Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Benin: An African Pioneer 

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    Benin: An African Pioneer

    January 31, 2025

    Innovation and a strong reform drive have strengthened Benin’s resilience to regional and global challenges and supported progress toward meeting the Sustainable Development Goals.

    Benin faced a number of negative spillovers in 2022: a deteriorating regional security situation at its northern border, the lingering scars of COVID-19, and higher living costs amid the war in Ukraine. To help counter those headwinds, the country tapped IMF support, including a $650 million blended Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement, complemented by a $200 million Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) in 2023. Development partners’ confidence in the country’s reform program has been reflected in budget support consistently exceeding expectations. Moreover, Benin was among the first countries to re-access the international capital market last year, following a two-year hiatus, with several sovereign credit rating upgrades in recent years.  

    Despite challenges, there are promising signs of economic transformation. Among other achievements, growth has been strong, fiscal adjustment is proceeding while allowing for a significant increase in social spending, and efforts to strengthen governance are gaining ground.

    Following the combined Fifth Review of the ongoing EFF/ECF arrangement and Second Review of the RSF, IMF Country Focus discussed the country’s economic performance with Romuald Wadagni, Senior Minister of State of Economy and Finance for Benin, and Constant Lonkeng, IMF Mission Chief for Benin.

    How is the current reform program affecting the daily lives of Beninese people?

    Finance Minister Wadagni: First and foremost, our ongoing reform program has allowed us to navigate an episode of severe and repeated shocks, with technical and financial support from our development partners. As a result, our economy has shown remarkable resilience, with growth averaging more than 6.5 percent in recent years.

    Economic resilience is helping harness the potential of Benin’s people. A key focus of our reform program is enhancing human capital, as articulated under our people-centric Government Action Program (PAG 2021–26).

    Our Integrated School Feeding Program currently provides free meals to students in 95 percent of elementary schools in rural areas (more than 1.3 million children), with full coverage targeted this year. Lower education is now tuition-free for girls across all of Benin’s 77 communes (estimated 2 million girls), with an ongoing pilot to extend to upper secondary school. We are also putting emphasis on technical education and vocational training to prepare our large youth population to seize job opportunities in high value-added activities.  

    More broadly, our flagship Insurance for Human Capital Enhancement (ARCH) seeks to foster social resilience through various programs including micro-credits, access to healthcare, and pensions. The social registry—established early on under the EFF/ECF with World Bank technical support—is an essential tool for targeting our support to the most vulnerable.  

    How has IMF engagement supported the authorities’ policy agenda?

    IMF Mission Chief Lonkeng: One key design consideration of Benin’s IMF-supported program was balancing financing and fiscal adjustment in a shock-prone environment. Considering Benin’s established track record in macroeconomic management, we opted for a flexible design—a vote of confidence from the IMF.  

    Frontloaded financing supported the country’s appropriately strong counter-cyclical policy response to severe shocks—the IMF disbursed more than 40 percent of the total financing envelope of about 400 percent of Benin’s quota in the first 6 months of the 42-month program to smooth out fiscal adjustment. The EFF/ECF was subsequently complemented by an RSF (120 percent of Benin’s quota) to help enhance the country’s overall socio-economic resilience.  

    The authorities have since been re-building policy space, with domestic revenue mobilization being a key part of this effort and, more broadly, the cornerstone of the authorities’ reform program. A frontloaded tax policy reform under the program complemented efforts to digitalize the tax system to boost revenue collection. As the chart shows, Benin’s tax-to-GDP ratio increased by more than 2 percentage points during 2022–24, far exceeding the average improvement of other countries in this timeframe. 

    There are promising signs of economic transformation. How are you achieving this and what lessons did you learn along the way?

    Finance Minister Wadagni: We first conducted an in-depth diagnostic of our economic and financial situation about a decade ago. We then embarked on a first wave of reforms to lay the foundations for structural transformation, cognizant of the fact that sound public finances, reliable energy, and infrastructure—including digital—are key prerequisites for sustained economic expansion.  

    The ongoing second wave of reforms seek to consolidate our initial achievements and climb up value chains by processing commodities locally. The Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone—which is dedicated to the local transformation of agricultural products including cotton, cashews, and soybeans—plays a strategic role in this regard. We intend to further develop the zone and, more broadly, pursue the structural transformation of our economy, including through continued modernization and enhanced resilience of agriculture. We will also step up investment in unlocking Benin’s tourism potential and modernizing the Port of Cotonou.

    In doing all of the above, we will expand the social safety nets to reach as many vulnerable people as possible. A key lesson from our experience so far is that sound governance is critical in economic transformation.  

    Benin innovated with the issuance of the first Social Development Goal (SDG) bond in the region – and is now extending this framework to catalyze private climate finance. Can you elaborate?

    Finance Minister Wadagni: We developed an SDG bond framework around the country’s social and climate priorities as an integral part of our development finance strategy. The framework was initially used to issue a €500 million SDG bond in 2021, a first in the region. It has since facilitated the financing of key social and energy transition projects. We intend to leverage the SDG bond framework to catalyze financing for climate change adaptation, resilient agriculture, sustainable ecosystem management, and the energy transition.

    Relatedly, we secured climate financing pledges from our partners during the recent COP29, following the climate finance roundtable that we co-convened in Cotonou with the IMF and the World Bank.

    What has been the key to program engagement in your view, and what do you see as the main challenges ahead?   

    IMF Mission Chief Lonkeng: First and foremost, program ownership has been key. Benin has an established tradition of public consultation around the country’s reform agenda—under the National Development Plan and the Government Action Program. The Fund-supported program therefore had a solid homegrown foundation to build on.  

    Going forward, continued expansion of the tax base, drawing on the country’s recently developed medium-term revenue strategy, would help fund Benin’s large development needs (the country’s median age is 18), and improve the country’s capacity to carry debt and preserve debt sustainability.  

    On the structural front, a continued move away from the traditional transit-centered growth model—supported by a balanced social contract—would foster private sector job creation in higher value-added activities for the large youth population. Enhancing resilience to climate change and maintaining the digitalization drive would also support overall socio-economic resilience in the long-term. All of this would help raise the living standards of the Beninese in a sustained and inclusive manner.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Pavement parking ban in Edinburgh hailed a success one year on

    Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh

    The benefits of the pavement parking ban have been praised by Guide Dogs Scotland and Living Streets Edinburgh.

    The Council previously worked with these organisations to lobby for the introduction of controls in Scotland.

    Earlier this week (January 29) marked a full year since enforcement began against parking on pavements, at dropped kerb crossing points and double parking.

    We introduced these rules to make our streets safer for pedestrians and road users. Pavement parking particularly impacts people who use wheelchairs and mobility, those who are blind or partially sighted and people pushing prams or buggies. This practise also damages pavements, which are expensive to repair and become a trip hazard for everyone.

    Parking attendants have the powers to issue Penalty Charge Notices (PCN) to vehicles parked on pavements, some verges, at crossing points or double parked. A parking ticket will be issued at the national level of £100 but reduced to £50 if paid within the first 14 days. This follows a similar process to existing parking tickets issued in Edinburgh.

    You can find out more about these rules and report incorrectly parked vehicles on our website.

    Up to 26 January 2025 there had been 5,153 PCNs issued for footway parking, 1,612 for dropped kerb parking and 1,629 for double parking.

    Since enforcement began there has been an overall decreasing trend in PCN fines being issued for pavement parking – with the exception of the busier summer months.

    Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said:

    Since we first introduced these changes one year ago, we’ve seen many residents and visitors modify their parking habits accordingly, with the problem of pavement parking disappearing in many streets across our city. The overall gradual decrease in PCN fines for pavement parking also shows we’re headed in the right direction, ultimately we want to see zero fines.  

    Every driver is responsible for parking their vehicle considerately, and where this would not cause an obstruction to the pavement or road. We brought the pavement parking ban in to provide a safe and accessible environment for everyone, especially those with sight impairments, mobility issues or pushing buggies. We’ve also heard from many people who really appreciate clearer, wider pavements and who no longer need to walk on the road as a result of the ban.

    I’m proud that we took this decision to make our streets as safe and accessible as possible – and that local authorities across Scotland are now looking to Edinburgh’s lead and implementing schemes of their own.

    Transport and Local Access Forum Convener, Councillor Kayleigh O’Neill said:

    The pavement parking ban has been so well received in Edinburgh, and I am so grateful to everyone who has played a part in making that happen. Strong awareness, resident co-operation and Council enforcement has meant that disabled people, elderly people, those with buggies and prams, all have an easier time getting around.

    So many streets that have been blighted in the past are now free and accessible for people who move around the city like me who uses a power wheelchair. Pavements are for people and the enforcement of this ban reinforces that. It is great to also see that Glasgow has followed us and are beginning enforcement on their city streets from January 29.

    Policy and Campaigns Manager at Guide Dogs Scotland, Mike Moore said:

    One year on from the enforcement of pavement parking restrictions in Edinburgh, people with sight loss say it has made a real difference. By keeping pavements clear, the new rules have helped to ensure that people in the capital can get out and about safely, without the fear of being forced on to the road by inconsiderate parking.

    We welcome the start of enforcement in Glasgow this week, which marks an important step towards a consistent approach across Scotland. With both of Scotland’s largest cities now taking action, we hope to see continued progress by local authorities to make our streets safer and more accessible for all pedestrians.

    Living Streets Edinburgh Group Convener, David Hunter said:

    The City of Edinburgh Council deserves credit not only for being the first in Scotland to apply the national ban on pavement parking, but also for adopting a “no streets exempt” policy.

    This been the most significant change to make Edinburgh a safer and more attractive city for pedestrians since the introduction of widespread 20mph speed limits.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Global: How Trump’s suggestion to ‘clean out’ Gaza sent shockwaves through the Middle East

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Sam Phelps, Commissioning Editor, International Affairs

    This article was first published as World Affairs Briefing from The Conversation UK. Click here to receive this newsletter every Thursday, direct to your inbox.

    Hundreds of thousands of civilians returned to the northern Gaza Strip this week after checkpoints were reopened in line with the ceasefire agreement. Many will have found their homes destroyed after months of heavy fighting and bombardment – something the new US president, Donald Trump, has pointed out.

    In an exchange with reporters last weekend, Trump said: “I’m looking at the whole Gaza Strip right now and it’s a mess, it’s a real mess.” He then went on to suggest Palestinians there should be “evacuated” to Egypt and Jordan where “they could maybe live in peace for a change”. “You’re talking about a million and a half people … we just clean out that whole thing,” he continued.

    Trump is seemingly no stranger to airing whatever thoughts come into his head. At his inauguration he claimed – without providing evidence – that “China is operating the Panama canal”. And he has since called Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine “ridiculous”. But even by these standards, his suggestion to evict Gazans from their land is brash to say the least.


    Sign up to receive our weekly World Affairs Briefing newsletter from The Conversation UK. Every Thursday we’ll bring you expert analysis of the big stories in international relations.


    As Karin Aggestam of Lund University reports, Trump’s proposal has been met with disbelief across the Middle East. It has been widely criticised throughout the region as a potential “second Nakba” – referring to the displacement of Palestinians after Israel’s unilateral declaration of statehood in 1948.




    Read more:
    Donald Trump’s suggestion of ‘clearing out’ Gaza adds another risk to an already fragile ceasefire


    The proposal has also been rejected outright by Egypt and Jordan. Egypt’s ministry of foreign affairs released a statement on Sunday objecting to any forced displacement of Palestinians. And Jordan’s minister of foreign affairs, Ayman Safadi, said his country was committed to “ensuring that Palestinians remain on their land”. The Arab League regional bloc has accused Trump of advocating ethnic cleansing.

    Aggestam says it’s not yet certain if moving Palestinians out of Gaza will become an official US policy position, or whether it is yet another example of Trump speaking his mind. But, in her view, Trump’s latest pronouncement will further complicate the already fragile ceasefire.

    The idea of relocating Palestinians to other countries has thrilled Israel’s extreme ultra-nationalist parties. The Israeli finance minister and leader of the Religious Zionist party, Bezalel Smotrich, and the former national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, have both previously encouraged the return of Israeli settlers to the Gaza Strip.

    Ben Gvir, who recently resigned from his ministerial position in protest at the Gaza ceasefire, asserted in October that “encouraging emigration” of Palestinian residents of Gaza would be the “most ethical” solution to the conflict.

    According to Leonie Fleischmann of City, University of London, the pair share an anti-Arab ideology and a messianic belief in the Jewish people’s right to what they call “Greater Israel”. This refers to a Jewish state that would also include the West Bank, which they referred to as “Judea and Samaria”, as well as Gaza and part of Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

    As Fleischmann explains, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip were the sites of many key events in biblical times and were the home of a number of Israelite kingdoms. In the Bible, God even promises this land to the descendants of Abraham – the Jewish people. This, Fleischmann writes, is the reason behind Smotrich and Ben Gvir’s belief that the Jewish people have the God-given right to settle the whole of Greater Israel.




    Read more:
    The growing influence of Israel’s ultranationalist settler movement


    This is not a position held by the majority of Israelis. But Israel’s ultra-nationalists wield considerable political power, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government dependent on their support to remain in power. Indeed, days after Trump suggested clearing out Gaza, Smotrich spoke of turning it into an actionable policy.

    Speaking with reporters on Monday, he said: “There is nothing to be excited about the weak opposition of Egypt and Jordan to the plan. We saw yesterday how Trump [imposed his will on] Colombia to deport immigrants despite its opposition. When he wants it, it happens.”

    The events Smotrich was referring to in Colombia were certainly extraordinary. Outraged at the repatriation of Colombian migrants in military planes, Colombian president Gustavo Petro refused to allow the flights to land.

    Trump immediately vowed tariffs on Colombian goods and sanctions on government officials, which drew a furious social media response out of Petro and the start of a (very brief) trade war. But within a few hours, Petro had backed down and Colombia announced it would start receiving migrants, including on US military aircraft.

    The White House hailed the agreement as a victory for Trump’s hardline immigration strategy. However, according to Amalendu Misra of Lancaster University, Trump’s punishing tariff threats and foul rhetoric toward illegal immigrants may only damage the power and position of the US in the region.

    His willingness to wage a trade war with countries in Latin America could encourage others to speed up their search for alternative trade partners. And, worse still, he may even push them towards closer relations with governments and ideologies that are inimical to US interests, writes Misra.




    Read more:
    Trump’s method for repatriating migrants risks undermining US interests in Latin America


    Choppy waters ahead

    Back in the Middle East, the ceasefire in Gaza has offered the region a break from war. This has included a pledge by Houthi militants in Yemen not to attack commercial ships travelling through the Red Sea.

    These attacks have halved the number of ships passing through the Suez Canal, a crucial route for goods moving between Asia and Europe, with many diverting around the southern tip of Africa.

    This route adds thousands of miles to the journey, so supply chains have had to deal with higher shipping costs, product delivery delays and increased carbon emissions. In the view of Gokcay Balci, a logistics expert at Leeds University, this disruption is likely to continue.

    The situation in the Red Sea remains unpredictable, he writes. The leader of the Houthis, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, said on Monday that the group was “ready to return to escalation again alongside our brothers, the fighters in Palestine”, and warned: “We have our finger on the trigger.” Shipping companies have, unsurprisingly, announced that they will continue to prioritise alternative routes.

    The Houthis seem unconvinced that the ceasefire in Gaza will hold. But, at least for now, it is providing civilians with some much-needed respite after more than a year of relentless violence.




    Read more:
    Red Sea crisis: supply chain issues set to continue despite Gaza ceasefire


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    ref. How Trump’s suggestion to ‘clean out’ Gaza sent shockwaves through the Middle East – https://theconversation.com/how-trumps-suggestion-to-clean-out-gaza-sent-shockwaves-through-the-middle-east-248461

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI Global: Nonprofits that provide shelter for homeless people, disaster recovery help, and food for low-income Americans rely heavily on federal funding – they would be reeling if Trump froze that money

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Dyana Mason, Associate Professor of Planning, Public Policy and Management, University of Oregon

    Food pantry staff members and volunteers hand out food in Chelsea, Mass., in November 2024. Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images

    On Jan. 27, 2025, the Trump administration ordered a freeze on federal grants and contracts covering a wide array of aid programs to take effect at 5 p.m. the following day. This freeze was partially prevented when a judge responded to a lawsuit filed by the National Council of Nonprofits and other organizations. The flow of funds on grants that had already been awarded was at least temporarily protected by the judge’s action. The attorneys general of 22 states and the District of Columbia have also sued to block this funding freeze.

    The Trump administration, which on Jan. 29 rescinded the memo ordering the funding suspension, has made clear that it may again seek to reduce or eliminate much of the money, totaling several hundred billion dollars, that funds many services that nonprofits provide, such as support for foster parents, after-school care and distributing food for free.

    Dyana Mason and Mirae Kim, two scholars of nonprofits, explain the role that federal funding plays in the nonprofit sector.

    How much do nonprofits rely on federal funding?

    Nonprofits partner with the government to deliver social services, such as child care for low-income families, housing for people experiencing homelessness, and job training and placement. These partnerships can form with local or state governments, as well as with the federal government, with this collaboration mostly taking place through grants and contracts.

    Government funding makes up about 33% of the revenue flowing into the nonprofit sector annually, according to the Urban Institute. The institute, a think tank, also found that nearly 40% of all nonprofits in the United States applied for federal grants in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and that about 10% applied for federal contracts. The share of government funding can be far larger for some kinds of social service nonprofits.

    Many other nonprofits applied for local and state grants during that three-year period. Those grants, however, are often themselves funded by the federal government indirectly through grants it makes to state and local government agencies. Those agencies, in turn, then provide grants or maintain contracts with local nonprofits to provide services.

    Although it’s hard to track with absolute precision due to those complex arrangements, government revenue is the second-largest source of income for nonprofits after the money these organizations and institutions earn through commercial activities.

    Also called “fee-for-service,” this revenue includes the money nonprofit hospitals get when patients and insurers pay medical bills, nonprofit theaters receive when they sell tickets to performances, and nonprofit private schools obtain when parents pay tuition.

    Some social service nonprofits charge fees too, typically on a sliding scale. That is, their clients with relatively higher incomes pay more, and those with extremely low incomes pay very little or nothing at all.

    How could freezing federal funding affect nonprofits?

    We have no doubt that a long freeze on federal grants and contracts would be devastating for nonprofits and the communities they serve.

    For example, Meals on Wheels, a program that delivers hot meals to more than 2 million homebound people over 65 and helps them maintain social connections, gets 37% of its funding from the federal government.

    Clackamas Women’s Services, a domestic and sexual violence organization based near Portland, Oregon, is one of the many local organizations that have expressed concern about what to expect. The group says it could lose half of its annual budget if federal funding were to be eliminated.

    Without federal funding, organizations like these – many of which already have waitlists – would have to cut back on the services they provide.

    Nonprofits are confused and concerned about the stability of federal funding, Scripps News reports.

    What’s the role of nonprofits in the US safety net?

    It’s very significant.

    For the past several decades, attempts to scale back the size of the government have led to government agencies essentially hiring nonprofits to do much of their work.

    Through contracts and grants, nonprofits then do such things as assist people who are recovering from fires, hurricanes and other disasters; provide services for veterans and active-duty members of the military; and help people with mental health conditions, including substance use problems, just to name a few.

    This arrangement typically provides nonprofits with a reliable and predictable source of funds that they can use to serve their communities. But it can also leave them vulnerable to policy changes – especially when new administrations take over, as the second Trump administration’s actions illustrate.

    Research we conducted about what happened to nonprofits during the COVID-19 pandemic showed that volatility in the economy has serious effects on the ability of nonprofits to do their work.

    For example, social service nonprofits struggled in March and April 2020 due to falling revenue at a time of increasing demand. Many of these organizations had to scale back their services. In some cases, they canceled them.

    We followed up with another survey in November and December 2020. By then, we found, 61% of the groups had received forgivable federal loans through the government’s Paycheck Protection Program.

    Nearly half of the nonprofits told us that they had, in addition, received other forms of emergency funding from the federal government, including Economic Injury Disaster Loans and emergency food distributions.

    This federal assistance made it possible for thousands of nonprofits to keep their staff employed and continue to provide important services as the economy recovered.

    What happens when nonprofits lose federal funds?

    It’s hard for social service organizations to replace federal funding.

    Nonprofits can, of course, appeal to their donors to help bridge the gap. But donations from individuals, foundations, corporations and bequests only amount to no more than 15% of the funds flowing into the nonprofit sector.

    The outcome of freezing, eliminating or scaling back federal funding for nonprofits would mean that those in need would get fewer services. We would also expect mass layoffs, which could harm the U.S. economy.

    Nonprofits employ more than 12 million people in the United States. That’s more workers than big industries such as construction, transportation and finance employ. Should millions of them suddenly become unemployed, demand would grow further for social services from providers already unable to meet lower levels of demand due to funding cuts.

    Has there ever been upheaval like this before?

    Congress appropriates money to provide for the services that the public needs and demands. These moves have led to great fear and uncertainty among organizations that serve people in need in the United States and abroad.

    Although it’s not unusual for funding priorities to change from one administration to the next, Donald Trump’s executive orders on international aid and nonprofit grants and contracts that underpin the U.S. safety net are unprecedented.

    Dyana Mason has received research funding from the National Institute for Transportation and Communities and the Joint Fire Science Program with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). She is also a volunteer board member of the Southwest Oregon chapter of the American Red Cross.

    Mirae Kim is affiliated with the Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action (ARNOVA) as a non-paid, at-large board member.

    ref. Nonprofits that provide shelter for homeless people, disaster recovery help, and food for low-income Americans rely heavily on federal funding – they would be reeling if Trump froze that money – https://theconversation.com/nonprofits-that-provide-shelter-for-homeless-people-disaster-recovery-help-and-food-for-low-income-americans-rely-heavily-on-federal-funding-they-would-be-reeling-if-trump-froze-that-money-248543

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Prepare to be amazed as the NI Science Fair rolls into town

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Prepare to be amazed as the NI Science Fair rolls into town

    31 January 2025

    Science buffs across Strabane should prepare to be amazed as the NI Science Fair visits the Alley Theatre for a series of exciting events.

    Established in 2014, the NI Science Festival has grown to become the largest celebration of its kind on the island of Ireland, and one of the leading science festivals in Europe.

    For its 11th edition, the festival will present more than 300 events across Northern Ireland, focusing on our rich and diverse natural environment, our engineering and manufacturing heritage, sustainability, technology, the mind and body, and much more.

    The festival’s regional roadshow will touch down in Strabane with a series of events, including Chemistry & the Celts on Friday 14th February at The Alley Theatre. An immersive exploration into the world of the Irish Celts with Scientific Sue, this engaging show, supported by Almac, brings ancient traditions to life, blending the wonders of chemistry with the rich tapestry of Celtic history.

    Also taking place at The Alley is Look Closer where little explorers embark on a fun-filled journey of discovery into nature’s wonders with screenings of BBC/CBeebies Tiny Wonders followed by hands-on experiments in Mini Lab Zones where the budding researchers will get to use real microscopes and take a closer look at fascinating little curiosities from nature. 

    NI Science Festival director Sarah Jones said: “The NI Science Festival is a celebration of science, creativity, and the world around us, designed to be engaging and enjoyable for everyone. Over 12 days, the festival will pop up in venues across Northern Ireland, showcasing the incredible work of local researchers and scientists alongside some well-known guest speakers. This year’s programme is packed with exciting events for all ages, offering something for everyone. It’s an opportunity to embrace the joy of discovery, explore the power of ideas, and celebrate the possibilities science brings to our everyday lives.”

    Dr Frances Weldon, Associate Director STEM Outreach, Almac Group, said: “We are deeply committed to supporting STEM education at Almac and as such we’re delighted to partner with NI Science Festival in the Chemistry & the Celts show and to receive funding from the Arts & Business NI Investment Programme. Chemistry is a core discipline and career area at Almac. This collaborative project delivers entertaining chemistry content through arts and history, sparking children’s curiosity and stimulating them to think about chemistry as part of everyday life.”

    Tickets are available from the Alley Theatre website: www.alley-theatre.com or call the Alley Theatre Box Office on 028 71 384444

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Wales’s clean energy industry to be a ‘powerhouse’ for economic growth says Welsh Secretary

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Pembrokeshire has been identified as a key growth region for clean energy in Wales.

    Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens at Dragon LNG accompanied by Simon Ames, Managing Director at Dragon LNG.

    • Welsh Secretary champions clean energy in West Wales and sees how the sector will provide the jobs of the future.
    • UK Government economic growth mission delivers for Wales with £26 million investment in Celtic Freeport. 
    • Pembrokeshire identified as a key growth region for clean energy

    Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens has told clean energy industry leaders that they will play a vital part in helping to grow the economy in Wales.

    The discussion with key figures from the sector at RWE’s Pembroke Power Station today (30 January) was the latest in a series of round-table meetings chaired by the Welsh Secretary as part of her drive to deliver economic growth for Wales. 

    The UK Government is working with the Welsh Government and industry partners to develop floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea. This would see wind turbines built on floating platforms which means they can take advantage of the wind direction.

    The Welsh Secretary heard plans for how floating offshore wind could support up to 5,300 new jobs and generate up to £1.4bn for the UK economy.

    The UK Government has identified Pembrokeshire as a pilot area to develop a skilled clean energy workforce, which could see funding for targeted measures such as training centres and courses to up-skill workers. 

    Ports will be vital for supporting floating offshore wind. The UK Government has announced a partnership between The Crown Estate and Great British Energy which has the potential to leverage up to £60 billion of private investment into ports and clean energy supply lines. 

    The UK Government has also committed £26 million for the Celtic Freeport in Milford Haven and Port Talbot. The Celtic Freeport will encourage growth and investment by creating tax and customs incentives for business. 

    Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens said:

    My clear focus is on delivering the UK Government’s Plan for Change which will kickstart the economy and put more money in people’s pockets in Wales.

    We have a world class clean energy sector in Wales, with abundant natural resources and the potential to be a powerhouse for economic growth.

    I want to see a thriving industry which delivers both well-paid jobs and contributes to our mission to make the UK a clean energy superpower by 2030.

    The Welsh Secretary’s discussion with industry leaders took place on Thursday 30 January at RWE’s Pembroke Power Station and is the latest in a series of round-table meetings chaired by her as part of her drive to deliver economic growth for Wales. Ms Stevens has already met leaders from the digital and tech industry, the creative sector, the advanced manufacturing sector and the life sciences industry in Wales.

    At the end of 2024 the Welsh Secretary launched the Welsh Economic Growth Advisory Group to help shape UK Government efforts to boost growth and put more money in people’s pockets. The group is tasked with informing the UK Government’s new Industrial Strategy to boost key Welsh industries and shape Welsh priorities for the next Spending Review, both expected during Spring 2025.

    As well as talking to industry leaders the Welsh Secretary visited Dragon LNG in Milford Haven where she learnt more about their innovative plans to support proposals to decarbonise Wales’s heavy industries. 

    Simon Ames Managing Director at Dragon LNG said:

    It was a great honour to host the Secretary of State at Dragon and showcase the local talent at this fantastic facility.

    We deliver 10% of UK’s gas, ensuring resilience and diversity of supply from all over the world. 

    Through the transition to green energy we hope to develop our joint project with RWE on CO2 capture, liquefaction and shipping so that they can provide low carbon on demand power into the UK”. 

    Ms Stevens also toured Ledwood Mechanical Engineering in Pembroke Dock. The company specialises in designing, making and installing complex machinery and structures for the energy industries. There she spoke to apprentices, who are gaining skills which will be valuable in the clean energy industry, about their future ambitions. 

    Nick Revell Managing Director of Ledwood Mechanical Engineering said:

    There has been much discussion around the potential for the Welsh economy and local supply chain to capitalise on the potential of floating offshore wind and tidal power but the reality is that investors, developers and supply chain partners all have to have confidence that Governments in Westminster and Cardiff Bay will get behind this new industry.

    It’s time to stop talking and start doing so that we can remove barriers and move forward. We welcome the engagement with the Welsh Secretary and looking forward to working with her and Welsh Government to help make this happen.

    Albie Elliott, an apprentice with Ledwood Mechanical Engineering said:

    The clean energy industry will provide a great long-term career pathway for apprentices like me who want to live and work locally.

    It’s a real exciting time and I am proud to be working for a company like Ledwood that is based here in Pembroke and is at the forefront of the global energy processing sector.

    ENDS

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Lord Justice Clerk appointed

    Source: Scottish Government

    Lord Beckett to succeed Lady Dorrian.

    First Minister John Swinney has welcomed the appointment of Scotland’s new Lord Justice Clerk by His Majesty the King.

    The Rt. Hon Lord Beckett will succeed the Rt. Hon Lady Dorrian as Scotland’s second most senior judge after she retires on Monday 3 February. As Lord Justice Clerk, he will also hold the office of President of the Second Division of the Inner House of the Court of Session and serve as the Chair of the Scottish Sentencing Council.

    A former Solicitor General, Lord Beckett was appointed as a Supreme Courts judge in May 2016, then elevated to the Inner House of the Court of Session in July 2023. He has been involved in work to review court procedures for sexual offence cases, improve trauma training for judges and simplify the guidance given to juries.

    Lord Beckett was nominated for appointment by the First Minister based on the advice of a selection panel.

    The First Minister said:

    “I offer my warmest congratulations to Lord Beckett on his appointment as Lord Justice Clerk, reflecting a long and distinguished career of service in Scotland’s legal system.

    “The Lord Justice Clerk is one of the Great Offices of State in Scotland and the second most senior figure in the judicial system, with a prominent role in the criminal appeals system. It is a significant appointment that requires careful consideration, so I am very grateful to the members of the selection panel for their advice before I nominated Lord Beckett.

    “Lady Dorrian was the first woman appointed to such a senior judicial office in Scotland. Her legacy will be significant, not only for that reason but as a result of her advocacy for vulnerable victims and witnesses, and her commitment to making court proceedings more transparent. Lady Dorrian leaves office with my gratitude and best wishes for the future.”

