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92 jili SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A South Korean legislative push to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over his short-lived imposition of martial law fell through on Saturday after most lawmakers from his conservative governing party boycotted the vote. The defeat of the motion is expected to intensify public protests calling for Yoon’s ouster and deepen political chaos in South Korea, with a survey suggesting a majority of South Koreans support the president’s impeachment. Yoon’s martial law declaration drew criticism from his own ruling conservative party, but it is also determined to oppose Yoon’s impeachment apparently because it fears losing the presidency to liberals. Impeaching Yoon required support from two-thirds of the National Assembly, or 200 of its 300 members. The opposition parties who brought the impeachment motion had 192 seats, but only three lawmakers from PPP participated in the vote. The motion was scrapped without ballot counting because the number of votes didn’t reach 200. National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik called the result “very regrettable” and an embarrassing moment for the country’s democracy that has been closely watched by the world. “The failure to hold a qualified vote on this matter means we were not even able to exercise the democratic procedure of deciding on a critical national issue,” he said. Opposition parties could submit a new impeachment motion after a new parliamentary session opens next Wednesday. There are worries that Yoon won’t be able to serve out his remaining 2 1/2 years in office because his leadership took a huge hit. Many experts say some ruling party lawmakers could eventually join opposition parties’ efforts to impeach Yoon if public demands for it grow further. If Yoon is impeached, his powers will be suspended until the Constitutional Court decides whether to remove him from office. If he is removed, an election to replace him must take place within 60 days. Woo repeatedly urged ruling party members to return to the chamber to participate in the vote, waiting several hours for them to come. At one point, Democratic Party leaders visited a hall on the floor below the main chamber where PPP lawmakers were gathered, attempting to persuade them to vote. After being blocked from entering, they angrily accused the conservatives’ leadership of preventing its lawmakers from voting freely. Earlier Saturday, Yoon issued a public apology over the martial law decree, saying he won’t shirk legal or political responsibility for the declaration and promising not to make another attempt to impose martial law. He said would leave it to his party to chart a course through the country’s political turmoil, “including matters related to my term in office.” “The declaration of this martial law was made out of my desperation. But in the course of its implementation, it caused anxiety and inconveniences to the public. I feel very sorry over that and truly apologize to the people who must have been shocked a lot,” Yoon said. Since taking office in 2022, Yoon has struggled to push his agenda through an opposition-controlled parliament and grappled with low approval ratings amid scandals involving himself and his wife. In his martial law announcement on Tuesday night, Yoon called parliament a “den of criminals” bogging down state affairs and vowed to eliminate “shameless North Korea followers and anti-state forces.” The turmoil resulting from Yoon’s bizarre and poorly-thought-out stunt has paralyzed South Korean politics and sparked alarm among key diplomatic partners like the U.S. and Japan. Tuesday night saw special forces troops encircling the parliament building and army helicopters hovering over it, but the military withdrew after the National Assembly unanimously voted to overturn the decree, forcing Yoon to lift it before daybreak Wednesday. The declaration of martial law was the first of its kind in more than 40 years in South Korea. Eighteen lawmakers from the ruling party voted to reject Yoon’s martial law decree along with opposition lawmakers. Yoon’s speech fueled speculation that he and his party may push for a constitutional amendment to shorten his term, instead of accepting impeachment, as a way to ease public anger over the marital law and facilitate Yoon’s early exit from office. Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the main liberal opposition Democratic Party, told reporters that Yoon’s speech was “greatly disappointing” and that the only way forward is his immediate resignation or impeachment. His party called Yoon’s martial law “unconstitutional, illegal rebellion or coup.” The passage of Yoon’s impeachment motion appeared more likely Friday when the chair of Yoon’s party called for his removal on Friday, but the party remained formally opposed to impeachment. On Saturday, tens of thousands of people densely packed several blocks of roads leading up to the National Assembly, waving banners, shouting slogans and dancing and singing along to K-pop songs with lyrics changed to call for Yoon’s ouster. Protesters also gathered in front of PPP’s headquarters near the Assembly, angrily shouting for its lawmakers to vote to impeach Yoon. A smaller crowd of Yoon’s supporters, which still seemed to be in the thousands, rallied in separate streets in Seoul, decrying the impeachment attempt they saw as unconstitutional. Lawmakers on Saturday first voted on a bill appointing a special prosecutor to investigate stock price manipulation allegations surrounding Yoon’s wife. Some lawmakers from Yoon’s party were seen leaving the hall after that vote, triggering angry shouts from opposition lawmakers. On Friday, PPP chair Han Dong-hun, who criticized Yoon’s martial law declaration, said he had received intelligence that during the brief period of martial law Yoon ordered the country’s defense counterintelligence commander to arrest and detain unspecified key politicians based on accusations of “anti-state activities.” Hong Jang-won, first deputy director of South Korea’s National Intelligence Service, told lawmakers in a closed-door briefing Friday that Yoon had ordered him to help the defense counterintelligence unit to detain key politicians. The targeted politicians included Han, Lee and Woo, according to Kim Byung-kee, one of the lawmakers who attended the meeting. The Defense Ministry said Friday it suspended three military commanders including the head of the defense counterintelligence unit over their involvement in enforcing martial law. Vice Defense Minister Kim Seon Ho has told parliament that Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun ordered the deployment of troops to the National Assembly after Yoon imposed martial law. Opposition parties accused Kim of recommending to Yoon to enforce martial law. Kim resigned Thursday, and prosecutors imposed an overseas travel ban on him. Kim Tong-hyung And Hyung-jin Kim, The Associated PressPHILADELPHIA — Saquon Barkley rushed for 167 yards to top 2,000 on the season, backup quarterback Kenny Pickett ran and threw for scores before departing with injured ribs, and the Philadelphia Eagles clinched the NFC East title by routing the Dallas Cowboys 41-7 on Sunday. Barkley has 2,005 yards and needs 101 in next week’s mostly meaningless regular-season finale to top Eric Dickerson and his 2,105 yards for the Los Angeles Rams in 1984. The Eagles led 24-7 in the third quarter when Pickett was drilled by defensive end Micah Parsons, ending his first start in place of the concussed Jalen Hurts. Tanner McKee, a career third-stringer, entered the game and the Eagles finished the drive with a field goal. McKee later threw two TD passes, a 20-yarder to A.J. Brown and a 25-yarder to DeVonta Smith, in front of a roaring crowd delighted to watch the Eagles dominate their fiercest rival to wrap up the division title and at least the No. 2 seed in the NFC. Hurts was injured in last week’s loss at Washington and remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol — he didn’t practice all week — which