Category: Vehicles

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: THE STATUS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NATIONAL ELECTRIC MOBILITY MISSION PLAN

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 13 FEB 2025 5:08PM by PIB Delhi

    The National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) 2020 provides a roadmap for the adoption and manufacturing of electric vehicles in India, aiming to enhance national fuel security and promote environmentally friendly transportation. As part of NEMMP 2020, the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) implemented the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India (FAME India) Scheme in 2015 to promote the adoption of electric/hybrid vehicles.

    1. Phase-I was implemented up to 31 March 2019 with a budget of ₹895 crore.
    2. Phase-II was implemented for five years from 1 April 2019, with an outlay of ₹11,500 crore.

    Further, MHI is implementing the following schemes on pan-India basis to strengthen electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem and accelerate adoption of electric vehicle in the country.

    1. Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Automobile and Auto Component Industry in India (PLI-Auto): The Government approved this scheme on 23rd September 2021 for Automobile and Auto Component Industry in India for enhancing India’s manufacturing capabilities for advanced automotive technology (AAT) products with a budgetary outlay of ₹25,938 Crore. The scheme proposes financial incentives to boost domestic manufacturing of AAT products with minimum 50% Domestic Value Addition (DVA) and attract investments in the automotive manufacturing value chain.
    2. PLI Scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC): The Government on 12th May, 2021 approved PLI Scheme for manufacturing of ACC in the country with a budgetary outlay of Rs.18,100 crore. The scheme aims to establish a competitive domestic manufacturing ecosystem for 50 GWh of ACC batteries.
    3. PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme: This scheme with an outlay of Rs.10,900 crore was notified on 29th September 2024. It is a two-year scheme which aims to support electric vehicles including e-2W, e-3W, e-Trucks, e-buses, e-Ambulances, EV public charging stations and upgradation of testing agencies.
    4. PM e-Bus Sewa-Payment Security Mechanism (PSM) Scheme: This Scheme notified on 28.10.2024, has an outlay of Rs.3,435.33 crore and aims to support deployment of more than 38,000 electric buses. The objective of scheme is to provide payment security to e-bus operators in case of default by Public Transport Authorities (PTAs).
    5. Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India (SPMEPCI) was notified on 15th March 2024 to promote the manufacturing of electric cars in India. This requires applicants to invest a minimum of Rs.4150 crore and to achieve a minimum DVA of 25% at the end of the third year and DVA of 50% at the end of the fifth year.

    Other Ministries of the Government of India are also taking initiatives to promote EVs such as:

    1. Road Tax Exemption: States are advised to waive road tax on EVs to reduce their initial cost.
    2. Green License Plates: Battery-operated vehicles are given green license plates and are exempted from permit requirements.

    The progress in developing necessary infrastructure for EVs, such as nation-wide charging stations is detailed below:

    1. Under Phase II of the FAME India Scheme, ₹1,000 crore was allocated for the development of charging infrastructure. MHI sanctioned ₹800 crore as capital subsidy to Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) for establishing 7,432 public EV charging stations. Further, in March 2024, MHI sanctioned an additional ₹73.50 crore under FAME II to OMCs for upgrading 980 public fast charging stations by installing new chargers across the country. Subsidy of ₹51.45 crore has already been released to OMCs. In addition, 400 charging stations have also been sanctioned which were allotted through EOI to other entities in various states. Further, as per the information received from the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, as of 01.01.2025, OMCs have installed 4,523 number of EVCS at their Retails Outlets (ROs) under FAME-II Scheme out of which 251 EVCS have been energized. In addition to this, OMCs have set up 20,035 EVCS at their Retail outlet from their own funds as per details provided at Annexure.
    2. PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme: Under this scheme, ₹2,000 crore has been allocated for installation of EV Public Charging Stations (PCS).
    3. Ministry of Power has issued “Guidelines for Installation and Operation of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure-2024”, dated 17.09.2024. These guidelines outline standards and protocols to create connected & interoperable EV charging infrastructure network, which includes Battery Swapping/Charging stations. The salient features of the guidelines are as follows:
    1.  Setting up of Charging Stations declared as a delicensed activity.
    2. DISCOMs to provide electricity connections up to 150 kW with expedited timelines and clear Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to charging stations.
    3. Public land offered to Government/Public entity on a revenue-sharing model at Rs.1.0/ kWh for 10 years; and public land allocation to private entities via bidding with the same floor price (i.e. Rs.1.0 / kWh).
    4. Public tendering involving government land for setting up of charging station shall be technology agnostic.
    5. State Governments to ensure necessary permissions for round the clock operations.
    6. Provision of a single-part tariff capped at Average Cost of Supply (ACoS) till 31.03.2028, with a 30% discount during solar hours and a 30% surcharge during non-solar hours.
    7. Operators to provide data for mapping of charging stations on EV Yatra portal.

     

    1.  Green Energy Open Access Rules, 2022: The Ministry of Power notified these rules to accelerate renewable energy adoption, ensuring access to affordable and reliable green energy.
    2. Amendment of Model Building Bye-Laws: The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has amended building bye-laws to include charging stations in private and commercial buildings.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries, Shri Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

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    TPJ/NJ

    -4-

                ANNEXURE

    Details of EVCS installed / energized by PSU OMCs in States / UTs

    S. N.

    State/ UTs

    EV Charging Stations under FAME-II Subsidy Scheme

    Total No. of EV charging stations installed by OMCs from their own funds as on 01.01.2025

    No. of EV Charger installed as on 01.01.2025

    No. of EV Charging Stations energized as on 01.01.2025

     

    1

    Andaman & Nicobar

    0

    0

    6

    2

    Andhra Pradesh

    354

    20

    912

    3

    Arunachal Pradesh

    2

    0

    52

    4

    Assam

    83

    2

    448

    5

    Bihar

    58

    2

    517

    6

    Chandigarh

    0

    0

    23

    7

    Chhattisgarh

    30

    1

    498

    8

    Delhi

    41

    5

    316

    9

    Goa

    9

    0

    70

    10

    Gujarat

    312

    50

    1104

    11

    Haryana

    366

    3

    1068

    12

    Himachal Pradesh

    21

    0

    136

    13

    Jammu & Kashmir

    23

    0

    170

    14

    Jharkhand

    116

    0

    349

    15

    Karnataka

    370

    3

    1516

    16

    Kerala

    208

    0

    679

    17

    Ladakh

    0

    0

    11

    18

    Lakshadweep

    0

    0

    1

    19

    Madhya Pradesh

    154

    6

    1114

    20

    Maharashtra

    431

    121

    1595

    21

    Manipur

    8

    0

    57

    22

    Meghalaya

    25

    0

    54

    23

    Mizoram

    2

    0

    16

    24

    Nagaland

    10

    0

    41

    25

    Odisha

    114

    0

    661

    26

    Puducherry

    7

    1

    27

    27

    Punjab

    151

    2

    828

    28

    Rajasthan

    351

    7

    1482

    29

    Sikkim

    1

    0

    12

    30

    Tamil Nadu

    444

    6

    1448

    31

    Telangana

    238

    1

    1051

    32

    Tripura

    1

    0

    55

    33

    Uttar Pradesh

    269

    10

    2561

    34

    UT of Dadar and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu

    3

    0

    12

    35

    Uttarakhand

    41

    4

    212

    36

    West Bengal

    280

    7

    933

    TOTAL

    4523

    251

    20035

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    (Release ID: 2102783) Visitor Counter : 60

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: FAME PHASE-II SCHEME

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 13 FEB 2025 5:06PM by PIB Delhi

    Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India (FAME India) Scheme Phase-II was implemented for a period of five years from 1st April, 2019 with a total budgetary support of Rs. 11,500 crore. The scheme-incentivized e-2Ws, e-3Ws, e-4Ws, e-buses and EV public charging stations. Under FAME India Scheme Phase-II, as on 31.12.2024, the following number of electric vehicles (EV) have been supported : –

    Sl. No.

    EV Segment

    Total No. of EVs supported

    1.

    2 wheeler

    14,28,009

    2.

    3 wheeler

    1,64,180

    3.

    4 wheeler

    22,548

    Total

    16,14,737

    MHI has implemented the following schemes on pan-India basis to strengthen electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem and accelerate adoption of electric vehicle in the country.

    1. Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Automobile and Auto Component Industry in India (PLI-Auto): The Government approved this scheme on 23rd September 2021 for Automobile and Auto Component Industry in India for enhancing India’s manufacturing capabilities for advanced automotive technology (AAT) products with a budgetary outlay of ₹25,938 Crore. The scheme proposes financial incentives to boost domestic manufacturing of AAT products with minimum 50% Domestic Value Addition (DVA) and attract investments in the automotive manufacturing value chain.
    2. PLI Scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC): The Government on 12th May, 2021 approved PLI Scheme for manufacturing of ACC in the country with a budgetary outlay of Rs.18,100 crore. The scheme aims to establish a competitive domestic manufacturing ecosystem for 50 GWh of ACC batteries.
    3. PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme: This scheme with an outlay of Rs.10,900 crore was notified on 29th September 2024. It is a two-year scheme which aims to support electric vehicles including e-2W, e-3W, e-Trucks, e-buses, e-Ambulances, EV public charging stations and upgradation of testing agencies.
    4. PM e-Bus Sewa-Payment Security Mechanism (PSM) Scheme: This Scheme notified on 28.10.2024, has an outlay of Rs. 3,435.33 crore and aims to support deployment of more than 38,000 electric buses. The objective of scheme is to provide payment security to e-bus operators in case of default by Public Transport Authorities (PTAs).
    5. Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India (SPMEPCI) was notified on 15th March 2024 to promote the manufacturing of electric cars in India. This requires applicants to invest a minimum of Rs.4150 crore and to achieve a minimum DVA of 25% at the end of the third year and DVA of 50% at the end of the fifth year.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries, Shri Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

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    TPJ/NJ

    (Release ID: 2102782) Visitor Counter : 66

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: E-MOBILITY PROMOTION SCHEME 2024

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 13 FEB 2025 5:05PM by PIB Delhi

    Yes, Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS) 2024 notified vide Gazette Notification 1334 (E) dated 13.03.2024 was launched with an aim to provide further impetus to the green mobility and development of electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing eco-system in the country. The scheme has since been subsumed in the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme which was notified vide Gazette Notification 4259 (E) dated 29.09.2024. The PM E-DRIVE scheme’s duration is till 31.03.2026. The scheme intends to provide subsidy to over 28 lakh EVs including e-2Ws, e-3Ws, e-trucks, e-ambulances and e-buses, which will reduce India’s dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate carbon emissions.

    PM E-DRIVE scheme is being implemented on pan-India basis, covering both rural and marginalized areas of the country.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries, Shri Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

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    TPJ/NJ

    (Release ID: 2102781) Visitor Counter : 8

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CONTRIBUTION OF PM E-DRIVE SCHEME IN GROWTH OF EV ECOSYSTEM

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 13 FEB 2025 5:03PM by PIB Delhi

    The Government of India has notified ‘PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme’ on 29.09.2024 to provide impetus to the green mobility & development of EV manufacturing eco-system in the country. The scheme has an outlay of  ₹10,900 crore over a period of two years from 01.04.2024 to 31.03.2026. The Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS) 2024 implemented for the period of six months from 01.04.2024 to 30.09.2024, is subsumed in PM E-DRIVE scheme.

    Salient features of PM E-DRIVE scheme:

    i.    Introduction of E- Vouchers: – The Ministry of Heavy Industry (MHI) has introduced E-vouchers for Electric vehicle buyer to avail the demand incentive under the scheme.

    ii.   Introduction of new vehicle segments: – An allocation ₹500 crore each has been done for deployment of e-ambulances and e-trucks under the scheme. This is new initiative  to promote the use of e-ambulances for a comfortable patient transport. Similarly, e-trucks have also been introduced under the scheme.

    iii.  Upgradation of testing agencies: ₹780 Crore has been earmarked for upgradation of vehicles testing agencies.
    The scheme has following three components:

    i.     Subsidies: ₹3,679 crore as demand incentives for e-2W, e-3W, e-ambulances, e-trucks & other new emerging EV categories.

    ii.    Grants: ₹7,171 crore for creation of capital assets i.e., e-buses, establishment of network of charging stations & upgradation of vehicle testing agencies identified under this scheme.

    iii.  Administration of Scheme including IEC (Information, Education & Communication) activities and fee for project management agency (PMA).

    The PM E-DRIVE scheme aims to boost demand for electric vehicles (EVs) through various incentives detailed below:

    i.  Demand Incentives: These incentives directly reduce the upfront cost of EVs for consumers at the point of purchase. The government reimburses the incentive amount to the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).

    ii.   Financial Support for Charging Infrastructure: The scheme allocates ₹2,000 crore for establishing public charging infrastructure for various vehicle categories.

    iii.  Grants for Capital Assets: The scheme has provisions of ₹4,391 crore as grants to support deployment of 14,028 e-buses and ₹780 crore as grants for the upgradation of vehicle testing agencies identified under the scheme.

    Yes, there is mechanisms in place to monitor and assess the implementation of the PM E-DRIVE scheme. Project Implementation and Sanctioning Committee (PISC), an inter-ministerial empowered committee, headed by the Secretary of Heavy Industries, is constituted for overall monitoring, sanctioning, and implementation of the PM E-DRIVE scheme. This committee is also responsible for removing any obstacles or difficulties that may arise during implementation.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries, Shri Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

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    TPJ/NJ

    (Release ID: 2102780) Visitor Counter : 15

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: DEEP OCEAN MISSION

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 13 FEB 2025 3:53PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Earth Sciences, through the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Chennai, is developing a manned submersible ‘Matsya 6000’, which aims to carry three people to a depth of 6000 meters in the ocean with a suite of scientific sensors for ocean exploration and observation. The manned submersible Matsya 6000 is likely to be realised by 2026.

    The technologies developed under the Deep Ocean Mission will expand the country’s capability for deep-sea man-rated vehicle development and pave the way for sustainable deep-sea exploration and harnessing of deep-sea living and non-living resources. The deep-sea exploration includes biodiversity, survey and mineral resources. Apart from the benefits of scientific research and technological empowerment, this mission has immediate spin-offs in underwater engineering innovations, asset inspection and the promotion of ocean literacy.

    Under the Deep Ocean Mission, a manned submersible Matsya 6000 is being developed to house a 2.1-metre internal diameter Titanium alloy personnel sphere for safely carrying humans to a 6000 m depth. The Titanium alloy personnel sphere is being integrated in collaboration with ISRO.  The manned submersible is to be equipped with subsystems for buoyancy management enabling descent/ascent, power, and control systems, maneuvring propellers, subsea intervention manipulators, navigation and positioning devices, data and voice communication systems, on-board energy storage batteries, as well as systems for emergency support. It is designed to enable continuous operations at 6000 m depth for up to 12 hours with an emergency endurance of up to 96 hours for conducting deep water observation and exploration. Human Support and Safety System, which is a critical need for three humans, has been realized for the acclimatization and usage during routine and emergency scenarios. The deep-sea activities, exploration of deep-sea living and non-living resources, are being undertaken in accordance with the guidelines of UN governing bodies. The development of ocean climate change advisory services relies on robust data acquisition and analysis for deriving projections of sea level change, intensity of cyclone, storm surge, and waves and their impacts on associated coastal erosion and inundation in the projected climate. The acquisition of a multidisciplinary research vessel is in progress. Expansion of capacity building in marine biology in the country is also being prioritized by setting up a dedicated Advanced Marine Station for Ocean Biology (AMSOB).

    This information was given by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

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    NKR/PSM

    (RS US Q NO. 998)

    (Release ID: 2102743) Visitor Counter : 59

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Special traffic arrangements for 15th National Games athletics (marathon) test event

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Special traffic arrangements for 15th National Games athletics (marathon) test event
    Special traffic arrangements for 15th National Games athletics (marathon) test event
    ************************************************************************************

         Police will implement special traffic arrangements to facilitate the 2025 Shenzhen-Hong Kong marathon and the 15th National Games athletics (marathon) test event to be held on February 23 (Sunday).Shenzhen Bay Port—————–      To ensure the smooth running of the race, clearance services at Shenzhen Bay Port will be suspended, and temporary control measures will be implemented at Shenzhen Bay Bridge, Kong Sham Western Highway and Ha Tsuen Interchange from 2am to about 11am. These will be closed to all traffic from eastbound and westbound Yuen Long Highway, and Ha Tsuen Road.      During the suspension of clearance services, cross-boundary goods vehicles and private cars holding valid permits for the Shenzhen Bay Port may divert to Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang Port, Man Kam To Port and Heung Yuen Wai Port as instructed. Traffic is expected to be relatively busy for roads leading to Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang Port and Lok Ma Chau Station (Futian Port), including San Tin Interchange, San Sam Road and Lok Ma Chau Road.      Clearance services at Shenzhen Bay Port are anticipated to resume at around 11am, at which time traffic is expected to be relatively busy. Travellers and drivers planning to use the port on that day are advised to plan their journeys ahead and reserve sufficient commuting time. Shenzhen Bay Boundary Control Point———————————-      After the clearance services at Shenzhen Bay Port resume normal, the following arrangements will be implemented by phases depending on traffic conditions: Phase I      All vehicles will use the existing driving routes to enter the boundary control point. Phase II – The traffic arrangements for goods vehicles remain unchanged. They will continue to enter the holding area awaiting clearance through the goods vehicle lanes;- Public transport vehicles, including cross-boundary buses, franchised buses, green minibuses and taxis will continue to enter the boundary control point through the passenger vehicle lanes; and- Cross-boundary private cars must keep left on the Shenzhen Bay Bridge and then enter the designated waiting area through the goods vehicle lanes. Private cars will queue up and await further instructions to proceed to the clearance area for departure procedures. Lok Ma Chau Boundary Control Point———————————-      Depending on traffic conditions, the following arrangements will be implemented by phases: Phase I      All vehicles will use the existing driving routes to enter the boundary control point. Phase II – The traffic arrangements for cross-boundary private cars and goods vehicles remain unchanged. They will enter the boundary control point through the passenger vehicle lanes via San Tin Interchange or the goods vehicle lanes respectively;- Public transport vehicles including cross-boundary buses, green minibuses and taxis will use the goods vehicle lanes on eastbound San Tin Highway or westbound Fanling Highway to enter the goods vehicle holding area via San Sham Road;- Lok Ma Chau – Huanggang cross-boundary shuttle buses will enter Castle Peak Road after leaving Lok Ma Chau Public Transport Interchange, and will be instructed to turn right to the goods vehicle lanes of San Sham Road to enter the goods vehicle holding area; and- Vehicles in the goods vehicle holding area will be instructed to proceed to their respective drop-off areas. Phase III – In addition to the traffic arrangements implemented in Phase II, cross-boundary private cars will be instructed to enter the designated waiting area; and- Vehicles in the designated waiting area will be instructed to proceed to the clearance area for departure procedures.      Motorists are advised to avoid driving to above areas during the specified hours. Road users are advised to exercise patience and drive with care, and follow the instructions of the Police on site.

     
    Ends/Thursday, February 13, 2025Issued at HKT 18:19

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Lunar New Year auction of vehicle registration marks this Sunday

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Transport Department today (February 13) reminded the public that the Lunar New Year auction of vehicle registration marks will be held this Sunday (February 16) at Meeting Room N201, L2, New Wing, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai.

         A total of 49 vehicle registration marks will be put up for public auction. Forty-eight of them are traditional vehicle registration marks (TVRMs), and one of them is a personalised vehicle registration mark (PVRM). The list of marks has been posted on the department’s website, www.td.gov.hk/en/public_services/vehicle_registration_mark/index.html.

         People who wish to participate in the bidding at the auction should take note of the following points:

    (1) Bidders are required to produce the following documents for completion of registration and payment procedures immediately after the successful bidding:

    (i) the identity document of the successful bidder;
    (ii) the identity document of the purchaser if it is different from the successful bidder;
    (iii) a copy of the Certificate of Incorporation if the purchaser is a body corporate; and
    (iv) a crossed cheque payable to “The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region” or “The Government of the HKSAR”. Any bidder who wishes to bid for both TVRMs and the PVRM, should bring along at least two crossed cheques for payment of auction prices (for an auctioned mark paid for by cheque, the first three working days after the date of auction will be required for cheque clearance confirmation before processing of the application for mark assignment can be completed). Successful bidders may also pay through the Easy Pay System (EPS), but are reminded to note the maximum transfer amount on the same day of the payment card. Payment by post-dated cheque, cash, credit card or other methods will not be accepted.

    (2) Purchasers must make payment of the purchase price through the EPS or by crossed cheque and complete the Memorandum of Sale of Registration Mark or the Memorandum of Sale of Personalised Vehicle Registration Mark immediately after the bidding. Subsequent alteration of the particulars in the Memorandum will not be permitted.

    (3) A registration mark can only be assigned to a motor vehicle which is registered in the name of the purchaser. The Certificate of Incorporation must be produced immediately by the purchaser if a vehicle registration mark purchased is to be registered under the name of a body corporate.

    (4) The display of a vehicle registration mark on a motor vehicle should be in compliance with the requirements stipulated in Schedule 4 to the Road Traffic (Registration and Licensing of Vehicles) Regulations.

    (5) Special vehicle registration marks are non-transferable. Where the ownership of a motor vehicle with a special vehicle registration mark is transferred, the allocation of the special vehicle registration mark shall be cancelled.

    (6) The purchaser shall, within 12 months after the date of auction, apply to the Commissioner for Transport for the vehicle registration mark to be assigned to a motor vehicle registered in the name of the purchaser. If the purchaser fails to assign the registration mark within 12 months, allocation of the registration mark will be cancelled and arranged for re-allocation by the Commissioner for Transport in accordance with the statutory provision without prior notice to the purchaser.

         For other auction details, please refer to the Guidance Notes – Auction of Traditional Vehicle Registration Marks (www.td.gov.hk/en/public_services/vehicle_registration_mark/tvrm_auction/index.html) and Guidance Notes – Auction of PVRMs (www.td.gov.hk/en/public_services/vehicle_registration_mark/pvrm_auction/index.html).

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Odometer fraud – E-002783/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    In line with the commitment in the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy[1], the Commission is working on a revision of the Roadworthiness Package, comprising three Directives on the periodic technical inspection (PTI) of motor vehicles (2014/45/EU)[2], technical roadside inspection of heavy commercial vehicles (2014/47/EU)[3], and vehicle registration documents (1999/37/EC as amended by 2014/46/EU)[4].

    One of the main objectives of such a revision would be to significantly reduce various forms of fraud and tampering, and improve the detection of defective vehicles.

    Currently, for the purpose of reducing odometer fraud, the PTI Directive requires the recording of vehicle mileage at each PTI and that odometer manipulation be a punishable offence.

    As part of the revision process, the Commission is examining the possibility of addressing cross-border odometer fraud on an EU-wide scale.

    This would require Member States to record odometer readings in a national database — more frequently than today — and to make the records available to other Member States in the case of re-registering the vehicle.

