Business Wire News

MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--World Fuel Services Corporation (NYSE: INT):

First-Quarter 2021 Highlights

  • Total gross profit of $191.6 million, down 26% year-over-year
  • GAAP net income of $18.9 million, or $0.30 per diluted share
  • Adjusted net income of $20.7 million, or $0.33 per diluted share
  • Adjusted EBITDA of $61.9 million

“One year after the onset of the pandemic, we are optimistic about a continuing improvement in demand as vaccination rates increase and the global economy begins to recover,” stated Michael J. Kasbar, chairman and chief executive officer of World Fuel Services Corporation. “As the markets we serve continue to strengthen and opportunities to support global sustainability initiatives evolve, the breadth of our value-added service offerings will enable us to benefit from the numerous opportunities ahead.”

For the first quarter, our aviation segment generated gross profit of $76.7 million, a decrease of 18% year-over-year, driven by the decline in volume as a consequence of the depressed demand for air travel due to the coronavirus pandemic, together with a reduction in our government-related activity in Afghanistan, partially offset by higher average margins from a more profitable business mix. Our marine segment generated gross profit of $25.4 million, a decrease of 57% year-over-year, principally attributable to lower profitability as compared to the first quarter of 2020 which benefited from certain supply imbalances and price volatility arising from the implementation of the IMO 2020 regulations in January 2020, as well as a decline in demand related to the pandemic. Our land segment generated gross profit of $89.5 million, a decrease of 16% year-over-year, predominantly due to the sale of the MultiService payment solutions business in September 2020, partially offset by improved performance in our natural gas business in North America.

“We generated another $103 million of cash flow from operations during the first quarter, further strengthening our balance sheet during these challenging times,” said Ira M. Birns, executive vice president and chief financial officer. “In demonstration of our commitment to enhancing shareholder value, we also increased our cash dividend by 20% during the first quarter.”

COVID-19 Update

Throughout 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the global economy as a whole, and the transportation industries in particular, which has continued into 2021. Many of our customers in these industries, especially commercial airlines, have experienced a substantial decline in business activity arising from the various measures enacted by governments around the world to contain the spread of the virus. As a result, we experienced a significant decline in sales volume and profitability across most of our businesses beginning in the second quarter of 2020, which persisted throughout the balance of the year. Demand showed some moderate improvement through the second half of 2020 and into 2021, however, it has remained well below pre-pandemic levels. Since the level of activity in our business and that of our customers has historically been driven by the level of economic activity globally, we generally expect these negative impacts to continue throughout 2021.

In response to the challenges arising from the pandemic, we took a number of actions throughout 2020 to ensure the safety of our employees and other stakeholders by implementing our business continuity and emergency response plans and maximizing remote work throughout our global offices. Since the first quarter of 2020, many of our employees have been collaborating virtually with our customers, suppliers and each other using the information-sharing tools and technology that we have invested in over the last several years. We also commenced a number of initiatives in 2020 related to cost reduction, liquidity and operating efficiencies, which remain an area of focus for us in 2021.

The ultimate magnitude and duration of the adverse effects of the pandemic on our business will depend on the timing and extent to which the global economy, and our customers in the transportation industries in particular, recover from the health crisis and global economic downturn. Any subsequent recovery will be dependent on, among other things, continued actions taken by governments and businesses to contain and combat the virus, the speed and effectiveness of global vaccine distribution, as well as how quickly, and to what extent, normal economic and operating conditions can resume on a sustainable basis globally.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release contains non-GAAP financial measures (collectively, the “Non-GAAP Measures”), including adjusted net income, adjusted diluted earnings per share, and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”). The Non-GAAP Measures exclude acquisition and divestiture related expenses, restructuring costs, impairments, gains or losses on the extinguishment of debt and gains or losses on business dispositions primarily because we do not believe they are reflective of our core operating results.

We believe that the Non-GAAP Measures, when considered in conjunction with our financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP, are useful to investors to further aid in evaluating the ongoing financial performance of the Company and to provide greater transparency as supplemental information to our GAAP results.

Non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, our presentation of the Non-GAAP Measures may not be comparable to the presentation of such metrics by other companies. Non-GAAP diluted earnings per common share is computed by dividing non-GAAP net income attributable to World Fuel Services and available to common shareholders by the sum of the weighted average number of shares of common stock, stock units, restricted stock entitled to dividends not subject to forfeiture and vested restricted stock units outstanding during the period and the number of additional shares of common stock that would have been outstanding if our outstanding potentially dilutive securities had been issued. Investors are encouraged to review the reconciliation of these Non-GAAP Measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures in this press release and on our website.

Information Relating to Forward-Looking Statements

This release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding our beliefs and expectations about improvement in demand as vaccination rates increase and the global economy recovers, the strengthening of the markets we serve, our ability to benefit from the opportunities ahead, as well as our expectations about our ability to seek additional opportunities to enhance operating efficiencies, reduce costs and the ultimate impact of the coronavirus pandemic on us. These forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by cautionary statements and risk factor disclosures contained in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings, including the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC. Actual results may differ materially from any forward-looking statements due to risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to: our ability to effectively manage the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the extent of the impact of the pandemic on ours and our customers' sales, profitability, operations and supply chains due to actions taken by governments and businesses to contain the virus, such as restrictions on travel, the speed and effectiveness of vaccine development and distribution, customer and counterparty creditworthiness and our ability to collect accounts receivable and settle derivative contracts, particularly for those customers most significantly impacted by the pandemic, sudden changes in the market price of fuel or extremely high or low fuel prices that continue for an extended period of time, the loss of, or reduced sales to a significant government customer, such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization as a result of the ongoing troop withdrawal in Afghanistan, the availability of cash and sufficient liquidity to fund our working capital and strategic investment needs, adverse conditions in the markets or industries in which we or our customers and suppliers operate such as the current global economic environment as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, our failure to comply with restrictions and covenants in our senior revolving credit facility and our senior term loans, including our financial covenants, our ability to effectively utilize the proceeds from the sale of the Multi Service business and derive the expected benefits, our ability to manage the changes in supply and other market dynamics in the regions where we operate, our ability to successfully execute and achieve efficiencies, our ability to achieve the expected level of benefit from any restructuring activities and cost reduction initiatives, our ability to successfully implement our growth strategy and integrate acquired businesses and recognize the anticipated benefits, unanticipated tax liabilities or adverse results of tax audits, assessments, or disputes ,our ability to capitalize on new market opportunities, risks related to the complexity of U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and any subsequently issued regulations and our ability to accurately predict the impact on our effective tax rate and future earnings, our ability to effectively leverage technology and operating systems and realize the anticipated benefits, potential liabilities and the extent of any insurance coverage, actions that may be taken under the new administration in the U.S. that increase costs or otherwise negatively impact ours or our customers and suppliers businesses, the outcome of pending litigation and other proceedings, the impact of quarterly fluctuations in results, particularly as a result of seasonality, supply disruptions, border closures and other logistical difficulties that can arise when sourcing and delivering fuel in areas that are actively engaged in war or other military conflicts, our failure to effectively hedge certain financial risks associated with the use of derivatives, uninsured losses, the impact of climate change and natural disasters, adverse results in legal disputes, and other risks detailed from time to time in our SEC filings. In addition, other current or potential risks and uncertainties related to the coronavirus pandemic include, but are not limited to: disruptions resulting from office and facility closures, reductions in operating hours, and changes in operating procedures, including additional cleaning and disinfecting procedures, possible infections or quarantining of our employees which could impact our ability to service our customers or operate our business, notices from customers, suppliers and other third parties asserting force majeure or other bases for their non-performance, losses on hedging transactions with customers arising from the decline in fuel prices and their inability to benefit from the reduced cost of fuel due to substantial reductions in their operations, heightened risk of cybersecurity issues as digital technologies may become more vulnerable and experience a higher rate of cyber-attacks in a remote connectivity environment, reduction of our global workforce to adjust to market conditions, including increased costs associated with severance payments, retention issues, and an inability to hire employees when market conditions improve, the impact of asset impairments, including any impairment of the carrying value of our goodwill in our aviation and land segments, as well as other accounting charges if expected future demand for our products and services materially decreases, a structural shift in the global economy and its demand for fuel and related products and services as a result of changes in the way people work, travel and interact, or in connection with a global recession. New risks emerge from time to time and it is not possible for management to predict all such risk factors or to assess the impact of such risks on our business. Accordingly, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, changes in expectations, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

About World Fuel Services Corporation

Headquartered in Miami, Florida, World Fuel Services is a global energy management company involved in providing energy procurement advisory services, supply fulfillment and transaction and payment management solutions to commercial and industrial customers, principally in the aviation, marine and land transportation industries. World Fuel Services sells fuel and delivers services to its clients at more than 8,000 locations in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide.

For more information, call 305-428-8000 or visit www.wfscorp.com.

-- Some amounts in this press release may not add due to rounding. All percentages have been calculated using unrounded amounts --

WORLD FUEL SERVICES CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited - In millions, except per share data)

 

 

 

As of

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

2021

 

2020

Assets:

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

735.3

 

 

$

658.8

 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of $43.8 million and $53.8 million as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively

 

1,669.2

 

 

1,238.4

 

Inventories

 

333.7

 

 

344.3

 

Prepaid expenses

 

53.2

 

 

51.1

 

Short-term derivative assets, net

 

58.9

 

 

66.4

 

Other current assets

 

214.1

 

 

280.4

 

Total current assets

 

3,064.5

 

 

2,639.3

 

Property and equipment, net

 

334.6

 

 

342.6

 

Goodwill

 

858.0

 

 

858.6

 

Identifiable intangible and other non-current assets

 

668.3

 

 

659.8

 

Total assets

 

$

4,925.4

 

 

$

4,500.3

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

Current maturities of long-term debt

 

$

26.6

 

 

$

22.9

 

Accounts payable

 

1,619.3

 

 

1,214.7

 

Customer deposits

 

132.9

 

 

155.8

 

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

 

313.4

 

 

290.6

 

Total current liabilities

 

2,092.2

 

 

1,684.0

 

Long-term debt

 

496.9

 

 

501.8

 

Non-current income tax liabilities, net

 

218.8

 

 

215.5

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

174.5

 

 

186.1

 

Total liabilities

 

2,982.3

 

 

2,587.4

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

Equity:

 

 

 

 

World Fuel shareholders' equity:

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, $1.00 par value; 0.1 shares authorized, none issued

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $0.01 par value; 100.0 shares authorized, 63.0 and 62.9 issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively

 

0.6

 

 

0.6

 

Capital in excess of par value

 

210.8

 

 

204.6

 

Retained earnings

 

1,848.3

 

 

1,836.7

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(120.3)

 

 

(132.6)

 

Total World Fuel shareholders' equity

 

1,939.5

 

 

1,909.3

 

Noncontrolling interest

 

3.5

 

 

3.6

 

Total equity

 

1,943.0

 

 

1,912.9

 

Total liabilities and equity

 

$

4,925.4

 

 

$

4,500.3

 

WORLD FUEL SERVICES CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited – In millions, except per share data)

 

 

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended

 

 

March 31,

 

 

2021

 

2020

Revenue

 

$

5,957.9

 

 

$

8,015.2

 

Cost of revenue

 

5,766.3

 

 

7,756.4

 

Gross profit

 

191.6

 

 

258.7

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

Compensation and employee benefits

 

92.5

 

 

102.5

 

General and administrative

 

59.4

 

 

83.7

 

Restructuring charges

 

2.1

 

 

1.7

 

 

 

154.0

 

 

187.9

 

Income from operations

 

37.6

 

 

70.8

 

Non-operating income (expenses), net:

 

 

 

 

Interest expense and other financing costs, net

 

(8.7)

 

 

(15.4)

 

Other income (expense), net

 

(1.2)

 

 

2.2

 

 

 

(10.0)

 

 

(13.2)

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

27.6

 

 

57.6

 

Provision for income taxes

 

8.8

 

 

16.0

 

Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest

 

18.8

 

 

41.6

 

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

 

 

0.2

 

Net income (loss) attributable to World Fuel

 

$

18.9

 

 

$

41.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per common share

 

$

0.30

 

 

$

0.64

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic weighted average common shares

 

63.0

 

 

64.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per common share

 

$

0.30

 

 

$

0.63

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted weighted average common shares

 

63.6

 

 

65.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest

 

$

18.8

 

 

$

41.6

 

Other comprehensive income (loss):

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

(4.0)

 

 

(33.0)

 

Cash flow hedges, net of income tax expense of $5.6 and expense of $7.4 for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively

 

16.4

 

 

21.7

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

12.4

 

 

(11.3)

 

Comprehensive income (loss) including noncontrolling interest

 

31.2

 

 

30.4

 

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to World Fuel

 

$

31.2

 

 

$

30.4

 

WORLD FUEL SERVICES CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited - In millions)

 

 

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended

 

 

March 31,

 

 

2021

 

2020

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest

 

$

18.8

 

 

$

41.6

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income including noncontrolling interest to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

19.8

 

 

21.8

 

Provision for credit losses

 

3.6

 

 

9.9

 

Share-based payment award compensation costs

 

8.7

 

 

(1.8)

 

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)

 

(6.8)

 

 

(11.7)

 

Foreign currency (gains) losses, net

 

(12.9)

 

 

(19.8)

 

Other

 

(5.5)

 

 

(40.9)

 

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and divestitures:

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

(438.8)

 

 

900.4

 

Inventories

 

11.0

 

 

245.3

 

Prepaid expenses

 

(3.0)

 

 

20.7

 

Short-term derivative assets, net

 

77.3

 

 

(189.3)

 

Other current assets

 

69.3

 

 

17.7

 

Cash collateral with counterparties

 

(4.4)

 

 

(36.9)

 

Other non-current assets

 

(4.0)

 

 

(29.5)

 

Accounts payable

 

394.3

 

 

(1,057.5)

 

Customer deposits

 

(22.8)

 

 

3.7

 

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

 

0.8

 

 

101.5

 

Non-current income tax, net and other long-term liabilities

 

(1.8)

 

 

34.3

 

Total adjustments

 

84.6

 

 

(32.1)

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

103.4

 

 

9.5

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired

 

 

 

(130.5)

 

Capital expenditures

 

(2.0)

 

 

(17.4)

 

Other investing activities, net

 

(0.6)

 

 

(1.1)

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 

(2.7)

 

 

(149.0)

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

Borrowings of debt

 

0.2

 

 

1,732.0

 

Repayments of debt

 

(4.5)

 

 

(1,161.3)

 

Dividends paid on common stock

 

(6.1)

 

 

(6.5)

 

Repurchases of common stock

 

 

 

(55.6)

 

Other financing activities, net

 

(10.4)

 

 

(1.5)

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

(20.8)

 

 

507.0

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 

(3.5)

 

 

(16.5)

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

76.5

 

 

351.0

 

Cash and cash equivalents, as of the beginning of the period

 

658.8

 

 

186.1

 

Cash and cash equivalents, as of the end of the period

 

$

735.3

 

 

$

537.0

 

WORLD FUEL SERVICES CORPORATION

RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

(Unaudited - In millions, except per share data)

 

 

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended

 

 

March 31,

Non-GAAP financial measures and reconciliation:

 

2021

 

2020

Net income (loss) attributable to World Fuel

 

$

18.9

 

 

$

41.4

 

Acquisition and divestiture related expenses

 

2.4

 

 

1.1

 

Restructuring charges

 

2.1

 

 

1.7

 

Income tax impacts

 

(2.7)

 

 

(0.6)

 

Adjusted net income (loss) attributable to World Fuel

 

$

20.7

 

 

$

43.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings (loss) per common share

 

$

0.30

 

 

$

0.63

 

Acquisition and divestiture related expenses

 

0.04

 

 

0.02

 

Restructuring charges

 

0.03

 

 

0.03

 

Income tax impacts

 

(0.04)

 

 

(0.01)

 

Adjusted diluted earnings (loss) per common share

 

$

0.33

 

 

$

0.67

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended

 

 

March 31,

Non-GAAP financial measures and reconciliation:

 

2021

 

2020

Income from operations

 

$

37.6

 

 

$

70.8

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

19.8

 

 

21.8

 

Acquisition and divestiture related expenses

 

2.4

 

 

1.1

 

Restructuring charges

 

2.1

 

 

1.7

 

Adjusted EBITDA (1)

 

$

61.9

 

 

$

95.4

 

(1)

The Company defines adjusted EBITDA as income from operations, excluding the impact of depreciation and amortization, and items that are considered to be non-operational and not representative of our core business, including those associated with acquisition and divestiture related expenses, asset impairments, and restructuring charges.

