Patriots coach Jerod Mayo believes narrow loss to Bills shows potential of his young teamAP Sports SummaryBrief at 4:50 p.m. ESTInvestors can contact the law firm at no cost to learn more about recovering their losses LOS ANGELES, Dec. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Portnoy Law Firm advises Dentsply Sirona, Inc. ("Dentsply" or the "Company") XRAY investors of a class action representing investors that bought securities between February 28, 2022, and November 6, 2024 , inclusive (the "Class Period"). Dentsply investors have until January 27, 2025 to file a lead plaintiff motion. Investors are encouraged to contact attorney Lesley F. Portnoy , by phone 310-692-8883 or email : lesley@portnoylaw.com , to discuss their legal rights, or click here to join the case. The Portnoy Law Firm can provide a complimentary case evaluation and discuss investors' options for pursuing claims to recover their losses. Dentsply manufactures professional dental products and technologies, as well as develops, produces, and markets dental equipment, dental products, and healthcare consumables. The Class Action alleges that, during the Class Period, Defendants made misleading statements and omissions regarding the Company's business, financial condition, and prospects. Specifically, the Defendants failed to disclose to investors that the Company targeted low-income individuals with underlying dental issues who were ineligible for traditional aligner treatments, sold Byte aligners—a direct-to-consumer (DTC) aligner solution—to inappropriate patients, and knew that these Byte aligners were causing significant patient injuries. As the true nature of Dentsply's business became known, the price of its stock experienced substantial declines, causing harm to investors. For example, on November 7, 2024, before the market opened, Dentsply filed a Form 8-K with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, announcing a major downward revision to its 2024 outlook. Dentsply attributed the revision to "market pressures affecting U.S. equipment, legislative changes impacting the direct-to-consumer aligner business model, and the voluntary suspension of sales, marketing, and shipments" of Byte. Following this news, Dentsply's stock price fell by $6.72 per share, or more than 28%, closing at $17.26 per share on November 7, 2024, with heavy trading volume. Please visit our website to review more information and submit your transaction information. The Portnoy Law Firm represents investors in pursuing claims against caused by corporate wrongdoing. The Firm's founding partner has recovered over $5.5 billion for aggrieved investors. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Lesley F. Portnoy, Esq. Admitted CA and NY Bar lesley@portnoylaw.com 310-692-8883 www.portnoylaw.com Attorney Advertising © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
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Widely Used Herbicide Linked to Alzheimer’s-Like Brain Damage - Technology NetworksDjokovic won five to Murray’s two but was the opponent for the Scot’s crowning achievement at Wimbledon in 2013. Andy Murray is to take over as coach for his old rival Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open. Here, the PA news agency looks at the seven Grand Slam finals contested by the pair. Australian Open 2011 – Djokovic Murray turned in a poor performance in Melbourne, failing at the third attempt to win a set in a Grand Slam final as Djokovic broke serve seven times and hit six aces to claim a comprehensive win 6-4 6-2 6-3. “You had an unbelievable tournament and deserved to win,” the Scot said in reference to his opponent. “I look forward to playing against you in the future.” US Open 2012 – Murray It took five sets for Murray to claim his first Grand Slam title, becoming the first British man to achieve the feat since Fred Perry in 1936. The final clocked in at four hours and 54 minutes as Murray prevailed 7-6 (10) 7-5 2-6 3-6 6-2 to end a wait of 287 tournaments in British male tennis for a victory. “I want to congratulate Andy on his first grand slam, he thoroughly deserves it,” said Djokovic. “I really tried my best. I gave it my all. It was a tremendous match.” Australian Open 2013 – Djokovic Murray was dogged by injury in Melbourne with a heavily strapped right foot and a tight hamstring as Djokovic fought back from a set down to land a third consecutive Australian Open title, 6-7 (2) 7-6 (3) 6-3 6-2. “His record here is incredible,” said Murray. ”Very few people have managed to do what he has done, a deserved champion.” Wimbledon 2013 – Murray Murray ended a 77-year wait for a British men’s victory at Wimbledon by defeating his old foe 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 in SW19, serving emphatically with nine aces and only two double faults to throw off the weight of history. The Scot had been 4-1 down in the second set as the match threatened to slip away from him and with it the chance to cement his place in tennis folklore, but having wasted three championship points he finally sealed the deal when Djokovic drove into the net with his final shot. Australian Open 2015 – Djokovic A post shared by Novak Djokovic (@djokernole) Djokovic triumphed 7-6 (5) 6-7 (4) 6-3 6-0 and after the 24 matches and five grand slam finals the pair had played against each other across nine years, the Serb had established a 16-8 overall lead and 3-2 in slam finals. “Success is being happy,” said Murray. “It’s not about winning every single tournament you play, because that isn’t possible.” Australian Open 2016 – Djokovic The Serb landed a fourth win over Murray in Australian Open finals and his 11th in 12 matches to land his 11th major title, whilst the Scot made it five consecutive final losses in Melbourne, a new record in the Open era. “I feel like I’ve been here before,” said Murray after a 6-1 7-5 7-6 (3) loss. “Congratulations Novak, six Australian Opens, an incredible feat, and incredible consistency the last year.” French Open 2016 – Djokovic This was Murray’s first final at Roland Garros but it brought a familiar conclusion as Djokovic triumphed against him for the fifth time in seven Grand Slam finals. The 3-6 6-1 6-2 6-4 success was a first win for the Serb in Paris and saw him hold all four slams simultaneously. Murray went on to win Wimbledon the following month and was voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year but, addressing Djokovic in Paris, said: “This is his day today. What he’s achieved the last 12 months is phenomenal, winning all four of the grand slams in one year is an amazing achievement.”
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Williams-Sonoma (NYSE:WSM) Price Target Raised to $165.00 at Wells Fargo & CompanyIn a match that could affect both the relegation battle and the race for European football, Borussia Monchengladbach are set to welcome St Pauli to Borussia-Park on Sunday in their 11th Bundesliga game of the campaign. Die Fohlen are ninth with 14 points and managed to earn a point against RB Leipzig on November 9 after drawing 0-0, whereas their opponents are third-last in 16th place with eight points and were beaten 1-0 by Bayern Munich on November 9. © Imago Borussia Monchengladbach are currently two points from sixth-placed Union Berlin, who occupy the Bundesliga's Conference League qualification spot, and they are just three points from Bayer Leverkusen, who hold the last of four Champions League places. Sunday's hosts were excellent in the first half against Leipzig, creating two big chances and limiting Die Roten Bullen to none, but Borussia Monchengladbach retreated deeper in the second half. Head coach Gerardo Seoane suggested that the decision to defend deeper was tactical rather than his players being forced back, telling reporters in the aftermath of the draw: "In the first half, we created a lot of chances to take the lead. We threatened again and again because of our good mix of possession, counterattacking and set pieces. After the break, we sat very deep and wanted to hold on to the point." Seoane's side have scored 15 goals and conceded 14 times in the Bundesliga, and these records make them the division's joint eighth-best offensive and joint sixth-best defensive club in the top flight. Die Fohlen's form in the league in recent weeks has been somewhat better given they have won two and drawn two of their last four Bundesliga outings, whereas they had lost three of the prior four. They have also won their three most recent home matches in the top flight, a significant improvement on their previous seven home fixtures, a period in which they drew three and lost four. © Imago St Pauli come into Sunday's clash having lost against Bayern, though they should take positives from that game considering they were able to frustrate the rampant Bavarians in front of goal. Indeed, Vincent Kompany 's side had scored 32 goals in their first nine league matches, but Kiezkicker's opponents produced just 0.8 xG on the day. Head coach Alexander Blessin praised his players, saying: "If you only lose 1-0 to Bayern, you've done a lot of things right overall. We didn't allow many chances. We knew we wouldn't get many chances from open play because they just press well." Blessin's team have lost four of their six most recent games, but they have picked up four points from their last three Bundesliga outings, winning one, drawing one and losing one. St Pauli have also triumphed in two of their past three away games in the league, and their record of 12 goals conceded is the top flight's fifth-best tally. © Imago Seoane's side have relatively few injury concerns, though they will still be without defender Luca Netz and attacking midfielder Yvandro Borges Sanches until next month. The hosts could field a back four consisting of Joseph Scally , Marvin Friedrich , Ko Itakura and Lukas Ullrich , and they will be tasked with protecting goalkeeper Moritz Nicolas . Borussia Monchengladbach are likely to start Rocco Reitz and Julian Weigl as a pairing in midfield behind Alassane Plea . St Pauli have a number of absentees, including goalkeepers Soren Ahlers , Sascha Burchert and Ben Alexander Voll , as well as centre-back Adam Dzwigala . Nikola Vasilj can be expected to start in goal behind a back three featuring Hauke Wahl , Eric Smith