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Business Wire
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Maximus Reports Fiscal Year 2025 Third Quarter Results
TYSONS, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Maximus (NYSE: MMS), a leading provider of government services, reported financial results for the three and nine months ending June 30, 2025. 'Our third quarter results reflect once again the resilience of our business model that is underpinned by consistent delivery at scale of critical government services,' - Bruce Caswell, President and Chief Executive Officer Share Highlights for the third quarter of fiscal year 2025 include: Revenue increased 2.5% to $1.35 billion, compared to $1.31 billion for the prior year period. Organic growth was 4.3% driven primarily by strong performance in the U.S. Federal Services Segment. Diluted earnings per share were $1.86 and adjusted diluted earnings per share were $2.16, compared to $1.46 and $1.74, respectively, for the prior year period. The company is raising revenue and earnings guidance for fiscal year 2025. Full-year revenue is expected to range between $5.375 billion and $5.475 billion. Adjusted EBITDA margin is expected to be approximately 13% and adjusted diluted earnings per share are expected to range between $7.35 and $7.55 per share for the full fiscal year 2025. A quarterly cash dividend of $0.30 per share is payable on August 31, 2025, to shareholders of record on August 15, 2025. 'Our third quarter results reflect once again the resilience of our business model that is underpinned by consistent delivery at scale of critical government services,' said Bruce Caswell, President and Chief Executive Officer. 'We are grateful to play a central role in supporting our customers' missions by delivering essential services efficiently and accountably." Caswell added, 'Over the 50 years that Maximus has served as a trusted and impartial delivery partner for government, we've consistently demonstrated adaptability as legislation and regulatory changes lead to new program imperatives and advanced technologies like AI reshape citizen services." Third Quarter Results Revenue for the third quarter of fiscal year 2025 increased 2.5% to $1.35 billion, compared to $1.31 billion for the prior year period. Organic growth was 4.3% primarily due to the U.S. Federal Services Segment and, to a lesser degree, contributions from the Outside the U.S. Segment. The U.S. Services Segment delivered expected results following the prior year period's over-performance from Medicaid-related activities. For the third quarter of fiscal year 2025, operating margin was 12.3% and the adjusted EBITDA margin was 14.7%. This compares to margins of 10.8% and 13.1%, respectively, for the prior year period. Diluted earnings per share were $1.86 and adjusted diluted earnings per share were $2.16. This compares to $1.46 and $1.74, respectively, for the prior year period. U.S. Federal Services Segment U.S. Federal Services Segment revenue for the third quarter of fiscal year 2025 increased 11.4% to $761.2 million, compared to $683.3 million reported for the prior year period. All growth was organic and driven primarily by a trend across this fiscal year of elevated volumes on programs in the clinical portfolio. The segment operating margin for the third quarter of fiscal year 2025 was 18.1%, compared to 15.5% reported for the prior year period. Processing of elevated volume on behalf of our customers across several different program areas provided additional benefit to this quarter's margin. The full-year fiscal 2025 operating margin for the U.S. Federal Services Segment is now expected to be approximately 15%. U.S. Services Segment U.S. Services Segment revenue for the third quarter of fiscal year 2025 decreased 6.9% to $439.8 million, compared to $472.3 million reported in the prior year period. Similar to the first two quarters of this year, the decrease resulted from the prior year period containing excess volumes from Medicaid-related activities, including the unwinding exercise that drove extra redeterminations. The segment operating margin for the third quarter of fiscal year 2025 was 10.2%, compared to 13.0% reported for the prior year period. The higher margin in the prior year period was a direct benefit of the excess volumes that were temporary. The full-year fiscal 2025 operating margin for the U.S. Services Segment is now expected to be approximately 10.5%. Outside the U.S. Segment Outside the U.S. Segment revenue for the third quarter of fiscal year 2025 decreased to $147.4 million, compared to $159.3 million reported in the prior year period. The revenue reduction was due to the divestitures of multiple employment services businesses in prior periods, and partially offset by positive organic growth of 7.3%. The segment operating