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OP Financial Group's Interim Report for 1 January–31 March 2025: OP Financial Group reports a good first quarter in an uncertain operating environment
GlobeNewswire· 2025-05-07 06:00
Core Insights - OP Financial Group reported a strong operating profit of EUR 423 million for Q1 2025, despite a 31.4% decrease compared to the same period in 2024, reflecting challenges in the operating environment [2][13][32] - The economic outlook remains uncertain due to geopolitical tensions and trade wars, with GDP growth in Finland projected at 1% for the year [9][10][48] Financial Performance - Total income decreased by 17.1% to EUR 989 million, while total expenses increased by 10% to EUR 590 million, leading to a weakened cost/income ratio of 60% [2][17][32] - Net interest income fell by 11% to EUR 631 million, with Retail Banking experiencing a 17% decline [4][33] - The Corporate Banking segment saw an operating profit increase of 13% to EUR 145 million, while the Insurance segment reported an operating loss of EUR -14 million [18][32] Business Segments - Retail Banking's operating profit decreased by 23% to EUR 291 million, with a 4% increase in deposits to EUR 64 billion [4][18] - Corporate Banking's loan portfolio grew by 1% to EUR 28.2 billion, with deposits increasing by 14% [4][18] - The Insurance segment's service result improved to EUR 2 million, but investment income plummeted by 88% to EUR 19 million [4][16] Customer Engagement and Initiatives - OP Financial Group increased OP bonuses for owner-customers by 40% compared to 2022, providing significant value during economically challenging times [13][32] - The number of systematic investment agreements increased by 22%, indicating strong customer interest in long-term investments [22][23] Capital and Liquidity - The CET1 ratio stood at 20.0%, exceeding the minimum regulatory requirement by 6.9 percentage points, indicating strong capital adequacy [14][42] - The liquidity position remains robust, with a liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) of 202% [42] Market Trends - The loan portfolio grew by 1% year-on-year to EUR 99.1 billion, with deposits increasing by 5% to EUR 77.5 billion [19][20] - The ratio of non-performing exposures decreased to 2.5%, reflecting improved credit quality [21][34] Outlook - The operating profit for 2025 is expected to be good but lower than in 2023 and 2024, amid a challenging economic environment [48][49]
Delfi Lithuania changes company structure
GlobeNewswire· 2025-05-07 06:00
Group 1 - UAB Delfi, a subsidiary of AS Ekspress Grupp, is finalising an acquisition agreement to merge with UAB Kenton Baltic, which focuses on conference organization [1] - The restructuring aims to improve management efficiency and transparency [1] - The merger will not affect the consolidated profit, assets, or liabilities of AS Ekspress Grupp [1] Group 2 - AS Ekspress Grupp is the leading media group in the Baltic region, involved in web media content production, and publishing newspapers, magazines, and books [1] - The group also operates an electronic ticket sales platform and ticket sales offices, and provides outdoor screen services in Estonia and Latvia [1] - Established in 1989, AS Ekspress Grupp employs nearly 1,100 people [1]
Wolters Kluwer First-Quarter 2025 Trading Update
GlobeNewswire· 2025-05-07 06:00
Core Insights - Wolters Kluwer reported a solid start to 2025 with sustained growth in recurring revenues and margin improvement, reaffirming full-year guidance [4][8][17] Financial Performance - First-quarter revenues increased by 8% in reporting currencies, with organic growth of 5% compared to 6% in 1Q 2024 [5] - Recurring revenues, which constitute 83% of total revenues, grew by 7% organically, consistent with the previous year [5] - Non-recurring revenues declined by 2% organically, with notable growth in Financial & Corporate Compliance and Legal & Regulatory transactional revenues [5][9][10] - Adjusted operating profit increased by 11% at constant currencies, while adjusted free cash flow rose by 5% [8] Segment Performance - Health revenues grew by 3% in constant currencies and 4% organically, with Clinical Solutions achieving 5% organic growth [6] - Tax & Accounting revenues increased by 8% in constant currencies and 5% organically, with cloud software subscriptions growing by 19% [7] - Corporate Performance & ESG revenues saw a 10% increase in constant currencies and organically, driven by strong growth in EHS & ESG solutions [11] Cash Flow and Debt - Cash conversion improved modestly, with adjusted free cash flow increasing by 5% in constant currencies [12] - Net debt stood at €3,347 million as of March 31, 2025, with a net-debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 1.7x [13] Shareholder Returns - The company completed €286 million of its planned €1 billion share buyback program as of May 5, 2025 [8][14] - A proposed total dividend of €2.33 for financial year 2024 represents a 12% increase compared to the previous year [15] Guidance and Outlook - Full-year 2025 guidance remains unchanged, with expectations for organic growth in line with prior year [17][21][22] - Adjusted operating profit margin is anticipated to improve, particularly in Health and Corporate Performance & ESG [17]
Update on Historic Parcel
GlobeNewswire· 2025-05-07 06:00
Core Viewpoint - Vast Resources plc has successfully released a Historic Parcel of diamonds, revealing additional gem-quality stones, which enhances the company's asset value and prepares for future sales [2][3][4]. Company Update - The final packing list has been received following the Kimberly Process inspection, confirming the release of the Historic Parcel [2]. - An Additional Parcel containing 6,055.35 carats of gem-quality stones was discovered, increasing the total estimated quantity of diamonds in the Historic Parcel to 135,139.47 carats, with 36,475.26 carats identified as gem quality [3][4]. - The company is currently sorting the diamonds in Dubai and plans to clean and prepare them for sale, with initial results expected in the coming weeks [4]. Sales Strategy - The Board anticipates a phased selling process to maximize value for the company and its shareholders [4]. - The company looks forward to providing further updates as progress continues [5]. Company Profile - Vast Resources plc is an AIM quoted mining company with operations in Romania, Tajikistan, and Zimbabwe, focusing on advancing high-quality projects and recommencing production at previously operating mines [8]. - The Romanian portfolio includes a 100% interest in the Baita Plai Polymetallic Mine, which has a JORC compliant Reserve & Resource Report supporting an initial production life of approximately 3-4 years [9]. - The company is also working on bringing the Manaila Polymetallic Mine back into production and has secured an Extended Exploitation Licence for further resource examination [10]. - In Tajikistan, Vast has a joint venture for the Takob Mine, providing a 12.25% royalty on sales, and is contracted to manage the Aprelevka gold mines, aiming to increase production to historical peak levels [12][13].
