Business Wire News

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Advent Technologies Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADN) (“Advent”), an innovation-driven company in the fuel cell and hydrogen technology space, today announced that it has signed an eight-year lease for 21,401 square feet in the heart of Boston’s innovation and R&D community at Hood Park in Charlestown, MA (www.hoodpark.com).


The purpose of the new Advent Technologies facility is to accelerate product development on recent next-generation membrane electrode assembly (MEA) initiatives, including high-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane (HT-PEM) fuel cell technology for the automotive industry. HT-PEM represents not only a breakthrough technology for heavy-duty automotive but also for aviation, portable, and off-grid power generation applications. Advent is actively recruiting engineers and technicians for its new facility in Boston, expanding its Northeast operations, and increasing engineering personnel and other expertise at UltraCell’s facilities in Livermore, California.

Advent’s new facility at Hood Park is being custom built as a product development and manufacturing center, and will include:

  • State-of-the-art coating machines for seamless transition from prototypes to production runs for advanced membranes and electrodes;
  • A fully analytical facility for quality control, failure analysis and improving product lifetime;
  • Dozens of fuel cell test stations for statistical process control and development of next generation MEA materials;
  • A mechanical engineering lab for developing automated processes for membrane electrode assembly.

Jim Coffey, Advent’s Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel, commented: “After a thorough process, we selected Massachusetts and Hood Park for our new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility given the close proximity to top research universities and access to a wide pool of intellectual talent. The offices we recently leased at 200 Clarendon Street in Boston will serve as our global business headquarters, while Hood Park will be our product development facility.”

Dr. Vasilis Gregoriou, Advent’s Chief Executive Officer and Founder, added: “Since going public, we have witnessed a significant interest by industry for HT-PEM fuel cell technology. Following up on our goal of entering into joint development agreements with major Tier1 and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the United States, we are accelerating our product development efforts. The addition of the Hood Park facility comes at the right time and will be a significant addition to Advent’s efforts to becoming a global green energy company with state-of-the-art products.”

Chris Kaneb, Manager, Hood Park LLC, stated, “We’re excited to welcome Advent Technologies to Hood Park where they complement our growing community of tenants who are leaders in the development of sustainable technology and scientific research.”

About Advent Technologies Holdings, Inc.

Advent Technologies Holdings, Inc. is an innovation-driven company in the fuel cell and hydrogen technology space. Our vision is to accelerate electrification through advanced materials, components, and next-generation fuel cell technology. Our technology applies to electrification (fuel cells) and energy storage (flow batteries, hydrogen production) markets, which we commercialize through partnerships with Tier1s, OEMs, and System Integrators. For more information on Advent Technologies Holdings, Inc., please visit the company’s website at https://www.advent.energy/


Contacts

Sloane & Company
Joe Germani / Alex Kovtun / James Goldfarb
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Planned to be the first commissioned LNG terminal in the Philippines, PLNG will offer power plants, industry and consumers access to safe, clean and competitive fuel

MANILA, Philippines--(BUSINESS WIRE)--#AGP--Atlantic Gulf & Pacific Company of Manila, Inc. (AG&P) has been issued the Notice to Proceed (NTP) by the Philippines’ Department of Energy (DOE) for the development of its LNG import and regasification terminal in Batangas Bay on the main island of Luzon, called the Philippines LNG (PLNG). PLNG will store LNG and dispatch natural gas to power plant, industrial and commercial customers and other consumers, opening up for the country a new era of clean, efficient fuel and doing its part for the Philippines to compete for and win investment and jobs in the years to come.


PLNG will have the initial capacity to deliver up to 3.0 MTPA of regasified LNG, with additional capacity for liquid distribution. On day one, PLNG will have scalable onshore regasification capacity of 420mmscfd and almost 200,000cbm of storage that will ensure high availability and reliability of natural gas for its customers. AG&P has already completed its pre-development work for PLNG, which is expected to be commissioned by summer 2022.

“We are excited about this critical step in bringing AG&P’s Philippines LNG Import Terminal online. AG&P is working very hard to bring this safe, environmentally-friendly, competitive fuel to our customers by the summer of 2022 and hope that the wide availability of natural gas will spur manufacturing and jobs in the Philippines while we all enjoy healthier air. We salute the Philippines’ DOE for its professionalism and hard work in evaluating our proposal and granting AG&P the Notice to Proceed. We are aligned with the DOE’s forward-looking vision for clean energy and look forward to supporting it every day. I would also like to recognize the hard-working engineers in our Korean subsidiary, Gas Entec, which has brought its world-leading technology to PLNG,” said Mr. Karthik Sathyamoorthy, President of LNG Terminals & Logistics, AG&P.

The DOE approved AG&P’s NTP application in line with its commitment to make the Philippines a regional LNG hub in Southeast Asia. As an initial step, PLNG will serve to kick-start the country’s LNG importation and regasification ability, delivering gas to secure the current and future energy demand of the region.

“The Philippines LNG Terminal is a landmark development for the country that will accelerate industrialization, create jobs, lower pollution and trigger overall economic and social progress. It will directly and indirectly improve the quality of life for many thousands of Filipinos,” added Mr. Sathyamoorthy.

About AG&P

Atlantic Gulf & Pacific (AG&P) is a global leader in developing and running LNG and gas logistics and distribution solutions. AG&P delivers LNG and gas to a variety of end-customers. We act as an owner and as a service provider covering engineering, project management and construction for onshore and offshore gas infrastructure, linking suppliers to downstream customers. AG&P is part-owned by Osaka Gas and JBIC of Japan.

www.agpglobal.com


Contacts

AG&P
Anupam Ahuja
Marketing & Communications
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M: +63 (998) 966 5444

CARSON CITY, Nev.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--PICO Holdings, Inc. announced that its Board of Directors has amended the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws and changed the name of the Company to Vidler Water Resources, Inc. with effect from March 8, 2021. The Company also announced, concurrent with the change of name of the corporation, it has changed its ticker symbol to VWTR on the Nasdaq Global Market, effective March 9, 2021. The Company also announced its reported results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2020. Our reported shareholders’ equity was $178.3 million ($9.59 per share) at December 31, 2020, compared to $178.3 million ($9.01 per share) at December 31, 2019.

Fourth Quarter Results of Operations

Our fourth quarter results of operations were as follows (in thousands):

 

Three Months Ended December 31,

 

2020

2019

Total revenue

$

3,466

$

10,360

Total cost and expenses

 

2,703

 

5,779

Gain from operations before income taxes

 

763

 

4,581

Benefit for federal and state income taxes

 

9,333

 

Net income attributable to PICO Holdings, Inc.

$

10,096

$

4,581

 

 

 

Net income per share

$

0.54

$

0.23

Full Year Results of Operations

Our full year results of operations were as follows (in thousands):

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

2020

2019

Total revenue

$

9,612

$

29,398

Total cost and expenses

 

8,944

 

17,872

Gain from operations before income taxes

 

668

 

11,526

Provision for federal and state income taxes

 

9,333

 

Net income attributable to PICO Holdings, Inc.

$

10,001

$

11,526

 

 

 

Net income per share

$

0.52

$

0.57

Vidler Water Resource’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Dorothy Timian - Palmer, commented:

“Our 2020 results were, as in 2019, driven by sales transactions closed in all our service areas and reflect the demand in these high growth and water - scarce regions for long - term sustainable water resources. Our aggregate revenue of $9.6 million in 2020 was comprised mainly from sales of our water rights inventory in northern Nevada and New Mexico. Further sales in the first quarter of 2021, that have either occurred or will shortly close, from our water assets at Dodge Flat, Nevada and the Middle Rio Grande, New Mexico, totaling $2.6 million, means that we have now sold all of our assets in these two locations.

“As evidenced by the reduction in year over year revenue, our sales transactions can vary significantly across reporting periods. However, we believe our portfolio of sustainable water assets throughout the Southwest U.S. can provide residential and commercial developers with one of the few available assured water supplies they require to advance their projects in an environmentally conscious manner. We believe that it is important that the developments that bring growth and economic benefits to local communities are done using sustainable resources. Given the continued growth in demand throughout the Southwest U.S. for assured water supplies – arising from population and economic growth – we believe the continued monetizations of our water assets portfolio will provide an attractive return to investors through a stream of cash flows returned to shareholders. In addition, it appears that our real estate properties in Arizona, have the potential to become alternative energy sites due to their location near existing transmission, fiber optic, and natural gas lines as well as transportation corridors. We continue to explore these opportunities which may provide additional sources of on-going future cash flows.

“Furthermore, due to our existing net operating losses as of December 31, 2020 of $155.3 million, we believe the corporate tax on earnings we generate from future assets sales can be offset by loss carry forwards for the next several years. This will be particularly valuable in the future if the corporate tax rate is increased from the current rate. These savings provide more capital that can be returned to our shareholders as we intend to do under our current business plan. We have generated cumulative book income over the past three years and, given our outlook for future transactions, as of December 31, 2020 we released a portion of our total deferred tax valuation allowance and recorded a deferred tax asset on our balance sheet of $9.3 million.

“Our total costs, excluding cost of sales, for 2020 were $7 million compared to $9.4 million for 2019. These costs include all our acquisition, selling and project costs, including significant legal fees incurred in 2020 as a result of protecting our water rights and applications in Kane Springs, Lincoln County in southern Nevada. These costs also include the costs of operating Fish Springs Ranch in northern Nevada. Clearly, our main focus at Fish Springs Ranch is the sale of our sustainable water rights to developers in the North Valleys region of Reno, Nevada. However, we have been successful in generating different income streams from Fish Springs Ranch to help offset our operating costs and in 2020, in addition to our traditional agricultural income from the ranch, we entered in to a long – term lease of some of our property with an alternative energy provider. We are also exploring opportunities to lease or sell a small portion of our total inventory of water rights at Fish Springs Ranch to Truckee Meadows Water Authority (“TMWA”) as well as other governmental agencies and private water users in the region outside of our service area in the North Valleys. We believe this arrangement, if finalized, demonstrates the benefit of the deep relationships we have with the stakeholders in the Reno community. If we are successful, this arrangement would not only allow us to facilitate the delivery of water to consumers beyond our current service area in the North Valleys but also assist TMWA and other governmental agencies to establish a more certain supply of water to the region for both environmental and growth purposes, as well as a back-up supply for dry years. Our aim is to keep our annual net operating costs (which we define as all costs not directly associated with asset monetizations or acquisitions net of operating income such as agricultural and lease income) as low as possible while we monetize and develop our water asset portfolio over the next several years. Our budget for net operating costs in 2021 is $5.2 million compared to actual net operating costs of $5.6 million in 2020.