margin for the third quarter of fiscal year 2025 was 4.0%, compared to an operating loss of 0.9% in the prior year period. A trend of improved profitability for the segment across this fiscal year continues following the divestitures of multiple employment services businesses. Sales and Pipeline Year-to-date signed contract awards at June 30, 2025, totaled $3.37 billion, and contracts pending (awarded but unsigned) totaled $1.44 billion. The book-to-bill ratio at June 30, 2025, was 0.8x as calculated on a trailing twelve-month basis. The sales pipeline at June 30, 2025, totaled $44.7 billion, comprised of approximately $3.05 billion in proposals pending, $1.20 billion in proposals in preparation, and $40.4 billion in opportunities we are tracking. New work opportunities represent approximately 63% of the total sales pipeline. Balance Sheet and Cash Flows At June 30, 2025, unrestricted cash and cash equivalents totaled $59.8 million, and gross debt was $1.67 billion. The ratio of debt, net of allowed cash, to consolidated EBITDA for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, as calculated on a trailing twelve-month basis in accordance with our credit agreement, was 2.1x compared to 1.9x at March 31, 2025. The current debt ratio stands at the low end of our 2x to 3x target net leverage range and recent quarters of increased borrowings are due to a combination of Maximus common stock purchases and temporary working capital needs. For the third quarter of fiscal year 2025, cash used in operating activities totaled $182.7 million and free cash flow was an outflow of $198.2 million. Operating cash flows were impacted primarily by payment delays on two large programs as contemplated in prior guidance in which Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) were estimated to peak in this quarter-ended June 30, 2025. DSO were 96 days at June 30, 2025, compared with 73 days at March 31, 2025. Subsequent to June 30, 2025, collections have improved substantially and are anticipated to continue through the end of this fiscal year. As a result, fiscal year 2025 guidance for free cash flow is increasing. The current Board of Directors authorization announced in December 2024 has $65.8 million available for future purchases of Maximus common stock. On July 5, 2025, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.30 for each share of our common stock outstanding. The dividend is payable on August 31, 2025, to shareholders of record on August 15, 2025. Raising Fiscal Year 2025 Guidance Maximus is raising revenue, earnings, and free cash flow guidance for fiscal year 2025. Revenue guidance is increasing by $100 million at the midpoint and is now expected to range between $5.375 billion and $5.475 billion. The full year adjusted EBITDA margin guidance, which excludes divestiture-related charges, improves by 130 basis points to approximately 13%, compared to prior guidance. Guidance for adjusted diluted earnings per share, which excludes expense for amortization of intangible assets and divestiture-related charges, increases by $1.00 at the midpoint and is now expected to range between $7.35 and $7.55 per share for fiscal year 2025. Free cash flow guidance increases by $10 million at the midpoint and is now expected to range between $370 million and $390 million for fiscal year 2025. Interest expense is now estimated to be $81 million for fiscal year 2025. The full year tax rate is still expected to range between 28% and 29% and the weighted average shares outstanding forecast of approximately 58 million shares is unchanged for fiscal year 2025. Conference Call and Webcast Information Maximus will host a conference call this morning, August 7, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. ET. The call is open to the public and available by webcast or by phone at: 877.407.8289 (Domestic) / +1.201.689.8341 (International) For those unable to listen to the live call, a recording of the webcast will be available on About Maximus As a leading strategic partner to government, Maximus helps improve the delivery of public services amid complex technology, health, economic, environmental, and social challenges. With a deep understanding of program service delivery, acute insights that achieve operational excellence, and an extensive awareness of the needs of the people being served, our employees advance the critical missions of our partners. Maximus delivers innovative business process management, impactful consulting services, and technology solutions that provide improved outcomes for the public and higher levels of productivity and efficiency of government-sponsored programs. For more information, visit Non-GAAP Measures and Forward-Looking Statements This release contains non-GAAP measures and other indicators, including organic growth, free cash flow, operating income and EPS adjusted for amortization of intangible assets and divestiture-related charges, adjusted EBITDA, consolidated EBITDA (as defined by our Credit Agreement) and other non-GAAP measures. A description of these non-GAAP measures and details as to how they are calculated are included with our earnings presentation and forthcoming Form 10-Q. The presentation of these non-GAAP numbers is not meant to be considered in isolation, nor as alternatives to cash flows from operations, revenue growth, operating income, or net income as measures of performance. These non-GAAP financial measures, as determined and presented by us, may not be comparable to related or similarly titled measures presented by other companies. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about our confidence and strategies, and our guidance and expectations about revenues, results of operations, profitability, future contracts, market opportunities, market demand, or acceptance of our products are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These risks could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. The guidance is only effective as of the date given. We undertake no obligation to update the guidance herein as circumstances evolve. A Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements is included within our forthcoming Form 10-Q and a summary of risk factors can be found in Item 1A, "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2024, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on November 21, 2024, as supplemented by the risk factor set forth in Part II, Item 1A "Risk Factors" in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, which was filed with the SEC on May 8, 2025. Our SEC reports are accessible on Maximus, Inc. Consolidated Balance Sheets September 30, 2024 (unaudited) (in thousands) Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 59,777 $ 183,123 Accounts receivable, net 1,422,350 879,514 Income taxes receivable 5,661 5,282 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 117,243 132,625 Total current assets 1,605,031 1,200,544 Property and equipment, net 34,536 38,977 Capitalized software, net 217,433 187,677 Operating lease right-of-use assets 115,437 133,594 Goodwill 1,782,836 1,782,871 Intangible assets, net 561,566 630,569 Deferred contract costs, net 60,392 59,432 Deferred compensation plan assets 58,714 55,913 Deferred income taxes 11,059 14,801 Other assets 15,289 27,130 Total assets $ 4,462,293 $ 4,131,508 Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity: Liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 281,994 $ 303,321 Accrued compensation and benefits 164,194 237,121 Deferred revenue, current portion 70,197 83,238 Income taxes payable 31,310 26,535 Long-term debt, current portion 48,263 40,139 Operating lease liabilities, current portion 39,882 47,656 Other current liabilities 70,311 69,519 Total current liabilities 706,151 807,529 Deferred revenue, non-current portion 48,990 45,077 Deferred income taxes 161,426 169,118 Long-term debt, non-current portion 1,608,982 1,091,954 Deferred compensation plan liabilities, non-current portion 58,736 57,599 Operating lease liabilities, non-current portion 83,390 97,221 Other liabilities 21,582 20,195 Total liabilities 2,689,257 2,288,693 Shareholders' equity: Common stock, no par value; 100,000 shares authorized; 56,350 and 60,352 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2025, and September 30, 2024, respectively 627,496 598,304 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (12,629 ) (32,460 ) Retained earnings 1,158,169 1,276,971 Total shareholders' equity 1,773,036 1,842,815 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 4,462,293 $ 4,131,508 Expand Maximus, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) June 30, 2025 June 30, 2024 June 30, 2025 June 30, 2024 (in thousands) Cash flows from operating activities: Net income $ 105,981 $ 89,752 $ 243,746 $ 234,410 Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows from operations: Depreciation and amortization of property, equipment, and capitalized software 9,607 7,530 27,502 24,146 Amortization of intangible assets 23,010 23,542 69,041 68,532 Amortization of debt issuance costs and debt discount 736 1,697 2,046 2,899 Deferred income taxes (5,239 ) 4,545 (5,829 ) (3,770 ) Stock compensation expense 10,749 9,481 30,324 27,605 Divestiture-related charges — — 39,343 1,018 Change in assets and liabilities, net of effects of business combinations and divestitures: Accounts receivable (318,415 ) 65,857 (553,297 ) (26,528 ) Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,398 (616 ) 9,341 19,316 Deferred contract costs 1,059 (4,777 ) (856 ) (8,377 ) Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (27,751 ) 4,642 (21,808 ) (1,659 ) Accrued compensation and benefits (2,368 ) (10,487 ) (50,369 ) (21,043 ) Deferred revenue 2,618 7,374 (8,675 ) 18,079 Income taxes 12,090 (2,734 ) 5,625 10,576 Operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities (1,145 ) (1,746 ) (3,508 ) (2,131 ) Other assets and liabilities 4,952 5,268 (2,626 ) 8,351 Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities (182,718 ) 199,328 (220,000 ) 351,424 Cash flows from investing activities: Purchases of property and equipment and capitalized software (15,488 ) (34,690 ) (55,686 ) (82,237 ) Asset acquisition — — — (18,006 ) Proceeds from divestitures — — 736 3,078 Other — — (2,165 ) — Net cash used in investing activities (15,488 ) (34,690 ) (57,115 ) (97,165 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Cash dividends paid to Maximus shareholders (16,904 ) (18,239 ) (51,865 ) (54,847 ) Purchases of Maximus common stock — (47,275 ) (306,443 ) (47,275 ) Tax withholding related to RSU vesting (10 ) — (16,451 ) (13,455 ) Payments for contingent consideration — (2,809 ) — (10,977 ) Payments for debt financing costs — (9,724 ) (1,658 ) (9,724 ) Proceeds from borrowings 376,208 426,757 1,335,208 850,166 Principal payments for debt (212,535 ) (488,038 ) (810,174 ) (952,825 ) Other (643 ) 3,996 (1,824 ) 9,118 Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities 146,116 (135,332 ) 146,793 (229,819 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 1,528 155 (65 ) 1,270 Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash (50,562 ) 29,461 (130,387 ) 25,710 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period 155,938 118,340 235,763 122,091 Expand Maximus, Inc. Consolidated Results of Operations by Segment (Unaudited) For the Three Months Ended For the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2025 June 30, 2024 June 30, 2025 June 30, 2024 (dollars in thousands) Revenue: U.S. Federal Services $ 761,174 $ 683,347 $ 2,319,756 $ 2,062,127 U.S. Services 439,818 472,298 1,334,418 1,448,258 Outside the U.S. 147,408 159,284 458,687 479,942 Revenue $ 1,348,400 $ 1,314,929 $ 4,112,861 $ 3,990,327 Gross profit: U.S. Federal Services $ 226,134 29.7 % $ 186,075 27.2 % $ 601,507 25.9 % $ 506,074 24.5 % U.S. Services 105,932 24.1 % 121,012 25.6 % 312,706 23.4 % 369,497 25.5 % Outside the U.S. 27,447 18.6 % 25,227 15.8 % 85,678 18.7 % 74,386 15.5 % Gross profit $ 359,513 26.7 % $ 332,314 25.3 % $ 999,891 24.3 % $ 949,957 23.8 % Selling, general, and administrative expenses: U.S. Federal Services $ 88,272 11.6 % $ 79,949 11.7 % $ 245,563 10.6 % $ 247,671 12.0 % U.S. Services 60,975 13.9 % 59,531 12.6 % 173,096 13.0 % 174,032 12.0 % Outside the U.S. 21,507 14.6 % 26,647 16.7 % 66,822 14.6 % 75,249 15.7 % Divestiture-related charges (2) — NM — NM 39,343 NM 1,018 NM Other (3) 77 NM 906 NM 599 NM 6,712 NM Selling, general, and administrative expenses $ 170,831 12.7 % $ 167,033 12.7 % $ 525,423 12.8 % $ 504,682 12.6 % Operating income: U.S. Federal Services $ 137,862 18.1 % $ 106,126 15.5 % $ 355,944 15.3 % $ 258,403 12.5 % U.S. Services 44,957 10.2 % 61,481 13.0 % 139,610 10.5 % 195,465 13.5 % Outside the U.S. 5,940 4.0 % (1,420 ) (0.9 )% 18,856 4.1 % (863 ) (0.2 )% Amortization of intangible assets (23,010 ) NM (23,542 ) NM (69,041 ) NM (68,532 ) NM Divestiture-related charges (2) — NM — NM (39,343 ) NM (1,018 ) NM Other (3) (77 ) NM (906 ) NM (599 ) NM (6,712 ) NM Operating income $ 165,672 12.3 % $ 141,739 10.8 % $ 405,427 9.9 % $ 376,743 9.4 % Expand (1) Percentage of respective revenue, as applicable. Percentages not considered meaningful are marked "NM." (2) During fiscal years 2025 and 2024, we have divested businesses from our Outside the U.S. Segment. (3) Other expenses includes credits and costs that are not allocated to a particular segment. Expand Maximus, Inc. Non-GAAP Adjusted Results - Operating Income, Adjusted EBITDA, Net Income, and Diluted Earnings per Share (Unaudited) For the Three Months Ended For the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2025 June 30, 2024 June 30, 2025 June 30, 2024 (dollars in thousands, except per share data) Operating income $ 165,672 $ 141,739 $ 405,427 $ 376,743 Add back: Amortization of intangible assets 23,010 23,542 69,041 68,532 Add back: Divestiture-related charges — — 39,343 1,018 Add back: Depreciation and amortization of property, equipment, and capitalized software 9,607 7,530 27,502 24,146 Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP) $ 198,289 $ 172,811 $ 541,313 $ 470,439 Adjusted EBITDA margin (Non-GAAP) 14.7 % 13.1 % 13.2 % 11.8 % Net income $ 105,981 $ 89,752 $ 243,746 $ 234,410 Add back: Amortization of intangible assets, net of tax 16,958 17,350 50,883 50,508 Add back: Divestiture-related charges — — 39,343 1,018 Adjusted net income excluding amortization of intangible assets and divestiture-related charges (Non-GAAP) $ 122,939 $ 107,102 $ 333,972 $ 285,936 Diluted earnings per share $ 1.86 $ 1.46 $ 4.20 $ 3.81 Add back: Effect of amortization of intangible assets on diluted earnings per share 0.30 0.28 0.88 0.82 Add back: Effect of divestiture-related charges on diluted earnings per share — — 0.67 0.02 Adjusted diluted earnings per share excluding amortization of intangible assets and divestiture-related charges (Non-GAAP) $ 2.16 $ 1.74 $ 5.75 $ 4.65 Expand
