Trucks Only Lifted Accepts Two Auto Service Financing Programs for Truck Repairs, Customization

MESA, Ariz., Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Trucks Only Lifted—a used truck dealership specializing in lifted trucks located in Mesa, AZ—is now accepting payments options from Synchrony Bank and Snap Finance on auto service. Both options are available to prospective customers and can be used fund general auto maintenance, large repairs or even truck customization projects, such as installing a lift kit.

Synchrony Bank is similar to a traditional credit…

MESA, Ariz., Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Trucks Only Lifted—a used truck dealership specializing in lifted trucks located in Mesa, AZ—is now accepting payments options from Synchrony Bank and Snap Finance on auto service. Both options are available to prospective customers and can be used fund general auto maintenance, large repairs or even truck customization projects, such as installing a lift kit.

Synchrony Bank is similar to a traditional credit loan system. It uses this system to give borrowers perks like increased purchasing power, more flexible repayment schedules, $0 fraud liability, promotional financing, rewards programs, free credit score monitoring and more. Synchrony Bank also has an online calculation tool that helps potential borrowers figure out what their payments would be beforehand. Interested parties can find out more on the Synchrony Bank website.

Snap Finance is intended for «the small stuff.» It allows borrowers to get approved for up to $3,000 quickly, without the need for a credit check. Snap Finance is able to forego a credit check thanks to using a lease-purchase agreement system. Interested parties can find out more on the Snap Finance website.

Potential customers can get more info on the Trucks Only Lifted website at liftedtrucksonly.pro or by calling the dealership at 602-354-7623. Auto service can also be schedule from those same channels. Trucks Only Lifted is located at 550 S Country Club Drive, Mesa.

Media Contact

Thomas Lewis, Trucks Only Lifted, (602) 354-7623, tlewis@trucksonlysales.com

 

SOURCE Trucks Only Lifted

6 Things to Know About GMOs

MISSION, Kan., Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — (Family Features) You may have heard of «GMO» foods before, but what you may not know is the science and purpose behind them.

MISSION, Kan., Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — (Family Features) You may have heard of «GMO» foods before, but what you may not know is the science and purpose behind them.

«GMO» is a common term used to describe foods that have been created through genetic engineering. A GMO (genetically modified organism) is a plant, animal or microorganism that has had its genetic material (DNA) changed using technology that generally involves the transfer of specific DNA from one organism to another.

Although GMO foods are widely available to consumers, there is sometimes confusion around what GMOs are and how they are used in the United States’ food supply. As part of the Feed Your Mind education initiative, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides science-based information to help consumers better understand GMOs:

1.  Only a few types of GMO foods are sold in the United States. Soybeans, cotton, corn, alfalfa, apples, canola, papaya, potatoes, summer squash, sugar beets, pineapple and AquAdvantage salmon complete the list of GMO foods currently sold in the U.S. Only a few of these are available in the produce sections of grocery stores. Most are instead used to make ingredients that are then used in other food products like cereals and snack chips.

2.  GMOs can help farmers grow crops that are resistant to diseases and insects. Humans have used traditional ways to modify crops and animals to suit their needs and tastes for more than 10,000 years. Genetic engineering lets scientists take a beneficial gene, like insect resistance, and transfer it into a plant. Results can include higher crop yields, less crop loss, longer storage life, better appearance, better nutrition or some combination of these traits.

3.  GMO foods are as safe to eat as their non-GMO counterparts. The FDA, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Agriculture work together to make sure GMOs are safe for human, plant and animal health. GMO foods are carefully studied before being sold to the public to make sure they are safe. Some GMO plants have even been modified to improve their nutritional value. For example, some GMO soybeans contain healthier oils, which can replace oils containing trans fat.

4.  GMO foods are no more likely to cause allergies than non-GMOs. You will not be allergic to a GMO food unless you’re allergic to the non-GMO version of that food. For example, if you’re not allergic to foods made with non-GMO soy, you won’t be allergic to foods made with GMO soy. When developing GMOs, scientists run tests to make sure allergens aren’t transferred from one food to another.

5.  GMOs can reduce farmers’ use of pesticides. Some GMO plants contain plant-incorporated protectants to make them resistant to insects. This lowers farmers’ need for and use of spray pesticides.

6.  A «bioengineered» disclosure will be on some of the foods you eat. The National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard requires bioengineered foods to be labeled by 2022 with text on the packages that reads «bioengineered food,» the bioengineered food symbol or directions for using your phone to find the disclosure. Sometimes the terms «bioengineered,» «GMO» and «genetic engineering» are used interchangeably, but labels required under the Standard use the term «bioengineered.»

Find more answers to your questions about GMOs at fda.gov/feedyourmind.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

Michael French
mfrench@familyfeatures.com 
1-888-824-3337
editors.familyfeatures.com

About Family Features Editorial Syndicate
A leading source for high-quality food, lifestyle and home and garden content, Family Features provides readers with topically and seasonally relevant tips, takeaways, information, recipes, videos, infographics and more. Find additional articles and information at Culinary.net and eLivingToday.com.

 

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SOURCE Family Features Editorial Syndicate

Berry Aviation announces expansion into autonomous and unmanned aviation

SAN MARCOS, Texas, Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Berry Aviation, Inc., an experienced manned aircraft operator has announced the opening of a new Autonomous and Unmanned Aviation Division located in Stillwater, OK. The new research facility conducts Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)…

SAN MARCOS, Texas, Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Berry Aviation, Inc., an experienced manned aircraft operator has announced the opening of a new Autonomous and Unmanned Aviation Division located in Stillwater, OK. The new research facility conducts Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) research supporting the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) in the areas of specialized navigation, propulsion, and acoustic improvements. The new group has a strong demand signal from several customers and recently added additional engineers to support its UAS and Counter UAS activities. «This new business line merges research, engineering, and integrations expertise into Berry’s more traditional aviation portfolio,» said Sean Iverson, COO, Berry Aviation. «It significantly enlarges the breadth and depth of support we are able to offer our DOD customers.» 

In addition to broadening the company’s aviation support capability, Berry Aviation expects the new Autonomous and Unmanned Aviation Division to have a meaningful impact in the local community. «The UAS group opens up numerous academic partnerships, internships and job creation opportunities in Oklahoma,» said Stan Finch, President, Berry Aviation. «This uniquely allows Berry to better serve our DOD customer base in mission areas such as Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), and other innovative research and development avenues, including optionally manned aircraft.» Berry Aviation recently added a dozen highly skilled jobs to the Edmond and Stillwater, OK areas and has plans to double that number by next year.

Founded in 1983, Berry Aviation, Inc. provides specialty aviation solutions for passenger and cargo transport, aerial delivery, personnel recovery, casualty and medical evacuation, ISR, night vision goggle, UAS, and training, along with maintenance repair and modification services. The company conducts 14,000 global flight and ground operations annually and possesses extensive operating experience in some of the world’s most austere and unique environments with customers and end-users including all branches of Department of Defense. Berry Aviation is based in San Marcos, Texas and is a member of Acorn Growth Companies.

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SOURCE Berry Aviation, Inc.

The Maynard Institute Announces 2021 Maynard 200 Fellowship To Advance Media Professionals Of Color

EMERYVILLE, Calif., Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The Maynard Institute for Journalism Education [MIJE], a nonprofit dedicated to making newsrooms look like America, has announced it will hold its signature Maynard 200 fellowship program in 2021. The fellowship provides cutting-edge training and year-long mentorship for leaders, storytellers and media entrepreneurs of diverse backgrounds, to prime them as candidates for higher roles in the workplace. Mentorship is provided by distinguished…

EMERYVILLE, Calif., Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The Maynard Institute for Journalism Education [MIJE], a nonprofit dedicated to making newsrooms look like America, has announced it will hold its signature Maynard 200 fellowship program in 2021. The fellowship provides cutting-edge training and year-long mentorship for leaders, storytellers and media entrepreneurs of diverse backgrounds, to prime them as candidates for higher roles in the workplace. Mentorship is provided by distinguished media professionals and experts of varying backgrounds. By emboldening the next generation of leaders in media, the Maynard 200 is facilitating equity and belonging in the newsroom and beyond.

