities totaled $121.9 million as of March 31, 2025.
    • For the three months ended March 31, 2025, net cash provided by operating activities was $401 thousand, compared to ($3.4) million used in operating activities for the same period in 2024. We reported free cash flow of ($2.9) million in the three months ended March 31, 2025, which included a one-time charge related to the cash paid for the website domain name.

    Business Highlights:

    Corporate Highlights

    • In February, the Company announced the addition of Rob Walter as its Chief Revenue Officer. Walter is a seasoned revenue leader with 20 years of ecommerce experience leading sales and go-to-market teams at successful companies including Salesforce, Ebay, ChannelAdviser and Amplience.
    • Michelle Suzuki also joined BigCommerce as the Company’s Chief Marketing Officer. Suzuki brings more than 25 years of experience scaling and transforming high-growth companies, including renowned technology companies such as EMC, Ancestry and Ivanti.
    • In April, Vipul Shah joined the Company as its new Chief Product Officer, bringing over two decades of experience building innovative products and business models at PayPal, Google, J.P. Morgan and Wells Fargo. Shah leads product management, product design and product strategy groups across all three of the Company’s products – BigCommerce, Feedonomics and Makeswift.
    • BigCommerce also added SaaS and ecommerce veteran Andrew Norman as senior vice president and general manager for EMEA to lead BigCommerce’s go-to-market strategy in EMEA. He has 25 years’ experience executing international expansion plans for SaaS technology companies, including 15 years’ experience in the ecommerce market.
    • In March, BigCommerce hosted its 2025 Investor Day, where members of the Company’s leadership team discussed the Company’s strategic vision, product offerings, financial performance and long-term growth opportunities, followed by a live Q&A session.

    Product Highlights

    • BigCommerce announced updates to Catalyst, its next generation storefront technology. With one click from the Control Panel, marketers can now launch and design a new store that comes optimized for high performance out of the box, making it so that they no longer have to sacrifice marketing usability for modern technology. Catalyst’s differentiator is its fully integrated marketing-friendly visual editor, Makeswift, which sets a new standard for creating fast, modern ecommerce storefronts without the limits of rigid templates or heavy development costs.
    • The Company unveiled innovative enhancements to its B2B products designed to help sales teams operate more efficiently and streamline processes so they can respond quickly to market demands and focus on growth. These updates, Configure-Price-Quote (CPQ) and Multi-Company Account Hierarchy and Advanced Permissioning, enable faster quote conversion and minimize redundant account management processes so that merchants can respond dynamically to market demands and scale without being bogged down by manual tasks.
    • BigCommerce also announced a three-pronged product launch that strengthens the app-building experience for developers, extending the BigCommerce platform’s overall functionality.

    Customer Highlights

    • Kittery Trading Post, whose Maine brick-and-mortar location has been an outdoor sporting goods destination for over 80 years, migrated from Salesforce Commerce Cloud to BigCommerce with an implementation led by BigCommerce partner Mira Commerce that took them live in three months.
    • Champion Sports, a 60-year-old manufacturer of high-quality sports, fitness and physical education equipment, launched a new B2B store with BigCommerce agency partner MoJo Active and an integration with Sage 100.
    • Crew Clothing, the iconic 30-year-old British casual clothing brand, launched a new B2C storefront for its Ben Sherman brand in the US, featuring integrations with Retail247 and Global-e. The company plans to roll out four more new websites for additional brands throughout the year.
    • EuroOptic, an online retailer specializing in high-quality sporting optics and performance gear, launched a new headless store using Vercel and Makeswift and integrated with Feedonomics, Netsuite and Payment Putty. BigCommerce partner MoJo Active led the implementation, which also uses BigCommerce’s Multi-Storefront functionality.
    • EGO, a UK-based fashion brand specializing in trendy women’s footwear, clothing, and accessories, migrated from Magento to BigCommerce with international stores in Europe, North America and Australia and an additional UK storefront in progress. BigCommerce agency partner TakeFortyTwo assisted Ego’s in-house team with the Multi-Storefront headless implementation hosted by Alokai.