     Lord President Lord Carloway said:

    “Lord Beckett is a very experienced judge who has presided over some of the highest profile trials in recent times. He has been a member of the judiciary, for over 17 years, first as a Sheriff then as a High Court Judge. He was appointed to the Inner House of the Court of Session in 2023. His extensive knowledge of criminal cases, together with his work on evidence on commission and on case management in the High Court makes him an excellent appointment as Lord Justice Clerk. I wish him well in this extremely important office.”

    Lord Justice Clerk Lady Dorrian said:

    “It has been a huge privilege to be Lord Justice Clerk and I am pleased to be handing over to Lord Beckett. He is passionate about improving the experience of complainers and witnesses in court. He was part of the working group which I chaired on the management of sexual offence cases which will stand him in good stead for the reforms which will be coming in over the next few years. His experience will also be valuable as he takes over as Chair of the Scottish Sentencing Council. As a former Chair of the Judicial Institute and someone who has been leading the way on trauma-informed training for the judiciary, he is ideally suited for this role.”

     Background

    Lord Beckett was admitted as a solicitor in 1986, working in private practice before being admitted to the Faculty of Advocates in 1993. In 2003, he was appointed as an advocate depute and he became a Queen’s Counsel in 2005. He served as Solicitor General for Scotland in 2006, became a sheriff in 2008 and was appointed as an appeal sheriff on the establishment of the Sheriff Appeal Court in 2015. 

    Process for selecting the Lord Justice Clerk is set out in the Judiciary and Courts (Scotland) Act 2008. In line with those provisions, the First Minister established a panel and invited recommendations for individuals suitable for appointment. The members of the panel were:

    • Lindsay Montgomery CBE, Lay Chairing Member of the Judicial Appointments Board for Scotland
    • The Rt. Hon Lord Carloway, the Lord President
    • The Rt Hon. Lord Matthews, Inner House Judge of the Court of Session
    • Elizabeth Burnley CBE, lay member of the Judicial Appointments Board for Scotland

    Lord Beckett will be sworn in as the Lord Justice Clerk by Lord Pentland at a ceremony on Tuesday 4 February.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI China: From motorcycles to C919 jets — China’s travel rush evolution

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

    GUANGZHOU, Jan. 31 — After completing his final delivery, truck driver Zhou Qiang boarded flight CZ8233 back home for Spring Festival celebrations, eager to experience his maiden trip on China’s domestically developed C919 aircraft.

    Once aboard the plane, he could not resist snapping photos to share with his family later. “The seats are very comfortable with plenty of legroom. I can even cross my legs,” Zhou said. The flight from the southern city of Guangzhou to Chengdu, capital of southwest China’s Sichuan Province, cut his travel time from at least seven hours by train to just two and a half hours this year.

    China is currently in the midst of its annual 40-day Spring Festival travel rush, known as chunyun, a period that sees hundreds of millions of people traveling for family reunions.

    As the country’s airlines of China Eastern, Air China and China Southern have added the C919 aircraft to their fleets, this homegrown aircraft model has been involved in chunyun — with 16 such jets in service this year.

    The Civil Aviation Administration of China has forecast that the number of air passengers during this year’s chunyun is likely to exceed 90 million, potentially setting a new record.

    “Unlike in the past, when many braved the cold by traveling home on motorcycles, more and more fellows now choose high-speed trains or planes,” Zhou noted.

    Until about a decade ago, the sight of migrant workers riding motorcycles from the economic hub of the Pearl River Delta to labor-export regions like Guangxi, Guizhou, Yunnan and Sichuan was an iconic phenomenon during chunyun.

    Huang Xiaoyan and her husband were among them, enduring a grueling 30-hour journey on two wheels from Foshan, Guangdong Province, to their rural home in south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

    “It was freezing, especially when it rained. The road was slippery and very risky,” recalled Huang, who works in the plastic manufacturing industry.

    Guangdong’s official figures show that such motorcycle brigades had peaked at 1.1 million trips during the Spring Festival travel season of 2013, before declining in 2014. This decline coincided with the launch of high-speed rail lines connecting Guangdong with regions like Guizhou and Guangxi.

    This year, railways are expected to handle over 510 million passenger trips, averaging 12.75 million daily — a 5.5-percent increase from 2024, while road trips are forecast to reach 7.2 billion.

    Huang said growth in the incomes of migrant workers has resulted in fewer being willing to endure the hardship and danger of riding motorcycles home. Over the past three years, she and her brother have driven home in his car.

    “Almost no one I know rides motorcycles home now,” Huang added.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI China: Healthier, fresher, tastier: Chinese consumers’ evolving appetite for festive goods

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

    Healthier, fresher, tastier: Chinese consumers’ evolving appetite for festive goods

    BEIJING, Jan. 31 — As the Spring Festival approached, long lines formed at premium supermarkets renowned for their high-quality products in larger portions across China.

    Photos of the crowded markets quickly went viral on Chinese social media, with some users commenting, “It’s well worth the wait,” while others called on retailers to expand their online services.

    Out shopping at a major supermarket in western Beijing, 26-year-old Wang Ke filled her cart with king crabs, imported cherries, and a variety of festive food and decoration kits for the Chinese New Year, which fell on Jan. 29 this year.

    With a budget of 1,500 yuan (approximately 209 U.S. dollars), this was just one stop on Wang’s shopping trip with her in-laws for the most important holiday in the Chinese lunar calendar. “We love the rich collection of products on offer here,” she said. “And we trust the quality.”

    The ancient tradition of purchasing festive goods for the Chinese New Year has evolved significantly, especially amid China’s remarkable economic growth in recent decades.

    Data from this year’s online shopping festival reveals a growing willingness among Chinese consumers to spend on products that are “tastier,” “healthier” and “fresher,” according to Zhang Peng, general manager of food and fresh produce at major e-commerce platforms Taobao and Tmall.

    Sun Jianhui, a taxi driver in Suzhou in east China’s Jiangsu Province, noted that many families prefer to buy daily necessities at major-brand supermarkets due to concerns over quality. “I don’t mind spending a little extra on better products, not just for the Spring Festival,” Sun told Xinhua. “And I’m not the only one.”

    At the end of 2024, the Chinese government released a document outlining measures to modernize the country’s retail industry over the next five years. The plan aims to establish a modern retail system by 2029 that features enriched supplies, high-quality services, and smart, convenient and green operations.

    Wang Zhenyu, secretary-general of the China Consumers Association, said that quality-based consumption is becoming a mainstream trend in China with consumers increasingly demanding quality products and services.

    In recent years, China has witnessed the rapid expansion of membership-based supermarkets such as Sam’s Club and Costco, as well as retail ventures from e-commerce giants like Alibaba and JD.com. These large retailers are generally perceived to maintain stricter quality control over their products.

    Sam’s Club announced it had 47 stores in 25 Chinese cities by the end of 2023 and plans to open six to seven additional stores annually in China. In May 2023, Costco Wholesale opened a new outlet in Nanjing, Jiangsu, accompanied by a gas station, marking the first such combination on the Chinese mainland.

    An anonymous member of Sam’s Club management stated that they strive to understand customer perspectives and offer differentiated services to meet festive season demands.

    To welcome the Year of the Snake, these major-brand chain stores have introduced innovative products rich in cultural significance, including lion dance-shaped buns and solid gold bars paired with traditional red envelopes, offering a fresh take on the tradition of monetary gift-giving.

    Changing consumer habits have also led to the rise of new domestic grocery brands like Pangdonglai. Established in 1995, Pangdonglai has evolved into a prominent retail chain comprising supermarkets, shopping malls and cinemas.

    Despite operating solely in central China’s Henan Province, Pangdonglai has garnered a strong reputation nationwide for its exceptional service and quality products. Customers can return any item they are not satisfied with, even if they have consumed most of it.

    Yu Donglai, the brand’s founder, revealed on Sunday that accumulated sales at the 13 Pangdonglai stores surpassed 130 million yuan on Saturday, the last weekend before the Chinese New Year.

    Starting in 2024, Pangdonglai has played a key role in helping refurbish larger supermarket chains like Yonghui Supermarket, which operates over 900 stores nationwide, resulting in a significant boost in sales at these locations.

    Wang Ke, who also regularly visits a Yonghui store in Beijing, described her shopping experiences as delightful. “Our family enjoys shopping there from time to time,” she said.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UNECE advances digital transformation of multimodal data and document exchange in Moldova and Ukraine

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    UNECE has joined hands with the Economic Council to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova to help integrate Moldova and Ukraine in a seamless multimodal digital data and document exchange using the e-business standards of UNECE subsidiary body – the UN Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT).

    With Moldova and Ukraine becoming a bridge between two large UNECE subregions – the European Union and Central Asia – and with UN/CEFACT standards becoming a digital lingua franca for cross-border trade and transport, digital connectivity is key to enhancing regional trade and economic integration. This is particularly relevant as total trade between the European Union and Central Asia has grown by 38.8% over the last decade, from €34.2 billion in 2012 to €47.5 billion in 2022, with two-thirds of total trade being imports to the European Union.

    To advance on this goal, UNECE and the Economic Council recently organized a seminar in Chisinau, Moldova, on the practical application of such UN/CEFACT standards. Intended for Moldovan and Ukrainian policymakers and experts, as well as international specialists and representatives of development partners (European Commission, GIZ, the Transport Community, UNCTAD – ASYCUDA), the seminar advanced the understanding on the practical steps to implement the UN/CEFACT standards, which underpin the European Union’s Electronic Freight Transport Information Regulation (eFTI) and the SPECA Trans-Caspian Roadmap on Digitalization of Multimodal Data and Document Exchange.

    Participants also reviewed progress on the implementation of the pilot project led by TRACECA (Transport Corridor Europe-Caucasus-Asia) on the digital transformation of the railway consignment note in the Trans-Caspian Corridor. Moldovan and Ukrainian railways representatives, along with international experts agreed to work on aligning the exchange of railway consignment notes with UN/CEFACT standards.

    Other key initiatives discussed include:

    • Launching additional pilot projects in Moldova and Ukraine;
    • Customizing the eFTI dataset, based on the UN/CEFACT Multi-Modal Transport Reference Data Model, in Moldova and Ukraine;
    • Training national implementers on using relevant UN/CEFACT standards; and
    • Developing a module on integrating data from business documents accompanying goods transported by different modes, into the Automated System for Customs Data (UNCTAD-ASYCUDA).

    UNECE’s ongoing work in Moldova and Ukraine strengthens the digital connectivity of transit corridors through standardized information exchange. By enabling uniform and seamless electronic data exchange across trade, transport and logistics sectors, these standards help significantly reduce cost, speed up transactions, and minimize errors. This is particularly relevant in the context of UN/CEFACT’s ongoing efforts to develop a policy recommendation aimed at enhancing digital connectivity along transit corridors while addressing gaps in soft infrastructure. As a result, regional economies can integrate more effectively into global value chains, fostering growth and sustainable development.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI: Celebrating 40 Years of the Nasdaq-100 Index® (NDX®)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The combined value of all investment products tracking the NDX® ecosystem globally exceeds $500 billion

    94 Exchange Traded Products track NDX® in over 20 countries across 6 continents

    NEW YORK, Jan. 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nasdaq, Inc. (Nasdaq: NDAQ) proudly marks the 40th anniversary of the Nasdaq-100 Index® (NDX®), the world’s preeminent large-cap growth benchmark. Since its inception on January 31, 1985, the index has redefined innovation and transformed the global investment landscape. Over the past four decades, it has evolved into a powerful symbol of growth, resilience, and the groundbreaking spirit of its constituent companies, shaping industries, inspiring entrepreneurs and investors worldwide.

    The Nasdaq-100 Index® tracks 100 of the largest, non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market. These companies have an enduring legacy of disruption in their respective markets, empowering growth and prosperity across the globe. The index has delivered a 14.25% compound annualized return since its inception, allowing investors around the world to share in that success. This exceptional performance underscores the transformative power of these businesses and their ability to drive long-term value for investors through public markets.

    The Nasdaq-100® has had over 500 members, with six original members still in the index today: Apple, Micron Technology Inc., Intel Corporation, KLA Corporation, PACCAR, and Costco Wholesale Corporation. When the Nasdaq-100® first launched, the median market capitalization of a company in the NDX® was $455 million and the average market capitalization was $580 million. As of December 31, 2024, the median market capitalization of a company in the NDX® was $74 billion, and the average market capitalization was $268 billion.

    Driving the Innovation Economy Through Research and Development

    The companies in the Nasdaq-100® have a history of accelerating change. As a driving force of innovation and economic growth, they spend between 600-1,200% more on research and development compared to companies residing in broad-based US large cap equity indexes1. Moreover, companies that invest more in research and development have delivered above-average performance across much of the 21st century2, and proven to be resilient over time through different market environments.

    “AMD congratulates Nasdaq on celebrating 40 years of the Nasdaq-100 Index,” said Dr. Lisa Su, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, AMD. “We share Nasdaq’s commitment to growth and innovation to deliver value for our stakeholders and are proud to stand alongside the trailblazing companies within this elite group. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Nasdaq to drive technological and economic advancements in the years to come.”

    “Over the past 40 years, the Nasdaq-100 Index® has grown into a powerful embodiment of innovation, resilience, and unparalleled growth. By providing investors with access to the groundbreaking companies shaping the global economy, the index has not only fueled innovation but also enabled the creation of generational wealth,” said Adena Friedman, Chair and CEO at Nasdaq. “From trendsetting startups to global industry giants, the index is a testament to Nasdaq’s unwavering commitment to support companies at all stages of their journey. As we celebrate this significant milestone, we are not only honored by the extraordinary achievements of the companies within the index, but also reaffirm our mission to champion innovation, empower growth and support the companies and investors that shape the future of markets worldwide.”

    “Today we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Nasdaq-100 Index®, a globally recognized benchmark of the companies accelerating our economy,” said Emily Spurling, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Indexes at Nasdaq. “This milestone marks a significant moment in our journey as a transparent, rules-based index provider. By creating access to the value chain of leading technology companies across multiple industries, NDX® empowers investors to support and benefit from the next generation of innovation, ensuring they are at the forefront of transformative growth.”

    The Expansive Nasdaq-100® Global Ecosystem

    The characteristics, strength, and significance of the Nasdaq-100® have generated considerable investor demand for access to the index. Subsequently, a global financial ecosystem has developed around NDX®, enabling investors to gain exposure through various investment vehicles tailored to market participants worldwide.

    The combined value of all products tracking the NDX® ecosystem globally exceeds $500 billion. Among the investment vehicles growing at an accelerated rate are Exchange Traded Products, with 94 different Nasdaq-100® products currently trading in over 20 countries across 6 continents. The first and largest of these is the Invesco QQQ ETF, which is the second most liquid ETF in the US and has served as a foundational financial product by providing investors with access to the Nasdaq-100®3.

    “Congratulations to Nasdaq on the 40th anniversary of the Nasdaq-100 Index®,” said Brian Hartigan, Global Head of ETFs and Index Investments, Invesco. “The evolution of the Nasdaq-100 Index® and Invesco QQQ mirrors the growth and development of technology and innovation, positioning the QQQ as one of the most important large-cap growth strategies with an ever-growing investment audience.  We are happy that the long-standing Nasdaq and Invesco collaboration continues to contribute to success of the innovative Nasdaq-100 Index®.”

    Beyond Exchange Traded Products, the NDX® ecosystem has also experienced large scale growth and evolution in other asset classes, including index options and futures. From 2023 to 2024 index options that tracked NDX® have seen a 39.5% volume increase in contracts. Additionally, CME’s Nasdaq 100® futures have seen their average notional value traded daily exceed $200 billion in 20244. These products provide investors with additional avenues to gain exposure to the index, while continuing to trade in ways that are familiar, cost effective, or provide risk management abilities.

    Nasdaq Global Indexes has been creating innovative, market-leading, transparent indexes since 1971. Today, there are over 10,000 indexes that span geographies, asset classes, and diverse families. The indexes are tracked by financial product sponsors across a wide spectrum of investable products and for asset managers to measure risk and performance. Nasdaq also provides exchange listing, custom index, and design solutions to financial organizations worldwide.

    To celebrate the occasion, Nasdaq will host a special closing bell ceremony on Friday, January 31, 2025, commemorating this moment with its long-time clients and partners.

    To learn more about the Nasdaq-100® ecosystem, click here.

    About Nasdaq
    Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ) is a global technology company serving corporate clients, investment managers, banks, brokers, and exchange operators as they navigate and interact with the global capital markets and the broader financial system. We aspire to deliver world-leading platforms that improve the liquidity, transparency, and integrity of the global economy. Our diverse offering of data, analytics, software, exchange capabilities, and client-centric services enables clients to optimize and execute their business vision with confidence. To learn more about the company, technology solutions and career opportunities, visit us on LinkedIn, on X @Nasdaq, or at www.nasdaq.com.

    Nasdaq Media Contacts:

    The information contained above is provided for informational and educational purposes only, and nothing contained herein should be construed as investment advice, either on behalf of a particular financial product or an overall investment strategy. Neither The Nasdaq OMX Group, Inc. nor any of its affiliates makes any recommendation to buy or sell any financial product or any representation about the financial condition of any company or fund. Statements regarding Nasdaq’s proprietary indexes are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investors should undertake their own due diligence and carefully evaluate companies before investing. ADVICE FROM A SECURITIES PROFESSIONAL IS STRONGLY ADVISED. 

    -NDAQG- 


    1 Refers to the S&P 500, Nasdaq US 500 Large Cap Index, and other indexes comprised of the largest few hundred companies listed in the US weighted by market cap.
    2 Refers to https://indexes.nasdaqomx.com/docs/NDX%20Extended%20Presentation.pdf.
    3 According to Nasdaq ETF Intel as of January 28, 2025.
    4 Refers to https://www.cmegroup.com/openmarkets/equity-index/2024/The-Growth-of-Tech-and-25-Years-of-Nasdaq-Futures.html.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Former Securitize Capital CEO Wilfred Daye Joins Mercurity Fintech as Chief Strategy Officer and Chaince Securities CEO

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, NY, Jan. 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mercurity Fintech Holding Inc. (the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our company,” or “MFH”) (Nasdaq: MFH), a digital fintech group, is pleased to announce that effective February 1, 2025, Wilfred Daye will be joining MFH as Chief Strategy Officer and will also serve as the CEO of JVDA, LLC, a subsidiary of MFH and doing business as “Chaince Securities”. 

    In his dual leadership roles, Daye will focus on driving strategic innovation and operational excellence across both organizations. As Chief Strategy Officer at MFH, Daye will lead the company’s efforts in global expansion and digital asset adoption, bringing a unique blend of strategic insight and market expertise to accelerate the firm’s growth initiatives. His leadership will ensure MFH remains at the forefront of innovation in the rapidly evolving technology landscape. In his capacity as CEO of Chaince Securities, Daye will run a client-centric investment banking and capital formation practice. His vision is to deliver tailored solutions that meet the needs of an increasingly dynamic and sophisticated market.

    With a forward-thinking mindset and extensive expertise in structured credit trading and financial innovation, Daye brings over two decades of leadership at the crossroads of Wall Street and digital innovation. He previously served as CEO of Securitize Capital, the asset management arm of Securitize, a trailblazer in Real-World Asset (RWA) tokenization, and a recognized leader in blockchain-enabled financial solutions. Under his leadership, Securitize successfully tokenized private equity assets for industry giants such as KKR and Hamilton Lane, marking a significant milestone in the adoption of digital assets.

    Daye has also held pivotal roles at some of the world’s leading financial institutions. As a trader at UBS, he specialized in complex cash and synthetic structured products, driving advancements in financial engineering. He also held senior positions at Deutsche Bank and Barclays Capital, where he focused on global credit products. Additionally, he was a key member of the structured credit team at D.B. Zwirn after beginning his career at Lehman Brothers.  

    “What excites me most about joining MFH and Chaince Securities is the unique opportunity to shape the future of finance at a time when innovation and tradition are finding powerful new synergies,” said Wilfred. “Throughout my career, I’ve seen how transformative the right combination of technology and financial expertise can be. I look forward to working alongside our talented teams to build something truly exceptional—a bridge between traditional financial services and the digital future that creates lasting value for our clients and partners.”

    Shi Qiu, CEO of Mercurity Fintech Holding Inc., further commented, “When we envisioned the next chapter of MFH’s growth, we knew we needed a leader who not only understands the complexities of both traditional and digital finance but also shares our commitment to innovation with purpose. In Wilfred, we’ve found that rare combination. His genuine passion for financial innovation and deep understanding of institutional markets makes him the perfect architect for our future. We’re delighted to welcome him to our leadership team.”

    About Mercurity Fintech Holding Inc.
    Mercurity Fintech Holding Inc. is a digital fintech company with subsidiaries specializing in distributed computing and business consultation across North America and the Asia-Pacific region. Our focus is on delivering innovative financial solutions while adhering to principles of compliance, professionalism, and operational efficiency. Our aim is to contribute to the evolution of digital finance by providing secure and innovative financial services to individuals and businesses. Our dedication to compliance, professionalism, and operational excellence ensures that we remain a trusted partner in the rapidly transforming financial landscape. For more information, please visit the Company’s website at https://mercurityfintech.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results.

    For more information, please contact:
    International Elite Capital Inc.
    Vicky Chueng
    Tel: +1(646) 866-7989
    Email: mfhfintech@iecapitalusa.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Wolverhampton Art Gallery invites the public to take part in the largest ever exhibition of the region’s hobbies

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    It is an opportunity for the public to take part in Come As You Really Are, the largest ever exhibition of the UK’s hobbies. From makers and modifiers to crafters and collectors, Wolverhampton Art Gallery are working alongside Artangel and award winning artist and Spiderman enthusiast Hetain Patel to invite audiences to exhibit their hobbies in an exhibition at the gallery from 12 July to 5 October, 2025.

    The exhibition will bring together objects created, modified or collected by Midland based hobbyists, alongside contributions from people across the UK and a new artist film by Patel. Each hobby represents a decision to commit valuable time to living life on one’s own terms in a society dominated by consumerism. On display will be hundreds of unique hand crafted objects loaned by hobbyists of any discipline, such as costume and cosplay makers, crocheters and knitters, wood carvers and model makers, ceramicists, robotics engineers, origami specialists, augmented car enthusiasts and many more.

    City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, Councillor Chris Burden, said: “The joy of hobbies lies in their power to bring people together while celebrating individuality. Come As You Really Are is a unique opportunity to spotlight the incredible creativity and dedication of hobbyists in Wolverhampton, the Midlands and beyond. From cosplay to ceramics, every object tells a story of passion, perseverance, and self expression.

    “We’re thrilled to collaborate with Hetain Patel and Artangel to showcase these hidden talents and invite the public to share their own creations in this celebration of living life on one’s own terms. This exhibition promises to be as diverse and inspiring as the communities it represents.”

    Hetain Patel said: “I’ve always been obsessed by handmade things. Growing up in Bolton, in a working class culturally Indian household, we ate with our hands, and many of my relatives worked as part of the manual labour force in local factories. The empowering thing about hobbies is choice and doing something on our own terms. The creative act is really hopeful with huge benefits to us individually and something that connects us to others regardless of our differences.”  

    For the chance to be a part of the upcoming exhibition at Wolverhampton Art Gallery and to find out more information visit Wolverhampton Arts & Culture. It only takes a couple of minutes and all you need is a picture or two from your phone.

    To be eligible, respondents must be based in the UK and self identify as a hobbyist. The Wolverhampton exhibition aims to showcase hobbies across the Midlands region. By hobbyist we mean someone who engages with an activity on an ongoing basis. This might be daily, weekly or a couple of times a year.

    People may have many different ideas of what constitutes a hobby. On the form you will see a very comprehensive list of hobbies. Some are object based in that they result in the creation of an object e.g. knitting or woodworking. Others might be more ephemeral, such as skateboarding or gardening. All are eligible for the project. If a hobby is not on the list, respondents will be able to add it to the database by clicking, ‘my hobby isn’t in this list’ and typing it in when prompted.

    Hobbyists have until 30 March, 2025 to submit their hobbies for a chance to be part of the exhibition. Come As Your Really Are will open from Saturday 12 July until Sunday 5 October, 2025. The exhibition is free to the public. Wolverhampton Art Gallery is open Monday to Saturday from 10.30am to 4.30pm and Sunday from 11am to 4pm. For more information, please visit Wolverhampton Arts & Culture.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-Evening Report: As Donald Trump plays God in Gaza, Israel acts like spoiled brat

    The Gaza ceasefire deal proves that Israeli politics can only survive if it’s engaged in perpetual war.

    US President Donald Trump has unsettled Arab leaders with his obscene suggestion that Egypt and Jordan absorb Palestinians from Gaza.

    Both Egypt and Jordan have stated that this is a non-starter and will not happen.

    Israeli extremists have welcomed Trump’s comments with the hope that the forced expulsion of Palestinians would pave the way for Jewish settlements in Gaza.

    But the truth is that Israeli leaders likely feel deceived by Trump more than anything else. Benjamin Netanyahu and most of Israeli society were once clamouring for Donald Trump.

    All that has changed since President Trump sent his top Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff to Israel in which Witkoff reportedly lambasted Benjamin Netanyahu and forced him to accept a ceasefire agreement.

    Since then, Israeli leaders and Israeli society, are seemingly taken aback by Trump’s more restrained approach toward the Middle East and desire for a ceasefire.

    While the current ceasefire in place is a precarious endeavour at best, Israeli reactions to the cessation of hostilities highlight a profound point: not only did Netanyahu misread Trump’s intentions, but the entire Israeli political system itself seemingly only thrives during conflict in which the US provides it with unfettered military and diplomatic support.

    Geostrategic calculus
    Firstly, Israel believed that Trump’s second term would likely be a continuation of his first — where the US based its geostrategic calculus in the Middle East around Israel’s interests. This gave Israeli leaders the impression that Trump would give them the green light to attack Iran, resettle and starve Gaza, and formally annex the West Bank.

    However, Benjamin Netanyahu and his extremist ilk failed to take into consideration that Trump likely views blanket Israeli interests as liabilities to both the United States and Trump’s vision for the Middle East.

    Trump blessing an Israel-Iran showdown seems to be off the table. Trump himself stated this and is backing up his words by appointing Washington-based analyst Mike DiMino as a top Department of Defence advisor.

    DiMino, a former fellow at the non-interventionist think tank Defense Priorities, is against war with Iran and has been highly critical of US involvement in the Middle East. Steve Witkoff will also be leading negotiations with Iran.

    The appointment of DiMino and Witkoff has enraged the Washington neoconservative establishment and is a signal to Tel Aviv that Trump will not capitulate to Israel’s hawkish ambitions.

    The Trump effect
    As it pertains to his vision for the Middle East, Trump has been adamant about expanding the Abraham Accords, deepening US military ties with Saudi Arabia, and possibly pioneering Saudi-Israeli “normalisation”.

    The Saudi government has condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, calling it a genocide and also made it clear that they will not normalise relations with Israel without the creation of a Palestinian state.

    While there is an explicit pro-Israel angle to all these components, none of Trump’s objectives for the Middle East would be feasible if the genocide in Gaza continued or if the US allowed Israel to formally annex the occupied West Bank, something Trump stopped during his first term.

    It is unlikely that a Palestinian state will arise under Trump’s administration; however, Trump has been in contact with Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas.

    Trump’s Middle East Adviser Massad Boulos has also facilitated talks between Abbas and Trump. Steve Witkoff has also met with PA official Hussein al-Sheikh in Saudi Arabia to discuss where the PA fits into a post-October 7 Gaza and a possible pathway to a Palestinian state.

    Witkoff’s willingness to meet with PA, along with the quiet yet growing relationship between Trump and Abbas, was likely something Netanyahu did not anticipate and may have also factored into Netanyahu’s acquiescence in Gaza.

    Of equal importance, the Gaza ceasefire deal proves that Israeli politics can only survive if it’s engaged in perpetual war.

    Brutal occupation
    This is evidenced by its brutal occupation of the Palestinians, destroying Gaza, and attacking its neighbours in Syria and Lebanon. Now that Israel is forced to stop its genocide in Gaza, at least for the time being, fissures within the Israeli government are already growing.

    Jewish extremist Itamar Ben Gvir resigned from Netanyahu’s coalition due to the ceasefire after serving as Israel’s national security minister. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also threatened to leave if a ceasefire was enacted.

    Such dynamics within the Israeli government and its necessity for conflict are only possible because the US allows it to happen.

    In providing Israel with unfettered military and diplomatic support, the US allows Israel to torment the Palestinian people. Now that Israel cannot punish Gaza, it has shifted their focus to the West Bank.

    Since the ceasefire’s implementation, the Israeli army has engaged in deadly raids in the Jenin refugee camp which had displaced over 2000 Palestinians. The Israeli army has also imposed a complete siege on the West Bank, shutting down checkpoints to severely restrict the movement of Palestinians.

    All of Israel’s genocidal practices are a direct result of the impunity granted to them by the Biden administration; who willingly refused to impose any consequences for Israel’s blatant violation of US law.

    Joe Biden could have enforced either the Leahy Law or Section 620 I of the Foreign Assistance Act at any time, which would ban weapons from flowing to Israel due to their impediment of humanitarian aid into Gaza and use of US weapons to facilitate grave human rights abuses in Gaza.

    Instead, he chose to undermine US laws to ensure that Israel had everything it facilitate their mass slaughter of Palestinians in Gaza.

    The United States has always held all the cards when it comes to Israel’s hawkish political composition. Israel was simply the executioner of the US’s devastating policies towards Gaza and the broader Palestinian national movement.

    Abdelhalim Abdelrahman is a freelance Palestinian journalist. His work has appeared in The New Arab, The Hill, MSN, and La Razon. Tis article was first published by The New Arab and is republished under Creative Commons.