and Karol Mets . However, midfielders Conor Metcalfe and Robert Wagner will miss out, as will forwards Elias Saad , Scott Banks and Simon Zoller . Jackson Irvine and Carlo Boukhalfa may start in a double pivot, while Johannes Eggestein could be given the nod up front. Borussia Monchengladbach possible starting lineup: Nicolas; Scally, Friedrich, Itakura, Ullrich; Reitz, Weigl; Honorat, Plea, Hack; Kleindienst St Pauli possible starting lineup: Vasilj; Wahl, Smith, Mets; Saliakas, Irvine, Boukhalfa, Treu; Afolayan, Eggestein, Guilavogui Borussia Monchengladbach have been in better form of late, and it is difficult to see them losing at home. Having said that, St Pauli may prove to be stubborn opposition, and it would not be surprising if they managed to hold out for a draw. For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here .
ROCKVILLE, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 5, 2024-- Argan, Inc. (NYSE: AGX) (“Argan” or the “Company”) today announces financial results for its third quarter of fiscal year 2025 ended October 31, 2024. The Company will host an investor conference call today, December 5, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. ET. Consolidated Financial Highlights ($ in thousands, except per share data) October 31, For the Quarter Ended: 2024 2023 Change Revenues $ 257,008 $ 163,755 $ 93,253 Gross profit 44,327 19,235 25,092 Gross margin % 17.2 % 11.7 % 5.5 % Net income $ 28,010 $ 5,464 $ 22,546 Diluted income per share 2.00 0.40 1.60 EBITDA 37,509 12,180 25,329 Cash dividends per share 0.375 0.300 0.075 October 31, For the Nine Months Ended: 2024 2023 Change Revenues $ 641,705 $ 408,779 $ 232,926 Gross profit 93,376 57,201 36,175 Gross margin % 14.6 % 14.0 % 0.6 % Net income $ 54,090 $ 20,340 $ 33,750 Diluted income per share 3.91 1.50 2.41 EBITDA 74,241 33,774 40,467 Cash dividends per share 0.975 0.800 0.175 October 31, January 31, As of: 2024 2024 Change Cash, cash equivalents and investments $ 506,282 $ 412,405 $ 93,877 Net liquidity (1) 280,977 244,919 36,058 Share repurchase treasury stock, at cost 102,746 97,528 5,218 Project backlog 800,000 757,000 43,000 (1) Net liquidity, or working capital, is defined as total current assets less total current liabilities. David Watson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Argan, commented, “Our third quarter revenues and earnings, each the second highest in Company history, reflect strong execution across all of our businesses, which drove consolidated revenues growth of 57% to $257 million, gross margin of 17.2%, net income of $28.0 million, or $2.00 per diluted share, and EBITDA of $37.5 million. Our power industry services segment had a particularly strong quarter as evidenced by revenue growth of 75% to $212 million with gross margin of 18.3%, demonstrating our ability to drive enhanced profitability on our renewable as well as on our natural gas projects. “Our backlog of $0.8 billion at the close of the quarter increased 6% compared to backlog entering fiscal year 2025, and includes $478 million of renewable projects, reflecting the market appeal of our energy agnostic capabilities and our ability to diversify our backlog mix. The industry is seeing strong demand for natural gas projects and we believe that our expertise, well-established industry relationships and reputation for enabling efficient and on-budget project completion provide a competitive advantage as we pursue new opportunities. “As we move through the close of our fiscal year, we are encouraged by the strengthening pipeline of planned energy facilities as the industry prepares for the anticipated unprecedented growth in power demand driven by data centers, reshoring of manufacturing operations and increased EV charger utilization. We believe our successful track record as an effective partner in the construction of both traditional and renewable power facilities position us well to capitalize on the current and future need for high quality energy resources to support the power grid.” Third Quarter Results Consolidated revenues for the quarter ended October 31, 2024 were $257.0 million, an increase of $93.3 million, or 57%, from consolidated revenues of $163.8 million reported for the comparable prior year quarter. The Company achieved increased revenues with heightened quarterly construction activities at several projects, including the Midwest Solar and Battery Projects; the Trumbull Energy Center, a large combined cycle, gas-fired power plant under construction near Lordstown, Ohio; the 405 MW Midwest Solar Project; and the Louisiana LNG Facility. The overall increase in consolidated revenues between quarters was partially offset by decreased construction revenues associated with the Guernsey Power Station project, the Shannonbridge Power Project and the ESB FlexGen Peaker Plants, as those projects have been completed. For the quarter ended October 31, 2024, Argan’s consolidated gross profit was approximately $44.3 million, or 17.2% of consolidated revenues, reflecting profit contributions from all three reportable business segments. The consolidated gross margin for the quarter reflects the changing mix of projects, strong execution and certain positive job closeouts. Last year, during the third quarter ended October 31, 2023, gross profit was negatively impacted by a loss on the Kilroot project, which reduced gross profit by approximately $10.7 million. Consolidated gross profit for the quarter ended October 31, 2023 was $19.2 million, or 11.7% of consolidated revenues. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $2.6 million to $14.0 million for the quarter ended October 31, 2024, from $11.4 million in the comparable prior year quarter. However, as a percentage of revenues, these expenses declined to 5.4% in the third quarter of fiscal 2025 as compared to 6.9% in the third quarter of fiscal 2024. Other income, net, for the three months ended October 31, 2024 was $6.6 million, which reflected income earned during the period on invested funds in the total amount of approximately $4.8 million. During the quarter ended October 31, 2024, the Company recorded income tax expense of $9.0 million, primarily due to consolidated pre-tax book income of $37.0 million. For the comparable period last year, the effective tax rate was higher primarily due to the unrecognized tax loss benefit related to the Kilroot project. For the quarter ended October 31, 2024, Argan achieved net income of $28.0 million, or $2.00 per diluted share, compared to $5.5 million, or $0.40 per diluted share, for last year’s third quarter. EBITDA for the quarter ended October 31, 2024 increased to $37.5 million compared to $12.2 million in the same quarter of last year. Argan maintained a substantial total balance of cash, cash equivalents and investments during the quarter. The total balances were $506.3 million and $412.4 million as of October 31 and January 31, 2024, respectively. Balance sheet net liquidity was $281.0 million at October 31, 2024 and $244.9 million at January 31, 2024; furthermore, the Company had no debt. First Nine Months Results Consolidated revenues for the nine months ended October 31, 2024 were $641.7 million, an increase of $232.9 million, or 57.0%, from consolidated revenues of $408.8 million reported for the comparable prior year period. For the nine months ended October 31, 2024, consolidated gross profit increased to approximately $93.4 million, which represented a consolidated gross margin of 14.6%, compared to consolidated gross profit of $57.2 million, or consolidated gross margin of 14.0%, reported for the nine months ended October 31, 2023. The gross profit percentage increased between periods primarily due to the changing mix of projects and contract types. Additionally, during the nine-month periods ended October 31, 2024 and 2023, gross profit was negatively impacted by a loss recorded on the Kilroot Project, which reduced gross profit by approximately $2.6 million and $11.5 million, respectively. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $5.4 million to $37.8 million for the nine months ended October 31, 2024, from $32.5 million in the comparable prior year period. However, as a percentage of revenues, these expenses declined to 5.9% from 7.9% between the periods. Other income, net, for the nine months ended October 31, 2024 was $17.0 million, which reflected income earned during the period on invested funds of approximately $14.0 million, as the weighted average balances of investments are meaningfully higher this year. The Company recorded income tax expense of $18.5 million for the nine months ended October 31, 2024 primarily due to corresponding consolidated pre-tax book income of $72.6 million. For the comparable period last year, the effective tax rate was higher primarily due to the unrecognized tax loss benefit related to the Kilroot project. For the nine months ended October 31, 2024, Argan achieved net income of $54.1 million, or $3.91 per diluted share, versus net income of $20.3 million, or $1.50 per diluted share, for last year’s comparable period. EBITDA for the nine months ended October 31, 2024 was $74.2 million compared to $33.8 million in the same period of last year. Conference Call and Webcast Argan will host a conference call and webcast for investors today, December 5, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. ET. Domestic stockholders and interested parties may participate in the conference call by dialing (888) 506-0062 and international participants should dial (973) 528-0011; all callers shall use access code: 925404. The call and the accompanying slide deck will also be webcast at: https://www.webcaster4.com/webcast/page/2961/51625 The conference call and slide deck may also be accessed via the Investor Center section of the Company’s website at https://arganinc.com/investor-center . Please allow extra time prior to the call to visit the site. A replay of the teleconference will be available until December 19, 2024, and can be accessed by dialing 877-481-4010 (domestic) or 919-882-2331 (international). The replay access code is 51625. A replay of the webcast can be accessed until December 5, 2025. About Argan Argan’s primary business is providing a full range of construction and related services to the power industry. Argan’s service