    The preparatory works are being finalised with a view to enabling adoption of appropriate proposals amending the three Directives in the near future.

    In addition, the Commission supported the introduction of anti-tampering and accuracy requirements for odometers in United Nations Regulation No 39[5], in the context of the anti-tampering requirements of the Euro 7 Regulation[6].

    Compliance to the provisions of this type-approval regulation is a prerequisite for registration of vehicles on the EU market.

    • [1] https://transport.ec.europa.eu/eu-mobility-transport-achievements-2019-2024/sustainable-smart-mobility_en
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2014/45/oj/eng
    • [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2014/47/oj/eng
    • [4] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32014L0046
    • [5] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2010:120:0040:0048:EN:PDF
      ( Proposal for 02 series of amendments to UN Regulation No 39 (Speedometer and Odometer) for consideration by the World Forum for Harmonisation of Vehicle Regulations in its 195th session).
    • [6] Regulation (EU) 2024/1457 on type-approval of motor vehicles and engines and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles, with respect to their emissions and battery durability (Euro 7).
    Last updated: 13 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI: Beneficient Reports Results for Third Quarter Fiscal 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

     

    Announced Proposed Transaction to Increase Tangible Book Value to Ben Public Company Stockholders by $9 Million on 8.4 Million Shares Outstanding, Permanent Equity Increased by $35 Million

    Completed First Primary Capital Transaction as Part of Ongoing Business Development Activities

    Announced Proposed International Bank Acquisition to Expand Alternative and Digital Asset Markets Capabilities

    DALLAS, Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Beneficient (NASDAQ: BENF) (“Ben” or the “Company”), a technology-enabled platform providing exit opportunities and primary capital solutions and related trust and custody services to holders of alternative assets through its proprietary online platform, AltAccess, today reported its financial results for the fiscal 2025 third quarter, which ended December 31, 2024.

    Commenting on the fiscal 2025 third quarter results, Beneficient management said: “Our fiscal third quarter was focused on key steps that we believe will ready Ben for significant new activities in delivering liquidity, primary capital and digital asset markets solutions – which we believe are all opportunities to disrupt and enhance the solutions available to large financial audiences. During the fiscal third quarter, we also closed our first primary capital transaction and are seeking additional opportunities.

    “A complementary part of our plan is the proposed acquisition of Mercantile Bank International Corp. (“Mercantile Bank”), a Puerto Rico-based International Financial Entity, which is expected to enable Ben to offer an expanded range of digital asset market solutions and companion custody, clearing and control account fee-based services. We intend to drive new growth opportunities in calendar 2025, which we believe have the potential to generate above market fee rates. These efforts are expected to further build out our expansive model and enable the Company to benefit from a growing range of trust, custody and other services we provide as well as the underlying performance of the private equity assets held in trust.

    “Additionally, we are pleased to have continued to strengthen our capital structure, increasing our permanent equity by $35 million through a re-designation of certain preferred equity. Furthermore, we executed an agreement to complete additional transactions designed to revise the liquidation priority of Beneficient Company Holdings, L.P. (“BCH”) and deliver other benefits to our public company stockholders provided by entities controlled by our founders, which are expected to become increasingly visible as the Company enters into more liquidity and primary capital transactions.”

    Third Quarter Fiscal 2025 and Recent Highlights (for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 or as noted):

    • Reported investments with a fair value of $334.3 million, increased from $329.1 million at the end of our prior fiscal year, served as collateral for Ben Liquidity’s net loan portfolio of $260.6 million and $256.2 million, respectively. Reported investments include our first primary capital transaction with a closing of $1.4 million on December 31, 2024.
    • Revenues increased to $4.4 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2025 as compared to $(10.2) million in the same quarter of fiscal 2024. For the nine months ended December 31, 2024, revenues for fiscal 2025 were $23.0 million as compared to $(55.7) million for fiscal 2024.
    • Operating expenses declined 98% to $13.9 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2025, as compared to $905.7 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2024, which included a non-cash goodwill impairment of $883.2 million. For the nine months ended December 31, 2024, operating expenses for fiscal 2025 were $1.9 million, which included the release of a loss contingency accrual of $55.0 million and non-cash goodwill impairment of $3.7 million, as compared to $2.4 billion in fiscal 2024, which included non-cash goodwill impairment of $2.3 billion.
    • Excluding the non-cash goodwill impairment in the prior comparable period, operating expenses declined 38% to $13.9 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2025 as compared to $22.5 million in the same period of fiscal 2024. For the nine months ended December 31, 2024, excluding the non-cash goodwill impairment and the loss contingency release in each period, as applicable, operating expenses were $53.2 million in fiscal 2025 as compared to $111.7 million in fiscal 2024.
    • Improved permanent equity from a deficit of $148.3 million as of June 30, 2024 to a positive $14.3 million as of December 31, 2024 through a combination of redesignating approximately $160.5 million of temporary equity to permanent equity and additional capital from equity sales and liquidity transactions offset by net loss allocable to permanent equity classified securities of $6.9 million during the applicable period.
    • Announced proposed transaction on December 23, 2024 to revise the liquidation priority of BCH and provide other benefits to our public company shareholders, which on a proforma basis, amounts to $9.2 million of tangible book value to Ben’s public company stockholders(1) using December 31, 2024 financial information, as compared to no book value to Ben’s public company stockholders absent the transaction.
    • Announced an agreement to acquire Mercantile Bank in exchange for an aggregate purchase price of $1.5 million, subject to certain closing conditions, which is expected to enable Ben to offer an expanded range of digital asset markets solutions and companion custody, clearing and control account fee-based services that generate additional cash flow in calendar 2025, including additional alternative asset custody services with the potential to generate higher fee rates than are generally available for traditional custody services.

    Loan Portfolio

    As a result of executing on our business plan of providing financing for liquidity, or early investment exits, for alternative asset marketplace participants, Ben organically develops a balance sheet comprised largely of loans collateralized by a well- diversified alternative asset portfolio that is expected to grow as Ben successfully executes on its core business.

    Ben’s balance sheet strategy for ExAlt Loan origination is built on the theory of the portfolio endowment model for the fiduciary financings we make by utilizing our patent-pending computer implemented technologies branded as OptimumAlt. Our OptimumAlt endowment model balance sheet approach guides diversification of our fiduciary financings across seven asset classes of alternative assets, over 11 industry sectors in which alternative asset managers invest, and at least six countrywide exposures and multiple vintages of dates of investment into the private funds and companies.

    As of December 31, 2024, Ben’s loan portfolio was supported by a highly diversified alternative asset collateral portfolio providing diversification across approximately 220 private market funds and approximately 750 investments across various asset classes, industry sectors and geographies. This portfolio includes exposure to some of the most exciting, sought after private company names worldwide, such as the largest private space exploration company, an innovative software and payment systems provider, a venture capital firm investing in waste-to-energy and clean energy technologies, a technology company providing Net Zero solutions in the production of advanced biofuels, a designer and manufacturer of shaving products, a large online store for women’s clothes and other fashionable accessories that has announced intentions to go public, a mobile banking services provider, and others.

    Figure 1: Portfolio Diversification

    Diversification Using Principal Loan Balance, Net of Allowance for Credit Losses

    As of December 31, 2024, the charts below present the ExAlt Loan portfolio’s relative exposure by certain characteristics (percentages determined by aggregate fiduciary ExAlt Loan portfolio principal balance net of allowance for credit losses, which includes the exposure to interests in certain of our former affiliates composing part of the Fiduciary Loan Portfolio).

    As of December 31, 2024. Represents the characteristics of professionally managed funds and investments in the Collateral (defined as follows) portfolio. The Collateral for the ExAlt Loans in the loan portfolio is comprised of a diverse portfolio of direct and indirect interests (through various investment vehicles, including, limited partnership interests and private and public equity and debt securities, which include our and our affiliates’ or our former affiliates’ securities), primarily in third-party, professionally managed private funds and investments. Loan balances usedto calculate the percentages reported in the pie charts are loan balances net of any allowance for credit losses, and as ofDecember 31, 2024, the total allowance for credit losses was$325 million, for a total gross loan balance of$586 millionand a loan balance net of allowance for credit losses of$261 million.

    Business Segments: Third Quarter Fiscal 2025

    Ben Liquidity

    Ben Liquidity offers simple, rapid and cost-effective liquidity products through the use of our proprietary financing and trust structure, or the “Customer ExAlt Trusts,” which facilitate the exchange of a customer’s alternative assets for consideration.

    • Ben Liquidity recognized $11.3 million of interest income for the fiscal third quarter, a decrease of 5.7% from the quarter ended September 30, 2024, primarily due to a higher percentage loans being placed on nonaccrual status, partially offset by the effects of compounding interest on the remaining loans.
    • Operating loss for the fiscal third quarter was $2.9 million, a decline from operating income of $2.9 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. The decline in operating performance was due to higher intersegment credit losses in the current fiscal period as compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2024 due to slightly lower collateral values while the amortized cost basis increased principally due to interest capitalizing at a higher rate than loan payments.

    Ben Custody

    Ben Custody provides full-service trust and custody administration services to the trustees of certain of the Customer ExAlt Trusts, which own the exchanged alternative assets following liquidity transactions in exchange for fees payable quarterly calculated as a percentage of assets in custody.

    • NAV of alternative assets and other securities held in custody by Ben Custody during the fiscal third quarter increased to $385.1 million as of December 31, 2024, compared to $381.2 million as of March 31, 2024. The increase was driven by $1.4 million of new originations and unrealized gains on existing assets, principally related adjustments to the relative share held in custody of the respective fund’s NAV based on updated financial information received from the funds’ investment manager or sponsor during the period, offset by distributions during the period.
    • Revenues applicable to Ben Custody were $5.4 million for the fiscal third quarter, compared to $5.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. The similar amount of revenues for these periods was a result of stable NAV of alternative assets and other securities held in custody at the beginning of each applicable period, when such fees are calculated.
    • Operating income for the fiscal third quarter decreased to $3.5 million, from $4.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. The decrease was primarily due to credit losses related to certain fees collateralized by securities of our former parent company. Additionally, there was no non-cash goodwill impairment in the third fiscal quarter as compared to non-cash goodwill impairment of $0.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024.
    • Adjusted operating income(1) for the fiscal third quarter was $4.8 million, compared to adjusted operating income(1) of $4.6 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. The increase was due to slightly lower operating expenses, principally related to lower employee compensation due to lower headcount.

    Business Segments: Through Nine Months Ended Fiscal 2025

    Ben Liquidity

    • Ben Liquidity recognized $34.1 million of interest income for the nine months ended December 31, 2024, down 6.0% compared to the prior year period, primarily due to lower loans, net of the allowance for credit losses, resulting from higher levels of non-accrual loans and loan prepayments, partially offset by new loans originated.
    • Operating loss was $0.5 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2024, improving from an operating loss of $1.8 billion in the prior year period. The prior period loss was driven by non-cash goodwill impairment totaling $1.7 billion and credit losses largely related to securities of our former parent company.
    • Adjusted operating loss(1) was $0.5 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2024 compared to adjusted operating loss(1) of $11.8 million in the prior year period with the improvement in adjusted operating loss(1) primarily related to lower credit loss adjustments recognized in the current fiscal year and lower employee compensation costs due to lower headcount.

    Ben Custody

    • Ben Custody revenues were $16.2 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2024, down 14.7%, compared to the prior year period, primarily due to lower NAV of alternative assets and other securities held in custody.
    • Operating income was $9.1 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2024 compared to operating loss of $538.8 million in the prior year period, with the increase in operating income principally related to a significantly larger non-cash goodwill impairment in the prior year period of $554.6 million as compared to $3.4 million in the current fiscal year.
    • Adjusted operating income(1) for the nine months ended December 31, 2024 was $13.9 million, compared to adjusted operating income(1) of $15.8 million in the prior year period with the decrease in adjusted operating income(1) primarily due to lower revenue related to lower NAV of alternative assets and other securities held in custody partially offset by slightly lower operating expenses during the current fiscal year period.

    Capital and Liquidity

    • As of December 31, 2024, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $4.1 million and total debt of $122.9 million.
    • Distributions received from alternative assets and other securities held in custody totaled $19.3 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2024, compared to $38.4 million for the same period of fiscal 2024.
    • Total investments (at fair value) of $334.3 million at December 31, 2024 supported Ben Liquidity’s loan portfolio.

    (1) Represents a non-GAAP financial measure. For reconciliations of our non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures and for the reasons we believe the non-GAAP measures provide useful information, see Non-GAAP Reconciliations.

    Board Update

    On November 21, 2024, Karen Wendel was appointed to the Board as an independent director and a member of various committees, including the Audit committee of the Board, bringing substantial additional expertise in Cyber Security, Identity Solutions, Security Regulations, ISO Global Standards, e-Commerce, e-Healthcare, PKI Digital Certificates and Blockchain to Beneficient. Ms. Wendel serves as Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Trust Chains, a cybersecurity consulting firm, and previously served as the Chief Executive Officer and board member of IdenTrust, a global identity solutions company, from May 2003 to February 2016. Ms. Wendel has also served as Chief Executive Officer and a board member for eFinance Corporation, as a board member and audit committee member of Level Field Capital, a Nasdaq-traded special purpose acquisition company, as a partner at the Capital Markets Company (CAPCO), a Belgium-based consulting firm, and is the former head of the U.S. Financial Services Practice at Gemini Consulting. Ms. Wendel is an author on financial management, payments and supply chain integration; an advisor to U.S. government agencies and the European Union on emerging technologies for payments and transaction processing; and a keynote speaker at major international banking conferences.

    Consolidated Fiscal Third Quarter Results

    Table 1 below presents a summary of selected unaudited consolidated operating financial information.

    Consolidated Fiscal Third Quarter Results
    ($ in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
    Fiscal 3Q25
    December 31,
    2024
    Fiscal 2Q25
    September 30,
    2024
    Fiscal 3Q24
    December 31,
    2023
    Change %
    vs. Prior
    Quarter
      YTD Fiscal
    2025
    YTD Fiscal
    2024
    Change %
    vs. Prior
    YTD
    GAAP Revenues $ 4,419   $ 8,561   $ (10,235 ) (48.4)%   $ 23,026   $ (55,739 ) NM
    Adjusted Revenues(1)   4,427     8,734     8,456   (49.3)%     23,572     8,478   NM
    GAAP Operating Income (Loss)   (9,513 )   (13,715 )   (915,951 ) 30.6%     21,110     (2,453,685 ) NM
    Adjusted Operating Loss(1)   (7,301 )   (6,611 )   (11,684 ) (10.4)%     (18,638 )   (57,374 ) 67.5%
    Basic Class A EPS $ (1.32 ) $ 2.98   $ (158.36 ) NM   $ 10.30   $ (668.31 ) NM
    Diluted Class A EPS $ (1.32 ) $ 0.03   $ (158.36 ) NM   $ 0.12   $ (668.31 ) NM
    Segment Revenues attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders(2)   16,621     16,626     17,961   —%     49,482     53,715   (7.9)%
    Adjusted Segment Revenues attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders (1)(2)   16,621     16,626     18,146   —%     49,489     55,059   (10.1)%
    Segment Operating Income (Loss) attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders   (8,281 )   (9,192 )   (894,617 ) 9.9%     27,391     (2,414,893 ) NM
    Adjusted Segment Operating Loss attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders(1)(2) $ (4,737 ) $ (2,261 ) $ (4,594 ) NM   $ (11,551 ) $ (37,583 ) 69.3%

    NM – Not meaningful.

    (1) Adjusted Revenues, Adjusted Operating Loss, Adjusted Segment Revenues attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders and Adjusted Segment Operating Loss attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders are non-GAAP financial measures. For reconciliations of our non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures and for the reasons we believe the non-GAAP measures provide useful information, see Non-GAAP Reconciliations.

    (2) Segment financial information attributable to Ben’s equity holders is presented to provide users of our financial information an understanding and visual aide of the segment information (revenues, operating income (loss), and adjusted operating income (loss)) that impacts Ben’s Equity Holders. “Ben’s Equity Holders” refers to the holders of Beneficient Class A and Class B common stock and Series B Preferred Stock as well as holders of interests in BCH which represent noncontrolling interests. For a description of noncontrolling interests, see Item 2 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the nine months ended December 31, 2024, and Reconciliation of Business Segment Information Attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders to Net Income Attributable to Ben Common Holders. Such information is computed as the sum of the Ben Liquidity, Ben Custody and Corp/Other segments since it is the operating results of those segments that determine the net income (loss) attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders. See further information in table 5 and Non-GAAP Reconciliations.

    Table 2 below presents a summary of selected unaudited consolidated balance sheet information.

    Consolidated Fiscal Third Quarter Results
    ($ in thousands)
    Fiscal 3Q25
    As of
    December 31, 2024
      Fiscal 4Q24
    As of
    March 31, 2024
      Change %
    Investments, at Fair Value $ 334,278   $ 329,119   1.6%
    All Other Assets   52,720     22,676   132.5%
    Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net   13,014     16,706   (22.1)%
    Total Assets $ 400,012   $ 368,501   8.6%


    Business Segment Information Attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders
    (1)

    Table 3 below presents unaudited segment revenues and segment operating income (loss) for business segments attributable to Ben’s equity holders.

    Segment Revenues Attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders(1)
    ($ in thousands)
    Fiscal 3Q25
    December 31,
    2024
    Fiscal 2Q25
    September 30,
    2024
    Fiscal 3Q24
    December 31,
    2023
    Change %
    vs. Prior
    Quarter
      YTD Fiscal
    2025
    YTD Fiscal
    2024
    Change %
    vs. Prior
    YTD
    Ben Liquidity $ 11,297   $ 11,978   $ 11,275 (5.7)%   $ 34,124   $ 36,303   (6.0)%
    Ben Custody   5,410     5,386     5,897 0.4%     16,178     18,961   (14.7)%
    Corporate & Other   (86 )   (738 )   789 88.3%     (820 )   (1,549 ) 47.1%
    Total Segment Revenues Attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders(1) $ 16,621   $ 16,626   $ 17,961 %   $ 49,482   $ 53,715   (7.9)%
    Segment Operating Income (Loss) Attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders(1)
    ($ in thousands)
    Fiscal 3Q25
    December 31,
    2024
    Fiscal 2Q25
    September 30,
    2024
    Fiscal 3Q24
    December 31,
    2023
    Change %
    vs. Prior
    Quarter
      YTD Fiscal
    2025
    YTD Fiscal
    2024
    Change %
    vs. Prior
    YTD
    Ben Liquidity $ (2,853 ) $ 2,905   $ (606,405 ) NM   $ (462 ) $ (1,781,521 ) 100.0%
    Ben Custody   3,507     4,329     (267,995 ) (19.0)%     9,123     (538,840 ) NM
    Corporate & Other   (8,935 )   (16,426 )   (20,217 ) 45.6%     18,730     (94,532 ) NM
    Total Segment Operating Income (Loss) Attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders(1) $ (8,281 ) $ (9,192 ) $ (894,617 ) 9.9%   $ 27,391   $ (2,414,893 ) NM

    NM – Not meaningful.

    (1) Segment financial information attributable to Ben’s equity holders is presented to provide users of our financial information an understanding and visual aide of the segment information (revenues, operating income (loss), and adjusted operating income (loss)) that impacts Ben’s Equity Holders. “Ben’s Equity Holders” refers to the holders of Beneficient Class A and Class B common stock and Series B Preferred Stock as well as holders of interests in BCH which represent noncontrolling interests. For a description of noncontrolling interests, see Item 2 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the nine months ended December 31, 2024, and Reconciliation of Business Segment Information Attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders to Net Income Attributable to Ben Common Holders. Such information is computed as the sum of the Ben Liquidity, Ben Custody and Corp/Other segments since it is the operating results of those segments that determine the net income (loss) attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders. See further information in table 5 and Non-GAAP Reconciliations.

    Adjusted Business Segment Information Attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders(2)

    Table 4 below presents unaudited adjusted segment revenue and adjusted segment operating income (loss) for business segments attributable to Ben’s equity holders.

    Adjusted Segment Revenues Attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders(1)(2)
    ($ in thousands)
    Fiscal 3Q25
    December 31,
    2024
    Fiscal 2Q25
    September 30,
    2024
    Fiscal 3Q24
    December 31,
    2023
    Change %
    vs. Prior
    Quarter
      YTD Fiscal
    2025
    YTD Fiscal
    2024
    Change %
    vs. Prior
    YTD
    Ben Liquidity $ 11,297   $ 11,978   $ 11,275 (5.7)%   $ 34,124   $ 36,303   (6.0)%
    Ben Custody   5,410     5,386     5,897 0.4%     16,178     18,961   (14.7)%
    Corporate & Other   (86 )   (738 )   974 88.3%     (813 )   (205 ) NM
    Total Adjusted Segment Revenues Attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders(1)(2) $ 16,621   $ 16,626   $ 18,146 %   $ 49,489   $ 55,059   (10.1)%
    Adjusted Segment Operating Income (Loss) Attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders(1)(2)
    ($ in thousands)
    Fiscal 3Q25
    December 31,
    2024
    Fiscal 2Q25
    September 30,
    2024
    Fiscal 3Q24
    December 31,
    2023
    Change %
    vs. Prior
    Quarter
      YTD Fiscal
    2025
    YTD Fiscal
    2024
    Change %
    vs. Prior
    YTD
    Ben Liquidity $ (2,853 ) $ 2,905   $ 2,525   NM   $ (457 ) $ (11,769 ) 96.1%
    Ben Custody   4,847     4,627     4,835   4.8%     13,890     15,767   (11.9)%
    Corporate & Other   (6,731 )   (9,793 )   (11,954 ) 31.3%     (24,984 )   (41,581 ) 39.9%
    Total Adjusted Segment Operating Income (Loss) Attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders(1)(2) $ (4,737 ) $ (2,261 ) $ (4,594 ) NM   $ (11,551 ) $ (37,583 ) 69.3%

    NM – Not meaningful.

    (1) Adjusted Revenues, Adjusted Operating Income (Loss), Adjusted Segment Revenues attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders and Adjusted Segment Operating Income (Loss) attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders are non-GAAP financial measures. For reconciliations of our non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures and for the reasons we believe the non-GAAP measures provide useful information, see Non-GAAP Reconciliations.
    (2) Segment financial information attributable to Ben’s equity holders is presented to provide users of our financial information an understanding and visual aide of the segment information (revenues, operating income (loss), and adjusted operating income (loss)) that impacts Ben’s Equity Holders. “Ben’s Equity Holders” refers to the holders of Beneficient Class A and Class B common stock and Series B Preferred Stock as well as holders of interests in BCH which represent noncontrolling interests. For a description of noncontrolling interests, see Item 2 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the nine months ended December 31, 2024, and Reconciliation of Business Segment Information Attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders to Net Income Attributable to Ben Common Holders. Such information is computed as the sum of the Ben Liquidity, Ben Custody and Corp/Other segments since it is the operating results of those segments that determine the net income (loss) attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders. See further information in table 5 and Non-GAAP Reconciliations.

