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TriNet Announces Third Quarter 2024 Results

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DUBLIN, Calif., Oct. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — TriNet Group, Inc. (NYSE: TNET), a leading provider of comprehensive human resources solutions for small and medium-size businesses, today announced financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024. The third quarter highlights below include non-GAAP financial measures which are reconciled later in this release.

Third quarter highlights include:

Total revenues increased 1% to $1.2 billion as compared to the same period last year.Flat professional service revenues of $184 million as compared to the same period last year.Net income was $45 million, or $0.89 per diluted share, compared to net income of $94 million, or $1.63 per diluted share, in the same period last year.Adjusted Net Income was $59 million, or $1.17 per diluted share, compared to Adjusted Net Income of $109 million, or $1.91 per diluted share, in the same period last year.Adjusted EBITDA was $109 million, compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $172 million, in the same period last year.Average WSEs increased 7% as compared to the same period last year, to approximately 356,000 and includes approximately 20,000 PEO Platform Users.Average HRIS Users for the period was approximately 183,000.At September 30, 2024, TriNet had unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of $251 million, unrestricted investments of $195 million and total debt of $1.1 billion.

“Small businesses are navigating a challenging business climate, hiring very carefully, and dealing with healthcare cost inflation steeper than we have seen in several years,” said Mike Simonds, TriNet’s President and CEO. “TriNet is not immune from these conditions and higher healthcare costs adversely impacted our profitability in the quarter.”

Mr. Simonds continued, “Fortunately, our model allows us to quickly take action and align our pricing with healthcare cost trends. We repriced our largest cohort of healthcare fees on October 1, and we experienced strong customer retention. Following our January 1 renewal, we will have priced for the current elevated cost trends across more than two thirds of our PEO business. Our colleagues are extremely engaged, delivering strong service to our customers and record retention levels in 2024 despite the challenging environment. Nearly eight months into this role, I am excited by the opportunity in front of us to grow our business profitably in an increasingly focused, disciplined, and customer-centric fashion.”

Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2024 Guidance

In addition to announcing our third quarter 2024 results, we provide our fourth quarter and full-year 2024 guidance. Non-GAAP financial measures are reconciled later in this release. Percentages reflect the increase or (decrease) from the prior year quarter and prior year end.

Q4 2024

Full Year 2024

Low

High

Low

High

Total Revenues

(1) %

2 %

1 %

2 %

Professional Service Revenues

(8) %

(5) %

— %

1 %

Insurance Cost Ratio

96.5 %

93.5 %

90.3 %

89.6 %

Diluted net income per share of common stock

$(0.19)

$0.31

$3.70

$4.20

Adjusted Net Income per share – diluted

$0.06

$0.57

$4.95

$5.45

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

We anticipate filing our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (“Form 10-Q”) for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and making it available at http://www.trinet.com today, October 25, 2024. This press release should be read in conjunction with the Form 10-Q and the related Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in the Form 10-Q.

Earnings Conference Call and Audio Webcast

TriNet will host a conference call at 5:30 a.m. PT (8:30 a.m. ET) today to discuss its third quarter results for 2024 and provide fourth quarter and full-year financial guidance for 2024. TriNet encourages participants to pre-register for the conference call. Callers who pre-register will be given a unique PIN to gain immediate access to the call and bypass the live operator. To pre-register, go to: https://dpregister.com/sreg/10193255/fda58bcb7d. For those who would like to join the call but have not pre-registered, they can do so by dialing +1 (412) 317-5426 and requesting the “TriNet Conference Call.” The live webcast of the conference call can be accessed on the Investor Relations section of TriNet’s website at http://investor.trinet.com. Participants can pre-register for the webcast by going to: https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/366545303 A replay of the webcast will be available on this website for approximately one year. A telephonic replay will be available for two weeks following the conference call at +1 (412) 317-0088 conference ID: 1675204.

About TriNet

TriNet provides small and medium-size businesses (SMBs) with full-service industry-specific HR solutions, providing both professional employer organization (PEO) and human resources information system (HRIS) services. TriNet offers access to human capital expertise, benefits, risk mitigation, compliance, payroll, and R&D tax credit services, all enabled by industry-leading technology. TriNet’s suite of products also includes services and software-based solutions to help streamline workflows by connecting HR, benefits, employee engagement, payroll and time & attendance. Rooted in more than 30 years of supporting entrepreneurs and adapting to the ever-changing modern workplace, TriNet empowers SMBs to focus on what matters most – growing their business and enabling their people For more information, please visit TriNet.com or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to TriNet’s financial results as determined in accordance with GAAP are included at the end of this press release following the accompanying financial data. For a description of these non-GAAP financial measures, including the reasons management uses each measure, please see the section titled “Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains, and statements made during the above referenced conference call will contain, statements that are not historical in nature, are predictive in nature, or that depend upon or refer to future events or conditions or otherwise contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, among other things, TriNet’s expectations and assumptions regarding: TriNet’s financial guidance for the fourth quarter and full-year 2024 and the underlying assumptions, the value to customers and shareholders of TriNet’s product offerings, TriNet’s financial performance and long-term growth, and the extent, length and growth impact of current economic uncertainty. Forward-looking statements are often identified by the use of words such as, but not limited to, “ability,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “can,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “guidance,” “impact,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “strategy,” “target,” “value,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions or variations. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, TriNet’s expectations regarding our ability to continue to have our value proposition resonate at required pricing levels; ability to manage our expenses diligently; and our ability to meet our forecasted retention goals. These statements are not guarantees of future performance but are based on management’s expectations as of the date hereof and assumptions that are inherently subject to uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from our current expectations and any past or future results, performance or achievements. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements.

Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements include: our ability to manage unexpected changes in workers’ compensation and health insurance claims and costs by WSEs; our ability to mitigate the unique business risks we face as a co-employer; the effects of volatility in the financial and economic environment on the businesses that make up our client base; loss of clients for reasons beyond our control and the short-term contracts we typically use with our clients; the impact of regional or industry-specific economic and health factors on our operations; the impact of failures or limitations in the business systems and centers we rely upon; the impact of discontinuing our discretionary credits on our business and client loyalty and retention; changes in our insurance coverage or our relationships with key insurance carriers; our ability to improve our services and technology to satisfy client and regulatory expectations; our ability to effectively integrate businesses we have acquired or may acquire in the future; our ability to effectively manage and improve our operational effectiveness and resiliency; our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; the effects of increased competition and our ability to compete effectively; the impact on our business of cyber-attacks, breaches, disclosures and other data-related incidents; our ability to protect against and remediate cyber-attacks, breaches, disclosures and other data-related incidents, whether intentional or inadvertent and whether attributable to us or our service providers; our ability to comply with evolving data privacy and security laws; our ability to manage changes in, uncertainty regarding, or adverse application of the complex laws and regulations that govern our business; changing laws and regulations governing health insurance and employee benefits; our ability to be recognized as an employer of worksite employees and for our benefits plans to satisfy all requirements under federal and state regulations; changes in the laws and regulations that govern what it means to be an employer, employee or independent contractor; the impact of new and changing laws regarding remote work; our ability to comply with the licensing requirements that govern our solutions; the outcome of existing and future legal and tax proceedings; fluctuation in our results of operations and stock price due to factors outside of our control; our ability to comply with the restrictions of our credit facility and meet our debt obligations; and the impact of concentrated ownership in our stock by Atairos and other large stockholders; and our ability to manage risks associated with our international operations. Any of these factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from our anticipated results.

Further information on risks that could affect TriNet’s results is included in our filings with the SEC, including under the headings “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and elsewhere in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, which are available on our investor relations website at http://investor.trinet.com and on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Copies of these filings are also available by contacting TriNet Corporation’s Investor Relations Department at (510) 875-7201. Except as required by law, neither we nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the forward-looking statements in this press release, and any forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. In addition, we do not assume any obligation, and do not intend, to update any of our forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

Contacts:

Investors:

Media:

Alex Bauer

Renee Brotherton

TriNet

TriNet

Alex.Bauer@TriNet.com

Renee.Brotherton@TriNet.com

(510) 875-7201

(925) 965-8441

Key Financial and Operating Metrics

We regularly review certain key financial and operating metrics to evaluate growth trends, measure our performance and make strategic decisions. These key financial and operating metrics may change over time. Our key financial and operating metrics for the periods presented were as follows:

Three Months Ended September 30,

Nine Months Ended September 30,

(in millions, except per share and Operating Metrics data)

2024

2023

% Change

2024

2023

% Change

Income Statement Data:

Total revenues

$ 1,237

$ 1,222

1

%

$ 3,727

$ 3,677

1

%

Operating income

58

116

(50)

261

382

(32)

Net income

45

94

(52)

196

308

(36)

Diluted net income per share of common stock

0.89

1.63

(45)

3.87

5.20

(26)

Non-GAAP measures (1):

Adjusted EBITDA

109

172

(37)

425

557

(24)

Adjusted Net income

59

109

(46)

247

365

(32)

Operating Metrics:

Insurance Cost Ratio

90 %

84 %

6

%

88 %

83 %

5

Average WSEs (2)

355,948

333,286

7

351,856

329,257

7

%

Total WSEs at period end (2)

356,137

335,741

6

356,137

335,741

6

Average HRIS Users (3)

183,410

210,863

(13)

189,929

219,058

(13)

(1)

Refer to Non-GAAP measures definitions and reconciliations from GAAP measures under the heading “Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.

