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Manchester United Supporters’ Trust (MUST) revealed the club had informed the fans forum that changes to certain ticket policies will take effect immediately “and that this price will apply for kids and over-65s as well as adults”. The news comes as the club confirmed the cost of paying off former manager Erik ten Hag and his staff was £10.4million, while a release clause to bring in new head coach Ruben Amorim and his staff amounted to £11m. The figures were part of a longer version of the club’s first-quarter accounts which were released to the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday. United and Everton fans are set to stage a protest against ticket prices ahead of their Premier League clash on Sunday. Supporters are being asked to gather next to the trinity statue outside Old Trafford to support the Football Supporters’ Association’s ‘Stop Exploiting Loyalty’ campaign. As well as increasing prices generally, fans are unhappy about the removal of concession tickets for certain groups. An MUST statement read: “Suffice it to say that the idea that the fans must pay their ‘fair share’ for the club’s excesses and/or mismanagement — and above all, the Glazers’ lack of investment over two decades — is offensive. “We fans have done everything we have been asked. We have cheered the players on even in the face of substandard performance. “We have objected to this action in the strongest possible terms, both for the action itself and the complete lack of consultation, which is a step backward based on the process we had agreed with the club before INEOS’ arrival. “Over the coming days MUST will be seeking urgent discussions with the club to get them to listen to fans’ concern at this policy. “United fans have sucked up a lot. We will not be silent on this and we need to be prepared to resist any attempts to further drive up ticket prices.” Supporters’ group The 1958 said along with United and Everton, both Liverpool and Manchester City supporters will also display an FSA banner ahead of their match on Sunday. “With 19 out of 20 Premier League clubs increasing ticket prices this season, FC58, Everton, Liverpool and City supporters will display the FSA banner to raise awareness that any future season ticket price increases, removal of concessions, and treating match-going supporters as an easy target to make quick revenues will not be tolerated,” the fans’ group said. “With the discussions around the rebuild or redevelopment of Old Trafford, we need to send a message to the club that we are laser focused on keeping football affordable and looking after our loyal, match-going fan base. “Manchester United have announced that they will be selling tickets to members for the remainder of the season at a minimum of £66 irrespective of if you are under 16, youth, OAP or disabled, which is a clear exploitation of the loyal fan base and their first move towards dynamic pricing.”

Russian rising star Elena Pridankina has expressed her thoughts on the predictability of World No. 1 Jannik Sinner ’s matches. The World No. 150 believes that the two-time Grand Slam champion’s games are easy to foresee. Pridankina clarified that she wasn’t criticizing Sinner in any way. Instead, she suggested that no one is currently prepared to challenge the Italian on the court. This was evident throughout 2024, as Sinner dominated the season and ended the year as World No. 1 for the first time in his career. When I watch Jannik Sinner’s recent matches, I see that he always wins. Somehow you even feel sorry for his rivals, because you watch and above all, you don’t understand what is being produced. Somehow it even becomes uninteresting, because you know: Sinner will win the match anyway. There is no bad intention when I say this, there is simply nothing to say about him, even now . Sinner had an outstanding season, reaching at least the quarterfinals in every tournament he entered. He joined an elite group of players who have won multiple Grand Slams and the ATP Finals in the same season, showcasing his exceptional form. At the ATP Finals, Sinner’s dominance was unmatched. Competing against the best eight players in the world, the 23-year-old didn’t drop a single set during the entire tournament in Turin. Australian Open 2025 could have Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic in the same draw The 2025 Australian Open draw could create exciting early matches, with several top players potentially landing in the same half. Defending champion Jannik Sinner is guaranteed to be the top seed, as he will remain World No. 1 in the ATP Rankings until at least February. The current ATP top 10 includes Sinner, Alexander Zverev , Carlos Alcaraz , Taylor Fritz , Daniil Medvedev , Casper Ruud , Novak Djokovic , Andrey Rublev , Alex de Minaur , and Grigor Dimitrov . If these rankings hold, Sinner could share the top half of the draw with former No. 1 players Alcaraz, Medvedev, and Djokovic. This setup might lead to thrilling match-ups. Sinner could face Djokovic in the quarter-final and Alcaraz in the semi-final, with a possible final against Zverev. The bottom half might feature players like Zverev, Fritz, Ruud, and Rublev as top contenders. The seedings for the tournament will be based on the January 6 ATP Rankings, so there is still time for changes. This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

