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ANDOVER, Mass., Dec. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MKS Instruments, Inc. (NASDAQ: MKSI), a global provider of enabling technologies that transform our world, was recognized today as one of America's Most Responsible Companies for 2025 , presented by Newsweek and Statista, Inc. "We are honored to be recognized for the second consecutive year as one of our nation's most responsible companies by Newsweek and Statista,” said John T.C. Lee, President and Chief Executive Officer of MKS. "We are committed to providing our customers with world-leading innovative technology to help them succeed in a manner that also protects our planet and the communities in which we work and live.” The America's Most Responsible Companies ranking analyzes companies through a holistic view of corporate responsibility. An overall score is calculated for each company based on over 30 key performance indicators for the top 2,000 publicly traded U.S. companies by revenue and a public survey of 26,000 U.S. residents evaluating each company's corporate social responsibility reputation. About MKS Instruments MKS Instruments enables technologies that transform our world. We deliver foundational technology solutions to leading edge semiconductor manufacturing, electronics and packaging, and specialty industrial applications. We apply our broad science and engineering capabilities to create instruments, subsystems, systems, process control solutions and specialty chemicals technology that improve process performance, optimize productivity and enable unique innovations for many of the world's leading technology and industrial companies. Our solutions are critical to addressing the challenges of miniaturization and complexity in advanced device manufacturing by enabling increased power, speed, feature enhancement, and optimized connectivity. Our solutions are also critical to addressing ever-increasing performance requirements across a wide array of specialty industrial applications. Additional information can be found at www.mks.com . Contacts: Bill Casey Senior Director, Marketing Communications Telephone: +1 (630) 995-6384 Email: [email protected] Kelly Kerry, Partner Kekst CNC Email: [email protected]Black Friday 2024 is right around the corner, and it's already shaping up to be one of the most competitive shopping events of the year. Top retailers and carriers are vying to bring you the best phone deals. Whether you're starting your holiday shopping early or making up for missing last month's Prime Day, there are incredible offers from Samsung, Google, Motorola, and Apple. Also: The best Black Friday deals live now The phone deals below will save you a significant amount of money on some of the best handsets we've tested and recommend at ZDNET. For example, carriers like Verizon and T-Mobile are offering " On Us " promotions that can get you the latest iPhone, Samsung, or Google Pixel for free with a qualifying trade-in. You'll also find links to the retailer with the best offer for various phones below, whether that's Best Buy , Amazon , or AT&T . Keep an eye out, as we'll be continuously updating the list with new deals this week. Our favorite smartphone deals for Black Friday 2024 Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra : $1,300 (save $120 at Samsung): The best phone we've tested so far, the Galaxy S24 Ultra packs the best specs across key categories, including display, performance, battery life, and camera. It also has a built-in S-Pen for precision inputs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 : $1,600 (save $300 at Samsung): If you opt for one of the special edition colors (Crafted Black or White), the Korean giant will discount a total of $800 with no trade-in required. iPhone 16 On Us : $25/month (save up to $3,200 at T-Mobile): The carrier will sell you four iPhone 16 models for free when you trade in eligible devices, start 4 new lines at $25 per line, and agree to 24 months of bill credits. Apple iPhone 16 : $0.00/month (save $830 at Verizon): The carrier will credit you the cost of Apple's base-model iPhone when you open a new line and are under an Unlimited Ultimate plan. Clicks Keyboard for iPhone 16 series : $139 (save $20 at Best Buy): A snap-on case that'll bring you back to the glory days of physical phone keyboards and quick dial. The Clicks Keyboard can also be programmable to fire up shortcuts, apps, and more. Nomad USB-C to USB-C ChargeKey : $19 (save $6 at Nomad): One of my essential travel accessories is this keychain with two USB-C connectors that can pump out up to 60W of power. Google Pixel 9 : $649 (save $150 at Amazon): Possibly the best Android phone for most people in 2024, the comfortably sized, very capable Pixel 9 is selling at close to its all-time low price. Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold : $1,500 (save $300 at Amazon): In content for best foldable phone, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold features an improved, more ergonomic design, a massive 8-inch display, and support for the latest Google AI tools. Google Pixel 8a : $400 (save $100 at Amazon): A fantastic, compact, and AI-ready Android that's priced to compete, the Pixel 8a is 20% off right now. OnePlus Open : $1,200 (save $500 at Amazon): One of the best foldable phones we've tested is selling at a $500 discount for Black Friday. OnePlus 12 : $550 (save $250 at Best Buy): The OnePlus flagship is the fastest-charging phone you can buy in the US, with a beefy 5,400mAh battery that should last you well into a second day. Motorola Razr+ 2024 : $750 (save $250 at Best Buy): The best flip phone you can buy right now is $250 off and comes with 256GB of storage. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Current price: $950 Original price: $1,420 While the year hasn't ended yet, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra remains ZDNET's top pick for best phone of 2024. The big selling point with the Ultra model is its maximalist approach to being a smartphone, giving you all the features you could need, including a built-in S Pen stylus, upwards of 1TB of storage, and a quad-camera system. For a limited time, you can pick up the 512GB of storage variant for the same price as the 256GB. Review: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Google Pixel 9 Current price: $649 Original price: $799 The Google Pixel 9 is the phone I recommend to most people in 2024. It doesn't have the flashiest features, like a dedicated telephoto lens or LTPO display, but it's a well-rounded package that holds up against phones that cost hundreds of dollars more. With seven years of software support, Google AI features, and a very capable camera system, you've got one of the safest, best-value phones on sale for Black Friday. Review: Google Pixel 9 Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 Current price: $772 Original price: $1,100 One of the best flip phones on the market, you can buy Samsung's latest foldable for $300 off for Black Friday. For the money, you get a compact handset with dual cameras, dual screens, and up to seven years of software features, operating system, and security updates. The new Z Flip 6 model is also Samsung's most durable one yet. Review: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 Apple iPhone 16 Pro Current price: $65 a month Original price: $999 Carrier deals are almost always too good to be true, but if you meet all the right requirements and are willing to exchange loyalty for a discounted iPhone, things may just work out. Case in point, this Boost Mobile deal will cover the cost of the latest iPhone 16 Pro, with the requirement being to enroll in the brand's wireless plan ($65 a month over 36 months). If you were already considering switching carrier plans or starting a new one, this deal is worth considering. Review: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Motorola Razr (2023) Current price: $350 Original price: $700 The Motorola Razr (2023) is one of the more accessible foldable phones on the market, and this Black Friday deal makes it even more so. While the outer display is not as large as the flagship flip phones, its inner display is the same size as Razr's more expensive sibling, Razr Plus. Right now, you can buy the Razr at a $350 mark-down. Review: Motorola Razr (2023) Best Black Friday Samsung phone deals Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra : $1,300 (save $120 at Samsung): The best phone we've tested so far, the Galaxy S24 Ultra packs the best specs across key categories, including display, performance, battery life, and camera. It also has a built-in S-Pen for precision inputs. Samsung Galaxy S24 : $700 (save $100 at Amazon): The base model of the Galaxy S24 series has also been discounted by $100. It's a more compact option if you're not a fan of big phones. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 : $1,600 (save $300 at Samsung): If you opt for one of the special edition colors (Crafted Black or White), the Korean giant will discount a total of $700 with no trade-in required. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 : $772 (save $328 at Amazon): For a flagship foldable that won't break the bank, consider Samsung's latest Z Flip 6, which is selling for a record-low price, so long as you opt for the green color. Samsung Galaxy A35 5G : $300 (save $100 at Amazon): One of the best budget phones on the market, with a 120Hz display and triple camera setup. Best Black Friday iPhone deals Kerry Wan/ZDNET Apple iPhone 16 : $0/month (save $830 at Verizon): The carrier will credit you the cost of Apple's base-model iPhone when you open a new line and are under an Unlimited Ultimate plan. Apple iPhone 16 Pro : $65/month (save $1,000 at Boost): Want a Pro iPhone that's actually comfortable to hold and use? Consider the smaller iPhone 16 Pro. Apple iPhone 16 Plus : $65/month (save $930 at Boost): Apple also offers the standard iPhone 16 in a Plus size, with a 6.7-inch display. Apple iPhone 16 On Us : $25/month (save up to $3,200 at T-Mobile): The uncarrier will sell you four iPhone 16 models for free when you trade in eligible devices, start 4 new lines at $25 per line, and agree to 24 months of bill credits. Best Black Friday Motorola phone deals Kerry Wan/ZDNET Motorola Razr+ 2024 : $750 (save $250 at Best Buy): The best flip phone you can buy right now is $250 off and comes with 256GB of storage. Motorola Razr+ 2023 : $550 (save $450 at Amazon): Another foldable phone contender, the higher-end Razr+ model is also discounted and is arguably a better flip phone than Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip thanks to a more customizable and functional outer screen. Motorola Razr 2024 : $450 (save $250 at Best Buy): It's not as big of a discount, but if you want a Motorola Razr with more future-proofed specs, consider the 2024 model. Motorola Razr 2023 : $350 (save $350 at Motorola): The most affordable foldable phone on the market right now just got cheaper, with the 2023 Motorola Razr marked even lower at $350. Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 : $237 (save $263 at Motorola): For a budget phone with stylus support, consider Motorola's G Stylus model, which comes with 256GB of storage. Motorola Moto G Power 2024 : $200 (save $100 at Best Buy): Motorola's G Power line doesn't have the flashiest features, but its large battery and efficient processor make it a fantastic pick-up for kids, students, elders, or a secondary device. Best Black Friday Google Pixel deals Kerry Wan/ZDNET Google Pixel 9 : $649 (save $150 at Amazon): Possibly the best Android phone for most people in 2024, the comfortably sized, very capable Pixel 9 is selling at close to its all-time low price. Google Pixel Fold : $1,120 (save $680 at Walmart): The brand's first foldable phone has a compact 5.8-inch display on the outside and an expansive 7.6-inch screen on the inside. Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold : $1,500 (save $300 at Amazon): In content for best foldable phone, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold features an improved, more ergonomic design, a massive 8-inch display, and support for the latest Google AI tools. Google Pixel 8a : $400 (save $100 at Amazon): A fantastic, compact, and AI-ready Android that's priced to compete, the Pixel 8a is 20% off right now. Google Pixel 9 Pro : $0.00/month (save $999 at T-Mobile): When you trade in an eligible device, are on a Go5G Plus or Go5G Next plan, and agree to a 24-month installment plan. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL : $5.55/month (save $1,200 at Verizon): When you trade in an eligible device, are on an eligible Unlimited plan, and agree to a 36-month installment plan. Google Pixel 7a : $350 (save $150 at Amazon): One of the best budget phones on the market, with Google AI features and a 90Hz display. Google Pixel 8 : $450 (save $250 at Amazon): Coming with 128GB of storage, the year-old Pixel 8 is still a fantastic mid-range option if you value camera quality above all else. Best Black Friday OnePlus deals Kerry Wan/ZDNET OnePlus Open : $1,200 (save $500 at Amazon): One of the best foldable phones we've tested is selling at a $500 discount for Black Friday. OnePlus Nord N30 5G : $230 (save $70 at Amazon): This is a great budget option with a large 6.7-inch screen, a 5,000mAh battery, and 50W wired charging. OnePlus 12 : $550 (save $250 at Best Buy): The OnePlus flagship is the fastest-charging phone you can buy in the U.S., with a beefy 5,400mAh battery that should last you well into a second day. OnePlus 12R : $400 (save $100 at OnePlus): A sleeper pick for the best mid-range Android phone this year, the OnePlus 12R is currently being sold at its lowest price in 30 days. Best Black Friday phone accessories deals Clicks Keyboard for iPhone 16 series : $139 (save $20 at Best Buy): A snap-on case that'll bring you back to the glory days of physical phone keyboards and quick dial. The Clicks Keyboard can also be programmable to fire up shortcuts, apps, and more. Nomad USB-C to USB-C ChargeKey : $19 (save $6 at Nomad): One of my essential travel accessories is this keychain with two USB-C connectors that can pump out up to 60W of power. Nomad Magnetic Leather Back : $36 (save $4 at Nomad): If you're not a case guy, consider this magnetic leather back cover, which gives you the texture, look, and smell of the material without adding much bulk to your phone. Spigen Tough Armor MagFit Case : $20 (save $40 at Amazon): For a protective phone case that's soft to the touch, highly functional (thanks to its magnetic ring mount and kickstand), and won't break the bank, consider the Spigen Tough Armor. Apple AirPods Pro 2 : $154 (save $95 at Amazon): You can now use your AirPods with your Apple Watch and as hearing aids , and this is a great deal on one of our favorite AirPod models. Torras MiniMag 5,000mAh MagSafe Battery Pack : $40 (save $13 at Amazon): ZDNET's favorite thin MagSafe battery pack is on sale right now. It's lightweight, powerful, and perfect for topping off your phone's battery on the go. FAQs Black Friday takes place on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. However, expect retailers to begin early discounts and sales weeks before. Cyber Monday is happening on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, following Black Friday. Yes, phones, including recent iPhone models, are often cheaper on Black Friday, matching (if not beating) the level of discount you'd find during any other major shopping event. This is partly because Black Friday happens months after most manufacturers like Samsung, OnePlus, Google, and Apple have launched new devices. With the amount of time that has passed, you'll often see the more recent phones discounted by a good amount at this time. iPhones are cheaper during this time because carriers like Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T offer competitive trade-in and sign-on promotions. As long as you read the fine print about the qualifications, most of these deals will cover the retail cost of the new iPhone. You'll just have to agree to a long-term installment plan that ranges between 24 months to 36 months. While Amazon has traditionally been the most competitive with its Black Friday smartphone deals, other retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, and Target have caught up in recent years. In fact, we're seeing top offers available across a variety of stores