Frost & Sullivan Shares Strategic Overview of Key Industries and Investment Opportunities in India by 2025

Along with industry experts from NITI Aayog and Aditya Birla Group, Frost & Sullivan will discuss India’s economic development and fastest-growing sectors

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — From a major economic crisis in 1991, India evolved to become the fastest-growing major economy in recent years. While Frost & Sullivan estimates an 8.8% contraction of its GDP for 2020-21, there are…

Along with industry experts from NITI Aayog and Aditya Birla Group, Frost & Sullivan will discuss India’s economic development and fastest-growing sectors

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — From a major economic crisis in 1991, India evolved to become the fastest-growing major economy in recent years. While Frost & Sullivan estimates an 8.8% contraction of its GDP for 2020-21, there are strong signs of rebound with a 10.5% expansion anticipated in 2021-22. India is expected to attain pre-pandemic GDP levels before key advanced economies in 2021, driven by factors such as a decline in COVID-19 case count, which should spur consumer and business confidence, and central bank liquidity measures.

Join Frost & Sullivan experts Sarwant Singh, Benoy CS, Kaushik Madhavan, Amol Kotwal, Sowmya Rajagopalan and Mukund Devnani for the upcoming webinar, «India in 2025: Key Industries and Investment Growth Opportunities,» on Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021, at 4:30 PM (IST). They will be joined by industry stalwarts Anil Srivastava, Principal Consultant & Mission Director at NITI Aayog, and Mudit Agarwal, Corporate Strategy & Business Development VP at Aditya Birla Group, to discuss key economic trends impacting India by 2025, the fastest-growing segments, boldest development themes, and investment options across industries.

For more information and to register for the webinar, please visit: http://frost.ly/58c.

This unique webinar will provide a window to the future and insights on:

  • Indian economic development trajectory to 2025
  • Top investment opportunities and fastest-growing sectors by 2025
  • How digitization and adoption of emerging technologies across businesses are propelling India’s growth
  • Factors that are fueling the rapid expansion of the chemicals sector
  • The future of healthcare in India
  • Trends and innovations driving the food and nutrition sector
  • Expansion of smart manufacturing and job creation in the country
  • The rapidly transforming Indian mobility sector, including automotive, supply chain, and logistics
  • The major industry developments in the Indian defense sector

This webinar will also be recorded and available on-demand at http://frost.ly/1ti.

About Frost & Sullivan

For six decades, Frost & Sullivan has been world-renowned for its role in helping investors, corporate leaders and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, Mega Trends, new business models, and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success. Contact us: Start the discussion.

Press Contact:
Priya George,
Corporate Communications
M: +91 98403 55432; P: +91 44 6681 4414
E: priyag@frost.com

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SOURCE Frost & Sullivan

EVgo Awarded Grants by State of New Jersey to Support Development of 30 New Fast Chargers

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — EVgo, the nation’s largest public fast charging network for electric vehicles (EVs) and only platform that is powered…

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — EVgo, the nation’s largest public fast charging network for electric vehicles (EVs) and only platform that is powered by 100% renewable electricity, announced today that it was awarded a series of grants from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to deploy 30 new DC fast charging stalls at eight locations across the Garden State, including at grocery stores, retail shopping centers, and a travel plaza on the New Jersey Turnpike. Development of the new stations will be supported by the New Jersey DEP’s It Pay$ to Plug In program.

«EVgo is excited to partner with the New Jersey DEP to enable Electric for All by expanding the reach of reliable and convenient fast charging to more EV drivers,» said Cathy Zoi, CEO of EVgo. «Public-private partnerships are critical for accelerating EV adoption, and these new EVgo fast charging stations are a key piece of the puzzle. We look forward to enhancing and expanding our footprint in New Jersey, while delivering efficient fast charging paired with a first-class customer experience.» 

EVs are a key part of any state’s efforts to reduce emissions and boost economic activity.  New Jersey’s It Pay$ to Plug In initiative is designed to expand the network of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, making it convenient for residents, businesses, and government agencies to drive EVs. The grants support infrastructure purchase and installation for charging companies such as EVgo.

As of October 2020, there were approximately 25,000 battery electric vehicles registered in New Jersey. In an October 2020 report issued by the New Jersey DEP, Governor Phil Murphy’s administration set targets to increase total registrations of light-duty plug-in electric vehicles in the state to 330,000 by 2025 and further to 2 million by 2035. With EV momentum building within the state, the need for convenient and reliable charging options is growing in response. 

About EVgo

EVgo is the nation’s largest public fast charging network for electric vehicles, and the first to be powered by 100% renewable energy. With more than 800 fast charging locations in more than 67 metropolitan areas across 34 states, EVgo owns and operates the most public fast charging locations in the US. and serves more than 220,000 customers. Founded in 2010, EVgo leads the way on transportation electrification, partnering with automakers; fleet and rideshare operators; retail hosts such as hotels, shopping centers, gas stations and parking lot operators; and other stakeholders to deploy advanced charging technology to expand network availability and make it easier for all U.S. drivers to take advantage of the benefits of driving an EV. As a charging technology first mover, EVgo works closely with business and government leaders to accelerate the ubiquitous adoption of EVs by providing a reliable and convenient charging experience close to where drivers live, work and play, whether for a daily commute or a commercial fleet. EVgo is owned by LS Power, a New York-headquartered development, investment and operating company focused on leading edge solutions for the North American power and energy infrastructure sector. For more information visit evgo.com and lspower.com.  

About LS Power

LS Power is a development, investment and operating company focused on the North American power and energy infrastructure sector. Since its inception in 1990, LS Power has developed, constructed, managed or acquired more than 45,000 MW of power generation, including utility-scale solar, wind, hydro, natural gas-fired and battery energy storage projects, and has developed more than 660 miles of high voltage electric transmission. Additionally, LS Power actively invests in businesses focused on renewable energy and renewable fuels, as well as distributed energy resource platforms, such as CPower Energy Management and EVgo. Across its efforts, LS Power has raised in excess of $46 billion in debt and equity capital to support North American infrastructure. For more information, please visit www.lspower.com/

About CRIS

CRIS is a special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC) formed to identify and acquire a scalable company making significant contributions to the fight against the climate crisis. CRIS is co-sponsored by private funds affiliated with Pacific Investment Management Company LLC (PIMCO), which has more than $640 billion in sustainability investments across its portfolios. CRIS is led by a seasoned operations and leadership team that has decades of experience at the intersection of climate change and capitalism, and includes veterans from NRG, Credit Suisse, General Electric and Green Mountain Power. For more information, please visit www.climaterealimpactsolutions.com.

Important Information About the Business Combination and Where to Find It

In connection with the proposed business combination, CRIS (i) filed a preliminary proxy statement on February 11, 2021 and (ii) expects to file a definitive proxy statement, in each case, with the Securities and Exchange Commission («SEC»). The definitive proxy statement and other relevant documents will be sent or given to the stockholders of CRIS as of the record date established for voting on the proposed business combination and will contain important information about the proposed business combination and related matters. Stockholders of CRIS and other interested persons are advised to read the preliminary proxy statement and any amendments thereto and, once available, the definitive proxy statement, in connection with CRIS’s solicitation of proxies for the meeting of stockholders to be held to approve, among other things, the proposed business combination because the proxy statement will contain important information about CRIS, EVgo and the proposed business combination. When available, the definitive proxy statement will be mailed to CRIS’s stockholders as of a record date to be established for voting on the proposed business combination. Stockholders will also be able to obtain copies of the proxy statement, without charge, once available, at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov/ or by directing a request to: Climate Change Crisis Real Impact I Acquisition Corporation, 300 Carnegie Center, Suite 150 Princeton, NJ 08540, Attention: Secretary, telephone: (212) 847-0360. The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, the websites referenced in this press release is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this press release.

Participants in the Solicitation

CRIS, EVgo and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies from CRIS’s stockholders in connection with the business combination. CRIS’s stockholders and other interested persons may obtain, without charge, more detailed information regarding the directors and officers of CRIS in CRIS’s preliminary proxy statement filed with the SEC on February 11, 2021 in connection with the proposed business combination. Information regarding the persons who may, under SEC rules, be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies to CRIS’s stockholders in connection with the proposed business combination is set forth in the preliminary proxy statement for the proposed business combination. Additional information regarding the interests of participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the proposed business combination is also included in the preliminary proxy statement that CRIS has filed with the SEC.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes certain statements that are not historical facts but are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as «believe,» «may,» «will,» «estimate,» «continue,» «anticipate,» «intend,» «expect,» «should,» «would,» «plan,» «predict,» «potential,» «seem,» «seek,» «future,» «outlook,» and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. All statements, other than statements of present or historical fact included in this press release, regarding CRIS’s proposed business combination with EVgo, CRIS’s ability to consummate the transaction, the benefits of the transaction and the combined company’s future financial performance, as well as EVgo’s and the combined company’s strategy, future operations, estimated financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of the respective management of CRIS and EVgo and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of CRIS or EVgo. Potential risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, changes in domestic and foreign business, market, financial, political and legal conditions; the inability of the parties to successfully or timely consummate the business combination, including the risk that any regulatory approvals are not obtained, are delayed or are subject to unanticipated conditions that could adversely affect the combined company or the expected benefits of the business combination or that the approval of the stockholders of CRIS or EVgo is not obtained; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of business combination; risk relating to the uncertainty of the projected financial information with respect to EVgo; the amount of redemption requests made by CRIS’s stockholders; the overall level of consumer demand for EVgo’s products; general economic conditions and other factors affecting consumer confidence, preferences, and behavior; disruption and volatility in the global currency, capital, and credit markets; the financial strength of EVgo’s customers; EVgo’s ability to implement its business strategy; changes in governmental regulation, EVgo’s exposure to litigation claims and other loss contingencies; disruptions and other impacts to EVgo’s business, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and government actions and restrictive measures implemented in response; stability of EVgo’s suppliers, as well as consumer demand for its products, in light of disease epidemics and health-related concerns such as the COVID-19 pandemic; the impact that global climate change trends may have on EVgo and its suppliers and customers; EVgo’s ability to protect patents, trademarks and other intellectual property rights; any breaches of, or interruptions in, CRIS’s information systems; fluctuations in the price, availability and quality of electricity and other raw materials and contracted products as well as foreign currency fluctuations; changes in tax laws and liabilities, tariffs, legal, regulatory, political and economic risks. More information on potential factors that could affect CRIS’s or EVgo’s financial results is included from time to time in CRIS’s public reports filed with the SEC, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K as well as the preliminary and the definitive proxy statements that CRIS has filed or intends to file with the SEC in connection with CRIS’s solicitation of proxies for the meeting of stockholders to be held to approve, among other things, the proposed business combination. If any of these risks materialize or CRIS’s or EVgo’s assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that neither CRIS nor EVgo presently know, or that CRIS and EVgo currently believe are immaterial, that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect CRIS’s and EVgo’s expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. CRIS and EVgo anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause their assessments to change. However, while CRIS and EVgo may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, CRIS and EVgo specifically disclaim any obligation to do so, except as required by law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing CRIS’s or EVgo’s assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements.

Contacts:

EVgo

For Investors:
EVgoIR@icrinc.com

For Media:
EVgoPR@icrinc.com

Climate Real Impact Solutions

For Investors:
Daniel Gross
dan.gross@climaterealimpactsolutions.com

For Media:
Isaac Steinmetz
Director of Media Relations
cris@antennagroup.com
646-883-3655

LS Power

Steven Arabia
Director, Government Affairs & Media Relations
sarabia@lspower.com
609-212-3857

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SOURCE EVgo

GFL Environmental Awarded 2020 Seal Sustainability Award

VAUGHAN, ON, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ – GFL Environmental Inc. (NYSE: GFL) (TSX: GFL) («GFL» or the «Company») today announced that it has been awarded a SEAL (Sustainability, Environmental Achievement & Leadership) 2020 Business Sustainability Award, which celebrates outstanding global leaders in sustainability and their commitment to sustainable business practices.

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VAUGHAN, ON, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ – GFL Environmental Inc. (NYSE: GFL) (TSX: GFL) («GFL» or the «Company») today announced that it has been awarded a SEAL (Sustainability, Environmental Achievement & Leadership) 2020 Business Sustainability Award, which celebrates outstanding global leaders in sustainability and their commitment to sustainable business practices.

GFL’s Environmental Innovation Program was awarded a SEAL Environmental Initiative Award for excellence in specific environmental and sustainability initiatives. Key criteria for selection include level of investment, innovation and benchmark metrics demonstrating impact and progress toward a sustainable future.

«From our inception, sustainability has been a core value of GFL and integral to our success. We have a long-standing commitment to investing in and developing the increasingly innovative and advanced environmentally-responsible solutions our customers are looking for,» said GFL Founder and CEO Patrick Dovigi. «Our corporate purpose is to enable our customers and the communities we serve to be Green For Life. Receiving this award is incredibly significant in recognizing our commitment to sustainability and the positive impact our programs have in creating value for our business, our customers and our communities.»

GFL’s Environmental Innovation Program consists of two core components:  Sustainability Value Initiatives (SVIs) and the Greenlight Innovation Workshop. SVIs represent key strategic actions GFL is taking to optimize sustainable operations, reduce GHG emissions output and satisfy our customers increasing demand for advanced waste and resource management solutions that help them meet their own sustainability goals.  

One of GFL’s key SVIs is its investment in state-of-the-art Material Recovery Facilities that employ the latest sorting technologies, including infra-red optical sorters and AI robotics, to optimize resource recovery and end-product purity. The Greenlight Innovation Workshop gathers GFL employees from diverse service lines to share original ideas and develop operational solutions that support future SVIs. For participating employees, it’s an opportunity to use their valuable knowledge and expertise to help inform GFL’s future sustainability initiatives.

«Sustainability is at the core of BC Partners’ investing» said Paolo Notarnicola, Partner at BC Partners.  «The SEAL award GFL won is a testimony to our commitment to sustainable practices across our portfolio.  A huge thank you to our associates at GFL whose continuous efforts to promote green practices make a difference in our communities every day.  We are extremely proud of our continued partnership.»

«At Ontario Teachers’, our approach to investing is rooted in sustainability and is embedded in the way we do business.» said Blake Sumler, Managing Director, Diversified Industrials and Business Services at Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan. «We believe this award is a well-deserved recognition and should be celebrated by the entire GFL team.»

More information on GFL’s Environmental Innovation Program and our sustainability strategy can be found in our 2019 Sustainability Report at gflenv.com/sustainability.

About GFL Environmental

GFL, headquartered in Vaughan, Ontario, is the fourth largest diversified environmental services company in North America, providing a comprehensive line of non-hazardous solid waste management, infrastructure & soil remediation and liquid waste management services through its platform of facilities throughout Canada and in 27 states in the United States.  Across its organization, GFL has a workforce of more than 15,000 employees.

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SOURCE GFL Environmental Inc.

Delta Named Supplier Engagement Leader in CDP’s Supplier Engagement Rating (SER) for Its Continuous Development of a Sustainable Value Chain

TAIPEI, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Delta, a global leader in power and thermal management solutions, today announced it has been awarded the highest rating of «A»—Supplier Engagement Leader in the 2020 Supplier Engagement Rating (SER) conducted by CDP. The aforementioned «A» rating derives from the highest scores in the key rating items, namely «Supplier Engagement» (Note 1), «Scope 3 Emissions» (Note 2), and «Overall CDP Climate Change Performance«, ranking among…

TAIPEI, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Delta, a global leader in power and thermal management solutions, today announced it has been awarded the highest rating of «A»—Supplier Engagement Leader in the 2020 Supplier Engagement Rating (SER) conducted by CDP. The aforementioned «A» rating derives from the highest scores in the key rating items, namely «Supplier Engagement» (Note 1), «Scope 3 Emissions» (Note 2), and «Overall CDP Climate Change Performance«, ranking among the top 7% assessed enterprises. This Supplier Engagement Leader recognition also follows Delta’s success in attaining «double-A (leadership level)» rating in the 2020 CDP evaluation for two major environmental items: «Climate Change» and «Water Security», thus, three key honors by CDP for Delta in 2020. These accolades demonstrate that Delta not only responds to climate change with actions, but also collaborates with business partners actively to build a sustainable value chain, and its efforts and outcomes are highly recognized internationally.

Mr. Jesse Chou, chief sustainability officer, Delta Electronics, Inc., said: «Delta has long been concerned about climate change and actively participates in international initiatives. In 2015, it signed We Mean Business, and passed and implemented Science Based Targets (SBTs) in 2017 and achieved its annual SBTs for three consecutive years. Meanwhile, it actively introduced Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) to assess the risks and opportunities brought about by climate change. For global suppliers, Delta has also established key short- and medium-term targets for its supply chain, strengthened supplier operation management and risk identification, and assisted with in-depth analyses of the supply chain disruption risk caused by climate change, while sharing its experience in water conservation at its plants and green buildings so as to plan for mitigating and adapting to the impact of climate change and to realize the vision of a sustainable value chain. It is an honor for Delta to receive the leadership level A rating in the CDP assessment in conjunction with its business partners and global suppliers.»

Delta regards suppliers as long-term partners and is committed to enhancing the management of environmental, social, governance (ESG) aspects of the green supply chain and implementing the Supplier Sustainability Management Regulations. In addition, it conducts relevant ESG questionnaire surveys for different types of suppliers each year to cover the operation of the entire supply chain system and be more informed of different types of suppliers, to increase the completion rate of risk identification significantly, while reducing the risk of supplier chain disruption effectively through audits, corrections, counseling, and training. Furthermore, Delta has continued to enhance operational management and risk identification, and conducted in-depth analyses of the supplier chain disruption risk caused by drought risks under climate change. From the top 80% of the key suppliers in terms of the annual purchase amount, nearly 90 key suppliers were selected for a drought risk assessment, and the risk assessment results were included in the basis for Delta’s decision-making. Moreover, for suppliers whose production sites are located in water-scarce areas, Delta shares its experience in water conservation at its plants and green buildings, assists them in formulating climate change mitigation and adaptation plans and correction plans, and helps them seek external counseling resources and analyze water consumption, to foster the sustainable value chain.

SER is an annual rating of the performance of supply chain management based on the CDP’s supply chain plan questionnaire to which companies respond. In addition to the key item of «supplier engagement,» the rating covers the items of «governance«, «targets«, «scope 3 emissions«, and «overall CDP climate change performance«. Delta passed the SBTs in 2017 and is committed to reducing carbon intensity by 56.6% in 2025 compared to 2014, while achieving SBTs for three consecutive years from 2018 to 2020. All scope 1 and scope 2 greenhouse gases in the entire plant area passed the ISO 14064-1 certification, and the scope 3 emissions also passed the third-party certification. In 2019, ISAE 3000 assurance engagement was conducted to provide assurance for Delta’s 11 energy-saving products, including server power supplies, solar inverters, uninterruptible power systems, and electric vehicle DC chargers, to help clients reduce carbon emissions. Various climate actions have not only enabled Delta to be rated «A» in «supplier engagement«, «scope 3 emissions«, and «overall CDP climate change performance» in CDP’s SER but to demonstrate its determination to work with suppliers and clients to move towards the zero carbon and sustainability goals, thereby echoing CDP SER’s goal of achieving value chain carbon reduction through engagement.

The non-profit organization CDP’s annual environmental information disclosure and scoring process are recognized as an important standard for corporate environmental information transparency. In 2020, more than 515 investors around the world with assets of more than US$106 trillion were CDP signatories, who were required to disclose information on environmental impacts, risks, and opportunities through the CDP platform. This year, more than 9,600 companies has responded to the CDP evaluation, reaching a record high in history.

Note 1: «Supplier engagement» means that companies take specific actions to communicate and discuss sustainability-related issues with suppliers in the management of climate change to reduce possible risks in the future.

Note 2: Three categories of greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1–3):

  • Scope 1: Direct emissions from the sources owned or controlled by an organization (such as diesel, gasoline, or natural gas)
  • Scope 2: Indirect emissions from an organization’s purchased electricity
  • Scope 3: Other indirect emissions, including the carbon emissions generated from the upstream and downstream organizational activities in a company’s value chain.

