BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 10, 2024-- Skillsoft Corp. (NYSE: SKIL) (“Skillsoft” or the “Company”), a leading platform for transformative learning experiences, today announced its financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2025 ended October 31, 2024. Fiscal 2025 Third Quarter Select Metrics and Financials from Continuing Operations (1)(2) “Our fiscal third quarter financial results demonstrate our first step in executing our transformation strategy,” said Ron Hovsepian, Skillsoft’s Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer. “The operationalization of our strategy is showing the first signs of business and financial improvement for our shareholders and customers.” Fiscal 2025 Third Quarter Business Highlights “I am pleased with our financial results for the quarter, which are highlighted by strong revenue execution, improved profitability, and positive free cash flow,” said Rich Walker, Skillsoft’s Chief Financial Officer. “Our third quarter performance, coupled with momentum from our transformation execution, gives us confidence to raise and tighten our FY25 revenue guidance range, while reaffirming our adjusted EBITDA outlook.” Full-Year Fiscal 2025 Financial Outlook (2) The following table reflects Skillsoft’s updated financial outlook for the fiscal year ending January 31, 2025, based on current market conditions, expectations, and assumptions: GAAP Revenue $520 million – $530 million Adjusted EBITDA $105 million – $110 million (1) Growth calculated relative to the comparable prior year period unless otherwise noted. (2) See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Key Performance Metrics” below for the definitions of our key operational and non-GAAP metrics and how they are calculated and more information regarding the fact that the Company is unable to reconcile forward-looking non-GAAP measures without unreasonable efforts. We have provided at the back of this release reconciliations of our historical non-GAAP financial measures to the comparable GAAP measures. Webcast and Conference Call Information Skillsoft will host a conference call and webcast today at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss its financial results. To access the call, dial (877) 413‐9278 from the United States and Canada or (215) 268‐9914 from international locations. The live event can be accessed from the Investor Relations section of Skillsoft’s website at investor.skillsoft.com . A replay will be available for six months. About Skillsoft Skillsoft delivers transformative learning experiences that propel organizations and people to grow together. The Company partners with enterprise organizations and serves a global community of learners to prepare today’s employees for tomorrow’s economy. With Skillsoft, customers gain access to blended, multimodal learning experiences that do more than build skills, they grow a more capable, adaptive, and engaged workforce. Through a portfolio of high-quality content, an AI-enabled platform that is personalized and connected to customer needs, and a broad ecosystem of partners, Skillsoft drives continuous growth and performance for employees and their organizations by overcoming critical skills gaps, unlocking human potential, and transforming the workforce. Learn more at www.skillsoft.com . Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Key Performance Metrics The Company has organized its business into two segments (or Business Units): Talent Development Solutions (formerly referred to as Content & Platform) and Global Knowledge (formerly referred to as Instructor-Led Training). We track the non-GAAP financial measures and key performance metrics that we believe are key financial measures of our success. Non-GAAP measures and key performance metrics are frequently used by securities analysts, investors, and other interested parties in their evaluation of companies comparable to us, many of which present non-GAAP measures and key performance metrics when reporting their results. These measures can be useful in evaluating our performance against our peer companies because we believe the measures provide users with valuable insight into key components of U.S. GAAP financial disclosures. For example, a company with higher U.S. GAAP net income may not be as appealing to investors if its net income is more heavily comprised of gains on asset sales. Likewise, excluding the effects of interest income and expense moderates the impact of a company’s capital structure on its performance. However, non-GAAP measures and key performance metrics have limitations as analytical tools. Because not all companies use identical calculations, our presentation of non-GAAP financial measures and key performance metrics may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. They are not presentations made in accordance with U.S. GAAP, are not measures of financial condition or liquidity, and should