    Reconciliation of Business Segment Information Attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders to Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Ben Common Shareholders

    Table 5 below presents reconciliation of operating income (loss) by business segment attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders to net income (loss) attributable to Ben common shareholders.

    Reconciliation of Business Segments to Net Income (Loss) to Ben Common Shareholders
    ($ in thousands)
    Fiscal 3Q25
    December 31,
    2024
    Fiscal 2Q25
    September 30,
    2024
    Fiscal 3Q24
    December 31,
    2023
      YTD Fiscal
    2025
    YTD Fiscal
    2024
    Ben Liquidity $ (2,853 ) $ 2,905   $ (606,405 )   $ (462 ) $ (1,781,521 )
    Ben Custody   3,507     4,329     (267,995 )     9,123     (538,840 )
    Corporate & Other   (8,935 )   (16,426 )   (20,217 )     18,730     (94,532 )
    Loss on debt extinguishment, net (intersegment elimination)           (3,940 )         (3,940 )
    Gain on liability resolution       23,462           23,462      
    Income tax expense (allocable to Ben and BCH equity holders)   (713 )       (75 )     (741 )   (75 )
    Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests – Ben   4,844     3,067     360,695       15,098     401,985  
    Noncontrolling interest guaranteed payment   (4,489 )   (4,423 )   (4,229 )     (13,268 )   (12,501 )
    Net income (loss) attributable to Ben’s common shareholders $ (8,639 ) $ 12,914   $ (542,166 )   $ 51,942   $ (2,029,424 )


    Earnings Webcast

    Beneficient will host a webcast and conference call to review its third quarter financial results on February 13, 2025, at 8:30 am Eastern Standard Time. The webcast will be available via live webcast from the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at https://shareholders.trustben.com under Events.

    Replay

    The webcast will be archived on the Company’s website in the investor relations section for replay for at least one year.

    About Beneficent

    Beneficient (Nasdaq: BENF) – Ben, for short – is on a mission to democratize the global alternative asset investment market by providing traditionally underserved investors − mid-to-high net worth individuals, small-to-midsized institutions and General Partners seeking exit options, anchor commitments and valued-added services for their funds− with solutions that could help them unlock the value in their alternative assets. Ben’s AltQuote™ tool provides customers with a range of potential exit options within minutes, while customers can log on to the AltAccess® portal to explore opportunities and receive proposals in a secure online environment.

    Its subsidiary, Beneficient Fiduciary Financial, L.L.C., received its charter under the State of Kansas’ Technology-Enabled Fiduciary Financial Institution (TEFFI) Act and is subject to regulatory oversight by the Office of the State Bank Commissioner.

    For more information, visit www.trustben.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

    Contacts
    Investors:
    Matt Kreps/214-597-8200/mkreps@darrowir.com
    Michael Wetherington/214-284-1199/mwetherington@darrowir.com
    investors@beneficient.com

    Important Information and Where You Can Find It

    This press release may be deemed to be solicitation material in respect of a vote of stockholders to approve an amendment to Ben’s articles of incorporation to increase the authorized shares of Class B Common Stock of Ben and the issuance of securities pursuant to the transactions to revise the liquidation priority of BCH (the “Transactions”). In connection with the requisite stockholder approval, Ben will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a preliminary proxy statement and a definitive proxy statement, which will be sent to the stockholders of Ben, seeking such approvals related to the Transactions.

    INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF BEN AND THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES ARE URGED TO READ, WHEN AVAILABLE, THE PROXY STATEMENT AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED OR TO BE FILED WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE TRANSACTIONS, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THOSE DOCUMENTS, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BEN AND THE TRANSACTIONS. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain a free copy of the proxy statement, as well as other relevant documents filed with the SEC containing information about Ben, without charge, at the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov). Copies of documents filed with the SEC by Ben can also be obtained, without charge, by directing a request to Investor Relations, Beneficient, 325 North St. Paul Street, Suite 4850, Dallas, Texas 75201, or email investors@beneficient.com.

    Participants in the Solicitation of Proxies in Connection with Transaction

    Ben and certain of its directors, executive officers and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the requisite stockholder approvals under the rules of the SEC. Information regarding Ben’s directors and executive officers is available in its annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, which was filed with the SEC on July 9, 2024 and certain current reports on Form 8-K filed by Ben. Other information regarding the participants in the solicitation of proxies with respect to the proposed transaction and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the proxy statement and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC. Free copies of these documents, when available, may be obtained as described in the preceding paragraph.

    Not an Offer of Securities

    The information in this communication is for informational purposes only and shall not constitute, or form a part of, an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. The securities that are the subject of the Transactions have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements.

    Disclaimer and Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, with respect to, among other things, demand for our solutions in the alternative asset industry, opportunities for market growth, statements regarding the proposed Transactions, including expectations of future plans, strategies, and benefits of the Transactions, statements regarding the proposed Mercantile Bank acquisition and estimates regarding future synergies and benefits, our ability to expand the range of digital asset market solutions, and companion custody clearing and control account fee-based services as a result of the proposed Mercantile Bank acquisition, our ability to identify and negotiate transactions, diversification and size of our loan portfolio and our ability to scale operations and provide shareholder value. These forward-looking statements are generally identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would,” and, in each case, their negative or other various or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements reflect our views with respect to future events as of the date of this document and are based on our management’s current expectations, estimates, forecasts, projections, assumptions, beliefs and information. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to have been correct. All such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of our control, and could cause future events or results to be materially different from those stated or implied in this document. It is not possible to predict or identify all such risks. These risks include, but are not limited to, the ultimate outcome of the Transactions; the Company’s ability to consummate the Transactions; the ability of the Company to satisfy the closing conditions set forth in the agreement with respect to the Transactions, including obtaining the requisite vote of securityholders; the Company’s ability to meet expectations regarding the timing and completion of the Transactions, the ultimate outcome of the proposed Mercantile Bank acquisition; the Company’s ability to consummate the proposed Mercantile Bank acquisition in a timely manner or at all; the ability of the parties to satisfy the closing conditions to the acquisition; the possibility that the Company may be unable to successfully integrate Mercantile Bank’s operations with those of the Company or realize the expected benefits of the acquisition; the possibility that such integration may be more difficult, time-consuming, or costly than expected; the risk that operating costs, customer loss, and business disruption (including, without limitation, difficulties in maintaining relationships with employees, contractors, and customers) may be greater than expected following the acquisition or the public announcement of the acquisition; the Company’s ability to retain certain key employees of Mercantile Bank; the ability to launch and receive market acceptance for new products and services; risks related to the entry into a new line of business in connection with the proposed Mercantile Bank acquisition, and the risk factors that are described under the section titled “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and other filings with the SEC. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in this document and in our SEC filings. We expressly disclaim any obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

    Table 6: CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED)

      Three Months Ended
    December 31,
      Nine Months Ended
    December 31,
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)   2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Revenues              
    Investment income, net $ 4,742     $ 7,448     $ 24,311     $ 7,935  
    Loss on financial instruments, net (related party of $(8), $(18,691), $(546) and $(64,217), respectively)   (523 )     (18,024 )     (1,885 )     (64,260 )
    Interest and dividend income   10       118       34       348  
    Trust services and administration revenues (related party of $8, $8, $23 and $23, respectively)   188       158       564       173  
    Other income   2       65       2       65  
    Total revenues   4,419       (10,235 )     23,026       (55,739 )
                   
    Operating expenses              
    Employee compensation and benefits   2,929       7,340       13,914       58,561  
    Interest expense (related party of $3,140, $3,018, $9,330 and $5,843, respectively)   3,240       4,671       11,848       13,569  
    Professional services   5,083       4,970       17,884       22,000  
    Provision for credit losses               1,000        
    Loss on impairment of goodwill         883,223       3,692       2,286,212  
    Release of loss contingency related to arbitration award               (54,973 )      
    Other expenses (related party of $723, $2,096, $2,111 and $6,317, respectively)   2,680       5,512       8,551       17,604  
    Total operating expenses   13,932       905,716       1,916       2,397,946  
    Operating income (loss)   (9,513 )     (915,951 )     21,110       (2,453,685 )
    (Gain) loss on liability resolution               (23,462 )      
    Loss on extinguishment of debt, net         8,846             8,846  
    Net income (loss) before income taxes   (9,513 )     (924,797 )     44,572       (2,462,531 )
    Income tax expense   713       75       741       75  
    Net income (loss)   (10,226 )     (924,872 )     43,831       (2,462,606 )
    Plus: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests – Customer ExAlt Trusts   1,232       26,240       6,281       43,698  
    Plus: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests – Ben   4,844       360,695       15,098       401,985  
    Less: Noncontrolling interest guaranteed payment   (4,489 )     (4,229 )     (13,268 )     (12,501 )
    Net income (loss) attributable to Beneficient common shareholders $ (8,639 )   $ (542,166 )   $ 51,942     $ (2,029,424 )
    Other comprehensive income (loss):              
    Unrealized (loss) gain on investments in available-for-sale debt securities   (120 )     51       (115 )     4,236  
    Total comprehensive income (loss)   (8,759 )     (542,115 )     51,827       (2,025,188 )
    Less: comprehensive (loss) gain attributable to noncontrolling interests   (120 )     51       (115 )     4,236  
    Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Beneficient $ (8,639 )   $ (542,166 )   $ 51,942     $ (2,029,424 )
                   
    Net income (loss) per common share              
    Class A – basic $ (1.32 )   $ (158.36 )   $ 10.30     $ (668.31 )
    Class B – basic $ (1.02 )   $ (156.95 )   $ 13.78     $ (587.49 )
    Net income (loss) per common share              
    Class A – diluted $ (1.32 )   $ (158.36 )   $ 0.12     $ (668.31 )
    Class B – diluted $ (1.02 )   $ (156.95 )   $ 0.12     $ (587.49 )


    Table 7: CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

      December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
    (Dollars and shares in thousands) (unaudited)    
    ASSETS      
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 4,149     $ 7,913  
    Restricted cash   52       64  
    Investments, at fair value:      
    Investments held by Customer ExAlt Trusts (related party of $12 and $552)   334,278       329,113  
    Investments held by Ben (related party of nil and $6)         6  
    Other assets, net   48,519       14,699  
    Intangible assets   3,100       3,100  
    Goodwill   9,914       13,606  
    Total assets $ 400,012     $ 368,501  
    LIABILITIES, TEMPORARY EQUITY, AND EQUITY (DEFICIT)      
    Accounts payable and accrued expenses (related party of $14,294 and $14,143) $ 149,204     $ 157,157  
    Other liabilities (related party of $16,798 and $9,740)   22,433       31,727  
    Warrants liability   648       178  
    Convertible debt   2,667        
    Debt due to related parties   120,274       120,505  
    Total liabilities   295,226       309,567  
    Redeemable noncontrolling interests      
    Preferred Series A Subclass 0 Redeemable Unit Accounts, nonunitized   90,526       251,052  
    Total temporary equity   90,526       251,052  
    Shareholder’s equity (deficit):      
    Preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share, 250,000 shares authorized      
    Series A preferred stock, 0 and 0 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2024          
    Series B preferred stock, 363 and 227 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2024          
    Class A common stock, par value $0.001 per share, 5,000,000 and 18,750(1) shares authorized as of December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2024, respectively, 8,246 and 3,348 shares issued as of December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2024, respectively, and 8,237 and 3,339 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2024, respectively   8       3  
    Class B convertible common stock, par value $0.001 per share, 250(1) shares authorized, 239 and 239 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2024          
    Additional paid-in capital   1,843,911       1,848,068  
    Accumulated deficit   (2,007,272 )     (2,059,214 )
    Stock receivable         (20,038 )
    Treasury stock, at cost (9 shares as of December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2024)   (3,444 )     (3,444 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive income   161       276  
    Noncontrolling interests   180,896       42,231  
    Total equity (deficit)   14,260       (192,118 )
    Total liabilities, temporary equity, and equity (deficit) $ 400,012     $ 368,501  

    (1) Number has been adjusted to reflect 1-for-80 reverse stock split on April 18, 2024. See Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – Reverse Stock Split to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on July 9, 2024, for additional information.

    Table 8: Non-GAAP Reconciliations

    (in thousands)   Three Months Ended December 31, 2024
        Ben
    Liquidity
    Ben
    Custody
    Customer
    ExAlt Trusts
    Corporate/
    Other
    Consolidating
    Eliminations
    Consolidated
    Total revenues   $ 11,297   $ 5,410 $ 4,317   $ (86 ) $ (16,519 ) $ 4,419  
    Mark to market adjustment on interests in the GWG Wind Down Trust           8             8  
    Adjusted revenues   $ 11,297   $ 5,410 $ 4,325   $ (86 ) $ (16,519 ) $ 4,427  
                   
    Operating income (loss)   $ (2,853 ) $ 3,507 $ (35,544 ) $ (8,935 ) $ 34,312   $ (9,513 )
    Mark to market adjustment on interests in the GWG Wind Down Trust           8             8  
    Intersegment provision for credit losses on collateral comprised of interests in the GWG Wind Down Trust         1,340           (1,340 )    
    Goodwill impairment                        
    Release of loss contingency related to arbitration award                        
    Share-based compensation expense               804         804  
    Legal and professional fees(1)               1,400         1,400  
    Adjusted operating income (loss)   $ (2,853 ) $ 4,847 $ (35,536 ) $ (6,731 ) $ 32,972   $ (7,301 )

    (1) Includes legal and professional fees related lawsuits.

    (in thousands)   Three Months Ended September 30, 2024
        Ben
    Liquidity
    Ben
    Custody
    Customer
    ExAlt Trusts
    Corporate/
    Other
    Consolidating
    Eliminations
    Consolidated
    Total revenues   $ 11,978 $ 5,386 $ 9,112   $ (738 ) $ (17,177 ) $ 8,561  
    Mark to market adjustment on interests in the GWG Wind Down Trust         173             173  
    Adjusted revenues   $ 11,978 $ 5,386 $ 9,285   $ (738 ) $ (17,177 ) $ 8,734  
                   
    Operating income (loss)   $ 2,905 $ 4,329 $ (31,549 ) $ (16,426 ) $ 27,026   $ (13,715 )
    Mark to market adjustment on interests in the GWG Wind Down Trust         173             173  
    Intersegment provision for credit losses on collateral comprised of interests in the GWG Wind Down Trust                      
    Goodwill impairment       298               298  
    Release of loss contingency related to arbitration award                      
    Share-based compensation expense             3,364         3,364  
    Legal and professional fees(1)             3,269         3,269  
    Adjusted operating income (loss)   $ 2,905 $ 4,627 $ (31,376 ) $ (9,793 ) $ 27,026   $ (6,611 )

    (1) Includes legal and professional fees related to lawsuits.

    (in thousands)   Three Months Ended December 31, 2023
        Ben
    Liquidity
      Ben
    Custody
      Customer
    ExAlt Trusts
      Corporate/
    Other
      Consolidating
    Eliminations
      Consolidated
    Total revenues   $ 11,275     $ 5,897     $ (11,182 )   $ 789     $ (17,014 )   $ (10,235 )
    Mark to market adjustment on interests in the GWG Wind Down Trust                 18,506       185             18,691  
    Adjusted revenues   $ 11,275     $ 5,897     $ 7,324     $ 974     $ (17,014 )   $ 8,456  
                             
    Operating income (loss)   $ (606,405 )   $ (267,995 )   $ (49,363 )   $ (20,217 )   $ 28,029     $ (915,951 )
    Mark to market adjustment on interests in the GWG Wind Down Trust                 18,506       185             18,691  
    Intersegment provision for credit losses on collateral comprised of interests in the GWG Wind Down Trust     4,262                         (4,262 )      
    Goodwill impairment     604,668       272,830             5,725             883,223  
    Loss on arbitration                                    
    Share-based compensation expense                       2,026             2,026  
    Legal and professional fees(1)                       327             327  
    Adjusted operating income (loss)   $ 2,525     $ 4,835     $ (30,857 )   $ (11,954 )   $ 23,767     $ (11,684 )

    (1) Includes legal and professional fees related to lawsuits.

    (in thousands)   Nine Months Ended December 31, 2024
        Ben
    Liquidity
      Ben
    Custody
      Customer
    ExAlt Trusts
      Corporate/
    Other
      Consolidating
    Eliminations
      Consolidated
    Total revenues   $ 34,124     $ 16,178   $ 23,282     $ (820 )   $ (49,738 )   $ 23,026  
    Mark to market adjustment on interests in the GWG Wind Down Trust               539       7             546  
    Adjusted revenues   $ 34,124     $ 16,178   $ 23,821     $ (813 )   $ (49,738 )   $ 23,572  
                             
    Operating income (loss)   $ (462 )   $ 9,123   $ (96,722 )   $ 18,730     $ 90,441     $ 21,110  
    Mark to market adjustment on interests in the GWG Wind Down Trust               539       7             546  
    Intersegment provision for credit losses on collateral comprised of interests in the GWG Wind Down Trust     5       1,340                 (1,345 )      
    Goodwill impairment           3,427           265             3,692  
    Release of loss contingency related to arbitration award                     (54,973 )           (54,973 )
    Share-based compensation expense                     5,162             5,162  
    Legal and professional fees(1)                     5,825             5,825  
    Adjusted operating income (loss)   $ (457 )   $ 13,890   $ (96,183 )   $ (24,984 )   $ 89,096     $ (18,638 )

    (1) Includes legal and professional fees related to lawsuits.

    (in thousands)   Nine Months Ended December 31, 2023
        Ben
    Liquidity
      Ben
    Custody
      Customer
    ExAlt Trusts
      Corporate/
    Other
      Consolidating
    Eliminations
      Consolidated
    Total revenues   $ 36,303     $ 18,961     $ (54,363 )   $ (1,549 )   $ (55,091 )   $ (55,739 )
    Mark to market adjustment on interests in the GWG Wind Down Trust                 62,873       1,344             64,217  
    Adjusted revenues   $ 36,303     $ 18,961     $ 8,510     $ (205 )   $ (55,091 )   $ 8,478  
                             
    Operating income (loss)   $ (1,781,521 )   $ (538,840 )   $ (166,051 )   $ (94,532 )   $ 127,259     $ (2,453,685 )
    Mark to market adjustment on interests in the GWG Wind Down Trust                 62,873       1,344             64,217  
    Intersegment provision for credit losses on collateral comprised of interests in the GWG Wind Down Trust     43,872                         (43,872 )      
    Goodwill impairment     1,725,880       554,607             5,725             2,286,212  
    Loss on arbitration                                    
    Share-based compensation expense                       37,530             37,530  
    Legal and professional fees(1)                       8,352             8,352  
    Adjusted operating income (loss)   $ (11,769 )   $ 15,767     $ (103,178 )   $ (41,581 )   $ 83,387     $ (57,374 )

    (1) Includes legal and professional fees related to GWG Holdings bankruptcy, lawsuits, public relations, and employee matters.

      Three Months Ended
    December 31,
      Nine Months Ended
    December 31,
        2024     2023       2024       2023  
    Operating Expenses Non GAAP Reconciliation              
    Operating expenses $ 13,932   $ 905,716     $ 1,916     $ 2,397,946  
    Plus: Release of loss contingency related to arbitration award             54,973        
    Less: Goodwill impairment       (883,223 )     (3,692 )     (2,286,212 )
    Operating expenses, excluding goodwill impairment and release of loss contingency related to arbitration award $ 13,932   $ 22,493     $ 53,197     $ 111,734  

    The below table reconciles the non-GAAP financial measures of tangible book value and tangible book value to Ben’s public stockholders to the most comparable GAAP financial measures as of December 31, 2024 on an actual basis and pro forma assuming the transactions described in our Form 8-K filed on December 23, 2024 occurred on December 31, 2024.

      Actual
    and Pro
    Forma
    (a)
          Actual   Pro forma (a)
    Tangible Book Value     Tangible book value attributable to Ben’s public company stockholders        
    Total equity (deficit) $ 14,260     Tangible book value   $ 91,772     $ 91,772  
    Less: Goodwill and intangible assets   (13,014 )   Less: Tangible book value attributable to Beneficient Holdings noncontrolling interest holders     (91,772 )     (82,595 )
    Plus: Total temporary equity   90,526     Tangible book value attributable to Ben’s public company stockholders           9,177  
    Tangible book value $ 91,772              

    (a) Assumes the transactions described in our Form 8-K filed on December 23, 2024 closed on December 31, 2024 including that the BCH limited partnership agreement was amended to provide that Beneficient, as the indirect holder of the Class A Units and certain Designated Class S Ordinary Units of BCH, would receive in the event of a liquidation of BCH (i) 10% of the first $100 million of distributions of BCH following the satisfaction of the debts and liabilities of BCH on a consolidated basis and (ii) 33.3333% of the net asset value of the added alternative assets of up to $5 billion in connection with ExAlt Plan liquidity and primary capital transactions entered after December 22, 2024.

    Adjusted Revenues, Adjusted Operating Income (Loss), Adjusted Segment Revenues attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders and Adjusted Segment Operating Income (Loss) attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders are non-GAAP financial measures. We present these non-GAAP financial measures because we believe it helps investors understand underlying trends in our business and facilitates an understanding of our operating performance from period to period because it facilitates a comparison of our recurring core business operating results. Tangible Book Value and Tangible Book Value to Ben’s Public Company Stockholders are also non-GAAP financial measures. We present these non-GAAP financial measures because we believe it help investors in analyzing the intrinsic value of the Company, including the proforma impact of the contemplated transactions more fully described in our Form 8-K filed on December 23, 2024. The non-GAAP financial measures are intended as a supplemental measure of our performance that is neither required by, nor presented in accordance with, U.S. GAAP. Our presentation of these measures should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items. Our computation of these non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures computed by other companies, because all companies may not calculate such items in the same way.

    We define adjusted revenue as revenue adjusted to exclude the effect of mark-to-market adjustments on related party equity securities that were acquired both prior to and during the Collateral Swap, which on August 1, 2023, became interests in the GWG Wind Down Trust. Adjusted Segment Revenues attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders is the same as “adjusted revenues” related to the aggregate of the Ben Liquidity, Ben Custody, and Corporate/Other Business Segments, which are the segments that impact the net income (loss) attributable to all equity holders of Beneficient, including equity holders of Beneficient’s subsidiary, BCH.

    Adjusted operating income (loss) represents GAAP operating income (loss), adjusted to exclude the effect of the adjustments to revenue as described above, credit losses on related party available-for-sale debt securities that were acquired in the Collateral Swap which on August 1, 2023, became interests in the GWG Wind Down Trust, and receivables from a related party that filed for bankruptcy and certain notes receivables originated during our formative transactions, non-cash asset impairment, share-based compensation expense, and legal, professional services, and public relations costs related to the GWG Holdings bankruptcy, lawsuits, a defunct product offering, and certain employee matters, including fees & loss contingency accruals (releases) incurred in arbitration with a former director. Adjusted Segment Operating Income (Loss) attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders is the same as “adjusted operating income (loss)” related to the aggregate of the Ben Liquidity, Ben Custody, and Corporate/Other Business Segments, which are the segments that impact the net income (loss) attributable to all equity holders of Beneficient, including equity holders of Beneficient’s subsidiary, BCH.

