GOTHENBURG, Sweden, Jan. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Due to a conversion of shares from Series A to Series B in accordance with AB SKF’s Articles of Association, the Company confirms the following.
As per 31 January 2025 there are a total of 455,351,068 shares in AB SKF, out of which 28,938,999 shares are of Series A and 426,412,069 shares are of Series B. The number of votes in the Company amounts to 71,580,205.9.
AB SKF does not hold any own shares.
Aktiebolaget SKF
(publ)
Information in this press release contains information that AB SKF is obliged to make public pursuant to the Financial Instruments Trading Act. The information was submitted for publication on 31 January 2025 at 12:00 CET.
For further information, please contact:
PRESS: Carl Bjernstam, Head of Media Relations
tel: 46 31-337 2517; mobile: 46 722-201 893; e-mail: carl.bjernstam@skf.com
INVESTOR RELATIONS: Sophie Arnius, Head of Investor Relations
tel: 46 31-337 8072; mobile: 46 705-908 072; e-mail: sophie.arnius@skf.com
MARBURG, Germany, Jan. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — DRG Instruments GmbH (“DRG”) has been a top developer and manufacturer of immunoassays for over 50 years. The company is creating a new division, DRG Neuroscience, and the new division is presenting on the market its fully automated CLIA tests for evaluating suspected Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) – the GFAP and UCH-L1 combo Tests. These tests are designed for use on DRG’s automated CLIA platform, DxDATA™, enabling the measurement of GFAP and UCH-L1 blood levels within 30 minutes when patients’ serum samples are collected within 12 hours of suspected traumatic brain injury. By providing fast and accurate TBI assessments, these tests increase the likelihood of immediate and effective treatment while reducing the need for radiation-based diagnostic imaging for suspected TBI.
“We are excited to bring these innovative TBI solutions to the global market,” said Joerg Schloesser, Managing Director and VP of Commercial. “By leveraging automated testing and rapid turnaround times, we can help healthcare professionals make quicker, more informed decisions. Our mission is to advance patient care for those affected by traumatic brain injuries worldwide.”
DRG’s TBI Tests are CE-marked and have been verified to meet CLSI (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute) requirements. They are intended for use in a clinical laboratory setting and are indicated for patients aged 18 years or older.
To learn more about the test availability in your region or for more information about DRG’s TBI Tests, please contact our Sales Representative or email drg@drg-diagnostics.de.
DRG will also showcase the TBI tests at the upcoming MEDLAB Middle East, which will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from February 3 – 6 (Hall 1, Booth G50). The Product Development Team will be on hand to answer any questions about the TBI tests.
About DRG Instruments GmbH
DRG Instruments GmbH, was established in 1973 and is based in Marburg. Since 1990, DRG Instruments has developed and manufactured innovative immunoassays, both for routine and research applications, with distribution partners in over 120 countries. DRG is also the manufacturer of the DRG:HYBRiD-XL®, a fully automated analyzer for immunoassays and clinical chemistry. DRG is an ISO 13485-certified company and operates in accordance with the FDA 21 CFR 820 Quality System Regulation. To learn more, visit https://www.drg-diagnostics.de/, or follow us on LinkedIn,
SHENZHEN, China, Jan. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On January 28, the 2025 CCTV Spring Festival Gala dazzled audiences worldwide, blending tradition with cutting-edge technology. As a long-term technical partner of CCTV, Unilumin once again played a crucial role in crafting breathtaking stage visuals with state-of-the-art LED display solutions and innovative digital content.
Pushing Boundaries with AR, XR, and 3D Visuals
Unilumin’s technology seamlessly integrated AI, XR, digital twin, and virtual production (VP) techniques, expanding the stage beyond physical limits. The opening act, Ruyi Dance, featured a golden serpent brought to life with AR, creating a dynamic visual spectacle. In Yi Ren, Unilumin’s UE-powered special effects transformed dancers’ movements into poetic ripples, fusing dance and technology.
In the modern ballet Yi Ren, Unilumin used UE special effects to fully capture its romantic and poetic essence.