Harvia’s Interim Report 1 January – 31 March 2025
GlobeNewswire· 2025-05-07 06:00
Core Viewpoint - Harvia Plc reported strong profitability and growth across all regions in Q1 2025, with significant contributions from North America and the successful integration of the ThermaSol acquisition [1][8][9]. Financial Performance - Revenue increased by 22.7% to EUR 52.0 million compared to EUR 42.4 million in Q1 2024, with organic revenue growth at 14.1% [3][5]. - EBITDA rose by 20.5% to EUR 13.8 million, representing 26.5% of revenue [3][5]. - Operating profit reached EUR 11.9 million, accounting for 22.9% of revenue, an increase of 20.8% year-on-year [3][5]. - Basic EPS improved to EUR 0.45 from EUR 0.40, marking an 11.9% increase [3][5]. - Operating free cash flow was EUR 10.2 million, with a cash conversion rate of 73.7% [3][5]. Regional Performance - North America contributed over 80% of total revenue growth, with strong market demand during the high-demand winter season [9][10]. - The APAC & MEA region experienced growth but had lower revenue due to fluctuations from large individual deliveries [11]. - European market conditions remained challenging, particularly in Northern Europe, with slow recovery in Finland [12]. Strategic Initiatives - The company is focused on long-term growth targets, aiming for an average annual revenue growth of 10% and an adjusted operating profit margin exceeding 20% [6]. - Harvia continues to invest in innovation, brand building, and digital sales channels to support future growth [14]. - The integration of ThermaSol is progressing well, contributing positively to sales and cost synergies [10][14]. Market Outlook - Global interest in saunas is rising, presenting both organic and inorganic growth opportunities for Harvia [15]. - The company is well-positioned to navigate challenges posed by global economic conditions and tariffs, with a significant portion of products manufactured locally in the U.S. [16]. Company Overview - Harvia is a leading player in the global sauna market, employing approximately 700 professionals across multiple countries [19][20]. - The company is headquartered in Muurame, Finland, adjacent to its largest manufacturing facility [20].
Stasher and Quadient Partner to Launch Nationwide Luggage Storage Using UK Smart Locker Network
GlobeNewswire· 2025-05-07 06:00
Core Insights - Quadient has announced a strategic partnership with Stasher to enhance luggage storage options in the UK, expanding Stasher's network significantly [1][4] - The collaboration integrates Stasher's booking system with Quadient's smart lockers, providing travelers with more flexible and secure luggage storage solutions [3][5] - Quadient's Parcel Pending smart lockers will now serve as luggage storage hubs, further demonstrating the versatility and consumer-centric focus of their services [4][5] Company Overview - Quadient is a global automation platform that facilitates secure and sustainable business connections through both digital and physical channels [8] - The company is actively expanding its smart locker network, with over 25,700 units installed globally and a target of 40,000 by 2030 [5] - Stasher operates in over 1,100 cities worldwide, providing a network of verified hotels, shops, and smart lockers for secure luggage storage [7]
Cybernet and Nokia redefine Pakistan’s network landscape with 1.2T-per-lambda backbone
GlobeNewswire· 2025-05-07 06:00
Core Insights - Cybernet, Pakistan's leading fiber broadband provider, has partnered with Nokia to deploy a new long-haul Optical Fiber Cable network capable of delivering 1.2 terabits per second (Tbps) per wavelength, significantly enhancing the country's digital infrastructure [1][3][10] - The new network will connect over 25 cities in its initial phase and provide more than 50 Tbps of long-haul capacity, supporting various connectivity solutions including data center interconnect and consumer broadband services [1][2][10] - This initiative aims to accelerate Pakistan's digital transformation and improve regional connectivity by offering scalable, high-capacity services at competitive rates [4][5] Company Overview - Cybernet has over 25 years of experience in the telecommunications sector, operating the largest FTTX network in Pakistan and serving enterprise, corporate, and residential customers [11] - The company also provides international connectivity services and is the parent company of StormFiber, a rapidly growing fiber broadband provider [11] - Cybernet's investment in Nokia's 1830 GX platform with ICE7 coherent optics is a strategic move to meet increasing bandwidth demands and enhance service offerings [3][10] Industry Impact - The deployment of Nokia's optical transport solution is expected to modernize Pakistan's connectivity landscape, enabling high-speed, low-latency services across the country [6][10] - The new backbone will facilitate cross-border transit services for carriers and internet service providers in Central Asia, fostering greater regional integration [4][6] - By leveraging advanced technology, the initiative positions Cybernet to better serve its customers and contribute to the global digital economy [5][6]