    Tangible book value is defined as the sum of total equity (deficit) less goodwill and intangible assets plus total temporary equity. Tangible book value to Ben’s public company stockholders is defined at tangible book value adjusted for the portion of tangible book value that is attributable to Ben’s public company stockholders, which is calculated as tangible book value adjusted for (i) 10% of the first $100 million of distributions of BCH following the satisfaction of the debts and liabilities of BCH on a consolidated basis and (ii) 33.3333% of the net asset value of the added alternative assets of up to $5 billion in connection with ExAlt Plan liquidity and primary capital transactions entered after December 22, 2024.

    These non-GAAP financial measures are not a measure of performance or liquidity calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. They are unaudited and should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, GAAP revenues or GAAP operating income (loss) as an indicator of our operating performance. Uses of cash flows that are not reflected in adjusted operating income (loss) or adjusted segment operating income (loss) attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders include capital expenditures, interest payments, debt principal repayments, and other expenses, which can be significant. As a result, adjusted operating income (loss) and/or adjusted segment operating income (loss) attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders should not be considered as a measure of our liquidity.

    Because of these limitations, Adjusted Revenues, Adjusted Operating Income (Loss), Adjusted Segment Revenues attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders, Adjusted Segment Operating Income (Loss) attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders, Tangible Book Value and Tangible Book Value to Ben’s Public Company Stockholders should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for performance measures calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We compensate for these limitations by relying primarily on our U.S. GAAP results and using Adjusted Revenues, Adjusted Operating Income (Loss), Adjusted Segment Revenues attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders, Adjusted Segment Operating Income (Loss) attributable to Ben’s Equity Holders, Tangible Book Value and Tangible Book Value to Ben’s Public Company Stockholders on a supplemental basis. You should review the reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures set forth above and not rely on any single financial measure to evaluate our business.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/09d463d7-9883-4bbf-8a05-3c24ea42846e

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Asian Development Blog: A Fork in the Road: Will Asia Prioritize Safety or Suffer Rising Fatalities?

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    While road fatalities in Asia and the Pacific have fallen 11% since 2010, progress remains uneven, with low- and middle-income countries lagging behind. Strengthening infrastructure, enforcing safety regulations, and securing sustainable financing are critical to meeting the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety goal.

    On average, one person dies on Asia’s roads every minute. In 2021 alone, the region recorded over 694,000 road fatalities—nearly 60% of the global total of 1.19 million, according to the World Health Organization. These deaths overwhelmingly occur in Asia’s low- and middle-income countries, which account for 99% of the region’s road fatalities.

    Road crashes in Asia have a particularly severe impact on young people. They are the leading cause of death for those aged 15 to 29, and the second leading cause of death for children aged 5 to 14. Vulnerable road users are disproportionately affected. In 2021, one-third of all road fatalities involved pedestrians and cyclists, while 35% involved motorized two- and three-wheelers.

    The WHO estimates that road traffic deaths have fallen by 5% globally from 2010. In comparison, Asia and the Pacific has outpaced this trend, achieving an overall reduction of 11%. Meanwhile, the overall landscape indicates mixed progress across the region. While 67% of countries in the region have reduced road fatalities, only eight achieved a substantial decrease of 30% or more.

    Most of the decline in road fatalities has occurred in high-income Asian countries, which saw a 46% reduction between 2010 and 2021—an average decrease of 5% per year. In contrast, low- and middle-income countries in the region achieved only a 4% reduction over the same period, with an average annual decline of just 0.3%.
    While progress is being made, accelerated efforts are needed to realize the target. If current trends continue, about two-thirds of countries in the region — accounting for 86% of current road crash fatalities — will not be able to achieve the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety goal of achieving a 50% reduction.  

    While discrepancies exist between the various available datasets, they all paint the same scenario, that the majority of the countries in Asia will fail to meet the 2030 target under current trajectories.

    Regulations in the region focus on users and usage of the roads. For example, 97% of Asian countries have a national law setting speed limits, and 95% have national motorcycle helmet laws.

    With nearly 1.8 billion Asian people lacking access to urban transit and rural roads, countries must invest in safer road infrastructure.

    Targeted steps are needed to establish safe systems — which look beyond individual road behavior and address the underlying environment affecting road user safety, including safe roads and roadsides; safe vehicles; post-crash care; safe speeds and safe road use.

    For example, technical standards for new roads – which affect all road users – are only present in 78% of the countries. Only half have targets to have their streets meet “technical safety standards for all users.”

    There is a dire need to accelerate the improvement of road infrastructure. For example, road user surveys utilizing the IRAP star rating system indicate that the share of roads in Asia with good (3 stars or more) ratings is still quite low. With nearly 1.8 billion Asian people lacking access to urban transit and rural roads, countries must invest in safer road infrastructure.

    On the institutions, while 95% of Asian countries have identified national focal agencies for implementing road safety action plans, more detailed responsibilities also need focal points. Less than half of the countries in the region have identified funds to implement their road safety strategies.    

    Targets and ambitions also need to increase and expand. In the last two decades, Asian countries have added a billion vehicles to the road, and projections suggest that countries will motorize further. However, it is concerning to note that only 68% of the countries in the region have legislation on periodic vehicle technical inspection. 

    Also, considering the import of used vehicles in developing countries, only 56% of the developing countries in the region have high-quality standards for used vehicle imports. 

    Measures—and their implementation—matter. The case of the Republic of Korea, which now leads Asia in terms of progress towards the 2030 target, shows that regulations backed by effective implementation can result in significant impact, saving lives and reducing serious injuries.

    Broader uptake of monitoring mechanisms is also crucial for elevating our collective awareness of road safety, particularly for low- and middle-income countries. 

    The Asian Transport Observatory, for example, has developed road safety profiles for Asian economies. These can support the monitoring of progress towards the implementation of the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030.  

    The overall road safety landscape in Asia presents progress but also persistent challenges. We need to turn incremental improvements into transformative actions. This includes boosting investments and standards for safer infrastructure; strengthening and enforcing regulations for ensuring safe vehicles, securing sustainable financing to implement road safety strategies; strengthening institutional capacities and accountability; and enhancing monitoring systems. 

    We are at a turning point, not just a checkpoint, towards achieving the collective goal towards reducing road fatalities. 

    This blog post is related to 4th Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety, which assesses the progress in implementing the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030. The plan aims to achieve a 50% reduction in road traffic fatalities by 2030. Sudhir Gota, Co-Team Lead, Asian Transport Observatory, contributed to this article.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UNECE Inland Transport Committee advances international cooperation for sustainable and resilient future of transport

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    Gathering at this week’s 87th annual session of the UNECE Inland Transport Committee (ITC) at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, global transport leaders shared commitments aimed at  forging a sustainable, efficient, and resilient future of inland transport. 

    Looking to 2030 and beyond – and recognizing the need for scaled-up action in response to climate change, technological advancements, and shifting global trade patterns – several countries announced pledges that reaffirm their commitment to regional cooperation, enhanced connectivity, innovation, and environmental sustainability in inland transport. 

    “The challenges before us are immense, but so are the opportunities,” noted UNECE Executive Secretary Tatiana Molcean at the opening of the session. “We are here today to chart the course for the future, ensuring that inland transport is not only a driver of economic growth but also a catalyst for sustainability, resilience, and innovation.” 

    Enhanced connectivity and sustainability  

    The Netherlands and Türkiye pledged to continue supporting efforts to advance digitalization, infrastructure development, and border-crossing efficiency along the Trans-Caspian and Almaty-Tehran-Istanbul corridors, with a strong emphasis on greening the corridors, reducing their environmental impact, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.  

    This joint commitment highlights the importance of collaboration to advance regional integration, promote sustainable transport practices, and enhance the economic and environmental performance of these strategic corridors.   

    “Transport corridors provide an essential backbone structure for the functioning of our economies,” said Chris Jansen, Minister for the Environment and Public Transportation of The Netherlands. “Let us try to unlock this potential together and use our combined efforts of cooperation within the UNECE Inland Transport Committee to achieve this work.”  

    “By strengthening our transport corridors, we will also make significant contributions to reducing economic inequalities between regions, facilitating access to markets for underdeveloped regions and promoting sustainable development,” emphasized Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure of Türkiye. 

    Advancing decarbonization and innovation 

    Underlining ITC’s unique role as the only global UN platform for road, rail and inland waterway transport, Georgia, The Netherlands and Türkiye reaffirmed their commitment to leverage its capacity to drive innovation and strategic foresight in the inland transport sector.  

    The three countries pledged to support the effective implementation of the ITC Decarbonization Strategy and to contribute to its other critical work streams, including climate change adaptation for transport infrastructure, cycling infrastructure, e-mobility, and the use of GIS mapping for transport infrastructure planning through the International Transport Infrastructure Observatory. 

    Accelerating e-mobility and smart charging solutions 

    Recognizing that inland transport sector plays a pivotal role in achieving global climate goals, The Netherlands and Türkiye pledged to support the UNECE Informal Task Force on E-Mobility to advance zero-emission policies, align regulatory frameworks, and facilitate the development of critical infrastructure for alternative energy carriers, in particular electric mobility, alongside hydrogen and biofuels.  

    The Netherlands will lead efforts on smart charging and energy system optimization, while Türkiye will spearhead best practices for EV infrastructure planning. 

    In line with the ITC Decarbonization Strategy, Germany pledged to work to swiftly expand the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles and to drive the uptake of climate-friendly fuels. Furthermore, Germany committed to fostering key technology innovations, such as automated/autonomous driving on the road to reach a more sustainable, safe, digital, accessible and affordable mobility. 

    Global relevance of ITC work 

    Reflecting the global relevance of ITC not only in harmonization of vehicle standards, but also in development of transport infrastructure, and smart and clean mobility solutions, Cambodia announced that it will seek to actively participate in the UNECE World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29) and join working parties dealing with the transport of dangerous goods, intermodal transport and logistics, as well as to join the Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR).   

    As a small island developing state, facing frequent storm surges and flooding that threaten its critical road network, Seychelles appreciated the ITC as a vital platform to advance solutions for climate-resilient road infrastructure, maintenance and environmentally friendly engineering, as well as energy-efficient public transport options.  

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI: Himax Technologies, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results; Provides First Quarter 2025 Guidance

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Q4 2024 Revenues, Gross Margin and EPS All Surpassed Guidance Range Issued on November 7, 2024
    Company Q1 2025 Guidance: Revenues to Decrease 8.5% to 12.5% QoQ,
    Gross Margin is Expected to be Around 30.5%. Profit per Diluted ADS to be 9.0 Cents to 11.0 Cents

    • Q4 2024 revenues registered $237.2 million, an increase of 6.7% QoQ, significantly exceeding guidance range of a slight decrease to flat, primarily driven by stronger order momentum across product lines
    • Q4 2024 Gross margin reached 30.5%, exceeding guidance of flat to slightly up, driven by a favorable product mix and cost improvements. Up from 30.0% in the Q3 2024
    • Q4 2024 after-tax profit was $24.6M, or 14.0 cents per diluted ADS, considerably above the guidance range of 9.3 cents to 11.0 cents
    • Company’s full year 2024 revenues were $906.8 million, and gross margin was 30.5%. 2024 profit attributable to shareholders was $0.46 per fully diluted ADS
    • Company’s Q1 2025 revenues to decline 8.5% to 12.5% QoQ, reflecting the low season demand due to Lunar New Year holidays. The Q1 revenue guidance implies flat to 4.6% increase YoY. Gross margin to be around 30.5%, up from 29.3% same quarter last year. Profit per diluted ADS to be in the range of 9.0 cents to 11.0 cents, implying the increase of 26% to 54% YoY
    • Himax sales revenues in each quarter of 2024 consistently outperformed guidance, demonstrating its ability to handle most of rush orders, underscoring its strong ability in inventory management and swift market responsiveness
    • Full year 2024 automotive driver IC sales increased nearly 20% YoY, significantly outpacing global automotive growth, largely driven by the continued TDDI adoption among major customers across all continents. Himax continues to reinforce its market leadership in automotive TDDI, holding well over 50% market share
    • Himax’s WLO technology plays a critical role in CPO by providing essential optical coupling capability, making it a core element of the solution. Small-scale production of the first-gen CPO underway, with acceleration of future CPO generation development, in close collaboration with AI customers/partners. Company believes prospect of CPO remains unchanged
    • WiseEye, building on the success with Dell, has achieved notable progress with other leading NB brands. Also made breakthroughs in smart door lock, palm vein authentication and smart home. Himax anticipates a strong growth trajectory in WiseEye business in 2025 and beyond
    • At CES 2025, Himax showcased a wide range of innovative achievements, including automotive display technology, WiseEye AI, and advanced optical technologies for AR/VR
    • Rising enthusiasm in AR glasses with Gen AI in CES 2025. Himax offers three critical technologies for AR glasses, namely LCoS microdisplay, WLO waveguide, and ultralow power WiseEye AI
    • Himax is well-positioned to capitalize on the trend of the premium NB to adopt OLED displays and touch features. Confident to lead in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI PCs and premium NB, offering a comprehensive IC portfolio for both LCD and OLED NB

    TAINAN, Taiwan, Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Himax Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: HIMX) (“Himax” or “Company”), a leading supplier and fabless manufacturer of display drivers and other semiconductor products, announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2024 ended December 31, 2024.

    “In 2024, our sales revenues in each quarter consistently outperformed guidance. We have consistently demonstrated our ability to handle most of rush orders, underscoring our agility, adaptability, strong capabilities in inventory management, and swift market responsiveness,” said Mr. Jordan Wu, President and Chief Executive Officer of Himax.

    “At CES this year, Himax showcased a wide range of innovative achievements, including automotive display technology, WiseEye AI, and advanced optical technologies for AR/VR. Notably, a clear trend emerged at this year’s CES as the industry demonstrated growing enthusiasm for AR glasses, fueled by more companies entering the space and integrating generative AI to accelerate the development of lightweight, compact, and all-day AR glasses. For AR glasses, Himax offers three critical technologies, namely LCoS microdisplay, WLO waveguide, and ultralow power WiseEye AI,” continued Mr. Jordan Wu.

    “Himax’s WLO technology plays a critical role in CPO by providing essential optical coupling capability, making it a core element of the solution. The prospect of CPO remains unchanged and the widespread adoption of CPO for data transmission to be conducted via optics instead of metal wire is on track in high-performance AI applications. Through WLO and CPO technologies, Himax is well-positioned to engage in the high-speed AI computing market with high expectations for its growth,” concluded Mr. Jordan Wu.

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Results

    Himax net revenues registered $237.2 million, an increase of 6.7% sequentially, significantly exceeding Company’s guidance range of a slight decrease to flat, and up 4.2% year-over-year. Gross margin reached 30.5%, exceeding its guidance of flat to slightly up from 30.0% in the previous quarter, and up from 30.3% in the same period last year. The sequential increase was driven by a favorable product mix and cost improvements. Q4 profit per diluted ADS was 14.0 cents, considerably above the guidance range of 9.3 cents to 11.0 cents, thanks to better-than-expected revenues and improved costs.

    Revenue from large display drivers came in at $25.0 million, reflecting a 18.6% sequential decline. The decrease was primarily attributed to continued customer destocking after substantial Q2 replenishment for shopping festivals, as well as heightened price competition from Chinese peers. Sales of large panel driver ICs accounted for 10.5% of total revenues for the quarter, compared to 13.8% last quarter and 14.8% a year ago.

    Small and medium-sized display driver segment totaled $166.8 million, an increase of 7.4% sequentially, exceeding its guidance of flat quarter-over-quarter, thanks to stronger-than-expected sales in the automotive and tablet markets. Q4 automotive driver sales, including both traditional DDIC and TDDI, experienced mid-teens increase, significantly outperforming Company’s expectation of a single digit increase, with both DDIC and TDDI showing stronger-than-expected sales. This surge was primarily driven by continued rush orders from Chinese panel customers, carried over from Q3, following the Chinese government’s renewed trade-in stimulus initiative announced in mid-August 2024 to boost automobile consumption. Remarkably, Himax’s Q4 automotive TDDI sales have exceeded DDIC sales for the first time, underscoring the global adoption of Company’s TDDI solutions, which are increasingly essential in modern vehicles, and reflects the growing demand for more intuitive, interactive, and cost-effective touch panel features powered by TDDI technology. Himax’s automotive business, comprising drivers, Tcon, and OLED IC sales, accounted for around 50% of total Q4 revenues. Meanwhile, Q4 tablet IC sales exceeded the guidance of a low teens decline, with sales up slightly sequentially driven by rush orders from leading end customers. Q4 smartphone IC sales declined slightly, in line with its guidance. The small and medium-sized driver IC segment accounted for 70.3% of total sales for the quarter, compared to 69.9% in the previous quarter and 71.6% a year ago.

    Fourth quarter revenues from its non-driver business reached $45.4 million, exceeding the guidance range, with a 24.9% increase from the previous quarter. The growth was primarily driven by a one-time ASIC Tcon product shipment to a leading projector customer and Tcon for monitor application. In Q4, automotive Tcon sales continued to grow sequentially, due to the widespread adoption of Himax’s market-leading local dimming Tcon with over two hundred secured design-win projects across major panel makers, Tier 1 suppliers, and automotive manufacturers worldwide. Non-driver products accounted for 19.2% of total revenues, as compared to 16.3% in the previous quarter and 13.6% a year ago.  

    Fourth quarter operating expenses were $49.2 million, a decrease of 19.1% from the previous quarter and a decline of 6.0% from a year ago. The sequential decrease stemmed primarily from a reduction in annual employee bonuses, partially offset by an increase in R&D expenses. As part of Company’s standard practice, Himax grants annual bonuses, including cash and RSUs, to employees at the end of September each year. This results in higher IFRS operating expenses in the third quarter compared to the other quarters of the year. The year-over-year decrease was mainly due to a decline in employee bonus compensation as the amortized portion of prior year’s bonuses for 2023 was higher than that for 2024, offsetting the higher annual bonus compensation grant for 2024 compared to 2023. Amid ongoing macroeconomic challenges, Himax is strictly enforcing budget and expense controls, with full-year 2024 operating expenses declining 5.6% compared to last year.

    Fourth quarter operating income was $23.1 million or 9.7% of sales, compared to 2.6% of sales last quarter and 7.3% of sales for the same period last year. The sequential increase was primarily the result of higher sales, improved gross margin, and lower operating expenses. The year-over-year increase was primarily the result of higher sales, higher gross margin, and lower employee bonus compensation due to the amortized portion of the prior year’s bonuses. Fourth-quarter after-tax profit was $24.6 million, or 14.0 cents per diluted ADS, reflecting a meaningful increase from $13.0 million, or 7.4 cents per diluted ADS last quarter, and up from $23.6 million, or 13.5 cents in the same period last year.

    Full Year 2024 Financial

    Revenues totaled $906.8 million, a slight decline of 4.1% compared to 2023. Persistent global demand weakness, coupled with uncertainty about market trends, led to conservative purchasing decisions and inventory management by Company’s panel customers. Given this uncertainty, Himax implemented strict expense controls, resulting in a 5.6% reduction in operating expenses for the year. However, Company’s optimism in the automotive business remains unwavering, with automotive IC sales increasing by nearly 20% year-over-year in 2024, far outpacing the overall automotive market growth. Among Company’s automotive product lines, automotive TDDI and Tcon sales, both relatively new technologies, surged by more than 70%, driven by accelerated adoption across the board. This growth strengthened Company’s market leadership and positions Himax well for continued success as the automotive sector embraces more advanced technology resulting from the mega trend of increasing size, quantity, and sophistication of displays inside vehicles.

    Revenue from large panel display drivers totaled $125.9 million in 2024, marking a decrease of 28.3% year-over-year, and representing 13.9% of total sales, as compared to 18.6% in 2023. Small and medium-sized driver sales totaled $625.4 million, reflecting a slight decrease of 0.6% year-over-year, and accounting for 69.0% of its total revenues, as compared to 66.5% in 2023. Non-driver product sales totaled $155.5 million, an increase of 10.6% year-over-year, and representing 17.1% of Company’s total sales, as compared to 14.9% a year ago.

    Gross margin in 2024 was 30.5%, up from 27.9% in 2023. The margin expansion was driven by a strategic focus on cost improvements and operational efficiency optimization, combined with a favorable product mix that included a higher percentage of high-margin products such as automotive and Tcon. The successful diversification of foundry sources also contributed to the margin increase.

    Operating expenses in 2024 were $208.0 million, a decline of 5.6% from 2023, primarily due to lower employee bonus compensation, as the amortized portion of bonuses in 2023 was higher than that in 2024. 2024 operating income was $68.2 million, or 7.5% of sales, an increase from $43.2 million, or 4.6% of sales, in 2023. Himax’s net profit for 2024 was $79.8 million, or $0.46 per diluted ADS, significantly up from $50.6 million, or $0.29 per diluted ADS in 2023.

    Balance Sheet and Cash Flow

    Himax had $224.6 million of cash, cash equivalents and other financial assets as of December 31, 2024. This compares to $206.4 million at the same time last year and $206.5 million a quarter ago. Himax achieved a strong positive operating cash flow of $35.4 million for the fourth quarter, compared to a cash outflow of $3.1 million in Q3. Company made a total of $30.1 million annual cash bonus to employees, resulting in the low operating cash flow of the quarter. As of December 31, 2024, Himax had $34.5 million in long-term unsecured loans, with $6.0 million representing the current portion.

    The Company’s inventories as of December 31, 2024 were $158.7 million, lower than $192.5 million last quarter and $217.3 million at the end of last year. Company’s inventory levels have steadily declined over the past couple of quarters and are now at a healthy level. Accounts receivable at the end of December 2024 was $236.8 million, little changed from $224.6 million last quarter and $235.8 million a year ago. DSO was 96 days at the quarter end, as compared to 92 days last quarter and 91 days a year ago. Fourth quarter capital expenditures were $3.2 million, versus $2.6 million last quarter and $15.1 million a year ago. Fourth quarter capex was mainly for R&D related equipment for Company’s IC design business. Total capital expenditures for 2024 were $13.1 million as compared to $23.4 million in 2023. The decrease was primarily due to reduced spending on in-house testers for Company’s IC design business in 2024.

    Outstanding Share

    As of December 31, 2024, Himax had 174.9 million ADS outstanding, little changed from last quarter. On a fully diluted basis, the total number of ADS outstanding for the fourth quarter was 175.1 million.  