Unilumin’s 3D glasses-free displays enhanced brand storytelling. For Alibaba Cloud’s segment, a deep-space-themed visual experience showcased its global infrastructure, demonstrating how immersive LED displays are reshaping event advertising.
AI-Driven Visual Innovation
A key highlight was the AI Spatial Rendering System, developed with CCTV’s technical team. Built around Unilumin’s LED cube, it combined camera tracking, motion capture, nDisplay rendering, and light-field reconstruction for unparalleled depth and realism.
For singer performances, Unilumin’s spatial computing technology transformed the stage into an immersive, evolving environment that synchronized with the music’s rhythm and emotion. Precise 3D visual effects further transported viewers into the song’s narrative, amplifying emotional impact.
Pioneering Virtual Human and AI Interaction
Unilumin advanced digital human technology by crafting a virtual stage companion that interacted with the singer in real-time. In Ascending Heights, an AI-rendered lion, inspired by traditional Chinese culture, took center stage, showcasing AI’s potential in performance art.
In Ascending Heights, Unilumin used AI to bring the traditional lion dance to life.
Industry-Leading Display Technology
Beyond digital content, Unilumin’s hardware ensured flawless execution. The UGNⅡ1.9 LED display delivered exceptional contrast and clarity, enabling precise AI-powered visual rendering. The UMini W series, featuring Uni-BLC AI enhancement and EBL+ technology, provided a 10,000:1 contrast ratio and HDR-quality visuals, supporting the Gala’s first-ever accessible broadcast for visually and hearing-impaired audiences.
Committed to pushing LED display technology boundaries, Unilumin continues to redefine stage design and live event experiences, delivering unforgettable moments through the fusion of art and innovation.
LOS ANGELES, USA – Newsaktuell – 31 January 2025 – High levels of governance have masked a slow decline in Germany, with political, economic, and social fractures “festering over years”, a new scientific report released only weeks ahead of the February 23 parliamentary elections concludes.
On February 23, Germany elects a new Bundestag. The issue of migration plays a particularly important role, not least for supporters of the far-right AfD party – seen here at a demonstration in front of the Reichstag building in Berlin, the seat of the Bundestag, in 2022. (Photo by Christoph Soeder/dpa)
“It has become clear that Germany rested on its laurels for far too long”, the BGI Germany Report on the country’s governance performance says. It is based on the Berggruen Governance Index (BGI) and was conducted by researchers from the Los Angeles-based Berggruen Institute think tank, the Luskin School of Public Affairs at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), and the Hertie School, a German university.
In their report “Germany 2025 – Slow decline in governance performance erupts into crisis of government as geopolitics worsen” the researchers conclude that the country’s government and administrative systems have appeared increasingly sclerotic and hesitant to adopt necessary changes. Effective, often painful reforms are urgently needed, but political and economic constraints make them difficult to implement, the researchers write.
The 2024 BGI measures democratic accountability, delivery of public goods and state capacity on a scale from 0 to 100. It analyses the years from 2000 to 2021. According to the report, Germany has lost ground on all three measures, with structural problems festering since the “deceptively benign” years of the chancellorship of Angela Merkel (2005-2021). The Democracy Accountability Index score, for example, slid to 93 in 2021 from a near perfect 99 at the beginning of the century.
The data “suggests that some of Germany’s state capacity and democratic accountability challenges were masked by economic growth, driven by the success of its export-oriented model during the 2010s”, the report says. Chief among Germany’s challenges are economic troubles that have worsened in recent years, largely stemming from a lack of public investment during that period in areas such as digitalization and transport infrastructure.
On February 23, Germans go to the polls early after the ruling three-party coalition consisting of the Social Democrats (SPD), the Greens and the liberal Free Democrats (FDP) collapsed in November. Intra-government fighting over how to get the country’s ailing economy back on track was a main factor of the break-up.
At the same time, social trust is declining in Europe’s largest economy. However, a possible new government under the conservative CDU/CSU alliance and its candidate for the chancellorship, Friedrich Merz, seems poised to exacerbate divisions rather than resolving them, the researchers say.