Boston Globe
30-07-2025
- Business
- Boston Globe
Canadian visits to N.H. continue to drop while Governor Ayotte withdraws nomination for state's economic leader
He said the state is responding by turning its attention to domestic markets, from Pennsylvania to Ohio and into the Carolinas. Advertisement During an Executive Council meeting on Wednesday, Ayotte announced that her nomination to reappoint Caswell had been withdrawn. Get N.H. Morning Report A weekday newsletter delivering the N.H. news you need to know right to your inbox. Enter Email Sign Up Ayotte said she plans to join a trade delegation to Canada in September. 'We're going to continue to focus on our relationships with Canadians, which are quite important,' she said during the meeting. Caswell and Ayotte plan to spend about a week in Nova Scotia and Quebec, where they will meet with businesses, members of the tourism industry, and government officials. Confirming a nomination requires at least three of the five executive councilors to vote in favor of the governor's nominee. The governor can withdraw a nomination that lacks the needed support. 'I deeply appreciate Commissioner Caswell's terrific work, and we can discuss it further,' Ayotte said. Advertisement Caswell told the Union Leader that he will stay on in the position in 'holdover' status for the time being, as talks with the councilors continue. He's allowed to do so for up to six months, Caswell did not immediately respond to a request for comment on this story. 'I was shocked,' said Executive Councilor Janet Stevens, a Rye Republican. Stevens said she supported Caswell and commended his work on housing and dispersing emergency relief during the pandemic. 'He's done great things for the state of New Hampshire,' she said. Stevens said she had been 'inundated' with calls from business leaders and chambers of commerce in support of Caswell's reappointment. The other executive councilors did not immediately respond to a request for comment on this story. Caswell was the first commissioner to lead the Department of Business and Economic Affairs which was created in 2017. He was nominated by Republican Governor Chris Sununu and reappointed in 2021 to serve a second four-year term that expired in July. In June, the A VisitNH post included text encouraging people to 'Celebrate love all month long' with Pride events, festivals, and parades around the state. After Caswell was tagged in a request to remove the post, it was taken down within an hour. Now, the page displays a Advertisement Amanda Gokee can be reached at
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Dillon Gabriel's fiancée Zo Caswell stuns with radiant in-flight glam before luxurious Manhattan Beach getaway
Zo Caswell, the fiancée of quarterback Dillon Gabriel, lit up Instagram on Sunday with a radiant airplane selfie that quickly caught the attention of fans. While flying from Oklahoma City to Los Angeles, Caswell showed off a sun-kissed glow and sleek style that sparked a wave of admiration online. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The brunette beauty flaunted soft glam makeup and glowing skin, creating a buzz among her social media followers. Her effortless look set the tone for what became a luxurious California escape. Jet-set radiance: Zo Caswell nails the perfect in-flight glam look The rising influencer shared the post on her Instagram Story mid-flight, dressed in a crisp white tank top that paired perfectly with her natural glow. She accessorized with a delicate gold necklace featuring a small circular pendant—simple, elegant, and travel-ready. Her long, dark brown hair was worn straight and shiny, cascading past her shoulders as sunlight streamed in from the window. With flawless brows, rosy cheeks, and glossy pink lips, Caswell embodied casual glamour at 30,000 feet. 'Plane glam — kiss, smile — OKC to LA,' she wrote in her story, adding a flirty touch to her glowing travel look. The selfie showcased her signature soft glam aesthetic, which has become a favorite among her followers. Caswell's beauty routine appeared effortless yet polished, and her fans were quick to praise the natural lighting that elevated her features. The perfectly timed snap highlighted her skin's radiant finish, prompting admiration across social platforms. Poolside perfection in Manhattan Beach Caswell's travel diary didn't end on the plane. Her next story revealed a luxury poolside video from Manhattan Beach, California, capturing a picturesque slice of West Coast relaxation. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The short clip featured a sparkling blue swimming pool lined with sun umbrellas, lounge chairs, and private cabanas. Beyond the pool, a lush golf course stretched into the distance, dotted with tall palm trees and a tranquil pond. The view was pure California serenity—a stark contrast to the midwestern skies she left behind. The Oklahoma native has gradually stepped into the spotlight alongside Dillon Gabriel, who's gearing up for his journey after a standout college football career. With Gabriel's move to the West Coast, Caswell's Instagram presence has increasingly reflected their bi-coastal lifestyle. Whether it's behind the scenes on game days or sharing aesthetic snapshots from her travels, she brings a polished, relatable charm to her growing audience. Her Sunday posts are the latest example of how she blends low-key luxury with approachability. Also read: Caswell's ability to pair minimalist fashion with soft glam beauty has made her one to watch among NFL WAGs. As her partner prepares for the upcoming season, Caswell continues to carve out her own lane in the influencer space. From her chic travel looks to breezy California content, she consistently delivers aspirational yet down-to-earth updates. Her sun-drenched selfie and poolside preview are a strong reminder that Zo Caswell knows how to shine—whether in the skies or by the sea.
BBC News
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Caswell: 'Confidence holds so many women back'
The Suffolk singer-songwriter Caswell was one of the local acts who supported Ed Sheeran on his Divide tour in Chantry Park in 2019 - and has since been developing her own unique has a busy summer schedule - a new single, an album on the way and festival performances starting with First Light in Lowestoft on 21 in her own words, she talks about her creative voice, empowering others - and staying out of her comfort zone. I tend to work with a fusion of genres, but what connects it altogether is my top line (which is what we call the melody and lyrics in the music industry).My voice is quite ethereal, it's quite high, so I feel like it's got a signature sound but I honestly was so nervous for such a long time. I had quite low self-esteem as a young musician and that is something that I've really built; doing open mics around Suffolk and doing all of the small gigs and putting myself out there continuously... so now it's like my stage presence is one of my strongest more I have grown and developed, the more I want to use my creative voice to express some of those things that I feel are most important to me; women's rights and self expression.I work with lots of different community groups but one thing I'm most passionate about is empowering young women and girls to have that confidence to follow their aspirations. 'Integrity' Confidence holds so many women back, so many people back. And if that is something we can help build and give people that self-belief that they deserve to have their voice heard - that is what is really important to me because I can kind of see myself in those young people that lack that confidence. I try to have integrity throughout everything I do, rather than just the public facing side of things and honestly, every day, I have to work against the negative voices in my head, that tell me to be smaller, 'don't come in to do the radio interview, don't go and talk to those young people you've got got nothing to offer them'.I put myself out of my comfort zone all the time because I believe that really matters. And by constantly pushing the boundaries of my comfort zone, I know that I'm going to be growing, rather than staying within my limits.I did a recent fundraiser for Future Female Society, a grass roots women's charity based in Ipswich. I have worked with them as an artist facilitator, so it is really important to me to support local charities like that because you see directly the work that they do. You meet the people they are positively affecting, hearing some of the stories of the changes in people's lives is incredible. Playing First Light feels fantastic because I went there last year and the weather was is set up so well with a real community vibe. I love that it's free and it is accessible for all, and the main stage is very impressive. I'm really privileged to be able to perform with my band and I've never performed in Lowestoft. I guess First Light is giving opportunities to Lowestoft for performers to come through because previously I don't know that I would have had many opportunities to perform there. I'm also playing Rock and Roll Circus in Norwich and McFly are headlining. I was so excited when I got asked because it's like my childhood dreams.I've also got an album coming out later this year, so I have a couple of really big shows around that which I have not announced yet. It's my first ever album and it's got funding from PRS And Help Musicians, so it has been very independently done and I'm really excited to finally share it. The First Light Festival runs 21-22 June on Lowestoft beach. The main event is free and open to all, some evening shows are ticketed. Final Call was released on 13 June. Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