    Q1 2025 Outlook

    In 2024, Himax’s sales revenues in each quarter consistently outperformed guidance. While this strong performance is certainly commendable, it also highlights the challenges Company faced such as limited market visibility and conservative customer demand, where many customers relied on rush orders to address their actual demands. On the other hand, rush orders are indicative of the tight inventory position of Company’s panel customers in general. In the past few quarters, Himax has consistently demonstrated its ability to handle most of such rush orders, underscoring Company’s agility, adaptability, strong capabilities in inventory management, and swift market responsiveness.

    The automotive IC sales remained Company’s largest revenue contributor in 2024, accounting for almost half of total revenues and achieving close to 20% annual growth. This performance highlights Himax’s automotive leadership in technological innovations, product development, and market share. Looking ahead, Himax expects its automotive TDDI and Tcon technologies to maintain growth momentum, further strengthening its market competitiveness. Beyond LCD technology, Himax is advancing development in the automotive OLED sector, with numerous projects currently underway in partnership with leading panel makers. Company anticipates that automotive OLED IC will serve as one of the key growth drivers for Himax in the coming years, further solidifying its leadership in automotive display market.

    Meanwhile, Himax is actively expanding its technology development beyond display ICs. To that end, in the WiseEye AI segment, Company has made notable progress with leading notebook brands and achieved significant breakthroughs in smart door lock, palm vein authentication, and smart home applications, collaborating with world-leading customers to develop new innovations. Himax anticipates a strong growth trajectory in its WiseEye business in 2025 and beyond.

    Himax’s proprietary wafer-level optics (WLO) technology for co-packaged optics (CPO) has recently garnered significant attention in the capital markets. In fact, as early as June 2024, Himax and FOCI, a global leader in silicon photonics connectors, jointly announced the industry-leading CPO technology. The collaboration, spanning several years, unites Himax’s WLO technology with FOCI’s CPO solutions for cutting-edge AI multi-chip modules (MCM). Since the announcement, Himax has provided updates on the latest progress in each quarterly earnings call. Himax’s WLO technology plays a critical role in CPO by providing essential optical coupling capability, making it a core element of the solution. CPO significantly enhances bandwidth and accelerates data transmission while reducing signal loss, latency, and power consumption. Additionally, it can help drastically decrease the size and cost of MCM.

    While CPO is still in engineering validation and trial production stage this year, with customer’s mass production timelines undisclosed and the recent AI market disruptions from DeepSeek, the prospect of CPO remains unchanged. The widespread adoption of CPO for data transmission to be conducted via optics instead of metal wire is on track in high-performance AI applications. This is evident by the significant increase in customer’s recent trial production volume forecast, indicating an accelerated timeline for CPO technology to enter mass production. Furthermore, Himax and FOCI, in close collaboration with leading AI customers and partners, are actively developing future generations of CPO technologies to meet the explosive high-speed optical data transmission demand in HPC and AI. Through WLO and CPO technologies, Himax is well-positioned to engage in the high-speed AI computing market with high expectations for its growth. Company believes that CPO technology, beyond cloud applications, will see further adoption in sectors such as automotive and robot in the future. Himax’s current goal is to accelerate CPO adoption in cloud applications, thereby helping drive broader CPO adoption in AI applications.

    At CES this year, Himax showcased a wide range of innovative achievements, including automotive display technology, WiseEye AI, and advanced optical technologies for AR/VR. Notably, a clear trend emerged at this year’s CES as the industry demonstrated growing enthusiasm for AR glasses, fueled by more companies entering the space and integrating generative AI to accelerate the development of lightweight, compact, and all-day AR glasses. For AR glasses, Himax offers three critical technologies, namely LCoS microdisplay, WLO waveguide, and ultralow power WiseEye AI. Company’s latest, patented Front-lit LCoS Microdisplay delivers unparalleled brightness with an industry-leading 400k nits, exceptional optical power efficiency, compact form factor, lightweight, and superior display quality, making it one of the most viable solutions in the see-through AR glasses market. In waveguide, in collaboration with leading tech names, Himax leverages proprietary WLO expertise, built on advanced nanoimprint technology, to offer industry-leading optical solutions that optimize light transmission and display efficiency. In the field of AI sensing for AR glasses, Himax’s WiseEye provides always-on AI sensing capabilities which are being applied by developers to significantly enhance AR interactivity while consuming just a few milliwatts of power.

    In automotive display IC technology, Himax unveiled the industry’s most comprehensive LCD and OLED solutions at CES, showcasing a range of next-generation smart cabin technologies. These solutions not only improve the intuitive operation of smart cabins but also enhance driving safety and provide an exceptional user experience. A prime example is the advanced Display HMI solution developed in collaboration with AUO which meets the demands for large-size, high-resolution, and freeform automotive displays.

    At CES, Himax also partnered with several AI ecosystem partners to showcase its ultralow power WiseEye Modules over a range of innovative, production-ready AIoT applications. These applications include palm vein authentication, baby cry detection, people flow management, and human sensing detection. The modules are designed for easy integration, making it highly suitable for various AIoT applications.

    Display Driver IC Businesses

    LDDIC

    In Q1 2025, Himax anticipates a single digit sequential sales increase for large display driver ICs, driven by demand spurred by Chinese government subsidies for household appliances aimed at reviving demand in the sluggish household sector. Notebook and monitor sales are expected to increase in Q1. In contrast, TV IC sales are set to decline as customers pulled forward their inventory purchases in the prior quarter, coupled with the seasonal slowdown in Q1.

    Looking ahead in the notebook sector, Company is seeing an increase in demand for premium notebooks to adopt OLED displays and touch features, partially fueled by the rise of AI PC. Himax is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend, offering a comprehensive range of ICs for both LCD and OLED notebooks, including DDIC, Tcon, touch controllers, and TDDI. A standout innovation is Company’s pioneering in-cell touch TDDI for LCD displays, which improves the ease of system design and integration by embedding the touch controller within the TDDI chip while maintaining the conventional display driver setup for Tcon data transmission. This design simplifies integration for customers, reducing engineering complexity and speeding up product development. This solution also supports high-resolution displays up to 4K and larger screens up to 16 inches, aligning with the growing demand for advanced, visually stunning, and immersive laptops. With mass production already underway for a leading notebook vendor’s AI PC, more projects are lined up. For OLED notebooks, in addition to Company’s OLED DDIC and Tcon solutions, Himax is also developing on-cell touch controller technology, with multiple projects underway with top panel makers and notebook vendors. Last but not least, progress has been made on the next-generation eDP 1.5 display interface for Tcon for both LCD and OLED panels. This interface will support high frame rates, low power consumption, adaptive sync, and high resolution, key features essential for next-generation AI PCs. By delivering innovative, cutting-edge technologies, Himax is well-positioned to lead in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI PCs and premium notebooks.

    SMDDIC

    On SMDDIC revenue, for the full year 2024, Himax’s automotive driver IC sales, comprising of TDDI and traditional DDIC, increased nearly 20% year-over-year, significantly outpacing global automotive growth, largely driven by the continued adoption of TDDI technology among major customers across all continents. However, Himax anticipates Q1 automotive revenue to decline low teens sequentially, following two quarters of surge demand. Despite this, Q1 automotive sales are still projected to increase by mid-teens on a year-over-year basis. In the automotive TDDI sector, with cumulative shipments significantly surpassing those of Himax’s competitors, Company continues to reinforce its market leadership, which currently stands at well over 50%. With nearly 500 design-in projects secured and a continuous influx of new pipeline and design-wins across the board, of which only 30% already in mass production, Himax expects to sustain this decent growth in the years ahead. While traditional automotive DDIC sales for 2024 declined due to their gradual, partial replacement by TDDI, Company’s DDIC shipment volume still saw a modest increase in the last year. This demonstrates the steady demand for mature DDIC products, such as those used in cluster displays, HUDs, and rear- and side-view mirrors, which do not require touch functionality. Furthermore, the long-term trust and loyalty from Company’s DDIC customers, some of whom have relied on Himax’s solutions for over a decade, is indicative of Company’s strong customer retention. Himax continues to lead the automotive DDIC market, maintaining a global market share of approximately 40%.

    Himax continues to lead in automotive display IC innovation by pioneering solutions that deliver superior performance, power efficiency, and enhanced user experiences. As part of this ongoing innovation, Company’s latest TED (Tcon Embedded Driver IC) solution, which combines TDDI with local dimming Tcon into a single chip, provides a cost-effective, flexible, and comprehensive solution for its customers. Another new technology worth highlighting is Himax’s automotive TDDI with advanced user-aware touch control, which differentiates between driver and passenger touches to prevent cross-touch and enhance driving safety. In addition, Company offers a unique knob-on-in-cell-display solution that combines a physical knob with a TDDI. This design seamlessly merges in-cell touch technology with tactile controls, offering drivers a safer, more intuitive interaction that reduces distractions and enhances the overall driving experience.

    Moving to smartphone and tablet IC sales, Himax expects a sequential decline in both product lines, as is typical during the low season in Q1 due to the Lunar New Year.

    On OLED business update. In the automotive OLED market, Company has established strategic partnerships with leading panel makers in Korea, China, and Japan. As OLED technology extends beyond premium car models, Himax is well-positioned as the preferred partner, leveraging Company’s strong presence and proven track record in the automotive LCD display sector. Capitalizing on Himax’s first-mover advantage, Himax aims to drive the growing adoption of OLED in automotive displays by offering a comprehensive range of solutions, including DDIC, Tcon, and on-cell touch controller. Company believes this positions it as a primary beneficiary of the anticipated shift toward OLED displays for high end vehicles in a couple of years, enabling Himax to capture new growth opportunities and further strengthen its market leadership.

    Beyond the automotive sector, Company has also made strides in the tablet and notebook markets, partnering with leading OLED panel makers in Korea and China. Himax’s comprehensive OLED product portfolio, covering DDIC, Tcon, and touch controllers, has driven several new projects that are on track to begin mass production this year. In the smartphone OLED market, Company is making solid progress in collaborations with customers in Korea and China and anticipates mass production to start later this year.

    First quarter small and medium-sized display driver IC business is expected to decline low teens sequentially.

    Non-Driver Product Categories

    Q1 non-driver IC revenues are expected to decrease high teens sequentially.

    Timing Controller (Tcon)

    Himax anticipates Q1 2025 Tcon sales to decrease mid-teens sequentially, primarily due to the non-recurrence of a one-time ASIC Tcon shipment to a leading projector customer last quarter, as well as a moderation in automotive Tcon shipments following several quarters of strong growth. That being said, Himax maintains an unchallenged position in local dimming Tcon, evidenced by growing validation and widespread adoption in both premium and mainstream car models worldwide. Company is confident in the continued growth of its automotive Tcon business, supported by its strong market presence in local dimming Tcon, with strong pipeline of over two hundred design-win projects set to gradually enter production in the coming years. Heads-up display (HUD) is another field gaining traction within automotive displays, driving increased adoption of local dimming Tcon technology and emerging as a particularly promising application. Himax’s industry-leading local dimming Tcon provides distinct advancements with high contrast ratio and optimized power consumption. It effectively eliminates the “postcard effect” often seen in HUDs, caused by backlight leakage typical of conventional TFT LCD panels, ensuring clear and precise images on the windshield. Additionally, the Tcon features advanced transparency detection to prevent the display from obstructing the driver’s view, thereby ensuring driving safety. Several HUD projects are already in progress, and Himax is excited about the potential opportunities ahead. Company is well positioned for continuous growth in automotive Tcon over the next few years.

    WiseEye™ Ultralow Power AI Sensing

    On the update of WiseEye™ ultralow power AI sensing solution, a cutting-edge endpoint AI integration featuring industry-leading ultralow power AI processor, always-on CMOS image sensor, and CNN-based AI algorithm. WiseEye AI delivers a significant competitive edge in the rapidly growing AI market through its ultralow power consumption and context-aware, on-device AI inferencing that seamlessly integrates vision and other sensing capabilities into endpoint applications, particularly battery-powered devices. This not only enhances intuitive user interaction but also makes AI more practical and accessible. Additionally, WiseEye AI offloads tasks from the main processor, effectively extending battery lifespan and improving overall data processing efficiency. Building on the success with Dell notebooks, Himax WiseEye AI is continuing to expand its market presence, with additional use cases expected across other leading notebook brands, some of which are set for production later this year.

    WiseEye also continues to achieve significant market success across various sectors. For smart door lock, Company collaborated with DESMAN, a leading high-end brand in China, to introduce the world’s first smart door lock with 24/7 sentry monitoring and real-time event recording. Building on this achievement, Himax is expanding globally by collaborating with other leading door lock makers worldwide to integrate innovative AI features, including parcel recognition, anti-pinch protection, and palm vein biometric access, further extending application possibilities. Several of these value-added solutions are set to enter production later this year. At CES 2025, Himax joined forces with ecosystem partners to unveil a suite of innovative, production-ready AIoT applications, powered by Company’s tiny form factor, plug-and-play WiseEye Modules. Himax offers a series of modules, each incorporating an ultralow power WiseEye AI processor, an AoS image sensor, and advanced algorithms. The modules feature no-code/low-code AI platform capabilities, simplifying AI integration and supporting diverse use cases, such as human presence detection, gender and age recognition, gesture recognition, face mesh, voice command, thermal image sensing, pose estimation and people flow management. By streamlining deployment and reducing development costs, WiseEye Modules open new opportunities for automation, enhance interactivity, and elevate user experiences across a variety of industries.

    A broad range of innovative, ultralow power WiseEye Modules are also under development in collaboration with ecosystem partners, such as crying baby detection, dynamic gesture recognition, and human sensing, among others. One standout in Himax’s WiseEye Module portfolio is the Himax WiseEye PalmVein solution, which has quickly gained traction since its introduction just one year ago. Company has secured multiple design wins, with mass production already underway by a US customer for smart access applications and a Taiwan-based door lock vendor for its leading smart door lock brands. To meet growing customer demand for flexibility across various environments, the upgraded WiseEye PalmVein suite now features bimodal authentication, combining both palm vein and face recognitions. This dual-authentication solution enhances security by offering two layers of biometric verification, which not only increases reliability but also makes it highly adaptable to various environments.

    The rise of physical AI agents marks a significant shift in human-machine interaction, enabling devices to perceive, process, and respond to their surroundings in real time. A key emerging trend is the integration of cloud-based large language models (LLMs), which enables these agents’ advanced reasoning and language understanding, enhancing their ability to interact with and adapt to the physical world. Himax WiseEye AI is at the forefront of this revolution, delivering always-on sensor fusion, ultralow power on-device processing, while seamlessly interfacing with LLMs, to provide the essential real-time AI capabilities for next-generation applications. A good illustration of this innovation was showcased at CES 2025, where Himax and Seeed Studio introduced the SenseCAP Watcher, a physical AI agent powered by WiseEye AI. Equipped with vision and audio sensor fusion, along with a speaker, this battery-powered IoT device combines on-device AI with cloud-based LLMs to interpret commands, recognize objects, respond to events, and facilitate real-time interaction. Drawing from the success of SenseCAP Watcher, Himax is actively working on multiple projects leveraging WiseEye AI to further drive advancements in physical AI agent applications.

    Separately, Himax is excited about its collaboration with a leading AR player to integrate WiseEye AI into the next generation of AR glasses. At CES, there was a renewed enthusiasm on AR glasses with AI becoming an integral component to enable intuitive and seamless human-device interaction. WiseEye AI addresses two critical challenges in AR glasses, namely real-time responsiveness and power efficiency. For example, WiseEye supports always-on outward sensing, enabling AR glasses to detect and analyze the surrounding environment with real time context-aware AI. This capability powers instant response, real-time object recognition, navigation assistance, translation, and environmental mapping, enhancing the overall AR experience. Notably, WiseEye AI’s exceptional ultralow power consumption, measured in single digit milliwatts, also make it perfectly suited for AR glasses for all-day wear. In another example, Company collaborates with Ganzin on eyeball tracking technology, which, powered by WiseEye, precisely detects subtle eyeball movements, gaze direction, pupil size, and blinking, thereby providing critical data for the enhancement of user interaction in AR glasses.

    Wafer Level Optics (WLO)

    In June 2024, Himax, in partnership with FOCI, a world leader in silicon photonics connector, unveiled an industry-leading co-packaged optics (CPO) technology, leveraging Himax state-of-the-art WLO technology. This innovation integrates silicon photonic chips and optical connectors within MCM, replacing traditional metal wire transmission with high-speed optical communication. The technology significantly enhances bandwidth, boosts data transmission rates, reduces signal loss and latency, lowers power consumption, and significantly minimizes the size and cost of MCM. In working closely with FOCI, Himax is making significant strides through a solid partnership with leading AI semiconductor companies and foundry, with small-scale production of the first-generation CPO solution already underway. The significant increase in Q1 engineering validation and trial production volume, combined with the anticipated sample volume increases in the coming quarters, is a strong indication that CPO technology is being accelerated toward mass production. In addition, in close collaboration with leading AI customers/partners, Himax is speeding up the development of CPO technology for the next few generations. Himax is more optimistic than ever about the outlook for its WLO business, which is poised to generate significant growth opportunities and become a major revenue and profit contributor in the years ahead.

    Alongside the CPO progress, Company is witnessing a rise in engineering collaborations with global technology leaders who are utilizing Himax’s WLO expertise to make advanced waveguides for AR glasses, highlighting the growing recognition of Company’s WLO capabilities.

    LCoS

    On the update on LCoS, Company recently introduced its industry-leading 400K nits ultra-luminous Front-lit LCoS Microdisplay, setting a new benchmark for brightness with extremely low power consumption of merely 300mW. At CES 2025, Company showcased an AR glasses POC (Proof-Of-Concept) featuring the microdisplay with a third-party waveguide, achieving over 1,000 nits of brightness to the eye. This demonstration highlighted its suitability for outdoor, high ambient light conditions. With a lightweight of just 0.98 grams and ultra-compact form factor of less than 0.5 c.c., combined with excellent color performance, Himax’s Front-lit LCoS Microdisplay is ideal for all-day AR glasses and underscores the technology’s readiness for real-world applications.

    Following the recent release of Himax’s 400K nits ultra-luminous Front-lit LCoS Microdisplay, Himax is actively engaged in significant projects through strategic collaborations with industry leaders. Himax’s proven track record of over a decade in LCoS technology, coupled with a history of successful production shipments, highlights Company’s readiness to meet the demands of large-scale production of AR glasses.

    First Quarter 2025 Guidance
    Net Revenue: Decrease 8.5% to 12.5% QoQ, Flat to Up 4.6% YoY
    Gross Margin: Around 30.5%, depending on final product mix
    Profit: 9.0 cents to 11.0 cents per diluted ADS, Up 26% to 54% YoY  
       

    Himax noticed that some peers’ customers placed orders early due to tariff factors, especially in the consumer electronics sector, resulting in Q1 revenue forecasts exceeding normal seasonal demand. In contrast, no similar trend has been observed in the automotive semiconductor market. Since Himax’s automotive business accounts for more than half of its total revenues, Himax’s Q1 revenue forecast has not benefited from tariff factors.

    HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR 2024 EARNINGS CONFERENCE CALL
    DATE: Thursday, February 13, 2025
    TIME: U.S.       8:00 a.m. EST
    Taiwan  9:00 p.m.
       
    Live Webcast (Video and Audio): http://www.zucast.com/webcast/br8wqbB4
    Toll Free Dial-in Number (Audio Only):
      Hong Kong 2112-1444
    Taiwan 0080-119-6666
    Australia 1-800-015-763
    Canada 1-877-252-8508
    China (1) 4008-423-888
    China (2) 4006-786-286
    Singapore 800-492-2072
    UK 0800-068-8186
    United States (1) 1-800-811-0860
    United States (2) 1-866-212-5567
    Dial-in Number (Audio Only): 
      Taiwan Domestic Access 02-3396-1191
    International Access +886-2-3396-1191
    Participant PIN Code: 3329013 # 
       

    If you choose to attend the call by dialing in via phone, please enter the Participant PIN Code 3329013 # after the call is connected. A replay of the webcast will be available beginning two hours after the call on www.himax.com.tw. This webcast can be accessed by clicking on this link or Himax’s website, where it will remain available until February 13, 2026.

    About Himax Technologies, Inc.
    Himax Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: HIMX) is a leading global fabless semiconductor solution provider dedicated to display imaging processing technologies. The Company’s display driver ICs and timing controllers have been adopted at scale across multiple industries worldwide including TVs, PC monitors, laptops, mobile phones, tablets, automotive, ePaper devices, industrial displays, among others. As the global market share leader in automotive display technology, the Company offers innovative and comprehensive automotive IC solutions, including traditional driver ICs, advanced in-cell Touch and Display Driver Integration (TDDI), local dimming timing controllers (Local Dimming Tcon), Large Touch and Display Driver Integration (LTDI) and OLED display technologies. Himax is also a pioneer in tinyML visual-AI and optical technology related fields. The Company’s industry-leading WiseEye™ Ultralow Power AI Sensing technology which incorporates Himax proprietary ultralow power AI processor, always-on CMOS image sensor, and CNN-based AI algorithm has been widely deployed in consumer electronics and AIoT related applications. Himax optics technologies, such as diffractive wafer level optics, LCoS microdisplays and 3D sensing solutions, are critical for facilitating emerging AR/VR/metaverse technologies. Additionally, Himax designs and provides touch controllers, OLED ICs, LED ICs, EPD ICs, power management ICs, and CMOS image sensors for diverse display application coverage. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Tainan, Taiwan, Himax currently employs around 2,200 people from three Taiwan-based offices in Tainan, Hsinchu and Taipei and country offices in China, Korea, Japan, Germany, and the US. Himax has 2,649 patents granted and 402 patents pending approval worldwide as of December 31, 2024.

    http://www.himax.com.tw

    Forward Looking Statements

    Factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those described in this conference call include, but are not limited to, the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Company’s business; general business and economic conditions and the state of the semiconductor industry; market acceptance and competitiveness of the driver and non-driver products developed by the Company; demand for end-use applications products; reliance on a small group of principal customers; the uncertainty of continued success in technological innovations; our ability to develop and protect our intellectual property; pricing pressures including declines in average selling prices; changes in customer order patterns; changes in estimated full-year effective tax rate; shortage in supply of key components; changes in environmental laws and regulations; changes in export license regulated by Export Administration Regulations (EAR); exchange rate fluctuations; regulatory approvals for further investments in our subsidiaries; our ability to collect accounts receivable and manage inventory and other risks described from time to time in the Company’s SEC filings, including those risks identified in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in its Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed with the SEC, as may be amended.

