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ELK GROVE VILLAGE, Ill., Dec. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SigmaTron International, Inc. SGMA , an electronic manufacturing services company (the "Company"), today reported revenues and earnings for the fiscal quarter ended October 31, 2024. For the three month period ended October 31, 2024, revenues decreased $24 million, or 24 percent, to $74.7 million compared to $98.7 million for the same quarter in the prior year. Net income/(loss) for the three month period ended October 31, 2024 was a loss of $9.5 million compared to break even for the same period in the prior year. Approximately $3.3 million of expenses were recorded during the second quarter related to debt modification, expensing of deferred financing costs and lender warrants after remeasurement. Basic and diluted income/(loss) per share for the three month period ended October 31, 2024 was a loss of $1.55, compared to $0.00 income per share for the same period in the prior year. For the six month period ended October 31, 2024, revenues decreased $37.3 million, or 19 percent, to $159.5 million, compared to $196.8 million for the same period in the prior year. Net income/(loss) for the six month period ended October 31, 2024, was a net loss of $12.8 million, compared to net income of $0.3 million for the same period in the prior year. Approximately $3.3 million of expenses were recorded during the second quarter related to debt modification, expensing of deferred financing costs and lender warrants after remeasurement. Basic and diluted income/(loss) per share for the six month period ended October 31, 2024 was a loss of $2.08, compared to $0.05 income per share for the same period in the prior year. Commenting on SigmaTron International Inc.'s second quarter fiscal 2025 results, Gary R. Fairhead, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, said "Unfortunately the softness we've seen in our revenue stream has continued during the second quarter. Sequentially, our first quarter for fiscal 2025 revenue was $84.8 million and for the second quarter, our revenue was $74.7 million. We currently expect the depressed revenue levels to continue for our third fiscal quarter, in part because of the holidays in December for North America and at the end of January in Asia. As you would expect, this level of revenue resulted in another loss for the second quarter, which included a non-cash charge for deferred financing and warrant expenses that totaled approximately $3.3 million. On a positive note, the Company reported an operating profit in October, demonstrating that our restructuring efforts are now showing a significant impact. We continue to right-size our Company offering significant upside for the operations. The softness we continue to encounter was tied to the general economy and exacerbated by the supply chain volatility in the electronic component marketplace, with customers having overordered in the recent past because of the uncertainty related to acquiring certain components for the electronic assemblies. We believe that the excess inventory that was the result of this behavior has in large part been consumed, which should lead to overall demand increasing in 2025. "In the short term, we continue to see soft revenue in terms of our backlog. However, most of our customers are starting to indicate that they view calendar 2025 as a stronger and growing economy and expect the current trend to have bottomed out. We have seen this with several customers where some modest orders have been pulled in and there has been increased activity with new opportunities. It will still take a while to get to where we want to be but at least the current trend appears to be positive after the third quarter. In addition to right-sizing the Company, we have continued to remain focused on reducing inventory further. We made modest progress in that area in the second quarter, but we fully expect to see significant gains in our reduction efforts during the third quarter. "In our first quarter press release, I also mentioned that we were focused on activities to de-lever our balance sheet. I'm pleased to announce that on December 13, 2024, SigmaTron entered into a sale/leaseback of our Elk Grove Village property. We have signed a three-year lease with two one-year options on the property. From an accounting perspective, not only have we reduced our bank debt, but we will have a one-time capital gain of approximately $7 million to report in our third quarter results. We continue to look at other options for the Company strategically, with the assistance of Lincoln International. We continue to enjoy good relationships with our customers and supply chain and expect that to continue as we continue to go through the process." About SigmaTron International, Inc. Headquartered in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, SigmaTron International, Inc. operates in one reportable segment as an independent provider of electronic manufacturing services ("EMS"). The EMS segment includes printed circuit board assemblies, electro-mechanical subassemblies and completely assembled (box-build) electronic products. The Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries operate manufacturing facilities in Elk Grove Village, Illinois; Acuna, Chihuahua, and Tijuana Mexico; Union City, California; Suzhou, China; and Biên Hòa City, Vietnam. In addition, the Company maintains an International Procurement Office and Compliance and Sustainability Center in Taipei, Taiwan. The Company also provides design services in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, U.S. Forward-Looking Statements Note: This press release contains forward-looking statements. Words such as "continue," "anticipate," "will," "expect," "believe," "plan," and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on the current expectations of the Company. Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, the Company's plans, actions and actual results could differ materially. Such statements should be evaluated in the context of the direct and indirect risks and uncertainties inherent in the Company's business including, but not necessarily limited to, the Company's continued dependence on certain significant customers; the continued market acceptance of products and services offered by the Company and its customers; pricing pressures from the Company's customers, suppliers and the market; the activities of competitors, some of which may have greater financial or other resources than the Company; the variability of the Company's operating results; the impact of material weaknesses in internal controls over financial reporting; the results of long-lived assets and goodwill impairment testing; the risks inherent in any merger, acquisition or business combination, including the ability to achieve the expected benefits of acquisitions as well as the expenses of acquisitions; the collectability of aged account receivables; the variability of the Company's customers' requirements; the impact of inflation on the Company's operating results; the availability and cost of necessary components and materials; the impact acts of war may have to the supply chain; the ability of the Company and its customers to keep current with technological changes