“Our capital allocation in 2020 was exclusively focused on repurchasing shares and reflects our Board’s belief that, at current market prices, our stock is significantly undervalued from our estimates of its intrinsic value and, consequently, repurchases should be beneficial to our continuing shareholders. In 2020 we repurchased a total of 1,199,357 shares for $10.4 million ($8.65 per share). From inception of the repurchase program (March 2017) to date we have repurchased a total of 4,702,464 shares for $49.2 million ($10.47 per share). This year’s repurchases are partly responsible for our book value per share increasing to $9.59 at December 31, 2020 from $9.01 at December 31, 2019 despite overall shareholders’ equity essentially remaining unchanged in 2020.

“Finally, our operations are, and have been for a few years, solely focused on the development and sale of our sustainable water assets portfolio at Vidler Water Company. To better reflect the Company’s mission, brand and business plan, the Board has changed the name of the Company to Vidler Water Resources, Inc. and our Nasdaq ticker symbol will change to VWTR. We believe this name change will better highlight our long-standing environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles. Our mission, and indeed the laws under which we operate, require that our assets are sustainable and provide a beneficial use to the citizens of the regions we serve.”

About Vidler Water Resources, Inc.

As of December 31, 2020, our primary holding was Vidler Water Company, Inc. (“Vidler”), a water resource and water storage business, with assets and operations primarily in the Southwestern U.S.

Our business is to source, develop and provide sustainable potable water resources to fast-growing communities throughout the Southwest U.S. that lack, or are running short of, available water resources.

We conduct our business by working closely with many constituents in these communities: regulators, utilities, Native North American tribes, community leaders, residential and commercial developers and alternative energy companies. We ensure the water resources we develop and sell are sustainable and provide benefit to the citizens of the communities and regions we serve.

Currently, we believe the highest potential return to shareholders is from a return of capital. As we monetize our water and real estate assets, rather than reinvest the proceeds, we intend to return capital to shareholders through a stock repurchase program or by other means such as special dividends. Nonetheless, we may, from time to time, reinvest a portion of proceeds from asset monetizations in further development of existing assets, if we believe the returns on such reinvestment outweigh the benefits of a return of capital.

OTHER INFORMATION

At December 31, 2020, we had a market capitalization of $173.8 million, and 18,583,366 shares outstanding.

We remind all of our stockholders that questions regarding our operations may be submitted to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and, if appropriate, we will post on our website responses to these questions.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains statements that may constitute forward-looking statements, which are based on information currently available, usually identified by words such as "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "plans,'' "projects," "expects," "hopes," "intends," "strategy," ''focus," "outlook," "will," "could," "should," "may," "continue," or similar expressions, which speak only as of the date the statement was made. Such statements are forward-looking statements and are within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and such statements are subject to the safe harbor created by those sections and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical or current fact, are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including without limitation statements regarding our business objectives, our ability to monetize our water resources, the future demand for our water resources, our ability to reduce net operating cash use, our ability to source additional revenue streams, our ability to preserve and utilize NOLs to offset taxable income and reduce our federal income liability, and our ability to monetize assets and return capital to shareholders through stock repurchases or through other means. The forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties.

A number of other factors may cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations, such as: any slow down or downturn in the housing or in the real estate markets in which Vidler operates; fluctuations in the prices of water and water rights; physical, governmental and legal restrictions on water and water rights; a downturn in some sectors of the stock market; general economic conditions; the impacts of the COVID-19 global pandemic on the demand for real estate, the pace of real estate development, and demand for water resources to support residential and commercial real estate development; prolonged weakness in the overall U.S. and global economies; the performance of the businesses in which Vidler operates; the continued service and availability of key management personnel; and potential capital requirements and financing alternatives.

For further information regarding risks and uncertainties associated with our business, please refer to the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Risk Factors” sections of our SEC filings, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, copies of which may be obtained by contacting us at (775) 885-5000 or at http://vidlerwater.com.

We undertake no obligation to (and we expressly disclaim any obligation to) update our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, subsequent events, or otherwise, in order to reflect any event or circumstance which may arise after the date of this press release, except as may otherwise be required by law. Readers are urged not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.


Contacts

Dorothy Timian-Palmer
President and Chief Executive Officer
(775) 885-5000

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Solaris Oilfield Infrastructure, Inc. (NYSE:SOI) (“Solaris”) announced today that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.105 per share of Class A common stock, to be paid on March 25, 2021 to holders of record as of March 15, 2021. A distribution of $0.105 per unit has also been approved for holders of units in Solaris Oilfield Infrastructure, LLC, which is subject to the same payment and record dates.

About Solaris Oilfield Infrastructure, Inc.

Solaris Oilfield Infrastructure, Inc. (NYSE:SOI) provides mobile equipment that drives supply chain and execution efficiencies in the completion of oil and natural gas wells. Solaris’ patented mobile proppant and chemical systems are deployed in many of the most active oil and natural gas basins in the United States. Additional information is available on our website, www.solarisoilfield.com.


Contacts

Yvonne Fletcher
Senior Vice President, Finance and Investor Relations
(281) 501-3070
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Solaris Oilfield Infrastructure, Inc.

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The "Innovative Business Models Focused on Digital Solutions Offer New Opportunities in the North American Positive Displacement Pumps Market" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.


The main objective of this growth opportunity analysis is to assess the impact of market trends and challenges influencing growth prospects for positive displacement (PD) pump original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the next 5 years.

As business uncertainty becomes an inevitable factor, end users across industry verticals are revisiting their strategies to adapt to the new market conditions. The unpredicted outbreak of Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) and its consequent impact on slowing down global manufacturing, which is also being interpreted as the COVID-19 induced economic recession, has severely affected the performance of pump OEMs' North American business in 2020.

Oil prices reached their lowest level in history, worsening of US-China trade relations, closure of rigs by small oil enterprises, and massive job cuts in both the United States and Canada have contributed to the decrease in sales of PD pumps in North America.

Some of the key trends analyzed in this study include the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and digital transformation, energy efficiency, impact of oil prices, and the US-China trade war. IIoT is one of the key trends affecting manufacturers as end users continue to emphasize improvements to plant maintenance as well as a reduced operational expenditure (OPEX).

As companies realize that the future of manufacturing will be driven by IIoT, they will begin to look at data ownership, security, integration with existing infrastructure, and return on investment (ROI).

Importantly, this research offers 5 lucrative growth opportunities for pump OEMs to consider in the North American market. Frost & Sullivan considers these 5 growth opportunities as key enablers that will unlock new revenue streams and deliver differentiating pump products and services.

This research embraces a specific methodology that includes discussions with senior management of PD pump manufacturers and is supported by secondary research.

Research Highlights

  • Analyzing demand patterns for PD pumps in the region
  • Focusing on end-user verticals including oil & gas, chemicals, water & wastewater, power generation, metals & mining, construction, food & beverage, and pharmaceuticals
  • Examining new product capabilities: energy-efficient pumps, smart pumps, and pump monitoring solutions

Key Issues Addressed

  • What is the current size of the North American positive displacement pumps market? Is it expected to grow between 2020 and 2025?
  • What is the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the market? When is the market expected to recover from the impact?
  • What are the key drivers and restraints that will impact market growth prospects over the next 5 years?
  • What are the primary growth opportunities that market participants can leverage to unleash new revenue streams?
  • Which industries are expected to boost pump demand and which pump type will witness the highest growth?
  • What is the competitive landscape like? Who are the key participants?
  • Are manufacturers likely to move to new business models? Are they likely to benefit from them?

Key Topics Covered:

1. Strategic Imperatives

  • Why Is It Increasingly Difficult to Grow?
  • The Strategic Imperative
  • The Impact of the Top Three Strategic Imperatives on the North American PD Pumps Industry
  • Growth Opportunities Fuel the Growth Pipeline Engine

2. Growth Opportunity Analysis, North American Positive Displacement Pumps Market

  • Positive Displacement Pumps Market, Scope of Analysis
  • Positive Displacement Pumps, Market Segmentation
  • Key Competitors for the North American Positive Displacement Pumps Market
  • Key Growth Metrics for the North American Positive Displacement Pumps Market
  • Distribution Channels, North American Positive Displacement Pumps Market
  • Growth Drivers for the North American Positive Displacement Pumps Market
  • Growth Restraints for the North American Positive Displacement Pumps Market
  • Forecast Assumptions, North American Positive Displacement Pumps Market
  • Revenue Forecast, North American Positive Displacement Pumps Market
  • Revenue Forecast by Product, North American Positive Displacement Pumps Market
  • Revenue Forecast by Sub-Product, North American Positive Displacement Pumps Market
  • Revenue Forecast by Industry Vertical, North American Positive Displacement Pumps Market
  • Revenue Forecast Analysis, North American Positive Displacement Pumps Market
  • Revenue Forecast Analysis by Product and Sub-Product, North American Positive Displacement Pumps Market
  • Revenue Forecast Analysis by Industry Vertical, North American Positive Displacement Pumps Market
  • Pricing Trends and Forecast Analysis, North American Positive Displacement Pumps Market
  • Competitive Environment, North American Positive Displacement Pumps Market
  • Market Share, North American Positive Displacement Pumps Market
  • SWOT Analysis of Key Participants, North American Positive Displacement Pumps Market

3. Growth Opportunity Analysis, Reciprocating Pumps

  • Key Growth Metrics for Reciprocating Pumps
  • Revenue Forecast, Reciprocating Pumps
  • Percent Revenue by Industry Vertical and Sub-Product, Reciprocating Pumps
  • Revenue Forecast Analysis, Reciprocating Pumps

4. Growth Opportunity Analysis, Rotary Pumps

  • Key Growth Metrics for Rotary Pumps
  • Revenue Forecast, Rotary Pumps
  • Percent Revenue by Industry Vertical and Sub-Product, Rotary Pumps
  • Revenue Forecast Analysis, Rotary Pumps

5. Growth Opportunity Universe, Positive Displacement Pumps Market

  • Growth Opportunity 1 - Integration of IIoT Technology to Deliver Energy-efficient Pumps, 2020-2025
  • Growth Opportunity 2 - Redefine Value Proposition with Pumps-as-a-Service Business Model, 2020-2025
  • Growth Opportunity 3 - Expand Service Offerings with Managed Contracts, 2020-2025
  • Growth Opportunity 4 - Enabling Integrated Supply Chain Network with IIoT, 2020-2025
  • Growth Opportunity 5 - Water & Wastewater, Food & Beverage, and Pharmaceuticals are Lucrative End-user Segments, 2020-2025

6. Appendix

  • List of Participants

7. Next Steps

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/g7lee8


Contacts

ResearchAndMarkets.com
Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager
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For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470
For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630
For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900

  • Scheme Booklet available online
  • Scheme meeting to be held in person and online on April 7, 2021

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--$PLL #Lithium--Piedmont Lithium Limited (ASX:PLL, NASDAQ:PLL) (Piedmont or Company) is pleased to announce that the Scheme Booklet in relation to Piedmont’s proposed re-domiciliation from Australia to the United States via a Scheme of Arrangement (Scheme), has today been despatched to shareholders, including the notice of meeting, personalised proxy form and small parcel holder opt out form.


