Hillcrest Energy Technologies CEO Don Currie Discusses ZVS Technology and Commercialization Progress in Stocks To Watch Investor Interview ELEMENT--Back to the NewsroomHillcrest Energy Technologies CEO Don Currie Discusses ZVS Technology and Commercialization Progress in Stocks To Watch Investor InterviewVANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire/ March 19, 2026 / Hillcrest Energy Technologies Ltd. (CSE:HEAT)(OTCQB:HLRTF)(FRA:7HI) ("Hillcrest" or the "Company") today released a new investor interview featuring Founder ...

Company Overview - Advanced Energy Industries Inc (NASDAQ: AEIS) specializes in power conversion solutions, serving industries such as semiconductor manufacturing, industrial, and telecommunications [1] Recent Transactions - On March 13, 2026, Shirley Brian, a director at AEIS, sold 1,234 shares at $310.19 each, leaving her with 5,584 shares [2] - Dynamic Technology Lab Private Ltd purchased 1,725 shares valued at approximately $293,000, indicating institutional interest in AEIS [2] Institutional Investor Activity - Private Trust Co. NA increased its stake in AEIS by 92.4%, now holding 152 shares worth $26,000 [3] - Farther Finance Advisors LLC boosted its position by 203.5%, now owning 173 shares valued at $29,000 [3] - These activities reflect growing confidence in AEIS's potential among institutional investors [3] Financial Metrics - AEIS has a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 76.52, indicating a high valuation relative to earnings [4] - The price-to-sales ratio stands at 6.34, and the enterprise value to sales ratio is 6.28, reflecting the market's valuation of the company's sales [4] - The enterprise value to operating cash flow ratio is 48.39, indicating the company's valuation relative to its cash flow from operations [5] - AEIS maintains a moderate debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50, suggesting a balanced level of leverage [5] - The current ratio of 1.59 indicates good liquidity, with current assets exceeding current liabilities [5]

Core Viewpoint - Hillcrest Energy Technologies Ltd. has operationalized CleanPath Distribution Inc., an Indigenous-led corporation aimed at commercializing Hillcrest's Zero Voltage Switching (ZVS) power conversion technology in Canada, leveraging government funding and industry relationships [1][2]. Company Structure and Ownership - CleanPath Distribution Inc. is structured with Pasqua First Nation 79 holding a 51% majority stake, Apeiron Resources Ltd. with 24.5%, and Hillcrest Energy Technologies Operating Ltd. also with 24.5% [3]. - The governance of CleanPath includes a Board of Directors with representation from all three partners, ensuring collaborative decision-making [3]. Technology Overview - Hillcrest's ZVS technology significantly reduces switching losses in conventional power converters, enhancing efficiency and minimizing electromagnetic interference (EMI) [4]. - The technology is currently being tested with prototypes, including the PCS1000 Grid Power Conversion System (200 kW) and the MVP3 ZVS Traction Inverter (350 kVA), with customer demonstrations expected in Q2 2026 [4]. Strategic Partnerships and Market Focus - The collaboration between Hillcrest, Pasqua First Nation 79, and Apeiron Resources Ltd. aims to leverage Indigenous leadership and market knowledge to access funding and establish relationships within the Canadian market [5]. - CleanPath's focus aligns with Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy, targeting the defence sector for potential market opportunities [5]. Background on Partners - Pasqua First Nation 79 is involved in various economic development activities, including renewable energy projects like the Seven Stars Energy Project, which aims to produce emissions-free power for over 100,000 homes [6][7]. - Apeiron Resources Ltd. is dedicated to building sustainable socio-economic partnerships and securing grants to support Indigenous communities and businesses [8][9][10]. Company Profile - Hillcrest Energy Technologies is a Canadian clean technology firm focused on advanced power conversion technologies and digital control systems for sustainable energy solutions [11]. - The company is publicly traded on multiple exchanges, including CSE, OTCQB, and Frankfurt Exchange [12].

Core Insights - SouthernSun Asset Management's "SouthernSun Small Cap Strategy" reported a -2.45% gross return for Q4 2025, underperforming the Russell 2000 Index which returned 2.19% [1] - Over the trailing 12 months, the Composite returned 6.21% gross, significantly lower than the Russell 2000 Index's 12.81% [1] - The letter draws parallels between the oil price collapse of 2014-15 and the current AI landscape, emphasizing the need for careful analysis of associated risks [1] Company Highlights - Advanced Energy Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ:AEIS) was identified as a leading contributor in the Small Cap Strategy, with a stock price of $335.57 as of February 27, 2026 [2] - AEIS experienced a one-month return of 28.17% and a remarkable 212.36% increase over the past 52 weeks, with a market capitalization of $12.668 billion [2] - The company reported a 24% year-over-year revenue increase and a 78% rise in Adjusted EPS, driven by record Data Center Computing revenue [3] Industry Outlook - Management at AEIS anticipates robust AI-driven demand, projecting Data Center Computing growth of 25-30% in 2026 due to secured design wins and new capacity in the Philippines, Mexico, and Thailand [3] - The semiconductor sector is expected to strengthen into 2026-2027, supported by customer validation of AEIS's eVerest and eVoS platforms [3] - AEIS maintains a strong balance sheet with a net cash position of $192 million, indicating financial stability [3]

Company Overview - Vicor is a technology company specializing in high-performance power conversion solutions for demanding applications, leveraging proprietary technology to deliver efficient, compact, and scalable power modules and systems [6] - The company generates revenue by designing, manufacturing, and selling power conversion products and custom solutions to original equipment manufacturers and contract manufacturers, serving sectors such as aerospace, defense, industrial automation, and telecommunications [9] Financial Performance - As of February 13, 2026, Vicor's stock price was $155.96, with a market capitalization of $7.02 billion [4] - The company reported a total revenue of $441.6 million and a net income of $82.3 million for the trailing twelve months [4] - In the third quarter, revenue reached $110.4 million, an increase of 18.5% year-over-year, with a gross margin of 57.5% and net income of $28.3 million, equating to $0.63 per diluted share [10] Investment Activity - On February 13, 2026, Ashford Capital Management increased its position in Vicor by purchasing 128,664 shares, valued at approximately $10.94 million [2] - Following this transaction, Vicor represented 4.32% of Ashford's reportable U.S. equity assets, with a total stake valued at $38.78 million [8] - Vicor shares have appreciated significantly, up 213.0% over the past year, outperforming the S&P 500 by 201.3 percentage points [8] Market Position and Outlook - Vicor holds critical intellectual property in high-performance computing power modules, with licensing revenue becoming a meaningful contributor to its financials [11] - The company's recent performance and growth suggest a strong belief in the structural demand for power density, particularly in AI and data center applications, which could enhance its market position in the long term [10][12]

Core Insights - Hillcrest Energy Technologies Ltd. has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a major industrial user to develop customized Zero Voltage Switching (ZVS) inverter solutions for advanced materials processing applications, highlighting the versatility of its ZVS technology across various market segments [1][2][3] Industrial Development Agreement - The agreement validates the applicability of Hillcrest's ZVS technology beyond traditional grid-scale and automotive applications, focusing on designing, building, testing, and commercializing inverters tailored for the partner's advanced materials processing systems [2][3] Technology Efficiency and Features - Hillcrest's ZVS technology boasts superior efficiency exceeding 99%, minimal electromagnetic interference (EMI), and enhanced power quality, making it suitable for sensitive industrial applications [3][5] - The MOU establishes a structured development pathway with defined milestones, where both parties will contribute technical expertise, resources, and funding [3][4] Market Strategy and Application Focus - Hillcrest's strategy emphasizes the commercialization of its ZVS technology across multiple high-value market segments, where it offers measurable performance and cost advantages over conventional systems [5][6] Core Application Areas 1. **Data Centers**: The data center power market is projected to reach US$50 billion by 2030, with Hillcrest's 200kW modular systems ideal for megawatt-scale installations [7] 2. **Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)**: The battery energy storage market is expected to reach US$106 billion by 2030, with Hillcrest's technology providing peak inverter efficiency greater than 99% [8] 3. **Remote Community and Island Microgrids**: Hillcrest's PCS1000 can significantly reduce diesel consumption by integrating renewable energy sources, offering superior power quality and reliability [9] 4. **Industrial and Commercial Operations**: The PCS1000 can enhance power quality and reduce EMI in various industrial applications, including advanced materials processing systems [10] 5. **Construction and Infrastructure Projects**: The portable power market exceeding 100kW is valued at over US$10 billion annually, with Hillcrest's technology providing zero emissions and operational cost savings [12] 6. **Emergency Response and Field Operations**: The emergency power systems market is projected to reach US$18 billion by 2030, with Hillcrest's PCS1000 offering reliability in challenging conditions [13] 7. **Military Forward Operating Bases**: The PCS1000 can reduce logistical fuel needs and enhance mission readiness for military operations [15] Development Timeline and Commercial Strategy - The 200kW ZVS PCS1000 prototype is expected to be ready for demonstration in Q2 2026, with ongoing engagement with potential customers across core application areas [17][16]

Core Insights - Hillcrest Energy Technologies is at a critical juncture in 2026, transitioning years of technology development into commercial opportunities across various high-growth sectors [2][18] - The company has established strategic collaborations with Pasqua First Nation and Apeiron Resources to commercialize its Zero Voltage Switching (ZVS) technology in Canada [3][12] Strategic Developments - A collaboration was announced in October 2025 to create an Indigenous-majority owned entity focused on ZVS technology commercialization [3] - Pasqua First Nation's investment of $3 million into Hillcrest reflects confidence in the technology and business model [4] - Hillcrest successfully closed a private placement offering, raising approximately $4.4 million, which will support further development and commercialization efforts [5][6] Technology and Market Focus - The ZVS PCS1000, a 200kW power conversion system, is expected to be ready for customer demonstrations in Q2 2026, targeting the growing demand for efficient power conversion in AI data centers [8] - The Canadian clean energy market is projected to grow from 115 GW to 149 GW by 2030, with significant investments expected in energy storage [10][11] Market Expansion and Opportunities - The collaboration with Pasqua First Nation and Apeiron Resources is expected to enhance market penetration across various Canadian sectors, leveraging established relationships and expertise [12] - The data center power market is projected to reach $50 billion by 2030, driven by AI infrastructure expansion [15] Competitive Advantages - Hillcrest's ZVS technology offers superior efficiency exceeding 99%, compared to current inverters operating at 96-98% efficiency, and addresses critical requirements in sensitive applications [16] - The technology's performance advantages create competitive differentiation, enabling more compact installations and reduced operational costs [16] Path Forward - The company is well-positioned with financial resources to execute near-term commercialization priorities, supported by strategic investments and collaborations [17][18] - Proven technology and diverse market access across automotive, data centers, and renewable energy sectors reduce dependence on any single sector [18]

Core Insights - Hillcrest Energy Technologies has successfully completed Phase 1 of its technology evaluation project with a global Tier 1 automotive supplier, demonstrating the technical feasibility of converting half-bridge power modules for Zero Voltage Switching (ZVS) operation in electric vehicle inverters [1][3][4] Technology Evaluation and Validation - The global Tier 1 automotive supplier is among the top 15 largest by revenue and specializes in power electronics components for electric vehicles, providing a robust validation framework for the ZVS technology integration [2] - Phase 1 aimed to assess the efficiency and performance of Hillcrest's technology on the supplier's inverter architecture, with successful completion involving baseline measurements, hardware design, prototype assembly, and testing [3] Strategic Focus and Commercialization - The completion of Phase 1 positions Hillcrest to execute a focused commercialization strategy, prioritizing customer engagements and partnerships that offer high commercial value and rapid revenue generation [5] - Hillcrest is actively pursuing technology monetization opportunities in automotive applications, with the Phase 1 completion providing validation that ZVS technology can be integrated into automotive inverter platforms, achieving up to 99.7% efficiency and system-level efficiency gains of up to 6% [6][7] Grid-Connected Product Development - Concurrently, Hillcrest is advancing the development of its ZVS PCS1000 (200kW | 1000V) for applications such as data centers and EV charging, with prototype demonstrations expected in Q2 2026 [8] - The ZVS PCS1000 is engineered for next-generation AI data centers, addressing infrastructure challenges and offering greater than 99% efficiency, which translates to significant economic value by reducing conversion losses and cooling costs [9][11] Broader Market Opportunities - The ZVS PCS1000 platform targets substantial market opportunities across energy storage systems, EV charging infrastructure, and renewable energy integration, with strategic partnerships being established for commercialization [14] - Hillcrest's strategic approach focuses on high-probability commercial success opportunities, emphasizing licensing and partnerships that align with customer needs and the company's technical capabilities [15]

Core Insights - Advanced Energy Industries (AEIS) is experiencing solid improvement in earnings estimates, indicating potential investment opportunities as the stock has gained short-term price momentum [1][10] - The rising trend in earnings estimate revisions reflects growing analyst optimism about the company's earnings prospects, which is expected to positively influence its stock price [2][9] - The Zacks Rank system, which categorizes stocks from 1 (Strong Buy) to 5 (Strong Sell), shows that AEIS has received a Zacks Rank 1, suggesting strong potential for outperformance [3][9] Current-Quarter Estimate Revisions - For the current quarter, Advanced Energy is expected to earn $1.71 per share, representing a year-over-year increase of +31.5% [6] - Over the past 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the company has risen by 20.59%, with two estimates moving higher and no negative revisions [6] Current-Year Estimate Revisions - For the full year, the earnings estimate for Advanced Energy is projected at $6.13 per share, reflecting a year-over-year change of +65.2% [7] - The trend for current-year estimate revisions is positive, with four estimates moving higher and no negative revisions, leading to an 8.08% increase in the consensus estimate [8] Favorable Zacks Rank - The positive estimate revisions have contributed to Advanced Energy achieving a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), indicating strong potential for investment [9] - Research indicates that stocks with Zacks Rank 1 and 2 significantly outperform the S&P 500 [9] Bottom Line - Strong estimate revisions have led to a 20.4% increase in Advanced Energy's stock over the past four weeks, suggesting further upside potential [10]

Core Insights - Advanced Energy Industries (NASDAQ: AEIS) stock surged 17% following a strong Q3 earnings report, exceeding analyst expectations with earnings of $1.74 per share and sales of $463.3 million [1][3][4] Financial Performance - The company reported a 113% year-over-year growth in its data center computing business, contributing to a total revenue increase of 24% [3] - GAAP earnings rose 80.6% year-over-year to $1.21 per share, surpassing management's guidance [4] - For Q4, management forecasts revenue to reach approximately $470 million, with GAAP profits around $1.12 per share and non-GAAP profits of $1.75 per share, consistent with Q3 results [5] Valuation and Market Position - Year-to-date, the company has earned $2.52 per share (GAAP), with a projected full-year profit of about $3.64 per share, slightly below the $3.70 per share forecasted by analysts [5][6] - The current stock price of around $226 results in a price-to-earnings ratio exceeding 62, indicating a premium valuation [6] - Despite the high valuation, the potential for continued 80% earnings growth may justify the premium price [6]