offerings focus on the engineering, procurement and construction of natural gas-fired power plants and renewable energy facilities, along with related commissioning, maintenance, project development and technical consulting services, through its Gemma Power Systems and Atlantic Projects Company operations. Argan also owns The Roberts Company, which is a fully integrated industrial construction, fabrication and plant services company, and SMC Infrastructure Solutions, which provides telecommunications infrastructure services. Non-GAAP Financial Measures The Company prepares its financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). Within this press release, the Company makes reference to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), a non-GAAP financial measure. The Company believes that the non-GAAP financial measure described in this press release is important to management and investors because the measure supplements the understanding of Argan’s ongoing operating results, excluding the effects of capital structure, depreciation, amortization, and income tax rates. The non-GAAP financial measure referred to above should be considered in conjunction with, and not as a substitute for, the GAAP financial information presented in this press release. Financial tables at the end of this press release provide a reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures to the comparable GAAP measures. Safe Harbor Statement Certain matters discussed in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Reference is hereby made to the cautionary statements made by the Company with respect to risk factors set forth in its most recent reports on Form 10-K, Forms 10-Q and other SEC filings. The Company’s future financial performance is subject to risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the successful addition of new contracts to project backlog, the receipt of corresponding notices to proceed with contract activities, the Company’s ability to successfully complete the projects that it obtains, and the Company’s effectiveness in mitigating future losses related to the Kilroot loss contract. Actual results and the timing of certain events could differ materially from those projected in or contemplated by the forward-looking statements due to the risk factors highlighted above and described regularly in the Company’s SEC filings. ARGAN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (In thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended October 31, October 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 REVENUES $ 257,008 $ 163,755 $ 641,705 $ 408,779 Cost of revenues 212,681 144,520 548,329 351,578 GROSS PROFIT 44,327 19,235 93,376 57,201 Selling, general and administrative expenses 13,995 11,375 37,848 32,467 INCOME FROM OPERATIONS 30,332 7,860 55,528 24,734 Other income, net 6,646 3,733 17,044 7,222 INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 36,978 11,593 72,572 31,956 Income tax expense 8,968 6,129 18,482 11,616 NET INCOME 28,010 5,464 54,090 20,340 OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, NET OF TAXES Foreign currency translation adjustments (957 ) (882 ) (1,933 ) (627 ) Net unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities (659 ) (427 ) (169 ) (1,147 ) COMPREHENSIVE INCOME $ 26,394 $ 4,155 $ 51,988 $ 18,566 NET INCOME PER SHARE Basic $ 2.07 $ 0.41 $ 4.04 $ 1.52 Diluted $ 2.00 $ 0.40 $ 3.91 $ 1.50 WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING Basic 13,530 13,328 13,398 13,381 Diluted 14,034 13,559 13,830 13,549 CASH DIVIDENDS PER SHARE $ 0.375 $ 0.300 $ 0.975 $ 0.800 ARGAN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) October 31, January 31, 2024 2024 (Unaudited) ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 175,349 $ 197,032 Investments 330,933 215,373 Accounts receivable, net 131,660 47,326 Contract assets 44,620 48,189 Other current assets 34,579 39,259 TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 717,141 547,179 Property, plant and equipment, net 14,147 11,021 Goodwill 28,033 28,033 Intangible assets, net 1,924 2,217 Deferred taxes, net 1,254 2,259 Right-of-use and other assets 6,365 7,520 TOTAL ASSETS $ 768,864 $ 598,229 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES Accounts payable $ 87,085 $ 39,485 Accrued expenses 78,393 81,721 Contract liabilities 270,686 181,054 TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 436,164 302,260 Noncurrent liabilities 3,996 5,030 TOTAL LIABILITIES 440,160 307,290 STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Preferred stock, par value $0.10 per share – 500,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding — — Common stock, par value $0.15 per share – 30,000,000 shares authorized; 15,828,289 shares issued; 13,569,104 and 13,242,520 shares outstanding at October 31, 2024 and January 31, 2024, respectively 2,374 2,374 Additional paid-in capital 168,441 164,183 Retained earnings 266,334 225,507 Treasury stock, at cost – 2,259,185 and 2,585,769 shares at October 31, 2024 and January 31, 2024, respectively (102,746 ) (97,528 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss (5,699 ) (3,597 ) TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 328,704 290,939 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY $ 768,864 $ 598,229 ARGAN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES RECONCILIATION TO EBITDA (In thousands) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 Net income, as reported $ 28,010 $ 5,464 Income tax expense 8,968 6,129 Depreciation 433 489 Amortization of intangible assets 98 98 EBITDA $ 37,509 $ 12,180 Nine Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 Net income, as reported $ 54,090 $ 20,340 Income tax expense 18,482 11,616 Depreciation 1,376 1,524 Amortization of intangible assets 293 294 EBITDA $ 74,241 $ 33,774 View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241205082200/en/ CONTACT: Company: David Watson 301.315.0027 Investor Relations: John Nesbett/Jennifer Belodeau IMS Investor Relations 203.972.9200 argan@imsinvestorrelations.com KEYWORD: EUROPE UNITED STATES UNITED KINGDOM NORTH AMERICA MARYLAND INDUSTRY KEYWORD: OTHER ENERGY SUSTAINABILITY ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ENERGY TECHNOLOGY OTHER CONSTRUCTION & PROPERTY CONSTRUCTION & PROPERTY ENVIRONMENT OTHER COMMUNICATIONS ENGINEERING COMMUNICATIONS TELECOMMUNICATIONS MANUFACTURING SOURCE: Argan, Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/05/2024 04:05 PM/DISC: 12/05/2024 04:05 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241205082200/en
NoneKate Middleton opened up about her devastating year after being diagnosed with cancer and undergoing chemotherapy. The Princess of Wales, 42, made a rare comment about her health battle at the fourth annual “Together at Christmas” service on Dec. 6, held at Westminster Abbey in London. It was her second appearance this week , as she’s slowly returning to royal duties following her treatment that started in February. When asked by performer Paloma Faith about her health, Middleton answered truthfully. “I didn’t know this year was going to be the year that I’ve just had,” she stated, per a video of the conversation posted by Channel 5 News in the UK. “The unplanned,” Faith replied, to which the princess agreed. “The unplanned, exactly,” Middleton repeated while nodding her head. “But I think lots of people this year have had such challenging times.” This year’s Christmas carol service included themes of love and empathy, chosen by the princess after her “incredibly tough” news in March that she was undergoing cancer treatment. Last month, her husband, Prince William, commented on the family’s “brutal” 2024, revealing this has “ probably been the hardest year in my life ” after the cancer battles of both his wife and father, King Charles III . In September, Middleton revealed she was cancer-free . “I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment,” she penned her heartfelt statement on X. “Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes.” Middleton appeared happy and healthy at the Christmas carol service alongside her family, including the couple’s three children: Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6. The Prince and Princess of Wales escorted their kids to the famous Kindness Tree , where guests dedicated a decoration to someone who has been a source of support in their lives. Prince Louis was spotted hanging on to his decoration, which was revealed to be a handwritten note with an adorable message about his grandparents . “Thank you for Granny and Grandpa because they have played games with me,” his message read. Louis was then seen placing his decoration on the tree. While Middleton has been cancer-free for roughly three months, King Charles is still undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer. Both Charles and Queen Camilla were absent from the Christmas carol service. There was no official statement given regarding their absence; however, Camilla is still recovering from a recent bout of pneumonia .Strictly Come Dancing star Anton Du Beke recently opened up about the incredible highs and emotional challenges of fatherhood during an appearance on Giovanna Fletcher's Happy Mum, Happy Baby podcast. The beloved ballroom dancer, who shares twins George and Henrietta with his wife Hannah, reflected on the couple's battle with infertility and their ultimate joy at becoming parents, describing the experience as nothing short of "stupendous." In his characteristic candid and heartfelt style, Anton revealed the emotional rollercoaster the couple endured on their journey to parenthood, offering a rare glimpse into his personal life and his deep admiration for his wife, Hannah. A heartbreaking battle with infertility For Anton and Hannah, the path to parenthood was far from straightforward. Speaking openly about Hannah's battle with endometriosis, Anton described his frustration and heartbreak at the challenges they faced. "She's so kind and so caring, I just couldn't understand the universe," he shared. "Whoever's upstairs looking down and saying, 'You are the most perfect person to have children, but I'm not going to let you have children,' because you're going to have endometriosis... I thought that was peculiar and cruel." The dancer admitted he was