versus just one, which is a good thing for the retail landscape. That said, I'd highly advise scanning the catalogs of the manufacturers themselves, such as Samsung , Motorola , Google , and Apple . Beyond discounts to the retail cost, manufacturers often bundle free wireless earbuds, chargers, and other accessories with your purchase. Since you're purchasing directly from the manufacturer, you'll also have a direct line with their customer support, should any problems with the product arise. While Black Friday's online presence has risen exponentially over the past decade, Cyber Monday was the original "online only" commerce event. Still, you'll find deals in-store and online for both occasions. In some cases, retailers will list new deals during Cyber Monday, especially for products or inventory that didn't sell as much during Black Friday a few days earlier. ZDNET chooses Black Friday deals based on the percentage of discount compared to the original price ($5 off a $20 item is just as good as $250 off a $1,000 item), how significant the discount is compared to pricing history, and whether our experts have tested and recommended the product. We also look at deals from a wider scope, considering better alternatives, unique use cases, stock, and existing customer reviews on websites like Amazon, Best Buy, and Reddit. The best deals will save you a decent amount of money while giving you a truly worthwhile product. There's no beating in-person shopping that begins on the eve of Black Friday, and retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart have made it a point to reward those who do. However, you can still find similar discounts online -- and with a higher chance of securing a product before it's snatched by someone else. Besides big-box retailers, most carriers and e-commerce brands will also host some form of Black Friday and Cyber Monday promotion; simply visit your preferred destinations and see what's available. It won't hurt to try. ZDNET's experts have been searching through Black Friday sales live now to find the best discounts by category. These are the best Black Friday deals so far, by category: Black Friday TV deals Black Friday phone deals Black Friday laptop deals Black Friday gaming PC deals Black Friday smartwatch and fitness tracker deals Black Friday Amazon deals Black Friday Best Buy deals Black Friday Walmart deals Black Friday Sam's Club deals Black Friday Apple deals Black Friday iPad deals Black Friday AirPods deals Black Friday Apple Watch deals Black Friday Kindle deals Black Friday streaming deals Black Friday soundbar and speaker deals Black Friday robot vacuum deals Black Friday Nintendo Switch deals Black Friday PlayStation deals And more Black Friday deals: Black Friday deals under $25 Black Friday deals under $100 Black Friday Samsung deals Black Friday Verizon deals Black Friday headphone deals Black Friday tablet deals Black Friday monitor deals Black Friday gaming deals Black Friday security camera deals Black Friday storage and SSD deals Black Friday portable power station deals Black Friday VPN deals Black Friday Chromebook deals Black Friday HP deals Black Friday Dell deals Black Friday Roku deals Black Friday Roborock deals Best Black Friday deals Black Friday phone deals Black Friday TV deals Black Friday laptop dealsNone
WASHINGTON (AP) — Former White House adviser Peter Navarro, who served prison time related to the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, will return to serve in Donald Trump’s second administration, the president-elect announced Wednesday. Navarro, a trade adviser during Trump’s first term, will be a senior counselor for trade and manufacturing, Trump said on Truth Social. The position, Trump wrote, “leverages Peter’s broad range of White House experience, while harnessing his extensive Policy analytic and Media skills.” The appointment was only the first in a flurry of announcements that Trump made on Wednesday as his presidential transition faced controversy over Pete Hegseth, Trump’s choice for Pentagon chief. Hegseth faces allegations of sexual misconduct, excessive drinking and financial mismanagement, and Trump has considered replacing him with another potential nominee. As he works to fill out his team, Trump said he wanted Paul Atkins, a financial industry veteran and an advocate for cryptocurrency, to serve as the next chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission. He wrote on Truth Social that Atkins “recognizes that digital assets & other innovations are crucial to Making America Greater than Ever Before.” Trump also said he was changing course on his choice for White House counsel. He said his original pick, William McGinley, will work with the Department of Government Efficiency, which will be run by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy with the goal of cutting federal spending. Now David Warrington, who has worked as Trump’s personal lawyer and a lawyer for his campaign, will serve as White House counsel. In addition, Trump announced the selections of Daniel Driscoll, an Army veteran who was a senior adviser to Vice President-elect JD Vance, as Army secretary; Jared Isaacman, a tech billionaire who conducted the first private spacewalk on Elon Musk’s SpaceX rocket, as NASA administrator; and Adam Boehler, a lead negotiator on the Abraham Accords team, as special presidential envoy for hostage affairs. Navarro was held in contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena from the House committee that investigated Jan. 6. Sentenced to four months in prison, he described his conviction as the “partisan weaponization of the judicial system.” Hours after his release in July, Navarro spoke on stage at the Republican National Convention, where he told the crowd that “I went to prison so you won’t have to.” Navarro, 75, has been a longtime critic of trade arrangements with China. After earning an economics doctorate from Harvard University, he worked as an economics and public policy professor at the University of California, Irvine. He ran for mayor of San Diego in 1992 and lost, only to launch other unsuccessful campaign efforts, including a 1996 race for Congress as a Democrat. During Trump’s initial term, Navarro pushed aggressively for tariffs while playing down the risks of triggering a broader trade war. He also focused on counterfeited imports and even helped assemble an infrastructure plan for Trump that never came to fruition. Navarro often used fiery language that upset U.S. allies. In 2018, after a dispute between Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Navarro said “there’s a special place in hell for any foreign leader that engages in bad faith diplomacy with President Donald J. Trump and then tries to stab him in the back on the way out the door.” Canadians were outraged, and Navarro later apologized. Issacman, 41, has reserved two more flights with SpaceX, including as the commander of the first crew that will ride SpaceX’s mega rocket Starship, still in test flights out of Texas. He said he was honored to be nominated. “Having been fortunate to see our amazing planet from space, I am passionate about America leading the most incredible adventure in human history,” he said via X. Trump kept rolling out positions on Wednesday afternoon. He announced Gail Slater as assistant attorney general for the Justice Department’s antitrust division. Trump wrote on Truth Social that “Big Tech has run wild for years, stifling competition in our most innovative sector.” Slater worked for Trump’s National Economic Council during his first term, and she’s been an adviser to Vance. Trump also said Michael Faulkender would serve as deputy treasury secretary. A professor at the University of Maryland’s Smith School of Business, Faulkender was the Treasury Department’s assistant secretary for economic policy during Trump’s initial term. He has also been the chief economist at the America First Policy Institute, a think tank formed to further the Trump movement’s policy agenda. Outside the White House, Trump said that he had asked Michael Whatley to remain on as chair of the Republican National Committee. Whatley ran the committee during the election along with Lara Trump, the wife of Trump’s son Eric.