within its industries; regulatory compliance, including conflict minerals; the continued availability and sufficiency of the Company's credit arrangements; the costs of borrowing under the Company's senior and subordinated credit facilities, including under the rate indices that replaced LIBOR; increasing interest rates; the ability to meet the Company's financial and restrictive covenants under its loan agreements; changes in U.S., Mexican, Chinese, Vietnamese or Taiwanese regulations affecting the Company's business; the turmoil in the global economy and financial markets; public health crises, including COVID-19 and variants; the continued availability of scarce raw materials, exacerbated by global supply chain disruptions, necessary for the manufacture of products by the Company; the stability of the U.S., Mexican, Chinese, Vietnamese and Taiwanese economic, labor and political systems and conditions; global business disruption caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine and related sanctions and the Israel-Hamas conflict; currency exchange fluctuations; and the ability of the Company to manage its growth. These and other factors which may affect the Company's future business and results of operations are identified throughout the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, and as risk factors, may be detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These statements speak as of the date of such filings, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements in light of future events or otherwise unless otherwise required by law. For Further Information Contact: SigmaTron International, Inc. Frank Cesario 1-800-700-9095 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS Three Months Three Months Six Months Six Months Ended Ended Ended Ended October 31, October 31, October 31, October 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Net sales 74,719,360 98,691,684 159,496,338 196,822,040 Cost of products sold 67,815,156 89,003,929 146,186,940 177,483,065 Gross profit 6,904,204 9,687,755 13,309,398 19,338,975 Selling and administrative expenses 6,370,511 6,613,634 12,994,377 13,456,439 Operating income 533,693 3,074,121 315,021 5,882,536 Change in fair value of warrants (626,000 ) - (626,000 ) - Other expense (4,701,108 ) (2,702,193 ) (6,969,383 ) (5,402,644 ) (Loss) income before income tax (4,793,415 ) 371,928 (7,280,362 ) 479,892 Income tax benefit (expense) (4,673,254 ) (343,666 ) (5,475,467 ) (189,531 ) Net (loss)/income $ (9,466,669 ) $ 28,262 $ (12,755,829 ) $ 290,361 Net (loss)/income per common share - basic $ (1.55 ) $ 0.00 $ (2.08 ) $ 0.05 Net (loss)/income per common share - diluted $ (1.55 ) $ 0.00 $ (2.08 ) $ 0.05 Weighted average number of common equivalent shares outstanding - assuming dilution 6,119,288 6,190,696 6,119,288 6,166,524 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS October 31, April 30, 2024 2024 Assets: Current assets $ 160,920,235 175,902,619 Machinery and equipment-net 31,626,827 33,755,078 Deferred income taxes - 4,432,210 Intangibles 816,538 979,188 Other assets 11,298,366 8,724,880 Total assets $ 204,661,966 $ 223,793,975 Liabilities and stockholders' equity: Current liabilities $ 138,582,021 145,888,791 Long-term obligations 12,628,019 11,832,931 Stockholders' equity 53,451,926 66,072,253 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 204,661,966 $ 223,793,975 © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Even with access to blockbuster obesity drugs, some people don't lose weight

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Unlike scores of people who scrambled for the blockbuster drugs Ozempic and Wegovy to lose weight in recent years, Danielle Griffin had no trouble getting them. The 38-year-old information technology worker from New Mexico had a prescription. Her pharmacy had the drugs in stock. And her health insurance covered all but $25 to $50 of the monthly cost. For Griffin, the hardest part of using the new drugs wasn’t access. It was finding out that the much-hyped medications didn’t really work for her. “I have been on Wegovy for a year and a half and have only lost 13 pounds,” said Griffin, who watches her diet, drinks plenty of water and exercises regularly. “I’ve done everything right with no success. It’s discouraging.” In clinical trials, most participants taking Wegovy or Mounjaro to treat obesity lost an average of 15% to 22% of their body weight — up to 50 pounds or more in many cases. But roughly 10% to 15% of patients in those trials were “nonresponders” who lost less than 5% of their body weight. Now that millions of people have used the drugs, several obesity experts told The Associated Press that perhaps 20% of patients — as many as 1 in 5 — may not respond well to the medications. It's a little-known consequence of the obesity drug boom, according to doctors who caution eager patients not to expect one-size-fits-all results. “It's all about explaining that different people have different responses,” said Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, an obesity expert at Massachusetts General Hospital The drugs are known as GLP-1 receptor agonists because they mimic a hormone in the body known as glucagon-like peptide 1. Genetics, hormones and variability in how the brain regulates energy can all influence weight — and a person's response to the drugs, Stanford said. Medical conditions such as sleep apnea can prevent weight loss, as can certain common medications, such as antidepressants, steroids and contraceptives. “This is a disease that stems from the brain,” said Stanford. “The dysfunction may not be the same” from patient to patient. Despite such cautions, patients are often upset when they start getting the weekly injections but the numbers on the scale barely budge. “It can be devastating,” said Dr. Katherine Saunders, an obesity expert at Weill Cornell Medicine and co-founder of the obesity treatment company FlyteHealth. “With such high expectations, there’s so much room for disappointment.” That was the case for Griffin, who has battled obesity since childhood and hoped to shed 70 pounds using Wegovy. The drug helped reduce her appetite and lowered her risk of diabetes, but she saw little change in weight. “It’s an emotional roller coaster,” she said. “You want it to work like it does for everybody else.” The medications are typically prescribed along with eating behavior and lifestyle changes. It’s usually clear within weeks whether someone will respond to the drugs, said Dr. Jody Dushay, an endocrine specialist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Weight loss typically begins right away and continues as the dosage increases. For some patients, that just doesn't happen. For others, side effects such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea force them to halt the medications, Dushay said. In such situations, patients who were counting on the new drugs to pare pounds may think they’re out of options. “I tell them: It's not game over,” Dushay said. Trying a different version of the new class of drugs may help. Griffin, who didn't respond well to Wegovy, has started using Zepbound, which targets an additional hormone pathway in the body. After three months of using the drug, she has lost 7 pounds. “I'm hoping it's slow and steady,” she said. Other