(2)

Total WSEs and Average WSEs include incremental WSEs that were charged a platform user access fee and incremental additional service recipients. These were identified as a result of our ongoing effort to ensure that our billing practices best match the expectations of our customers. Please refer to Management Discussion & Analysis in our 2024 10-Q.

 

(in millions)

September 30,
2024

December 31,
2023

%
Change

Balance Sheet Data:

Working capital

165

115

43

%

Total assets

3,729

3,693

1

Debt

1,068

1,093

(2)

Total stockholders’ equity

129

78

65

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

(in millions)

2024

2023

%
Change

Cash Flow Data:

Net cash used in operating activities

$ (276)

$ (43)

542

%

Net cash used in investing activities

(25)

(57)

(56)

Net cash used in financing activities

(217)

(523)

(59)

Non-GAAP measure (1):

Corporate Operating Cash Flows

$ 213

$ 386

(45)

(1)

Refer to Non-GAAP measures definitions and reconciliations from GAAP measures under the heading “Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.

 

TRINET GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)

Three Months Ended
September 30,

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

(in millions except per share data)

2024

2023

2024

2023

Professional service revenues

$ 184

$ 185

$ 584

$ 567

Insurance service revenues

1,053

1,037

3,143

3,110

Total revenues

1,237

1,222

3,727

3,677

Insurance costs

949

874

2,772

2,594

Cost of providing services

74

74

228

231

Sales and marketing

74

75

218

214

General and administrative

46

51

140

154

Systems development and programming

17

15

52

49

Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets

19

17

56

53

Total costs and operating expenses

1,179

1,106

3,466

3,295

Operating income

58

116

261

382

Other income (expense):

Interest expense, bank fees and other

(15)

(10)

(47)

(23)

Interest income

15

18

49

57

Income before provision for income taxes

58

124

263

416

Income taxes

13

30

67

108

Net income

$ 45

$ 94

$ 196

$ 308

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes

7

(2)

4

(3)

Comprehensive income

$ 52

$ 92

$ 200

$ 305

Net income per share:

Basic

$ 0.90

$ 1.65

$ 3.91

$ 5.23

Diluted

$ 0.89

$ 1.63

$ 3.87

$ 5.20

Weighted average shares:

Basic

50

57

50

59

Diluted

50

58

51

59

 

TRINET GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)

September 30,

December 31,

(in millions, except share and per share data)

2024

2023

ASSETS

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$ 251

$ 287

Investments

50

65

Restricted cash, cash equivalents and investments

780

1,269

Accounts receivable, net

15

18

Unbilled revenue, net

511

447

Prepaid expenses, net

64

67

Other payroll assets

883

381

Other current assets

51

44

Total current assets

2,605

2,578

Restricted cash, cash equivalents and investments, noncurrent

153

158

Investments, noncurrent

145

143

Property and equipment, net

14

17

Operating lease right-of-use asset

30

24

Goodwill

462

462

Software and other intangible assets, net

179

172

Other assets

141

139

Total assets

$ 3,729

$ 3,693

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable and other current liabilities

$ 82

$ 87

Revolving credit agreement borrowings

75

109

Client deposits and other client liabilities

39

65

Accrued wages

566

515

Accrued health insurance costs, net

193

175

Accrued workers’ compensation costs, net

44

50

Payroll tax liabilities and other payroll withholdings

1,420

1,438

Operating lease liabilities

15

14

Insurance premiums and other payables

6

10

Total current liabilities

2,440

2,463

Long-term debt, noncurrent

993

984

Accrued workers’ compensation costs, noncurrent, net

107

120

Deferred taxes

18

13

Operating lease liabilities, noncurrent

30

30

Other non current liabilities

12

5

Total liabilities

3,600

3,615

Stockholders’ equity:

Preferred stock

Common stock and additional paid-in capital

1,037

976

Accumulated deficit

(910)

(896)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

2

(2)

Total stockholders’ equity

129

78

Total liabilities & stockholders’ equity

$ 3,729

$ 3,693

 

TRINET GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

(in millions)

2024

2023

Operating activities

Net income

$ 196

$ 308

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets

56

53

Amortization of deferred costs

32

31

Amortization of ROU asset, lease modification, impairment, and abandonment

4

5

Deferred income taxes

3

Stock based compensation

53

43

Other

3

1

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

Accounts receivable, net

2

(4)

Unbilled revenue, net

(64)

(29)

Prepaid expenses, net

3

(4)

Other assets

(44)

(44)

Other payroll assets

(502)

(104)

Accounts payable and other liabilities

(13)

9

Client deposits and other client liabilities

(27)

(33)

Accrued wages

52

21

Accrued health insurance costs, net

18

9

Accrued workers’ compensation costs, net

(19)

(9)

Payroll taxes payable and other payroll withholdings

(18)

(283)

Operating lease liabilities

(11)

(13)