By JESSICA DAMIANO Finding the perfect gift can be daunting. The only way to truly ensure you get it right would be to ask the recipient what they want, but that wouldn’t be much fun for either of you. Luckily, there’s another tactic to help you earn a “gift whisperer” reputation: seeking out unique, practical, game-changing gifts that will truly surprise and delight. But that’s about as easy as it sounds, which is to say it’s not easy at all. So, we’ve done the legwork for you. Start making your list with this compilation of some of the most innovative, functional and fun gifts of 2024. There’s something for every budget. Bear with me: The new FinaMill Ultimate Spice Grinder set elevates the pedestrian pepper and spice mill in both function and style. Available in three colors (Sangria Red, Midnight Black and Soft Cream), the rechargeable-battery unit grinds with a light touch rather than hand-tiring twists. That’s easier for everyone and especially helpful for those experiencing hand or wrist issues such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome or tendinitis. And it’s fun to use. The set includes a stackable storage tray and four pods that can be easily swapped as needed: The GT microplane grater for hard spices, nuts and chocolate; the MAX for large spices and dried herbs; the ProPlus for smaller and oily spices; and the Pepper Pod for, well, pepper. $110. Campers and backyard firepit lovers who have experienced the heartbreak of wet wood will appreciate having a three-pack of Pull Start Fire on hand. Made of 89% recycled materials, including sanding dust, wax and flint, the food-safe, eco-friendly, 3-by-2-by-1-inch fire starters will light a fire quickly without matches, lighters or kindling. Just loop the attached green string around a log, incorporate it into a wood stack, and pull the attached red string to ignite. Each windproof, rainproof block burns for 30 minutes. $29.99. The No Mess Utensil Set from Souper Cubes , a company known for its portioned, silicone freezer trays, lives up to its name. The utensils — a serving spoon and a ladle — have innovative, S-shaped handles designed to rest on the edge of a pot, keeping them upright so they won’t slip in. The design also eliminates the need for a spoon rest or, worse, placing dirty utensils on the kitchen counter or stovetop between stirs. A silicone coating in a choice of Aqua, Charcoal, Cranberry or Blueberry keeps handles cool to the touch. $24.99. The FeatherSnap Wi-Fi smart bird feeder could turn anyone into an avid birdwatcher. Equipped with an HD camera, the dual-chamber feeder enables up-close livestreaming of avian visitors, as well as species-logging via the free mobile app. An optional premium subscription ($59.99 annually or $6.99 monthly) includes unlimited photo and video storage, AI identification with species-specific details, and the opportunity to earn badges for logging new visitors. Turn on notifications to get alerts sent to your phone whenever there’s activity at the feeder. $179.99. Fujifilm’s Instax Mini Link 3 smartphone printer offers a touch of nostalgia without sacrificing technology. Just load the 4.9-by-3.5-by-1.3-inch printer with Instax Mini instant film and connect it to your Android or iOS device via Bluetooth to print wallet-size photos. If you want to get fancy, you can adjust brightness, contrast and saturation, or apply filters, including 3D augmented-reality effects, via the free Instax Mini Link app. It can also make collages of up to six images, or animate photos to share on social media. Available in Rose Pink, Clay White and Sage Green. $99.95. The appropriately named easyplant is one of the best gifts you can give your houseplant-loving friends, regardless of their experience level. Select a pot color, size and plant (or get recommendations based on sunlight requirements, pet friendliness and other attributes) and fill the self-watering container’s built-in reservoir roughly once a month. Moisture will permeate the soil from the bottom as needed, eliminating the often-fatal consequences of over- or under-watering. It’s also a literal lifesaver come vacation time. $49-$259. Related Articles Things To Do | Duct-taped banana sells for $6.2 million at art auction Things To Do | LeBron James says he’s taking a social media break for now Things To Do | Pamela Hayden, longtime ‘Simpsons’ voice actor, including Bart’s friend Milhouse, hangs up her mic Things To Do | Simone Biles to join Snoop Dogg as a guest mentor for an episode on NBC’s ‘The Voice’ Things To Do | Alec Baldwin wasn’t invited to ‘Rust’ premiere, incites anger of slain cinematographer’s family If you’ve got a no-dairy friend on your list, a plant-based milk maker could save them money while allowing them to avoid sugar, stabilizers, thickeners and preservatives. The Nama M1 appliance both blends and strains ingredients, converting nuts, seeds, grains or oats into velvety-smooth milk in just one minute, with zero grit. And for zero waste, the pasty leftover pulp can be used in other recipes for added nutrients. The device also makes infused oils, flavored waters and soups. And, importantly, cleanup is easy. Available in white and black. $400. For friends who prefer stronger beverages, the QelviQ personal sommelier uses “smart” technology to ensure wine is served at its ideal temperature. Unlike traditional wine refrigerators, this device doesn’t take up any floor space. It also doesn’t chill wine to just one or two temperatures based on its color. Instead — paired with the free QelviQ app — the tabletop chiller relies on a database of more than 350,000 wines to bring a bottle to its specific recommended serving temperature in as little as 20 minutes. It also suggests food-wine and wine-food pairings. Plus, the appliance serves as a great icebreaker to inspire dinnertime conversation. Available in Exciting Red, Dashing Black and Dreamy White. $495. Grilling food after dark — and ascertaining its doneness — can prove challenging without outdoor lighting, and it’s nearly impossible to cook while holding a flashlight. But as is often the case, the simplest of solutions can make the biggest of impacts: Uncommon Good’s 2-piece LED Grilling Tool Set puts illumination into the handles of its stainless-steel spatula and tongs. After use, the lights can be removed and the utensils run through the dishwasher. $40.
Mr Biden told African leaders the resource-rich continent of more than 1.4 billion people had been “left behind for much too long”. “But not anymore,” Mr Biden added. “Africa is the future.” Mr Biden used the third and final day of a visit to Angola – his long-awaited, first trip to sub-Saharan Africa as president – to travel to the coastal city of Lobito and tour an Atlantic port terminal that’s part of the Lobito Corridor railway redevelopment. Mr Biden described it as the largest US investment in a train project outside America. The US and allies are investing heavily in the project that will refurbish nearly 1,200 miles of train lines connecting to the mineral-rich areas of Congo and Zambia in central Africa. The corridor, which likely will take years to complete, gives the US better access to cobalt, copper and other critical minerals in Congo and Zambia that are used in batteries for electric vehicles, electronic devices and clean energy technologies that Mr Biden said would power the future. China is dominant in mining in Congo and Zambia. The US investment has strategic implications for US-China economic competition, which went up a notch this week as they traded blows over access to key materials and technologies. The African leaders who met with Mr Biden on Wednesday said the railway corridor offered their countries a much faster route for minerals and goods – and a convenient outlet to Western markets. “This is a project that is full of hope for our countries and our region,” said Congo President Felix Tshisekedi, whose country has more than 70% of the word’s cobalt. “This is not just a logistical project. It is a driving force for economic and social transformation for millions of our people.” The leaders said the corridor should spur private-sector investment and improve a myriad of related areas like roads, communication networks, agriculture and clean energy technologies. For the African countries, it could create a wave of new jobs for a burgeoning young population. Cargo that once took 45 days to get to the US – usually involving trucks via South Africa – would now take around 45 hours, Mr Biden said. He predicted the project could transform the region from a food importer to exporter. It’s “something that if done right will outlast all of us and keep delivering for our people for generations to come,” he said. The announcement of an additional $600 million took the U.S.’s investment in the Lobito Corridor to 4.0 billion dollars (£3.15 billion).
