READING, Pa., Aug. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A $100,000 grant from The FirstEnergy Foundation to the United Way of Berks County's annual Big Cheese event is helping nourish children and adults facing food insecurity.John Hawkins, FirstEnergy President, Pennsylvania: "Our employees show up year after year to support the United Way of Berks County's Big Cheese event – and this year we wanted to do even more. To honor United Way's 100th anniversary, the FirstEnergy Foundation contributed a $100,000 grant, helpi ...

Vancouver, BC, Aug. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pinnacle Food Group Limited (“PFAI” or “the Company”), a seller of smart hydroponic growing systems and technical support services to individual households, community groups, and urban farms, today announced that on August 8, 2025, it sponsored the Smart Farming: Standards-Driven Quality and Safety Forum at Terminal City Club in Vancouver, BC. Attended by more than 50 professionals in the Canadian smart framing sector, as well as by Canadian government repres ...

Core Insights - Grocery Outlet Holding Corp. successfully raised over $5 million through its 15th annual Independence from Hunger Food Drive to support local food banks [1][3] - The campaign ran from June 25 to July 31, with over 540 Grocery Outlet stores participating in collecting donations [2][4] - Since its inception in 2011, the Independence from Hunger campaign has raised over $30 million in cash and food donations [4] Company Initiatives - The company partnered with local food banks to facilitate fundraising and community outreach efforts [4] - Customers could support the campaign through various means, including in-store donations, purchasing pre-made grocery bags, and online contributions [7] - No administration or collateral fees are deducted from the funds collected, ensuring that all donations directly benefit local food banks [5] Industry Context - According to the USDA, approximately 18 million families in the U.S. are facing food insecurity, highlighting the importance of initiatives like Grocery Outlet's [3] - The company is committed to providing access to affordable, high-quality meals for families in need through its ongoing campaigns [3]

We also discussed obviously Gaza and I think before we get to phase two which is you know what's going to happen afterwards. We want to get the children fed. We made a contribution a week ago of $60 million uh all going into food.We only hope the food goes to the people that need it because so so much as you know when you >> do something there it gets taken by Hamas or somebody but it gets taken but uh and we're prepared to help you know we want to help. It's uh it's a terrible situation. Uh the whole thing ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for the second quarter of 2025 were $1,050 million, a 1% increase year-over-year [20] - Adjusted operating income was $141.4 million, or 13.5% of net sales, a 70 basis point decrease from the prior year [22] - GAAP diluted loss per share was $1.53, while adjusted EPS declined slightly to $4.88 [21][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Infrastructure sales were $765.5 million, similar to last year, with utility sales increasing by 5.4% [23] - Solar sales declined nearly 50%, reflecting lower volumes, while telecommunications saw over 40% growth [23] - Agriculture sales increased by 2.7% to $289.4 million, driven by strong international market performance [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The infrastructure backlog approached $1.5 billion, indicating strong demand for products [10] - U.S. capital expenditures in utilities are expected to exceed $212 billion in 2025, a 22% increase [10] - International sales in agriculture increased by 22%, particularly in the EMEA region [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has completed a realignment strategy initiated in July 2023, exiting unprofitable solar segments and focusing on core strengths [7][8] - Future priorities include accelerating growth, driving efficiency, and advancing innovation [8] - The company aims to capture the infrastructure wave, with utility representing about 35% of total revenue [29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in long-term market fundamentals driven by megatrends such as energy transition and infrastructure investment [6][14] - The company expects to see revenue and EPS improvements starting in Q4 2025, with a smooth growth trajectory anticipated [53] - Management highlighted a strong production week and positive outlook for the second half of the year [76] Other Important Information - The company reported nonrecurring charges totaling $138.3 million due to realignment actions, with expected annualized savings of $22 million in 2026 [19] - Operating cash flows reached $167.6 million, with a significant reduction in net working capital days [25][26] - The company maintains a balanced capital allocation strategy, investing in growth while returning capital to shareholders [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the decision to exit the solar business? - Management stated the exit was due to an inability to provide strong returns in a competitive and fragmented market, while maintaining profitable operations in Italy and Brazil [41][42][44] Question: How does the increased tariff on steel impact your outlook? - Management indicated that steel pricing is stable and they have not seen any impact on demand, with a strong value proposition for customers [46][48] Question: What is the visibility for telecom growth for the rest of the year? - Management noted strong growth driven by carrier technology upgrades and expects continued strength into 2026 [70][71] Question: What are the drivers for growth in the lighting and transportation business? - Management acknowledged softer market conditions but emphasized ongoing execution improvements and strong DOT spending as positive indicators [98][100] Question: Can you elaborate on the expected revenue and EPS growth over the next few years? - Management confirmed expectations for low double-digit earnings growth, aligning with their long-term financial model [101][102]

- We are reporting about an incident where at least 20 people were killed at an aid distribution site in Southern Gaza. I was there the day before, and I witnessed events that would be a harbinger to the tragic events that occurred. For about an hour, I watched people walk about two kilometers from their homes in Khan Younis or in al-Mawasi tent camp near the seaside and gather outside the aid distribution site.Every now and then, you might hear what sounds like weapons. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, th ...

Core Insights - The US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has committed up to US$3 million in non-dilutive, interest-free funding for the Banio potash project in Gabon, marking a significant milestone for the company [1][2][4] - This funding is aimed at mitigating geopolitical and financial risks associated with the project, particularly in the context of West Africa [3][4] - The project aligns with global trends in potash demand, as Africa currently relies on imports despite being a major consumer [5][6] Funding and Risk Mitigation - The DFC funding is structured as a loan without interest payments or collateral, allowing the company to repay only when raising funds for construction [2][3] - The backing from DFC enhances the project's credibility and reduces risks in a region where Gabon is considered stable [3][4] - Future funding from DFC could support construction, indicating a long-term commitment to the project [4] Market Position and Demand - Approximately 70-75% of global potash supply comes from Canada, Russia, and Belarus, highlighting the potential for African production to meet local demand [5][6] - The company aims to become the first African potash producer within the next 2-3 years, addressing the continent's growing consumption needs [6][7] Economic Viability and Infrastructure - The project is expected to have one of the lowest cost structures globally, bolstered by strong government support [7][8] - The coastal location of the project facilitates easier logistics compared to inland potash basins, enhancing its economic viability [9][10] Geological and Technical Developments - Recent drilling results have strengthened the geological profile of the project, with a revised technical report expected to expand the resource estimate significantly [11][12] - The company has indicated a resource of 1.7 billion tonnes, covering less than 5% of the property, suggesting substantial upside potential [12] - The DFC funding will enable the company to proceed with feasibility studies and environmental assessments without delays, aiming to apply for a mining permit by mid-next year [13]

Core Viewpoint - Millennial Potash Corp. has secured a strategic investment of up to US $3,000,000 from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) for its Banio Potash Project in Gabon, which will support a feasibility study and enhance food security in Africa [2][3]. Group 1: Investment Details - The DFC's investment will be utilized for project development funding, specifically for a feasibility study on the Banio Potash Project, which is set to begin in the coming months [2][4]. - The funding from DFC will be released based on milestone activities completed during the feasibility study, with no interest payable and repayment triggered by the company securing financing for project construction [5]. Group 2: Strategic Importance - The DFC recognizes the Banio Potash Project's potential to stabilize and enhance food availability across Africa, positioning Gabon as an emerging exporter in the agricultural supply chain [3]. - The investment is seen as timely for Millennial Potash as it transitions from exploration to development, with the DFC's involvement helping to derisk the project [3][4]. Group 3: Government and Community Support - The Government of Gabon fully supports the DFC investment, with the President of Gabon attending the signing ceremony, highlighting the collaboration between the U.S. and Gabon for economic growth [3][9]. - DFC's Head of Investments emphasized the project's role in boosting domestic potash production, which is crucial for increasing crop yields and fostering sustainable agriculture in Africa [3].

Industry Challenges & Opportunities - Traditional farming in Hong Kong faces challenges due to limited land (only 1.27% used as farmland) and high water import costs (20 million tons annually costing 200 million HKD) [1] - Hydroponics offers a revolutionary solution for efficient and sustainable crop cultivation with minimal resources [2] - Brownfield lands in Hong Kong present an opportunity for conversion into vertically spread greenhouses for hydroponics [8][9] Hydroponics Advantages - Hydroponics allows precise adjustment of pH values and nutrients for optimal plant growth [5] - Hydroponics has a high water efficiency, with about 90% of the water being reused [5] - Hydroponics can be set up vertically or in a compacted way, saving space [6] Comparative Analysis - Netherlands, despite its small size (41,850 square kilometers, one-quarter of Guangdong), produces 54 tons of vegetables per hectare, exceeding the US and China [6] - Hong Kong has a population density nearly 13 times higher than the Netherlands, suggesting hydroponics could maximize food production to meet shortages [8] Implementation & Call to Action - Setting up hydroponics is remarkably simple, requiring minimal materials [3] - Individuals can start hydroponics at home to inspire wider adoption and promote self-sufficiency [11][12]

Environmental Concerns & Challenges - Soil depletion poses a significant threat, potentially rendering soils unable to grow food within 60 years [1] - Conventional agricultural practices, including plowing and chemical use, degrade soil health, leading to dust storms, floods, and rising food prices [2][5] - Degraded soils lose their capacity to hold water and store carbon, exacerbating climate change and food insecurity [5] - Over the past 70 years, the nutritional content of fruits and vegetables has decreased significantly due to soil degradation [6] Solutions & Regenerative Practices - Healthy soil, teeming with microorganisms, can sequester carbon, filter water, and provide essential nutrients for food production [4][5] - Regenerative agriculture practices, such as no-till farming, cover cropping, and livestock integration, can restore soil health and ecosystem function [10] - Gabe Brown's farm serves as a successful example of how regenerative practices can revitalize degraded land and enhance resilience to extreme weather [11] - Beavers can act as natural water engineers, creating wetlands that boost biodiversity and replenish soil [13][14] Call to Action - Supporting farmers who employ regenerative or organic practices is crucial for promoting soil restoration [17] - Governments should prioritize funding soil restoration initiatives over destructive agricultural practices [17] - Recognizing soil as the foundation of life and educating future generations about its importance is essential for ensuring a sustainable future [18]