EnBW rakes in $3.6 billion via capital increase
The company said it sold nearly 54 million shares at a price of 58 euros per share, a 9% discount to the current share price.
"The capital increase significantly increases our financial headroom," finance chief Thomas Kusterer said.
"Together with operating earnings, which is the most important pillar, participation models and debt funding, we are thus laying the basis for investments planned through the end of this decade."
($1 = 0.8562 euros)
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BBC News
33 minutes ago
- BBC News
BBC Studios marks a year of record revenues and creative success
• BBC Commercial delivers record revenues of £2.2bn in 2024/25 • Strategic investments paying off; growth from previous year investments includes 20% increase in BritBox International revenues in first full year of ownership • Retains position as the UK's most awarded studio, with seven Emmy awards, an Oscar for Conclave, and more than 150 awards won in the year • Global hit Bluey boosts consumer products revenues BBC Commercial, a global media company which is part of the BBC Group, today released its annual results as part of the BBC's Annual Report and Accounts, marking a year where the company delivered record revenue and industry-awarded creative success. The company, which makes and distributes some of the world's most sought-after content as well as creating and nurturing iconic brands, achieved record revenues of £2.2bn (2023/24: £1.9bn) and EBITDA of £228m (2023/24: £199m) in a challenging market, driven by a diversified portfolio; strong performance for BritBox International; and its consumer products division, especially global hit Bluey. BBC Studios, the main commercial arm of the BBC Commercial group, recorded its fourth consecutive year of profit in excess of £200m, expressed as EBITDA, of £225m (2023/24: £202m), an increase of 11% year on year, despite organic investment in media & streaming, including and UKTV, which both saw audience growth. The profits generated by BBC Studios go back to the BBC to support its mission in the UK. Tom Fussell, CEO of BBC Commercial said: 'BBC Commercial has delivered a strong set of results, which show that our strategy is working and the investments made in previous years, together with a diversified portfolio, are delivering a trajectory of sustainable growth, despite ongoing global macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty. Together with the continuing recognition for the craft and creativity of our content studio and the demand for our content around the world, BBC Commercial is well placed to support a robust creative and entertainment industry and cement its role as a global ambassador for the best of UK content.' Over the last few years, the company has made a series of strategic investments in its routes to market, including taking full ownership of global streamer BritBox International and enhancements to digital services for UKTV. Investment in digital platforms was key in delivering a 43% growth in revenues for the media and streaming division. BritBox International's revenues were up 20% year-on-year, with popular UK titles such as Ludwig and Blue Lights drawing in North American audiences. BBC Studios' multi-channel network, UKTV, also recorded a strong performance. Its direct-to-consumer service U grew views by a third in 2024, whilst UKTV saw total viewer hours to its VOD content across its free and pay platforms grow by 56 million hours year-on-year. Drama content performed particularly well with The Marlow Murder Club becoming the network's highest rating show of 2024, watched by 2.6 million viewers. The new and BBC app have established themselves as the key digital platforms for international audiences who want trusted, impartial BBC news. saw a 15% uplift in global visitors over the year whilst registrations have grown by 78% year-on-year, demonstrating the international reputation of the BBC brand. BBC Studios' world-class creativity continued to power its success with the business winning over 150 awards. Content highlights from the most-awarded UK production company included feature film Conclave, made by wholly owned House Productions, which won four BAFTAs and an Academy Award, wholly owned Clerkenwell Films' Baby Reindeer which won six Emmys, a 20th anniversary for Strictly Come Dancing in the UK as the popularity of the international brand, Dancing with the Stars, continues. Factual title The Americas, narrated by Tom Hanks and made for NBC, became the most-watched nature documentary on US linear television for more than fifteen years, whilst in the UK, BBC Studios helped mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day with a raft of memorable programming, including the RTS Programme Award-winning D-Day 80: Tribute to the Fallen. The business has expanded and consolidated its international production portfolio, now making programmes in ten territories worldwide. The performance of BBC Studios' brands and licensing business was led by global hit Bluey, as the children's title was named the most-streamed programme in the US in 2024, the Bluey's World immersive experience opened in Brisbane, Australia, and a much-anticipated feature film was announced in partnership with Disney+, set to arrive in cinemas in 2027. These results mean that BBC Commercial remains on track to meet its five-year returns commitment of £1.5bn by 2026/27 (a 30% increase on the previous five-year period), having already delivered £1,028m during the first three years. Pay Gap Report BBC Studios also today publishes its Pay Gap Report, showing improvements in eight of the 10 pay gaps (both median and mean) on its 2024 performance. The report also shows that over 96% of the business' female employees are in a career band with a median pay gap of less than 5%, and that 21% are in a career band