Late-breaking exploratory data highlights the impact of IQIRVO® (elafibranor) on fatigue and provides mechanistic insights into anti-inflammatory and symptom-related effects in patients with primary biliary cholangitis
GlobeNewswire· 2025-05-07 06:00
Core Insights - Ipsen announced new data on IQIRVO (elafibranor) at the European Association for the Study of the Liver congress, highlighting its efficacy in treating primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) [1] Group 1: Clinical Data and Efficacy - Additional analyses from the ELATIVE study indicate that patients with PBC treated with IQIRVO experienced greater improvements in fatigue after 52 weeks compared to placebo, with 42.9% of IQIRVO patients showing improvement versus 31.3% in the placebo group [2] - Among patients with moderate-to-severe fatigue at baseline, 66.7% of those treated with IQIRVO achieved clinically meaningful improvements, compared to 31.3% in the placebo group [2] - The positive effect of IQIRVO on fatigue appears to occur independently of its effect on pruritus [2] Group 2: Mechanistic Insights - A comprehensive proteomic analysis revealed changes in the expression of over 20 proteins involved in inflammation, immune response, and key symptomatic domains of PBC, including fatigue, in patients treated with IQIRVO [3] - The observed effects on fatigue-associated proteomic signatures are linked to PPARα activation [3][6] Group 3: Treatment Context and Approvals - IQIRVO is an oral, once-daily PPAR agonist that improves cholestasis and has anti-inflammatory effects, and it was granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation by the FDA in 2019 [5] - The drug received accelerated approval from the FDA in June 2024, conditional approval from the European Commission in September 2024, and approval from the UK MHRA in October 2024 for treating PBC in adults with inadequate response to UDCA [5] - Ipsen licensed the exclusive worldwide rights to elafibranor from GENFIT in 2021, and IQIRVO is currently undergoing regulatory processes with other authorities [5] Group 4: Disease Context - PBC is a rare autoimmune liver disease affecting approximately 100,000 people in the US and 165,000 in Europe, predominantly women, and can lead to severe complications if untreated [4]
Agillic releases Q1 2025 financial results: YoY, ARR from subscriptions is up 4%, EBITDA is up DKK 0.2 million, and cash flow from operations improved by DKK 1.9 million
GlobeNewswire· 2025-05-07 06:00
Core Insights - Agillic A/S reported a 4% increase in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) from subscriptions in Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024, attributed to new clients and stabilization of churn [1][3] - Total revenue decreased by 1% year-over-year in Q1 2025, primarily due to lower revenue following a high churn level in the previous year, but is expected to increase in 2025 according to guidance [1][4] - EBITDA increased by 20% in Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024, driven by reduced employee costs following organizational changes [2][3] Financial Performance - Revenue from subscriptions remained stable at DKK 12.6 million in Q1 2025, while revenue from transactions decreased by 5% to DKK 2.1 million [3] - Total revenue for Q1 2025 was DKK 14.7 million, down from DKK 14.8 million in Q1 2024, with a gross profit of DKK 12.0 million and a gross margin of 82% [3] - Employee costs decreased by 12% to DKK 7.6 million, while operational costs increased by 9% to DKK 3.6 million [3] Cash Flow and Financial Guidance - Cash flow from operations improved to DKK 1.9 million in Q1 2025, an increase of DKK 1.9 million year-over-year, attributed to positive developments in working capital [2][3] - The company maintains its financial guidance for 2025, expecting revenue between DKK 60-63 million, EBITDA between DKK 5-8 million, and ARR subscriptions between DKK 56-60 million [4]
OP Corporate Bank plc's Interim Report 1 January–31 March 2025
GlobeNewswire· 2025-05-07 06:00
OP Corporate Bank plcInterim Report 1 January–31 March 2025Stock Exchange Release 7 May 2025 at 9.00 am EEST OP Corporate Bank plc's Interim Report 1 January–31 March 2025 OP Corporate Bank plc's operating profit rose to EUR 140 million (112).Total income grew by 10% to EUR 215 million (196). Net interest income, EUR 157 million, remained at the previous year's level (157). Investment income increased to EUR 24 million (9). Net commissions and fees decreased by 14% to EUR 17 million (19). Other operating in ...