Core Insights - Itron, Inc. is collaborating with Snowflake to enhance grid planning and utility analytics, addressing challenges like distributed energy resource integration and grid modernization [1][2] Group 1: Collaboration and Technology - The partnership combines Itron's grid edge intelligence with Snowflake's high-performance data platform to tackle the complexities introduced by the rapid growth of distributed energy resources [2][4] - Itron's advanced Grid Planning solution, powered by Snowflake, allows utilities to conduct detailed load forecasts and identify capacity constraints, enhancing reliability and cost savings [3][4] Group 2: Solution Features - The advanced Grid Planning solution includes four core modules: Scalable Performance, Cost Transparency, Operational Flexibility, and Data Harmonization, all designed to improve utility operations [5] - The solution enables predictive maintenance, load forecasting, and real-time grid optimization through AI-driven insights [5] Group 3: Availability and Future Developments - Model Validator and Load Forecasting are currently available, while Power Flow Analyzer and Hosting Capacity Analyzer are in private preview and expected to be generally available in 2026 [6] - The full solution is accessible through Itron and utilizes Snowflake's AI Data Cloud platform for seamless deployment across various cloud providers [7]

Financial Performance - Generac's 2020 net sales reached $2.5 billion[12], representing a 12.7% increase compared to 2019[107] - The company's adjusted EBITDA for 2020 was $584 million[12], with a margin of 23.5%[12], a 28.6% increase from 2019[107] - Free cash flow for 2020 amounted to $427 million[12], a 70.3% increase compared to 2019[107] - Consolidated gross debt at the end of 2020 was $885.2 million[60, 107], with a leverage ratio of 1.5x[60, 107] Business Outlook - Generac anticipates a consolidated net sales increase of 25% to 30% in 2021[72] - The company projects adjusted EBITDA margins between 24% and 25% for 2021[67] - Free cash flow conversion of adjusted net income is expected to be approximately 90% in 2021[69] Strategic Direction - Generac is evolving into an "Energy Technology Solutions" company[19, 29], expanding beyond traditional generators to include energy storage, monitoring, and grid services[23, 32] - The company is focused on expanding market penetration for standby and clean energy solutions in North America and globally[48] - Generac aims to capitalize on the growth of natural gas as an energy source and expand applications beyond standby power[49]