The economic difficulties heighten uncertainty and discontent, the report argues – with migration emerging as the other major flashpoint. Rhetoric on economic scarcity is used to highlight tensions over migration, which are exploited by both the extreme right and left. That debate has been exacerbated by a recent deadly stabbing in which a migrant facing deportation from Germany is the main suspect.
Yet immigration is essential to Germany’s future growth, the BGI report says: “Any future government will have to attempt to reconcile anti-immigrant attitudes with the social reality of integration and the economic necessity of attracting foreign-born workers.”
Merz is promising a hard line on migration in case of an election victory. Despite provoking outrage from other political parties, Merz on Wednesday (January 29) pushed through a vote in parliament on proposals for tightening immigration controls. “Current asylum and immigration policy jeopardizes the security of the people and the confidence of all of society in the state,” the text of the motion by the CDU/CSU says.
The passed proposal includes a request to the German government to turn back asylum seekers at Germany’s borders. But even more incendiary in German politics has been Merz’s willingness to break long-standing taboos and use votes from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in order to pass the motion. All long-established parties in the lower house of the German parliament, the Bundestag, had previously said they would not work with the AfD, with many Germans alarmed at the rise of the party in recent years in a country still scarred by its Nazi past.
According to the latest opinion polls by the five major polling institutes, the conservative CDU/CSU is clearly in the lead, polling at between 28 and 34 per cent. Second comes the AfD with 19 to 21 per cent, followed by the SPD with 15 to 19 per cent. The current German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is a member of the SPD. The Greens are at 12 to 15 per cent in the opinion polls, while the FDP this time may not clear the 5-per-cent-threshold necessary to enter the Bundestag.
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This text and the accompanying material (photos and graphics) are an offer from the Democracy News Alliance, a close co-operation between Agence France-Presse (AFP, France), Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata (ANSA, Italy), The Canadian Press (CP, Canada), Deutsche Presse-Agentur (dpa, Germany) and PA Media (PA, UK). All recipients can use this material without the need for a separate subscription agreement with one or more of the participating agencies. This includes the recipient’s right to publish the material in own products.
The DNA content is an independent journalistic service that operates separately from the other services of the participating agencies. It is produced by editorial units that are not involved in the production of the agencies’ main news services. Nevertheless, the editorial standards of the agencies and their assurance of completely independent, impartial and unbiased reporting also apply here.
STOCKHOLM, Jan. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — (NYSE: ALV) and (SSE: ALIV.sdb)
Q4 2024: Record operating profit, margin and EPS
Financial highlights Q4 2024
$2,616 million net sales 4.9% net sales decrease 3.3% organic sales decline* 13.5% operating margin 13.4% adjusted operating margin* $3.10 diluted EPS, 14% increase $3.05 adjusted diluted EPS*, 19% decrease
Full year 2025 guidance
Around 2% organic sales growth Around 2% negative FX effect on net sales Around 10-10.5% adjusted operating margin Around $1.2 billion operating cash flow
All change figures in this release compared to the same period of the previous year except when stated otherwise.
Key business developments in the fourth quarter of 2024
Fourth quarter sales decreased organically* by 3.3%, which was 3.7pp below the global LVP increase of 0.4% (S&P Global Jan 2025). Regional and customer LVP mix is estimated to have contributed to about 4pp underperformance. We outperformed in Asia excl. China and in Europe, mainly due to product launches and positive pricing. Our sales to domestic Chinese OEMs grew by 20%, almost in line with their growth in LVP. Due to negative LVP mix in China, as sales of lower safety content models grew strongly while higher content models declined, we still underperformed in China. We expect that our strong order intake with domestic OEMs will lead to a record number of new launches in China and thereby significantly improve Autoliv’s performance in China in 2025. Dealer inventory reductions by major customers resulted in underperformance in Americas.