with a median pay gap in favour of women. The company's median gender pay gap for 2024/25 was 10.7% (2023/24: 11.5%) and a mean gender pay gap of 11.3% (2023/24: 13.4%). BBC Studios continues to be amongst the most transparent media companies when it comes to voluntary reporting on protected characteristics, and the business intends to continue to expand its approach to transparency in future years. BBC Studios CEO Tom Fussell said: 'The data in today's Pay Gap Report is encouraging, although we continue to strive to improve representation across all levels across - and all characteristics in – the business. We are taking proactive steps to address our representation through initiatives such as BBC Extend and are also working to improve our disclosure rates in order to achieve a more inclusive and representative workforce.' -Ends- For more information, please contact: About BBC Studios BBC Studios is the main commercial arm of BBC Commercial Ltd and generated revenues of £2.1 billion in the last year and profits of over £200 million for a fourth consecutive year. Able to take an idea seamlessly from thought to screen and beyond, the business is built on two operating areas: the content studio, which produces, invests and distributes TV and audio globally and media & streaming, with BBC branded channels, services including UKTV, and BritBox International and joint ventures in the UK and internationally. The business made almost 3,300 hours of award-winning British programmes last year for a wide range of UK and global broadcasters and platforms. Its content is internationally recognised across a broad range of genres and specialisms, and includes world-famous brands like Strictly Come Dancing/Dancing with the Stars, the Planet series, Bluey and Doctor Who. BBC Studios | Website | Press Office | X | LinkedIn | Instagram |
The Sun
34 minutes ago
- The Sun
7 discounted EVs you can buy through government's controversial new tax payer-funded scheme
A NEW £650 million grant will knock up to £3,750 off the price of low-priced EVs, the government has revealed. A new Electric Car Grant will see taxpayers foot the bill for EVs costing under £37,000, and only models from brands that have committed to a so-called Science-Based Target (SBT) for emissions. 7 According to Auto Express, fewer than 50 new EV models would be eligible for the grant - provided they pass the necessary criteria. The scheme will also provide additional support for electric car purchases for Motability customers - as revealed in The Sun's recent report - offering substantial discounts. This has raised concerns among some critics, who argue that taxpayers may effectively be contributing twice - once through the Motability scheme and again through the EV grant subsidies. Furthermore, some welfare users have expressed difficulties with EVs, with issues such as limited home charging facilities and inadequate public charging infrastructure causing frustration for some. Despite these concerns, supporters of the scheme, including Motability Operations, emphasise that including Motability users in the EV grant is vital to ensure the transition to electric vehicles remains inclusive and supports disabled drivers. A spokesperson from Motability Operations told The Sun: 'We welcome the Government's Electric Car Grant and the inclusion of our customers. 'It's vital that the EV transition is inclusive and doesn't leave disabled people behind. 'With the 2035 deadline on the horizon, any move that supports both drivers and the wider industry and improves positivity towards EVs is welcome.' Recent findings, though, found that drivers with ailments including constipation and "tennis elbow" were being funded by the Motability scheme. Some influencers have even been found to boast online about obtaining these vehicles for minimal costs, and even advising others on how to maximise their benefits. Alpine A290 GTS delivers a hot hatch EV that comes with F1-style 'overtake button' SHOPPING LIST There are also several key points to keep in mind before you set out to choose your shiny new discontinued EV. Firstly, the scheme will not be immediately accessible - even though it officially launches on July 16. This is because car brands must apply for eligibility for the vehicles in their ranges, rather than buyers being able to register grants at the point of purchase. Also, not all grants will amount to £3,750 as the scheme adopts a two-tier system, with the value deducted from the recommended retail price (RRP) depending on how environmentally friendly the manufacturing process is for each model. According to the RAC, these restrictions encourage drivers to choose models that are not only cost-effective, but also more sustainable for the planet. To that end, we've picked out seven EV examples that could get the EV grant - though it remains to be seen if they will meet the criteria for the full subsidy of £3,750. Dacia Spring - Priced from £14,995 7 The nation's cheapest EV at £14,995 (if we look past the Cit r oen Ami, which is classed as a motorised quadricycle), the Spring, could be about to get a whole lot cheaper - if it meets the EV grant's criteria. The little EV, which boasts up to 140 miles of range - certainly enough for a trip to the shops and back - certainly doesn't boast many frills, but it's rather great for simple, daily use. Fiat Grande Panda - Priced from £21,035 One of the world's most famous nameplates is back, bigger and better than ever. The Panda, known as the national car of Italy, starts at around £21,035 for its electric iteration and has been given a radical new look. And, as the name suggests, it's a little bigger - somewhat similar in size to its Stellantis cousin, the Citroen C3 - with enough space that Fiat described as 'perfect for comfortable family living and contemporary urban mobility'. Peugeot e-208 - Priced from £30,150 