About Delta

Delta, founded in 1971, is a global leader in switching power supplies and thermal management products with a thriving portfolio of smart energy-saving systems and solutions in the fields of industrial automation, building automation, telecom power, data center infrastructure, EV charging, renewable energy, energy storage and display, to nurture the development of smart manufacturing and sustainable cities. As a world-class corporate citizen guided by its mission statement, «To provide innovative, clean and energy-efficient solutions for a better tomorrow«, Delta leverages its core competence in high-efficiency power electronics and its CSR-embedded business model to address key environmental issues, such as climate change. Delta serves customers through its sales offices, R&D centers and manufacturing facilities spread over close to 200 locations across 5 continents.

Throughout its history, Delta has received various global awards and recognition for its business achievements, innovative technologies and dedication to CSR. Since 2011, Delta has been listed on the DJSI World Index of Dow Jones Sustainability™ Indices for 10 consecutive years. In 2020, Delta was also recognized by CDP with two «A» leadership level ratings for its substantial contribution to climate change and water security issues and named Supplier Engagement Leader for its continuous development of a sustainable value chain.

For detailed information about Delta, please visit: www.deltaww.com

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SOURCE Delta Electronics, Inc.

Hyzon Motors to Expand US Operations in Monroe County, New York

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Hyzon Motors Inc. («Hyzon» or the «Company»), the industry-leading global supplier of zero-emissions hydrogen fuel cell powered commercial vehicles, plans to further grow its operations in the Village of Honeoye Falls in Monroe County, New York, creating up to 100 new jobs over the next three years.

This follows Hyzon’s announcement on February 9, 2021

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Hyzon Motors Inc. («Hyzon» or the «Company»), the industry-leading global supplier of zero-emissions hydrogen fuel cell powered commercial vehicles, plans to further grow its operations in the Village of Honeoye Falls in Monroe County, New York, creating up to 100 new jobs over the next three years.

This follows Hyzon’s announcement on February 9, 2021 that it plans to go public through a merger with Decarbonization Plus Acquisition Corporation (NASDAQ: DCRB) in a deal that values the fuel-cell truck company at $2.7 billion.

Hyzon will renovate 78,000 square-feet of existing building space on Quaker Meeting House Road where the Company will manufacture next-generation fuel cells for heavy- and medium-duty commercial vehicles. Hyzon first established its US operations in 2020 in Honeoye Falls. The Company has developed hydrogen fuel cell stacks that can provide up 150kW of power and expect to launch fuel cell systems capable of 300kW in 2022.

Hyzon CEO Craig Knight said, «We are excited to announce our plans to build out a substantial manufacturing facility in the Rochester area, aided by great support from Empire State Development, Monroe County, and Greater Rochester Enterprise. Hyzon will be manufacturing industry leading fuel cell systems that have been proven in heavy trucks deployed internationally and commissioning zero emission trucks with zero compromise for fleet operators.» 

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced Hyzon’s expansion, saying: «New York’s targeted investments in the tech and green energy industries are attracting new businesses to the state and creating more opportunities for New Yorkers. Hyzon Motors’ decision to grow its forward-thinking business here in New York shows that our investments are working. The Company’s new fuel cell manufacturing facility will create 100 top-quality, high-tech manufacturing jobs, strengthening both the regional and statewide economies while also furthering our state’s green energy goals.»

The full release from the New York State Office of the Governor is available online.

About Hyzon Motors Inc.

Headquartered in Rochester, NY and with operations in Europe, Singapore, Australia and China, Hyzon is a leader in hydrogen mobility. Hyzon is led by co-founders George Gu, Craig Knight and Gary Robb and is a differentiated, pure-play, independent mobility company with an exclusive focus on hydrogen in the commercial vehicle market. Utilizing its proven and proprietary hydrogen fuel cell technology, Hyzon will produce zero emission heavy duty trucks and buses for customers across North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. The Company is contributing to the escalating adoption of hydrogen vehicles through its demonstrated technology advantage, leading fuel cell performance and history of rapid innovation.

For Media:

Brian Brooks 
H+K Strategies
713.752.1901
brian.brooks@hkstrategies.com

For Investors:

Caldwell Bailey / Marc Silverberg
HyzonMotorsIR@icrinc.com

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SOURCE HYZON Motors

U.S. Non-Federal Climate Leaders Launch America is All In To Support Cutting Emissions In Half Or More By 2030 And Put The Nation On Track To Net Zero By 2050

WASHINGTON and NEW YORK, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Today, to mark the United States’ return to the Paris Agreement, thousands of non-federal climate leaders launched <a target="_blank"…

WASHINGTON and NEW YORK, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Today, to mark the United States’ return to the Paris Agreement, thousands of non-federal climate leaders launched America is All In, a coalition to drive a society-wide mobilization for bold climate ambition to uphold the country’s commitment to domestic and international climate action. Already the most expansive coalition of U.S. leaders ever assembled in support of climate action, America Is All In is led by Michael R. Bloomberg, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Climate Ambition and Solutions, Washington Governor Jay Inslee, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, and CommonSpirit Health CEO Lloyd H. Dean.

«Over the last four years, Americans from across the country have continued pushing forward and cutting emissions, because they understand that fighting climate change strengthens our economy and protects people’s health. They’ve kept us on track to reach our Paris Agreement commitment, and with a strong partner in the White House, we can exceed it,» said Mike Bloomberg. «We have a lot of work to do, and the more we support cities, states, businesses, and climate leaders across the country, the faster we can make progress. That’s the goal of our new coalition, and we’re looking forward to working with the new administration to build on the progress we’ve made and accelerate it in the lead-up to the COP26 climate summit this November.»

America Is All In builds on the leadership shown by the nearly 5,000 cities, states, tribal nations, businesses, and institutions of higher education, faith, healthcare, and culture that rallied to keep the U.S. on a path of climate progress during the Trump Administration. The coalition will work across sectors—together with the federal government—to not only meet, but to bolster existing U.S. climate goals and align them with science-based targets, accelerating institutional and regional climate action and enabling the Biden-Harris administration to present to the global community a new, ambitious, and achievable national target of reducing emissions at least 50% from a 2005 baseline by 2030.

«With the U.S. back in the Paris Agreement, states and local governments are excited to partner with a President who has put climate and environmental justice at the core of his agenda,» said Governor Jay Inslee of Washington State, co-founder and co-chair of US Climate Alliance. «Together, we will take an all-hands-on-deck approach to build a clean energy future that creates good jobs for Americans, and invests in building a healthy future for communities that have borne the brunt of environmental and economic harms from fossil fuel pollution and climate change. States like mine will continue to lead the way and by combining forces with federal leadership, not only can we cut America’s emissions in half by 2030 but we can and must achieve net zero pollution by 2050.»

«I am honored to serve as co-chair of America Is All In and to support ambitious and critical emission reductions goals,» said Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles. «Cities have been at the forefront of climate action over the past several years and, as progressive leaders, we must continue to play an integral role in building a healthier, more equitable, and resilient future.»

«CommonSpirit Health’s vision of health equity is tied to our common vision for a healthier planet,» said Lloyd H. Dean, CEO of CommonSpirit Health. «We know that a cleaner economy protects the health of our patients, our people and our communities, especially those who are most at risk from climate change. Today, as we are planning our recovery from our current public health crisis, we have an opportunity to create a healthier future. As part of this powerful coalition, we are proud to help represent the voice of healthcare and to encourage health care providers across the country to think critically about their climate impact. Together, we can all advance climate action for a healthier future.»

White House National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy and U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry welcomed the coalition’s «whole-of-society» approach and have shown early interest in working with subnational and non-state actors as the Biden Administration deploys a «whole-of-government» strategy to tackle the climate crisis.

America Is All In represents a merging and evolution of We Are Still In and America’s Pledge. Over the last four years, We Are Still In—coordinated through Ceres, Climate Nexus, and World Wildlife Fund, with the support of over a dozen other non-profit organizations—has united thousands of cities, states, tribal nations, companies, colleges, health, faith and cultural institutions committed to ambitious climate action. Meanwhile, America’s Pledge—a Bloomberg Philanthropies initiative co-led by Rocky Mountain Institute and the University of Maryland Center for Global Sustainability with significant contributions from World Resources Institute—has quantified and reported on the actions of these leaders to drive down their greenhouse gas emissions consistent with the goals of the Paris Agreement.

In addition to advocating for an ambitious and achievable U.S. Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) ahead of COP26, America Is All In will champion the participation of U.S. subnational stakeholders in the process for developing this climate target and the Biden Administration’s strategy for reaching net zero emissions by or before mid-century.

America’s Pledge analyses have shown that climate action by U.S. non-federal actors will be critical for delivering on an ambitious and credible U.S. national strategy and NDC. Deep and robust assessments by America’s Pledge have demonstrated that non-federal actors have, in the past few years, created a significantly enhanced basis for a new, «All-In» climate policy—an all-of-society approach that, with ambitious federal policy starting this year, could deliver nearly 50% emissions reductions by 2030, relative to 2005 levels. Non-federal actors alone have a central role in delivering reductions, with America’s Pledge analysis showing opportunities to drive emissions up to 37% below 2005 levels by 2030 even outside new federal action. In a signal of support for this transformative approach, America Is All In reissued a declaration signed by over 1,700 U.S. communities, businesses, and institutions committing to prioritize climate action in their own operations and work to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

While increasing ambition and action across all sectors and levels of government, America Is All In will work in partnership with the federal government to inform, demand and deliver a robust national climate agenda that rebuilds better from the COVID-19 pandemic through new investment in clean infrastructure, new jobs, and a resilient future free from dirty fossil fuels. The coalition will also quantify and aggregate non-federal climate actions with the aims of increasing dialogue and participation of U.S. subnational leaders at events such as the Earth Day Leaders’ Climate Summit and the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow this November.

«We welcome the United States’ official rejoining of the Paris Agreement today, a major boost to international climate cooperation en route to COP26. It sets the stage for new commitments by the Biden-Harris Administration, building on the dedicated and transformational work from cities, states, businesses and investors over the last four years,» said Gonzalo Muñoz and Nigel Topping, UN High Level Climate Champions for Chile’s COP25 and the UK’s COP26 summits in a statement. «Their united call through the America Is All In alliance for a halving of U.S. emissions by 2030 represents a recommitment to science-based climate policy, and an unprecedented opportunity to unleash innovation, create sustainable jobs and regenerate nature at a pace and scale we’ve never seen before. We look forward to welcoming a new wave of American partners to the Race to Zero and Race to Resilience, and a real commitment to build back a healthier, safer, and more resilient future worldwide after COVID-19.»

MORE QUOTES FROM MEMBERS OF THE AMERICA IS ALL IN COALITION ARE LISTED HERE.

About America Is All In
America Is All In is the most expansive coalition of leaders ever assembled in support of climate action in the United States. Mobilizing thousands of U.S. cities, states, tribal nations, businesses, schools, and faith, health, and cultural institutions, the coalition is focused on pushing and partnering with the federal government to develop an ambitious, all-in national climate strategy that meets the urgency of the climate crisis; scaling climate action around the country to accelerate the transition to a 100% clean energy economy; and promoting the leadership of non-federal actors on the world stage.

Led by the U.N. Secretary General’s Special Envoy for Climate Ambition and Solutions Michael R. Bloomberg, Washington Governor Jay Inslee, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, and CEO of CommonSpirit Health Lloyd Dean, America Is All In is driving a nationwide movement to cut U.S. emissions in half or more by 2030 from 2005 levels and reach net zero emissions by 2050, while guarding against the impacts of climate disruption.

Alongside whole-of-government action on climate, America Is All In champions a whole-of-society mobilization to deliver the transformational change that science demands, with the goal of a healthy, prosperous, equitable, and sustainable future. To learn more or get involved, visit www.americaisallin.com. Twitter: @americaisallin #AmericaIsAllIn #AllInOnClimate

About Bloomberg Philanthropies
Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 810 cities and 170 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on five key areas for creating lasting change: the Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s giving, including his foundation, corporate, and personal philanthropy as well as Bloomberg Associates, a pro bono consultancy that works in cities around the world. In 2020, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $1.6 billion. For more information, please visit bloomberg.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and TikTok.

Media Inquiries:
Daphne Wang – Bloomberg Philanthropies
+1 646-771-1473
daphne@bloomberg.org

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SOURCE America Is All In

JinkoSolar to sign a strategic partnership agreement with Tongwei for project investment and industrial chain cooperation

SHANGRAO, China, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. («JinkoSolar» or the «Company») (NYSE:JKS), one of the largest and most innovative solar module manufacturers in the world, today announced that the Company intends to sign a «strategic cooperation agreement» with Tongwei Co., Ltd. («Tongwei») – to jointly invest in a high-purity crystalline silicon project with annual capacity of 45,000 metric tons and a silicon wafer project with an annual production capacity of 15GW, as…

SHANGRAO, China, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. («JinkoSolar» or the «Company») (NYSE:JKS), one of the largest and most innovative solar module manufacturers in the world, today announced that the Company intends to sign a «strategic cooperation agreement» with Tongwei Co., Ltd. («Tongwei») – to jointly invest in a high-purity crystalline silicon project with annual capacity of 45,000 metric tons and a silicon wafer project with an annual production capacity of 15GW, as well as develop a more extensive industrial chain cooperation.

According to the agreement, JinkoSolar will own a 35% equity stake in the 45,000 tons high-purity crystalline silicon project, while Tongwei will hold a 30% equity stake in the 15GW silicon wafer project. Under the industrial chain cooperation, the production capacity and products of the joint venture for the high-purity crystalline silicon will be given priority to meet the production needs of the joint venture silicon wafer company. Wafer products produced under the jointly invested silicon wafer project will be cost effective and price competitive. In addition, based on the previous procurement contract for 93,000 metric tons of polycrystalline silicon, JinkoSolar will supply Tongwei with a total of approximately 6.5GW of silicon wafer products for three years.

Mr. Kangping Chen, Chief Executive Officer of JinkoSolar, commented, «As a leading global high-purity crystalline silicon and solar cell company, Tongwei has always been an important strategic partner of JinkoSolar. Our Company has a vertically integrated production capacity with cumulative module shipments exceeding 70GW by the end of 2020. This strategic cooperation will benefit two companies from different segments of the solar industrial chain and strengthen resource sharing and integration within the PV industry, as well as increase industry leadership and dominance of both parties, and jointly create a win-win manufacturing ecosystem.»

About JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.

JinkoSolar (NYSE: JKS) is one of the largest and most innovative solar module manufacturers in the world. JinkoSolar distributes its solar products and sells its solutions and services to a diversified international utility, commercial and residential customer base in China, the United States, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, Chile, South Africa, India, Mexico, Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, Italy, Spain, France, Belgium, and other countries and regions. JinkoSolar has built a vertically integrated solar product value chain, with an integrated annual capacity of 20 GW for mono wafers, 11 GW for solar cells, and 25 GW for solar modules, as of September 30, 2020.

JinkoSolar has 9 productions facilities globally, 20 overseas subsidiaries in Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, India, Turkey, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, United States, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Australia, Portugal, Canada, Malaysia, UAE, Kenya, Denmark, and global sales teams in China, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Bulgaria, Greece, Ukraine, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Morocco, Kenya, South Africa, Costa Rica, Colombia, Panama, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Poland and Argentina, as of September 30, 2020.

To find out more, please see: www.jinkosolar.com.

Safe-Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements constitute «forward-looking» statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as «will,» «expects,» «anticipates,» «future,» «intends, «plans,» «believes,» «estimates» and similar statements. Among other things, the quotations from management in this press release and the Company’s operations and business outlook, contain forward-looking statements. Such statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in JinkoSolar’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 20-F. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

Ripple Zhang
JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.
Tel: +86 21-5183-3105
Email: pr@jinkosolar.com

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SOURCE JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.

Fusion energy start-up HB11 Energy launched to accelerate German-Australian physicist Heinrich Hora’s vision of clean, safe and abundant fusion energy

  • HB11 Energy raised $A 4.6M in an over-subscribed pre-seed financing round.
  • HB11 Energy has launched its experimental program developing a new source of clean, safe and reliable electricity using the fusion hydrogen and boron-11 (the HB11 reaction).
  • New on the board: German entrepreneur, investor and multiple founder Lukasz Gadowski.

SYDNEY, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/…

  • HB11 Energy raised $A 4.6M in an over-subscribed pre-seed financing round.
  • HB11 Energy has launched its experimental program developing a new source of clean, safe and reliable electricity using the fusion hydrogen and boron-11 (the HB11 reaction).
  • New on the board: German entrepreneur, investor and multiple founder Lukasz Gadowski.

SYDNEY, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — HB11 Energy Holdings Pty Ltd recently closed its oversubscribed pre-seed fundraise at $A4.6M and commenced its experimental program after opening the round in April 2020.

Scientific Director Prof Heinrich Hora (left), and Managing Director Dr Warren McKenzie (right).

This investment has established Australia’s first commercial fusion energy company, which will now drive an international R&D program aimed at the Holy Grail of fusion energy research – to demonstrate net energy gain and prove that HB11 Energy can develop a clean, safe and virtually unlimited source of large-scale electricity production.

The round was entirely funded by high-net-worth individuals.  

«Since launching our pre-seed round in April last year, we’ve been overwhelmed by investors interested in the environmental impact of our technology, as well as the financial returns inherent in our success,» said Dr Warren McKenzie, Founder and Managing Director of HB11 Energy.

Prof Hora’s career’s work has been motivated by the enormous benefits of the HB11 reaction for energy generation over other nuclear energy approaches. The HB11 reaction creates electricity directly, the fuels are safe and abundant, it does not create harmful radiation and there is no possibility of a reactor melt-down. Patents have been granted in four countries for Hora’s concept generator.

«Our clean and absolutely safe reactor can be placed within densely populated areas, with no possibility of a catastrophic meltdown such as that which has been seen with nuclear fission reactors,» said Professor Heinrich Hora.

Prof Hora’s theories, developed over half a century of research at UNSW Sydney, were validated in recent years with several academic research groups demonstrating the non-thermal initiation of the HB11 fusion reaction using high-peak-power lasers, of which two were published in 2020.  HB11 Energy has launched its experimental program with researchers from Australia, the USA and the UK.

Lukasz Gadowski appointed to the HB11 Energy Holdings Board

Gadowski is a deep-tech investor with a mission to deliver a better future via technology and a focus on clean energy and next-generation aviation. He has an impressive background as an entrepreneur having grown several companies to multi-billion-dollar valuations. Among these is Delivery Hero, which recently entered the DAX – Germany’s leading stock market index. Others include Enpal, a German solar company for consumers, and Volocopter, globally leading company in the upcoming field of Urban Air Mobility.

«We are excited to welcome Lukasz Gadowski to the Board,» said Prof Hora. «His passion for physics, experience building many immensely successful multinational companies and perspective on the broad impact of our technology, all make Lukasz a most valuable addition to our team.»

«Professor Heinrich Hora is the pioneer of hydrogen-boron fusion technology – the most elegant approach that I have come across so far. Now we have to put theory into practice. A difficult task, but it’s worth the effort alone,» Gadowski said. «It is an honour to be part of the revolution of energy production alongside Heinrich Hora

As HB11 Energy ramps up its R&D activities this year, it is taking expressions of interest for collaborations with university and public sector researchers. HB11 Energy is also planning to launch a seed fundraising round later this year and is interested in hearing from prospective investors. https://hb11.energy/contact/

Contact:

Warren McKenzie (Australia / Asia)
Warren.McKenzie@hb11.energy
Phone: +61-400-059-509

Jan Kirchhoff (Europe / US)
Jan.Kirchhoff@hb11.energy  
Phone number: +352-691-274-42

www.hb11.energy

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SOURCE HB11 Energy Holdings Pty Ltd

Danone Welcomes Follow Your Heart to Its Plant-Based Family of Brands

PARIS and LOS ANGELES, Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Leading global food and beverage company Danone and Earth Island®, maker of Follow Your Heart brands and a pioneering leader in plant-based foods, today announced that they have entered into a share purchase agreement under which Danone will acquire 100% of the shares of Earth Island®. With a proven track record of growth and innovation, and a long-term commitment to nutrition, sustainability and…

PARIS and LOS ANGELES, Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Leading global food and beverage company Danone and Earth Island®, maker of Follow Your Heart brands and a pioneering leader in plant-based foods, today announced that they have entered into a share purchase agreement under which Danone will acquire 100% of the shares of Earth Island®. With a proven track record of growth and innovation, and a long-term commitment to nutrition, sustainability and environmental stewardship, Earth Island® represents a strong cultural fit with Danone and provides Danone with a unique opportunity to strengthen its plant-based business.

Founded in 1988 to meet the growing demand for Vegenaise at the Follow Your Heart Market & Café, Earth Island® is a pioneer in the U.S. plant-based marketplace with a leading dairy-free cheese brand—offering shredded and sliced plant-based cheese, grated and shredded plant-based parmesan and cream cheese alternatives—and the most iconic egg-free mayonnaise brand, Vegenaise. The company also produces delicious plant-based sour cream, salad dressings, and VeganEgg® within their Follow Your Heart portfolio. As part of the Danone family, Earth Island® will be able to accelerate the growth of the Follow Your Heart brand nationally and internationally alongside some of Danone’s best-known plant-based brands, including Alpro, Silk and So Delicious Dairy Free.

«Our mission has always been to produce the best plant-based food products and to make them available to as many people as possible,» said Bob Goldberg, co-founder and CEO of Earth Island®. «We’re very pleased to be joining the Danone family of plant-based companies in a collective effort to bring positive change in the world through the creation of sustainably and responsibly-made foods.»

As a global and U.S. leader in plant-based food and beverages, Danone is committed to bringing innovative, delicious plant-based offerings to consumers, in an unmatched variety of formats, for every moment throughout the day, lifestyle and need. In the U.S., plant-based food and beverages are a $5 billion category1, and plant-based cheese is one of the fastest growing segments within it. This partnership will enable Danone to enhance and expand its plant-based offerings to provide consumers with plant-based alternatives for even more occasions throughout their day, while also contributing to its goal of increasing plant-based sales worldwide from more than €2 billion in 2020 to €5 billion by 2025.

«We are delighted to welcome Follow Your Heart’s team to our amazing team at Danone,» said Shane Grant, EVP and CEO, Danone North America. «The Follow Your Heart family shares our commitment to producing high-quality products that delight consumers while contributing to the wellbeing of People and Planet. Consumers are increasingly eating flexitarian diets, and we look forward to working with the Follow Your Heart team to offer our consumers even more choices. This partnership will build on our success in plant-based beverages, yogurt alternatives and creamers, further accelerating the growth of our North American plant-based business.»

Danone’s North American business is the world’s largest Certified B Corporation® with a mission to bring health through food to as many people as possible. Like Danone, Earth Island® is a mission-driven company dedicated to innovating and producing high-quality foods that enhance the lives of its consumers and contribute to the betterment and wellbeing of the Earth and its inhabitants. Together, the two companies will continue to lead the plant-based revolution to support the health of people and planet.

The transaction is subject to receipt of required regulatory approvals.

About Follow Your Heart

For over 50 years, Follow Your Heart Brands has established itself as a leader in the dairy-free, plant-based industry. Committed to environmentally sustainable business practices, Follow Your Heart Brand manufactures its products in its Los Angeles-based solar-powered facility called Earth Island® which has been distinguished as Platinum-level Zero Waste certified, the highest possible status, under the TRUE (Total Resource Use and Efficiency) certification system. Follow Your Heart Brand’s signature products include Vegenaise, Dairy-Free Cheeses, VeganEgg, Salad Dressings, Dairy-Free Yogurt, Cream Cheese, and Sour Cream, all of which are naturally dairy-, gluten- and cholesterol-free and made with all-natural, non-GMO ingredients.

About Danone (www.danone.com)

Danone is a leading multi-local food and beverage company building on health-focused and fast-growing categories in 3 businesses: Essential Dairy & Plant-Based products, Waters and Specialized Nutrition. With its ‘One Planet. One Health’ frame of action, which considers the health of people and the planet as intimately interconnected, Danone aims to inspire healthier and more sustainable eating and drinking practices. To accelerate this food revolution and create superior, sustainable, profitable value for all its stakeholders, Danone has defined nine 2030 Goals, and paved the way as the first listed company to adopt the French «Entreprise à Mission» status, inspired by the public benefit corporation status in the US. With a purpose to bring health through food to as many people as possible, and corresponding social, societal and environmental objectives set out in its articles of association, Danone commits to operating in an efficient, responsible and inclusive manner, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. By 2025, Danone aims to become one of the first multinational companies to obtain B CorpTM certification. With more than 100,000 employees, and products sold in over 120 markets, Danone generated €25.3 billion in sales in 2019. Danone’s portfolio includes leading international brands (Actimel, Activia, Alpro, Aptamil, Danette, Danio, Danonino, evian, Nutricia, Nutrilon, Volvic, among others) as well as strong local and regional brands (including AQUA, Blédina, Bonafont, Cow & Gate, Horizon Organic, Mizone, Oikos, Prostokvashino, Silk, Vega). Listed on Euronext Paris and present on the OTCQX market via an ADR (American Depositary Receipt) program, Danone is a component stock of leading sustainability indexes including the ones managed by Vigeo Eiris and Sustainalytics, as well as the Ethibel Sustainability Index, the MSCI ESG Indexes, the FTSE4Good Index Series, Bloomberg Gender Equality Index, and the Access to Nutrition Index.

1 Source: IRI Syndicated, Total US MULO, L52 Weeks Ending 1/31/2021

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SOURCE Danone

Televisa Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2020 Results

MEXICO CITY, Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ —

2020 Highlights

Consolidated

  • Excluding Other Businesses, Segment Revenue and Operating Segment Income (OSI) for our three core operations grew by 2.0% and 2.1%, respectively.
  • Closed the year with a solid cash position of U.S.$1.8 billion dollars and a net debt leverage ratio of 2.5.

Cable

  • Record…

MEXICO CITY, Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ —

2020 Highlights

Consolidated

  • Excluding Other Businesses, Segment Revenue and Operating Segment Income (OSI) for our three core operations grew by 2.0% and 2.1%, respectively.
  • Closed the year with a solid cash position of U.S.$1.8 billion dollars and a net debt leverage ratio of 2.5.

Cable

  • Record organic growth of 1.4 million Revenue Generating Units («RGUs»), reaching a total of 14.1 million.
  • Net broadband RGUs additions of 734.8 thousand, the highest organic growth on record.
  • Solid revenue and OSI growth of 8.8% and 6.2%, respectively.

Sky

  • Added video customers in every single quarter of the year.
  • Achieved the fastest pace of broadband and video net additions since 2016.
  • Revenue growth of 3.7%, OSI in line with 2019, and a margin of 41.3%.

Content

  • Audience growth y-o-y of 20%[1] in our flagship network during weekdays.
  • Revenues down 7.0% primarily due to COVID-19.
  • Aggressive cost reduction plan resulted in Ps.2.2 billion in savings.
  • OSI margin reached 37.9%, an increase of 180 basis points from 2019 and the highest margin since 2016.

[1] Source: Nielsen. P4+, Monday to Friday, 16:30 to 23:00

 

Earnings Call Date and Time: Friday, February 19, 2021, at 10:00 A.M. ET.

Conference ID # is 4785235

From the U.S.: +1 (877) 850 2115

From Mexico: 800 926 9157

International callers: +1 (478) 219 0648

Rebroadcast: +1 (404) 537-3406

The teleconference will be rebroadcast starting at 01:00 P.M. ET
on February 19 and will end at midnight on March 5.

 

Consolidated Results

Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. (NYSE:TV; BMV: TLEVISA CPO; «Televisa» or «the Company»), today announced results for full year and fourth quarter 2020. The results have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards («IFRS»).

The following table sets forth condensed consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, in millions of Mexican pesos.

2020

Margin

2019

Margin

Change

%

%

%

Net sales

97,361.6

100.0

101,757.2

100.0

(4.3)

Operating segment income1

40,510.9

38.8

41,032.1

38.6

(1.3)

1 The operating segment income margin is calculated as a percentage of segment net sales.

Net sales, decreased by 4.3% to Ps.97,361.6  million in 2020 compared with Ps.101,757.2 million in 2019. This decreased was due to revenue decline in the Other Businesses and Content segments. Operating segment income decreased 1.3%, but margin was higher than 2019 and reached 38.8%.

The following table sets forth condensed consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, in millions of Mexican pesos:

2020

Margin

2019

Margin

Change

%

%

%

Net sales

97,361.6

100.0

101,757.2

100.0

(4.3)

Net income

674.0

0.7

6,106.8

6.0

(89.0)

Net (loss) income attributable to stockholders of the Company

(892.3)

(0.9)

4,626.1

4.5

n/a

Segment net sales

104,390.8

100.0

106,309.9

100.0

(1.8)

Operating segment income (1)

40,510.9

38.8

41,032.1

38.6

(1.3)

(1)  The operating segment income margin is calculated as a percentage of segment net sales.

Net income or loss attributable to stockholders of the Company amounted to a net loss of Ps.892.3 million for 2020, compared with a net income of Ps.4,626.1 million for 2019. The unfavorable net change of Ps.5,518.4 million, reflected (i) a Ps.6,350.5 million unfavorable change in share of income or loss of associates and joint ventures, net; (ii) a Ps. 2,336.1 million increase in income taxes; (iii) a Ps.777.9 million decrease in income before depreciation and amortization; (iv) a Ps.252.0 million increase in depreciation and amortization; and (v) a Ps.85.6 million increase in net income attributable to non-controlling interests.

These unfavorable variances were partially offset by (i) a Ps.2,709.6 million decrease in finance expense, net; and (ii) a Ps.1,574.1 million favorable change in other income (expense), net.

Dividend

The Company’s Board of Directors approved the payment of a dividend of Ps.0.35 per CPO and $0.002991452991 per share of Series «A», «B», «D» and «L» Shares not in the form of a CPO. This dividend is subject to the approval of the Company’s stockholders.

Full year results by business segment

The following table presents full year consolidated results ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, for each of our business segments, in millions of Mexican pesos.

Net Sales

2020

%

2019

%

Change

%

Cable

45,367.1

43.5

41,702.0

39.2

8.8

Sky

22,134.7

21.2

21,347.1

20.1

3.7

Content

32,613.0

31.2

35,060.5

33.0

(7.0)

Other Businesses

4,276.0

4.1

8,200.3

7.7

(47.9)

Segment Net Sales

104,390.8

100.0

106,309.9

100.0

(1.8)

Intersegment Operations1

(7,252.5)

(5,394.1)

Net Sales

97,138.3

100,915.8

(3.7)

Disposed Operations 2

223.3

n/a

841.4

n/a

n/a

Consolidated Net Sales

97,361.6

101,757.2

(4.3)

       

Operating Segment Income3

2020

Margin

 %

2019

Margin

%

Change

%

Cable

18,898.3

41.7

17,797.6

42.7

6.2

Sky

9,135.3

41.3

9,121.2

42.7

0.2

Content

12,360.8

37.9

12,649.1

36.1

(2.3)

Other Businesses

116.5

2.7

1,464.2

17.9

(92.0)

Operating Segment Income            

40,510.9

38.8

41,032.1

38.6

(1.3)

Corporate Expenses

(1,882.9)

(1.8)

(1,888.4)

(1.8)

0.3

Depreciation and Amortization

(21,260.8)

(21.8)

(21,008.8)

(20.6)

(1.2)

Other Income  (Expense), net

257.5

0.3

(1,316.6)

(1.3)

n/a

Intersegment Operations1

(71.5)

(0.1)

(72.2)

(0.1)

1.0

Disposed Operations 2

(4.0)

n/a

258.9

n/a

n/a

Operating Income

17,549.2

18.0

17,005.0

16.7

3.2

1 For segment reporting purposes, intersegment operations are included in each of the segment operations.

2 The sale of the Company’s Radio business was concluded on July 2nd, 2020. Accordingly, the net sales and the operating segment income associated with the Radio business, which was part of the Company’s Other Businesses segment, are presented separately as disposed operations for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

3 Operating segment income is defined as operating income before depreciation and amortization, corporate expenses, and other income (expense), net.

Fourth quarter results by business segment

The following table presents fourth quarter consolidated results ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, for each of our business segments. Fourth quarter consolidated results for 2020 and 2019 are presented in millions of Mexican pesos.

Net Sales

4Q’20

%

4Q’19

%

Change

%

Cable

11,825.7

39.8

11,016.1

37.3

7.3

Sky

5,616.7

18.9

5,379.1

18.2

4.4

Content

11,111.5

37.4

11,166.6

37.9

(0.5)

Other Businesses

1,170.0

3.9

1,933.9

6.6

(39.5)

Segment Net Sales

29,723.9

100.0

29,495.7

100.0

0.8

Intersegment Operations1

(1,941.2)

(1,495.3)

Net Sales

27,782.7

28,000.4

(0.8)

Disposed operations 2

n/a

267.8

n/a

n/a

Consolidated Net Sales

27,782.7

28,268.2

(1.7)

       

Operating Segment Income3

4Q’20

Margin

%

4Q’19

Margin

 %

Change

%

Cable

4,954.8

41.9

4,545.0

41.3

9.0

Sky

2,143.2

38.2

2,108.9

39.2

1.6

Content

5,371.4

48.3

4,341.2

38.9

23.7

Other Businesses

164.6

14.1

96.7

5.0

70.2

Operating Segment Income            

12,634.0

42.5

11,091.8

37.6

13.9

Corporate Expenses

(718.2)

(2.4)

(496.7)

(1.7)

(44.6)

Depreciation and Amortization

(5,639.3)

(20.3)

(5,392.4)

(19.1)

(4.6)

Other Expense, net

(399.9)

(1.4)

(455.3)

(1.6)

12.2

Intersegment Operations1

(16.3)

(0.1)

(18.8)

(0.1)

13.3

Disposed operations 2

n/a

100.3

n/a

n/a

Operating Income

5,860.3

21.1

4,828.9

17.1

21.4

1 For segment reporting purposes, intersegment operations are included in each of the segment operations.

2 The sale of the Company’s Radio business was concluded on July 2nd, 2020. Accordingly, the net sales and the operating segment income associated with the Radio business, which was part of the Company’s Other Businesses segment, are presented separately as disposed operations for the quarter ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

3 Operating segment income is defined as operating income before depreciation and amortization, corporate expenses, and other income (expense), net.

Cable 

Total net additions for the quarter were approximately 223.1 thousand RGUs. Quarterly growth was mainly driven by 127.6 thousand broadband net additions and 109.3 thousand voice net additions. Video RGUs decreased by 49.2 thousand.

The following table sets forth the breakdown of RGUs per service type for our Cable segment as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.

RGUs

4Q’20 Net Adds

2020 Net Adds

2020

2019

Video

(49,226)

(34,181)

4,284,682

4,318,863

Broadband

127,614

734,805

5,430,859

4,696,054

Voice

109,266

658,538

4,296,530

3,637,992

Mobile

35,401

75,515

75,515

Total RGUs

223,055

1,434,677

14,087,586

12,652,909

Fourth quarter sales increased by 7.3% to Ps.11,825.7 million compared with Ps.11,016.1 million in fourth quarter 2019 driven by solid net additions in broadband, voice and strong performance in Enterprise operations.

Full year sales increased by 8.8% to Ps.45,367.1 million compared with Ps.41,702.0 million in 2019. Total RGUs reached 14.1 million. Total net additions for the year were more than 1.4 million.

Fourth quarter operating segment income increased by 9.0% to Ps.4,954.8 million compared with Ps.4,545.0 million in fourth quarter 2019.

Full year operating segment income increased by 6.2% to Ps.18,898.3 million compared with Ps. 17,797.6 million in 2019. The margin reached 41.7%.

The following tables set forth the breakdown of revenues and operating segment income, excluding consolidation adjustments, for our MSO and enterprise operations for fourth quarter 2020 and 2019, and for full year 2020 and 2019.

MSO Operations (1)

Millions of Mexican pesos

2020

2019

Change %

4Q’20

4Q’19

Change %

Revenue

40,441.4

37,495.8

7.9

10,529.4

9,800.9

7.4

Operating Segment Income

17,091.4

16,248.0

5.2

4,471.4

4,151.1

7.7

Margin (%)

42.3

43.3

42.5

42.4

  

Enterprise Operations (1) 

Millions of Mexican pesos

2020

2019

Change %

4Q’20

4Q’19

Change %

Revenue

6,783.3

5,874.5

15.5

1,778.1

1,631.0

9.0

Operating Segment Income

2,388.3

2,051.1

16.4

645.8

527.9

22.3

Margin (%)

35.2

34.9

36.3

32.4

(1)  Full year results do not include the consolidation adjustments of Ps.1,857.6 million in revenues nor Ps.581.4 million in Operating Segment Income for 2020, neither the consolidation adjustments of Ps.1,668.3 million in revenues nor Ps.501.5 million in Operating Segment Income for 2019. Likewise, fourth quarter results do not include the consolidation adjustments of Ps.481.8 million in revenues nor Ps.162.4 million in Operating Segment Income for fourth quarter 2020, neither the consolidation adjustments of Ps.415.8 million in revenues nor Ps.134.0 million in Operating Segment Income for fourth quarter 2019. Consolidation adjustments are considered in the consolidated results of the Cable segment.

Full year sales and operating segment income in our MSO operations increased by 7.9% and 5.2%, respectively, reaching a margin of 42.3%. Full year sales and operating segment income in our Enterprise Operations increased by 15.5% and 16.4%, respectively.

Sky

Total net additions for the quarter were approximately 76.9 thousand RGUs. Quarterly growth was mainly driven by 71.9 thousand broadband net additions. Sky continued growing its video business after adding 4.9 thousand RGUs.

The following table sets forth the breakdown of RGUs per service type for Sky as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.

RGUs

4Q’20 Net Adds

2020 Net Adds

2020

2019

Video

4,944

47,943

7,477,294

7,429,351

Broadband

71,896

279,793

665,907

386,114

Voice

55

(253)

892

1,145

Total RGUs

76,895

327,483

8,144,093

7,816,610

Fourth quarter sales increased by 4.4% to Ps.5,616.7 million compared with Ps.5,379.1 million in fourth quarter 2019. This mainly explained by the growth in broadband RGUs.

Full year sales increased by 3.7% to Ps.22,134.7 million compared with Ps.21,347.1 million in 2019.

Fourth quarter operating segment income increased 1.6% to Ps.2,143.2 million compared with Ps.2,108.9 million in fourth quarter 2019. The margin was 38.2%, mainly affected by the amortization of certain sports that reinitiated in the second half of the year.

Full year operating segment income increased by 0.2% to Ps.9,135.3 million compared with Ps.9,121.2 million in 2019, and the margin was 41.3%.

Content

Fourth quarter sales decreased 0.5% to Ps.11,111.5 million compared with Ps.11,166.6 million in fourth quarter 2019.

Full year sales decreased by 7.0% to Ps.32,613.0 million compared with Ps.35,060.5 million in 2019.

Millions of Mexican pesos

2020

%

2019

%

Change %

Advertising

16,349.8

50.1

19,459.4

55.5

(16.0)

Network Subscription

5,466.2

16.8

4,993.2

14.2

9.5

Licensing and Syndication

10,797.0

33.1

10,607.9

30.3

1.8

Net Sales

32,613.0

35,060.5

(7.0)

Advertising

Fourth quarter advertising sales were Ps.6,628.1 million, relatively flat compared with Ps.6,620.6 million in fourth quarter 2019. This representes a recovery across most categories among our private sector clients with respect to second and third quarter of 2020.

Full year advertising sales decreased by 16.0%. The decrease in sales is explained by a significant deterioration in the Mexican economy due to COVID-19.

Network Subscription

Fourth quarter Network Subscription revenues increased by 5.4% to Ps.1,401.7 compared with Ps.1,330.0 million in fourth quarter 2019.

Full year Network Subscription revenue increased by 9.5%, mainly related to the increase in the price we charge our affiliated distributors for our pay TV networks and to the favorable impact of the depreciation of the Mexican peso on our dollar-denominated revenues.

Licensing and Syndication     

Fourth quarter Licensing and Syndication sales decreased by 4.2% to Ps.3,081.7 million from Ps.3,216.0 million in fourth quarter 2019. Royalties from Univision increased 8.8%, reaching U.S.$110.2 million dollars in fourth quarter 2020 compared to U.S.$101.3 million dollars in fourth quarter 2019. This was a record high for a quarter. For the full year 2020 royalties from Univision decreased by 2.4%, reaching U.S.$379.6 million dollars.

Fourth quarter operating segment income, increased by 23.7% to Ps.5,371.4 compared with Ps.4,341.2 million in fourth quarter 2019. The margin was 48.3%, close to ten percentage points higher than 2019. This increase is mainly explained by an aggressive cost and expense reduction plan.

Full-year operating segment income decreased by 2.3% to Ps.12,360.8 million compared with Ps.12,649.1 million in 2019, but the margin was 180 bps higher than 2019.

Other Businesses

Other Businesses were affected by the closing of the economy and measures triggered in response to COVID-19, which included the suspension or limitation of activities in some businesses of this segment.

Fourth quarter sales decreased by 39.5% to Ps.1,170.0 million compared with Ps.1,933.9 million in fourth quarter 2019. Full year sales decreased by 47.9% to Ps.4,276.0 million compared with Ps.8,200.3 million in 2019.

Fourth quarter operating segment income increased by 70.2% to Ps.164.6 million compared with Ps.96.7 million in fourth quarter 2019. Full year operating segment income decreased by 92.0% to Ps.116.5 million compared with Ps.1,464.2 million in 2019.

Corporate Expense

Corporate expense reached Ps.1,882.9 million in 2020, relatively flat when compared with Ps.1,888.4 million in 2019.

Share-based compensation expense in 2020 and 2019, amounted to Ps.984.4 million and Ps.1,129.6 million, respectively, and was accounted for as corporate expense. Share-based compensation expense is measured at fair value at the time the equity benefits are conditionally sold to officers and employees, and is recognized over the vesting period.

Other Income or Expense, Net

Other income or expense, net, changed by Ps.1,574.1 million, to other income, net, of Ps.257.5 million in 2020, from other expense, net, of Ps.1,316.6 million in 2019. This favorable change reflected primarily:

(i)  a pre-tax gain on disposition of our 50% equity stake in our former Radio business, which sale was concluded in July 2020;

(ii)  a non-recurring income related to the cancellation of a related-party provision in the fourth quarter of 2020; and

(iii)  a lower non-recurring severance expense in connection with dismissals of personnel in our Content segment.

These favorable variances were partially offset by

(i)  a higher expense related to legal and financial advisory and professional services; and

(ii)  a loss on disposition of investment.

The following table sets forth the breakdown of cash and non-cash other income (expense), net, stated in millions of Mexican pesos, for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

Other income (expense), net

2020

2019

Cash

197.8

(765.0)

Non-cash

59.7

(551.6)

Total

257.5

(1,316.6)

Finance Expense, Net

The following table sets forth finance (expense) income, net, stated in millions of Mexican pesos for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

2020

2019

(Unfavorable)

Favorable

change

Interest expense

(10,482.2)

(10,402.0)

(80.2)

Interest income

1,131.8

1,529.1

(397.3)

Foreign exchange gain, net

3,159.9

935.3

2,224.6

Other finance income (expense), net

89.3

(873.2)

962.5

Finance expense, net

(6,101.2)

(8,810.8)

2,709.6

Finance expense, net, decreased by Ps.2,709.6 million, or 30.8%, to Ps.6,101.2 million in 2020, from Ps.8,810.8 million in 2019.

This decrease reflected:

(i)  a Ps.2,224.6 million increase in foreign exchange gain, net, resulting primarily from a higher U.S. dollar average net liability position beginning in March 31, 2020, in conjunction with a decrease in the carrying value of our hedged investments in shares and warrants of UHI, and a 16.4% appreciation of the Mexican pesos against the U.S. dollar from that date through December 31, 2020, which effect was partially offset by a 5.6 % depreciation of the Mexican peso against the U.S. dollar for the year ended December 31, 2020, in comparison with a 4.0% appreciation for the year ended December 31, 2019; and

(ii)  a Ps.962.5 million favorable change in other finance income or expense, net, resulting primarily from changes in fair value of our derivative contracts.

These favorable variances were partially offset by:

(i)  a Ps.80.2 million increase in interest expense, primarily due to a higher average principal amount of long-term debt in 2020; and

(ii)  a Ps.397.3 million decrease in interest income, primarily explained by a lower average amount of cash equivalents as well as a reduction in interest rates.

Share of Income or Loss of Associates and Joint Ventures, Net

Share of income or loss of associates and joint ventures, net, changed by Ps.6,350.5 million, to a share of loss of Ps.5,769.4 million in 2020, from a share of income of Ps.581.1 million in 2019. This unfavorable change reflected mainly (i) a Ps.5,455.4 million impairment adjustment to the carrying value of our investment in shares of UHI as of March 31, 2020; (ii) a lower share of income of UHI, the controlling company of Univision Communications Inc.; and (iii) a share of loss of Ocesa Entretenimiento, S.A. de C.V., a live entertainment company with operations primarily in Mexico, in which we mantain a 40% interest.

Income Taxes

Income taxes increased by Ps.2,336.1 million, or 87.5%, to Ps.5,004.6 million in 2020, compared with Ps.2,668.5 million in 2019. This increase reflected an increased tax base (income before share of loss of associates and joint ventures) as well as a higher effective income tax rate. The effective income tax rate increased primarily in connection with the cancellation of deferred tax assets related to unused tax losses, income tax adjustments from prior years, and an inflationary tax gain resulting from a higher net monetary liability position of significant companies in the Group for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Net Income Attributable to Non-controlling Interests

Net income attributable to non-controlling interests increased by Ps.85.6 million, or 5.8%, to Ps.1,566.3 million in 2020, compared with Ps.1,480.7 million in 2019. This increase reflected primarily a higher portion of net income attributable to non-controlling interests in our Cable segment, which was partially offset by a lower portion of net income attributable to non-cotrolling interests in our Sky segment.

Capital Expenditures

During 2020, we invested approximately U.S.$939.4 million in property, plant and equipment as capital expenditures. The following table sets forth the breakdown by segment of capital expenditures for 2020 and 2019.

Capital Expenditures

Millions of U.S. Dollars

2020

2019

Cable

662.5

675.3

Sky

250.2

209.1

Content and Other Businesses

26.7

107.8

Total

939.4

992.2

Debt and Lease Liabilities

The following table sets forth our total consolidated debt, lease liabilities and other notes payable as of December 31, 2020 and 2019. Amounts are stated in millions of Mexican pesos.

December 31, 2020

December 31, 2019

Increase

(Decrease)

Current portion of long-term debt

617.0

491.9

125.1

Long-term debt, net of current portion

121,936.0

120,444.7

1,491.3

Total debt (1)

122,553.0

120,936.6

1,616.4

Current portion of long-term lease liabilities

1,277.7

1,257.8

19.9

Long-term lease liabilities, net of current portion

8,014.6

8,105.8

(91.2)

Total lease liabilities

9,292.3

9,363.6

(71.3)

Current portion of other notes payable

1,324.1

(1,324.1)

Total other notes payable

1,324.1

(1,324.1)

Total debt, lease liabilities and other notes payable

131,845.3

131,624.3

221.0

([1]) As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, total debt is presented net of finance costs in the amount of Ps.1,324.3 million and Ps.1,441.6 million, respectively.

On October 6, 2020, we prepaid in full with no penalty a revolving credit facility in the principal amount of Ps.14,770.7 million.

As of December 31, 2020, our consolidated net debt position (total debt and lease liabilities, less cash and cash equivalents, and certain non-current investments in financial instruments) was Ps.96,143.0 million. The aggregate amount of non-current investments in financial instruments included in our consolidated net debt position as of December 31, 2020, amounted to Ps.6,533.3 million.

Shares Outstanding

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, our shares outstanding amounted to 325,992.5 million and 337,244.3 million shares, respectively, and our CPO equivalents outstanding amounted to 2,786.3 million and 2,882.4 million CPO equivalents, respectively. Not all of our shares are in the form of CPOs. The number of CPO equivalents is calculated by dividing the number of shares outstanding by 117.

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the GDS (Global Depositary Shares) equivalents outstanding amounted to 557.3 million and 576.5 million GDS equivalents, respectively. The number of GDS equivalents is calculated by dividing the number of CPO equivalents by five.

The Company’s Board of Directors approved the cancellation of 44,215,692 CPOs that were acquired through the share buyback program during 2019 and 2020. This is subject to the approval of the Company’s stockholders.

Univision

On December 29, 2020, Searchlight Capital Partners, LP («Searchlight»), a global private investment firm, ForgeLight LLC («ForgeLight»), an operating and investment company focused on the media and consumer technology sectors, and Televisa announced the completion of Searchlight and ForgeLight’s acquisition of a majority ownership interest in Univision. In connection with the transaction Televisa maintained its ownership interest in Univision and converted its warrants into common stock.

Sustainability

During the fourth quarter, Televisa joined global leaders with its commitment to the Science Based Targets initiative. The Science Based Targets initiative is a partnership between CDP, which is a not-for-profit charity that runs the global disclosure system for investors, companies, cities, states and regions to manage their environmental impacts, the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), World Resources Institute (WRI), and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). In addition, Televisa has been recognized as a company that integrates the Task Force Climate Related Financial Disclosure recommendations (TCFD).

Throughout 2020, Televisa’s many sustainability efforts continued to be recognized globally. For example, the Company was selected for the 2020 Dow Jones Sustainability MILA Pacific Alliance Index and was one of only five Mexican companies selected for the 2019 DJS Emerging Markets Index. Also, Televisa was included in three 2020 FTSE4Good Index Series: FTSE4Good Emerging Markets, FTSE4Good Emerging Latin America, and FTSE4Good BIVA.

Besides, the Company was selected as one of only five Mexican companies to be included in the 2020 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index. Also, Televisa was selected as a constituent of the ESG index, launched by S&P, Dow Jones and the Mexican Stock Exchange. Finally, Televisa was confirmed as a signatory of the United Nations Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative.

COVID-19 Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected our business, financial position and results of operations for the quarter ended December 31, 2020, and it is currently difficult to predict the degree of the impact in the future. 

We cannot guarantee that conditions in the bank lending, capital and other financial markets will not continue to deteriorate as a result of the pandemic, or that our access to capital and other sources of funding will not become constrained, which could adversely affect the availability and terms of future borrowings, renewals or refinancings.  In addition, the deterioration of global economic conditions as a result of the pandemic may ultimately reduce the demand of our products across our segments as our clients and customers reduce or defer their spending.

The Mexican Government is still implementing the plan to reactivate economic activities in accordance with color-based phases determined on a weekly basis in every state of the country. Most of non-essential economic activities are open with some limitations, mainly on capacity and hours of operation. However, a significant part of the population is still implementing social distancing and shelter-in-place policies. As a result, during the quarter ended December 31, 2020, this has affected, and is still affecting the ability of our employees, suppliers and customers to conduct their functions and businesses in their typical manner. 

As of this date, given that they are considered essential economic activities, we have continued operating our media and telecommunications businesses uninterrupted to continue benefiting the country with connectivity, entertainment and information, and during the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2020, we continued with the production of new content following the requirements and health guidelines imposed by the Mexican Government.  During the quarter ended December 31, 2020 our Content business recovered from the previous quarters during the pandemic as a result of the easing in lockdown restrictions in some jurisdictions in which our customers are located. Notwithstanding the foregoing, we are partially dependent on the demand for advertising from consumer-focused companies, and the COVID-19 pandemic has caused, and could further cause, advertisers to reduce or postpone their advertisement spending on our platforms.

In our Other Businesses segment, sporting and other entertainment events for which we have broadcast rights, or which we organize, promote and/or are located in venues we own, are operating with some limitations and taking the corresponding sanitary measures, and to date some of our casinos have resumed operations with reduced capacity and hours of operation.  When local authorities approve the re-opening of the venues that are still not operating, rules may be enacted including capacity and operating hours restrictions; these may affect the results of our Other Businesses segment in the following months. 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the authorities may impose restrictions on non-essential activities, including but not limited to temporary shutdowns or additional guidelines which could be expensive or burdensome to implement, which may affect our operations.

The magnitude of the impact on our business will depend on the duration and extent of the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of federal, state, local and foreign governmental actions, including continued or future social distancing, and consumer behavior in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and such governmental actions. Due to the evolving and uncertain nature of this situation, we are not able to estimate the full extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it may continue affecting our business, financial position and results of operations over the near, medium or long-term.

Additional Information Available on Website

The information in this press release should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and footnotes contained in the Company’s Annual Report and on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2019, which is posted on the «Reports and Filings» section of our investor relations website at televisair.com.

About Televisa

Televisa is a leading media company in the Spanish-speaking world, an important cable operator in Mexico and an operator of a leading direct-to-home satellite pay television system in Mexico. Televisa distributes the content it produces through several broadcast channels in Mexico and in over 70 countries through 25 pay-tv brands, television networks, cable operators and over-the-top or «OTT» services. In the United States, Televisa’s audiovisual content is distributed through Univision Communications Inc. («Univision»), a leading media company serving the Hispanic market. Univision broadcasts Televisa’s audiovisual content through multiple platforms in exchange for a royalty payment. In addition, Televisa has equity representing approximately 36% on a fully-diluted basis of the equity capital in Univision Holdings, Inc., the controlling company of Univision. Televisa’s cable business offers integrated services, including video, high-speed data and voice services to residential and commercial customers as well as managed services to domestic and international carriers. Televisa owns a majority interest in Sky, a leading direct-to-home satellite pay television system and broadband provider in Mexico, operating also in the Dominican Republic and Central America. Televisa also has interests in magazine publishing and distribution, professional sports and live entertainment, feature-film production and distribution, and gaming.

Disclaimer

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding the Company’s results and prospects. Actual results could differ materially from these statements. The forward-looking statements in this press release should be read in conjunction with the factors described in «Item 3. Key Information – Forward-Looking Statements» in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F, which, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements made in this press release and in oral statements made by authorized officers of the Company. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

(Please see attached tables for financial information and ratings data)

Contact Information

Investor Relations
www.televisair.com.mx 
Tel: (52 55) 5261 2445

Carlos Madrazo, VP, Head of Investor Relations cmadrazov@televisa.com.mx 
Santiago Casado, Investor Relations Director scasado@televisa.com.mx

Media Relations

Rubén Acosta / Tel: (52 55) 5224 6420 / racostamo@televisa.com.mx
Teresa Villa / Tel: (52 55) 4438 1205 / atvillas@televisa.com.mx

 

 

GRUPO TELEVISA, S.A.B.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

(Millions of Mexican Pesos)

December 31,

December 31,

2020

2019

ASSETS

(Unaudited)

(Audited) 1

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

Ps.

29,169.0

Ps.

27,452.3

Trade notes and accounts receivable, net

12,651.5

14,486.2

Other accounts and notes receivable, net

12,694.7

10,692.9

Derivative financial instruments

1.7

Due from related parties

787.0

814.4

Transmission rights and programming

6,396.2

6,479.3

Inventories

1,641.3

1,151.4

Contract costs

1,598.4

1,379.4

Assets held for sale

1,675.4

Other current assets

4,580.8

3,298.1

Total current assets

69,518.9

67,431.1

Non-current assets:

Derivative financial instruments

2.9

Transmission rights and programming

7,982.8

7,901.6

Investments in financial instruments

7,002.7

44,265.9

Investments in associates and joint ventures

22,784.8

9,762.4

Property, plant and equipment, net

83,284.3

83,329.2

Right-of-use assets

7,212.2

7,553.1

Intangible assets, net

42,721.5

43,329.0

Deferred income tax assets

28,309.5

24,185.1

Contract costs

2,943.1

2,311.8

Other assets

225.4

271.8

Total non-current assets

202,466.3

222,912.8

Total assets

Ps.

271,985.2

Ps.

290,343.9

1 Our 40% equity interest in OCEN in the amount of Ps.694.0 million as of December 31, 2019, was previously reported as part ofcurrent assets held for sale, and has been classified to investments in associates and joint ventures as of that date to conform with the presentation of this investment as of December 31, 2020.

 

 

GRUPO TELEVISA, S.A.B.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

(Millions of Mexican Pesos)

December 31,

December 31,

2020

2019

LIABILITIES

(Unaudited)

(Audited)

Current liabilities:

Current portion of long-term debt

Ps.

617.0

Ps.

491.9

Interest payable

1,934.7

1,943.9

Current portion of lease liabilities

1,277.7

1,257.8

Current portion of other notes payable

1,324.1

Derivative financial instruments

2,017.0

568.8

Trade accounts payable and accrued expenses

21,890.2

20,909.7

Customer deposits and advances

6,230.1

5,779.8

Income taxes payable

2,058.1

2,470.2

Other taxes payable

4,463.3

3,448.0

Employee benefits

1,262.6

911.9

Due to related parties

83.0

644.2

Liabilities related to assets held for sale

432.8

Other current liabilities

2,204.9

1,981.9

Total current liabilities

44,038.6

42,165.0

Non-current liabilities:

Long-term debt, net of current portion

121,936.0

120,444.7

Lease liabilities, net of current portion

8,014.6

8,105.8

Derivative financial instruments

1,459.3

346.6

Income taxes payable

767.1

1,759.7

Deferred income tax liabilities

1,824.6

7,052.2

Post-employment benefits

2,080.7

1,468.1

Other long-term liabilities

3,553.7

3,376.6

Total non-current liabilities

139,636.0

142,553.7

Total liabilities

183,674.6

184,718.7

EQUITY

Capital stock

4,907.8

4,907.8

Additional paid-in-capital

15,889.8

15,889.8

20,797.6

20,797.6

Retained earnings:

Legal reserve

2,139.0

2,139.0

Unappropriated earnings

83,391.7

75,887.1

Net (loss) income for the period

(892.3)

4,626.1

84,638.4

82,652.2

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net

(15,556.4)

1,320.4

Shares repurchased

(16,079.1)

(14,018.8)

53,002.9

69,953.8

      Equity attributable to stockholders of the Company

73,800.5

90,751.4

Non-controlling interests

14,510.1

14,873.8

Total equity

88,310.6

105,625.2

Total liabilities and equity

Ps.

271,985.2

Ps.

290,343.9

 

 

GRUPO TELEVISA, S.A.B.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME FOR THE 
THREE AND TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

(Millions of Mexican Pesos)

Three months ended

December 31,

Twelve months ended

December 31,

2020

2019

2020

2019

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Audited)

Net sales

Ps.

27,782.7

Ps.

28,268.2

Ps.

97,361.6

Ps.

101,757.2

Cost of sales

15,438.9

17,041.5

56,989.6

59,067.4

Selling expenses

2,797.9

2,754.8

10,366.6

11,099.0

Administrative expenses

3,285.7

3,187.7

12,713.7

13,269.2

Income before other expense

6,260.2

5,284.2

17,291.7

18,321.6

Other (expense) income, net

(399.9)

(455.3)

257.5

(1,316.6)

Operating income

5,860.3

4,828.9

17,549.2

17,005.0

Finance expense

(4,127.4)

(3,117.1)

(10,482.2)

(11,275.2)

Finance income

6,513.1

1,719.0

4,381.0

2,464.4

Finance income (expense), net

2,385.7

(1,398.1)

(6,101.2)

(8,810.8)

Share of (loss) income of associates and joint

ventures, net

(438.5)

91.5

(5,769.4)

581.1

Income before income taxes

7,807.5

3,522.3

5,678.6

8,775.3

Income taxes

3,858.9

695.7

5,004.6

2,668.5

Net income

Ps.

3,948.6

Ps.

2,826.6

Ps.

674.0

Ps.

6,106.8

Net income attributable to:

Stockholders of the Company

Ps.

3,670.3

Ps.

2,410.1

Ps.

(892.3)

Ps.

4,626.1

Non-controlling interests

278.3

416.5

1,566.3

1,480.7

Net income

Ps.

3,948.6

Ps.

2,826.6

Ps.

674.0

Ps.

6,106.8

Basic earnings (loss) per CPO attributable to

stockholders of the Company

Ps.

1.30

Ps.

0.83

Ps.

(0.31)

 

)

Ps.

1.60

 

 

Cision View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/televisa-reports-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-2020-results-301231381.html

SOURCE Grupo Televisa, S.A.B.