This Latest Teen Trend Has Experts Feeling Very Uneasy, And It Makes Sense Why
Trends change, technology advances, yet teenagers always seem to stay the same. They find new ways to maintain social relevance — often by doing things older generations don't understand. (Don't believe me? Just try to guess what any of their slang terms mean.) One of the latest teen trends is something that might raise a few eyebrows among parents, due to safety and privacy concerns: location tracking. Although teens crave independence from their parents, they are voluntarily sharing their real-time whereabouts with their friends. Popular phone tracking app Life360 recently found that Gen Z is 70% more likely than any other age group to share their location with friends. And 94% of Gen Z surveyed said their lives benefit from location sharing. In May 2025, Snapchat announced that its location-sharing Snap Map has more than 400 million monthly active users, per TechCrunch. This influences other social media platforms, as Instagram is reportedly working on a similar Friend Map to allow users to see their friends' locations. Many adults, including Leigh McInnis, the executive director of Newport Healthcare, may feel wary about this trend; however, McInnis keeps an open mind. 'While my immediate instinct is related to the protection of privacy and boundaries,' she told HuffPost, 'I realize that this impulse is likely more related to my generational identity and discomfort with technology and tracking than the social needs and preferences of today's teens and young adults.' McInnis added, 'I think that it is important to explore the function of a behavior before judging it or intervening in it.' Not sure what to think about it — or how to ensure your teen uses an app like this safely? Keep reading for expert-backed opinions to help you understand why your teens might like sharing their location, as well as tips on setting boundaries and red flags to look for. Location Sharing Isn't Necessarily New 'Many of the teens I work with — including my own daughter — share their location with their friends,' said Dr. Cameron Caswell, adolescent psychologist, host of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam podcast, and parent of a teen. 'It's a little about safety, but mostly 'because it's just fun to see what each other is doing.'' Back in the olden days (circa 2006), teens would update their Myspace status to let you know what they were up to. Later, they 'checked in' to places on Foursquare and Facebook, shared real-time updates on Snapchat and Instagram stories, and tweeted every detail of their lives. Now, they use Snapchat's Snap Map, Life360, or Apple's location sharing to share with their friends everywhere they are in real time. 'This isn't new,' Caswell said. 'In a world where nearly everything is shared, this doesn't feel invasive to teens — it feels normal. It's just another way they stay looped into each other's lives.' Teens also use apps like this to track their parents, according to Caswell, whose own daughter will text her if she sees her mom is at Ulta and ask for lip gloss. 'For many teens, location sharing is about connection and a sense of safety,' Caswell explained. 'It's their way of saying, 'You're in my circle' and 'I've got your back.'' Understanding The Risks Even though sharing your location with friends might be popular, it doesn't come without consequences. Cheryl Groskopf, an anxiety, trauma, and attachment therapist based in Los Angeles, sees teens sharing their locations as a way 'to manage anxiety, track social dynamics and feel less alone.' 'There's comfort in knowing where your people are, especially in a world where teens constantly feel like they could get left out, replaced, or excluded,' she said. 'But that comfort is fragile — it relies on constant access (which leaves their nervous system hypervigilant to feeling 'left out').' 'If you're checking someone's location because you don't trust what they're telling you — or because they don't trust you — then it's already crossed into a control dynamic,' Groskopf said. In her practice, she's seen teens 'spiral' when they spot their friend at a party they weren't invited to, or 'because someone didn't respond fast enough, but 'was clearly at home.'' She explained, 'It becomes a setup for overthinking, panic, and social surveillance.' 