Piedmont shareholders who have elected to receive communications electronically will receive an email which contains instructions about how to view or download a copy of the Scheme Booklet, as well as instructions on how to lodge their proxies for the meeting online.

Piedmont shareholders who have not elected to receive communications electronically will be sent a letter together with the proxy form for the meeting containing instructions about how to view or download a copy of the Scheme Booklet.

If the Scheme is implemented:

  • Piedmont shareholders will receive one Piedmont US CHESS depositary interest (CDI) for every Piedmont share held on the Scheme record date. Piedmont US’s CDIs will be listed on ASX and holders of Piedmont US CDIs will be able to trade their Piedmont US CDIs on ASX after the implementation of the Scheme; and
  • Piedmont American Depositary Share (ADS) holders will receive one Piedmont US share for every Piedmont ADS held on the Scheme record date. Piedmont US’s shares will be listed on Nasdaq and holders of Piedmont US shares will be able to trade their Piedmont US shares on Nasdaq after the implementation of the Scheme.

Scheme Meeting

The meeting of Piedmont shareholders to approve the Scheme will be held in person and electronically on April 7, 2021 at the Conference Room, Ground Floor, 28 The Esplanade, Perth, Western Australia at 10:00am (AWST) (Scheme Meeting).

Due to the potential health risks associated with large gatherings and the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Company has made arrangements for Piedmont shareholders to participate in the Scheme Meeting electronically. Details of how to log in online will be contained in the notice of meeting (Notice of Scheme Meeting).

The Notice of Scheme Meeting is included as an annexure to the Scheme Booklet and a personalised proxy form for the Scheme Meeting will accompany the Scheme Booklet.

All Piedmont shareholders who cannot attend the Scheme Meeting are encouraged to vote either by joining the Scheme Meeting electronically, or by appointing a proxy, corporate representative or attorney to attend the Scheme Meeting or to join the electronic Scheme Meeting on their behalf.

Further information

Piedmont encourages Piedmont shareholders to read the Scheme Booklet in its entirety before deciding whether or not to vote in favour of the Scheme.

If you require further information or have questions, please contact the please contact the Piedmont Scheme Information Line on 1300 218 182 (within Australia) or +61 3 9415 4233 (outside Australia) Monday to Friday between 8:30am and 5:00pm (AEDT).

This announcement has been authorized for release by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer.

Forward Looking Statements

This announcement may include forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on Piedmont’s expectations and beliefs concerning future events. Forward looking statements are necessarily subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the control of Piedmont, which could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements. Piedmont makes no undertaking to subsequently update or revise the forward-looking statements made in this announcement, to reflect the circumstances or events after the date of that announcement.


Contacts

Keith Phillips
President & CEO
T: +1 973 809 0505
E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Brian Risinger
VP - Investor Relations and Corporate Communications
T: +1 704 910 9688
E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The company makes donations to the Houston Harris County Winter Storm Relief Fund and the Houston Food Bank.

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Phillips 66 (NYSE: PSX) announced today it is contributing a total of $450,000 to winter storm relief and recovery efforts across Houston, with $250,000 going to the Houston Harris County Winter Storm Relief Fund and $200,000 going to the Houston Food Bank.


“We are very grateful for the organizations that stepped up and helped millions of Houstonians who struggled to keep themselves and their families warm and fed when the winter storm hit,” said Phillips 66 Chairman and CEO Greg Garland. “These groups have been on the frontline helping communities hit by the pandemic, too, and Phillips 66 is proud to support their efforts.”

Thousands of Houstonians are still without running water two weeks after the storm. The Houston Harris County Winter Storm Relief Fund, established by the City of Houston and Harris County, helps support recovery efforts. It provides grants to nonprofits focused on plumbing and home repairs, temporary housing and other basic needs. The fund is managed by the Greater Houston Community Foundation and United Way of Greater Houston.

“There are so many in our community who were impacted by the Texas severe winter storm, including many who were already struggling from the pandemic and its economic impact,” said United Way of Greater Houston President and CEO Amanda McMillian. “We are incredibly grateful for Phillips 66’s generosity.”

The Houston Food Bank, the largest in the nation, serves 18 counties in the Houston area and has been a critical lifeline to those struggling due to the pandemic. It served more than 104,000 households in January, and in February prepared and distributed meals to shelters and warming centers during the storm.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has had an enormous impact on our communities and now they are facing additional hardships from this most recent disaster,” said Houston Food Bank President and CEO Brian Greene. “This gift from Phillips 66 will provide access to 600,000 meals for people in need in our community. We thank them for their continued support to help us provide food for better lives.”

About Phillips 66

Phillips 66 is a diversified energy manufacturing and logistics company. With a portfolio of Midstream, Chemicals, Refining, and Marketing and Specialties businesses, the company processes, transports, stores and markets fuels and products globally. Phillips 66 Partners, the company’s master limited partnership, is integral to the portfolio. Headquartered in Houston, the company has 14,300 employees committed to safety and operating excellence. Phillips 66 had $55 billion of assets as of Dec. 31, 2020. For more information, visit www.phillips66.com or follow us on Twitter @Phillips66Co.


Contacts

Allison Stowe, 855-841-2368 (media)
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WALTHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Global Partners LP (NYSE: GLP) today announced that its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on March 5, 2021.


A copy of the Annual Report on Form 10-K is available to be viewed or downloaded on the Partnership’s website at https://ir.globalp.com or from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. A hard copy of the Partnership’s complete audited financial statements also can be obtained free of charge by contacting the Global Partners Investor Relations department at (857) 383-2409 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

About Global Partners LP

With approximately 1,550 locations primarily in the Northeast, Global Partners is one of the region’s largest independent owners, suppliers and operators of gasoline stations and convenience stores. Global Partners also owns, controls or has access to one of the largest terminal networks in New England and New York, through which it distributes gasoline, distillates, residual oil and renewable fuels to wholesalers, retailers and commercial customers. In addition, Global Partners engages in the transportation of petroleum products and renewable fuels by rail from the mid-continental U.S. and Canada. Global Partners LP, a master limited partnership, trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “GLP.” For additional information, visit www.globalp.com.


Contacts

Daphne H. Foster
Chief Financial Officer
Global Partners LP
(781) 894-8800

Edward J. Faneuil
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Global Partners LP
(781) 894-8800

  • Leading industry association recognizes Schneider Electric’s innovative solutions for next-generation energy monitoring and control capabilities
  • Scalable grid-to-plug solutions offers enhanced energy management for backup power, battery storage, solar and more for the modern home

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--#LifeIsOn--Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, today announced its Square D™ Energy Center was selected as the winner of the 2020 National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Global Innovation Award (GIA). The Square D™ Energy Center, powered by Wiser Energy intelligence, took home the Product of the Year award for its ability to create a smarter, safer, and more connected home.


NAHB's Global Innovation Awards honor the most innovative products, services, homes and communities in the global residential building industry – from new augmented reality technology to ultra-efficient HVAC units and everything in between.

The Square D™ Energy Center is an all-in-one home energy system that provides unprecedented residential insights and monitoring capabilities into residential energy use. Users can monitor and custom-control energy use from across a home’s entire ecosystem with a single app, as well as enable instantaneous backup power from batteries, and generators. With this industry leading technology, home builders are differentiating their offer while providing homeowners the ability to make sustainable energy choices and power what matters the most – even during an outage.

“Our generation is faced with an unprecedented energy crisis, and households account for a staggering one-third of all greenhouse gas emissions. As an industry leader, we are focused on innovations for home builders that will ensure homes of the future are more sustainable, energy efficient, and resilient,” said Richard Korthauer, Vice President, Home & Distribution, Schneider Electric. “We are proud that the NAHB has recognized the Square D Energy Center as we work with home builders nationwide to incorporate technologies to futureproof homes by making them sustainable and more resilient.”

Code-compliant, energy-efficient system that is easy to install

The way a home sources and uses energy is changing. Square D™ Energy Center makes it easy for home builders to get ahead of their competition and install transformative technology from a company they already know and trust.

The stylish, smart and code-compliant system, powered by Wiser Energy intelligence, integrates an array of smart home technology from grid to plug and also includes the safety of whole-home surge protection for greater energy savings and homeowner piece of mind. The Square D™ Energy Center seamlessly enables the convergence, scalability, and optimization of residential distributed energy resources, including utility power, solar power, energy storage, future smart home devices and generators. Further, this new solution allows home builders to easily address changing building regulations, including California’s Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards.

To learn more about the 2020 NAHB Global Innovation Award and see the full list of winners, check out: www.nahb.org/nahb-community/awards/global-innovation-award.

For more information on The Square D Energy Center, please visit: https://www.se.com/us/en/home/offers/connected-home/energy-center

About National Association of Home Builders

The National Association of Home Builders is a Washington-based trade association representing more than 140,000 members involved in home building, remodeling, multifamily construction, property management, subcontracting, design, housing finance, building product manufacturing and other aspects of residential and light commercial construction. NAHB is affiliated with 700 state and local home builder associations around the country. NAHB's builder members will construct about 80 percent of the new housing units projected for this year.

About Schneider Electric

Schneider’s purpose is to empower all to make the most of our energy and resources, bridging progress and sustainability for all. We call this Life Is On.

Our mission is to be your digital partner for Sustainability and Efficiency.

We drive digital transformation by integrating world-leading process and energy technologies, end-point to cloud connecting products, controls, software and services, across the entire lifecycle, enabling integrated company management, for homes, buildings, data centers, infrastructure and industries.

We are the most local of global companies. We are advocates of open standards and partnership ecosystems that are passionate about our shared Meaningful Purpose, Inclusive and Empowered values.

www.se.com

Discover Life Is On

Hashtags: #LifeIsOn #SmartHome #SquareD #NAHB


Contacts

Schneider Electric Media Relations
Thomas Eck, Phone: 919-266-8623; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PR agency for Schneider Electric
LEWIS Communications; Phone: 774-826-5391; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--$AP #AP--Ault Global Holdings, Inc. (NYSE American: DPW) a diversified holding company (the “Company”), announced today that it has amended the terms of its previously announced “at-the-market” equity offering program under which it may sell, from time to time, shares of its common stock for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $200,000,000, inclusive of the previously authorized $125,000,000. The shares of common stock will continue to be offered through Ascendiant Capital Markets, LLC, acting in its capacity as sales agent (the “Agent”).


Pursuant to an amended sales agreement with the Agent, sales of shares of the Company’s common stock may be made in transactions that are deemed to be “at-the-market” offerings, including sales made by means of ordinary brokers’ transactions on the NYSE American or otherwise at market prices prevailing at the time of sale or as agreed to with the Agent.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the “at-the-market” equity offering, if any, for the financing of possible acquisitions of companies and technologies, financing of our emerging electric vehicle charger and energy storage businesses, expansion of our data center business or other business expansions and investments and for working capital and general corporate purposes, which may include the repayment, refinancing, redemption or repurchase of future indebtedness or capital stock. The Company does not have agreements or commitments for any specific acquisitions at this time.

The shares of common stock described above are being offered pursuant to a shelf registration statement (File No. 333-251995) which became effective on January 20, 2021. Such shares of common stock may be offered only by means of a prospectus, including a prospectus supplement, forming a part of the effective registration statement. Before making an investment in these securities, potential investors should read the prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus for more complete information about the Company and the “at-the-market” equity offering program. Potential investors may obtain these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, potential investors may contact the Agent, who will arrange to send them these documents: Ascendiant Capital Markets, LLC, Attention: Jennifer Martin, 4 Park Plaza, Suite 1950, Irvine, CA 92614, telephone: (949) 259-4900, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities, in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction.

About Ault Global Holdings, Inc.

Ault Global Holdings, Inc. is a diversified holding company pursuing growth by acquiring undervalued businesses and disruptive technologies with a global impact. Through its wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries and strategic investments, the Company provides mission-critical products that support a diverse range of industries, including defense/aerospace, industrial, telecommunications, medical, and textiles. In addition, the Company extends credit to select entrepreneurial businesses through a licensed lending subsidiary. The Company’s headquarters are located at 11411 Southern Highlands Parkway, Suite 240, Las Vegas, NV 89141; www.aultglobal.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as “believes,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “potential,” or similar expressions. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any of them publicly in light of new information or future events. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors. More information, including potential risk factors, that could affect the Company’s business and financial results are included in the Company’s filings with the SEC including, but not limited to, the Company’s Forms 10-K and 10-Q. All filings are available at www.sec.gov and on the Company’s website at www.aultglobal.com.


Contacts

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 1-888-753-2235

 

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The "Global LNG Market - Forecasts from 2021 to 2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.


The global LNG market is evaluated at 379.503 million tonnes for the year 2020, growing at a CAGR of 8.91% reaching the market size of 633.317 million tonnes by the year 2026.

One of the key advantages which has been driving the market for LNG over the years is its ability to emit lower amounts of CO2 which is about 30% to 50% lesser than emitted by other combustible fuels.

Furthermore, natural gas is one of the lightest hydrocarbons, consisting of one carbon atom for 4 hydrogen atoms, the combustion of which does not generate soot, dust, or fumes with a significant level of reduction in the nitrogen oxide (N0x) emissions and very low sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions which has further led to an increase in the demand of LNG across several countries.

The market for LNG is expected to be also driven by a significant number of governmental relaxations and investments which has led to developments taking place in the transport infrastructure of the gas as well. The rise in the awareness about the benefits of LNG has been a catalyst to the market.

A key factor driving the market for LNG is the rise in the demand for the gas for various industrial applications including construction & dairy products, furnaces, fluid bed dryers, food processing, manufacturing, mining, power generation sector and others.

Furthermore, the dynamism in the prices of oil has pushed the demand for LNG in several countries due to which a significant amount of investments are being made for the production of LNG to cope up with its demand and also to develop the transport infrastructure.

The growing industrialization and urbanization has led to the inclination of more efficient and cleaner fuels for the applications

The advent of COVID-19 had a slightly adverse impact on the global LNG market since the pandemic brought industrial activities to a standstill globally, which restricted the demand of LNG worldwide. According to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), the demand for LNG dropped about 4% during the year 2020. Given the amount of developments being made in the sector, the supply over took the demand of the gas during the pandemic. Though the impact of the pandemic has effected the medium term growth potential of the gas which resulted in about 75 bcm of lost growth during the period of 2019-2025.

According to the report, an average growth rate in the demand of liquefied natural gas is expected to be 1.5% per year during the period 2019 to 2025. After the initial lockdown period, the industries came back in operation but with restrictions and certain protocols that were required to be followed like the plant will be operated with lesser capacity which will require less labour to come in contact and social distancing was required to be maintained as well. The marker for LNG is expected to recover with industries recovering from the impact which will result in an increase in the demand of the gas for various industrial purposes.

The segmentation of the global LNG market has been done into application and geography. By application, the classification of the market has been done into Power generation, Fertilizer, Petrochemicals, Utilities, Manufacturing, Transportation fuel. Furthermore, on the basis of geography, the global market has been distributed as North America, South America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and the Asia Pacific.

Increasing number of investments in the sector is expected to drive the market during the forecast period

The growth of the LNG market is fuelled by a significant increase in the number of investments in the sector by various organizations, which has led to substantial growth of the production as well as transport infrastructure of the gas due to which the prices of the gas has become cheaper.

Given the dynamism in the prices of oil across the world, there has been a significant shift towards the use of LNG for various purposes like transportation fuel or for power generation purposes. For instance, the Asian LNG market has been significantly driven by the developments and the ongoing investments in the sector in countries like China and India. According to a conference held in New Delhi, India in the year 2020, the country is expected to witness an investment of INR 10,000 Cr in the next three years in the LNG sector. The gas has higher energy density than CNG which is currently one of the most preferred fuel in the country.

According to the report on the conference, the investment includes opening up of more than 1,000 LNG stations in the private as well as the public sector. The market for LNG will also be driven by a significant amount of investments done in the sector by the Canadian government. A major liquefied natural gas (LNG) complex is under development in the Kitimat, British Columbia.

According to a report by the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, the plant is expected to receive an investment of about US$ 275 Million from the ministry. The complex is worth US$ 40 Billion making it one of the biggest complex present in the country.

According to the report, the investment made is one of the highest private sector investment in the history. The investment includes US$ 220 Million for the development of the infrastructure used for the gas in order to make highly efficient gas turbines for LNG in Canada which is further expected to minimise the emissions of greenhouse gases. The other US$ 55 Million of the investments is made in order to replace the Haisla Bridge in the District of Kitimat to support and manage the increased level of traffic in the region.

Dynamic oil prices across several countries will be a tailwind to the market in the coming years

The market is expected to witness a significant increase during the forecast period owing to the increasing dynamism in the oil prices which has led to an increasing demand for LNG in several countries. The countries which already have a presence of the LNG stations are working on developing a more innovative, safe and cost efficient way for the transportation of the gas across different areas.

Moreover, the market is significantly driven by the increasing demand from the countries where the source has been recently introduced like India, wherein a substantial amount of investments are being made to develop the transport and production infrastructure from scratch.

The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted the oil industry with a noticeable dynamism in the prices of oil. Several countries went into price wars with a drastic variation in the demand and production of oil worldwide which consequently increased the oil prices significantly. With the given dynamism of the oil prices in the current scenario, the demand for a cheaper alternative like LNG is expected to witness a rapid rise during the forecast period.

Competitive Insights

The players in the global LNG market are implementing various growth strategies to gain a competitive advantage over their competitors in this market. Major market players in the market have been covered along with their relative competitive strategies and the report also mentions recent deals and investments of different market players over the last few years.

The company profiles section details the business overview, financial performance (public companies) for the past few years, key products and services being offered along with the recent deals and investments of these important players in the market.

Key Topics Covered

1. Introduction

1.1. Market Definition

1.2. Market Segmentation

2. Research Methodology

2.1. Research Data

2.2. Assumptions

3. Executive Summary

3.1. Research Highlights

4. Market Dynamics

4.1. Market Drivers

4.2. Market Restraints

4.3. Porters Five Forces Analysis

4.4. Industry Value Chain Analysis

5. LNG market Analysis, by Application

5.1. Introduction

5.2. Power generation

5.3. Fertilizer

5.4. Petrochemicals

5.5. Utilities

5.6. Manufacturing

5.7. Transportation fuel

6. LNG market Analysis, by Geography

6.1. Introduction

6.2. North America

6.3. South America

6.4. Europe

6.5. Middle East and Africa

6.6. Asia-Pacific

7. Competitive Environment and Analysis

7.1. Major Players and Strategy Analysis

7.2. Emerging Players and Market Lucrativeness

7.3. Mergers, Acquisitions, Agreements, and Collaborations

7.4. Vendor Competitiveness Matrix

8. Company Profiles

8.1. British Petroleum PLC

8.2. Chevron Corporation

8.3. Exxon Mobil Corporation

8.4. Royal Dutch Shell PLC

8.5. Petronet LNG Limited

8.6. China National Petroleum Corporation

8.7. Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS)

8.8. ConocoPhillips Company

8.9. Shell Oil Company

8.10. PetroChina Company Limited

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/rx6iy2


Contacts

ResearchAndMarkets.com
Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager
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For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470
For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630
For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--#cleanagents--A-Gas is pleased to announce the acquisition of assets from H3R Clean Agents in Petaluma, California. These assets will further our product availability and service capabilities to the fire protection industry in the western United States. H3R Clean Agents has built a reputation for their knowledge and top-quality products and services and will be a great addition to the comprehensive suite of services A-Gas currently provides.


Bill Polits, Vice President of H3R, will be joining the A-Gas team as our Director of Sales and Strategy. Bill is a trusted leader in the fire protection industry with more than 13 years of experience. Currently, he serves as Chairman on the ASTM D26 Committee for Halogenated Organic Solvents and Fire Extinguishing Agents and is a mainstay at industry meetings and events. Bill will continue to be based in California and this acquisition will provide a platform for future A-Gas operations within the state.

“A-Gas is a global leader in supplying innovative and sustainable environmental solutions to our customers in a variety of markets,” said Tyler Roberts, Vice President of Fire Protection at A-Gas. “This is a great opportunity for us to expand our industry knowledge and customer base. We are excited to work alongside Bill Polits as his experience will strengthen our commitment to U.S. growth and bringing these valuable products and services to our customers across the nation. The focus and passion of this winning combination in delivering services aimed at protecting our environment is unmatched in our industry.”

Robin Critelli, President of H3R commented, “We are very pleased to have completed this transition of our clean agent business to A-Gas. While providing our customers with A-Gas’s unmatched capabilities and service levels to the clean agent industry, this change enables H3R to sharpen its focus on building the ongoing H3R operations. This is a win-win for all concerned.”