Beyond Bank and Cognizant join forces to lead the future of customer-owned banking

Dare Glintstone Akinniyi expressed disbelief that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, despite widespread allegations of electoral malpractice, was declared the winner of the Ondo governorship election The PDP spokesperson pointed out that the financial advantage enjoyed by the APC, including vote buying with amounts ranging from N10,000 to 20,000, influenced the outcome of the poll Akinniyi further called on the opposition parties in Nigeria to join forces with the PDP to challenge the APC’s dominance in 2027 Don't miss out! Join Legit.ng's Sports News channel on WhatsApp now! Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements. The spokesperson of the PDP National Youth Group, Dare Glintstone Akinniyi, has expressed surprise over Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo state's re-election victory , calling the result a "rigged" election due to widespread vote buying. Legit.ng reported that Aiyedatiwa, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was declared winner of the Ondo state governorship election held on November 19, with a total of 366,781 votes. His closest rival, Agboola Ajayi of the PDP , secured 117,845 votes. Read also APC leader Ganduje breaks silence amid allegations Tinubu, FG influenced outcome of Ondo election Ondo guber: PDP accuses APC of election rigging Following the outcome of the election, Akinniyi accused the APC of using financial incentives, such as offering voters 10,000 to 20,000 naira , to buy votes and secure Aiyedatiwa's victory. PAY ATTENTION: Legit.ng Needs Your Help! Take our Survey Now and See Improvements at LEGIT.NG Tomorrow He believed that the economic hardships faced by Nigerians should have been enough for the APC to lose the election, but that was not the case. In an exclusive interview with Legit.ng on Sunday, November 24, Dare Glintstone Akinniyi said: "It's unfortunate that Nigerians are allowing hunger to define our democracy with their incessant support for APC. APC has indeed weaponized poverty and with 10,000 to 20,000 naira, a voter can be bought against his or her conscience. I can't imagine anyone will agree and allow APC to have a field day in any election. "From Edo to Ondo, it is crystal clear that APC will want to rig 2027 general elections by all means. If all the opposition parties don't align and form a united force, then we should be prepared to host T-Pain till 2031. Read also Ondo post-election: “How Peter Obi, NLC contributed to my defeat,” LP candidate speaks "The incumbent Governor had nothing to show for his alleged victory. In an election with widespread 'vote buying', we can't but expect this results. I can tell you that the results don't reflect the true situation of things." 2027: Akinniyi warns against APC’s growing dominance Amid permutations over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's scon-term agenda, Dare Glintstone Akinniyi warned that unless opposition parties unite, the APC could manipulate future elections, including the 2027 general elections. He emphasized the need for the PDP to prepare for the long haul to challenge APC dominance. However, Akinniyi noted that Nigerians must brace themselves for another seven years of the APC rule unless opposition parties come together to form a united front ahead of future elections. The PDP chieftain said: "The collective financial support from APC is much higher than that of the PDP. I will say the people of Ondo lost the election to APC, because they will face the music of their collective decisions. Read also Ondo governor responds as PDP claims APC deployed N35 billion for vote buying "The APC seems to be enjoying a 'no opposition' status, with the way govern. For the PDP, the preparation for 2027 should start from now, we need to show the electorates that APC is a cancer and must be stop at all costs. We must galvanize the young people of our party and motivate the structures across the board." Read more articles from Dare Glintstone, PDP Why Nigeria under Tinubu’s govt will not benefit from Trump’s foreign policy, PDP chieftain explains Why Tinubu’s plan for nominating Bianca as minister will not work, PDP chieftain explains PDP's Ajayi vows legal action on Ondo guber outcome PDP chieftain reacts to Aiyedatiwa's win Earlier, Legit.ng reported that a prominent chieftain of the PDP, Segun S howunmi, congratulated Governor Aiyedatiwa on his win. The chieftain, whose statement was shared on social media, also extended words of encouragement to PDP candidate Ajayi. PAY ATTENTION : Legit.ng Needs Your Opinion! That's your chance to change your favourite news media. Fill in a short questionnaire Source: Legit.ngBiden considering preemptive pardons for officials allies before Trump takes office

NEW YORK (AP) — New York City Mayor Eric Adams appears open to switching parties to become a Republican, as he declined to rule out a future change in political allegiances during a pair of interviews Friday that came as he has increasing warmed to President-elect Donald Trump. The comments from Adams, the top Democrat in one of the country’s most liberal cities, riled critics who have grown concerned over the mayor’s increasing willingness to throw his support behind Trump and his hardline immigration policies. Adams, who faces federal corruption charges , was a registered Republican in the 1990s and early 2000s but has spent his political career as a Democrat. In a Friday morning interview with the local cable news station NY1, Adams was asked if he would consider a return to the GOP. The Democrat appeared to leave open the possibility of a switch. “The party that’s the most important for me is the American party,” he said. “I’m a part of the American party. I love this country. This is the home of the free, the land of the brave.” In another interview about a half-hour later on PIX11, Adams said he would run for reelection as a Democrat but still appeared to leave some wiggle room for his future. RELATED COVERAGE Ex-police officer denies leaking confidential information to Proud Boys leader On pardons, Biden weighs whether to flex presidential powers in broad new ways Mother of Austin Tice, journalist missing in Syria, says new information proves her son is alive “So no matter what party I’m on or vote on, I’m going to push for the American values,” he said. “And I think America has told us, stop the squabbling, leaders, and start leading us out of the crisis that we’re facing.” Adams won office on a centrist platform and has spent significant time as mayor quarreling with the progressive wing of his party. But his rhetoric has taken a noticeable rightward turn in the weeks since Trump’s election victory, particularly on immigration, with Adams boosting the president-elect’s platform and appearing enthusiastic about the incoming administration. Rather than restricting cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as he once promised, Adams recently expressed a willingness to roll back the city’s so-called sanctuary policies, and he plans to meet with Trump’s top border official over concerns about what the mayor said was the “rising illegal alien crime rate in New York City.” He has also praised those in Trump’s orbit, including Elon Musk, who has claimed falsely that Democrats are illegally “importing” migrants to garner votes. “This is a racehorse that wanted to run its right pace and we’ve been holding back that racehorse out of fear of being canceled,” Adams said of the country Tuesday. “And now you have a bunch of people who are not afraid of being canceled.” The shift comes as Adams is trying to fight off an indictment on federal corruption charges while governing the city and gearing up to run for a second term. Adams has pleaded not guilty in his criminal case, in which he has been accused of accepting free or discounted overseas trips and illegal campaign contributions from people looking to gain his influence, including people connected to Turkey or the Turkish government. Adams’ critics have seized on his recent comments about the Trump administration as a move toward self-preservation, accusing the mayor of cozying up to the next president in an effort to secure a pardon in his corruption case. “Eric Adams continues to sound more like he is auditioning for a job in right-wing media than running for reelection in a Democratic primary,” said Zohran Mamdani, a state assembly member who is challenging against Adams in the mayoral primary. “Eric Adams is in City Hall because Democratic voters sent him there. To serve his own narrow self-interests, he is clearly prepared to betray them.” Zellnor Myrie, a state senator who is also challenging Adams in the primary, said “at a time when the Republican Party has never been more out of line with New York values, we need a mayor who isn’t scared to call himself a Democrat.” “Instead of playing footsie with the next president, we need a mayor with the courage to stand up for our city,” Myrie wrote on X. Adams on Friday did distance himself from the Trump administration’s potential plans to carry out mass deportations, saying, “You know, I’m not for mass deportation, but I’m not for mass saturation.” Still, the mayor’s recent remarks are a major departure from his stance before he took office. In June of 2021, a few weeks before winning the Democratic mayoral primary, Adams spoke to a room full of immigrant New Yorkers about the challenges facing city residents who are in the country illegally. “Too many of our neighbors live in the shadows,” he said at the time, “scarred by the abusive rhetoric and tactics of the Trump era and fearing a denial of their rights.” ___ Izaguirre reported from Albany.

Segun James The National Council for Child Rights Advocates of Nigeria (NACCRAN) has demanded an unreserved apology from Nigeria’s consular in Mali, Mr. Ugochukwu C. Chime for what the council described as his alleged defamatory statement against its officers. NACCRAN contributions to the war against human trafficking was acknowledged by the United Nations (UN) in 2011, when it was awarded the special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). In a statement issued at the weekend by the South-west Coordinator of NACCRAN, Mr. Samson Olapade Adefioye, the council appealed to the federal government to call Chime to order over his alleged defamatory statements against the council’s officers. While acknowledging the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Muhammed Muhammed, and his counterpart at the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi for their efforts in combating child trafficking in the country, NACCRAN urged the two agencies not to allow the war against child trafficking to fail. The group lauded President Bola Tinubu for maintaining listening ears to the cries of Nigerians and exhibiting open door policy since his assumption of office. According to him, President Tinubu, ever since he was the Governor of Lagos State, had been a leader with a godly passion for the plight of the led. He insisted that President Tinubu deserves commendation for assembling a progressive team of ministers who share the same vision to move Nigeria forward and project the country’s good image to the world, to work with him. Speaking on its efforts at combating child trafficking to Mali, NACCRAN noted the challenges it has faced from the office of the Nigerian Consular in Mali. It commended NAPTIP Director General and his members of staff for their cooperation and support in the fight against child trafficking. NACCRAN praised the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Justice, and the Director General of Human Rights Commission, for their support in their fight against child trafficking in West Africa. NACCRAN was created in 2005 by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs in conjunction with United Nations Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF) to ease the plight of Nigerian children, and upgrade the lives of women and youths. NACCRAN was then grouped into six geo-political zones, and the South-west zone has been operating along with other five zones to promote the rights of the child.

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Jeremy Barousse is trying to keep everyone calm. The head of an East San Jose immigrant rights nonprofit remembers the last time Donald Trump threatened mass deportations: distraught parents choosing relatives or friends to care for their children if they were swept up in ICE raids; school principals reporting classrooms half empty as terrified students refused to leave their parents’ sides; and dozens of undocumented immigrants lining up outside his office before 8 a.m. every morning hoping for legal advice protecting them from deportation. That was the winter of 2018, and aside from sporadic arrests of those with criminal records, their worst fears never materialized. This time, though, with Trump taking office again in January and confirming this past week that he intends to declare a national emergency and use the military to roundup millions of undocumented immigrants, deportation fears are reaching new levels. “We’re hoping that that doesn’t become a reality,” said Barousse, director of policy for Amigos de Guadalupe that provides immigration, education and other services in the largely Latino Mayfair neighborhood and is nonetheless helping train residents what to do in case of ICE raids. “We’re preparing for the worst-case scenario. But then also, we don’t want to contribute to the panic.” Congressman-elect Sam Liccardo, San Jose’s mayor during Trump’s first term, said just the fear of deportations alone is hurting the immigrant community. “The disruption to the daily lives of millions of families is real, whether he carries out his threat or not,” Liccardo said in an interview from Washington, D.C., where he was moving into his new offices last week. And while the Bay Area is lucky to have a network of nonprofits supporting the immigrant community, he said, “the second coming of Trump has many inevitable challenges, and we won’t be able to mitigate them all.” An operation to remove the estimated 11 million to 13 million undocumented immigrants living within the United States — which Trump says he will start on “day one” — seems a Herculean task for the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency that has deported from the nation’s interior no more than 237,000 in a single year. That was the high in 2009 under President Obama, after gaining momentum from 9/11. During Trump’s first term, ICE deportations — not including border operations — peaked in 2018 at 96,000, according to ICE data. To achieve Trump’s deportation goals would require more than $300 billion over four years, estimates the American Immigration Council, including new agents and judges and other staffing, and 1,000 new immigration courtrooms, and scores of new detention centers. ACLU lawyers are already concerned that in the East Bay could be converted into one of those detention facilities — an easy drop-off spot for Bay Area roundups. But how much is Trumpian hyperbole and how much is reality? Last year, Trump’s former immigration adviser Stephen Miller, now his incoming deputy policy chief, told the New York Times that “Trump will unleash the vast arsenal of federal powers to implement the most spectacular migration crackdown.” But earlier this week, Trump’s new “border czar” Thomas Homan told Fox News that “It’s not going to be a massive sweep of neighborhoods,” adding that “public safety threats and national security threats will be the priority.” Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, senior fellow at the American Immigration Council, says that those with criminal histories make up only a fraction of the total, and “if the Trump administration truly wants to deport millions of people, it is going to have to go after people who don’t have criminal records.” And that means ICE agents will likely focus on community arrests — especially in the he said. So which immigrant groups might be most vulnerable to the new administration? ICE agents will likely start with the “low-hanging fruit,” Reichlin-Melnick said — immigrants already in the system with a paper trail. An estimated 1.3 million people living here who may have missed a court hearing or lost their court cases and re-entered the country, or those given “administrative grace” to stay — perhaps to care for an ill child who is a citizen — and already check in regularly with ICE. Exactly how many undocumented immigrants with criminal histories are living in the country is less certain, although ICE i — some of whom may be in prison, have pending criminal charges or are awaiting immigration proceedings. During the February 2018 raids in Northern California that then-Oakland , ICE announced the arrest of 232 people over four days, including some for violent and sexual offenses. Criminals, however, already are the priority of ICE agents. Prisoners and inmates handed over for deportation have long made up 4 of 5 ICE arrests, according to the American Immigration Council. Although California’s state prisons are allowed to release undocumented prisoners to federal ICE agents when they complete their sentences, local police and sheriffs across the state, whose inmates often have committed lesser offenses, , are not. As Santa Clara County Sheriff Bob Jonsen puts it: “We haven’t done it. We won’t do it and we’ll continue to stay strong on that front.” The targets of raids will likely be workplaces such as construction sites, restaurants and farms with the largest number of undocumented immigrants in one place that ICE “can arrest in a splashy operation to send a message,” Reichlin-Melnick says. While about 60% of farmworkers have work permits, the remaining 40% are undocumented, making them vulnerable to deportation. Unless they are picked up for criminal offenses, however, they are rarely targeted, often “because of pressure from the business community,” he said. Farmers have been big supporters of Trump. President Obama granted them special status in 2012 as part of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Most are in their 20s and 30s now, with work permits they renew every two years. More than half a million live in the United States, including about 183,000 in California. Trump tried to shut the program down during his first term, but the U.S. Supreme Court blocked him in January 2020. A new conservative majority could rule in his favor this time. “ 35, a hardware technician at Google who has been here since he was 5. “It feels like Trump’s got more of a chip on his shoulder this time around.” Including DACA holders, some 1.5 to 2 million people hold some form of temporary status that allows foreigners confronting armed conflicts, natural disasters or other extreme temporary conditions at home to live in the U.S. temporarily. California is home to nearly 70,000 TPS holders, including those from El Salvador and Nicaragua. Bay Area nonprofits are hearing from asylum seekers, who recently crossed the border illegally and are fighting their cases in immigration court. “ICE is not going to be arresting those people,” Reichlin-Melnick says. “They have already been arrested. They are already checking in with ICE.” And the Trump administration cannot ramp up deportations of people already in the system, he said, without increasing the number of immigration judges.Dontae Walker, former Mississippi State star running back, dead at 44

The American Athletic Conference is the only Football Bowl Subdivision league whose championship game matchup is set: Army vs. Tulane. The final week of the regular season will determine pairings for the other eight conferences. Here's a look at the possible matchups in the Power Four and Group of Five. All championship games are Dec. 7 except in the AAC, Conference USA and Mountain West, which will be played Dec. 6. SMU vs. Miami or Clemson. Miami is in if it beats Syracuse. Clemson is in if Miami loses. Oregon vs. Ohio State, Penn State or Indiana. Ohio State is in if it beats Michigan or if Penn State and Indiana lose this week. Penn State is in if it beats Maryland and Ohio State loses. Indiana is in if it beats Purdue and Ohio State and Penn State lose. Arizona State vs. Iowa State if both win this week. Multiple scenarios including BYU, Colorado and other teams exist otherwise. Georgia vs. winner of Texas-Texas A&M game. Army vs. Tulane. Jacksonville State vs. Liberty, Western Kentucky or Sam Houston. Liberty is in with a win over Sam Houston. WKU is in with a win over Jacksonville State and a Liberty loss. Sam Houston is in with a win over Liberty and a Jacksonville State win. Miami, Bowling Green and Ohio are tied for first place and control their destinies. Miami-Bowling Green winner is in, as is Ohio if it beats Ball State. Other scenarios exist that include those teams and Buffalo. Boise State vs. UNLV or Colorado State. If UNLV and CSU both win or lose their final regular-season games, the tie would be broken by either College Football Playoff rankings or results-based computer metrics. Louisiana-Lafayette at Marshall if both win their games this week. Other scenarios exist if one or both lose. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.NoneReports Record Sales and Earnings Increases Quarterly Cash Dividend by 20% to $0.12 per Common Share LAKEWOOD, Colo. , Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. (NYSE: NGVC ) today announced results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended September 30, 2024 and provided its outlook for fiscal 2025. Highlights for Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2024 Compared to Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2023 Net sales increased 9.3% to $322.7 million ; Daily average comparable store sales increased 7.1%, and increased 14.0% on a two-year basis; Net income increased 53.2% to $9.0 million , with diluted earnings per share of $0.39 ; and Adjusted EBITDA was $22.6 million . Highlights for Fiscal 2024 Compared to Fiscal 2023 Net sales increased 8.9% to $1.24 billion ; Daily average comparable store sales increased 7.0%, and increased 10.6% on a two-year basis; 21 st consecutive year of positive comparable store sales growth; Net income increased 46.0% to $33.9 million , with diluted earnings per share of $1.47 ; Adjusted EBITDA was $83.3 million ; and Opened four new stores and relocated/remodeled four stores. "Our outstanding fourth quarter and fiscal year results underscore our customers' appreciation for our commitment to the exceptional quality, value and convenience provided by our innovative business model along with consumers' increasing prioritization of products that support health and sustainability," said Kemper Isely , Co-President. "Our commitment to offering the highest quality products at Always Affordable SM prices is distinctive in the market and has been pivotal to our success. Fourth quarter results were broadly positive with daily average comparable store sales growth of 7.1% and 14.0% on a two-year basis, as well as a 53% increase in net income. We are particularly pleased with the balanced nature of our sales growth in fiscal 2024, including increases in transaction counts and items per transaction, modest price inflation and sales contribution from new stores." Mr. Isely continued, "The combination of consumer trends and our focus on customer engagement and operational initiatives have driven our sustained growth. Over the previous five years we have grown net sales by 37%, and diluted earnings per share have more than tripled. Furthermore, during this period we returned $108 million in capital to our stockholders through $4.76 of cumulative cash dividends per common share. As we look forward to fiscal 2025, we expect to build upon our momentum by continuing to execute to our founding principles, leveraging our differentiated model and emphasizing operational excellence to drive profitable growth." In addition to presenting the financial results of Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the Company) in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), the Company is also presenting EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, which are non-GAAP financial measures. The reconciliation from GAAP to these non-GAAP financial measures is provided at the end of this earnings release. Operating Results — Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2024 Compared to Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2023 Net sales during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 increased $27.6 million , or 9.3%, to $322.7 million , compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, due to a $21.0 million increase in comparable store sales and a $6.6 million increase in new store sales. Daily average comparable store sales increased 7.1% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, comprised of a 3.6% increase in daily average transaction count and a 3.4% increase in daily average transaction size. The increase in net sales was driven by increases in transaction counts, items per transaction, retail prices and new store sales. Sales growth was driven by enhanced customer engagement with our {N}power ® rewards program, compelling offers, marketing initiatives, and increased sales of Natural Grocers® brand products. Gross profit during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 increased $11.0 million , or 13.1%, to $95.4 million , compared to $84.3 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023. Gross profit reflects earnings after product and store occupancy costs. Gross margin increased 100 basis points to 29.6% during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, compared to 28.6% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023. The increase in gross margin was driven by store occupancy cost leverage and higher product margin. Store expenses during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 increased 10.2% to $72.6 million , primarily driven by higher compensation expenses and long-lived asset impairment charges related to a planned store closure. Store expenses as a percentage of net sales were 22.5% during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, up from 22.3% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023. The increase in store expenses as a percentage of net sales was primarily driven by higher long-lived asset impairment charges partially offset by expense leverage. Administrative expenses during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 increased 4.4% to $10.2 million . Administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales were 3.2% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, down from 3.3% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023. Operating income for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 increased 56.0% to $12.1 million . Operating margin during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 was 3.7%, up from 2.6% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023. Net income for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 was $9.0 million , or $0.39 diluted earnings per share, compared to net income of $5.9 million , or $0.26 diluted earnings per share, for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023. Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 was $22.6 million , compared to $16.1 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023. Operating Results — Fiscal 2024 Compared to Fiscal 2023 Net sales during fiscal 2024 increased $101.0 million , or 8.9%, to $1,241.6 million , compared to fiscal 2023, due to an $83.0 million increase in comparable store sales and a $22.6 million increase in new store sales, partially offset by a $4.6 million decrease in sales related to closed stores. Daily average comparable store sales increased 7.0% in fiscal 2024, comprised of a 3.8% increase in daily average transaction count and a 3.1% increase in daily average transaction size. The increase in net sales was driven by increases in transaction counts, retail prices, items per transaction and new store sales. Sales growth was driven by enhanced customer engagement with our {N}power rewards program, compelling offers, marketing initiatives including market-specific campaigns, and increased sales of Natural Grocers brand products. Gross profit during fiscal 2024 increased $37.9 million , or 11.6%, to $364.8 million . Gross profit reflects earnings after product and store occupancy costs. Gross margin increased 70 basis points to 29.4% during fiscal 2024, compared to 28.7% in 2023. The increase in gross margin was primarily driven by store occupancy cost leverage and higher product margin attributed to effective pricing and promotions. Store expenses during fiscal 2024 increased 7.8% to $277.4 million , primarily driven by higher compensation expenses, depreciation expenses and long-lived asset impairment charges. Store expenses as a percentage of net sales were 22.3% during fiscal 2024, down from 22.6% in fiscal 2023. The decrease in store expenses as a percentage of net sales primarily reflects expense leverage. Administrative expenses during fiscal 2024 increased 7.6% to $38.7 million , driven by higher compensation expenses. Administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales were 3.1% for fiscal 2024, down from 3.2% in fiscal 2023. Operating income for fiscal 2024 increased 48.3% to $47.0 million . Operating margin during fiscal 2024 was 3.8%, up from 2.8% in fiscal 2023. Net income for fiscal 2024 was $33.9 million , or $1.47 diluted earnings per share, compared to net income of $23.2 million , or $1.02 diluted earnings per share, for fiscal 2023. Adjusted EBITDA for fiscal 2024 was $83.3 million , compared to $63.4 million in fiscal 2023. Balance Sheet and Cash Flow As of September 30, 2024 , the Company had $8.9 million in cash and cash equivalents, and no amounts outstanding on its $75.0 million revolving credit facility. During fiscal 2024, the Company generated $73.8 million in cash from operations and invested $38.6 million in net capital expenditures, primarily for new and relocated/remodeled stores. Dividend Announcement Today, the Company announced the declaration of a quarterly cash dividend of $0.12 per common share, a 20% increase over the Company's previous quarterly dividend. The dividend will be paid on December 18, 2024 to stockholders of record at the close of business on December 2, 2024 . Growth and Development During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 the Company opened one new store, ending the fourth quarter with 169 stores in 21 states. A total of four new stores were opened during fiscal 2024. Fiscal 2025 Outlook The Company is introducing its fiscal 2025 outlook. The Company expects: Earnings Conference Call The Company will host a conference call today at 2:30 p.m. Mountain Time ( 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time ) to discuss this earnings release. The dial-in number is 1-888-347-6606 (US) or 1-412-902-4289 (International). The conference ID is "Natural Grocers Q4 FY 2024 Earnings Call." A simultaneous audio webcast will be available at http://Investors.NaturalGrocers.com and archived for a minimum of 20 days. About Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. (NYSE: NGVC ) is an expanding specialty retailer of natural and organic groceries, body care products and dietary supplements. The products sold by Natural Grocers must meet strict quality guidelines and may not contain artificial colors, flavors, preservatives or sweeteners, or partially hydrogenated or hydrogenated oils. The Company sells only USDA certified organic produce and exclusively pasture-raised, non-confinement dairy products, and free-range eggs. Natural Grocers' flexible smaller-store format allows it to offer affordable prices in a shopper-friendly, clean and convenient retail environment. The Company also provides extensive free science-based nutrition education programs to help customers make informed health and nutrition choices. The Company, founded in 1955, has 168 stores in 21 states. Visit www.NaturalGrocers.com for more information and store locations. Forward-Looking Statements The following constitutes a "safe harbor" statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Except for the historical information contained herein, statements in this release are "forward-looking statements" and are based on management's current expectations and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. All statements that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from these expectations due to changes in global, national, regional or local political, economic, inflationary, deflationary, recessionary, business, interest rate, labor market, competitive, market, regulatory and other factors, and other risks detailed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Company's subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. The information contained herein speaks only as of the date of this release and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements, except as may be required by the securities laws. For further information regarding risks and uncertainties associated with the Company's business, please refer to the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Risk Factors" sections of the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, the Form 10-K and the Company's subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, copies of which may be obtained by contacting Investor Relations at 303-986-4600 or by visiting the Company's website at http://Investors.NaturalGrocers.com . Investor Contact: Reed Anderson , ICR, 646-277-1260, [email protected] EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not measures of financial performance under GAAP. We define EBITDA as net income before interest expense, provision for income taxes, depreciation and amortization. We define Adjusted EBITDA as EBITDA as adjusted to exclude the effects of certain income and expense items that management believes make it more difficult to assess the Company's actual operating performance, including certain items such as impairment charges, store closing costs, share-based compensation and non-recurring items. The following table reconciles net income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, dollars in thousands: EBITDA increased 31.4% to $20.0 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 compared to $15.2 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023. EBITDA increased 28.6% to $77.9 million for the year ended September 30, 2024 compared to $60.6 million for the year ended September 30, 2023 . EBITDA as a percentage of net sales was 6.2% and 5.2% for the fourth quarter of 2024 and 2023, respectively. EBITDA as a percentage of net sales was 6.3% and 5.3% for the years ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Adjusted EBITDA increased 41.0% to $22.6 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 compared to $16.1 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023. Adjusted EBITDA increased 31.4% to $83.3 million for the year ended September 30, 2024 compared to $63.4 million for the year ended September 30, 2023 . Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net sales was 7.0% and 5.4% for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 and 2023, respectively. Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net sales was 6.7% and 5.6% for the years ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Management believes some investors' understanding of our performance is enhanced by including EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, which are non-GAAP financial measures. We believe EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA provide additional information about: (i) our operating performance, because they assist us in comparing the operating performance of our stores on a consistent basis, as they remove the impact of non-cash depreciation and amortization expense as well as items not directly resulting from our core operations, such as interest expense and income taxes and (ii) our performance and the effectiveness of our operational strategies. Additionally, EBITDA is a component of a measure in our financial covenants under our credit facility. Furthermore, management believes some investors use EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as supplemental measures to evaluate the overall operating performance of companies in our industry. Management believes that some investors' understanding of our performance is enhanced by including these non-GAAP financial measures as a reasonable basis for comparing our ongoing results of operations. By providing these non-GAAP financial measures, together with a reconciliation from net income, we believe we are enhancing investors' understanding of our business and our results of operations, as well as assisting investors in evaluating how well we are executing our strategic initiatives. Our competitors may define EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA differently, and as a result, our measures of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA may not be directly comparable to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA of other companies. Items excluded from EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are significant components in understanding and assessing financial performance. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are supplemental measures of operating performance that do not represent and should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to, or substitute for, net income or other financial statement data presented in the consolidated financial statements as indicators of financial performance. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA have limitations as analytical tools, and should not be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Some of the limitations are: EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect our cash expenditures, or future requirements for capital expenditures or contractual commitments; EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs; EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect any depreciation or interest expense for leases classified as finance leases; EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect the interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments on our debt; Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect share-based compensation, impairment charges, and store closing costs; EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect our tax expense or the cash requirements to pay our taxes; and although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future and EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements. Due to these limitations, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as measures of discretionary cash available to us to invest in the growth of our business. We compensate for these limitations by relying primarily on our GAAP results and using EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as supplemental information. SOURCE Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc.

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