    Company Contacts:

    Eric Li, Chief IR/PR Officer
    Himax Technologies, Inc.
    Tel: +886-6-505-0880
    Fax: +886-2-2314-0877
    Email: hx_ir@himax.com.tw
    www.himax.com.tw
      
    Karen Tiao, Investor Relations
    Himax Technologies, Inc.
    Tel: +886-2-2370-3999
    Fax: +886-2-2314-0877
    Email: hx_ir@himax.com.tw
    www.himax.com.tw

    Mark Schwalenberg, Director
    Investor Relations – US Representative
    MZ North America
    Tel: +1-312-261-6430
    Email: HIMX@mzgroup.us
    www.mzgroup.us

    -Financial Tables-

    Himax Technologies, Inc.
    Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Profit or Loss
    (These interim financials do not fully comply with IFRS because they omit all interim disclosure required by IFRS)
    (Amounts in Thousands of U.S. Dollars, Except Share and Per Share Data)
      Three Months
    Ended December 31,
      3 Months
    Ended
    September 30,
        2024       2023       2024  
               
    Revenues          
    Revenues from third parties, net $ 237,182     $ 227,664     $ 222,401  
    Revenues from related parties, net   41       14       6  
        237,223       227,678       222,407  
               
    Costs and expenses:          
    Cost of revenues   164,963       158,669       155,795  
    Research and development   37,584       41,088       46,880  
    General and administrative   5,711       5,831       6,828  
    Sales and marketing   5,886       5,409       7,048  
    Total costs and expenses   214,144       210,997       216,551  
               
    Operating income   23,079       16,681       5,856  
               
    Non operating income (loss):          
    Interest income   2,042       1,934       2,297  
    Changes in fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss   1,245       1,710       27  
    Foreign currency exchange gains (losses), net   690       (1,525 )     457  
    Finance costs   (964 )     (1,140 )     (1,018 )
    Share of losses of associates   (360 )     (14 )     (143 )
    Other losses         (1,932 )      
    Other income (losses)   60       (362 )     105  
        2,713       (1,329 )     1,725  
    Profit before income taxes   25,792       15,352       7,581  
    Income tax expense (benefit)   761       (7,933 )     (5,174 )
    Profit for the period   25,031       23,285       12,755  
    Loss (profit) attributable to noncontrolling interests   (423 )     280       268  
    Profit attributable to Himax Technologies, Inc. stockholders $ 24,608     $ 23,565     $ 13,023  
               
    Basic earnings per ADS attributable to Himax Technologies, Inc. stockholders $ 0.141     $ 0.135     $ 0.075  
    Diluted earnings per ADS attributable to Himax Technologies, Inc. stockholders $ 0.140     $ 0.135     $ 0.074  
               
    Basic Weighted Average Outstanding ADS   175,008       174,724       174,727  
    Diluted Weighted Average Outstanding ADS   175,146       174,979       174,987  
    Himax Technologies, Inc.
    Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Profit or Loss
    (Amounts in Thousands of U.S. Dollars, Except Share and Per Share Data)
       
        Twelve Months
    Ended December 31,
          2024       2023  
             
    Revenues        
    Revenues from third parties, net   $ 906,737     $ 945,309  
    Revenues from related parties, net     65       119  
          906,802       945,428  
             
    Costs and expenses:        
    Cost of revenues     630,601       681,931  
    Research and development     160,329       171,392  
    General and administrative     24,121       25,037  
    Sales and marketing     23,530       23,856  
    Total costs and expenses     838,581       902,216  
             
    Operating income     68,221       43,212  
             
    Non operating income (loss):        
    Interest income     9,907       8,746  
    Changes in fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss     1,363       1,655  
    Foreign currency exchange gains (losses), net     2,491       (768 )
    Finance costs     (4,014 )     (6,080 )
    Share of losses of associates     (831 )     (598 )
    Other losses           (1,932 )
    Other income     198       158  
          9,114       1,181  
    Profit before income taxes     77,335       44,393  
    Income tax benefit     (2,435 )     (5,028 )
    Profit for the period     79,770       49,421  
    Loss (profit) attributable to noncontrolling interests     (15 )     1,195  
    Profit attributable to Himax Technologies, Inc. stockholders   $ 79,755     $ 50,616  
             
    Basic earnings per ADS attributable to Himax Technologies, Inc. stockholders   $ 0.456     $ 0.290  
    Diluted earnings per ADS attributable to Himax Technologies, Inc. stockholders   $ 0.456     $ 0.290  
             
    Basic Weighted Average Outstanding ADS     174,796       174,495  
    Diluted Weighted Average Outstanding ADS     175,014       174,783  
    Himax Technologies, Inc.
    IFRS Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
    (Amounts in Thousands of U.S. Dollars)
     
        December 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
      September 30,
    2024
    Assets            
    Current assets:            
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 218,148     $ 191,749     $ 194,139  
    Financial assets at amortized cost     4,286       12,511       12,335  
    Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss     2,140       2,117        
    Accounts receivable, net (including related parties)     236,813       235,829       224,589  
    Inventories     158,746       217,308       192,458  
    Income taxes receivable     726       1,454       986  
    Restricted deposit     503,700       453,000       503,700  
    Other receivable from related parties     13       69       22  
    Other current assets     43,471       86,548       42,581  
    Total current assets     1,168,043       1,200,585       1,170,810  
    Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss     23,554       21,650       26,383  
    Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income     28,226       1,635       22,457  
    Equity method investments     8,571       3,490       2,945  
    Property, plant and equipment, net     121,280       130,109       122,333  
    Deferred tax assets     21,193       14,196       13,806  
    Goodwill     28,138       28,138       28,138  
    Other intangible assets, net     636       816       717  
    Restricted deposit     31       32       31  
    Refundable deposits     221,824       222,025       221,879  
    Other non-current assets     18,025       20,728       18,484  
          471,478       442,819       457,173  
         Total assets   $ 1,639,521     $ 1,643,404     $ 1,627,983  
    Liabilities and Equity            
    Current liabilities:            
    Current portion of long-term unsecured borrowings   $ 6,000     $ 6,000     $ 6,000  
    Short-term secured borrowings     503,700       453,000       503,700  
    Accounts payable (including related parties)     113,203       107,342       121,384  
    Income taxes payable     9,514       15,309       2,324  
    Other payable to related parties           110        
    Contract liabilities-current     10,622       17,751       25,694  
    Other current liabilities     63,595       109,291       54,673  
    Total current liabilities     706,634       708,803       713,775  
    Long-term unsecured borrowings     28,500       34,500       30,000  
    Deferred tax liabilities     564       520       505  
    Other non-current liabilities     7,496       35,879       11,361  
          36,560       70,899       41,866  
    Total liabilities     743,194       779,702       755,641  
    Equity            
    Ordinary shares     107,010       107,010       107,010  
    Additional paid-in capital     115,376       114,648       115,285  
    Treasury shares     (5,546 )     (5,157 )     (4,714 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive income     8,621       (180 )     3,507  
    Retained earnings     664,600       640,447       644,596  
    Equity attributable to owners of Himax Technologies, Inc.     890,061       856,768       865,684  
    Noncontrolling interests     6,266       6,934       6,658  
    Total equity     896,327       863,702       872,342  
         Total liabilities and equity   $ 1,639,521     $ 1,643,404     $ 1,627,983  
    Himax Technologies, Inc.
    Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    (Amounts in Thousands of U.S. Dollars)
     
        Three Months
    Ended December 31,
      Three Months Ended
    September 30,
          2024       2023       2024  
                 
    Cash flows from operating activities:            
    Profit for the period   $ 25,031     $ 23,285     $ 12,755  
    Adjustments for:            
    Depreciation and amortization     5,564       5,115       5,640  
    Share-based compensation expenses     103       346       407  
    Losses (gains) on disposals of property, plant and equipment, net     4       (368 )      
    Loss on re-measurement of the pre-existing relationships in a business combination           1,932        
    Changes in fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss     (1,245 )     (1,710 )     (27 )
    Interest income     (2,042 )     (1,934 )     (2,297 )
    Finance costs     964       1,140       1,018  
    Income tax expense (benefit)     761       (7,933 )     (5,174 )
    Share of losses of associates     360       14       143  
    Inventories write downs     4,037       5,727       2,269  
    Unrealized foreign currency exchange losses (gains)     (159 )     1,517       228  
          33,378       27,131       14,962  
    Changes in:            
    Accounts receivable (including related parties)     (27,302 )     8,163       8,548  
    Inventories     29,675       36,580       8,964  
    Other receivable from related parties     9       (29 )     33  
    Other current assets     2,502       (5,682 )     (778 )
    Accounts payable (including related parties)     (7,706 )     (627 )     (26,101 )
    Other payable to related parties     1       363       (102 )
    Contract liabilities     6       (958 )     667  
    Other current liabilities     2,508       3,014       (4,161 )
    Other non-current liabilities     71       393       (3,354 )
    Cash generated from operating activities     33,142       68,348       (1,322 )
    Interest received     3,513       2,665       860  
    Interest paid     (1,047 )     (1,140 )     (1,018 )
    Income tax paid     (191 )     (1,131 )     (1,658 )
    Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities     35,417       68,742       (3,138 )
                 
    Cash flows from investing activities:            
    Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment     (3,222 )     (15,052 )     (2,551 )
    Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment           111        
    Acquisitions of intangible assets           (40 )     (9 )
    Acquisitions of financial assets at amortized cost     (2,286 )     (4,573 )     (1,500 )
    Proceeds from disposal of financial assets at amortized cost     10,289       784       617  
    Acquisitions of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss     (6,807 )     (5,375 )     (27,934 )
    Proceeds from disposal of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss     3,722       1,645       33,036  
    Acquisitions of financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income           (1,379 )      
    Proceeds from disposal of financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income           99        
    Acquisition of a subsidiary, net of cash acquired (paid)     (5,416 )     433        
    Proceeds from capital reduction of investment     338       360        
    Acquisitions of equity method investment     (1,236 )            
    Decrease (increase) in refundable deposits     (8 )           11,339  
    Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities     (4,626 )     (22,987 )     12,998  
                 
    Cash flows from financing activities:            
    Purchase of treasury shares     (832 )            
    Prepayments for purchase of treasury shares     (2,168 )            
    Payments of cash dividends                 (50,670 )
    Payments of dividend equivalents                 (233 )
    Proceeds from issuance of new shares by subsidiaries           916        
    Purchases of subsidiaries shares from noncontrolling interests           (9 )      
    Proceeds from short-term unsecured borrowings           36,932        
    Repayments of short-term unsecured borrowings           (37,226 )      
    Repayments of long-term unsecured borrowings     (1,500 )     (1,500 )     (1,500 )
    Proceeds from short-term secured borrowings     461,400       427,100       522,600  
    Repayments of short-term secured borrowings     (461,400 )     (427,100 )     (471,900 )
    Pledge of restricted deposit                 (50,700 )
    Payment of lease liabilities     (1,340 )     (1,244 )     (979 )
    Guarantee deposits received (refunded)     219       (5 )      
    Net cash used in financing activities     (5,621 )     (2,136 )     (53,382 )
    Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents     (1,161 )     873       985  
    Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents     24,009       44,492       (42,537 )
    Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period     194,139       147,257       236,676  
    Cash and cash equivalents at end of period   $ 218,148     $ 191,749     $ 194,139  
                 
    Himax Technologies, Inc.
    Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    (Amounts in Thousands of U.S. Dollars)
        Twelve Months
    Ended December 31,
          2024       2023  
             
    Cash flows from operating activities:        
    Profit for the period   $ 79,770     $ 49,421  
    Adjustments for:        
    Depreciation and amortization     22,354       20,322  
    Share-based compensation expenses     1,247       2,663  
    Losses (gains) on disposals of property, plant and equipment, net     4       (368 )
    Loss on re-measurement of the pre-existing relationships in a business combination           1,932  
    Changes in fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss     (1,363 )     (1,655 )
    Interest income     (9,907 )     (8,746 )
    Finance costs     4,014       6,080  
    Income tax benefit     (2,435 )     (5,028 )
    Share of losses of associates     831       598  
    Inventories write downs     13,551       21,540  
    Unrealized foreign currency exchange losses (gains)     (171 )     624  
          107,895       87,383  
    Changes in:        
    Accounts receivable (including related parties)     (40,738 )     20,804  
    Inventories     45,011       132,090  
    Other receivable from related parties     56       5  
    Other current assets     3,941       (3,863 )
    Accounts payable (including related parties)     14,567       7,676  
    Other payable to related parties     (110 )     (268 )
    Contract liabilities     45       (37,051 )
    Other current liabilities     (9,010 )     1,246  
    Other non-current liabilities     (2,260 )     (4,602 )
    Cash generated from operating activities     119,397       203,420  
    Interest received     9,732       8,567  
    Interest paid     (4,015 )     (6,080 )
    Income tax paid     (9,138 )     (53,066 )
    Net cash provided by operating activities     115,976       152,841  
             
    Cash flows from investing activities:        
    Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment     (13,054 )     (23,378 )
    Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment           111  
    Acquisitions of intangible assets     (153 )     (115 )
    Acquisitions of financial assets at amortized cost     (11,236 )     (6,911 )
    Proceeds from disposal of financial assets at amortized cost     19,457       3,099  
    Acquisitions of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss     (76,003 )     (82,628 )
    Proceeds from disposal of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss     70,389       75,539  
    Acquisitions of financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income     (17,164 )     (1,379 )
    Proceeds from disposal of financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income           99  
    Acquisition of a subsidiary, net of cash acquired (paid)     (5,416 )     433  
    Proceeds from capital reduction of investment     338       360  
    Acquisitions of equity method investment     (1,236 )      
    Decrease (increase) in refundable deposits     33,562       (56,933 )
    Cash received in advance from disposal of land           2,821  
    Net cash used in investing activities     (516 )     (88,882 )
             
    Cash flows from financing activities:        
    Purchase of treasury shares     (832 )      
    Prepayments for purchase of treasury shares     (2,168 )      
    Payments of cash dividends     (50,670 )     (83,720 )
    Payments of dividend equivalents     (233 )     (148 )
    Proceeds from issuance of new shares by subsidiary     71       916  
    Purchases of subsidiaries shares from noncontrolling interests     (190 )     (9 )
    Proceeds from short-term unsecured borrowings           47,226  
    Repayments of short-term unsecured borrowings           (47,226 )
    Repayments of long-term unsecured borrowings     (6,000 )     (6,000 )
    Proceeds from short-term secured borrowings     1,780,300       1,383,300  
    Repayments of short-term secured borrowings     (1,729,600 )     (1,299,600 )
    Pledge of restricted deposit     (50,700 )     (83,700 )
    Payment of lease liabilities     (5,032 )     (4,830 )
    Guarantee deposits received (refunded)     (23,163 )     200  
    Net cash used in financing activities     (88,217 )     (93,591 )
    Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents     (844 )     (200 )
    Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents     26,399       (29,832 )
    Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period     191,749       221,581  
    Cash and cash equivalents at end of period   $ 218,148     $ 191,749  

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Middlefield Canadian Income PCC – Statement re Notice of Requisition of a General Meeting

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    13 February 2025

    Middlefield Canadian Income PCC (the “Company”)
    including Middlefield Canadian Income – GBP PC (the “Fund”), a cell of the Company
    Registered No:  93546
    Legal Entity Identifier: 2138007ENW3JEJXC8658

    Notice of Requisition of a General Meeting

    The Board of Middlefield Canadian Income PCC (the “Company”) and Middlefield Canadian Income – GBP PC (the “Fund”) announces that it has received a letter from a nominee account acting on behalf of the custodian and prime broker for Saba Capital Management, L.P. requisitioning the Board to convene a general meeting of shareholders (the “Requisition”).

    The Requisition proposes that shareholders be asked to consider, and, if thought fit approve, the taking by the Company of all necessary steps to implement a scheme or process by which shareholders would become (or have the option to become) shareholders of a UK-listed open-ended investment company (or similar open-ended investment vehicle) implementing a substantially similar strategy to the Company, and which could entail shareholders rolling into an existing or newly established UK-listed open-ended investment company (or similar open-ended investment vehicle), in either case managed by the Company’s existing investment manager or one of its affiliates.

    The Board is committed to acting in the best interests of all shareholders and will make a further announcement regarding the Requisition in due course. Accordingly, the Board recommends that shareholders take no action at this time.

    For further information, please contact:

    Middlefield Canadian Income – GBP PC                                via Investec Bank plc
    Michael Phair (Chairman)

    Investec Bank plc
    Corporate Broker
    Helen Goldsmith/David Yovichic
    Tel: 020 7597 4000

    JTC Fund Solutions (Jersey) Limited
    Secretary
    Matt Tostevin/Hilary Jones/Jade Livesey
    Tel: 01534 700 000

    Buchanan
    PR Advisers
    Charles Ryland/Henry Wilson
    Tel: 020 7466 5000

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft produced 145 millionth ton of oil at Uvat project

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The accumulated production of RN-Uvatneftegaz (part of the oil production complex of NK Rosneft) has reached 145 million tons of oil since the start of operation of the Uvat project fields located in the south of the Tyumen region. The company provides about 80% of the total volume of oil produced in the region.

    High production indicators were achieved thanks to the introduction of new technologies by RN-Uvatneftegaz specialists, successful exploration work, and the efficient operation of the production fund, which numbers a thousand wells at 24 discovered hydrocarbon fields.

    During the year, more than 380 geological and technical measures were carried out at the Uvat project on the existing well stock, which is 10% higher than the previous period, with additional oil production of more than 500 thousand tons. In 2024, the volume of production drilling amounted to 628 thousand meters. Last year, a new field, Severo-Nemchinovskoye, was put into operation at the Uvat project, and the first commercial oil flow was obtained at the Yuzhno-Venikhyartskaya area. The starting flow rate of the horizontal well was three times higher than the average for the region and amounted to more than 300 tons of oil per day.

    The company is actively expanding its resource base by exploring new license areas. In geological exploration in 2024, the drilling exceeded 27 thousand meters, the success rate of exploration drilling was 100%. Field seismic exploration work was carried out at new sites of Yelovaya, Uspeshnaya and Vostochno-Gerasimovskaya. Based on the results of exploration, 9 new hydrocarbon deposits were discovered.

    To effectively develop deposits in hard-to-reach marshy terrain, the Uvat project uses a strategy to create hubs – centers with a single infrastructure, to which smaller satellite deposits are gradually added. Currently, there are four hubs operating in Uvat: Vostochny, Protozanovsky, Tyamkinsky and Kalchinsky, the infrastructure of which is constantly expanding.

    The construction of new oil and gas production and preparation facilities, interfield pipelines, power generation facilities and social infrastructure continues at the Uvat project fields. In 2024, the company began creating the industrial infrastructure of the Tavricheskoye field, and also commissioned a new Taltsiya 110/10 kV 2×6.3 MVA electrical substation, which will meet the future needs of the production infrastructure of the Protozanovsky hub.

    To improve production efficiency, the company is actively implementing innovative developments from Rosneft, such as the Sfera 3D information technology system, which contains more than 3,000 digital twins of objects and more than 5,700 twins of vehicles. The system allows for prompt, correct technical decisions.

    Last year, the company conducted seven pilot industrial tests of new equipment and technologies, which yielded significant economic benefits.

    RN-Uvatneftegaz is the largest enterprise of Rosneft in the Tyumen region, one of the main subsoil users, taxpayers and employers of the region. Today, the implementation of the Uvat project is ensured by more than 2.7 thousand employees of the enterprise and almost 7 thousand employees of contractors. RN-Uvatneftegaz creates conditions for their comfortable living, including at autonomous fields. Based on the results of work in the social sphere, the enterprise became the winner of the regional stage of the competition “Russian Organization of High Social Efficiency” in several nominations at once, including for the best conditions for employees with families.

    The Uvat project uses modern technologies that ensure a high level of environmental protection, industrial safety and labor protection. The company carries out systematic work on reforestation and conservation of aquatic biological resources of the region. Over the past five years, RN-Uvatneftegaz has planted 6 million pine and spruce seedlings, and released more than 6.6 million juveniles of valuable fish species into the rivers of the Ob-Irtysh basin. In addition, the company supports scientific research, for example, on the conservation of the forest reindeer population in the Tyumen region, and carries out active environmental education work.

    For almost 25 years, RN-Uvatneftegaz has played a significant role in the socio-economic development of the Tyumen Region. Under the current agreement between Rosneft and the region, the company annually provides support to medical, sports, cultural and educational institutions. As part of the corporate continuous education program “School-College/University-Enterprise”, “Rosneft-Classes” have been operating in the region for 10 years, preparing future specialists for the oil industry from school.

    The company also closely cooperates with the indigenous peoples of the Uvatsky District, helping to preserve their unique national culture and way of life.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft February 13, 2025

    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 Security: Family of innocent dad shot dead in Barking appeal for witnesses

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    The family of an innocent man who was fatally shot outside a birthday party have appealed for the public’s help to get justice.

    Hanif Redwood, a 32-year-old father of two, was attacked in Linton Road, Barking in the early hours of Sunday, 13 October.

    He had been attending a party at the Factory 15 venue and was stood outside when, at around 04:33hrs, he was fatally shot by the gunman. He died at the scene.

    Four months on from his murder, Hanif’s family and the officers leading the investigation are appealing for any information that could lead to the arrest, charge and prosecution of those responsible.

    In an appeal for information, Hanif’s family said: “Hanif was a bright spark whose light has been dimmed far too soon. He was an innocent, hardworking and loving father of two, and it is heartbreaking to think that he has been taken away from us.

    “As his family, we are imploring anyone with information to make their voices heard, and to help us get justice for our beloved Hanif.

    “To those who may know or may have seen or heard what took place on that horrific night, any information you have will be of great value to us to help the authorities apprehend those that carried out such a dreadful act.”

    Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers, who is leading the investigation, said: “Hanif was an innocent man. His death has devastated his family and friends, as well as many in the local community.

    “We have continued to support Hanif’s family and update them at every point possible. While we have made significant progress with our enquiries, we are yet to secure a conviction and get the justice that they deserve.

    “I’m appealing for anyone who has any information to come forward. Were you out in Barking on that Saturday night? Perhaps you had also been at the birthday party at Factory 15 or at another event nearby? Did you see or hear the shooting or anything else that struck you as being unusual?

    “Someone must have seen or heard something, or must know why this shooting took place. No piece of information is too small. It could be the crucial clue that leads us to identify Hanif’s murderer.”

    Anyone with information is urged to call 101 or message @MetCC on X, giving the reference 1295/13OCT. Information, including photos or videos, can also be easily uploaded to our dedicated appeal page.

    To provide information anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. They are an independent charity, separate from the police. They won’t ask for your name and can’t trace your call.

    Two men who were arrested on suspicion of murder, were subsequently released on bail. A further 7 people have since been arrested in connection with the murder and either released on bail or released pending further investigation.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Breaking the Ice, Breaking up Ground: III MSB Marines conduct joint training event with Army 11th Engineer Battalion Soldiers

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    Early on the morning of February 6, 2025, the Marines of III Marine Expeditionary Force Support Battalion, III MEF Information Group joined Soldiers from 63rd Clearance Company, 11th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division at the frozen grounds of Dagmar North Training Area, South Korea to conduct a joint training event.