    Partner Highlights

    • In May, BigCommerce announced that Klarna, the AI-powered payments and commerce network, has become a global preferred payments partner. As a global preferred partner, Klarna brings its flexible, interest-free payment options to merchants worldwide, enhancing the shopping experience and driving growth with one single integration.
    • In April, the Company announced the launch of Distributed Ecommerce Hub, a new joint solution with systems integrator and digital commerce agency Silk Commerce. Distributed Ecommerce Hub empowers manufacturers, brands and franchisors to rapidly create and centrally manage branded ecommerce storefronts for their dealer, distributor or franchise networks.
    • In April, Feedonomics announced its new integration with Amazon Vendor Central, expanding its comprehensive solutions for B2B clients and enterprise brands. Feedonomics customers can now tap into Amazon’s powerful fulfillment network, offering shoppers fast and reliable delivery through Prime eligibility.
    • In April, BigCommerce announced discussions regarding a potential expansion of its commercial partnership with Noibu, a leading ecommerce intelligence platform that helps brands detect, prioritize, and resolve revenue-impacting issues while delivering seamless customer experiences. The partnership, if finalized, would reflect the joint value of “curated composability,” enabling brands, retailers, manufacturers and distributors of all sizes to leverage best-in-class solutions without the procurement delays or complex integrations.
    • BigCommerce also announced its corporate partnership with the National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED), reinforcing BigCommerce’s commitment to driving digital transformation and growth in the electrical distribution industry.
    • The Company also announced a transformational partnership with Pipe17, a leading provider of AI-powered composable order operations. This partnership reimagines how modern merchants manage orders in an increasingly complex digital commerce ecosystem.

    Q2 and 2025 Financial Outlook:

    For the second quarter of 2025, we currently expect:

    • Total revenue between $82.5 million to $83.5 million.
    • Non-GAAP operating income is expected to be between $2.7 million to $3.7 million.

    For the full year 2025, we currently expect:

    • Total revenue between $335.1 million and $351.1 million.
    • Non-GAAP operating income between $16 million and $28 million.

    Our second quarter and 2025 financial outlook is based on a number of assumptions that are subject to change and many of which are outside our control. If actual results vary from these assumptions, our expectations may change. There can be no assurance that we will achieve these results.

    We do not provide guidance for loss from operations , the most directly comparable GAAP measure to Non-GAAP operating income, and similarly cannot provide a reconciliation between its forecasted Non-GAAP operating income and Non-GAAP income per share and these comparable GAAP measures without unreasonable effort due to the unavailability of reliable estimates for certain items. These items are not within our control and may vary greatly between periods and could significantly impact future financial results.

    Conference Call Information

    The financial results and business highlights will be discussed on a conference call and webcast scheduled at 7:00 a.m. CT (8:00 a.m. ET) on Thursday, May 8, 2025. The conference call can be accessed by dialing (833) 634-1254 from the United States and Canada or (412) 317-6012 internationally and requesting to join the “BigCommerce conference call.” The live webcast of the conference call can be accessed from BigCommerce’s investor relations website at http://investors.bigcommerce.com.

    Following the completion of the call through 11:59 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 15, 2025, a telephone replay will be available by dialing (877) 344-7529 from the United States, (855) 669-9658 from Canada or (412) 317-0088 internationally with conference ID 2980116. A webcast replay will also be available at http://investors.bigcommerce.com for 12 months.