not be considered as an alternative to profit or loss for the period determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP or operating cash flows determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. As a result, these performance measures should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute analysis for, results of operations as determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We have provided at the back of this press release reconciliations of our historical non-GAAP financial measures to the comparable GAAP measures. We do not reconcile our forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to the corresponding U.S. GAAP measures, due to variability and difficulty in making accurate forecasts and projections and/or certain information not being ascertainable or accessible; and because not all of the information necessary for a quantitative reconciliation of these forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure is available to us without unreasonable efforts. For the same reasons, we are unable to address the probable significance of the unavailable information. We provide non-GAAP financial measures that we believe will be achieved, however we cannot accurately predict all of the components of the non-GAAP calculations and the U.S. GAAP measures may be materially different than the non-GAAP measures. We disclose the below non-GAAP financial measures and key performance metrics in this press release because we believe these non-GAAP financial measures and key performance metrics provide meaningful supplemental information. Dollar retention rate ( “ DRR ” ) - For existing customers at the beginning of a given period, DRR represents subscription renewals, upgrades, churn, and downgrades in such period divided by the beginning total renewable base for such customers for such period. Renewals reflect customers who renew their subscription, inclusive of auto-renewals for multi-year contracts, while churn reflects customers who choose to not renew their subscription. Upgrades include orders from customers that purchase additional licenses or content (e.g., a new Leadership and Business module), while downgrades reflect customers electing to decrease the number of licenses or reduce the size of their content package. Upgrades and downgrades also reflect changes in pricing. We use our DRR to measure the long-term value of customer contracts as well as our ability to retain and expand the revenue generated from our existing customers. Adjusted net income (loss) - Adjusted net income (loss) is defined as GAAP net income (loss) excluding non-cash items, discrete and event-specific costs that do not represent normal, recurring, cash operating expenses necessary for our business operations, and certain accounting income and/or expenses that management believes are necessary to enhance the comparability and are useful in assessing our operating performance, include the following (including the related tax effects): Adjusted EBITDA - Adjusted EBITDA is defined as adjusted net income (loss) excluding interest expense or income, benefit from or provision for income taxes, depreciation and amortization expense. Adjusted operating expenses – Adjusted operating expenses are defined as GAAP costs of revenues, content and software development, selling and marketing, and general and administrative expenses, excluding depreciation expense, long-term incentive compensation expense, system migration costs, transformation costs, and other non-cash charges, as applicable. Adjusted gross margin – Adjusted gross margin is defined as GAAP revenue less GAAP cost of revenues, excluding long-term incentive compensation expense and depreciation expense, divided by GAAP revenue for the same period. Adjusted contribution margin – Adjusted contribution margin is defined as GAAP revenue less adjusted operating expenses, divided by GAAP revenue for the same period. Free cash flow – Free cash flow is defined as GAAP net cash provided by (used in) operating activities less purchases of property and equipment and internally developed software. Adjusted free cash flow (levered) – Adjusted free cash flow (levered) is defined as free cash flow plus the cash impact for adjusted EBITDA excluded charges. Free cash flow conversion – Free cash flow conversion is defined as free cash flow divided by adjusted EBITDA for the same period. Net leverage – Net leverage is defined as current maturities of long-term debt, plus borrowings under accounts receivable facility, plus long-term debt, less cash and equivalents and restricted cash, divided by adjusted EBITDA for the preceding twelve-month period. Reclassifications Certain amounts reported in prior years have been reclassified to conform to the presentation in the current year. These reclassifications had no effect on total assets, total liabilities, total stockholders' equity, or net income (loss) for the prior year. Cautionary