people respond well to older drugs, the experts said. Changing diet, exercise, sleep and stress habits can also have profound effects. Figuring out what works typically requires a doctor trained to treat obesity, Saunders noted. “Obesity is such a complex disease that really needs to be treated very comprehensively,” she said. “If what we’re prescribing doesn’t work, we always have a backup plan.” The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.Health care workers suffer five times more violence than any other industry, yet the issue often goes unnoticed—until a high-profile tragedy, like the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson , brings it into focus. In 2023, health care and social assistance workers obtained more than 562,000 injuries and illnesses on the job, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics . That's more than any other industry, including manufacturing, construction and transportation. Nurses and doctors are especially prone to violence. Ninety-one percent of emergency doctors say that they or a colleague were a victim of violence in the previous year, according to a January poll from the American College of Emergency Physicians. One quarter of nurses are abused in the workplace, the American Nurses Association reports . The issue is so pervasive that in October, the American Hospital Association formed a partnership with the FBI to address targeted violence in health care settings. Violence shows up in hospitals as physical assaults, verbal threats and, occasionally, large-scale or pointed attacks. These cases are not always lethal, but they can be. In 2023, a Tennessee surgeon was shot and killed by his patient. In 2018, a Houston physician was murdered by a patient's relative who was holding a grudge. In 2017, a 79-year-old man was sentenced to life plus a decade in prison for fatally shooting his urologist. It's uncommon for an executive to be targeted, but not unheard of. In April, Valley Children's Hospital in Madera, California, ordered 24-hour security at the home of its CEO, Todd Suntrapak, following public outrage over his $5.1 million paycheck. Violence comes with the territory when you work in health care, nurses and front-line hospital leaders told Newsweek this week. It generally goes unaddressed, unless—or perhaps until—the threat creeps into the C-suite. A 2024 report from Press Ganey (a data and technology company that partners with 41,000 health care providers) found a "concerning gap" between front-line hospital workers' and leaders' perceptions of safety culture at their organizations. More than 48 percent of hospital employees reported a low perception of safety culture at their organizations, while senior management rated it 4.53 out of five stars. That's why words like "hope," "hopeful" and "hopefully" punctuated Newsweek 's conversations with health care workers and their representative organizations following Thompson's killing. Many nurses hope this incident will cast a spotlight on the rising violence in the health care industry, Dr. Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, president of the American Nurses Association, told Newsweek . "There's frustration that nurses have been dealing with this for decades," Mensik Kennedy said, "and that the death of the CEO could have been prevented if we had really taken the issue seriously decades ago." While the killing of an insurance executive is different from the daily aggressions faced by hospital staff, it highlights the dangers of patients' boiling discontent. A 2024 data review published in the weekly journal eClinicalMedicine found that rising costs and the commercialization of the health care industry have contributed to increased violence against health care workers. On the front lines, pre-existing distrust is often exacerbated by long wait times and a lack of resources. When patients are both sick and frustrated , they are more likely to lash out. "The desperation and stress of patients, compounded by systemic inefficiencies, have created a tense and dangerous environment for health care professionals who are already working under immense pressure," Alice Benjamin, chief nursing officer consultant at Nurse.com and an emergency and family medicine nurse practitioner, told Newsweek . "These incidents are taking a serious toll on the mental and emotional well-being of front-line workers," Benjamin continued, "many of whom feel unsupported and increasingly unsafe." In the days following Thompson's death, patients expressed outrage toward UnitedHealthcare for denying insurance claims ; however, the bulk of this anger is geared toward for-profit health care institutions, not community health care workers. Newsweek found no evidence of increased threats against front-line workers in the wake of the CEO shooting, although there has been more discussion around the ever-present violence. Dr. Dhaval Desai, director of hospital medicine at Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital in Atlanta, told Newsweek that he has not felt exacerbated tensions on the front lines since December 4—but that the tragic incident has opened a "mixed" conversation among hospital workers. "On the front line, we're there to care for the patients," Desai said. "We often do feel shortcomings from the insurance companies, and how can we continue to make that better?" Hospital workers have been discussing the issue for years, Desai said. While it "should never take the murder of a man" to open the dialogue, it's an important conversation to have. "This is a rude awakening for everybody that we are in a troubled system where the patient is not always taken care of by the sources that should be taking care of them," Desai said. Some hospitals have increased security measures in the wake of the shooting, according to Benjamin, Mensik Kennedy and Gene Petrino, a retired SWAT commander and co-founder of Survival Response, a workplace violence response and education company that provides specialized services to hospitals. All three noted that the reforms are unlikely to last. "Any time one of these instances happens, security always gets tightened, but it kind of fades away as time goes on," Petrino told Newsweek . He expects to see a return to normal in two weeks to a month. Most of the protections Petrino has seen added since December 4 are focused on senior leaders, not front-line workers. For example, some locations are revving up security around executive parking. Some hospitals have also been giving staff refreshers on safety protocol, reminding them not to leave doors propped open and to report suspicious behavior. Health care organizations have been ramping up security since 2020, when workplace violence started to visibly escalate amid the pandemic. Some have independent police forces and metal detectors. At the Healthcare Burnout Symposium in New York City on November 21, Desai shared some of the work Emory has done to improve physical and psychological safety . The system has established multidisciplinary Workplace Violence Response Teams in all units—featuring representatives from hospital administration, public safety, human resources and risk management—to debrief violent events and deploy necessary support. Each patient room now has signage iterating a zero-tolerance policy for both verbal