Stylish and well-rounded, the e-208 is one of the finest all electric hatchbacks available - offering excellent performance alongside practicality, making it one of the most popular choices in its price range. It features a 50kWh battery and a 100kW electric motor, offering a range of up to 225 miles. Better yet, a GTI version is coming soon in what we described as a huge nod to an 80s classic. MG4 - Priced from £26,995 The MG4, often praised for its value for money, impressive range - which starts at 218 miles for the standard edition - and modern features, it's also one of the best EVs around for families thanks to surprising levels of space inside. Better yet, its suspension is tuned for comfort on long journeys, absorbing minor road imperfections. Fiat 500e - Priced from £25,035 7 One of the nation's favourite petrol-powered little cars was discontinued last year, with Fiat now urging buyers to get their 500 thrills from the all-electric 500e. The iconic design is still there, but with the benefits of electric driving - offering a compact and efficient option for city drivers. Volkswagen ID.3 - Priced from £30,860 One of the most refined options available for under £37,000, the ID.3 delivers a comfortable ride, good range and the reliability associated with VW. Better yet, it offers user-friendly features, decent charging speeds and a good overall value, particularly when considering running costs. Honourable mentions: Alpine A290: instantly iconic and one of the most fun cars - electric or otherwise - on the market, the A290, which starts at £33,000, has won numerous awards and plaudits. MINI Cooper Electric: another hot hatch that's high on the fun factor, the famous Cooper now comes electric - including all the fun driving dynamics you'd come to expect.
Daily Mail
43 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Chatbots could be helping hackers to steal data from people and companies
Generative artificial intelligence is the revolutionary new technology that is transforming the world of work. It can summarize and stores reams of data and documents in seconds, saving workers valuable time and effort, and companies lots of money, but as the old saying goes, you don't get something for nothing. As the uncontrolled and unapproved use of unvetted AI tools such as ChatGPT and Copilot soars, so too does the risk that company secrets or sensitive personal information such as salaries or health records are being unwittingly leaked. Time saver: But there are increasing concerns that using tools such as ChatGPT in a business setting could leave sensitive information exposed This hidden and largely unreported risk of serious data breaches stems from the default ability of AI models to record and archive chat history, which is used to help train the AI to better respond to questions in the future. As these conversations become part of the AI's knowledge base, retrieval or deletion of data becomes almost impossible. 'It's like putting flour into bread,' said Ronan Murphy, a tech entrepreneur and AI adviser to the Irish government. 'Once you've done it, it's very hard to take it out.' This 'machine learning' means that highly sensitive information absorbed by AI could resurface later if prompted by someone with malicious intent. Experts warn that this silent and emerging threat from so-called 'shadow AI' is as dangerous as the one already posed by scammers, where hackers trick company insiders into giving away computer passwords and other codes. But cyber criminals are also using confidential data voraciously devoured by chatbots like ChatGPT to hack into vulnerable IT systems. 'If you know how to prompt it, the AI will spill the beans,' Murphy said. The scale of the problem is alarming. A recent survey found that nearly one in seven of all data security incidents is linked to generative AI. Another found that almost a quarter of 8,000 firms surveyed worldwide gave their staff unrestricted access to publicly available AI tools. That puts confidential data such as meeting notes, disciplinary reports or financial records 'at serious risk' that 'could lead employees to inadvertently propagate threats', a report from technology giant Cisco said. 'It's like the invention of the internet – it's just arrived and it's the future – but we don't understand what we are giving to these systems and what's happening behind the scenes at the back end,' said Cisco cyber threat expert Martin Lee. One of the most high-profile cybersecurity 'own-goals' in recent years was scored by South Korean group Samsung. The consumer electronics giant banned employees from using popular chatbots like ChatGPT after discovering in 2023 that one of its engineers had accidentally pasted secret code and meeting notes onto an AI platform. Banks have also cracked down on the use of ChatGPT by staff amid concerns about the regulatory risks they face from sharing sensitive financial information. But as organisations put guardrails in place to keep their data secure, they also don't want to miss out on what may be a once-in-a-generation chance to steal a march on their rivals. 'We're seeing companies race ahead with AI implementation as a means of improving productivity and staying one step ahead of competitors,' said Ruben Miessen, co-founder of compliance software group Legalfly, whose clients include banks, insurers and asset managers. 'However, a real risk is that the lack of oversight and any internal framework is leaving client data and sensitive personal information potentially exposed,' he added. The answer though, isn't to limit AI usage. 'It's about enabling it responsibly,' Miessen said. Murphy added: 'You either say no to everything or figure out a plan to do it safely. 'Protecting sensitive data is not sexy, it's boring and time-consuming.' But unless adequate controls are put in place, 'you make a hacker's job extremely easy'.