'Teens shouldn't use location sharing when it's being used to avoid rejection, manage someone else's anxiety, or prove loyalty,' she added. McInnis said, 'Teens sharing their location and having their friends track them could harm their mental health.' Constantly seeing (and comparing) your friends' social activities 'can lead to feelings of inadequacy,' she added. Caswell agreed. 'Location sharing can intensify FOMO (fear of missing out) and social exclusion,' she said. 'Seeing a group of friends hanging out without them — even unintentionally — can make them feel lonelier and more left out.' In addition to these emotional risks, there are physical risks, too. Like a teen's location data being available to someone who might wish them harm. 'In the wrong hands, it can make [teens] more vulnerable to stalking, harassment or even predatory behavior, especially if they are in controlling relationships,' Caswell said. There's A Gender Gap Teen girls may be more likely to use location sharing as a way to feel safer. According to the Life360 survey, 70% of Gen Z women believe their physical well-being benefits from location sharing. In the field, our experts also found that females were more likely to do this. Caswell said that 'mostly girls' will openly share their location with friends, 'both for fun and because it makes them feel safer knowing someone always knows where they are.' However, this sense of safety is a double-edged sword, as it can 'increase the risk of stalking, harassment, or even sexual violence,' Caswell said. 'Especially when their location is shared with the wrong person, which is often someone they know and trust.' Groskopf warns of the dangers girls and femme teens may experience when their use of location-sharing is weaponized against them. 'It can easily turn into emotional surveillance disguised as closeness,' she explained. (For example, a friend or partner telling them, 'If you trust me, you'll let me see where you are.') 'I see these kinds of patterns play out in high-control dynamics — friends or partners checking locations not to stay safe, but to manage anxiety, jealousy, or power,' Groskopf said. 'And girls are way more likely to internalize that and comply, even when it feels off. They're more likely to be conditioned to avoid conflict, manage other people's emotions, and keep the peace — even if that means overriding their own boundaries.' That's why teaching your kids how to set boundaries, in real life and online, is important. Setting Boundaries Teaching your teen how to handle location-sharing in a safe way starts with conversations around consent and the ability to say no. When asked if there is a safe way for teens to share their locations, Groskopf said, 'Only if there's real consent, boundaries, and the freedom to opt out without punishment.' In this case, the punishment could be feeling guilt-tripped or rejected by a friend. 'That means not just technically having the option to stop sharing, but knowing you won't be guilted, shut out, or shamed if you do,' Groskopf continued. 'A parent saying, 'I want to know where you are in case of emergency' is one thing. A friend saying, 'Why'd you turn off your location?' with passive-aggressive silence afterward is something else entirely.' She added, 'Safe tracking only works when it's not being weaponized to regulate someone else's fear, jealousy, or insecurity.' How To Talk To Your Teen About Location Sharing Start the conversation with curiosity, not criticism, Caswell said. 'Instead of banning [location sharing], I recommend walking through privacy settings together and having calm conversations about why they're sharing in the first place,' she said. 'Is it for safety? To feel connected to their bestie? Because they feel pressured to? Helping teens understand why they are doing it makes location sharing a lot safer and more intentional.' From there, encourage your teen to only share their location with 'a small, trusted circle of close friends or family,' and check in on this list frequently. 'One mom I worked with told me her daughter was shocked to find an ex-boyfriend still had access to her location,' Caswell said. 'Of course, that explained why he kept 'randomly' showing up wherever she was. Instead of freaking out, the mom used it as an opportunity to talk with her daughter about how to use tech more safely moving forward.' It's always a good idea to talk with your teens about how to stay safe online and set boundaries around privacy with their friends. But keep in mind, this starts at home. 'Let your teen say no to you sometimes,' Caswell suggested. 'Practicing boundaries with someone safe gives them the confidence to do it with someone who isn't,' she added. 'That's how they build real-world safety skills — not just digital ones.' This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