Clemson added a quarterback to its 2025 recruiting class on Tuesday with Chris Denson announcing his decision to flip from Coastal Carolina. The 6-foot-2, 175-pounder from Plant City High School in Florida had been committed to the Chanticleers since April and has yet to visit Clemson's campus. Tigers coach Dabo Swinney has been putting a push on to flip Denson in recent weeks following the decommitment of Blake Hebert last month. "I just feel like my development will be through the roof," Denson told On3.com about his decision to switch. "Playing under one of the best coaches in the country and knowing that I haven't reached my potential yet, I know that they will take me to that level." A three-star recruit, Denson is ranked as the No. 50 quarterback in the nation by the 247 Composite. He is the 14th player to commit to the Tigers, who have also seen six players decommit this cycle, according to The Greenville News. "What makes Clemson special is just the level of ball that they are playing at," Denson said. "And the way they compete. I'm a huge competitor, so that's the type of place and people I want to surround myself around." --Field Level MediaReports: Oklahoma QB Jackson Arnold entering transfer portal
Canadian men win RAN Sevens tournament, qualify for World Rugby Challenger Series
Politicians have demanded an end to the Nuked Blood Scandal after viewing a BBC documentary into Britain's longest cover-up. The Prime Minister has been warned he faces a potential £5billion bill to settle legal claims of thousands of 'lab rat' veterans who had blood tests taken during Cold War weapons trials, and the results hidden from them. The Mirror has uncovered 4,000 pages of discussions and orders for medical monitoring of troops of all three armed forces over more than a decade, as well as a "special directive" to "dispose" of some of them. Yet the Ministry of Defence had always denied such testing ever took place, and serving Whitehall officials even provided sworn testimony to multiple courts claiming that it had not been necessary. The one-off special, called Britain's Nuclear Bomb Scandal: Our Story , was aired in Parliament yesterday at a special screening organised by shadow minister Andrew Bowie. The Tory MP said afterwards: "What struck me is that, as a country, we're very proud of how we treat our veterans. But when it comes to this we are the worst in the world at recognising what happened to those who took part in nuclear weapons tests. "Instead we engaged this culture of cover-up and denial, which in itself has caused the veterans further harm that we can so see so clearly in this film." Independent MP Ian Byrne, who was part of the campaign to end the cover-up over the Hillsborough football tragedy, said what happened to nuclear veterans was even worse. He said: "The documentary is revelatory. It had such an impact on me. Because it's not just the people who were involved who are affected - there are other generations coming through, and will be for many more years. That's the difference between this scandal and all the others we've seen." Last week PM Keir Starmer was asked to meet veterans to see for himself their evidence of crimes committed by the state, but delegated responsibility for meetings to others. Defence Secretary John Healey said the day after the documentary was broadcast that he had launched an internal investigation to find out what had happened to troops' medical records. It is being led by Veterans Minister Al Carns, who confirmed he has seen the film. But there is a race against time to produce answers before veterans' lawyers issue a High Court claim in the New Year, which would end the chance for veterans and ministers to have frank discussions. Consideration is being given to airing the documentary in Commonwealth nations whose troops were also involved in the weapons trials, including Australia and New Zealand. * Britain's Nuclear Bomb Scandal: Our Story is available on iPlayerUNITY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — The team looking for a missing Pennsylvania woman believed to have fallen into a sinkhole has determined that an abandoned coal mine is too unstable for people to safely search underground, authorities said Wednesday while still expressing hope Elizabeth Pollard will be found alive. Rescue workers continue to search for Elizabeth Pollard, who is believed to have disappeared in a sinkhole while looking for her cat, Wednesday in Marguerite, Pa. Emergency crews and others have been trying to find Pollard, 64, for two days. Her relatives reported her missing early Tuesday and her vehicle with her unharmed 5-year-old granddaughter inside was found about two hours later, near what is thought to be a freshly opened sinkhole above the long closed, crumbling mine. Authorities said in a noon update that the roof of the mine collapsed in several places and is not stable. The sinkhole is in the village of Marguerite, about 40 miles east of Pittsburgh. “We did get, you know, where we wanted, where we thought that she was at. We’ve been to that spot," said Pleasant Unity Fire Chief John Bacha, the incident's operations officer. “What happened at that point, I don’t know, maybe the slurry of mud pushed her one direction. There were several different seams of that mine, shafts that all came together where this happened at.” Trooper Cliff Greenfield said crews were still actively searching for Pollard. “We are hopeful that she’s found alive,” Greenfield said. Searchers were using electronic devices and cameras as surface digging continued with the use of heavy equipment, Bacha said. Search dogs may also be used. Rescue workers search through the night in a sinkhole for Elizabeth Pollard, who disappeared while looking for her cat, Tuesday in Marguerite, Pa. On Wednesday afternoon, machinery was removing material from the area around the hole while police and other government vehicles blocked a clear view of the scene. Sinkholes occur in the area because of subsidence from coal mining activity. Rescuers had been using water to break down and remove clay and dirt from the mine, which has been closed since the 1950s, but that increased the risk “for potential other mine subsidence to take place," Pennsylvania State Police spokesperson Trooper Steve Limani said. Crews lowered a pole camera with a sensitive listening device into the hole, but it detected nothing. Another camera lowered into the hole showed what could be a shoe about 30 feet below the surface, Limani said. Searchers have also deployed drones and thermal imaging equipment, to no avail. Marguerite Fire Chief Scot Graham, the incident commander, said access to the immediate area surrounding the hole was being tightly controlled and monitored, with rescuers attached by harness. The top of a sinkhole is seen Tuesday in the village of Marguerite, Pa., where rescuers searched for a woman who disappeared. “We cannot judge as to what’s going on underneath us. Again, you had a small hole on top but as soon as you stuck a camera down through to look, you had this big void,” Graham said. “And it was all different depths. The process is long, is tedious. We have to make sure that we are keeping safety in the forefront as well as the rescue effort.” Bacha said they were “hoping that there’s a void that she could still be in.” Pollard's family called police at about 1 a.m. Tuesday to say she had not been seen since going out at about 5 p.m. Monday to search for Pepper, her cat. The temperature dropped well below freezing that night. Her son, Axel Hayes, said Pollard is a happy woman who likes going out to have fun. She and her husband adopted Hayes and his twin brother when they were infants. Hayes called Pollard “a great person overall, a great mother” who “never really did anybody wrong.” He said at one point Pollard had about 10 cats. “Every cat that she’s ever come in contact with, she has a close bond with them,” Hayes said. His mother worked for many years at Walmart but recently was not employed, he said. “I’m just hoping right now that she’s still with us and she’s able to come back to us,” he said. Police said they found Pollard's car parked behind Monday's Union Restaurant in Marguerite, about 20 feet from the sinkhole. Hunters and restaurant workers in the area said they had not noticed the manhole-size opening in the hours before Pollard disappeared, leading rescuers to speculate that the sinkhole was new. “It almost feels like it opened up with her standing on top of it,” Limani said. Searchers accessed the mine late Tuesday afternoon and dug a separate entrance out of concern that the ground around the sinkhole opening was not stable. “Let’s be honest, we need to get a little bit lucky, right?” Limani said Wednesday. “We need a little bit of luck on our side. We need a little bit of God’s good blessing on our side.” Pollard lives in a small neighborhood across the street from where her car and granddaughter were located, Limani said. The young girl “nodded off in the car and woke up. Grandma never came back," Limani said. The child stayed in the car until two troopers rescued her. It's not clear what happened to Pepper. In an era of rapid technological advancement and environmental change, American agriculture is undergoing a revolution that reaches far beyond the farm gate. From the food on consumer plates to the economic health of