and nonverbal aggression toward employees. Desai also encouraged health care leaders in the audience not to shy away from difficult conversations and not to downplay employees' concerns. "Workplace violence is happening at your institution," Desai said. "Don't be in denial." Unfortunately, many health care organizations do turn a blind eye to the dangers their employees face, according to Petrino: "They see [security] as one of the cost-cutting areas used to increase profit." But when people feel safe at work, it's a net positive for a business—and this is especially true in health care, Petrino said. When hospital workers have a sense of security, they are more productive and make fewer errors. Patients are also more likely to choose a hospital with safety assurances. "What happened with United...in a sad way, it might be a benefit that some hospitals might start taking [security] more seriously," Petrino said. It's not just up to hospitals, according to Mensik Kennedy, whose organization represents 5.5 million registered nurses around the country. She believes there needs to be a national effort to reduce violence in the health care industry. The American Nurses Association has been petitioning the Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration for years but has not seen any real change. Currently, many advocacy efforts are concentrated on the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act, which would require employers to take actions to protect employees from violence. If the bill is inked, health care facilities would be mandated to produce workplace violence prevention plans, train and educate employees who may be exposed to violence, investigate and keep records of all violent incidents and provide an annual report to Congress . The Act was passed by the House in April 2021 and is still awaiting further action from the Senate . Violence and anger in health care have populated public discourse this month. But even after the noise dies down, it will remain "daily life" for nurses, Mensik Kennedy said. "We need to get health care organizations, hospitals back as sources and sites of healing."King Charles has turned heads earlier this week as he sported a pair of previously banned satin breeches to an event at Buckingham Palace. The breeches, steeped in royal tradition, had been a topic of debate leading up to his coronation last year. Ultimately, the King opted for a more modernised pair of Royal Navy trousers for the historic ceremony. However, on Tuesday, he finally donned the ceremonial outfit, which boasts a storied lineage. Accompanied by Queen Camilla, Charles paired the breeches with black silk stockings and bespoke shoes crafted for his coronation by Tony Gaziano of Gaziano & Girling. The shoes, described as black opera pumps with a "family buckle", were made by the Kettering-based company, whose founder noted the King’s "delicate" feet during the fitting process. The satin breeches hold deep historical significance, having been worn by Charles’s grandfather, King George VI, as well as great-grandfather King George V and great-great-grandfather King Edward VII at their coronation ceremonies. In a nod to royal tradition, Charles, 76, also wore a garter on his left leg inscribed with the Order of the Garter’s motto, "Honi soit qui mal y pense", meaning "shame on he who thinks ill of it". Queen Camilla, 77, complemented the occasion by wearing a velvet blue gown and a sentimental piece from the late Queen Elizabeth’s collection, a diamond and aquamarine tiara previously seen on Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh. Camilla paired it with matching aquamarine earrings and a necklace, as well as the King’s family order displayed on a royal blue sash. In a nod to Charles’ passion for sustainability, his likeness is believed to be painted on polymin, rather than ivory. The Diplomatic Corps reception, one of the largest annual events at Buckingham Palace , welcomed approximately 1,000 guests. Invitations were extended to ambassadors, high commissioners, past prime ministers, and other notable public figures. This year’s reception was moved to November to avoid clashing with the Emir of Qatar’s state visit in December. Prince William attended the event alongside his father and stepmother, looking dashing in a black suit and trousers as he mingled with guests. Absent from the event was Princess Catherine, who is gradually resuming royal duties after completing chemotherapy in October. The Duchess of Wales made a public appearance at Remembrance Sunday earlier this month and is reportedly preparing for her Together at Christmas carol service on December 6. This year’s carol service is themed around the Christmas story, which "encourages us to consider the experiences of others and the important human need of giving and receiving empathy."

Banque Cantonale Vaudoise lowered its stake in SolarEdge Technologies, Inc. ( NASDAQ:SEDG – Free Report ) by 47.9% during the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 5,647 shares of the semiconductor company’s stock after selling 5,199 shares during the period. Banque Cantonale Vaudoise’s holdings in SolarEdge Technologies were worth $129,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other large investors have also recently modified their holdings of SEDG. Swedbank AB purchased a new position in shares of SolarEdge Technologies in the first quarter worth about $261,312,000. Quarry LP purchased a new position in shares of SolarEdge Technologies in the second quarter worth about $36,627,000. Marshall Wace LLP increased its holdings in shares of SolarEdge Technologies by 425.1% in the second quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 555,959 shares of the semiconductor company’s stock worth $14,044,000 after buying an additional 450,081 shares during the period. Handelsbanken Fonder AB increased its holdings in shares of SolarEdge Technologies by 1,634.6% in the third quarter. Handelsbanken Fonder AB now owns 214,368 shares of the semiconductor company’s stock worth $4,911,000 after buying an additional 202,010 shares during the period. Finally, E. Ohman J or Asset Management AB increased its holdings in shares of SolarEdge Technologies by 109.3% in the third quarter. E. Ohman J or Asset Management AB now owns 373,581 shares of the semiconductor company’s stock worth $8,559,000 after buying an additional 195,085 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 95.10% of the company’s stock. Insider Buying and Selling In other news, Chairman More Avery purchased 156,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 11th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $13.65 per share, with a total value of $2,129,400.00. Following the acquisition, the chairman now directly owns 244,478 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $3,337,124.70. This represents a 176.32 % increase in their ownership of the stock. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link . 