Tag Archives: international

TBC Bank Group PLC (TBCCF) Q3 2025 Earnings Call Transcript

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Operator: Hello, everyone, and welcome to today’s TBC Third Quarter and 9 Months 2025 IFRS Results Conference Call. My name is Sam, and I’ll be the call moderator today. [Operator Instructions]

I’d now like to hand you over to today’s host, Andrew Keeley, Director of Investor Relations, to begin. So Andrew, please go ahead.

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**Andrew Keeley
Director of Investor Relations**

Thank you very much, Sam. And welcome, everybody, to our third quarter results call.

I’m joined on today’s call by Vakhtang Butskhrikidze, our CEO; Giorgi Megrelishvili, our CFO; and Oliver Hughes, our Head of International.

As usual, we’ll have a presentation, followed by a Q&A session afterwards.

With that, I’ll hand over to Vakhtang. Thank you.

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**Vakhtang Butskhrikidze
CEO & Executive Director**

Thank you, Andrew.

Hello, everyone, and thank you for joining us today. I am pleased to present another highly profitable quarter with record quarterly earnings.

As you can see, our group’s net profit in the third quarter reached GEL 368 million, up by 6% year-on-year, while return on equity was 24.4%. Our revenue growth was also very respectable, with a 7% year-on-year increase.

In Georgia, we had a strong and stable quarter with return on equity exceeding 24%, 9% growth in our loan book, and a net interest margin reaching 6%.

Over the same period, Uzbekistan’s net profit was GEL 41 million, up by 30% year-on-year, with return on equity exceeding 23%. Additionally, the loan book has almost doubled year-on-year to close to $1 billion.
https://seekingalpha.com/article/4840204-tbc-bank-group-plc-tbccf-q3-2025-earnings-call-transcript?source=feed_all_articles

Laura Lemens Boy Dies: Veteran International TV Comms Exec & PR Was 67

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**Laura Lemens Boy, Renowned Press Relations Expert and Women’s Advocate, Dies at 67**

Laura Lemens Boy, a well-known figure in international TV press relations and a dedicated women’s advocate, has passed away at the age of 67. Her family and friends confirmed her passing in a statement shared after a long illness. “A woman whose kindness, integrity and humanity touched so many, she leaves behind a luminous and indelible memory,” they wrote.

Lemens Boy spent decades shaping the communications landscape of the global television industry, working for many years with RX France, the organizers of MIPCOM, on the Cannes conference and market in several capacities. Although born in the UK, she spent most of her professional life in Paris, France.

Among her many achievements at MIPCOM, Lemens Boy co-founded the International Mentoring Breakfast For Women In Entertainment, an event that has run for the past 13 years through her organization MédiaClub’Elles. She continued to support the mentoring event actively and was even interviewed about it for the MIP Daily newsletter in October, though she was unable to attend in person.

MIPCOM Cannes and MIP London Director Lucy Smith, a fellow Brit and friend of Lemens Boy for more than three decades, shared a heartfelt tribute on LinkedIn:
“She was one of the first people I met over 30 years ago when I arrived in Paris, fresh out of college, following my French musician boyfriend (now my husband and father of our son!). Laura adopted me like a big sister. We bonded as two down-to-earth, straight-talking girls with Northern roots, navigating our way through the expectations of Parisian life.”

Smith described Lemens Boy as “a trailblazer in supporting women in the industry,” highlighting her key role in numerous events at the MIP markets in Cannes, including the annual MédiaClub’Elles international mentoring breakfasts and various press events. “Many in Cannes will miss her unique, elegant and fabulous presence. Her exceptional ability to engage with people, relate to them and put them at ease was second to none. She sparkled at every occasion, oozing confidence,” Smith added.

Jérôme Chouraqui, founder of French TV industry group MédiaClub, also paid tribute:
“Laura was elegance personified. Always kind, always fair, always attentive, with that unmistakable so British accent. She took a genuine interest in others and had a way of seeing the best in everyone around her. Her career, her values, and her energy inspired entire generations of professionals,” he wrote, expressing that her passing had left him “deeply saddened.”

A funeral for Laura Lemens Boy was held today in Paris. She is survived by her husband and son.
https://deadline.com/2025/11/laura-lemens-boy-dead-international-tv-comms-exec-was-67-1236606439/

“Mastiii 4 offers a strong female perspective”: Milap Zaveri maintains composure amid backlash

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The trailer for *Mastiii 4*, the latest installment of the cult comedy franchise, was released on November 4, 2025, sparking divided opinions online almost immediately. While fans of the original films celebrated the return of Riteish Deshmukh, Vivek Oberoi, and Aftab Shivdasani, others took issue with the film’s adult humour and bold dialogues.

A popular YouTuber and cinephile took to X (formerly Twitter) to express her disapproval, writing, “How do they face the females in their house after doing such films, you will never know. If DISGUST was a genre, this trailer is the topper. Full confidence in our janta to watch & have no issues with the content. Arrey it’s just ‘fun’ yaar.”

Responding to the post, director Milap Zaveri maintained his composure and offered a calm, courteous reply: “Mam pls do see the film. You may be pleasantly surprised. Women have a v strong role and POV (sic).” This comes shortly after Zaveri had acknowledged another critical tweet with, “Respect your opinion bhai. Hopefully audiences will enjoy it,” showing that the filmmaker is taking the criticism in stride while maintaining confidence in his vision.

*Mastiii 4* brings back the beloved trio of Amar, Meet, and Prem, with Shreya Sharma, Ruhii Singh, and Elnaaz Norouzi joining the ensemble. The film also features Arshad Warsi and Tusshar Kapoor in pivotal roles.

Backed by Zee Studios and Waveband Production in association with Maruti International and Balaji Motion Pictures, the sex comedy promises “four times the madness” and is set to release in theatres on November 21, 2025.

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**Also Read:**
*Masti Is Back! Riteish, Vivek & Aftab Return for Four Times the Madness: Mastiii 4 Poster Brings Nostalgia, Madness & Laughter*

**More Pages:**
– Mastiii 4 Box Office Collection
– Bollywood News Live Updates
https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/mastiii-4-offers-strong-female-perspective-milap-zaveri-maintains-composure-amid-backlash/

“CMA Country Christmas” Returning To ABC, Hulu & Disney+

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Disney has announced details for the upcoming 16th annual holiday television special, **“CMA Country Christmas”**, coming to screens this holiday season.

Since its debut in 2010, “CMA Country Christmas” has kicked off the holiday season each year with a festive show featuring classic holiday tunes and unique musical performances. This year, Lauren Daigle and Jordan Davis will co-host the special for the first time, bringing warmth, charm, and holiday cheer to the Nashville stage.

The special will showcase performances by an exciting lineup of artists, including Daigle, Davis, Riley Green, Lady A, Little Big Town, Parker McCollum, Megan Moroney, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, and BeBe Winans. Filmed live in front of an enthusiastic audience in Nashville, the show promises a night filled with heartfelt music and festive spirit.

“CMA Country Christmas” is produced by the Country Music Association, with Robert Deaton serving as executive producer. The special is directed by Milton Sneed and written by Jon Macks.

Mark your calendars: “CMA Country Christmas” will air on **Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 9/8c on ABC**. For those who prefer streaming, it will be available the following day on Hulu and Disney+. Currently, no information has been released regarding an international Disney+ release.

Are you excited to watch this year’s “CMA Country Christmas”? Share your thoughts with us on social media!
https://whatsondisneyplus.com/cma-country-christmas-returning-to-abc-hulu-disney/

Jay-Z, NFL Defend Bad Bunny as Petition to Replace Him with George Strait Tops 100,000

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The NFL has confirmed that there will be no change in the performer for the halftime show at Super Bowl 60, despite ongoing calls for a switch.

In September, the NFL and Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, which is producing the show, announced that three-time Grammy winner Bad Bunny will headline the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show on February 8. The Puerto Rican rapper is a global superstar expected to attract a wave of first-time football viewers.

However, in the U.S., Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has faced criticism due to his past remarks opposing former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. This controversy has sparked calls for a different performer.

In response to the backlash during a press conference, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated, “The NFL is not considering dropping Bad Bunny. It’s carefully thought through. I’m not sure we’ve ever selected an artist where we didn’t have some blowback or criticism. It’s pretty hard to do when you have literally hundreds of millions of people that are watching.”

Goodell also acknowledged that the decision on the Super Bowl performer ultimately rests with Roc Nation and Jay-Z. The music mogul seemed to suggest that the critics actually harbor deep positive feelings for Bad Bunny despite the controversy.

As the excitement builds for the 2026 Super Bowl, fans can look forward to a halftime show that promises to bring both star power and diverse cultural influence to the grand stage.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/bad-bunny-super-bowl-petition/

Disaster recovery co-owner depicts disastrous partnership

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A co-owner of a Yonkers disaster recovery business has accused his partner of diverting nearly $700,000 from their company, Royal Restoration & Construction Inc.

Adam Halevah filed a complaint on October 27 in Westchester Supreme Court, alleging that Eliran “Ron” Fanish unjustly enriched himself at the expense of the business. According to the complaint, Fanish used company funds for personal expenses including overseas and domestic leisure travel, food and lodging, and thousands of dollars spent at strip clubs in New York City.

Fanish, of White Plains, and Halevah, of Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, formed Royal Restoration in 2017. The company operated as Rainbow International Westchester under a franchise agreement with Neighborly Franchising, based in Waco, Texas. According to its website, Royal Restoration specializes in cleaning fire, flood, and mold damage, as well as reconstructing affected properties.

Halevah and Fanish each owned 100 shares in the company. However, throughout their partnership, Halevah claims that Fanish diverted and misused company funds for projects unrelated to Royal Restoration’s business, as well as for personal credit card expenses.

Despite repeated requests from Halevah to reimburse the company for these unauthorized expenditures, Fanish did not comply. Eventually, Halevah agreed to sell his company shares to Fanish for $500,000. Now, Halevah alleges that Fanish engaged in self-dealing that breached his fiduciary duty.

Halevah is asking the court to order Fanish to pay at least $344,124, which represents half of $688,248 in purportedly improper business expenditures.

Fanish did not respond to a message submitted through Rainbow’s website seeking his response to the allegations.

Halevah is represented by White Plains attorneys Desmond C. B. Lyons and Thomas E. McShane, of the Harris Beach Murtha Cullina law firm.
https://westfaironline.com/courts/disaster-recovery-co-owner-depicts-disastrous-partnership/

Georgian Court Releases Pregnant British Teenager In Drug Trafficking Case

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Bella Culley, a 19-year-old British citizen who is eight months pregnant and accused by Georgian officials of drug smuggling, was released from the Tbilisi City Court on November 3 after reaching a plea bargain with prosecutors.

“Several reasons were taken into account: her health condition, her confession, her age, and her cooperation with the investigation,” Prosecutor Vakhtang Tsalugelashvili told RFE/RL. He noted that the prosecutor’s office had initiated the release of the British woman, who fully admitted her guilt, from custody.

The court found Culley guilty and sentenced her to five months and 24 days in prison, along with a fine of 500,000 laris (approximately $181,800). However, because of the time she had already served in custody at Women’s Prison No. 5 in Rustavi, she was allowed to leave immediately. As part of the penalty, her family agreed to pay the fine.

Georgian authorities discovered 12 kilograms of marijuana and 2 kilograms of hashish in Culley’s luggage. The British teenager claimed she was forced to commit the crime “under pressure and torture.”

Culley’s parents reported her missing to Thai police after failing to contact her for several days. Thai authorities joined the search, and Bella’s father, Niel Culley, traveled to Thailand to look for his daughter. Her mother later told RFE/RL that after Bella went missing in Thailand, she was allegedly tortured and then forced to fly with the drugs to Georgia.

While Culley faced up to 20 years in prison or life imprisonment, legal experts initially expected the court to keep her in custody for another two years. The decision to release her came as a surprise to Culley and her family. Her mother said she learned of the release just minutes before the hearing, which was closely monitored by British and international media.

As part of her cooperation with authorities, Culley named several people involved in the drug case, according to the prosecutor.

When leaving the courthouse, Culley expressed relief over the decision. “I’m happy, I didn’t expect it,” she said before turning to her mother and asking, “Can we go now?”
https://www.rferl.org/a/georgia-british-teenager-court-release-drugs-thailand-culley/33580139.html

Looking back on 25 years of the International Space Station

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Over the past 25 years, the International Space Station has hosted 280 people from 23 countries.

Jericka Duncan speaks with former astronauts about their time living 250 miles above Earth.
https://www.cbsnews.com/video/25-years-of-international-space-station/

Today in History: November 2, Howard Hughes takes ‘Spruce Goose’ on its only flight

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Today is Sunday, November 2, 2025, the 306th day of the year. There are 59 days left in 2025. Daylight saving time ends today.