    About BigCommerce
    BigCommerce (Nasdaq: BIGC) is a leading open SaaS and composable ecommerce platform that empowers brands, retailers, manufacturers and distributors of all sizes to build, innovate and grow their businesses online. BigCommerce provides its customers sophisticated professional-grade functionality, customization and performance with simplicity and ease-of-use. Tens of thousands of B2C and B2B companies across 150 countries and numerous industries rely on BigCommerce, including Coldwater Creek, Harvey Nichols, King Arthur Baking Co., MKM Building Supplies, United Aqua Group and Uplift Desk. For more information, please visit www.bigcommerce.com or follow us on X and LinkedIn.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “outlook,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “project,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “can,” “predict,” “potential,” “strategy,” “target,” “explore,” “continue,” or the negative of these terms, and similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements. However, not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These statements may relate to our market size and growth strategy, our estimated and projected costs, margins, revenue, expenditures and customer and financial growth rates, our Q2 and fiscal 2025 financial outlook, our plans and objectives for future operations, growth, initiatives or strategies. By their nature, these statements are subject to numerous uncertainties and risks, including factors beyond our control, that could cause actual results, performance or achievement to differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. These assumptions, uncertainties and risks include that, among others, our business would be harmed by any decline in new customers, renewals or upgrades, our limited operating history makes it difficult to evaluate our prospects and future results of operations, we operate in competitive markets, we may not be able to sustain our revenue growth rate in the future, our business would be harmed by any significant interruptions, delays or outages in services from our platform or certain social media platforms, and a cybersecurity-related attack, significant data breach or disruption of the information technology systems or networks could negatively affect our business. Additional risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements are included under the caption “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and the future quarterly and current reports that we file with the SEC. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statements are made and are based on information available to BigCommerce at the time those statements are made and/or management’s good faith belief as of that time with respect to future events. BigCommerce assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made, except as required by law.

    Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    We have provided in this press release certain financial information that has not been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). Our management uses these Non-GAAP financial measures internally in analyzing our financial results and believes that use of these Non-GAAP financial measures is useful to investors as an additional tool to evaluate ongoing operating results and trends and in comparing our financial results with other companies in our industry, many of which present similar Non-GAAP financial measures. Non-GAAP financial measures are not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for comparable financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP and should be read only in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of our historical Non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures has been provided in the financial statement tables included in this press release, and investors are encouraged to review these reconciliations.

    Annual Revenue Run-Rate

    We calculate annual revenue run-rate at the end of each month as the sum of: (1) contractual monthly recurring revenue at the end of the period, which includes platform subscription fees, invoiced growth adjustments, feed management subscription fees, recurring professional services revenue, and other recurring revenue, multiplied by twelve to prospectively annualize recurring revenue, and (2) the sum of the trailing twelve-month non-recurring and variable revenue, which includes one-time partner integrations, one-time fees, payments revenue share, and any other revenue that is non-recurring and variable.

    Enterprise Account Metrics

    To measure the effectiveness of our ability to execute against our growth strategy, we calculate ARR attributable to Enterprise Accounts. We define Enterprise Accounts as accounts with at least one unique Enterprise plan subscription or an enterprise level feed management subscription (collectively “Enterprise Accounts”). These accounts may have more than one Enterprise plan or a combination of Enterprise plans and non-enterprise plans.

    Average Revenue Per Account

    We calculate average revenue per account for accounts in the Enterprise cohort at the end of a period by including customer-billed revenue and an allocation of partner and services revenue, where applicable. We allocate partner revenue, where applicable, primarily based on each customer’s share of GMV processed through that partner’s solution. For partner revenue that is not directly linked to customer usage of a partner’s solution, we allocate such revenue based on each customer’s share of total platform GMV. Each account’s partner revenue allocation is calculated by taking the account’s trailing twelve-month partner revenue, then dividing by twelve to create a monthly average to apply to the applicable period in order to normalize ARPA for seasonality.

    Adjusted EBITDA

    We define Adjusted EBITDA as our net loss, excluding the impact of stock-based compensation expense and related payroll tax costs, amortization of intangible assets, acquisition related costs, restructuring charges, depreciation, gain on convertible notes extinguishment, interest income, interest expense, other expense, and our provision or benefit for income taxes.

    Acquisition related costs include contingent compensation arrangements entered into in connection with acquisitions and achieved earnout related to an acquisition.

    Restructuring charges include severance benefits, right-of-use asset impairments, lease termination gain, software impairments, accelerated depreciation and amortization, and professional services costs.

    Depreciation includes depreciation expenses related to the Company’s fixed assets.

    The most directly comparable GAAP measure is net loss.

    Non-GAAP Operating Income (Loss)

    We define Non-GAAP Operating Income (Loss) as our GAAP Loss from operations, excluding the impact of stock-based compensation expense and related payroll tax costs, amortization of intangible assets, acquisition related costs, and restructuring charges. The most directly comparable GAAP measure is our loss from operations.