0.67% of the stock is owned by company insiders. SolarEdge Technologies Stock Performance SolarEdge Technologies ( NASDAQ:SEDG – Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 6th. The semiconductor company reported ($15.33) earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts’ consensus estimates of ($1.55) by ($13.78). SolarEdge Technologies had a negative return on equity of 65.79% and a negative net margin of 158.19%. The firm had revenue of $260.90 million during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $272.80 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned ($1.03) earnings per share. SolarEdge Technologies’s revenue was down 64.0% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts anticipate that SolarEdge Technologies, Inc. will post -19.05 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research analysts recently issued reports on SEDG shares. Susquehanna reduced their price target on SolarEdge Technologies from $20.00 to $11.00 and set a “neutral” rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, November 7th. The Goldman Sachs Group reduced their price target on SolarEdge Technologies from $19.00 to $10.00 and set a “sell” rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, November 7th. StockNews.com upgraded SolarEdge Technologies to a “sell” rating in a report on Friday, November 8th. TD Cowen reduced their price target on SolarEdge Technologies from $16.00 to $11.00 and set a “hold” rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, November 7th. Finally, Scotiabank reduced their price target on SolarEdge Technologies from $46.00 to $41.00 and set a “sector perform” rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, August 8th. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nineteen have given a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of “Hold” and an average target price of $22.79. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on SEDG About SolarEdge Technologies ( Free Report ) SolarEdge Technologies, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, and sells direct current (DC) optimized inverter systems for solar photovoltaic (PV) installations in the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, rest of Europe, and internationally. It operates in two segments, Solar and Energy Storage. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SEDG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for SolarEdge Technologies, Inc. ( NASDAQ:SEDG – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for SolarEdge Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SolarEdge Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

Former B.C. New Democrat member of the legislature Dan Coulter dead at 49

Today, the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) stands as a hub for over 160 listed companies, with a total market capitalization of N58.91 trillion as of November 2024. Among these, only a select few surpass the $1 billion valuation milestone, showcasing the strength and resilience of Nigeria’s top-performing firms. Leading the market are giants like Airtel Africa, Dangote Cement, and BUA Foods, collectively valued at over N20 trillion, which represents nearly 40% of the NGX’s total market capitalization. Related Stories Nigeria’s Anthony Chiejina and others featured in ‘2024 world most influential communications executives’ Dangote Wins ECOWAS’ Manufacturing Brand of the Year Award Behind these billion-dollar companies are directors of marketing and communications. These leaders play a vital role in driving revenue growth, fostering industry partnerships, and ensuring their brands thrive in competitive and volatile markets. Their innovative strategies and ability to manage crises effectively have positioned their companies for sustained success while building trust among stakeholders. This article highlights 10 marketing and communications leaders who lead the expert teams reshaping Nigeria’s corporate landscape. From managing brand narratives to leveraging data-driven strategies, they have become the driving force behind some of the country’s most valuable and influential companies. Tolu Alero Ladipo- Group Head of Marketing/Corporate Comms UBA Market cap-N1.1 trillion Tolu Alero Ladipo is a seasoned marketing professional with extensive experience in corporate communications, marketing strategy, and customer experience. She is currently the Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at UBA Group, a role she has held since April 2023. Prior to UBA, she was the Executive Head of Marketing and Customer Experience at Old Mutual Nigeria, where she led marketing efforts from August 2018 to July 2023. Tolu has also worked in senior marketing roles at United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Smile Communications Nigeria, building brand strategies and executing impactful campaigns. Tolu holds a Master of Laws (LLM) in International Trade from the University of Essex (2001-2002), a Bachelor of Law (BL) from The Nigerian Law School (2004-2005), and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Northumbria, Newcastle (1998-2001). Her expertise spans strategic marketing, advertising, and customer relationship management. As of November 22, 2024, UBA’s market capitalization reached N1.1 trillion, fueled by strong Q3 2024 performance. Interest income, which accounted for 77% of gross earnings, saw notable growth. Despite a 19% decline in Q3, interest income from loans and advances contributed 40.4% of total interest income for the quarter and 37% for the nine-month period. Oyinade Adegite (Ogunade)- Chief Communications GTCO Market cap: N1.6 trillion Oyinade Adegite (Ogunade) is the Chief Communication Officer at GTCO Plc, a role she has held since July 2021. She is responsible for developing and implementing the brand and communication strategy for one of Africa’s largest financial services groups. With over 20 years of experience in banking, strategy, and communication, she is widely recognized as a leading growth strategist in the finance sector. From 2012 to 2022, Oyinade served as Head of Corporate Communication at GTBank, where she spearheaded marketing initiatives that drove significant revenue growth and customer acquisition across multiple African markets. Between 2009 and 2011, she worked at Stanbic IBTC as Global Markets Head, specializing in interest rate sales and structuring. Earlier in her career, she gained experience in treasury and upstream energy roles at GTBank between 2003 and 2006. Oyinade holds a Master’s degree in Finance and Management from Cranfield University (2006–2007) and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Lagos (1997–2000). She is passionate about leveraging strategic communication to enhance corporate reputation, foster trust, and deliver meaningful impact. GT Holding ranks ninth with a valuation of N1.60 trillion, representing 2.5% of the total equity market. The company’s stock saw a 7% price appreciation. Olarewaju Daramola-General Manager, Commercial Aradel Holdings Market cap- N2.2trillion Olarewaju Daramola is a seasoned professional with over 31 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, holding senior roles across Nigeria, Australia, and the Netherlands. His expertise spans commercial operations, government relations, opportunity maturation, contracts and agreements, acquisitions, and divestment deals. He joined Aradel Holdings in September 2021, bringing his vast knowledge and leadership to drive the company’s commercial strategy and operational excellence. Daramola holds a First-Class Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University, a