opened the door for Pickett to start. VIKINGS 27, PACKERS 25: Sam Darnold added another exploit to his career-altering season, passing for a personal-best 377 yards and three touchdowns as host Minnesota hung on to beat Green Bay for its ninth consecutive victory, putting the V Vikings one win from the NFC’s top seed for the playoffs. Darnold hit Jalen Nailor, Jordan Addison and Cam Akers for scores to raise his passing touchdown total to 35, the fourth-most in NFL history by a player in his debut season with a team. The Vikings set up a final-week showdown in Detroit for both the NFC North title and the first-round-bye-plus-home-field-advantage package that comes with the best record in the conference. Jordan Love’s only touchdown pass for the Packers came with 2:18 left, a 3-yard toss to Malik Heath that trimmed their deficit to two points. But Darnold ran bootlegs for completions for two vital first downs as Minnesota ran out the clock. COMMANDERS 30, FALCONS 24 (OT): Jayden Daniels connected with Zach Ertz in overtime for his third touchdown pass of the game to get Washington into the playoffs with a home victory over Atlanta. Daniels ran for a season-high 127 yards and completed 24 of 36 passes for 227 yards and had two TD passes to Ertz and another to Olamide Zaccheaus to make the playoffs in his rookie year. The Falcons lost control of their chances of winning the NFC South and ensuring a home playoff game. They now need to beat Carolina and for the Buccaneers to lose to New Orleans to qualify altogether. BUCCANEERS 48, PANTHERS 14: Baker Mayfield threw for 359 yards and five touchdowns to help Tampa Bay keep its division title and playoff hopes alive with a home blowout over Carolina. Mayfield threw TD passes of 2 and 1 yards to Mike Evans, and Tampa Bay produced points on five straight possessions to build a 27-7 lead as the Bucs won for the fifth time in the past six weeks. Jalen McMillan scored on receptions of 10 and 16 yards, linebacker J.J. Russell returned a blocked punt for a TD, and rookie Bucky Irving had another big game against with 120 yards rushing on 20 carries and four receptions for 77 yards. GIANTS 45, COLTS 33: New York snapped a franchise-record 10-game losing streak and ended Indianapolis’ slim playoff hopes as Drew Lock threw four touchdown passes and ran for another. New York earned its first home win of the season and it no longer has control of the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. Lock sandwiched touchdown passes of 31 and 59 yards to Malik Nabers around TD passes of 32 yards to Darius Slayton and 5 yards to Wan’Dale Robinson in leading the Giants to their first win since beating Seattle on Oct. 6. RAIDERS 25, SAINTS 10: Aidan O’Connell passed for two touchdowns, tight end Brock Bowers broke two rookie NFL records, and Las Vegas won for just the fourth time this season, beating struggling New Orleans at the Superdome. Ameer Abdullah rushed for 115 yards for the Raiders — the journeyman running back’s first 100-yard game in his 10 NFL seasons. BILLS 40, JETS 14: Josh Allen threw two touchdown passes and ran for another score, and host Buffalo clinched the AFC’s No. 2 seed with a rout of unraveling New York. The Bills put the game away by capitalizing on two Jets turnovers and scoring three touchdowns over a 5:01 span in the closing minutes of the third quarter. JAGUARS 20, TITANS 13: Mac Jones threw two touchdown passes, including one to standout rookie Brian Thomas Jr., and host Jacksonville beat Tennessee in the rain to sweep the season series for the fourth time in 30 years. Jones completed 15 of 22 passes for 174 yards, with most of them going to Thomas. The first-round draft pick from LSU finished with seven receptions for 91 yards. His 11-yard TD catch with 7:05 remaining gave him his eighth game with at least 60 yards and a score, tying him with Hall of Famer Randy Moss for the most by a rookie in NFL history. DOLPHINS 20, BROWNS 3: Tyler Huntley scrambled for a touchdown and threw for one while starting for Tua Tagovailoa, and Miami stayed in the playoff race heading into its season finale with a road victory over Cleveland. Miami needs to win next weekend at the New York Jets and hope the Denver Broncos lose at home to Kansas City to get a wild-card berth. Unfortunately for the Dolphins, quarterback Patrick Mahomes and many of the top-seeded Chiefs’ starters are expected to rest. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

BofA Securities reports that the Life Sciences Tools sector struggled in fiscal year 2024. Spending by pharmaceutical and biotech companies dropped after pandemic-related overspending, and demand in China stayed weak. This led some Life Sciences companies to lower their already-conservative fiscal year revenue forecasts as the year progressed. For most of fiscal year 2024, Life Sciences company valuations remained higher than pre-COVID levels but declined after the U.S. elections. Looking ahead to fiscal year 2025, initial forecasts and management comments suggest a mixed outlook. The first half of the year is expected to mirror the challenges of late fiscal year 2024, while the second half could see improvement due to easier year-over-year comparisons, potential economic stimulus in China, and a broader market recovery. After being cautious for most of the past year, the analyst sees some positive signs. The bioprocess market, important for certain Core Tools vendors, has been improving steadily and is expected to stabilize in 2025. Although China’s stimulus has taken longer than expected, it is starting to lead to some new orders. Valuations are still higher than the historical average, but they aren’t as high as in previous years, creating some good opportunities for stock picking. BofA upgraded Danaher Corp DHR to Buy from Neutral, maintaining the price target of $290 . In 2024, Danaher struggled with challenges like reduced bioprocessing inventory, a slowdown in China, and lower spending from biotech and pharma customers. Also Read: Danaher’s Q3 Earnings Boosted By Bioprocessing Order Growth, Analyst Maintain Stock Rating Analysts believe that bioprocessing, an important market, is nearly back to normal and should see steady demand in 2025. Although China is still facing difficulties, BofA expects a strong increase in orders in the fourth quarter due to stimulus efforts, with positive effects likely starting in 2025. BofA has also upgraded Revvity RVTY from Neutral to Buy with a price target of $138 . The company is at a turning point after making significant business changes in recent years. While management did not provide guidance for fiscal year 2025 at the recent Analyst Day, the long-term strategy remains largely the same. Even though the market is stabilizing in FY25, Revvity’s growth is expected to be below its 6-8% target range. As short-term industry challenges continue to lessen, BofA expects Revvity to perform well, bolstered by recent acquisitions. Price Action: At last check Friday, DHR stock was down 0.15% at $234.14, and RVTY stock was down 1.56% at $114.21. Read Next: Drug Price Hikes Unsupported By Evidence Cost US $815 Million: ICER Report © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Emerging Trends in DTF Printing Technology: Empowering Small BusinessesThe Philosophical Emperor