    Non-GAAP Net Income (Loss)

    We define Non-GAAP Net Income (Loss) as our GAAP net loss, excluding the impact of stock-based compensation expense and related payroll tax costs, amortization of intangible assets, acquisition related costs, restructuring charges, and gain on convertible notes extinguishment. The most directly comparable GAAP measure is our net loss.

    Non-GAAP Basic and Dilutive Net Income (Loss) per Share

    We define Non-GAAP Basic and Dilutive Net Income (Loss) per Share as our Non-GAAP net income (loss), defined above, divided by our basic and diluted GAAP weighted average shares outstanding. The most directly comparable GAAP measure is our basic net loss per share.

    Free Cash Flow

    We define Free Cash flow as our GAAP cash flow provided by (used in) operating activities less our cash paid for website domain name and GAAP purchases of property, equipment, leasehold improvements and capitalized internal-use software (Capital Expenditures). The most directly comparable GAAP measure is our cash flow provided by (used in) operating activities.

     
    BigCommerce Holdings, Inc.

    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (in thousands)

     
        March 31,     December 31,  
        2025     2024  
        (unaudited)        
    Assets            
    Current assets            
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 52,084     $ 88,877  
    Restricted cash     1,164       1,479  
    Marketable securities     68,628       89,283  
    Accounts receivable, net     44,164       48,117  
    Prepaid expenses and other assets, net     18,575       14,641  
    Deferred commissions     8,065       8,822  
    Total current assets     192,680       251,219  
    Property and equipment, net     8,128       9,128  
    Operating lease, right-of-use-assets     7,447       1,993  
    Prepaid expenses and other assets, net of current portion     4,299       3,146  
    Deferred commissions, net of current portion     4,381       5,559  
    Intangible assets, net     17,426       17,317  
    Goodwill     51,927       51,927  
    Total assets   $ 286,288     $ 340,289  
    Liabilities and stockholders’ equity            
    Current liabilities            
    Accounts payable   $ 7,822     $ 7,018  
    Accrued liabilities     2,760       3,194  
    Deferred revenue     48,658       46,590  
    Operating lease liabilities     2,006       2,438  
    Other liabilities     21,006       28,766  
    Total current liabilities     82,252       88,006  
    Convertible notes     157,788       216,466  
    Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion     6,994       1,680  
    Other liabilities, net of current portion     1,179       768  
    Total liabilities     248,213       306,920  
    Stockholders’ equity            
    Common stock     7       7  
    Additional paid-in capital     659,985       654,905  
    Accumulated other comprehensive income     124       145  
    Accumulated deficit     (622,041 )     (621,688 )
    Total stockholders’ equity     38,075       33,369  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 286,288     $ 340,289  
     
    BigCommerce Holdings, Inc.

    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
    (in thousands, except per share amounts)
    (unaudited)

     
        For the three months ended March 31,  
        2025     2024  
    Revenue   $ 82,370     $ 80,360  
    Cost of revenue (1)     16,984       18,439  
    Gross profit     65,386       61,921  
    Operating expenses:            
    Sales and marketing(1)     30,366       32,432  
    Research and development(1)     19,206       19,988  
    General and administrative(1)     13,644       14,929  
    Amortization of intangible assets     2,335       2,467  
    Acquisition related costs     333       333  
    Restructuring charges     1,912       0  
    Total operating expenses     67,796       70,149  
    Loss from operations     (2,410 )     (8,228 )
    Gain on convertible note extinguishment     3,931       0  
    Interest income     1,300       3,178  
    Interest expense     (2,543 )     (720 )
    Other expense     (107 )     (332 )
    Income (loss) before provision for income taxes     171       (6,102 )
    Provision for income taxes     (524 )     (290 )
    Net loss   $ (353 )   $ (6,392 )
    Basic net loss per share   $ (0.00 )   $ (0.08 )
    Shares used to compute basic net loss per share     78,835       76,626  
     
    (1) Amounts include stock-based compensation expense and associated payroll tax costs, as follows:
        For the three months ended March 31,  
        2025     2024  
    Cost of revenue   $ 746     $ 656  
    Sales and marketing     1,775       1,867  
    Research and development     3,042       3,476  
    General and administrative     (144 )     2,592  
     
    BigCommerce Holdings, Inc.