shocked at how little awareness there is surrounding endometriosis and women's health. "I'm staggered about it. Before I met Hannah, I'd never heard the word 'endometriosis.' Since then, I'm still staggered by how little it's talked about." Anton passionately advocated for more awareness, saying, "I'm all about women's health and making sure it gets fixed. Some people can't even get out of bed in the morning because of it. That's not OK." Turning to IVF Faced with the heartbreaking reality that natural conception wasn't an option, Anton and Hannah turned to IVF – a journey Anton described as emotionally and physically gruelling. "The only answer for us was IVF," he explained. "This isn't available to a lot of people. How is that possible? You girls are extraordinary. I'm a man! It seems men are so important and big, but they're useless and do nothing." Anton then recalled witnessing Hannah endure the intense and demanding treatment. He stated, "The injections, the stress, the anxiety... injections in the bum, thigh, stomach. What can you do? All you can do is hold their hand. It's horrendous as a man to watch it. You feel so inadequate, you want to do so much more." Despite the challenges, the couple remained hopeful, and their perseverance paid off in the most magical way, with the arrival of beautiful and healthy twins. The joy of discovering twins Anton vividly recalled the moment they discovered Hannah was not only pregnant but carrying twins . In his trademark humorous style, he shared his stunned reaction. "The doctor's fiddling around and he goes, 'Ooh, there's another heartbeat.' I was stunned! I went – pardon my language – '[Expletive] me, mate!'" He continued, "I couldn't speak. Then we found out it was a boy and a girl. It's the most incredible thing. I can't tell you how wonderful, how magical it is." The dancer's voice brimmed with pride and love as he described his children. "We ended up with this perfect boy and girl. They are just magical. They are wonderful, wonderful children. It makes me emotional every time I think about it." A "stupendous" experience Now firmly settled into fatherhood, Anton couldn't be happier. He gushed about every aspect of being a dad, describing it as the greatest joy of his life. "If I could, I'd have 100 children. I'd do it repeatedly. I love it so much. Every single bit about being a father, I love it. It's stupendous. I would do it over, and over, and over again if I had enough money!" Anton's gratitude for his family shone through as he reflected on their journey. "Hannah had this thing that said she couldn't have children. We tried to defeat it, really. And we did." A new chapter Anton and Hannah's life with their twins continues to be filled with love, laughter, and joy. Fans were recently delighted when Anton shared a video on Instagram revealing two adorable additions to the family – a pair of puppies. The clip, which melted hearts across social media, showed George and Henrietta playing with the puppies, underscoring the family's happy, bustling household. As Anton continues to shine on Strictly Come Dancing, it's clear that his most cherished role is that of a doting father. His journey to parenthood, though challenging, is a testament to resilience, hope, and the power of love. For the Strictly star, life with his twins is, in his own words, "just perfect."
PARIS (AP) — Paris Saint-Germain failed to score in Ligue 1 for the first time this season as the reigning champion was denied by outstanding goalkeeping from Auxerre's Donovan Léon in a 0-0 draw on Friday. Léon's string of superb saves thwarted PSG’s attacking stars. After a fairly even first 45 minutes, PSG camped in the Auxerre half but could not find a way past León, who made memorable stops from Gonçalo Ramos, Achraf Hakimi, Kang-In Lee, Désiré Nonka-Maho and Randal Kolo Muani. Vitinha saw one curling shot come back off the bar. PSG had 25 shots to Auxerre’s six and 15 corners to Auxerre’s three but the home side still could have stolen all three points, as PSG keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma had to make a smart stop from Hamed Traorè. PSG remained eight points clear on top of Ligue 1. Auxerre was eighth. David scores brace for Lille Canadian striker Jonathan David scored two and made another as Lille brushed past Brest 3-1 to extend its unbeaten run to 10 games in Ligue 1. The last time Lille lost to Brest at home was in 1989 and that long run never looked likely to fall as David turned in a man-of-the-match performance at Stade Pierre-Mauroy. He put Lille ahead from the penalty spot after nine minutes and he got away from his marker and crossed for Hákon Haraladsson to clip home a second just before halftime. Ludovic Ajorque got one back for Brest early in the second half but David restored Lille’s two-goal cushion when he pounced on a loose ball to slide home his team’s third. David’s goals took his season total to 17 in 23 games. They were his 10th and 11th in the league and lift him to the top of the Ligue 1 goal-scoring chart. Marseille was second ahead of Lille and Monaco on goal difference. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccerNone