Earnings Webcast and Conference Call Set for Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. ET Miami, FL, July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MARA Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: MARA) ("MARA" or the "Company"), a leading digital energy and infrastructure company, will hold a webcast and conference call on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern time to discuss its financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2025. Financial results will be published in a shareholder letter prior to the call on the investor relations se ...

Group 1 - onsemi plans to announce its financial results for Q2 2025 on August 4, 2025, before market opens [1] - A conference call will be held at 9 a.m. ET on the same day to discuss the financial results [1] - onsemi focuses on automotive and industrial markets, driving innovations in vehicle electrification, sustainable energy, industrial automation, and 5G [1] Group 2 - onsemi is included in the Nasdaq-100 Index and S&P 500 Index, indicating its significant market presence [1] - The company offers a differentiated product portfolio that addresses complex global challenges [1] - A live webcast of the conference call will be available on the company's website, with a re-broadcast accessible for 30 days [3]

Grid Challenges and Opportunities - The US electrical grid is aging and brittle, with an aged-out workforce, leading to delivery cost problems [1] - The US grid effectively froze in the early 2000s due to manufacturing moving to Asia, leading to a loss of skills in building new power projects [1] - Interconnection for new projects can take a decade due to grid capacity issues and transformer technology limitations [1] - There's very little visibility into the grid, especially at the distribution level, complicating the integration of new projects and distributed energy resources [2] Energy Mix and Future Trends - The energy grid of the future will be more decentralized, with generation, transmission, and storage potentially happening in the same place [2] - Solar and batteries are becoming increasingly important due to their low cost and ability to be deployed quickly, with Texas doubling its solar capacity in approximately three years [3] - The industry needs all different types of energy, including base load dispatchable power like gas, nuclear, and geothermal [3][4] - The US needs to invest in battery technology and manufacturing to avoid reliance on foreign sources [3] Technology and Policy - AI can help facilitate more efficient electricity use, better grid monitoring, and streamlined regulatory and permitting processes [2] - The United States needs to move incredibly fast to hook up batteries, solar panels, and make it easier and cheaper to do so [3] - The US needs to get better at mega projects, requiring technology at every layer and phase of how these projects get built [1][7] - There is a need for a venture-scale software company around grid management and monitoring infrastructure, similar to Splunk or Palo Alto Networks for IT and OT [7][8] Nuclear Energy - Nuclear energy is now widely acknowledged as clean energy, but still faces political headwinds [6] - Streamlining the approval process for new reactor designs is crucial [6] - Small modular reactors (SMRs) and micro reactors offer flexibility and grid resilience, with potential applications in military and disaster relief [6] - The United States needs to get better at mega projects, requiring technology at every layer and phase of how these projects get built [7] National Security - A resilient, reliable, dispatchable electrical grid is critical to US national security [24] - There is no safety, national defense, or national security without a reliable electrical grid [1][25]

Core Viewpoint - U Power Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with NV Gotion Co., LTD to develop battery-swapping solutions and battery-bank operations for electric vehicles (EVs) in Thailand and Southeast Asia [1][2][4]. Company Overview - U Power Limited specializes in electric vehicle battery-swapping solutions and is transitioning towards becoming a smart energy grid solutions provider [1][7]. - The company utilizes its proprietary modular battery-swapping technology, UOTTA™, to manufacture and sell various models of battery-swapping stations and provides battery-swapping services [6]. Strategic Partnership - The MOU establishes a strategic partnership between U Power and NV Gotion to develop battery modules and packs for a range of EVs, including two- and three-wheelers, pickup trucks, vans, light-duty trucks, and heavy-duty trucks [2]. - The partnership aims to create a battery-swapping infrastructure in Thailand and develop comprehensive battery-bank operations, including battery leasing and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) solutions [2][4]. Market Positioning - U Power has previously signed several MOUs and joint ventures to create a network of battery-swapping stations strategically located at fueling stations across Thailand [3]. - The company is focused on addressing the growing demand for reliable EV battery supplies in Southeast Asia, leveraging NV Gotion's vertically integrated battery manufacturing capabilities [4][5]. Future Outlook - U Power is investing in next-generation technologies to build intelligent ecosystems that integrate AI-driven solutions, transforming EVs into dynamic energy assets [7].

Core Insights - U Power Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Beijing Foton International Trade Co., Ltd. to promote battery-swapping compatible electric heavy trucks, buses, and vans in Southeast Asia, South America, Hong Kong SAR, and Macau SAR markets [1][2] - The partnership aims to enhance U Power's OEM partner base and accelerate the establishment of a comprehensive battery-swapping ecosystem [3] Company Overview - U Power is a provider of electric vehicle (EV) battery-swapping solutions, utilizing its proprietary modular battery-swapping technology, UOTTA™ [5] - The company is focused on becoming a smart energy grid solutions provider by investing in next-generation technologies and building intelligent ecosystems [6] Beijing Foton Overview - Beijing Foton is a leading commercial vehicle manufacturer in China, responsible for the export of Foton Motor's automotive products, having exported 153,000 new energy vehicles in 2024 [4] - The company has made significant R&D investments in core EV technologies and aims to strengthen its global presence through partnerships like the one with U Power [4]

Core Insights - U Power Limited has signed its first agreement with an Electric Service Provider (ESP) in Macau to deploy UOTTA battery-swapping stations and sell compatible electric vehicles [1][4] - The ESP will handle the installation and maintenance of the battery-swapping stations and cabinets, while U Power will collaborate with the ESP to facilitate sales and after-sale maintenance of battery-swapping vehicles [2][3] - Over the next three years, the ESP partner anticipates purchasing approximately 600 four-wheeled and 5,000 two-wheeled battery-swapping vehicles [3] Company Overview - U Power is a provider of electric vehicle (EV) battery-swapping solutions, utilizing its proprietary UOTTA technology [5] - The company manufactures and sells various models of UOTTA battery-swapping stations and offers battery-swapping services for vehicle drivers [5][6] - U Power aims to become a comprehensive solutions provider for smart energy grids, investing in next-generation technologies to create intelligent ecosystems [6]

Weather & Climate Impact - Western Europe is experiencing a heatwave with temperatures expected to be 10 degrees Celsius above normal [1] - The heatwave is caused by hot air from North Africa and a high-pressure system clearing out clouds [1][3] - France is particularly affected, with temperatures well above 40 degrees Celsius in some central areas [5][6] - Nighttime temperatures are also high, offering little relief and posing health risks [7][8] Energy Sector Implications - The heatwave is expected to stress power systems due to increased cooling demand and potential warming of rivers used for cooling nuclear plants in France [1][4] Agriculture Concerns - The heatwave is already impacting agriculture and farming, with potential for further damage as it coincides with a crucial time for some farmers [5] Health Alerts - Heat health alerts are in effect for parts of the UK, large areas of Spain, and nearly all of France [6] - Vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and those with medical conditions, are at higher risk [7] Relief Forecast - A lower pressure system is expected to bring storms and clouds, potentially clearing the high pressure and lowering temperatures in a couple of days [8]

Core Insights - U Power Limited has inaugurated Hong Kong's first smart battery-swapping station, which is a zero-carbon facility connected to a Battery-Bank, showcasing its commitment to sustainable energy solutions [1] - The company plans to construct a total of 55 smart battery-swapping stations in Hong Kong to support the electrification of the taxi fleet and promote sustainable urban transportation [2][3] - U Power is introducing Battery-Token, a blockchain-based solution that incentivizes users to participate in carbon reduction activities by earning tokens with each battery swap [6] Company Overview - U Power is a provider of electric vehicle (EV) battery-swapping solutions, utilizing its proprietary UOTTA™ technology to manufacture and sell various models of battery-swapping stations [5] - The company aims to become a comprehensive solutions provider for smart energy grids, focusing on intelligent battery swapping, green EV operations, and carbon reduction activities [6] Strategic Partnerships and Expansion - U Power is establishing Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with partners in Hong Kong, Macau, and Singapore to expand its battery-swapping ecosystem, with plans to sell and service a significant number of battery-swapping vehicles and operate multiple stations in these regions [3][4] - The company is collaborating with the Hong Kong Taxi Drivers & Operators Association to promote the electrification of taxis and the adoption of battery swapping, ensuring safety and performance [6]

Core Viewpoint - U Power Limited aims to become a smart energy grid solutions provider by leveraging its UOTTA battery-swapping technology and expanding its business through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions [1][11]. Recent Business Developments - The company reported a total revenue of $6.2 million for the full year 2024, marking a 124% increase compared to 2023, and sold 12 battery-swapping stations during the same period [2]. - U Power has established partnerships in Thailand, Portugal, Hong Kong, Peru, and Mexico to promote UOTTA battery-swapping services and is collaborating with major EV manufacturers in these regions [3]. - The company holds 46 issued patents and has 18 pending patent applications, enhancing its technological capabilities [4]. Growth Strategy for 2025 and Beyond - U Power's strategy focuses on two main pillars: leveraging existing battery-swapping technology to build a UOTTA-centered ecosystem and investing in next-generation technologies to develop comprehensive solutions for EV manufacturers and drivers [5][6]. - Plans include incorporating UOTTA into more EVs, accelerating international rollout through partnerships, and investing in technology innovation, including an AI-based data management cloud platform [8]. - The introduction of "Battery Bank" solutions and "Commercial Energy Storage" solutions aims to enhance battery lifecycle performance and support energy storage needs [9]. Company Overview - U Power Limited is a provider of electric vehicle battery-swapping solutions using its proprietary UOTTA technology, which includes manufacturing and selling various models of battery-swapping stations and providing related services [10].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net loss of $8.9 million or $0.29 per share for the second quarter of fiscal 2025, compared to a net income of $9 million or $0.29 per share a year ago [21] - Consolidated sales for the second quarter were $427.6 million, down from $471.2 million in the same quarter last year [22] - Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter was $51.4 million, compared to $56.8 million a year ago, reflecting declines in industrial technologies and memorialization segments [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Memorialization segment sales decreased to $205.6 million from $222.2 million year-over-year, primarily due to lower unit volumes and casketed deaths [24] - Industrial Technology segment sales fell to $80.8 million from $116.1 million, driven by lower engineering sales and warehouse automation sales [27] - SGK Brand Solutions segment sales increased to $141.2 million from $132.9 million, reflecting higher merchandising sales in the US and Asia Pacific [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has a backlog of approximately $70 million in equipment for energy solutions, with significant interest from battery manufacturers in South Korea, Europe, and North America [14] - The estimated US casketed deaths declined compared to the same quarter last year, impacting memorialization revenues [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on expanding its energy solutions business, particularly in dry battery electrode technology, and has reengaged with multiple battery manufacturers [6][7] - A partnership with Teradyne for warehouse automation aims to enhance cost and efficiency through autonomous robotic solutions [11] - The company is committed to unlocking shareholder value and is considering various strategic initiatives despite current market turbulence [19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the sales lead time in the energy solutions industry is long, but demand for innovative engineering solutions for EV batteries is significant [8] - The company expects stable results from the memorialization business and improved performance in warehouse automation in the second half of the fiscal year [18] - Cost reduction initiatives are on track to exceed initial projections of $50 million in savings [32] Other Important Information - The company expects to close the SGK transaction soon, which will provide $350 million in upfront consideration, primarily for debt reduction [9][10] - The board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share, payable on May 26, 2025 [33] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the $100 million in customer quotes compare to last year? - Management indicated that the current quotes are significantly higher than the same period last year, reflecting renewed interest in their solutions, particularly from South Korea and North America [36][37] Question: What are the expectations for organic growth in the memorialization segment? - Management noted that there was a normalization in death rates compared to last year, which had higher than normal granite-related sales [40][42] Question: Can you elaborate on the cost reduction actions? - Management stated that the cost reduction actions are expected to yield $20 million this year and $30 million next year [43][45] Question: What is the status of customer engagement on the battery side? - Management confirmed that most of the $100 million in quotes is for mass production, indicating customers are beyond the testing phase [48][49] Question: How does the retrofit opportunity work? - Management explained that the retrofit process allows existing facilities to utilize their dry battery electrode technology without significant changes to their current operations [65][66] Question: What is the business case for grid storage versus EV? - Management clarified that the value propositions for both markets are similar, with dry technology offering better efficiency and cost-effectiveness [74][76]