Notes Regarding Forward Looking Statements This document includes statements that are, or may be deemed to be, “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created by those laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate may occur in the future, including such things as our outlook (including revenue, non-GAAP EBITDA, and free cash flow), our product development and planning, our sales pipeline, future capital expenditures, share repurchases, financial results, the impact of regulatory changes, existing and evolving business strategies and acquisitions and dispositions, demand for our services, competitive strengths, the benefits of new initiatives, growth of our business and operations, and our ability to successfully implement our plans, strategies, objectives, expectations and intentions are forward-looking statements. Also, when we use words such as “may”, “will”, “would”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “project”, “forecast”, “seek”, “outlook”, “target”, “goal”, “probably”, or similar expressions, we are making forward-looking statements. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of Skillsoft’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. All forward-looking disclosure is speculative by its nature, and we caution you against unduly relying on these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include those described under “Part I - Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Form 10‐K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements included in our other periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements contained in this document represent our estimates only as of the date of this filing and should not be relied upon as representing our estimates as of any subsequent date. While we may elect to update these forward-looking statements in the future, we specifically disclaim any obligation to do so, whether to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions, changes in other factors affecting such forward-looking statements, or otherwise. Although we believe that the assumptions underlying our forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of these assumptions, and therefore also the forward-looking statements based on these assumptions, could themselves prove to be inaccurate. Given the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included in this document, our inclusion of this information is not a representation or guarantee by us that our objectives and plans will be achieved. Annualized, pro forma, projected and estimated numbers are used for illustrative purposes only, are not forecasts and may not reflect actual results. Additionally, statements as to market share, industry data and our market position are based on the most current data available to us and our estimates regarding market position or other industry data included in this document or otherwise discussed by us involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various factors, including as set forth above. SKILLSOFT CORP. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands, except number of shares and per share amounts) October 31, 2024 January 31, 2024 ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 97,921 $ 136,308 Restricted cash 3,881 10,215 Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of approximately $558 and $562 as of October 31, 2024 and January 31, 2024, respectively 102,498 185,638 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 55,834 53,170 Total current assets 260,134 385,331 Property and equipment, net 3,543 6,639 Goodwill 317,071 317,071 Intangible assets, net 456,692 539,293 Right of use assets 5,054 8,044 Other assets 11,037 17,256 Total assets $ 1,053,531 $ 1,273,634 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Current maturities of long-term debt $ 6,404 $ 6,404 Borrowings under accounts receivable facility 10,009 44,980 Accounts payable 21,159 14,512 Accrued compensation 28,325 31,774 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 22,370 29,939 Lease liabilities 2,088 3,049 Deferred revenue 203,646 282,570 Total current liabilities 294,001 413,228 Long-term debt 574,312 577,487 Deferred tax liabilities 44,099 52,148 Long-term lease liabilities 6,839 9,251 Deferred revenue - non-current 1,823 2,402 Other long-term liabilities 11,977 13,531 Total long-term liabilities 639,050 654,819 Commitments and contingencies Shareholders’ equity: Shareholders’ common stock - Class A common shares, $0.0001 par value: 18,750,000 shares authorized and 8,576,683 shares issued and 8,276,906 shares outstanding at October 31, 2024, and 8,380,436 shares issued and 8,080,659 shares outstanding at January 31, 2024 1 1 Additional paid-in capital 1,559,547 1,551,005 Accumulated equity (deficit) (1,412,279 ) (1,321,478 ) Treasury stock, at cost - 299,777 shares as of October 31, 2024 and January 31, 2024 (10,891 ) (10,891 ) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (15,898 ) (13,050 ) Total shareholders’ equity 120,480 205,587 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 1,053,531 $ 1,273,634 SKILLSOFT CORP. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (in thousands, except per share amounts) Three Months Ended October 31, Nine Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Revenues: Total revenues $ 137,225 $ 138,956 $ 397,241 $ 415,697 Operating expenses: Costs of revenues 34,312 36,407 101,254 114,698 Content and software development 14,937 16,126 45,436 51,024 Selling and marketing 39,615 43,983 122,591 130,321 General and administrative 21,686 22,308 66,390 72,689 Amortization of intangible assets 31,826 38,620 95,197 116,086 Acquisition and integration related costs 931 510 3,349 2,838 Restructuring 3,095 873 15,361 8,592 Total operating expenses 146,402 158,827 449,578 496,248 Operating income (loss) (9,177 ) (19,871 ) (52,337 ) (80,551 ) Other income (expense), net (538 ) 19 1,261 (1,290 ) Fair value adjustment of warrants — 1,105 — 4,750 Fair value adjustment of interest rate swaps (822 ) 3,981 418 11,186 Interest income 924 1,060 2,897 2,576 Interest expense (15,845 ) (16,492 ) (48,538 ) (48,683 ) Income (loss) before provision for (benefit from) income taxes (25,458 ) (30,198 ) (96,299 ) (112,012 ) Provision for (benefit from) income taxes (1,859 ) (2,462 ) (5,498 ) (8,735 ) Income (loss) from continuing operations (23,599 ) (27,736 ) (90,801 ) (103,277 ) Gain (loss) on sale of business — — — (682 ) Net income (loss) $ (23,599 ) $ (27,736 ) $ (90,801 ) $ (103,959 ) Net income (loss) per share: Basic and diluted - continuing operations $ (2.86 ) $ (3.45 ) $ (11.11 ) $ (12.84 ) Basic and diluted - discontinued operations — — — (0.08 ) Basic and diluted $ (2.86 ) $ (3.45 ) $ (11.11 ) $ (12.92 ) Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic and diluted 8,239,564 8,047,497 8,170,344 8,043,712 SKILLSOFT CORP. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (in thousands) Nine Months Ended October 31, 2024 October 31, 2023 Cash flows from operating activities: Net income (loss) $ (90,801 ) $ (103,959 ) Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Amortization of intangible assets 95,197 116,086 Stock-based compensation 9,985 22,917 Depreciation 2,404 2,629 Non-cash interest expense 1,628 1,546 Non-cash property, equipment, software and lease impairment charges 2,495 4,265 Provision for credit loss expense (recovery) (4 ) 205 (Gain) loss on sale of business — 682 Provision for (benefit from) deferred income taxes – non-cash (8,080 ) (10,270 ) Fair value adjustment of warrants — (4,750 ) Fair value adjustment of interest rate swaps (418 ) (11,186 ) Change in assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable 82,877 70,645 Prepaid expenses and other assets, including long-term 4,258 2,726 Right-of-use assets 1,632 2,184 Accounts payable 6,693 (3,283 ) Accrued expenses and other liabilities, including long-term (12,819 ) (20,820 ) Lease liabilities (3,387 ) (3,048 ) Deferred revenues (79,446 ) (75,250 ) Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 12,214 (8,681 ) Cash flows from investing activities: Purchase of property and equipment (820 ) (3,753 ) Proceeds from sale of property and equipment 10 — Internally developed software - capitalized costs (13,018 ) (8,055 ) Sale of SumTotal, net of cash transferred — (5,137 ) Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (13,828 ) (16,945 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Shares repurchased for tax withholding upon vesting of restricted stock-based awards (1,052 ) (1,441 ) Payments to acquire treasury stock — (8,046 ) Proceeds from (payments on) accounts receivable facility (34,971 ) 793 Principal payments on term loans (4,803 ) (4,803 ) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (40,826 ) (13,497 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (2,281 ) (1,674 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (44,721 ) (40,797 ) Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period 146,523 177,556 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period $ 101,802 $ 136,759 Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Cash and cash equivalents $ 97,921 $ 129,806 Restricted cash 3,881 6,953 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period $ 101,802 $ 136,759 SKILLSOFT CORP. RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (in thousands, unaudited) Three Months Ended October 31, Nine Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Revenues Talent Development Solutions $ 102,998 $ 101,132 $ 302,725 $ 302,893 Global Knowledge 34,227 37,824 94,516 112,804 Total revenues, as reported $ 137,225 $ 138,956 $ 397,241 $ 415,697 Net income (loss), as reported $ (23,599 ) $ (27,736 ) $ (90,801 ) $ (103,959 ) Acquisition and integration related costs 931 510 3,349 2,838 Restructuring 3,095 873 15,361 8,592 Transformation costs 164 1,053 1,351 