Profitability improved, with several new record highs mainly due to successful execution of cost reductions and commercial recoveries. Total headcount decreased by around 7%. Operating income reached a new record high of $353 million and operating margin reached a new record high of 13.5%. Adjusted operating income* was also a record at $349 million and adjusted operating margin’s* new record is now 13.4%. Return on capital employed was 35.8% and adjusted return on capital employed* was 35.2%.
Operating cash flow was $420 million, reaching a new record of $1,059 million for FY2024. Free operating cash flow* in the quarter was $288 million compared to $297 million last year. At 1.2x, the leverage ratio* remained well within our target range. In the quarter, a dividend of $0.70 per share was paid, and 1.04 million shares were repurchased and retired.
*For non-U.S. GAAP measures see enclosed reconciliation tables.
Key Figures
(Dollars in millions, except per share data)
Q4 2024
Q4 2023
Change
FY 2024
FY 2023
Change
Net sales
$2,616
$2,751
(4.9) %
$10,390
$10,475
(0.8) %
Operating income
353
237
49 %
979
690
42 %
Adjusted operating income1)
349
334
4.7 %
1,007
920
9.5 %
Operating margin
13.5 %
8.6 %
4.9pp
9.4 %
6.6 %
2.8pp
Adjusted operating margin1)
13.4 %
12.1 %
1.2pp
9.7 %
8.8 %
0.9pp
Earnings per share – diluted
3.10
2.71
14 %
8.04
5.72
40 %
Adjusted earnings per share – diluted1)
3.05
3.74
(19) %
8.32
8.19
1.6 %
Operating cash flow
420
447
(6.0) %
1,059
982
7.8 %
Return on capital employed2)
35.8 %
24.4 %
11pp
25.0 %
17.7 %
7.2pp
Adjusted return on capital employed1,2)
35.2 %
32.9 %
2.3pp
25.6 %
23.1 %
2.5pp
1) Excluding effects from capacity alignments, antitrust related matters and for FY 2023 the Andrews litigation settlement. Non-U.S. GAAP measure, see reconciliation table. 2) Annualized operating income and income from equity method investments, relative to average capital employed.
Comments from Mikael Bratt, President & CEO
I am pleased that we delivered strong profitability and cash flow in the fourth quarter. We reached new record highs in the quarter for operating profit, operating margin and EPS. For the full year, we also had a record high operating cash flow. I am also pleased that we generated a high return on capital employed for the quarter and year and that we could achieve this strong performance despite a continued LVP mix deterioration leading to lower sales.
Our strong performance for both the quarter and the full year was mainly a result of our strict cost control. Our structural cost reduction program has enabled a reduction of the indirect work force by 1,400 since Q1 2023. We accelerated our operating efficiency improvements, supported by an improved customer call-off accuracy, which contributed to a reduction of direct headcount by 9% in one year. The strong results for both the quarter and the full year were also supported by reaching agreements with all major customers on excess inflation compensation.
As LVP growth mix continued to be tilted towards lower CPV models, we underperformed the LVP growth in China. However, we expect a record number of new launches in China in 2025 and thereby a significant performance improvement in China in 2025.
We achieved several strategic major wins with new automakers in 2024 although OEMs’ sourcing of new business was at a low level in 2024. This was due to technological and geopolitical uncertainties and the sourcing of several large platforms were pushed into 2025.
We expect 2025 to be a challenging year for the automotive industry with LVP declining slightly and continued geopolitical risks. This uncertainty makes it challenging to predict how business conditions in general and automotive markets in particular will develop in 2025. However, our continued focus on efficiency is expected to support further improvement of our profitability towards our mid-term financial targets. Our continued strong cash flow and balance sheet should set a solid foundation for our ongoing commitment to high shareholder returns.
I am looking forward to our Capital Markets Day, planned for June 3, 2025, when we will share our view of our way forward with you. More details to be announced shortly.
Inquiries: Investors and Analysts Anders Trapp
Vice President Investor Relations
Tel +46 (0)8 5872 0671
Henrik Kaar
Director Investor Relations
Tel +46 (0)8 5872 0614
Inquiries: Media Gabriella Etemad
Senior Vice President Communications
Tel +46 (0)70 612 6424
Autoliv, Inc. is obliged to make this information public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the VP of Investor Relations set out above, at 12.00 CET on January 31, 2025.
