Core Insights - Freedom Financial Holdings, Inc. has appointed Scott Clark as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, enhancing the bank's leadership team with his extensive experience in community banking and finance [1][4][6] Company Overview - The Freedom Bank of Virginia is a next-generation community bank based in Fairfax, Virginia, offering a range of banking solutions including commercial, personal, and mortgage banking [7] Leadership and Strategy - Scott Clark will oversee all financial operations, including budgeting, financial reporting, asset liability management, investment performance, regulatory compliance, and investor relations, positioning the bank for growth and profitability [3][4] - The bank's President and CEO, Joe Thomas, expressed confidence in Clark's ability to enhance operational efficiency and balance sheet management, aligning with the bank's values and commitment to community banking [4][5] Experience and Qualifications - Scott Clark has a significant background in financial strategy, regulatory compliance, and capital management, having previously served as Treasurer for Sandy Spring Bank and EagleBank [6] - His focus on long-term sustainability and customer satisfaction positions him uniquely to guide Freedom Bank through a rapidly changing financial environment [6]

Summary of Freedom Holdings Investor Day Company Overview - **Company Name**: Freedom Holding Corporation - **Founded**: 2008 during the financial crisis - **Core Business**: Digital brokerage providing access to global markets, particularly U.S. markets, for retail investors in Kazakhstan and beyond [4][72] - **Market Position**: Top stockbroker by trading volume in Kazakhstan since 2014, with millions of accounts on the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange [5][6] Industry Insights - **Kazakhstan as a Testing Ground**: The country is viewed as a key market for technology-enabled services, serving as a testing ground for new technologies before rolling them out in Europe [3][4] - **Digital Ecosystem Development**: The company recognizes the need to build a digital ecosystem that includes banking and insurance services to remain competitive against global players [7][9] Financial Performance - **Market Capitalization**: Recently surpassed USD 10 billion, marking a significant milestone for the company [17] - **Focus on Future Growth**: Emphasis on reinvesting profits for future growth rather than focusing solely on current financial performance [12][16] - **Profitability**: The company remains profitable but acknowledges the potential volatility in financial conditions due to changing interest rates [14][15] Product Offerings - **Super App Development**: The company is focused on integrating various services into a super app, which is expected to enhance customer retention and reduce acquisition costs [20][24] - **Brokerage Technology**: Freedom Broker app (TraderNet) is a key product, with licenses in multiple countries including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and the U.S. [21][22] Technological Advancements - **AI Utilization**: The company employs predictive AI for risk management, customer insights, and fraud detection, enhancing its competitive edge in consumer lending and insurance [28][29][30] - **Data Infrastructure Investment**: Significant investments in data centers in Kazakhstan to support growth and ensure data security [49][50][54] Market Opportunities - **Central Asia and Caucasus**: Kazakhstan is positioned as a financial hub for Central Asia, with plans to enhance connectivity and financial services across the region [42][43][44] - **Global Expansion**: The company aims to replicate its successful digital ecosystem in Europe and the U.S., competing with established fintech firms [65][66][78] Regulatory Environment - **Regulatory Stability**: The company emphasizes the importance of consistent regulations for long-term planning and investment [96][97] - **Astana International Financial Centre**: The establishment of this center aims to create a favorable regulatory environment for financial services in Kazakhstan [90][91] Strategic Vision - **Long-term Goals**: Freedom Holding aims to become a leading global digital ecosystem provider, leveraging its experience and technology to compete on a global scale [66][67] Conclusion - **Future Outlook**: The company is optimistic about its growth potential in Kazakhstan and beyond, focusing on technology integration, market expansion, and building a robust digital ecosystem to meet evolving consumer needs [65][66][68]

