SunPower Reports Strong Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2020 Results

SAN JOSE, Calif., Feb. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — SunPower Corp. (NASDAQ:SPWR), a leading solar technology and energy services provider, today announced financial results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended January 3, 2021.

SAN JOSE, Calif., Feb. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — SunPower Corp. (NASDAQ:SPWR), a leading solar technology and energy services provider, today announced financial results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended January 3, 2021.

«2020 was a transformational year for SunPower: we successfully completed the spin-off of Maxeon, significantly improved our financial performance and rapidly shifted our sales strategy to meet increasing U.S. demand as consumers and businesses look to generate and store their own energy.  Entering 2021, we are continuing to focus our efforts and investment on those markets that offer us strong growth potential — storage and energy services,» said Tom Werner, SunPower CEO and chairman of the board.  «We also finished the year with strong execution as we exceeded our GAAP net income and Adjusted EBITDA guidance, expanded our margins, strengthened our balance sheet and generated positive cash flow.  Looking forward, with favorable industry tailwinds, increasing demand for our innovative solar solutions and further investment to significantly expand our solar and storage addressable market, we believe we are positioned to accelerate our growth through 2022 and beyond.» 

Fourth Quarter Company Highlights

  • Strong sequential revenue / margin growth – met or exceeded guidance, $412 million net income, $39 million Adjusted EBITDA
  • Further delevered balance sheet – successful convert tender, achieved net debt target ahead of plan

Residential and Light Commercial (RLC)

  • Residential strength – 24% gross margin, $36 million Adjusted EBITDA
  • Added 13,000 customers, achieved record new homes backlog, rapidly ramping SunVault storage deployments
  • Expanded sales channels to increase market access and profitability – continued investment in software and energy services platform, digital and direct sales channel

Commercial and Industrial Solutions (C&I Solutions)

  • Strong execution – MW recognized up >65% sequentially, 18% gross margin, $8 million Adjusted EBITDA
  • Helix storage – >30% sales attach rate in 2020, backlog of >50MWh, pipeline >750MWh
  • Community Solar platform pipeline >90MW

 

($ Millions, except percentages and per-share data)

4th Quarter 2020

3rd Quarter 2020

4th Quarter 2019

Fiscal Year 2020

Fiscal Year 2019

GAAP revenue

$341.8

$274.8

$401.6

$1,124.8

$1,092.2

GAAP gross margin from continuing operations

22.0%

13.5%

21.4%

14.9%

15.0%

GAAP net income from continuing operations

$412.5

$109.5

$47.4

$599.4

$206.8

GAAP net income (loss) from continuing operations per diluted share

$2.08

$0.57

$0.29

$3.11

$1.31

Non-GAAP revenue1

$341.8

$274.8

$404.8

$1,130.0

$1,220.1

Non-GAAP gross margin1

22.3%

14.0%

22.5%

15.7%

15.4%

Non-GAAP net (loss) income1

$26.6

$(6.5)

$36.4

$(12.3)

$(18.4)

Non-GAAP net (loss) income from continuing operations per diluted share1

$0.14

$(0.04)

$0.23

$(0.07)

$(0.13)

Adjusted EBITDA1

$38.6

$8.6

$56.8

$40.1

$58.9

MW Recognized

153

108

188

483

510

Cash2

$232.8

$324.7

$302.0

$232.8

$302.0

Information presented above is for continuing operations only, and excludes results of Maxeon for all periods presented.

1Information about SunPower’s use of non-GAAP financial information, including a reconciliation to U.S. GAAP, is provided under «Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures» below

2Includes cash, and cash equivalents, excluding restricted cash

RLC
In the fourth quarter, RLC MW recognized increased by 35 percent sequentially due to strong demand across its retrofit, new homes and light commercial businesses.  In residential, the company added more than 13,000 new customers, bringing its total installed base to more than 350,000.  Gross margin for the quarter was 24%, driven by improved pricing, increasingly better financing economics and a continued mix shift to  higher margin loan and lease sales as customers take advantage of SunPower’s new, lower cost financing options.  Also, customer demand for resiliency and energy management capabilities continues to drive significant interest in the company’s SunVault residential solar plus storage solution as attach rates exceeded 20% in the fourth quarter.  Given this strong demand, the company expects SunVault revenue of $100 million in 2021 and remains very confident in its battery supply chain to meet its forecasts.  Finally, the company expanded its leadership in new homes with record backlog in the quarter as its current backlog now exceeds 180 MW with an additional 10 communities booked in the first month of year.  As a result of these positive trends, continued investment in its digital and product strategy, as well as its initiatives to expand its addressable market through new sales channels, SunPower expects to see more than 40 percent annual revenue growth in its RLC segment through at least 2022.   

C&I Solutions
The company’s C&I Solutions business also performed well in the fourth quarter, maintaining its leading market position as installs rose more than 65 percent sequentially.  Solid financial performance was primarily driven by gross margin expansion and strong execution on cost control programs.  Demand for the company’s Helix® storage solution also remains high as the company installed 18 MWh during the year as well as signing its first contracts associated with the California ESGIP storage program in the fourth quarter.  Additionally, the company continued to expand its community solar pipeline to more than 90MW during the quarter.  With a combined backlog and pipeline of more than 800 MWh and sales attach rates of 30%, the company believes C&I is well positioned to capitalize on the increased demand for its commercial storage and services solutions.       

Consolidated Financials
«We were pleased with our execution and financial results for the quarter while continuing to aggressively invest in a number of strategic initiatives to rapidly expand our addressable market, including in our storage, digital and services platforms» said Manavendra Sial, SunPower chief financial officer. «We successfully completed our tender offer for our 2021 convertible bonds and our business units generated cash, enabling us to achieve our net debt target ahead of our analyst day forecast.  Finally, we continued to make progress on lowering our cost of capital in both our residential loan and lease offerings, driving margin improvement as well as allowing us to maximize customer value.»

Fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020 non-GAAP results exclude net adjustments that, in the aggregate, increased GAAP income by $385.9 million, including $416.5 million related to a mark-to-market gain on equity investments. This was partially offset by $18.7 for income taxes, $6.2 million related to stock-based compensation expense, $3.7 million related to litigation expenses and $2.0 million related to business reorganization costs and other non-recurring items.

Financial Outlook
The company’s first quarter and fiscal year 2021 guidance is as follows:

First quarter GAAP revenue of $270 to $330 million, GAAP net loss of $20 million to $10 million, MW recognized of 115 MW to 145 MW and Adjusted EBITDA in the range of $10 to $20 million.

For fiscal year 2021, given the confidence it has in its business coming into the year, the company expects to meet or exceed its 2021 guidance provided at its Capital Markets Day including revenue growth of approximately 35% and MW recognized growth of approximately 25%. 

Given strong industry tailwinds, continued federal policy support as well increased demand for its residential and commercial storage solutions, the company expects 2022 Adjusted EBITDA growth of more than 40%.

The company will host a conference call for investors this afternoon to discuss its fourth quarter 2020 performance at 1:30 p.m. Pacific Time. The call will be webcast and can be accessed from SunPower’s website at https://investors.sunpower.com/events.cfm.

This press release contains both GAAP and non-GAAP financial information. Non-GAAP figures are reconciled to the closest GAAP equivalent categories in the financial attachment of this press release. Please note that the company has posted supplemental information and slides related to its fourth quarter 2020 performance on the Events and Presentations section of SunPower’s Investor Relations page at https://investors.sunpower.com/events.cfm.

About SunPower 
Headquartered in California’s Silicon Valley, SunPower (NASDAQ:SPWR) is a leading Distributed Generation Storage and Energy Services provider in North America. SunPower offers the only solar + storage solution designed by one company that gives customers complete control over energy consumption, delivering grid independence, resiliency during power outages and cost savings to homeowners, businesses, governments, schools and utilities. For more information, visit www.sunpower.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, statements regarding: (a) our plans and expectations for our products, including anticipated demand and impacts on our market position and our ability to meet our targets and goals; (b) the anticipated financial impacts of our new residential leasing facility and expectations for demand, capacity and timing of full utilization; (c) expectations regarding our future performance based on bookings, backlog, and pipelines in our sales channels; (d) our expectations regarding our industry and market factors, including market and industry trends, and anticipated demand and volume; (e) the expected performance of our business lines, including confidence in 2021 forecasts, areas of focus, and new product cycles, as well as projected growth and attach rates; (f) our first quarter fiscal 2021 guidance, including GAAP revenue, net income, MW recognized, and Adjusted EBITDA, and related assumptions; and (g) our fiscal 2021 guidance, including GAAP revenue, net income, MW recognized, and Adjusted EBITDA and related assumptions; and (h) our expectations for 2022 Adjusted EBITDA growth and related assumptions.

These forward-looking statements are based on our current assumptions, expectations and beliefs and involve substantial risks and uncertainties that may cause results, performance or achievement to materially differ from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to: (1) potential disruptions to our operations and supply chain that may result from epidemics or natural disasters, including impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic; (2) competition in the solar and general energy industry and downward pressure on selling prices and wholesale energy pricing; (3) regulatory changes and the availability of economic incentives promoting use of solar energy; (4) the success of our ongoing research and development efforts and our ability to commercialize new products and services, including products and services developed through strategic partnerships; (5) changes in public policy, including the imposition and applicability of tariffs; (6) our dependence on sole- or limited-source supply relationships, including our exclusive supply relationship with Maxeon Solar Technologies; (7) our liquidity, substantial indebtedness, and ability to obtain additional financing for our projects and customers; (8) challenges managing our acquisitions, joint ventures and partnerships, including our ability to successfully manage acquired assets and supplier relationships; and (9) challenges in executing transactions key to our strategic plans, including regulatory and other challenges that may arise. A detailed discussion of these factors and other risks that affect our business is included in filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from time to time, including our most recent reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q, particularly under the heading «Risk Factors.» Copies of these filings are available online from the SEC or on the SEC Filings section of our Investor Relations website at investors.sunpower.com. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information currently available to us, and we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in light of new information or future events.

©2020 SunPower Corporation. All rights reserved. SUNPOWER, the SUNPOWER logo, HELIX, SUNVAULT, ONEROOF and THE POWER OF ONE are trademarks or registered trademarks of SunPower Corporation in the U.S.