Master’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Lagos, and an MBA from Rushmore University. Prior to Aradel, he served as Gas Planning and Optimisation Manager for Shell Nigeria, where he played a pivotal role in the development and implementation of the country’s gas strategy, business planning, and gas advocacy. He also served as Non-Operated Venture Manager, overseeing governance, marginal fields management, divestment transactions, and commercial agreements, solidifying his reputation as a transformational leader in the industry. Oyindamola Fashogbon- Head Brand Marketing/Corp Comms Transcorp Power Market Cap – N2.69 trillion Oyindamola Fashogbon is a distinguished marketing and communications professional, recognized as one of the Top 35 Under 35 Marketing and Communication Professionals. With over six years of experience spanning corporate communications, integrated marketing, and brand management, she has made significant contributions across industries, including technology, energy, and aviation. Before joining Transcorp Power in August 2024, Oyindamola worked at Quidax, Cavista Holdings, and Dataleum, contributing significantly to the success of brands like Airtel, Nokia, and Nestlé. Her extensive background also includes roles at Green Africa and Noah’s Ark Communications, where she developed and executed impactful marketing campaigns. Oyindamola holds a Postgraduate Degree in Business Administration from the National Open University of Nigeria, an Award in Applied Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (with distinction), and certifications in Brand Management and Data Science. She also has a Higher National Diploma in Estate Management from YABATECH. Transcorp Power, listed in 2023, represents 4% of the market capitalization with a stock price of N359, although it experienced a 19% decline in share price during the quarter. Yvonne Afe- Director External Affairs & Social performance Seplat Energy Market Cap– N3.3 trillion Yvonne Afe has over 24 years of extensive experience in marketing and communications across various industries, including telecommunications, FMCG, and financial services. She joined Seplat Energy in May 2023 as Director of External Affairs, where she is responsible for managing Seplat’s global reputation, external relations, and corporate social responsibility initiatives. Prior to Seplat, Yvonne held senior roles at Access Bank, where she served as Head of Marketing Communications from May 2022 to June 2023 and Group Head of Retail Marketing & Analytics from April 2019 to May 2022. Yvonne’s earlier experience includes serving as Head of Corporate Communications at Diamond Bank, Marketing Manager at MultiChoice, and Brand Manager at Cadbury Nigeria. She also worked as Senior Manager for Brand Assets and Activations at Airtel Nigeria and Senior Brand Manager at Coca-Cola Nigeria, where she developed and executed various brand strategies and consumer promotions. Afe holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Imperial College Business School and a Diploma in Direct Marketing from The Institute of Direct and Digital Marketing. She has a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in English/Language Arts Teacher Education from the University of Port Harcourt (1992–1996). Seplat Energy, with a market capitalization of N3.3 trillion , is a major player in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Its recent $1.28 billion acquisition of ExxonMobil’s Nigerian assets strengthened its market position, with its share price surging 146.75% year-to-date, reflecting strong investor confidence. Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka- Chief Marketing Officer MTN Nigeria Market cap –N3.6 trillion With over 23 years of experience spanning telecommunications, logistics, and education, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka is a business leader renowned for crafting innovative strategies, expanding markets, and fostering talent development. Her academic journey reflects a commitment to excellence, with an MBA in General Management from Alliance Manchester Business School (2008-2010) and a BSc in Geology from the University of Calabar (1994-1997). She has further honed her expertise through executive programs at Columbia Business School (Business to Business Marketing, 2014) and Harvard Business School (Strategic Negotiations, 2012). At MTN, Onyinye has made a significant impact by developing profitable business models for enterprise and digital initiatives, serving SMEs, large organizations, and multinationals. As General Manager, Enterprise Sales, she led nationwide efforts, achieving consistent year-on-year growth and driving market expansion. Her ability to oversee go-to-market models has nurtured emerging products into mature, revenue-generating engines. Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka is an accomplished international speaker on leadership, commercial strategies, and technology. She serves as guest faculty at Tekedia Institute and PearlMutual Academy, co-founded theOIEhub, and is a John Maxwell-certified leader. Additionally, she is on the boards of two Nigerian startups, a member of the Forbes Business Development Council, and a doctoral student at Cranfield University, UK. MTN Nigeria, with a market capitalization of $2.19 billion (N3.67 trillion), represents 6.21% of the equity market. Despite a $462.81 million (N713.63 billion) pre-tax loss due to naira devaluation, it generated $1.53 billion (N2.37 trillion) in service revenue in the first nine months of 2024, demonstrating strong resilience. Adewunmi Desalu – Group Head of Corporate Communications, BUA Foods Plc Market Cap – N7.10 trillion Adewunmi Desalu is a dynamic marketing and communications leader with over two decades of experience spanning the food production, financial services, luxury retail, and advertising industries. Currently serving as the Group Head of Corporate Communications at BUA Foods Plc, she oversees strategic initiatives that enhance brand visibility, reputation management, and stakeholder engagement for one of Nigeria’s leading food companies. Adewunmi’s career began with a foundation in public health, earning a Bachelor’s degree from Babcock University, where she served as President of the Department of Health Sciences and an advisor to the Student Association Executives. Her transition into marketing and communications saw her excel in the financial sector, where she contributed to innovative communication strategies and rebranding initiatives at Guaranty Trust Bank and Wema Bank, setting industry standards in customer engagement. At BUA Foods Plc, Adewunmi plays a core role in driving the company’s growth, ensuring it maintains its position as a market leader. Notably, BUA Foods is has a market capitalization of N7.10 trillion, representing approximately 13% of the market. Emeka Oparah-VP Corporate Communications & CSR at Airtel Africa Market Cap – N8.10 trillion With over 25 years of distinguished experience, Emeka Oparah is a crisis communication expert, rebranding veteran, and leadership transition strategist. As Vice President, Corporate Communications & CSR at Airtel Africa, he oversees media relations, government affairs, and impactful social investment initiatives. Emeka is renowned for his expertise in navigating