About A-Gas:

A-Gas (U.S.), headquartered in Bowling Green, Ohio, is a trading subsidiary of A-Gas International (headquartered in Bristol, UK) and is the World’s largest refrigerant recovery and reclamation company. The company’s core business offers environmental solutions and lifecycle management services for ozone depleting substances and global warming agents including CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs and Halons in the HVAC/Refrigeration and Fire Suppression Industries. For more information about A-Gas, please visit www.agas.com/us


Contacts

Jaclyn Schilkey
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419-704-4737

New grant program distributes 99 grants helping K-12 schools in Casey’s communities

ANKENY, Iowa--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Casey’s General Stores announced its Cash for Classrooms grant program is awarding $1 million to benefit K-12 schools through 99 grants. The funds come as teachers, students and families have faced a full year of challenges and changed routines brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.


“We are grateful to be able to distribute these funds to schools in need through our new, Cash for Classrooms grant program. Together, with our guests and partners like LIFEWTR, we are proud to be able to make a big impact on students and teachers in our communities,” said Megan Elfers, Vice President of Marketing at Casey’s.

The Cash for Classrooms grants support projects and initiatives taking place at K-12 schools in Casey’s communities across the heart of America. A few examples include:

Physical Improvements: New playground equipment and expanded playground areas to encourage play and enrichment at Parkview Elementary in Van Buren, Ark., and Our Lady of Guadalupe Elementary in Dubuque, Iowa. An outdoor classroom for students at Black Hawk Elementary in Kahoka, Mo.

Material Needs: Updated technology like projectors and document cameras to improve learning for both in-person and remote students at Nebraska City Public Schools in Nebraska City, Neb.

Teacher Support: New computers for teachers at Crab Orchard CUSD #3 schools in Marion, Ill., to increase effectiveness in the online learning environment.

Community Engagement: Adding reusable bags to Wapello Elementary School’s food pantry to provide more sustainable, long-term solution for families using the pantry in Wapello, Iowa. Enhancing an outdoor learning and community space for James Knoll Elementary School and the community of Ortonville, Minn.

The Cash for Classrooms grants were made possible by donations from Casey’s guests during its January round up campaign, a meal deal partnership between Casey’s and LIFEWTR, a PepsiCo brand.

“As we mark one year of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S., we recognize there are still many challenges ahead, and certainly in our local classrooms,” said Guillermo Prieto, Director of Shopper Marketing, PepsiCo Beverages North America, Central Division. “We’re proud to partner with Casey’s to support the educators who both academically and creatively inspire our students in the Heartland community through the Cash for Classrooms program.”

More information can be found at: https://www.caseys.com/community/cash-for-classrooms-grants.

About Casey’s General Stores

Casey's General Stores is a Fortune 500 company (NASDAQ: CASY) operating over 2,200 convenience stores in 16 states. Founded more than 50 years ago, the company has grown to become the fourth-largest convenience store retailer and the fifth-largest pizza chain in the United States. Casey’s provides freshly prepared foods, quality fuel and friendly service at every location. Guests can enjoy pizza, donuts, other assorted bakery items, and a wide selection of beverages and snacks. Learn more and order online at www.caseys.com, or in the mobile app.

About PepsiCo

PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated more than $70 billion in net revenue in 2020, driven by a complementary food and beverage portfolio that includes Frito-Lay, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Quaker, Tropicana and SodaStream. PepsiCo's product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including 23 brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Convenient Foods and Beverages by Winning with Purpose. "Winning with Purpose" reflects our ambition to win sustainably in the marketplace and embed purpose into all aspects of our business strategy and brands. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com.


Contacts

Media contact:
Katie Petru
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515.480.8503

ATHENS, Greece--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Danaos Corporation (NYSE: DAC), one of the world’s largest independent owners of containerships, announced today that its Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2020 has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and can be accessed on the Company's website, www.danaos.com.

Alternatively, shareholders may also request a hard copy of the complete audited financial statements, free of charge, by contacting the Company using the contact details provided at the end of this press release.

About Danaos Corporation

Danaos Corporation is one of the largest independent owners of modern, large-size containerships. Our current fleet of 65 containerships aggregating 403,793 TEUs, including five vessels owned by Gemini Shipholdings Corporation, a joint venture, ranks Danaos among the largest containership charter owners in the world based on total TEU capacity. Our fleet is chartered to many of the world's largest liner companies on fixed-rate charters. Our long track record of success is predicated on our efficient and rigorous operational standards and environmental controls. Danaos Corporation's shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "DAC".

Visit our website at www.danaos.com.


Contacts

Company:

Evangelos Chatzis
Chief Financial Officer
Danaos Corporation
Athens, Greece
Tel: +30 210 419 6480
E-Mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Iraklis Prokopakis
Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer
Danaos Corporation
Athens, Greece
Tel. +30 210 419 6400
E-Mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Investor Relations and Financial Media:

Rose & Company
New York
Tel. 212-359-2228
E-Mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The "North American Oil & Gas Monitor" newsletter has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.


This publication continues to provide weekly coverage of upstream, midstream and downstream news, spanning shale oil and gas, LNG, oil sands, transport by pipeline and rail, company performance and regional energy policy - on both national and state or provincial levels.

It provides regular updates on the status of major proposed projects in both the US and Canada. The publication also looks at more distant prospects, such as offshore Arctic drilling.

Sample Table of Contents

  • Commentary
  • Energy East: Chronicle of a Death Foretold
  • Pipelines & Transport Ferc Greenlights Construction on Nexus Gas Line
  • Targa Sets Out Permian Pipeline Plan
  • Investment Progress Eyes Deep Basin Sale
  • RIL Begins Withdrawal from US Shale
  • Apache Plans 2018-19 Alpine High Sale
  • BNP Cuts Shale, Oil Sands Financing
  • Performance OPEC's Call on Us Output
  • Rigs Under Pressure
  • Gulf Industry Recovers from Hurricane Nate
  • Projects & Companies Encana's Early Sunrise
  • News in Brief

Countries Covered

  • Canada
  • USA
  • Mexico

For more information about this newsletter visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/pao6g5


Contacts

ResearchAndMarkets.com
Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470
For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630
For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900

  • Simplifies governance and corporate structure
  • Enables further integration in support of leading DJ & Permian positions
  • Transaction expected to close in 2Q 2021

SAN RAMON, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX) (“Chevron”) and Noble Midstream Partners, LP (NASDAQ: NBLX) (“Noble Midstream”) announced today that they have entered into a definitive agreement for Chevron to acquire all (33.925 million) of the publicly held common units representing the limited partner interests in Noble Midstream, not already owned by Chevron and its affiliates (the “Common Units”), in an all-stock transaction whereby each outstanding unitholder of Noble Midstream would receive 0.1393 of a share of common stock of Chevron in exchange for each Common Unit owned.


“We believe this buy-in transaction is the best solution for all stakeholders, enabling us to simplify the governance structure and capture value in support of our leading positions in the DJ and Permian basins,” said Colin Parfitt, Vice President of Chevron Midstream and Chairman of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the general partner of Noble Midstream Partners LP.

The Conflicts Committee of the Board, comprised entirely of independent directors, after consultation with its independent legal and financial advisors, unanimously approved the merger. Subsequently, the merger was approved by the Board.

The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2021, subject to customary approvals. A subsidiary of Chevron, as the holder of a majority of the outstanding Common Units, has voted its units to approve the transaction.

Advisors

Citi is acting as financial advisor and Latham & Watkins LLP is acting as legal advisor to Chevron. Janney Montgomery Scott is acting as financial advisor and Baker Botts L.L.P. is acting as legal advisor to the Conflicts Committee of the Board.

About Chevron

Chevron Corporation is one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies. Through its subsidiaries that conduct business worldwide, the company is involved in virtually every facet of the energy industry. Chevron explores for, produces and transports crude oil and natural gas; refines, markets and distributes transportation fuels and lubricants; manufactures and sells petrochemicals and additives; generates power; and develops and deploys technologies that enhance business value in every aspect of the company’s operations. Chevron is based in San Ramon, California. More information about Chevron is available at www.chevron.com.

About Noble Midstream

Noble Midstream is a master limited partnership originally formed by Noble Energy, Inc. and majority-owned by Chevron Corporation to own, operate, develop and acquire domestic midstream infrastructure assets. Noble Midstream currently provides crude oil, natural gas, and water-related midstream services and owns equity interests in oil pipelines in the DJ Basin in Colorado and the Delaware Basin in Texas. Noble Midstream strives to be the midstream provider and partner of choice for its safe operations, reliability, and strong relationships while enhancing value for all stakeholders. For more information, please visit www.nblmidstream.com.

As used in this news release, the term “Chevron” and such terms as “the company,” “the corporation,” “our,” “we,” “us” and “its” may refer to Chevron Corporation, one or more of its consolidated subsidiaries, or to all of them taken as a whole. All of these terms are used for convenience only and are not intended as a precise description of any of the separate companies, each of which manages its own affairs.

Please visit Chevron’s website and Investor Relations page at www.chevron.com and www.chevron.com/investors, LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/chevron, Twitter: @Chevron, Facebook: www.facebook.com/chevron, and Instagram: www.instagram.com/chevron, where Chevron often discloses important information about the company, its business, and its results of operations.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS RELEVANT TO FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF “SAFE HARBOR” PROVISIONS OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to Chevron’s and Noble Midstream’s operations that are based on their respective management's current expectations, estimates and projections about the petroleum, chemicals and other energy-related industries. Words or phrases such as “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “targets,” “forecasts,” “projects,” “believes,” “seeks,” “schedules,” “estimates,” “positions,” “pursues,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “will,” “budgets,” “outlook,” “trends,” “guidance,” “focus,” “on schedule,” “on track,” “is slated,” “goals,” “objectives,” “strategies,” “opportunities,” “poised,” “potential” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the company’s control and are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. The reader should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release. Unless legally required, neither Chevron nor Noble Midstream undertake any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are: statements regarding the expected benefits of the proposed transaction to Chevron and its shareholders and Noble Midstream and its unitholders; the anticipated consummation of the proposed transaction and the timing thereof; changing crude oil and natural gas prices and demand for our products, and production curtailments due to market conditions; crude oil production quotas or other actions that might be imposed by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and other producing countries; public health crises, such as pandemics (including coronavirus (COVID-19)) and epidemics, and any related government policies and actions; changing economic, regulatory and political environments in the various countries in which the company operates; general domestic and international economic and political conditions; changing refining, marketing and chemicals margins; the company’s ability to realize anticipated cost savings, expenditure reductions and efficiencies associated with enterprise transformation initiatives; actions of competitors or regulators; timing of exploration expenses; timing of crude oil liftings; the competitiveness of alternate-energy sources or product substitutes; technological developments; the results of operations and financial condition of the company’s suppliers, vendors, partners and equity affiliates, particularly during extended periods of low prices for crude oil and natural gas during the COVID-19 pandemic; the inability or failure of the company’s joint-venture partners to fund their share of operations and development activities; the potential failure to achieve expected net production from existing and future crude oil and natural gas development projects; potential delays in the development, construction or start-up of planned projects; the potential disruption or interruption of the company’s operations due to war, accidents, political events, civil unrest, severe weather, cyber threats, terrorist acts, or other natural or human causes beyond the company’s control; the potential liability for remedial actions or assessments under existing or future environmental regulations and litigation; significant operational, investment or product changes required by existing or future environmental statutes and regulations, including international agreements and national or regional legislation and regulatory measures to limit or reduce greenhouse gas emissions; the potential liability resulting from pending or future litigation; the company's ability to achieve the anticipated benefits from the acquisition of Noble Energy; the company’s future acquisitions or dispositions of assets or shares or the delay or failure of such transactions to close based on required closing conditions; the potential for gains and losses from asset dispositions or impairments; government mandated sales, divestitures, recapitalizations, industry-specific taxes, tariffs, sanctions, changes in fiscal terms or restrictions on scope of company operations; foreign currency movements compared with the U.S. dollar; material reductions in corporate liquidity and access to debt markets; the receipt of required Board authorizations to pay future dividends; the effects of changed accounting rules under generally accepted accounting principles promulgated by rule-setting bodies; Chevron’s ability to identify and mitigate the risks and hazards inherent in operating in the global energy industry; and the factors set forth under the heading “Risk Factors” on pages 18 through 23 of the company's 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K and in other subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Other unpredictable or unknown factors not discussed in this news release could also have material adverse effects on forward-looking statements.