Core Viewpoint - Freedom Financial Holdings reported strong financial results for the first quarter of 2025, with a significant increase in net income and improvements in key financial metrics despite a challenging economic environment [1][2]. Financial Performance - Net income for Q1 2025 was $2,019,348, or $0.28 per diluted share, representing a 73.4% increase compared to the same quarter in 2024 [1][11]. - Net interest income was $7.72 million, up 20.17% from the previous quarter but down 17.91% from Q1 2024 [3][11]. - Total revenue increased by 13.04% compared to the linked quarter and 12.65% year-over-year [6][11]. Cost and Efficiency - Non-interest expenses decreased by $447,995, or 6.93%, compared to the linked quarter, and by 3.30% compared to the same period in 2024 [7][11]. - The Efficiency Ratio improved to 69.22% for Q1 2025, down from 84.07% in the previous quarter and 80.64% in Q1 2024 [8][11]. Asset Quality - Non-accrual loans decreased by 22% to $10.7 million, representing 1.45% of loans held-for-investment [2][9]. - Total non-performing assets were 1.01% of total assets as of March 31, 2025, down from 1.25% at the end of the previous quarter [9][10]. Capital and Liquidity - Total assets were $1.08 billion, a decrease of $8.3 million from December 31, 2024 [12][11]. - Stockholders' equity was $81.11 million, slightly down from $81.44 million at the end of 2024 [13][11]. - The Company maintained strong capital ratios, with a Total Capital Ratio of 14.95% as of March 31, 2025 [15][11]. Shareholder Actions - The Company repurchased 177,692 shares under its share repurchase program, with a total of 214,400 shares repurchased out of the 250,000 authorized [14][11].

Core Viewpoint - Sigma Corporation of America has announced the launch of the Sigma 300-600mm F4 DG OS | Sports lens, which combines the convenience of a zoom lens with the optical performance of a prime lens, targeting sports, action, and wildlife photography [1][4]. Product Features - The Sigma 300-600mm F4 DG OS | Sports lens features a large aperture and ultra-telephoto zoom capabilities, allowing photographers to switch between 300mm and 600mm without changing lenses [4][5]. - It includes a High-response Linear Actuator (HLA) for fast and precise autofocus, along with 5.5 stops of optical stabilization at 600mm, enhancing its performance in dynamic shooting environments [1][9]. - The lens is constructed with 28 elements in 21 groups, including specialized glass elements for excellent correction of optical aberrations [6][21]. Design and Build - The lens body is made from magnesium alloy, providing robustness while maintaining a lightweight design, and features thermal insulation paint to prevent overheating during long outdoor shoots [12][13]. - A newly added function ring allows for enhanced functionality, including Focus Preset Mode and Power Focus Mode, catering to various shooting needs [14][15]. Compatibility and Availability - The Sigma 300-600mm F4 DG OS | Sports lens is compatible with Sony E-mount and Leica L-Mount cameras, and will be available for purchase at a price of $5,999 starting April 2025 [1][3][21].

Core Insights - Freedom Holding Corp. reported a 57% increase in total revenue for Q4 2024, reaching $655.2 million compared to $418.6 million in Q4 2023 [1] - The company's total assets grew to $9.1 billion from $8.3 billion as of March 31, 2024 [1] Revenue Drivers - The surge in revenue was primarily due to a significant turnaround in net gain on trading securities, which improved from a $5.1 million loss to a $89.6 million gain [2] - Insurance underwriting income saw a remarkable increase of 125%, reaching $177.5 million, driven by the expansion of pension annuities and accident insurance operations [2] - The banking segment also experienced robust growth, with a 47% increase in revenue compared to the same period last year [2] Segment Performance - Brokerage revenue increased by 29% to $213.3 million, supported by net gains on trading securities and fee and commission income [4] - Banking revenue rose by 47% to $206.4 million, bolstered by net gains on trading securities and derivatives [4] - Insurance revenue doubled to $197.8 million, reflecting strategic growth in insurance underwriting income [4] - Other segments saw revenue growth of 120% to $37.7 million, largely due to net gains on foreign exchange operations [4] Financial Overview - Despite strong revenue growth, net income declined by 19% to $78.1 million compared to $96.1 million in the previous year's quarter, attributed to increased expenses [5] - Total expenses for the quarter amounted to $556.9 million, up from $307.0 million in Q3 2024 fiscal year [5] - Fee and commission income increased from $120.2 million to $143.4 million during the same period [6] Strategic Initiatives - The company remains committed to expanding its product portfolio, improving operational efficiencies, and capitalizing on emerging market opportunities [6] - In October 2024, Freedom Holding acquired EliteCom, a telecommunications services company, for $3 million to develop its own telecommunications business [7] Company Profile - Freedom Holding Corp. is an international financial and investment services group specializing in capital markets, asset management, and brokerage services [8] - The company operates primarily in Kazakhstan and has a presence in 22 countries, focusing on delivering innovative financial products to individual and institutional investors [9]