China is trying to wrap up every strata of British society in a clandestine network of spies penetrating industry, politics, commerce, technology, security and defence. If you counted everyone who has worked directly, or indirectly, for Chinese intelligence in the UK, it would likely run into tens of thousands. British intelligence has for years warned UK companies their research and development is extremely vulnerable to China’s spy agencies. Prince Andrew’s statement claiming never to have discussed anything of a “sensitive nature” with alleged Chinese spy Yang Tengbo is as ridiculous as it is arrogant. He could not know how much intelligence and access to important people a spy could glean from him, nor the true nature of their relationship. Just a subtle mention by a Chinese spy that they knew Prince Andrew could open doors. He is not interesting but the networks he has access to are very interesting to spies. If Yang is a spy, the naive Prince, who met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing in 2018, likely became a passive agent who was inestimably valuable to Chinese intelligence – without realising it. A passive agent can be used to allow an actual agent to creep into a person’s contact network and then provide a gateway for other spies. And with technology of massive interest to China, that route could eventually lead to a technology contact worth millions. China has stolen technological research and development from the UK before – at a cost of hundreds of millions of pounds. The passive agent can also be persuaded to see another government’s point of view and perhaps change their behaviour and that of others towards a foreign government. For instance, a Chinese agent might persuade a passive agent that Beijing’s genocidal treatment of minority Uyghurs is justified. It is feared some people coming to the UK from China may have been asked by a spy agency to make friends or find out information. Head of MI5 Ken McCallum has warned at least 20,000 people had been approached by Chinese intelligence online in recent years. But for a senior royal not to be on his guard and to think he has done nothing wrong by hanging out with them is unfathomable.Lucia Mendez shares emotional message after the passing of her dear friend Dulce

Israel’s attorney general has ordered police to open an investigation into Benjamin Netanyahu’s wife on suspicion of harassing political opponents and witnesses in the Prime Minister’s corruption trial. The Israeli Justice Ministry made the announcement in a message late on Thursday, saying the investigation would focus on the findings of a recent report by the Uvda investigative programme into Sara Netanyahu. The programme uncovered a trove of WhatsApp messages in which Mrs Netanyahu appears to instruct a former aide to organise protests against political opponents and to intimidate Hadas Klein, a key witness in the trial. Benjamin Netanyahu attends his trial on corruption charges (Stoyan Nenov/Pool Photo via AP) Earlier on Thursday, Mr Netanyahu blasted the Uvda report as “lies”. It is the latest in a long line of legal troubles for the Netanyahus, highlighted by the PM’s ongoing corruption trial. Mr Netanyahu is charged with fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes in a series of cases alleging he exchanged favours with powerful media moguls and wealthy associates. He denies the charges and says he is the victim of a “witch hunt” by overzealous prosecutors, police and the media.

Men lose 17 minutes of life with every cigarette they smoke while a woman’s life is cut short by 22 minutes with each cigarette, experts have estimated. This is more than previous estimates, which suggest that each cigarette shortens a smoker’s life by 11 minutes. The new estimates, which suggest that each cigarette leads to 20 minutes loss of live on average across both genders, are based on more up-to-date figures from long-term studies tracking the health of the population. Researchers from University College London said that the harm caused by smoking is “cumulative” and the sooner a person stops smoking, and the more cigarettes they avoid smoking, the longer they live. The new analysis, commissioned by the Department for Health and Social Care, suggests that if a 10-cigarettes-a-day smoker quits on January 1, then by January 8 they could “prevent loss of a full day of life”. By February 20, their lives could be extended by a whole week. And if their quitting is successful until August 5, they will likely live for a whole month longer than if they had continued to smoke. The authors added: “Studies suggest that smokers typically lose about the same number of healthy years as they do total years of life. Make 2025 the year you quit smoking for good. There’s lots of free support available to help you. Find out more 🔽 https://t.co/J0ehnoRM1D pic.twitter.com/LQpUp6HJBm — WHH 🏥 (@WHHNHS) December 27, 2024 “Thus smoking primarily eats into the relatively healthy middle years rather than shortening the period at the end of life, which is often marked by chronic illness or disability. “So a 60-year-old smoker will typically have the health profile of a 70-year-old non-smoker.” The analysis, to be published in the Journal of Addiction, concludes: “We estimate that on average, smokers in Britain who do not quit lose approximately 20 minutes of life expectancy for each cigarette they smoke. “This is time that would likely be spent in relatively good health. “Stopping smoking at every age is beneficial but the sooner smokers get off this escalator of death the longer and healthier they can expect their lives to be.” Dr Sarah Jackson, principal research fellow from the UCL Alcohol and Tobacco Research Group, said: “It is vital that people understand just how harmful smoking is and how much quitting can improve their health and life expectancy. “The evidence suggests people lose, on average, around 20 minutes of life for each cigarette they smoke. “The sooner a person stops smoking, the longer they live. “Quitting at any age substantially improves health and the benefits start almost immediately. “It’s never too late to make a positive change for your health and there are a range of effective products and treatments that can help smokers quit for good.” There are so many reasons to quit smoking this New Year – for your health, for more money, and for your family. Make a fresh quit for 2025 – find tips and support at https://t.co/GyLk65o8kS or https://t.co/iW6WLxTL00 pic.twitter.com/KxPZ5N378y — North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust (@NTeesHpoolNHSFT) December 27, 2024 Health officials have said that smokers can find advice, support and resources with the NHS Quit Smoking app, as well as the online Personal Quit Plan. Public health minister Andrew Gwynne said: “Smoking is an expensive and deadly habit and these findings reveal the shocking reality of this addiction, highlighting how important it is to quit. “The new year offers a perfect chance for smokers to make a new resolution and take that step.” Commenting on the paper, Professor Sanjay Agrawal, special adviser on tobacco at the Royal College of Physicians, said: “Every cigarette smoked costs precious minutes of life, and the cumulative impact is devastating, not only for individuals but also for our healthcare system and economy. “This research is a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address cigarette smoking as the leading preventable cause of death and disease in the UK.”

Bank of America Announces Full Redemption of Its Series MM Preferred Stock and Related Depositary SharesA Massachusetts congresswoman said Saturday that she and her family were the target of a bomb threat – marking the latest in a series of similar threats made on House members from both sides of the political aisle. Democratic Rep. Lori Trahan, who represents Lowell and other communities in the northwestern part of the state, said in a statement that authorities responded to the threat at Westford home. “This morning, I was made aware of a bomb threat targeting my family and me,” said Trahan. “I am grateful to the excellent officers at the Westford Police Department who responded swiftly and who are now working with the U.S. Capitol Police and Massachusetts State Police regarding this incident. “It’s a good time to say the obvious: threats of violence and intimidation have no place in our country.” The state police found no evidence of a device on site but the incident remains under investigation, said Westford Police Capt. Michael Breault. Last week, Rhode Island Democratic Rep. Seth Magaziner said was the victim of fake bomb threat — after similar phony police reports targeted at least five members of Connecticut’s Democratic congressional delegation and at least 10 of President-elect Donald Trump’s high-profile nominees , including Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Trump’s pick for US ambassador to the United Nations.