No Offer or Solicitation

This press release is for informational purposes only and shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities pursuant to the transaction or otherwise, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which the offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Additional Information and Where You Can Find It

In connection with the proposed transaction, Chevron will file a registration statement on Form S-4, which will include an information statement of Noble Midstream, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). INVESTORS AND SECURITYHOLDERS OF CHEVRON AND NOBLE MIDSTREAM ARE ADVISED TO CAREFULLY READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND INFORMATION STATEMENT, PROSPECTUS, OR OTHER DOCUMENT (INCLUDING ALL AMENDMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRANSACTION, THE PARTIES TO THE TRANSACTION AND THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE TRANSACTION. A definitive information statement will be sent to securityholders of Noble Midstream in connection with any solicitation of proxies or consents of Noble Midstream unitholders relating to the proposed transaction. Investors and securityholders may obtain a free copy of such documents and other relevant documents (if and when available) filed by Chevron or Noble Midstream with the SEC from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Securityholders and other interested parties will also be able to obtain, without charge, a copy of such documents and other relevant documents (if and when available) from Chevron’s website at www.chevron.com under the “Investors” tab under the heading “SEC Filings” or from Noble Midstream’s website at www.nblmidstream.com under the “Investors” tab and the “SEC Filings” sub-tab.

Participants in the Solicitation

Chevron, Noble Midstream and their respective directors, executive officers and certain other members of management may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies and consents in respect of the transaction. Information about these persons is set forth in Chevron’s proxy statement relating to its 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 7, 2020, and Noble Midstream’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, which was filed with the SEC on February 12, 2021, and subsequent statements of changes in beneficial ownership on file with the SEC. Securityholders and investors may obtain additional information regarding the interests of such persons, which may be different than those of the respective companies’ securityholders generally, by reading the consent solicitation statement prospectus statement, or other relevant documents regarding the transaction (if and when available), which may be filed with the SEC.


Contacts

Braden Reddall, Chevron, 925-842-2209
Park Carrere, Noble Midstream, 281-872-3208

After a Very Dry February in Much of Northern and Central California, Meteorologists Forecasting Rain and Snow This Week

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--After an unusually dry February across much of Northern and Central California, there’s finally some potential for rain in the weather forecast.

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) meteorologists say a series of weather systems will impact its service area starting this afternoon and continuing through Wednesday, when the weather is expected to peak. PG&E meteorologists anticipate inclement weather, with valley rain showers, low-altitude snow and the possibility of thunderstorms throughout Northern and Central California.

After the atmospheric river-fueled storm in late January, California had its driest February on record with 0.20 inch of precipitation, topping the previous record of 0.31 inch set back in 1964, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Weather stations across the Bay Area and interior parts of Northern California tied or set records for driest February on record, the agency said. San Francisco, San Jose, Sacramento, Oakland and other stations received no precipitation during the month, setting local records for the driest February.

PG&E’s meteorology team has developed a Storm Outage Prediction Model that incorporates real-time weather forecasts, historical data and system knowledge to predict where and when storm impacts will be most severe. This model enables the company to pre-stage crews and equipment as storms approach to enable rapid response to outages.

PG&E is urging its customers to take the necessary steps to be prepared and stay safe.

Safety Tips:

  • Never touch downed wires: If you see a downed power line, assume it is energized and extremely dangerous. Do not touch or try to move it—and keep children and animals away. Report downed power lines immediately by calling 911 and by calling PG&E at 1-800-743-5002.
  • Use flashlights, not candles: During a power outage, use battery-operated flashlights, and not candles, due to the risk of fire. If you must use candles, please keep them away from drapes, lampshades and small children. Do not leave candles unattended.
  • Have a backup phone: If you have a telephone system that requires electricity to work, such as a cordless phone or answering machine, plan to have a standard telephone or cellular phone ready as a backup.
  • Have fresh drinking water, ice: Freeze plastic containers filled with water to make blocks of ice that can be placed in your refrigerator/freezer during an outage to prevent foods from spoiling. Blue Ice from your picnic cooler also works well in the freezer.
  • Use generators safely: Customers with standby electric generators should make sure they are properly installed by a licensed electrician in a well-ventilated area. Improperly installed generators pose a significant danger to customers, as well as crews working on power lines. If using portable generators, be sure they are in a well-ventilated area.
  • Turn off appliances: If you experience an outage, unplug or turn off all electrical appliances to avoid overloading circuits and to prevent fire hazards when power is restored. Simply leave a single lamp on to alert you when power returns. Turn your appliances back on one at a time when conditions return to normal.
  • Safely clean up: After the inclement weather has passed, be sure to safely clean up. Never touch downed wires and always call 811 or visit 811express.com at least two full business days before digging to have all underground utilities safely marked.

Other tips can be found at pge.com/beprepared

About PG&E

Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than 16 million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news.


Contacts

MEDIA RELATIONS:
415-973-5930

WALTHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Global Partners LP (NYSE: GLP) today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2020.


Global delivered extraordinary results in 2020, posting net income attributable to the Partnership of $102.2 million, Adjusted EBITDA of $287.7 million and distributable cash flow of $156.4 million – increases in each metric year-over-year,” said Eric Slifka, Global’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

Global has always adapted and innovated to meet the most essential needs of the customers and the economic regions we serve. Our performance in the face of a global pandemic underscores the resilience of our business model and highlights our fundamental role as a critical infrastructure company. In that role, we provide energy products and goods and services through a portfolio of fully integrated terminal, supply and real estate assets.

I also want to publicly acknowledge the outstanding work of our people, from the front-line associates at our gas stations, convenience stores and terminals to our office personnel at locations throughout the country,” Slifka said. “In a year like no other, they kept our operations running smoothly, ensuring the safety of our guests and customers while helping us innovate and grow.”

Fourth Quarter Financial Highlights

Net income attributable to the Partnership was $4.4 million, or $0.06 per diluted common limited partner unit, for the fourth quarter of 2020 compared with a net loss attributable to the Partnership of $0.8 million, or $0.08 per common limited partner unit, in the fourth quarter of 2019.

Net income attributable to the Partnership, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and DCF for the three and 12 months ended December 31, 2020 included a $7.2 million loss on the early extinguishment of debt related to the Partnership's October 2020 redemption of its 7.00% senior notes due 2023.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) was $50.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared with $47.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2019.

Adjusted EBITDA was $49.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared with $46.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2019.

Distributable cash flow (DCF) was $7.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared with $9.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2019.

Gross profit in the fourth quarter of 2020 was $166.2 million compared with $151.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2019, reflecting higher Wholesale segment product margins partly offset by lower product margins in the Gasoline Distribution and Station Operations and Commercial segments.

Combined product margin, which is gross profit adjusted for depreciation allocated to cost of sales, was $186.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared with $172.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2019.

Combined product margin, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, and DCF are non-GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) financial measures, which are explained in greater detail below under “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.” Please refer to Financial Reconciliations included in this news release for reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures for the three and 12 months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

GDSO segment product margin was $143.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared with $147.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2019. This result primarily reflected lower fuel volume and reduced convenience store activity due to COVID-19, partly offset by higher fuel margins.

Wholesale segment product margin was $39.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared with $15.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2019. This result primarily reflected more favorable market conditions in gasoline and gasoline blendstocks and other oils and related products.

Commercial segment product margin was $3.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared with $10.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2019, primarily reflecting a decrease in bunkering activity.

Total sales were $2.2 billion in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared with $3.3 billion in the fourth quarter of 2019, due to decreases in prices and volume. Wholesale segment sales were $1.3 billion in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared with $1.9 billion in the fourth quarter of 2019. GDSO segment sales were $0.7 billion in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared with $1.0 billion in the fourth quarter of 2019. Commercial segment sales were $0.2 billion in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared with $0.4 billion in the fourth quarter of 2019.

Volume in the fourth quarter of 2020 was 1.5 billion gallons compared with 1.7 billion gallons in the fourth quarter of 2019. Wholesale segment volume was 1.0 billion gallons in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared with 1.1 billion gallons in the fourth quarter of 2019. GDSO volume was 354.0 million gallons in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared with 408.0 million gallons in the fourth quarter of 2019. Commercial segment volume was 139.8 million gallons in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared with 197.3 million gallons in the fourth quarter of 2019.

Recent Developments

  • Global announced a quarterly cash distribution of $0.55 per unit, or $2.20 per unit on an annualized basis, on all of its outstanding common units for the period from October 1 to December 31, 2020. The distribution was paid February 12, 2021 to unitholders of record as of the close of business on February 8, 2021.
  • Global signed an agreement to purchase the retail fuel and convenience store assets of Connecticut-based Consumers Petroleum of Connecticut, Incorporated. Subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, the transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2021.

Business Outlook

As we continue to embrace changes in consumer behavior and the demand for greener energy, Global’s commitment to providing the essential goods and services that make life better remains the same. Our ability to provide reliability while adapting to changes in product demand continues to serve us well,” Slifka said.