rural communities, the transformation of U.S. farming practices is reshaping the nation's landscape in ways both visible and hidden. LandTrust explores how these changes impact everyone, whether they live in the heartland or the heart of the city. The image of the small family farm, while still a reality for many, is increasingly giving way to larger, more technologically advanced operations. According to the USDA, the number of farms in the U.S. has fallen from 6.8 million in 1935 to about 2 million today, with the average farm size growing from 155 acres to 444 acres. This shift has profound implications for rural communities and the food system as a whole. Despite these changes, diversity in farming practices is on the rise. A landmark study published in Science , involving data from over 2,000 farms across 11 countries, found that diversifying farmland simultaneously delivers environmental and social benefits. This challenges the longstanding idea that practices boosting biodiversity must come at a cost to yields and food security. The adoption of precision agriculture technologies is transforming how farmers manage their land and resources. GPS-guided tractors, drone surveillance, and AI-powered crop management systems are becoming commonplace on many farms. These technologies allow farmers to apply water, fertilizers, and pesticides with pinpoint accuracy, reducing waste and environmental impact while improving yields. However, the digital divide remains a challenge. More than 22% of rural communities lack reliable broadband internet access, hindering the widespread implementation of AI and other advanced technologies in agriculture. While technology offers new opportunities, farmers are also facing significant economic challenges. The USDA's 2024 farm income forecast projects a 4.4% decline in net farm income from 2023, following a sharp 19.5% drop from 2022 to 2023. This financial pressure is compounded by rising production costs and market volatility. Climate variability adds another layer of complexity. Extreme weather events, changing precipitation patterns, and shifting growing seasons are forcing farmers to adapt quickly. These factors could reduce agricultural productivity by up to 25% over the coming decades without significant adaptation measures. But adapting requires additional financial resources, further straining farm profitability. In the face of these challenges, many farmers are turning to diversification as a strategy for resilience and profitability. The Science study mentioned earlier found that farms integrating several diversification methods supported more biodiversity while seeing simultaneous increases in human well-being and food security. Agritourism is one popular diversification strategy. In 2022, 28,600 U.S. farms reported agritourism income, averaging gross revenue of $44,000 from these activities. Activities like farm tours, pick-your-own operations, and seasonal festivals not only provide additional income but also foster a deeper connection between consumers and agriculture. The changing face of agriculture is directly impacting consumers. The rise of farm-to-table and local food movements reflects a growing interest in where our food comes from and how it's produced. If every U.S. household spent just $10 per week on locally grown food, it would generate billions of dollars for local economies. However, the larger challenges in agriculture can also lead to price fluctuations at the grocery store. The USDA's Economic Research Service projects that food-at-home prices will increase between 1.2% and 2.2% in 2024. Looking ahead, several innovations are poised to reshape agriculture: The transformation of American agriculture affects everyone, from the food we eat to the health of our environment and rural communities. Consumers have the power to support sustainable and diverse farming practices through our purchasing decisions. As citizens, they can advocate for policies that support farmers in adopting innovative and sustainable practices. The challenges facing agriculture are complex, but they also present opportunities for innovation and positive change. By understanding and engaging with these issues, everyone can play a part in shaping a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable food system for the future. This story was produced by LandTrust and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. 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By AAMER MADHANI, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — A top White House official on Wednesday said at least eight U.S. telecom firms and dozens of nations have been impacted by a Chinese hacking campaign. Deputy national security adviser Anne Neuberger offered new details about the breadth of the sprawling Chinese hacking campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans. Neuberger divulged the scope of the hack a day after the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued guidance intended to help root out the hackers and prevent similar cyberespionage in the future. White House officials cautioned that a number of telecommunication firms and countries impacted could still grow. The U.S. believes that the hackers were able to gain access to communications of senior U.S. government officials and prominent political figures through the hack, Neuberger said. “We don’t believe any classified communications has been compromised,” Neuberger added during a call with reporters. She added that Biden has been briefed on the findings and that the White House “has made it a priority for the federal government to do everything it can to get to the bottom this.” The Chinese embassy in Washington on Tuesday rejected the accusations that it was responsible for the hack after the U.S. federal authorities issued new guidance. “The U.S. needs to stop its own cyberattacks against other countries and refrain from using cyber security to smear and slander China,” embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said. The embassy did not immediately respond to messages on Wednesday. Associated Press writer David Klepper contributed reporting.Kylie Kelce is dipping her toes into the podcasting world after announcing she’d be launching a show titled “Not Gonna Lie.” Taking to social media, Kylie revealed the exciting news of her new podcast, captioning a promotional video : “Get it straight from the source. Not Gonna Lie...coming soon to YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms.” She becomes the latest member of the Kelce family to share her thoughts in front of the mic, joining husband Jason Kelce and brother-in-law Travis Kelce - who launched “The New Heights” podcast back in September of 2022 . In a YouTube video that as of writing has been viewed over 41,000 times, Kylie provided her fans with a brief glimpse at what to expect from her podcast. The 32-year-old joked that she struggled to settle on a name for the show, but ultimately settled on “Not Gonna Lie” after mulling over several options. Terry Bradshaw and Michael Strahan in FOX NFL Sunday disagreement over Patrick Mahomes heroics Russell Wilson gamble pays off handsomely for Sean Payton as Bo Nix makes Rookie of the Year case “Hey guys, I’m Kylie Kelce and I’m so excited to introduce my new show, ‘Not Gonna Lie,’” Kylie said. “Believe it or not, it took me a while to land on that name. Some of the others we almost went with: The Kylie Kelce Show, Yet Another Kelce Show, Can I Be Honest, To Be Fair, TBH, TBFH, TBQFH. Too many ------- letters. “But if you really want to know what this show is about, just know I was this close to calling it ---- Around And Find Out. And I still might do it. Try me.” As for why she decided to launch a podcast, Kylie expressed a strong desire to clear the air on the constant coverage surrounding her popular family. “Listen, I’m just as shocked as all of you that I’m starting a podcast,” she conceded. “But if everyone is going to be talking about me and my family, you might as well hear it from me.” Follow us on X for the best and latest in sports news Kyle promised to share her “brutally honest opinions” on topics such as motherhood, current events pertaining to sports and entertainment, as well as social media trends. “I’m excited to be doing it with the help of some incredible guests that I have no business talking to,” she said before adding: “You guys said you wanted more Kylie,” she said. “And to that I say, ‘---- around and find out.’” The highly-anticipated podcast will be produced by Wave Sports + Entertainment, the same company that oversees the production of ‘New Heights.’ Addressing the partnership in an official press release, she said: “I’m excited to have conversations with fascinating people and create a platform where I can be unapologetically myself while also setting the record straight on the many stories that circulate about my family. “Wave is the perfect partner for this show — I’ve been around their team for several years and I’ve seen firsthand their ability to deliver content that feels authentic to who I am.” The first episode of “Not Gonna Lie" is set to drop on December 5. Want to watch more live sports? Peacock has your favorite sports, shows, and more all in one place. Peacock offers plans starting at $7.99 so you can stream live sports like NFL, Premier League, and Big Ten Football.