**Today in History:**

– **1947:** Howard Hughes piloted his Hughes H-4 Hercules, nicknamed the “Spruce Goose,” on its only flight. This massive wooden seaplane, with a wingspan longer than a football field, remained airborne for 26 seconds.

– **1783:** General George Washington issued his Farewell Address to the Army.

– **1861:** During the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln relieved Major General John C. Fremont of his command of the Army’s Western Department following Fremont’s unauthorized efforts to emancipate slaves in Missouri.

– **1948:** In one of the most unexpected outcomes in U.S. presidential election history, Democratic incumbent Harry S. Truman defeated the heavily favored Republican governor of New York, Thomas E. Dewey.

– **1959:** Charles Van Doren testified before a congressional committee that he had conspired with television producers to cheat on the quiz show “Twenty-One.”

– **1976:** Democrat Jimmy Carter, former governor of Georgia, became the first candidate from the Deep South elected president since the Civil War, defeating Republican incumbent Gerald R. Ford.

– **2000:** American astronaut Bill Shepherd and Russian cosmonauts Yuri Gidzenko and Sergei Krikalev became the first crew to reside aboard the International Space Station. They spent a total of 136 days in the station before returning to Earth on the Space Shuttle Discovery.

– **2003:** In Iraq, insurgents shot down a Chinook helicopter carrying U.S. soldiers, killing 16 and wounding 20 others.

– **2004:** Republican President George W. Bush was elected to a second term, defeating Democratic Senator John Kerry as the GOP strengthened its control of Congress.

– **2007:** British college student Meredith Kercher, 21, was found slain in her bedroom in Perugia, Italy. Her roommate, American Amanda Knox, and Knox’s Italian boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito, were convicted of the murder but were later exonerated.

– **2016:** Ending a championship drought since 1908, the Chicago Cubs won the World Series, defeating the Cleveland Indians 8-7 in extra innings in the deciding seventh game.

– **2021:** The Atlanta Braves won their first World Series championship since 1995, defeating the Houston Astros in Game 6.

– **2023:** FTX founder and disgraced cryptocurrency star Sam Bankman-Fried was convicted of fraud by a New York jury for stealing at least $10 billion from customers and investors. He was later sentenced to 25 years in prison for the massive scheme that led to the collapse of the FTX digital currency exchange platform.

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**Today’s Birthdays:**
[Content missing — please provide birthday details if available.]
https://www.bostonherald.com/2025/11/02/today-in-history-november-2-howard-hughes-takes-spruce-goose-on-its-only-flight/

Iran’s New ‘Virgin Mary’ Metro Station and What It Says About Faith in the Islamic Republic

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**Tehran’s New “Virgin Mary” Metro Station Sparks Debate**

*By Romy Haber | The Catholic Telegraph | October 21, 2025*

This past week, social media was flooded with images of a new metro station in Tehran called the “Virgin Mary” station. The photos quickly went viral, sparking widespread debate among various audiences. Some hail it as a rare gesture of openness, others dismiss it as a staged act aimed at polishing the regime’s image, and many simply wonder if the station even exists.

According to posts circulating online, the “Virgin Mary” station is located on Line 6 of the Tehran metro, near the St. Sarkis Armenian Cathedral. France 24 reports that the station has been under construction for 10 years. Its arched concourse and dome feature religious frescoes and artwork honoring the Virgin Mary, alongside what appears to be a church—presumably the nearby cathedral.

For many, the idea of a metro station in Iran named after the mother of Jesus is surprising. Others see it as consistent with Shiite culture, which also venerates the Virgin Mary. Still others interpret it as an attempt to highlight the country’s religious diversity.

However, many argue that such a move does not align with the Islamic Republic’s record regarding religious minorities. Some dismiss the station as propaganda designed to project a more tolerant image of the regime to international audiences.

The official X account of the Iranian Embassy in Yerevan weighed in, describing the station as “a beautiful sign of coexistence between Iranians and the Armenian community.” In reality, however, this so-called “coexistence” falls far short of international standards for religious freedom and human rights.

*Excerpt. Read more at The Catholic Telegraph.*

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**Topics:** Culture, Society
**Keywords:** Virgin Mary, Tehran Metro, Religious Diversity, Iran, Armenian Community

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https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/4350120/posts