Any COVID-19 related events or conditions, or other unforeseen consequences of COVID-19 could significantly adversely affect our business and financial condition and the business and financial condition of our customers, suppliers and counterparties. The ultimate extent of the impact of COVID-19 on our business, financial condition and results of operations depends in large part on future developments which are uncertain and cannot be predicted at this time. That uncertainty includes the duration (including its potential return) of the COVID-19 pandemic, the geographic regions so impacted, the extent of said impact within specific boundaries of those areas and, lastly, the impact to the local, state and national economies.

Financial Results Conference Call

Management will review the Partnership’s fourth-quarter and full-year 2020 financial results in a teleconference call for analysts and investors today.

Time:

10:00 a.m. ET

Dial-in numbers:

(877) 709-8155 (U.S. and Canada)

 

(201) 689-8881 (International)

Due to the expected high demand on our conference call provider, please plan to dial in to the call at least 20 minutes prior to the start time.

The call also will be webcast live and archived on Global’s website, https://ir.globalp.com.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Product Margin

Global Partners views product margin as an important performance measure of the core profitability of its operations. The Partnership reviews product margin monthly for consistency and trend analysis. Global Partners defines product margin as product sales minus product costs. Product sales primarily include sales of unbranded and branded gasoline, distillates, residual oil, renewable fuels, crude oil and propane, as well as convenience store sales, gasoline station rental income and revenue generated from logistics activities when the Partnership engages in the storage, transloading and shipment of products owned by others. Product costs include the cost of acquiring products and all associated costs including shipping and handling costs to bring such products to the point of sale as well as product costs related to convenience store items and costs associated with logistics activities. The Partnership also looks at product margin on a per unit basis (product margin divided by volume). Product margin is a non-GAAP financial measure used by management and external users of the Partnership’s consolidated financial statements to assess its business. Product margin should not be considered an alternative to net income, operating income, cash flow from operations, or any other measure of financial performance presented in accordance with GAAP. In addition, product margin may not be comparable to product margin or a similarly titled measure of other companies.

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures used as supplemental financial measures by management and may be used by external users of Global Partners’ consolidated financial statements, such as investors, commercial banks and research analysts, to assess the Partnership’s:

  • compliance with certain financial covenants included in its debt agreements;
  • financial performance without regard to financing methods, capital structure, income taxes or historical cost basis;
  • ability to generate cash sufficient to pay interest on its indebtedness and to make distributions to its partners;
  • operating performance and return on invested capital as compared to those of other companies in the wholesale, marketing, storing and distribution of refined petroleum products, gasoline blendstocks, renewable fuels, crude oil and propane, and in the gasoline stations and convenience stores business, without regard to financing methods and capital structure; and
  • viability of acquisitions and capital expenditure projects and the overall rates of return of alternative investment opportunities.

Adjusted EBITDA is EBITDA further adjusted for gains or losses on the sale and disposition of assets and goodwill and long-lived asset impairment charges. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as alternatives to net income, operating income, cash flow from operating activities or any other measure of financial performance or liquidity presented in accordance with GAAP. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA exclude some, but not all, items that affect net income, and these measures may vary among other companies. Therefore, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.

Distributable Cash Flow

Distributable cash flow is an important non-GAAP financial measure for the Partnership’s limited partners since it serves as an indicator of success in providing a cash return on their investment. Distributable cash flow as defined by the Partnership’s partnership agreement is net income plus depreciation and amortization minus maintenance capital expenditures, as well as adjustments to eliminate items approved by the audit committee of the board of directors of the Partnership’s general partner that are extraordinary or non-recurring in nature and that would otherwise increase distributable cash flow.

Distributable cash flow as used in our partnership agreement also determines our ability to make cash distributions on our incentive distribution rights. The investment community also uses a distributable cash flow metric similar to the metric used in our partnership agreement with respect to publicly traded partnerships to indicate whether or not such partnerships have generated sufficient earnings on a current or historic level that can sustain distributions on preferred or common units or support an increase in quarterly cash distributions on common units. Our partnership agreement does not permit adjustments for certain non-cash items, such as net losses on the sale and disposition of assets and goodwill and long-lived asset impairment charges.

Distributable cash flow should not be considered as an alternative to net income, operating income, cash flow from operations, or any other measure of financial performance presented in accordance with GAAP. In addition, distributable cash flow may not be comparable to distributable cash flow or similarly titled measures of other companies.

About Global Partners LP

With approximately 1,550 locations primarily in the Northeast, Global Partners is one of the region’s largest independent owners, suppliers and operators of gasoline stations and convenience stores. Global Partners also owns, controls or has access to one of the largest terminal networks in New England and New York, through which it distributes gasoline, distillates, residual oil and renewable fuels to wholesalers, retailers and commercial customers. In addition, Global Partners engages in the transportation of petroleum products and renewable fuels by rail from the mid-continental U.S. and Canada. Global Partners LP, a master limited partnership, trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “GLP.” For additional information, visit www.globalp.com.

Forward-looking Statements

Certain statements and information in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements.” The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “intend,” “foresee,” “should,” “would,” “could” or other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which are generally not historical in nature. These forward-looking statements are based on Global Partners’ current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effect on the Partnership. While management believes that these forward-looking statements are reasonable as and when made, there can be no assurance that future developments affecting the Partnership will be those that it anticipates. All comments concerning the Partnership’s expectations for future revenues and operating results and otherwise are based on forecasts for its existing operations and do not include the potential impact of any future acquisitions. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties (some of which are beyond the Partnership’s control) including, without limitation, the impact and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, uncertainty around the timing of an economic recovery in the United States which will impact the demand for the products we sell and the services we provide, uncertainty around the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to our counterparties and our customers and their corresponding ability to perform their obligations and/or utilize the products we sell and/or services we provide, uncertainty around the impact and duration of federal, state and municipal regulations related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Partnership’s historical experience and present expectations or projections. For additional information regarding known material factors that could cause actual results to differ from the Partnership’s projected results, please see Global Partners’ filings with the SEC, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date thereof. The Partnership undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements after the date they are made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

GLOBAL PARTNERS LP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per unit data)
(Unaudited)
 

Three Months Ended

 

Twelve Months Ended

December 31,

 

December 31,

2020

 

2019

 

2020

 

2019

Sales $

2,195,547

 

$

3,348,911

 

$

8,321,599

 

$

13,081,730

 

Cost of sales

2,029,335

 

3,197,910

 

7,600,461

 

12,418,973

 

Gross profit

166,212

 

151,001

 

721,138

 

662,757

 

 
Costs and operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative expenses

49,375

 

43,546

 

192,533

 

170,937

 

Operating expenses

81,796

 

85,160

 

323,298

 

342,382

 

Lease exit and termination gain

-

 

-

 

-

 

(493

)

Amortization expense

2,702

 

2,712

 

10,839

 

11,431

 

Net (gain) loss on sale and disposition of assets

(348

)

(2,478

)

275

 

(2,730

)

Long-lived asset impairment

-

 

1,379

 

1,927

 

2,022

 

Total costs and operating expenses

133,525

 

130,319

 

528,872

 

523,549

 

 
Operating income

32,687

 

20,682

 

192,266

 

139,208

 

 
Interest expense

(20,995

)

(21,743

)

(83,539

)

(89,856

)

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

(7,164

)

-

 

(7,164

)

(13,080

)

 
Income before income tax (expense) benefit

4,528

 

(1,061

)

101,563

 

36,272

 

 
Income tax (expense) benefit

(86

)

181

 

119

 

(1,094

)

 
Net income (loss)

4,442

 

(880

)

101,682

 

35,178

 

 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

-

 

52

 

528

 

689

 

 
Net income (loss) attributable to Global Partners LP

4,442

 

(828

)

102,210

 

35,867

 

 
Less: General partner's interest in net income (loss), including incentive distribution rights

542

 

314

 

1,399

 

1,379

 

Less: Series A preferred limited partner interest in net income

1,682

 

1,682

 

6,728

 

6,728

 

 
Net income (loss) attributable to common limited partners $

2,218

 

$

(2,824

)

$

94,083

 

$

27,760

 

 
Basic net income (loss) per common limited partner unit (1) $

0.06

 

$

(0.08

)

$

2.77

 

$

0.82

 

 
Diluted net income (loss) per common limited partner unit (1) $

0.06

 

$

(0.08

)

$

2.74

 

$

0.81

 

 
Basic weighted average common limited partner units outstanding

33,966

 

33,866

 

33,907

 

33,810

 

 
Diluted weighted average limited partner units outstanding

34,260

 

34,287

 

34,308

 

34,339

 

(1) Under the Partnership's partnership agreement, for any quarterly period, the incentive distribution rights ("IDRs") participate in net income only to the extent of the amount of cash distributions actually declared, thereby excluding the IDRs from participating in the Partnership's undistributed net income or losses. Accordingly, the Partnership's undistributed net income or losses is assumed to be allocated to the common unitholders and to the General Partner's general partner interest. Net income attributable to common limited partners is divided by the weighted average common units outstanding in computing the net income per limited partner unit.
GLOBAL PARTNERS LP
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
 

December 31,

 

December 31,

2020

 

2019

Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $

9,714

$

12,042

Accounts receivable, net

227,317

413,195

Accounts receivable - affiliates

2,410

7,823

Inventories

384,432

450,482

Brokerage margin deposits

21,661

34,466

Derivative assets

16,556

4,564

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

119,340

81,940

Total current assets

781,430

1,004,512

 
Property and equipment, net

1,082,486

1,104,863

Right of use assets, net

290,506

296,746

Intangible assets, net

35,925

46,765

Goodwill

323,565

324,474

Other assets

26,588

31,067

 
Total assets $

2,540,500

$

2,808,427

 
 
Liabilities and partners' equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $

207,873

$

373,386

Working capital revolving credit facility - current portion

34,400

148,900

Lease liability - current portion

75,376

68,160

Environmental liabilities - current portion

4,455

5,009

Trustee taxes payable

36,598

42,932

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

126,774

102,802

Derivative liabilities

12,055

12,698

Total current liabilities

497,531

753,887

 
Working capital revolving credit facility - less current portion

150,000

175,000

Revolving credit facility

122,000

192,700

Senior notes

737,605

690,533

Long-term lease liability - less current portion

226,648

239,349

Environmental liabilities - less current portion

49,166

54,262

Financing obligations

146,535

148,127

Deferred tax liabilities

56,218

42,879

Other long-term liabilities

59,298

52,451

Total liabilities

2,045,001

2,349,188

 
Partners' equity
Global Partners LP equity

495,499

458,065

Noncontrolling interest

-

1,174

Total partners' equity

495,499

459,239

 
Total liabilities and partners' equity $

2,540,500

$

2,808,427

GLOBAL PARTNERS LP  
FINANCIAL RECONCILIATIONS  
(In thousands)  
(Unaudited)  
 

Three Months Ended

 

Twelve Months Ended

 

December 31,

 

December 31,

 

2020

 

2019

 

2020

 

2019

Reconciliation of gross profit to product margin  
Wholesale segment:  
Gasoline and gasoline blendstocks   $

17,577

 

$

7,414

 

$

100,818

 

$

83,982

 

Crude oil  

(2,676

)

(3,004

)

(672

)

(13,047

)

Other oils and related products  

24,235

 

11,018

 

82,999

 

51,584

 

Total  

39,136

 

15,428

 

183,145

 

122,519

 

Gasoline Distribution and Station Operations segment:  
Gasoline distribution  

92,611

 

91,631

 

398,016

 

374,550

 

Station operations  

51,022

 

55,457

 

205,926

 

225,078

 

Total  

143,633

 

147,088

 

603,942

 

599,628

 

Commercial segment  

3,422

 

10,323

 

15,195

 

28,540

 

Combined product margin  

186,191

 

172,839

 

802,282

 

750,687

 

Depreciation allocated to cost of sales  

(19,979

)

(21,838

)

(81,144

)

(87,930

)

Gross profit   $

166,212

 

$

151,001

 

$

721,138

 

$

662,757

 

   
Reconciliation of net income (loss) to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA  
Net income (loss)   $

4,442

 

$

(880

)

$

101,682

 

$

35,178

 

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest  

-

 

52

 

528

 

689

 

Net income (loss) attributable to Global Partners LP  

4,442

 

(828

)

102,210

 

35,867

 

Depreciation and amortization, excluding the impact of noncontrolling interest  

24,707

 

26,535

 

99,899

 

107,557

 

Interest expense, excluding the impact of noncontrolling interest  

20,995

 

21,743

 

83,539

 

89,856

 

Income tax expense (benefit)  

86

 

(181

)

(119

)

1,094

 

EBITDA (1)  

50,230

 

47,269

 

285,529

 

234,374

 

Net (gain) loss on sale and disposition of assets  

(348

)

(2,478

)

275

 

(2,730

)

Long-lived asset impairment  

-

 

1,379

 

1,927

 

2,022

 

Adjusted EBITDA (1)   $

49,882

 

$

46,170

 

$

287,731

 

$

233,666

 

   
Reconciliation of net cash provided by (used in) operating activities to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA  
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities   $

62,237

 

$

(15,123

)

$

312,526

 

$

94,402

 

Net changes in operating assets and liabilities and certain non-cash items  

(33,088

)

40,891

 

(110,709

)

48,968

 

Net cash from operating activities and changes in operating assets and liabilities attributable to noncontrolling interest  

-

 

(61

)

292

 

54

 

Interest expense, excluding the impact of noncontrolling interest  

20,995

 

21,743

 

83,539

 

89,856

 

Income tax expense (benefit)  

86

 

(181

)

(119

)

1,094

 

EBITDA (1)  

50,230

 

47,269

 

285,529

 

234,374

 

Net (gain) loss on sale and disposition of assets  

(348

)

(2,478

)

275

 

(2,730

)

Long-lived asset impairment  

-

 

1,379

 

1,927

 

2,022

 

Adjusted EBITDA (1)   $

49,882

 

$

46,170

 

$

287,731

 

$

233,666

 

   
Reconciliation of net income (loss) to distributable cash flow  
Net income (loss)   $

4,442

 

$

(880

)

$

101,682

 

$

35,178

 

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest  

-

 

52

 

528

 

689

 

Net income (loss) attributable to Global Partners LP  

4,442

 

(828

)

102,210

 

35,867

 

Depreciation and amortization, excluding the impact of noncontrolling interest  

24,707

 

26,535

 

99,899

 

107,557

 

Amortization of deferred financing fees and senior notes discount  

1,345

 

1,261

 

5,241

 

5,940

 

Amortization of routine bank refinancing fees  

(1,037

)

(940

)

(3,970

)

(3,754

)

Maintenance capital expenditures, excluding the impact of noncontrolling interest  

(22,199

)

(16,596

)

(46,988

)

(49,897

)

Distributable cash flow (1)(2)  

7,258

 

9,432

 

156,392

 

95,713

 

Distributions to Series A preferred unitholders (3)  

(1,682

)

(1,682

)

(6,728

)

(6,728

)

Distributable cash flow after distributions to Series A preferred unitholders   $

5,576

 

$

7,750

 

$

149,664

 

$

88,985

 

   
Reconciliation of net cash provided by (used in) operating activities to distributable cash flow  
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities   $

62,237

 

$

(15,123

)

$

312,526

 

$

94,402

 

Net changes in operating assets and liabilities and certain non-cash items  

(33,088

)

40,891

 

(110,709

)

48,968

 

Net cash from operating activities and changes in operating assets and liabilities attributable to noncontrolling interest  

-

 

(61

)

292

 

54

 

Amortization of deferred financing fees and senior notes discount  

1,345

 

1,261

 

5,241

 

5,940

 

Amortization of routine bank refinancing fees  

(1,037

)

(940

)

(3,970

)

(3,754

)

Maintenance capital expenditures, excluding the impact of noncontrolling interest  

(22,199

)

(16,596

)

(46,988

)

(49,897

)

Distributable cash flow (1)(2)  

7,258

 

9,432

 

156,392

 

95,713

 

Distributions to Series A preferred unitholders (3)  

(1,682

)

(1,682

)

(6,728

)

(6,728

)

Distributable cash flow after distributions to Series A preferred unitholders   $

5,576

 

$

7,750

 

$

149,664

 

$

88,985

 


Contacts

Daphne H. Foster
Chief Financial Officer
Global Partners LP
(781) 894-8800

Edward J. Faneuil
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Global Partners LP
(781) 894-8800


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  • BOEM issues Final Environmental Impact Statement for Vineyard Wind 1.
  • Issuance is major milestone towards commencing construction of 800-megawatt offshore wind project.
  • Vineyard Wind 1 will deliver clean energy in 2023 and economic benefits beginning this year to Massachusetts.

ORANGE, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR) confirmed today that the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has issued the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for Vineyard Wind 1. The issuance of the FEIS is the final step before a Record of Decision (ROD) from BOEM, the last approval required for construction on the project to begin. The project is under development by Vineyard Wind, a joint venture between Avangrid Renewables, a subsidiary of AVANGRID, Inc., and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP).


“We are one step closer toward realizing this historic clean energy project and delivering cost-effective clean energy, thousands of jobs and more than a billion dollars in economic benefits to Massachusetts,” said Dennis V. Arriola, CEO of AVANGRID. “BOEM’s thorough review of Vineyard Wind 1 ensures that both the project and the offshore wind industry are well-positioned for long-term success.”

The FEIS is a comprehensive study conducted by BOEM to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of the proposed project and informs BOEM’s Record of Decision, which will be issued after a 30 day period which begins today. With the issuance of the FEIS, Vineyard Wind confirmed that the project remains on track to reach financial close in the second half of 2021 and begin delivering clean energy to Massachusetts in 2023.

Located 15 miles off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard, Vineyard Wind 1 is slated to become the first large-scale offshore wind farm in the United States. With a generating capacity of 800 megawatts (MW), the project will provide enough electricity to power more than 400,000 homes and businesses in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, create 3,600 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) job years, reduce electricity rates by $1.4 billion over the first 20 years of operation, and is expected to reduce carbon emissions by more than 1.6 million metric tons per year.

Avangrid Renewables, a leading developer of onshore wind and solar, is also pioneering the development of offshore wind in the U.S. In addition to Vineyard Wind 1, Avangrid Renewables is a partner on Park City Wind, an 800 MW project to serve the state of Connecticut, as well as on additional lease areas off the coast of Massachusetts and Rhode Island to deliver up to 3,500 MW. Avangrid Renewables also is developing Kitty Hawk Offshore Wind that has the potential to deliver 2,500 MW of clean energy into Virginia and North Carolina.

About AVANGRID: AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR) aspires to be the leading sustainable energy company in the United States. Headquartered in Orange, CT with approximately $38 billion in assets and operations in 24 U.S. states, AVANGRID has two primary lines of business: Avangrid Networks and Avangrid Renewables. Avangrid Networks owns and operates eight electric and natural gas utilities, serving more than 3.3 million customers in New York and New England. Avangrid Renewables owns and operates a portfolio of renewable energy generation facilities across the United States. AVANGRID employs approximately 7,000 people and has been recognized by Forbes and Just Capital as one of the 2021 JUST 100 companies – a list of America’s best corporate citizens – and was ranked number one within the utility sector for its commitment to the environment and the communities it serves. The company supports the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals and was named among the World’s Most Ethical Companies in 2021 for the third consecutive year by the Ethisphere Institute. For more information, visit www.avangrid.com.


Contacts

Media:
Morgan Pitts, 503.933.8907 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
24/7 Media Hotline
833.MEDIA.55 (833.633.4255)

Investors:
Patricia Cosgel, 203.499.2624 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Black Bear Transmission LLC, (“Black Bear”) today announced that it has completed the divestiture of gas gathering assets owned by BBT Alabama, LLC (“BBT AL”) to an undisclosed buyer.

This divestiture follows Black Bear’s most recent acquisition – the purchase of the NGT Assets from Third Coast Midstream in September 2020.

BBT AL owns and operates a fee-based, natural gas gathering system that connects production in Alabama to regional long-haul pipelines. The asset sale consists of more than 240 miles of natural gas pipelines, 26 active metered locations, and 1 active compressor station.

“We are excited to complete this transaction,” said Rene Casadaban, Chief Executive Officer of Black Bear. “The sale of these assets allows us to continue our main focus on the transmission business, which serves long-term, demand-driven end-user markets, while continuing to provide safe and reliable service.”

“This sale is another example of the team’s ability to quickly execute on the strategic rationalization of acquired assets,” added Scott Langston, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer for Black Bear, “Similar to the Ozark Gas Gathering sale, this deal allows us to achieve operational cost savings while at the same time directing more internal resources towards our core natural gas transmission infrastructure. We appreciate all of the hard work from everybody involved to complete this sale.”

The terms of the transaction are not being disclosed.

About Black Bear

Black Bear Transmission LLC transports and delivers natural gas from various pipeline receipt points to utility, power generation and industrial customers in the Southeast United States. Following this sale, Black Bear owns and operates 13 regulated natural gas pipelines stretching more than 2,100 miles, with total delivery capacity of more than 2.6 Bcf per day. The pipelines are connected to 18 major long-haul pipelines, ensuring reliable gas supply to customers across Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma and Tennessee. Black Bear Transmission LLC is headquartered in Houston, TX.

For more information, please visit www.blackbearllc.com.


Contacts

For media inquiries:
Black Bear Transmission
Rene Casadaban
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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