Panic has gripped school heads across the country following the creation of a monitoring unit by the Ministry of Education and Sports to unearth the rot in government schools including those that inflate pupils’ numbers to swindle capitation grants from the government. The unit has hit the road running and so far has uncovered 43,045 ‘ghost’ pupils – who are counted in official records but do not exist in Ntungamo district, western Uganda. This revelation was made by Janet Kataha Museveni, the minister of Education and Sports also the first lady during her year-end address to ministry staff and affiliated agencies. The revelation sheds light on the persistent issue of inflated enrollment numbers that have cost taxpayers billions of shillings over the years. Ms Museveni said that the discovery was part of broader efforts to enhance accountability and governance within Uganda’s education sector. To address these challenges, Ms Museveni noted that a Special Infrastructure Monitoring Unit has been established within the ministry to oversee and streamline operations. This unit aims to curb fraudulent practices, ensure transparency, and safeguard public funds invested in education. The unit, led by Dr Kenneth Ssemwogerere, is tasked with closely monitoring infrastructure projects among other assignments. “These people have been my feet, ears, and eyes for all the projects we undertake because I don’t want to sit here and report on projects that are non-existent or done poorly,” Ms Museveni started. She added that one of the achievements made by the unit this year was their recent findings in Ntungamo district where they conducted surprise checks and headcounts across 236 primary schools, they identified 43,045 ghost pupils. Given that the government allocates Shs 20,000 for each primary school pupil, this discrepancy could have led to an overpayment of approximately Shs 860 million in capitation grants to the district over the years yet similar funds if placed into use could make a difference. For instance, districts like Kabarole receive Shs 500 million for schools in the 17 sub-counties as School Facilitation Grant (SFG) to help with the construction of more classrooms, latrines and purchase of desks for primary schools under the Universal Primary Education (UPE) program. Despite the gravity of this discovery, Ms Museveni did not reveal the fate of the implicated head teachers or other officials in charge. However, in her address, she urged ministry staff and school officials to act with integrity, stressing that corruption and dishonesty must have no place in Uganda’s education system. “We must serve with integrity in handling the funds allocated for education. This money is meant to support our children’s learning, not to be misused,” she concluded. According to estimates from the ministry of Finance, ‘ghost’ pupils alone cost taxpayers about $11 million (Shs 41 billion) annually. In 2022, the ministry of Education introduced an improved Education Management Information System (EMIS) to among other things combat the issue of ghost pupils by assuring accurate learner enrollment data in individual schools, enhancing planning and management. Though EMIS is still in its roll-out phase, preliminary results have already shown significant discrepancies. Ministry sources revealed that some schools reported inflated numbers of pupils, only for those students to be missing when the data was cross-checked in the system. Nearly half a million over-reported learners have been identified nationwide through this process, and the ministry plans to carry out a full analysis of the data shortly. When asked about the matter, Vincent Ssozi, assistant commissioner for statistics, monitoring, and evaluation at the ministry of Education, explained that once the ministry completes the harmonization of data collected from schools, a clearer picture of the ghost learners will emerge. “This process will allow us to eliminate discrepancies. We will completely handle those so-called ghost pupils and ensure that future capitation grants are allocated based only on verified data from the Education Management Information System (EMIS).” Still addressing the issue of integrity spoke on the recent disciplinary action taken at the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT), following reports supported by evidence of misappropriation, misuse of government resources, and abuse of office. She emphasized that whenever such issues are detected, she will not hesitate to take swift and decisive action to address the matter. “This year, we had to crack the whip on the team at DIT, and this was not done haphazardly, it followed a report by the IGG, with evidence of misappropriation, misuse of government resources, and total abuse of office,” she noted. She added that, while recognizing the importance of DIT and the significant benefits it brings to the people, the work must be done properly. “Next year, we must come together to streamline the mandate, management, and work methods of DIT,” she stated. Meanwhile, during the same session, the ministry also took stock of its achievements over the past year, including securing the AFCON co-hosting bid and streamlining the TVET sector, among other successes. It is not new for public servants to include ‘ghosts’ and non-existent figures in the payrolls so as to siphon public funds. For example, in 2021, it was discovered that over 1,039 ‘ghost’ workers were on the nurses’ payroll whereby each nurse was receiving Shs 15,000 per day. editorElite Nail Spa in Acworth Voted "Best of Georgia 2024"How the stock market defied expectations again this year, by the numbers NEW YORK (AP) — What a wonderful year 2024 has been for investors. U.S. stocks ripped higher and carried the S&P 500 to records as the economy kept growing and the Federal Reserve began cutting interest rates. The benchmark index posted its first back-to-back annual gains of more than 20% since 1998. The year featured many familiar winners, such as Big Tech, which got even bigger as their stock prices kept growing. But it wasn’t just Apple, Nvidia and the like. Bitcoin and gold surged and “Roaring Kitty” reappeared to briefly reignite the meme stock craze. Stock market today: Wall Street drifts to a mixed close in thin trading following a holiday pause Stock indexes drifted to a mixed finish on Wall Street as some heavyweight technology and communications sector stocks offset gains elsewhere in the market. The S&P 500 slipped less than 0.1% Thursday, its first loss after three straight gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.1%. Gains by retailers and health care stocks helped temper the losses. Trading volume was lighter than usual as U.S. markets reopened following the Christmas holiday. The Labor Department reported that U.S. applications for unemployment benefits held steady last week, though continuing claims rose to the highest level in three years. Treasury yields fell in the bond market. Israel strikes Houthi rebels in Yemen's capital while the WHO chief says he was meters away JERUSALEM (AP) — A new round of Israeli airstrikes in Yemen have targeted the Houthi rebel-held capital of Sanaa and multiple ports. The World Health Organization’s director-general said the bombardment on Thursday took place just “meters away” as he was about to board a flight in Sanaa. He says a crew member was hurt. The strikes followed several days of Houthi attacks and launches setting off sirens in Israel. Israel's military says it attacked infrastructure used by the Houthis at the international airport in Sanaa, power stations and ports. The Israeli military later said it wasn’t aware that the WHO chief was at the location in Yemen. Holiday shoppers increased spending by 3.8% despite higher prices New data shows holiday sales rose this year even as Americans wrestled with still high prices in many grocery necessities and other financial worries. According to Mastercard SpendingPulse, holiday sales from the beginning of November through Christmas Eve climbed 3.8%, a faster pace than the 3.1% increase from a year earlier. The measure tracks all kinds of payments including cash and debit cards. This year, retailers were even more under the gun to get shoppers in to buy early and in bulk since there were five fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Mastercard SpendingPulse says the last five days of the season accounted for 10% of the spending. Sales of clothing, electronics and Jewelry rose. Finland stops Russia-linked vessel over damaged undersea power cable in Baltic Sea FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Finnish police