Net cash used in operating activities

(276)

(43)

Investing activities

Purchases of marketable securities

(161)

(226)

Proceeds from sale and maturity of marketable securities

196

223

Acquisitions of property and equipment and software

(60)

(54)

Net cash used in investing activities

(25)

(57)

Financing activities

Repurchase of common stock

(155)

(1,109)

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

6

9

Proceeds from revolving credit agreement borrowings

695

Revolver repayment

(495)

Proceeds from issuance of 2031 Notes

400

Awards effectively repurchased for required employee withholding taxes

(18)

(14)

Payment of long-term financing fees and debt issuance costs

(9)

Repayment of revolving credit agreement borrowings

(25)

Dividends paid

(25)

Net cash used in financing activities

(217)

(523)

Net change in cash and cash equivalents, unrestricted and restricted

(518)

(623)

Cash and cash equivalents, unrestricted and restricted:

Beginning of period

1,466

1,537

End of period

$ 948

$ 914

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information

Interest paid

$ 55

$ 21

Income taxes paid, net

$ 67

$ 89

Supplemental schedule of noncash investing and financing activities

Cash dividend declared, but not yet paid

$ 12

$ —

Payable for purchase of property and equipment

$ 2

$ 2

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In addition to the selected financial measures presented in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), we monitor other non-GAAP financial measures that we use to manage our business, to make planning decisions, to allocate resources and to use as performance measures in our executive compensation plan. These key financial measures provide an additional view of our operational performance over the long term and provide information that we use to maintain and grow our business.

The presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is used to enhance the understanding of certain aspects of our financial performance. It is not meant to be considered in isolation from, superior to, or as a substitute for the directly comparable financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Non-GAAP Measure

Definition

How We Use The Measure

Adjusted EBITDA

• Net income, excluding the effects of:

– income tax provision,

– interest expense, bank fees and other,

– depreciation,

– amortization of intangible assets,

– stock based compensation expense,

– amortization of cloud computing arrangements, and

– transaction and integration costs.

• Provides period-to-period comparisons on a consistent basis and an understanding as to how our management evaluates the effectiveness of our business strategies by excluding certain non-recurring costs, which include transaction and integration costs, as well as certain non-cash charges such as depreciation and amortization, and stock-based compensation and certain impairment charges recognized based on the estimated fair values. We believe these charges are either not directly resulting from our core operations or not indicative of our ongoing operations.

• Enhances comparisons to the prior period and, accordingly, facilitates the development of future projections and earnings growth prospects.

• Provides a measure, among others, used in the determination of incentive compensation for management.

• We also sometimes refer to Adjusted EBITDA margin, which is the ratio of Adjusted EBITDA to total revenues.

Adjusted Net Income

• Net income, excluding the effects of:

– effective income tax rate (1),

– stock based compensation,

– amortization of intangible assets, net,

– non-cash interest expense,

– transaction and integration costs, and

– the income tax effect (at our effective tax rate (1) of these pre-tax adjustments.

• Provides information to our stockholders and board of directors to understand how our management evaluates our business, to monitor and evaluate our operating results, and analyze profitability of our ongoing operations and trends on a consistent basis by excluding certain non-cash charges.

Corporate Operating Cash Flows

• Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, excluding the effects of:

– Assets associated with WSEs and TriNet Trust (accounts receivable, unbilled revenue, prepaid expenses, other payroll assets and other current assets) and

– Liabilities associated with WSEs and TriNet Trust (client deposits and other client liabilities, accrued wages, payroll tax liabilities and other payroll withholdings, accrued health insurance costs, accrued workers’ compensation costs, insurance premiums and other payables, and other current liabilities).

• Provides information that our stockholders and management can use to evaluate our cash flows from operations independent of the current assets and liabilities associated with our WSEs and TriNet Trust.

• Enhances comparisons to prior periods and, accordingly, used as a liquidity measure to manage liquidity between corporate and WSE and TriNet Trust related activities, and to help determine and plan our cash flow and capital strategies.

(1)

Non-GAAP effective tax rate is 25.6% for the third quarters and full years of 2024 and 2023, which excludes the income tax impact from stock-based compensation, changes in uncertain tax positions, and nonrecurring benefits or expenses from federal legislative changes.

(2)

Non-cash interest expense represents amortization and write-off of our debt issuance costs and loss on a terminated derivative.

Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Measures

The table below presents a reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA:

Three Months Ended
September 30,

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

(in millions)

2024

2023

2024

2023

Net income

$ 45

$ 94

$ 196

$ 308

Provision for income taxes

13

30

67

108

Stock based compensation

15

15

53

43

Interest expense, bank fees and other

15

10

47

23

Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets

19

17

56

53

Amortization of cloud computing arrangements

2

3

6

7

Transaction and integration costs

3

15

Adjusted EBITDA

$ 109

$ 172

$ 425

$ 557

Adjusted EBITDA Margin

8.8 %

14.1 %

11.4 %

15.1 %

The table below presents a reconciliation of net income to Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income per share – diluted:

Three Months Ended
September 30,

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

(in millions, except per share data)

2024

2023

2024

2023

Net income

$ 45

$ 94

$ 196

$ 308

Effective income tax rate adjustment

(2)

(2)

1

Stock based compensation

15

15

53

43

Amortization of intangible assets

5

5

14

16

Non-cash interest expense

1

2

1

Transaction and integration costs

3

15

Income tax impact of pre-tax adjustments

(5)

(6)

(18)

(19)

Adjusted Net Income

$ 59

$ 109

$ 247

$ 365

GAAP weighted average shares of common stock – diluted

50

58

51

59

Adjusted Net Income per share – diluted

$ 1.17

$ 1.91

$ 4.88

$ 6.16

The table below presents a reconciliation of net cash provided by operating activities to Corporate Operating Cash flows:

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

(in millions)

2024

2023

Net cash used in operating activities

$ (276)

$ (43)

Less: Change in WSE & TriNet Trust related other current assets

(548)

(134)

Less: Change in WSE & TriNet Trust related current liabilities

59

(295)

Net cash used in operating activities – WSE & TriNet Trust

$ (489)

$ (429)

Net cash provided by operating activities – Corporate

$ 213

$ 386

Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Measures for the fourth quarter and full-year 2024 guidance.

Low and high percentages represent increases (decreases) from the same periods in the previous year.

The table below presents a reconciliation of net income to Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income per share – diluted:

Q4 2023

Q4 2024 Guidance

FY 2023

Year 2024 Guidance

(in millions, except per share data)

Actual

Low

High

Actual

Low

High

Net income

$67

(114) %

(77) %

$375

(50) %

(44) %

Effective income tax rate adjustment

(3)

(73)

(59)

(2)

(28)

(3)

Stock based compensation

16

(17)

(12)

59

11

13

Amortization of intangible assets

5

1

1

20

(5)

(5)

Non-cash interest expense

1

(100)

(100)

2

(20)

(20)

Transaction and integration costs

2

(100)

(100)

17

(100)

(100)

Income tax impact of pre-tax adjustments

(6)

(24)

(20)

(25)

(12)

(11)

Adjusted Net Income

$82

(96) %

(65) %

$446

(44) %

(38) %

GAAP weighted average shares of common stock – diluted

51

57

Adjusted Net Income per share – diluted

$1.60

$0.06

$0.57

$7.81

$4.95

$5.45

 

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SOURCE TriNet Group, Inc.

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Toronto firm fined $5,000 for unauthorized use of professional engineer’s seal

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TORONTO, May 6, 2026 /CNW/ – The Ontario Court of Justice has fined a Toronto firm $5,000 for applying a facsimile of a professional engineer’s seal to an engineering report without the engineer’s knowledge or consent.

In June 2023, 11951076 Canada Inc., operating as Studio Four, affixed an engineer’s seal to an engineering report and submitted it to the City of Hamilton in connection with a residential building project. The engineer whose seal was used did not authorize the use of the seal.

A complaint was made to Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO), which investigated and laid charges under the Professional Engineers Act (PEA).

On April 24, 2026, Studio Four pleaded guilty to one count of breaching section 40(3)(b) of the PEA. The firm’s two directors, Salim Afroz and Ashweek Chhabra, also pleaded guilty to breaching section 40(5) of the Act in connection with this conduct.

Studio Four was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine. The two directors each received suspended sentences.

As the regulator of professional engineering in Ontario, PEO reminds the public that the unauthorized use or forgery of a professional engineer’s seal on construction or design drawings is a quasi-criminal offence under the PEA. Such conduct may also result in criminal charges under the Criminal Code of Canada.

PEO administers the Professional Engineers Act to serve and protect the public interest by licensing Ontario’s more than 98,000 professional engineers and engineering firms. Professional engineers can be identified by the “P.Eng.” designation following their names.

Members of the public can verify a professional engineer or engineering firm by searching PEO’s public directories at peo.on.ca/directory. Concerns about unlicensed individuals or unauthorized firms may be reported through PEO’s enforcement hotline at 416-840-1444, 1-800-339-3716 ext. 1444, or enforcement@peo.on.ca.

SOURCE Professional Engineers Ontario

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Tell a Friend, Save on Travel! EF World Journeys Launches Cross-Brand Referral Program That Rewards Travelers to Inspire the People in Their Lives to Tour the Globe

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New benefit allows travelers to unlock savings on future trips by introducing friends and family to EF Go Ahead Tours, EF Ultimate Break, and EF Adventures

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., May 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — EF World Journeys, a leader in guided, experiential travel for adults from Gen Z to Baby Boomers, today announced the launch of a new referral program, a travel rewards benefit that can be redeemed across EF Go Ahead Tours, EF Ultimate Break, and EF Adventures.