complex transitions, having successfully managed seven leadership changes and six brand transformations at Airtel Nigeria, guiding the company through seamless rebranding phases from Econet Wireless to its current identity. His career spans journalism, advertising, public relations, and corporate social responsibility, with key roles in organizations like Cadbury Nigeria. Emeka holds a BA (Hons.) in Mass Communications from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he graduated top of his class, and a Postgraduate Diploma in International Public Relations. A member of professional bodies such as NIPR, IPRA, and APCON, he has honed his skills through global leadership and communications programs. Currently, Emeka collaborates with teams across Airtel Africa’s 14 markets, championing digital inclusion and educational access for underprivileged children. His passion for storytelling, sustainability, and strategic communication continues to position Airtel as a transformative force in Africa. Airtel Africa overtook MTN Nigeria in Q3 2024 to become Nigeria’s second most valuable company, with a market capitalization of N8.10 trillion. Anthony Chiejina- Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer Dangote Group Market Cap – N8.15 trillion Anthony Chiejina is an accomplished communications professional with a rich academic and career background. He earned a B.Sc (Hons) in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos in 1981, graduating with Second Class Upper honors. He furthered his education with an M.Sc in Industrial Relations & Personnel Management from the same university in 1984, followed by an M.A. in Organizational Analysis & Behaviour from the University of Lancaster, UK, in 1988, and an M.A. in Development Studies from the Institute of Social Studies (ISS) in The Hague, Netherlands, in 1994. Chiejina’s career spans journalism and corporate communications. He held editorial roles as Associate Editor and Deputy Editor at African Economic Digest in London and African Concord in Lagos before transitioning to banking. He served as Assistant General Manager at Zenith Bank Plc and Deputy General Manager at Oceanic Bank International Plc, where he led corporate communications. Currently, as Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer at Dangote Industries Limited, he drives strategic communication across the Group’s Pan-African operations. A Salzburg Fellow, Chiejina has received prestigious scholarships and academic honors. He is also a Fellow of the Oxford University Centre of Corporate Reputation and an active member of several professional organizations, including ASPN and the IoD. As of October 31, 2024, Dangote Cement is Nigeria’s second most valuable company, with a market capitalization of N8.15 trillion. Note: The personalities featured in this compilation have been carefully selected by a distinguished panel of editors, experts, and analysts at Nairametrics. It is important to note that none of the individuals listed have solicited their inclusion. While this list aims to be comprehensive, it is by no means exhaustive; numerous other contributors have played significant roles in advancing the marketing and communications sector in Nigeria. This compilation is exclusive to Nairametrics and may be updated periodically to reflect changes and advancements in the field. Feedback will be appreciated.DrBalcony App Redefines Balcony Inspections with Unparalleled Efficiency

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has revealed that she was “tormented” over the vote result and saw it as a “humiliation” for the . The former German chancellor wrote in her new autobiography Freedom that she ruminated on whether she could have done more to help the then-British prime minister prevent . However, in the extracts from the book, which is set to be published on Tuesday, Ms Merkel, who left office three years ago, concluded it was only himself that Mr Cameron could blame. Upon reflection, she said Brexit was a possibility as soon as he suggested in 2005 that Conservative Party MEPs should quit the European People’s Party (EPP) over the parliamentary allliance’s support of the Lisbon treaty in 2009 – which they did, with Eurosceptics criticising the changes the treaty introduced as undemocratic. In the five pages she dedicated to Brexit in her 700-page memoir, the reported Ms Merkel wrote: “To me, the result felt like a humiliation, a disgrace for us, the other members of the European Union – the United Kingdom was leaving us in the lurch. This changed the European Union in the view of the world; we were weakened.” Risking the ire of other EU leaders, Ms Merkel disclosed that she “tried wherever possible to help David Cameron”, including reaching out to him as he attempted to secure changes over freedom of movement and trade with a view to pitching a reformed EU. Referring to an EU summit in February 2016 at which a deal over the UK’s renegotiation demands was hoped to be reached, she said: “My support of him rendered me an outsider with my other colleagues ... The impact of the euro crisis was still lingering, and I was also being repeatedly accused of stinginess. “And yet, during the summit, I steadfastly remained by David Cameron’s side for an entire evening. In this way I was able to prevent his complete isolation in the council and eventually move the others to back down. I did this because I knew from various discussions with Cameron that where domestic policy was concerned, he had no room for manoeuvre whatsoever.” However, Ms Merkel said there reached a limit at which point she could no longer help Mr Cameron. She argued the UK had not helped itself, making the mistake of not introducing restrictions on eastern European workers after 10 new countries joined the EU in May 2004. The then-Labour government vastly underestimated the number of people who would come to the country, and following the influx of workers, the Eurosceptics were able to cast freedom of movement in a negative light. France and Germany, on the other hand, gradually phased in eastern Europeans’ rights to work, only giving them full access to their labour markets in 2011. Ms Merkel then described Mr Cameron’s proposal the Tories to leave the EPP as the final stop on the inevitable road to the referendum outcome. “He therefore, from the very beginning, put himself in the hands of those who were sceptical about the European Union, and was never able to escape this dependency,” she wrote, concluding the Brexit, “demonstrated in textbook fashion the consequences that can arise when there’s a miscalculation from the very start”. Although she said she was still pained about whether there was more she could have done. “After the referendum, I was tormented by whether I should have made even more concessions toward the UK to make it possible for them to remain in the community. I came to the conclusion that, in the face of the political developments taking place at the time within the country, there wouldn’t have been any reasonable way of my preventing the UK’s path out of the European Union as an outsider. Even with the best political will, mistakes of the past could not be undone.”IT’S finally time for the most important day in gaming’s calendar, The Game Awards, where announcements, reveals, trailers, and, of course, awards are shown. Hosted by Geoff Keighley, not only will the best games of 2024 receive their accolades, but we’ll gain insights into the biggest upcoming games. Expect there to be plenty of huge reveals of unannounced games, and more trailers for games we know about. Astro Bot and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth are nominated for the most awards this year, but other games like Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree have also received a number of nominations. If you want to keep up with all the trailers and awards as they are announced, we’ll have everything you need. Here are all the biggest announcements from The Game Awards 2024 as they happen. More options means more control for players, and Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown allowed people to tweak every aspect. Here are the other nominees in the category: Games for Impact celebrates games with a social message, and Neva from the team behind Gris scooped this one up. Here are all of the nominees: There weren't any surprises in the esports categories. Here are all of the nominees and winners. It's not a very popular category, but VR games are still pushing the boundaries of the platform. Batman: Arkham Shadow was undoubtedly the best VR game this year taking home the award. Here are all of the nominees: While the crowd cheered loudly for Marvel vs Capcom, Tekken 8 took home the crown. Tekken director and producer Katsuhiro Harada was there to pick up the award. Here are all of the nominees: Ninja Gaiden in a game from the team behind Streets of Rage 4. Ninja Gaiden Ragebound will launch in 2025. The Game Awards pre-show is about to begin with the pre-show. That means the first trailers, announcements, and awards are incoming. We won’t know who the big winners are until the show starts, but we did give The Game Awards winner predictions based on our expert opinions. Naturally, the games with the most nominations are likely to pick up the most awards, and we expect all of The Game of the Year nominees to pick up at least one prize. There are a number of studios and publishers that don’t usually feature trailers during The Game Awards. Don’t expect anything about GTA 6 . It’s expected to be the biggest game of 2025, and Rockstar doesn’t need the added publicity of The Game Awards to showcase it. Rockstar is more likely to give more information about GTA 6 in one of its own showcases. We also don’t expect to see anything from Nintendo’s first-party studios or an unveiling of the Switch 2 . Nintendo also presents new consoles and games as part of its own events, and historically has not appeared at The Game Awards. The Game Awards like to keep things a surprise, but some publishers have teased upcoming games. Gearbox has confirmed that it’ll be showing more of the much anticipated Borderlands 4, and Hangar 13 will show more from Mafia: The Old Country. One of the bigger trailers to appear is Civilization 7 from Firaxis, one of the most anticipated games of next year. Hazelight Studios, the team that made 2021 Game of the Year award winner It Takes Two, will show off their next title. Third-person shooter Mecha Break has teased a TGA 2024 announcement, as well as updates for ongoing games. Zenless Zone Zero, Stalcraft: X, Warframe: 1999, and Tekken 8 will all share updates with fans. The Game Awards is streaming live via Steam and there are some benefits if you watch it this way. By going through The Game Awards' Steam page , you can grab in-game items for games like No Man's Sky and Helldivers 2. All you need to do is watch while logged into your Steam account, and the in-game items will automatically unlock. There are 30 categories at The Game Awards, including Best Art Direction, Best Score, Best Narrative, and Most Anticipated Game. There are also categories for best game in each genre, as well as a number of esports awards. Astro Bot and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth have been nominated for seven awards each, while Metaphor: ReFantazio is right behind it with six nominations. If you want to see the nominees for every category, you can check out our The Game Awards all nominees guide. Six games have been nominated for Game of the Year, and all of them have received multiple nominations in other categories. The games cover a wide variety of genres, from 3D platformer Astro Bot to turn-based RPG Metaphor: ReFantazio. Poker roguelike Balatro is the only indie game on the list, but Black Myth: Wukong is also the first triple-A game from Game Science. Shadow of the Erdtree is also the first DLC that has been nominated for Game of the Year. If you want to know more about each game, you can read our reviews by clicking on the links. Here’s the full list. The Game Awards will be streamed live on YouTube on The Game Awards’ official YouTube channel. If you can’t catch the award show live, the same link will redirect to a VOD of the show after it has finished. The Game Awards has a strange streaming structure, where the stream starts an hour before the official award show. There is also a pre-show that takes place 30 minutes before the official show, which includes trailers and awards but does not take place on the main stage. Our times line up with when the pre-show starts, but if you’re just interested in the stage show you can start watching 30 minutes later. Here is when you can watch The Game Awards:

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Vienna: The far right won an Austrian regional election by landslide on Sunday, securing its grip on the Alpine country after a historic victory in the legislative ballot in late September. The Freedom Party (FPOe) secured 35 percent of the vote in the southeastern state of Styria, up by 17 percent on the 2019 results. They defeated the conservatives with a score of 26.8 percent and the social-democrats with 21.1 percent, according to the final results aired by broadcaster ORF. The vote marks the first time the far right comes out victorious in the region, which is currently ruled by left- and right-wing parties. A former defence minister between December 2017 and May 2019, FPOe candidate Mario Kunasek's campaign focused on anti-immigration rhetoric and defending car owners. Kunasek, a 48-year-old army veteran, will hold talks with other political parties to try and form a majority, which would lift him into the top job of province governor. But before the vote, the conservatives and social-democrats had made clear their intention to renew their alliance. as they lack enough seats between them, they will need to find a third coalition partner -- likely the Greens or the liberals. If he did succeed in becoming governor, Kunasek would be the first far-right politician to do so since the late Jorg Haider, who took the prestigious role in 1989. The head of the FPOe at the federal level, radical politician Herbert Kickl, commended the party's "historic" success, amplifying a "wave of renewal". After this "major slap for the parties of the system", Kickl called for the will of the voters to be respected in Styria and across Austria. Although it is the strongest group in parliament, the FPOe has so far been left out of talks led by outgoing conservative chancellor Karl Nehammer to form a government.

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