    This joint training event took place during III MSB’s preparation for their Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation, which is scheduled to take place this week. The MCCRE is designed to test Marines and Sailors within the unit on how well they can perform their mission essential skills, and the preparation for it has spurred III MSB leaders to continuously seek and initiate opportunities to maximize the success of the MCCRE. Sgt. Wyatt Miller, platoon sergeant of III MSB’s engineer platoon, contacted the Army’s engineer unit to request heavy equipment operations at Dagmar North prior to the evaluation.

    “There will be times where there’s interservice training, interservice operations or interservice communication, where something’s got to get done and it can only get done with help from both sides,” explained Sgt. Miller.

    Miller noted that this was his first experience engaging in joint training during his time at III MSB, and that it certainly reinforced the idea that continuous training in a joint environment fosters better teamwork. “I think that’s a very valuable experience from both sides,” Miller added.

    In the days leading up to the event, internal coordination and reconnaissance of the designated site for the event would help to set the stage and establish lateral limits for both units involved. Marines and Soldiers could be seen shoulder-to-shoulder in the freezing cold, planning and crafting a training event to fulfill both unit’s missions while increasing their interoperability.

    Soldiers from 4th platoon were tasked with creating berms as fixed fighting positions for the Marines. At the same time, the Marines were tasked with supporting the Soldiers by providing security in the area and conducting patrol maneuvers, a form of training that provided insight on how to better prepare for their upcoming MCCRE. Following a convoy insert that preceded the dawn, the servicemembers began to set in and take their positions.

    “This is exactly what we are here to do,” stated 2nd Lt. Melissa Wences, 4th Platoon leader of the Army engineers, emphasizing the value of the training event. “Getting my platoon of horizontal construction engineers out here and guiding them onto the construction of fighting positions in different terrain and difficult weather conditions is a reality check of where they are and what it’s going to be like for future exercises.”

    As a support asset to the unit, the company’s primary focus is to dig vehicle positions and individual fighting positions to strengthen security around the area of operation. In light of the unit’s upcoming schedule, Wences saw this as an ideal opportunity to further her Soldiers’ training.

    “This will lead into our battalion’s field training exercise next month,” said Wences. “Most of the Soldiers currently in the platoon are new to the Korean Peninsula, and it’s necessary for them to be familiarized with overcoming the challenges of a different terrain.”

    The intent of this training was for the Marines of III MSB to establish a dynamic security posture, effecting a protective perimeter around a site designated for the Army’s excavation operations. The soldiers would operate and guide heavy construction equipment for vertical and horizontal engineer operations. Joint training events such as this one serve to hone the interoperability and integration capabilities of the joint force.

    III MSB provides and coordinates direct combat service support, security, and administrative services to III MEF, 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade, and III MEF Information Group Command Elements to enable III MEF to win in competition and conflict.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI China: China establishes over 30,000 smart factories

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    This photo taken on Aug. 14, 2024 shows the new energy vehicles assembly line of a smart factory of Seres Group in Chongqing, southwest China. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China has built over 30,000 basic-level smart factories as part of a nationwide push to accelerate industrial digitalization and intelligent upgrading, according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).

    The initiative, under the smart factory gradient cultivation action, has also seen the creation of 1,200 advanced-level and 230 excellence-level smart factories. This achievement highlights the significant progress that has been made in reshaping the country’s manufacturing landscape, according to the ministry.

    The 230 excellence-level factories, distributed across all 31 provincial regions in China and covering over 80 percent of manufacturing sectors, have carried out nearly 2,000 advanced scenarios, including smart warehousing, AI-powered quality inspections, and digital research and development, said MIIT.

    On average, these factories are 28.4 percent shorter in product development cycles, 22.3 percent higher in production efficiency, 50.2 percent lower in defect rates and 20.4 percent lower in carbon emissions, said the ministry.

    MIIT, alongside five other state agencies, jointly launched a smart factory gradient cultivation action last year and classified smart factories into four tiers based on technological maturity and integration depth, including the basic-level, the advanced-level, the excellence-level and the pioneer-level.

    For instance, basic-level smart factories are required to develop foundational capabilities in digitization and networking. This involves deploying the necessary smart manufacturing equipment, industrial software, and systems centered around typical scenarios of smart manufacturing. By doing so, they can achieve real-time data collection, automation of key production processes, enhance the informatization of production and operational management, and utilize intelligence exploration in certain aspects.

    Moving forward, MIIT will expand excellence-level smart factory promotion and prepare to launch pioneer-level cultivation, aiming to further promote the expansion, deeper integration, and elevated evolution of intelligent manufacturing, it said.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI China: CATL aiming to raise over $5B from HK listing

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd, the world’s largest electric vehicle battery maker, has filed for a Hong Kong listing that is expected to be the city’s biggest initial public offering in four years.

    The long-awaited CATL listing aims to raise more than $5 billion, which the company said will fund overseas production capacity and international business expansion, supporting its long-term global strategy.

    Already an A-share listed company, CATL’s Hong Kong listing will attract more international capital, further diversifying its financing channels, said analysts.

    According to public disclosures, as of June 2024, CATL had foreign currency balances of $6.74 billion and 3.86 billion euros ($4 billion), which were challenging to cover the hefty investments in Europe and other regions, as well as the ongoing need for overseas strategic expansion that often amount to billions of euros.

    Zhou Mi, a senior researcher at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, said CATL’s Hong Kong listing is poised to assist the company in garnering funds on a global scale to support its endeavors in overseas research and development, production capacity expansion and market outreach. Additionally, the Hong Kong listing is expected to enhance CATL’s brand influence in international markets, strengthening its global competitiveness.

    “This listing opens avenues for financing. Given CATL’s expansive global reach, substantial financial support is imperative, a need that can be met through a successful IPO. In addition, CATL’s global expansion necessitates collaboration from diverse stakeholders. By opting for a Hong Kong listing, CATL can also engage with a broad spectrum of international investors. This move is pivotal in enhancing CATL’s global standing,” Zhou said.

    In recent years, CATL has accelerated its overseas expansion efforts, establishing battery factories in European countries including Germany and Hungary. In December, CATL signed a joint venture agreement with Dutch automotive group Stellantis that will build a large-scale lithium iron phosphate battery plant in Zaragoza, Spain.

    According to SNE Research — a South Korean company providing global market research and consulting services for rechargeable battery industries — CATL maintained its top position globally in terms of battery usage for electric vehicles from January to November 2024, witnessing a 28.6 percent year-on-year growth. Following CATL are BYD and LG Energy Solution.

    Many major Chinese original equipment manufacturers such as Zeekr, Aito and Li Auto, operating in the world’s largest EV market of China, have integrated CATL’s batteries into their products.

    Furthermore, prominent global OEMs including Tesla, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen have also chosen CATL’s batteries for their EV models.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-Evening Report: New play Housework is a future Australian classic – a Don’s Party for our time

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Catherine Campbell, Lecturer, Performing Arts, UniSA Creative, University of South Australia

    Matt Byrne/STCSA

    Housework, a new play by Emily Steel, lifts the rock off politics to expose its crawling, ruthless, yet undeniably comic underside. The result is masterful, hilarious and deeply incisive.

    Housework opens with the day-to-day demands of a local MP electorate office and then sweeps to the halls of power in Canberra.

    Chief of staff Anna Cooper (Emily Taheny), media advisor Ben (Benn Welford) and junior staffer Kelly (Franca Lafosse) try to perform damage control for their headstrong, cherry-picked, first-term MP Ruth Mandour (Susie Youssef).

    In Canberra, Ruth is preparing for her first private member’s bill, calling for health care reform; Anna has a sick child back home; and Ben is absent with COVID. Add in a star-struck young female staffer, a predatory older male MP (Paul, played by Renato Musolino), and a photo of them leaving a bar together and we strap in for a rollicking ride through media manipulation, personal and political sacrifice, and the fleeting moments of power.

    It is absolutely compelling and all too recognisable.

    This is everything you’ve always wanted to know about Australian politics but were too afraid to have your worst fears confirmed. Steel’s play is laugh-out-loud funny in its satire and send-ups. But it is also deeply affecting in her bleak but loving depiction of the chasm between personal dreams and the reality of politics.

    Uproarious comedy

    Steel has based her script on interviews with politicians and staffers (confidential, of course) and media stories. She centres the experiences of women in politics, personal lives, gender roles, sexism, fighting the patriarchal socio-political systems. This sits within the story of a new MP butting up against potential scandal and the power plays of Parliament, and the relentless 24-hour news cycle.

    It is a timely reminder of the barriers that continue to obstruct social equality.

    The cleaning woman eventually gets one of the best skewering zingers of the play.
    Matt Byrne/STCSA

    Steel’s script is bookended with a woman cleaning (who eventually gets one of the best skewering zingers of the play). The constant references to rubbish disposal are a highlight, from the hilarious opening scene (“we don’t do bins”) to the frantic scramble to weaponise a “scandal” and who is sacrificed to save who.

    Steel’s writing revels in the roller coaster of political life, balancing the high comedy with deep insight into the human cost.

    This is the kind of play you want to see again to delight in Steel’s use of language, the uproarious comedy and the undercurrents of bloodthirsty power.

    A brilliant cast

    Director Shannon Rush has expertly paced this excellent cast to bring out every laugh, back stab and all-too-familiar power jostle. They don’t miss a beat or drop a spark of energy. The sense of building political pressure and personal conflict is relentless and exciting; the depiction of the sense of place and power is spot on.

    Every one of Steel’s political animals is instantly recognisable. We watch them with morbid fascination as they spar, jostle, align and detonate, revealing more of themselves as the stakes rise.

    Every one of Steel’s political animals is instantly recognisable.
    Matt Byrne/STCSA

    Taheny effortlessly makes the whip-smart staffer Anna multifaceted, with internal conflict alongside high-energy pragmatism and expertly timed comedy. Youssef’s Ruth is blunt, no-nonsense and idealistic, with comically few diplomatic skills and no idea how the machinations of government work – but an unflinching desire to make a change for good.

    Lafosse brings depth, subtlety and excellent comic foil timing to the young idealist. Musolino revels in the role of the leader-in-waiting Paul, giving us a joyously morally bankrupt character. Every moment of his scenes is a delight and his repulsively predatory-yet-attractive older white male politician was all-too recognisable. The scenes between Paul and Taheny’s Anna spark and hum with energy and presence.

    Welford is wonderful as Ben the media officer and Duncan the party apparatchik, bringing out the offhanded ruthless grabs for power and casual decimations between laughs.

    Youssef’s Ruth is blunt, no-nonsense and idealistic, with comically few diplomatic skills.
    Matt Byrne/STCSA

    The ensemble cast all play smaller roles, filling out the world of parliament with the faceless “schemers and plotters” in the back rooms and corridors, ABC news journalists, and continual stream of environmental protesters.

    Sunitra Martinelli plays both the ever-present (and mostly voiceless) cleaner, and the prime minister. This pairing is a genius move, played with presence and deft contrast. The cleaning woman, constantly fixing the mess others make, bookends the play as a constant reminder of the mopping-up required for the people in power. Politics is literally a dirty business.

    A future classic

    Ailsa Paterson’s stylish set references the stark white outside of Parliament House in Canberra. The repetitive doorways and hallways, entries and frames for the machinations of the people of government. A rotating long timber table divides the scenes and the sides of parliament.

    Sound design by Andrew Howard punctuates scene changes and mood swings with pounding relentless pace, the tick-tock of time passing, and rich sonic textures to create the insistent, driving tempo of government.

    The stylish set references the stark white outside of Parliament House in Canberra.
    Matt Byrne/STCSA

    Nigel Leavings’ lighting is superb, creating menace, blinding office fluros, and shadows in this mad-rush-to-the-top climb over the bodies of everyone to get to the top.

    Housework is firmly in the now-familiar worlds of Total Control (2019–24), Rake (2010–18) and The Thick Of It (2005–12). It is a deft capturing of a socio-political moment in time, undeniably Australian and gloriously uncompromising.

    Dare I say it, this a future Australian classic: a Don’s Party for our time, but with fewer blokes and WAGs – and a female PM.

    Housework is at the State Theatre Company South Australia until February 22.

    Catherine Campbell 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. New play Housework is a future Australian classic – a Don’s Party for our time – https://theconversation.com/new-play-housework-is-a-future-australian-classic-a-dons-party-for-our-time-249019

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI China: China leads in energy transition investment

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

    China led the world in energy transition investment last year, accounting for two-thirds of the $2.1 trillion spent globally in 2024, according to BloombergNEF (BNEF), a research and advisory firm.

    Driven by strong domestic demand, China remained the dominant force in clean energy investment last year, with spending focused on solar power, lithium batteries, electric vehicles, and power grids, BNEF said in its recently released Energy Transition Investment Trends 2025 report.

    With a 20 percent year-on-year growth, the Chinese mainland alone contributed $134 billion of the $202 billion global investment increase in 2024. The country posted solid growth across multiple sectors, including renewables, energy storage, nuclear power, EVs, hydrogen, heat pumps and power grids, it said.

    China’s rapid investment surge widened its lead over other economies, with its energy transition spending more than double that of any other country. Even when adjusted for economic size, China’s investment accounted for 4.5 percent of its GDP, far exceeding countries like the United States with 1.2 percent, said the research firm.

    China’s renewable energy sector experienced a stellar year in 2024, with the total installed capacity of wind and solar power surpassing 1.4 billion kilowatts, further reinforcing the country’s role as a global leader in renewable energy development.

    Industry experts said China has always been a global leader in the green energy shift.

    The Sinopec Economics and Development Research Institute, a think tank that is part of China Petroleum and Chemical Corp, has forecast that China’s investment in its energy transition is expected to surpass $1 trillion by 2030, with a focus on enhancing energy efficiency and accelerating electrification.

    China has doubled the share of renewable energy in its energy investment mix, spending more than 40 percent of its energy transition funds on renewables, or roughly twice the amount allocated to fossil fuels, said Luo Daqing, vice-president of the institute.

    According to Zhou Libo, deputy secretary-general of the China Electricity Council’s electric transportation and energy storage branch, investment in China is set to continue growing in integrated energy stations, photovoltaic-storage-charging hubs and supercharging stations.

    Data released by BNEF reveal that China also maintained its dominance in the clean energy supply chain, accounting for 81 percent of global supply chain investment in 2024.

    BNEF expects China to continue leading global clean energy spending in the years ahead.

    Beyond renewables, investment in other low-carbon energy sources, including nuclear power, rose sharply in 2024, underscoring a global revival of nuclear energy, it said.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Barrasso Bill Ends Electric Vehicle Tax Credits

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming John Barrasso

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Senate Majority Whip, introduced legislation to end the federal electric vehicle and charging stations tax credit. This legislation stops taxpayer money from subsidizing luxury electric vehicle for high-income individuals and corporations.

    The Eliminating Lavish Incentives to Electric (ELITE) Vehicles Act (S. 541) specifically repeals the $7,500 tax credit for new electric vehicles (EVs), eliminates the tax credit for purchasing used EVs, wipes out the federal investment tax credit for electric vehicle charging stations, and closes the “leasing loophole” that has allowed certain taxpayers and foreign entities to evade restrictions on EV incentives. It also stops China from exploiting loopholes and circumventing guardrails to access U.S. tax credits associated with electric vehicles.

    “The hard-earned money of taxpaying Americans should not cover the cost for the luxuries of the nation’s elite. Nor should we be allowing China to infiltrate our markets and undermine our supply chain,” said Senator Barrasso. “Repealing these reckless tax credits from the Biden administration once and for all will stop Washington from giving handouts to our adversaries and high-income individuals. Wyoming families should not foot the bill for expensive electric cars they don’t want and can’t afford.”

    “American taxpayers should not have to foot the bill for the Biden administration’s sweeping windfall for electric vehicles,” said Leader Thune. “I’m proud to join Sen. Barrasso in this effort to end the exorbitant tax burden that was placed on American households to fuel a reckless and unrealistic environmental agenda.”

    Co-sponsors of this legislation include Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), U.S. Senators James Lankford (R-Okla.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Roger Marshall (R-Kans.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), and Rick Scott (R-Fla.).

    This legislation is supported by the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers, Americans for Prosperity, National Taxpayers Union, and Heritage Action.

    “The EV tax credit was always supposed to sunset, so Senator Barrasso is absolutely right to say, ‘enough is enough’ for taxpayers. After more than a decade of subsidies worth billions of dollars, it’s time for EVs to compete on a level playing field.” – Chet Thompson, President and CEO, American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM)

    “Americans are hurting after four years of failed energy policy under former President Joe Biden. The last thing American families and small businesses should be subsidizing is electric vehicles that few can afford. Now is the time for electric vehicles to compete in the open marketplace, responsive to the needs and desires of the consumer. Forcing electric vehicles on the American people has failed and costs domestic auto manufacturers billions, resulting in fewer affordable vehicle options and economic distortion. We applaud Senator Barrasso for reintroducing the Eliminate Lavish Incentives to Electric (ELITE) Vehicles Act to rid the marketplace of government cronyism and favoritism and we look forward to this legislation moving to the Floor.” – Brent Gardner, Chief Government Affairs Officer, Americans for Prosperity

    Full text of the legislation can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Backbone University 2025

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    A joint force of 89 Republic of Korea and U.S. senior Noncommissioned Officers came together from across the Korean Peninsula to attend the 2025 iteration of Backbone University, February 3-7, on Camp Humphreys.

    Backbone University is a one-week developmental course focused on providing NCOs of the E-7 pay-grade with an understanding of the joint operations environment while instilling valuable lessons on leadership that they can take with them to improve their organizations and the military as whole.

    “This week was impressive. The strength of the Alliance and the future of our services and countries were in safe and capable hands with these outstanding senior NCOs and chief petty officers leading in our formations,” said Sgt. Maj. Joseph Gaskin, Operations Sergeant Major of United States Forces Korea and Backbone University Director. “For the first time, participants worked together on capstone projects which focused on learning from examples of Republic of Korea and U.S. Medal of Honor recipients from the Korean War. To see all these senior noncommissioned officers and chief petty officers from the joint and combined multinational force come together this week, overcome language barriers, work together in a mission command centric environment, intent based leadership, solve problems, face a very restrictive timeline, it was very inspiring to me.”

    The curriculum allowed participants to engage with senior leaders such as Gen. Xavier T. Brunson, Maj. Gen. William H. Taylor, and Command Sgt. Maj. Jack H. Love, who were more than keen to share their insights and experiences with leadership, an NCOs purpose and function in a senior commander’s staff, and core lessons they learned along their journey.

    “Some of the things that really stuck with me were the 15 Secrets of Leadership from Command Sgt. Maj. Love. I’m going to take those lessons back and give it to my junior leaders and senior leaders so we can get moving on the right direction,” said Sgt. 1st. Class Daltyn Phelps, battery operations NCO, 210th Field Artillery Brigade.

    “One of the 15 secrets to leadership was inspect what you expect, and that really struck a chord with me coming from the airborne community. A lot of things get overlooked, like hands in pockets, things not being buttoned down or not having the right tools on you. That really struck me because I feel like that’s one thing that we can improve on as senior NCOs.”

    Participants started and ended each training day with teambuilding focused events such as: PT sessions led by Marine Forces Korea, Special Operations Command Korea, and Combined Forces Command; dodgeball tournaments and traditional Korean field day events such as three legged races; and the ‘Culminator’, which saw platoons fight through a six-mile-long slog of ice and snow all the while tackling obstacles, and carrying supplies such as water cans and simulated casualties.

    “Being in this training is beneficial for me personally, because I have never really worked with different branches before,” said Chief Petty Officer Voss, logistics specialist, Command Navy Forces Korea. “I’m grateful for this opportunity to work with Army, Marines, Air Force, and also ROK forces, because we have exercises where we have to brainstorm and learn about how the other branches approach problems, and we come up with different solutions that we wouldn’t normally think of, and as a group we produce better products.”

    “We had many branches from Korea, the U.S., and even New Zealand working together,” said Master Sgt. Joo-Won Hong, Republic of Korea Air Force, 19th Fighter Wing. “There were a lot of opportunities for me to integrate with our Alliance partners and learn different ways to tackle the challenges.”

    Ultimately, Backbone University is about building strong, joint teams, reaffirming the strength of the ROK-U.S. Alliance, and preparing a stronger NCO Corps capable of dominating the battlefield.

    “You know, as you watch these NCOs come together, overcome all the barriers of communication, and draw upon lessons from the past to drive us into the future, the way they engage with the senior mentors who came to visit each day, the tough questions that they proposed, all of them really inspired me,” said Gaskin. “This easily fits the purpose of our core of NCOs and chief petty officers; we’re fighting and war winning. The grit these NCOs displayed this week tells me that our Alliance is strong, and our future is solid. We’re in capable hands with each one of these people who are leading our formations.”

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI China: US military aircraft crashes into San Diego Bay

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A U.S. military aircraft crashed into the San Diego Bay on Wednesday, according to the San Diego Fire-Rescue.

    The U.S. military confirmed that only two pilots were on the plane that crashed into the water near Shelter Island. Both pilots have been rescued.

    The aircraft was an E/A-18 G Growler, a U.S. Navy spokesperson confirmed.

    The aircrew safely ejected, and they were taken out of the water, according to the spokesperson.

    The pilots were transferred to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection boat on the scene and later taken to the Hillcrest Medical Center at UC San Diego Health.

    Fire officials sent 60 personnel to the scene, including two fire trucks, a foam truck, five engines, a helicopter, two boats and a lifeguard river team.

    A Navy official said it is unclear if a distress signal was sent out prior to the crash. The pilots have not been identified.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Venezuelan Men Charged with Bank Larceny Offenses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Paducah, KY –A federal criminal complaint and arrest warrant were issued this week charging two Venezuelan men with conspiracy to commit bank larceny and attempted bank larceny.

    U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of Homeland Security Investigations Nashville, and Police Chief Mike Canon of the Calvert City Police Department made the announcement.

    According to court records, on January 31, 2025, Jhoandiris Jimenez-Barrio, 26, and Yirvel Yonaiker Rios-Castro, 20, both citizens of Venezuela, attempted to steal money from an ATM located in Calvert City, Kentucky. That day the Calvert City Police Department responded to an ATM alarm and the men fled the scene in a vehicle traveling between 70 and 80 mph. The men struck another vehicle and fled the wreck on foot. The Calvert City Police Department apprehended the men near a service station in Calvert City. A search of their vehicle yielded a cordless drill, drill bits, latex gloves, a mask, and duct tape.

    Homeland Security Investigations verified that Jimenez-Barrio and Rios-Castro are Venezuelan and entered the United States illegally.

    Jimenez-Barrio and Rios-Castro are in state custody and will make initial appearances before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky at a later date. If convicted on the charges in the complaint, the men face maximum potential penalties of 50 years in prison, a $500,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    The FBI, HSI, and Calvert City Police Department are investigating.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Seth Hancock and Raymond McGee, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, are prosecuting the case.

