Premier Energies has won contracts to supply and install solar power systems in the Republic of Benin, West Africa. The contracts, valued at $19.95m, form part of a national programme by the government of Benin to broaden access to reliable clean energy. Premier Energies’ scope of work includes the installation of 750 rooftop solar systems at district police stations, educational institutions, health centres and border surveillance units. The contract will also see Premier Energies install more than 4,4 ...

Core Viewpoint - The execution schedule for the acquisition of Summa Defence Oy's share capital by Meriaura Group Plc is being postponed, with the execution now expected to take place in May 2025, pending the fulfillment of certain conditions [1][2]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - Meriaura Group Plc signed a conditional share exchange agreement on January 29, 2025, to acquire the entire share capital of Summa Defence Oy, which focuses on defense and security [1]. - The acquisition is part of a broader arrangement that includes the sale of shares in Meriaura Oy to Meriaura Invest Oy and the acquisition of treasury shares from Meriaura Invest Oy [1]. - The annual general meeting approved the arrangement on April 24, 2025, granting the Board of Directors the authority to decide on the execution [1]. Group 2: Execution Schedule - Not all conditions for beginning the execution of the arrangement have been fulfilled, leading to an update on the execution schedule [2]. - The execution is now expected to occur during May 2025, with trading in the new shares anticipated to begin on June 2, 2025, on the First North Growth Market in Sweden and Finland [2]. Group 3: Company Overview - Meriaura Group Plc operates in two business areas: Marine Logistics and Renewable Energy [3]. - The Marine Logistics segment includes Meriaura Oy, which provides low-emission marine transport services in Northern Europe, particularly in the Baltic Sea and North Sea regions [4]. - VG-EcoFuel Oy, part of the Marine Logistics business, produces biofuels from bio-oils and recycled oils [5]. - The Renewable Energy business focuses on clean energy solutions, including large-scale solar thermal systems and high-quality solar power systems through Rasol Oy [6].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved a 2.5% increase in revenue for Q1 2025, totaling $229.8 million compared to the same period last year [4][10] - Net income attributable to stockholders rose by 4.6% to $40.4 million, or $0.66 per diluted share [4][11] - Adjusted EBITDA grew by 6.4% to a record $150.3 million, driven by strong performance in the Energy Storage segment [4][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Electricity segment revenues decreased by 5.8% to $180.2 million due to curtailments in California and Nevada [12] - Product segment revenues increased by 27.9% to $31.8 million, supported by a strong backlog [12] - Energy Storage segment revenues surged nearly 120%, primarily due to new facilities and strong merchant prices [12][26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The gross margin for the electricity segment fell to 33.5% from 39% year-over-year, while the product segment's gross margin improved to 22.3% from 14.8% [13] - The Energy Storage segment reported a gross margin of 30.6%, a significant increase from 7.5% in Q1 2024 [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to acquire the 20 megawatt Blue Mountain geothermal power plant for $88 million, with upgrades expected to add 3.5 megawatts by 2027 [6][7] - The company is focusing on securing safe harbor for projects and ensuring eligibility for tax credits to navigate tariff impacts [9][30] - The company aims to reach a portfolio capacity target of 2.6 to 2.8 gigawatts by the end of 2028, supported by geothermal development and energy storage expansion [28][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the geothermal business growth potential, citing easing project permitting timelines and strong demand for renewable energy [5][30] - The company is actively monitoring tariff impacts and is engaging with suppliers to mitigate risks [9][39] - Management believes that the demand for reliable renewable energy remains strong, positioning the company well for future growth [9][31] Other Important Information - The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.12 per share, expected to be paid in the upcoming quarters [20] - Total expected capital expenditure for 2025 increased to $597 million, primarily due to geothermal and storage projects [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of storage project development pipeline on tariffs - Management indicated that they are exploring multiple alternatives for battery acquisition and are continuing business development efforts despite tariff uncertainties [35][39] Question: Tariff impact on geothermal costs - Management stated that the overall impact of tariffs on geothermal CapEx is not material, as a significant portion of costs is incurred in the U.S. [42][44] Question: EGS technology implementation timing - Management noted that EGS technology could enhance existing plants and is being developed with partners, though technological challenges remain [45][46] Question: Regulatory changes to expedite geothermal development - Management highlighted a new executive order aimed at speeding up the permitting process for geothermal projects on federal land [49][50] Question: Updated view on gross margins for segments - Management expects storage margins to be at the higher end of 20% and product segment margins to improve, while electricity segment margins may be lower due to curtailments [52] Question: Blue Mountain acquisition and expected EBITDA contribution - Management indicated that the Blue Mountain asset is expected to enhance growth and will provide more detailed information post-acquisition [55] Question: PPA pricing and contracting opportunities - Management confirmed that PPA pricing remains high, with ongoing negotiations for multiple PPAs [58][59] Question: Exploration and partnership with Schlumberger - Management discussed the cooperation with Schlumberger for new projects, emphasizing their superior technology in building power plants [66][67]

Company Overview - Hanna Kyrki has been appointed as General Counsel of Summa Defence Oy and will join the Executive Management Team effective August 4, 2025 [1] - Kyrki has extensive experience in international legal affairs, corporate governance, regulation, and compliance, having previously worked at Veikkaus Group and Patria [2][3] Executive Management Team - The current members of Summa Defence's Executive Management Team include Jussi Holopainen (CEO), Riitta Honkanen-Vaheri (Chief Human Resources Officer), Tommi Malinen (Chief Sales Officer), Tommi Manninen (Chief Communications Officer), Risto Takkala (Chief Financial Officer), Juha Vauhkonen (Director of Defence and Security Affairs), and Hanna Kyrki (General Counsel) [4] Merger Announcement - On January 29, 2025, Meriaura Group Plc signed a conditional share exchange agreement to acquire the entire share capital of Summa Defence Oy, creating a strong group focused on safety and security in Finland [4] - The new company will be named Summa Defence Plc, with Meriaura Group's shareholders holding 11.9% and Summa Defence's shareholders holding 88.1% of the new entity [4] Business Areas - Meriaura Group operates in two business areas: Marine Logistics and Renewable Energy [7] - The Marine Logistics segment provides low-emission transport services for bulk cargo and project deliveries, particularly in Northern Europe [8] - The Renewable Energy segment focuses on clean energy systems, including solar thermal systems and high-quality solar power systems [10]

Meriaura Group Plc Company Announcement 24 April 2025 at 15.30 p.m. (EEST) The Annual General Meeting resolved to adopt the financial statements, which include the consolidated financial statements, for the financial period 1 January 2024–31 December 2024. LOSS SHOWN ON THE BALANCE SHEET AND DETERMINATION OF DIVIDENS PAYMENT The Annual General Meeting resolved that the the loss for the financial year of EUR 12,236,659.36 be carried over to the retained earnings and losses account and that no dividend be pai ...