Bringing Global Customers Closer to Finding, Purchasing, Managing, and Selling Japanese Real Estate Properties
TOKYO, Jan. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Open House Group Co., Ltd. (TSE Prime:3288, hereinafter “Open House Group)” is pleased to announce the commencement of cryptocurrency payment acceptance, enhancing convenience for global customers looking to purchase Japanese real estate. Initially supporting Bitcoin and Ethereum, the company will leverage its group strengths to progressively offer comprehensive, one-stop services encompassing property search, purchase, management, and sales consultation.
The Open House Group boasts a diverse portfolio, primarily centered in Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka, ranging from residential houses and condominiums to investment properties such as studio condominiums and office buildings. The company’s integrated business model of development, sales, and management allows for the provision of various solutions to clients. Additionally, Open House Group companies manage resort properties and U.S. real estate, providing clients with consultation on all aspects of property research, construction, sales, and future resale within in a one-stop service.
Since 2022, Open House Group has been exploring the application of cryptocurrencies and blockchain in business operations, including sponsoring a research group on Bitcoin’s Lightning Network. Yokiko Nishimura, who is in charge of this initiative, has been at the forefront of establishing industry associations for domestic financial institutions and cryptocurrency exchanges since 2015, pursuing the potential of cryptocurrencies and blockchain in finance and payments.
Bitcoin, the leading cryptocurrency, surpassed $19 trillion in transaction volume within its network in 2024, significantly exceeding the $8.7 trillion recorded in 2023. Following the SEC’s approval of the first Bitcoin ETF in 2024, institutional investors, who previously found direct ownership challenging, increased their investments. In light of news such as the regular report from the U.S. Treasury treating Bitcoin as having characteristics similar to digital gold, and considering recent policies announced by the United States, Bitcoin’s price has reached a new all-time high.
Open House Group views these cryptocurrency price fluctuations not as speculative movements, but as opportunities for practical application. The company is particularly focused on harnessing the strengths of cryptocurrencies in cross-border transactions and micropayments to offer enhanced financial services. The company is also exploring the implementation of blockchain-based services utilizing smart contracts. As an initial step, Bitcoin and Ethereum payment options are being introduced starting today.
*Please note: Customers are advised to comply with the laws, tax regulations, and other applicable legal frameworks of their country of residence when using Open House Group’s services. Customers are responsible for fulfilling their obligations regarding national systems and tax declarations.
*At the service launch, sales will be limited to income-producing properties. Open House Group will gradually expand to other property types based on customer demand.
*Legal contracts and important matter explanations for real estate purchases will be provided in Japanese.
IFS solution will complete energy giant’s strategic industry backbone, integrating with TotalEnergies’ global ERP to turbocharge asset performance and profitability.
LONDON, Jan. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — IFS, the leading enterprise cloud and Industrial AI software provider, today announces that TotalEnergies, a global integrated energy company that produces and markets energies – oil and biofuels, natural gas and green gases, renewables and electricity, has selected IFS Cloud as the single platform for management and servicing of its global operated asset portfolio.
TotalEnergies has chosen a comprehensive IFS.ai-fueled solution that leverages the power of the composable, scalable IFS Cloud platform, including EAM and Service within a single data model, to meet the challenge of transforming its asset operations management process.
TotalEnergies will be able to maintain all their assets for exploration, production, refining, and chemicals on a single platform, minimizing downtime and maximizing the profitability of assets by reducing the cost of management and extending their lifespan. When fully implemented, over 13,500 users globally will be enabled to perform asset maintenance.
This strategic implementation is the foundation of TotalEnergies’ EAM project which will streamline asset management and service onto a single platform and integrate with TotalEnergies’ future ERP solution.
Mark Moffat, CEO, IFS, added: “We are thrilled to collaborate with one of the world’s leading oil and gas companies on a mission-critical and high impact project to secure their asset performance for the future. I am very proud that TotalEnergies have put their trust in IFS’s deep oil and gas expertise and industry-focused Industrial AI innovation. TotalEnergies will have an agile and future-ready platform that integrates seamlessly with their global operations.”
