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WASHINGTON — The House Ethics Committee's long-awaited report on Matt Gaetz documents a trove of salacious allegations, including sex with an underage girl, that tanked the Florida Republican's bid to lead the Justice Department. Citing text messages, travel receipts, online payments and testimony, the bipartisan committee paints a picture of a lifestyle in which Gaetz and others connected with younger women for drug-fueled parties, events or trips, with the expectation the women would be paid for their participation. President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to be attorney general, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., closes a door to a private meeting with Vice President-elect JD Vance and Republican Senate Judiciary Committee members, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. The former congressman, who filed a last-minute lawsuit to try to block the report's release Monday, slammed the committee's findings. Gaetz has denied any wrongdoing and has insisted he never had sex with a minor. And a Justice Department investigation into the allegations ended without any criminal charges filed against him. "Giving funds to someone you are dating — that they didn't ask for — and that isn't 'charged' for sex is now prostitution?!?" Gaetz wrote in one post Monday. "There is a reason they did this to me in a Christmas Eve-Eve report and not in a courtroom of any kind where I could present evidence and challenge witnesses." Here's a look at some of the committee's key findings: The committee found that between 2017 and 2020, Gaetz paid tens of thousands of dollars to women "likely in connection with sexual activity and/or drug use." He paid the women using through online services such as PayPal, Venmo and CashApp and with cash or check, the committee said. The committee said it found evidence that Gaetz understood the "transactional nature" of his relationships with the women. The report points to one text exchange in which Gaetz balked at a woman's request that he send her money, "claiming she only gave him a 'drive by.'" Women interviewed by the committee said there was a "general expectation of sex," the report said. One woman who received more than $5,000 from Gaetz between 2018 and 2019 said that "99 percent of the time" that when she hung out with Gaetz "there was sex involved." However, Gaetz was in a long-term relationship with one of the women he paid, so "some of the payments may have been of a legitimate nature," the committee said. Text messages obtained by the committee also show that Gaetz would ask the women to bring drugs to their "rendezvous," the report said. Former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., attends the cocktail hour of New York Young Republican Club's annual gala at Cipriani Wall Street, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in New York. While most of his encounters with the women were in Florida, the committee said Gaetz also traveled "on several occasions" with women whom he paid for sex. The report includes text message exchanges in which Gaetz appears to be inviting various women to events, getaways or parties, and arranging airplane travel and lodging. Gaetz associate Joel Greenberg, who pleaded guilty to sex trafficking charges in 2021, initially connected with women through an online service. In one text with a 20-year-old woman, Greenberg suggested if she had a friend, the four of them could meet up. The woman responded that she usually does "$400 per meet." Greenberg replied: "He understands the deal," along with a smiley face emoji. Greenberg asked if they were old enough to drink alcohol, and sent the woman a picture of Gaetz. The woman responded that her friend found him "really cute." "Well, he's down here for only for the day, we work hard and play hard," Greenberg replied. The report details a party in July 2017 in which Gaetz is accused of having sex with "multiple women, including the 17-year-old, for which they were paid." The committee pointed to "credible testimony" from the now-woman herself as well as "multiple individuals" who corroborated the allegation. The then-17-year-old — who had just completed her junior year in high school — told the committee that Gaetz paid her $400 in cash that night, "which she understood to be payment for sex," according to the report. The woman acknowledged that she had taken ecstasy the night of the party, but told the committee that she was "certain" of her sexual encounters with the then-congressman. There's no evidence that Gaetz knew she was a minor when he had sex with her, the committee said. The woman told the committee she didn't tell Gaetz she was under 18 at the time and he didn't ask how old she was. Rather, the committee said Gaetz learned she was a minor more than a month after the party. But he stayed in touch with her after that and met up with her for "commercial sex" again less than six months after she turned 18, according to the committee. Former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., center, attends the cocktail hour of New York Young Republican Club's annual gala at Cipriani Wall Street, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in New York. In sum, the committee said it authorized 29 subpoenas for documents and testimony, reviewed nearly 14,000 documents and contacted more than two dozen witnesses. But when the committee subpoenaed Gaetz for his testimony, he failed to comply. "Gaetz pointed to evidence that would 'exonerate' him yet failed to produce any such materials," the committee said. Gaetz "continuously sought to deflect, deter, or mislead the Committee in order to prevent his actions from being exposed." The report details a months-long process that dragged into a year as it sought information from Gaetz that he decried as "nosey" and a "weaponization" of government against him. In one notable exchange, investigators were seeking information about the expenses for a 2018 getaway with multiple women to the Bahamas. Gaetz ultimately offered up his plane ticket receipt "to" the destination, but declined to share his return "from" the Bahamas. The report said his return on a private plane and other expenses paid by an associate were in violation of House gift rules. In another Gaetz told the committee he would "welcome" the opportunity to respond to written questions. Yet, after it sent a list of 16 questions, Gaetz said publicly he would "no longer" voluntarily cooperate. He called the investigation "frivolous," adding, "Every investigation into me ends the same way: my exoneration." The report said that while Gaetz's obstruction of the investigation does not rise to a criminal violation it is inconsistent with the requirement that all members of Congress "act in a manner that reflects creditably upon the House." The committee began its review of Gaetz in April 2021 and deferred its work in response to a Justice Department request. It renewed its work shortly after Gaetz announced that the Justice Department had ended a sex trafficking investigation without filing any charges against him. The committee sought records from the Justice Department about the probe, but the agency refused, saying it doesn't disclose information about investigations that don't result in charges. The committee then subpoenaed the Justice Department, and after a back-and-forth between officials and the committee, the department handed over "publicly reported information about the testimony of a deceased individual," according to the report. "To date, DOJ has provided no meaningful evidence or information to the Committee or cited any lawful basis for its responses," the committee said. Many of the women who the committee spoke to had already given statements to the Justice Department and didn't want to "relive their experience," the committee said. "They were particularly concerned with providing additional testimony about a sitting congressman in light of DOJ's lack of action on their prior testimony," the report said. The Justice Department, however, never handed over the women's statements. The agency's lack of cooperation — along with its request that the committee pause its investigation — significantly delayed the committee's probe, lawmakers said. Among President-elect Donald Trump's picks are Susie Wiles for chief of staff, Susie Wiles, 67, was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 presidential campaign and its de facto manager. Trump to be secretary of state, making a former sharp critic his choice to be the new administration's top diplomat. Rubio, 53, is a noted hawk on China, Cuba and Iran, and was a finalist to be Trump's running mate on the Republican ticket last summer. Rubio is the vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “He will be a strong Advocate for our Nation, a true friend to our Allies, and a fearless Warrior who will never back down to our adversaries,” Trump said of Rubio in a statement. The announcement punctuates the hard pivot Rubio has made with Trump, whom the senator called a “con man" during his unsuccessful campaign for the 2016 GOP presidential nomination. Their relationship improved dramatically while Trump was in the White House. And as Trump campaigned for the presidency a third time, Rubio cheered his proposals. For instance, Rubio, who more than a decade ago helped craft immigration legislation that included a path to citizenship for people in the U.S. illegally, now supports Trump's plan to use the U.S. military for mass deportations. Pete Hegseth, 44, is a co-host of Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends Weekend” and has been a contributor with the network since 2014, where he developed a friendship with Trump, who made regular appearances on the show. Hegseth lacks senior military or national security experience. If confirmed by the Senate, he would inherit the top job during a series of global crises — ranging from Russia’s war in Ukraine and the ongoing attacks in the Middle East by Iranian proxies to the push for a cease-fire between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah and escalating worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea. Hegseth is also the author of “The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free,” published earlier this year. Trump tapped Pam Bondi, 59, to be attorney general after U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration. She was Florida's first female attorney general, serving between 2011 and 2019. She also was on Trump’s legal team during his first impeachment trial in 2020. Considered a loyalist, she served as part of a Trump-allied outside group that helped lay the groundwork for his future administration called the America First Policy Institute. Bondi was among a group of Republicans who showed up to support Trump at his hush money criminal trial in New York that ended in May with a conviction on 34 felony counts. A fierce defender of Trump, she also frequently appears on Fox News and has been a critic of the criminal cases against him. Trump picked South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, a well-known conservative who faced sharp criticism for telling a story in her memoir about shooting a rambunctious dog, to lead an agency crucial to the president-elect’s hardline immigration agenda. Noem used her two terms leading a tiny state to vault to a prominent position in Republican politics. South Dakota is usually a political afterthought. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, Noem did not order restrictions that other states had issued and instead declared her state “open for business.” Trump held a fireworks rally at Mount Rushmore in July 2020 in one of the first large gatherings of the pandemic. She takes over a department with a sprawling mission. In addition to key immigration agencies, the Department of Homeland Security oversees natural disaster response, the U.S. Secret Service, and Transportation Security Administration agents who work at airports. The governor of North Dakota, who was once little-known outside his state, Burgum is a former Republican presidential primary contender who endorsed Trump, and spent months traveling to drum up support for him, after dropping out of the race. Burgum was a serious contender to be Trump’s vice presidential choice this summer. The two-term governor was seen as a possible pick because of his executive experience and business savvy. Burgum also has close ties to deep-pocketed energy industry CEOs. Trump made the announcement about Burgum joining his incoming administration while addressing a gala at his Mar-a-Lago club, and said a formal statement would be coming the following day. In comments to reporters before Trump took the stage, Burgum said that, in recent years, the power grid is deteriorating in many parts of the country, which he said could raise national security concerns but also drive up prices enough to increase inflation. “There's just a sense of urgency, and a sense of understanding in the Trump administration,” Burgum said. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ran for president as a Democrat, than as an independent, and . He's the son of Democratic icon Robert Kennedy, who was assassinated during his own presidential campaign. The nomination of Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services alarmed people who are concerned about . For example, he has long advanced the debunked idea that vaccines cause autism. Scott Bessent, 62, is a former George Soros money manager and an advocate for deficit reduction. He's the founder of hedge fund Key Square Capital Management, after having worked on-and-off for Soros Fund Management since 1991. If confirmed by the Senate, he would be the nation’s first openly gay treasury secretary. He told Bloomberg in August that he decided to join Trump’s campaign in part to attack the mounting U.S. national debt. That would include slashing government programs and other spending. “This election cycle is the last chance for the U.S. to grow our way out of this mountain of debt without becoming a sort of European-style socialist democracy,” he said then. Oregon Republican U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer narrowly lost her reelection bid this month, but received strong backing from union members in her district. As a potential labor secretary, she would oversee the Labor Department’s workforce, its budget and put forth priorities that impact workers’ wages, health and safety, ability to unionize, and employer’s rights to fire employers, among other responsibilities. Chavez-DeRemer is one of few House Republicans to endorse the “Protecting the Right to Organize” or PRO Act would allow more workers to conduct organizing campaigns and would add penalties for companies that violate workers’ rights. The act would also weaken “right-to-work” laws that allow employees in more than half the states to avoid participating in or paying dues to unions that represent workers at their places of employment. Scott Turner is a former NFL player and White House aide. He ran the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first term in office. Trump, in a statement, credited Turner, the highest-ranking Black person he’s yet selected for his administration, with “helping to lead an Unprecedented Effort that Transformed our Country’s most distressed communities.” Sean Duffy is a former House member from Wisconsin who was one of Trump's most visible defenders on cable news. Duffy served in the House for nearly nine years, sitting on the Financial Services Committee and chairing the subcommittee on insurance and housing. He left Congress in 2019 for a TV career and has been the host of “The Bottom Line” on Fox Business. Before entering politics, Duffy was a reality TV star on MTV, where he met his wife, “Fox and Friends Weekend” co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy. They have nine children. A campaign donor and CEO of Denver-based Liberty Energy, Write is a vocal advocate of oil and gas development, including fracking — a key pillar of Trump’s quest to achieve U.S. “energy dominance” in the global market. Wright also has been one of the industry’s loudest voices against efforts to fight climate change. He said the climate movement around the world is “collapsing under its own weight.” The Energy Department is responsible for advancing energy, environmental and nuclear security of the United States. Wright also won support from influential conservatives, including oil and gas tycoon Harold Hamm. Hamm, executive chairman of Oklahoma-based Continental Resources, a major shale oil company, is a longtime Trump supporter and adviser who played a key role on energy issues in Trump’s first term. President-elect Donald Trump tapped billionaire professional wrestling mogul Linda McMahon to be secretary of the Education Department, tasked with overseeing an agency Trump promised to dismantle. McMahon led the Small Business Administration during Trump’s initial term from 2017 to 2019 and twice ran unsuccessfully as a Republican for the U.S. Senate in Connecticut. She’s seen as a relative unknown in education circles, though she expressed support for charter schools and school choice. She served on the Connecticut Board of Education for a year starting in 2009 and has spent years on the board of trustees for Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. Brooke Rollins, who graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in agricultural development, is a longtime Trump associate who served as White House domestic policy chief during his first presidency. The 52-year-old is president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a group helping to lay the groundwork for a second Trump administration. She previously served as an aide to former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and ran a think tank, the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Trump chose Howard Lutnick, head of brokerage and investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald and a cryptocurrency enthusiast, as his nominee for commerce secretary, a position in which he'd have a key role in carrying out Trump's plans to raise and enforce tariffs. Trump made the announcement Tuesday on his social media platform, Truth Social. Lutnick is a co-chair of Trump’s transition team, along with Linda McMahon, the former wrestling executive who previously led Trump’s Small Business Administration. Both are tasked with putting forward candidates for key roles in the next administration. The nomination would put Lutnick in charge of a sprawling Cabinet agency that is involved in funding new computer chip factories, imposing trade restrictions, releasing economic data and monitoring the weather. It is also a position in which connections to CEOs and the wider business community are crucial. FILE - Former Rep. Doug Collins speaks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign event at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Oct. 15, 2024, in Atlanta. Karoline Leavitt, 27, was Trump's campaign press secretary and currently a spokesperson for his transition. She would be the youngest White House press secretary in history. The White House press secretary typically serves as the public face of the administration and historically has held daily briefings for the press corps. Leavitt, a New Hampshire native, was a spokesperson for MAGA Inc., a super PAC supporting Trump, before joining his 2024 campaign. In 2022, winning a 10-way Republican primary before losing to Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas. Leavitt worked in the White House press office during Trump's first term before she became communications director for New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, Trump's choice for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard to be director of national intelligence, keeping with the trend to stock his Cabinet with loyal personalities rather than veteran professionals in their requisite fields. Gabbard, 43, was a Democratic House member who unsuccessfully sought the party's 2020 presidential nomination before leaving the party in 2022. She endorsed Trump in August and campaigned often with him this fall. “I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community,” Trump said in a statement. Gabbard, who has served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades, deploying to Iraq and Kuwait, would come to the role as somewhat of an outsider compared to her predecessor. The current director, Avril Haines, was confirmed by the Senate in 2021 following several years in a number of top national security and intelligence positions. Trump has picked John Ratcliffe, a former Texas congressman who served as director of national intelligence during his first administration, to be director of the Central Intelligence Agency in his next. Ratcliffe was director of national intelligence during the final year and a half of Trump's first term, leading the U.S. government's spy agencies during the coronavirus pandemic. “I look forward to John being the first person ever to serve in both of our Nation's highest Intelligence positions,” Trump said in a statement, calling him a “fearless fighter for the Constitutional Rights of all Americans” who would ensure “the Highest Levels of National Security, and PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.” Kash Patel spent several years as a Justice Department prosecutor before catching the Trump administration’s attention as a staffer on Capitol Hill who helped investigate the Russia probe. Patel called for dramatically reducing the agency’s footprint, a perspective that sets him apart from earlier directors who sought additional resources for the bureau. Though the Justice Department in 2021 during leak investigations, Patel said he intends to aggressively hunt down government officials who leak information to reporters. Trump has chosen former New York Rep. to serve as his pick to lead the . Zeldin does not appear to have any experience in environmental issues, but is a longtime supporter of the former president. The 44-year-old former U.S. House member from New York wrote on , “We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI.” “We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water,” he added. During his campaign, Trump often attacked the Biden administration's promotion of electric vehicles, and incorrectly referring to a tax credit for EV purchases as a government mandate. Trump also often told his audiences during the campaign his administration would “Drill, baby, drill,” referring to his support for expanded petroleum exploration. In a statement, Trump said Zeldin “will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet.” Trump has named Brendan Carr, the senior Republican on the Federal Communications Commission, as the new chairman of the agency tasked with regulating broadcasting, telecommunications and broadband. Carr is a longtime member of the commission and served previously as the FCC’s general counsel. He has been unanimously confirmed by the Senate three times and was nominated by both Trump and President Joe Biden to the commission. Carr made past appearances on “Fox News Channel," including when he decried Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris' pre-Election Day appearance on “Saturday Night Live.” He wrote an op-ed last month defending a satellite company owned by Trump supporter Elon Musk. Trump said Atkins, the CEO of Patomak Partners and a former SEC commissioner, was a “proven leader for common sense regulations.” In the years since leaving the SEC, Atkins has made the case against too much market regulation. “He believes in the promise of robust, innovative capital markets that are responsive to the needs of Investors, & that provide capital to make our Economy the best in the World. He also recognizes that digital assets & other innovations are crucial to Making America Greater than Ever Before,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. The commission oversees U.S. securities markets and investments and is currently led by Gary Gensler, who has been leading the U.S. government’s crackdown on the crypto industry. Gensler, who was nominated by President Joe Biden, announced last month that he would be stepping down from his post on the day that Trump is inaugurated — Jan. 20, 2025. Atkins began his career as a lawyer and has a long history working in the financial markets sector, both in government and private practice. In the 1990s, he worked on the staffs of two former SEC chairmen, Richard C. Breeden and Arthur Levitt. Rep. Elise Stefanik is a and one of Trump's staunchest defenders going back to his first impeachment. Elected to the House in 2014, Stefanik was selected by her GOP House colleagues as House Republican Conference chair in 2021, when former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney was removed from the post after publicly criticizing Trump for falsely claiming he won the 2020 election. Stefanik, 40, has served in that role ever since as the third-ranking member of House leadership. Stefanik’s questioning of university presidents over antisemitism on their campuses helped lead to two of those presidents resigning, further raising her national profile. If confirmed, she would represent American interests at the U.N. as Trump vows to end the war waged by Russia against Ukraine begun in 2022. He has also called for peace as Israel continues its offensive against Hamas in Gaza and its invasion of Lebanon to target Hezbollah. President-elect Donald Trump tapped former Sen. David Perdue of Georgia to be ambassador to China, saying in a social media post that the former CEO “brings valuable expertise to help build our relationship with China.” four years ago and ran unsuccessfully in a primary against Republican Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp. Perdue pushed Trump's debunked lies about electoral fraud during his failed bid for governor. A Republican congressman from Michigan who served from 1993 to 2011, Hoekstra was ambassador to the Netherlands during Trump's first term. “In my Second Term, Pete will help me once again put AMERICA FIRST,” Trump said in a statement announcing his choice. “He did an outstanding job as United States Ambassador to the Netherlands during our first four years, and I am confident that he will continue to represent our Country well in this new role.” Trump will nominate former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee to be ambassador to Israel. Huckabee is a staunch defender of Israel and his intended nomination comes as Trump has promised to align U.S. foreign policy more closely with Israel's interests as it wages wars against the Iran-backed Hamas and Hezbollah. “He loves Israel, and likewise the people of Israel love him,” Trump said in a statement. “Mike will work tirelessly to bring about peace in the Middle East.” Huckabee, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008 and 2016, has been a popular figure among evangelical Christian conservatives, many of whom support Israel due to Old Testament writings that Jews are God’s chosen people and that Israel is their rightful homeland. Trump has been praised by some in this important Republican voting bloc for moving the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Guilfoyle is a former California prosecutor and television news personality who led the fundraising for Trump's 2020 campaign and became engaged to Don Jr. in 2020. Trump called her “a close friend and ally” and praised her “sharp intellect make her supremely qualified.” Guilfoyle was on stage with the family on election night. “I am so proud of Kimberly. She loves America and she always has wanted to serve the country as an Ambassador. She will be an amazing leader for America First,” Don Jr. posted. The ambassador positions must be approved by the U.S. Senate. Guilfoyle said in a social media post that she was “honored to accept President Trump’s nomination to serve as the next Ambassador to Greece and I look forward to earning the support of the U.S. Senate.” Trump on Tuesday named real estate investor Steven Witkoff to be special envoy to the Middle East. The 67-year-old Witkoff is the president-elect's golf partner and was golfing with him at Trump's club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sept. 15, when the former president was the target of a second attempted assassination. Witkoff “is a Highly Respected Leader in Business and Philanthropy,” Trump said of Witkoff in a statement. “Steve will be an unrelenting Voice for PEACE, and make us all proud." Trump also named Witkoff co-chair, with former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler, of his inaugural committee. Trump said Wednesday that he will nominate Gen. Keith Kellogg to serve as assistant to the president and special envoy for Ukraine and Russia. Kellogg, a retired Army lieutenant general who has long been Trump’s top adviser on defense issues, served as National Security Advisor to Trump's former Vice President Mike Pence. For the America First Policy Institute, one of several groups formed after Trump left office to help lay the groundwork for the next Republican administration, Kellogg in April wrote that “bringing the Russia-Ukraine war to a close will require strong, America First leadership to deliver a peace deal and immediately end the hostilities between the two warring parties.” (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib) Trump asked Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., a retired Army National Guard officer and war veteran, to be his national security adviser, Trump announced in a statement Tuesday. The move puts Waltz in the middle of national security crises, ranging from efforts to provide weapons to Ukraine and worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea to the persistent attacks in the Middle East by Iran proxies and the push for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas and Hezbollah. “Mike has been a strong champion of my America First Foreign Policy agenda,” Trump's statement said, "and will be a tremendous champion of our pursuit of Peace through Strength!” Waltz is a three-term GOP congressman from east-central Florida. He served multiple tours in Afghanistan and also worked in the Pentagon as a policy adviser when Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates were defense chiefs. He is considered hawkish on China, and called for a U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing due to its involvement in the origin of COVID-19 and its mistreatment of the minority Muslim Uighur population. Stephen Miller, an , was a vocal spokesperson during the presidential campaign for Trump's priority of mass deportations. The 39-year-old was a senior adviser during Trump's first administration. Miller has been a central figure in some of Trump's policy decisions, notably his move to separate thousands of immigrant families. Trump argued throughout the campaign that the nation's economic, national security and social priorities could be met by deporting people who are in the United States illegally. Since Trump left office in 2021, Miller has served as the president of America First Legal, an organization made up of former Trump advisers aimed at challenging the Biden administration, media companies, universities and others over issues such as free speech and national security. Thomas Homan, 62, with Trump’s top priority of carrying out the largest deportation operation in the nation’s history. Homan, who served under Trump in his first administration leading U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, was widely expected to be offered a position related to the border, an issue Trump made central to his campaign. Though Homan has insisted such a massive undertaking would be humane, he has long been a loyal supporter of Trump's policy proposals, suggesting at a July conference in Washington that he would be willing to "run the biggest deportation operation this country’s ever seen.” Democrats have criticized Homan for his defending Trump's “zero tolerance” policy on border crossings during his first administration, which led to the separation of thousands of parents and children seeking asylum at the border. Customs and Border Protection, with its roughly 60,000 employees, falls under the Department of Homeland Security. It includes the Border Patrol, which Rodney Scott led during Trump's first term, and is essentially responsible for protecting the country's borders while facilitating trade and travel. Scott comes to the job firmly from the Border Patrol side of the house. He became an agent in 1992 and spent much of his career in San Diego. When he was appointed head of the border agency in January 2020, he enthusiastically embraced Trump's policies. After being forced out under the Biden administration, Scott has been a vocal supporter of Trump's hard-line immigration agenda. He appeared frequently on Fox News and testified in Congress. He's also a senior fellow at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Former Rep. Billy Long represented Missouri in the U.S. House from 2011 to 2023. Since leaving Congress, Trump said, Long “has worked as a Business and Tax advisor, helping Small Businesses navigate the complexities of complying with the IRS Rules and Regulations.” Former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler was appointed in January 2020 by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and then lost a runoff election a year later. She started a conservative voter registration organization and dived into GOP fundraising, becoming one of the top individual donors and bundlers to Trump’s 2024 comeback campaign. Even before nominating her for agriculture secretary, the president-elect already had tapped Loeffler as co-chair of his inaugural committee. Dr. Mehmet Oz, 64, is a former heart surgeon who hosted “The Dr. Oz Show,” a long-running daytime television talk show. He ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate as the Republican nominee in 2022 and is an outspoken supporter of Trump, who endorsed Oz's bid for elected office. Elon Musk, left, and Vivek Ramaswamy speak before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at an Oct. 27 campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in New York. Trump on Tuesday said Musk and former Republican presidential candidate Ramaswamy will lead a new “Department of Government Efficiency" — which is not, despite the name, a government agency. The acronym “DOGE” is a nod to Musk's favorite cryptocurrency, dogecoin. Trump said Musk and Ramaswamy will work from outside the government to offer the White House “advice and guidance” and will partner with the Office of Management and Budget to “drive large scale structural reform, and create an entrepreneurial approach to Government never seen before.” He added the move would shock government systems. It's not clear how the organization will operate. Musk, owner of X and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has been a constant presence at Mar-a-Lago since Trump won the presidential election. Ramaswamy suspended his campaign in January and threw his support behind Trump. Trump said the two will “pave the way for my Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies.” Russell Vought held the position during Trump’s first presidency. After Trump’s initial term ended, Vought founded the Center for Renewing America, a think tank that describes its mission as “renew a consensus of America as a nation under God.” Vought was closely involved with Project 2025, a conservative blueprint for Trump’s second term that he tried to distance himself from during the campaign. Vought has also previously worked as the executive and budget director for the Republican Study Committee, a caucus for conservative House Republicans. He also worked at Heritage Action, the political group tied to The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. Scavino, whom Trump's transition referred to in a statement as one of “Trump's longest serving and most trusted aides,” was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 campaign, as well as his 2016 and 2020 campaigns. He will be deputy chief of staff and assistant to the president. Scavino had run Trump's social media profile in the White House during his first administration. He was also held in contempt of Congress in 2022 after a month-long refusal to comply with a subpoena from the House committee’s investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Blair was political director for Trump's 2024 campaign and for the Republican National Committee. He will be deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs and assistant to the president. Blair was key to Trump's economic messaging during his winning White House comeback campaign this year, a driving force behind the candidate's “Trump can fix it” slogan and his query to audiences this fall if they were better off than four years ago. Budowich is a veteran Trump campaign aide who launched and directed Make America Great Again, Inc., a super PAC that supported Trump's 2024 campaign. He will be deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel and assistant to the president. Budowich also had served as a spokesman for Trump after his presidency. Trump has chosen Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to lead the National Institutes of Health. Bhattacharya is a physician and professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, and is a critic of pandemic lockdowns and vaccine mandates. He promoted the idea of herd immunity during the pandemic, arguing that people at low risk should live normally while building up immunity to COVID-19 through infection. The National Institutes of Health funds medical research through competitive grants to researchers at institutions throughout the nation. NIH also conducts its own research with thousands of scientists working at its labs in Bethesda, Maryland. Makary is a Johns Hopkins surgeon and author who argued against pandemic lockdowns. He routinely appeared on Fox News during the COVID-19 pandemic and wrote opinion articles questioning masks for children. He cast doubt on vaccine mandates but supported vaccines generally. Makary also cast doubt on whether booster shots worked, which was against federal recommendations on the vaccine. Nesheiwat is a general practitioner who serves as medical director for CityMD, a network of urgent care centers in New York and New Jersey. She has been a contributor to Fox News. Weldon is a former Florida congressman who recently ran for a Florida state legislative seat and lost; Trump backed Weldon’s opponent. In Congress, Weldon weighed in on one of the nation’s most heated debates of the 1990s over quality of life and a right-to-die and whether Terri Schiavo, who was in a persistent vegetative state after cardiac arrest, should have been allowed to have her feeding tube removed. He sided with the parents who did not want it removed. Trump is turning to two officials with experience navigating not only Washington but the key issues of income taxes and tariffs as he fills out his economic team. He announced he has chosen international trade attorney Jamieson Greer to be his U.S. trade representative and Kevin Hassett as director of the White House National Economic Council. While Trump has in several cases nominated outsiders to key posts, these picks reflect a recognition that his reputation will likely hinge on restoring the public’s confidence in the economy. Trump said in a statement that Greer was instrumental in his first term in imposing tariffs on China and others and replacing the trade agreement with Canada and Mexico, “therefore making it much better for American Workers.” Hassett, 62, served in the first Trump term as chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers. He has a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania and worked at the right-leaning American Enterprise Institute before joining the Trump White House in 2017. Johnson — not the Republican senator — served as ambassador to El Salvador during Trump's first administration. His nomination comes as the president-elect has been threatening tariffs on Mexican imports and the mass deportation of migrants who have arrived to the U.S.-Mexico border. Johnson is also a former U.S. Army veteran and was in the Central Intelligence Agency. Barrack, a wealthy financier, met Trump in the 1980s while helping negotiate Trump’s purchase of the renowned Plaza Hotel. He was charged with using his personal access to the former president to secretly promote the interests of the United Arab Emirates, but was acquitted of all counts at a federal trial in 2022. Trump called him a “well-respected and experienced voice of reason.” Ferguson, who is already one of the FTC's five commissioners, will replace Lina Khan, who became a lightning rod for Wall Street and Silicon Valley by blocking billions of dollars worth of corporate acquisitions and suing Amazon and Meta while alleging anticompetitive behavior. “Andrew has a proven record of standing up to Big Tech censorship, and protecting Freedom of Speech in our Great Country,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding, “Andrew will be the most America First, and pro-innovation FTC Chair in our Country’s History.” Trump says he’s picking Kari Lake as director of Voice of America, installing a staunch loyalist who ran unsuccessfully for Arizona governor and a Senate seat to head the congressionally funded broadcaster that provides independent news reporting around the world. Lake endeared herself to Trump through her dogmatic commitment to the falsehood that both she and Trump were the victims of election fraud. She has never acknowledged losing the gubernatorial race and called herself the “lawful governor” in her 2023 book, “Unafraid: Just Getting Started.” Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.
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Tyler Technologies executive chair sells shares worth $3.8 millionIn a move that has thrilled fans worldwide, Paramount Pictures has officially greenlit ' Sonic the Hedgehog 4 ,' with a release date set for 2027. ET Year-end Special Reads Take That: The gamechanger weapon's India acquired in 2024 10 big-bang policy moves Modi government made in 2024 How governments tried to rein in the social media beast The announcement follows the monumental success of the first two Sonic films, which collectively grossed over $725 million globally. With 'Sonic the Hedgehog 3' recently smashing records by earning $60 million during its opening weekend, the stage is set for the franchise's next chapter, as mentioned in the report by Movieweb. As speculation swirls around the fourth installment, many believe it’s time to draw inspiration from two iconic games: 'Sonic CD' and 'Sonic Heroes.' How Previous Games Shaped the Sonic Films The Sonic film franchise has consistently paid homage to its video game origins. Artificial Intelligence(AI) Java Programming with ChatGPT: Learn using Generative AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Basics of Generative AI: Unveiling Tomorrows Innovations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Generative AI for Dynamic Java Web Applications with ChatGPT By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Mastering C++ Fundamentals with Generative AI: A Hands-On By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Master in Python Language Quickly Using the ChatGPT Open AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Performance Marketing for eCommerce Brands By - Zafer Mukeri, Founder- Inara Marketers View Program Office Productivity Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance A2Z Of Money By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Marketing Modern Marketing Masterclass by Seth Godin By - Seth Godin, Former dot com Business Executive and Best Selling Author View Program Astrology Vastu Shastra Course By - Sachenkumar Rai, Vastu Shashtri View Program Strategy Succession Planning Masterclass By - Nigel Penny, Global Strategy Advisor: NSP Strategy Facilitation Ltd. View Program Data Science SQL for Data Science along with Data Analytics and Data Visualization By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI and Analytics based Business Strategy By - Tanusree De, Managing Director- Accenture Technology Lead, Trustworthy AI Center of Excellence: ATCI View Program Web Development A Comprehensive ASP.NET Core MVC 6 Project Guide for 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Pam Moore By - Pam Moore, Digital Transformation and Social Media Expert View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI-Powered Python Mastery with Tabnine: Boost Your Coding Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Mastering Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and 365 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital marketing - Wordpress Website Development By - Shraddha Somani, Digital Marketing Trainer, Consultant, Strategiest and Subject Matter expert View Program Office Productivity Mastering Google Sheets: Unleash the Power of Excel and Advance Analysis By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Mastering Full Stack Development: From Frontend to Backend Excellence By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Financial Literacy i.e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By - CA Rahul Gupta, CA with 10+ years of experience and Accounting Educator View Program Data Science SQL Server Bootcamp 2024: Transform from Beginner to Pro By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program The first movie borrowed from the original 1991 'Sonic the Hedgehog' game, with the setting of Green Hill town and the Green Hill Zone as notable references. The second film expanded on this by incorporating elements from 'Sonic the Hedgehog 2' (1992) and 'Sonic Adventure' (1998), including the Ice Cap Zone and emerald-hunting sequences. Clues from Sonic the Hedgehog 3 'Sonic the Hedgehog 3' introduces Shadow the Hedgehog as a new villain, alongside Dr. Robotnik, played by Jim Carrey. Drawing inspiration from 'Sonic Adventure 2' (2001) and 'Shadow the Hedgehog' (2005), the film includes references to iconic gaming locations such as Eggman Land and the Chao Garden Cafe. The post-credits scene offers tantalizing hints about the future, featuring Team Sonic—Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy Rose, and Sticks the Badger—facing off against a swarm of robotic Metal Sonics, as per a report by Movieweb. This climactic moment strongly suggests that the next film will incorporate elements from 'Sonic CD' and 'Sonic Heroes.' Why Sonic CD and Sonic Heroes Are Essential Fans are eager to see the cinematic adaptation of 'Sonic CD' (1993) and 'Sonic Heroes' (2003), two games celebrated for their engaging narratives and innovative gameplay. 'Sonic CD' stands out for its unique time-travel mechanic, which allows players to explore past, present, and future versions of each level. The story revolves around Sonic’s mission to save the Little Planet from Dr. Robotnik. Amy Rose and Metal Sonic, key characters introduced in this game, play pivotal roles that would seamlessly translate to the big screen. 'Sonic Heroes,' on the other hand, shifts the focus to teamwork and racing. The game’s storyline sees Team Sonic collecting Chaos Emeralds to thwart Dr. Eggman’s latest scheme. Its linear storytelling and dynamic team-based gameplay make it an ideal blueprint for the next film. What Fans Expect from Sonic the Hedgehog 4 With its established track record, the Sonic movie franchise is well-positioned to blend the best elements of 'Sonic CD' and 'Sonic Heroes.' Amy Rose’s heroic rescue in 'Sonic the Hedgehog 3' and Metal Sonic’s ominous arrival set the stage for a high-stakes adventure. FAQs Will there be a Sonic the Hedgehog 4 movie in 2026? Sonic the Hedgehog 4 is slated for a Spring 2027 release, though an exact date has yet to be confirmed. Is there a Sonic the Hedgehog 5? Sonic the Hedgehog 5 offers gameplay reminiscent of Sonic 4 and Sonic Advance 3 , allowing players to choose from Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles as playable characters. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )Jimmy Carter: Many evolutions for a centenarian ‘citizen of the world’
The EU and a South American trade bloc reach a giant trade deal after 25 years of talksMIAMI, Nov. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PennantPark Investment Corporation PNNT (the "Company") announced today financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. HIGHLIGHTS Year ended September 30, 2024 ($ in millions, except per share amounts) Assets and Liabilities: Investment portfolio (1) $ 1,328.1 Net assets $ 493.9 Adjusted net asset value per share (2) $ 7.56 Quarterly increase in adjusted net asset value per share (2) 0.5 % GAAP net asset value per share $ 7.56 Quarterly increase in GAAP net asset value per share 0.5 % Credit Facility $ 460.4 2026 Notes $ 148.6 2026-2 Notes $ 163.1 Regulatory Debt to Equity 1.58x Weighted average yield on debt investments at quarter-end 12.3 % Quarter Ended Year Ended September 30, 2024 September 30, 2024 Operating Results: Net investment income $ 14.4 $ 60.1 Net investment income per share $ 0.22 $ 0.92 Core net investment income per share (3) $ 0.22 $ 0.89 Distributions declared per share $ 0.24 $ 0.88 Portfolio Activity: Purchases of investments $ 291.6 $ 1,043.6 Sales and repayments of investments $ 235.2 $ 824.6 PSLF Portfolio data: PSLF investment portfolio $ 1,031.2 $ 1,031.2 Purchases of investments $ 145.9 $ 396.1 Sales and repayments of investments $ 39.1 $ 172.9 Includes investments in PennantPark Senior Loan Fund, LLC ("PSLF"), an unconsolidated joint venture, totaling $183.8 million, at fair value. This is a non-GAAP financial measure. The Company believes that this number provides useful information to investors and management because it reflects the Company's financial performance excluding the impact of unrealized gain on our multi-currency, senior secured revolving credit facility with Truist Bank, as amended, the "Credit Facility." The presentation of this additional information is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP. Core net investment income ("Core NII") is a non-GAAP financial measure. The Company believes that Core NII provides useful information to investors and management because it reflects the Company's financial performance excluding one-time or non-recurring investment income and expenses. The presentation of this additional information is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP. For the year ended September 30, 2024, Core NII excluded: i) $2.5 million of PSLF special dividend income, and ii) $0.4 million of incentive fee expense offset. CONFERENCE CALL AT 12:00 P.M. EST ON NOVEMBER 26, 2024 PennantPark Investment Corporation ("we," "our," "us" or the "Company") will also host a conference call at 12:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 to discuss its financial results. All interested parties are welcome to participate. You can access the conference call by dialing toll-free (888) 394-8218 approximately 5-10 minutes prior to the call. International callers should dial (646) 828-8193. All callers should reference conference ID #3424889 or PennantPark Investment Corporation. An archived replay will also be available on a webcast link located on the Quarterly Earnings page in the Investor section of PennantPark's website. PORTFOLIO AND INVESTMENT ACTIVITY "We are pleased to announce another quarter of solid performance from both an NAV and Net Investment Income perspective," said Arthur Penn, Chairman and CEO. "Our earnings stream continues to be robust due to strong credit performance and the excellent returns generated by our PSLF joint venture." As of September 30, 2024, our portfolio totaled $1,328.1 million and consisted of $667.9 million or 50% of first lien secured debt, $99.6 million or 7% of U.S. Government Securities, $67.2 million or 5% of second lien secured debt, $181.7 million or 14% of subordinated debt (including $115.9 million or 9% in PSLF) and $311.7 million or 23% of preferred and common equity (including $67.9 million or 5% in PSLF). Our interest bearing debt portfolio consisted of 94% variable-rate investments and 6% fixed-rate investments. As of September 30, 2024, we had two portfolio companies on non-accrual, representing 4.1% and 2.3% percent of our overall portfolio on a cost and fair value basis, respectively. Overall, the portfolio had net unrealized appreciation of $11.2 million as of September 30, 2024. Our overall portfolio consisted of 152 companies with an average investment size of $8.1 million (excluding U.S. Government Securities), had a weighted average yield on interest bearing debt investments of 12.3%. As of September 30, 2023, our portfolio totaled $1,101.7 million and consisted of $527.7 million or 48% of first lien secured debt, $99.8 million or 9% of US Government Securities, $80.4 million or 7% of second lien secured debt, $156.2 million or 14% of subordinated debt (including $102.3 million or 9% in PSLF) and $237.6 million or 22% of preferred and common equity (including $62.1 million or 6% in PSLF). Our interest bearing debt portfolio consisted of 95% variable-rate investments and 5% fixed-rate investments. As of September 30, 2023, we had one portfolio company on non-accrual, representing 1.2% and zero percent of our overall portfolio on a cost and fair value basis, respectively. Overall, the portfolio had net unrealized depreciation of $16.3 million as of September 30, 2023. Our overall portfolio consisted of 129 companies with an average investment size of $7.8 million (excluding U.S. Government Securities), had a weighted average yield on interest bearing debt investments of 13.0%. For the three months ended September 30, 2024, we invested $191.9 million in 12 new and 44 existing portfolio companies at a weighted average yield on debt investments of 11.4% (excluding U.S. Government Securities). For the three months ended September 30, 2024, sales and repayments of investments totaled $175.3 million (excluding U.S. Government Securities), including $117.0 million of sales to PSLF. For the year ended September 30, 2024, we invested $774.6 million of investments in 41 new and 81 existing portfolio companies with a weighted average yield on debt investments of 11.7 % (excluding U.S. Government Securities). Sales and repayments of investments for the same period totaled $555.4 million (excluding U.S. Government Securities), including $308.7 million of sales to PSLF. For the three months ended September 30, 2023, we invested $61.1 million in two new and 31 existing portfolio companies at a weighted average yield on debt investments of 12.3% (excluding U.S. Government Securities). For the three months ended September 30, 2023, sales and repayments of investments totaled $138.2 million (excluding U.S. Government Securities), including $47.6 million of sales to PSLF. For the year ended September 30, 2023, we invested $275.4 million in 17 new and 69 existing portfolio companies at a weighted average yield on debt investments of 12.0% (excluding U.S. Government Securities). For the year ended September 30, 2023, sales and repayment totaled $418.6 million (excluding U.S. Government Securities), including $127.8 million of sales to PSLF. PennantPark Senior Loan Fund, LLC PNNT has agreed to invest an additional $52.5 million and its joint venture partner has agreed to invest an additional $75.0 million of capital in PSLF. In addition, PSLF increased its senior secured credit facility provided by BNP Paribas from $325 million to $400 million, thereby allowing the JV to scale its investment portfolio to over $1.5 billion, representing a nearly $500 million increase in the JV's investment capacity. As of September 30, 2024, PSLF's portfolio totaled $1,031.2 million, consisted of 102 companies with an average investment size of $10.1 million and had a weighted average yield interest bearing debt investments of 11.3%. As of September 30, 2023, PSLF's portfolio totaled $804.2 million, consisted of 90 companies with an average investment size of $8.9 million and had a weighted average yield on debt investments of 12.1%. For the three months ended September 30, 2024, PSLF invested $145.9 million (including $117.0 million purchased from the Company) in three new and seven existing portfolio companies at a weighted average yield on debt investments of 11.5%. PSLF's sales and repayments of investments for the same period totaled $39.1 million. For the year ended September 30, 2024, PSLF invested $396.1 million (of which $308.8 million was purchased from the Company) in 20 new and 24 existing portfolio companies with a weighted average yield on debt investments of 11.8%. PSLF's sales and repayments of investments for the same period totaled $172.9 million. For the three months ended September 30, 2023, PSLF invested $56.9 million (including $47.6 million purchased from the Company) in five new and 18 existing portfolio companies at a weighted average yield on debt investments of 11.8%. PSLF's sales and repayments of investments for the same period totaled $52.6 million. For the year ended September 30, 2023, PSLF invested $176.2 million (including $127.8 million purchased from the Company) in 21 new and 23 existing portfolio companies at a weighted average yield on debt investments of 11.8%. PSLF's sales and repayments of investments for the same period totaled $106.6 million. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Set forth below are the results of operations for the three months ended and years ended September 30, 2024 and 2023. Investment Income For the three months and year ended September 30, 2024, investment income was $36.5 million and $143.8 million, respectively, which was attributable to $27.2 million and $104.8 million from first lien secured debt, $2.2 million and $9.8 million from second lien secured debt, $1.1 million and $3.0 million from subordinated debt and $6.0 million and $26.2 million from other investments, respectively. For the three months and year ended September 30, 2023, investment income was $34.0 million and $145.4 million, respectively, which was attributable to $24.5 million and $97.2 million from first lien secured debt, $2.9 million and $13.8 million from second lien secured debt, $1.3 million and $4.7 million from subordinated debt and $5.4 million and $29.7 million from preferred and common equity, respectively. The decrease in investment income for the year compared to the same period in the prior year was primarily due to a decrease in dividend income. Expenses For the three months and year ended September 30, 2024, expenses totaled $22.0 million and $83.7 million, respectively, and were comprised of $12.3 million and $45.2 million of debt related interest and expenses, $4.3 million and $16.7 million of base management fees, $3.1 million and $12.7 million of incentive fees, $1.8 million and $6.6 million of general and administrative expenses and $0.7 million and $2.6 million of provision for excise taxes. For the three months and year ended September 30, 2023, expenses totaled $18.4 million and $79.8 million, respectively, and were comprised of $9.0 million and $39.4 million of debt related interest and expenses, $3.9 million and $16.5 million of base management fees, $3.3 million and $13.9 million of incentive fees, $1.6 million and $5.7 million of general and administrative expenses and $0.7 million and $4.3 million of provision for excise taxes. The increase in expenses over the prior year was primarily due to an increase in debt related interest and expenses. Net Investment Income For the three months and year ended September 30, 2024, net investment income totaled $14.4 million and $60.1 million, or $0.22 per share and $0.92 per share, respectively. For the three months and year ended September 30, 2023, net investment income totaled $15.6 million and $65.5 million, or $0.24 per share and $1.00 per share, respectively. The decrease in net investment income per share compared to the prior year was primarily due to an increase in debt-related interest expenses and decrease in dividend income. Net Realized Gains or Losses For the three months and year ended September 30, 2024, net realized gains (losses) totaled $2.5 million and $(33.6) million, respectively. For the three months and year ended September 30, 2023, net realized gains (losses) totaled $(5.2) million and $(156.8) million, respectively. The change in realized gains/losses was primarily due to changes in market conditions of our investments and the values at which they were realized and the fluctuations in the market and in the economy. Unrealized Appreciation or Depreciation on Investments and Debt For the three months ended and year ended September 30, 2024, net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments was $4.3 million and $26.8 million, respectively. For the three months ended and year ended September 30, 2023, net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments was $2.5 million and $61.2 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, our net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments totaled $11.2 million and $(16.3) million, respectively. The net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on our investments for the year ended September 30, 2024 compared to the prior year was primarily due to changes in the capital market conditions of our investments and the values at which they were realized and the fluctuation in the market and in the economy. For the three months and year ended September 30, 2024, our Credit Facility had a net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of $(2.8) million and $(4.4) million, respectively. For the three months and year ended September 30, 2023, our Credit Facility had a net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of $(1.3) million and $(3.8) million, respectively. As of September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, the net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the Credit Facility totaled $1.1 million and $5.5 million, respectively. The net change in unrealized depreciation for the year ended September 30, 2024 compared to the prior year was primarily due to changes in the capital markets. Net Change in Net Assets Resulting from Operations For the three months and year ended September 30, 2024, net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations totaled $18.4 million and $48.9 million, or $0.28 per share and $0.75 per share, respectively. For the three months and year ended September 30, 2023, net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations totaled $12.3 million and $(33.8) million, or $0.19 per share and $(0.52) per share, respectively. The increase in net assets from operations for the year ended September 30, 2024 compared to the prior year was primarily due to larger depreciation of the portfolio in the prior year primarily driven by changes in market conditions. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES Our liquidity and capital resources are derived primarily from proceeds of securities offerings, debt capital and cash flows from operations, including investment sales and repayments, and income earned. Our primary use of funds from operations includes investments in portfolio companies and payments of interest expense, fees and other operating expenses we incur. We have used, and expect to continue to use, our debt capital, proceeds from the rotation of our portfolio and proceeds from public and private offerings of securities to finance our investment objectives. As of September 30, 2024 and 2023, we had $461.5 million and $212.4 million, respectively, in outstanding borrowings under the Truist Credit Facility. The Truist Credit Facility had a weighted average interest rate of 7.2% and 7.7%, respectively, exclusive of the fee on undrawn commitments. As of September 30, 2024 and 2023, we had $13.5 million and $262.6 million of unused borrowing capacity under the Truist Credit Facility, respectively, subject to leverage and borrowing base restrictions. As of September 30, 2024 and 2023, we had cash and cash equivalents of $49.9 million and $38.8 million, respectively, available for investing and general corporate purposes. We believe our liquidity and capital resources are sufficient to allow us to effectively operate our business. For the year ended September 30, 2024, our operating activities used cash of $(172.4) million and our financing activities provided cash of $183.4 million for the same period. Our operating activities used cash primarily for our investment activities and our financing activities provided cash primarily from borrowings under our Truist Credit Facility. For the year ended September 30, 2023, our operating activities provided cash of $222.9 million and our financing activities used cash of $239.2 million for the same period. Our operating activities provided cash primarily from our investment activities and our financing activities used cash primarily from the proceeds of our 2026-2 Notes and net repayments under our Truist Credit Facility. DISTRIBUTIONS During the three months and year ended September 30, 2024, we declared distributions of $0.24 and $0.88 per share, for total distributions of $15.7 million and $57.4 million, respectively. During the three months and year ended September 30, 2023, we declared distributions of $0.21 and $0.76 per share, for total distributions of $13.7 million and $49.6 million, respectively. We monitor available net income to determine if a return of capital for tax purposes may occur for the fiscal year. To the extent our taxable earnings fall below the total amount of our distributions for any given fiscal year, stockholders will be notified of the portion of those distributions deemed to be a tax return of capital. Tax characteristics of all distributions will be reported to stockholders subject to information reporting on Form 1099-DIV after the end of each calendar year and in our periodic reports filed with the SEC. AVAILABLE INFORMATION The Company makes available on its website its annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC and stockholders may find the report on our website at www.pennantpark.com . PENNANTPARK INVESTMENT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (In thousands, except share data) September 30, 2024 September 30, 2023 Assets Investments at fair value Non-controlled, non-affiliated investments (amortized cost—$916,168 and $816,754, respectively) $ 910,323 $ 830,808 Non-controlled, affiliated investments (amortized cost—$56,734 and $55,787, respectively) 33,423 54,771 Controlled, affiliated investments (amortized cost—$343,970 and $245,386, respectively) 384,304 216,068 Total investments (amortized cost—$1,316,872 and $1,117,927, respectively) 1,328,050 1,101,647 Cash and cash equivalents (cost—$49,833 and $38,784, respectively) 49,861 38,775 Interest receivable 5,261 6,820 Distribution receivable 5,417 5,079 Due from affiliates 228 — Prepaid expenses and other assets 269 4,656 Total assets 1,389,086 1,156,977 Liabilities Truist Credit Facility payable, at fair value (cost—$461,456 and $212,420, respectively) 460,361 206,940 2026 Notes payable, net (par— $150,000) 148,571 147,669 2026 Notes-2 payable, net (par— $165,000) 163,080 162,226 Payable for investment purchased 100,096 99,949 Interest payable on debt 6,406 6,231 Distributions payable 5,224 13,697 Base management fee payable 4,297 3,915 Incentive fee payable 3,057 3,310 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 4,053 6,754 Due to affiliates 33 4,099 Total liabilities 895,178 654,790 Net assets Common stock, 65,296,094 and 65,224,500 shares issued and outstanding, respectively Par value $0.001 per share and 200,000,000 shares authorized 65 65 Paid-in capital in excess of par value 743,968 746,466 Accumulated deficit (250,125 ) (244,344 ) Total net assets $ 493,908 $ 502,187 Total liabilities and net assets $ 1,389,086 $ 1,156,977 Net asset value per share $ 7.56 $ 7.70 PENNANTPARK INVESTMENT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (In thousands, except share data) Three Months Ended Sept 30, Year Ended Ended Sept 30, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Investment income: From non-controlled, non-affiliated investments: Interest $ 19,174 $ 21,240 $ 80,527 $ 93,420 Payment-in-kind 3,047 1,221 5,140 1,236 Dividend income 577 1,028 2,869 13,945 Other income 913 888 3,508 2,316 From non-controlled, affiliated investments: Interest — — — 73 Payment-in-kind — 308 347 625 From controlled, affiliated investments: Interest 6,349 4,527 25,738 15,425 Payment-in-kind 1,600 446 4,084 2,596 Dividend income 4,840 4,386 21,605 15,730 Total investment income 36,500 34,044 143,818 145,366 Expenses: Base management fee 4,297 3,915 16,654 16,549 Incentive fee 3,057 3,310 12,741 13,901 Interest and expenses on debt 12,281 8,953 45,188 39,408 Administrative services expenses 500 469 1,689 1,843 General and administrative expenses 1,250 1,129 4,874 3,837 Expenses before provision for taxes 21,385 17,776 81,146 75,538 Provision for taxes on net investment income 700 663 2,602 4,295 Net expenses 22,085 18,439 83,748 79,833 Net investment income 14,415 15,605 60,070 65,533 Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and debt: Net realized gain (loss) on investments and debt: Non-controlled, non-affiliated investments (442 ) (2,676 ) 1,166 (18,418 ) Non-controlled and controlled, affiliated investments (35,474 ) — (34,999 ) (133,098 ) Debt extinguishment — — — (289 ) Provision for taxes on realized gain on investments 363 (2,535 ) 186 (4,952 ) Net realized gain (loss) on investments and debt (35,553 ) (5,211 ) (33,647 ) (156,757 ) Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: Non-controlled, non-affiliated investments (5,483 ) (1,928 ) (20,895 ) (35,440 ) Non-controlled and controlled, affiliated investments 9,796 4,400 48,388 95,034 Provision for taxes on unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments — 680 (680 ) 1,576 Debt appreciation (depreciation) (2,807 ) (1,279 ) (4,385 ) (3,753 ) Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and debt 1,506 1,873 22,428 57,417 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) from investments and debt (34,047 ) (3,338 ) (11,219 ) (99,340 ) Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations (19,632 ) 12,267 48,851 (33,807 ) Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations per common share $ (0.30 ) $ 0.19 $ 0.75 $ (0.52 ) Net investment income per common share $ 0.22 $ 0.24 $ 0.92 $ 1.00 ABOUT PENNANTPARK INVESTMENT CORPORATION PennantPark Investment Corporation is a business development company which primarily invests in U.S. middle-market private companies in the form of first lien secured debt, second lien secured debt, subordinated debt and equity investments. PennantPark Investment Corporation is managed by PennantPark Investment Advisers, LLC. ABOUT PENNANTPARK INVESTMENT ADVISERS, LLC PennantPark Investment Advisers, LLC is a leading middle market credit platform, managing $8.3 billion of investable capital, including potential leverage. Since its inception in 2007, PennantPark Investment Advisers, LLC has provided investors access to middle market credit by offering private equity firms and their portfolio companies as well as other middle-market borrowers a comprehensive range of creative and flexible financing solutions. PennantPark Investment Advisers, LLC is headquartered in Miami and has offices in New York, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles and Amsterdam. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND OTHER This press release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You should understand that under Section 27A(b)(2)(B) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E(b)(2)(B) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 do not apply to forward-looking statements made in periodic reports PennantPark Investment Corporation files under the Exchange Act. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release are forward-looking statements and are not guarantees of future performance or results and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including those described from time to time in filings with the SEC. PennantPark Investment Corporation undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statement made herein. You should not place undue influence on such forward-looking statements as such statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. We may use words such as "anticipates," "believes," "expects," "intends," "seeks," "plans," "estimates" and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on currently available operating, financial and competitive information and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our present expectations. The information contained herein is based on current tax laws, which may change in the future. The Company cannot be held responsible for any direct or incidental loss resulting from applying any of the information provided in this publication or from any other source mentioned. The information provided in this material does not constitute any specific legal, tax or accounting advice. Please consult with qualified professionals for this type of advice. Contact: Richard T. Allorto, Jr. PennantPark Investment Corporation (212) 905-1000 www.pennantpark.com © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.SHE'S no stranger to finding gems in the charity shop. And Francesca did it once again as she had a rifle through the 20p bargain bin in one of her local stores. In a video on her TikTok page , Francesca couldn't hide her shock, as she marvelled: "Stop it. Stop it now! "Look what I just found in a 20p freaking bargain bin. "I can't even speak!" She then pulled out the item in question - a padded navy coat that didn't look all that special on first glance. Read more Charity shop stories However, Francesca then drew attention to the emblem on the sleeve, which read "Pyrenex". "I'm flabbergasted!" she said. "A Pyrenex coat for 20p and they sell them online for £250. "Yes, please!" Most read in Fabulous She also shared a screenshot of one online listing for the coat - which had it listed for £273. "Look what I found in the 20p Bargain bin! A £250 coat!" Francesca captioned the video. The comments section was quickly filled with people marvelling over her find, while also sharing some of their own charity shop wins. "I got a DKNY coat, brand new with label on £75, and put it in a bag where it was fill a bag for £2," one wrote. "That's a bargain!!" another said. "I got a Rohan coat (retails for £230 or so) and I got it for less than £10. "It was also new!" "I found one the other day with fox fur on it for a £5er! And a Burberry coat for £5 too!" a third commented. Ross Dutton has been a manager for Crisis's charity shops for four years and currently runs the charity's Finsbury Park shop in London. Choose your area - As a rule of thumb, the posher the area, the better quality the clothes that are donated. Don't hang around - If you see something you like, buy it, as it'll likely be gone when you come back Look out for cut-off labels - Some of your favourite high street stores will have deals with local charity shops to donate stock that isn't sold during their own sales . Often part of the deal is that they need to cut the labels off the clothes. Stay at home - While some charities have their own site, like Oxfam and Crisis . many also sell from dedicated eBay stores, such as British Heart Foundation and Scope . You won't get the range of bargains that you would get in a physical store, but if you're looking for something specific it may be worth checking online too. "Oh wow!! Bargain!" Francesca replied. "I need to come the charity shops with you!" someone else insisted. "You find all the bargains." In response to another comment, Francesca revealed she'd found the coat in the bargain bin in the Barnardo's store in Ashton-Under-Lyne. "My charity shops are so expensive, like they would charge about £100 for this!" another sighed. "Oh my lorddddddd," someone else yelled. With Francesca admitting: "I know!!" READ MORE SUN STORIES Her fab finds didn't end there though, as she later shared another video of herself coming across a pair of £800 Balenciaga men's trainers on sale for £50 in another charity shop. While the trainers had initially been marked up for £200, they'd been reduced to just £50 in the post-Christmas sales.
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