DELAWARE, Ohio, Dec. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Greif, Inc. (NYSE: GEF, GEF.B), a world leader in industrial packaging products and services, today announced fourth quarter and fiscal 2024 results. Fiscal Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights: (all results compared to the fourth quarter 2023 unless otherwise noted) Net income decreased 6.5% to $63.4 million or $1.08 per diluted Class A share compared to net income of $67.8 million or $1.16 per diluted Class A share. Net income, excluding the impact of adjustments(1), decreased 46.4% to $49.6 million or $0.85 per diluted Class A share compared to net income, excluding the impact of adjustments, of $92.6 million or $1.59 per diluted Class A share. Adjusted EBITDA(2) decreased 2.0% to $197.6 million compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $201.6 million. Net cash provided by operating activities decreased by $16.3 million to $187.2 million. Adjusted free cash flow(3) increased by $8.5 million to $144.7 million. Fiscal Year Results Include: (all results compared to the fiscal year 2023 unless otherwise noted): Net income decreased 27.0% to $262.1 million or $4.52 per diluted Class A share compared to net income of $359.2 million or $6.15 per diluted Class A share. Net income, excluding the impact of adjustments, decreased 35.3% to $233.6 million or $4.03 per diluted Class A share compared to net income, excluding the impact of adjustments, of $361.2 million or $6.19 per diluted Class A share. Adjusted EBITDA decreased 15.6% to $694.2 million compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $822.2 million. Net cash provided by operating activities decreased by $293.5 million to $356.0 million. Adjusted free cash flow decreased by $291.4 million to $189.8 million. Total debt increased by $525.5 million to $2,740.6 million. Net debt(4) increased by $508.7 million to $2,542.9 million. The Company's leverage ratio(5) increased to 3.53x from 2.2x in the prior year quarter, and decreased from 3.64x sequentially. Strategic Actions and Announcements Hosting Investor Day on December 11, 2024, at Convene: 75 Rockefeller Plaza in New York City. Completed previously announced business model optimization project to fully leverage our core competitive advantages and facilitate accelerated growth. This operating model change will result in the following four new reportable segments beginning in the first quarter of 2025: Customized Polymer Solutions; Durable Metal Solutions; Sustainable Fiber Solutions; and Integrated Solutions. Related to our new segments, on Thursday, December 5, 2024, we will be releasing online the previous eight quarters of segment financial highlights to assist our investor community in modeling our new reportable segments. This information will be made available at our investor relations site https://investor.greif.com/ . Announcing targeted cost optimization effort to eliminate $100 million of structural costs from the business through a combination of SG&A rationalization, network optimization, and operating efficiency gains. More information on this effort will be provided at our upcoming Investor Day. Commentary from CEO Ole Rosgaard “I am pleased to report a solid fourth quarter and full year 2024 result, particularly in light of the continuation of this extended period of industrial contraction. While managing the business for the present, we also made significant strides under our Build to Last strategy towards the future, and our executive team and I look forward to sharing more information at our Investor Day next week. Our investors can expect an interactive and engaging half day session, and we highly encourage your in-person attendance as we look forward to 2025 and beyond.” Build to Last Mission Progress Recently completed our fourteenth wave NPS(6) survey, receiving feedback from nearly five thousand customers globally for a net score of 69, recognized as a world-class score within the manufacturing industry. At our upcoming Investor Day, we plan to further discuss the powerful correlation between NPS, an indicator of our Legendary Customer Service, and financial performance. We thank our customers for their continued feedback, which is critical in helping us achieve our vision to be the best performing customer service company in the world, and we are proud to continue to earn positive feedback from our customers throughout a difficult global operating environment. Note: A reconciliation of the differences between all non-GAAP financial measures used in this release with the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures is included in the financial schedules that are a part of this release. These non-GAAP financial measures are intended to supplement, and should be read together with, our financial results. They should not be considered an alternative or substitute for, and should not be considered superior to, our reported financial results. Accordingly, users of this financial information should not place undue reliance on these non-GAAP financial measures. Segment Results (all results compared to the fourth quarter of 2023 unless otherwise noted) Net sales are impacted mainly by the volume of primary products(7) sold, selling prices, product mix and the impact of changes in foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar. The table below shows the percentage impact of each of these items on net sales for our primary products for the fourth quarter of 2024 as compared to the prior year quarter for the business segments with manufacturing operations. Net sales from completed acquisitions of Reliance Products Ltd. (“Reliance”) and Ipackchem Group SAS ("Ipackchem") primary products are not included in the table below, but will be included in their respective segments starting in the fiscal first quarter of 2025 for Reliance and fiscal third quarter of 2025 for Ipackchem. Global Industrial Packaging Net sales increased by $65.9 million to $786.9 million primarily due to contributions from recent acquisitions and higher volumes. Gross profit increased by $12.6 million to $167.0 million due to the same factors that impacted net sales, partially offset by higher raw material, labor and manufacturing costs. Operating profit decreased by $0.1 million to $75.0 million primarily due to higher SG&A expenses from recent acquisitions, offset by the same factors that impacted gross profit. Adjusted EBITDA increased by $4.0 million to $109.4 million primarily due to the same factors that impacted gross profit, partially offset by higher SG&A expenses from recent acquisitions. Paper Packaging & Services Net sales increased by $42.9 million to $624.5 million primarily due to higher average selling prices as a result of higher published containerboard and boxboard prices. Gross profit decreased by $0.1 million to $118.7 million primarily due to higher raw material and labor costs, offset by the same factors that impacted net sales. Operating profit increased by $13.4 million to $48.7 million primarily due to lower non-cash impairment charges and restructuring charges related to optimizing and rationalizing operations in the prior year, partially offset by the same factors that impacted gross profit and higher SG&A expenses related to higher health, medical, incentive and pension expenses. Adjusted EBITDA decreased by $8.4 million to $85.3 million primarily due to the same factors that impacted gross profit and higher SG&A expenses related to higher health, medical, incentive and pension expenses. Tax Summary During the fourth quarter, we recorded an income tax rate of 21.8 percent and a tax rate excluding the impact of adjustments of 39.6 percent. Note that the application of accounting for income taxes often causes fluctuations in our quarterly effective tax rates. For the full year, we recorded an income tax rate of 10.6 percent and a tax rate excluding the impact of adjustments of 12.8 percent. Dividend Summary On December 3, 2024, the Board of Directors declared quarterly cash dividends of $0.54 per share of Class A Common Stock and $0.80 per share of Class B Common Stock. Dividends are payable on January 1, 2025, to stockholders of record at the close of business on December 16, 2024. Company Outlook Our markets have now experienced a multi-year period of industrial contraction, and we have not identified any compelling demand inflection on the horizon, despite slightly improved year over year volumes. While we believe we are well positioned for an eventual recovery of the industrial economy, at this time we believe it is appropriate to provide only low-end guidance based on the continuation of demand trends reflected in the past year, current price/cost factors in Paper Packaging and Services, and other identifiable discrete items which we will discuss during our fourth quarter earnings release call. Call-in details are provided below. Note: Fiscal 2025 net income guidance, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure to Adjusted EBITDA, is not provided in this release due to the potential for one or more of the following, the timing and magnitude of which we are unable to reliably forecast: gains or losses on the disposal of businesses or properties, plants and equipment, net; non-cash asset impairment charges due to unanticipated changes in the business; restructuring-related activities; acquisition and integration related costs; and ongoing initiatives under our Build to Last strategy. No reconciliation of the 2025 low-end guidance estimate of Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure which excludes restructuring charges, acquisition and integration related costs, non-cash asset impairment charges, and (gain) loss on the disposal of properties, plants and equipment, (gain) loss on the disposal of businesses, net, and other costs, is included in this release because, due to the high variability and difficulty in making accurate forecasts and projections of some of the excluded information, together with some of the excluded information not being ascertainable