    Article by AsiaPacificReport.nz

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bowman, Brief Remarks on the Economy, and Perspective on Mutual and Community Banks

    Source: US State of New York Federal Reserve

    Let me begin by saying my thoughts and prayers are with the families of the passengers and crew who perished in the tragic flight accident in Washington, D.C. Wednesday evening.
    Thank you for the invitation to speak to you today.1 It is a pleasure to be with you virtually for your CEO Summit. I always enjoy the opportunity to meet bankers from across the country, especially New England, to learn about the issues that are important to you. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) concluded its January meeting earlier this week, so I will begin by offering some brief remarks on the economy, and then share my views on a number of mutual and community bank issues, before addressing some questions that were submitted by your members in advance of today’s meeting.
    Update on the Most Recent FOMC MeetingAt our FOMC meeting this week, my colleagues and I voted to hold the federal funds rate target range at 4-1/4 to 4‑1/2 percent and to continue to reduce the Federal Reserve’s securities holdings. I supported this action because, after recalibrating the level of the policy rate towards the end of last year to reflect the progress made since 2023 on lowering inflation and cooling the labor market, I think that policy is now in a good place to position the Committee to pay closer attention to the inflation data as it evolves.
    Looking ahead to 2025, in my view, the current policy stance also provides the opportunity to review further indicators of economic activity and get clarity on the administration’s policies and their effects on the economy. It will be very important to have a better sense of the actual policies and how they will be implemented, in addition to greater confidence about how the economy will respond.
    Brief Remarks on the EconomyThe U.S. economy remained strong through the end of last year, with solid growth in economic activity and a labor market near full employment. Core inflation remains elevated, but my expectation is that it will moderate further this year. Even with this outlook, I continue to see upside risks to inflation.
    The rate of inflation declined significantly in 2023, but it slowed by noticeably less last year. Without having seen the December data released this morning, I estimate that the 12-month measure of core personal consumption expenditures inflation—which excludes food and energy prices—likely remained unchanged at 2.8 percent in December, only slightly below its 3.0 percent reading at the end of 2023. Progress has been slow and uneven since the spring of last year mostly due to a slowing in core goods price declines.
    After increasing at a solid pace, on average, over the initial three quarters of last year, gross domestic product appears to have risen a bit more slowly in the fourth quarter, reflecting a large drop in inventory investment, which is a volatile category. In contrast, private domestic final purchases, which provide a better signal about underlying growth in economic activity, maintained its strong momentum from earlier in the year, as personal consumption rose robustly again in the fourth quarter.
    Some measures of consumer sentiment appear to have improved recently but are still well below pre-pandemic levels, likely because of higher prices. And since housing, food, and energy price increases have far outpaced overall inflation since the pandemic, lower-income households have experienced the negative impacts of inflation hardest, especially as these households have limited options to trade down for lower-cost goods and services.
    Payroll employment gains rebounded strongly in December and averaged about 170,000 per month in the fourth quarter, a pace that is somewhat above average gains in the prior two quarters. The unemployment rate edged back down to 4.1 percent in December and has moved sideways since last June, remaining slightly below my estimate of full employment.
    The labor market appears to have stabilized in the second half of last year, after having loosened from extremely tight conditions. The rise in the unemployment rate since mid-2023 largely reflected weaker hiring, as job seekers entering or re-entering the labor force are taking longer to find work, while layoffs have remained low. The ratio of job vacancies to unemployed workers has remained close to the pre-pandemic level in recent months, and there are still more available jobs than available workers. The labor market no longer appears to be especially tight, but wage growth remains somewhat above the pace consistent with our inflation goal.
    I hope the revision of the Bureau of Labor Statistics labor data, which will be released next week, will more accurately capture the changing dynamics of immigration and net business creation and bring more clarity on the underlying pace of job growth. It is crucial that U.S. official data accurately capture structural changes in labor markets in real time, such as those in recent years, so we can more confidently rely on these data for monetary and economic policymaking. In the meantime, given conflicting economic signals, measurement challenges, and significant data revisions, I remain cautious about taking signal from only a limited set of real-time data releases.
    Assuming the economy evolves as I expect, I think that inflation will slow further this year. Its progress may be bumpy and uneven, and the upcoming inflation data for the first quarter will be an important indication of how quickly this will happen. That said, I continue to see greater risks to price stability, especially while the labor market remains near full employment.
    Despite the prospect for some reduction in geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Asia, global supply chains continue to be susceptible to disruptions, which could result in inflationary effects on food, energy, and other commodity markets. In addition, the release of pent-up demand following the election, especially with improving consumer and business sentiment, could lead to stronger economic activity, which could increase inflationary pressures.
    The Path ForwardAs we enter a new phase in the process of moving the federal funds rate toward a more neutral policy stance, I would prefer that future adjustments to the policy rate be gradual. We should take time to carefully assess the progress in achieving our inflation and employment goals and consider changes to the policy rate based on how the data evolves.
    Given the current stance of policy, I continue to be concerned that easier financial conditions over the past year may have contributed to the lack of further progress on slowing inflation. In light of the ongoing strength in the economy and with equity prices substantially higher than a year ago, it seems unlikely that the overall level of interest rates and borrowing costs are exerting meaningful restraint.
    I am also closely watching the increase in longer-term Treasury yields since we started the recalibration of our policy stance at the September meeting. Some have interpreted it as a reflection of investors’ concerns about the possibility of tighter-than-expected policy that may be required to address inflationary pressures. In light of these considerations, I continue to prefer a cautious and gradual approach to adjusting policy.
    There is still more work to be done to bring inflation closer to our 2 percent goal. I would like to see progress in lowering inflation resume before we make further adjustments to the target range. We need to keep inflation in focus while the labor market appears to be in balance and the unemployment rate continues to be at historically low levels. By the time of our March meeting, we will have received two inflation and two employment reports. I look forward to reviewing the first quarter inflation data, which, as I noted earlier, will be key to understanding the path of inflation going forward. I do expect that inflation will begin to decline again and that by year-end it will be lower than where it now stands.
    Looking forward, it is important to note that monetary policy is not on a preset course. At each FOMC meeting, my colleagues and I will make our decisions based on the incoming data and the implications for and risks to the outlook and guided by the Fed’s dual-mandate goals of maximum employment and stable prices. I will also continue to meet with a broad range of contacts as I assess the appropriateness of our monetary policy stance.
    Bringing inflation in line with our price stability goal is essential for sustaining a healthy labor market and fostering an economy that works for everyone in the longer run.
    Perspective on Mutual and Community BanksTurning to banking, I will start with a brief discussion of the important role of mutual banks in the banking system before addressing other bank regulatory issues. One of the unique characteristics of the U.S. banking system is the broad scope of institutions it includes and the wide range of customers and communities it serves. Given this institutional diversity, regulators must strive to foster a financial system that enables each and every bank, no matter its size, to thrive, supporting a vibrant economy and financial system.
    Mutual Bank IssuesIn the Northeast, everyone is familiar with mutual banks given their significant presence in this region. Since the early 1800s, these banks have been dedicated to serving their local communities.2 Their ownership structure differs from traditional banks in that mutuals are owned by their depositors, rather than by shareholders. Like other community banks, they focus on local issues that are important to their communities and to their depositors.
    Many of the challenges mutual banks face are similar to those faced by other financial institutions, including competition from other banks, credit unions, and non-banks. But mutual banks also face unique issues that can add cost and expense to their operations. Two issues I would like to discuss are the challenges mutual institutions face raising capital, and unique procedural hurdles mutuals face in managing the dividend process. While these issues are unique to mutuals, both highlight the challenges of a lack of transparency, and insufficient focus on efficiency.3
    Just as with other community banks, a challenge for many mutuals is the difficulty of raising additional capital. This difficulty is exacerbated by their ownership structure, which typically requires mutuals to rely heavily on retained earnings. Although mutual institutions have historically been more highly capitalized relative to their stock-owned peers, if a mutual capital raise is needed, it would be helpful to provide some regulatory flexibility in the process. Recently, some mutuals have issued subordinated debt as a form of capital, but another form of regulatory capital may be preferable: mutual capital certificates.
    To date, it has been unclear whether mutual capital certificates qualify as regulatory capital. These instruments could provide mutual banks an additional way to raise capital without disrupting their mutual structure. In my view, the banking agencies should be receptive to these kinds of instruments to ensure that mutual banks can both raise capital and maintain their depositor-owned structure. Mutuals need clarity and transparency about the regulatory treatment of these instruments and whether they qualify as regulatory capital.
    Another concern for mutuals is the annual requirement to receive regulatory approval for a mutual holding company’s waiver of a dividend issued by its subsidiary bank.4 The Board practice is to require a mutual holding company to submit an application each year to implement a waiver. This prior approval requirement is complex and imposes significant costs on these small institutions, reducing the investment they can make in their communities. Because of the time and expense of these waiver requirements, it is possible that the inefficiencies of the required application process erode the value of a mutual holding company structure, which would further constrain a mutual bank’s ability to raise capital.
    Since the Board has nearly 20 years of experience considering these waiver requests, it seems appropriate to consider whether the applications process for these waivers is efficient. What lessons have we learned? Is the prior approval requirement effective in its review of holding companies waiving receipt of their dividends, or can this be resolved in a more efficient and cost effective manner? In my view, the Board should consider whether this process is effective and efficient in addressing concerns related to dividend waivers.
    Mutual banks, like all community banks, are vital to the economic success of their communities. It is critical that our applications process not act as a limit on a particular type of institution simply due to regulatory inaction or lack of clarity and transparency. Regulators must find efficient and effective ways to support a vibrant and diverse banking system that enables these and other small institutions to thrive while supporting and investing in their local economy.
    TailoringTransparency and efficiency are just two of the necessary components of a regulatory approach that promotes a healthy and vibrant banking system. Another component that I speak about frequently is the use of “tailoring” in the regulatory framework. For those familiar with my philosophy on bank regulation and supervision, my interest and focus on tailoring will come as no surprise.5 In its most basic form, it is difficult to disagree with the virtue of regulatory and supervisory tailoring—calibrating the requirements and expectations imposed on a firm based on its size, business model, risk profile, and complexity—as a reasonable, appropriate and responsible approach for bank regulation and supervision. In fact, tailoring is embedded in the statutory fabric of the Federal Reserve’s bank regulatory responsibilities.6
    The bank regulatory framework inherently includes significant costs—both the cost of operating the banking agencies, and the cost to the banking industry of complying with regulations, the examination process, and supplying information to regulators both through formal information collections and through one-off requests. In the aggregate, these costs can ultimately affect the price and availability of credit, geographic access to banking services, and the broader economy. The cost of this framework—both to regulators and to the industry—reflects layers of policy decisions over many years. But this framework could be more effective in balancing the mandate to promote safety and soundness with the need to have a banking system that promotes economic growth.
    For example, let’s consider costs. As regulatory and supervisory demands grow, there is often parallel growth in the staff and budgets of the banking agencies. We should not only be cognizant of these costs, but we should act in a way that requires efficiency while ensuring safety and soundness. Some degree of elasticity in regulator capacity is necessary to respond to evolving economic and banking conditions, as well as emerging risks, but there must be reasonable constraints on growth. Expansion of the regulatory framework is not a cost-free endeavor, and the costs are shouldered by taxpayers, banks, and, ultimately, bank customers.
    The bank regulatory framework has great potential to provide significant benefits, including supporting an innovative banking system that enhances trust and confidence in our institutions, and promotes safety and soundness. When we consider the benefits and the costs, we can institute greater efficiencies in both banking regulation and in the banking industry itself. The bank regulatory framework is complex, and the various elements of this framework are intended to work in a complementary way. As banks evolve—by growing larger, or by engaging in new activities—tailoring can help us to quickly recalibrate requirements in light of the new risks posed by the firm.
    But the regulatory framework, especially how supervisors prioritize its application to the banking industry, can pose a serious threat to a bank’s viability. For example, imposing the same regulatory requirements on banks with assets of $2 billion to $2 trillion under the new rules implementing the Community Reinvestment Act demonstrated a missed opportunity to promote greater effectiveness and efficiency.7 I question the wisdom of applying the same evaluation standards to banks within such a broad range.
    Likewise, supervisory guidance can provide fertile ground to differentiate supervisory expectations under a more tailored approach. While supervisory guidance is not binding on banks as a legal matter, it can signal how regulators think about particular risks and activities, and often drives community banks to reallocate resources in a way that may not be necessary or appropriate. The Fed’s guidance on third-party risk management is an example of this. Originally, this guidance was published in a way that applied to all banks, including community banks. Yet, it was acknowledged even at the time of publication that it had known shortcomings, particularly in terms of its administration and lack of clarity for community banks.8
    Tailoring is important for all banks, but it is particularly important for community banks. There are real costs not only to banks, but to communities, when the framework is insufficiently tailored, as community banks faced with excessive regulatory burdens may be forced to raise prices or shut their doors completely. These banks often reach unbanked or underbanked corners of the U.S. economy, not only in terms of the customers they serve but also in terms of their geographic footprint. We are all familiar with banking deserts and the challenges many legitimate and law-abiding businesses and consumers have in accessing basic banking services and credit. It is difficult to imagine that a system with far fewer banks would as effectively serve U.S. banking and credit needs and sufficiently to support economic growth.
    It is imperative that we keep the benefits of tailoring in focus as the bank regulatory framework evolves. A tailored regulatory and supervisory approach can help inform our policies on a wide range of industry issues that are likely to emerge in the coming years.
    Problem-Based SolutionsOne of the most difficult challenges on the regulatory front is prioritization, both for banks managing their businesses and for regulators deciding how to fulfill their responsibilities. At a basic level, the role of regulators is dictated by statute. Congress granted the Federal Reserve and other banking agencies broad statutory powers but has constrained how those powers may be directed through the use of statutory mandates, including to promote a safe and sound banking system, and broader U.S. financial stability. In the execution of these responsibilities, the Federal Reserve must also balance the need to act in a way that enables the banking system to serve the U.S. economy and promote economic growth. While these objectives are not incompatible, they do require us to consider tradeoffs when establishing policy.
    How can regulators best meet these responsibilities? As many of you may already know, I strongly believe in a pragmatic approach to policymaking.9 This requires us to identify the problem we are trying to solve, determine whether we are the appropriate regulator to address the problem based on our statutory mandates and authorities, and explore options for addressing the identified issue.
    As a first step, we must be attuned to the banking system and how regulatory actions affect that system. We oversee a wide range of banks of varying sizes, activities, affiliates, and complexity. These banks interact with a range of service providers, financial market utilities, payments providers, and non-bank partners, regularly competing with non-bank financial intermediaries. The banking system can be a key driver of business formation, economic expansion, and opportunity.
    As we look at the banking system, including the regulatory framework, we must focus on those issues that are most important to advancing statutory priorities. There is always the risk of misidentification and mis-prioritization, and that we fail to take appropriately robust action on key issues or focus on issues that are less material to a bank’s safety and soundness. Our goal should be to develop a better filter to promote appropriate and effective prioritization.
    FraudWe have seen several instances where this filter did not produce appropriate results, as we have recently seen with fraud. The incidence of fraud, particularly check fraud, has been rising substantially over the past few years, causing harm to banks, damaging the perceived safety of the banking system, and importantly hurting consumers who are the victims of fraudulent activity. Sometimes these efforts target vulnerable populations, like the elderly, who are particularly susceptible to certain forms of fraud.
    Despite this known problem, efforts by regulators have been frustratingly slow to advance, and seem to have done little to address the underlying root causes of this increase in fraud. Why has this important issue failed to garner greater attention from all of the appropriate regulatory and law enforcement bodies? Different governmental agencies may share an important role in addressing this problem, but the need for a joint and coordinated solution does not excuse collective inaction.
    Climate-Related Financial RiskOf course, not every issue falls within the scope of the Federal Reserve’s responsibilities. Even when policymakers identify an issue or priority that they would like to pursue, it is imperative to ask whether that priority falls within the scope of our mandate and authorities. Statutes and regulations, paired with the “soft” power of examination, can be deployed in ways that may not be primarily directed towards the priorities mandated for banking regulators. I’ve noted previously that the banking agencies’ climate-related financial risk guidance arguably pushes the boundaries of appropriate regulatory responsibilities. Banks have long been required to manage all material risks, including weather- and climate-related risks. And while this additional guidance seemed to do little to advance the goals of promoting the safe and sound operation of banks it, in effect, posed significant risks of influencing credit allocation decisions. Ultimately, banking regulators should not dictate credit allocation decisions, either by rule or through supervision. Bank regulatory policy should be used to address the needs of the unbanked and expand the availability of banking services. It should not be used to limit or exclude access to banking services for legitimate customers and businesses in a way that is meant to further unrelated policy goals, sometimes referred to as “de-banking.”
    Once we have identified problems and determined that they are within the Fed’s responsibility, we must consider alternative approaches to address them, focusing on identifying efficient solutions. New technologies and services often require novel regulatory and supervisory approaches, and we recognize that past approaches may not be effective. Often regulators take a “more is better” approach to regulation and guidance. Over the past several years, the banking industry has faced an onslaught of proposed and final regulations and guidance, materials that require a significant time commitment to review, to comment on, and to implement. Many times, these require changes to policies and procedures or risk management practices.
    It is critical that in our urgency to address issues in the banking system—particularly for community banks—that we consider not just the direct and indirect effects of regulatory action but also this cumulative burden. Community banks are resilient and dedicated to serving their communities, but at some point, the cumulative burden of the bank regulatory framework can adversely affect the availability and pricing of banking services and threaten the ongoing viability of the community bank model. The community banks in this country are important economically and to their communities, and we should strive to support these institutions and their ongoing viability.
    Other Notable Issues and ConcernsIn preparation for today’s event, conference attendees were asked to submit questions in advance. So before concluding my remarks I’d like to address a few of these, since we won’t be able to do a live Q&A session in this virtual format. Thank you for submitting your questions in advance.
    As community bankers, we are deeply invested in supporting the growth and resilience of our local economies. With ongoing regulatory pressures, what specific actions can the Federal Reserve take to ensure smaller institutions like ours remain competitive and capable of delivering the personalized service that our communities depend on?One of the things I think is critical in identifying how to support community banks is listening to the industry—which issues are top-of-mind for you? Being an effective regulator requires a degree of humility, and receptiveness to hearing about issues that affect the business of banking, particularly when there are alternative ways that regulators can better promote safety and soundness, or where regulatory actions have resulted in unintended consequences. At the same time, during my conversations with banks, a few themes have emerged that deserve attention. This will be a non-exclusive list, but hopefully will give you a sense of the types of issues and concerns that I hear about most frequently when talking to community banks.
    First, I think there is room to improve the transparency of regulatory communication. Banks should not be left to guess what regulators think about the permissibility of particular activities, or what parameters and rules should apply to those activities. Uncertainty discourages investments in innovation and the expansion of banking activities, products, and services, and can call into question whether internal processes and procedures are consistent with supervisory expectations. Banks already must confront the challenges of dealing with evolving economic and credit conditions, regulators should not compound these challenges through opaque expectations and standards.
    Second, I think we need to address shortcomings in the processing of banking applications, employing a more nimble and predictable approach specifically in the de novo formation and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) contexts. Today, the process to obtain regulatory approval can be influenced by many factors under a bank’s control—for example, the completeness of the application filed and responsiveness to addressing questions and providing necessary additional information. However, the timeline for application decisions is often uncertain and beyond the bank’s control. This can be due to questions about the minimum amount of capital needed and early-stage supervisory expectations (for a de novo bank), or uncertainty about the competitive effects of a transaction, or the filing of a public comment raising concerns about an application in the M&A context.
    Finally, I think regulatory and supervisory “trickle-down” is real and it has significantly harmed community banks. I am referring to regulators conveying expectations to community banks (for example, during the examination process) that lack a foundation in applicable rules or guidance, or that were designed for larger institutions, or based on a horizontal review of unique banks.
    It is very difficult to insulate community banks from the harmful consequences of “trickle-down,” and broader structural changes may be needed to shield them from inapplicable and unreasonable expectations. At the same time, we must preserve strong supervisory standards as banks cross asset thresholds, so banks that grow larger and riskier are subject to appropriately tailored and calibrated requirements and expectations. I would also note that some degree of “trickle down” has occurred over time because the regulatory asset “line” defining community banks has remained constant at $10 billion in assets for over a decade. During that time, the economy has grown significantly, and inflation has rendered this asset definition obsolete. Many “community banks”—as defined by business model and activities rather than asset size—now exceed the threshold and must comply with broader regulatory requirements that may be excessive.
    What support or guidance can community banks expect from the Federal Reserve as we navigate technological innovation and increased cybersecurity threats?Both innovation and cybersecurity are issues that are top of mind for me. Innovation has always been a priority for banks of all sizes and business models. Banks in the U.S. have a long history of developing and implementing new technologies, and innovation has the potential to make the banking and payments systems faster and more efficient, to bring new products and services to customers, and even to enhance safety and soundness.
    Regulators must be open to innovation in the banking system. Our goal should be to build and support a clear and sensible regulatory framework that anticipates ongoing and evolving innovation—one that allows the private sector to innovate while also maintaining appropriate safeguards. We must promote innovation through transparency and open communication, including demonstrating a willingness to engage during the development process. By providing clarity and consistency, we can encourage long-term business investment, while also continuing to support today’s products and services. A clear regulatory framework would also empower supervisors to focus on safety and soundness, while ensuring a safe and efficient banking and payment system.
    On cybersecurity, banks often note cybersecurity and third-party risk management as areas that raise significant concerns. Cyber-related events, including ransomware attacks and business email compromises, are costly in terms of expense and reputation, and are time-consuming events that pose unique challenges for community banks.
    The maintenance of cyber assets and technology resources required to support a successful cybersecurity program are often difficult for smaller banks. Regulators can promote cybersecurity, and stronger cyber-incident “resilience” and response capabilities by identifying resources and opportunities, such as exercises, for banks to develop “muscle memory” in cyber incident response.
    The Federal Reserve plays an important role in supervising banks and supporting risk management practices. For example, the Federal Reserve hosts the Midwest Cyber Workshop, with the Federal Reserve Banks of Chicago, Kansas City, and St. Louis.10 Over the past couple of years, this workshop has provided a forum to discuss cyber risk among community bankers, regulators, law enforcement, and other industry stakeholders. Community banks can also turn to the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) website, which includes the FFIEC Cybersecurity Resource Guide and links to other external cybersecurity resources.
    We know well that cyber threats pose real risks to the banking system, and we recognize that community banks may have unique needs in preventing, remediating, and responding to cyber threats. Regulators should, therefore, ensure that a range of resources are available to support banks and seek further opportunities to help build bank resilience against these threats.
    Community banks are integral to rural and underserved communities. How can the Federal Reserve support us in maintaining our presence in these areas, particularly amid ongoing consolidation trends?As I noted earlier, it is essential that the U.S. banking system is broad and diverse, including institutions of all sizes serving all the different markets across the country. Community banks play a particularly valuable role in rural and underserved communities, and we need to ensure that the community banking model remains viable into the future.
    To do that, we need to have a regulatory system in which both de novo bank formations and M&A transactions are possible. Viable formation and merger options for banks of all sizes are necessary to avoid creating a “barbell” of the very largest and very smallest banks in the banking system, with the number of community banks continuing to erode over time.
    M&A ensures that banks have a meaningful path to transitioning bank ownership. In the absence of a viable M&A framework, there is potential for additional risks, including limited opportunities for succession planning, especially in smaller or rural communities. Uncertainty related to the M&A process also may act as a deterrent to de novo bank formation, as potential bank founders may stay on the sidelines knowing that future exit strategies—like the strategic acquisition of a de novo bank by a larger peer—may face long odds of success.
    Another challenge particularly in rural markets are the competitive “screens” that are used to evaluate the competitive effects of a proposed merger. Using these screens often results in a finding that M&A transactions in rural markets can have an adverse effect on competition and should therefore be disallowed.11 Even when these transactions are eventually approved, the mechanical approach to analyzing competitive effects often requires additional review or analysis and can lead to extensive delays in the regulatory approval process. Reducing the efficiency of the bank M&A process can be a deterrent to healthy bank transactions—it can reduce the effectiveness of M&A and de novo activity that preserves the presence of community banks in underserved areas, prevent institutions from pursuing prudent growth strategies, and actually undermine competition by preventing firms from growing to a larger scale.

    1. The views expressed here are my own and are not necessarily those of my colleagues on the Federal Reserve Board or the Federal Open Market Committee. Return to text
    2. The first mutual banks in the United States were chartered in 1816. The Provident Institution for Savings and the Philadelphia Savings Fund Society were both chartered that year. See https://www.jstor.org/stable/2123609; https://www.mass.gov/info-details/history-of-the-division-of-banks. Return to text
    3. Michelle W. Bowman, “Reflections on 2024: Monetary Policy, Economic Performance, and Lessons for Banking Regulation” (speech at the California Bankers Association 2025 Bank Presidents Seminar, Laguna Beach, California, January 9, 2025). Return to text
    4. 12 CFR § 239.8(d). Return to text
    5. See, e.g., Michelle W. Bowman, “Tailoring, Fidelity to the Rule of Law, and Unintended Consequences (PDF)” (speech at the Harvard Law School Faculty Club, Cambridge, Massachusetts, March 5, 2024). Return to text
    6. See, Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act, Pub. L. No. 115-174, § 401(a)(1) (amending 12 U.S.C. § 5365), 132 Stat. 1296 (2018). Return to text
    7. See dissenting statement, “Statement on the Community Reinvestment Act Final Rule by Governor Michelle W. Bowman,” news release, October 24, 2023. Return to text
    8. See “Statement on Third Party Risk Management Guidance by Governor Michelle W. Bowman,” news release, June 6, 2023. Return to text
    9. Michelle W. Bowman, “Approaching Policymaking Pragmatically (PDF)” (remarks to the Forum Club of the Palm Beaches, West Palm Beach, Florida, November 20, 2024). Return to text
    10. See Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, and Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, “Midwest Cyber Workshop 2024,” June 25‑26, 2024. Return to text
    11. Michelle W. Bowman, “The Role of Research, Data, and Analysis in Banking Reforms (PDF)” (speech at the 2023 Community Banking Research Conference, St. Louis, MO, October 4, 2023); Michelle W. Bowman, “The New Landscape for Banking Competition (PDF),” (speech at the 2022 Community Banking Research Conference, St. Louis, MO, September 28, 2022). Return to text

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: First Hawaiian, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Results and Declares Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HONOLULU, Jan. 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — First Hawaiian, Inc. (NASDAQ:FHB), (“First Hawaiian” or the “Company”) today reported financial results for its quarter ended December 31, 2024.

    “I’m pleased to report that we finished 2024 with a very strong quarter that was highlighted by good performance across our key earnings drivers. Our loan and deposit balances grew, net interest margin expanded, expenses were well controlled and credit quality remained excellent. We also maintained our commitment to supporting our communities with a $1 million contribution to the First Hawaiian Foundation,” said Bob Harrison, Chairman, President, and CEO. “During the fourth quarter we took action to strengthen our balance sheet and increase our future earnings power by restructuring a portion of our investment portfolio. This action, along with the positive trends we saw in the fourth quarter, positions us very well entering 2025.” 

    On January 29, 2025, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.26 per share. The dividend will be payable on February 28, 2025, to stockholders of record at the close of business on February 14, 2025.

    Additionally, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted a stock repurchase program for up to $100.0 million of its outstanding common stock during 2025.

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Highlights:

    • Restructured a portion of the investment portfolio by selling $290.4 million of low-yielding investment securities and reinvested the sale proceeds into $291.5 million of higher-yielding securities. Recognized a $26.2 million pre-tax ($19.2 million after-tax) loss on the sale of securities.
    • Net income of $52.5 million, or $0.41 per diluted share
    • Total loans and leases increased $166.9 million versus prior quarter
    • Total deposits increased $94.5 million versus prior quarter
    • Net interest margin increased 8 basis points to 3.03%
    • Recorded a $0.8 million negative provision for credit losses
    • Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.26 per share

    Balance Sheet

    Total assets were $23.8 billion at December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024.

    Gross loans and leases were $14.4 billion as of December 31, 2024, an increase of $166.9 million, or 1.2%, from $14.2 billion as of September 30, 2024.

    Total deposits were $20.3 billion as of December 31, 2024, an increase of $94.5 million, or 0.5%, from $20.2 billion as of September 30, 2024.

    Net Interest Income

    Net interest income for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $158.8 million, an increase of $2.0 million, or 1.3%, compared to $156.7 million for the prior quarter.

    The net interest margin was 3.03% in the fourth quarter of 2024, an increase of 8 basis points compared to 2.95% in the prior quarter.

    Provision Expense

    During the quarter ended December 31, 2024, we recorded a $0.8 million negative provision for credit losses. In the quarter ended September 30, 2024, we recorded a $7.4 million provision for credit losses.

    Noninterest Income

    Noninterest income was $29.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, a decrease of $23.9 million compared to noninterest income of $53.3 million in the prior quarter. Noninterest income in the fourth quarter of 2024 included a $26.2 million loss on the sale of investment securities.

    Noninterest Expense

    Noninterest expense was $124.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, a decrease of $2.0 million compared to noninterest expense of $126.1 million in the prior quarter.

    The efficiency ratio was 65.5% and 59.8% for the quarters ended December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024, respectively.

    Taxes

    The effective tax rate was 18.9% and 19.6% for the quarters ended December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024, respectively.

    Asset Quality

    The allowance for credit losses was $160.4 million, or 1.11% of total loans and leases, as of December 31, 2024, compared to $163.7 million, or 1.15% of total loans and leases, as of September 30, 2024. The reserve for unfunded commitments was $32.8 million as of December 31, 2024, compared to $33.7 million as of September 30, 2024. Net charge-offs were $3.4 million, or 0.09% of average loans and leases on an annualized basis, for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, compared to net charge-offs of $3.9 million, or 0.11% of average loans and leases on an annualized basis, for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. Total non-performing assets were $20.7 million, or 0.14% of total loans and leases and other real estate owned, on December 31, 2024, compared to total non-performing assets of $17.8 million, or 0.13% of total loans and leases and other real estate owned, on September 30, 2024.