Under the new program, travelers will receive $100 in travel credit for every friend who books a trip using their referral, with every fifth referral earning you $500 and no cap on total rewards earned. In short, the more friends or family who book from your referral, the more you save on your next trip.

Each year, guided trips across EF World Journeys’ portfolio bring travelers together through shared experiences that extend far beyond the journey itself. Many of those travelers continue to engage with the people they meet on tour, often exchanging photos, stories, and future travel inspiration well after returning home. The new referral program builds on the natural desire to share those experiences, offering travelers easy ways to connect and invite friends, family members, and fellow adventurers to experience a guided group tour for themselves.

“At EF, we’ve always believed that one of the most powerful parts of travel is the connections and communities we create along the way,” said Heidi Durflinger, CEO of EF World Journeys USA. “This referral program makes that even easier, giving our travelers a way to bring friends and family into the experience while continuing to grow a global community of people who choose to explore the world together.”

How it works: Give $100. Get $100.

Refer a friend: Any traveler who has taken a trip with or is currently booked on tour  with EF Go Ahead Tours, EF Ultimate Break, or EF Adventures can now share a personal referral link via email, text, social media, or their respective EF World Journeys mobile app. Friends must be new to EF World Journeys, 18 or older, and have a valid email address to qualify.Both travelers earn $100: When the referred traveler books, both receive $100 in travel credit. Rewards are issued 60 days after booking confirmation, and referrals must book within six months.Earn $500 on every fifth referral: Referring travelers receive $500 for every fifth successful referral. There is no limit to how many referrals can be made, and rewards NEVER expire.

To celebrate the launch of the new referral program, EF Go Ahead Tours is offering an additional limited-time incentive. For the month of May 2026, travelers who refer a friend that books an EF Go Ahead Tours trip will receive an extra $100 referral reward on top of the standard program credit. The promotional bonus applies exclusively to EF Go Ahead Tours bookings and is available for a limited time.

One program. Three brands. Built for every kind of traveler.

EF World Journeys’ referral benefits are available when booking across its entire portfolio of guided, experiential travel companies, allowing travelers to earn and share rewards regardless of which tour operator they or their friends or family choose.

EF Go Ahead Tours offers curated guided travel for adults of all ages, including multi-generational travel groups and private or customized group tours.EF Ultimate Break serves travelers ages 18–35 with social, immersive itineraries.EF Adventures provides hiking, biking, and multi-adventure trips for active adults with a focus on lifelong learning, wellness and community.

Because the referral program spans all three tour operators at EF World Journeys, credits can move naturally within families and friend networks whose travel styles differ.

For example, a traveler who just had a life-changing trip on EF Go Ahead Tours’ A Week in Greece can refer her college-aged daughter to EF Ultimate Break’s Europe’s Icons: London, Paris & Rome and both receive $100 towards their next tour. She can then refer her basketball coach who is a hiking enthusiast to EF Adventure’s Italy Hiking: The Dolomites — and earn again.

This cross brand traveler benefit ensures that no matter how or where someone chooses to book travel across EF Go Ahead Tours, EF Ultimate Break, or EF Adventures – the rewards follow.

For EF Go Ahead Tours, please visit: https://www.goaheadtours.com/about/referrals
For EF Ultimate Break, please visit: https://www.efultimatebreak.com/traveling-with-us/refer-a-friend
For EF Adventures, please visit: https://www.efadventures.com/about/referrals-program

About EF World Journeys
EF World Journeys  is a leader in guided, experiential travel. We connect cultures, communities, and people through guided, group travel with leading tour operator brands like EF Ultimate Break (adults 18-35), EF Go Ahead Tours (adults 35+), and our newest brand, EF Adventures, focused on adventure tours for the active traveler in you. EF World Journeys is part of EF Education First. For over 60 years, EF has planned guided tours with a focus on education and cultural immersion. EF offers travelers 24/7 global support, affordable payment plans, and supports tours in more than 400 destinations worldwide. Since 1965, EF has been committed to opening the world through education. At EF World Journeys, we do just that, helping people of all ages experience the magic of travel, connecting travelers with new places, cultures, and, best of all, a diverse community of people excited to explore the world.

About EF Go Ahead Tours
EF Go Ahead Tours offers more than 200 guided trips across six continents. Each carefully planned, expertly led tour makes it easy for curious travelers of all ages to get to the heart of a destination. With a maximum group size well below the industry average, each trip has the perfect balance of planned sightseeing and free time to explore.

EF Go Ahead Tours is a tour operator brand within EF World Journeys, one of North America’s leading guided, experiential travel companies.

Join EF Go Ahead Tours’ affiliate program, supported by AWIN and earn commissions on booked tours.