or accessible, we are unable to quantify certain amounts that would be required to be included in net income, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, without unreasonable efforts. A reconciliation of 2025 low-end guidance estimate of adjusted free cash flow to fiscal 2025 forecasted net cash provided by operating activities, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, is included in this release. Conference Call The Company will host a conference call to discuss the fourth quarter and fiscal 2024 results on December 5, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (ET). Participants may access the call using the following online registration link: https://register.vevent.com/register/BId6a2105d615e45438d7c615c6b1ce4d5 . Registrants will receive a confirmation email containing dial in details and a unique conference call code for entry. Phone lines will open at 8:00 a.m. ET on December 5, 2024. A digital replay of the conference call will be available two hours following the call on the Company's web site at http://investor.greif.com . Investor Relations contact information Bill D’Onofrio, Vice President, Corporate Development & Investor Relations, 614-499-7233. Bill.Donofrio@greif.com About Greif Greif is a global leader in industrial packaging products and services and is pursuing its vision: to be the best performing customer service company in the world. The Company produces steel, plastic and fibre drums, intermediate bulk containers, reconditioned containers, jerrycans and other small plastics, containerboard, uncoated recycled paperboard, coated recycled paperboard, tubes and cores and a diverse mix of specialty products. The Company also manufactures packaging accessories and provides other services for a wide range of industries. In addition, the Company manages timber properties in the southeastern United States. The Company is strategically positioned in over 35 countries to serve global as well as regional customers. Additional information is on the Company's website at www.greif.com . Forward-Looking Statements This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “aspiration,” “objective,” “project,” “believe,” “continue,” “on track” or “target” or the negative thereof and similar expressions, among others, identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, expectations and other information currently available to management. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements have a reasonable basis, the Company can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to be correct. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those forecasted, projected or anticipated, whether expressed or implied. Such risks and uncertainties that might cause a difference include, but are not limited to, the following: (i) historically, our business has been sensitive to changes in general economic or business conditions, (ii) our global operations subject us to political risks, instability and currency exchange that could adversely affect our results of operations, (iii) the current and future challenging global economy and disruption and volatility of the financial and credit markets may adversely affect our business, (iv) the continuing consolidation of our customer base and suppliers may intensify pricing pressure, (v) we operate in highly competitive industries, (vi) our business is sensitive to changes in industry demands and customer preferences, (vii) raw material shortages, price fluctuations, global supply chain disruptions and increased inflation may adversely impact our results of operations, (viii) energy and transportation price fluctuations and shortages may adversely impact our manufacturing operations and costs, (ix) we may encounter difficulties or liabilities arising from acquisitions or divestitures, (x) we may incur additional rationalization costs and there is no guarantee that our efforts to reduce costs will be successful, (xi) several operations are conducted by joint ventures that we cannot operate solely for our benefit, (xii) certain of the agreements that govern our joint ventures provide our partners with put or call options, (xiii) our ability to attract, develop and retain talented and qualified employees, managers and executives is critical to our success, (xiv) our business may be adversely impacted by work stoppages and other labor relations matters, (xv) we may be subject to losses that might not be covered in whole or in part by existing insurance reserves or insurance coverage and general insurance premium and deductible increases, (xvi) our business depends on the uninterrupted operations of our facilities, systems and business functions, including our information technology and other business systems, (xvii) a cyber-attack, security breach of customer, employee, supplier or Company information and data privacy risks and costs of compliance with new regulations may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, (xviii) we could be subject to changes in our tax rates, the adoption of new U.S. or foreign tax legislation or exposure to additional tax liabilities, (xix) we have a significant amount of goodwill and long-lived assets which, if impaired in the future, would adversely impact our results of operations, (xx) changing climate, global climate change regulations and greenhouse gas effects may adversely affect our operations and financial performance, (xxi) we may be unable to achieve our greenhouse gas emission reduction target by 2030, (xxii) legislation/regulation related to environmental and health and safety matters could negatively impact our operations and financial performance, (xxiii) product liability claims and other legal proceedings could adversely affect our operations and financial performance, and (xxiv) we may incur fines or penalties, damage to our reputation or other adverse consequences if our employees, agents or business partners violate, or are alleged to have violated, anti-bribery, competition or other laws. The risks described above are not all-inclusive, and given these and other possible risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. For a detailed discussion of the most significant risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those forecasted, projected or anticipated, see “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of our most recently filed Form 10-K and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements made in this news release are expressly qualified in their entirety by reference to such risk factors. Except to the limited extent required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. (8) EBITDA is defined as net income, plus interest expense, net, plus income tax (benefit) expense, plus depreciation, depletion and amortization. However, because the Company does not calculate net income by segment, this table calculates EBITDA by segment with reference to operating profit by segment, which, as demonstrated in the table of Consolidated EBITDA, is another method to achieve the same result. See the reconciliations in the table of Segment EBITDA. (9) Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income, plus interest expense, net, plus income tax (benefit) expense, plus depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, plus acquisition and integration related costs, plus restructuring charges, plus non-cash asset impairment charges, plus non-cash pension settlement charges, plus gain (loss) on disposal of properties, plants and equipment, (gain) loss on disposal of businesses, net, plus other costs. (10) Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income, plus interest expense, net, plus income tax (benefit) expense, plus depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, plus acquisition and integration related costs, plus restructuring charges, plus non-cash asset impairment charges, plus non-cash pension settlement charges, plus (gain) loss on disposal of properties, plants and equipment, plus (gain) loss on disposal of businesses, net, plus other costs. However, because the Company does not calculate net income by segment, this table calculates adjusted EBITDA by segment with reference to operating profit by segment, which, as demonstrated in the table of consolidated adjusted EBITDA, is another method to achieve the same result. (11)Adjusted free cash flow is defined as net cash provided by operating activities, less cash paid for purchases of properties, plants and equipment, plus cash paid for acquisition and integration related costs, net, plus cash paid for integration related ERP systems and equipment, plus cash paid for taxes related to Tama, Iowa mill divestment, plus cash paid for fiscal year-end change costs. (12) Cash paid for integration related ERP systems and equipment is defined as cash paid for ERP systems and equipment required to bring the acquired facilities to Greif’s standards. The impact of income tax (benefit) expense and noncontrolling interest on each adjustment is calculated based on tax rates and ownership percentages specific to each applicable entity. (13)Adjustments to EBITDA are specified by the 2022 Credit Agreement and include certain timberland gains, equity earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax, certain acquisition savings, deferred financing costs, capitalized interest, income and expense in connection with asset dispositions, and other items. (14)Adjustments to net debt are specified by the 2022 Credit Agreement and include the European accounts receivable program, letters of credit, and balances for swap contracts. (15) Leverage ratio is defined as Credit Agreement adjusted net debt divided by Credit Agreement adjusted EBITDA. The following table presents net sales by reportable segments and geographic operating segments, depreciation, depletion and amortization expenses by reportable segments, and capital expenditures by reportable segments for fiscal years 2024 and 2023. The following information is unaudited:
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