    Capital

    Total stockholders’ equity was $2.6 billion on December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024.

    The tier 1 leverage, common equity tier 1 and total capital ratios were 9.14%, 12.80% and 13.99%, respectively, on December 31, 2024, compared with 9.14%, 13.03% and 14.25%, respectively, on September 30, 2024.

    The Company repurchased 1.5 million shares of common stock at a total cost of $40.0 million under the stock repurchase program in the fourth quarter. The average cost was $27.14 per share repurchased. Total repurchases in 2024 were $40.0 million.

    As to the stock repurchase program approved for 2025, repurchases of shares of the Company’s common stock may be conducted through open-market purchases, which may include purchases under a trading plan adopted pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 10b5-1, or through privately negotiated transactions. The timing and exact amount of share repurchases, if any, will be subject to management’s discretion and various factors, including the Company’s capital position and financial performance, as well as market conditions. The repurchase program may be suspended, terminated or modified at any time for any reason.

    First Hawaiian, Inc.

    First Hawaiian, Inc. (NASDAQ:FHB) is a bank holding company headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaii. Its principal subsidiary, First Hawaiian Bank, founded in 1858 under the name Bishop & Company, is Hawaii’s oldest and largest financial institution with branch locations throughout Hawaii, Guam and Saipan. The company offers a comprehensive suite of banking services to consumer and commercial customers including deposit products, loans, wealth management, insurance, trust, retirement planning, credit card and merchant processing services. Customers may also access their accounts through ATMs, online and mobile banking channels. For more information about First Hawaiian, Inc., visit the Company’s website, www.fhb.com.

    Conference Call Information

    First Hawaiian will host a conference call to discuss the Company’s results today at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time, 8:00 a.m. Hawaii Time.

    To access the call by phone, please register via the following link: https://register.vevent.com/register/BI80003c73e95b445aa5fe62db794097bb, and you will be provided with dial in details. To avoid delays, we encourage participants to dial into the conference call fifteen minutes ahead of the scheduled start time.

    A live webcast of the conference call, including a slide presentation, will be available at the following link: www.fhb.com/earnings. The archive of the webcast will be available at the same location.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to, among other things, future events and our financial performance. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “may”, “might”, “should”, “could”, “predict”, “potential”, “believe”, “expect”, “continue”, “will”, “anticipate”, “seek”, “estimate”, “intend”, “plan”, “projection”, “would”, “annualized” and “outlook”, or the negative version of those words or other comparable words or phrases of a future or forward-looking nature. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, and are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about our industry, management’s beliefs and certain assumptions made by management, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and beyond our control. Accordingly, we caution you that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, assumptions, estimates and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date made, there can be no assurance that actual results will not prove to be materially different from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. A number of important factors could cause actual results or performance to differ materially from the forward-looking statements, including (without limitation) the risks and uncertainties associated with the domestic and global economic environment and capital market conditions and other risk factors. For a discussion of some of these risks and important factors that could affect our future results and financial condition, see our U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings, including, but not limited to, our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2024, June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2024.

    Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    Return on average tangible assets, return on average tangible stockholders’ equity, tangible book value per share and tangible stockholders’ equity to tangible assets are non-GAAP financial measures. We believe that these measurements are useful for investors, regulators, management and others to evaluate financial performance and capital adequacy relative to other financial institutions. Although these non-GAAP financial measures are frequently used by stakeholders in the evaluation of a company, they have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results or financial condition as reported under GAAP. Investors should consider our performance and capital adequacy as reported under GAAP and all other relevant information when assessing our performance and capital adequacy.

    Table 14 at the end of this document provides a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures with their most directly comparable GAAP measures.

                                           
    Financial Highlights   Table 1
        For the Three Months Ended     For the Year Ended  
        December 31, 
        September 30,      December 31,      December 31,   
    (dollars in thousands, except per share data)   2024     2024     2023     2024     2023  
    Operating Results:                                        
    Net interest income   $ 158,753     $ 156,707     $ 151,793     $ 622,738     $ 636,127  
    (Benefit) provision for credit losses     (750 )     7,400       5,330       14,750       26,630  
    Noninterest income     29,376       53,288       58,347       185,803       200,815  
    Noninterest expense     124,143       126,147       142,307       501,189       501,138  
    Net income     52,496       61,492       47,502       230,129       234,983  
    Basic earnings per share     0.41       0.48       0.37       1.80       1.84  
    Diluted earnings per share     0.41       0.48       0.37       1.79       1.84  
    Dividends declared per share     0.26       0.26       0.26       1.04       1.04  
    Dividend payout ratio     63.41 %     54.17 %     70.27 %     58.10 %     56.52 %
    Performance Ratios(1):                                      
    Net interest margin     3.03 %     2.95 %     2.81 %     2.95 %     2.92 %
    Efficiency ratio     65.51 %     59.77 %     67.28 %     61.57 %     59.48 %
    Return on average total assets     0.88 %     1.02 %     0.77 %     0.96 %     0.95 %
    Return on average tangible assets (non-GAAP)(2)     0.92 %     1.06 %     0.81 %     1.00 %     0.99 %
    Return on average total stockholders’ equity     7.94 %     9.45 %     7.94 %     9.00     10.01 %
    Return on average tangible stockholders’ equity (non-GAAP)(2)     12.78 %     15.35 %     13.66 %     14.74 %     17.39 %
    Average Balances:                                      
    Average loans and leases   $ 14,276,107     $ 14,304,806     $ 14,349,322     $ 14,312,759     $ 14,266,291  
    Average earning assets     21,079,951       21,328,882       21,688,816       21,284,169       21,952,009  
    Average assets     23,795,735       24,046,696       24,404,727       23,996,723       24,625,445  
    Average deposits     20,249,573       20,367,805       20,908,221       20,373,975       21,160,155  
    Average stockholders’ equity     2,629,600       2,588,806       2,374,669       2,557,215       2,346,713  
    Market Value Per Share:                                      
    Closing     25.95       23.15       22.86       25.95       22.86  
    High     28.80       26.18       23.22       28.80       28.28  
    Low     22.08       20.28       17.18       19.48       15.08  
                             
        As of     As of     As of  
        December 31,      September 30,      December 31,   
    (dollars in thousands, except per share data)   2024     2024     2023  
    Balance Sheet Data:                        
    Loans and leases   $ 14,408,258     $ 14,241,370     $ 14,353,497  
    Total assets     23,828,186       23,780,285       24,926,474  
    Total deposits     20,322,216       20,227,702       21,332,657  
    Short-term borrowings     250,000       250,000       500,000  
    Total stockholders’ equity     2,617,486       2,648,034       2,486,066  
                             
    Per Share of Common Stock:                        
    Book value   $ 20.70     $ 20.71     $ 19.48  
    Tangible book value (non-GAAP)(2)     12.83       12.92       11.68  
                             
    Asset Quality Ratios:                        
    Non-accrual loans and leases / total loans and leases     0.14 %     0.13 %     0.13 %
    Allowance for credit losses for loans and leases / total loans and leases     1.11 %     1.15 %     1.09 %
                             
    Capital Ratios:                        
    Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Ratio     12.80 %     13.03 %     12.39 %
    Tier 1 Capital Ratio     12.80 %     13.03 %     12.39 %
    Total Capital Ratio     13.99 %     14.25 %     13.57 %
    Tier 1 Leverage Ratio     9.14 %     9.14 %     8.64 %
    Total stockholders’ equity to total assets     10.98 %     11.14 %     9.97 %
    Tangible stockholders’ equity to tangible assets (non-GAAP)(2)     7.10 %     7.25 %     6.23 %
                             
    Non-Financial Data:                        
    Number of branches     48       48       50  
    Number of ATMs     273       273       275  
    Number of Full-Time Equivalent Employees     1,997       2,022       2,089  

    (1) Except for the efficiency ratio, amounts are annualized for the three months ended December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.

    (2) Return on average tangible assets, return on average tangible stockholders’ equity, tangible book value per share and tangible stockholders’ equity to tangible assets are non-GAAP financial measures. We compute our return on average tangible assets as the ratio of net income to average tangible assets, which is calculated by subtracting (and thereby effectively excluding) amounts related to the effect of goodwill from our average total assets. We compute our return on average tangible stockholders’ equity as the ratio of net income to average tangible stockholders’ equity, which is calculated by subtracting (and thereby effectively excluding) amounts related to the effect of goodwill from our average total stockholders’ equity. We compute our tangible book value per share as the ratio of tangible stockholders’ equity to outstanding shares. Tangible stockholders’ equity is calculated by subtracting (and thereby effectively excluding) amounts related to the effect of goodwill from our total stockholders’ equity. We compute our tangible stockholders’ equity to tangible assets as the ratio of tangible stockholders’ equity to tangible assets, each of which we calculate by subtracting (and thereby effectively excluding) the value of our goodwill. For a reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, see Table 14, GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation.

                                         
    Consolidated Statements of Income   Table 2
        For the Three Months Ended   For the Year Ended
        December 31,    September 30,    December 31,    December 31, 
    (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)   2024     2024   2023   2024     2023
    Interest income                                    
    Loans and lease financing   $ 198,347     $ 205,682     $ 196,276     $ 805,941     $ 748,053  
    Available-for-sale investment securities     12,767       12,850       19,033       54,306       74,241  
    Held-to-maturity investment securities     17,071       16,937       17,987       69,376       73,497  
    Other     11,977       14,527       7,734       50,421       27,788  
    Total interest income     240,162       249,996       241,030       980,044       923,579  
    Interest expense                                    
    Deposits     78,465       87,500       82,215       335,717       258,221  
    Short-term and long-term borrowings     2,685       5,397       6,232       19,988       26,289  
    Other     259       392       790       1,601       2,942  
    Total interest expense     81,409       93,289       89,237       357,306       287,452  
    Net interest income     158,753       156,707       151,793       622,738       636,127  
    (Benefit) provision for credit losses     (750 )     7,400       5,330       14,750       26,630  
    Net interest income after (benefit) provision for credit losses     159,503       149,307       146,463       607,988       609,497  
    Noninterest income                                    
    Service charges on deposit accounts     7,968       7,783       7,646       31,090       29,647  
    Credit and debit card fees     14,834       17,533       16,381       64,401       63,888  
    Other service charges and fees     13,132       11,790       9,535       45,862       37,299  
    Trust and investment services income     9,449       9,077       9,645       38,306       38,449  
    Bank-owned life insurance     5,713       4,502       5,063       17,861       15,326  
    Investment securities (losses) gains, net     (26,171 )           792       (26,171 )     792  
    Other     4,451       2,603       9,285       14,454       15,414  
    Total noninterest income     29,376       53,288       58,347       185,803       200,815  
    Noninterest expense                                    
    Salaries and employee benefits     59,003       59,563       55,882       235,565       225,755  
    Contracted services and professional fees     14,472       14,634       16,219       60,912       66,423  
    Occupancy     7,708       6,945       7,561       28,971       29,608  
    Equipment     14,215       13,078       12,547       53,902       45,109  
    Regulatory assessment and fees     3,745       3,412       20,412       19,091       32,073  
    Advertising and marketing     1,529       1,813       1,441       7,719       7,615  
    Card rewards program     7,926       8,678       7,503       33,831       31,627  
    Other     15,545       18,024       20,742       61,198       62,928  
    Total noninterest expense     124,143       126,147       142,307       501,189       501,138  
    Income before provision for income taxes     64,736       76,448       62,503       292,602       309,174  
    Provision for income taxes     12,240       14,956       15,001       62,473       74,191  
    Net income   $ 52,496     $ 61,492     $ 47,502     $ 230,129     $ 234,983  
    Basic earnings per share   $ 0.41     $ 0.48     $ 0.37     $ 1.80     $ 1.84  
    Diluted earnings per share   $ 0.41     $ 0.48     $ 0.37     $ 1.79     $ 1.84  
    Basic weighted-average outstanding shares     127,350,626       127,886,167       127,612,734       127,702,573       127,567,547  
    Diluted weighted-average outstanding shares     128,167,502       128,504,035       128,028,964       128,325,865       127,915,873  
                       
    Consolidated Balance Sheets   Table 3
        December 31,    September 30,    December 31, 
    (dollars in thousands, except share amount)   2024     2024     2023  
    Assets                  
    Cash and due from banks   $ 258,057     $ 252,209     $ 185,015  
    Interest-bearing deposits in other banks     912,133       820,603       1,554,882  
    Investment securities:                  
    Available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost: $2,190,448 as of December 31, 2024, $2,290,781 as of September 30, 2024 and $2,558,675 as of December 31, 2023)     1,926,516       2,055,959       2,255,336  
    Held-to-maturity, at amortized cost (fair value: $3,262,509 as of December 31, 2024, $3,475,143 as of September 30, 2024 and $3,574,856 as of December 31, 2023)     3,790,650       3,853,697       4,041,449  
    Loans held for sale                 190  
    Loans and leases     14,408,258       14,241,370       14,353,497  
    Less: allowance for credit losses     160,393       163,700       156,533  
    Net loans and leases     14,247,865       14,077,670       14,196,964  
                       
    Premises and equipment, net     288,530       287,036       281,461  
    Accrued interest receivable     79,979       81,875       84,417  
    Bank-owned life insurance     491,890       490,135       479,907  
    Goodwill     995,492       995,492       995,492  
    Mortgage servicing rights     5,078       5,236       5,699  
    Other assets     831,996       860,373       845,662  
    Total assets   $ 23,828,186     $ 23,780,285     $ 24,926,474  
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity                  
    Deposits:                  
    Interest-bearing   $ 13,347,068     $ 13,427,674     $ 13,749,095  
    Noninterest-bearing     6,975,148       6,800,028       7,583,562  
    Total deposits     20,322,216       20,227,702       21,332,657  
    Short-term borrowings     250,000       250,000       500,000  
    Retirement benefits payable     97,135       100,448       103,285  
    Other liabilities     541,349       554,101       504,466  
    Total liabilities     21,210,700       21,132,251       22,440,408  
                       
    Stockholders’ equity                  
    Common stock ($0.01 par value; authorized 300,000,000 shares; issued/outstanding: 141,748,847 / 126,422,898 shares as of December 31, 2024, issued/outstanding: 141,735,601 / 127,886,167 shares as of September 30, 2024 and issued/outstanding: 141,340,539 / 127,618,761 shares as of December 31, 2023)     1,417       1,417       1,413  
    Additional paid-in capital     2,560,380       2,558,158       2,548,250  
    Retained earnings     934,048       915,062       837,859  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net     (463,994 )     (452,658 )     (530,210 )
    Treasury stock (15,325,949 shares as of December 31, 2024, 13,849,434 shares as of September 30, 2024 and 13,721,778 shares as of December 31, 2023)     (414,365 )     (373,945 )     (371,246 )
    Total stockholders’ equity     2,617,486       2,648,034       2,486,066  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 23,828,186     $ 23,780,285     $ 24,926,474  
                                                       
    Average Balances and Interest Rates                                               Table 4
        Three Months Ended   Three Months Ended   Three Months Ended  
        December 31, 2024   September 30, 2024   December 31, 2023  
        Average   Income/   Yield/   Average   Income/   Yield/   Average   Income/   Yield/  
    (dollars in millions)   Balance   Expense   Rate   Balance   Expense   Rate   Balance   Expense   Rate  
    Earning Assets                                                  
    Interest-Bearing Deposits in Other Banks   $ 948.9   $ 11.3   4.75 % $ 1,020.4   $ 13.9   5.40 % $ 568.0   $ 7.8   5.39 %
    Available-for-Sale Investment Securities                                                  
    Taxable     1,987.7     12.7   2.56     2,062.6     12.8   2.48     2,598.4     19.0   2.92  
    Non-Taxable     1.4       5.30     1.5       5.06     1.9       5.12  
    Held-to-Maturity Investment Securities                                                  
    Taxable     3,224.8     13.9   1.72     3,288.2     13.8   1.67     3,472.1     14.8   1.70  
    Non-Taxable     601.7     3.9   2.56     602.3     3.7   2.46     603.9     3.9   2.58  
    Total Investment Securities     5,815.6     30.5   2.10     5,954.6     30.3   2.03     6,676.3     37.7   2.25  
    Loans Held for Sale     1.3       5.75     2.2       5.64     0.7       7.41  
    Loans and Leases(1)                                                  
    Commercial and industrial     2,157.8     35.2   6.50     2,165.3     38.0   6.98     2,148.1     36.7   6.78  
    Commercial real estate     4,333.1     68.9   6.33     4,278.3     71.6   6.67     4,356.3     71.4   6.51  
    Construction     990.7     17.4   6.99     1,040.7     20.3   7.74     888.7     16.7   7.45  
    Residential:                                                  
    Residential mortgage     4,183.5     40.8   3.90     4,204.5     40.4   3.84     4,294.8     38.8   3.61  
    Home equity line     1,157.1     13.3   4.55     1,158.5     13.2   4.52     1,174.8     11.3   3.83  
    Consumer     1,033.2     19.0   7.29     1,035.3     18.7   7.19     1,132.4     18.4   6.43  
    Lease financing     420.7     4.4   4.18     422.2     4.0   3.72     354.2     3.6   4.03  
    Total Loans and Leases     14,276.1     199.0   5.55     14,304.8     206.2   5.74     14,349.3     196.9   5.45  
    Other Earning Assets     38.1     0.7   6.73     46.9     0.7   5.83     94.5       0.06  
    Total Earning Assets(2)     21,080.0     241.5   4.56     21,328.9     251.1   4.69     21,688.8     242.4   4.44  
    Cash and Due from Banks     226.2               242.3               240.8            
    Other Assets     2,489.5               2,475.5               2,475.1            
    Total Assets   $ 23,795.7             $ 24,046.7             $ 24,404.7            
                                                       
    Interest-Bearing Liabilities                                                  
    Interest-Bearing Deposits                                                  
    Savings   $ 5,940.3   $ 21.1   1.42 % $ 5,963.1   $ 23.6   1.57 % $ 6,067.2   $ 22.4   1.46 %
    Money Market     4,053.6     26.6   2.61     4,179.5     31.9   3.04     3,905.0     27.5   2.79  
    Time     3,362.0     30.8   3.64     3,327.3     32.0   3.83     3,390.7     32.3   3.78  
    Total Interest-Bearing Deposits     13,355.9     78.5   2.34     13,469.9     87.5   2.58     13,362.9     82.2   2.44  
    Other Short-Term Borrowings     250.0     2.7   4.27     451.1     5.4   4.76     515.2     6.2   4.80  
    Other Interest-Bearing Liabilities     25.3     0.2   4.07     22.4     0.4   6.97     42.1     0.8   7.44  
    Total Interest-Bearing Liabilities     13,631.2     81.4   2.38     13,943.4     93.3   2.66     13,920.2     89.2   2.54  
    Net Interest Income         $ 160.1             $ 157.8             $ 153.2      
    Interest Rate Spread(3)               2.18 %             2.03 %             1.90 %
    Net Interest Margin(4)               3.03 %             2.95 %             2.81 %
    Noninterest-Bearing Demand Deposits     6,893.7               6,897.9               7,545.3            
    Other Liabilities     641.2               616.6               564.5            
    Stockholders’ Equity     2,629.6               2,588.8               2,374.7            
    Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity   $ 23,795.7             $ 24,046.7             $ 24,404.7            

    (1) Non-performing loans and leases are included in the respective average loan and lease balances. Income, if any, on such loans and leases is recognized on a cash basis.

    (2) Interest income includes taxable-equivalent basis adjustments of $1.4 million, $1.1 million and $1.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.

    (3) Interest rate spread is the difference between the average yield on earning assets and the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities, on a fully taxable-equivalent basis.

    (4) Net interest margin is net interest income annualized for the three months ended December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, on a fully taxable-equivalent basis, divided by average total earning assets.

                                               
    Average Balances and Interest Rates                                       Table 5
        Year Ended   Year Ended  
        December 31, 2024   December 31, 2023  
        Average   Income/   Yield/   Average   Income/   Yield/  
    (dollars in millions)   Balance   Expense   Rate   Balance   Expense   Rate  
    Earning Assets                                          
    Interest-Bearing Deposits in Other Banks   $ 900.8     $ 47.3     5.25 % $ 512.3     $ 26.5     5.18 %
    Available-for-Sale Investment Securities                                          
    Taxable     2,090.0       54.2     2.60     2,871.8       73.8     2.57  
    Non-Taxable     1.5       0.1     5.45     10.2       0.6     5.55  
    Held-to-Maturity Investment Securities                                          
    Taxable     3,321.6       56.6     1.70     3,579.0       60.7     1.70  
    Non-Taxable     602.6       15.6     2.58     607.7       15.9     2.61  
    Total Investment Securities     6,015.7       126.5     2.10     7,068.7       151.0     2.14  
    Loans Held for Sale     1.3       0.1     6.02     0.4           6.63  
    Loans and Leases(1)                                          
    Commercial and industrial     2,172.4       148.6     6.84     2,182.3       141.0     6.46  
    Commercial real estate     4,310.1       282.3     6.55     4,257.9       266.0     6.25  
    Construction     985.4       73.5     7.46     877.7       62.1     7.08  
    Residential:                                          
    Residential mortgage     4,220.2       163.4     3.87     4,308.0       156.4     3.63  
    Home equity line     1,162.9       51.0     4.39     1,131.1       39.3     3.47  
    Consumer     1,051.5       73.4     6.98     1,178.6       71.5     6.07  
    Lease financing     410.3       16.3     3.98     330.7       14.1     4.26  
    Total Loans and Leases     14,312.8       808.5     5.65     14,266.3       750.4     5.26  
    Other Earning Assets     53.6       3.1     5.88     104.3       1.3     1.20  
    Total Earning Assets(2)     21,284.2       985.5     4.63     21,952.0       929.2     4.23  
    Cash and Due from Banks     238.3                   265.1                
    Other Assets     2,474.2                   2,408.3                
    Total Assets   $ 23,996.7                 $ 24,625.4                
                                               
    Interest-Bearing Liabilities                                          
    Interest-Bearing Deposits                                          
    Savings   $ 5,990.7     $ 91.6     1.53 % $ 6,124.7     $ 71.5     1.17 %
    Money Market     4,064.0       117.8     2.90     3,869.1       86.1     2.22  
    Time     3,324.8       126.3     3.80     3,040.0       100.6     3.31  
    Total Interest-Bearing Deposits     13,379.5       335.7     2.51     13,033.8       258.2     1.98  
    Federal Funds Purchased                   17.2       0.8     4.45  
    Other Short-Term Borrowings     424.9       20.0     4.70     261.9       13.0     4.98  
    Long-Term Borrowings                   261.6       12.5     4.78  
    Other Interest-Bearing Liabilities     29.6       1.6     5.39     57.1       3.0     5.15  
    Total Interest-Bearing Liabilities     13,834.0       357.3     2.58     13,631.6       287.5     2.11  
    Net Interest Income           $ 628.2                 $ 641.7        
    Interest Rate Spread(3)                   2.05 %                 2.12 %
    Net Interest Margin(4)                   2.95 %                 2.92 %
    Noninterest-Bearing Demand Deposits     6,994.5                   8,126.4                
    Other Liabilities     611.0                   520.7                
    Stockholders’ Equity     2,557.2                   2,346.7                
    Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity   $ 23,996.7                 $ 24,625.4                

    (1) Non-performing loans and leases are included in the respective average loan and lease balances. Income, if any, on such loans and leases is recognized on a cash basis.

    (2) Interest income includes taxable-equivalent basis adjustments of $5.4 million and $5.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

    (3) Interest rate spread is the difference between the average yield on earning assets and the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities, on a fully taxable-equivalent basis.

    (4) Net interest margin is net interest income annualized for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, on a fully taxable-equivalent basis, divided by average total earning assets.

                       
    Analysis of Change in Net Interest Income                 Table 6
        Three Months Ended December 31, 2024
        Compared to September 30, 2024
    (dollars in millions)   Volume   Rate   Total (1)
    Change in Interest Income:                  
    Interest-Bearing Deposits in Other Banks   $ (1.0 )   $ (1.6 )   $ (2.6 )
    Available-for-Sale Investment Securities                  
    Taxable     (0.5 )     0.4       (0.1 )
    Held-to-Maturity Investment Securities                  
    Taxable     (0.3 )     0.4       0.1  
    Non-Taxable           0.2       0.2  
    Total Investment Securities     (0.8 )     1.0       0.2  
    Loans and Leases                  
    Commercial and industrial     (0.1 )     (2.7 )     (2.8 )
    Commercial real estate     0.9       (3.6 )     (2.7 )
    Construction     (1.0 )     (1.9 )     (2.9 )
    Residential:                  
    Residential mortgage     (0.2 )     0.6       0.4  
    Home equity line           0.1       0.1  
    Consumer           0.3       0.3  
    Lease financing           0.4       0.4  
    Total Loans and Leases     (0.4 )     (6.8 )     (7.2 )
    Other Earning Assets     (0.1 )     0.1        
    Total Change in Interest Income     (2.3 )     (7.3 )     (9.6 )
                       
    Change in Interest Expense:                  
    Interest-Bearing Deposits                  
    Savings     (0.1 )     (2.4 )     (2.5 )
    Money Market     (0.9 )     (4.4 )     (5.3 )
    Time     0.3       (1.5 )     (1.2 )
    Total Interest-Bearing Deposits     (0.7 )     (8.3 )     (9.0 )
    Other Short-Term Borrowings     (2.2 )     (0.5 )     (2.7 )
    Other Interest-Bearing Liabilities           (0.2 )     (0.2 )
    Total Change in Interest Expense     (2.9 )     (9.0 )     (11.9 )
    Change in Net Interest Income   $ 0.6     $ 1.7     $ 2.3  

    (1) The change in interest income and expense not solely due to changes in volume or rate has been allocated on a pro-rata basis to the volume and rate columns.

                       
    Analysis of Change in Net Interest Income                 Table 7
        Three Months Ended December 31, 2024
        Compared to December 31, 2023
    (dollars in millions)   Volume   Rate   Total (1)
    Change in Interest Income:                  
    Interest-Bearing Deposits in Other Banks   $ 4.6     $ (1.1 )   $ 3.5  
    Available-for-Sale Investment Securities                  
    Taxable     (4.1 )     (2.2 )     (6.3 )
    Held-to-Maturity Investment Securities                  
    Taxable     (1.1 )     0.2       (0.9 )
    Total Investment Securities     (5.2 )     (2.0 )     (7.2 )
    Loans and Leases                  
    Commercial and industrial     0.1       (1.6 )     (1.5 )
    Commercial real estate     (0.4 )     (2.1 )     (2.5 )
    Construction     1.8       (1.1 )     0.7  
    Residential:                  
    Residential mortgage     (1.0 )     3.0       2.0  
    Home equity line     (0.1 )     2.1       2.0  
    Consumer     (1.7 )     2.3       0.6  
    Lease financing     0.7       0.1       0.8  
    Total Loans and Leases     (0.6 )     2.7       2.1  
    Other Earning Assets           0.7       0.7  
    Total Change in Interest Income     (1.2 )     0.3       (0.9 )
                       
    Change in Interest Expense:                  
    Interest-Bearing Deposits                  
    Savings     (0.6 )     (0.7 )     (1.3 )
    Money Market     1.0       (1.9 )     (0.9 )
    Time     (0.2 )     (1.3 )     (1.5 )
    Total Interest-Bearing Deposits     0.2       (3.9 )     (3.7 )
    Other Short-Term Borrowings     (2.9 )     (0.6 )     (3.5 )
    Other Interest-Bearing Liabilities     (0.3 )     (0.3 )     (0.6 )
    Total Change in Interest Expense     (3.0 )     (4.8 )     (7.8 )
    Change in Net Interest Income   $ 1.8     $ 5.1     $ 6.9  

    (1) The change in interest income and expense not solely due to changes in volume or rate has been allocated on a pro-rata basis to the volume and rate columns.

                       
    Analysis of Change in Net Interest Income                 Table 8
        Year Ended December 31, 2024
        Compared to December 31, 2023
    (dollars in millions)   Volume   Rate   Total (1)
    Change in Interest Income:                  
    Interest-Bearing Deposits in Other Banks   $ 20.4     $ 0.4     $ 20.8  
    Available-for-Sale Investment Securities                  
    Taxable     (20.4 )     0.8       (19.6 )
    Non-Taxable     (0.5 )           (0.5 )
    Held-to-Maturity Investment Securities                  
    Taxable     (4.1 )           (4.1 )
    Non-Taxable     (0.1 )     (0.2 )     (0.3 )
    Total Investment Securities     (25.1 )     0.6       (24.5 )
    Loans Held for Sale     0.1             0.1  
    Loans and Leases                  
    Commercial and industrial     (0.7 )     8.3       7.6  
    Commercial real estate     3.3       13.0       16.3  
    Construction     7.9       3.5       11.4  
    Residential:                  
    Residential mortgage     (3.2 )     10.2       7.0  
    Home equity line     1.1       10.6       11.7  
    Consumer     (8.2 )     10.1       1.9  
    Lease financing     3.2       (1.0 )     2.2  
    Total Loans and Leases     3.4       54.7       58.1  
    Other Earning Assets     (0.9 )     2.7       1.8  
    Total Change in Interest Income     (2.1 )     58.4       56.3  
                       
    Change in Interest Expense:                  
    Interest-Bearing Deposits                  
    Savings     (1.6 )     21.7       20.1  
    Money Market     4.5       27.2       31.7  
    Time     10.0       15.7       25.7  
    Total Interest-Bearing Deposits     12.9       64.6       77.5  
    Federal Funds Purchased     (0.4 )     (0.4 )     (0.8 )
    Other Short-Term Borrowings     7.7       (0.7 )     7.0  
    Long-Term Borrowings     (6.3 )     (6.2 )     (12.5 )
    Other Interest-Bearing Liabilities     (1.5 )     0.1       (1.4 )
    Total Change in Interest Expense     12.4       57.4       69.8  
    Change in Net Interest Income   $ (14.5 )   $ 1.0     $ (13.5 )

    (1) The change in interest income and expense not solely due to changes in volume or rate has been allocated on a pro-rata basis to the volume and rate columns.

                             
    Loans and Leases                     Table 9
        December 31,    September 30,    December 31, 
    (dollars in thousands)   2024   2024   2023
    Commercial and industrial   $ 2,247,428     $ 2,110,077     $ 2,165,349  
    Commercial real estate     4,463,992       4,265,289       4,340,243  
    Construction     918,326       1,056,249       900,292  
    Residential:                        
    Residential mortgage     4,168,154       4,187,060       4,283,315  
    Home equity line     1,151,739       1,159,823       1,174,588  
    Total residential     5,319,893       5,346,883       5,457,903  
    Consumer     1,023,969       1,030,044       1,109,901  
    Lease financing     434,650       432,828       379,809  
    Total loans and leases   $ 14,408,258     $ 14,241,370     $ 14,353,497  
                             
    Deposits                     Table 10
        December 31,    September 30,    December 31, 
    (dollars in thousands)   2024   2024   2023
    Demand   $ 6,975,148     $ 6,800,028     $ 7,583,562  
    Savings     6,021,364       5,896,029       6,445,084  
    Money Market     4,027,334       4,129,381       3,847,853  
    Time     3,298,370       3,402,264       3,456,158  
    Total Deposits   $ 20,322,216     $ 20,227,702     $ 21,332,657  
                             
    Non-Performing Assets and Accruing Loans and Leases Past Due 90 Days or More                     Table 11
        December 31,    September 30,    December 31, 
    (dollars in thousands)   2024   2024   2023
    Non-Performing Assets                        
    Non-Accrual Loans and Leases                        
    Commercial Loans:                        
    Commercial and industrial   $ 329     $ 934     $ 970  
    Commercial real estate     411       152       2,953  
    Total Commercial Loans     740       1,086       3,923  
    Residential Loans:                        
    Residential mortgage     12,768       9,103       7,620  
    Home equity line     7,171       7,645       7,052  
    Total Residential Loans     19,939       16,748       14,672  
    Total Non-Accrual Loans and Leases     20,679       17,834       18,595  
    Total Non-Performing Assets   $ 20,679     $ 17,834     $ 18,595  
                             
    Accruing Loans and Leases Past Due 90 Days or More                        
    Commercial Loans:                        
    Commercial and industrial   $ 1,432     $ 529     $ 494  
    Commercial real estate           568       300  
    Construction     536              
    Total Commercial Loans     1,968       1,097       794  
    Residential mortgage     1,317       931        
    Consumer     2,734       2,515       2,702  
    Total Accruing Loans and Leases Past Due 90 Days or More   $ 6,019     $ 4,543     $ 3,496  
                             
    Total Loans and Leases   $ 14,408,258     $ 14,241,370     $ 14,353,497  
                                   
    Allowance for Credit Losses and Reserve for Unfunded Commitments   Table 12
        For the Three Months Ended   For the Year Ended
        December 31,    September 30,    December 31,    December 31,    December 31, 
    (dollars in thousands)   2024   2024   2023   2024   2023
    Balance at Beginning of Period   $ 197,397     $ 193,930     $ 192,570     $ 192,138     $ 177,735  
    Loans and Leases Charged-Off                              
    Commercial Loans:                              
    Commercial and industrial     (851 )     (1,178 )     (910 )     (3,615 )     (3,482 )
    Commercial real estate           (400 )     (2,500 )     (400 )     (2,500 )
    Total Commercial Loans     (851 )     (1,578 )     (3,410 )     (4,015 )     (5,982 )
    Residential Loans:                              
    Residential mortgage                             (122 )
    Home equity line                 (20 )           (292 )
    Total Residential Loans                 (20 )           (414 )
    Consumer     (4,774 )     (4,192 )     (4,147 )     (18,002 )     (17,110 )
    Total Loans and Leases Charged-Off     (5,625 )     (5,770 )     (7,577 )     (22,017 )     (23,506 )
    Recoveries on Loans and Leases Previously Charged-Off                              
    Commercial and industrial     298       160       171       919       3,346  
    Residential Loans:                              
    Residential mortgage     30       31       31       119       141  
    Home equity line     32       86       163       274       702  
    Total Residential Loans     62       117       194       393       843  
    Consumer     1,858       1,560       1,450       7,057       7,090  
    Total Recoveries on Loans and Leases Previously Charged-Off     2,218       1,837       1,815       8,369       11,279  
    Net Loans and Leases Charged-Off     (3,407 )     (3,933 )     (5,762 )     (13,648 )     (12,227 )
    (Benefit) Provision for Credit Losses     (750 )     7,400       5,330       14,750       26,630  
    Balance at End of Period   $ 193,240     $ 197,397     $ 192,138     $ 193,240     $ 192,138  
    Components:                              
    Allowance for Credit Losses   $ 160,393     $ 163,700     $ 156,533     $ 160,393     $ 156,533  
    Reserve for Unfunded Commitments     32,847       33,697       35,605       32,847       35,605  
    Total Allowance for Credit Losses and Reserve for Unfunded Commitments   $ 193,240     $ 197,397     $ 192,138     $ 193,240     $ 192,138  
    Average Loans and Leases Outstanding   $ 14,276,107     $ 14,304,806     $ 14,349,322     $ 14,312,759     $ 14,266,291  
    Ratio of Net Loans and Leases Charged-Off to Average Loans and Leases Outstanding(1)     0.09 %     0.11 %     0.16 %     0.10 %     0.09 %
    Ratio of Allowance for Credit Losses for Loans and Leases to Loans and Leases Outstanding     1.11 %     1.15 %     1.09 %     1.11     1.09 %
    Ratio of Allowance for Credit Losses for Loans and Leases to Non-accrual Loans and Leases     7.76x     9.18x     8.42x     7.76x     8.42x

    (1) Annualized for the three months ended December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.

                                                           
    Loans and Leases by Year of Origination and Credit Quality Indicator     Table 13
                                                  Revolving      
                                                  Loans      
                                                  Converted      
        Term Loans   Revolving   to Term      
        Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year   Loans   Loans      
                                            Amortized   Amortized      
    (dollars in thousands)   2024   2023   2022   2021   2020   Prior   Cost Basis   Cost Basis   Total
    Commercial Lending                                                      
    Commercial and Industrial                                                      
    Risk rating:                                                      
    Pass   $ 163,980   $ 73,554   $ 185,433   $ 249,532   $ 17,775   $ 256,119   $ 1,118,075   $ 14,336   $ 2,078,804
    Special Mention     808     2,385     1,209     68     300     1,322     41,520         47,612
    Substandard             8,096     196     309     1,114     26,089         35,804
    Other (1)     17,132     8,928     6,937     2,797     765     1,279     47,370         85,208
    Total Commercial and Industrial     181,920     84,867     201,675     252,593     19,149     259,834     1,233,054     14,336     2,247,428
    Current period gross charge-offs         578     335     105     221     2,376             3,615
                                                           
    Commercial Real Estate                                                      
    Risk rating:                                                      
    Pass     322,405     369,948     832,005     634,722     308,156     1,720,243     116,682     7,703     4,311,864
    Special Mention     9,014     2,252     7,510     41,399     3,265     10,860     11,861         86,161
    Substandard             54,952     1,002         9,732     148         65,834
    Other (1)                         133             133
    Total Commercial Real Estate     331,419     372,200     894,467     677,123     311,421     1,740,968     128,691     7,703     4,463,992
    Current period gross charge-offs                         400             400
                                                           
    Construction                                                      
    Risk rating:                                                      
    Pass     91,583     198,382     332,000     186,682     41,596     13,824     14,972         879,039
    Special Mention                         155             155
    Other (1)     12,482     9,688     10,861     1,561     1,199     2,644     697         39,132
    Total Construction     104,065     208,070     342,861     188,243     42,795     16,623     15,669         918,326
    Current period gross charge-offs                                    
                                                           
    Lease Financing                                                      
    Risk rating:                                                      
    Pass     149,615     101,684     60,898     14,328     17,703     84,663             428,891
    Special Mention                 220                     220
    Substandard     4,657     565     317                         5,539
    Total Lease Financing     154,272     102,249     61,215     14,548     17,703     84,663             434,650
    Current period gross charge-offs                                    
                                                           
    Total Commercial Lending   $ 771,676   $ 767,386   $ 1,500,218   $ 1,132,507   $ 391,068   $ 2,102,088   $ 1,377,414   $ 22,039   $ 8,064,396
    Current period gross charge-offs   $   $ 578   $ 335   $ 105   $ 221   $ 2,776   $   $   $ 4,015
                                                           
                                                  Revolving      
                                                  Loans      
                                                  Converted      
        Term Loans   Revolving   to Term      
        Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year   Loans   Loans      
    (continued)                                       Amortized   Amortized      
    (dollars in thousands)   2024   2023   2022   2021   2020   Prior   Cost Basis   Cost Basis   Total
    Residential Lending                                                      
    Residential Mortgage                                                      
    FICO:                                                      
    740 and greater   $ 168,067   $ 187,710   $ 492,845   $ 946,390   $ 498,443   $ 1,115,557   $   $   $ 3,409,012
    680 – 739     18,368     34,901     65,735     103,622     57,369     138,469             418,464
    620 – 679     1,726     4,380     23,556     19,355     14,058     40,471             103,546
    550 – 619         820     6,526     7,745     4,042     13,783             32,916
    Less than 550         734     775     2,264     1,559     6,342             11,674
    No Score (3)     13,211     6,719     16,839     9,916     5,518     45,604             97,807
    Other (2)     9,456     12,404     16,564     14,311     10,769     28,812     2,419         94,735
    Total Residential Mortgage     210,828     247,668     622,840     1,103,603     591,758     1,389,038     2,419         4,168,154
    Current period gross charge-offs                                    
                                                           
    Home Equity Line                                                      
    FICO:                                                      
    740 and greater                             925,749     1,652     927,401
    680 – 739                             161,523     1,030     162,553
    620 – 679                             39,235     1,220     40,455
    550 – 619                             13,006     416     13,422
    Less than 550                             5,993     563     6,556
    No Score (3)                             1,352         1,352
    Total Home Equity Line                             1,146,858     4,881     1,151,739
    Current period gross charge-offs                                    
                                                           
    Total Residential Lending   $ 210,828   $ 247,668   $ 622,840   $ 1,103,603   $ 591,758   $ 1,389,038   $ 1,149,277   $ 4,881   $ 5,319,893
    Current period gross charge-offs   $   $   $   $   $   $   $   $   $
                                                           
    Consumer Lending                                                      
    FICO:                                                      
    740 and greater     92,329     65,738     84,007     44,192     14,607     6,897     101,938     106     409,814
    680 – 739     68,371     46,533     44,504     21,829     7,652     5,278     86,935     509     281,611
    620 – 679     30,618     17,728     19,942     10,252     4,195     4,152     50,544     775     138,206
    550 – 619     6,108     6,768     9,312     5,702     2,574     3,106     15,641     778     49,989
    Less than 550     2,012     3,950     5,572     3,594     1,591     1,830     5,311     593     24,453
    No Score (3)     1,881     106     38         7     9     38,932     176     41,149
    Other (2)             277     887     99     956     76,528         78,747
    Total Consumer Lending   $ 201,319   $ 140,823   $ 163,652   $ 86,456   $ 30,725   $ 22,228   $ 375,829   $ 2,937   $ 1,023,969
    Current period gross charge-offs   $ 732   $ 2,055   $ 2,606   $ 1,388   $ 676   $ 2,685   $ 7,168   $ 692   $ 18,002
                                                           
    Total Loans and Leases   $ 1,183,823   $ 1,155,877   $ 2,286,710   $ 2,322,566   $ 1,013,551   $ 3,513,354   $ 2,902,520   $ 29,857   $ 14,408,258
    Current period gross charge-offs   $ 732   $ 2,633   $ 2,941   $ 1,493   $ 897   $ 5,461   $ 7,168   $ 692   $ 22,017

    (1) Other credit quality indicators used for monitoring purposes are primarily FICO scores. The majority of the loans in this population were originated to borrowers with a prime FICO score (680 and above). As of December 31, 2024, the majority of the loans in this population were current.

    (2) Other credit quality indicators used for monitoring purposes are primarily internal risk ratings. The majority of the loans in this population were graded with a “Pass” rating. As of December 31, 2024, the majority of the loans in this population were current.

    (3) No FICO scores are primarily related to loans and leases extended to non-residents. Loans and leases of this nature are primarily secured by collateral and/or are closely monitored for performance.

                                             
    GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation   Table 14
        For the Three Months Ended     For the Year Ended  
        December 31,      September 30,      December 31,      December 31,   
    (dollars in thousands)   2024     2024     2023     2024     2023  
    Income Statement Data:                                        
    Net income   $ 52,496     $ 61,492     $ 47,502     $ 230,129     $ 234,983  
                                             
    Average total stockholders’ equity   $ 2,629,600     $ 2,588,806     $ 2,374,669     $ 2,557,215     $ 2,346,713  
    Less: average goodwill     995,492       995,492       995,492       995,492       995,492  
    Average tangible stockholders’ equity   $ 1,634,108     $ 1,593,314     $ 1,379,177     $ 1,561,723     $ 1,351,221  
                                             
    Average total assets   $ 23,795,735     $ 24,046,696     $ 24,404,727     $ 23,996,723     $ 24,625,445  
    Less: average goodwill     995,492       995,492       995,492       995,492       995,492  
    Average tangible assets   $ 22,800,243     $ 23,051,204     $ 23,409,235     $ 23,001,231     $ 23,629,953  
                                             
    Return on average total stockholders’ equity(1)     7.94 %     9.45 %     7.94 %     9.00 %     10.01 %
    Return on average tangible stockholders’ equity (non-GAAP)(1)     12.78 %     15.35 %     13.66 %     14.74 %     17.39 %
                                             
    Return on average total assets(1)     0.88 %     1.02 %     0.77 %     0.96 %     0.95 %
    Return on average tangible assets (non-GAAP)(1)     0.92 %     1.06 %     0.81 %     1.00 %     0.99 %
                             
                       
        As of     As of     As of  
        December 31,      September 30,      December 31,   
    (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)   2024     2024     2023  
    Balance Sheet Data:                        
    Total stockholders’ equity   $ 2,617,486     $ 2,648,034     $ 2,486,066  
    Less: goodwill     995,492       995,492       995,492  
    Tangible stockholders’ equity   $ 1,621,994     $ 1,652,542     $ 1,490,574  
                             
    Total assets   $ 23,828,186     $ 23,780,285     $ 24,926,474  
    Less: goodwill     995,492       995,492       995,492  
    Tangible assets   $ 22,832,694     $ 22,784,793     $ 23,930,982  
                             
    Shares outstanding     126,422,898       127,886,167       127,618,761  
                             
    Total stockholders’ equity to total assets     10.98 %     11.14 %     9.97 %
    Tangible stockholders’ equity to tangible assets (non-GAAP)     7.10 %     7.25 %     6.23 %
                             
    Book value per share   $ 20.70     $ 20.71     $ 19.48  
    Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP)   $ 12.83     $ 12.92     $ 11.68  

    (1) Annualized for the three months ended December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: QUAINT OAK BANCORP, INC. ANNOUNCES FOURTH QUARTER AND YEAR-END EARNINGS

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Southampton, PA , Jan. 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Quaint Oak Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) (OTCQB: QNTO), the holding company for Quaint Oak Bank (the “Bank”), announced today net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 of $1.6 million, or $0.60 per basic and diluted share, compared to net income of $1.1 million, or $0.49 per basic and diluted share, for the same period in 2023. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $2.8 million, or $1.08 per basic and diluted share, compared to net income of $2.0 million, or $0.90 per basic and $0.89 per diluted share, for the same period in 2023.

    Robert T. Strong, President and Chief Executive Officer stated, “I am pleased to report that our quarterly net income for the period ended December 31, 2024, of $1.6 million was an increase of 38.3% when compared to the income of the same period ended December 31, 2023. I am, additionally, pleased to report that our annual net income for the year ended December 31, 2024, of $2.8 million was an increase of 38.4% when compared to the income for the year ended December 31, 2023.”

    Mr. Strong added, “Our non-interest income continued to improve for both the quarter ended December 31, 2024, and the year-end December 31, 2024, when compared to the same periods ended December 31, 2023. We completed the sale-leaseback of our property in Allentown, Pennsylvania during the fourth quarter of 2024 that resulted in a one-time $1.5 million gain.”

    Mr. Strong continued, “As previously reported, we experienced a continuing minor weakness in the small business sector. Our non-performing loans as a percentage of total loans receivable, net was 1.07% at December 31, 2024. Our non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets at December 31, 2024, was 0.83%. Although not rising to a level of concern but one of continued monitoring, we have, however, increased our allowance for credit losses as a percentage of total loans receivable to 1.20% at year-end December 31, 2024. We also carry a percentage of 113.61% allowance for credit losses as a percent of non-performing loans.”

    Mr. Strong commented, “As of year-end December 31, 2024, Quaint Oak Bank’s total risk-based capital ratio was 14.34%. In conjunction with earnings and improved liquidity and capital ratios, the Board of Directors, as previously announced, declared a dividend in the amount of $0.13 per share payable February 10, 2025.”

    Mr. Strong concluded, “In closing, I am pleased that our stockholders’ equity from continuing operations improved by over $4.0 million during the year 2024. As always, our current and continued business strategy focuses on long-term profitability and maintaining healthy capital ratios both of which reflect our strong commitment to shareholder value.”

    On March 29, 2024, Quaint Oak Bank sold its 51% interest in Oakmont Capital Holdings, LLC (“OCH”). The decision was based on a number of strategic priorities and other factors. As a result of this action, the Company classified the operations of OCH as discontinued operations under ASC 205-20. The Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Income present discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 and retrospectively at December 31, 2023 and for prior periods. Included in discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 was a pretax gain of $1.4 million on the sale of the Company’s 51% interest in OCH.

    Also on March 29, 2024, the Company discontinued the operations of Quaint Oak Real Estate, LLC (“Quaint Oak Real Estate”), a 100% wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank. Quaint Oak Real Estate was engaged in the real estate brokerage business.

    Comparison of Quarter-over-Quarter Operating Results

    Net income amounted to $1.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, an increase of $437,000, or 38.3%, compared to net income of $1.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023. The increase in net income on a comparative quarterly basis was primarily the result of an increase in non-interest income of $1.8 million, a decrease in interest expense of $756,000, and a decrease in the net provision for income taxes of $166,000, partially offset by a decrease in interest income of $1.0 million, an increase in the provision for credit losses of $619,000, a decrease in net loss from discontinued operations of $488,000, and an increase in non-interest expense of $308,000.

    The $1.0 million, or 9.5%, decrease in interest income was primarily due to a decrease in the average balance of loans receivable, net, which decreased $94.3 million from $702.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023 to $608.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and had the effect of decreasing interest income $1.4 million. This decrease was partially offset by a 27 basis point increase in the average yield on loans receivable, net from 6.05% for the three months ended December 31, 2023 to 6.32% for the three months ended December 31, 2024, and had the effect of increasing interest income $412,000, and a $9.4 million increase in the average balance of due from banks – interest earning, which increased from $22.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023 to $31.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, and had the effect of increasing interest income $92,000.

    The $756,000, or 11.4%, decrease in interest expense for the three months ended December 31, 2024 over the comparable period in 2023 was driven by a $310,000, or 96.0%, decrease in the interest on Federal Home Loan Bank long-term borrowings due to a $29.8 million, or 89.5%, decrease in the average balance of Federal Home Loan Bank long-term borrowings which decreased from $33.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023 to $3.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, combined with a $295,000, or 91.0%, decrease in the interest on Federal Home Loan Bank short-term borrowings due to an $18.1 million, or 88.9%, decrease in the average balance of Federal Home Loan Bank short-term borrowings which decreased from $20.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023 to $2.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024. Also contributing to the decrease in interest expense for the three months ended December 31, 2024 was a $192,000, or 3.5%, decrease in interest expense on deposits. The average interest rate spread increased from 1.52% for the three months ended December 31, 2023 to 1.88% for the three months ended December 31, 2024 while the net interest margin increased from 2.39% for the three months ended December 31, 2023 to 2.54% for the three months ended December 31, 2024.

    The $619,000, or 204.3%, increase in the provision for credit losses for the three months ended December 31, 2024 over the three months ended December 31, 2023 was due to an increase in charge-offs during the three months ended December 31, 2024, partially offset by a decrease in loans receivable, net.

    The $1.8 million, or 82.6%, increase in non-interest income for the three months ended December 31, 2024 over the comparable period in 2023 was primarily attributable to a $1.5 million gain on the sale and leaseback of the Company’s office building at 1710 Union Boulevard in Allentown, Pennsylvania, a $290,000, or 20.6%, increase in net gain on sale of loans, a $103,000, or 57.5%, increase in mortgage banking, equipment lending, and title abstract fees, an $80,000, or 65.6%, increase in gain on sale of SBA loans, and a $41,000, or 23.2%, increase in insurance commissions. These increases were partially offset by a $184,000, or 86.0%, decrease in other fees and service charges, and a $6,000, or 100.0%, decrease in real estate sales commissions, net.

    The $308,000, or 5.7%, increase in non-interest expense for the three months ended December 31, 2024 over the comparable period in 2023 was primarily due to a $392,000, or 11.4%, increase in salaries and employee benefits expense, a $111,000, or 33.1%, increase in professional fees, a $90,000, or 28.7%, increase in data processing expense, a $47,000 increase in directors’ fees and expenses, and a $25,000, or 33.3%, increase in advertising expense. These increases were partially offset by a $183,000, or 33.5%, decrease in other expense, a $96,000, or 18.5%, decrease in occupancy and equipment expense, and a $78,000, or 39.4%, decrease in FDIC deposit insurance assessment.

    The provision for income tax from continuing operations decreased $166,000, or 24.3%, from $682,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2023 to $516,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2024 due primarily to a decrease in state taxes related to subsidiary activity in additional states.

    Comparison of Year-End Operating Results

    Net income amounted to $2.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, an increase of $775,000, or 38.4%, compared to net income of $2.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase in net income on a comparative year-end basis was primarily the result of an increase in non-interest income of $2.9 million, a decrease in net loss from discontinued operations of $668,000, and a decrease in the net provision for income taxes from continuing operations of $298,000, partially offset by a decrease in interest income of $1.5 million, an increase in the provision for credit losses of $1.4 million, an increase in non-interest expense of $101,000, and an increase in interest expense of $93,000. The decrease in the net loss from discontinued operations was driven by the after-tax gain on the sale of the Company’s 51% interest in OCH.

    The $1.5 million, or 3.3%, decrease in interest income was primarily due to a decrease in the average balance of loans receivable, net, which decreased $116.0 million from $737.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 to $621.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 and had the effect of decreasing interest income $6.9 million. This decrease was partially offset by a 51 basis point increase in the yield on average loans receivable, net, including loans held for sale, which increased from 5.94% for the year ended December 31, 2023 to 6.45% for the year ended December 31, 2024, and had the effect of increasing interest income $3.1 million, a $51.8 million increase in the average balance of due from banks – interest earning, which increased from $10.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 to $61.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, and had the effect of increasing interest income $2.1 million, and a 93 basis point increase in the average yield on due from banks – interest earning which increased from 4.03% for the year ended December 31, 2023 to 4.96% for the year ended December 31, 2024, and had the effect of increasing interest income $577,000.

    The $93,000, or 0.4%, increase in interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2024 over the comparable period in 2023 was driven by a 106 basis point increase in the rate on average certificate of deposit accounts which increased from 3.09% for the year ended December 31, 2023 to 4.15% for the year ended December 31, 2024 and had the effect of increasing interest expense by $2.5 million. Also contributing to the increase in interest expense was an increase in the average balance of business checking accounts which increased from $49.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 to $93.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 and had the effect of increasing interest expense by $2.2 million. The Bank pays interest on business checking accounts received through a correspondent banking relationship. Also impacting the increase in interest expense was a 28 basis point increase in the rate on average money market accounts which increased from 4.16% for the year ended December 31, 2023 to 4.44% for the year ended December 31, 2024 and had the effect of increasing interest expense by $604,000. Partially offsetting the increase in interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2024, was a $71.3 million, or 98.3%, decrease in the average balance of Federal Home Loan Bank short-term borrowings which decreased from $72.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 to $1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 and had the effect of decreasing interest expense $3.8 million. The average interest rate spread decreased from 1.91% for the year ended December 31, 2023 to 1.84% for the year ended December 31, 2024 while the net interest margin increased from 2.56% for the year ended December 31, 2023 to 2.59% for the year ended December 31, 2024.

    The $1.4 million, or 877.1%, increase in the provision for credit losses for the year ended December 31, 2024 over the year ended December 31, 2023 was due to an increase in the amount of non-performing loans. There were seventeen individually evaluated loans which increased the provision for credit losses by $809,000. Also contributing to the increase in the provision for credit losses was $1.8 million in charge-offs during the year ended December 31, 2024. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in the average balance of loans receivable, net.

    The $2.9 million, or 54.1%, increase in non-interest income for the year ended December 31, 2024 over the comparable period in 2023 was primarily attributable to the $1.5 million gain on sale-leaseback transaction in the fourth quarter of 2024, described above, a $1.1 million, or 41.2%, increase in net gain on sale of loans, a $309,000, or 51.5%, increase in mortgage banking, equipment lending, and title abstract fees, a $102,000, or 20.0%, increase in other fees and services charges, and an $81,000, or 12.2%, increase in insurance commissions. These increases were partially offset by a $119,000 or 50.6%, decrease in net loan servicing income, a $74,000, or 78.7%, decrease in real estate sales commissions, net, and a $15,000, or 3.2%, decrease in gain on sale of SBA loans. The $1.1 million increase in the net gain on sale of loans was due primarily to increased sales volume from Quaint Oak Mortgage, LLC and Oakmont Commercial, LLC.

    The $101,000, or 0.5%, increase in non-interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2024 over the comparable period in 2023 was primarily due to a $786,000, or 5.7%, increase in salaries and employee benefits expense, a $247,000, or 23.5%, increase in data processing expense, and a $19,000, or 6.7%, increase in advertising expense, partially offset by a $253,000, or 29.2%, decrease in FDIC deposit insurance assessment, a $238,000, or 14.4%, decrease in occupancy and equipment expense, a $182,000, or 9.5%, decrease in other expenses, a $163,000, or 17.5%, decrease in professional fees, and a $115,000, or 36.4%, decrease in directors’ fees and expenses. The decrease in directors’ fees and expenses was primarily due to a reduction in director rates for the year ended December 31, 2024.

    The provision for income tax on continuing operations decreased $298,000, or 22.4%, from $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 to $1.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 due primarily to a decrease in taxable income from continuing operations.

    Comparison of Financial Condition

    The Company’s total assets at December 31, 2024 were $685.2 million, a decrease of $69.0 million, or 9.1%, from $754.1 million at December 31, 2023. This decrease in total assets was primarily due to an $84.7 million, or 13.7%, decrease in loans receivable, net of allowance for credit losses. The largest decreases within the loan portfolio occurred in commercial real estate loans which decreased $34.9 million, or 10.5%, commercial business loans which decreased $12.9 million, or 10.1%, construction loans which decreased $17.3 million, or 48.5%, one-to-four family non-owner occupied loans which decreased $6.9 million, or 17.0%, and multi-family residential loans which decreased $1.3 million, or 2.7%. Partially offsetting these decreases were one-to-four family owner occupied loans which increased $2.7 million, or 12.0%. Also contributing to the decrease in assets was a $1.0 million, or 38.8%, decrease in premises and equipment, net. Partially offsetting the decrease in total assets was a $29.5 million, or 80.9%, increase in loans held for sale, a $5.0 million, or 8.6%, increase in cash and cash equivalents, a $740,000, or 50.2%, increase in investment in Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost, a $459,000, or 13.1%, increase in accrued interest receivable, and a $118,000, or 2.7%, increase in bank-owned life insurance. The decrease in loans receivable, net was due to the transfer of $59.5 million of loans held for investment into loans held for sale.

    Loans held for sale increased $29.5 million, or 80.9%, from $36.4 million at December 31, 2023 to $65.9 million at December 31, 2024 as the Bank originated $51.6 million in equipment loans held for sale and sold $71.6 million of equipment loans during the year ended December 31, 2024. Partially offsetting this increase was $8.5 million of loan amortization and prepayments. On March 29, 2024, the Bank transferred $4.4 million of equipment loans held for sale into loans receivable as part of the discontinued operations of OCH. Additionally, the Bank’s mortgage banking subsidiary, Quaint Oak Mortgage, LLC, originated $134.3 million of one-to-four family residential loans during the year ended December 31, 2024 and sold $131.4 million of loans in the secondary market during this same period. In the fourth quarter of 2024, management identified $49.2 million of commercial real estate loans and $10.3 million of SBA loans within the loan portfolio and transferred them to loans held for sale at amortized cost.

    Total deposits decreased $78.4 million, or 12.4%, to $553.3 million at December 31, 2024 from $631.7 million at December 31, 2023. This decrease in deposits was primarily attributable to a decrease of $57.4 million, or 55.0%, in interest bearing checking accounts, a decrease of $56.2 million, or 25.7%, in money market accounts, a decrease of $31.6 million, or 34.2%, in non-interest bearing checking accounts, and a $349,000, or 41.5%, decrease in savings accounts. These decreases in deposits were partially offset by an increase of $67.0 million, or 31.1%, in certificates of deposit. The total decrease in interest bearing checking accounts was due to reduced correspondent banking activity.

    Total Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) borrowings increased $18.8 million, or 64.9%, to $47.9 million at December 31, 2024 from $29.0 million at December 31, 2023. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company borrowed $110.0 million of FHLB short-term borrowings, paid down $65.0 million of FHLB short-term borrowings, and paid down $26.2 million of FHLB long-term borrowings.

    Total stockholders’ equity from continuing operations increased $4.1 million, or 8.5%, to $52.6 million at December 31, 2024 from $48.5 million at December 31, 2023. Contributing to the increase was net income for the year ended December 31, 2024 of $2.8 million, shares of common stock issued of $2.4 million, amortization of stock awards and options under our stock compensation plans of $242,000, the reissuance of treasury stock under the Bank’s 401(k) Plan of $118,000, and other comprehensive income, net of $10,000. The increase in stockholders’ equity was partially offset by dividends paid of $1.3 million, and $150,000 of purchases of treasury stock. In addition, there was a $3.1 million, or 100.0%, decrease in noncontrolling interest from discontinued operations. The $2.4 million of shares issued were due to two private placement offerings to two investors.

    Non-performing loans at December 31, 2024 totaled $5.7 million, or 1.07%, of total loans receivable, net of allowance for credit losses, consisting of $3.9 million of loans on non-accrual status and $1.8 million of loans 90-days or more delinquent. Non-accrual loans consist of one commercial real estate loan, and ten commercial business loans. Included in the ten commercial business loans is one pool of equipment loans. Loans 90-days or more past due include one one-to-four family residential owner occupied loan and two commercial real estate loans, all of which are still accruing. All non-performing loans are either well-collateralized or adequately reserved for. During the year ended December 31, 2024, 19 commercial business loans totaling $1.6 million, and one construction loan of $187,000, that were previously on non-accrual were charged-off through the allowance for credit losses. The allowance for credit losses as a percentage of total loans receivable was 1.20% at December 31, 2024 and 1.11% at December 31, 2023. Non-performing loans at December 31, 2023 consisted of one SBA loan on non-accrual status in the amount of $51,000 and one one-to-four family owner occupied loan that was 90 days or more past due but still accruing in the amount of $401,000. During the year ended December 31, 2023, two commercial business loans, one SBA loan, one multi-family residential loan, and two equipment loans totaling $272,000 that were previously on non-accrual were charged-off through the allowance for credit losses. In addition, there was one commercial business loan in the amount of $652,000 that was partially charged off by $603,000.

    Quaint Oak Bancorp, Inc., a Financial Services Company, is the parent company for the Quaint Oak Family of Companies. Quaint Oak Bank, a Pennsylvania-chartered stock savings bank and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, is headquartered in Southampton, Pennsylvania and conducts business through three regional offices located in the Delaware Valley, Lehigh Valley and Philadelphia markets. Quaint Oak Bank’s subsidiary companies include Quaint Oak Abstract, LLC, Quaint Oak Insurance Agency, LLC, Quaint Oak Mortgage, LLC, and Oakmont Commercial, LLC, a specialty commercial real estate financing company. All companies are multi-state operations.

    Statements contained in this news release which are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors. Factors which could result in material variations include, but are not limited to, changes in interest rates which could affect net interest margins and net interest income, competitive factors which could affect net interest income and noninterest income, changes in demand for loans, deposits and other financial services in the Company’s market area; changes in asset quality, general economic conditions as well as other factors discussed in documents filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date on which such statements were made.

    In addition to factors previously disclosed in the reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission and those identified elsewhere in this press release, the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements or historical performance: the strength of the United States economy in general and the strength of the local economies in which the Company conducts its operations; general economic conditions; legislative and regulatory changes; monetary and fiscal policies of the federal government; changes in tax policies, rates and regulations of federal, state and local tax authorities including the effects of the Tax Reform Act; changes in interest rates, deposit flows, the cost of funds, demand for loan products and the demand for financial services, competition, changes in the quality or composition of the Companys loan, investment and mortgage-backed securities portfolios; geographic concentration of the Companys business; fluctuations in real estate values; the adequacy of loan loss reserves; the risk that goodwill and intangibles recorded in the Companys financial statements will become impaired; changes in accounting principles, policies or guidelines and other economic, competitive, governmental and technological factors affecting the Companys operations, markets, products, services and fees.

    QUAINT OAK BANCORP, INC.
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (In Thousands)
        At December 31,     At December 31,  
        2024     2023  
        (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  
    Assets                
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 62,989     $ 58,006  
    Investment in interest-earning time deposits     912       1,912  
    Investment securities available for sale at fair value     1,666       2,341  
    Loans held for sale     65,939       36,448  
      Loans receivable, net of allowance for credit losses (2024: $6,476; 2023: $6,758)     533,035       617,701  
    Accrued interest receivable     3,961       3,502  
    Investment in Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost     2,214       1,474  
    Bank-owned life insurance     4,447       4,329  
    Premises and equipment, net     1,626       2,656  
    Goodwill     515       515  
    Other intangible, net of accumulated amortization     77       125  
    Prepaid expenses and other assets     7,787       5,134  
    Assets from discontinued operations           19,975  
    Total Assets   $ 685,168     $ 754,118  
                     
    Liabilities and StockholdersEquity                
    Liabilities                
    Deposits                
    Non-interest bearing   $ 59,783     $ 92,215  
    Interest-bearing     493,469       539,484  
    Total deposits     553,252       631,699  
    Federal Home Loan Bank short-term borrowings     45,000        
    Federal Home Loan Bank long-term borrowings     2,855       29,022  
    Subordinated debt     22,000       21,957  
    Accrued interest payable     937       541  
    Advances from borrowers for taxes and insurance     3,122       3,730  
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities     5,385       2,438  
    Liabilities from discontinued operations           13,166  
    Total Liabilities     632,551       702,553  
    Total Quaint Oak Bancorp, Inc. StockholdersEquity     52,617       48,491  
    Noncontrolling Interest from Discontinued Operations           3,074  
    Total StockholdersEquity     52,617       51,565  
    Total Liabilities and StockholdersEquity   $ 685,168     $ 754,118  
        At December 31,  
        2023  
        (Unaudited)  
    Assets from Discontinued Operations        
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 4,121  
    Loans held for sale     9,580  
    Premises and equipment, net     277  
    Goodwill     2,058  
    Prepaid expenses and other assets     3,939  
    Total Assets from Discontinued Operations   $ 19,975  
             
    Liabilities and StockholdersEquity from Discontinued Operations        
    Liabilities from Discontinued Operations        
    Other short-term borrowings   $ 5,549  
    Accrued interest payable     565  
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities     7,052  
    Total Liabilities from Discontinued Operations     13,166  
    Total StockholdersEquity from Discontinued Operations     6,809  
    Total Liabilities and StockholdersEquity from Discontinued Operations   $ 19,975  

    QUAINT OAK BANCORP, INC.
    Consolidated Statements of Income
    (In Thousands, except share data)

        For the Three Months Ended     For the Year Ended  
        December 31,     December 31,  
        2024     2023     2024     2023  
        (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  
    Interest and Dividend Income                                
    Interest on loans, including fees   $ 9,613     $ 10,629     $ 40,058     $ 43,812  
    Interest and dividends on time deposits, investment securities, interest-bearing deposits with others, and Federal Home Loan Bank stock     333       359       3,379       1,109  
    Total Interest and Dividend Income     9,946       10,988       43,437       44,921  
    Interest Expense                                
    Interest on deposits     5,346       5,538       23,141       18,811  
    Interest on Federal Home Loan Bank short-term borrowings     29       324       61       3,907  
    Interest on Federal Home Loan Bank long-term borrowings     13       323       484       1,326  
    Interest on Federal Reserve Bank short-term borrowings           4             34  
    Interest on subordinated debt     473       428       1,934       1,449  
    Total Interest Expense     5,861       6,617       25,620       25,527  
    Net Interest Income     4,085       4,371       17,817       19,394  
    Provision for (Recovery of) Credit LossesLoans     279       (324 )     1,506       (45 )
    Provision for Credit LossesUnfunded Commitments     37       21       28       202  
    Total Provision for (Recovery of) Credit Losses     316       (303 )     1,534       157  
    Net Interest Income after Provision for (Recovery from) Credit Losses     3,769       4,674       16,283       19,237  
                                     
    Non-Interest Income                                
    Mortgage banking, equipment lending and title abstract fees     282       179       909       600  
    Real estate sales commissions, net           6       20       94  
    Insurance commissions     218       177       744       663  
    Other fees and services charges     30       214       612       510  
    Net loan servicing income     111       88       116       235  
    Income from bank-owned life insurance     31       27       118       102  
    Net gain on sale of loans     1,701       1,411       3,699       2,620  
    Gain on sale of SBA loans     202       122       453       468  
    Gain on sale-leaseback transaction     1,485             1,485        
    Total Non-Interest Income     4,060       2,224       8,156       5,292  
                                     
    Non-Interest Expense                                
    Salaries and employee benefits     3,818       3,426       14,636       13,850  
    Directors’ fees and expenses     48       1       201       316  
    Occupancy and equipment     422       518       1,418       1,656  
    Data processing     404       314       1,298       1,051  
    Professional fees     446       335       769       932  
    FDIC deposit insurance assessment     120       198       614       867  
    Advertising     100       75       302       283  
    Amortization of other intangible     12       12       48       48  
    Other     364       547       1,732       1,914  
    Total Non-Interest Expense     5,734       5,426       21,018       20,917  
    Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes   $ 2,095     $ 1,472     $ 3,421     $ 3,612  
    Income Taxes     516       682       1,032       1,330  
    Net Income from Continuing Operations   $ 1,579     $ 790     $ 2,389     $ 2,282  
    Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations           488       564       (364 )
    Income Tax (Benefit)           136       158       (102 )
    Net Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations   $     $ 352     $ 406     $ (262 )
    Net Income   $ 1,579     $ 1,142     $ 2,795     $ 2,020  
        Three Months Ended
    December 31,
        Year Ended
    December 31,
     
        2024     2023     2024     2023  
    Per Common Share Data:   (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  
    Earnings per share from continuing operations – basic   $ 0.60     $ 0.34     $ 0.93     $ 1.02  
    Earnings per share from discontinued operations – basic   $     $ 0.15     $ 0.16     $ (0.12 )
    Earnings per share, net – basic   $ 0.60     $ 0.49     $ 1.08     $ 0.90  
    Average shares outstanding – basic     2,631,851       2,352,133       2,578,804       2,254,444  
    Earnings per share from continuing operations – diluted   $ 0.60     $ 0.34     $ 0.93     $ 1.00  
    Earnings per share from discontinued operations – diluted   $     $ 0.15     $ 0.16     $ (0.11 )
    Earnings per share, net – diluted   $ 0.60     $ 0.49     $ 1.08     $ 0.89  
    Average shares outstanding – diluted     2,631,851       2,352,133       2,578,804       2,275,034  
    Book value per share, end of period   $ 20.03     $ 20.15     $ 20.03     $ 20.15  
    Shares outstanding, end of period     2,626,535       2,407,048       2,626,535       2,407,048  
        Three Months Ended
    December 31,
        Year Ended
    December 31,
     
        2024     2023     2024     2023  
    Selected Operating Ratios:   (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  
    Average yield on interest-earning assets     6.19 %     6.01 %     6.32 %     5.93 %
    Average rate on interest-bearing liabilities     4.30 %     4.48 %     4.48 %     4.02 %
    Average interest rate spread     1.88 %     1.52 %     1.84 %     1.91 %
    Net interest margin     2.54 %     2.39 %     2.59 %     2.56 %
    Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities     118.00 %     123.90 %     120.08 %     119.37 %
    Efficiency ratio     70.40 %     82.28 %     80.93 %     84.73 %
                                     
    Asset Quality Ratios (1):                                
    Non-performing loans as a percent of total loans receivable, net     1.07 %     0.07 %     1.07 %     0.07 %
    Non-performing assets as a percent of total assets     0.83 %     0.06 %     0.83 %     0.06 %
    Allowance for credit losses as a percent of non-performing loans     113.61 %   n/m       113.61 %   n/m  
    Allowance for credit losses as a percent of total loans receivable     1.20 %     1.11 %     1.20 %     1.11 %
    Texas Ratio (2)     8.77 %     0.80 %     8.77 %     0.80 %

    (1) Asset quality ratios are end of period ratios.
    (2) Total non-performing assets divided by tangible common equity plus the allowance for credit losses.
    n/m – not meaningful

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/DR CONGO – Without electricity and water: Catholic parish in Goma welcomes 2000 displaced people

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Kinshasa (Agenzia Fides) – “The greatest danger for the population of Goma is the so-called ‘Wazalendo’ militiamen,” local church observers told Fides about the situation in the capital of the Congolese province of North Kivu, which has fallen into the hands of the M23 rebel movement supported by the Rwandan army.The so-called “Wazalendo” are members of pro-government militias who are fighting alongside the regular army against the advance of the M23. While most of the regular soldiers surrendered after the capture of Goma or turned themselves over to the MONUSCO Blue Helmets, the “Wazalendo” militiamen went into hiding.”The Wazalendo are breaking into the homes of ordinary people in search of food, which is a problem for everyone given the shortage of supplies. If they do not find anything to loot, they threaten to take their children away. And it is easy to imagine what they can do to women and girls,” the observers report. “M23 members and Rwandans are trying to restore order. At the moment, there are reports of occasional shootings near the airport.””The humanitarian situation in Goma remains difficult because there is no electricity and no water pumped and filtered from Lake Kivu. Without electricity, the pumps and sewage treatment plants do not work. The most difficult conditions are for the displaced people (an estimated one million internally displaced people live in Goma). In the parish of Saint Francis Xavier in Ndosho, a suburb on the outskirts of the city, around 2,000 displaced people live without water and in precarious conditions; in addition, there are around 1,600 people housed in the nearby school,” the observers report. Meanwhile, the rebels are slowly advancing towards Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province. “The M23 units are 115 km from the city, but are advancing slowly as they still suffer heavy losses,” the sources said. “In recent days, ambulances have been travelling between Goma and Rwanda to bring the remains of the soldiers who fell on the streets of the city to their families and to ensure a dignified burial, as otherwise they would have ended up in mass graves that are currently being dug.In addition, it is slowly getting hot in Goma and this is another reason why it is urgent to bury the bodies lying on the streets.” “In Bukavu, the situation remains calm for the moment after the withdrawal of foreign aid workers (see Fides, 30/1/2025), but people live in uncertainty,” the observers concluded. Meanwhile, Burundian soldiers have also been sent by the government in Bujumbura to support the Congolese forces. On the political level, yesterday, January 30, Corneille Nangaa, leader of the Congo River Alliance, held a press conference in Goma, where he reiterated his will to march to Kinshasa to overthrow President Félix Tshisekedi. The British Embassy in Kinshasa, meanwhile, issued a communiqué in English and French condemning the occupation of Goma by the M23 rebel movement and the Rwandan army, and threatening a possible cessation of UK support to Rwanda if hostilities do not cease. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 31/1/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI: Patria Investments Announces Sale of Aguas Pacifico

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands, Jan. 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Patria Investments Limited (“Patria”) (NASDAQ: PAX), a global alternative asset manager, announced that Patria Infrastructure Fund III (“IS Fund III”) has substantially met the conditions precedent necessary for the sale of Aguas Pacifico, a multi-client water desalination project under construction in Chile, to Patria Infrastructure Fund V (“IS Fund V”) and other investors. The agreement for the transaction was signed in December 2024.

    The sale of this asset is expected to be completed in 1Q25 and will be supported by a number of global investors, including sovereign wealth funds and institutional investors, in addition to IS Fund V, highlighting the long-term attractiveness of this platform.

    The transaction reflects Patria’s long-term commitment to investing across infrastructure sectors in Latin America that address structural bottlenecks and generate positive impact on local economies and populations. Aguas Pacifico is located in Chile’s central region and is positioned for additional growth considering the strong demand and severe water scarcity in the region. It also illustrates the power of Patria’s strategic approach to infrastructure investment in the region, demonstrating our ability to develop and de-risk high-quality assets, partner with global investors, and generate attractive investment returns.

    About Patria Investments
    Crafting attractive returns for its clients and building a legacy in the regions where it operates. Patria is a leading alternative investment firm with over 35 years of history specializing in key resilient sectors. Its unique approach combines the knowledge from macro analysts, investment leaders, operating partners and on the ground team. With over U$44 billion in assets under management and a global presence, it aims to provide consistent returns in attractive long term investment opportunities while creating sustainable value for society.

    Asset Classes: Private Equity, Infrastructure, Credit, Public Equities, Real Estate and Global Private Markets Solutions
    Investment Regions: Latin America, Europe and United States

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release may contain 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. You can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “outlook,” “indicator,” “believes,” “expects,” “potential,” “continues,” “may,” “can,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “approximately,” “predicts,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “anticipates” or the negative version of these words or other comparable words. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual outcomes or results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements. We believe these factors include but are not limited to those described under the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our annual report on Form 20-F, as such factors may be updated from time to time in our periodic filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), which are accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in our periodic filings. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

    Media Contact:
    Burson / +44 20 7113 3468 / patria@hillandknowlton.com

    Patria Shareholder Relations:
    +1 917 769 1611 / PatriaShareholderRelations@patria.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Ninepoint Partners Announces Final January 2025 Cash Distribution for Ninepoint Cash Management Fund – ETF Series

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Jan. 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ninepoint Partners LP (“Ninepoint Partners”) today announced the final January 2025 cash distribution for the Ninepoint Cash Management Fund – ETF Series. The record date for the distribution is January 31, 2025. This distribution is payable on February 7, 2025.

    The per-unit final January distribution is detailed below:

    Ninepoint ETF Series Ticker Cash Distribution
    per unit
    Notional Distribution
    per unit
    CUSIP
    Ninepoint Cash Management Fund NSAV $0.14673 $0.00000 65443X105


    About Ninepoint Partners

    Based in Toronto, Ninepoint Partners LP is one of Canada’s leading alternative investment management firms overseeing approximately $7 billion in assets under management and institutional contracts. Committed to helping investors explore innovative investment solutions that have the potential to enhance returns and manage portfolio risk, Ninepoint offers a diverse set of alternative strategies spanning Equities, Fixed Income, Alternative Income, Real Assets, F/X and Digital Assets

    For more information on Ninepoint Partners LP, please visit www.ninepoint.com or for inquiries regarding the offering, please contact us at (416) 943-6707 or (866) 299-9906 or invest@ninepoint.com.

    Ninepoint Partners LP is the investment manager to the Ninepoint Funds (collectively, the “Funds”). Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees, performance fees (if any), and other expenses all may be associated with investing in the Funds. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing. The information contained herein does not constitute an offer or solicitation by anyone in the United States or in any other jurisdiction in which such an offer or solicitation is not authorized or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation. Prospective investors who are not resident in Canada should contact their financial advisor to determine whether securities of the Fund may be lawfully sold in their jurisdiction.

    Please note that distribution factors (breakdown between income, capital gains and return of capital) can only be calculated when a fund has reached its year-end. Distribution information should not be relied upon for income tax reporting purposes as this is only a component of total distributions for the year. For accurate distribution amounts for the purpose of filing an income tax return, please refer to the appropriate T3/T5 slips for that particular taxation year. Please refer to the prospectus or offering memorandum of each Fund for details of the Fund’s distribution policy.

    The payment of distributions and distribution breakdown, if applicable, is not guaranteed and may fluctuate. The payment of distributions should not be confused with a Fund’s performance, rate of return, or yield. If distributions paid by the Fund are greater than the performance of the Fund, then an investor’s original investment will shrink. Distributions paid as a result of capital gains realized by a Fund and income and dividends earned by a Fund are taxable in the year they are paid. An investor’s adjusted cost base will be reduced by the amount of any returns of capital. If an investor’s adjusted cost base goes below zero, then capital gains tax will have to be paid on the amount below zero.

    Sales Inquiries:

    Ninepoint Partners LP
    Neil Ross
    416-945-6227
    nross@ninepoint.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Mission 300: Significant new donor pledges in support of the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa announced on margins of the Africa Energy Summit

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

    DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, January 31, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Denmark, the United Kingdom, Spain and France have unveiled new or additional contributions to the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa, demonstrating strong support for the African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org)-managed fund as it expands energy access across Africa, including through the Mission 300 partnership. Another new donor – Japan –joined in December 2024 with a $5 million contribution under AGIA (https://apo-opa.co/3Eju6LT). 

    SEFA is a multi-donor Special Fund that provides catalytic finance to unlock private sector investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency. It aims to contribute to universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy services for all in Africa in line with the New Deal on Energy for Africa and Mission 300. 

    Mission 300 (https://apo-opa.co/4hDAJqx), an ambitious new partnership of the African Development Bank Group, the World Bank Group and other development partners, aims to provide access to electricity to an additional 300 million Africans by 2030.  

    France, a new donor to SEFA, will provide €10 million. Denmark, the UK and Spain will increase existing contributions by DKK 100 million (€13.4 million), £8.5 million (€10.13) and €3 million, respectively.  

    France’s contribution will bolster the Africa Green Infrastructure Alliance (AGIA) (https://apo-opa.co/4aHQE4M), a platform of the African Development Bank, Africa 50 and other partners that will develop transformative sustainable infrastructure projects for investment.  

     These contributions come as SEFA enjoyed its best year on record in 2024, with $108 million approved for 14 projects. SEFA now boasts a portfolio of over $300 million in highly impactful investments and technical assistance programmes, which is expected to unlock up to $15 billion in investments and deliver approximately 12 million new electricity connections. 

    Denmark’s Acting State Secretary for Development Policy, Ole Thonke, said: “Africa is endowed with enormous untapped potential for renewable energy, which can fuel green industrialisation. The latest Danish financial contribution to SEFA will focus on the newly established Africa-led Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa (APRA), further supporting the continent’s ambitious development and climate goals.” 

    “We are halfway through this decisive decade to achieve the sustainable development goals and get on track to tackle climate change,” said Rachel Kyte, UK Special Representative for Climate, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. “Achieving our collective goals of reliable, affordable and clean power is a golden thread that links economic growth, greater investment, strengthened resilience and climate ambition. By accelerating the roll-out of clean power, the UK and Mission 300 are putting green and inclusive growth at the heart of our partnerships with Africa. Our announcement of an additional £8.5 million in UK funding for the AfDB’s SEFA will mobilise the much-needed private sector investment so that more Africans can access clean power right across the continent.” 

    Inés Carpio San Román, Alternate Governor of Spain for the African Development Bank, said, “We are pleased that Spain has decided to renew its support for the SEFA fund with a contribution of €3 million. This reaffirms our commitment to the crucial sector of renewable energy, which plays a key role in fostering sustainable development across Africa.” 

    “As a strong supporter of Africa’s green infrastructure investments with financial tools that mobilise private finance, France is proud to contribute €10 million to the AGIA through SEFA,” stated Bertrand Dumont, Director General of the French Treasury and Governor for France at the African Development Bank. “This very first contribution is our first step towards reinforcing Africa’s sustainable development and accelerating the continent’s path to a low-carbon economy. By investing in green infrastructure in Africa, we are investing for the future.”  

    Dr Daniel Schroth, Director of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency at the African Development Bank, said, “We welcome the new commitments from donors whose support underscores the impactful work of SEFA. These contributions are essential in enabling SEFA to fulfil its role as a key delivery vehicle for Mission 300 at this pivotal moment.” 

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Denis Manturov held a session on the use of artificial intelligence to enhance the combat capabilities of weapons and control systems

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    Previous news Next news

    Denis Manturov, Dmitry Chernyshenko, Deputy Minister of Defense Alexey Krivoruchko and representatives of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media of Russia, members of the board of the military-industrial complex, heads of military command bodies, representatives of defense industry enterprises and the People’s Defense Industry Complex at a session on the use of artificial intelligence to increase the combat capabilities of weapons and control systems

    A strategic session was held at the Military Innovation Technopolis (VIT) “Era” under the leadership of First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov.

    The event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, Deputy Minister of Defense Alexey Krivoruchko, representatives of the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Digital Development, members of the board of the Military-Industrial Commission, heads of military command bodies, representatives of enterprises of the defense industry complex and the national defense industry complex.

    During the meeting, issues of the influence of artificial intelligence on increasing the combat effectiveness of units in combat zones and increasing the combat capabilities of weapons, equipment, and control systems were considered.

    “All leading countries of the world are aware of the growing role of artificial intelligence technologies, big data processing and cloud computing, having included their development among their strategic priorities. In fact, we can talk about another race of technological competition, comparable to the arms race and space exploration programs. Russia as a whole is following in the wake of global trends. Russian companies are developing technological products, including large language models, computer vision, machine learning, based on neural network tools. Most of the existing and planned developments have dual-use potential. Our task is to use them in solving applied military problems,” Denis Manturov noted.

    Artificial intelligence is used for automatic processing and analysis of intelligence data, can improve information support for combat operations, increase the ability to predict threats and the course of conflict development. Digital technologies are the basis for the mass introduction of robotic systems and swarm interaction of unmanned aerial vehicles.

    “Artificial intelligence is a breakthrough and fast technology that is important for both civilian and military needs. In the coming years, we will increase the volume of funding for AI research. We plan to accumulate these resources within the framework of a single AI research program. It is planned to allocate 5% of the state budget for funding scientific research in the field of AI and 15% of the state budget for funding research in other areas, but with the mandatory use of AI tools. Consolidation of these resources in the field of AI and training of specialists are extremely important for achieving technological sovereignty and other goals set by the President of Russia,” said Dmitry Chernyshenko.

    “It is also important to use the capabilities of AI analytics for a deep analysis of the conflict in Ukraine and further training of domestic intelligent systems,” Denis Manturov emphasized.

    The session participants discussed the formation of information and computing systems for the trusted use of elements of artificial intelligence for military purposes, as well as the experience of transitioning to a new generation of drones on neuroprocessors.

    An exhibition of new samples and technologies developed by residents of innovative scientific and technological centers and innovative development funds of the Russian Federation was opened for the participants of the strategic session. A number of samples using AI technologies were selected by the Main Directorate for Innovative Development of the Ministry of Defense of Russia together with the People’s Front for use in the special military operation zone.

    In particular, control modules for receiving video images, analyzing, capturing and automatically tracking targets, semi-autonomous underwater robotic systems (RTS) for reconnaissance, technical control of underwater objects, delivery and manipulation of cargo in difficult underwater conditions, unified consoles for simultaneous control of a group of RTS (several unmanned boats, ground-based RTS or a swarm of UAVs) were presented.

    Manufacturers also presented universal flight controller control units based on technical vision. In particular, in complex electronic environments, these devices retain full functionality of video analytics and allow you to hit a target when you lose control of the drone or return to the base on your own.

    In addition, the participants of the strategic session considered unmanned aircraft systems for intercepting air targets. Interceptor control systems with artificial intelligence allow for automatic detection and capture of targets for subsequent neutralization with a net, special pellets or kinetic damage.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI: POET Engaged by Global Financial Services Leader to Develop Custom Optical Engine

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Jan. 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — POET Technologies Inc. (“POET” or the “Company“) (TSX Venture: PTK; NASDAQ: POET), a leader in the design and implementation of highly-integrated optical engines and light sources for Artificial Intelligence networks, announces that it has signed an agreement to develop a novel optical engine for use in a high-frequency securities trading operation for a global capital markets firm. High-frequency trading (“HFT”) is a type of automated trading that uses powerful computers to execute a large number of trades in fractions of a second.

    The multi-phase project is a pioneering effort to increase the speed and decrease the latency inherent in current transceiver solutions utilized by securities trading operations. The first phase of the project will begin immediately with POET designing prototypes of POET Optical Interposer–based transceiver engines built to meet the customer’s specification. Subsequent phases include building additional prototypes and, if successful, production optical engines customized for this application.

    “We are delighted to have embarked on this ambitious project with a global leader in HFT,” commented Raju Kankipati, Chief Revenue Officer of POET. “This project generates revenue for POET this year and demonstrates the versatility of the POET Optical Interposer and the entry into a new, related market space by the Company.”

    About POET Technologies Inc.
    POET is a design and development company offering high-speed optical modules, optical engines and light source products to the artificial intelligence systems market and to hyperscale data centers. POET’s photonic integration solutions are based on the POET Optical Interposer™, a novel, patented platform that allows the seamless integration of electronic and photonic devices into a single chip using advanced wafer-level semiconductor manufacturing techniques. POET’s Optical Interposer-based products are lower cost, consume less power than comparable products, are smaller in size and are readily scalable to high production volumes. In addition to providing high-speed (800G, 1.6T and above) optical engines and optical modules for AI clusters and hyperscale data centers, POET has designed and produced novel light source products for chip-to-chip data communication within and between AI servers, the next frontier for solving bandwidth and latency problems in AI systems. POET’s Optical Interposer platform also solves device integration challenges in 5G networks, machine-to-machine communication, self-contained “Edge” computing applications and sensing applications, such as LIDAR systems for autonomous vehicles. POET is headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with operations in Allentown, PA, Shenzhen, China, and Singapore. More information about POET is available on our website at www.poet-technologies.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This news release contains “forward-looking information” (within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws) and “forward-looking statements” (within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). Such statements or information are identified with words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “potential”, “estimate”, “propose”, “project”, “outlook”, “foresee” or similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding any potential outcome. Such statements include the Company’s expectations with respect to the success of the Company’s product development efforts, the performance of its products, operations, meeting revenue targets, and the expectation of continued success in the financing efforts, the capability, functionality, performance and cost of the Company’s technology as well as the market acceptance, inclusion and timing of the Company’s technology in current and future products and expectations regarding its successful development of high-frequency trading solutions and its penetration of the Artificial Intelligence hardware markets.

    Such forward-looking information or statements are based on a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions which may cause actual results or other expectations to differ materially from those anticipated and which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the completion of its development efforts with its securities trading partner, the ability to build working prototypes to the customer’s specifications, and the size, future growth and needs of Artificial Intelligence network suppliers. Actual results could differ materially due to a number of factors, including, without limitation, the failure to produce working prototypes on time and within budget, the failure of Artificial Intelligence networks to continue to grow as expected, the failure of the Company’s products to meet performance requirements for AI and datacom networks, operational risks in the completion of the Company’s projects, the ability of the Company to generate sales for its products, and the ability of its customers to deploy systems that incorporate the Company’s products. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information or statements are reasonable, prospective investors in the Company’s securities should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because the Company can provide no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information and statements contained in this news release are as of the date of this news release and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise this forward-looking information and statements except as required by law.

    Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
    120 Eglinton Avenue, East, Suite 1107, Toronto, ON, M4P 1E2- Tel: 416-368-9411 – Fax: 416-322-5075

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Phillips 66 Reports Fourth-Quarter Results and Announces Next Phase of Strategic Initiatives

    Source: Phillips

    Fourth Quarter
    Reported fourth-quarter earnings of $8 million or $0.01 per share; adjusted loss of $61 million or $0.15 per share
    Earnings impacted by $230 million pre-tax of accelerated depreciation related to Los Angeles Refinery
    Returned $1.1 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases
    Record NGL fractionation and LPG export volumes in Midstream
    Record clean product yield in Refining
    Surpassed targeted $3 billion in announced asset dispositions
    Full-Year 2024
    Earnings of $2.1 billion or $4.99 per share and adjusted earnings of $2.6 billion or $6.15 per share
    $4.2 billion of operating cash flow, $4.8 billion excluding working capital
    $5.3 billion returned to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases
    Second consecutive year above industry-average crude utilization
    Achieved $1.5 billion in run-rate business transformation savings and $500 million in synergy capture from successful DCP integration

    HOUSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Phillips 66 (NYSE: PSX), a leading integrated downstream energy provider, announced fourth-quarter earnings.
    “During the fourth quarter, we achieved our strategic priority targets for shareholder distributions and asset dispositions,” said Mark Lashier, chairman and CEO. “We also delivered on our goal of improving Refining performance by continuing to run above industry-average crude utilization, setting record clean product yields and achieving our targeted cost reductions of $1 per barrel.
    “In support of our Midstream wellhead-to-market strategy, we recently announced an agreement to acquire EPIC’s NGL business, bolstering our Permian and Gulf Coast footprint,” said Lashier. “Upon closing, these assets will be accretive to earnings and highly integrated with our existing infrastructure, providing additional opportunities to enhance returns and shareholder value.”
    Lashier added, “Building on our successes, I am pleased to announce that we have set new financial and operational targets that prioritize debt reduction, a lowered cost structure and EBITDA growth. Supported by world-class operations, we are committed to returning over 50% of operating cash flow to shareholders.”
    On behalf of the Board of Directors, Glenn Tilton, lead independent director, remarked, “2024 was a pivotal year for Phillips 66. The team executed well on an ambitious set of strategic priorities, substantially improving the company’s competitiveness, and is well positioned to successfully deliver on a new set of targets through 2027.”
    Financial Results Summary (in millions of dollars, except as indicated)

     

     

    4Q 2024

    3Q 2024

    Earnings

    $

    8

    346

    Adjusted Earnings (Loss)1

     

    (61)

    859

    Adjusted EBITDA1

     

    1,130

    1,998

    Earnings (Loss) Per Share

     

     

    Earnings Per Share – Diluted

     

    0.01

    0.82

    Adjusted Earnings (Loss) Per Share – Diluted1

     

    (0.15)

    2.04

    Cash Flow From Operations

     

    1,198

    1,132

    Cash Flow From Operations, Excluding Working Capital1

     

    901

    1,513

    Capital Expenditures & Investments2

     

    506

    358

    Return of Capital to Shareholders

     

    1,119

    1,277

    Repurchases of common stock

     

    647

    800

    Dividends paid on common stock

     

    472

    477

    Cash

     

    1,738

    1,637

    Debt

     

    20,062

    19,998

    Debt-to-capital ratio

     

    41%

    40%

    Net debt-to-capital ratio1

     

    39%

    38%

    1Represents a non-GAAP financial measure. Reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable GAAP financial measure are included within this release.

    2Excludes net acquisitions of $58 million and $567 million in the fourth and third quarters of 2024, respectively, and purchases of government obligations of $1.1 billion in the third quarter of 2024.

    Segment Financial and Operating Highlights (in millions of dollars, except as indicated)

     

     

    4Q 2024

    3Q 2024

    Change

     

    Earnings (Loss)1

    $

    8

    346

    (338)

    Midstream

     

    673

    644

    29

    Chemicals

     

    107

    342

    (235)

    Refining

     

    (775)

    (108)

    (667)

    Marketing and Specialties

     

    252

    (22)

    274

    Renewable Fuels

     

    28

    (116)

    144

    Corporate and Other

     

    (298)

    (327)

    29

    Income tax (expense) benefit

     

    38

    (44)

    82

    Noncontrolling interests

     

    (17)

    (23)

    6

     

     

     

     

    Adjusted Earnings (Loss)1,2

    $

    (61)

    859

    (920)

    Midstream

     

    708

    672

    36

    Chemicals

     

    72

    342

    (270)

    Refining

     

    (759)

    (67)

    (692)

    Marketing and Specialties

     

    185

    583

    (398)

    Renewable Fuels

     

    28

    (116)

    144

    Corporate and Other

     

    (294)

    (327)

    33

    Income tax (expense) benefit

     

    16

    (205)

    221

    Noncontrolling interests

     

    (17)

    (23)

    6

     

     

     

     

    Adjusted EBITDA2

    $

    1,130

    1,998

    (868)

    Midstream

     

    938

    892

    46

    Chemicals

     

    209

    466

    (257)

    Refining

     

    (298)

    188

    (486)

    Marketing and Specialties

     

    307

    656

    (349)

    Renewable Fuels

     

    50

    (92)

    142

    Corporate and Other

     

    (76)

    (112)

    36

     

     

     

     

    Operating Highlights

     

     

     

    Pipeline Throughput – Y-Grade to Market (MB/D)3

     

    759

    762

    (3)

    Chemicals Global O&P Capacity Utilization

     

    98%

    98%

    —%

    Refining

     

     

     

    Turnaround Expense

     

    123

    137

    (14)

    Realized Margin ($/BBL)2

     

    6.08

    8.31

    (2.23)

    Crude Capacity Utilization

     

    94%

    94%

    —%

    Clean Product Yield

     

    88%

    87%

    1%

    Renewable Fuels Produced (MB/D)

     

    42

    44

    (2)

    1Segment reporting is pre-tax.

     

     

     

    2Represents a non-GAAP financial measure. Reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable GAAP financial measure are included within this release.

    3Represents volumes delivered to major fractionation hubs, including Mont Belvieu, Sweeny and Conway. Includes 100% of DCP Midstream Class A Segment and Phillips 66’s direct interest in DCP Sand Hills Pipeline, LLC and DCP Southern Hills Pipeline, LLC

    Fourth-Quarter 2024 Financial Results
    Reported earnings were $8 million for the fourth quarter of 2024 versus $346 million in the third quarter. Fourth-quarter earnings included pre-tax special item adjustments of $67 million in the Marketing and Specialties segment, $35 million in the Chemicals segment, $(35) million in the Midstream segment, $(16) million in the Refining segment, and $(4) million impacting the Corporate and Other segment. Adjusted losses for the fourth quarter were $61 million versus earnings of $859 million in the third quarter.
    Midstream fourth-quarter 2024 adjusted pre-tax income increased compared with the third quarter mainly due to higher NGL margins and volumes.
    Chemicals adjusted pre-tax income decreased mainly due to lower margins, as well as higher turnaround and maintenance costs.
    Refining adjusted pre-tax loss increased primarily due to a decline in realized margins largely driven by lower market crack spreads and accelerated depreciation associated with the planned ceasing of operations at the Los Angeles Refinery, partially offset by a higher clean product yield.
    Marketing and Specialties adjusted pre-tax income decreased primarily due to seasonally lower margins.
    Renewable Fuels pre-tax results increased primarily due to higher margins at the Rodeo Complex and stronger international results.
    Corporate and Other adjusted pre-tax loss decreased mainly due to lower net interest expense and employee-related costs, partially offset by depreciation expense.
    As of Dec. 31, 2024, the company had $1.7 billion of cash and cash equivalents and $4.6 billion of committed capacity available under credit facilities.
    Strategic Priorities Update
    Phillips 66 successfully delivered on its strategic priorities first announced in October 2022. The company remains committed to leveraging its integrated portfolio to enhance long-term shareholder value and is announcing its next phase of priorities through 2027. Highlights include:
    Delivering shareholder returns by returning greater than 50% of operating cash flow to shareholders;
    Executing world-class operations by achieving 2% higher than industry-average crude utilization and targeting annual adjusted controllable costs of $5.50 per barrel in Refining, excluding adjusted turnaround expense;
    Delivering disciplined growth and returns by growing Midstream and Chemicals mid-cycle adjusted EBITDA $1 billion in total by 2027; and
    Maintaining financial strength and flexibility by reducing total debt to $17 billion.
    Additional details will be covered in our investor webcast.
    Investor Webcast
    Members of Phillips 66 executive management will host a webcast at noon ET to provide an update on the company’s strategic initiatives and discuss the company’s fourth-quarter performance. To access the webcast and view related presentation materials, go to phillips66.com/investors and click on “Events & Presentations.” For detailed supplemental information, go to phillips66.com/supplemental.
    About Phillips 66
    Phillips 66 (NYSE: PSX) is a leading integrated downstream energy provider that manufactures, transports and markets products that drive the global economy. The company’s portfolio includes Midstream, Chemicals, Refining, Marketing and Specialties, and Renewable Fuels businesses. Headquartered in Houston, Phillips 66 has employees around the globe who are committed to safely and reliably providing energy and improving lives while pursuing a lower-carbon future. For more information, visit phillips66.com or follow @Phillips66Co on LinkedIn.
    Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information —This news release includes the terms “adjusted earnings (loss),” “adjusted pre-tax income (loss),” “adjusted EBITDA,” “adjusted earnings (loss) per share,” “refining realized margin per barrel,” “cash from operations, excluding working capital,” and “net debt-to-capital ratio.” These are non-GAAP financial measures that are included to help facilitate comparisons of operating performance across periods and to help facilitate comparisons with other companies in our industry. Where applicable, these measures exclude items that do not reflect the core operating results of our businesses in the current period or other adjustments to reflect how management analyzes results. Reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable GAAP financial measure are included within this release.
    References in the release to earnings refer to net income attributable to Phillips 66. References to run-rate business transformation savings include cost savings and other benefits that will be captured in the sales and other operating revenues impacting gross margin; purchased crude oil and products costs impacting gross margin; operating expenses; selling, general and administrative expenses; and equity in earnings of affiliates lines on our consolidated statement of income when realized. Run-rate savings include run-rate sustaining capital savings. Run-rate sustaining capital savings include savings that will be captured in the capital expenditures and investments on our consolidated statement of cash flows when realized.
    Basis of Presentation — Effective April 1, 2024, we changed the internal financial information reviewed by our chief executive officer to evaluate performance and allocate resources to our operating segments. This included changes in the composition of our operating segments, as well as measurement changes for certain activities between our operating segments. The primary effects of this realignment included establishment of a Renewable Fuels operating segment, which includes renewable fuels activities and assets historically reported in our Refining, Marketing and Specialties (M&S), and Midstream segments; change in method of allocating results for certain Gulf Coast distillate export activities from our M&S segment to our Refining segment; reclassification of certain crude oil and international clean products trading activities between our M&S segment and our Refining segment; and change in reporting of our investment in NOVONIX from our Midstream segment to Corporate and Other. Accordingly, prior period results have been recast for comparability.
    In the third quarter of 2024, we began presenting the line item “Capital expenditures and investments” on our consolidated statement of cash flows exclusive of acquisitions, net of cash acquired. Accordingly, prior period information has been reclassified for comparability.
    Cautionary Statement for the Purposes of the “Safe Harbor” Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 —This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws relating to Phillips 66’s operations, strategy and performance. Words such as “anticipated,” “estimated,” “expected,” “planned,” “scheduled,” “targeted,” “believe,” “continue,” “intend,” “will,” “would,” “objective,” “goal,” “project,” “efforts,” “strategies” and similar expressions that convey the prospective nature of events or outcomes generally indicate forward-looking statements. However, the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements included in this news release are based on management’s expectations, estimates and projections as of the date they are made. These statements are not guarantees of future events or performance, and you should not unduly rely on them as they involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecast in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements include: changes in governmental policies or laws that relate to our operations, including regulations that seek to limit or restrict refining, marketing and midstream operations or regulate profits, pricing, or taxation of our products or feedstocks, or other regulations that restrict feedstock imports or product exports; our ability to timely obtain or maintain permits necessary for projects; fluctuations in NGL, crude oil, refined petroleum, renewable fuels and natural gas prices, and refining, marketing and petrochemical margins; the effects of any widespread public health crisis and its negative impact on commercial activity and demand for refined petroleum or renewable fuels products; changes to worldwide government policies relating to renewable fuels and greenhouse gas emissions that adversely affect programs including the renewable fuel standards program, low carbon fuel standards and tax credits for renewable fuels; potential liability from pending or future litigation; liability for remedial actions, including removal and reclamation obligations under existing or future environmental regulations; unexpected changes in costs for constructing, modifying or operating our facilities; our ability to successfully complete, or any material delay in the completion of, any asset disposition, acquisition, shutdown or conversion that we have announced or may pursue, including receipt of any necessary regulatory approvals or permits related thereto; unexpected difficulties in manufacturing, refining or transporting our products; the level and success of drilling and production volumes around our midstream assets; risks and uncertainties with respect to the actions of actual or potential competitive suppliers and transporters of refined petroleum products, renewable fuels or specialty products; lack of, or disruptions in, adequate and reliable transportation for our products; failure to complete construction of capital projects on time or within budget; our ability to comply with governmental regulations or make capital expenditures to maintain compliance with laws; limited access to capital or significantly higher cost of capital related to illiquidity or uncertainty in the domestic or international financial markets, which may also impact our ability to repurchase shares and declare and pay dividends; potential disruption of our operations due to accidents, weather events, including as a result of climate change, acts of terrorism or cyberattacks; general domestic and international economic and political developments, including armed hostilities (such as the Russia-Ukraine war), expropriation of assets, and other diplomatic developments; international monetary conditions and exchange controls; changes in estimates or projections used to assess fair value of intangible assets, goodwill and property and equipment and/or strategic decisions with respect to our asset portfolio that cause impairment charges; investments required, or reduced demand for products, as a result of environmental rules and regulations; changes in tax, environmental and other laws and regulations (including alternative energy mandates); political and societal concerns about climate change that could result in changes to our business or increase expenditures, including litigation-related expenses; the operation, financing and distribution decisions of equity affiliates we do not control; and other economic, business, competitive and/or regulatory factors affecting Phillips 66’s businesses generally as set forth in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Phillips 66 is under no obligation (and expressly disclaims any such obligation) to update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Earnings (Loss)

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Millions of Dollars

     

    2024

     

    2023

     

    4Q

    3Q

    Year

     

    4Q

    Year

    Midstream

    $

    673

     

    644

     

    2,638

     

     

    759

     

    2,819

     

    Chemicals

     

    107

     

    342

     

    876

     

     

    106

     

    600

     

    Refining

     

    (775

    )

    (108

    )

    (365

    )

     

    859

     

    5,340

     

    Marketing and Specialties

     

    252

     

    (22

    )

    1,011

     

     

    396

     

    1,897

     

    Renewable Fuels

     

    28

     

    (116

    )

    (198

    )

     

    (11

    )

    153

     

    Corporate and Other

     

    (298

    )

    (327

    )

    (1,287

    )

     

    (348

    )

    (1,340

    )

    Pre-Tax Income (Loss)

     

    (13

    )

    413

     

    2,675

     

     

    1,761

     

    9,469

     

    Less: Income tax expense (benefit)

     

    (38

    )

    44

     

    500

     

     

    476

     

    2,230

     

    Less: Noncontrolling interests

     

    17

     

    23

     

    58

     

     

    25

     

    224

     

    Phillips 66

    $

    8

     

    346

     

    2,117

     

     

    1,260

     

    7,015

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Adjusted Earnings (Loss)

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Millions of Dollars

     

    2024

     

    2023

     

    4Q

    3Q

    Year

     

    4Q

    Year

    Midstream

    $

    708

     

    672

     

    2,746

     

     

    757

     

    2,672

     

    Chemicals

     

    72

     

    342

     

    841

     

     

    106

     

    600

     

    Refining

     

    (759

    )

    (67

    )

    (211

    )

     

    842

     

    5,367

     

    Marketing and Specialties

     

    185

     

    583

     

    1,490

     

     

    396

     

    1,897

     

    Renewable Fuels

     

    28

     

    (116

    )

    (198

    )

     

    (11

    )

    153

     

    Corporate and Other

     

    (294

    )

    (327

    )

    (1,283

    )

     

    (298

    )

    (1,110

    )

    Pre-Tax Income (Loss)

     

    (60

    )

    1,087

     

    3,385

     

     

    1,792

     

    9,579

     

    Less: Income tax expense (benefit)

     

    (16

    )

    205

     

    693

     

     

    405

     

    2,173

     

    Less: Noncontrolling interests

     

    17

     

    23

     

    88

     

     

    25

     

    243

     

    Phillips 66

    $

    (61

    )

    859

     

    2,604

     

     

    1,362

     

    7,163

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Millions of Dollars

     

    Except as Indicated

     

    2024

     

    2023

     

    4Q

    3Q

    Year

     

    4Q

    Year

    Reconciliation of Consolidated Earnings to Adjusted Earnings (Loss)

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Consolidated Earnings

    $

    8

     

    346

     

    2,117

     

     

    1,260

     

    7,015

     

    Pre-tax adjustments:

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Certain tax impacts

     

    (9

    )

     

    (9

    )

     

    (19

    )

    (19

    )

    Impairments1

     

    35

     

    28

     

    450

     

     

     

     

    Net gain on asset dispositions2

     

    (67

    )

     

    (305

    )

     

     

    (123

    )

    Change in inventory method for acquired business

     

     

     

     

     

     

    (46

    )

    Winter-storm-related costs (recovery)

     

    (35

    )

     

    (35

    )

     

     

     

    Los Angeles Refinery cessation costs3

     

    7

     

    41

     

    48

     

     

     

     

    Legal accrual4

     

    22

     

    605

     

    627

     

     

     

    30

     

    Legal settlement

     

     

     

    (66

    )

     

     

     

    Business transformation restructuring costs

     

     

     

     

     

    50

     

    177

     

    Loss on early redemption of DCP debt

     

     

     

     

     

     

    53

     

    DCP integration restructuring costs

     

     

     

     

     

     

    38

     

    Tax impact of adjustments5

     

    9

     

    (161

    )

    (162

    )

     

    (12

    )

    (26

    )

    Other tax impacts

     

    (31

    )

     

    (31

    )

     

    83

     

    83

     

    Noncontrolling interests

     

     

     

    (30

    )

     

     

    (19

    )

    Adjusted earnings (loss)

    $

    (61

    )

    859

     

    2,604

     

     

    1,362

     

    7,163

     

    Earnings per share of common stock ( dollars )

    $

    0.01

     

    0.82

     

    4.99

     

     

    2.86

     

    15.48

     

    Adjusted earnings (loss) per share of common stock ( dollars )6

    $

    (0.15

    )

    2.04

     

    6.15

     

     

    3.09

     

    15.81

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Reconciliation of Segment Pre-Tax Income

     

     

     

     

     

     

    (Loss) to Adjusted Pre-Tax Income (Loss)

    Midstream Pre-Tax Income

    $

    673

     

    644

     

    2,638

     

     

    759

     

    2,819

     

    Pre-tax adjustments:

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Impairments1

     

    35

     

    28

     

    346

     

     

     

     

    Certain tax impacts

     

     

     

     

     

    (2

    )

    (2

    )

    Net gain on asset disposition

     

     

     

    (238

    )

     

     

    (137

    )

    Change in inventory method for acquired business

     

     

     

     

     

     

    (46

    )

    DCP integration restructuring costs

     

     

     

     

     

     

    38

     

    Adjusted pre-tax income

    $

    708

     

    672

     

    2,746

     

     

    757

     

    2,672

     

    Chemicals Pre-Tax Income

    $

    107

     

    342

     

    876

     

     

    106

     

    600

     

    Pre-tax adjustments:

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Winter-storm-related costs (recovery)

     

    (35

    )

     

    (35

    )

     

     

     

    Adjusted pre-tax income

    $

    72

     

    342

     

    841

     

     

    106

     

    600

     

    Refining Pre-Tax Income (Loss)

    $

    (775

    )

    (108

    )

    (365

    )

     

    859

     

    5,340

     

    Pre-tax adjustments:

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Impairments1

     

     

     

    104

     

     

     

     

    Los Angeles Refinery cessation costs3

     

    3

     

    41

     

    44

     

     

     

     

    Certain tax impacts

     

    (9

    )

     

    (9

    )

     

    (17

    )

    (17

    )

    Net loss on asset disposition

     

     

     

     

     

     

    14

     

    Legal accrual

     

    22

     

     

    22

     

     

     

    30

     

    Legal settlement

     

     

     

    (7

    )

     

     

     

    Adjusted pre-tax income (loss)

    $

    (759

    )

    (67

    )

    (211

    )

     

    842

     

    5,367

     

    Marketing and Specialties Pre-Tax Income (Loss)

    $

    252

     

    (22

    )

    1,011

     

     

    396

     

    1,897

     

    Pre-tax adjustments:

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Legal accrual4

     

     

    605

     

    605

     

     

     

     

    Net gain on asset disposition2

     

    (67

    )

     

    (67

    )

     

     

     

    Legal settlement

     

     

     

    (59

    )

     

     

     

    Adjusted pre-tax income

    $

    185

     

    583

     

    1,490

     

     

    396

     

    1,897

     

    Renewable Fuels Pre-Tax Income (Loss)

    $

    28

     

    (116

    )

    (198

    )

     

    (11

    )

    153

     

    Pre-tax adjustments:

     

     

     

     

     

     

    None

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Adjusted pre-tax income (loss)

    $

    28

     

    (116

    )

    (198

    )

     

    (11

    )

    153

     

    Corporate and Other Pre-Tax Loss

    $

    (298

    )

    (327

    )

    (1,287

    )

     

    (348

    )

    (1,340

    )

    Pre-tax adjustments:

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Business transformation restructuring costs

     

     

     

     

     

    50

     

    177

     

    Loss on early redemption of DCP debt

     

     

     

     

     

     

    53

     

    Los Angeles Refinery cessation costs3

     

    4

     

     

    4

     

     

     

     

    Adjusted pre-tax loss

    $

    (294

    )

    (327

    )

    (1,283

    )

     

    (298

    )

    (1,110

    )

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    1Impairments primarily related to certain gathering and processing assets in the Midstream segment, as well as certain crude oil processing and logistics assets in California, reported in the Refining segment.

    2In connection with the asset sale of our 49% non-operated equity interest in Coop Mineraloel AG closing early 2025, a before-tax unrealized gain was recognized from a foreign currency derivative in the Marketing & Specialties segment.

    3Cessation costs include pre-tax charges for severance costs.

    4Third-quarter legal accrual primarily related to ongoing litigation.

    5We generally tax effect taxable U.S.-based special items using a combined federal and state statutory income tax rate of approximately 24%. Taxable special items attributable to foreign locations likewise use a local statutory income tax rate. Nontaxable events reflect zero income tax. These events include, but are not limited to, most goodwill impairments, transactions legislatively exempt from income tax, transactions related to entities for which we have made an assertion that the undistributed earnings are permanently reinvested, or transactions occurring in jurisdictions with a valuation allowance.

    6YTD 2024, Q4 2024, Q3 2024 and Q4 2023 are based on adjusted weighted-average diluted shares of 422,538 thousand, 411,687 thousand, 419,827 thousand and 440,582 thousand, respectively. Other periods are based on the same weighted-average diluted shares outstanding as that used in the GAAP diluted earnings per share calculation. Income allocated to participating securities, if applicable, in the adjusted earnings per share calculation is the same as that used in the GAAP diluted earnings per share calculation.

     

    Millions of Dollars

     

    Except as Indicated

     

    2024

     

    4Q

    3Q

    Reconciliation of Consolidated Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA

     

     

    Net Income

    $

    25

     

    369

     

    Plus:

     

     

    Income tax expense

     

    (38

    )

    44

     

    Net interest expense

     

    168

     

    191

     

    Depreciation and amortization

     

    819

     

    543

     

    Phillips 66 EBITDA

    $

    974

     

    1,147

     

    Special Item Adjustments (pre-tax):

     

     

    Certain tax impacts

     

    (9

    )

     

    Impairments

     

    35

     

    28

     

    Winter-storm-related costs (recovery)

     

    (35

    )

     

    Net gain on asset disposition

     

    (67

    )

     

    Los Angeles Refinery cessation costs

     

    7

     

    41

     

    Legal accrual

     

    22

     

    605

     

    Total Special Item Adjustments (pre-tax)

     

    (47

    )

    674

     

    Change in Fair Value of NOVONIX Investment

     

    1

     

     

    Phillips 66 EBITDA, Adjusted for Special Items and Change in Fair Value of NOVONIX Investment

    $

    928

     

    1,821

     

    Other Adjustments (pre-tax):

     

     

    Proportional share of selected equity affiliates income taxes

     

    17

     

    24

     

    Proportional share of selected equity affiliates net interest

     

    14

     

    12

     

    Proportional share of selected equity affiliates depreciation and amortization

     

    209

     

    188

     

    Adjusted EBITDA attributable to noncontrolling interests

     

    (38

    )

    (47

    )

    Phillips 66 Adjusted EBITDA

    $

    1,130

     

    1,998

     

     

     

     

    Reconciliation of Segment Income before Income Taxes to Adjusted EBITDA

     

     

    Midstream Income before income taxes

    $

    673

     

    644

     

    Plus:

     

     

    Depreciation and amortization

     

    234

     

    233

     

    Midstream EBITDA

    $

    907

     

    877

     

    Special Item Adjustments (pre-tax):

     

     

    Impairments

     

    35

     

    28

     

    Midstream EBITDA, Adjusted for Special Items

    $

    942

     

    905

     

    Other Adjustments (pre-tax):

     

     

    Proportional share of selected equity affiliates income taxes

     

    3

     

    5

     

    Proportional share of selected equity affiliates net interest

     

    3

     

    3

     

    Proportional share of selected equity affiliates depreciation and amortization

     

    28

     

    26

     

    Adjusted EBITDA attributable to noncontrolling interests

     

    (38

    )

    (47

    )

    Midstream Adjusted EBITDA

    $

    938

     

    892

     

    Chemicals Income before income taxes

    $

    107

     

    342

     

    Plus:

     

     

    None

     

     

     

    Chemicals EBITDA

    $

    107

     

    342

     

    Special Item Adjustments (pre-tax):

     

     

    Winter-storm-related costs (recovery)

     

    (35

    )

     

    Chemicals EBITDA, Adjusted for Special Items

    $

    72

     

    342

     

    Other Adjustments (pre-tax):

     

     

    Proportional share of selected equity affiliates income taxes

     

    11

     

    13

     

    Proportional share of selected equity affiliates net interest

     

     

    (2

    )

    Proportional share of selected equity affiliates depreciation and amortization

     

    126

     

    113

     

    Chemicals Adjusted EBITDA

    $

    209

     

    466

     

    Refining Loss before income taxes

    $

    (775

    )

    (108

    )

    Plus:

     

     

    Depreciation and amortization

     

    435

     

    230

     

    Refining EBITDA

    $

    (340

    )

    122

     

    Special Item Adjustments (pre-tax):

     

     

    Certain tax impacts

     

    (9

    )

     

    Los Angeles Refinery cessation costs

     

    3

     

    41

     

    Legal accrual

     

    22

     

     

    Refining EBITDA, Adjusted for Special Items

    $

    (324

    )

    163

     

    Other Adjustments (pre-tax):

     

     

    Proportional share of selected equity affiliates income taxes

     

    (1

    )

    (1

    )

    Proportional share of selected equity affiliates net interest

     

     

    (1

    )

    Proportional share of selected equity affiliates depreciation and amortization

     

    27

     

    27

     

    Refining Adjusted EBITDA

    $

    (298

    )

    188

     

    Marketing and Specialties Income (loss) before income taxes

    $

    252

     

    (22

    )

    Plus:

     

     

    Depreciation and amortization

     

    79

     

    32

     

    Marketing and Specialties EBITDA

    $

    331

     

    10

     

    Special Item Adjustments (pre-tax):

     

     

    Legal accrual

     

     

    605

     

    Net gain on asset disposition

     

    (67

    )

     

    Marketing and Specialties EBITDA, Adjusted for Special Items

    $

    264

     

    615

     

    Other Adjustments (pre-tax):

     

     

    Proportional share of selected equity affiliates income taxes

     

    4

     

    7

     

    Proportional share of selected equity affiliates net interest

     

    11

     

    12

     

    Proportional share of selected equity affiliates depreciation and amortization

     

    28

     

    22

     

    Marketing and Specialties Adjusted EBITDA

    $

    307

     

    656

     

    Renewable Fuels Income (loss) before income taxes

    $

    28

     

    (116

    )

    Plus:

     

     

    Depreciation and amortization

     

    22

     

    24

     

    Renewable Fuels EBITDA

    $

    50

     

    (92

    )

    Special Item Adjustments (pre-tax):

     

     

    None

     

     

     

    Renewable Fuels EBITDA, Adjusted for Special Items

    $

    50

     

    (92

    )

    Corporate and Other Loss before income taxes

    $

    (298

    )

    (327

    )

    Plus:

     

     

    Net interest expense

     

    168

     

    191

     

    Depreciation and amortization

     

    49

     

    24

     

    Corporate and Other EBITDA

    $

    (81

    )

    (112

    )

    Special Item Adjustments (pre-tax):

     

     

    Los Angeles Refinery cessation costs

     

    4

     

     

    Total Special Item Adjustments (pre-tax)

     

    4

     

     

    Change in Fair Value of NOVONIX Investment

     

    1

     

     

    Corporate EBITDA, Adjusted for Special Items and Change in Fair Value of NOVONIX Investment

    $

    (76

    )

    (112

    )

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Millions of Dollars

     

    Except as Indicated

     

    December 31, 2024

    Debt-to-Capital Ratio

     

    Total Debt

    $

    20,062

     

    Total Equity

     

    28,463

     

    Debt-to-Capital Ratio

     

    41

    %

    Total Cash

     

    1,738

     

    Net Debt-to-Capital Ratio

     

    39

    %

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Millions of Dollars

     

    December 31, 2024

    Reconciliation of Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities to Operating Cash Flow, Excluding Working Capital

     

    Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

    $

    1,198

     

    Less: Net Working Capital Changes

     

    297

     

    Operating Cash Flow, Excluding Working Capital

    $

    901

     

     

     

     

    Millions of Dollars

     

    Except as Indicated

     

    2024

     

    4Q

    3Q

    Reconciliation of Refining Loss Before Income Taxes to Realized Refining Margins

     

     

    Loss before income taxes

    $

    (775

    )

    (108

    )

    Plus:

     

     

    Taxes other than income taxes

     

    92

     

    100

     

    Depreciation, amortization and impairments

     

    436

     

    230

     

    Selling, general and administrative expenses

     

    60

     

    60

     

    Operating expenses

     

    968

     

    922

     

    Equity in earnings of affiliates

     

    79

     

    12

     

    Other segment expense, net

     

    58

     

    (4

    )

    Proportional share of refining gross margins contributed by equity affiliates

     

    132

     

    193

     

    Special items:

     

     

    Certain tax impacts

     

    (9

    )

     

    Realized refining margins

    $

    1,041

     

    1,405

     

    Total processed inputs ( thousands of barrels )

     

    147,880

     

    145,440

     

    Adjusted total processed inputs ( thousands of barrels )*

     

    171,031

     

    168,951

     

    Loss before income taxes ( dollars per barrel )**

    $

    (5.24

    )

    (0.74

    )

    Realized refining margins ( dollars per barrel )***

    $

    6.08

     

    8.31

     

    *Adjusted total processed inputs include our proportional share of processed inputs of an equity affiliate.

     

    **Income before income taxes divided by total processed inputs.

     

    ***Realized refining margins per barrel, as presented, are calculated using the underlying realized refining margin amounts, in dollars, divided by adjusted total processed inputs, in barrels. As such, recalculated per barrel amounts using the rounded margins and barrels presented may differ from the presented per barrel amounts.

    Source: Phillips 66

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Africa: South African troops are dying in the DRC: why they’re there and what’s going wrong

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Lindy Heinecken, Professor of Sociology in the Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology., Stellenbosch University

    The death of South African soldiers on a Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has sparked fierce debate about the deployment of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers there. Some, including political parties, have questioned whether the soldiers were adequately trained, equipped and supported. Lindy Heinecken has spent decades researching the South African military in peacekeeping operations and has interviewed hundreds of soldiers about their experiences and the challenges during deployment. We asked her for her insights.

    What is South Africa doing in the DRC?

    The country is part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC), which includes troops from Malawi and Tanzania. This deployment followed approval by the Southern African Development Community in May 2023, in response to the deteriorating security situation in eastern DRC. The South African National Defence Force is leading the mission.

    Their mandate is to support the DRC government, a member of the 16-member SADC group, in restoring peace, security and stability. The fact that the mandate states that it is to support the DRC government in combating armed groups that threaten peace and security in the eastern DRC implies that this is not a peacekeeping mission.

    The legal basis for the deployment lies in the SADC Mutual Defence Pact, (2003), which states that

    Any armed attack perpetrated against one of the States Parties shall be considered a threat to regional peace and security and shall be met with immediate collective action.

    The mandate gives them the responsibility to protect civilians, disarm armed groups, and help implement the August 2024 ceasefire agreement between the DRC and Rwanda, brokered by Angola as part of the Luanda Process. This agreement aimed to provide a more secure environment, and protect critical infrastructure to ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian aid. This is in line with the United Nations’ responsibility to protect victims of genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity.


    Read more: South Africa to lead new military force in the DRC: an expert on what it’s up against


    The M23 rebel group, which is supported by Rwanda, has committed a wide range of atrocities in the eastern DRC which can be traced back to the 1994 genocide.

    The impact on civilians has been devastating. While pinning down an exact number is difficult, it’s clear that the rebel forces operating in the eastern DRC, particularly the M23, pose a significant challenge to the stability of the region, and the safety and security of civilians.

    The rebels are implicated in mass killings of civilians, rape and other forms of sexual violence and attacks on camps for internally displaced persons. The M23’s atrocities have been condemned by the international community. The United Nations and human rights bodies have called for an end to the violence. They also demand accountability for the perpetrators.

    In sum, South African soldiers – alongside Malawians and Tanzanians – are in the DRC to assist the Congolese army in combating the armed groups and to protect civilians from violence and human rights abuses.

    Are the soldiers adequately prepared and equipped?

    Many questions have been asked about whether South African troops on the mission forces are adequately trained and equipped. Critics claim this deployment is suicidal.

    South African soldiers are well-trained and have served in numerous peace operations. Their extensive deployment means that they have accumulated valuable experience. They have been part of the UN Stabilisation Mission in the DR Congo, Monusco, almost since inception in 1999.

    Monusco forces are still present in the DRC, but in the process of withdrawing. Congolese president Félix Tshisekedi requested they leave because of their perceived ineffectiveness.

    Nonetheless, there are some valid concerns about the South Africans’ current level of preparedness for the DRC mission. Not least given the complex political situation. There are over 100 diverse armed groups involved. And the terrain is difficult.

    The combination of budget cuts, resource limitations, and the complex nature of the conflict raises questions about the South African National Defence Force’s ability to effectively achieve its objectives, and ensure the safety of its personnel.

    The force takes its own equipment on missions to ensure it is self-sufficient and can meet its specialised needs. The problem is that this equipment is old, leading to shortages due to maintenance problems. This affects the force’s ability to carry out its duties.

    Budget cuts for defence over the years, to less than 1% of GDP compared to the global average of 2%, have severely affected the military’s ability to maintain equipment, conduct training exercises and modernise its force. This has led to a decline in overall readiness.

    South African troops in the DRC lack essential resources, including adequate air support, attack helicopters and modern equipment. This limits their ability to respond quickly to threats and provide close air support for ground troops.

    Despite having one of the most capable air forces in Africa, it is unable to deploy its Gripen and Rooivalk helicopters because they have not been serviced and lack spare parts.

    The use of older equipment has also been less effective against the well-equipped M23.

    Besides being outgunned, the regional mission is also out-manned.

    The SADC mission in the DRC was authorised to have 5,000 troops from Malawi, South Africa and Tanzania. The actual deployment has fallen far short of this number. As of late January 2025, only about 1,300 troops had been deployed.


    Read more: Rwanda’s role in eastern DRC conflict: why international law is failing to end the fighting


    Where to from here?

    There are concerns in the DRC about the presence of multiple foreign forces, given the relative ineffectiveness of these interventions.

    There are also questions about the legitimacy of the mission. Rwanda has opposed the deployment, saying that the SAMIDRC, and specifically South Africa’s involvement, undermines regional unity and cooperation.

    The best approach to peace and stability in the DRC requires a concerted effort by regional actors – the DRC, Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, Kenya and the Southern African Development Community – to address the underlying causes of the conflict. This requires political dialogue with the regional actors, the UN, the international community and, most importantly, the Congolese people.


    Read more: DRC conflict risks spreading: African leaders must push for solutions beyond military intervention


    As for South Africa, it is time for some critical reflection on the future roles of its military. The equipment shortages and challenges it faces raise serious concerns about the defence force’s ability to carry out its core mandate of protecting South Africa, its territorial integrity and its people in accordance with the constitution.

    The tragedy in the DRC highlights the dire need for the South African National Defence Force to be redesigned, modernised and funded to become more effective and capable, ready to meet the immediate challenges it faces (like ageing equipment) and ensure the security of South Africa.

    – South African troops are dying in the DRC: why they’re there and what’s going wrong
    – https://theconversation.com/south-african-troops-are-dying-in-the-drc-why-theyre-there-and-whats-going-wrong-248696

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Global: South African troops are dying in the DRC: why they’re there and what’s going wrong

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Lindy Heinecken, Professor of Sociology in the Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology., Stellenbosch University

    The death of South African soldiers on a Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has sparked fierce debate about the deployment of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers there. Some, including political parties, have questioned whether the soldiers were adequately trained, equipped and supported. Lindy Heinecken has spent decades researching the South African military in peacekeeping operations and has interviewed hundreds of soldiers about their experiences and the challenges during deployment. We asked her for her insights.

    What is South Africa doing in the DRC?

    The country is part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC), which includes troops from Malawi and Tanzania. This deployment followed approval by the Southern African Development Community in May 2023, in response to the deteriorating security situation in eastern DRC. The South African National Defence Force is leading the mission.

    Their mandate is to support the DRC government, a member of the 16-member SADC group, in restoring peace, security and stability. The fact that the mandate states that it is to support the DRC government in combating armed groups that threaten peace and security in the eastern DRC implies that this is not a peacekeeping mission.

    The legal basis for the deployment lies in the SADC Mutual Defence Pact, (2003), which states that

    Any armed attack perpetrated against one of the States Parties shall be considered a threat to regional peace and security and shall be met with immediate collective action.

    The mandate gives them the responsibility to protect civilians, disarm armed groups, and help implement the August 2024 ceasefire agreement between the DRC and Rwanda, brokered by Angola as part of the Luanda Process. This agreement aimed to provide a more secure environment, and protect critical infrastructure to ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian aid. This is in line with the United Nations’ responsibility to protect victims of genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity.




    Read more:
    South Africa to lead new military force in the DRC: an expert on what it’s up against


    The M23 rebel group, which is supported by Rwanda, has committed a wide range of atrocities in the eastern DRC which can be traced back to the 1994 genocide.

    The impact on civilians has been devastating. While pinning down an exact number is difficult, it’s clear that the rebel forces operating in the eastern DRC, particularly the M23, pose a significant challenge to the stability of the region, and the safety and security of civilians.

    The rebels are implicated in mass killings of civilians, rape and other forms of sexual violence and attacks on camps for internally displaced persons. The M23’s atrocities have been condemned by the international community. The United Nations and human rights bodies have called for an end to the violence. They also demand accountability for the perpetrators.

    In sum, South African soldiers – alongside Malawians and Tanzanians – are in the DRC to assist the Congolese army in combating the armed groups and to protect civilians from violence and human rights abuses.

    Are the soldiers adequately prepared and equipped?

    Many questions have been asked about whether South African troops on the mission forces are adequately trained and equipped.
    Critics claim this deployment is suicidal.

    South African soldiers are well-trained and have served in numerous peace operations. Their extensive deployment means that they have accumulated valuable experience. They have been part of the UN Stabilisation Mission in the DR Congo, Monusco, almost since inception in 1999.

    Monusco forces are still present in the DRC, but in the process of withdrawing. Congolese president Félix Tshisekedi requested they leave because of their perceived ineffectiveness.

    Nonetheless, there are some valid concerns about the South Africans’ current level of preparedness for the DRC mission. Not least given the complex political situation. There are over 100 diverse armed groups involved. And the terrain is difficult.

    The combination of budget cuts, resource limitations, and the complex nature of the conflict raises questions about the South African National Defence Force’s ability to effectively achieve its objectives, and ensure the safety of its personnel.

    The force takes its own equipment on missions to ensure it is self-sufficient and can meet its specialised needs. The problem is that this equipment is old, leading to shortages due to maintenance problems. This affects the force’s ability to carry out its duties.

    Budget cuts for defence over the years, to less than 1% of GDP compared to the global average of 2%, have severely affected the military’s ability to maintain equipment, conduct training exercises and modernise its force. This has led to a decline in overall readiness.

    South African troops in the DRC lack essential resources, including adequate air support, attack helicopters and modern equipment. This limits their ability to respond quickly to threats and provide close air support for ground troops.

    Despite having one of the most capable air forces in Africa, it is unable to deploy its Gripen and Rooivalk helicopters because they have not been serviced and lack spare parts.

    The use of older equipment has also been less effective against the well-equipped M23.

    Besides being outgunned, the regional mission is also out-manned.

    The SADC mission in the DRC was authorised to have 5,000 troops from Malawi, South Africa and Tanzania. The actual deployment has fallen far short of this number. As of late January 2025, only about 1,300 troops had been deployed.




    Read more:
    Rwanda’s role in eastern DRC conflict: why international law is failing to end the fighting


    Where to from here?

    There are concerns in the DRC about the presence of multiple foreign forces, given the relative ineffectiveness of these interventions.

    There are also questions about the legitimacy of the mission. Rwanda has opposed the deployment, saying that the SAMIDRC, and specifically South Africa’s involvement, undermines regional unity and cooperation.

    The best approach to peace and stability in the DRC requires a concerted effort by regional actors – the DRC, Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, Kenya and the Southern African Development Community – to address the underlying causes of the conflict. This requires political dialogue with the regional actors, the UN, the international community and, most importantly, the Congolese people.




    Read more:
    DRC conflict risks spreading: African leaders must push for solutions beyond military intervention


    As for South Africa, it is time for some critical reflection on the future roles of its military. The equipment shortages and challenges it faces raise serious concerns about the defence force’s ability to carry out its core mandate of protecting South Africa, its territorial integrity and its people in accordance with the constitution.

    The tragedy in the DRC highlights the dire need for the South African National Defence Force to be redesigned, modernised and funded to become more effective and capable, ready to meet the immediate challenges it faces (like ageing equipment) and ensure the security of South Africa.

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

    ref. South African troops are dying in the DRC: why they’re there and what’s going wrong – https://theconversation.com/south-african-troops-are-dying-in-the-drc-why-theyre-there-and-whats-going-wrong-248696

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Civil Service course gets digital refresh to help civil servants

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The popular online writing course Foundations of Writing in Government has been updated, to help more civil servants improve essential communication skills.

    Jonathan Marshall, Government Skills

    The free course which learners can do at their own pace, was launched in 2022 and now includes new animations on effective sentence and paragraph structuring. It also has an updated section on digital editing tools.

    “Writing well is one of the stand-out skills which civil servants need to have in their jobs and to progress in their careers,” said Jonathan Marshall, Government Skills learning expert. “Whether it’s a simple email to a colleague or a detailed briefing paper for ministers, how you express yourself and your ideas in writing is crucial.”

    The four hour online course takes participants through the JASPER principles: 

    • Jargon-free
    • Acronyms explained
    • Short sentences
    • Plain English
    • Editors
    • Readers

    “The ultimate aim of our writing is to communicate effectively,” Jonathan explained. “From the beginning to the end of the writing process, we should think about who our audience is and what they need.”

    The course forms part of the Civil Service recommended learning curriculum which includes further training on drafting, briefing, and advanced writing techniques. 

    Read more about the course and Jonathan Marshall’s top tips on writing  here. 

    Civil servants can now access the updated Foundations of Writing in Government (JASPER) course on Civil Service Learning.

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Russia: New educational program will prepare effective managers of innovative businesses

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    In today’s rapidly changing world, innovations are becoming the basis for competitiveness and the driver of business development. In these conditions, new requirements are imposed on management – heads of companies, projects, products, teams – in terms of approaches, thinking, methods and individual tools. Especially for them School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship HSE University is opening a new continuing education programHead of Innovative Business“.

    The new DPO program will help you solve the problem of updating and systematizing knowledge, master new competencies in the field of innovation management, improve your leadership, communication, and public speaking skills, and make new acquaintances in the professional community.

    What awaits listeners

    Future Innovative business leaders study technological trends and corporate innovation, learn about the culture of innovation and operational efficiency. They will learn how to develop and manage an innovative product, project, portfolio. Students will receive an algorithm for finding strong solutions and innovative strategies, study the specifics of leadership and communications in this area, as well as a number of other topics and disciplines.

    Over several months of immersion in an intensive, yet convenient format for workers, program participants will receive:

    competencies at the intersection of entrepreneurship, innovation, management and soft skills;

    the opportunity to implement your own management or business project from idea to implementation;

    inspiration, insights, like-minded people, new ideas and broadening of horizons, opportunities and solutions;

    MBA-level networking and immersion in a professional environment.

    Who should I learn from?

    The teaching staff is 100% experts and practitioners who create and manage innovative businesses in such structures as Aeroflot, Skolkovo, Rosatom, VTB, Uralchem and others, and the content of the program is based on real cases and business tasks, in the solution of which students are helped by a well-structured and most relevant theoretical base.

    Who is expected at the program?

    “We invite those who have management experience in any field of activity and who seek to discover opportunities for professional and career growth through innovation to the “Head of Innovative Business” program,” says Alexander Pushko, head of the program. “This program is for those who dream of learning to fly and conquer new heights. During the training, you will discover new horizons, reboot and get inspired, learn how to select and coordinate a crew into a single team, get off the ground and feel confident in flight even in conditions of high turbulence, find strong solutions, maintain a high quality bar and invariably win applause during a soft landing.”

    Training format

    Upon completion of the training, students will receive a diploma with the qualification of “Specialized Master in Innovative Business” and will be able to immediately implement the knowledge they have gained in their work.

    The training lasts seven months and ends with the defense of the project. The training format is mixed and involves three offline modules of three days in Moscow, the rest of the time online classes three times a week on weekday evenings and on Saturdays.

    Detailed information about the program, admission requirements, study mode and discounts is available at website. Training begins on October 17th.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Polish Presidency debriefs EP committees on priorities

    Source: European Parliament

    Poland holds the Presidency of the Council until the end of June 2025. This text will be updated regularly as the hearings take place.

    Environment, Climate and Food Safety

    On 23 January, Paulina Hennig-Kloska, Minister of Climate and Environment, highlighted the need for climate adaptation measures, combating climate disinformation, and to advance key legislative files such as the waste framework directive on textiles and food, the European soil monitoring law, and the “One Substance, One Assessment” chemicals package. The Presidency also plans to secure agreement with Parliament on plastic pellet losses, water pollutants, and detergents rules.

    MEPs asked about the Presidency’s stance on the new emissions trading system ETS II, the 2040 emissions target, renewable energy, and soil monitoring. They also debated the impact of climate regulations on competitiveness, and raised concerns about agricultural pollution and the role of genomic technologies.

    Security and defence

    On 27 January, Secretary of State at the Ministry of National Defence Paweł Zalewski said the Presidency’s first priority is to strengthen EU support for Ukraine by using all the tools at the EU’s disposal, including the European Peace Facility and the profits from frozen Russian assets or loans guaranteed from Moscow. He also highlighted the need to reinforce the EU’s defence industries by ensuring adequate financing as well as deepening EU-U.S. cooperation, including between the EU and NATO.

    MEPs quizzed Mr Zalewski on several issues, including the EU’s role in possible future peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, developing an EU defence pillar, reforming the EU Investment Bank to allow for more investment in the defence sector and establishing viable “European champions” (i.e. large corporations) in the defence sector.

    Women’s rights and gender equality

    On 28 January, Minister for Equality Katarzyna Kotula emphasised enhancing digital security for women and girls, particularly in the context of the rapid development of AI, as a Presidency priority. She pledged to follow up on the Digital Services Act to make sure that AI accelerates rather than undermines gender equality. The Presidency is also determined to advance the work on the Anti-discrimination Directive.

    MEPS welcomed her commitment on strengthening the digital protection of women and girls, particularly concerning deepfakes, revenge porn and hate speech. They also raised women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights, the protection of LGBTQI+ communities, the challenges faced by ageing women and the prospect for an EU-wide definition of rape including the notion of consent.

    Internal market and consumer protection

    On 28 January, Economic Development and Technology Minister Krzysztof Paszyk focused on the need to eliminate the remaining barriers in the single market, as well as highlighting issues around security, competitiveness, and reducing red tape. The Presidency will look for a compromise on the e-declaration of posted workers file, on late payments, and on the travel package proposals. They will also, he said, try to reach political agreements on toy safety, the Green Claims Directive and on the alternative dispute resolution file.

    On digital policy, Secretary of State, Ministry of Digitalisation Dariusz Standerski outlined plans for an informal meeting on cybersecurity to focus on defence, the application of the Artificial Intelligence Act, and new initiatives on AI factories and the “AI Apply Strategy”. On customs, Undersecretary of State, Ministry of Finance Małgorzata Krok stated the Presidency’s intention was to reach a common position in the Council on the reform of the Union Customs Code.

    MEPs asked about reducing reporting obligations, e-declarations of posted workers, the implementation of digital services act and the AI Act, including in the context of EU-US relations. Several members wanted to hear more about cutting red tape, unblocking progress on late payments, and the need for an AI liability act. Questions also focused on issues around unfair trading practices, single market on defence and climate disinformation.

    Fisheries

    On 28 January, Jacek Czerniak, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, which includes fisheries, identified improving EU fisheries competitiveness and defending EU interests in regional fisheries organisations and international agreements as Presidency priorities. Poland will also launch discussions on the review of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and start negotiations to introduce measures against non-EU countries that allow unsustainable fishing practices.

    MEPs questioned Mr Czerniak on addressing the critical state of fish stocks in the Baltic Sea, in addition to issues of security and reducing the complexity of regulations. Others supported a reform of the CFP to better balance the interests of the fishery sector with the EU’s environmental goals. MEPs also argued that trade policies should be aligned with fisheries policies.

    Employment and social affairs

    On 28 January, Minister of Family, Labour and Social Policy Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk and Minister of Senior Policy Marzena Okła-Drewnowicz said the Presidency would focus on the future of employment in the digital transformation, a Europe of equality, cohesion and inclusion, and the challenges prompted by the EU’s aging population.

    MEPs quizzed the ministers on their plans for the regulation on the coordination of social security systems, emphasising the importance of finalising negotiations on the file. They also raised the impact of AI in the workplace, and the importance of addressing demographic issues in the EU. MEPs also raised the importance of social dialogue, upcoming negotiations on European Work Councils, and the expected Commission initiative on the “Right to Disconnect”.

    Transport and tourism

    On 29 January, Dariusz Klimczak, Minister of Infrastructure, said the Presidency will focus on resilience and competitiveness in the transport sector, the protection of transport operators, dual use infrastructure, and military mobility. He committed to reaching a deal with Parliament on new railway infrastructure, road and maritime safety rules as well advancing negotiations on air passenger rights rules that have been stalled in the Council since 2013. Piotr Borys, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Sport and Tourism added that the Presidency will focus on making Europe a safe and more popular destination for tourism despite Russia’s war in Ukraine and the challenges posed by climate change.

    MEPs asked the Presidency to secure adequate financing for transport policies within the next EU long-term budget, and want them to secure a Council position on the maximum weights and dimensions directive, and address labour shortages and working conditions in all transport modes. Completing Trans-European transport networks, developing high speed rail, and ensuring connectivity for Europe’s islands were also raised.

    Constitutional affairs

    On 29 January, Minister for European Affairs Adam Szłapka said the Presidency wants to promote institutional reforms, stressing at the same time that EU Treaties could prove difficult to revise. The Presidency wants to complete work on the new rules on European political parties and foundations and the electoral rights of mobile citizens. They will work on the transparency of interest representation and on the EU’s accession to the European Convention on Human Rights.

    Most MEPs asked questions about the need to reform the EU’s institutional architecture, especially in light of imminent enlargement, with many of them highlighting the need to overcome what they saw as the obstacle of unanimity in key policy areas either through Treaty revision or using existing rules. Some called for progress on Parliament’s right of initiative, its right of inquiry, and rules on European elections.

    Agriculture and Rural Development

    On 29 January, Czesław Siekierski, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development said that the Council will discuss the future shape of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) beyond 2027. The Presidency wants to simplify the green architecture of the CAP and assess the impact of current EU trade agreements on agriculture.

    Questions from MEPs focused on ensuring fair income for farmers and adapting the CAP to the future enlargement of the EU. A number of MEPs also asked about the position of the Presidency on the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement and stressed the need to invest in European food sovereignty.

    International trade

    On 29 January, Krzysztof Paszyk, Minister of Economic Development and Technology, said the Presidency will continue working on ambitious, sustainable and mutually profitable trade agreements. He hopes to finalise the legislation on the screening of foreign direct investment and resume talks on the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) scheme, the EU’s preferential trade arrangement with developing countries. On Ukraine, Mr Paszyk said support for Ukraine remains steadfast, while the Presidency prefers not to extend the current temporary trade liberalisation measures with the country, but rather reach a new agreement.

    MEPs asked about possible timelines for the adoption of trade deals with Mercosur and Mexico, possible shift in US trade policy as well as on trade with Ukraine and safeguards for the agricultural market. Some MEPs argued that GSP should not be a migration tool, others demanded a clear link between migration and the scheme.

    Industry, Research and Energy

    On 29 January, Minister of Economics, Development and Technology, Krzysztof Paszyk said the Presidency’s priorities include boosting Europe’s industrial competitiveness with a new instrument and advancing the Clean Industry Act to support businesses, address high energy prices, and cut red tape and tax burdens for SMEs. They also plan to maximize the use of spaceimaging and AI algorithms for crisis management, and improve cooperation during natural disasters.

    During the debate, MEPs stressed the need to support innovative businesses through a unified capital market, and to combine environmental policies with industrial policies to achieve the ecological transition. Others focused on the importance of transatlantic relations and the need to secure European tech sovereignty.

    Dariusz Stenderski, Secretary of State in the Ministry of Digital Affairs, said that his key focus areas would be cyber security, with a revised blueprint for coordinated EU response to cyber attacks and an informal Council on its civilian and military aspects.He also referred to the boosting of AI development through shared investment and simplified rules to support startups.

    On 30 January Marcin Kulasek, Minister of Science and Higher Education, outlined three main focus areas: openness and inclusivity, synergies between EU and national programs, and AI and science.He stressed the need to develop EU cooperation networks without losing top talents, and the value of synergies between EU and national research programs.

    MEPs called for the full implementation of the 5G toolbox and for the simplification of administrative procedures to foster innovation. Others highlighted the need to improve EU cooperation in research and innovation, retain top talent, and ensure an inclusive access to funds. The discussions also covered the need for ethical standards in AI, a strong support for scientists, as well as academic freedom and the free flow of scientific knowledge.

    Culture, Education, Youth and Sport

    On 30 January, Education Minister Barbara Nowacka said the Presidency wants to include young people – as part of a new cycle of the EU Youth Dialogue – in EU-level debates and projects to strengthen EU values of democracy, freedom and rule of law, thereby making them more resilient against the risk of disinformation and manipulation. Providing better support to teachers is also a priority, she said, and EU education ministers will gather in May to discuss what they can do to improve this.

    The Presidency wants to advance work on the “European degree” – a degree awarded jointly by several universities in different EU countries – by adopting a roadmap to implement it. A European quality assurance system to guarantee trust among universities and improve the recognition of higher education diplomas will also be discussed, Minister of Science and High Education Marcin Kulasek said.

    Culture Minister Hanna Wróblewska said the Presidency will present proposals to support young artists and creators, and will launch discussions on the future of the Creative Europe programme beyond 2027. Audiovisual and intellectual property rights, security and AI, and a possible revision of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive are also among the Presidency’s priorities, she said.

    Piotr Borys, Secretary of State of Sport, will focus on pushing EU countries to better promote sport in schools, address mental health, and adopt a common methodology to gather statistics on sport.

    MEPs questioned the ministers on countering Russian disinformation under the European Media Freedom Act, as well as on delays in the creation of the European degree, pleading for EU-wide recognition of diplomas, including Erasmus+ and vocational education training. MEPs also raised concerns about possible reductions in Erasmus+ funding, which ensures the financial sustainability of the European Education Area, which in turn is essential for the “Union of Skills”.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Safeguarding the automotive industry in Europe – E-002243/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission wants to ensure that the EU remains a global leader in the automotive industry, preserving jobs and manufacturing capacity in Europe.

    The Commission will develop an industrial action plan for the automotive industry, covering the entire value chain, from securing critical supply chains to ensuring affordability, from infrastructure for refuelling and recharging, to fully exploiting automation and data, while supporting the industry on its path towards decarbonisation.

    Public support has been substantial in creating a nascent battery industry in Europe. In particular, the Commission approved two Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEIs) for batteries[1], providing EUR 6 billion in funding; EUR 180 million have been allocated to the battery sector through the Innovation Fund[2], with an additional EUR 3 billion announced for the next three years; and the co-programmed battery European partnership under Horizon Europe[3], Batt4EU[4], is investing up to EUR 925 million in battery research and innovation activities.

    The Commission remains committed to continuing this support to further strengthen the sector and ensure its future ability to compete with global players.

    Regarding autonomous vehicles, the EU industry is at a good stage of technology development and the EU established a regulatory framework for the sale of autonomous vehicles[5], but such vehicles cannot easily access roads across Europe.

    The Commission will continue to support funding for research and development, update the EU regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles and support Member States towards the update of their national road transport frameworks, to ensure the legality of automated driving and the possibility to deploy them at scale.

    • [1] IPCEI on Batteries and IPCEI European Battery Innovation (EuBatIn): https://www.ipcei-batteries.eu/
    • [2] https://climate.ec.europa.eu/eu-action/eu-funding-climate-action/innovation-fund_en
    • [3] https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe_en; https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32021R0695
    • [4] https://bepassociation.eu/
    • [5] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2022/1426/oj

    MIL OSI Europe News