say authorities detained a ship linked to neighboring Russia as they investigate whether it damaged a Baltic Sea power cable and several data cables. It was the latest incident involving disruption of key infrastructure. Police and border guards boarded the Eagle S and took control as they investigate damage to the Estlink-2 undersea power cable. The cable brings electricity from Finland to Estonia across the Baltic Sea. The cable went down on Wednesday. The incident follows damage to two data cables and the Nord Stream gas pipelines. Both have been termed sabotage. Russian ship that sank in the Mediterranean was attacked, owner says MOSCOW (AP) — The Russian operator of a cargo ship that sank in the Mediterranean Sea between Spain and Algeria says it has been hit by a series of explosions in an act of sabotage. Oboronlogistica is a state-controlled company that operated the Ursa Major freighter. The company said the vessel was wrecked by three powerful explosions just above the water line in what it described as a “terrorist attack” that caused it to sink on Monday. The company said in a statement carried by Russia’s state RIA Novosti news agency on Thursday that the explosions left a hole in the ship’s starboard and filled the engine room with acrid smoke. That hampered the crew’s attempts to access it. Undersea power cable linking Finland and Estonia hit by outage, prompting investigation FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Finland’s prime minister says authorities are investigating an interruption in a power cable under the Baltic Sea between his country and Estonia. Petteri Orpo said on X that power transmission through the Estlink-2 cable suffered an outage Wednesday. Authorities have been on edge about undersea infrastructure in the Baltic after two international data cables were severed in November and the Nord Stream gas pipelines between Russia and Germany were blown up in September 2022. Japan to maximize nuclear power in clean-energy push as electricity demand grows TOKYO (AP) — A Japanese government panel has largely supported a draft energy policy calling for bolstering renewables up to half of Japanese electricity needs by 2040. It also recommends maximizing the use of nuclear power to accommodate the growing demand for power in the era of AI while meeting decarbonization targets. Cabinet is expected to formally approve the plan by March following a period of public consultation. The policy says nuclear energy should account for 20% of Japan’s energy supply in 2040, with renewables expanded to 40-50% and coal-fired power reduced to 30-40%. Working Well: Returning to the office can disrupt life. Here are some tips to navigate the changes NEW YORK (AP) — Thousands of workers are facing an unsettling reality heading into 2025. After years of working from the comfort of home, they're being told it’s time to return to the office full-time for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic. That can bring a host of challenges, including losing time with family. Workers at Amazon, AT&T and other companies have been called back to the office five days a week. Experts have advice to share about how to navigate the changes when an employer calls you back to the office. Workers can convey what they need, seek flexibility and if all else fails, consider other options. US applications for unemployment benefits hold steady, but continuing claims rise to 3-year high WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits held steady last week, though continuing claims rose to the highest level in three years. The US Labor Department reported Thursday that jobless claim applications ticked down by 1,000 to 219,000 for the week of Dec. 21. That’s fewer than the 223,000 analysts forecast. Continuing claims, the total number of Americans collecting jobless benefits, climbed by 46,000 to 1.91 million for the week of Dec. 14. That’s more than analysts projected and the most since the week of Nov. 13, 2021. Weekly applications for jobless benefits are considered representative of U.S. layoffs.

We have been at the edge of a precipice since December 1990 and more so since April 1991. The foreign exchange crisis constitutes a serious threat to the sustainability of growth processes and orderly implementation of our development programmes. Due to the combination of unfavourable internal and external factors, the inflationary pressures on the price level have increased very substantially since mid-1990. The people of India have to face double digit inflation which hurts most the poorer sections of our society. In sum, the crisis in the economy is both acute and deep. We have not experienced anything similar in the history of independent India... ET Year-end Special Reads Corporate Kalesh: Top family disputes of India Inc in 2024 The world of business lost these eminent people in 2024 Fast, faster, fastest: How 2024 put more speed into your shopping Also Read: Manmohan Singh: The reformist who mastered the art of wielding delegated authority Also Read: Manmohan Singh passes away at 92; PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and others mourn former PM's demise There is no time to lose. Neither the government nor the economy can live beyond its means year after year. The room for maneuver, to live on borrowed money or time, does not exist any more. Any further postponement of macroeconomic adjustment, long overdue, would mean that the balance of payments situation, now exceedingly difficult, would become unmanageable and inflation, already high, would exceed limits of tolerance. Also Read: Remembering Dr. Manmohan Singh: A legacy of economic reforms and leadership Artificial Intelligence(AI) Java Programming with ChatGPT: Learn using Generative AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Basics of Generative AI: Unveiling Tomorrows Innovations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Generative AI for Dynamic Java Web Applications with ChatGPT By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Mastering C++ Fundamentals with Generative AI: A Hands-On By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Master in Python Language Quickly Using the ChatGPT Open AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Performance Marketing for eCommerce Brands By - Zafer Mukeri, Founder- Inara Marketers View Program Office Productivity Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance A2Z Of Money By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Marketing Modern Marketing Masterclass by Seth Godin By - Seth Godin, Former dot com Business Executive and Best Selling Author View Program Astrology Vastu Shastra Course By - Sachenkumar Rai, Vastu Shashtri View Program Strategy Succession Planning Masterclass By - Nigel Penny, Global Strategy Advisor: NSP Strategy Facilitation Ltd. View Program Data Science SQL for Data Science along with Data Analytics and Data Visualization By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI and Analytics based Business Strategy By - Tanusree De, Managing Director- Accenture Technology Lead, Trustworthy AI Center of Excellence: ATCI View Program Web Development A Comprehensive ASP.NET Core MVC 6 Project Guide for 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Pam Moore By - Pam Moore, Digital Transformation and Social Media Expert View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI-Powered Python Mastery with Tabnine: Boost Your Coding Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Mastering Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and 365 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital marketing - Wordpress Website Development By - Shraddha Somani, Digital Marketing Trainer, Consultant, Strategiest and Subject Matter expert View Program Office Productivity Mastering Google Sheets: Unleash the Power of Excel and Advance Analysis By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Mastering Full Stack Development: From Frontend to Backend Excellence By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Financial Literacy i.e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By - CA Rahul Gupta, CA with 10+ years of experience and Accounting Educator View Program Data Science SQL Server Bootcamp 2024: Transform from Beginner to Pro By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program For improving the management of the economy, the starting point, and indeed the centre-piece of our strategy, should be a credible fiscal adjustment and macroeconomic stabilisation during the current financial year, to be followed by continued fiscal consolidation thereafter. This process would, inevitably, need at least three years, if not longer, to complete. But there can be no adjustment without pain. The people must be prepared to make necessary sacrifices to preserve our economic independence and restore the health of our economy. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )Vijilan Security Partners with Cribl to Modernize Data Management for MSPs and Enterprises