2,503 System migration costs — 510 118 1,580 Long-term incentive compensation expenses 4,099 7,962 10,438 22,917 Executive exit costs — — 3,326 — Fair value adjustment of warrants — (1,105 ) — (4,750 ) Fair value adjustment of interest rate swaps 822 (3,981 ) (418 ) (11,186 ) Foreign currency impact 524 (181 ) (1,297 ) 1,513 Gain (loss) on sale of business — — — 682 Tax impact of adjustments (1,057 ) (602 ) (3,349 ) (2,921 ) Adjusted net income (loss) from continuing operations (15,021 ) (22,697 ) (61,922 ) (82,191 ) Interest expense, net 14,921 15,432 45,641 46,107 Expense (benefit from) income taxes, excluding tax impacts above (802 ) (1,860 ) (2,149 ) (5,814 ) Depreciation 1,000 266 2,404 2,629 Amortization of intangible assets 31,826 38,620 95,197 116,086 Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations $ 31,924 $ 29,761 $ 79,171 $ 76,817 Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic and diluted 8,239,564 8,047,497 8,170,344 8,043,712 Basic and diluted per share information: Net income (loss), as reported $ (2.86 ) $ (3.45 ) $ (11.11 ) (12.92 ) Adjusted net income (loss) from continuing operations $ (1.82 ) $ (2.82 ) $ (7.58 ) $ (10.22 ) Adjusted net income (loss) margin % (10.9 )% (16.4 )% (15.6 )% (19.7 )% Interest expense, net 10.9 % 11.1 % 11.5 % 11.1 % Expense (benefit from) income taxes, excluding tax impacts above (0.6 )% (1.3 )% (0.5 )% (1.4 )% Depreciation 0.7 % 0.2 % 0.6 % 0.6 % Amortization of intangible assets 23.2 % 27.8 % 23.9 % 27.9 % Adjusted EBITDA margin % 23.3 % 21.4 % 19.9 % 18.5 % Adjusted gross margin 75.2 % 73.9 % 74.7 % 72.6 % Adjusted contribution margin 23.3 % 21.4 % 20.0 % 18.5 % SKILLSOFT CORP. RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES - continued (in thousands, unaudited) Three Months Ended October 31, Nine Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Operating expenses: GAAP costs of revenues $ 34,312 $ 36,407 $ 101,254 $ 114,698 Depreciation (91 ) (80 ) (315 ) (413 ) Long-term incentive compensation expenses (201 ) (128 ) (499 ) (463 ) Adjusted costs of revenues 34,020 36,199 100,440 113,822 GAAP content and software development 14,937 16,126 45,436 51,024 Depreciation (74 ) 22 (218 ) (169 ) Long-term incentive compensation expenses (857 ) (1,575 ) (3,061 ) (5,350 ) System migration — (510 ) (118 ) (1,580 ) Adjusted content and software development 14,006 14,063 42,039 43,925 GAAP selling and marketing 39,615 43,983 122,591 130,321 Depreciation (161 ) (160 ) (531 ) (839 ) Long-term incentive compensation expenses (1,595 ) (1,421 ) (3,648 ) (2,435 ) Transformation — (9 ) (213 ) (251 ) Adjusted selling and marketing 37,859 42,393 118,199 126,796 GAAP general and administrative 21,686 22,308 66,390 72,689 Depreciation (674 ) (48 ) (1,340 ) (1,208 ) Long-term incentive compensation expenses (1,446 ) (4,838 ) (3,230 ) (14,669 ) Transformation (179 ) (882 ) (1,192 ) (2,475 ) Executive exit costs — — (3,326 ) — Adjusted general and administrative 19,387 16,540 57,302 54,337 Total GAAP operating expenses 110,550 118,824 335,671 368,732 Depreciation (1,000 ) (266 ) (2,404 ) (2,629 ) Long-term incentive compensation expenses (4,099 ) (7,962 ) (10,438 ) (22,917 ) System migration — (510 ) (118 ) (1,580 ) Transformation (1) (179 ) (891 ) (1,405 ) (2,726 ) Executive exit costs — — (3,326 ) — Adjusted total operating expenses $ 105,272 $ 109,195 $ 317,980 $ 338,880 (1) This line item does not agree to the amounts reflected on preceding table due to certain transformation expenses not being reflected in GAAP operating expenses. SKILLSOFT CORP. FREE CASH FLOW RECONCILIATION (in thousands) Three Months Ended October 31, Nine Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Free cash flow reconciliation Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 8,717 $ (10,666 ) $ 12,214 $ (8,681 ) Purchase of property and equipment, net (411 ) (347 ) (810 ) (3,753 ) Internally developed software - capitalized costs (4,222 ) (2,104 ) (13,018 ) (8,055 ) Total free cash flow 4,084 (13,117 ) (1,614 ) (20,489 ) Cash impact for adjusted EBITDA excluded charges 10,089 2,306 17,187 10,098 Adjusted free cash flow (levered) $ 14,173 $ (10,811 ) $ 15,573 $ (10,391 ) View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241210536898/en/ CONTACT: Investors: Ross Collins or Stephen Poe SKIL@alpha-ir.comMedia : Cameron Martin cameron.martin@skillsoft.com KEYWORD: MASSACHUSETTS UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: TECHNOLOGY SECURITY OTHER TECHNOLOGY SOFTWARE INTERNET CONTINUING TRAINING DATA MANAGEMENT EDUCATION SOURCE: Skillsoft Corp. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/10/2024 04:05 PM/DISC: 12/10/2024 04:04 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241210536898/enCanyon boys’ basketball takes down Saugus for first time since 2016
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Wade Taylor IV poured in 24 points, Manny Obaseki put his team ahead for good with a fastbreak dunk and No. 20 Texas A&M staved off Rutgers 81-77 to take fifth place at the Players Era Festival on Saturday in Las Vegas. In a game with seven ties and 10 lead changes, the Aggies (6-2) took a 78-77 lead when Solomon Washington pulled out a defensive rebound and heaved it up court for Obaseki to convert a two-handed slam with 2:12 to play. Rutgers lost a pass out of bounds, and Taylor made two free throws for a three-point game. Rutgers freshman star Dylan Harper went to the rim in the final seconds but had his shot blocked by Washington. Washington had 11 points, five rebounds and four blocks for Texas A&M. Henry Coleman III and Obaseki also finished with 11 points. For Rutgers (5-3), Ace Bailey led the way with 24 points and a game-high 10 rebounds. Jeremiah Williams scored 20 points on 7-of-8 shooting and Harper had 18 points. Centers Emmanuel Ogbole and Lathan Sommerville each fouled out. Texas A&M scored nine of the last 12 points of the game after trailing by as many as nine earlier in the half. A 10-0 run early in the first half, capped by Washington's three-point play, gave the Aggies a 17-9 lead. Rutgers ensured Texas A&M would not lead by more than eight, as Bailey (13) and Harper (eight) combined for 21 of Rutgers' 34 first-half points. After Sommerville put up five straight points for Rutgers, the Aggies made three free throws in the final minute for a 40-34 halftime lead. Rutgers' 13-0 sprint early in the second half flipped the lead to 47-42 in its favor. Harper made a 3-pointer to get things going and Williams scored three straight buckets -- a dunk in transition, an easy layup and an offensive rebound and putback. Bailey's second 3-pointer at 12:51 put the Scarlet Knights up 63-54, but Texas A&M scored the next eight points. Then, down 65-62, Taylor made the Aggies' first 3-pointer of the game to tie it at the 8:21 mark. His team had missed its first 11 tries from long range. Texas A&M won despite going 2 of 15 from the arc (Rutgers was 6 for 26) and being outrebounded 42-35. --Field Level Media
Netflix 'totally ready' for XMas NFL games, WWEThe United States saw an 18.1% increase in homelessness this year, a dramatic rise driven mostly by a lack of affordable housing as well as devastating natural disasters and a surge of migrants in several parts of the country, federal officials said Friday. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development said federally required tallies taken across the country in January found more than 770,000 people were counted as homeless — a number that misses some people and does not include those staying with friends or family because they don't have a place of their own. That increase comes on top of a 12% increase in 2023, which HUD blamed on soaring rents and the end of COVID-19 pandemic assistance. The 2023 increase also was driven by people experiencing homelessness for the first time. The numbers overall represent 23 of every 10,000 people in the U.S., with Black people being overrepresented among the homeless population. A man walks past a homeless encampment Oct. 25, 2023, in downtown Los Angeles. "No American should face homelessness, and the Biden-Harris Administration is committed to ensuring every family has access to the affordable, safe, and quality housing they deserve," HUD Agency Head Adrianne Todman said in a statement, adding that the focus should remain on "evidence-based efforts to prevent and end homelessness." Among the most concerning trends was a nearly 40% rise in family homelessness — one of the areas that was most affected by the arrival of migrants in big cities. Family homelessness more than doubled in 13 communities impacted by migrants including Denver, Chicago and New York City, according to HUD, while it rose less than 8% in the remaining 373 communities. Almost 150,000 children experienced homelessness on a single night in 2024, reflecting a 33% jump from last year. Disasters also played a part in the rise in the count, especially last year's catastrophic Maui wildfire, the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century. More than 5,200 people were in emergency shelters in Hawaii on the night of the count. Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries agents assist state police as they order people living in a homeless encampment to move to a different designated location during a sweep ahead of a Taylor Swift concert in New Orleans. "Increased homelessness is the tragic, yet predictable, consequence of underinvesting in the resources and protections that help people find and maintain safe, affordable housing," Renee Willis, incoming interim CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, said in a statement. "As advocates, researchers, and people with lived experience have warned, the number of people experiencing homelessness continues to increase as more people struggle to afford sky-high housing costs." Robert Marbut Jr., the former executive director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness from 2019 to 2021, called the nearly 33% increase in homelessness over the past four years "disgraceful" and said the federal government needs to abandon efforts to prioritize permanent housing. "We need to focus on treatment of substance use and mental illness, and bring back program requirements, like job training," Marbut said in an email. The numbers also come as increasing numbers of communities are taking a hard line against homelessness. People living in a homeless encampment pick up belongings Oct. 23 after Louisiana State Police ordered them to move to a different designated location during a sweep ahead of a Taylor Swift concert in New Orleans. Angered by often dangerous and dirty tent camps, communities — especially in Western states — have enforced bans on camping. That follows a 6-3 ruling this summer by the Supreme Court that found outdoor sleeping bans don’t violate the Eighth Amendment. Homeless advocates argued that punishing people who need a place to sleep would criminalize homelessness. There was some positive news in the count, as homelessness among veterans continued to trend downward. Homelessness among veterans dropped 8% to 32,882 in 2024. It was an even larger decrease for unsheltered veterans, declining 11% to 13,851 in 2024. "The reduction in veteran homelessness offers us a clear roadmap for addressing homelessness on a larger scale," Ann Oliva, CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness, said in a statement. "With bipartisan support, adequate funding, and smart policy solutions, we can replicate this success and reduce homelessness nationwide. Federal investments are critical in tackling the country's housing affordability crisis and ensuring that every American has access to safe, stable housing." Several large cities had success bringing down their homeless numbers. Dallas, which worked to overhaul its homeless system, saw a 16% drop in its numbers between 2022 to 2024. Los Angeles, which increased housing for the homeless, saw a drop of 5% in unsheltered homelessness since 2023. A rat sniffs the hand of a sleeping man experiencing homelessness Dec. 18 in downtown Los Angeles. California, the most populous state in the U.S., continued to have the nation's largest homeless population, followed by New York, Washington, Florida and Massachusetts. The sharp increase in the homeless population over the past two years contrasts with success the U.S. had for more than a decade. Going back to the first 2007 survey, the U.S. made steady progress for about a decade in reducing the homeless population as the government focused particularly on increasing investments to get veterans into housing. The number of homeless people dropped from about 637,000 in 2010 to about 554,000 in 2017. The numbers ticked up to about 580,000 in the 2020 count and held relatively steady over the next two years as Congress responded to the COVID-19 pandemic with emergency rental assistance, stimulus payments, aid to states and local governments and a temporary eviction moratorium. Homelessness is intertwined with the cost of living, and the high cost of living is hitting older adults fairly hard. A Westat survey for the Department of Health and Human Services found that older adults are the fastest-growing cohort of the homeless population. Emergency housing for seniors can keep that number from climbing higher. Caring.com details how to access it. The number of homeless seniors isn't based solely on people remaining homeless as they age; it also includes those whose first experience with homelessness came after they turned 50. In 2023, The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reported that 1 in 5 homeless people were over the age of 55. For seniors and other older adults, fixed incomes make it hard to battle the ever-increasing cost of expenses. Endhomelessness.org cites that 2.35 million older adults are paying over half of their limited income to rent. Based on Caring.com's July 2024 survey of seniors in the workforce , that's exactly why 1 in 15 retired seniors worry about losing their homes. Shelter use in homeless people older than 51 has gone up over 10% from 2007 to 2017, according to the HUD. But luckily, so has the number of shelters. Between 2022 and 2023, the HUD reports that emergency shelters added 28,760 more beds in emergency shelters, though this is a reduction in the amount of beds available during the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic. Emergency homeless assistance, or emergency housing, is a temporary solution. It's designed to provide shelter while those facing housing instability figure out their next step. Emergency housing for homeless seniors gives someone the immediate ability to remain housed and safely sheltered. Local nonprofits are often involved in placing people experiencing homelessness or housing instability into emergency shelters. Low-income