    A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘A house battery you can drive around’: how a handful of Australians are selling power from their cars back to the grid

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Scott Dwyer, Research Director, Energy Futures, University of Technology Sydney

    24K-Productions

    Our cars sit unused most of the time. If you have an electric vehicle, you might leave it charging at home or work after driving it. But there’s another step you could take. If you have a bidirectional charger, you can set it to sell power back to the grid when demand is high.

    Fewer than ten people across Australia actually do this, because the technology – known as Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) – is very new. To date, it only works with a single car model (Nissan LEAF) and a single charger (Wallbox Quasar 1). We’ve estimated the number of users based on sales of this charger. The chargers are expensive and there’s a thicket of regulations to navigate.

    But that could soon change. Last year, Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen announced new Australian standards and communications protocols for bidirectional chargers in a bid to make it mainstream. Cheaper EVs and bidirectional chargers will make this more appealing.

    If it takes off, V2G could become extremely useful to the power grid as a way to release power as required and stabilise the grid against fluctuations.

    This week, Australia’s renewable energy agency released a V2G roadmap, which notes widespread uptake could “materially reduce electricity costs for consumers and accelerate national emissions reduction”.

    To understand why people are using the technology and the challenges to do so, we interviewed five early adopters from New South Wales and South Australia. Our findings are released today.

    A bidirectional charger is necessary to sell power back to the grid.
    doublelee/Shutterstock

    Setting up V2G isn’t easy

    Our interviewees reported a long, complex journey to set up V2G. These early adopters had no playbook to follow, so the process was one of trial and error.

    Some relied on professional networks or social media groups to gather information. They spent significant time and energy finding electricians, installers and charger manufacturers to set up their systems. Strata approvals were required. They also had to negotiate with power retailers and distributors.

    Delays were common, especially when seeking approval from the energy distributor. Some interviewees reported delays of months to years.

    Most interviewees had experience in a technical field such as engineering or technology. Some reported a significant learning curve, while others using new software from their retailer reported a smoother “set and forget” process.

    So why do it? Our interviewees had several reasons, ranging from getting the most out of expensive assets (solar and the EV) to offsetting power bills entirely.

    Four out of five interviewees reported making a small profit of about A$1,000 annually instead of a bill. Many wanted to be able to reduce dependence on the grid and reduce their environmental impact.

    As one told us:

    you originally think of it as a car you can also use to power your house. [But actually] it’s a house battery you can drive around.

    Maximising savings

    Typically, our interviewees plugged their car in at home during the day to charge from their rooftop solar. In the evenings when power prices peaked, they used an app to sell power back to the grid. This maximised their cost savings for charging the car battery and their earnings from the grid.

    For instance, a V2G user was alerted by their energy retailer that power prices had spiked to over $20 per kilowatt hour – far above normal rates of 25–45 cents. They immediately set their car and home battery to sell power back to the grid. In two hours, they sold 28 kilowatt hours of power to the grid and made more than $560. As they told us: “I look forward to more such events.”

    Our interviewees often monitored energy prices, solar output and car battery levels to optimise their output. To avoid their EV battery getting too low, they set a lower limit – say 30% of charge – after which their car would stop exporting power.

    This photo shows the setup of one of our early adopter interviewees. Pictured is the Nissan LEAF and bidirectional charger. For years, this has been the only car model compatible with vehicle to grid, but this is set to change.
    Author provided, CC BY-NC-ND

    Is there a downside?

    One of the main reasons people are sceptical of V2G is due to concern about accelerated degradation of the battery.

    This is a common concern. But to date, there’s no consensus showing V2G shortens the battery life of EVs significantly. One recent study shows it increases degradation by 0.3% a year. But another showed V2G might actually extend battery life in some scenarios.

    Last year, we surveyed more than 1,300 members of a motoring organisation about their view of V2G technology. We found battery warranty was a bigger concern than battery life. This is because most EV manufacturers other than Nissan don’t mention V2G in their battery warranties, leading drivers to believe they might void their warranty by using V2G.

    Awareness of V2G technology is growing. The survey also found almost 40% of respondents were very or somewhat familiar with V2G, a jump from the 17% who reported familiarity in 2022. Among EV owners, almost 90% reported knowledge of the concept.

    Moving beyond early adopters

    For V2G to go mainstream, the process must be much simpler, cheaper and easier to set up.

    To accelerate uptake, reliable, accessible information is essential.

    Expanding government incentive programs to include bidirectional chargers would cut the upfront cost and make it more accessible.

    Even within the EV supply chain, knowledge of V2G is limited. Car dealerships will need to know which models work with V2G.

    Electricians may need specific training to install and maintain these chargers.

    EVs are falling in price as manufacturers vie for market share and cheaper options become available. V2G capabilities might help boost sales for competing car companies.

    As more motorists switch to EVs, interest in V2G will increase. While V2G can boost the appeal of EVs, there are others, such as Vehicle-to-Home (using your car to power your home during blackouts or to save money) and Vehicle-to-Load (using your EV to run power tools or appliances).

    Each of these can help consumers get more value from the vehicles parked in driveways and garages.

    Scott Dwyer receives funding from iMOVE Australia Cooperative Research Centre and the NRMA for this project.

    Scott Dwyer receives funding from iMOVE Australia Cooperative Research Centre and the NRMA for this project.

    Kriti Nagrath receives funding from iMOVE Australia Cooperative Research Centre and the NRMA for this project.

    ref. ‘A house battery you can drive around’: how a handful of Australians are selling power from their cars back to the grid – https://theconversation.com/a-house-battery-you-can-drive-around-how-a-handful-of-australians-are-selling-power-from-their-cars-back-to-the-grid-249696

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI China: China remains appealing to foreign investors

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

    SHANGHAI, Feb. 12 — Despite geopolitical tensions and rising trade protectionism, international businesses are deepening their commitments in China as 2025 unfolds, demonstrating the country’s appeal to those seeking to stay competitive globally.

    U.S. automaker Tesla’s Megafactory in Shanghai began producing energy storage batteries on Tuesday. Earlier this month, Toyota announced plans to establish a wholly owned electric vehicle plant in the eastern Chinese economic hub. In January, construction started on Siemens Healthineers’ new manufacturing and research facility in south China’s Shenzhen.

    The rationale behind these investments by global industry leaders is clear: China remains a vital market with significant growth potential.

    With its expanding middle class, China’s position as a global economic powerhouse makes its vast market hard to ignore. In 2024, the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) reached a record 134.91 trillion yuan (about 18.81 trillion U.S. dollars), marking a 5-percent year-on-year increase. As the world’s second-largest economy, China offers opportunities that are difficult to find elsewhere.

    China’s supply chain has become increasingly sophisticated and complete. Its highly competitive and advanced manufacturing ecosystem continues to attract high-value, technology-intensive investments.

    Additionally, China’s talent pool, particularly its abundance of engineers, bolsters multinational corporations’ confidence in establishing global research and development centers here. The country’s transformation into an innovation hub is particularly evident in industries such as electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries. As China builds a modern industrial system, it accelerates efforts to develop new quality productive forces, creating fresh opportunities for global companies.

    China remains committed to opening up and fostering win-win cooperation. The nation’s market has become increasingly accessible, and a series of measures have been taken to encourage foreign investment. In recent years, China has made significant strides in promoting high-standard openness, including reducing the negative list for foreign investment, eliminating all restrictions on foreign investors in manufacturing, and expanding unilateral opening to the least-developed countries. The results of these efforts are reflected in the 9.9-percent increase in the number of newly established foreign-funded enterprises in China last year.

    Furthermore, Chinese authorities have made expanding high-standard economic openness a key priority for 2025. During an executive meeting on Monday, the State Council approved an action plan to stabilize foreign investment this year. The meeting called for more practical and effective measures to attract foreign capital, underscoring China’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment.

    Despite challenges posed by the politicization of economic and trade issues in the West and sluggish global investment, China’s high-level openness, economic vitality, and expanding consumer base continue to make it a top investment destination.

    According to the 2024 Kearney Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index, which measures investor expectations for FDI over the next three years, China jumped from seventh to third place in global rankings, leading all emerging markets.

    As many multinational executives have noted, “The next China is still China.” In an era of uncertainty and instability, one thing remains clear: Investing in China is a strategic move for those looking to secure their future.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI Security: KS25: USAF, JSDF conduct C-17 static loading test

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    Approximately 60 members from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, Japan Air Self-Defense Force and U.S. Air Force conducted a C-17 Globemaster III static loading test at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan Feb. 3-4.

    The training event was a part of Keen Sword 25, a bilateral training exercise that took place in the vicinity of Japan from Oct. 23, 2024, through Nov. 1, 2024.

    Keen Sword demonstrates and advances interoperability, validates force posture, and reinforces solidarity of the U.S.-Japan alliance by exercising the most modern
    equipment and procedures under realistic conditions.

    “AC-17 loading test was postponed during KS 25,” said Jake Carrico, U.S. Forces, Japan transportation planning specialist. “Japan Self-Defense Forces requested the training event be rescheduled for February 2025 to meet this training exercise objective.”

    The training included a joint inspection, load planning, and a C-17 static loading test with Japan Self-Defense Forces members from the 1st Helicopter Brigade, and Japan Air Self-Defense Force Central Air Defense Missile Group. Also, USAF members from 730th Air Mobility Squadron and 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Yokota Air Base, and 535th Airlift Squadron, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.

    “This is important bilateral training event provides JGSDF and JASDF members to practice contingency-loading of their equipment on a USAF C-17,” said Carrico.

    During the two-day training event, JGSDF members conducted their CH-47JA Chinook helicopter loading onto a USAF C-17. Also, JASDF members loaded their Antenna Mast Group vehicle and MIM-104 Patriot missile system, including USAF loading members conducted joint inspections and load planning according to the Air Transportation Test Loading Activity (ATTLA).

    “The ATTLA provides instructions on how to prepare and transport equipment, including foreign nations, on USAF aircraft.” said Staff Sgt. Eric Shaah, 730th Air Mobility Squadron air transportation specialist. “We inspected cargo for airworthiness to include hazardous materials check, cargo build up, and proper vehicle transport configurations.”

    The two-day exercise offered the opportunity to liaise with the JSDF in a show of bilateral interoperability and to use the safest and most efficient methods to upload and download their assets using U.S. airlift.

    “In total 143,000 pounds of rolling stock were prepared, loaded, and unloaded from a C-17.” said Shaah.

    According to a senior JASDF official, using the C-17 cargo aircraft enables a strategic capability to reconfigure large assets like the CH-47 Chinook transport helicopter for airlift around the country.

    “Exercising the capability to support and collaborate with our partner nations strengthens our ability to project combat power anywhere on the globe,” said Shaah, “During these two days, we were able to demonstrate the joint inspection requirements to the JASDF and JGSDF so that they have familiarization with the mathematical computations and loading process in the event that they need to deploy their equipment and personnel via mobility airlift.”

    This training provides an enhanced mutual understanding of aircraft loading procedures and strengthens cooperation between USAF and the JSDF to respond to humanitarian crisis or contingency. The U.S.-Japan alliance has served as the foundation for regional peace and security for nearly 75 years and remains indispensable to our mutual security interests in the Indo-Pacific.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal jury convicts Florida man of attempting to coerce minor for sex in Missoula undercover investigation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MISSOULA — A federal jury today convicted a Florida man of attempting to coerce a minor for sex after he was arrested in Missoula in an undercover investigation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

    After a three-day trial that began on Feb. 10, the jury found the defendant, Stevenson Metelus, 36, of Margate, Florida, guilty of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. Metelus faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and at least five years to a lifetime of supervised release.

    U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for June 24. Metelus was released pending further proceedings.

    “Metelus was a truck driver passing through Montana when he used social media to attempt to coerce a minor to have sex with him. The problem for him was he was unwittingly talking to an undercover law enforcement officer. This is the kind of critical work our office and our law enforcement partners are doing across the state to keep kids safe. Our work will continue, and it can only be done effectively due to the diligence, brilliance, and dedicated service of the people in our office and our law enforcement partners,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

    The government alleged at trial and in court documents that in October 2023, an FBI special agent, using a persona identified as Child 1, posted on MegaPersonals an advertisement for prostitution services in Missoula, listed the age of Child 1 as “99” and a phone number at which to contact Child 1. Metelus responded to the ad on Nov. 16, 2023 and asked Child 1 what her “specials” were. Metelus spoke with Child 1, eventually negotiating a price and sexual acts to engage in with her. Child 1 noted she was a minor girl. Ultimately, Metelus asked Child 1 to meet him in his truck when he arrived, but Child 1 said she had a room at the hotel and would leave the door open for him. Child 1 then said that she could meet him at a nearby gas station when he expressed concern about the plan. The undercover FBI agent had confidential source call Metelus and, acting as Child 1, spoke briefly with him. The confidential source again told Metelus that she was a minor. The parties then confirmed their plans to meet. Shortly thereafter, Metelus texted Child 1 that he had arrived at the gas station, where law enforcement arrested him. Metelus eventually admitted to law enforcement his intention was to meet Child 1 for commercial sex.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force, Missoula Police Department and Missoula County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.

    XXX

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘It’s a house battery you can drive around’ – how a handful of Australians are selling power back to the grid from their cars

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Scott Dwyer, Research Director, Energy Futures, University of Technology Sydney

    24K-Productions

    Our cars sit unused most of the time. If you have an electric vehicle, you might leave it charging at home or work after driving it. But there’s another step you could take. If you have a bidirectional charger, you can set it to sell power back to the grid when demand is high.

    Fewer than ten people across Australia actually do this, because the technology – known as Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) – is very new. To date, it only works with a single car model (Nissan LEAF) and a single charger (Wallbox Quasar 1). We’ve estimated the number of users based on sales of this charger. The chargers are expensive and there’s a thicket of regulations to navigate.

    But that could soon change. Last year, Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen announced new Australian standards and communications protocols for bidirectional chargers in a bid to make it mainstream. Cheaper EVs and bidirectional chargers will make this more appealing.

    If it takes off, V2G could become extremely useful to the power grid as a way to release power as required and stabilise the grid against fluctuations.

    This week, Australia’s renewable energy agency released a V2G roadmap, which notes widespread uptake could “materially reduce electricity costs for consumers and accelerate national emissions reduction”.

    To understand why people are using the technology and the challenges to do so, we interviewed five early adopters from New South Wales and South Australia. Our findings are released today.

    A bidirectional charger is necessary to sell power back to the grid.
    doublelee/Shutterstock

    Setting up V2G isn’t easy

    Our interviewees reported a long, complex journey to set up V2G. These early adopters had no playbook to follow, so the process was one of trial and error.

    Some relied on professional networks or social media groups to gather information. They spent significant time and energy finding electricians, installers and charger manufacturers to set up their systems. Strata approvals were required. They also had to negotiate with power retailers and distributors.

    Delays were common, especially when seeking approval from the energy distributor. Some interviewees reported delays of months to years.

    Most interviewees had experience in a technical field such as engineering or technology. Some reported a significant learning curve, while others using new software from their retailer reported a smoother “set and forget” process.

    So why do it? Our interviewees had several reasons, ranging from getting the most out of expensive assets (solar and the EV) to offsetting power bills entirely.

    Four out of five interviewees reported making a small profit of about A$1,000 annually instead of a bill. Many wanted to be able to reduce dependence on the grid and reduce their environmental impact.

    As one told us:

    you originally think of it as a car you can also use to power your house. [But actually] it’s a house battery you can drive around.

    Maximising savings

    Typically, our interviewees plugged their car in at home during the day to charge from their rooftop solar. In the evenings when power prices peaked, they used an app to sell power back to the grid. This maximised their cost savings for charging the car battery and their earnings from the grid.

    For instance, a V2G user was alerted by their energy retailer that power prices had spiked to over $20 per kilowatt hour – far above normal rates of 25–45 cents. They immediately set their car and home battery to sell power back to the grid. In two hours, they sold 28 kilowatt hours of power to the grid and made more than $560. As they told us: “I look forward to more such events.”

    Our interviewees often monitored energy prices, solar output and car battery levels to optimise their output. To avoid their EV battery getting too low, they set a lower limit – say 30% of charge – after which their car would stop exporting power.

    This photo shows the setup of one of our early adopter interviewees. Pictured is the Nissan LEAF and bidirectional charger. For years, this has been the only car model compatible with vehicle to grid, but this is set to change.
    Author provided, CC BY-NC-ND

    Is there a downside?

    One of the main reasons people are sceptical of V2G is due to concern about accelerated degradation of the battery.

    This is a common concern. But to date, there’s no consensus showing V2G shortens the battery life of EVs significantly. One recent study shows it increases degradation by 0.3% a year. But another showed V2G might actually extend battery life in some scenarios.

    Last year, we surveyed more than 1,300 members of a motoring organisation about their view of V2G technology. We found battery warranty was a bigger concern than battery life. This is because most EV manufacturers other than Nissan don’t mention V2G in their battery warranties, leading drivers to believe they might void their warranty by using V2G.

    Awareness of V2G technology is growing. The survey also found almost 40% of respondents were very or somewhat familiar with V2G, a jump from the 17% who reported familiarity in 2022. Among EV owners, almost 90% reported knowledge of the concept.

    Moving beyond early adopters

    For V2G to go mainstream, the process must be much simpler, cheaper and easier to set up.

    To accelerate uptake, reliable, accessible information is essential.

    Expanding government incentive programs to include bidirectional chargers would cut the upfront cost and make it more accessible.

    Even within the EV supply chain, knowledge of V2G is limited. Car dealerships will need to know which models work with V2G.

    Electricians may need specific training to install and maintain these chargers.

    EVs are falling in price as manufacturers vie for market share and cheaper options become available. V2G capabilities might help boost sales for competing car companies.

    As more motorists switch to EVs, interest in V2G will increase. While V2G can boost the appeal of EVs, there are others, such as Vehicle-to-Home (using your car to power your home during blackouts or to save money) and Vehicle-to-Load (using your EV to run power tools or appliances).

    Each of these can help consumers get more value from the vehicles parked in driveways and garages.

    Scott Dwyer receives funding from iMOVE Australia Cooperative Research Centre and the NRMA for this project.

    Scott Dwyer receives funding from iMOVE Australia Cooperative Research Centre and the NRMA for this project.

    Kriti Nagrath receives funding from iMOVE Australia Cooperative Research Centre and the NRMA for this project.

    ref. ‘It’s a house battery you can drive around’ – how a handful of Australians are selling power back to the grid from their cars – https://theconversation.com/its-a-house-battery-you-can-drive-around-how-a-handful-of-australians-are-selling-power-back-to-the-grid-from-their-cars-249696

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-Evening Report: You’re playing (or watching) sport and someone blurts out a racial slur. The next 60 seconds are crucial

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Aish Ravi, Lecturer in Curriculum, Teaching and Inclusive Education, Monash University

    In October last year, the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) launched Dealing with the Moment: Anti-Racism in Community Sport, a free online course designed to help community coaches, parents, umpires and players respond to racism in sport.

    The course equips people with the tools they need to intervene effectively when racism occurs, ensuring everyone feels safe, welcome and respected.

    One of the key recommendations from the course is what to do if you hear someone say something racist on the sports field.

    Why racist remarks are so damaging

    Racist remarks hurt more than just a player’s feelings — they attack their sense of belonging and identity on the field.

    I know from my own experiences.

    During my years playing various community sports as a young adult, including Australian rules football, soccer and cricket, I was often one of the only people of colour.

    In those moments, I wanted my play and skills to be the focus but unfortunately, my appearance often made me stand out, which led to racist comments.

    Those remarks were deeply offensive and hurtful. They made me feel like I didn’t belong or shouldn’t be there.

    Racism in sport sends a harmful message: that someone doesn’t belong because of their skin colour or background. These incidents leave lasting emotional and psychological scars, even if they don’t result in physical harm.

    Why I helped develop the course

    I worked on developing the course to address a significant gap in how racism is handled in community sport.

    The course aims to ensure all sport participants have a positive and inclusive experience and that everyone understands the importance of addressing racism immediately – in the moment.

    It’s not good enough to delay action, even if that’s how it has often been done in the past. Some organisations claim that delaying action allows for thorough investigations and careful consideration.

    However, this is often a strategy to protect reputations and minimise backlash rather than address the root causes of the problem.

    Such delays can silence victims, perpetuate harm, and show a lack of genuine commitment to tackling systemic racism. Immediate action is necessary to demonstrate accountability and foster meaningful change.

    We must do better. We need to see progress, not stagnation.

    So, what should you do after a racist comment?

    If you don’t have time to dive into the full course, here are the key lessons:

    • the first 60 seconds are crucial: intervening immediately sends a strong message that racism won’t be tolerated and shows support for the victim

    • understand racism: recognise what racism is and how it affects people. Never dismiss someone’s experience by saying it’s “not racism” or telling them to “get over it”. Just because the harm isn’t physical doesn’t mean it’s not significant

    • take action: the course provides clear guidance on how to respond effectively to incidents of racism and support those affected.

    Why are the first 60 seconds so cruical?

    Acting early allows you to nip the issue in the bud by calling it out and intervening on the spot. It leaves no room for misinterpretation of events or for the narrative to shift.

    The longer the delay, the more time it allows for the situation to be downplayed, the narrative to change, or for excuses to be made.

    Ultimately, delays often result in the issue being swept under the carpet, with no one taking accountability for the harm caused.

    Immediate action demonstrates clarity, conviction, and a genuine commitment to addressing racism.

    Strategies for coaches, parents and officials

    Everyone — coaches, parents, officials, players and spectators — has a role to play when dealing with racism. Here are some practical strategies:

    • acknowledge and act: staying silent is not an option. A simple statement like “that’s not okay” sends a strong message of support and sets a clear standard of behaviour

    • use your authority: coaches can address players directly, officials can stop play, and parents can challenge inappropriate behaviour from the sidelines. Everyone has the power to intervene

    • educate yourself: take the course or learn more about racism so you feel confident and empowered to act

    • don’t minimise the impact: never tell someone to brush it off or suggest it’s not a big deal. Acknowledge their feelings, show empathy, and take the situation seriously

    • apply this to all inappropriate behaviour: these strategies aren’t limited to racism. They apply to misogynistic, homophobic, or other harmful remarks as well.

    Sport should be for everyone

    We live in a multicultural society – a melting pot of diverse cultures that is beautifully reflected on our streets and in our classrooms. It would be wonderful to see this diversity equally represented in community sport.

    Greater representation on the field and in the stands would create a sense of belonging and allow all players to thrive, regardless of their background.

    This is why addressing racism is so crucial — it paves the way for more inclusive and equitable participation in sport.

    The goal is to make sport a space where diversity is celebrated, teamwork is valued, and everyone can thrive without fear of discrimination.

    We can all play a part in creating lasting change.

    Aish Ravi receives funding from organisations for consulting work on training and education and evaluation work. She is also on various volunteer committees advocating for change.

    ref. You’re playing (or watching) sport and someone blurts out a racial slur. The next 60 seconds are crucial – https://theconversation.com/youre-playing-or-watching-sport-and-someone-blurts-out-a-racial-slur-the-next-60-seconds-are-crucial-248671

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz