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Desert Control Releases Q2 2024 Report and Year-to-Date Company Update

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SANDNES, Norway, Aug. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Desert Control AS (DSRT) announces its second-quarter report and interim financial results for the fiscal period ending 30 June 2024.

Desert Control made significant progress in the second quarter of 2024. Technological advancements drove a record number of installations and expanded the U.S. project portfolio, while collaboration with partners advanced key regulatory and operational milestones in the Middle East.

Operational Highlights:

Technological Breakthroughs Drove Record Growth in Installations

Increased Production Capacity: Achieved a sixfold increase in LNC production capacity with a new compact, lightweight prototype, enhancing deployment efficiency and scalability.Record Number of Installations: Field-testing the new prototype drove a record number of installations, significantly reducing project execution time and costs.Enhanced Agility and Scale-Up Readiness: The prototype’s high capacity and lightweight design improve mobility, opening profitable pathways to more diverse projects and facilitating the transition from pilots to larger deployments.

Increased Pilot Acquisition Rate and Expanded Markets in the United States

Accelerated Pilot Acquisition: Accelerated the pilot acquisition rate, expanding the U.S. project portfolio from 29 to 38 projects, with strong performance in citrus, dates, vineyards, and landscaping.Direct to Larger-Scale Pilots: Several projects bypassed small-scale tests and moved directly to extended (stage 2) pilots, demonstrating increased market confidence.Expansion in High-Value Markets: Significant progress in golf courses and sports fields, with multiple new pilots and promising early results, paving the way for larger-scale contracts by year-end.

Accelerated Regulatory Integration and Solidified Position in the Middle East

Regulatory Framework Integration: Progressing toward integrating LNC into regulatory frameworks as a preferred solution for soil and water conservation requirements in the UAE.Operational Readiness in Saudi Arabia: Both of Desert Control’s licensed operators are now fully operational with offices, production capacity, and initial LNC deployments activated.Strategic Pilots and Deployments: Ongoing pilots and projects with government entities and large enterprises in the UAE and Saudi Arabia are progressing, with additional strategic deployments underway.

Entered New Strategic Partnerships and Strengthened Market Validation

Syngenta Collaboration: MoU with Syngenta underscores the growing recognition and validation of LNC beyond water conservation, extending impact to holistic soil health solutions.University of Arizona: The five-year research program with the University of Arizona continues, with the inaugural interim publication under peer review.University of California: Initiated research with the industry-leading Turf Research Center in Riverside to position LNC as a relevant, trusted, and attractive solution in the golf and turf segment.

Financial Highlights:

In the first half of 2024, Desert Control executed a record number of installations, increased LNC deployment volumes, and doubled LNC revenue compared to the same period the previous year. This progress reflects enhanced operational efficiency, driven by the new prototype LNC production system, the integration of LNC application with irrigation systems, a more streamlined organization, and learnings from the implementation of pilots and projects.

Revenue Increase: LNC revenue in Q2 2024 was MNOK 0,5, compared to MNOK 0,02 in Q2 2023. For the first half of 2024, LNC revenue totaled MNOK 1,8, up from MNOK 0,8 in the first half of 2023, driven by larger-scale deployments and an increased volume of pilots and project installations.Improved EBITDA: Operational efficiency improvements and the transition to a licensed operator model in the Middle East contributed to an EBITDA result of MNOK -16 in Q2 2024, an improvement from MNOK -19.5 in Q2 2023. For the first half, EBITDA improved to MNOK -30.4 from MNOK -42.9 in the same period last year.Cash Position: Desert Control ended Q2 2024 with a cash balance of MNOK 91, compared to MNOK 42 in Q2 2023. The company continues to operate with no interest-bearing debt.

The growth in project volume and LNC deployment, combined with improved EBITDA figures, underscores the enhanced efficiency of operations. The ability to handle larger volumes at a reduced cost base positions Desert Control to maintain healthy margins as the company scales up.

Outlook:

Diverse opportunities in the U.S. and Middle East, combined with regulatory integration and technological advancements, are driving the transition towards more significant contracts by year-end and strengthening the foundation for long-term value creation for stakeholders.

Key Figures (in MNOK):

Second quarter 2024 [second quarter 2023 in brackets]

LNC Revenue: 0.5 [0.0]Total Revenues: 0.5 [0.5]EBITDA: -16.0 [-19.5]

First half 2024 [first half 2023 in brackets]

LNC Revenue: 1.8 [0.9]Total Revenues: 1.8 [2.3]EBITDA: -30.4 [-42.9]

Total cash balance 30.06.24 (bank deposits and funds): 91 [42]
Equity 30.06.24: 100 (equity ratio 94.5%) [68 (91.2%)]

Q2 Report 2024:

The information enclosed is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to sections 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.The report can be downloaded from the company webpage: https://desertcontrol.com/investors/A webcast presentation for Desert Control Q2 2024 Report and Company Update is hosted on 20 August 2024 at 10.00 AM, Central European Time (CET). Register: https://go.desertcontrol.com/Q2-2024

Cautionary Note:

Disclaimer related to forward-looking statements. This release contains forward-looking information and statements relating to the business, performance, and items that may be interpreted to impact the results of Desert Control and/or the industry and markets in which Desert Control operates.

Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and may be identified by words such as “aims,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “foresees,” “intends,” “plans,” “predicts,” “projects,” “targets,” and similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, and projections, reflect current views concerning future events, and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, and may be subject to change without notice. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of any future performance, and risks, uncertainties, and other important factors could cause the actual business, performance, results, or the industry and markets in which Desert Control operates to differ materially from the statements expressed or implied in this release by such forward-looking statements.

No representation is made that any of these forward-looking statements or forecasts will come to pass or that any forecasted performance, capacities, or results will be achieved, and you are cautioned not to place any undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.

For more information, please contact:
Ole Kristian Sivertsen
President and Group CEO
Email: oks@desertcontrol.com
Mobile (NOR): +47 957 77 777
Mobile (USA): +1 650 643 6136

Leonard Chaparian
Chief Financial Officer
Email: leonard.chaparian@desertcontrol.com
Mobile (NOR): +47 90 66 55 40

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/desert-control-as/r/desert-control-releases-q2-2024-report-and-year-to-date-company-update,c4023702

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Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center collaborate on cancer research and personalized prevention

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ABU DHABI, UAE, May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), regulator of the healthcare sector in the emirate, together with the Abu Dhabi Public Health Center (ADPHC), today announced the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center (Fred Hutch), one of the world’s leading cancer research institutions and home to three Nobel laureates.

By pairing Abu Dhabi’s unified clinical and genomic data infrastructure, sovereign AI capabilities and governed data environments with Fred Hutch’s globally renowned research engine, the ensuing collaborations will pave the way to shortening the distance between scientific discovery and patient benefit, for Abu Dhabi’s community and beyond.

Among the projected collaborations, the two organizations will consider leveraging Abu Dhabi’s intelligent health system, and layering Fred Hutch’s world-class science onto the secure, high-quality, real-world data foundation Abu Dhabi has built. That foundation includes the emirate’s pioneering liquid biopsy programme launched last year, one of the first national-scale efforts of its kind anywhere in the world. Alongside Abu Dhabi’s AI multi-cancer early detection work, and the world’s largest clinically integrated population-scale genomics programme – with nearly one million genomes sequence.

During his visit to the center, HE Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of DoH commented: “Cancer is one of the defining health challenges of our time, and progress depends on combining world-class science with population-scale data, advanced AI, and research. In Abu Dhabi, we have built an AI-enabled health system that ‘cares before it cures, delivering prevention at population scale. We are already achieving some of the highest early cancer detection rates in the world, and through our partnership with Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center we are committed to bringing breakthroughs to people in Abu Dhabi and beyond.”

“This MOU between Fred Hutch Cancer Center and the Abu Dhabi Department of Health underscores the power of working together to prevent and treat cancer,” said Thomas Lynch Jr., MD, president and director of Fred Hutch and holder of the Raisbeck Endowed Chair. “Our organizations share a deep commitment to research and to provide the highest levels of cancer prevention, diagnosis and care to our communities, and we are excited to bring our expertise, tools and datasets together to identify unique approaches to cancer care and research in pursuit of our boldest goals.”

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2979204/DoH_Abu_Dhabi.jpg
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SOURCE The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi

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L’Mychele & Associates Founder LaKessia Hill Completes North Texas FWC Hospitality Program (FIFA World Cup) and Appears on The Jeff Crilley Show

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DALLAS, May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — L’Mychele & Associates LLC is proud to announce two significant milestones for the growing strategic meetings and events firm: Founder & CEO LaKessia Hill has successfully completed the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee’s Hospitality Program and was recently featured on The Jeff Crilley Show.

These accomplishments reflect the company’s continued momentum within the hospitality, tourism, and events industries as L’Mychele & Associates expands its presence through strategic partnerships, leadership engagement, and elevated client experiences.

The completion of the North Texas FWC Hospitality Program further strengthens the company’s commitment to delivering intentional, guest-centered experiences rooted in strategy, hospitality, and meaningful connection — values that are central to the L’Mychele & Associates brand.

In addition, Hill recently joined veteran journalist and media personality Jeff Crilley on The Jeff Crilley Show to discuss her entrepreneurial journey, the vision behind L’Mychele & Associates, and the company’s approach to creating experiences as bold as its clients’ goals.

“Both opportunities represent growth, visibility, and the continued evolution of our brand,” said Hill. “Hospitality is more than service — it’s about creating intentional moments that leave lasting impressions. Being recognized through the hospitality program and having the opportunity to share our story on The Jeff Crilley Show were both incredibly meaningful experiences.”

Known for its consultative and strategy-first approach, L’Mychele & Associates specializes in executive summits, conferences, nonprofit galas, incentive experiences, corporate meetings, and curated social gatherings. The firm partners with organizations, brands, and leaders to transform ideas into impactful experiences through strategic planning, management, and execution.

Guided by the company’s signature philosophy — “The Art of Listening. The Science of Execution.” — L’Mychele & Associates continues to position itself as a strategic partner within the meetings, events, and hospitality industries.

The episode of The Jeff Crilley Show featuring LaKessia Hill is now available across multiple platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Transistor.

About L’Mychele & Associates LLC

L’Mychele & Associates LLC is a Dallas-based strategic meetings and events firm specializing in executive summits, corporate meetings, conferences, nonprofit events, incentive experiences, and curated social gatherings. The company is known for blending strategy, hospitality, and execution to create experiences that drive connection and lasting impact.

Media Contact

LaKessia Hill
Founder & CEO, L’Mychele & Associates LLC
469-402-7825

LaKessia@LMychele.com
www.LMychele.com  

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SOURCE L’Mychele & Associates LLC

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HBX GROUP ANNOUNCES HALF YEAR 2026 FINANCIAL RESULTS

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LONDON, May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HBX Group International plc (HBX Group, the Company, the Group, HBX.SM) announces its Half Year 2026 results for the six months ended 31 March 2026.  

TTV up +17% to €3.8bn, and Revenue of €309m, up +1% YoY at constant currency, reflecting targeted commercial and strategic actions to prioritise growth and capture market share, partly offset by disruption from the Middle East conflictAdjusted EBITDA up +9% at constant currency to €163m, with margin of 53% expanding +4ppts in constant currency. Profit after tax was €28m (H1 25: €(227)m).Strong cash generation with 103% cash conversion and leverage at 1.7x Adjusted Net Debt / Adjusted EBITDA. S €100m share buyback programme and a 7.5 cents per share (c.€18m) interim dividend.Executing the strategic building blocks, including the acquisition of Bridgify announced today.FY26E guidance revised to reflect the impact of Middle East conflict and macroeconomic uncertainty. New FY26 guidance is for constant currency TTV growth +11% to +15%, Revenue growth -4% to +1% and Adjusted EBITDA growth -5% to -2%, and Operating Free Cash Flow conversion between 90% and 100%. Medium-term guidance is unchanged.

First half 2026 Financial Performance Summary1

6 months
ended 31
March 2026

6 months
ended 31
March 2025

Change
constant
currency2

Change 

Total Transaction Value (TTV) (€m)

3,770

3,370

+17 %

+12 %

Revenue (€m)

309

319

+1 %

-3 %

Adjusted EBITDA (€m)

163

159

+9 %

+3 %

Delivering profitable growth

Group TTV increased to €3.8bn in the first half, up +17% at constant currency. TTV contribution increased from shorter lead-time bookings, Third Party Supply and Online Travel Agents.

Revenue of €309m, increased +1% in constant currency. Take rate was 8.2%, down 1.3ppts year‑on‑year.

Adjusted EBITDA increased 9%, with margin +4ppts.

Net finance costs were €35m, 77% lower than the prior year. The tax charge was €16m. Adjusted Earnings were €83m, up +44% at constant currency.

Delivering commercial milestones in line with strategy

Commercial progress in H1 2026 reflected HBX Group’s strategy to expand its global travel ecosystem and drive profitability through AI-driven operational efficiency and commercial performance. Key developments included new distribution partnerships in Asia-Pacific, acquisitions such as Bridgify and PerfectStay to strengthen experiences and dynamic capabilities, and new platform and fintech initiatives.

HBX group also continued embedding AI across products and operations, including AI-powered solutions for Bedsonline and HotelTech, while scaling internal AI agents already delivering measurable savings and supporting more than 120 identified use cases, reinforcing the Group’s connected B2B travel ecosystem strategy.

Regional performance and trading dynamics

TTV grew in double-digits in all three regions, up +18% in the Americas and +16% in both MEAPAC and Europe, at constant currency.

In Europe, TTV growth was supported by strong intra‑regional and domestic travel. Asia Pacific up +18%, partly offset by slower growth in the Middle East and disruption on some Europe-Asia corridors. In the Americas, TTV was predominantly driven by domestic demand.

Middle East impact and near‑term outlook

Since late February, the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East has impacted travel demand across affected destinations and selected international corridors, resulting in increased volatility, shorter booking windows and reduced near‑term visibility. The impact of this on H1 Group TTV growth was approximately 1ppt.

HBX Group implemented dynamic pricing, inventory reallocation and active partner support. Demand outside affected corridors has been more resilient.

Cost discipline, cash generation and capital allocation

Underlying operating costs fell by 5%. Performance was supported by productivity initiatives, automation and AI.

On a last 12-month basis, Operating Free Cash Flow was €447m, with cash conversion of 103% over the last 12 months. Adjusted Net Debt at 31 March 2026 stood at €741m.

Outlook

The Group started FY26 with strong performance. Since late February, trading conditions have been adversely impacted by the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East and broader geopolitical uncertainty.

The Group has revised its FY26 guidance. Updated outlook reflects a -4ppt effect of the Middle East conflict on TTV growth. Assumes four months of disruption with gradual stabilisation.

For the complete press release and disclaimer applicable to this information, please visit www.investors.hbxgroup.com

1 See financial statements for definitions of specific financial terms and KPIs, including any Alternative Performance Measures (APMs)
2 Constant currency changes exclude the impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations by translating current year results at the exchange rates used in the prior year.

Contact: 
Clara Truyols
clatruyols@hbxgroup.com 

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SOURCE HBX Group

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