The program is tuition-free thanks to funding by Google News Initiative, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Wunderkinder Foundation and the McClatchy Foundation. Candidates can apply for one of three tracks — Storytelling, Advanced Leadership and Media Entrepreneurship. Applications are now open, and will be accepted through March 5th.

«Our program’s mission, built on the reinvigoration of the diversity pipeline in media, is now sharpened by the triple crises of our time: the public health and economic devastation of the global pandemic, America’s racial reckoning and deep societal fractures laid bare again by the 2020 vote,» said Odette Alcazaren-Keeley, Maynard 200 director. «Responding to these seismic shifts, Maynard 200 continues to bolster the authentic voice, leadership power and change agency of professionals of color.»

«We are fortunate to have top executives, well-known journalists and news leaders, outstanding business strategists and leading academics as members of our program faculty and as mentors,» said Evelyn Hsu, co-executive director of the institute and chief architect of Maynard 200. «They are a generous and dedicated group that has made Maynard 200 a top training program.»

MIJE co-executive director Martin G. Reynolds said, «The fellows represent the future of our industry. Given where we are now as a nation, their perspectives, influence, passion, skill and creativity are essential as they seek to ascend to top leadership roles, create nuanced journalism and start new media enterprises that will help shape the journalistic landscape in the years to come. This program is as much about building up the person as it is about supporting the work they do. It is an honor to see them flourish.»

Reynolds will once again lead the fellows in Fault Lines ®, a core training session of the institute’s foundational framework of diversity, equity and belonging. It’s one of several marquee sessions in the program including Finding Your Authentic Voice and Being Heard, a discussion between public media powerhouses Tonya Mosley and Aarti Shahani.

And this year’s Maynard 200 faculty will be another high-caliber roster as in past years, comprised of esteemed experts across various disciplines. This includes the AP’s Global Investigations Editor Ron Nixon, who also co-founded the Ida B. Wells Society; renowned executive coach and career expert Caroline Ceniza-Levine, also a senior contributor to Forbes.com; and speaker coach Tom Nixon, who has mentored business top brass including from Coca Cola and VISA.

The Maynard 200 Fellowship will begin with a virtual training week, April 12-16. The second training week is scheduled November 8-12 and may be in-person, depending on public health protocols related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some travel support will be available for the second training week if it is in person.

Fellows are required to attend both training weeks and to participate in the year-long mentorship and supplementary courses.

Since 2018, Maynard 200 has trained 49 media professionals representing African American, Latino, Asian American, Native American and Middle Eastern communities; mainstream and ethnic media organizations, and entrepreneurial ventures from various regions of the United States. Included are fellows who are now being promoted at The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Mother Jones, CNN, theGrio, Associated Press, The Washington Informer, Mundo Hispano Digital Network, LinkedIn, Nieman Journalism Lab, ABS-CBN international — The Filipino Channel, Sing Tao Daily, the Indigenous Media Freedom Alliance and many others.

For more information, visit https://mije.org/professional-development/maynard-200/ or contact Odette Alcazaren-Keeley at     okeeley@mije.org or (650) 455-3063.

###

ABOUT THE MAYNARD INSTITUTE FOR JOURNALISM EDUCATION
The Robert C. Maynard Institute for Journalism Education is the nation’s oldest organization dedicated to helping the news media accurately portray all segments of society, particularly those often overlooked, such as communities of color. The media play a pivotal role in shaping our perceptions of each other. The distorted coverage of communities of color influences public policy and the decisions we make in our personal lives.

Media Contact

Odette Keeley, The Maynard Institute, +1 (650)455-3063, okeeley@mije.org

 

SOURCE The Maynard Institute

Global Bikesharing Solutions Market Report 2020 Featuring PBSC, Lime, Nextbike, Motivate, Bewegen, Smoove, Mobike, Tembici, Ofo, Qingju Riding, Clear Channel & Cyclocity

DUBLIN, Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The «Global Bikesharing…

DUBLIN, Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The «Global Bikesharing Solutions Market, 2020: Frost Radar Report» report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com’s offering.

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As urbanization and smart city trends pick up momentum globally, bikesharing solutions will play a pivotal role in integrated mobility ecosystems by enabling end-to-end multimodal transit. Technology is creating seamless connectivity between public transit and first- and last-mile travel in the form of integrated smart cards, transaction kiosks, and mobility hubs.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced companies to devise innovative business models that leverage changing mobility patterns. Meanwhile, technology disruption is enabling contactless services based on Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and Big Data Analytics to drive growth in the bikesharing and micromobility markets.

In the bikesharing space, highly successful solution providers offer best-in-class infrastructure to reduce customers’ initial capital investments and variable operational costs while enhancing service capability and end-user experience through real-time data-driven analytics and intelligent cloud-based platforms.

While some of the leading bikeshare technology companies focus on end-to-end solutions, including full system deployments and operations management, others have taken a differentiated approach by utilizing their bikesharing systems not only for first- and last-mile transit but also to support a generation of alternative revenue streams through delivery services, outdoor advertisements, and targeted digital marketing campaigns, for instance.

In a field of more than 50 global industry participants, the publisher independently plotted the top 12 companies in this analysis.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Strategic Imperative and Growth Environment

  • Strategic Imperative
  • Growth Environment

2. Radar

  • Global Bikesharing Solutions Market, 2020
  • Competitive Environment

3. Companies to Action

  • PBSC
  • Lime
  • Nextbike
  • Motivate
  • Bewegen
  • Smoove
  • Mobike
  • Tembici
  • Ofo
  • Qingju Riding
  • Clear Channel
  • Cyclocity

4. Strategic Insights

5. Next Steps: Leveraging the Frost Radar to Empower Key Stakeholders

  • Significance of Being on the Frost Radar
  • Frost Radar Empowers the CEO’s Growth Team
  • Frost Radar Empowers Investors
  • Frost Radar Empowers Customers
  • Frost Radar Empowers the Board of Directors

6. Radar Analytics

  • Benchmarking Future Growth Potential
  • Legal Disclaimer

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/lsz8fq

Media Contact:

Research and Markets
Laura Wood, Senior Manager
press@researchandmarkets.com

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SOURCE Research and Markets

Ehlers Estate Launches Winemaker Laura Diaz Muñoz’ Inaugural 2018 Vintage

ST. HELENA, Calif., Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Ehlers Estate, the 42-acre organically farmed estate vineyard in Napa Valley’s Saint Helena AVA, is announcing the launch of its 2018 vintage wines with a complete redesign and individualization of all wine labels. The 2018 vintage is Winemaker and General Manager Laura Diaz Muñoz’ inaugural vintage since joining the historic Napa Valley estate.

Since her appointment to…

ST. HELENA, Calif., Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Ehlers Estate, the 42-acre organically farmed estate vineyard in Napa Valley’s Saint Helena AVA, is announcing the launch of its 2018 vintage wines with a complete redesign and individualization of all wine labels. The 2018 vintage is Winemaker and General Manager Laura Diaz Muñoz’ inaugural vintage since joining the historic Napa Valley estate.

Since her appointment to the Ehlers Estate team in July of 2018, Laura’s singular goal has been to create unforgettable wines with layers of complexity and a remarkable expression of fruit. Originally from Madrid, Laura’s winemaking career in Napa Valley traces back to 2007 when she began working with Chris Carpenter at Jackson Family Wines, as Associate Winemaker at Cardinale, Lokoya, Mt. Brave and La Jota. In 2011, she spearheaded the launch of the company’s Galerie wines, driven by her vision and European style as the primary winemaker to create nuanced wines and dynamic labels that cohesively present «portraits of place» from some of Northern California’s most prized appellations. Working with some of the best mountain and valley floor vineyard sites in California both prepared and inspired Laura to take on the winemaking role at Ehlers Estate where she could steward the vineyard’s unique combination of vines, soils and microclimates.

Winemaker and General Manager Laura Diaz Muñoz says, «From a winemaking perspective, 2018 was a great vintage overall. There weren’t as many challenges in comparison to previous years – drought, low yields, heatwaves – so I describe this vintage as ‘slow and easy’. It allowed me to spend a lot of time in the vineyard to get to know each block and its variances. It also allowed me to let the fruit hang a little longer to achieve better fruit concentration in the wines and full phenolic ripeness. I couldn’t have asked for a better vintage to start my winemaking journey at Ehlers Estate.»

The 2018 vintage is the culmination of Laura’s ongoing winemaking journey and clear representation of her balanced approach. With deep reverence for the estate’s heritage and historic terroir, Laura applies her experience, unique insights and proclivity for consciously organic winemaking to expand the diversity and nuance of the Ehlers Estate portfolio.

«While walking the vineyard that first season and making the wines in the cellar – tasting them and exploring their potential, observing how they were evolving in the barrels – I thought a lot about making each wine a signature for its varietal and for Ehlers Estate, which led me to the idea of changing our labels to uniquely highlight each wine. We came up with one-of-a-kind labels which connect each wine to the Estate, its story, the vineyard and the tasting characteristics. Our design partner, artist Marta Botas, flew to our estate from Spain to capture the right colors, textures and panoramas to represent the vistas and vibrant dynamic of the Ehlers Estate vineyards and team. We are proud of the resulting labels and excited to reintroduce the wines,» continues Laura Diaz Muñoz.

The 2018 vintage features the Ehlers Estate 1886 Cabernet Sauvignon ($140), J. Leducq Cabernet Sauvignon ($100), Portrait Red Blend ($72), Cabernet Sauvignon ($72), Cabernet Franc ($72), Merlot ($55), Petit Verdot ($72), Sauvignon Blanc ($36 and Sylviane Rosé ($36). The nationwide roll out of the portfolio’s red wines begins in March of 2021. For more information about Ehlers Estate, please visit http://www.ehlersestate.com.

About Ehlers Estate
Ehlers Estate is a picturesque 42-acre vineyard with a stone barn winery dating back to 1886. The original winery was established by Bernard Ehlers. Today, the winery is owned by the Leducq Foundation, a trust established by Jean and Sylviane Leducq in 1996. The Leducqs came to the Napa Valley from France in search of a contiguous estate to create a winemaking legacy much like the great chateaux of Bordeaux. The mission of the Leducq Foundation is to improve human health through international efforts to combat cardiovascular disease and stroke. Proceeds from tasting fees and sales of Ehlers Estate wine help support the Leducq Foundation’s international cardiovascular research programs. The Leducq Foundation is committed to establishing Ehlers Estate as one of Napa Valley’s greatest estates, where farming and winemaking are always top priority.

The vineyard is divided into five main blocks (based primarily on soil type) and 25 sub-blocks. It has six different clones of Cabernet Sauvignon planted on multiple rootstocks, seven sub-blocks of Merlot, four of Cabernet Franc, two of Sauvignon Blanc, and a block of Petit Verdot. Ehlers Estate received organic certification from the CCOF in 2008. The vineyard’s northern Napa Valley microclimate is defined by cool fog in the mornings, burnt off by bright, full sun at mid-day, and breezes in the afternoon to ensure slow, steady, and even ripening for the grapes.

Media Contact

Stefan Sigurdsson, Colangelo & Partners PR, 9178086475, ssigurdsson@colangelopr.com

 

SOURCE Ehlers Estate

Complete Solar Acquires Current Insight

LEHI, Utah, Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Complete Solar recently acquired Current Insight, LLC. Current Insight is an engineering company that provides CAD designs, structural engineering stamps, and electrical engineering stamps to solar companies.

LEHI, Utah, Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Complete Solar recently acquired Current Insight, LLC. Current Insight is an engineering company that provides CAD designs, structural engineering stamps, and electrical engineering stamps to solar companies.

Current Insight is a domestic company that delivers the highest quality designs and engineering services at more affordable rates than many of their offshore competitors because of their focus on automation and technology.

As part of Complete Solar, Current Insight will continue to deliver CAD and engineering services to the solar industry. These products are very complementary to Complete Solar’s proposal services line of business. This acquisition augments Complete Solar’s offerings with three new products, creates new revenue opportunities, and further establishes their position as a sales, fulfillment, and services platform for the entire solar industry and beyond.

Complete Solar CEO, Will Anderson said, «Complete Solar is committed to being a ‘Complete’ platform for the solar industry. We partner with the best companies in the industry to deliver critical tools and services. Current Insight is a leader in design and engineering services and is a perfect fit for our expanded offering.»

Chris Bagley of Current Insight said, «By joining forces with Complete Solar we will greatly improve our already high standard of service for our customers and will rapidly begin providing them greater automation and integration. We are passionate about delivering the best customer experience and removing pain from the design engineering process. The Complete Solar platform gives us greater opportunities to achieve those goals.»

Current Insight is led by Chris Bagley. With over 10 years of solar experience, Chris has piloted many solar sales, training, operations, and engineering programs. His breadth and depth of experience positioned him not only to identify industry engineering pain points but to also build a company focused on eliminating those frustrations.

About Complete Solar: Complete Solar is a leading residential solar company with platform technology for managing every aspect of the customer experience. Through this platform and technology, Complete Solar partners with best-in-class companies that specialize in each link of the solar value chain. The platform is designed to become an industry standard that enables further specialization and improves each aspect of the value chain, reducing costs and enhancing the customer experience. The company currently serves 14 states and is headquartered in San Ramon, California.

Visit www.completesolar.com to learn more.

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SOURCE Complete Solar

Surf Air Mobility Announces Entry Into Definitive Agreement To Acquire Electric Aviation Pioneer Ampaire

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Surf Air Mobility, a platform for regional air travel, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire hybrid electric aviation technology pioneer <a target="_blank"…

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Surf Air Mobility, a platform for regional air travel, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire hybrid electric aviation technology pioneer Ampaire. The addition of Ampaire’s proprietary hybrid electric powertrain technology is a critical component in Surf Air Mobility’s plans to dramatically improve the affordability, accessibility, and environmental footprint of aviation, beginning with regional travel.

«With flight demonstrations and testing already in progress, Ampaire’s hybrid electric powertrain technology brings us closer to the next great shift in air travel: sustainable aviation that’s accessible to everyone,» said Sudhin Shahani, Surf Air Mobility’s co-founder and CEO. «With this advanced technology, we have the opportunity to solve aviation’s biggest problems—operating cost and environmental impact—through electrification. We see the near-term opportunity to transform existing turboprop aircraft across the entire industry as the first step to ultimately extend to fully electric aviation across all trip lengths.»

Today Ampaire is creating hybrid electric powertrains for existing popular aircraft, aimed at upgrading a first generation fleet of vehicles focused on 9- to 19-seat piston and turboprop aircraft. There are tens of thousands of aircraft eligible for this type of powertrain upgrade worldwide. Surf Air Mobility intends to make hybrid electric powertrain upgrades available to fleet owners on and off its consumer platform, as well as license its technology to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for new aircraft types. Extending the availability of electric technology will further Surf Air Mobility’s mission to move the world forward faster, and accelerate the industry’s path to zero emission travel.

Electrification has the potential to unleash a new mobility market of previously uncaptured opportunity. The Union Bank of Switzerland estimates that the global market opportunity for hybrid electric aircraft is estimated to grow to $178 billion by 2040. Surf Air Mobility is building the ecosystem needed to accelerate the entire industry’s adoption of sustainable flight with its marketplace platform, customer base, and focus on regional routes. Hybrid electric aircraft, which can lower direct operating costs, are on track to make air travel more affordable and more accessible for an even broader range of flyers and destinations. Surf Air Mobility and Ampaire intend to drive further advances toward fully electric aircraft, with the goal of significantly reducing direct carbon emissions. Transitioning to electric aircraft could also reduce fuel costs by up to 90 percent according to the World Economic Forum, as well as lower maintenance expense and noise.

«Working with Surf Air Mobility will allow us to follow the successful path of hybrid electric automobiles and take that model to the sky more quickly,» said Ampaire CEO Kevin Noertker. «It is our intention to be one of the first to make this technology available at scale on both existing and new commercial routes.»

Ampaire has successfully completed a month-long demonstration program of the first electric-powered flight on a commercial route with its Electric EEL, a hybrid electric Cessna 337 aircraft. This is the first aircraft of this type to receive FAA experimental market survey approval, allowing the company to carry passengers other than flight crew. The deployment exemplified the performance benefits of hybrid electric systems, with 100 percent dispatch reliability and long endurance flights of more than 340 miles and durations up to three hours. Ampaire has also cultivated extensive partnerships, including NASA, the Department of Energy Advanced Research Projects Agency–Energy (ARPA-E), and The United States Air Force. With an active multimillion dollar contract under NASA’s initiative for electrifying megawatt class planes, Ampaire is a trusted contributor to NASA’s goals for achieving noise, emissions, and fuel burn reduction in commercial aviation. Surf Air Mobility will continue this work to make industry-wide progress toward affordable, sustainable electric air travel.

«By focusing on shorter, regional routes in the near term, hybrid electric aircraft will completely transform the way we think about how we travel,» said Fred Reid, Surf Air Mobility’s President. «By improving the cost structure, we’re able to create a new kind of point-to-point network that opens up previously untenable markets with more direct connections. With half of all U.S. flights 500 miles or less, hybrid electric technology will have an immediate and broad-reaching impact.»

Surf Air Mobility is working to create the foundation to make electric air travel broadly available by incubating the technology for the rest of the industry. Surf Air Mobility believes the coupling of its consumer platform with Ampaire’s technology will make air travel more sustainable and affordable to more people in more places than ever before.

Completion of the transaction is subject to certain closing conditions, including, among others, the approval of the Ampaire stockholders of the transaction. For more information, visit: www.SurfAirMobility.com  

About Surf Air Mobility
Surf Air Mobility is accelerating the world’s path to zero emission travel. Using technology and infrastructure that exists today, Los Angeles-based Surf Air Mobility has assembled all the critical components needed to drive the next great revolution in aviation, including its consumer aviation marketplace, hybrid electric powertrain technology, and regional route networks. By creating the foundation to make electric aviation a reality, Surf Air Mobility aims to bring more affordable, sustainable, and personalized air transportation to everyone, beginning with regional travel. Substantially reducing the cost and environmental impact of aviation will unlock a new world of travel. For more information, visit: www.surfairmobility.com.

About Ampaire
Ampaire is leading the charge in aircraft electrification. The Los Angeles-based company’s mission is to be the world’s most trusted developer of practical and compelling electric aircraft. To start, the company is upgrading existing passenger aircraft to electric power—the quickest and most capital efficient approach to making commercial electric air travel a reality. Ampaire flew the largest hybrid electric aircraft at the time in May 2019 and is exploring larger aircraft conversions with support from NASA and the U.S. Department of Energy’s ARPA-E research arm. Ampaire’s vision is to make flights more accessible to more people from more airports by providing electric aircraft that are clean, quiet, and affordable. Ampaire is a portfolio company of Elemental Excelerator, the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator, and Techstars, with additional support from Starburst Accelerator and others. Ampaire has received numerous prestigious industry awards including Top 100 Global Cleantech and winner, Future of Mobility. For more information, visit ampaire.com.

Cautions regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by such words and phrases as «believes,» «anticipates,» «expects,» «intends,» «estimates,» «may,» «will,» «should,» «continue» and similar expressions, comparable terminology or the negative thereof, and includes statements in this press release concerning the business plans, objectives, expectations and intentions of Surf Air Mobility and Ampaire prior to and once the transaction is complete, and Surf Air Mobility’s and Ampaire’s future results of operations, business strategies, competitive position, industry environment and potential growth opportunities. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: (1) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the definitive acquisition agreement; (2) the inability to complete the transaction due to the failure to obtain approval of the stockholders of Ampaire or other conditions to closing in the definitive acquisition agreement; (3) the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the transaction, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of the combined company to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain relationships with customers, business partners, suppliers and agents and retain its management and key employees; (4) the inability to develop products and execute Surf Air Mobility’s or Ampaire’s business plan as anticipated; (5) not realizing the anticipated cost benefits of the future products in a timely and economical manner; (6) costs related to the transaction; (7) changes in applicable laws or regulations; (8) the possibility that Surf Air Mobility or Ampaire may be adversely affected by other economic, business, regulatory and/or competitive factors; or (9) the impact of COVID-19 on Surf Air Mobility’s or Ampaire’s business and/or the ability of the parties to complete the transaction.  Many of these risks and uncertainties are outside our control, and there may be other risks and uncertainties which we do not currently anticipate because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future.  Although we believe that the expectations reflected in any forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions at the time made, we can give no assurance that our expectations will be achieved.  Undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.  We undertake no obligation (and we expressly disclaim any obligation) to update or supplement any forward-looking statements that may become untrue because of subsequent events, whether because of new information, future events, changes in assumptions or otherwise. Comparison of results for current and prior periods are not intended to express any future trends or indications of future performance, unless expressed as such, and should only be viewed as historical data.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/surf-air-mobility-announces-entry-into-definitive-agreement-to-acquire-electric-aviation-pioneer-ampaire-301231314.html

SOURCE Surf Air Mobility

Covanta Holding Corporation Reports 2020 Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results and Provides 2021 Guidance

MORRISTOWN, N.J., Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Covanta Holding Corporation (NYSE: CVA) («Covanta» or the «Company»), a world leader in sustainable waste and energy solutions, reported financial results today for the year ended December 31, 2020.

MORRISTOWN, N.J., Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Covanta Holding Corporation (NYSE: CVA) («Covanta» or the «Company»), a world leader in sustainable waste and energy solutions, reported financial results today for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Year Ended December 31,

2020

2019

(Unaudited, $ in millions)

Revenue

$1,904

$1,870

Net (loss) income

$(28)

$10

Adjusted EBITDA

$424

$428

Net cash provided by operating activities

$254

$226

Free Cash Flow

$95

$140

Reconciliations of non-GAAP measures can be found in the exhibits to this press release.

Key Highlights

  • Strategic review progressing, with initial implementation steps to be announced by mid-year 2021
  • Protos project reached financial close in Q4, marking fourth UK project in construction
  • Resilient business model minimized financial impact of the pandemic in 2020
  • Reestablishing guidance for Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow for 2021

«Covanta’s 2020 results highlighted the underlying resilience of our business model and the capabilities of our incredible operating team,» said Michael Ranger, President and CEO. «Waste flows in our markets have largely returned to pre-pandemic levels and we’ve seen recent strength in the recycled metal markets, both of which are adding momentum as we look ahead to 2021.  Our strategic review is progressing and we look forward to announcing concrete steps as they are developed and executed in the coming quarters.»

More detail on our fourth quarter results can be found in the exhibits to this release and in our fourth quarter 2020 earnings presentation found in the Investor Relations section of the Covanta website at www.covanta.com.  

2021 Guidance

The Company established 2021 guidance for the following key metrics:

($ in millions)

Metric

2020 Actual

2021

Guidance Range

Adjusted EBITDA

$424

$435 – $465

Free Cash Flow

$95

$100 – $140

Reconciliations of non-GAAP measures can be found in the exhibits to this press release.

Guidance as of February 19, 2021.

Conference Call Information

Covanta will host a conference call at 8:30 AM (Eastern) on Friday, February 19, 2021 to discuss its fourth quarter results.

The conference call will begin with prepared remarks, which will be followed by a question and answer session.  To participate on the live call, please dial 1-888-317-6003 (US) or 1-412-317-6061 (international) approximately 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start of the call and enter the passcode 3286737. The conference call will also be webcast live from the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website. A presentation will be made available during the call and will be found in the Investor Relations section of the Covanta website at www.covanta.com.

An archived webcast will be available two hours after the end of the conference call and can be accessed through the Investor Relations section of the Covanta website at www.covanta.com.

About Covanta

Covanta is a world leader in providing sustainable waste and energy solutions.  Annually, Covanta’s modern Waste-to-Energy («WtE») facilities safely convert approximately 21 million tons of waste from municipalities and businesses into clean, renewable electricity to power one million homes and recycle 600,000 tons of metal. Through a vast network of treatment and recycling facilities, Covanta also provides comprehensive industrial material management services to companies seeking solutions to some of today’s most complex environmental challenges. For more information, visit www.covanta.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release may constitute «forward-looking» statements as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the «Securities Act»), Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the «Exchange Act»), the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the «PSLRA») or in releases made by the Securities and Exchange Commission («SEC»), all as may be amended from time to time. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Covanta Holding Corporation and its subsidiaries («Covanta») or industry results, to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Statements that are not historical fact are forward-looking statements. For additional information see the Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements at the end of the Exhibits.

 


Covanta Holding Corporation

Exhibit 1

Consolidated Statements of Operations

Three Months Ended
December 31,

Twelve Months Ended
December 31,

2020

2019

2020

2019

(Unaudited)
(In millions, except per
share amounts)

OPERATING REVENUE:

Waste and service revenue

$

356

$

354

$

1,412

$

1,393

Energy revenue

93

82

357

329

Recycled metals revenue

24

25

81

86

Other operating revenue

18

24

54

62

Total operating revenue

491

485

1,904

1,870

OPERATING EXPENSE:

Plant operating expense

370

333

1,420

1,371

Other operating expense, net

15

21

52

64

General and administrative expense

37

32

120

122

Depreciation and amortization expense

56

56

224

221

Impairment charges (a)

(1)

19

2

Total operating expense

478

441

1,835

1,780

Operating income

13

44

69

90

OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME:

Interest expense

(33)

(35)

(133)

(143)

Net gain on sale of business and investments (a)

17

26

49

Loss on extinguishment of debt (a)

(12)

Other income

2

1

Total other expense

(14)

(35)

(119)

(93)

(Loss) income before income tax benefit and equity in net income 
     from unconsolidated investments

(1)

9

(50)

(3)

Income tax benefit

12

1

18

7

Equity in net income from unconsolidated investments

1

2

4

6

Net income (loss)

$

12

$

12

$

(28)

$

10

Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:

Basic

132

131

132

131

Diluted

135

134

132

133

Earnings (Loss) Per Share

Basic

$

0.09

$

0.09

$

(0.21)

$

0.07

Diluted

$

0.09

$

0.09

$

(0.21)

$

0.07

Cash Dividend Declared Per Share

$

0.08

$

0.25

$

0.49

$

1.00

(a) For additional information, see Exhibit 4 of this Press Release.

 

Covanta Holding Corporation

Exhibit 2

Consolidated Balance Sheets

As of December 31,

2020

2019

(Unaudited)

ASSETS

(In millions, except per share amounts)

Current:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

55

$

37

Restricted funds held in trust

11

18

Receivables (less allowances of $8 and $9, respectively)

260

240

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

117

105

Total Current Assets

443

400

Property, plant and equipment, net

2,421

2,451

Restricted funds held in trust

6

8

Intangible assets, net

237

258

Goodwill

302

321

Other assets

297

277

Total Assets

$

3,706

$

3,715

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

Current:

Current portion of long-term debt

$

18

$

17

Current portion of project debt

9

8

Accounts payable

75

36

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

303

292

Total Current Liabilities

405

353

Long-term debt

2,396

2,366

Project debt

116

125

Deferred income taxes

362

372

Other liabilities

117

123

Total Liabilities

3,396

3,339

Equity:

Preferred stock ($0.10 par value; authorized 10 shares; none issued and
outstanding)

Common stock ($0.10 par value; authorized 250 shares; issued 136 shares,
outstanding 132 shares)

14

14

Additional paid-in capital

882

857

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(32)

(35)

Accumulated deficit

(554)

(460)

Treasury stock, at par

Total Equity

310

376

Total Liabilities and Equity

$

3,706

$

3,715

 

Covanta Holding Corporation

Exhibit 3

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow

Twelve Months Ended December 31,

2020

2019

(Unaudited, in millions)

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

Net (loss) income

$

(28)

$

10

Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization expense

224

221

Amortization of deferred debt financing costs

4

5

Net gain on sale of business and investments (a)

(26)

(49)

Impairment charges (a)

19

2

Loss on extinguishment of debt (a)

12

Provision for expected credit losses

1

2

Stock-based compensation expense

29

25

Equity in net income from unconsolidated investments

(4)

(6)

Deferred income taxes

(10)

(9)

Dividends from unconsolidated investments

9

9

Other, net

(6)

3

Change in working capital, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions

24

12

Changes in noncurrent assets and liabilities, net

6

1

Net cash provided by operating activities

254

226

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

(162)

(158)

Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired

2

Proceeds from asset sales

15

27

Property insurance proceeds

1

Investment in equity affiliates

(15)

(14)

Other, net

(15)

(2)

Net cash used in investing activities

(176)

(145)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Proceeds from borrowings on long-term debt

538

80

Proceeds from borrowings on revolving credit facility

724

536

Proceeds from insurance premium financing

37

29

Payments on long-term debt

(555)

(16)

Payments on revolving credit facility

(685)

(565)

Payments on project debt

(8)

(18)

Payment of deferred financing costs

(8)

(1)

Cash dividends paid to stockholders

(89)

(133)

Payment of insurance premium financing

(33)

(26)

Proceeds from related party note

9

Other, net

(1)

(8)

Net cash used in financing activities

(71)

(122)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

2

(1)

Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

9

(42)

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period

63

105

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period

$

72

$

63

(a) For additional information, see Exhibit 4 of this Press Release.

 

Covanta Holding Corporation

Exhibit 4

Consolidated Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) and Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities to 
     Adjusted EBITDA

Three Months Ended
December 31,

Twelve Months Ended
December 31,

2020

2019

2020

2019

(Unaudited, in millions)

Net income (loss)

$

12

$

12

$

(28)

$

10

Depreciation and amortization expense

56

56

224

221

Interest expense

33

35

133

143

Income tax benefit

(12)

(1)

(18)

(7)

Impairment charges (a)

(1)

19

2

Net gain on sale of businesses and investments (b)

(17)

(26)

(49)

Loss on extinguishment of debt(c)

12

Property insurance recoveries, net

(1)

(1)

Loss on asset retirements

1

1

3

4

Accretion expense

2

2

Business development and transaction costs (f)

1

2

Severance and reorganization costs (d) (f)

3

2

5

13

Stock-based compensation expense

10

5

29

25

Adjustments to reflect Adjusted EBITDA from unconsolidated
investments

6

7

24

25

Capital type expenditures at client owned facilities (e)

12

6

36

34

Other (f)

3

9

3

Adjusted EBITDA

$

103

$

125

$

424

$

428

(a)

During the year ended December 31, 2020, we recorded a $19 million non-cash impairment charge related to our Covanta Environmental Solutions reporting unit.

(b)

During the year ended December 31, 2020, we recorded a $26 million gain on the sale of business and investments comprised of a $9 million gain related to the Newhurst Energy Recovery Facility development project and a $17 million gain related to the Protos Energy Recovery Facility development project.

During the year ended December 31, 2019, we recorded a $56 million gain related to the Rookery South Energy Recovery Facility development project and a $11 million loss related to the divestiture of our Springfield and Pittsfield WtE facilities.

(c)

During the year ended December 31, 2020, we recorded a $12 million loss on extinguishment of debt comprised of approximately $10 million related to the redemption of our 5.875% Senior Notes due 2024 and approximately $1 million related to the refinancing of our tax-exempt bonds.

(d)

During the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we recorded $5 million and  $13 million, respectively, of costs related to our ongoing asset rationalization and portfolio optimization efforts, early retirement program, and certain organizational restructuring activities.

(e)

Adjustment for capital equipment related expenditures at our service fee operated facilities which are capitalized at facilities that we own.

(f)

Added back under the definition of Adjusted EBITDA in Covanta Energy, LLC’s credit agreement.

 

Three Months Ended
December 31,

Twelve Months Ended
December 31,

2020

2019

2020

2019

(Unaudited, in millions)

Net cash provided by operating activities

$

63

$

114

$

254

$

226

Capital type expenditures at client owned facilities (a)

12

6

36

34

Cash paid for interest

8

29

112

152

Cash (refunded) paid for taxes, net

(7)

(4)

5

Equity in net income from unconsolidated investments

1

2

4

6

Adjustments to reflect Adjusted EBITDA from unconsolidated 
     investments

6

7

24

25

Dividends from unconsolidated investments

(6)

(4)

(9)

(9)

Adjustment for working capital and other

26

(29)

7

(11)

Adjusted EBITDA

$

103

$

125

$

424

$

428

(a) See Adjusted EBITDA reconciliation above – Note (e).

 

Covanta Holding Corporation

Exhibit 5

Reconciliation of Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities to Free Cash Flow

Three Months Ended
December 31,

Twelve Months Ended
December 31,

Full Year
Estimated 2021

2020

2019

2020

2019

(Unaudited, in millions)

Net cash provided by operating activities

$

63

$

114

$

254

$

226

$230 – $260

Add: Changes in restricted funds – operating (a)

1

2

1

20

Less: Maintenance capital expenditures (b)

(53)

(25)

(160)

(106)

(120) – (135)

Free Cash Flow

$

11

$

91

$

95

$

140

$100 – $140

(a)  Adjustment for the impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-18 effective January 1, 2018. As a result of
adoption, the statement of cash flows explains the change during the period in the total of cash, cash
equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore,
changes in restricted funds are eliminated in arriving at net cash, cash equivalents and restricted funds
provided by operating activities.

(b)   Purchases of property, plant and equipment are also referred to as capital expenditures. Capital
expenditures that primarily maintain existing facilities are classified as maintenance capital expenditures.
The following table provides the components of total purchases of property, plant and equipment:

Three Months Ended
December 31,

Twelve Months Ended

December 31,

2020

2019

2020

2019

(Unaudited, in millions)

Maintenance capital expenditures

$

(53)

$

(25)

$

(160)

$

(106)

Net maintenance capital expenditures paid but incurred
in prior periods

10

(2)

12

(9)

Total ash processing system

(2)

(5)

(13)

(9)

Capital expenditures associated with the New York City
MTS contract

(19)

Capital expenditures associated with other organic
growth initiatives

(3)

(1)

(13)

Total capital expenditures associated with growth 
     investments (c)

(2)

(8)

(14)

(41)

Capital expenditures associated with property
insurance events

(2)

(2)

Total purchases of property, plant and equipment

$

(45)

$

(37)

$

(162)

$

(158)

(c)  Total growth investments represents investments in growth opportunities, including organic growth
initiatives, technology, business development, and other similar expenditures, net of third party loans
collateralized by unconsolidated project equity.

Capital expenditures associated with growth investments

$

(2)

$

(8)

$

(14)

$

(41)

UK business development projects

(4)

(2)

(13)

(3)

Investment in equity affiliate

(4)

(5)

(15)

(14)

Asset and business acquisitions, net of cash acquired

2

Less: third party project loan proceeds collateralized
by project equity

9

Total growth investments

$

(10)

$

(15)

$

(33)

$

(56)

 

Covanta Holding Corporation

Exhibit 6

Supplemental Information

(Unaudited, $ in millions)

Twelve Months Ended
December 31,

2020

2019

REVENUE:

Waste and service revenue:

WtE tip fees

$

651

$

638

WtE service fees

466

466

Environmental services (a) 

136

140

Municipal services (b)

242

231

Other (c)

37

34

Intercompany (d)

(120)

(116)

Total waste and service

1,412

1,393

Energy revenue:

Energy sales

266

273

Capacity

41

44

Other (e)

51

12

Total energy

357

329

Recycled metals revenue:

Ferrous

47

46

Non-ferrous

34

40

Total recycled metals

81

86

Other revenue (f)

54

62

Total revenue

$

1,904

$

1,870

OPERATING EXPENSE:

Plant operating expense:

Plant maintenance

$

326

$

308

Other plant operating expense

1,094

1,063

Total plant operating expense

1,420

1,371

Other operating expense

52

64

General and administrative

120

122

Depreciation and amortization

224

221

Impairment charges

19

2

Total operating expense

$

1,835

$

1,780

Operating income

$

69

$

90

Plus: impairment charges

19

2

Operating income excluding impairment charges

$

88

$

92

(a) Includes the operation of material processing facilities and related services provided by our Covanta Environmental Solutions business.

(b) Consists of transfer stations and the transportation component of our NYC Marine Transfer Station contract.

(c) Includes waste brokerage, debt service and other revenue not directly related to WtE waste processing activities.

(d) Consists of elimination of intercompany transactions primarily relating to transfer stations.

(e) Primarily components of wholesale load serving revenue not included in Energy sales line, such as transmission and ancillaries.

(f) Consists primarily of construction revenue.

Note: Certain amounts may not total due to rounding.

 

Covanta Holding Corporation

Exhibit 7

Revenue and Operating Income Changes – FY 2019 to FY 2020

(Unaudited, $ in millions)

Contract
Transitions(b)

FY 2019

Organic
Growth (a)

%

Waste

Transactions (c)

Total
Changes

FY 2020

REVENUE:

Waste and service:

WtE tip fees

$

638

$

16

2.5

%

$

4

$

(7)

$

13

$

651

WtE service fees

466

(1)

(0.3)

%

1

466

Environmental services

140

(4)

(2.8)

%

(1)

(4)

136

Municipal services

231

9

4.1

%

2

11

242

Other revenue

34

3

9.6

%

3

37

Intercompany

(116)

(3)

(1)

(4)

(120)

Total waste and service

1,393

20

1.5

%

5

(7)

19

1,412

Energy revenue:

Energy sales

273

(5)

(1.9)

%

1

(3)

(7)

266

Capacity

44

(3)

(6.5)

%

(3)

41

Other

12

39

%

39

51

Total energy

329

31

9.3

%

1

(3)

28

357

Recycled metals:

Ferrous

46

2

3.4

%

1

47

Non-ferrous

40

(6)

(15.3)

%

(6)

34

Total recycled metals

86

(5)

(5.3)

%

(5)

81

Other revenue

62

(9)

(14.0)

%

(8)

54

Total revenue

$

1,870

$

38

2.0

%

$

6

$

(10)

$

34

$

1,904

OPERATING EXPENSE:

Plant operating expense:

Plant maintenance

$

308

$

20

6.4

%

$

$

(2)

$

18

$

326

Other plant operating expense

1,063

37

3.5

%

6

(11)

31

1,094

Total plant operating expense

1,371

57

4.2

%

6

(13)

49

1,420

Other operating expense

64

(11)

(12)

52

General and administrative

122

(2)

(2)

120

Depreciation and amortization

221

5

(2)

3

224

Total operating expense(d)

$

1,778

$

48

$

6

$

(15)

$

38

$

1,816

Operating income (loss) (d)

$

92

$

(11)

$

1

$

5

$

(4)

$

88

(a) Reflects the performance at each facility on a comparable period-over-period basis, excluding the impacts of transitions and transactions.

(b) Includes the impact of the expiration of: (1) long-term major waste and service contracts, most typically representing the transition to a new contract
structure, and (2) long-term energy contracts.

(c) Includes the impacts of acquisitions, divestitures and the addition or loss of operating contracts.

(d) Excludes impairment charges

Note: Certain amounts may not total due to rounding

 

WtE Operating Metrics (Unaudited)

Exhibit 8

Three Months Ended

Year
Ended

Three Months Ended

Year
Ended

Mar 31,

Jun 30,

Sep 30,

Dec 31,

Dec 31,

Mar 31,

Jun 30,

Sep 30,

Dec 31,

Dec 31,

2020

2020

2020

2020

2020

2019

2019

2019

2019

2019

WtE Waste

Tons: (in millions)

Tip fee – contracted

2.08

2.15

2.28

2.14

8.65

2.04

2.29

2.28

2.18

8.78

Tip fee – uncontracted

0.58

0.52

0.46

0.53

2.09

0.54

0.43

0.48

0.57

2.01

Service fee

2.62

2.51

2.74

2.53

10.41

2.62

2.70

2.74

2.64

10.70

Total tons

5.28

5.19

5.48

5.20

21.15

5.20

5.41

5.49

5.39

21.49

WtE tip fee per ton:

Contracted

$

54.04

$

54.37

$

55.45

$

55.77

$

54.92

$

52.64

$

54.16

$

53.93

$

53.93

$

53.69

Uncontracted

$

82.87

$

78.71

$

89.89

$

84.96

$

83.91

$

76.57

$

89.06

$

85.22

$

81.31

$

82.61

Average revenue per ton

$

60.36

$

59.10

$

61.23

$

61.57

$

60.57

$

57.66

$

59.66

$

59.36

$

59.58

$

59.08

WtE Energy

Energy sales: (MWh in millions)

Contracted

0.51

0.48

0.51

0.53

2.03

0.47

0.47

0.55

0.57

2.06

Hedged

0.82

0.87

1.13

0.99

3.81

0.80

0.73

0.76

0.73

3.02

Market

0.30

0.18

NM

0.12

0.62

0.29

0.37

0.38

0.27

1.31

Total energy sales

1.64

1.52

1.65

1.64

6.45

1.56

1.57

1.69

1.56

6.38

Market sales by geography:

PJM East

0.1

0.1

0.1

0.2

0.2

0.1

0.6

NEPOOL

0.1

0.1

0.1

0.1

0.1

0.1

0.3

NYISO

0.1

0.1

Other

0.1

0.1

0.1

0.3

0.1

0.1

0.1

0.1

0.3

Revenue per MWh: (excludes capacity)

Contracted

$

66.32

$

69.06

$

65.89

$

70.30

$

67.90

$

67.33

$

66.00

$

62.77

$

67.33

$

65.80

Hedged

$

45.68

$

23.76

$

26.31

$

28.54

$

30.51

$

49.67

$

26.42

$

28.69

$

31.10

$

34.29

Market

$

19.15

$

17.85

NM

$

27.09

$

19.83

$

32.44

$

21.69

$

25.36

$

27.22

$

26.31

Average revenue per MWh

$

47.27

$

37.25

$

38.24

$

41.97

$

41.24

$

51.74

$

37.19

$

39.08

$

43.52

$

42.81

Metals

Tons recovered, net: (in thousands)

Ferrous

103.1

115.7

118.2

120.3

457.3

96.3

110.8

111.9

104.7

423.7

Non-ferrous

12.0

12.3

12.2

11.5

47.9

12.6

12.5

12.8

13.0

50.8

Tons sold, net: (in thousands)

Ferrous

90.6

99.2

101.3

110.8

401.8

84.0

94.9

96.4

94.9

370.3

Non-ferrous

7.5

8.1

9.1

7.3

32.1

8.3

6.7

8.2

10.4

33.7

Revenue per ton: ($ in millions)

Ferrous

$

115

$

104

$

115

$

133

$

117

$

137

$

132

$

118

$

108

$

123

Non-ferrous

$

900

$

1,123

$

1,003

$

1,201

$

1,054

$

1,123

$

1,255

$

984

$

1,346

$

1,184

WtE plant operating expenses: ($ in millions)

Plant operating
expenses – gross

$

292

$

274

$

270

$

300

$

1,137

$

294

$

278

$

256

$

269

$

1,097

Less: Client pass-
through costs

(13)

(10)

(13)

(22)

(58)

(13)

(12)

(12)

(20)

(57)

Less: REC sales –
contra-expense

(4)

(3)

(3)

(7)

(17)

(3)

(2)

(4)

(3)

(12)

Plant operating
expenses – reported

$

275

$

261

$

255

$

271

$

1,062

$

278

$

264

$

240

$

247

$

1,028

Note: Waste volume includes solid tons only. Metals and energy volume are presented net of client revenue sharing.  Steam sales are converted
to MWh equivalent at an assumed average rate of 11 klbs of steam / MWh.  Uncontracted energy sales include sales under PPAs that are based
on market prices.

Note: Certain amounts may not total due to rounding

 

Discussion of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We use a number of different financial measures, both United States generally accepted accounting principles («GAAP») and non-GAAP, in assessing the overall performance of our business.  To supplement our assessment of results prepared in accordance with GAAP, we use the measures of Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow, which are non-GAAP financial measures as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The non-GAAP financial measures of Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow as described below, and used in the tables above, are not intended as a substitute or as an alternative to net income, cash flow provided by operating activities or diluted earnings per share as indicators of our performance or liquidity or any other measures of performance or liquidity derived in accordance with GAAP.  In addition, our non-GAAP financial measures may be different from non-GAAP measures used by other companies, limiting their usefulness for comparison purposes.

The presentations of Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow are intended to enhance the usefulness of our financial information by providing measures which management internally use to assess and evaluate the overall performance of its business and those of possible acquisition candidates, and highlight trends in the overall business.

Adjusted EBITDA

We use Adjusted EBITDA to provide additional ways of viewing aspects of operations that, when viewed with the GAAP results provide a more complete understanding of our core business. As we define it, Adjusted EBITDA represents earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, as adjusted for additional items subtracted from or added to net income including the effects of impairment losses, gains or losses on sales, dispositions or retirements of assets, adjustments to reflect the Adjusted EBITDA from our unconsolidated investments, adjustments to exclude significant unusual or non-recurring items that are not directly related to our operating performance plus adjustments to capital type expenses for our service fee facilities in line with our credit agreements. We adjust for these items in our Adjusted EBITDA as our management believes that these items would distort their ability to efficiently view and assess our core operating trends. As larger parts of our business are conducted through unconsolidated investments, we adjust EBITDA for our proportionate share of the entity’s depreciation and amortization, interest expense, tax expense and other adjustments to exclude significant unusual or non-recurring items that are not directly related to the entity’s  operating performance. in order to improve comparability to the Adjusted EBITDA of our wholly owned entities. We do not have control, nor have any legal claim to the portion of our unconsolidated investees’ revenues and expenses allocable to our joint venture partners. As we do not control, but do exercise significant influence, we account for these unconsolidated investments in accordance with the equity method of accounting. Net income (losses) from these investments are reflected within our consolidated statements of operations in Equity in net income from unconsolidated investments. In order to provide a meaningful basis for comparison, we are providing information with respect to our Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, reconciled for each such period to net income and cash flow provided by operating activities, which are believed to be the most directly comparable measures under GAAP.

Our projections of the proportional contribution of our interests in joint ventures to our Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow are not based on GAAP net income/loss or cash flow provided by operating activities, respectively, and are anticipated to be adjusted to exclude the effects of events or circumstances in 2020 that are not representative or indicative of our results of operations and that are not currently determinable. Due to the uncertainty of the likelihood, amount and timing of any such adjusting items, we do not have information available to provide a quantitative reconciliation of projected net income/loss to an Adjusted EBITDA projection.

Free Cash Flow

Free Cash Flow is defined as cash flow provided by operating activities, plus changes in operating restricted funds, less maintenance capital expenditures, which are capital expenditures primarily to maintain our existing facilities.

We use the non-GAAP measure of Free Cash Flow as a criterion of liquidity and performance-based components of employee compensation.  We use Free Cash Flow as a measure of liquidity to determine amounts we can reinvest in our core businesses, such as amounts available to make acquisitions, invest in construction of new projects, make principal payments on debt, or amounts we can return to our stockholders through dividends and/or stock repurchases.

In order to provide a meaningful basis for comparison, we are providing information with respect to our Free Cash Flow for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, reconciled for each such period to cash flow provided by operating activities, which we believe to be the most directly comparable measure under GAAP.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements in this press release may constitute «forward-looking» statements as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 (the «Securities Act»), Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the «Exchange Act»), the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the «PSLRA») or in releases made by the Securities and Exchange Commission («SEC»), all as may be amended from time to time. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Covanta Holding Corporation and its subsidiaries («Covanta») or industry results, to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Statements that are not historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by, among other things, the use of forward-looking language, such as the words «plan,» «believe,» «expect,» «anticipate,» «intend,» «estimate,» «project,» «may,» «will,» «would,» «could,» «should,» «seeks,» or «scheduled to,» or other similar words, or the negative of these terms or other variations of these terms or comparable language, or by discussion of strategy or intentions. These cautionary statements are being made pursuant to the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and the PSLRA with the intention of obtaining the benefits of the «safe harbor» provisions of such laws. Covanta cautions investors that any forward-looking statements made by us are not guarantees or indicative of future performance. Important factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

  • the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our employees, business, and operations, or on the economy in general, including commercial and financial markets;
  • our ability to identify opportunities and execute on strategies and transactions, including in connection with a strategic review of our business and including acquisitions, divestitures, and restructuring opportunities;
  • seasonal or long-term fluctuations in the prices of energy, waste disposal, scrap metal and commodities;
  • our ability to renew or replace expiring contracts at comparable prices and with other acceptable terms;
  • adoption of new laws and regulations in the United States and abroad, including energy laws, environmental laws, tax laws, labor laws and healthcare laws;
  • failure to maintain historical performance levels at our facilities and our ability to retain the rights to operate facilities we do not own;
  • our ability to avoid adverse publicity or reputational damage relating to our business;
  • advances in technology;
  • difficulties in the operation of our facilities, including fuel supply and energy delivery interruptions, failure to obtain regulatory approvals, equipment failures, labor disputes and work stoppages, and weather interference and catastrophic events;
  • difficulties in the financing, development and construction of new projects and expansions, including increased construction costs and delays;
  • our ability to realize the benefits of long-term business development and bear the cost of business development over time;
  • limits of insurance coverage;
  • our ability to avoid defaults under our long-term contracts;
  • performance of third parties under our contracts and such third parties’ observance of laws and regulations;
  • concentration of suppliers and customers;
  • geographic concentration of facilities;
  • increased competitiveness in the energy and waste industries;
  • changes in foreign currency exchange rates;
  • limitations imposed by our existing indebtedness, including limitations on strategic alternatives or transactions;
  • our ability to perform our financial obligations and guarantees and to refinance our existing indebtedness;
  • exposure to counterparty credit risk and instability of financial institutions in connection with financing transactions;
  • the scalability of our business;
  • our ability to attract and retain talented people;
  • failures of disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting;
  • our ability to utilize net operating loss carryforwards;
  • general economic conditions in the United States and abroad, including the availability of credit and debt financing; and
  • other risks and uncertainties affecting our business described in Item 1A. Risk Factors of our Annual Report on Form 10-K and in other filings by Covanta with the SEC.

Although Covanta believes that its plans, cost estimates, returns on investments, intentions and expectations reflected in or suggested by such forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from a projection or assumption in any forward-looking statements. Covanta’s and the joint ventures future financial condition and results of operations, as well as any forward-looking statements, are subject to change and to inherent risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made only as of the date hereof and Covanta does not have, or undertake, any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, subsequent events or otherwise, unless otherwise required by law.

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SOURCE Covanta Holding Corporation

Aloft Tulum Debuts in Mexico’s Bohemian Paradise

TULUM, Mexico, Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Aloft Tulum, a brand-new, boho-chic inspired hotel managed by Highgate, opened today nearby Tulum’s desirable downtown district and its white-sand beaches. The four-floor property…

TULUM, Mexico, Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Aloft Tulum, a brand-new, boho-chic inspired hotel managed by Highgate, opened today nearby Tulum’s desirable downtown district and its white-sand beaches. The four-floor property features 140 loft-style guest rooms and suites, a variety of lively spaces for socialization and music including a signature Ático Rooftop Lounge & Bar with an infinity pool, teepees for kids, and the destination’s only venue for corporate meetings. Aloft Tulum is Marriott International’s first property to debut in Tulum, Quintana Roo.

«After much anticipation, we are thrilled to welcome visitors to the Aloft Tulum,» said the hotel’s General Manager Sergio Parra. «It is the perfect choice for travelers and digital nomads who are in search of a more affordable boutique hotel option with luxury touches. Not to mention, we are celebrating several firsts including being the first Marriott International property and first internationally branded hotel to enter Tulum

Aloft Tulum is as impressive as it is expressive. Next-gen travelers enter the hotel’s lobby to be greeted by urban art that is changed seasonally, modern furniture and floor-to-ceiling windows. While guest rooms boast 10-foot high ceilings, plush platform beds and light airy décor infused with natural textiles to deliver the ultimate comfort. Each room includes complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, 55-inch LCD televisions, free signature coffee, Aloft custom toiletries from Bliss® Spa and walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads. 

For mingling, Aloft Tulum offers several trendy spaces including its Ático Rooftop Bar & Lounge. At this hangout spot, guests can take a dip in the infinity pool, experience local cuisine and sip on seasonal cocktails – all while marveling at unrivaled views of Tulum. The urban hotel is home to a Re:fuel by Aloft℠, filled with fresh grab-and-go options; Re:mix℠ lounge, the perfect place to mix, mingle and play a game of pool; and the W XYZ® bar where emerging artists and local bands converge to provide exciting entertainment.

Additionally, Aloft Tulum makes doing business and hosting intimate events and weddings a breeze with three multi-functional meeting conference spaces, totaling 2,761 square feet. Meeting rooms can accommodate up to 240 people and are equipped with the latest audiovisual technology, plasma screen televisions, and complimentary Wi-Fi. For guests’ further convenience, the property provides several high-tech features including a Mobile Key program for keyless entry into guests rooms and a Concierge tablet.

Guests can stay in shape with access to the hotel’s Splash pool and Re:charge fitness center, which is outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment. The hotel also has special amenities for kids and pets.

Aloft Tulum is situated off-the-beaten-path in a beautiful location on Coba Avenue that is just a short walk or drive away to internationally-recognized cuisine, local shopping and recreational activities. Nearby attractions include Playa Paraíso, one of the most spectacular beaches in Mexico, Tulum Mayan Ruins, and the award-winning Xel-Há water park.

Double guest rooms currently start at $150 per night. Aloft Tulum has two welcome offers: Guests will automatically receive a savings of 20% on the hotel’s best available rate and Marriott Bonvoy members staying three or more nights will be awarded 3,000 points. Both offers are valid on bookings made before April 30, 2021 for travel through June 30, 2021. To book, visit https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/tuyal-aloft-tulum/

Media Contact:
Rachel Pinzur / Pinzur Communications
305-725-2875 or 291837@email4pr.com

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SOURCE Highgate