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Calgary, Alberta–(Newsfile Corp. – December 16, 2024) – Saturn Oil & Gas Inc. (TSX: SOIL) (OTCQX: OILSF) (“Saturn” or the “Company”), a light oil-weighted producer focused on unlocking value through the development of assets in Saskatchewan and Alberta, is pleased to provide our 2025 development capital budget and annual guidance, along with an operational update and Saturn’s outlook for the next three years. “Our development capital expenditures (2) budget of $300 to $320 million is targeting stable production averaging 38,000-40,000 boe/d (1) in 2025 (the “2025 Budget”), approximately 85% of which is oil and liquids, with ongoing margin improvements through cost optimization, capitalizing on synergies, and streamlining operational processes to deliver greater value per barrel,” said John Jeffrey, Chief Executive Officer of Saturn. “Our focus on increasing free funds flow supports a systematic reduction in leverage ratios over time, underpins opportunistic tuck-in acquisitions, and enables the Company to continue enhancing per share metrics. Over the next three years, we intend to build on the 2025 Budget and drive free funds flow generation with net debt reduction, reflecting Saturn’s commitment to sustainable value creation.” 2025 BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS Over 70% of our 2025 Budget is expected to be deployed during the second half of the year (37% in Q3 and 34% in Q4), with 24% weighted to Q1 and the balance in Q2, reflecting the seasonal impacts of spring break-up. Given this cadence, production volumes are anticipated to be highest in Q1 and Q4, while free funds flow is anticipated to be highest in Q2 given the low capital spending in that period. Through 2025, Saturn intends to direct free funds flow to net debt reduction, maximizing share buybacks under the current normal course issuer bid, and pursuing core-up acquisitions, all of which are intended to improve per share metrics and underpin long-term sustainability. Our 2025 corporate guidance estimates may fluctuate with commodity prices and / or regulatory changes and are designed to provide readers with information relevant to Management’s expectations for financial and operating results during the year. Saturn is also pleased to confirm an accompanying 2025 Guidance Presentation is available for viewing or download from our website . Our returns-focused 2025 Budget is designed to enhance margins and maximize adjusted funds flow (“AFF”) and free funds flow. In addition, approximately $15 million is expected to be allocated to capitalized administrative costs, approximately $14 million to asset retirement obligations and $15 million related to lease payments associated with a gas processing contract in 2025. Cash taxes in 2025 are anticipated at approximately $8 million. Sensitivities Saturn’s forecasted funds flow is most sensitive to changes in crude oil prices. Saturn estimates that each additional US$5/bbl increase in the US$ WTI oil price would provide an incremental approximately $35 million in AFF (2) . Annualized sensitivity analysis on AFF (2) , estimated for 2025: 2025 CAPITAL PROGRAM DETAILS A summary of Saturn’s 2025 capital plans by area follows, which remains subject to change through the year should operating conditions fluctuate. Southeast Saskatchewan West Saskatchewan Central Alberta OPERATIONS UPDATE Saturn has continued to enhance production efficiency and well performance across our core areas, resulting in positive operational performance since the update provided in our Q3/24 press release . Southeast Saskatchewan We currently have three drilling rigs active in this area which will continue into 2025, two of which are drilling Bakken wells at Viewfield. Since 2023, Saturn has extended the lengths of our Viewfield OHML Bakken wells. Initially drilled at 1-mile laterals, these wells were increased to 1.5-miles, and in 2024 the Company drilled two, 2-mile open hole eight-leg Bakken wells. Consistent with our Saturn Blueprint described below, we successfully expanded the use of multilateral technology to the Company’s legacy Spearfish land base, where we drilled Canada’s first six-leg by 1-mile multilateral Spearfish well. Saturn’s third rig has been steadily drilling in Flat Lake and is now on the seventh and final 2-mile well to conclude the 2024 program. We also successfully drilled the first ever mono-bore Torquay well at Flat Lake, saving capital costs while materially increasing capital efficiencies. The Company continues to advance our waterflood at Flat Lake with the conversion of ten legacy Torquay producer wells to waterflood injection wells, adding pressure support to the formation and building up five pre-pressurized Bakken inventory locations we plan to drill in 2026. West Saskatchewan The Company has finalized our 2024 drilling program in this area. Saturn drilled 15 net operated Viking wells that are on production (plus seven additional non-operated drills); one disposal well; and our first four net Lower Shaunavon wells at Battrum/Butte, which are currently being completed. In addition, the Company commissioned a stripping station facility in the Battrum Units, which increases fluid processing capacity, optimizing pumping conditions and enhancing production from numerous wells in the Battrum field. Our drilling success in the Viking Plato field through the latter half of 2024 drove the Company to construct a new battery and gathering system for the area, which are expected to reduce current and future field operating expenses as well as lower emissions. Central Alberta Saturn recently concluded drilling the final well of a four-well pad at Lochend, which includes the longest Cardium well drilled on record in Canada, at 7,570m of total well length. Not only is this accomplishment a testament to our team’s technical capabilities, it also demonstrates Saturn’s culture of innovation and commitment to improving economics. While longer lateral lengths are technically more challenging, drilling extended reach horizontals meaningfully improves capital efficiencies in the Cardium, and can be utilized across other plays and assets within our portfolio. The pad at Lochend is expected to undergo completions through the end of 2024 and into early 2025, with initial production anticipated to come online in mid-Q1/25. The drilling rig from Lochend was relocated up to West Pembina to drill one final well that concludes our Central Alberta 2024 program, culminating in a total of 16 net wells being drilled in 2024, including 12 in the Cardium and four in the Montney oil window. THREE-YEAR OUTLOOK Aligned with our 2025 Budget, Saturn is pleased to present a three-year outlook spanning 2025 to 2027 (the “Outlook”). This Outlook highlights our commitment to long-term resilience, financial strength, and focus on deploying our Saturn Blueprint to maximize free funds flow while continuing to mitigate risks and enhance financial flexibility. To protect our balance sheet and reduce exposure to market volatility, Saturn actively hedges and has 55-60% of oil and liquids volumes (net of royalties) contracted on a rolling forward 12-month basis. Additionally, we have locked in USD/CAD exchange rates at 1.33935 to secure predictable principal and interest payments on our Senior Unsecured Notes issued in June 2024 (the “Senior Notes”) for the next three years, safeguarding the Company from currency fluctuations. Strategic pillars of our Outlook include the following, assuming a constant US$70.00/bbl WTI price: Deploying the Saturn Blueprint Our disciplined Saturn Blueprint represents a repeatable strategy of acquiring undervalued mid-life cycle assets that were non-core to other operators, yet have significant untapped development and optimization potential when integrated within our portfolio. Since 2021, Saturn has completed four transformative acquisitions funded through a prudent mix of equity and debt. Today we have a robust, oil-weighted asset base comprised of low-risk, high-return, mid-life cycle properties featuring a long runway of capital-efficient production enhancement projects. By applying the Company’s operational expertise and leveraging our extensive infrastructure, we are able to