About IFS
IFS is the world’s leading provider of Industrial AI and enterprise software for hardcore businesses that make, service, and power our planet. Our technology enables businesses which manufacture goods, maintain complex assets, and manage service-focused operations to unlock the transformative power of Industrial AI™ to enhance productivity, efficiency, and sustainability.
IFS Cloud is a fully composable AI-powered platform, designed for ultimate flexibility and adaptability to our customers’ specific requirements and business evolution. It spans the needs of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Enterprise Asset Management (EAM), Supply Chain Management (SCM), and Field Service Management (FSM). IFS technology leverages AI, machine learning, real-time data and analytics to empower our customers to make informed strategic decisions and excel at their Moment of Service™.
IFS was founded in 1983 by five university friends who pitched a tent outside our first customer’s site to ensure they would be available 24/7 and the needs of the customer would come first. Since then, IFS has grown into a global leader with over 7,000 employees in 80 countries. Driven by those foundational values of agility, customer-centricity, and trust, IFS is recognized worldwide for delivering value and supporting strategic transformations. We are the most recommended supplier in our sector. Visit ifs.com to learn why.
Contact information
EMEA / APJ: Adam Gillbe
IFS, Director of Corporate & Executive Communications
Email: adam.gillbe@ifs.com
Phone: +44 7775 114 856
NORTH AMERICA / LATAM: Mairi Morgan
IFS, Director of Corporate & Executive Communications
Email: mairi.morgan@ifs.com
Phone: +44 7918 607 299
NICOSIA, Cyprus, Jan. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ISX Financial EU PLC (ISX Plc), is pleased to present its earnings for Q4 2024. Building on the impressive year so far, ISX Plc is pleased to have delivered another record-breaking quarter. This marks ISX Plc’s 5th consecutive record-breaking quarter, solidifying the company’s continuous growth and its position as a leader in the ‘Banktech’ space.
Key Financial Highlights — Q4 2024
Ajay Treon, Chief Financial Officer of ISX Plc, commented, “Building on the strong results of the first nine months of 2024, Q4 delivered sustained positive momentum driven by strategic growth initiatives, the rollout of new products and services, and operational achievements. These outcomes underline our commitment to advancing in the banktech and payments sectors following our 2021 demerger.
I am immensely proud of what we have achieved in a record-breaking 2024. I want to sincerely thank our customers, employees, and partners for their continued support. Together, we are shaping the future of banktech and payments, and I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.”
Strong Customer Revenue Growth: We achieved an 81% year-over-year revenue increase, complemented by an 8% quarter-over-quarter rise. Net Assets grew by an impressive 160% year-over-year, with a further 23% increase from the previous quarter.
New Records Achieved: December revenue reached a record high of €6.0 million, and Q4 transaction volumes exceeded €1 billion for the second consecutive quarter.
Exceeded 2024 Expectations: We achieved our revenue target of €50 million and surpassed our targeted EBITDA margin of 40-45%.
Financial Resilience: With an EBITDA margin of 61%, we continue to maintain a robust financial position, underscoring our stability in the banktech payments market.
Investment in Innovation: A €0.8 million investment in Research and Development during Q4 underscores our commitment to customer-focused solutions and technological advancements.
Expansion in Talent: To support our growth trajectory, we expanded our group workforce by 22% in 2024, ending the year with a total of 184 employees.
Nikogiannis Karantzis, Chief Executive Officer of ISX Plc, added: “We are proud to announce our 5th consecutive record-breaking quarter. It highlights the resilience of our business model and the unwavering commitment of our team. Our focus always remains on fostering sustainable growth through innovation, operational excellence, and a relentless dedication to our clients’ success.”
ISX Financial EU PLC is a ‘banktech’ company that leverages its own technology to provide financial services to merchants across the EEA & UK. The company’s combined payments stack and infrastructure provides a complete end-to-end transactional banking, FX, remittance and payment processing capability.