WORLD FUEL SERVICES CORPORATION

BUSINESS SEGMENTS INFORMATION

(Unaudited - In millions)

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended

 

 

March 31,

Revenue:

 

2021

 

2020

Aviation segment

 

$

2,095.0

 

 

$

3,764.1

 

Land segment

 

2,188.2

 

 

2,106.0

 

Marine segment

 

1,674.7

 

 

2,145.0

 

 

 

$

5,957.9

 

 

$

8,015.2

 

Gross profit:

 

 

 

 

Aviation segment

 

$

76.7

 

 

$

93.2

 

Land segment

 

89.5

 

 

106.3

 

Marine segment

 

25.4

 

 

59.3

 

 

 

$

191.6

 

 

$

258.7

 

Income from operations:

 

 

 

 

Aviation segment

 

$

23.0

 

 

$

29.1

 

Land segment

 

32.8

 

 

25.7

 

Marine segment

 

6.4

 

 

33.9

 

 

 

62.1

 

 

88.6

 

Corporate overhead - unallocated

 

(24.5)

 

 

(17.8)

 

 

 

$

37.6

 

 

$

70.8

 

SALES VOLUME SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

(Unaudited - In millions)

 

 

For the Three Months Ended

 

 

March 31,

Volume (Gallons):

 

2021

 

2020

Aviation Segment

 

1,143.4

 

 

1,844.7

 

Land Segment (1)

 

1,303.0

 

 

1,381.0

 

Marine Segment (2)

 

1,117.5

 

 

1,291.1

 

Consolidated Total

 

3,563.9

 

 

4,516.8

 

(1)

Includes gallons and gallon equivalents of British Thermal Units (BTU) for our natural gas sales and Kilowatt Hours (kWh) for our World Kinect power business.

(2)

Converted from metric tons to gallons at a rate of 264 gallons per metric ton. Marine segment metric tons was 4.2 for the three months ended March 31, 2021.

 


Contacts

World Fuel Services Corporation
Ira M Birns, 305-428-8000
Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

Glenn Klevitz, 305-428-8000
Vice President, Treasurer & Investor Relations

  • GAAP 2021 first quarter EPS was $0.67 compared with $0.56 in 2020.
  • Xcel Energy reaffirms 2021 EPS earnings guidance of $2.90 to $3.00.

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Xcel Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: XEL) today reported 2021 first quarter GAAP and ongoing earnings of $362 million, or $0.67 per share, compared with $295 million, or $0.56 per share in the same period in 2020.


Earnings reflect higher electric and natural gas margins, which more than offset additional depreciation, interest charges and less allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC).

Xcel Energy had a strong first quarter and we are reaffirming our expectation to deliver earnings within our annual guidance range,” said Ben Fowke, chairman and CEO. “We are also pleased to have achieved a significant milestone, reducing carbon emission 51% from 2005 levels, bringing us more than halfway to our vision of delivering 100% carbon-free electricity to our customers by 2050.”

We recently proposed significant measures in Colorado that will transform the energy landscape and help the state continue its clean energy leadership. Our Colorado Clean Energy Plan adds more than 5,000 megawatts of renewable energy and accelerates the retirement of our coal plants. The plan will reduce carbon emissions 85% in Colorado and increase renewable energy to nearly 80% by 2030. To support this ambitious plan, we also proposed a significant transmission expansion that would add 560 miles of new lines to deliver renewable energy.”

At 9:00 a.m. CDT today, Xcel Energy will host a conference call to review financial results. To participate in the call, please dial in 5 to 10 minutes prior to the start and follow the operator’s instructions.

US Dial-In:

(888) 394-8218

International Dial-In:

(400) 120-9101

Conference ID:

7731118

The conference call also will be simultaneously broadcast and archived on Xcel Energy’s website at www.xcelenergy.com. To access the presentation, click on Investor Relations. If you are unable to participate in the live event, the call will be available for replay from 12:00 p.m. CDT on April 29 through 12:00 p.m. CDT on May 2.

Replay Numbers

 

US Dial-In:

(888) 203-1112

International Dial-In:

(719) 457-0820

Access Code:

7731118

Except for the historical statements contained in this report, the matters discussed herein are forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements, including the 2021 EPS guidance, long-term EPS and dividend growth rate objectives, future sales, future expenses, future tax rates, future operating performance, estimated base capital expenditures and financing plans, projected capital additions and forecasted annual revenue requirements with respect to rider filings, expected rate increases to customers, expectations and intentions regarding regulatory proceedings, and expected impact on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows of resettlement calculations and credit losses relating to certain energy transactions, as well as assumptions and other statements are intended to be identified in this document by the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “objective,” “outlook,” “plan,” “project,” “possible,” “potential,” “should,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions. Actual results may vary materially. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we expressly disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking information. The following factors, in addition to those discussed in Xcel Energy’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Dec. 31, 2020 and subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, could cause actual results to differ materially from management expectations as suggested by such forward-looking information: uncertainty around the impacts and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic; operational safety, including our nuclear generation facilities; successful long-term operational planning; commodity risks associated with energy markets and production; rising energy prices and fuel costs; qualified employee work force and third-party contractor factors; ability to recover costs, changes in regulation and subsidiaries’ ability to recover costs from customers; reductions in our credit ratings and the cost of maintaining certain contractual relationships; general economic conditions, including inflation rates, monetary fluctuations and their impact on capital expenditures and the ability of Xcel Energy Inc. and its subsidiaries to obtain financing on favorable terms; availability or cost of capital; our customers’ and counterparties’ ability to pay their debts to us; assumptions and costs relating to funding our employee benefit plans and health care benefits; our subsidiaries’ ability to make dividend payments; tax laws; effects of geopolitical events, including war and acts of terrorism; cyber security threats and data security breaches; seasonal weather patterns; changes in environmental laws and regulations; climate change and other weather; natural disaster and resource depletion, including compliance with any accompanying legislative and regulatory changes; and costs of potential regulatory penalties.

This information is not given in connection with any
sale, offer for sale or offer to buy any security.

XCEL ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)

(amounts in millions, except per share data)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31

 

 

2021

 

2020

Operating revenues

 

 

 

 

Electric

 

$

2,870

 

 

$

2,203

 

Natural gas

 

647

 

 

583

 

Other

 

24

 

 

25

 

Total operating revenues

 

3,541

 

 

2,811

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses

 

 

 

 

Electric fuel and purchased power

 

1,386

 

 

797

 

Cost of natural gas sold and transported

 

299

 

 

285

 

Cost of sales — other

 

8

 

 

9

 

Operating and maintenance expenses

 

584

 

 

579

 

Conservation and demand side management expenses

 

73

 

 

74

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

521

 

 

463

 

Taxes (other than income taxes)

 

163

 

 

149

 

Total operating expenses

 

3,034

 

 

2,356

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

507

 

 

455

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income (expense), net

 

5

 

 

(11

)

Equity earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries

 

14

 

 

11

 

Allowance for funds used during construction — equity

 

14

 

 

23

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest charges and financing costs

 

 

 

 

Interest charges — includes other financing costs of $7 and $7, respectively

 

205

 

 

199

 

Allowance for funds used during construction — debt

 

(5

)

 

(10

)

Total interest charges and financing costs

 

200

 

 

189

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

340

 

 

289

 

Income tax benefit

 

(22

)

 

(6

)

Net income

 

$

362

 

 

$

295

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

538

 

526

Diluted

 

539

 

527

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per average common share:

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.67

 

 

$

0.56

 

Diluted

 

0.67

 

 

0.56

 

XCEL ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Investor Relations Earnings Release (Unaudited)

Due to the seasonality of Xcel Energy’s operating results, quarterly financial results are not an appropriate base from which to project annual results.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The following discussion includes financial information prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), as well as certain non-GAAP financial measures such as ongoing return on equity (ROE), electric margin, natural gas margin, ongoing earnings and ongoing diluted EPS. Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a measure of a company’s financial performance, financial position or cash flows that excludes (or includes) amounts that are adjusted from measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. Xcel Energy’s management uses non-GAAP measures for financial planning and analysis, for reporting of results to the Board of Directors, in determining performance-based compensation and communicating its earnings outlook to analysts and investors. Non-GAAP financial measures are intended to supplement investors’ understanding of our performance and should not be considered alternatives for financial measures presented in accordance with GAAP. These measures are discussed in more detail below and may not be comparable to other companies’ similarly titled non-GAAP financial measures.

Ongoing ROE

Ongoing ROE is calculated by dividing the net income or loss of Xcel Energy or each subsidiary, adjusted for certain nonrecurring items, by each entity’s average stockholder’s equity. We use these non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate and provide details of earnings results.

Electric and Natural Gas Margins

Electric margin is presented as electric revenues less electric fuel and purchased power expenses. Natural gas margin is presented as natural gas revenues less the cost of natural gas sold and transported. Expenses incurred for electric fuel and purchased power and the cost of natural gas are generally recovered through various regulatory recovery mechanisms. As a result, changes in these expenses are generally offset in operating revenues. Management believes electric and natural gas margins provide the most meaningful basis for evaluating our operations because they exclude the revenue impact of fluctuations in these expenses. These margins can be reconciled to operating income, a GAAP measure, by including other operating revenues, cost of sales - other, operating and maintenance (O&M) expenses, conservation and demand side management (DSM) expenses, depreciation and amortization and taxes (other than income taxes).

Earnings Adjusted for Certain Items (Ongoing Earnings and Ongoing Diluted EPS)

GAAP diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other agreements to issue common stock (i.e., common stock equivalents) were settled. The weighted average number of potentially dilutive shares outstanding used to calculate Xcel Energy Inc.’s diluted EPS is calculated using the treasury stock method. Ongoing earnings reflect adjustments to GAAP earnings (net income) for certain items. Ongoing diluted EPS is calculated by dividing the net income or loss of each subsidiary, adjusted for certain items, by the weighted average fully diluted Xcel Energy Inc. common shares outstanding for the period. Ongoing diluted EPS for each subsidiary is calculated by dividing the net income or loss of such subsidiary, adjusted for certain items, by the weighted average fully diluted Xcel Energy Inc. common shares outstanding for the period.

We use these non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate and provide details of Xcel Energy’s core earnings and underlying performance. We believe these measurements are useful to investors to evaluate the actual and projected financial performance and contribution of our subsidiaries. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, there were no such adjustments to GAAP earnings and therefore GAAP earnings equal ongoing earnings for these periods.

Note 1. Earnings Per Share Summary

Xcel Energy’s 2021 first quarter earnings were $0.67 per share compared to $0.56 per share in 2020, primarily reflecting higher electric and natural gas margins (driven by capital investment recovery and regulatory outcomes), which more than offset additional depreciation, interest charges, less AFUDC and declining sales primarily due to the impacts of COVID-19. First quarter earnings also reflect margin from proprietary commodity trading transactions, primarily entered into under Xcel Energy’s ordinary practices prior to the weather event. See Note 5 for further discussion.

Summarized diluted EPS for Xcel Energy:

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31

Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share

 

2021

 

2020

PSCo

 

$

0.31

 

 

$

0.24

 

NSP-Minnesota

 

0.24

 

 

0.20

 

SPS

 

0.11

 

 

0.08

 

NSP-Wisconsin

 

0.06

 

 

0.06

 

Equity earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries

 

0.01

 

 

0.01

 

Regulated utility (a)

 

0.73

 

 

0.60

 

Xcel Energy Inc. and Other

 

(0.06

)

 

(0.04

)

Total (a)

 

$

0.67

 

 

$

0.56

 

(a) Amounts may not add due to rounding.

PSCo — Earnings increased $0.07 per share for the first quarter of 2021, reflecting higher natural gas and electric margins (primarily capital investment recovery and regulatory outcomes), partially offset by additional depreciation and taxes (other than income taxes).

NSP-Minnesota — Earnings increased $0.04 per share for the first quarter of 2021, reflecting higher electric margin (primarily capital investment recovery), partially offset by increased depreciation.

SPS — Earnings increased $0.03 per share for the first quarter of 2021, reflecting higher electric margin (regulatory outcomes in Texas and New Mexico), partially offset by increased depreciation.

NSP-Wisconsin — Earnings were flat for the first quarter of 2021.

Xcel Energy Inc. and Other — Primarily includes financing costs at the holding company.

Components significantly contributing to changes in 2021 EPS compared to 2020:

Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share

 

Three Months
Ended March 31

GAAP and ongoing diluted EPS - 2020

 

$

0.56

 

 

 

 

Components of change - 2021 vs. 2020

 

 

Higher electric margin

 

0.11

 

Higher natural gas margins

 

0.07

 

Lower ETR (a)

 

0.06

 

Higher other income (expense), net

 

0.02

 

Higher depreciation and amortization

 

(0.08

)

Lower AFUDC

 

(0.02

)

Higher interest charges

 

(0.01

)

Higher O&M

 

(0.01

)

Other, net

 

(0.03

)

GAAP and ongoing diluted EPS - 2021

 

$

0.67

 

(a) Includes production tax credits (PTCs) and plant regulatory amounts, which are primarily offset in electric margin.

Note 2. Regulated Utility Results

Estimated Impact of Temperature Changes on Regulated Earnings — Unusually hot summers or cold winters increase electric and natural gas sales, while mild weather reduces electric and natural gas sales. The estimated impact of weather on earnings is based on the number of customers, temperature variances, the amount of natural gas or electricity historically used per degree of temperature and excludes any incremental related operating expenses that could result due to storm activity or vegetation management requirements. As a result, weather deviations from normal levels can affect Xcel Energy’s financial performance.

Degree-day or Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) data is used to estimate amounts of energy required to maintain comfortable indoor temperature levels based on each day’s average temperature and humidity. Heating degree-days (HDD) is the measure of the variation in the weather based on the extent to which the average daily temperature falls below 65° Fahrenheit. Cooling degree-days (CDD) is the measure of the variation in the weather based on the extent to which the average daily temperature rises above 65° Fahrenheit. Each degree of temperature above 65° Fahrenheit is counted as one CDD, and each degree of temperature below 65° Fahrenheit is counted as one HDD. In Xcel Energy’s more humid service territories, a THI is used in place of CDD, which adds a humidity factor to CDD. HDD, CDD and THI are most likely to impact the usage of Xcel Energy’s residential and commercial customers. Industrial customers are less sensitive to weather. Typically, sales are not impacted in the first or fourth quarter due to THI or CDD.

Normal weather conditions are defined as either the 10, 20 or 30-year average of actual historical weather conditions. The historical period of time used in the calculation of normal weather differs by jurisdiction, based on regulatory practice. To calculate the impact of weather on demand, a demand factor is applied to the weather impact on sales. Extreme weather variations, windchill and cloud cover may not be reflected in weather-normalized estimates.

Percentage increase (decrease) in normal and actual HDD:

 

Three Months Ended March 31

 

2021 vs.
Normal

 

2020 vs.
Normal

 

2021 vs. 2020

HDD

1.3

%

 

(5.5)

%

 

6.5

%

 

Weather — Estimated impact of temperature variations on EPS compared with normal weather conditions:

 

Three Months Ended March 31

 

2021 vs.
Normal

 

2020 vs.
Normal

 

2021 vs. 2020

Retail electric

$

 

 

$

(0.011

)

 

$

0.011

 

Decoupling and sales true-up

0.002

 

 

0.006

 

 

(0.004

)

Electric total

$

0.002

 

 

$

(0.005

)

 

$

0.007

 

Firm natural gas

0.003

 

 

(0.007

)

 

0.010

 

Total

$

0.005

 

 

$

(0.012

)

 

$

0.017

 

Sales — Sales growth (decline) for actual and weather-normalized sales in 2021 compared to 2020:

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31

 

 

PSCo

 

NSP-Minnesota

 

SPS

 

NSP-Wisconsin

 

Xcel Energy

Actual (a)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Electric residential

 

6.3

%

 

5.1

%

 

8.8

%

 

4.7

%

 

6.0

%

Electric C&I

 

(4.8

)

 

(6.6

)

 

(7.1

)

 

(1.8

)

 

(5.8

)

Total retail electric sales

 

(1.0

)

 

(2.9

)

 

(4.3

)

 

0.2

 

 

(2.4

)

Firm natural gas sales

 

4.7

 

 

0.5

 

 

N/A

 

0.8

 

 

3.1

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31

 

 

PSCo

 

NSP-Minnesota

 

SPS

 

NSP-Wisconsin

 

Xcel Energy

Weather-Normalized (a)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Electric residential

 

4.9

%

 

4.5

%

 

3.8

%

 

2.9

%

 

4.4

%

Electric C&I

 

(5.1

)

 

(6.7

)

 

(7.3

)

 

(1.9

)

 

(6.0

)

Total retail electric sales

 

(1.7

)

 

(3.1

)

 

(5.4

)

 

(0.4

)

 

(3.0

)

Firm natural gas sales

 

(0.9

)

 

(1.3

)

 

N/A

 

 

(2.7

)

 

(1.2

)

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31 (2020 Leap Year Adjusted)

 

 

PSCo

 

NSP-Minnesota

 

SPS

 

NSP-Wisconsin

 

Xcel Energy

Weather-Normalized (a)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Electric residential

 

6.1

%

 

5.7

%

 

5.0

%

 

4.0

%

 

5.6

%

Electric C&I

 

(4.1

)

 

(5.6

)

 

(6.3

)

 

(0.8

)

 

(5.0

)

Total retail electric sales

 

(0.6

)

 

(2.0

)

 

(4.3

)

 

0.7

 

 

(1.9

)

Firm natural gas sales

 

0.2

 

 

(0.2

)

 

N/A

 

 

(1.5

)

 

 

(a) Higher residential sales and lower commercial and industrial (C&I) sales were primarily attributable to COVID-19.

Weather-normalized and leap-year adjusted electric sales growth (decline) — year-to-date (excluding leap day)

Each of our utility subsidiaries experienced higher residential sales and lower C&I sales as a result of COVID-19 beginning in March 2020. In addition, the following items impacted sales:

  • PSCo — Residential sales rose based on an increased number of customers and higher use per customer. The decline in C&I sales was primarily due to decreases in the manufacturing and service industries, partially offset by an increase in the energy sector.
  • NSP-Minnesota — Residential sales growth reflects higher use per customer and increased customer additions. The decline in C&I sales was primarily due to decreases within the manufacturing and service sectors.
  • SPS — Residential sales increased due to customer growth and higher use per customer. The decline in C&I sales was driven by decreases within the energy and manufacturing sectors.
  • NSP-Wisconsin — Residential sales growth was attributable to customer additions and higher use per customer. The decline in C&I sales was largely related to decreases in the energy and manufacturing industries, partially offset by an increase in the service sector.

Weather-normalized and leap-year adjusted natural gas sales growth (decline) — year-to-date (excluding leap day)

  • Natural gas sales primarily reflect lower customer use, offset by an increase in the number of customers.

Electric Margin — Electric revenues and fuel and purchased power expenses are impacted by fluctuations in the price of natural gas, coal and uranium. However, these price fluctuations have minimal impact on electric margin due to fuel recovery mechanisms that recover fuel expenses. In addition, electric customers receive a credit for PTCs generated, which reduced electric revenue and margin. See Note 5 for discussion on the impact of Winter Storm Uri.

Electric revenues and margin:

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31

(Millions of Dollars)

 

2021

 

2020

Electric revenues

 

$

2,870

 

 

$

2,203

 

Electric fuel and purchased power

 

(1,386

)

 

(797

)

Electric margin

 

$

1,484

 

 

$

1,406

 

Changes in electric margin:

(Millions of Dollars)

 

Three Months
Ended March 31,
2021 vs. 2020

Non-fuel riders

 

$

44

 

Regulatory rate outcomes (Colorado, Texas, New Mexico, Wisconsin and North Dakota)

 

44

 

Proprietary commodity trading, net of sharing (see Note 5)

 

27

 

Wholesale transmission revenue (net)

 

11

 

Estimated impact of weather (net of decoupling/sales true-up)

 

5

 

PTCs flowed back to customers (offset by lower ETR)

 

(37

)

Sales and demand (a)

 

(14

)

Other (net)

 

(2

)

Total increase in electric margin

 

$

78

 

(a) Sales excludes weather impact, net of decoupling/sales true-up, and demand is net of sales true-up.

Natural Gas Margin — Natural gas expense varies with changing sales and the cost of natural gas. However, fluctuations in the cost of natural gas has minimal impact on natural gas margin due to cost recovery mechanisms. See Note 5 for discussion on the impact of Winter Storm Uri.

Natural gas revenues and margin:

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31

(Millions of Dollars)

 

2021

 

2020

Natural gas revenues

 

$

647

 

 

$

583

 

Cost of natural gas sold and transported

 

(299

)

 

(285

)

Natural gas margin

 

$

348

 

 

$

298

 

Changes in natural gas margin:

(Millions of Dollars)

 

Three Months
Ended March 31,
2021 vs. 2020

Regulatory rate outcomes (Colorado)

 

$

40

 

Estimated impact of weather

 

7

 

Other (net)

 

3

 

Total increase in natural gas margin

 

$

50

 

O&M Expenses — O&M expenses increased $5 million, or 0.9%, for the first quarter of 2021. The increase was primarily due to expenses associated with new wind farms, software and infrastructure costs, compensation, damage prevention and storms, partially offset by continuous improvement initiatives.

Depreciation and Amortization — Depreciation and amortization increased $58 million, or 12.5%, for the first quarter of 2021. The increase was primarily driven by several wind farms going into service, as well as normal system expansion. In addition, 2021 depreciation expense increased as a result of implementation of new depreciation rates in Colorado, New Mexico and Texas.

Other Income (Expense) Other income (expense) increased $16 million for the first quarter of 2021, largely related to rabbi trust performance primarily offset in O&M expenses (compensation).

AFUDC, Equity and Debt — AFUDC decreased $14 million for the first quarter of 2021. Decrease was driven by various wind projects placed into service.

Interest Charges — Interest charges increased $6 million, or 3.0%, for the first quarter of 2021. The increase was largely attributable to higher debt levels to fund capital investments, partially offset by lower long-term and short-term interest rates.

Income Taxes Effective income tax rate:

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31

 

 

2021

 

2020

 

2021 vs 2020

Federal statutory rate

 

21.0

%

 

21.0

%

 

%

State tax (net of federal tax effect)

 

4.9

 

 

4.9

 

 

 

(Decreases) increases:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wind PTCs

 

(24.6

)

 

(17.2

)

 

(7.4

)

Plant regulatory differences (a)

 

(6.1

)

 

(8.4

)

 

2.3

 

Other (net)

 

(1.7

)

 

(2.4

)

 

0.7

 

Effective income tax rate

 

(6.5

)%

 

(2.1

)%

 

(4.4

)%

(a) Regulatory differences for income tax primarily relate to the credit of excess deferred taxes to customers. Income tax benefits associated with the credit of excess deferred credits are generally offset by corresponding revenue reductions.

Income tax benefit increased $16 million for the first quarter of 2021. The increase was primarily driven by an increase in wind PTCs due to additional wind facilities going into service. Wind PTCs are credited to customers (recorded as a reduction to revenue) and do not have a material impact on net income. Impact of wind PTCs was partially offset by higher pretax earnings in 2021.

Note 3. Capital Structure, Liquidity, Financing and Credit Ratings

Xcel Energy’s capital structure:

(Millions of Dollars)

 

March 31, 2021

 

Percentage of Total
Capitalization

 

Dec. 31, 2020

 

Percentage of Total
Capitalization

Current portion of long-term debt

 

$

21

 

 

%

 

$

421

 

 

1

%

Short-term debt

 

1,477

 

 

4

 

 

584

 

 

2

 

Long-term debt

 

21,470

 

 

57

 

 

19,645

 

 

56

 

Total debt

 

22,968

 

 

61

 

 

20,650

 

 

59

 

Common equity

 

14,700

 

 

39

 

 

14,575

 

 

41

 

Total capitalization

 

$

37,668

 

 

100

%

 

$

35,225

 

 

100

%


Contacts

Paul Johnson, Vice President, Investor Relations, (612) 215-4535

For news media inquiries only, please call Xcel Energy Media Relations, (612) 215-5300

Xcel Energy website address: www.xcelenergy.com


Read full story here

KANSAS CITY, Mo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CorEnergy Infrastructure Trust, Inc. (NYSE: CORR, CORRPrA) ("CorEnergy" or the "Company") announced today that its Board of Directors declared a first quarter 2021 dividend of $0.05 per share for its common stock, consistent with the preceding quarter. The dividend is payable on May 28, 2021, to shareholders of record on May 14, 2021.


The Board of Directors also declared a cash dividend of $0.4609375 per depositary share for the Company’s 7.375% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock. The preferred stock dividend, which equates to an annual dividend payment of $1.84375 per depositary share, is payable on May 28, 2021, to shareholders of record on May 14, 2021.

The Company's Board of Directors also authorized the reinstatement of the operation of the Company's Dividend Reinvestment Plan ("DRIP"). The Board of Directors made this determination in light of the fact that the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission has advised the Company that we can resume the use of our previously filed and effective shelf registration statements.

Additionally, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the declaration of dividends on the Company's 4.00% Series B Redeemable Convertible Preferred Securities ("Series B Preferred") and shares of the Company's 9.00% Series C Exchangeable Preferred Securities ("Series C Preferred") as if they had been outstanding, in accordance with the terms of the Crimson Midstream Holdings, LLC Agreement.

First Quarter 2021 Results Release Date

The Company also announced today that it will report earnings results for its first quarter, ended March 31, 2021, on May 10, 2021.

CorEnergy will host a conference call on Tuesday, May 11, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. Central Time to discuss its financial results. Please dial into the call at +1-201-689-8035 at least five minutes prior to the scheduled start time. The call will also be webcast in a listen-only format. A link to the webcast will be accessible at corenergy.reit.

A replay of the call will be available until 2:00 p.m. Central Time on June 11, 2021, by dialing +1-919-882-2331. The Conference ID is 40739. A replay of the conference call will also be available on the Company’s website.

About CorEnergy Infrastructure Trust, Inc.

CorEnergy Infrastructure Trust, Inc. (NYSE: CORR, CORRPrA) is a real estate investment trust that owns and operates or leases regulated natural gas transmission and distribution and crude oil gathering, storage and transmission pipelines and associated rights-of-way. For more information, please visit corenergy.reit.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain statements that may include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are "forward-looking statements." Although CorEnergy believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they do involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, and these expectations may prove to be incorrect. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including those discussed in CorEnergy's reports that are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Other than as required by law, CorEnergy does not assume a duty to update any forward-looking statement. In particular, any distribution paid in the future to our stockholders will depend on the actual performance of CorEnergy, its costs of leverage and other operating expenses and will be subject to the approval of CorEnergy's Board of Directors and compliance with leverage covenants.

Source: CorEnergy Infrastructure Trust, Inc.


Contacts

CorEnergy Infrastructure Trust, Inc.
Investor Relations
Debbie Hagen or Matt Kreps
877-699-CORR (2677)
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DULUTH, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The ALLETE, Inc. (NYSE:ALE) board of directors has declared a quarterly dividend of 63 cents per share of common stock.


On an annual basis the dividend is equivalent to $2.52 per share, unchanged from the previous quarter.

The regular quarterly dividend is payable June 1 to common stock shareholders of record at the close of business May 14, 2021.

ALLETE Inc. is an energy company headquartered in Duluth, Minnesota. In addition to its electric utilities, Minnesota Power and Superior Water, Light and Power of Wisconsin, ALLETE owns ALLETE Clean Energy, based in Duluth; BNI Energy, based in Bismarck, N.D.; and has an 8 percent equity interest in the American Transmission Co. More information about ALLETE is available at www.allete.com. ALE-CORP

The statements contained in this release and statements that ALLETE may make orally in connection with this release that are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and investors are directed to the risks discussed in documents filed by ALLETE with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


Contacts

Investor Contact:
Vince Meyer
218-723-3952
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HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Noble Midstream Partners LP (NASDAQ: NBLX) (“Noble Midstream” or the “Partnership”) announced today that it expects to close the previously announced merger transaction with Chevron Corporation (“Chevron”) in mid-May. Under the terms of the merger agreement, at the closing, all of the publicly held common units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership will convert into the right to receive newly issued shares of Chevron common stock. As a result, Partnership unitholders are not expected to receive a quarterly distribution from the Partnership for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, and instead, unitholders are expected to receive a quarterly dividend, payable June 10, 2021, from Chevron for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, provided that such unitholders continue to hold the shares of Chevron common stock received in the merger on May 19, 2021, the record date for the Chevron quarterly dividend.

The Partnership expects to file its Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021 with the SEC in early May. Due to the anticipated timing of the closing of the merger, the Partnership will not host an earnings call for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, nor will it release a statement regarding earnings or hold an investor presentation.

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.

Cautionary Statements

This news release contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of federal securities law. Words such as “anticipates”, “believes”, “expects”, “intends”, “will”, “should”, “may”, “estimates”, “strategy”, “objective” and similar expressions may be used to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical fact and reflect the Partnership’s current views about future events. No assurances can be given that the forward-looking statements contained in this news release will occur as projected, and actual results may differ materially from those projected. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and assumptions that involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are the realization of expected benefits of the proposed transaction to the Partnership’s unitholders and the anticipated consummation of the proposed transaction and the timing thereof. For further discussion of risks and uncertainties, you should refer to those described under “Risk Factors” and “Forward-Looking Statements” in the Partnership’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and in other reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). These reports are also available from the Partnership’s office or website, www.nblmidstream.com. Forward-looking statements are based on the estimates and opinions of management at the time the statements are made. Noble Midstream does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements should circumstances, management’s estimates, or opinions change.

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 filed a registration statement on Form S-4, which included an information statement of Noble Midstream, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The Registration Statement was declared effective by the SEC on April 13, 2021. INVESTORS AND SECURITYHOLDERS OF CHEVRON AND NOBLE MIDSTREAM ARE ADVISED TO CAREFULLY READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND INFORMATION STATEMENT, PROSPECTUS, AND OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS (INCLUDING ALL AMENDMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRANSACTION, THE PARTIES TO THE TRANSACTION AND THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE TRANSACTION. A definitive information statement has been mailed to securityholders of Noble Midstream. Investors and securityholders may obtain a free copy of such documents and other relevant documents filed by Chevron or Noble Midstream with the SEC from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Securityholders and other interested parties are also able to obtain, without charge, a copy of such documents and other relevant documents 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 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 8, 2021, 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

Park Carrere
Investor Relations
(281) 872-3208
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BOISE, Idaho--(BUSINESS WIRE)--IDACORP, Inc. (NYSE: IDA) reported first quarter 2021 net income attributable to IDACORP of $44.8 million, or $0.89 per diluted share, compared with $37.5 million, or $0.74 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2020.


“Our customer count grew 2.9% over the past twelve months and is accelerating," said IDACORP President and Chief Executive Officer Lisa Grow. “In March 2021 alone, our customer growth rate was 3.5%.

“This growth, combined with increased transmission-related revenues from higher rates and colder weather in the southwest U.S., more than offset a slight decrease in commercial customer sales related to the pandemic. Lower operations and maintenance expenses across the business also increased earnings this quarter.

"We expect robust customer growth to continue throughout 2021, as residential and business customers continue migrating to Idaho in search of our high quality-of-life and business-friendly environment."

IDACORP affirms its previously reported full-year 2021 earnings guidance to the range of $4.60 to $4.80 per diluted share and is also affirming that Idaho Power does not expect to utilize any of the additional tax credits available under its Idaho earnings support regulatory mechanism in 2021. This guidance assumes normal weather conditions over the balance of the year and includes assumed levels of impact from COVID-19 as described below, which also acknowledges circumstances could change and impact results going forward.

Performance Summary

A summary of financial highlights for the quarter ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 is as follows (in thousands, except per-share amounts):

 

 

Three months ended

March 31,

 

 

2021

 

2020

Net income attributable to IDACORP, Inc.

 

$

44,831

 

 

$

37,490

 

Average outstanding shares – diluted (000’s)

 

50,580

 

 

50,527

 

IDACORP, Inc. earnings per diluted share

 

$

0.89

 

 

$

0.74

 

The table below provides a reconciliation of net income attributable to IDACORP for the three months ended March 31, 2021, from the same period in 2020 (items are in millions and are before related income tax impact unless otherwise noted).

 

 

Three months
ended

Net income attributable to IDACORP, Inc. - March 31, 2020

 

 

 

$

37.5

 

 

Increase (decrease) in Idaho Power net income:

 

 

 

 

Customer growth, net of associated power supply costs and power cost adjustment mechanisms

 

3.7

 

 

 

 

Usage per retail customer, net of associated power supply costs and power cost adjustment mechanisms

 

(1.3

)

 

 

 

Idaho fixed cost adjustment (FCA) revenues

 

0.1

 

 

 

 

Retail revenues per megawatt-hour (MWh), net of associated power supply costs and power cost adjustment mechanisms

 

(0.4

)

 

 

 

Transmission wheeling-related revenues

 

4.1

 

 

 

 

Other operations and maintenance (O&M) expenses

 

4.2

 

 

 

 

Other changes in operating revenues and expenses, net

 

(0.8

)

 

 

 

Increase in Idaho Power operating income

 

9.6

 

 

 

 

Non-operating income and expenses

 

(0.5

)

 

 

 

Income tax expense

 

(1.5

)

 

 

 

Total increase in Idaho Power net income

 

 

 

7.6

 

 

Other IDACORP changes (net of tax)

 

 

 

(0.3

)

 

Net income attributable to IDACORP, Inc. - March 31, 2021

 

 

 

$

44.8

 

 

IDACORP's net income increased $7.3 million for the first quarter of 2021 compared with the first quarter of 2020, primarily due to higher net income at Idaho Power. Customer growth increased operating income by $3.7 million in the first quarter of 2021 compared with the first quarter of 2020, as the number of Idaho Power customers grew by approximately 16,700, or 2.9 percent, during the twelve months ended March 31, 2021. Lower sales volumes on a per-customer basis decreased operating income by $1.3 million in the first quarter of 2021 compared with the first quarter of 2020, as lower usage per commercial customer was mostly offset by higher usage per residential customer. A decrease of 2 percent in usage per commercial customer in the first quarter of 2021 compared with the mostly pre-pandemic first quarter of 2020 was partly due to the negative impacts of COVID-19 on commercial customers' operations. Residential customers used more energy for heating due to colder weather in Idaho Power's service area, which contributed to a 1 percent increase in usage per residential customer in the first quarter of 2021 compared with the first quarter of 2020.

During the first quarter of 2021, transmission wheeling-related revenues increased $4.1 million compared with the first quarter of 2020 due to an increase in wheeling volumes and an increase in Idaho Power's open access transmission tariff (OATT) rates. Colder winter weather in the southwest United States increased wheeling volumes in the first quarter of 2021 compared with the first quarter of 2020. Also, Idaho Power's OATT rates were approximately 10 percent higher in the first quarter of 2021 compared with the first quarter of 2020.

Other O&M expenses were $4.2 million lower in the first quarter of 2021 compared with the first quarter of 2020, partially due to a difference in the timing of cloud seeding activities and cost savings initiatives at the jointly-owned coal plants. The decrease was also due to the October 2020 closure of Idaho Power's jointly-owned coal plant in Boardman, Oregon. A regulatory mechanism facilitating the recovery of costs related to the closure of the Boardman plant also reduced operating revenues by a corresponding amount in the first quarter of 2021 compared with the first quarter of 2020. In addition, COVID-19-related decreases in employee travel and training costs reduced other O&M expenses in the first quarter of 2021 compared with the first quarter of 2020.

The increase in income tax expense for the first quarter of 2021, compared with the first quarter of 2020, was primarily due to greater 2021 pre-tax income.

2021 Annual Earnings Guidance and Key Operating and Financial Metrics

IDACORP is affirming its earnings guidance estimate for 2021. The 2021 guidance incorporates all of the key operating and financial assumptions listed in the table that follows (in millions, except per share amounts):

 

 

Current(1)

 

Previous(2)

IDACORP Earnings Guidance (per share)

 

No change

 

$ 4.60 – $ 4.80

Idaho Power Additional Amortization of ADITCs

 

No change

 

None

Idaho Power Operating & Maintenance Expense

 

No change

 

$ 345 – $ 355

Idaho Power Capital Expenditures, Excluding Allowance for Funds Used During Construction

 

No change

 

$ 320 – $ 330

Idaho Power Hydropower Generation (MWh)

 

5.5 – 7.5

 

6.0 – 8.0

(1) As of April 29, 2021.
(2) As of February 18, 2021, the date of filing IDACORP's and Idaho Power's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

To-date, Idaho Power has not experienced significant disruption to its business operations, critical supply-chain shortages, or major declines in customer usage related to COVID-19, with the exception of decreases in commercial and industrial customer usage. However, if circumstances associated with COVID-19 were to deteriorate more than Idaho Power anticipates in the company’s service area or nationally, Idaho Power could experience more substantial impacts, which could affect financial projections and results that are currently contemplated in the guidance range above. More detailed information on Idaho Power’s actions in response to COVID-19, as well as operational and financial risks associated with COVID-19, are described in IDACORP’s and Idaho Power’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 18, 2021, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which is also available for review on IDACORP’s website at www.idacorpinc.com.

More detailed financial information is provided in IDACORP's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed today with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and posted to the IDACORP website at www.idacorpinc.com.

Web Cast / Conference Call

IDACORP will hold an analyst conference call today at 2:30 p.m. Mountain Time (4:30 p.m. Eastern Time). All parties interested in listening may do so through a live webcast on IDACORP's website (www.idacorpinc.com), or by calling (833) 759-1159 for listen-only mode. The passcode for the call is 5178488. The conference call logistics are also posted on IDACORP's website and will be included in IDACORP's earnings news release. Slides will be included during the conference call. To access the slide deck, register for the event just prior to the call at www.idacorpinc.com/investor-relations/earnings-center/default.aspx. A replay of the conference call will be available on the company's website for 12 months and will be available shortly after the call.

Background Information

IDACORP, Inc. (NYSE: IDA), Boise, Idaho-based and formed in 1998, is a holding company comprised of Idaho Power, a regulated electric utility; IDACORP Financial, a holder of affordable housing projects and other real estate investments; and Ida-West Energy, an operator of small hydroelectric generation projects that satisfy the requirements of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978. Idaho Power began operations in 1916 and employs approximately 2,000 people to serve a 24,000-square-mile service area in southern Idaho and eastern Oregon. Idaho Power’s goal of 100% clean energy by 2045 builds on its long history as a clean-energy leader providing reliable service at affordable prices. With 17 low-cost hydropower projects at the core of its diverse energy mix, Idaho Power’s more than 590,000 residential, business, and agricultural customers pay among the nation's lowest prices for electricity. To learn more about IDACORP or Idaho Power, visit www.idacorpinc.com or www.idahopower.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

In addition to the historical information contained in this press release, this press release contains (and oral communications made by IDACORP, Inc. and Idaho Power Company may contain) statements, including, without limitation, earnings guidance and estimated key operating and financial metrics, that relate to future events and expectations and, as such, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, outlook, assumptions, or future events or performance, often, but not always, through the use of words or phrases such as "anticipates," "believes," "continues," "could," "estimates," "expects," "guidance," "intends," "potential," "plans," "predicts," "projects or projected," "targets," or similar expressions, are not statements of historical facts and may be forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve estimates, assumptions, risks, and uncertainties. Actual results, performance, or outcomes may differ materially from the results discussed in the statements. In addition to any assumptions and other factors and matters referred to specifically in connection with such forward-looking statements, factors that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements include the following: (a) the effect of decisions by the Idaho and Oregon public utilities commissions and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission that impact Idaho Power's ability to recover costs and earn a return on investment; (b) changes to or the elimination of Idaho Power's regulatory cost recovery mechanisms; (c) the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global and regional economy and on Idaho Power's employees, customers, contractors, and suppliers, including on loads and revenues, uncollectible accounts, transmission revenues, and other aspects of the companies' business; (d) changes in residential, commercial, and industrial growth and demographic patterns within Idaho Power's service area, and their associated impacts on loads and load growth, and the availability of regulatory mechanisms that allow for timely cost recovery through customer rates in the event of those changes; (e) abnormal or severe weather conditions (including conditions and events associated with climate change), wildfires, droughts, earthquakes, and other natural phenomena and natural disasters, which affect customer sales, hydropower generation levels, repair costs, service interruptions, liability for damage caused by utility property, and the availability and cost of fuel for generation plants or purchased power to serve customers; (f) advancement of self-generation, energy storage, energy efficiency, alternative energy sources, and other technologies that may reduce Idaho Power's sale or delivery of electric power or introduction of operational or cyber-security vulnerabilities to the power grid; (g) acts or threats of terrorist incidents, acts of war, social unrest, cyber-attacks, the companies' failure to secure data or to comply with privacy laws or regulations, physical security breaches, or the disruption or damage to the companies' business, operations, or reputation resulting from such events; (h) the expense and risks associated with capital expenditures for, and the permitting and construction of, utility infrastructure that Idaho Power may be unable to complete or may not be deemed prudent by regulators for cost recovery; (i) variable hydrological conditions and over-appropriation of surface and groundwater in the Snake River Basin, which may impact the amount of power generated by Idaho Power's hydropower facilities; (j) the ability of Idaho Power to acquire fuel, power, electrical equipment, and transmission capacity on reasonable terms, particularly in the event of unanticipated power demands, price volatility, lack of physical availability, transportation constraints, disruptions or delays in the supply chain, or a credit downgrade; (k) disruptions or outages of Idaho Power's generation or transmission systems or of any interconnected transmission systems which can result in liability for Idaho Power, increase power costs, and reduce revenues; (l) accidents, terrorist acts, fires (either affecting or caused by Idaho Power facilities or infrastructure), explosions, mechanical breakdowns, and other unplanned events that may occur while operating and maintaining assets, which can cause unplanned outages, reduce generating output, damage company assets, operations, or reputation, subject Idaho Power to third-party claims for property damage, personal injury, or loss of life, or result in the imposition of civil, criminal, and regulatory fines and penalties for which Idaho Power may have inadequate insurance coverage; (m) the increased purchased power costs and operational challenges associated with purchasing and integrating intermittent renewable energy sources into Idaho Power's resource portfolio; (n) failure to comply with state and federal laws, regulations, and orders, including new interpretations and enforcement initiatives by regulatory and oversight bodies, which may result in penalties and fines and increase the cost of compliance, and the cost of remediation; (o) changes in tax laws or related regulations or new interpretations of applicable laws by federal, state, or local taxing jurisdictions, and the availability of tax credits, and the tax rates payable by IDACORP shareholders on common stock dividends; (p) adoption of, changes in, and costs of compliance with laws, regulations, and policies relating to the environment, natural resources, and threatened and endangered species, and the ability to recover associated increased costs through rates; (q) the inability to obtain or cost of obtaining and complying with required governmental permits and approvals, licenses, rights-of-way, and siting for transmission and generation projects and hydropower facilities; (r) failure to comply with mandatory reliability and security requirements, which may result in penalties, reputational harm, and operational changes; (s) the impacts of economic conditions, including inflation, interest rates, supply costs, population growth or decline in Idaho Power's service area, changes in customer demand for electricity, revenue from sales of excess power, credit quality of counterparties and suppliers, and the collection of receivables; (t) the ability to obtain debt and equity financing or refinance existing debt when necessary and on favorable terms, which can be affected by factors such as credit ratings, volatility or disruptions in the financial markets, interest rate fluctuations, decisions by the Idaho or Oregon public utility commissions, and the companies' past or projected financial performance; (u) changes in the method for determining LIBOR and the potential replacement of LIBOR and the impact on interest rates for IDACORP's and Idaho Power's credit facilities; (v) the ability to enter into financial and physical commodity hedges with creditworthy counterparties to manage price and commodity risk for fuel, power, and transmission, and the failure of any such risk management and hedging strategies to work as intended; (w) changes in actuarial assumptions, changes in interest rates, increasing healthcare costs, and the actual and projected return on plan assets for pension and other post-retirement plans, which can affect future pension and other postretirement plan funding obligations, costs, and liabilities and the companies' cash flows; (x) the assumptions underlying the coal mine reclamation obligations at Bridger Coal Company and related funding and bonding requirements, and the remediation costs associated with planned exits from participation in Idaho Power's co-owned coal plants; (y) the ability to continue to pay dividends and achieve target-payout ratios based on financial performance and in light of credit rating considerations, contractual covenants and restrictions, and regulatory limitations; (z) Idaho Power's concentration in one industry and one region and the lack of diversification, and the resulting exposure to regional economic conditions and regional legislation and regulation; (aa) employee workforce factors, including the operational and financial costs of unionization or the attempt to unionize all or part of the companies' workforce, the impact of an aging workforce and retirements, the cost and ability to attract and retain skilled workers and third-party vendors, and the ability to adjust the labor cost structure when necessary; and (bb) adoption of or changes in accounting policies and principles, changes in accounting estimates, and new U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or New York Stock Exchange requirements, or new interpretations of existing requirements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made. New factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for management to predict all such factors, nor can it assess the impact of any such factor on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Readers should also review the risks and uncertainties listed in IDACORP, Inc.'s and Idaho Power Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other reports the companies file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including (but not limited to) Part I, Item 1A - “Risk Factors” in the Form 10-K and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the risks described therein from time to time. IDACORP and Idaho Power disclaim any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information, whether in response to new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.


Contacts

Investor and Analyst Contact

Justin S. Forsberg
Director of Investor Relations & Treasury
Phone: (208) 388-2728
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Media Contact

Sven Berg
Corporate Communications
Phone: (208) 388-2905
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HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DXP Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ:DXPE), a leading products and service distributor that adds value and total cost savings solutions to MRO and OEM customers in virtually every industry, plans to issue a press release announcing its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021, on Friday, May 7th. The announcement will be released before the market opens. DXP will host a conference call, to be web cast live, on the Company’s website (www.dxpe.com) at 10:30 A.M. Central Time on that same day.


The call and an accompanying slide presentation will be on the "Investor Relations" section of DXP's website at www.dxpe.com. A replay of the webcast will be available shortly after the conclusion of the presentation.

DXP's earnings press release, the slides and other related presentation materials will be posted to the "Investor Relations" section of DXP's website under the subheading "Financial Information" after the market closes on the date prior to the earnings call and will remain available following the call.

Web participants are encouraged to go to the Company’s website (www.dxpe.com) at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the call to register, download and install any necessary audio software.

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a “safe-harbor” for forward-looking statements. Certain information included in this press release (as well as information included in oral statements or other written statements made by or to be made by the Company) contains statements that are forward-looking. Such forward-looking information involves important risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect anticipated results in the future; and accordingly, such results may differ from those expressed in any forward-looking statement made by or on behalf of the Company. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to; ability to obtain needed capital, dependence on existing management, leverage and debt service, domestic or global economic conditions, and changes in customer preferences and attitudes. For more information, review the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


Contacts

DXP Enterprises, Inc.
Kent Yee, 713-996-4700
Senior Vice President, CFO
www.dxpe.com

HAMILTON, Bermuda--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 29, 2021 – Triton International Limited (NYSE: TRTN) ("Triton")


Highlights:

  • Net income attributable to common shareholders for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was $129.3 million or $1.92 per diluted share.
  • Adjusted net income was $128.7 million or $1.91 per diluted share, an increase of 105.4% from the first quarter of 2020 and 12.4% from the fourth quarter of 2020.
  • Trade volumes and container demand were exceptionally strong in the first quarter. Utilization increased 0.4% during the quarter to reach 99.3% as of March 31, 2021. Utilization was 99.4% as of April 23, 2021.
  • As of April 23, 2021, Triton has purchased $2.6 billion of new containers for delivery in 2021, most of which have already been committed to high value, long duration leases.
  • Triton’s corporate credit rating was upgraded to BBB- by S&P Global Ratings on March 30, 2021.
  • Triton completed an inaugural $600 million 2.05% senior secured investment grade bond offering on April 15, 2021.
  • Triton’s Board of Directors announced a quarterly dividend of $0.57 per common share payable on June 24, 2021 to shareholders of record as of June 10, 2021.

Financial Results

The following table summarizes Triton’s selected key financial information for the three months ended March 31, 2021, December 31, 2020, and March 31, 2020.

 

(in millions, except per share data)

 

Three Months Ended,

 

March 31, 2021

 

December 31, 2020

 

March 31, 2020

Total leasing revenues

$346.7

 

 

 

$337.3

 

 

 

$321.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GAAP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to common shareholders

$129.3

 

 

 

$115.2

 

 

 

$67.2

 

 

Net income per share - Diluted

$1.92

 

 

 

$1.70

 

 

 

$0.94

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-GAAP (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted net income

$128.7

 

 

 

$114.7

 

 

 

$67.1

 

 

Adjusted net income per share - Diluted

$1.91

 

 

 

$1.70

 

 

 

$0.93

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Return on equity (2)

25.0

%

 

 

22.9

%

 

 

13.1

%

 

(1)

Refer to the "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Items" and "Non-GAAP Reconciliations of Adjusted Net Income" set forth below.

(2)

Refer to the “Calculation of Return on Equity” set forth below.

Operating Performance

"Triton achieved outstanding results in the first quarter of 2021," commented Brian M. Sondey, Chief Executive Officer of Triton. "We generated $1.91 of Adjusted earnings per share in the first quarter, an increase of more than 100% from the first quarter of 2020 and an increase of 12.4% from the fourth quarter of 2020. We also achieved an annualized Return on equity of 25.0%."

"Triton continues to benefit from very favorable market conditions. Trade volumes remain strong due to a shift in consumer spending from services and experiences to goods, and demand for containers has been boosted further by a variety of logistical challenges that have slowed the global movement of containers. Our utilization increased to 99.3% as of March 31, 2021 and currently stands at 99.4%. The strong demand for containers has also led to high new container prices and market lease rates. Container factories are currently quoting over $3,500 for a new 20’ dry container, and market lease rates for new containers are significantly higher than the average lease rates in our lease portfolio. Our average selling price for used dry containers jumped further in the first quarter, leading to an increase in our disposal gains from the fourth quarter of 2020 despite a significant decrease in disposal volumes."

"Triton is investing heavily in new containers to help our customers manage the strong increase in trade volumes. Our customers generally did not anticipate the rapid growth in trade that began in the second half of 2020, and all major shipping lines have needed to add significant numbers of containers. Shipping lines have been primarily relying on the leasing market to fulfill their container requirements, and Triton has secured a meaningful share of leasing transactions due to our industry-leading supply capability and our strong reputation for reliability. Triton has purchased approximately $2.6 billion of containers for delivery in 2021, with $0.7 billion accepted in the first quarter, and we have already pre-committed most of our purchased containers to high-value, long-duration leases. We estimate that our existing orders would translate to asset growth of close to 20% for Triton in 2021."

"Triton is highly focused on locking-in durable improvements to our business, profitability and cash flow. The average lease duration for our 2021 new dry container lease commitments is over 12 years, and we estimate that approximately 75% of the used containers we have supplied since last July have been leased on life-cycle leases, which keep the containers on-hire until our typical disposal age. The large block of attractively priced new leases and improved off-hire protections for our used containers will provide a strong foundation to our profitability and cash flow for years to come."

"Our balance sheet remains in great shape. Our leverage remains well below our typical historical range, and our profitability supports our high current growth rate with little impact on our leverage. In March 2021, our corporate credit rating was upgraded to BBB- by S&P, reflecting our strong market and financial position. In the first quarter, we issued $1.2 billion of ABS notes and in April 2021, we successfully completed an inaugural issuance of $600 million investment grade senior secured notes. These successful transactions, which further reduce our overall average borrowing costs, provide an attractive source of financing to support our customers and will contribute to the strong return on our 2021 container investment."

Outlook

Mr. Sondey continued, "Looking ahead, we have significant operational and financial momentum, and we expect to achieve outstanding profitability throughout 2021. Trade volumes remain strong, our container fleet is close to maximum utilization, and we have approximately 500,000 TEU of new containers pre-booked for pick-up in the second and third quarters. We anticipate some normalization of consumer spending patterns as COVID vaccination rates grow, but economists are generally projecting a strong bounce to global GDP in the second half of 2021, and we typically experience peak dry container demand in the third quarter as retailers stock up for the holiday season. We expect our Adjusted net income per share to hold fairly steady from the first to the second quarter of 2021. We expect our leasing margin will increase substantially due to a high volume of new container pick-ups, though we expect this to be mostly offset by lower disposal gains due to a very low volume of container off-hires and disposals. Overall, we expect our profitability, Return on equity and cash flow to remain at very high levels."

Dividends

Triton’s Board of Directors has approved and declared a $0.57 per share quarterly cash dividend on its issued and outstanding common shares, payable on June 24, 2021 to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 10, 2021.

The Company’s Board of Directors also approved and declared a cash dividend payable on June 15, 2021 to holders of record at the close of business on June 8, 2021 on its issued and outstanding preferred shares as follows:

Preferred Share Series

 

Dividend Rate

 

Dividend Per Share

Series A Preferred Shares (NYSE:TRTNPRA)

 

8.500%

 

$0.5312500

Series B Preferred Shares (NYSE:TRTNPRB)

 

8.000%

 

$0.5000000

Series C Preferred Shares (NYSE:TRTNPRC)

 

7.375%

 

$0.4609375

Series D Preferred Shares (NYSE:TRTNPRD)

 

6.875%

 

$0.4296875

Share Repurchase Program Update

Triton has repurchased over 13.9 million common shares since the inception of the program in August 2018. There were no share repurchases during the first quarter of 2021 and as of March 31, 2021, the Company had a total of $102.1 million remaining under the current authorization.

Investors’ Webcast

Triton will hold a Webcast at 8:30 a.m. (New York time) on Thursday, April 29, 2021 to discuss its first quarter results. To listen by phone, please dial 1-877-418-5277 (domestic) or 1-412-717-9592 (international) approximately 15 minutes prior to the start time and reference the Triton International Limited conference call. To access the live Webcast please visit Triton’s website at http://www.trtn.com. An archive of the Webcast will be available one hour after the live call.

About Triton International Limited

Triton International Limited is the world’s largest lessor of intermodal freight containers. With a container fleet of 6.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units ("TEU"), Triton’s global operations include acquisition, leasing, re-leasing and subsequent sale of multiple types of intermodal containers and chassis.

Utilization, Fleet, and Leasing Revenue Information

The following table summarizes the equipment fleet utilization for the periods indicated:

 

Quarter Ended

 

March 31, 2021

 

December 31, 2020

 

September 30, 2020

 

June 30, 2020

 

March 31, 2020

Average Utilization (1)

99.1

%

 

98.1

%

 

96.1

%

 

95.0

%

 

95.4

%

Ending Utilization (1)

99.3

%

 

98.9

%

 

97.4

%

 

94.8

%

 

95.3

%

(1)

Utilization is computed by dividing total units on lease (in CEU) by the total units in our fleet (in CEU), excluding new units not yet leased and off-hire units designated for sale.

The following table summarizes the equipment fleet as of March 31, 2021, December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2020 (in units, TEUs and CEUs):

 

Equipment Fleet in Units

 

Equipment Fleet in TEU

 

March 31, 2021

 

December 31, 2020

 

March 31, 2020

 

March 31, 2021

 

December 31, 2020

 

March 31, 2020

Dry

3,417,293

 

 

3,295,908

 

 

3,239,306

 

 

5,711,032

 

 

5,466,421

 

 

5,324,756

 

Refrigerated

232,550

 

 

227,519

 

 

225,026

 

 

450,087

 

 

439,956

 

 

434,263

 

Special

94,266

 

 

93,885

 

 

93,743

 

 

171,781

 

 

170,792

 

 

170,225

 

Tank

11,339

 

 

11,312

 

 

12,469

 

 

11,339

 

 

11,312

 

 

12,469

 

Chassis

24,078

 

 

24,781

 

 

24,319

 

 

43,858

 

 

45,188

 

 

44,828

 

Equipment leasing fleet

3,779,526

 

 

3,653,405

 

 

3,594,863

 

 

6,388,097

 

 

6,133,669

 

 

5,986,541

 

Equipment trading fleet

60,242

 

 

64,243

 

 

17,549

 

 

93,514

 

 

98,991

 

 

26,185

 

Total

3,839,768

 

 

3,717,648

 

 

3,612,412

 

 

6,481,611

 

 

6,232,660

 

 

6,012,726

 

 

Equipment in CEU(1)

 

March 31, 2021

 

December 31, 2020

 

March 31, 2020

Operating leases

6,892,129

 

 

6,649,350

 

 

6,474,701

 

Finance leases

297,168

 

 

295,784

 

 

338,242

 

Equipment trading fleet

92,570

 

 

98,420

 

 

35,632

 

Total

7,281,867

 

 

7,043,554

 

 

6,848,575

 

(1)

In the equipment fleet tables above, we have included total fleet count information based on CEU. CEU is a ratio used to convert the actual number of containers in our fleet to a figure based on the relative purchase prices of our various equipment types to that of a 20-foot dry container. For example, the CEU ratio for a 40-foot high cube dry container is 1.70, and a 40-foot high cube refrigerated container is 7.50. These factors may differ slightly from CEU ratios used by others in the industry.

The following table summarizes our leasing revenue for the periods indicated (in thousands):

 

Three Months Ended,

 

March 31, 2021

 

December 31, 2020

 

March 31, 2020

Operating leases

 

 

 

 

 

Per diem revenues

$

331,252

 

 

$

319,679

 

 

$

298,486

 

Fee and ancillary revenues

8,542

 

 

10,439

 

 

14,318

 

Total operating lease revenues

339,794

 

 

330,118

 

 

312,804

 

Finance leases

6,949

 

 

7,167

 

 

8,664

 

Total leasing revenues

$

346,743

 

 

$

337,285

 

 

$

321,468

 

Important Cautionary Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this release, other than purely historical information, are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Statements that include the words "expect," "intend," "plan," "believe," "project," "anticipate," "will," "may," "would" and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature may be used to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements address matters that involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Triton’s control. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such statements and, therefore, you should not place undue reliance on any such statements.

These factors include, without limitation, economic, business, competitive, market and regulatory conditions and the following: the impact of COVID-19 on our business and financial results; decreases in the demand for leased containers; decreases in market leasing rates for containers; difficulties in re-leasing containers after their initial fixed-term leases; our customers’ decisions to buy rather than lease containers; our dependence on a limited number of customers and suppliers; customer defaults; decreases in the selling prices of used containers; extensive competition in the container leasing industry; difficulties stemming from the international nature of our business; decreases in demand for international trade; disruption to our operations resulting from the political and economic policies of the United States and other countries, particularly China, including but not limited to, the impact of trade wars, duties and tariffs; disruption to our operations from failures of, or attacks on, our information technology systems; disruption to our operations as a result of natural disasters; compliance with laws and regulations related to economic and trade sanctions, security, anti-terrorism, environmental protection and corruption; our ability to obtain sufficient capital to support our growth; restrictions imposed by the terms of our debt agreements; changes in tax laws in, Bermuda, the United States and other countries and other risks and uncertainties, including those risk factors set forth in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in our Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), on February 16, 2021, in any Form 10-Q filed or to be filed by Triton, and in other documents we file with the SEC from time to time.

The foregoing list of important factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included herein and elsewhere. Any forward-looking statements made herein are qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements, and there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments anticipated by us will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on Triton or its business or operations. Except to the extent required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

-Financial Tables Follow-

TRITON INTERNATIONAL LIMITED

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except share data)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

March 31, 2021

 

December 31, 2020

ASSETS:

 

 

 

Leasing equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $3,497,805 and $3,370,652

$

9,198,780

 

 

$

8,630,696

 

Net investment in finance leases

271,347

 

 

282,131

 

Equipment held for sale

57,568

 

 

67,311

 

Revenue earning assets

9,527,695

 

 

8,980,138

 

Cash and cash equivalents

233,064

 

 

61,512

 

Restricted cash

153,272

 

 

90,484

 

Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $1,275 and $2,192

234,682

 

 

226,090

 

Goodwill

236,665

 

 

236,665

 

Lease intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $269,355 and $264,791

29,102

 

 

33,666

 

Other assets

68,919

 

 

83,969

 

Fair value of derivative instruments

7,578

 

 

9

 

Total assets

$

10,490,977

 

 

$

9,712,533

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

 

 

 

Equipment purchases payable

$

342,357

 

 

$

191,777

 

Fair value of derivative instruments

68,545

 

 

128,872

 

Accounts payable and other accrued expenses

96,989

 

 

95,235

 

Net deferred income tax liability

342,071

 

 

327,431

 

Debt, net of unamortized costs of $53,446 and $42,747

6,916,697

 

 

6,403,270

 

Total liabilities

7,766,659

 

 

7,146,585

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity:

 

 

 

Preferred shares, $0.01 par value, at liquidation preference

555,000

 

 

555,000

 

Common shares, $0.01 par value, 270,000,000 shares authorized, 81,273,334 and 81,151,723 shares issued, respectively

813

 

 

812

 

Undesignated shares, $0.01 par value, 7,800,000 and 7,800,000 shares authorized, respectively, no shares issued and outstanding

 

 

 

Treasury shares, at cost, 13,901,326 and 13,901,326 shares, respectively

(436,822

)

 

(436,822

)

Additional paid-in capital

902,891

 

 

905,323

 

Accumulated earnings

1,765,498

 

 

1,674,670

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

(63,062

)

 

(133,035

)

Total shareholders’ equity

2,724,318

 

 

2,565,948

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

$

10,490,977

 

 

$

9,712,533

 

TRITON INTERNATIONAL LIMITED

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

March 31, 2021

 

March 31, 2020

Leasing revenues:

 

 

 

Operating leases

$

339,794

 

 

$

312,804

 

Finance leases

6,949

 

 

8,664

 

Total leasing revenues

346,743

 

 

321,468

 

 

 

 

 

Equipment trading revenues

25,945

 

 

15,380

 

Equipment trading expenses

(17,804

)

 

(13,447

)

Trading margin

8,141

 

 

1,933

 

 

 

 

 

Net gain on sale of leasing equipment

21,967

 

 

4,077

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

143,307

 

 

132,695

 

Direct operating expenses

9,370

 

 

23,248

 

Administrative expenses

20,921

 

 

19,225

 

Provision (reversal) for doubtful accounts

(2,464

)

 

4,279

 

Total operating expenses

171,134

 

 

179,447

 

Operating income (loss)

205,717

 

 

148,031

 

Other expenses:

 

 

 

Interest and debt expense

54,623

 

 

69,002

 

Debt termination expense

 

 

31

 

Other (income) expense, net

(481

)

 

(3,584

)

Total other expenses

54,142

 

 

65,449

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

151,575

 

 

82,582

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

11,737

 

 

5,546

 

Net income (loss)

$

139,838

 

 

$

77,036

 

Less: dividend on preferred shares

10,513

 

 

9,825

 

Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders

$

129,325

 

 

$

67,211

 

Net income per common share—Basic

$

1.93

 

 

$

0.94

 

Net income per common share—Diluted

$

1.92

 

 

$

0.94

 

Cash dividends paid per common share

$

0.57

 

 

$

0.52

 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding—Basic

66,935

 

 

71,596

 

Dilutive restricted shares

282

 

 

202

 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding—Diluted

67,217

 

 

71,798

 

TRITON INTERNATIONAL LIMITED

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

March 31, 2021

 

March 31, 2020

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

$

139,838

 

 

$

77,036

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

143,307

 

 

132,695

 

Amortization of deferred debt cost and other debt related amortization

1,142

 

 

3,595

 

Lease related amortization

4,857

 

 

7,054

 

Share-based compensation expense

1,715

 

 

1,605

 

Net (gain) loss on sale of leasing equipment

(21,967

)

 

(4,077

)

Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative instruments

 

 

297

 

Debt termination expense

 

 

31

 

Deferred income taxes

11,615

 

 

5,505

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

(10,828

)

 

(3,775

)

Accounts payable and other accrued expenses

1,886

 

 

(15,111

)

Net equipment sold (purchased) for resale activity

1,579

 

 

1,435

 

Cash received (paid) for settlement of interest rate swaps

5,558

 

 

 

Cash collections on finance lease receivables, net of income earned

12,866

 

 

15,466

 

Other assets

9,420

 

 

(23,796

)

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

300,988

 

 

197,960

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

Purchases of leasing equipment and investments in finance leases

(579,211

)

 

(62,406

)

Proceeds from sale of equipment, net of selling costs

53,512

 

 

49,498

 

Other

15

 

 

(216

)

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

(525,684

)

 

(13,124

)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

Issuance of preferred shares, net of underwriting discount

 

 

145,275

 

Purchases of treasury shares

 

 

(34,357

)

Redemption of common shares for withholding taxes

(4,146

)

 

(2,156

)

Debt issuance costs

(13,803

)

 

 

Borrowings under debt facilities

1,504,850

 

 

530,000

 

Payments under debt facilities and finance lease obligations

(979,199

)

 

(425,073

)

Dividends paid on preferred shares

(10,513

)

 

(9,395

)

Dividends paid on common shares

(38,153

)

 

(37,110

)

Other

 

 

(410

)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

459,036

 

 

166,774

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

$

234,340

 

 

$

351,610

 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period

151,996

 

 

168,972

 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period

$

386,336

 

 

$

520,582

 

Supplemental disclosures:

 

 

 

Interest paid

$

42,133

 

 

$

53,795

 

Income taxes paid (refunded)

$

155

 

 

$

139

 

Right-of-use asset for leased property

$

 

 

$

 

Supplemental non-cash investing activities:

 

 

 

Equipment purchases payable

$

342,357

 

 

$

29,109

 

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Items

We use the terms "Adjusted net income" and Return on equity throughout this press release.

Adjusted net income and Return on equity are not items presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP and should not be considered as alternatives to, or more meaningful than, amounts determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, including net income.

Adjusted net income is adjusted for certain items management believes are not representative of our operating performance. Adjusted net income is defined as net income attributable to common shareholders excluding debt termination expenses net of tax, unrealized gains and losses on derivative instruments net of tax, and foreign and other income tax adjustments.

We believe that Adjusted net income is useful to an investor in evaluating our operating performance because this item:

  • is widely used by securities analysts and investors to measure a company’s operating performance;
  • helps investors to more meaningfully evaluate and compare the results of our operations from period to period by removing the impact of our capital structure, our asset base and certain non-routine events which we do not expect to occur in the future; and
  • is used by our management for various purposes, including as measures of operating performance and liquidity, to assist in comparing performance from period to period on a consistent basis, in presentations to our board of directors concerning our financial performance and as a basis for strategic planning and forecasting.

We have provided a reconciliation of net income attributable to common shareholders, the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure, to Adjusted net income in the table below for the three months ended March 31, 2021, December 31, 2020, and March 31, 2020.

Additionally, the calculation for return on equity is adjusted annualized earnings divided by average shareholders’ equity. Management utilizes return on equity in evaluating how much profit the Company generates on the shareholders’ equity in the Company and believes it is useful for comparing the profitability of companies in the same industry.

TRITON INTERNATIONAL LIMITED

Non-GAAP Reconciliations of Adjusted Net Income

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended,

 

March 31, 2021

 

December 31, 2020

 

March 31, 2020

Net income attributable to common shareholders

$

129,325

 

 

$

115,185

 

 

$

67,211

 

Add (subtract):

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized loss (gain) on derivative instruments, net

 

 

 

 

270

 

Debt termination expense

 

 

358

 

 

24

 

State and other income tax adjustments

 

 

(866

)

 

 

Tax benefit from vesting of restricted shares

(643

)

 

 

 

(390

)

Adjusted net income

$

128,682

 

 

$

114,677

 

 

$

67,115

 

Adjusted net income per common share—Diluted

$

1.91

 

 

$

1.70

 

 

$

0.93

 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding—Diluted

67,217

 

 

67,571

 

 

71,798

 


Contacts

Andrew Greenberg
Senior Vice President
Business Development & Investor Relations
(914) 697-2900


Read full story here

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Recently, the second set of 1500hp geothermal drilling rig independently developed and manufactured by Shandong Kerui Petroleum & Gas Equipment Co., Ltd. was successfully delivered to Aruto Langano geothermal power station in central Ethiopia. As the first 50D mating drilling rig and first geothermal energy development project of Ethiopia Electric Power (as “EEP”), it is the largest investment in geothermal energy sector, and also a national project with great strategic significance supported by World Bank.

In this project, Kerui Petroleum & Gas provides two sets of 1500hp geothermal drilling rigs, drilling services, personnel training and related technology transfer and other one-stop comprehensive solutions to Ethiopia Electric Power company for the exploitation of 22 geothermal wells in Aluto Langano. The two sets of geothermal drilling rig delivered by this company are independently developed by itself. It has the advantages of automation and integration. It can meet the drilling requirements of petroleum, natural gas and geothermal resources, and adapt to the technological requirements of mud drilling, air drilling and foam drilling, and is equipped with logging, cementing, orientation, gas testing and other equipment.

Facing the severe epidemic situation in the world, Shandong Kerui Petroleum & Gas Equipment Co., Ltd. has successfully completed the commissioning and lifting of two sets of drilling equipment currently, and will officially start drilling soon.

Kerui Petroleum & Gas is an international comprehensive industrial group providing high-end oil equipment, oil and gas field technical services and EPC engineering services to the global oil and gas industry. At present, Kerui's marketing and service network has covered 57 countries and regions in the world, providing quality services and practical products for more than 8000 customers in more than 80 countries and regions.


Contacts

Jason Guo
Sales Director - Kenya/Tanzania
Tel: +254-79-957-4005 Kenya
+255-76-650-6239 Tanzania
SHANDONG KERUI PETROLEUM & GAS EQUIPMENT CO.,LTD

  • CenterPoint to receive $2.150 billion in cash, including recovery of approximately $425 million in cash of unrecovered storm-related incremental natural gas costs incurred in February 2021
  • Transaction represents a landmark valuation at 38.0x 2020 earnings and 2.5x 2020 year-end rate base
  • Sale proceeds will allow CenterPoint to recycle capital to fund its industry-leading 10% planned compound annual rate base growth
  • Sale will not impact company’s targeted 6% - 8% annual utility non-GAAP EPS growth rate
  • Sale demonstrates significantly higher market value for natural gas infrastructure assets, including CenterPoint’s remaining gas businesses

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) (“CenterPoint”) today announced the sale of its Arkansas and Oklahoma natural gas LDC assets to Summit Utilities for $2.150 billion in cash, including recovery of approximately $425 million in cash of unrecovered storm-related incremental natural gas costs incurred in February 2021, subject to true-up at transaction close. The assets include approximately 17,000 miles of main pipeline in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texarkana serving more than half a million customers residing in high-quality regulatory jurisdictions.


The proceeds of $1.725 billion in cash, after recovery of approximately $425 million in cash unrecovered storm costs, represents a 2.5x multiple of 2020 rate base and a 38.0x multiple of 2020 earnings. The transaction is anticipated to close by the end of 2021, subject to customary closing conditions, including Hart-Scott Rodino antitrust clearance and state regulatory approvals.

CenterPoint President and CEO Dave Lesar said, “I could not be more excited to share this announcement today. Summit Utilities is a seasoned operator of utility assets in the region and the ideal company to acquire these assets. We are excited that Summit has existing businesses in Arkansas and Oklahoma, which will facilitate the transition process for our employees and customers. Summit has an industry track record of being a high-quality operator and we are confident they will continue to provide safe, reliable, and low-cost natural gas service to our customers in Arkansas and Oklahoma.”

Lesar added, “This transaction reflects the hard work and determination of everyone on the CenterPoint team. This valuation represents a landmark multiple for the LDC space and is a clear testament of the premium utility assets in these two jurisdictions. These assets are a proven integral part of the energy supplies in the states in which they operate. The solid customer demand for reliable and efficient distribution of natural gas was only solidified by the recent winter storm events. We believe the price paid for these assets demonstrates that the market is significantly undervaluing the remainder of our natural gas businesses.”

The announcement demonstrates not only our ability to efficiently recycle capital across our utility footprint, but also our ability to execute on our commitments to our shareholders. As outlined in our December 2020 Investor Day, our commitments include delivering annualized utility earnings per share growth of 6% - 8% and growing our rate base at a 10% compound annual growth rate. The ability to efficiently redeploy this capital and the eventual exit of the midstream investments will have no impact on our targeted 6% - 8% annualized earnings per share growth rate. Further, we will also be eliminating the Oklahoma and Arkansas storm-related incremental natural gas cost from our balance sheet,” said Lesar.

We look forward to announcing our first quarter of 2021 financial results during our earnings call on May 6,” he said.

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC. and RBC Capital Markets, LLC. served as CenterPoint Energy’s financial advisors. Baker Botts L.L.P. served as CenterPoint Energy’s legal advisors.

About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

As the only investor-owned electric and gas utility based in Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission and distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas. As of December 31, 2020, the company owned approximately $33 billion in assets and also owned 53.7 percent of the common units representing limited partner interests in Enable Midstream Partners, LP, a publicly traded master limited partnership that owns, operates and develops strategically located natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets. With approximately 9,500 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

About Summit Utilities, Inc.

Summit Utilities, Inc. (Summit) owns natural gas distribution and transmission subsidiaries that operate in Arkansas, Colorado, Maine, Missouri, and Oklahoma. The company provides safe, clean and affordable natural gas to businesses and residents in five states through Colorado Natural Gas, Inc., Summit Natural Gas of Missouri, Inc., Summit Natural Gas of Maine, Inc. and Arkansas Oklahoma Gas Corporation. Each of Summit’s subsidiaries constructs and installs natural gas distribution systems with the goal of supporting economic development by providing clean-burning, safe and reliable natural gas to residential and commercial customers through exceptional customer service and commitment to community. Overall, Summit entities serve approximately 100,000 customers and operate more than 5,400 miles of pipeline in Arkansas, Colorado, Maine, Missouri and Oklahoma.

Use of Non-GAAP Measures

As included in this press release, our utility growth target of 6-8% is based on a non-GAAP utility earnings per share (“Utility EPS”), which is not a generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) financial measure. This non-GAAP EPS based utility growth rate has been previously referenced by the CenterPoint Energy as the guidance-based growth rate. Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company’s historical or future financial performance that excludes or includes amounts that are not normally excluded or included in the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. The Utility EPS reflects dilution and earnings as if the Company’s Series B Preferred Stock converted on their mandatory conversion date. Utility EPS considers assumptions for certain significant variables that may impact earnings, such as customer growth and usage including normal weather, throughput, recovery of capital invested, effective tax rates, financing activities and related interest rates, regulatory and judicial proceedings. In addition, the Utility EPS assumes a continued re-opening of the economy in CenterPoint Energy’s service territories throughout 2021. To the extent actual results deviate from these assumptions, the Utility EPS may not be met and our projected annual Utility EPS growth rate range may change. Utility EPS includes an allocation of corporate overhead based upon our Utility segments relative earnings contribution. Corporate overhead consists primarily of interest expense, preferred stock dividend requirements and other items directly attributable to the parent along with associated income taxes, and considers certain significant variables that may impact earnings. Utility EPS excludes (a) earnings or losses from the change in value of the Company’s 2.0% Zero-Premium Exchangeable Subordinated Notes due 2029 (“ZENS”) and related securities, (b) certain expenses associated with merger integration, and (c) Midstream Investments, including income from the Enable preferred units and a corresponding amount of debt in addition to an associated allocation of corporate overhead based on relative earnings contribution. Utility EPS also does not include other potential impacts, such as changes in accounting standards, impairments or unusual items, which could have a material impact on GAAP reported results for the applicable guidance period. CenterPoint Energy is unable to present a quantitative reconciliation of forward-looking Utility EPS because changes in the value of ZENS and related securities, future impairments and other unusual items are not estimable as they are highly variable and difficult to predict due to various factors outside of management’s control. Management evaluates CenterPoint Energy’s financial performance in part based on Utility EPS. Management believes that presenting this non-GAAP financial measure enhances an investor’s understanding of CenterPoint Energy’s overall financial performance by providing them with an additional meaningful and relevant comparison of current and anticipated future results across periods. The adjustments made in this non-GAAP financial measure exclude items that Management believes does not most accurately reflect the Company’s fundamental business performance. CenterPoint Energy’s Utility EPS non-GAAP financial measure should be considered as a supplement to, and not as a substitute for, or superior to, diluted earnings per share, which is the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. This non-GAAP financial measure also may be different than non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies.

Forward-Looking Statements

The statements in this press release contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release are forward-looking statements made in good faith by us and are intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “goal,” “intend,” “may,” “objective,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “projection,” “should,” “target,” “will” or other similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions of management which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the consideration CenterPoint Energy expects to receive, the timing of closing the transaction, long-term growth strategy and investment plan, capital deployment, rate base growth, and CenterPoint Energy’s guidance basis utility earnings per share and guidance basis utility earnings per share growth target. Each forward-looking statement contained in this press release speaks only as of the date of this release. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the provided forward-looking information include risks and uncertainties relating to: (1) the timing of the expiration or termination of the Hart-Scott-Rodino waiting period and the receipt of any consents, waivers or approvals required to be obtained pursuant to applicable antitrust or regulatory laws, (2) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the proposed transactions or could otherwise cause the failure of the proposed transactions to close, (3) the risk that a condition to the closing of the proposed transactions may not be satisfied, (4) the outcome of any legal proceedings, regulatory proceedings or enforcement matters that may be instituted relating to the proposed transactions, (5) the timing to consummate the proposed transactions, (6) disruption from the proposed transactions making it more difficult to maintain relationships with customers, employees, regulators or suppliers, (7) the diversion of management time and attention on the proposed transactions and (8) other factors discussed in CenterPoint Energy’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 and other reports CenterPoint Energy or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).


Contacts

Media:
John Sousa

Phone: 713.659.2111

Investors:
Philip Holder
Jackie Richert

Phone: 713.207.6500

StormFisher and Generate Capital team recognized for innovations in renewable natural gas production



LONDON, Ontario & SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--StormFisher, a leader in the circular economy and decarbonization solutions and Generate Capital, a leading diversified sustainable infrastructure company, announced today that their facility in London, Ontario has been awarded the 2021 Project of the Year by the Canadian Biogas Association. This award recognizes StormFisher for its renewable natural gas production system created to reduce greenhouse gases in the environment through the transformation of food waste into carbon negative fuels.

“The entire StormFisher team is extremely proud to receive this award. The addition of our renewable natural gas production system is one of the first to produce renewable natural gas from food waste to help solve both the food waste and carbon emission challenges,” says Brandon Moffatt, Co-Founder and Vice President of Development.

Decarbonization of the natural gas supply system is the next big challenge to meet the world’s collective greenhouse gas reduction goals. With over 15 years of plant operating experience across many facilities, StormFisher is a key driver in transitioning Canada’s dependence on fossil fuels into sustainable renewable energy through waste while growing the economy.

“These awards recognize and honour the accomplishments of industry leaders in the biogas sector. We are proud to showcase successful Canadian biogas projects and provide well-deserved recognition to organizations like StormFisher who are creating sustainable solutions to create a safe and clean planet,” says Jennifer Green, Executive Director, Canadian Biogas Association.

StormFisher’s London facility is one of the largest in North America processing over 120,000 tons of organics from restaurants, grocery stores, municipalities and other organizations including Enbridge, Maple Leaf Foods, Bartels International, Ontario Centre of Innovation, Labatt, and Waste Management.

The facility is owned by Generate Capital Inc., which has partnered with StormFisher to scale the biogas industry in Canada. “We’ve developed several sustainable waste management assets with StormFisher over the last several years and plan to do many more,” said Scott Jacobs, CEO of Generate. “We’re thrilled the hard work, dedication and innovation of the StormFisher and Generate teams were recognized with this award.”

“On behalf of the Ontario government, I would like to congratulate StormFisher for their leadership and innovation in the production of renewable natural gas from food and organic waste,” said Jeff Yurek, Ontario’s Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks and MPP for Elgin-Middlesex-London. “Private sector investments like these in clean, renewable energy programs is a great example of how industry can do their part by bringing forward innovative solutions that help Ontario meet its greenhouse gas emissions targets, while creating local jobs and powering Ontario’s economic renewal.”

To learn more about the project and the award please see the following video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6b_pWXEpJtk

About StormFisher

At StormFisher, our mission is to help mitigate climate change and create a safe and clean planet for people around the world through decarbonization strategies and solutions. We do this by converting food waste, water, and energy into renewable natural gas that can be used to power businesses, manufacturing plants, schools and other organizations. Visit stormfisher.com for more information or follow up on social media:

TW: @StormFisher05
Insta: @StormFisher8
FB: @StormFisher
LinkedIn: @stormfisher-environmental-ltd

About Generate

Generate Capital, Inc. is a leading sustainable infrastructure company driving the infrastructure revolution. Generate builds, owns, operates and finances solutions for clean energy, water, waste and transportation. Founded in 2014, Generate partners with over 35 technology and project developers and owns and operates more than 2,000 assets globally. Generate is the one-stop shop offering pioneers of the infrastructure revolution tailored funding and support needed to get projects built. Our Infrastructure-as-a-Service model delivers affordable, reliable and sustainable resources to over 1,000 customers, companies, communities, school districts and universities. Together, we are rebuilding the world. For more information, please visit www.generatecapital.com.


Contacts

Chris Guillon
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647-295-8440

Emily Chasan
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415-480-2914

New Android Auto™ compatibility unlocks the in-vehicle experience for Android™ users, bringing essential charging functionality directly into the vehicle

CAMPBELL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--#Bethechange--ChargePoint, Inc. (NYSE:CHPT), a leading electric vehicle (“EV”) charging network, now working with Android Auto, is making the transition to electric mobility easier and more seamless for drivers. This new integration brings essential EV charging functionality inside the vehicle, allowing drivers to easily access charging information directly from their infotainment system.



“At ChargePoint, we know that the shift to electric mobility relies on driver experience, and ChargePoint’s Android Auto app is another pivotal step in the evolution already underway, driven by software and increased connectivity,” said Bill Loewenthal, Senior Vice President, Product, ChargePoint. “By integrating essential charging data directly into the vehicle’s infotainment system, drivers are even more empowered and informed. With the ability to connect their phone directly to their EV through Android Auto, drivers now have access to ChargePoint app information right on the vehicle display. The enhanced connection between app and vehicle represents the next step in how drivers and passengers are fueling mobility and how ChargePoint is delivering technology solutions to fit the needs of EV drivers now and in the future.”

Beginning today, Android users will be able to harness the power of the ChargePoint app on their vehicle display by simply connecting an Android phone, with the ChargePoint app installed and running Android 6.0 or above, to an Android Auto compatible vehicle. Key features of the application include:

  • Map with nearby stations;
  • Ability to check station status;
  • Select the station list for more detailed information;
  • Begin a charging session;
  • Filter nearby stations by charging speed, availability and cost;
  • Compatibility with the driver’s EV make and model; and
  • If a station is busy, the driver can use the in-vehicle app to click Notify Me to find out when the station becomes available again.

This integration with Android Auto underscores ChargePoint’s decade-plus commitment to enhancing the experience for drivers and businesses helping to accelerate the shift to electric mobility.

About ChargePoint

ChargePoint is creating a new fueling network to move people and goods on electricity. Since 2007, ChargePoint has been committed to making it easy for businesses and drivers to go electric with one of the largest EV charging networks and a comprehensive portfolio of charging solutions available today. ChargePoint’s cloud subscription platform and software-defined charging hardware are designed to include options for every charging scenario from home and multifamily to workplace, parking, hospitality, retail and transport fleets of all types. Today, one ChargePoint account provides access to hundreds-of-thousands of places to charge in North America and Europe. To date, more than 90 million charging sessions have been delivered, with drivers plugging into the ChargePoint network approximately every two seconds. For more information, visit the ChargePoint pressroom, the ChargePoint Investor Relations site, or contact ChargePoint’s This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. press offices or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Android and Android Auto are trademarks of Google LLC.

<CHPT-IR>


Contacts

North American press inquiries:
Olivia Marcinka
Communications Specialist, North America
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European press inquiries:
Matthew Enevoldson
Communications Manager, Europe
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DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Recently, a 750 HP desert drilling rig and supporting equipment developed and manufactured by Shandong Kerui Petroleum & Gas Equipment Co., Ltd. arrived in Libya smoothly. The truck-mounted drilling and work-over rig provided by Kerui Petroleum & Gas Equipment is customized for the special service environment, which can adapt to 55 ℃ high temperature environment and fully meet the operation requirements of soft sand environment in the desert area in Sahara.

The chassis of the truck-mounted work over rig is a 10 × 10 full drive oil field special off-road chassis, equipped with desert tires, which can reasonably distribute the chassis load and has super off-road performance. The rig adopts a unique radiator suitable for high temperature desert areas to cool down the hydraulic oil. At the same time, the engine adopts a special air filter to adapt to the desert high temperature and strong sand working environment. The workover platform can realize overall transportation with the rig, thus to improve the moving efficiency and reduces the transportation unit and transportation cost.

Kerui Petroleum & Gas is an international comprehensive industrial group providing high-end oil equipment, oil and gas field technical services and EPC engineering services to the global oil and gas industry. At present, Kerui's marketing and service network has covered 57 countries and regions in the world, providing quality services and practical products for more than 8000 customers in more than 80 countries and regions. Up to now, Kerui has established a complete sales and service network in many major African petroleum producing countries such as Algeria, Ethiopia, Libya and Egypt. More than 10 sets of Kerui drilling and work-over rig are in operated actively in the vast Sahara area, contributing a great force to the oil exploitation and steady increase in Africa.


Contacts

Jason Guo
Sales Director - Kenya/Tanzania
Tel: +254-79-957-4005 Kenya
+255-76-650-6239 Tanzania

Simplifies Operator Weather Workflow in One Interface While Meeting FAA Part 107 Weather Minimums

RESTON, Va. & SAN FRANCISCO & SYRACUSE, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--TruWeather Solutions (“TruWeather”), a leading micro weather data and analytics company, and Spire Global, Inc. (“Spire”), a leading global provider of space-based data and analytics, announced today that they have signed a letter of commitment to support TruWeather’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant with NASA. This commitment enhances previous agreements that align the strengths of both companies with the goal of enabling safer and more reliable Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) as the emerging industry and air traffic density accelerate in growth. TruWeather will have access to Spire’s weather observational data sets and global predictions to fuel TruFlite V360 micro-weather prediction models and hyper-local weather decision support APIs. Spire will leverage TruWeather’s 35 years of aviation weather operations experience and unique positioning in the unmanned systems market, and most importantly, have access to TruWeather’s last mile weather solutions to address bespoke UAS and AAM weather needs. TruWeather and Spire expect the relationship to result in a comprehensive and reliable end-to-end global weather service focused on increasing global awareness from the stratosphere to urban city building canyons for drones, air taxis and flight control and management systems and service providers.

TruWeather was recently awarded the NASA grant to develop an urban wind hazard service demonstration as part of NASA’s Weather Data Infrastructure initiative. The partnership’s precision micro weather analysis and urban predictions will contribute to decreasing operators’ flight pattern uncertainty and increasing their potential revenue, safety and utilization in urban areas. Future reliability and predictability of drone and air taxi services will depend on better weather services to detect Venturi wind and wake turbulence effects, micro-burst detection, localized fog and cloud icing that pose significant risk to drone and air taxi operations.

“My experience as the National Weather Science and Technology Director informed TruWeather’s decision to partner with Spire and leverage what we believe to be the most promising global weather prediction system in the world. TruWeather only works with the best weather partners to deliver the most advanced pinpoint weather intelligence possible to drone and air taxi operators, UAS Test Ranges, UTM and AAM systems, and federal and local governments worldwide,” said Don Berchoff, CEO of TruWeather Solutions. “TruWeather is aligning sensor and data partners now to address the toughest weather challenge, localized urban wind variances and building induced wake turbulence, and micro-climate icing, and IFR conditions that are sub-grid to weather systems today and must get better for a safe, predictable and reliable drone and air taxi industries.”

TruFlite V360° simplifies decision-making with subscription-based APIs that provide actionable weather insights designed to increase vehicle utilization rates and optimize stakeholder resources and scheduling for the best flight windows. TruWeather is the first weather solution provider to offer a deeply immersive weather experience built specifically for drone pilots and air taxi operations, all focused on helping the pilot meet FAA Part 107 weather minimums and Part 135 weather requirements.

“We believe the combination of Spire’s weather data sets and prediction model with TruWeather’s TruFlite V360 will help ensure that end-users will receive highly accurate forecasting allowing them to make smarter weather-driven decisions,” said Keith Johnson, Vice President and General Manager for Government Solutions at Spire. “We know how critical these decisions can be to mission success and we’re proud to partner with TruWeather, a leader in micro-weather data and analytics, to create what we expect to be one of the most robust global weather prediction systems that can predict the weather of today, tomorrow and the future.”

About TruWeather Solutions, Inc.

Established in 2015, TruWeather Solutions, Inc. is a leading provider of weather data analytics and innovative weather risk management products in the US market and beyond. TruWeather’s customized translation of real-time and predictive weather data into discrete workflow decision insights sharpen resource scheduling, planning and mission execution resulting in safer, more productive operations and business success.

About Spire Global, Inc.

Spire is a global provider of space-based data and analytics that offers unique datasets and powerful insights about Earth from the ultimate vantage point so organizations can make decisions with confidence, accuracy, and speed. Spire uses a multi-purpose satellite constellation to source hard to acquire, valuable data and enriches it with predictive solutions. Spire then provides this data as a subscription to organizations around the world so they can improve business operations, decrease their environmental footprint, deploy resources for growth and competitive advantage, and mitigate risk. Spire gives commercial and government organizations the competitive advantage they seek to innovate and solve some of the world’s toughest problems with insights from space. Spire has offices in San Francisco, CA, Boulder, CO, Washington DC, Glasgow, Luxembourg, and Singapore. On March 1, 2021 Spire announced plans to go public via a planned business combination with NavSight Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: NSH), and expects to be traded on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “SPIR.” To learn more, visit spire.com.

About NavSight Holdings, Inc.

NavSight Holdings, Inc. (“NavSight”) is a blank check company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. NavSight was organized with the opportunity to pursue a business combination target in any business or industry, with the intent to focus its search on identifying a prospective target business that provides expertise and technology to U.S. government customers in support of their national security, intelligence and defense missions.

Additional Information and Where to Find It

In connection with the planned business combination with Spire (the “Proposed Transaction”), NavSight intends to file a Form S-4 Registration Statement (the “Registration Statement”) with the SEC, which will include a preliminary proxy statement to be distributed to holders of NavSight’s common stock in connection with NavSight’s solicitation of proxies for the vote by NavSight’s stockholders with respect to the Proposed Transaction and other matters as described in the Registration Statement, a prospectus relating to the offer of the securities to be issued to the Company’s stockholders in connection with the Proposed Transaction, and an information statement to Company’s stockholders regarding the Proposed Transaction. After the Registration Statement has been filed and declared effective, NavSight will mail a definitive proxy statement/prospectus, when available, to its stockholders. Investors and security holders and other interested parties are urged to read the proxy statement/prospectus, any amendments thereto and any other documents filed with the SEC carefully and in their entirety when they become available because they will contain important information about NavSight, the Company and the Proposed Transaction. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus and definitive proxy statement/prospectus (when available) and other documents filed with the SEC by NavSight through the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov, or by directing a request to: NavSight Holdings, Inc., 12020 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 100, Reston, VA 20191.

Participants in Solicitation

NavSight and the Company and their respective directors and certain of their respective executive officers and other members of management and employees may be considered participants in the solicitation of proxies with respect to the Proposed Transaction. Information about the directors and executive officers of NavSight is set forth in its Form 10-K filed on March 29, 2021. Additional information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be included in the Registration Statement and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC regarding the Proposed Transaction when they become available. Stockholders, potential investors and other interested persons should read the Registration Statement carefully when it becomes available before making any voting or investment decisions. When available, these documents can be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above.

No Offer or Solicitation

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

Forward-Looking Statements

The information in this press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws with respect to the Proposed Transaction. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “intend,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “seek,” “target” or other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding expectations of accelerating Spire’s sales and marketing efforts, expectations of product development, including the success of the weather service being developed in partnership with TruWeather, across Spire’s weather segment and the applicability of such products to Spire’s market, the strengthening of Spire’s competitive advantage, the importance of weather forecasting to Spire’s target markets, Spire’s ability to advance its offering of valuable and business-oriented weather prediction solutions to its core markets, the expansion of Spire’s business to new regions and markets, Spire’s future growth, estimates and forecasts of financial and performance metrics, expectations of achieving and maintaining profitability, projections of total addressable markets, market opportunity and market share, net proceeds from the Proposed Transactions, potential benefits of the Proposed Transaction and the potential success of the Company’s market and growth strategies, and expectations related to the terms and timing of the Proposed Transaction. These statements are based on various assumptions and on the current expectations of NavSight’s and the Company’s management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on by any investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of NavSight and the Company. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including (i) the risk that the Proposed Transaction may not be completed in a timely manner or at all, which may adversely affect the price of NavSight's securities; (ii) the risk that the Proposed Transaction may not be completed by NavSight's business combination deadline and the potential failure to obtain an extension of the business combination deadline if sought by NavSight; (iii) the failure to satisfy the conditions to the consummation of the Proposed Transaction, including the approval of the Proposed Transaction by the stockholders of NavSight, the satisfaction of the minimum trust account amount following any redemptions by NavSight's public stockholders and the receipt of certain governmental and regulatory approvals; (iv) the inability to complete the PIPE investment in connection with the Proposed Transaction; (v) the failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the Proposed Transaction; (vi) the effect of the announcement or pendency of the Proposed Transaction on Spire’s business relationships, performance, and business generally; (vii) risks that the Proposed Transaction disrupts current plans of Spire and potential difficulties in Spire employee retention as a result of the Proposed Transaction; (viii) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against NavSight or Spire related to the business combination agreement or the Proposed Transaction; (ix) the ability to maintain the listing of NavSight’s securities on the New York Stock Exchange; (x) the ability to address the market opportunity for Space-as-a-Service; (xi) the risk that the Proposed Transaction may not generate expected net proceeds to the combined company; (xii) the ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations after the completion of the Proposed Transaction, and identify and realize additional opportunities; (xiii) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the business combination agreement; (xiv) the risk of downturns, new entrants and a changing regulatory landscape in the highly competitive space data analytics industry; and those factors discussed in NavSight’s final prospectus filed on September 11, 2020 under the heading “Risk Factors,” and other documents of NavSight filed, or to be filed, with the SEC. If any of these risks materialize or the Company’s assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that neither NavSight nor the Company presently know or that NavSight and the Company currently believe are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect NavSight’s and the Company’s expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. NavSight and the Company anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause NavSight’s and the Company’s assessments to change. However, while NavSight and the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, NavSight and the Company specifically disclaim any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing NavSight’s and the Company’s assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements.


Contacts

For TruWeather:
Lisa Tinnesz
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For Spire Global, Inc.:
Investor Contact:
Michael Bowen and Ryan Gardella
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Media Contact:
Phil Denning
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For NavSight Holdings, Inc.:
Investor Contact:
Jack Pearlstein
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Tula Technology Presents Findings on its Dynamic Motor Drive at the 42nd International Vienna Motor Symposium

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--#BEV--Tula Technology, Inc., a leader in propulsion efficiency, reported today at the International Vienna Motor Symposium that their product Dynamic Motor Drive (DMD™) mitigates efficiency losses of electric motors while significantly reducing reliance on rare-earth materials. DMD’s application to electric vehicle motors has the potential to increase range while using less energy.



Improving the efficiency of the powertrain is key to reducing the energy consumed by an electric vehicle. Electric motors equipped with rare earth magnets can exceed 90% efficiency at peak performance; however, real-world driving conditions often reduce motor efficiency to approximately 70-85%, far below the peak. The patented DMD pulse density strategy mitigates efficiency losses through improvements in control software. Tula has simulated the DMD concept and projects efficiency improvements of 2.5% on the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) cycle for an average electric vehicle. These improvements increase driving range while lowering total energy consumed. DMD is cost-effective, software-driven and does not require hardware changes to the motor or vehicle. Additionally, DMD avoids many of the rare earth material challenges including escalating future costs, limited supply and sourcing risks.

R. Scott Bailey, president and CEO of Tula Technology, commented, “By 2040, more than half of all passenger vehicles sold globally will be electric*. Tula’s Dynamic Motor Drive technology delivers high-value efficiency improvement to the full spectrum of electrification applications. With DMD, we can take a synchronous reluctance motor with low permanent magnet content and increase its efficiency to a level nearly comparable to a full permanent magnet motor. This reduces reliance on rare earth metals, which translates to lower cost and greater supply chain security. We are very excited about our DMD results, and our team is ready to work with partners and customers to optimize motor system performance in the transportation, industrial and power generation industries.”

Tula’s first product, Dynamic Skip Fire (DSF®), is an advanced cylinder deactivation control strategy that has been shown to significantly reduce CO2 emissions in gasoline engines and has been in production since 2018 with more than one million vehicles on the road. As presented jointly with Cummins at the Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress this year, the diesel application of DSF, Diesel Dynamic Skip Fire (dDSF™), was shown to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 74% and CO2 emissions by 5% in a Class 8 truck operating in a low-load cycle. DMD takes Tula’s control strategy to electric motors and has the potential to improve efficiency beyond electric vehicles into other modes of transportation, propulsion, and power conversion.

*Electric Vehicle Outlook 2020, Bloomberg NEF

About Tula Technology, Inc.

Silicon Valley-based Tula Technology provides innovative award-winning software controls to optimize propulsion efficiency and emissions across the mobility spectrum, including gasoline-powered, diesel, alternative fuel, hybrid, and electric vehicles. Tula’s culture of innovation has resulted in breakthrough technology and a robust global patent portfolio of more than 340 patents issued and pending. Tula Technology is a privately held company backed by Sequoia Capital, Sigma Partners, Khosla Ventures, GM Ventures, BorgWarner and Franklin Templeton. More information is available at www.tulatech.com.

Editor’s note: Tula (DMD) video introduces Tula, current electric vehicle motor technology challenges and DMD™ concept, operation and benefits. https://youtu.be/Zx74lfvOZ-U


Contacts

Tula Technology, Inc.
Ram Subramanian
Principal Marketing Strategist
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Media:
Financial Profiles, Inc.
Debbie Douglas
Senior Vice President
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(949) 375-3436

Providing STEM opportunities to more than 250 registered students from 7 countries

WESTFORD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--NETSCOUT SYSTEMS, INC., (NASDAQ: NTCT), a leading provider of service assurance, networking, security, and business analytics, today announced it is sponsoring its seventh civic hackathon with Shooting Stars Foundation. This 12-hour virtual civic hackathon asks students to think about “Life in 2031” as they challenge themselves to solve new problems through hands-on STEM experience.


Civic hackathons grow students’ interest in STEM topics and community issues by providing an opportunity to practice 21st century skills such as critical thinking, technology literacy, collaboration, and innovation. This year’s theme is “Life in 2031” and students will be asked to consider what the world might look like 10 years from now, whether in learning, travel, culture, climate change, environment, health, or technology. Students, who may or may not have coding experience, will then develop creative solutions to address those anticipated needs and challenges, with support from mentors as needed. At the end of the day, student teams will pitch their solutions to the panel of judges.

With organizers making a concerted effort to include minority students by reaching out to youth organizations in underserved communities, a diverse group of middle and high school students from 22 states and Puerto Rico, as well as Jamaica, Canada, and four other countries are registered.

Event highlights are noted below and more information can be found on the event website.

Saturday, May 8, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Eastern

  • In advance of the event, registered students will be offered pre-event workshops in HTML and CSS coding as well as other engagement opportunities, including a workshop for brainstorming and a STEM career exploration workshop featuring a panel of six NETSCOUT employees.
  • Two NETSCOUT executives will deliver keynote addresses:
    • Jeff Levinson, Vice President and General Counsel, has been trained as a Climate Reality Project Leader. He will talk about climate change problems and solutions and the future of a just transition to clean energy.
    • Tony King, Senior Vice President, International Sales, an experienced technology executive, will discuss global technology trends and offer students pointers for a successful pitch presentation.
  • NETSCOUT employees will serve as mentors, guiding brainstorming and advising students on their projects throughout the day, and as judges for the final presentations.
  • Prizes will be awarded in several categories.

About Shooting Stars Foundation

Shooting Stars Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that empowers youth through education. We sponsor about 400 students in STEM Majors in universities in 8 countries and have executed multiple state-of-the-art technology camps in the US for the underserved communities. Shooting Stars strongly believes in empowering youth to break the cycle of poverty through relevant STEM education in the most needed communities!

About NETSCOUT

NETSCOUT SYSTEMS, INC. (NASDAQ: NTCT) helps assure digital business services against disruptions in availability, performance, and security. Our market and technology leadership stems from combining our patented smart data technology with smart analytics. We provide real-time, pervasive visibility and insights customers need to accelerate and secure their digital transformation. Our approach transforms the way organizations plan, deliver, integrate, test, and deploy services and applications. Our nGenius™ service assurance solutions provide real-time, contextual analysis of service, network, and application performance. Arbor Smart DDoS Protection by NETSCOUT products help protect against attacks that threaten availability and advanced threats that infiltrate networks to steal critical business assets. To learn more about improving service, network, and application performance in physical or virtual data centers, or in the cloud, and how NETSCOUT’s performance and security solutions powered by service intelligence can help you move forward with confidence, visit www.netscout.com or follow @NETSCOUT on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

©2021 NETSCOUT SYSTEMS, INC. All rights reserved. NETSCOUT, the NETSCOUT logo, Guardians of the Connected World, Adaptive Service Intelligence, Arbor, ATLAS, Cyber Threat Horizon, InfiniStream, nGenius, and nGeniusONE are registered trademarks or trademarks of NETSCOUT SYSTEMS, INC., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.


Contacts

Media Contact:
Maribel Lopez
Manager, Marketing & Corporate Communications
NETSCOUT
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
617-308-8551

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The "Marine Audio Market Report: Trends, Forecast and Competitive Analysis" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.


The global marine audio market is expected to reach an estimated $2,195.4 million by 2023 and it is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 2.5% from 2018 to 2023.

Emerging trends, which have a direct impact on the dynamics of the marine audio market, include development of multi-zone marine stereo receivers and the introduction of Wi-Fi stereos.

The future of the global marine audio market looks good with opportunities in the inboard, outboard, and sterndrive market. The major drivers for this market are the growth in re creational boats production and increasing customer demand for better quality sound systems.

The study includes the marine audio market size and forecast for the global marine audio market through 2023, segmented by component, boat type, and region.

Some of the marine audio companies profiled in this report include SONY, Harman, Clarion, JVC, Pioneer, Fusion, Rockford, JL Audio, Wet Sounds, and MTX Audio and others.

On the basis of its comprehensive research, the analyst forecasts that the speakers will remain the largest segment and subwoofer will experience the highest growth over the forecast period due to the increasing customer demand for better quality multimedia entertainment products.

Within this market, marine audio system for inboard will remain the largest boat type and it is expected to show highest growth over the forecast period due to rising demand of cruise in the emerging markets.

Europe is expected to remain the largest region due to higher production of recreational boat. Asia Pacific is expected to witness highest growth over the forecast period due to the increasing boat production and growth in tourism & water sports activities.

Some of the features of "Marine Audio Market Report: Trends, Forecast and Competitive Analysis" include:

  • Market size estimates: Global marine audio market size estimation in terms of value ($M) and volume (Thousand Units) shipment.
  • Trend and forecast analysis: Market trend (2012-2017) and forecast (2018-2023) by application, and end use industry.
  • Segmentation analysis: Global marine audio market size by various applications such as component, and boat type in terms of value and volume shipment.
  • Regional analysis: Global marine audio market breakdown by North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World.
  • Growth opportunities: Analysis on growth opportunities in different applications and regions of marine audio in the global marine audio market.
  • Strategic analysis: This includes M&A, new product development, and competitive landscape of marine audio in the global marine audio market.
  • Analysis of the competitive intensity of the industry based on Porter's Five Forces model.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Executive Summary

2. Market Background and Classifications

2.1: Introduction, Background, and Classifications

2.2: Supply Chain

2.3: Industry Drivers and Challenges

3. Market Trends and Forecast Analysis from 2012 to 2023

3.1: Macroeconomic Trends and Forecast

3.2: Global Marine Audio Market Trends and Forecast

3.3: Global Marine Audio Market by Product Type

3.3.1: Speakers

3.3.2: Stereo Receivers

3.3.3: Subwoofers

3.3.4: Amplifiers

3.4: Global Marine Audio Market by Boat Type

4. Market Trends and Forecast Analysis by Region

4.1: Global Marine Audio Market by Region

4.2: North American Marine Audio Market

4.2.1: North America Marine Audio Market by Product Type

4.2.2: North America Marine Audio Market by Boat Type

4.2.3: United States Marine Audio Market

4.2.4: Canadian Marine Audio Market

4.2.5: Mexican Marine Audio Market

4.3: European Marine Audio Market

4.3.1: European Marine Audio Market by Product Type

4.3.2: European Marine Audio Market by Boat Type

4.3.3: Italian Marine Audio Market

4.3.4: United Kingdom Marine Audio Market

4.3.5: French Marine Audio Market

4.3.6: German Marine Audio Market

4.4: APAC Marine Audio Market

4.4.1: APAC Marine Audio Market by Product Type

4.4.2: APAC Marine Audio Market by Boat Type

4.4.3: Australian Marine Audio Market

4.4.4: Chinese Marine Audio Market

4.4.5: Taiwanese Marine Audio Market

4.4.6: New Zealand Marine Audio Market

4.5: ROW Marine Audio Market

4.5.1: ROW Marine Audio Market by Product Type

4.5.2: ROW Marine Audio Market by Boat Type

4.5.3: Brazilian Marine Audio Market

5. Competitor Analysis

5.1: Product Portfolio Analysis

5.2: Geographical Reach

5.3: Porter's Five Forces Analysis

6. Growth Opportunities and Strategic Analysis

6.1: Growth Opportunity Analysis

6.1.1: Growth Opportunities for the Global Marine Audio Market by Product Type

6.1.2: Growth Opportunities for the Global Marine Audio Market by Region

6.2: Emerging Trends in the Global Marine Audio Market

6.2.1: New Product Development

6.2.2: Mergers, Acquisitions, and Joint Ventures in the Global Marine audio Market

7. Company Profiles of Leading Players

7.1: SONY

7.2: Harman International Industries Ltd.

7.3: Clarion Co. Ltd.

7.4: JVC

7.5: Pioneer Corporation

7.6: Fusion Entertainment Ltd.

7.7: Rockford Corporation

7.8: JL Audio

7.9: Wet Sound

7.10: MTX Audio

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/52215z


Contacts

ResearchAndMarkets.com
Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager
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Town Installs State-of-the-Art Battery Technology from Buffalo-based Viridi Parente as a Backup Power System

AMHERST, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Town of Amherst is partnering with Buffalo, N.Y.-based Viridi Parente, Inc., a developer of innovative battery technology that can be safely installed and operated in nearly any environment or location, to provide an instantaneous backup system for the town’s traffic intersections. This program ensures power consistency during weather events or general power outages.


As part of a pilot program, the town recently installed an intersection backup power system using safe lithium-ion battery technology from Viridi’s Volta Energy Products group. The Volta FAVEO Traffic System was installed at the corner of Maple and Flint Roads, where 27,700 vehicles pass through a day. At the conclusion of the pilot program period, Amherst will explore additional opportunities to apply this technology to other critical intersections which may include site specific street lights and traffic volume control systems.

Whenever grid power is interrupted, the Volta FAVEO system will instantaneously power up resulting in no disruption of service to traffic lights, police cameras, and other intersection technology. Fully functioning traffic signals also allow officers to provide other critical public safety services during power outages instead of directing traffic at major intersections.

“Non-functioning traffic lights are dangerous, especially at this busy intersection where we have experienced several outages,” says Amherst Supervisor Brian Kulpa. “We are proud to partner with Buffalo-based Viridi Parente and its revolutionary green technology to modernize our grid and make our roads safer for drivers. This not only optimizes public safety, it also generates cost savings as it reduces overtime and minimizes safety concern for those that would have to direct traffic, especially at high volume intersections.”

The Volta FAVEO system is capable of operating in extreme temperatures, has a waterproof steel casing, and is maintenance free — all features that further enhance signal resiliency during more frequent severe weather events and grid challenges. With an anticipated cost reduction of 52% for lithium-ion battery technology by 2030, Volta’s FAVEO system is an affordable long-term option for the Town of Amherst to provide reliable power to its traffic signals and all related technology that may be defined as part of a smart cities program.

With increasing demands to the town’s electrical system, Kulpa said Amherst is looking for alternative ways to meet the needs of the community while being environmentally responsible. Smart signals are one way to curb carbon emissions, as over time these signals create optimal traffic flow and reduce the amount of time cars sit idling. However, if power is lost, the signals must reset and “re-learn” traffic patterns. The FAVEO system prevents this issue, letting traffic continue to proceed efficiently. Transportation accounts for 36% of greenhouse gas emissions in New York. Organized traffic management decreases traffic idle time, reduces emissions and contributes to New York's climate response.

“We commend the Town of Amherst and Supervisor Kulpa for their forward-thinking commitment to a greener, safer and more resilient community,” says Jon M. Williams, CEO of Viridi Parente. “We’re thrilled to deploy our reliable, state-of-the-art renewable technology to the Town of Amherst at this critical traffic intersection.”

In May, Viridi Parente is planning to install a second FAVEO system in collaboration with the Town of Lancaster.

Volta Energy Products brings stationary, point-of-use storage technology that is safe, locatable and reliable to industrial, medical, commercial, municipal, and residential building applications. Its energy storage systems can be used individually or configured for various energy requirements up to 1 megawatt to provide reliable, locatable power. The battery pack is constructed from materials used for aerospace and military applications, making it safe enough for both indoor and outdoor use.

About Viridi Parente:

Viridi Parente (Viridi) is a disruptive energy company in Buffalo, New York, that is changing the way we use energy to improve systems, communities, and lives. Viridi deploys safe lithium-ion battery technology into applications that have been historically dominated by fossil fuel energy sources. Its innovative architecture is constructed from materials used for aerospace and military applications and is the only design in the market that can be safely installed and operated in nearly any environment or location. Through its subsidiary, Green Machine Equipment, Viridi is bringing quiet, fully renewable mobile energy solutions to products in construction equipment, waste disposal, last-mile delivery, and other portable industrial markets. Through its subsidiary, Volta Energy Products, Viridi brings stationary, point-of-use storage technology that is safe, locatable and reliable to industrial, medical, commercial, municipal, and residential building applications. Learn more at: www.viridiparente.com.


Contacts

Viridi Parente
Wendy Prabhu
Mercom Communications
Tel: 1-512-215-4452
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Smart cities continue to provide significant opportunities for technology and service providers that can demonstrate support for sustainable and equitable city recovery programs


BOULDER, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--#cityrecovery--A new report from Guidehouse Insights examines recent developments in the global smart city market, with a focus on global revenue forecasts for smart city technologies, segmented by industry and region, through 2030.

The coronavirus pandemic has amplified many urban challenges and created new ones, particularly around health, mobility, education, and economic development issues. Some smart city investments have been delayed, redirected, or cancelled. However, city recovery programs are already showing a strong commitment to infrastructure investment, digital technologies, and increased sustainability. According to a new report from Guidehouse Insights, the global annual smart city technology market is expected to grow from approximately $101 billion in 2021 to $240 billion by 2030 at a compound annual growth rate of 10.2%.

“City governments are looking to rebuild better to ensure resilience to future pandemic events, accelerate the shift to zero carbon, and address the social inequalities in many cities,” says Eric Woods, research director with Guidehouse Insights. “Smart city solutions that support these ambitions are expected to thrive even during a tough period for local government finances.”

City leaders are advocating a focus on digital and clean technologies to make cities more resilient, sustainable, and equitable. The focus on climate change mitigation and adaptation in many national recovery funding programs is likely to boost city investment in clean energy programs and supporting infrastructure (including low carbon transportation and energy efficient buildings). Data platforms and data analytics are also expected to be a focus area. As cities look to reduce spending on legacy infrastructure and applications, the move to cloud-based infrastructure and application services is expected to further accelerate.

The report, Market Data: Smart Cities, examines recent developments in the global smart city market, with a focus on five key industries: energy, water, mobility, buildings, and government. The study examines key market and technology trends, city strategies, key projects, competitor profiles, and regional developments. Global revenue forecasts for smart city technologies, segmented by industry and region, extend through 2030. An executive summary of the report is available for free download on the Guidehouse Insights website.

About Guidehouse Insights

Guidehouse Insights, the dedicated market intelligence arm of Guidehouse, provides research, data, and benchmarking services for today’s rapidly changing and highly regulated industries. Our insights are built on in-depth analysis of global clean technology markets. The team’s research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research, and demand assessment, paired with a deep examination of technology trends, to provide a comprehensive view of emerging resilient infrastructure systems. Additional information about Guidehouse Insights can be found at www.guidehouseinsights.com.

About Guidehouse

Guidehouse is a leading global provider of consulting services to the public and commercial markets with broad capabilities in management, technology, and risk consulting. We help clients address their toughest challenges and navigate significant regulatory pressures with a focus on transformational change, business resiliency, and technology-driven innovation. Across a range of advisory, consulting, outsourcing, and digital services, we create scalable, innovative solutions that prepare our clients for future growth and success. The company has more than 8,000 professionals in over 50 locations globally. Guidehouse is a Veritas Capital portfolio company, led by seasoned professionals with proven and diverse expertise in traditional and emerging technologies, markets, and agenda-setting issues driving national and global economies. For more information, please visit: www.guidehouse.com.

* The information contained in this press release concerning the report, Market Data: Smart Cities, is a summary and reflects the current expectations of Guidehouse Insights based on market data and trend analysis. Market predictions and expectations are inherently uncertain and actual results may differ materially from those contained in this press release or the report. Please refer to the full report for a complete understanding of the assumptions underlying the report’s conclusions and the methodologies used to create the report. Neither Guidehouse Insights nor Guidehouse undertakes any obligation to update any of the information contained in this press release or the report.


Contacts

Lindsay Funicello-Paul
+1.781.270.8456
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OTTAWA, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) says the passage of strike-breaking legislation by the Trudeau government through the House of Commons is a failure of leadership and an assault on the rights of 1,150 striking workers at the Port of Montreal.


Bill C-29, passed in the House of Commons early Thursday morning, would end the strike and, more importantly, rob those 1,150 workers represented by CUPE Local 375 of their fundamental right to free and fair collective bargaining.

"Throughout this process, we were clear we would return to work if the employer walked back their unfair, unilateral changes to our members' work conditions," said CUPE National President Mark Hancock. "But it was obvious the employer preferred to avoid bargaining altogether, and they successfully duped the Liberals into tipping the scales in their favour."

CUPE 375 went on strike Monday in response to escalating pressure tactics by their employer. The Maritime Employers Association (MEA), which served lockout notice on April 10, announced they would not honour job security provisions in the collective agreement, and extended workers' shifts by up to 100 minutes.

"The Liberals have shown yet again that when the chips are down, they're no friend to Canadian workers," said CUPE National Secretary-Treasurer Charles Fleury. "The courts say time and time again that back-to-work legislation violates Charter rights, and Mr. Trudeau has made it clear today that he does not respect the Charter that his father brought in as prime minister."

If anyone was still wondering if Conservative leader Erin O'Toole would hold true to his recent rhetoric about supporting rank-and-file union members, his party’s vote in support of Bill C-29 makes it clear. "Just one more thing the Conservatives now have in common with the Liberals: two parties who talk about supporting Canadian workers, who then sell them out the moment the rubber hits the road," said Hancock.

CUPE is Canada’s largest union, representing 700,000 workers nationwide.

:cc/cope491


Contacts

Hugh Pouliot
Media relations, CUPE
613-818-0067
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