    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    (in thousands)
    (unaudited)

     
      Three months ended March 31,  
      2025     2024  
               
    Cash flows from operating activities          
    Net loss $ (353 )   $ (6,392 )
    Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:          
    Depreciation and amortization expense   4,281       3,486  
    Amortization of discount on convertible notes   187       497  
    Amortization of premium on convertible notes   (402 )     0  
    Stock-based compensation expense   5,209       8,388  
    Provision for expected credit losses   930       863  
    Gain on convertible notes extinguishment   (3,931 )     0  
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:          
    Accounts receivable   3,020       (2,588 )
    Prepaid expenses and other assets   (5,084 )     (4,960 )
    Deferred commissions   1,935       211  
    Accounts payable   678       (889 )
    Accrued and other liabilities   (8,137 )     (4,601 )
    Deferred revenue   2,068       2,568  
    Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities   401       (3,417 )
    Cash flows from investing activities:          
    Cash paid for website domain name   (2,444 )     0  
    Purchase of property, equipment, leasehold improvements and capitalized internal-use software   (825 )     (806 )
    Maturity of marketable securities   28,579       29,440  
    Purchase of marketable securities   (7,945 )     (35,565 )
    Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities   17,365       (6,931 )
    Cash flows from financing activities:          
    Proceeds from exercise of stock options   1,096       974  
    Taxes paid related to net share settlement of stock options   (1,225 )     (1,325 )
    Payment of convertible note issuance costs   (217 )   0  
    Repayment of convertible notes and financing obligation   (54,528 )     (134 )
    Net cash used in financing activities   (54,874 )     (485 )
    Net change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash   (37,108 )     (10,833 )
    Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period   90,356       72,845  
    Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period $ 53,248     $ 62,012  
    Supplemental cash flow information:          
    Cash paid for interest $ 5,685     $ 439  
    Cash paid for taxes $ 220     $ 140  
    Right-of-use asset obtained in exchange for new operating lease liability $ 5,516     $ 0  
    Noncash investing and financing activities:          
    Capital additions, accrued but not paid $ 205     $ 0  
               
     
    BigCommerce Holdings, Inc.

    Disaggregation of Revenue

     
    Disaggregated Revenue:
     
        Three months ended March 31,  
    (in thousands)   2025     2024  
    Subscription solutions   $ 62,114     $ 60,959  
    Partner and services     20,256       19,401  
    Revenue   $ 82,370     $ 80,360  
     
    Revenue by Geography:
     
        Three months ended March 31,  
    (in thousands)   2025     2024  
    Revenue:            
    United States   $ 62,621     $ 61,138  
    EMEA     9,965       9,192  
    APAC     5,925       6,254  
    Rest of World     3,859       3,776  
    Revenue   $ 82,370     $ 80,360  
     
    BigCommerce Holdings, Inc

    Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Results
    (in thousands, except per share amounts)
    (unaudited)

     
    Reconciliation of loss from operations to Non-GAAP operating income:
     
        Three months ended March 31,  
        2025     2024  
    (in thousands)            
    Revenue   $ 82,370     $ 80,360  
                 
    Loss from operations   $ (2,410 )   $ (8,228 )
    Plus:            
    Stock-based compensation expense and associated payroll tax costs     5,419       8,591  
    Amortization of intangible assets     2,335       2,467  
    Acquisition related costs     333       333  
    Restructuring charges     1,912       0  
    Non-GAAP operating income   $ 7,589     $ 3,163  
    Non-GAAP operating income as a percentage of revenue     9.2 %     3.9 %
     
    Reconciliation of net loss & basic net loss per share to Non-GAAP net income & Non-GAAP basic and diluted net income per share:
     
        Three months ended March 31,  
        2025     2024  
    (in thousands)            
    Revenue   $ 82,370     $ 80,360  
                 