About EF Ultimate Break
EF Ultimate Break is the best way to experience the world for anyone 18-35. With over 175 trips, we handle logistics for everything that makes travel a great experience from accommodations to flights to amazing tour directors to memory-making excursions. Our affordable interest-free payment plans make international travel possible for every traveler. EF Ultimate Break is part of EF World Journeys, a leader in guided, experiential travel with tour operator brands that also include EF Go Ahead Tours (adults 35+) and EF Adventures (all ages, 14+ with adult supervision). 

Are you an influencer or creator who wants to lead tours with your growing audience? Earn commissions on each booking by joining our influencer-hosted tour program

Media partners can now participate in EF Ultimate Break’s affiliate marketing program and earn commissions for tour bookings. Click here to learn more.

About EF Adventures
EF Adventures is an education-based adventure travel company offering 40+ guided tours across 25 countries and 5 continents. Launched in September 2024 as part of the EF World Journeys family of experiential travel brands, EF Adventures builds on more than 30 years of EF’s global expertise in educational and cultural immersion.

Each small-group tour blends active exploration with authentic learning, inviting travelers to engage with local traditions, communities, and ecosystems through guided experiences like hiking, biking, and multi-adventure activities such as kayaking, yoga, ziplining, and more. Designed for varied fitness levels and age groups, the EF Adventures experience combines adventure-based activity with hands-on cultural discovery that transforms how people see the world.

EF Adventures invites publishers and creators to become part of its growing affiliate network. Earn competitive commissions on confirmed bookings by referring travelers to efadventures.com. Learn more and apply here.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tell-a-friend-save-on-travel-ef-world-journeys-launches-cross-brand-referral-program-that-rewards-travelers-to-inspire-the-people-in-their-lives-to-tour-the-globe-302761895.html

SOURCE EF World Journeys

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NEO Battery Partners with Highest-Ranking ROK Army’s Capital Defense Command for Defense Drone & Robotics Batteries

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Defense technology partnership with Republic of Korea (“ROK) Army’s Capital Defense Command (“CDC”), one of the highest-ranking command units responsible for securing the Presidential Office, the capital and key national infrastructureFocuses on battery supply and integration within CDC defense drone and robotics units, featuring specialized drone training and technical battery advisoryLeverages the CDC’s decision-making authority to accelerate the adoption of Korea-made battery technology across broader national defense and military units

TORONTO, May 6, 2026 /CNW/ – NEO Battery Materials Ltd. (“NEO” or the “Company”) (TSXV: NBM) (OTC: NBMFF), a low-cost, silicon-enhanced battery developer that enables longer-running, rapid-charging batteries for drones, robotics, and physical AI, is pleased to announce it has entered into a significant defense partnership agreement (the “Agreement”) with the Republic of Korea (“ROK”) Army’s Capital Defense Command (CDC) – a direct reporting unit to the President of South Korea and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Stationed in Seoul and known as the “Shield Unit”, the CDC is one of the highest-ranking national command units, responsible for protecting the Presidential Office (Blue House), the capital and key national infrastructure.

This partnership represents a strategic expansion into a higher command level within the ROK Army, operating directly under the Army Headquarters with significant decision-making and procurement authority. The Agreement builds on NEO’s momentum in its Korean Defense Integration Strategy (see previously announced partnerships with the 12th Infantry Division dated April 1, 2026, and the Capital Mechanized Infantry Division dated April 22, 2026), and serves as a critical milestone due to the CDC’s ability to advocate for the prompt implementation of non-Chinese battery solutions that meet stringent security clearance and performance requirements.

The Agreement will focus on the supply and deployment of high-performance, defense batteries within the CDC’s drone and robotics units to enhance operational runtime and energy efficiency. Furthermore along with Korean drone partners, NEO will provide specialized drone training and technical battery advisory to support CDC’s personnel, all of whom are required to be certified in drone operations. This Agreement followed a successful live demonstration of NEO’s high-energy drone batteries held at the CDC’s parade ground on April 30, 2026.

Lieutenant General Changjoon Eo, Commander of the Capital Defense Command, expressed, “The CDC was highly impressed with the drone flight time performance exhibited by NEO’s high-performance batteries compared to commercial Chinese products. As the ROK Army and its units initiate the transition towards a Korea-made supply chain, NEO Battery will act as an integral partner for the CDC and its sub-units to ensure traceability and performance for defense batteries in our drone and robotics platforms.”

“Securing this partnership with a high-ranking command unit such as the CDC further validates the effectiveness of NEO’s battery technology,” stated Spencer Huh, President & CEO of NEO. “As the CDC is a heavy consumer of drone technology and requires high-performance, non-Chinese components to ensure national security, NEO’s in-country presence, along with our robust performance data and wide technology offering, aptly positions us to meet stringent scopes of work for the highest levels of the ROK military.”

About the ROK Army’s Capital Defense Command
Operating under the name “Shield Unit” or Chungjeongdae, the ROK Army’s Capital Defense Command is one of the highest-ranking, corps-level military organizations within the Republic of Korea’s Armed Forces and Operations Command. The CDC is primarily responsible for defending the Presidential Office, the capital, the Ministry of National Defense facilities, major government buildings, and key national infrastructure. The Command exercises several subordinate units, including the 1st Security Group, the 1st Air Defense Brigade, the CDC Military Police Group, and the 52nd and 56th Infantry Divisions.

About NEO Battery Materials Ltd.
NEO Battery Materials is a Canadian-South Korean battery technology company focused on developing and producing silicon-enhanced lithium-ion batteries in drones, robotics, physical AI, electric vehicles, and energy storage systems. With a patent-protected, low-cost silicon manufacturing process, NEO Battery enables longer-running and ultra-fast charging properties and provides end-to-end battery solutions from materials selection, cell architecture, and process optimization. The Company aims to be a globally-leading producer of high-performance lithium-ion batteries and materials, building a secure, robust battery supply chain for Western manufacturers. For more information, please visit the Company’s website at: https://www.neobatterymaterials.com/.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors
Spencer Huh
Director, President, and CEO

This news release includes certain forward-looking statements as well as management’s objectives, strategies, beliefs and intentions. All information contained herein that is not clearly historical in nature may constitute forward-looking information. Generally, such forward-looking information can be identified notably by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: volatile stock prices; the general global markets and economic conditions; the possibility of write-downs and impairments; the risk associated with the research and development of battery-related technologies; the risk associated with the effectiveness and feasibility of battery material, electrode, and cell technologies that have not yet been tested or proven on commercial scale or under real-world operating conditions; the risks associated with battery-related manufacturing process scale-up, including maintaining consistent material, component, and cell quality, production yields, and process reproducibility at a pilot, semi-commercial, or commercial scale; the risks associated with compatibility of existing battery chemistries, formulations, components, or designs; unforeseen risks associated with entering into and maintaining collaborations, joint ventures, partnerships, or commercial contracts with battery cell manufacturers, original equipment manufacturers, and various companies in the global battery and downstream end-user supply chain; the risks associated with the failure to develop and produce commercially viable battery-related products or that technical goals may not be achieved within expected timelines or budgets under a joint development or collaboration; the risks associated with the Company’s technologies and products not meeting performance requirements or customer specifications; the risks that prototype and pilot-scale products do not advance into commercially produced products or translate into commercial orders; the risk associated with battery components and cell purchase orders and offtake supply that may not be fulfilled in full, on time, or at all as actual revenue realization depends on delivery schedules, achievement of technical milestones, and customer acceptance and validation; the risk associated with losing official vendor registration or status with existing customers; counterparty risk upon delivery of prototype and commercial products; the risks associated with constructing, completing, securing, and financing pilot, semi-commercial, and commercial battery materials, components, and cell manufacturing facilities including the Canadian and South Korean facilities; the risks associated with potential delays or increased costs with site preparation, equipment procurement and installation, and facility commissioning; the risks associated with integrating silicon anode material production, electrode manufacturing, and cell assembly within a single operational cluster or the Company’s business portfolio; the risks associated with supply chain disruptions or cost fluctuations in raw materials, processing chemicals, and additive prices, impacting production costs and commercial viability; the risks associated with uninsurable risks arising during the course of research, development and production; competition faced by the Company in securing experienced personnel, contracts and sales, and financing; access to adequate infrastructure and resources to support battery materials, components, and cell research and development activities; the risks associated with changes in the technology regulatory regime governing the Company; the risks associated with the timely execution of the Company’s strategies and business plans; the risks associated with the lithium-ion battery industry and end-users’ demand and adoption of the Company’s silicon anode technology and battery products; market adoption and integration challenges, including the difficulty of incorporating silicon anodes and silicon battery products within battery manufacturers and OEMs’ systems; the risks associated with the various environmental and political regulations the Company is subject to; risks related to regulatory and permitting delays; the reliance on key personnel; liquidity risks; the risk of litigation; risk management; and other risk factors as identified in the Company’s recent Financial Statements and MD&A and in recent securities filings for the Company which are available on www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-looking information is based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable at the time such statements are made, including but not limited to, continued R&D and commercialization activities, no material adverse change in precursor, raw material, equipment, and relevant cost prices, development and commercialization plans to proceed in accordance with plans and such plans to achieve their stated expected outcomes, receipt of required regulatory approvals, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. Such forward-looking information has been provided for the purpose of assisting investors in understanding the Company’s business, operations, research and development, and commercialization plans and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is made as of the date of this presentation, and the Company does not undertake to update such forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE NEO Battery Materials Ltd.

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