NEW YORK and ARLINGTON, Va., April 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Apollo (NYSE: APO) and Summit Ridge Energy, LLC (“Summit Ridge Energy” or “Summit Ridge”), one of the nation’s leading commercial solar companies, today announced that Apollo-managed funds (the “Apollo Funds”) have committed up to $400 million for a new joint venture partnership with Summit Ridge to jointly own and operate a portfolio of commercial solar assets across Illinois. Summit Ridge Energy is one of the largest owner-operators of commer ...

Core Insights - WANG & LEE GROUP, Inc. has successfully closed its acquisition of Solar (HK) Limited, marking a significant step in enhancing Hong Kong's renewable energy transition through integrated solar and energy storage solutions [1][2] Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition of SolarHK, initially announced on March 3, 2025, strengthens WLGS's position as a comprehensive provider of sustainable energy systems [1][2] - SolarHK's expertise in solar photovoltaic technology will be combined with WLGS's advanced lithium-ion battery technology to deliver end-to-end renewable energy solutions [2][3] Group 2: Technological Synergy - SolarHK operates over 50 locations in Hong Kong, providing WLGS with immediate access to a robust client base and localized expertise [3] - The integration of SolarHK's solar infrastructure with WLGS's battery storage systems will enable energy storage and reduce reliance on traditional power grids [3] Group 3: Leadership Perspectives - WLGS's CEO emphasized that the acquisition is a milestone in building a cleaner energy ecosystem, aiming to drive Hong Kong's decarbonization goals [4] - The founder of SolarHK highlighted the acquisition as an opportunity to scale their impact and accelerate the adoption of solar energy and smart technologies [5] Group 4: Future Initiatives - WLGS plans to expand SolarHK's service offerings, including next-generation energy storage systems and smart grid solutions, aligning with Hong Kong's 2050 Carbon Neutrality Strategy [5][6] - The company will also launch community outreach programs to educate on renewable energy benefits and government sustainability incentives [6]

Core Insights - WANG & LEE GROUP, Inc. has successfully closed its acquisition of Solar (HK) Limited, marking a significant step in enhancing Hong Kong's renewable energy transition [1][2] - The acquisition combines SolarHK's solar photovoltaic expertise with WLGS's lithium-ion battery technology to provide comprehensive renewable energy solutions [2][3] Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition was initially announced on March 3, 2025, and has now been finalized [1] - SolarHK's extensive project portfolio includes installations at notable sites such as Tsing Yi Shipyard and Quon Hing Concrete Manufacturer, which will now integrate with WLGS's energy storage innovations [2] Group 2: Technological Synergy - SolarHK operates over 50 locations in Hong Kong, providing WLGS with immediate access to a robust client base and localized expertise [3] - The integration of SolarHK's solar infrastructure with WLGS's battery storage systems will enable energy storage and reduce reliance on traditional power grids [3] Group 3: Leadership Perspectives - WLGS's CEO emphasized that the acquisition is a milestone in building a cleaner energy ecosystem, aiming to reduce costs and lower emissions [4] - The founder of SolarHK expressed excitement about the new resources and technological advantages gained through the acquisition, which will enhance the adoption of solar energy [5] Group 4: Future Initiatives - WLGS plans to expand SolarHK's service offerings, including next-generation energy storage systems and smart grid solutions, aligning with Hong Kong's 2050 Carbon Neutrality Strategy [5][6] - The company will also launch community outreach programs to educate on renewable energy benefits and government sustainability incentives [6]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fourth quarter revenue increased to $20.2 million from $15.7 million year-over-year, primarily due to higher revenues from the NJR acquisition [30] - Full year 2024 GAAP revenue was $82.1 million compared to $79.9 million in 2023 [30] - GAAP net loss attributable to stockholders was $5.9 million for the quarter [31] - Operating EBITDA for the fourth quarter was $10.8 million, down from $11.3 million in the prior year [32] - Total cash at the end of the fourth quarter was approximately $109.1 million, with unrestricted cash at $72.8 million [34] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company owns and manages approximately 85,000 home solar assets and customer contracts, with a gross portfolio value of $910 million, up from $749 million without the NJR transaction [10][14] - Portfolio O&M expense decreased to $5.3 million in the fourth quarter from $5.6 million in the prior year [30] - SG&A expense increased to $15.5 million in the fourth quarter from $12 million in the prior year, impacted by professional services related to the NJR acquisition [30][31] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The NJR acquisition expanded Spruce's presence in New Jersey, now the company's second largest market with approximately 16,000 customers [12][13] - Customer satisfaction (CSAT) score rose to 83% in 2024, up from 74% in 2023 [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The corporate strategy is built on three pillars: acquiring portfolios of installed systems, maximizing return on assets through the Spruce Pro channel, and expanding subscription-based solutions for distributed energy [19][20][23] - The company prioritizes long-term financial stability over short-term sales growth, focusing on operational efficiency and shareholder value creation [24][27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged challenges in the residential solar market but emphasized Spruce Power's stability and predictability compared to peers [8][27] - The company plans to implement cost optimization strategies in 2025, particularly focusing on reducing O&M costs [25][26] - Management decided not to provide financial guidance due to the volatile residential solar environment and macroeconomic factors [33] Other Important Information - The company successfully launched its third-party servicing channel, Spruce Pro, which is gaining traction with a significant agreement with ADT Solar [17][18] - All long-term debt is non-recourse and serviced by customer collections, with a total principal balance of $730.6 million at the end of the fourth quarter [35] Q&A Session Summary Question: No questions were asked during the session - There were no questions from participants during the Q&A session [37]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q4 2024 was $13.2 million, representing a 30.2% increase compared to the prior quarter but a 43.1% decrease year-over-year due to lower product volumes [27][28] - GAAP gross loss was $3.8 million, or 29.1% of revenue, compared to a gross loss of $4.3 million, or 42.5% of revenue in the prior quarter [28] - GAAP net loss was $12.2 million, or $0.96 per diluted share, an improvement from a loss of $15.4 million, or $1.21 per diluted share in the prior quarter [30] - Adjusted EBITDA loss was $9.8 million, better than guidance, compared to losses of $12.2 million in the prior quarter [31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company added multiples of its current annual revenue run rate to its backlog, signing agreements totaling more than 6.5 gigawatts with Tier 1 accounts [21] - The contracted portion of the company's backlog now stands at $502 million, reflecting $67 million in new purchase order additions since November 12, 2024 [31] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is seeing increasing international traction, particularly in Australia and Europe, with a focus on a specially designed tracker for the Indian market [19][24] - The bidding run rate has nearly doubled compared to the second quarter of the previous year, indicating strong market demand [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on converting its backlog into revenue and achieving quarterly profitability in 2025 [13][26] - The strategy includes enhancing domestic content capabilities and increasing international project engagements [18][19] - The company aims to provide value through easier, faster, and safer installations, which is critical in a stressed labor market [22][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the company's recovery and growth prospects, highlighting a clear inflection point in the adoption of its differentiated technology [10][25] - The company anticipates a back-half weighted year, with significant growth expected in the second half of 2025 [48] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with $11.2 million in cash and has additional liquidity from a $3.2 million earn-out and an upsized note offering expected to bring in $10 to $15 million [32] - The company is also focused on improving its supply chain management to mitigate exposure to steel price volatility [74] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you share the mix of 1P versus 2P in the five-gigawatt agreement with Recurrent Energy? - The agreement will predominantly utilize 1P technology, with a mix of 1P and 2P based on geographical considerations [39][44] Question: What is the revenue outlook for Q2 and Q3? - The company expects Q2 to potentially be flat compared to Q1, with a focus on execution and project completion [50] Question: How much faster is the 1P technology compared to previous estimates? - The 1P technology is still expected to be 30% to 40% faster, with a focus on safety and efficiency in installation [61] Question: What are the target gross margins for the business in the long term? - The company aims to align its gross margins with peers, with expectations of improvement as volume increases [67][70] Question: How is the company managing supply chain exposure amid steel price volatility? - The company has limited exposure as it secures steel at the time of purchase order negotiation, mitigating risks associated with price fluctuations [74]

Group 1 - The price of silicon wafers continues to rise, with N-type G10L wafers averaging 1.20 yuan per piece, a week-on-week increase of 0.84%, and N-type G12R wafers averaging 1.45 yuan per piece, a week-on-week increase of 3.57% [1][2] - The increase in silicon wafer prices is driven by strong downstream battery demand and a surge in orders, leading to a supply-demand imbalance in the market [2] - The overall industry operating rate is reported to be between 56%-58%, with leading companies operating at rates of 56% and 60%, and integrated companies operating at 60%-80% [2] Group 2 - The prices of terminal components and battery segments have stabilized, with mainstream battery prices remaining at 0.32-0.35 yuan/W and distributed component prices at 0.76-0.80 yuan/W [3] - N-type silicon wafers are experiencing strong demand, with manufacturers continuously raising prices, while P-type wafers remain stable due to lower domestic demand [3] - There is uncertainty regarding the market trend after the installation rush, with expectations of a significant decrease in silicon wafer demand post-430 and 531 deadlines [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's annual module shipments increased by 18.3% year-over-year to approximately 93 gigawatts, ranking first in the industry [9] - Gross margin dropped to 10.9% in 2024 from 16% in 2023, while net income fell by 98% year-over-year to $7.9 million [10] - In Q4, gross margin was 3.6%, down from 15.7% in Q3, with a net loss of $64.9 million compared to net income of $3.2 million in Q3 [11][33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total module shipments for Q4 were approximately 25.2 gigawatts, with over 50% shipped to domestic markets where prices were lower [11] - The proportion of higher-priced overseas orders declined sequentially, leading to decreased average selling price (ASP) and profits [11] - The N-type Tiger Neo series accounted for over 95% of shipments in Q4 and nearly 90% for the full year [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Newly added installations in China reached 277 gigawatts in 2024, a 28% increase year-over-year, setting a record high [12] - China's module exports reached 236 gigawatts in 2024, an increase of 13% year-over-year [12] - The global PV industry maintained fast growth momentum, with expectations for newly added installations in China to be around 270 gigawatts or higher in 2025 [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is committed to maintaining technology leadership through continuous R&D investments and mass production of innovative products [15] - A cautious approach to capacity expansion is being taken, with no new capacity added aside from upgrades to TOPCon technology [24] - The company aims to optimize its asset and liability structure while maintaining healthy cash reserves to strengthen resilience to risks [25][32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the industry may have entered a deep adjustment period, with companies lacking competitive costs likely to be phased out [21] - In the medium to long term, renewable energy is expected to supply half of global electricity demand by 2030, highlighting the growth potential of the PV industry [22] - The company expects module shipments to be between 16 to 18 gigawatts for Q1 2025 and between 85 and 100 gigawatts for the full year [24] Other Important Information - The company received a BBB rating for the second consecutive year in the MSCI ESG ratings, reflecting its commitment to ESG [18] - A strong patent portfolio was built, including 462 granted TOPCon patents, making the company a leading holder of such patents globally [19] - The company is actively responding to patent infringement claims from competitors, asserting that the allegations lack merit [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of increased import tariffs from Vietnam on margins and pricing strategy - Management indicated that they have prepared solutions for AD/CVD tariffs and do not expect a significant negative impact on margins [45] Question: Expectations for U.S. shipments and potential pullback due to higher tariffs - Management stated it is too early to define shipment volumes to the U.S. due to uncertain policies [48] Question: Q1 margin expectations - Management expects Q1 margins to be lower than Q4 due to lower prices from previous orders [58] Question: CapEx expectations for 2025 - Management expects CapEx to be much lower than the previous year, approximately RMB4 billion to RMB5 billion [65] Question: Updates on Saudi capacity and operational timeline - The Saudi Super Factory is in early preparation, with ground-breaking targeted by the end of Q2 and full operational status expected by the end of next year [82] Question: Market share expectations for 2025 - Management anticipates a slight decrease in market share this year due to industry consolidation but expects to be in a good position for future growth [89]

Core Viewpoint - TOYO Co., Ltd is expanding its solar cell capacity by an additional 2 gigawatts (GW) at its facility in Ethiopia, responding to strong global demand for high-performance solar cells [1][2]. Expansion Details - The expansion will double the current production capacity from 2GW to 4GW [8]. - The project is estimated to require an investment of $47 million [8]. - Construction for the expansion is scheduled to begin in April 2025 and is expected to be completed by July 2025, with production commencing in August 2025 [8]. Facility and Infrastructure - TOYO is negotiating a lease for a 28,000 m² facility in Hawassa, Ethiopia, adjacent to the existing Phase 1 site, which will support the Phase 2 expansion [3]. - The existing infrastructure from Phase 1 will significantly shorten the timeline for the expansion [3]. Strategic Vision - The company aims to be a key player in the global solar industry while reducing its carbon footprint across the supply chain [4]. - TOYO is committed to becoming a full-service solar solutions provider, integrating various stages of the solar power supply chain [5]. Production Readiness - Phase 1 of the solar cell manufacturing facility has been completed with a capacity of 2GW, and equipment installation, tests, and trial runs are currently underway [2]. - Formal production at the Phase 1 facility is scheduled to commence in early Q2 2025 [2].

JINKOSOLAR HOLDING CO., LTD. Q4 2024 EARNINGS CALL PRESENTATION MARCH 26, 2025 Disclaimer This presentation does not constitute an offer to sell or issue or the solicitation of an offer to buy or acquire securities of JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. (the "Company") in any jurisdiction or an inducement to enter into investment activity, nor may it or any part of it form the basis of or be relied on in connection with any contract or commitment whatsoever. The information herein has been prepared by the Company ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2024, the company shipped 8.2 gigawatts of solar modules, totaling 31.1 gigawatts for the year, with total revenue of $6 billion [11][12] - Net income for Canadian Solar shareholders was $34 million, or $0.48 per diluted share, impacted by inventory write-downs and project asset impairments [12][48] - The gross margin was significantly affected, with a reduction of over 950 basis points due to various factors including duties, tariffs, and impairments [45][46] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - CSI Solar achieved full-year revenue of $6.5 billion with a gross margin of 18.4%, maintaining profitability in both module and energy storage segments [23] - Energy storage shipments reached 2.2 gigawatt hours in Q4, totaling 6.6 gigawatt hours for the year, marking a 500% year-over-year increase [27] - Recurrent Energy executed 1.3 gigawatts of solar projects and started construction on 1.4 gigawatts of solar and 1.8 gigawatt hours of battery energy storage systems [34] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. accounted for approximately 25% of global shipments, with strategic volume control to maintain higher blended prices despite falling average selling prices [24] - Polysilicon prices fell over 40% during the year, leading to a decline in module pricing at a similar or faster rate [25] - The company is expanding into new markets such as Mainland Europe and Japan, with a record pipeline of 79 gigawatt hours reflecting diversified global demand [30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on energy storage growth, leveraging its technology to provide integrated solutions for various applications [16][18] - Canadian Solar is ramping up U.S. manufacturing capabilities, with a module factory expected to contribute 3 gigawatts of volume in 2025 [19][20] - The company anticipates continued consolidation in the solar market and is confident in navigating geopolitical uncertainties [56] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that 2024 was a challenging year for the solar industry, with intensified competition and structural overcapacity leading to a prolonged market downturn [13] - Despite challenges, the company remains resilient, with growing demand for energy storage and a strategic focus on high-margin solutions [15][16] - The company expects Q1 2025 module shipments to be between 6.4 gigawatts and 6.7 gigawatts, with full-year revenue guidance of $7.3 billion to $8.3 billion [52][56] Other Important Information - The company reported a net increase in cash of $682 million for 2024, with capital expenditures totaling $1.1 billion [50] - Management emphasized the importance of product innovation and comprehensive energy storage solutions to maintain competitive advantage [18][21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about how you see margins trending for your energy storage systems? - Management indicated that while there are improvements in battery chemistry, the main structure remains the same, and they expect to pass on savings to customers while maintaining reasonable margins [60][61] Question: Can you discuss the guidance for module shipments and the factors driving it? - Management explained that the pricing trend is complicated, with stabilization in most markets, and they are ramping up U.S. manufacturing to help margins [69][72] Question: What are the impacts of tariffs on margins? - Management confirmed that tariffs are already factored into their cost structure, and they do not expect significant changes in margins moving forward [91][95] Question: How are you managing the impact of AD/CVD tariffs? - Management stated that they are using a combination of manufacturing strategies to mitigate the impact of tariffs, particularly by increasing domestic production [148][149] Question: What is the outlook for e-STORAGE margins? - Management confirmed that e-STORAGE margins are expected to remain intact in the 17% to 20% range, despite some downward pressure from increased competition [124][161]