Client Growth - As of December 31, 2024, the number of banking clients increased to 1,407,000 from 904,000 as of March 31, 2024, representing a growth of 55%[187] - Freedom Life had 973,827 active contracts as of December 31, 2024, up from 616,301 active contracts as of March 31, 2024, indicating a growth of 58%[197] - Freedom Insurance reported an increase in active contracts to 567,931 as of December 31, 2024, compared to 190,872 as of March 31, 2024, reflecting a growth of 198%[198] - The number of retail brokerage customers rose to approximately 618,000 as of December 31, 2024, compared to approximately 530,000 as of March 31, 2024[213] Financial Performance - Total revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2024, were $655.2 million, a 57% increase from $418.6 million in the same period of 2023[211] - Net income for the three months ended December 31, 2024, was $78.1 million, down from $96.1 million in the same period of 2023[212] - Total revenue for the nine months ended December 31, 2024, was $1.686 billion, a 44% increase from $1.170 billion in the same period of 2023[269] - Net income for the nine months ended December 31, 2024, was $226.9 million, a decrease of 19% from $279.5 million in the same period of 2023[316] Asset and Liability Management - The total assets of Freedom Life reached approximately $510.1 million as of December 31, 2024, up from $371.5 million as of March 31, 2024[197] - Total assets increased to $9.1 billion as of December 31, 2024, up from $8.3 billion as of March 31, 2024[213] - As of December 31, 2024, total liabilities were $7.9 billion, including customer liabilities of $3.8 billion[346] Revenue Segmentation - The Brokerage segment reported a revenue increase of 29% to $213.33 million, driven by net gains on trading securities and increased fee and commission income[320][321] - The Banking segment's revenue rose by 47% to $206.37 million, primarily due to net gains on trading securities and derivatives[320][322] - The Insurance segment experienced a 106% revenue increase to $197.83 million, mainly from higher insurance underwriting income[320][323] Expense Management - Total expenses for Q4 2024 were $556.9 million, an increase of $249.8 million or 81% compared to $307.0 million in Q4 2023[241] - Total expenses, net for the nine months ended December 31, 2024, rose by 69% to $1.42 billion compared to $839.54 million in the same period of 2023[338] - Payroll and bonuses expense for Q4 2024 was $77.4 million, an increase of $32.3 million or 72% compared to Q4 2023, due to higher salaries and workforce expansion[255] Investment and Capital Expenditures - Capital expenditures for the construction of Elysium Tower in Cyprus amounted to approximately $8.2 million in fiscal year 2024, with an additional $2.0 million incurred in the first nine months of fiscal year 2025[354] - Freedom Telecom plans to enter the telecommunications market in Kazakhstan, with capital expenditures currently uncertain but expected to be significant[355] - Freedom Media, established on January 25, 2024, is projected to require approximately $54 million in capital expenditures over the next five years[357] Regulatory and Credit Ratings - S&P Global Ratings upgraded the long-term credit ratings of Freedom KZ, Freedom EU, Freedom Global, and Freedom Bank KZ from "B" to "B+" level on December 12, 2024[207] - The aggregate net capital and capital adequacy requirements of the company's subsidiaries was approximately $237.4 million as of December 31, 2024, all subsidiaries exceeded the minimum required amount[368] Strategic Initiatives - The company divested its Russian subsidiaries in February 2023 to focus on markets in Kazakhstan and Central Asia[183] - The company is in the process of obtaining a license to provide brokerage services in Turkey following regulatory approval on January 9, 2025[188] - An aggressive growth strategy has been pursued through both acquisitions and organic efforts, leading to revenue growth but also increased expenses and capital resource needs[370] Cash Flow Management - Net cash flows from operating activities for the nine months ended December 31, 2024, were $343.3 million, a significant improvement from a cash outflow of $1.4 billion in the same period of 2023[349] - Net cash used in investing activities was $652.6 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2024, compared to $593.0 million in the same period of 2023[352] - Net cash flows from financing activities were $833.6 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2024, down from $1.9 billion in the same period of 2023[353]