    Net loss   $ (353 )   $ (6,392 )
    Plus:            
    Stock-based compensation expense and associated payroll tax costs     5,419       8,591  
    Amortization of intangible assets     2,335       2,467  
    Acquisition related costs     333       333  
    Restructuring charges     1,912       0  
    Gain on convertible notes extinguishment     (3,931 )     0  
    Non-GAAP net income   $ 5,715     $ 4,999  
    Basic net loss per share   $ (0.00 )   $ (0.08 )
    Non-GAAP basic net income per share   $ 0.07     $ 0.07  
    Non-GAAP diluted net income per share   $ 0.07     $ 0.06  
    Shares used to compute basic net loss per share and basic Non-GAAP net income per share     78,835       76,626  
    Shares used to compute diluted Non-GAAP net income per share     80,464       78,521  
    Non-GAAP net income as a percentage of revenue     6.9 %     6.2 %
     
    Reconciliation of net loss to adjusted EBITDA:
     
        Three months ended March 31,  
        2025     2024  
    (in thousands)            
    Revenue   $ 82,370     $ 80,360  
                 
    Net loss   $ (353 )   $ (6,392 )
    Plus:            
    Stock-based compensation expense and associated payroll tax costs     5,419       8,591  
    Amortization of intangible assets     2,335       2,467  
    Acquisition related costs     333       333  
    Restructuring charges     1,912       0  
    Depreciation     1,244       1,019  
    Gain on convertible notes extinguishment     (3,931 )     0  
    Interest income     (1,300 )     (3,178 )
    Interest expense     2,543       720  
    Other expenses     107       332  
    Provision for income taxes     524       290  
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ 8,833     $ 4,182  
    Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue     10.7 %     5.2 %
     
     Reconciliation of Cost of revenue to Non-GAAP cost of revenue:
     
        Three months ended March 31,  
        2025     2024  
    (in thousands)            
    Revenue   $ 82,370     $ 80,360  
                 
    Cost of revenue   $ 16,984     $ 18,439  
    Less:            
    Stock-based compensation expense and associated payroll tax costs     746       656  
    Non-GAAP cost of revenue   $ 16,238     $ 17,783  
    As a percentage of revenue     19.7 %     22.1 %
     
    Reconciliation of Sales and marketing expense to Non-GAAP sales and marketing expense:
     
        Three months ended March 31,  
        2025     2024  
    (in thousands)            
    Revenue   $ 82,370     $ 80,360  
                 
    Sales and marketing   $ 30,366     $ 32,432  
    Less:            
    Stock-based compensation expense and associated payroll tax costs     1,775       1,867  
    Non-GAAP sales and marketing   $ 28,591     $ 30,565  
    As a percentage of revenue     34.7 %     38.0 %
     
    Reconciliation of Research and development expense to Non-GAAP research and development expense:
     
        Three months ended March 31,  
        2025     2024  
    (in thousands)            
    Revenue   $ 82,370     $ 80,360  
                 
    Research and development   $ 19,206     $ 19,988  
    Less:            
    Stock-based compensation expense and associated payroll tax costs     3,042       3,476  
    Non-GAAP research and development   $ 16,164     $ 16,512  
    As a percentage of revenue     19.6 %     20.5 %
     
    Reconciliation of General and administrative expense to Non-GAAP general and administrative expense:
     
        Three months ended March 31,  
        2025     2024  
    (in thousands)            
    Revenue   $ 82,370     $ 80,360  
                 
    General & administrative   $ 13,644     $ 14,929  
    Less:            
    Stock-based compensation expense and associated payroll tax costs     (144 )     2,592  
    Non-GAAP general & administrative   $ 13,788     $ 12,337  
    As a percentage of revenue     16.7 %     15.4 %
     
    Reconciliation of net cash provided by (used in) operating activities to free cash flow:
        Three months ended March 31,  
        2025     2024  
    (in thousands)            
    Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities   $ 401     $ (3,417 )
    Cash paid for website domain name     (2,444 )     0  
    Purchase of property, equipment, leasehold improvements and capitalized internal-use software     (825 )     (806 )
    Free cash flow   $ (2,868 )   $ (4,223 )

    The MIL Network