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Everything Joe Mazzulla said about Kristaps Porzingis’ return for CelticsThe number of Black first-year students attending Harvard Law School in the fall dropped by over half compared to last year, data shows. Harvard only admitted 19 Black first-year students into their school in 2024, a dramatic fall from last year when 43 Black students were admitted, according to data from the American Bar Association . The data comes after a Supreme Court ruling struck down affirmative action in higher education. “This obviously has a lot to do with the chilling effect created by that decision,” David B. Wilkins, a Harvard law professor, told the the New York Times . “This is the lowest number of Black entering first-year students since 1965.” In a case sparked by challenges to admissions plans at Harvard and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the court’s conservative majority last year barred colleges from considering race, leaving many searching for new ways to promote student diversity . The Harvard Black Law Student Association said in a statement the “rollback” of affirmative action narrows the number of universities future law students can come from. “This would be a crushing loss,” the group said. Several Black Harvard Law alumni such as Robert L. Wilkins, a D.C. circuit judge, and Bryan Stevenson, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, graduated from smaller liberal arts colleges and made strides in the legal field. “By making access to legal education more difficult for those of marginalized demographics, society will lose out on changemakers with novel approaches to complex, pressing problems,” the Harvard Black Law Student Association said. In Harvard’s undergraduate population, there were also decreases. Fourteen percent of incoming students identified as Black, a drop of 4% from the class before it. Latino students made up 16% of the freshman class, an increase of 2% while Asian-American numbers remained the same at 37%. Other institutions also saw drops in diversity in undergraduate populations. Some include the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Amherst, Tufts and Wellesley. Meanwhile, nearly all public universities and community colleges that provided student demographic data to MassLive either held steady or showed increases in diversity. More higher ed
Third Quarter Fiscal 2025 Total Revenue of $529.4 million , up 22% Year-over-Year Continued Strong Customer Growth with Over 52,600 Customers as of October 31, 2024 MongoDB Atlas Revenue up 26% Year-over-Year; 68% of Total Q3 Revenue NEW YORK , Dec. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- MongoDB, Inc. (NASDAQ: MDB ) today announced its financial results for the third quarter ended October 31, 2024 . "MongoDB's third quarter results were significantly ahead of expectations on the top and bottom line, driven by better-than-expected EA performance and 26% Atlas revenue growth. We continue to see success winning new business due to the superiority of MongoDB's developer data platform in addressing a wide variety of mission-critical use cases," said Dev Ittycheria, President and Chief Executive Officer of MongoDB. "We continue to invest in our legacy app modernization and AI offerings as our document model and distributed architecture are exceptionally well suited for customers looking to build highly-performant, modern applications. MongoDB is in a great position to be a central pillar of the emerging AI tech stack and benefit from the next wave of application development in the years ahead." Third Quarter Fiscal 2025 Financial Highlights Revenue: Total revenue was $529.4 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2025, an increase of 22% year-over-year. Subscription revenue was $512.2 million , an increase of 22% year-over-year, and services revenue was $17.2 million , an increase of 18% year-over-year. Gross Profit: Gross profit was $394.0 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2025, representing a 74% gross margin compared to 75% in the year-ago period. Non-GAAP gross profit was $405.7 million , representing a 77% non-GAAP gross margin, consistent with a non-GAAP gross margin of 77% in the year-ago period. Loss from Operations: Loss from operations was $27.9 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2025, compared to a loss from operations of $45.2 million in the year-ago period. Non-GAAP income from operations was $101.5 million , compared to non-GAAP income from operations of $78.5 million in the year-ago period. Net Loss: Net loss was $9.8 million , or $0.13 per share, based on 74.0 million weighted-average shares outstanding, for the third quarter of fiscal 2025. This compares to a net loss of $29.3 million , or $0.41 per share, in the year-ago period. Non-GAAP net income was $98.1 million , or $1.16 per share, based on 84.2 million diluted weighted-average shares outstanding. This compares to a non-GAAP net income of $79.1 million , or $0.96 per share, in the year-ago period. Cash Flow : As of October 31, 2024 , MongoDB had $2.3 billion in cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and restricted cash. During the three months ended October 31, 2024 , MongoDB generated $37.4 million of cash in operations, used $2.0 million of cash in capital expenditures and used $0.9 million of cash in principal repayments of finance leases, leading to free cash flow of $34.6 million , compared to free cash flow of $35.0 million in the year-ago period. A reconciliation of each non-GAAP measure to the most directly comparable GAAP measure has been provided in the financial statement tables included at the end of this press release. An explanation of these measures is also included below under the heading "Non-GAAP Financial Measures." Third Quarter Fiscal 2025 and Recent Business Highlights MongoDB announced the general availability of MongoDB 8.0, the best-performing version of MongoDB. With more than 45 architectural enhancements and new features like vector quantization in MongoDB Atlas Vector Search, MongoDB 8.0 provides significant performance improvements, reduced costs, and additional scalability, resilience, and data security capabilities. MongoDB continues to expand its partnerships with the major cloud providers. At Amazon Web Services' (AWS) re:Invent conference, MongoDB was named AWS's Technology Partner of the Year for North America . MongoDB also announced that it obtained the AWS Modernization Competency designation and launched a MongoDB University course focused on building AI applications with MongoDB and AWS. At Microsoft Ignite, MongoDB announced new technology integrations for AI, data analytics, and automating database deployments across on-premises, cloud, and edge environments. Launched in July 2024 , the MongoDB AI Applications Program (MAAP) is designed to help companies unleash the power of their data and to take advantage of rapidly advancing AI technologies. We recently announced that Capgemini, Confluent, IBM, Unstructured, and QuantumBlack, AI by McKinsey have joined the MAAP ecosystem, offering customers additional integration and solution options. Executive Leadership Update Michael Gordon , MongoDB's Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, will be stepping down at the end of the Company's fiscal year on January 31, 2025 , and afterwards will serve as an advisor to ensure a smooth transition. The Company has commenced an executive search process for a new CFO and will evaluate internal and external candidates. Serge Tanjga, MongoDB's Senior Vice President of Finance, will serve as interim CFO starting February 1st if a permanent successor has not been named by that date. Dev Ittycheria commented, "On behalf of everyone at MongoDB, I want to thank Michael for everything he has done to contribute to our success in his nearly 10 years with the company. In Michael's time here, MongoDB had a successful IPO, has grown revenue nearly 50x and has successfully scaled the business model to generate meaningful operating leverage. Michael has also built out a world-class finance team that I am confident will deliver a smooth transition to a new CFO in the coming months." Michael Gordon said, "I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished as a team in my almost ten years with the company. While we have achieved much success to date, I strongly believe MongoDB is still in the early stages of realizing its full potential as it continues to expand its share in one of the largest markets in software. I'd like to thank Dev for our tremendous partnership this past decade." Fourth Quarter and Full Year Fiscal 2025 Guidance Based on information available to management as of today, December 9, 2024 , MongoDB is issuing the following financial guidance for the fourth quarter and full year fiscal 2025. Reconciliations of non-GAAP income from operations and non-GAAP net income per share guidance to the most directly comparable GAAP measures are not available without unreasonable efforts on a forward-looking basis due to the high variability, complexity and low visibility with respect to the charges excluded from these non-GAAP measures; in particular, the measures and effects of stock-based compensation expense specific to equity compensation awards that are directly impacted by unpredictable fluctuations in MongoDB's stock price. MongoDB expects the variability of the above charges to have a significant, and potentially unpredictable, impact on its future GAAP financial results. Conference Call Information MongoDB will host a conference call today, December 9, 2024 , at 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) to discuss its financial results and business outlook. A live webcast of the call will be available on the "Investor Relations" page of MongoDB's website at https://investors.mongodb.com . To access the call by phone, please go to this link ( registration link ), and you will be provided with dial in details. To avoid delays, we encourage participants to dial into the conference call fifteen minutes ahead of the scheduled start time. A replay of the webcast will also be available for a limited time at http://investors.mongodb.com . Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements concerning MongoDB's financial guidance for the fourth fiscal quarter and full year fiscal 2025. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts and statements identified by words such as "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "project," "will," "would" or the negative or plural of these words or similar expressions or variations. These forward-looking statements reflect our current views about our plans, intentions, expectations, strategies and prospects, which are based on the information currently available to us and on assumptions we have made. Although we believe that our plans, intentions, expectations, strategies and prospects as reflected in or suggested by those forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that the plans, intentions, expectations or strategies will be attained or achieved. Furthermore, actual results may differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements and are subject to a variety of assumptions, uncertainties, risks and factors that are beyond our control including, without limitation: our customers renewing their subscriptions with us and expanding their usage of software and related services; the effects of the ongoing military conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and Israel and Hamas on our business and future operating results; economic downturns and/or the effects of rising interest rates, inflation and volatility in the global economy and financial markets on our business and future operating results; our potential failure to meet publicly announced guidance or other expectations about our business and future operating results; our limited operating history; our history of losses; failure of our platform to satisfy customer demands; the effects of increased competition; our investments in new products and our ability to introduce new features, services or enhancements; our ability to effectively expand our sales and marketing organization; our ability to continue to build and maintain credibility with the developer community; our ability to add new customers or increase sales to our existing customers; our ability to maintain, protect, enforce and enhance our intellectual property; the effects of social, ethical and regulatory issues relating to the use of new and evolving technologies, such as artificial intelligence, in our offerings or partnerships; the growth and expansion of the market for database products and our ability to penetrate that market; our ability to integrate acquired businesses and technologies successfully or achieve the expected benefits of such acquisitions; our ability to maintain the security of our software and adequately address privacy concerns; our ability to manage our growth effectively and successfully recruit and retain additional highly-qualified personnel; and the price volatility of our common stock. These and other risks and uncertainties are more fully described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including under the caption "Risk Factors" in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 2024 , filed with the SEC on August 30, 2024 . Additional information will be made available in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 2024 , and other filings and reports that we may file from time to time with the SEC. Except as required by law, we undertake no duty or obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release as a result of new information, future events, changes in expectations or otherwise. Non-GAAP Financial Measures This press release includes the following financial measures defined as non-GAAP financial measures by the SEC: non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP gross margin, non-GAAP operating expenses, non-GAAP income from operations, non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP net income per share and free cash flow. Non-GAAP gross profit and non-GAAP gross margin exclude expenses associated with stock-based compensation. Non-GAAP operating expenses, non-GAAP income from operations, non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP net income per share exclude: expenses associated with stock-based compensation including employer payroll taxes upon the vesting and exercising of stock-based awards and expenses related to stock appreciation rights previously issued to our employees in China ; amortization of intangible assets for the acquired technology and acquired customer relationships associated with prior acquisitions; and in the case of non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP net income per share, amortization of the debt issuance costs associated with our convertible senior notes and gains or losses on our financial instruments; additionally, non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP net income per share are adjusted for an assumed provision for income taxes based on an estimated long-term non-GAAP tax rate. The non-GAAP tax rate was calculated utilizing a three-year financial projection that excludes the direct impact of the GAAP to non-GAAP adjustments and considers other factors such as operating structure and existing tax positions in various jurisdictions. We intend to periodically reevaluate the projected long-term tax rate, as necessary, for significant events and our ongoing analysis of relevant tax law changes. MongoDB uses these non-GAAP financial measures internally in analyzing its financial results and believes they are useful to investors, as a supplement to GAAP measures, in evaluating MongoDB's ongoing operational performance. MongoDB believes that the use of these non-GAAP financial measures provides an additional tool for investors to use in evaluating ongoing operating results and trends and in comparing its financial results with other companies in MongoDB's industry, many of which may present similar non-GAAP financial measures to investors. Free cash flow represents net cash from/used in operating activities, less capital expenditures, principal repayments of finance lease liabilities and capitalized software development costs, if any. MongoDB uses free cash flow to understand and evaluate its liquidity and to generate future operating plans. The exclusion of capital expenditures, principal repayments of finance lease liabilities and amounts capitalized for software development facilitates comparisons of MongoDB's liquidity on a period-to-period basis and excludes items that it does not consider to be indicative of its liquidity. MongoDB believes that free cash flow is a measure of liquidity that provides useful information to investors in understanding and evaluating the strength of its liquidity and future ability to generate cash that can be used for strategic opportunities or investing in its business in the same manner as MongoDB's management and board of directors. Non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as an analytical tool and should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. In particular, other companies may report non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP gross margin, non-GAAP operating expenses, non-GAAP income from operations, non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP net income per share, free cash flow or similarly titled measures but calculate them differently, which reduces their usefulness as comparative measures. Investors are encouraged to review the reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, as presented below. This earnings press release and any future releases containing such non-GAAP reconciliations can also be found on the Investor Relations page of MongoDB's website at https://investors.mongodb.com . About MongoDB Headquartered in New York , MongoDB's mission is to empower innovators to create, transform, and disrupt industries by unleashing the power of software and data. Built by developers, for developers, MongoDB's developer data platform is a database with an integrated set of related services that allow development teams to address the growing requirements for today's wide variety of modern applications, all in a unified and consistent user experience. MongoDB has tens of thousands of customers in over 100 countries. The MongoDB database platform has been downloaded hundreds of millions of times since 2007, and there have been millions of builders trained through MongoDB University courses. To learn more, visit mongodb.com . Investor Relations Brian Denyeau ICR for MongoDB 646-277-1251 [email protected] Media Relations MongoDB [email protected] SOURCE MongoDB, Inc.
This morning, I read an article about polytechnic universities in Myanmar in the state-owned newspapers. The name piqued my interest quite a bit because I had never known them, so I decided to research and learn more about them to share my findings with readers. Polytechnic education plays a vital role in preparing skilled professionals who contribute to the technological and economic growth of a nation. In an ever-evolving global landscape, the need for a robust polytechnic system has become more apparent, as it serves as a foundation for practical learning and innovation. Myanmar’s polytechnic universities, while striving to meet the growing demands of industrial and technological advancements, often face challenges in competing with their counterparts in Asia and Europe. Let us delve into the current state of polytechnic education in Myanmar, comparing its structure, curriculum, and outcomes with institutions in neighbouring Asian countries and leading European nations to identify opportunities for growth and collaboration. Polytechnic education in Myanmar has its roots in the nation’s efforts to equip its youth with practical skills and technical knowledge. Emerging as a vital component of the country’s educational landscape, polytechnic universities have been instrumental in fostering a skilled workforce to support industrial and economic development. Among the prominent institutions are Naypyitaw State Polytechnic University, which serves as a central hub for technical education, and regional universities such as Kengtung, Panglong, Myeik, Dawei, and Maubin, which cater to students from various parts of the country. These institutions offer a range of diploma and certificate programmes aimed at providing hands-on training and theoretical knowledge in essential fields. The curriculum emphasizes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines, reflecting the global demand for professionals in these areas. While the primary focus remains on technical education, programmes also include components of soft skills and entrepreneurship, preparing students for diverse career paths in both local and international industries. However, despite these strengths, Myanmar’s polytechnic universities face challenges in keeping pace with the rapidly evolving global educational standards, necessitating a closer look at practices in Asia and Europe for potential enhancements. Polytechnic education in Asia has seen significant growth, driven by a commitment to bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industrial needs. Countries such as Singapore, Japan, South Korea, and India have established robust systems that prioritize both theoretical understanding and practical application, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of modern industries. Prominent institutions like Singapore Polytechnic, Tokyo Polytechnic University, Korea Polytechnic University, and the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) have set benchmarks in technical and vocational education. These universities offer a diverse range of programmes, with a curriculum structure that includes foundational courses, advanced technical modules, and interdisciplinary studies. Specializations are tailored to emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, robotics, and biotechnology, aligning with global trends. One defining feature of polytechnic education in Asia is its emphasis on research and industry collaboration. For instance, Singapore Polytechnic partners with leading corporations to provide internship opportunities, while Japan’s Tokyo Polytechnic University focuses on integrating cutting-edge research into its academic framework. Similarly, Korea Polytechnic University works closely with industrial sectors to align its training programs with market requirements, and India’s IITs are globally recognized for their contributions to engineering and technological innovation. This strong focus on industry collaboration and practical research not only enhances students’ employability but also ensures that these institutions remain at the forefront of technological advancements in Asia. Polytechnic education in Europe is renowned for its integration of applied sciences and vocational training, aiming to equip students with practical skills and theoretical expertise. Countries such as Germany, Finland, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands have developed highly regarded polytechnic systems that contribute significantly to their industrial and technological advancements. Notable institutions include the Technical University of Munich (Germany), which excels in engineering and technology disciplines, and the Metropolia University of Applied Sciences (Finland), known for its innovative programmes in healthcare, business, and ICT. In the United Kingdom, the University of the West of Scotland focuses on applied learning and industry-relevant research, while the Delft University of Technology (the Netherlands) stands out as a leader in engineering, design, and sustainable development. The curriculum in European polytechnic universities is designed to balance theoretical knowledge with practical application. Courses are often structured to include internships, cooperative education, and project-based learning, allowing students to gain hands-on experience. Specializations in fields such as renewable energy, digital technologies, biomedical engineering, and sustainable urban planning reflect Europe’s focus on addressing global challenges through education. A distinctive feature of European polytechnic education is its alignment with vocational training and applied sciences. Institutions collaborate closely with industries, research centres, and government bodies to ensure that programmes remain relevant to evolving market needs. This approach not only enhances employability but also fosters innovation and entrepreneurship, positioning European polytechnics as global leaders in technical education. Polytechnic universities in Myanmar and Asia share a common emphasis on practical skills and hands-on training, with both systems aiming to produce job-ready graduates for technical fields. However, a key distinction lies in the extent of industry partnerships and internship opportunities. Asian institutions, such as Singapore Polytechnic and Korea Polytechnic University, collaborate extensively with industries, offering students practical experience through structured internships and real-world projects. In contrast, Myanmar’s polytechnic universities face limitations in establishing similar large-scale industry partnerships, which can hinder students’ exposure to modern workplace practices. Additionally, research and innovation are central to many Asian polytechnic institutions. Universities in countries like Japan and India actively engage in cutting-edge research and integrate it into their curriculum, fostering a culture of creativity and technological advancement. Myanmar, however, is still developing its capacity for research and innovation, with its polytechnic institutions focusing more on foundational technical education than on contributing to global technological progress. When compared to European polytechnic universities, Myanmar’s institutions show significant differences in their approach to vocational training and applied sciences. European universities, such as the Technical University of Munich and Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, emphasize a strong connection between academia and industry through extensive vocational programmes and applied research. These programmes are deeply integrated with their respective industries, ensuring that students gain practical knowledge and develop skills that directly align with job market demands. Myanmar’s polytechnics, while focused on technical education, might, perhaps, lack the same level of applied research and tailored vocational training. Teaching methodologies and student assessment might also differ. European institutions emphasize student-centred learning approaches, problem-solving tasks, and continuous assessments, while Myanmar’s polytechnics often rely on traditional teaching methods and final examinations. Furthermore, European polytechnics promote international collaboration and exchange programmes, allowing students to gain global exposure and cross-cultural competencies. Myanmar’s polytechnic system, however, has limited access to such international opportunities, making it challenging for students to engage in global academic and professional networks. These comparisons highlight the potential areas for Myanmar’s polytechnic institutions to grow by adopting best practices from their Asian and European counterparts. Industry collaboration is a cornerstone of polytechnic education, bridging the gap between theoretical learning and real-world application. By partnering with industries, polytechnic institutions provide students with opportunities to gain practical experience, develop professional skills, and enhance their employability. Internships, cooperative education programmes, and research projects aligned with industry needs are crucial in preparing students for the dynamic job market. Such collaborations also enable universities to stay updated with technological advancements and tailor their curricula to meet industry standards. In Myanmar, industry collaboration and internship opportunities are still in their nascent stages. While some polytechnic institutions partner with local industries, the scale and scope of these collaborations are often limited. As a result, students might have fewer opportunities for hands-on training in modern industrial settings. In contrast, Asian polytechnic universities, such as Singapore Polytechnic and Korea Polytechnic University, excel in fostering strong partnerships with industries. These institutions offer extensive internship programmes, where students work with leading corporations, gaining valuable experience and networking opportunities. For instance, Singapore Polytechnic collaborates with multinational companies like Siemens and Rolls-Royce, enabling students to work on cutting-edge projects. A notable example from Asia is Singapore Polytechnic’s partnership with Dyson, where students participate in designing and developing new consumer technologies. These internships often lead to employment opportunities and contribute to the student’s professional growth. In Europe, the partnership between the Technical University of Munich and Siemens demonstrates the power of collaboration. Students working on joint research projects in automation and renewable energy have developed industry-relevant solutions, earning accolades and job offers from top-tier companies. These success stories highlight the transformative impact of industry collaboration on polytechnic education. By adopting similar approaches, Myanmar’s polytechnic universities can strengthen their ties with local and international industries, providing students with the practical skills and global exposure necessary to thrive in competitive job markets. Research and innovation are integral to polytechnic education, driving technological advancements and practical solutions to societal challenges. In Asia, institutions like India’s IITs and Singapore Polytechnic focus on applied research in AI and renewable energy, while Europe’s Technical University of Munich leads in robotics and sustainable technologies. These advancements are supported by substantial funding and industry partnerships, enabling groundbreaking projects. Myanmar can enhance its research capacity by fostering collaborations, increasing government support, and modernizing facilities to match global standards. Myanmar’s polytechnic universities face challenges such as limited funding, outdated infrastructure, and rigid curricula. These issues will a little hinder their ability to compete with international standards. However, growth opportunities include fostering international partnerships, securing government support, and updating curriculum frameworks to align with global trends. Learning from Asian and European models, Myanmar could integrate industry collaborations, enhance research programmes, and adopt modern teaching methodologies. By addressing these challenges strategically, Myanmar’s polytechnics surely have the potential to become key contributors to the nation’s industrial and technological progress. Polytechnic education plays a vital role in preparing skilled professionals for modern industries. Comparing Myanmar’s institutions with those in Asia and Europe highlights gaps in industry collaboration, research, and curriculum. However, by adopting best practices such as fostering partnerships, modernizing infrastructure, and embracing innovative teaching methods, Myanmar’s polytechnics have vibrantly immense potential to grow and contribute significantly to national development. Reference: The Global New Light of Myanmar 22 November 2024.Conference title games a chance at a banner, bragging rights and, for some, a season-wrecking loss
NEW YORK — Sneaking a little ahead of line to get on that plane faster? American Airlines might stop you . In an apparent effort to reduce the headaches caused by airport line cutting, American has rolled out boarding technology that alerts gate agents with an audible sound if a passenger tries to scan a ticket ahead of their assigned group. This new software won’t accept a boarding pass before the group it’s assigned to is called, so customers who get to the gate prematurely will be asked to go back and wait their turn. As of Wednesday, the airline announced, the technology is now being used in more than 100 U.S. airports that American flies out of. The official expansion arrives after successful tests in three of these locations — Albuquerque International Sunport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Tucson International Airport. The initial response from customers and American employees “has exceeded our expectations,” Julie Rath, American’s senior vice president of airport operations, reservations and service recovery, said in a statement. She added that the airline is “thrilled” to have the technology up and running ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday . American got lots of attention when it unveiled its gate-control testing last month. Analysts say that isn’t surprising. It’s no secret that line cutting in airports hits a nerve. Whether intentional or not, just about every air traveler has witnessed it, noted Henry Harteveldt, an airline industry analyst with Atmosphere Research Group. It can add to frustrations in what can already be a tense environment, with particular anxiety around passengers wanting to sit together or rushing for some overhead bin space. Harteveldt doesn’t see American’s recent move as “shaming” customers who cut the line. “What it is intended to do is bring order out of chaos,” he said. “And I hope it will defuse any potential flare ups of anger (from) people who simply think they’re entitled to board out of turn .... It’s just not fair.” Harteveldt added that he thinks this change will enhance the experiences of both customers and gate agents. Others say more time will tell. Seth Miller, editor and founder of air travel experience analysis site PaxEx.aero, said he can see the benefits of more orderly and universal gate-control enforcement, particularly for airlines. But he said he isn’t “100% convinced this is perfect for passengers” just yet. Families, for example, might be booked on several different reservations across more than one group, he said. Airlines typically have workarounds for that, and American noted Wednesday that customers traveling with a companion in an earlier group can simply have a gate agent “override the alert” to continue boarding. Still, Miller said, “you have to go through the extra hoops.” And a difficult customer still might choose to hold up the line and argue when they’re not allowed to board, he added. Another question is whether customers who encounter a beep will walk away feeling embarrassed. But Harteveldt said he was happy to learn that American’s alert is “not a bellowing sound that can be heard throughout the terminal,” or accompanied by your name read over a loudspeaker, noting that this is important to avoid feelings of shame. Expanding this technology just a week before peak Thanksgiving travel could be “both good and bad,” Harteveldt adds. On one hand, the tech could help significantly improve the boarding process during such a busy time, he said, but airport employees might also have appreciated more time to prepare. Both Miller and Harteveldt said they wouldn’t be surprised if other carriers soon follow American’s lead. Headaches over airport line cutting are far from new. While maybe not to the extent of American’s new tech, Miller noted he’s seen gate agents from other airlines ask people to leave a line and wait for their group. Harteveldt added that he’s been to some airports in Asia and Europe with “sliding doors” that ensure passengers are in the right group before boarding a plane. The more than 100 airports that American is now using its gate-control technology in are all spoke, or non-hub, locations — including Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The airline says it expects to further expand to its hubs and other airports in the coming months.
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TORONTO, ONTARIO / ACCESSWIRE / December 18, 2024 / Electrovaya Inc. ("Electrovaya" or the "Company") (NASDAQ:ELVA)(TSX:ELVA), a leading lithium-ion battery technology and manufacturing company, is pleased to announce in connection with its previously completed public offering of 5,175,000 common shares in the capital of the Company (the "Common Shares") at the price of US$2.15 per Common Share (the "Offering Price") for gross proceeds of approximately US$11.1 million (the "Offering") that Roth Capital Partners, acting as sole book-running manager, and Raymond James Ltd. and Craig-Hallum Capital Group LLC acting as the co-lead book-running managers in the Offering, have purchased an additional 776,250 Common Shares at the Offering Price, for additional gross proceeds to the Company of US$1,668,937.50, before deducting the underwriting commissions, pursuant to their exercise in full of the over-allotment option (the "Over-Allotment Option"). After giving effect to the full exercise of the Over-Allotment Option, the Company sold 5,951,250 Common Shares under the Offering, for aggregate gross proceeds of US$12,795,188.00. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering to satisfy conditions associated with the loan approved by the Export-Import Bank of the United States announced by the Company on November 14, 2024, repayment of amounts under the Company's existing working capital facility in advance of proposed bank refinancing and for the costs of such financing, and satisfaction of certain outstanding amounts in connection with the purchase of the Company's Jamestown, New York manufacturing facility. The Common Shares were offered in the United States pursuant to a shelf registration statement (including a prospectus supplement thereto) previously filed with and declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on September 25, 2024 in accordance with the Multijurisdictional Disclosure System established between Canada and the United States, and were qualified for distribution in the provinces and territories of Canada by way of a prospectus supplement to the Company's base shelf prospectus dated September 17, 2024. No securities were sold in the Province of Québec. The prospectus supplement and accompanying shelf registration are available for free on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov and the prospectus supplement and accompanying base shelf prospectus filed in Canada are available on the Company's profile on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca . Copies of the prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to the Offering may also be obtained by contacting Roth Capital Partners, LLC at 888 San Clemente Drive, Newport Beach CA 92660 by phone at (800)-678-9147 or e-mail at rothecm@roth.com . This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any province, state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such province, state or jurisdiction. Investor and Media Contact: Jason Roy VP, Corporate Development and Investor Relations Electrovaya Inc. 905-855-4618 / jroy@electrovaya.com About Electrovaya Inc. Electrovaya Inc. (NASDAQ:ELVA) (TSX:ELVA) is a pioneering leader in the global energy transformation, focused on contributing to the prevention of climate change by supplying safe and long-lasting lithium-ion batteries without compromising energy and power. The Company has extensive IP and designs, develops and manufactures proprietary lithium-ion batteries, battery systems, and battery-related products for energy storage, clean electric transportation, and other specialized applications. Electrovaya has two operating sites in Canada and a 52-acre site with a 135,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Jamestown New York state for its planned gigafactory. To learn more about how Electrovaya is powering mobility and energy storage, please explore www.electrovaya.com . Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the anticipated use of proceeds from the Offering. Forward-looking statements can generally, but not always, be identified by the use of words such as "may", "will", "could", "should", "would", "likely", "possible", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "objective" and "continue" (or the negative thereof) and words and expressions of similar import. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements are necessarily based on assumptions, and involve risks and uncertainties, therefore undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Material assumptions on which forward-looking statements in this news release include assumptions about the ability to complete a loan financing with EXIM and the market price of the Common Shares. Material risks and other factors that could cause actual results to differ from any forward-looking statement market conditions and other risks that may be found in the prospectus supplement and base shelf prospectus filed in connection with the Offering, including those risks described under the heading "Risk Factors", and the documents incorporated by referenced therein. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the forward looking statements contained in this document, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. SOURCE: Electrovaya Inc. View the original on accesswire.com
CHICAGO, Dec. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oil-Dri Corporation of America (NYSE: ODC), producer and marketer of sorbent mineral products, today announced results for its first quarter of fiscal year 2025. Daniel S. Jaffee, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “I am happy to report that our fiscal year 2025 is off to a very positive start as we have once again achieved record results for consolidated net sales, gross profit, and net income in the first quarter. We also delivered a 400-basis point year-over-year expansion in our gross margins, propelling our margins to 32%. Our strong performance was driven by increased volumes, a favorable product mix, and improved operational efficiencies. Solid execution of our growth strategies to establish a foothold in the growing renewable diesel and crystal cat litter markets helped us achieve this success. Looking ahead, we believe we are well positioned to continue this upward trajectory.” Consolidated Results Consolidated net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2025 reached a historic high of $127.9 million, or a 15% increase over the same period in the prior year. This marks the 14 th consecutive quarter of year-over-year sales growth. Revenue increases were primarily driven by higher volumes across both operating segments, with significant sales gains generated from fluids purification, crystal cat litter, and co-packaged coarse litter products. Our recently acquired subsidiary, Ultra Pet Company, Inc. (“Ultra Pet”), delivered net sales of $6.0 million, or 5% of the total consolidated net sales increase over the prior year. Organic growth from Oil-Dri’s other products drove the remaining increase in the Company’s topline. Consolidated gross profit of $40.8 million, a record quarterly high, was achieved during the first three months of fiscal year 2025, representing a 32% gain over the prior year. Gross margins expanded to 32% in the current year from 28% in the first quarter of fiscal year 2024. Oil-Dri's efforts to grow volume, improve product mix, and enhance operating efficiencies proved successful during the quarter. This marks the ninth consecutive quarter of year-over-year gross margin expansion. During the three months ended October 31, 2024, domestic cost of goods per ton remained flat compared to the prior year. Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) were $19.6 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2025 compared to $17.8 million for the same period last year. This $1.8 million, or 10%, increase reflects higher compensation costs and a preliminary foreign value-added tax assessment, in addition to other operating segment costs. In the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, consolidated operating income increased to $21.2 million, or by 61%, compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2024. Higher sales volumes combined with improved product mix offset elevated SG&A costs. Total other expense, net was $1.0 million for the three months ended October 31, 2024, compared to $300,000 in the same period last year. This increase was mainly due to interest expense on the debt assumed for the Ultra Pet acquisition, along with an additional reserve for the capacity modification project at the Company’s sole landfill located in Georgia. The modification work is expected to be completed during fiscal year 2025. Consolidated net income reached a record $16.4 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2025 from $10.7 million in the same period in fiscal 2024, reflecting a 52% improvement over the prior year. Cash and cash equivalents for the three month period ending October 31, 2024, totaled $12.5 million compared to $23.5 million at the end of fiscal year 2024. During the first quarter of fiscal 2025, Oil-Dri continued its significant investment in manufacturing infrastructure improvements. In addition, the Company paid down $5.0 million of the $10.0 million revolving credit facility that was used to partially fund the acquisition of Ultra Pet. Other significant uses of cash include the payment of dividends and the purchase of treasury shares that were surrendered by teammates to pay taxes related to the vesting of restricted stock awards. Product Group Review The Business to Business Products (“B2B”) Group’s first quarter of fiscal year 2025 revenues were a record $48.4 million, or 24% greater than the prior year, primarily driven by an increase in volume and, to a lesser extent, by higher prices. Elevated sales from fluids purification and agricultural products offset slight sales declines in the animal health business. During the first quarter of fiscal 2025, revenues from fluids purification products reached an all-time high of $30.1 million, or an 37% increase over the prior year. The Company experienced increased demand of its Metal X and Metal Z products as a result of recently established renewable diesel plants within North America. Sales of fluids purification products in EMEA 1 , Latin America, and Asia also increased during the three month period ended October 31, 2024, compared to the same period last year. The agricultural products business achieved record quarterly net sales of $11.6 million, or a 12% increase over the prior year. This growth was mainly fueled by higher demand from key customers who resumed typical purchasing patterns after working through inventory surpluses, as well as by elevated prices. Amlan, the Company’s animal health business, generated $6.2 million in sales, or a 3% decline from the prior year. The decrease was primarily concentrated in Asia due to the sell-off of existing inventory in China that occurred in the first quarter of fiscal year 2024 as part of the transition to a master distributor. However, double-digit topline growth was achieved within Latin America and North America where increased demand, in conjunction with elevated prices, helped drive sales improvement. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, SG&A costs within the B2B Products Group increased by $700,000 or 20%, compared to the same period last year. This was mainly driven by a preliminary foreign value-added tax assessment and higher research and development costs. Operating income for the B2B Products Group was $17.1 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2025 compared to $11.1 million in the same period of fiscal year 2024, reflecting a 54% increase. This growth can be attributed to higher sales and a favorable product mix, partially offset by increased SG&A expenses. The Retail and Wholesale (“R&W”) Products Group’s first quarter revenues reached an all-time high of $79.5 million, a 10% increase over the prior year. The acquisition of Ultra Pet contributed 8% of the total R&W sales growth, and the remaining 2% can be attributed to organic topline growth from increased demand for other products within the operating segment. During the first quarter of fiscal 2025, the Company increased distribution of its Cat’s Pride and Ultra crystal litter products and is beginning to realize synergies related to the acquisition. Total domestic clay-based cat litter sales, excluding the Company’s co-packaged coarse cat litter business, were $53.8 million, or 2% lower than the prior year. Conversely, revenues of co-packaged coarse cat litter increased by $2.1 million, or 78%, compared to last year due to higher demand. In the first quarter of fiscal year 2024, a cyberattack disrupted a key customer’s ability to place and receive orders, which negatively impacted sales of Oil-Dri’s co-packaged coarse litter. However, the cyber event boosted sales of the Company’s branded and private label coarse items and is currently influencing year-over-year comparisons for both domestic clay and co-packaged litter products. Although total domestic clay litter revenues declined, Oil-Dri continued to experience topline growth of its EPA-approved Cat’s Pride Antibacterial Clumping Litter, which is currently sold at large brick and mortar and e-commerce retailers. In addition, new distribution of other clay litter products and accessories was achieved at both new and existing customers. Domestic industrial and sports product revenues were $11.0 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2025, or 4% higher than the same period in the prior year, driven by increased demand. The Company’s Canadian subsidiary experienced sales declines as a result of softer revenues from cat litter, partially offset by sales growth from industrial floor absorbent products. During the first quarter of fiscal 2025, SG&A expenses within the R&W Products Group increased by $1.0 million, or 21% over the prior year. This increase was primarily driven by higher compensation costs, a significant credit reserve for several customer bankruptcies, acquisition-related amortization of intangible assets, and increased research and development costs. These higher expenses were partially offset by lower advertising costs. Oil-Dri expects advertising expenditures for the full fiscal year 2025 to be lower than fiscal year 2024. Operating income for the R&W Products Group reached $13.4 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2025 compared to $11.3 million in the prior year, reflecting an 18% increase. This growth can be attributed to higher sales volumes, including the incremental business from the Ultra Pet acquisition, partially offset by elevated SG&A expenses. The Company will host its first quarter of fiscal year 2025 earnings discussion and its 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders virtually via a live webcast on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. Central Time. Participation details are available on the Company’s website’s Events page. 1 EMEA is the region including Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. “Oil-Dri”, “Cat’s Pride”, “Metal X”, “Metal Z”, “Amlan”, and “Ultra” are registered trademarks of Oil-Dri Corporation of America and its subsidiaries. About Oil-Dri Corporation of America Oil-Dri Corporation of America is a leading manufacturer and supplier of specialty sorbent products for the pet care, animal health and nutrition, fluids purification, agricultural ingredients, sports field, industrial and automotive markets. Oil-Dri is vertically integrated which enables the Company to efficiently oversee every step of the process from research and development to supply chain to marketing and sales. With over 80 years of experience, the Company continues to fulfill its mission to Create Value from Sorbent Minerals . Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release may contain forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that are based on our current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about our future performance, our business, our beliefs and our management’s assumptions. In addition, we, or others on our behalf, may make forward-looking statements in other press releases or written statements, or in our communications and discussions with investors and analysts in the normal course of business through meetings, webcasts, phone calls and conference calls. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “expect,” “outlook,” “forecast,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “continue,” “believe,” “seek,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “may,” “assume,” “potential,” “strive,” and similar references to future periods. Such statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially, including, but not limited to, those described in Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 2024 and our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and from time to time in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Should one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, intended, expected, believed, estimated, projected, planned or otherwise expressed in any forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Except to the extent required by law, we do not have any intention or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements after the distribution of this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, or otherwise. Non-GAAP Financial Measures To supplement our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), we provide certain non-GAAP financial measures in this press release as supplemental financial metrics. In particular, EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure provided herein. We provide a reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure below. The non-GAAP financial measures we use may not be the same or calculated in the same manner as those used and calculated by other companies. Non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for our financial results prepared and reported in accordance with GAAP. We believe that certain non-GAAP measures may be helpful to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our operating results, and we urge investors to review the reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to the comparable GAAP financial measures included in this release, and not to rely on any single financial measure to evaluate our business. Contact: Leslie A. Garber Director of Investor Relations Oil-Dri Corporation of America InvestorRelations@oildri.com (312) 321-1515 This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Republicans have filed a lawsuit seeking a court order to resolve a discrepancy between state and federal law about what date the state's presidential electors must meet to cast Wisconsin's 10 Electoral College votes for President-elect Donald Trump. State law calls for the electors to meet on the first Monday after the second Wednesday in December, which this year is Dec. 16. But federal law requires the meeting to be the first Tuesday following the second Wednesday, which is Dec. 17 this year. The Wisconsin Republican Party asked in the lawsuit filed Friday in U.S. District Court seeking an order that the electors follow federal law and cast their votes on Dec. 17. The lawsuit argues that the state law requirement is unconstitutional, unenforceable and therefore should be declared void. “If the presidential electors do not follow federal law for when they must cast their votes, then those votes could be contested,” the lawsuit contends. The Republican-controlled Wisconsin Legislature, recognizing the conflict, attempted to bring the state into compliance with federal law with a bill last session. The Senate passed it 31-1, but it never got a vote in the Assembly. The lawsuit was filed against Gov. Tony Evers, Attorney General Josh Kail and Wisconsin Elections Commission Administrator Meagan Wolfe. Spokespeople for all of them declined to comment. The new day for electors to meet was included in a federal law passed with bipartisan support in 2022 that overhauled the rules for certifying the results of a presidential election in response to the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection and Trump’s failed attempt to remain in power. The law updated an 1800s-era law that governs, along with the U.S. Constitution, how states and Congress certify electors and declare presidential election winners. The law clarifies that the vice president’s role presiding over the count is only ceremonial and that he or she cannot change the results. It also sets out that each state can only send one certified set of electors after Trump’s allies had unsuccessfully tried to put together alternate slates of illegitimate pro-Trump electors in Wisconsin and other swing states where President Joe Biden won. Fifteen states had updated their laws to come into compliance with the new federal law by mid-October, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Scott Bauer, The Associated Press
JOHNS CREEK, Ga., Dec. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Saia Inc. (NASDAQ: SAIA) announced that Saia LTL Freight has partnered with Tesla to introduce two of the company’s first Tesla Semi trucks to its fleet. As Saia celebrates its 100th anniversary, this collaboration signifies not just a milestone in the carrier’s history but also a bold commitment to the future, exploring the latest technology to better serve its customers. The partnership represents another step forward in sustainable transportation as Saia becomes one of the early testers of Tesla’s state-of-the-art electric semi-trucks. The Tesla Semi brings unparalleled innovation to the logistics industry, reinforcing Saia’s role as a trailblazer for the future of freight transportation. “Our partnership with Tesla underscores our dedication to evolution while staying true to the values that have guided us for the past century,” said Executive Vice President of Operations Patrick Sugar. “As we celebrate 100 years of Saia, we’re focused on building a sustainable and innovative foundation for the next century.” Since its founding in 1924, Saia has been at the forefront of delivering excellence in transportation. The introduction of the Tesla Semi into Saia’s fleet reflects not only the company’s forward-thinking strategy but also its dedication to sustainability and meeting the evolving needs of customers. This collaboration aligns seamlessly with the company’s mission to provide top-tier service while minimizing its environmental footprint. “This collaboration enhances our operational capabilities and exemplifies how Saia is positioning itself for a future where innovation and sustainability drive success,” added Sugar. During a demonstration period held earlier this year, Saia rigorously tested the Tesla Semi in its operations with the tractor evaluated on its range, payload capacity, grade performance, and driver comfort. “We were very impressed with the Tesla Semi as it demonstrated an ability to handle both local and longer haul applications while still delivering notable power and efficiency. During a demonstration earlier this year, we achieved 1.73 kWh per mile,” said Sugar. “Our drivers were equally impressed, noting the smooth acceleration, comfortable design, and its ability to maintain speeds on steep inclines, even while hauling heavy payloads. This feedback underscores the enormous potential of the Tesla Semi.” As Saia celebrates its centennial year, the partnership is another tangible example of how the carrier is working to reduce its carbon footprint by reducing emissions and improving tractor mileage as it seeks to be a good steward of the environment and conduct its operations in a responsible manner. By embracing innovative technology, Saia is setting a new standard for sustainability in logistics and reaffirming its role as a leader in the industry. About Saia, Inc. Saia Inc. (NASDAQ: SAIA) offers customers a wide range of less-than-truckload, non-asset truckload, expedited, and logistics services. With headquarters in Johns Creek, Georgia, Saia LTL Freight operates over 214 terminals across the country and employs more than 15,000 people. Recognized by the American Trucking Associations Safety Management Council for its outstanding safety record and by the Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay program for its efforts to reduce its environmental impact, Saia is also a multi-year recipient of Women In Trucking’s “Top Companies for Women to Work for in Transportation.” For more information on Saia Inc., visit saia.com . For more information, contact: Jeannie S. Jump Senior Marketing and Corporate Affairs Specialist Phone: 770-232-4069 Email: jjump@saia.com
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