Core Insights - Freedom Financial Holdings reported a net income of $1,156,906 or $0.16 per diluted share for Q4 2024, a significant increase from a net income of $344,919 or $0.05 per diluted share in the previous quarter and a net loss of $2,006,392 or -$0.27 per diluted share in Q4 2023 [1][7] - For the full year 2024, net income reached $4,710,284 or $0.64 per diluted share, compared to $2,318,660 or $0.32 per diluted share in 2023, marking a 103.2% increase [2][7] Financial Performance - The company achieved a net interest income of $6.42 million in Q4 2024, up 5.34% from the previous quarter but down 5.10% from Q4 2023 [4] - The net interest margin for Q4 2024 was 2.44%, an increase of 12 basis points from the previous quarter but a decrease of 18 basis points from the same period in 2023 [4][7] - Non-interest income for Q4 2024 was $1.27 million, reflecting a 10.14% increase from the previous quarter and a 23.88% increase from Q4 2023 [9][10] Asset Quality - Non-accrual loans amounted to $13,672,696 or 1.78% of loans held-for-investment as of December 31, 2024, compared to 1.52% in the previous quarter [14] - The ratio of non-performing assets to total assets was 1.25% as of December 31, 2024, slightly up from 1.22% in the previous year [14] Capital and Liquidity - Total assets were reported at $1.09 billion as of December 31, 2024, a slight increase from $1.08 billion a year earlier [17] - The company maintained strong capital ratios, with a Total Capital Ratio of 14.35% and a Common Equity Tier 1 Ratio of 13.57% as of December 31, 2024 [19] Efficiency and Expenses - The Efficiency Ratio improved to 84.07% for Q4 2024, down from 88.13% in the previous quarter but higher than 73.93% in Q4 2023 [13][27] - Non-interest expenses increased by 1.21% compared to the previous quarter and by 12.25% compared to Q4 2023, primarily due to higher compensation and data processing costs [12][27]

Core Insights - The Awareness Group (TAG) has filed its 10-K for the fiscal year 2024, which includes only 13 days of TAG's results following the reverse merger with Freedom Holdings on September 17, 2024 [1][2] - TAG reported over $1.2 million in revenue during this brief period, which annualizes to over $33 million [2] - The pro-forma results for the 12-month period ended September 30, 2024, show total revenue of $9,558,549 and net operating income of $1,621,521 [3] Company Overview - TAG is positioned as a leader in the solar energy sector, offering innovative solar services and financing solutions through its TAG GRID platform [4] - The company manages projects from concept to installation, aiming to enhance service quality and customer satisfaction [4] - TAG Financial, the company's growth engine, includes TAG Financial Services and TAG Capital, focusing on providing exclusive lending products and managing loan portfolios [5] Future Outlook - TAG anticipates reporting its first full quarter results for fiscal 2025, which ended December 31, 2024, showcasing the potential of its business model [2] - The company is focused on organic growth and strategic acquisitions to enhance its market position and revenue streams [5]

Core Insights - Cansortium Inc. is the first dispensary in Florida to introduce Freedom Town Holdings' new flower window bags, enhancing product presentation and regulatory compliance [1] - The new "peekaboo" packaging allows patients to visually inspect cannabis flowers, improving trust and transparency in the purchasing process [2] - The mylar material used for the bags is lightweight, recyclable, and environmentally friendly, reducing the overall environmental impact of cannabis packaging [3] - The new packaging is a response to patient feedback, demonstrating Cansortium's commitment to innovation and enhancing the patient experience [4] - Cansortium operates under the FLUENT™ brand and is dedicated to high-quality cannabis production across multiple states [5] Company Overview - Cansortium Inc. is a vertically-integrated cannabis company with operations in Florida, Pennsylvania, and Texas, focusing on operational excellence in cultivation, production, distribution, and retail [5] - The company's common shares are traded on the CSE under the symbol "TIUM.U" and on the OTCQB Venture Market under "CNTMF" [6]

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