drive down costs, improve capital efficiencies and add incremental reserves, followed by a steady reduction in leverage metrics. We see significant potential to continue unlocking value, increasing free funds flow and driving growth by consistently executing the Saturn Blueprint. Our southeast Saskatchewan area provides a clear demonstration of the Blueprint in action. Since integrating the assets, Saturn’s utilization of OHML technology in the Bakken has significantly expanded our drilling inventory, increased reserves, and added a material quantum of net present value to the assets that was not reflected in the purchase price. Further, this provided proof-of-concept to replicate our OHML development strategy in other areas across our portfolio, including the Spearfish, where we anticipate realizing similar value creation. Saturn’s Blueprint also prioritizes financial flexibility by targeting to be under 1.0 times net debt to Adjusted EBITDA (2) in the 12 to 18 months following each transaction. All of the Company’s outstanding debt, comprised of US$650 million Senior Notes, has been termed out for five years to mid-2029. As such, the Senior Notes eliminate any near-term maturity concerns, have no restrictive financial maintenance covenants and have successfully lowered our borrowing costs by approximately 40%. Through an annual 10% prepayment schedule (2.5% quarterly) of the Senior Notes, Saturn systematically reduces debt, and has further liquidity available with $113 million in cash (as of Q3 2024) and a fully undrawn $150 million credit facility. NOTES (1) See reader advisory: Supplemental Information Regarding Product Types. (2) See reader advisory: Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures. (3) 2025 Pricing assumptions: WTI crude oil of US$70.00 /bbl; US$13.00/bbl WCS differential; US$3.50/bbl MSW differential; CAD/USD exchange rate of 0.72x; AECO price of C$2.50/GJ. (4) Based on 193 million weighted average basic common shares outstanding. (5) Based on midpoint production of 39,000 boe/d. ABOUT SATURN Saturn is a returns-driven Canadian energy company focused on the efficient and innovative development of high-quality, light oil weighted assets, supported by an acquisition strategy targeting accretive and complementary opportunities. The Company’s portfolio of free-cash flowing, low-decline operated assets in Saskatchewan and Alberta provide a deep inventory of long-term economic drilling opportunities across multiple zones. With an unwavering commitment to building an entrepreneurial and ESG-focused culture, Saturn’s goal is to increase per share reserves, production and cash flow at an attractive return on invested capital. The Company’s shares are listed for trading on the TSX under ticker ‘SOIL’, on the OTCQX under the ticker ‘OILSF’ and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under symbol ‘SMKA’. Further information and our corporate presentation are available on Saturn’s website at www.saturnoil.com . READER ADVISORIES Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures Throughout this news release and in other materials disclosed by the Company, Saturn employs certain measures to analyze financial performance, financial position and cash flow. These non-GAAP and other financial measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures provided by other entities. The non-GAAP and other financial measures should not be considered to be more meaningful than GAAP measures which are determined in accordance with IFRS, such as net income (loss), cash flow from operating activities, and cash flow used in investing activities, as indicators of Saturn’s performance. The disclosure under the section “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” including non-GAAP financial measures and ratios, capital management measures and supplementary financial measures in the Company’s condensed consolidated interim Financial Statements and MD&A are incorporated by reference into this news release. This news release may use the terms “Adjusted EBITDA”, “Adjusted Funds Flow”, “Net Debt”, “Free Funds Flow”, “Net Debt to Annualized Adjusted EBITDA” and “Net Debt to Annualized Quarterly Normalized AFF” which are capital management financial measures. See the disclosure under “Capital Management” in our Condensed consolidated interim Financial Statements and MD&A for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, for an explanation and composition of these measures and how these measures provide useful information to an investor, and the additional purposes, if any, for which management uses these measures. Capital Expenditures Saturn uses development capital expenditures to monitor its capital investments relative to those budgeted by the Company on an annual basis. Saturn’s capital budget excludes acquisition and disposition activities as well as the accounting impact of any accrual changes or payments under certain lease arrangements. Development capital expenditures in this press release are calculated as expenditures on exploration and evaluation assets, property plant and equipment and excludes the impact of capitalized administrative costs. Adjusted EBITDA The Company considers Adjusted EBITDA to be a key capital management measure as it was used within certain financial covenants prescribed under the Company’s previous Senior Term Loan and demonstrates Saturn’s standalone profitability, operating and financial performance in terms of cash flow generation, adjusting for interest related to its capital structure. Adjusted EBITDA is defined by the Company as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and other non-cash or extraordinary items. Adjusted EBITDA is presented both before and after derivatives to identify the impact of WTI commodity contracts hedges in place. Adjusted Funds Flow The Company considers adjusted funds flow to be a key capital management measure as it demonstrates Saturn’s ability to generate the necessary funds to manage production levels and fund future growth through capital investment. Adjusted funds flow is calculated as cash flow from operating activities before changes in non-cash working capital, decommissioning expenditures and transaction costs. Management believes that this measure provides an insightful assessment of Saturn’s operations on a continuing basis by eliminating certain non-cash charges, actual settlements of decommissioning obligations, of which the nature and timing of expenditures may vary based on the stage of the Company’s assets and operating areas, and transaction costs which vary based on the Company’s acquisition and disposition activity. Free Funds Flow The Company considers free funds flow to be a key capital management measure as it is used to determine the efficiency and liquidity of Saturn’s business, measuring its funds available after capital investment available for debt repayment, pursue acquisitions and gauge optionality to pay dividends and/or return capital to shareholders through share repurchases. Free funds flow is calculated as Adjusted funds flow in the period less expenditures on property, plant and equipment and exploration and evaluation assets, together “capital expenditures”. By removing the impact of current period capital expenditures from adjusted funds flow, management monitors its free funds flow to inform its capital allocation decisions. Net Debt Net debt is a key capital management measure as it is used to assess the ongoing liquidity of the Company. Net Debt is calculated as the carrying value of the Senior Notes, less adjusted working capital including cash. The Company closely monitors its capital structure with a goal of maintaining a strong balance sheet to fund the future growth of the Company. Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA Management considers Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA an important measure as it is a key metric to identify the Company’s ability to fund financing expenses, net debt reductions and other obligations. When this measure is presented quarterly, Adjusted EBITDA is annualized by multiplying by four. When this measure is presented on a trailing twelve-month basis, Adjusted EBITDA for the twelve months preceding the net debt date is used in the calculation. Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as Net Debt divided by annualized Adjusted EBITDA. Net Operating Expenses Net operating expense is calculated by deducting processing income primarily generated by processing third party production at processing facilities where the Company has an ownership interest, from operating expenses presented on the statement of income (loss). Where the Company has excess capacity at one of its facilities, it may process third-party volumes to reduce the cost of ownership in the facility. The Company’s primary business activities are not that of a midstream entity whose activities are focused on earning processing and other infrastructure-based revenues, and as such third-party processing revenue is netted against operating expenses in the MD&A. This metric is used by management to evaluate the Company’s net operating expenses on a unit of production basis. Net operating expense per boe is a non-GAAP financial ratio and is calculated as net operating expense divided by total barrels of oil equivalent produced over a specific period of time. Operating Netback and Operating Netback, Net of Derivatives The Company’s operating netback is determined by deducting royalties, net operating expenses and transportation expenses from petroleum and natural gas sales. The Company’s operating netback, net of derivatives is calculated by adding or deducting realized financial derivative commodity contract gains or losses from the operating netback. The Company’s operating netback and operating netback, net of derivatives are used in operational and capital allocation decisions. Presenting operating netback and operating netback, net of derivatives on a per boe basis is a non-GAAP financial ratio and allows management to better analyze performance against prior periods on a per unit of production basis. Supplemental Information Regarding Product Types References to gas or natural gas and NGLs in this press release refer to conventional natural gas and natural gas liquids product types, respectively, as defined in National Instrument 51-101, Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities , except where specifically noted otherwise. 2025 average production, and the three year Outlook forecast average production at the midpoint of the guidance range, is anticipated to be comprised of approximately 85% crude oil and NGLs and 15% natural gas. Boe Presentation Boe means barrel of oil equivalent. All boe conversions in this news release are derived by converting gas to oil at the ratio of six thousand cubic feet (“Mcf”) of natural gas to one barrel (“Bbl”) of oil. Boe may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A Boe conversion rate of 1 Bbl : 6 Mcf is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. Given that the value ratio of oil compared to natural gas based on currently prevailing prices is significantly different than the energy equivalency ratio of 1 Bbl: 6 Mcf, utilizing a conversion ratio of 1 Bbl : 6 Mcf may be misleading as an indication of value. Forward-Looking Information and Statements. Certain information included in this press release constitutes forward-looking information under applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking information typically contains statements with words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “estimate”, “propose”, “project”, “scheduled”, “will” or similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook. Forward-looking information in this press release may include, but is not limited to: guidance relating to fiscal year 2025 including the amount of capital expenditures, the timing of capital expenditures, the Company’s expected 2025 average production, quarterly fluctuations in production, the Company’s average decline rate, anticipated 2025 financial metrics including Adjusted EBITDA, AFF, Free Funds Flow and year end Net Debt; the Company’s anticipated use of available funds; the expected number of wells to be drilled at certain of the Company’s locations in 2025; the allocation of the Company’s expected 2025 capital expenditure budget to certain areas; expectations regarding the Company’s waterflood plan and the timing for drilling Bakken inventory locations; reductions in operating costs and emissions resulting from the Viking Plato battery; the successful deployment of extended reach horizontal drilling in certain of the Company’s locations; the Company’s three year Outlook, including average annual production, reinvestment and capital allocation plans; free funds flow and forecast per share metric growth and net debt; the successful replication of OHML drilling in other of the Company’s areas; the Company’s drilling and development plans; target production and debt levels; margin improvements through cost optimization; capitalizing on synergies and streamlining operational processes; type-curve performance; expectations regarding netbacks, capital allocations, hedging strategy, capital return strategy and plans; the business plan; acquisition strategy; commodity and foreign exchange pricing; value creation strategy and cost model of the Company. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by Saturn, including expectations and assumptions concerning: the timing of and success of future drilling, the ability to successfully replicate certain strategies across the Company’s other areas; development and completion activities, the performance of existing wells, the performance of new wells, the availability and performance of facilities and pipelines, the ability to allocate capital to pay down debt and grow or maintain production, the impact of our hedging strategy, the geological characteristics of Saturn’s properties, the application of regulatory and licensing requirements, the availability of capital, labour and services, the creditworthiness of industry partners and the ability to integrate acquisitions. Although Saturn believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because Saturn can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual plans and results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include, but are not limited to, risks associated with the oil and gas industry in general (e.g., operational risks in development, exploration and production; the uncertainty of reserve estimates; the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to production, costs and expenses, and health, safety and environmental risks), constraints in the availability of services, commodity price and exchange rate fluctuations, actions of OPEC and OPEC+ members, changes in legislation impacting the oil and gas industry, adverse weather or break-up conditions and uncertainties resulting from potential delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures. These and other risks are set out in more detail in Saturn’s interim Management Discussion and Analysis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2023, available on SEDAR+ at sedarplus.ca . Forward-looking information is based on a number of factors and assumptions which have been used to develop such information, but which may prove to be incorrect. Although Saturn believes that the expectations reflected in its forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information because Saturn can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. In addition to other factors and assumptions which may be identified in this press release, assumptions have been made regarding and are implicit in, among other things, our capital expenditure and drilling programs, drilling inventory and booked locations, production and revenue guidance, debt repayment plans and future production and growth plans. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which have been used. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is made as of the date hereof and Saturn undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. This news release contains future-oriented financial information and financial outlook information (collectively, “FOFI”) about Saturn’s prospective results of operations including, without limitation, the Corporation’s capital expenditures, production, asset retirement obligations, lease payments and administrative costs, all of which are subject to the same assumptions, risk factors, limitations, and qualifications as set forth above. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on FOFI. Saturn’s actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these FOFI, or if any of them do so, what benefits Saturn will derive therefrom. Saturn has included the FOFI in order to provide readers with a more complete perspective on Saturn’s future operations and such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Saturn disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any FOFI statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. All dollar figures included herein are presented in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/234071 #distro