seniors, seniors who are low on funds and might not make rent, or seniors who need to leave their homes for other reasons can use emergency housing. Many cities have their own emergency housing programs. There are also nationwide programs that provide emergency housing for seniors. The internet is the fastest tool for locating local emergency housing. Libraries have free internet access, for those who might not have a computer or Wi-Fi to begin their search. The list below leads to websites that include phone numbers for emergency homeless assistance. Seniors in need of immediate assistance and resources should call 2-1-1 or contact the United Way online . The 2-1-1 crisis hotline partners with United Way, which is committed to helping homeless seniors find local shelters or access transitional housing. The service can also connect seniors with other resources, including food, mental health support, or funding for health care expenses. Calling 2-1-1 is often required as a prerequisite before trying to get into a shelter or obtaining other assistance. Because 2-1-1 is for people in crisis, there are no eligibility requirements. However, some programs seniors may access through 2-1-1 do have eligibility requirements. Seniors can simply dial 2-1-1 from nearly anywhere in the U.S. to be put in touch with the programs and resources they need. Designed specifically for seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income families, the Housing Choice Voucher Program is a federal program offering low-income housing options and rent assistance. These vouchers are available through your local public housing agency (PHA). This program enables and encourages participants to choose their own housing. Housing options don't need to be a part of subsidized housing projects, but there are limits on unit size. Typically, participants must pay 30% of their monthly adjusted income towards their rent, and the voucher program pays the remainder. Applicant income and family size help the PHA determine eligibility. Citizenship and eligible immigration status also play a factor. The family's income cannot exceed 50% of the median income for the county or metropolitan area where they're applying to live. Of the vouchers, 75% must go to people whose income is at or less than 30% of their area's median income. Contact your local public housing agency . The Section 202 program helps expand the supply of affordable housing with supportive services for seniors. This program gives low-income seniors options that allow them to live independently, with support for cooking, cleaning, transportation, etc. This program is open to any very low-income household that has at least one person 62 years old or older. Applicants must submit an application in response to a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) posted on Grants.gov . The HUD-VASH program was created as emergency homeless assistance for veterans. Its goal is to give homeless veterans access to permanent housing through public housing authorities. Veterans receive rental assistance through the HUD Housing Choice Voucher program and additional case management services through the VA. By December 2023, the HUD had allocated nearly 112,000 vouchers to help house veterans nationwide. To help veterans achieve stability and remain housed, VA case managers may connect veterans with support services such as health care, mental health treatment, and substance use counseling. If you or your loved one is a low-income senior with eligible military service, you may apply. Your local VA can tell you if your service qualifies you for HUD-VASH. Senior veterans may apply online or call (877) 424-3838. Click here to learn more about the emergency housing options for seniors available in your state. Low-income seniors who aren't in assisted living or independent living communities might find themselves facing housing instability. Emergency housing for seniors can help you or your loved one seek shelter. Crisis hotlines and public housing agencies can offer support. Finding emergency housing for seniors depends heavily on your area. The first step is to call the Crisis Hotline at 2-1-1. Finding a shelter takes less time than applying and getting approved for low-income housing voucher programs. The 2-1-1 hotline can direct you to local resources and locators. Yes and no. The duration depends on the type of housing. Shelters have limits that vary. Some shelters allow people to stay for up to six months, though that can vary based on demand. Seniors can remain in Section 202 supportive housing as long as they meet age and income requirements. Yes. Many counties have financial emergency programs that help seniors handle home repairs or short-term financial crises like utility shutoff. These programs allow the senior to focus their funds on their rent or mortgage. This story was produced by Caring.com and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.