 

SUNPOWER CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

January 3, 2021

December 29, 2019

Assets

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

232,765

$

301,999

Restricted cash and cash equivalents, current portion

5,518

26,348

Accounts receivable, net

108,864

127,878

Contract assets

114,506

99,426

Inventories

210,582

163,405

Advances to suppliers, current portion

2,814

31,843

Project assets – plants and land, current portion

21,015

12,650

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

94,251

86,755

Current assets of discontinued operations

530,627

Total current assets

790,315

1,380,931

Restricted cash and cash equivalents, net of current portion

8,521

9,354

Property, plant and equipment, net

46,766

55,860

Operating lease right-of-use assets

54,070

40,699

Solar power systems leased, net

50,401

54,338

Other intangible assets, net

697

7,121

Other long-term assets

695,712

277,805

Long-term assets of discontinued operations

345,813

Total assets

$

1,646,482

$

2,171,921

Liabilities and Equity

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable

$

166,066

$

207,062

Accrued liabilities

121,915

116,276

Operating lease liabilities, current portion

9,736

7,559

Contract liabilities, current portion

72,424

91,345

Short-term debt

97,059

44,473

Convertible debt, current portion

62,531

Current liabilities of discontinued operations

431,694

Total current liabilities

529,731

898,409

Long-term debt

56,447

112,340

Convertible debt

422,443

820,259

Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion

43,608

36,657

Contract liabilities, net of current portion

30,170

31,922

Other long-term liabilities

157,597

157,774

Long-term liabilities of discontinued operations

93,061

Total liabilities

1,239,996

2,150,422

Equity:

Preferred stock

Common stock

170

168

Additional paid-in capital

2,685,920

2,661,819

Accumulated deficit

(2,085,246)

(2,449,679)

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

8,799

(9,512)

Treasury stock, at cost

(205,476)

(192,633)

Total stockholders’ equity

404,167

10,163

Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries

2,319

11,336

Total equity

406,486

21,499

Total liabilities and equity

$

1,646,482

$

2,171,921

 

SUNPOWER CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

THREE MONTHS ENDED

TWELVE MONTHS ENDED

January 3,
2021

September 27, 2020

December 29, 2019

January 3,
2021

December
29, 2019

Revenue:

Solar power systems, components, and other

$

338,507

$

267,619

$

397,526

$

1,103,823

$

1,063,150

Residential leasing

1,386

1,284

1,322

5,323

10,405

Solar services

1,917

5,903

2,769

15,683

18,671

Total revenue

341,810

274,806

401,617

1,124,829

1,092,226

Cost of revenue:

Solar power systems, components, and other

264,515

233,144

312,352

946,164

913,299

Residential leasing

1,073

1,209

1,406

4,795

7,345

Solar services

1,071

3,313

1,785

6,743

8,104

Total cost of revenue

266,659

237,666

315,543

957,702

928,748

Gross profit

75,151

37,140

86,074

167,127

163,478

Operating expenses:

Research and development

3,275

5,344

7,723

22,381

34,217

Sales, general and administrative

52,510

35,462

42,526

164,703

172,109

Restructuring charges

(134)

(97)

8,001

2,604

14,627

Loss on sale and impairment of residential lease assets

(208)

386

(2,931)

45

25,352

Income from transition services agreement, net

(4,371)

(1,889)

(6,260)

Gain on business divestiture

124

(10,334)

(143,400)

Total operating expenses (income)

51,196

39,206

55,319

173,139

102,905

Operating income (loss)

23,955

(2,066)

30,755

(6,012)

60,573

Other income (expense), net:

Interest income

72

104

129

754

2,313

Interest expense

(8,422)

(7,090)

(8,392)

(33,153)

(48,962)

Other, net

415,880

155,457

31,740

692,980

177,084

Other income, net

407,530

148,471

23,477

660,581

130,435

Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees

431,485

146,405

54,232

654,569

191,008

Provision for income taxes

(18,833)

(36,725)

(6,435)

(57,549)

(16,509)

Equity in losses of unconsolidated investees

(1,000)

(1,716)

Net income from continuing operations

412,652

109,680

46,797

597,020

172,783

Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes and equity in losses of unconsolidated investees

(70,761)

(33,859)

(125,599)

(165,040)

Provision for income taxes

6,137

(2,953)

3,191

(10,122)

Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated investees

58

(4,008)

(586)

(5,342)

Net loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes

(64,566)

(40,820)

(122,994)

(180,504)

Net income (loss)

412,652

45,114

5,977

474,026

(7,721)

Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests

(177)

(230)

563

2,335

34,037

Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests

(258)

(1,100)

(1,313)

(4,157)

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests

(177)

(488)

(537)

1,022

29,880

Net income from continuing operations attributable to stockholders

$

412,475

$

109,450

$

47,360

$

599,355

$

206,820

Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to stockholders

$

$

(64,824)

$

(41,920)

$

(124,307)

$

(184,661)

Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders

$

412,475

$

44,626

$

5,440

$

475,048

$

22,159

Net income (loss) per share attributable to stockholders – basic:

Continuing operations

$

2.42

$

0.64

$

0.31

$

3.53

$

1.43

Discontinued operations

$

$

(0.38)

$

(0.27)

$

(0.73)

$

(1.28)

Net income (loss) per share – basic

$

2.42

$

0.26

$

0.04

$

2.80

$

0.15

Net income (loss) per share attributable to stockholders – diluted:

Continuing operations

$

2.08

$

0.57

$

0.29

$

3.11

$

1.31

Discontinued operations

$

$

(0.33)

$

(0.24)

$

(0.63)

$

(1.09)

Net income (loss) per share – diluted

$

2.08

$

0.24

$

0.05

$

2.48

$

0.22

Weighted-average shares:

Basic

170,267

170,113

152,439

169,801

144,796

Diluted

200,132

198,526

178,129

197,242

169,650

 

SUNPOWER CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

THREE MONTHS ENDED

TWELVE MONTHS ENDED

January 3,
2021

September 27, 2020

December 29, 2019

January 3,
2021

December 29, 2019

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net income (loss)

$

412,652

$

45,114

$

5,977

$

474,026

$

(7,721)

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization

2,567

11,927

18,059

48,304

80,081

Stock-based compensation

6,029

6,042

8,008

24,817

26,935

Non-cash interest expense

1,067

1,747

2,005

6,562

9,472

Non-cash restructuring charges

5,874

Bad debt expense

(464)

(2,568)

534

1,024

Equity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated investees

(58)

5,008

586

7,058

Gain on equity investments with readily determinable fair value

(416,455)

(155,431)

(29,250)

(692,100)

(158,288)

Loss (gain) on retirement of convertible debt

878

(104)

(2,182)

Loss (gain) on business divestiture

125

(10,334)

(143,400)

Gain on sale of equity investments without readily determinable fair value

(17,275)

Deferred income taxes

17,602

607

4,567

19,241

5,067

Loss (gain) on sale and impairment of residential lease assets

209

386

(2,931)

1,024

33,778

Impairment of property, plant and equipment

(3,829)

777

Gain on sale of assets

(25,212)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

Accounts receivable

(14,067)

54,119

(20,484)

98,962

(67,218)

Contract assets

10,708

(19,902)

(20,139)

(12,063)

(38,246)

Inventories

(17,701)

(5,382)

(20,311)

(29,808)

(128,404)

Project assets

3,015

703

7,050

(8,187)

(2,188)

Prepaid expenses and other assets

(1,837)

(32,362)

(10,228)

(6,161)

(8,746)

Operating lease right-of-use assets

654

2,112

2,311

10,552

8,530

Long-term financing receivables, net – held for sale

(473)

Advances to suppliers

(2,814)

4,267

16,899

13,482

50,191

Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities

(3,129)

51,095

15,384

(78,269)

79,394

Contract liabilities

17,842

(3,364)

19,404

(35,976)

27,531

Operating lease liabilities

(1,759)

(2,620)

(1,752)

(10,401)

(8,954)

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

15,122

(43,672)

(4,252)

(187,391)

(270,413)

Cash flows from investing activities:

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

(1,403)

(2,369)

(12,295)

(14,577)

(47,395)

Cash paid for solar power systems

(1,134)

(2,747)

(1,458)

(6,528)

(53,284)

Proceeds from sale of assets

20,000

59,970

Cash outflow upon Maxeon Solar Spin-off, net of proceeds

8,996

(140,132)

(131,136)

Proceeds from maturities of marketable securities

6,588

6,588

Proceeds from business divestiture, net of de-consolidated cash

15,418

40,491

Purchases of marketable securities

(1,338)

(1,338)

Cash outflow from sale of residential lease portfolio

(10,923)

Proceeds from sale of distribution rights of debt financing

1,950

1,950

Proceeds from return of capital of equity investments with fair value option

5,474

7,724

Proceeds from sale of investments

133,600

73,290

253,039

42,957

Cash paid for investments with fair value option

(12,400)

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

140,059

(66,708)

13,671

129,190

21,366

Cash flows from financing activities:

Proceeds from bank loans and other debt

32,752

62,233

150,439

216,483

381,928

Repayment of bank loans and other debt

(44,607)

(63,735)

(61,920)

(227,677)

(271,015)

Proceeds from issuance of non-recourse residential financing, net of issuance costs

1,355

14,789

72,259

Repayment of non-recourse commercial and residential financing

(1,813)

(7,231)

(9,044)

(2,959)

Contributions from noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests attributable to residential projects

324

(302)

4,371

22

31,413

Distributions to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests attributable to residential projects

(1,414)

22

(1,392)

(316)

Proceeds from issuance of non-recourse power plant and commercial financing, net of issuance costs

2,790

3,004

3,004

Payment for prior business combination

(30,000)

(39,000)

Proceeds of common stock equity offering, net of offering costs

171,834

171,834

Cash paid for repurchase of convertible debt

(239,554)

(8,037)

(334,732)

Proceeds from issuance of convertible debt

200,000

200,000

Settlement of contingent consideration arrangement, net of cash received

(776)

802

(776)

(1,646)

Receipt of contingent asset of a prior business combination

11

2,245

Equity offering costs paid

(928)

Purchases of stock for tax withholding obligations on vested restricted stock

(4,387)

(74)

(908)

(12,842)

(5,565)

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

(258,120)

185,677

237,622

(153,852)

339,937

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

(22)

109

881

200

(373)

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

(102,961)

75,406

247,922

(211,853)

90,517

Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents, beginning of period1

349,765

274,359

210,735

458,657

363,763

Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents, end of period1

$

246,804

$

349,765

$

458,657

$

246,804

$

454,280

Non-cash transactions:

Costs of solar power systems funded by liabilities

$

635

$

598

$

2,671

$

635

$

2,671

Costs of solar power systems sourced from existing inventory

$

1,018

$

$

21,173

$

1,018

$

29,206

Property, plant and equipment acquisitions funded by liabilities

$

866

$

36

$

13,745

$

866

$

13,745

Contractual obligations satisfied with inventory

$

$

$

1,701

$

$

1,701

Assumption of debt by buyer in connection with sale of residential lease assets

$

$

$

$

$

69,076

Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange of lease obligations2

$

1,008

$

7,875

$

7,398

$

22,794

$

111,142

Derecognition of financing obligations upon business divestiture

$

$

$

$

$

590,884

Assumption of liabilities in connection with business divestiture

$

9,056

$

9,056

$

$

9,056

$

Holdbacks in connection with business divestiture

$

7,199

$

7,199

$

$

7,199

$

Holdbacks related to the sale of commercial sale-leaseback portfolio

$

$

$

1,927

$

$

1,927

Receivables in connection with sale of residential lease portfolio

$

$

$

2,570

$

$

2,570

Aged supplier financing balances reclassified from accounts payable to short-term debt

$

$

39,178

$

22,500

$

$

45,352

1″Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents» balance consisted of «cash and cash equivalents», «restricted cash and cash equivalents, current portion» and «restricted cash and cash equivalents, net of current portion» financial statement line items on the condensed consolidated balance sheets for the respective periods.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement its consolidated financial results presented in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles («GAAP»), the company uses non-GAAP measures that are adjusted for certain items from the most directly comparable GAAP measures. The specific non-GAAP measures listed below are: revenue; gross margin; net loss; net loss per diluted share; and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization («Adjusted EBITDA»). Management believes that each of these non-GAAP measures are useful to investors, enabling them to better assess changes in each of these key elements of the company’s results of operations across different reporting periods on a consistent basis, independent of certain items as described below. Thus, each of these non-GAAP financial measures provide investors with another method to assess the company’s operating results in a manner that is focused on its ongoing, core operating performance, absent the effects of these items. Management uses these non-GAAP measures internally to assess the business, its financial performance, current and historical results, as well as for strategic decision-making and forecasting future results. Many of the analysts covering the company also use these non-GAAP measures in their analysis. Given management’s use of these non-GAAP measures, the company believes these measures are important to investors in understanding the company’s operating results as seen through the eyes of management. These non-GAAP measures are not prepared in accordance with GAAP or intended to be a replacement for GAAP financial data; and therefore, should be reviewed together with the GAAP measures and are not intended to serve as a substitute for results under GAAP, and may be different from non-GAAP measures used by other companies.

Non-GAAP gross margin includes adjustments relating to gain/loss on sale and impairment of residential lease assets, impairment of property, plant and equipment, stock-based compensation, and amortization of intangible assets, each of which is described below. In addition to the above adjustments, non-GAAP net loss and non-GAAP net loss per diluted share are adjusted for adjustments relating to mark to market gain on equity investments, litigation, gain on business divestiture, , transaction-related costs, business reorganization costs, restructuring charges (credits), gain on convertible debt repurchased, tax effect of these non-GAAP adjustments, each of which is described below. In addition to the above adjustments, Adjusted EBITDA includes adjustments relating to cash interest expense (net of interest income), provision for income taxes, and depreciation.

Non-GAAP Adjustments Based on International Financial Reporting Standards («IFRS»)

The company’s non-GAAP results include adjustments under IFRS that are consistent with the adjustments made in connection with the company’s internal reporting process as part of its status as a consolidated subsidiary of Total SE, our controlling shareholder and a foreign public registrant that reports under IFRS. Differences between GAAP and IFRS reflected in the company’s non-GAAP results are further described below. In these situations, management believes that IFRS enables investors to better evaluate the company’s performance, and assists in aligning the perspectives of the management with those of Total SE.

  • Legacy utility and power plant projects: The company included adjustments related to the revenue recognition of certain utility and power plant projects based on percentage-of-completion accounting and, when relevant, the allocation of revenue and margin to our project development efforts at the time of initial project sale. Under IFRS, such projects were accounted for when the customer obtains control of the promised goods or services which generally results in earlier recognition of revenue and profit than U.S. GAAP. Over the life of each project, cumulative revenue and gross margin are eventually equivalent under both GAAP and IFRS; however, revenue and gross margin is generally recognized earlier under IFRS.
  • Legacy sale-leaseback transactions: The company included adjustments related to the revenue recognition on certain legacy sale-leaseback transactions entered into before December 31, 2018, based on the net proceeds received from the buyer-lessor. Under U.S. GAAP, these transactions were accounted for under the financing method in accordance with the applicable accounting guidance. Under such guidance, no revenue or profit is recognized at the inception of the transaction, and the net proceeds from the buyer-lessor are recorded as a financing liability. Imputed interest is recorded on the liability equal to our incremental borrowing rate adjusted solely to prevent negative amortization. Under IFRS, such revenue and profit is recognized at the time of sale to the buyer-lessor if certain criteria are met. Upon adoption of IFRS 16, Leases, on December 31, 2018, IFRS is aligned with GAAP.
  • Mark-to-market gain in equity investments: The company recognizes adjustments related to the fair value of equity investments with readily determinable fair value based on the changes in the stock price of these equity investments at every reporting period. Under GAAP, mark-to-market gains and losses due to changes in stock prices for these securities are recorded in earnings while under IFRS, an election can be made to recognize such gains and losses in other comprehensive income. Such an election was made by Total SE. Further, we elected the Fair Value Option («FVO») for some of our equity method investments, and we adjust the carrying value of those investments based on their fair market value calculated periodically. Such option is not available under IFRS, and equity method accounting is required for such investments. Management believes that excluding these adjustments on equity investments is consistent with our internal reporting process as part of its status as a consolidated subsidiary of Total SE. and better reflects our ongoing results.

Other Non-GAAP Adjustments

  • Gain/loss on sale and impairment of residential lease assets: In fiscal 2018 and 2019, in an effort to deconsolidate all the residential lease assets owned by us, the company sold membership units representing a 49% membership interest in its residential lease business and retained a 51% membership interest. The loss on divestment, including adjustments to contingent consideration shortly after the closure of the transaction, and the remaining unsold residential lease assets impairment with its corresponding depreciation savings are excluded from the company’s non-GAAP results as they are non-recurring in nature and not reflective of ongoing operating results.
  • Construction revenue on solar services contracts: Upon adoption of the new lease accounting guidance («ASC 842») in the first quarter of fiscal 2019, revenue and cost of revenue on solar services contracts with residential customers are recognized ratably over the term of those contracts, once the projects are placed in service. For non-GAAP results, the company recognizes revenue and cost of revenue upfront based on the expected cash proceeds to align with the legacy lease accounting guidance. Management believes it is appropriate to recognize revenue and cost of revenue upfront based on total expected cash proceeds, as it better reflects the company’s ongoing results as such method aligns revenue and costs incurred most accurately in the same period. Starting in second quarter of fiscal 2020, we no longer have this non-GAAP measure.
  • Stock-based compensation: Stock-based compensation relates primarily to the company’s equity incentive awards. Stock-based compensation is a non-cash expense that is dependent on market forces that are difficult to predict. Management believes that this adjustment for stock-based compensation provides investors with a basis to measure the company’s core performance, including compared with the performance of other companies, without the period-to-period variability created by stock-based compensation.
  • Amortization of intangible assets: The company incurs amortization of intangible assets as a result of acquisitions, which includes patents, purchased technology, project pipeline assets, and in-process research and development. Management believes that it is appropriate to exclude these amortization charges from the company’s non-GAAP financial measures as they arise from prior acquisitions, which are not reflective of ongoing operating results.
  • Gain on business divestiture: In second quarter of fiscal 2020, the company sold its Operations and Maintenance («O&M») contracts business to a third-party buyer. Similarly, in fiscal 2019, the company sold all of its membership interests in certain subsidiaries that own leasehold interests in projects subject to sale-leaseback financing arrangements. In connection with these divestitures, the company recognized gain within its income statement in the period in which the sale was completed. Management believes that it is appropriate to exclude such gain from the company’s non-GAAP financial measures as it is not reflective of ongoing operating results.
  • Litigation: We may be involved in various instances of litigation, claims and proceedings that result in payments or recoveries. We exclude gains or losses associated with such events because the gains or losses do not reflect our underlying financial results in the period incurred. We also exclude all expenses pertaining to litigation relating to businesses that discontinued as a result of spin-off of Maxeon Solar, for which we are indemnifying them. Management believes that it is appropriate to exclude such charges from our non-GAAP results as they are not reflective of ongoing operating results.
  • Transaction-related costs: In connection with material non-recurring transactions such as acquisition or divestiture of a business, the company incurred transaction costs including legal and accounting fees. Management believes that it is appropriate to exclude these costs from the company’s non-GAAP results as it is not reflective of ongoing operating results.
  • Business reorganization costs: In connection with the reorganization of our business into an upstream and downstream, and subsequent announcement of the separation transaction to separate the Company into two independent, and publicly traded companies, we incurred and expect to continue to incur in upcoming quarters, non-recurring charges on third-party legal and consulting expenses to close the separation transaction. Management believes that it is appropriate to exclude these from company’s non-GAAP results as it is not reflective of ongoing operating results.
  • Non-cash interest expense: The company incurs non-cash interest expense related to the amortization of items such as original issuance discounts on its debt. The company excludes non-cash interest expense because the expense does not reflect its financial results in the period incurred. Management believes that this adjustment for non-cash interest expense provides investors with a basis to evaluate the company’s performance, including compared with the performance of other companies, without non-cash interest expense.
  • Restructuring charges (credits): The company incurs restructuring expenses related to reorganization plans aimed towards realigning resources consistent with the company’s global strategy and improving its overall operating efficiency and cost structure. Although the company has engaged in restructuring activities in the past, each has been a discrete event based on a unique set of business objectives. Management believes that it is appropriate to exclude these from company’s non-GAAP results as it is not reflective of ongoing operating results.
  • Gain on convertible debt repurchased: In connection with the early repurchase of a portion of our 0.875% Convertible debentures due June 1, 2021, we recognized a gain, represented by the difference between the book value of the convertible debentures, net of the remaining unamortized discount prior to repurchase and the reacquisition price of the convertible notes upon repurchase. Management believes that it is appropriate to exclude these from our non-GAAP results as it is not reflective of ongoing operating results.
  • Tax effect: This amount is used to present each of the adjustments described above on an after-tax basis in connection with the presentation of non-GAAP net income (loss) and non-GAAP net income (loss) per diluted share. The company’s non-GAAP tax amount is based on estimated cash tax expense and reserves. The company forecasts its annual cash tax liability and allocates the tax to each quarter in a manner generally consistent with its GAAP methodology. This approach is designed to enhance investors’ ability to understand the impact of the company’s tax expense on its current operations, provide improved modeling accuracy, and substantially reduce fluctuations caused by GAAP to non-GAAP adjustments, which may not reflect actual cash tax expense, or tax impact of non-recurring items.
  • Adjusted EBITDA adjustments: When calculating Adjusted EBITDA, in addition to adjustments described above, the company excludes the impact of the following items during the period:
    • Cash interest expense, net of interest income
    • Provision for income taxes
    • Depreciation

For more information about these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the tables captioned «Reconciliations of GAAP Measures to Non-GAAP Measures» set forth at the end of this release, which should be read together with the preceding financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP.

 

SUNPOWER CORPORATION

RECONCILIATIONS OF GAAP MEASURES TO NON-GAAP MEASURES

(In thousands, except percentages and per share data)

(Unaudited)

Adjustments to Revenue:

THREE MONTHS ENDED

TWELVE MONTHS ENDED

January 3,
2021

September 27, 2020

December 29, 2019

January 3,
2021

December 29,
2019

GAAP revenue

$

341,810

$

274,806

$

401,617

$

1,124,829

$

1,092,226

Adjustments based on IFRS:

Legacy utility and power plant projects

(207)

(259)

Legacy sale-leaseback transactions

(44)

(44)

Other adjustments:

Construction revenue on solar services contracts

3,235

5,392

128,144

Non-GAAP revenue

$

341,810

$

274,806

$

404,808

$

1,130,014

$

1,220,067

Adjustments to Gross Profit (Loss) / Margin: 

THREE MONTHS ENDED

TWELVE MONTHS ENDED

January 3,
2021

September 27, 2020

December 29, 2019

January 3,
2021

December 29,
2019

GAAP gross profit from continuing operations

$

75,151

$

37,140

$

86,074

$

167,127

$

163,478

Adjustments based on IFRS:

Legacy utility and power plant projects

(34)

993

Legacy sale-leaseback transactions

(75)

20

(4,763)

Other adjustments:

Construction revenue on solar service contracts

1,966

4,735

20,018

Loss on sale and impairment of residential lease assets

(485)

(469)

(435)

(1,860)

(1,703)

Stock-based compensation expense

959

623

1,020

2,612

2,390

Amortization of intangible assets

1,189

1,783

4,757

7,135

Litigation

709

709

Impairment of property, plant and equipment

567

567

Restructuring (credits) charges

(12)

(12)

Non-GAAP gross profit

$

76,180

$

38,483

$

91,042

$

177,912

$

188,257

GAAP gross margin (%)

22.0

%

13.5

%

21.4

%

14.9

%

15.0

%

Non-GAAP gross margin (%)

22.3

%

14.0

%

22.5

%

15.7

%

15.4

%

Adjustments to Net Income (Loss): 

THREE MONTHS ENDED

TWELVE MONTHS ENDED

January 3,
2021

September 27, 2020

December 29, 2019

January 3,
2021

December 29,
2019

GAAP net income from continuing operations attributable to stockholders

$

412,475

$

109,450

$

47,360

$

599,355

$

206,820

Adjustments based on IFRS:

Legacy utility and power plant projects

(34)

993

Legacy sale-leaseback transactions

(75)

20

5,680

Mark-to-market gain on equity investments

(416,456)

(155,431)

(28,250)

(690,818)

(156,345)

Other adjustments:

Construction revenue on solar service contracts

1,966

4,735

(7,012)

Gain on sale and impairment of residential lease assets

(693)

(83)

(3,366)

(1,815)

25,636

Litigation

3,650

395

714

4,530

714

Stock-based compensation expense

6,167

4,454

6,118

19,554

19,800

Amortization of intangible assets

1,189

1,783

4,759

7,135

Gain on business divestiture

53

(10,476)

(143,400)

Transaction-related costs

177

1,723

2,040

5,294

Business reorganization costs

1,537

1,537

Non-cash interest expense

3

3

Restructuring (credits) charges

(146)

(97)

8,039

1,992

14,110

Gain on convertible debt repurchased

540

(104)

(2,520)

Impairment of property, plant and equipment

567

567

Tax effect

18,700

33,769

385

54,314

2,202

Non-GAAP net loss attributable to stockholders

$

26,571

$

(6,458)

$

36,400

$

(12,260)

$

(18,370)

Adjustments to Net Income (loss) per diluted share

THREE MONTHS ENDED

TWELVE MONTHS ENDED

January 3,
2021

September 27, 2020

December 29, 2019

January 3,

2021

December 29,
2019

Net income (loss) per diluted share

Numerator:

GAAP net income available to common stockholders1

$

412,475

$

109,450

$

47,360

$

599,355

$

206,820

Add: Interest expense on 4.00% debenture due 2023, net of tax

3,126

3,358

3,358

12,499

13,430

Add: Interest expense on 0.875% debenture due 2021, net of tax

421

467

691

1,824

2,765

GAAP net income available to common stockholders1

$

416,022

$

113,275

$

51,409

$

613,678

$

223,015

Non-GAAP net income (loss) available to common stockholders1

$

26,571

$

(6,458)

$

36,400

$

(12,260)

$

(18,370)

Denominator:

GAAP weighted-average shares

170,267

170,113

152,439

169,801

144,796

Effect of dilutive securities:

Restricted stock units

5,216

3,560

3,565

318

2,729

0.875% debentures due 2021

7,581

7,785

8,203

10,055

8,203

4.00% debentures due 2023

17,068

17,068

13,922

17,068

13,922

GAAP dilutive weighted-average common shares:

200,132

198,526

178,129

197,242

169,650

Non-GAAP weighted-average shares

170,267

170,113

152,439

169,801

144,796

Effect of dilutive securities:

Restricted stock units

5,216

3,565

4.00% debentures due 2023

17,068

Non-GAAP dilutive weighted-average common shares1

192,551

170,113

156,004

169,801

144,796

GAAP dilutive net income per share – continuing operations

$

2.08

$

0.57

$

0.29

$

3.11

$

1.31

Non-GAAP dilutive net income (loss) per share – continuing operations

$

0.14

$

(0.04)

$

0.23

$

(0.07)

$

(0.13)

1In accordance with the if-converted method, net loss available to common stockholders excludes interest expense related to the 0.875% and 4.0% debentures if the debentures are considered converted in the calculation of net loss per diluted share. If the conversion option for a debenture is not in the money for the relevant period, the potential conversion of the debenture under the if-converted method is excluded from the calculation of non-GAAP net loss per diluted share.

Adjusted EBITDA:

THREE MONTHS ENDED

TWELVE MONTHS ENDED

January 3,
2021

September 27, 2020

December 29, 2019

January 3,
2021

December 29, 2019

GAAP net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to stockholders

$

412,475

$

109,450

$

47,360

$

599,355

$

206,820

Adjustments based on IFRS:

Legacy utility and power plant projects

(34)

993

Legacy sale-leaseback transactions

(75)

20

5,680

Mark-to-market gain on equity investments

(416,456)

(155,431)

(28,250)

(690,818)

(156,345)

Other adjustments:

Construction revenue on solar service contracts

1,966

4,735

(7,012)

(Gain) loss on sale and impairment of residential lease assets

(693)

(83)

(3,366)

(1,815)

25,636

Litigation

3,650

395

714

4,530

714

Stock-based compensation expense

6,167

4,454

6,118

19,554

19,800

Amortization of intangible assets

1,189

1,783

4,759

7,135

Gain on business divestiture

53

(10,476)

(143,400)

Transaction-related costs

177

1,723

2,040

5,294

Business reorganization costs

1,537

1,537

Non-cash interest expense

3

3

Restructuring (credits) charges

(146)

(97)

8,039

2,592

14,110

Gain on convertible debt repurchased

540

(104)

(2,520)

Impairment of property, plant and equipment

567

567

Cash interest expense, net of interest income

8,350

6,918

8,263

32,452

33,954

Provision for income taxes

18,834

36,725

6,435

57,550

16,509

Depreciation

3,519

5,156

6,133

16,108

29,049

Adjusted EBITDA

$

38,574

$

8,572

$

56,846

$

40,136

$

58,940

 

Q1 2021 GUIDANCE

(in thousands)

Q1 2021

Revenue (GAAP and Non-GAAP)

$270,000-$330,000

Net income (GAAP)

$(20,000)-$(10,000)

Adjusted EBITDA1

$10,000-$20,000

 

1.

Estimated Adjusted EBITDA amount above for Q1 2021 includes net adjustments that decrease net income by approximately $7 million related to stock-based compensation expense, $11 million related to restructuring and related charges, $8 million related to interest expense, $2 million related to depreciation expense, and $2 million related to income taxes. 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

(In thousands, except percentages)

The following supplemental data represent the adjustments that are included or excluded from SunPower’s non-GAAP revenue, gross profit/margin, net income (loss) and net income (loss) per diluted share measures for each period presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations contained herein.

THREE MONTHS ENDED

January 3, 2021

Revenue

Gross Profit / Margin

Operating expenses

Residential,

Light
Commercial

Commercial and

Industrial Solutions

Others

Intersegment

eliminations

Residential,

Light

Commercial

Commercial
and

Industrial

Solutions

Others

Intersegment

eliminations

Research

and

development

Sales,
general

and
administrative

Restructuring
charges

(Gain)/loss

on sale and

impairment

of

residential
lease assets

Gain on

business

divestiture

Other

income

(expense),
net

Provision 

for 

income
taxes

Net income

(loss)
attributable

to

stockholders

GAAP

$

257,932

$

79,547

$

9,959

$

(5,628)

$

61,128

$

13,559

$

(5,300)

$

5,764

$

412,475

Adjustments based on IFRS:

Mark-to-market gain on equity investments

(416,456)

(416,456)

Other adjustments:

(Gain)/loss on sale and impairment of residential lease assets

(485)

(208)

(693)

Litigation

3,650

3,650

Stock-based compensation expense

952

7

904

4,304

6,167

Gain on business divestiture

124

(71)

53

Business reorganization costs

1,537

1,537

Transaction-related costs

177

177

Restructuring (credits) charges

(12)

(134)

(146)

Gain on convertible debt repurchased

540

540

Impairment of property, plant and equipment

567

567

Tax effect

18,700

18,700

Non-GAAP

$

257,932

$

79,547

$

9,959

$

(5,628)

$

61,583

$

14,133

$

(5,300)

$

5,764

$

26,571

 

September 27, 2020

Revenue

Gross Profit / Margin

Operating expenses

Residential,

Light
Commercial

Commercial and

Industrial Solutions

Others

Intersegment

eliminations

Residential,

Light

Commercial

Commercial
and

Industrial

Solutions

Others

Intersegment

eliminations

Research

and

development

Sales,
general

and
administrative

Restructuring
charges

(Gain)/loss

on sale and

impairment

of

residential
lease assets

Gain on

business

divestiture

Other

income

(expense),
net

Provision
for

income
taxes

Net income

(loss)
attributable

to

stockholders

GAAP

$

197,710

$

74,333

$

10,056

$

(7,293)

$

34,625

$

3,931

$

(3,168)

$

1,752

$

109,450

Adjustments based on IFRS:

Mark-to-market gain on equity investments

(155,431)

(155,431)

Other adjustments:

(Gain)/loss on sale and impairment of residential lease assets

(469)

386

(83)

Litigation

395

395

Stock-based compensation expense

623

3,831

4,454

Amortization of intangible assets

1,189

1,189

Restructuring charges

(97)

(97)

Gain on convertible debt repurchased

(104)

(104)

Tax effect

33,769

33,769

Non-GAAP

$

197,710

$

74,333

$

10,056

$

(7,293)

$

34,779

$

5,120

$

(3,168)

$

1,752

$

(6,458)

 

December 29, 2019

Revenue

Gross Profit / Margin

Operating expenses

Residential,

Light
Commercial

Commercial and

Industrial Solutions

Others

Intersegment

eliminations

Residential,

Light

Commercial

Commercial
and

Industrial

Solutions

Others

Intersegment

eliminations

Research

and

development

Sales,
general

and
administrative

Restructuring
charges

Loss on

sale and

impairment

of

residential
lease assets

Other

income

(expense),
net

Benefit
from

income
taxes

Equity in
earnings of

unconsolidated

investees

Gain

(Loss)
attributable

to non-

controlling

interests

Net income

(loss)
attributable

to

stockholders

GAAP

$

253,483

$

87,538

$

78,072

$

(17,476)

$

41,120

$

162

$

11,511

$

33,281

$

47,360

Adjustments based on IFRS:

Legacy sale-leaseback transactions

(44)

(75)

(75)

Mark-to-market gain on equity investments

(29,250)

1,000

(28,250)

Other adjustments:

(Gain)/loss on sale and impairment of residential lease assets

(435)

(2,931)

(3,366)

Construction revenue on solar services contracts

3,235

1,966

1,966

Litigation

709

5

714

Stock-based compensation expense

1,020

5,098

6,118

Amortization of intangible assets

1,783

1,783

Transaction-related costs

1,723

1,723

Non-cash interest expense

3

3

Restructuring charges

8,039

8,039

Tax effect

385

385

Non-GAAP

$

256,674

$

87,538

$

78,072

$

(17,476)

$

44,305

$

1,945

$

11,511

$

33,281

$

36,400

 

 

TWELVE MONTHS ENDED

January 3, 2021

Revenue

Gross Profit / Margin

Operating expenses

Residential,

Light
Commercial

Commercial and

Industrial Solutions

Others

Intersegment

eliminations

Residential,

Light

Commercial

Commercial
and

Industrial

Solutions

Others

Intersegment

eliminations

Research

and

development

Sales,
general

and
administrative

Restructuring
charges

(Gain)/loss

on sale and

impairment

of

residential
lease assets

Gain on

business

divestiture

Other

income

(expense),
net

Benefit
from

income
taxes

Equity in
earnings of

unconsolidated

investees

Gain

(Loss)
attributable

to non-

controlling

interests

Net income

(loss)
attributable

to

stockholders

GAAP

$

842,681

$

255,018

$

65,574

$

(38,444)

$

150,596

$

23,368

$

(24,205)

$

17,368

$

599,355

Adjustments based on IFRS:

Legacy utility and power plant projects

(207)

(34)

(34)

Legacy sale-leaseback transactions

20

20

Mark-to-market gain on equity investments

(690,818)

(690,818)

Other adjustments:

(Gain)/loss on sale and impairment of residential lease assets

(1,860)

45

(1,815)

Construction revenue on solar services contracts

5,392

4,735

4,735

Litigation

4,530

4,530

Stock-based compensation expense

2,605

7

904

16,038

19,554

Amortization of intangible assets

4,759

4,759

Gain on business divestiture

(10,334)

(142)

(10,476)

Business reorganization costs

1,537

1,537

Gain on convertible notes repurchased

(2,520)

(2,520)

Transaction-related costs

2,040

2,040

Restructuring (credits) charges

(12)

2,004

1,992

Impairment of property, plant and equipment

567

567

Tax effect

54,314

54,314

Non-GAAP

$

848,073

$

254,811

$

65,574

$

(38,444)

$

156,084

$

28,667

$

(24,205)

$

17,368

$

(12,260)

 

December 29, 2019

Revenue

Gross Profit / Margin

Operating expenses

Residential,

Light
Commercial

Commercial and

Industrial Solutions

Others

Intersegment

eliminations

Residential,

Light

Commercial

Commercial
and

Industrial

Solutions

Others

Intersegment

eliminations

Research

and

development

Sales,
general

and
administrative

Restructuring
charges

(Gain)/loss

on sale and

impairment

of

residential
lease assets

Gain on

business

divestiture

Other

income

(expense),
net

Benefit
from

income
taxes

Equity in
earnings of

unconsolidated

investees

Gain

(Loss)
attributable

to non-

controlling

interests

Net income

(loss)
attributable

to

stockholders

GAAP

$

735,753

$

243,570

$

156,615

$

(43,712)

$

92,083

$

(981)

$

39,569

$

32,807

$

206,820

Adjustments based on IFRS:

Legacy utility and power plant projects

(259)

993

993

Legacy sale-leaseback transactions

(44)

(4,763)

10,443

5,680

Mark-to-market gain on equity investments

(157,345)

1,000

(156,345)

Other adjustments:

(Gain)/loss on sale and impairment of residential lease assets

(1,703)

33,779

(6,440)

25,636

Construction revenue on solar services contracts

128,144

20,018

(27,030)

(7,012)

Litigation

709

5

714

Stock-based compensation expense

2,390

17,410

19,800

Amortization of intangible assets

7,135

7,135

Gain on business divestiture

(143,400)

(143,400)

Transaction-related costs

5,294

5,294

Non-cash interest expense

3

3

Restructuring charges

14,110

14,110

Tax effect

2,202

2,202

Non-GAAP

$

863,853

$

243,311

$

156,615

$

(43,712)

$

108,734

$

7,147

$

39,569

$

32,807

$

(18,370)

 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sunpower-reports-strong-fourth-quarter-and-fiscal-year-2020-results-301230360.html

SOURCE SunPower Corp.

Waste Connections Reports Fourth Quarter Results and Provides 2021 Outlook

Fourth Quarter Highlights

  • Improving solid waste volumes and increasing values for recycled commodities and renewable fuels drive results above expectations
  • Revenue of $1.398 billion, net income(a) of $130.7 million, and adjusted EBITDA(b) of $426.6 million, or 30.5% of revenue
  • Net income and adjusted net income(b) of $0.50 and <span…

Fourth Quarter Highlights

  • Improving solid waste volumes and increasing values for recycled commodities and renewable fuels drive results above expectations
  • Revenue of $1.398 billion, net income(a) of $130.7 million, and adjusted EBITDA(b) of $426.6 million, or 30.5% of revenue
  • Net income and adjusted net income(b) of $0.50 and $0.68 per share, respectively
  • Completes additional acquisitions to bring total acquired annualized revenue for the full year to approximately $180 million

Looking at 2021

  • Expects 5.0% solid waste price plus volume growth, 50bps margin expansion, and double-digit percentage growth in adjusted free cash flow(b) 
  • Expects revenue to be approximately $5.80 billion, excluding additional acquisitions
  • Expects net income to be approximately $669 million
  • Expects adjusted EBITDA(b) to be approximately $1.80 billion, or about 31.0% of revenue 
  • Expects net cash provided by operating activities to be approximately $1.575 billion
  • Expects adjusted free cash flow(b) to be at least $950 million, or 16.4% of revenue
  • Expects double-digit percentage increase in cash dividends and share repurchases

 

TORONTO, Feb. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Waste Connections, Inc. (TSX/NYSE: WCN) («Waste Connections» or the «Company») today announced its results for the fourth quarter of 2020 and outlook for 2021. 

«Q4 capped off a remarkable year for Waste Connections, culminating in a solid beat in the period and providing a higher entry point into 2021.  A more than 250 basis points higher than expected improvement in solid waste volumes and increased values for recycled commodities and renewable fuels drove adjusted EBITDA(b) margins 50 basis points above expectations for the quarter.  Moreover, we converted more than 50% of adjusted EBITDA(b) to adjusted free cash flow(b) in the year, while positioning ourselves for double-digit percentage growth in adjusted free cash flow(b) in 2021,» said Worthing F. Jackman, President and Chief Executive Officer.  «Culture and values have guided our response throughout the pandemic, driving improvement in many areas in addition to financial, including safety, employee engagement, retention, and customer connectivity. We spent over $35 million in 2020 primarily directed to discretionary supplemental pay for frontline employees, and, among other initiatives, increased our minimum wage target to $15/hour, expanded benefits and provided scheduling flexibility to accommodate employee needs.»

Mr. Jackman added, «2020 was also noteworthy for the pace of acquisition activity, which accelerated in the fourth quarter to drive another outsized year of activity and an incremental 2% rollover revenue growth from such acquisitions in 2021.  Acquisition dialogue remains elevated and given the strength of our balance sheet, we remain well positioned to fund additional acquisitions, while also increasing return of capital to shareholders through opportunistic share repurchases and dividend growth. With expected solid waste pricing plus volume growth of 5% and increasing recycling and renewable fuels values, 2021 is already positioned for continued growth and margin expansion, with upside from any further reopening activity, recovery in the economy, or acquisitions completed during the year.»

Mr. Jackman continued, «The strength of our results in 2020 and expectations for 2021 reflect our purposeful culture and differentiated strategy; moreover, they are a testament to the tireless efforts of our dedicated essential workers.  We are extremely grateful for our employees’ efforts to drive not only outsized financial performance during this challenging period but operational excellence as well, as they honor commitments to our customers, communities and each other.»  

Financial Impact from COVID-19

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, revenue from solid waste commercial collection, transfer and disposal has largely reflected the extent to which the slowdown in activity associated with shelter-in-place or other closure restrictions or requirements in effect since Q1 of 2020 have persisted.  Q2 was the first full quarter to reflect the impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, and activity levels in impacted lines of business have shown improvement in subsequent quarters.  Recoveries in more impacted markets, particularly those where reopenings continue to be delayed or where additional restrictions have been imposed, have generally been less pronounced.

Improving trends since Q2 include as follows:  solid waste collection, transfer and disposal revenue improved from down 5.3% in Q2 to up 0.7% year over year on a same store basis in Q4, with reported solid waste volumes improving from down 9.6% in Q2 to down 3.1% in Q4.  On a same store basis, year-over-year landfill tons, which were down approximately 10% in Q2, improved to down about 5% in Q4, and roll-off pulls improved from down approximately 11% in Q2 to down about 4% in Q4.  Additionally, service resumptions or increases in frequency in solid waste commercial collection in competitive markets we track that had previously suspended or reduced service due to the COVID-19 pandemic improved from recovery levels of 42% of such impacted revenue through Q2 to 56% at year end 2020.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, protecting the health, welfare and safety of our employees has been our top priority.  Recognizing the potential for financial hardship and other challenges, we looked to provide a safety net for our employees on issues of income and family health.  To that end in 2020, we incurred over $35 million in incremental COVID-19-related costs, primarily supplemental pay for frontline employees, including pre-holiday «Thank you» bonuses paid out in the fourth quarter.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows in future periods will depend largely on future developments, including the duration and spread of the pandemic in the U.S. and Canada, its severity, the actions to contain the novel coronavirus or treat its impact, and how quickly and to what extent normal economic and operating conditions can resume.

Q4 2020 Results

Revenue in the fourth quarter totaled $1.398 billion, up from $1.362 billion in the year ago period.  Operating income was $197.1 million, which included $24.1 million of impairments and other operating items primarily related to an adjustment to the carrying values of certain acquired long-lived assets and $5.3 million of acquisition-related costs.  This compares to operating income of $194.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2019, which included $32.7 million of costs primarily resulting from impairments and other operating items.  Net income in the fourth quarter was $130.7 million, or $0.50 per share on a diluted basis of 263.6 million shares.  In the year ago period, the Company reported net income of $133.3 million, or $0.50 per share on a diluted basis of 264.6 million shares. 

Adjusted net income(b) in the fourth quarter was $178.6 million, or $0.68 per diluted share, versus $181.4 million, or $0.69 per diluted share, in the prior year period.  Adjusted EBITDA(b) in the fourth quarter was $426.6 million, as compared to $419.0 million in the prior year period.  Adjusted net income, adjusted net income per diluted share and adjusted EBITDA, all non-GAAP measures, primarily exclude impairments and acquisition-related items, as reflected in the detailed reconciliations in the attached tables.

Full Year 2020 Results

For the year ended December 31, 2020, revenue was $5.446 billion, as compared to $5.389 billion in the year ago period.  Operating income, which included $482.1 million in costs primarily related to the decrease in property and equipment at certain E&P landfills as a result of the Company’s impairment testing, was $412.4 million, as compared to $837.8 million in the prior year, which included $77.4 million of costs primarily resulting from impairments and other operating items.

Net income in 2020 was $204.7 million, or $0.78 per share on a diluted basis of 263.7 million shares.  In the year ago period, the Company reported net income of $566.8 million, or $2.14 per share on a diluted basis of 264.5 million shares. 

Adjusted net income(b) in 2020 was $695.8 million, or $2.64 per diluted share, compared to $719.6 million, or $2.72 per diluted share, in the year ago period. Adjusted EBITDA(b) in 2020 was $1.662 billion, as compared to $1.674 billion in the prior year period. 

2021 Outlook

Waste Connections also announced its outlook for 2021, which assumes no change in the current economic environment.  The Company’s outlook excludes any impact from additional acquisitions that may close during the year, and expensing of transaction-related items.  The outlook provided below is forward looking, and actual results may differ materially depending on risks and uncertainties detailed at the end of this release and in our periodic filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the securities commissions or similar regulatory authorities in Canada. Certain components of the outlook for 2021 are subject to quarterly fluctuations.  See reconciliations in the attached tables.

  • Revenue is estimated to be approximately $5.80 billion;
  • Net income is estimated to be approximately $669 million;
  • Adjusted EBITDA(b) is estimated to be approximately $1.80 billion, or about 31.0% of revenue;
  • Net cash provided by operating activities is estimated to be approximately $1.575 billion;
  • Capital expenditures are estimated to be approximately $625 million; and
  • Adjusted free cash flow(b) is estimated to be at least $950 million, or 16.4% of revenue.

Environmental, Social and Governance

Waste Connections views its Environmental, Social and Governance («ESG») efforts as integral to its business, with initiatives consistent with its objective of long-term value creation.  In 2020, the Company introduced long-term, aspirational ESG targets and committed over $500 million for investments to meet or exceed such sustainability targets. These investments primarily focus on reducing emissions, increasing resource recovery of both recyclable commodities and clean energy fuels, reducing reliance on off-site disposal for landfill leachate, further improving safety through reduced incidents and enhancing employee engagement through improved voluntary turnover and Servant Leadership scores.  For more information, visit the Waste Connections website at www.wasteconnections.com/sustainability.

Q4 2020 Earnings and 2021 Outlook Conference Call

Waste Connections will be hosting a conference call related to fourth quarter earnings and 2021 outlook on February 18th at 8:30 A.M. Eastern Time.  To access the call, listeners should dial 800-763-6049 (within North America) or 212-231-2936 (international) approximately 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time and ask the operator for the Waste Connections conference call (a passcode is not required).  A replay of the conference call will be available until February 25, 2021 by calling 800-633-8284 (within North America) or 402-977-9140 (international) and entering Passcode #21989487.  The call will be broadcast live over the Internet through a link on the Company’s website at www.wasteconnections.com.  A playback of the call will be available on the Company’s website.

Waste Connections will be filing a Form 8-K on EDGAR and on SEDAR (as an «Other» document) prior to markets opening on February 18th, providing the Company’s first quarter 2021 outlook for revenue, core price plus volume growth for solid waste, and adjusted EBITDA(b).

(a)

All references to «Net income» refer to the financial statement line item «Net income attributable to Waste Connections»

(b)

A non-GAAP measure; see accompanying Non-GAAP Reconciliation Schedule

About Waste Connections

Waste Connections is an integrated solid waste services company that provides non-hazardous waste collection, transfer and disposal services, along with resource recovery primarily through recycling and renewable fuels generation.  The Company serves more than seven million residential, commercial and industrial customers in mostly exclusive and secondary markets across 43 states in the U.S. and six provinces in Canada.  Waste Connections also provides non-hazardous oilfield waste treatment, recovery and disposal services in several basins across the U.S., as well as intermodal services for the movement of cargo and solid waste containers in the Pacific Northwest.  For more information, visit Waste Connections at www.wasteconnections.com.  

Safe Harbor and Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 («PSLRA»), including «forward-looking information» within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. These forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance and reflect Waste Connections’ current beliefs and expectations regarding future events and operating performance. These forward-looking statements are often identified by the words «may,» «might,» «believes,» «thinks,» «expects,» «estimate,» «continue,» «intends» or other words of similar meaning. All of the forward-looking statements included in this press release are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the PSLRA and applicable securities laws in Canada. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements about expected 2021 financial results, outlook and related assumptions, potential growth and margin expansion, potential acquisition activity and return of capital to shareholders. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ, possibly materially, from those indicated by the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, risk factors detailed from time to time in the Company’s filings with the SEC and the securities commissions or similar regulatory authorities in Canada.  You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.  Waste Connections undertakes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements set forth in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, unless required by applicable securities laws.

– financial tables attached –

CONTACT:                                                             

Mary Anne Whitney / (832) 442-2253                     

Joe Box / (832) 442-2153

maryannew@wasteconnections.com                      

joe.box@wasteconnections.com                                                    

 

 

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF NET INCOME
THREE AND TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2020
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts)

Three months ended

December 31,

Twelve months ended

December 31,

2019

2020

2019

2020

Revenues

$

1,361,960

$

1,398,251

$

5,388,679

$

5,445,990

Operating expenses:

Cost of operations

814,151

846,851

3,198,757

3,276,808

Selling, general and administrative

136,146

133,419

546,278

537,632

Depreciation

156,779

161,462

618,396

621,102

Amortization of intangibles

31,701

35,239

125,522

131,302

Impairments and other operating items

28,999

24,136

61,948

466,718

Operating income

194,184

197,144

837,778

412,428

Interest expense

(36,056)

(42,813)

(147,368)

(162,375)

Interest income

2,592

857

9,777

5,253

Other income (expense), net

1,142

1,654

5,704

(1,392)

Income before income tax provision

161,862

156,842

705,891

253,914

Income tax provision

(28,671)

(26,268)

(139,210)

(49,922)

Net income

133,191

130,574

566,681

203,992

Plus: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

71

90

160

685

Net income attributable to Waste Connections

$

133,262

$

130,664

$

566,841

$

204,677

Earnings per common share attributable to Waste
Connections’ common shareholders:

Basic

$

0.51

$

0.50

$

2.15

$

0.78

Diluted

$

0.50

$

0.50

$

2.14

$

0.78

Shares used in the per share calculations:

Basic

263,865,203

263,001,985

263,792,693

263,189,699

Diluted

264,636,883

263,598,602

264,526,561

263,687,539

Cash dividends per common share

$

0.185

$

0.205

$

0.665

$

0.760

 

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts)

December 31,

2019

December 31,

2020

ASSETS

Current assets:

Cash and equivalents

$

326,738

$

617,294

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of $16,432 and $19,380 at
December 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively

662,808

630,264

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

141,052

160,714

Total current assets

1,130,598

1,408,272

Restricted cash

96,483

97,095

Restricted investments

51,179

57,516

Property and equipment, net

5,516,347

5,284,506

Operating lease right-of-use assets

183,220

170,923

Goodwill

5,510,851

5,726,650

Intangible assets, net

1,163,063

1,155,079

Other assets, net

85,954

92,323

Total assets

$

13,737,695

$

13,992,364

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable

$

436,970

$

290,820

Book overdraft

15,954

17,079

Accrued liabilities

280,808

404,923

Current portion of operating lease liabilities

29,929

30,671

Current portion of contingent consideration

26,659

43,297

Deferred revenue

216,443

233,596

Current portion of long-term debt and notes payable

465

8,268

Total current liabilities

1,007,228

1,028,654

Long-term portion of debt and notes payable

4,353,782

4,708,678

Long-term portion of operating lease liabilities

160,033

147,223

Long-term portion of contingent consideration

42,825

28,439

Deferred income taxes

818,622

760,044

Other long-term liabilities

416,851

455,888

Total liabilities

6,799,341

7,128,926

Commitments and contingencies

Equity:

Common shares: 263,699,675 shares issued and 263,618,161 shares outstanding
at December 31, 2019; 262,899,174 shares issued and 262,824,990 shares outstanding at
December 31, 2020

4,135,343

4,030,368

Additional paid-in capital

154,917

170,555

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(10,963)

(651)

Treasury shares: 81,514 and 74,184 shares at December 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively

Retained earnings

2,654,207

2,659,001

Total Waste Connections’ equity

6,933,504

6,859,273

Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries

4,850

4,165

Total equity

6,938,354

6,863,438

$

13,737,695

$

13,992,364

 

WASTE CONNECTIONS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2020
(Unaudited)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

Twelve months ended December 31,

2019

2020

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net income

$

566,681

$

203,992

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

Loss on disposal of assets and impairments

60,592

445,647

Depreciation

618,396

621,102

Amortization of intangibles

125,522

131,302

Deferred income taxes, net of acquisitions

54,637

(50,487)

Amortization of debt issuance costs

5,001

7,509

Share-based compensation

42,671

45,751

Interest accretion

16,426

17,205

Payment of contingent consideration recorded in earnings

(10,371)

Adjustments to contingent consideration

1,498

18,418

Other

(2,240)

2,426

Net change in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions

51,363

(23,973)

Net cash provided by operating activities

1,540,547

1,408,521

Cash flows from investing activities:

Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired

(736,610)

(388,789)

Capital expenditures for property and equipment

(634,406)

(597,053)

Capital expenditure for undeveloped landfill property

(31,683)

(67,508)

Investment in noncontrolling interest

(25,000)

Proceeds from disposal of assets

3,566

19,084

Other

(1,873)

(11,777)

Net cash used in investing activities

(1,426,006)

(1,046,043)

Cash flows from financing activities:

Proceeds from long-term debt

1,575,795

1,815,625

Principal payments on notes payable and long-term debt

(1,470,711)

(1,542,958)

Payment of contingent consideration recorded at acquisition date

(3,200)

(12,566)

Change in book overdraft

(2,564)

1,096

Payments for repurchase of common shares

(105,654)

Payments for cash dividends

(175,067)

(199,883)

Tax withholdings related to net share settlements of equity-based compensation

(17,660)

(23,446)

Debt issuance costs

(5,953)

(11,117)

Proceeds from sale of common shares held in trust

4,036

679

Distributions to noncontrolling interests

(570)

Net cash used in financing activities

(95,894)

(78,224)

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

608

6,914

Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

19,255

291,168

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year

403,966

423,221

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of year

$

423,221

$

714,389

 

ADDITIONAL STATISTICS
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except where noted)

Solid Waste Internal Growth:  The following table reflects a breakdown of the components of our solid waste internal growth for
the three months ended December 31, 2020:

U.S.

Canada

Total

Core Price

4.1% 

5.3% 

4.3% 

Surcharges

(0.4%) 

(1.0%) 

(0.5%) 

Volume

(2.9%) 

(4.5%) 

(3.1%) 

Recycling

0.5% 

1.0% 

0.5% 

Foreign Exchange Impact

– 

1.3% 

0.2% 

Total

1.3% 

2.1% 

1.4% 

 

Revenue Breakdown: The following table reflects a breakdown of our revenue for the three month periods ended December 31,
2019 and 2020:

 Three months ended December 31, 2019

Revenue

Inter-
company

Elimination

Reported

Revenue

%

Solid Waste Collection

$

974,886

$

(2,499)

$

972,387

71.4%

Solid Waste Disposal and Transfer

476,840

(193,474)

283,366

20.8%

Solid Waste Recycling

13,569

(365)

13,204

1.0%

E&P Waste Treatment, Recovery and Disposal

66,144

(3,661)

62,483

4.6%

Intermodal and Other

30,646

(126)

30,520

2.2%

Total

$

1,562,085

$

(200,125)

$

1,361,960

100.0%

 

Three months ended December 31, 2020

Revenue

Inter-
company

Elimination

Reported

Revenue

%

Solid Waste Collection

$

1,024,099

$

(3,341)

$

1,020,758

73.0%

Solid Waste Disposal and Transfer

493,093

(200,272)

292,821

20.9%

Solid Waste Recycling

26,688

(909)

25,779

1.9%

E&P Waste Treatment, Recovery and Disposal

27,690

(2,163)

25,527

1.8%

Intermodal and Other

33,427

(61)

33,366

2.4%

Total

$

1,604,997

$

(206,746)

$

1,398,251

100.0%

 

Contribution from Acquisitions: The following table reflects revenues from acquisitions, net of divestitures, for the three and
twelve month periods ended December 31, 2019 and 2020:

Three months ended

December 31,

Twelve months ended

December 31,

2019

2020

2019

2020

Acquisitions, net

$

68,465

$

52,721

$

291,938

$

197,231

 

ADDITIONAL STATISTICS (continued)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except where noted)

Other Cash Flow Items: The following table reflects cash interest and cash taxes for the three and twelve month periods ended
December 31, 2019 and 2020:

Three months ended

December 31,

Twelve months ended

December 31,

2019

2020

2019

2020

Cash Interest Paid

$

54,078

$

55,910

$

139,694

$

142,310

Cash Taxes Paid

39,089

43,603

81,049

104,618

Debt to Book Capitalization as of December 31, 2020:  41%

Internalization for the three months ended December 31, 2020:  55%

Days Sales Outstanding for the three months ended December 31, 2020:  41 (26 net of deferred revenue)

Share Information for the three months ended December 31, 2020:

Basic shares outstanding

263,001,985

Dilutive effect of equity-based awards 

596,617

Diluted shares outstanding

263,598,602

 

NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION SCHEDULE
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except where noted)

Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA:

Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, is provided supplementally because it is widely used by investors as a performance and valuation measure in the solid waste industry.  Management uses adjusted EBITDA as one of the principal measures to evaluate and monitor the ongoing financial performance of Waste Connections’ operations.  Waste Connections defines adjusted EBITDA as net income attributable to Waste Connections, plus or minus net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, plus income tax provision, plus interest expense, less interest income, plus depreciation and amortization expense, plus closure and post-closure accretion expense, plus or minus any loss or gain on impairments and other operating items, plus other expense, less other income.  Waste Connections further adjusts this calculation to exclude the effects of other items management believes impact the ability to assess the operating performance of its business.  This measure is not a substitute for, and should be used in conjunction with, GAAP financial measures.  Other companies may calculate adjusted EBITDA differently. 

Three months ended

December 31,

Twelve months ended

December 31,

2019

2020

2019

2020

Net income attributable to Waste Connections

$

133,262

$

130,664

$

566,841

$

204,677

Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

(71)

(91)

(160)

(685)

Plus: Income tax provision

28,671

26,269

139,210

49,922

Plus: Interest expense

36,056

42,813

147,368

162,375

Less: Interest income

(2,592)

(857)

(9,777)

(5,253)

Plus: Depreciation and amortization

188,480

196,701

743,918

752,404

Plus: Closure and post-closure accretion

3,649

3,755

14,471

15,095

Plus: Impairments and other operating items

28,999

24,136

61,948

466,718

Plus/(Less): Other expense (income), net

(1,142)

(1,654)

(5,704)

1,392

Adjustments:

Plus: Transaction-related expenses(a)

4,278

5,306

12,335

9,803

Plus (Less): Fair value changes to equity awards(b)

(589)

(485)

3,104

5,536

Adjusted EBITDA

$

419,001

$

426,557

$

1,673,554

$

1,661,984

As % of revenues

30.8%

30.5%

31.1%

30.5%

____________________________

(a) 

Reflects the addback of acquisition-related transaction costs.

(b)

Reflects fair value accounting changes associated with certain equity awards.

 

NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION SCHEDULE (continued)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except where noted)

Reconciliation of Adjusted Free Cash Flow:

Adjusted free cash flow, a non-GAAP financial measure, is provided supplementally because it is widely used by investors as a valuation and liquidity measure in the solid waste industry.  Management uses adjusted free cash flow as one of the principal measures to evaluate and monitor the ongoing financial performance of Waste Connections’ operations.  Waste Connections defines adjusted free cash flow as net cash provided by operating activities, plus or minus change in book overdraft, plus proceeds from disposal of assets, less capital expenditures for property and equipment and distributions to noncontrolling interests.  Waste Connections further adjusts this calculation to exclude the effects of items management believes impact the ability to assess the operating performance of its business.  This measure is not a substitute for, and should be used in conjunction with, GAAP liquidity or financial measures.  Other companies may calculate adjusted free cash flow differently. 

Twelve months ended

December 31,

2019

2020

Net cash provided by operating activities

$

1,540,547

$

1,408,521

Plus/(Less): Change in book overdraft

(2,564)

1,096

Plus: Proceeds from disposal of assets

3,566

19,084

Less: Capital expenditures for property and equipment

(634,406)

(597,053)

Less: Distributions to noncontrolling interests

(570)

Adjustments:

Payment of contingent consideration recorded in earnings(a)

10,371

Cash received for divestitures(b)

(2,376)

(10,673)

Transaction-related expenses(c)

12,335

9,803

Pre-existing Progressive Waste share-based grants(d)

4,810

5,770

Tax effect(e)

(4,565)

(5,021)

Adjusted free cash flow

$

916,777

$

841,898

As % of revenues

17.0%

15.5%

____________________________

(a) 

Reflects the addback of acquisition-related payments for contingent consideration that were recorded as expenses in earnings and as a component of
cash flows from operating activities as the amounts paid exceeded the fair value of the contingent consideration recorded at the acquisition date.

(b) 

Reflects the elimination of cash received in conjunction with the divestiture of certain operations.

(c)

Reflects the addback of acquisition-related transaction costs.

(d) 

Reflects the cash settlement of pre-existing Progressive Waste share-based awards during the period.

(e) 

The aggregate tax effect of footnotes (a) through (d) is calculated based on the applied tax rates for the respective periods.

 

NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION SCHEDULE (continued)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)

Reconciliation of Adjusted Net Income attributable to Waste Connections and Adjusted Net Income per Diluted Share attributable to Waste Connections:

Adjusted net income attributable to Waste Connections and adjusted net income per diluted share attributable to Waste Connections, both non-GAAP financial measures, are provided supplementally because they are widely used by investors as a valuation measure in the solid waste industry.  Management uses adjusted net income attributable to Waste Connections and adjusted net income per diluted share attributable to Waste Connections as one of the principal measures to evaluate and monitor the ongoing financial performance of Waste Connections’ operations.  Waste Connections provides adjusted net income attributable to Waste Connections to exclude the effects of items management believes impact the comparability of operating results between periods.  Adjusted net income attributable to Waste Connections has limitations due to the fact that it excludes items that have an impact on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.  Adjusted net income attributable to Waste Connections and adjusted net income per diluted share attributable to Waste Connections are not a substitute for, and should be used in conjunction with, GAAP financial measures.  Other companies may calculate these non-GAAP financial measures differently. 

Three months ended

December 31,

Twelve months ended

December 31,

2019

2020

2019

2020

Reported net income attributable to Waste Connections

$

133,262

$

130,664

$

566,841

$

204,677

Adjustments:

Amortization of intangibles(a)

31,701

35,239

125,522

131,302

Impairments and other operating items(b)

28,999

24,136

61,948

466,718

Transaction-related expenses(c) 

4,278

5,306

12,335

9,803

Fair value changes to equity awards(d)

(589)

(485)

3,104

5,536

Tax effect(e)

(16,234)

(16,235)

(50,189)

(153,758)

Tax items(f)

31,508

Adjusted net income attributable to Waste Connections

$

181,417

$

178,625

$

719,561

$

695,786

Diluted earnings per common share attributable to Waste
Connections’ common shareholders:

Reported net income

$

0.50

$

0.50

$

2.14

$

0.78

Adjusted net income

$

0.69

$

0.68

$

2.72

$

2.64

____________________________

(a)

Reflects the elimination of the non-cash amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets.

(b)

Reflects the addback of impairments and other operating items.

(c)

Reflects the addback of acquisition-related transaction costs.

(d) 

Reflects fair value accounting changes associated with certain equity awards.

(e)

The aggregate tax effect of the adjustments in footnotes (a) through (d) is calculated based on the applied tax rates for the respective periods.

(f) 

Reflects the impact of a portion of the Company’s 2019 inter-entity payments no longer being deductible for tax purposes due to the finalization of
tax regulations on April 7, 2020 under Internal Revenue Code 267A and an increase in deferred tax liabilities resulting from the E&P impairment.

 

2021 OUTLOOK
NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION SCHEDULE
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except where noted)

Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA:

2021 Outlook

Estimates

Observation

Net income attributable to Waste Connections

$

669,000

    Plus: Income tax provision

167,400

Approximate 20.0% effective rate

    Plus: Interest expense, net

162,000

    Plus: Depreciation and Depletion

660,000

Approximately 11.3% of revenue

    Plus: Amortization

126,600

    Plus: Closure and post-closure accretion

15,000

Adjusted EBITDA

$

1,800,000

Approximately 31.0% of revenue

 

Reconciliation of Adjusted Free Cash Flow:

2021 Outlook

Estimates

Net cash provided by operating activities

$

1,575,000

    Less: Capital expenditures

(625,000)

Adjusted free cash flow

$

950,000

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SOURCE Waste Connections, Inc.

Waste Connections Announces Regular Quarterly Cash Dividend

TORONTO, Feb. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Waste Connections, Inc. (TSX/NYSE: WCN) («Waste Connections» or the «Company») today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.205 U.S. per common share of the Company. The regular quarterly cash dividend will be paid on March 17, 2021 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 3, 2021.  The Board intends to…

TORONTO, Feb. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Waste Connections, Inc. (TSX/NYSE: WCN) («Waste Connections» or the «Company») today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.205 U.S. per common share of the Company. The regular quarterly cash dividend will be paid on March 17, 2021 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 3, 2021.  The Board intends to review the quarterly dividend each October, with a long-term objective of increasing the amount of the dividend.

Shareholders of Waste Connections whose common shares are held by a bank or broker that participates in U.S. depositary DTC will receive payment of their dividends in U.S. dollars.  Shareholders of Waste Connections whose common shares are held by a bank or broker that participates in Canadian depositary CDS will receive payment of their dividends in Canadian dollars, calculated based on the Bank of Canada’s daily average exchange rate on March 3, 2021. Shareholders of Waste Connections who hold their shares in direct registration with Computershare, the Company’s transfer agent, will receive payment of their dividends in Canadian dollars if they are residents of Canada, as reflected in Waste Connections’ shareholders register, and will receive their dividend payments in U.S. dollars if they are not residents of Canada, including if they are residents of the U.S.

About Waste Connections

Waste Connections is an integrated solid waste services company that provides non-hazardous waste collection, transfer and disposal services, along with resource recovery primarily through recycling and renewable fuels generation.  The Company serves more than seven million residential, commercial and industrial customers in mostly exclusive and secondary markets across 43 states in the U.S. and six provinces in Canada.  Waste Connections also provides non-hazardous oilfield waste treatment, recovery and disposal services in several basins across the U.S., as well as intermodal services for the movement of cargo and solid waste containers in the Pacific Northwest.  For more information, visit Waste Connections at www.wasteconnections.com.  

Safe Harbor and Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 («PSLRA»), including «forward-looking information» within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. These forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance and reflect Waste Connections’ current beliefs and expectations regarding future events and operating performance. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as «believes,» «expects,» «intends,» «may,» «might,» «will,» «could,» «should» or «anticipates,» or the negative thereof or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy. All of the forward-looking statements included in this press release are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the PSLRA and applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements about the timing and amount of cash dividends.  Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, risk factors detailed from time to time in the Company’s filings with the SEC and the securities commissions or similar regulatory authorities in Canada. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.  Waste Connections undertakes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements set forth in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, unless required by applicable securities laws.

CONTACT:

Mary Anne Whitney / (832) 442-2253    

Joe Box / (832) 442-2153      

maryannew@wasteconnections.com

joe.box@wasteconnections.com

 

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SOURCE Waste Connections, Inc.

Vistra’s Effort to Powering Texas During Unprecedented Winter Storm

IRVING, Texas, Feb. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Vistra (NYSE: VST), through its integrated retail and power generation business, is committed to providing an essential product – electricity – and exceptional customer service every day of the year, and especially during this historic winter storm.

<a href="https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1393749/Vistra_Corp_Logo.html"…

IRVING, Texas, Feb. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Vistra (NYSE: VST), through its integrated retail and power generation business, is committed to providing an essential product – electricity – and exceptional customer service every day of the year, and especially during this historic winter storm.

«Our people have worked around the clock, across the company and especially at our power plants, under difficult circumstances and continue to do so. We know that many of our fellow Texans are without electricity and are suffering through this unprecedented winter weather event. We are committed to doing everything possible to provide electricity to them with the utmost urgency,» said Curt Morgan, CEO of Vistra. 

Vistra is powered by a diverse fleet of generation sources, made up of nuclear, natural gas, coal, solar, and battery energy storage. While the weather has created a number of challenges, of the company’s nearly 19,000 megawatts of capacity, only approximately 1,000 megawatts are currently not able to produce electricity. Most of the remaining 18,000 megawatts are producing electricity with the balance of the capacity constrained due to challenges with receiving a steady supply of fuel for some plants as well as challenges with handling fuel already on site given the freezing conditions. Luminant, Vistra’s generation subsidiary, is working with the electric utilities, natural gas pipelines and producers, and the railroad companies to obtain as much fuel supply as possible. 

Power plant teams executed a significant winter preparedness strategy to keep electricity flowing to the Texas power grid during this unprecedented, extended winter weather event. Through these efforts and dealing with the challenges with fueling, Vistra estimates that it was able to produce approximately 25-30% of the power on the grid Monday and Tuesday, compared to its market share of capacity of approximately 18%.

Luminant has a winter weather preparedness process that includes an extensive checklist of items to review prior to the start of the season.  This process includes installing windbreaks and large radiant heaters to supplement existing freeze protection and insulation, and performing preventative maintenance on freeze protection equipment such as the insulation and automatic circuitry designed to keep pipes from freezing. Around-the-clock weather monitoring, especially of critical instruments, occurs as well as coordination with ERCOT, the Public Utilities Commission of Texas, and the Railroad Commission of Texas.

Vistra recognizes that this unprecedented winter weather event in Texas is not over and we are continuing to focus on taking every action possible to keep our plants online, delivering the maximum electricity possible to Texans.

About Vistra
Vistra (NYSE: VST) is a premier, integrated, Fortune 275 retail electricity and power generation company based in Irving, Texas, providing essential resources for customers, commerce, and communities. Vistra combines an innovative, customer-centric approach to retail with safe, reliable, diverse, and efficient power generation. The company brings its products and services to market in 20 states and the District of Columbia, including six of the seven competitive wholesale markets in the U.S. and markets in Canada and Japan, as well. Serving approximately 4.3 million residential, commercial, and industrial retail customers with electricity and natural gas, Vistra is one of the largest competitive electricity providers in the country and offers over 50 renewable energy plans. The company is also the largest competitive power generator in the U.S. with a capacity of approximately 39,000 megawatts powered by a diverse portfolio, including natural gas, nuclear, solar, and battery energy storage facilities. In addition, the company is a large purchaser of wind power. The company is currently constructing a 400-MW/1,600-MWh battery energy storage system in Moss Landing, California, which is the largest of its kind in the world. Vistra is guided by four core principles: we do business the right way, we work as a team, we compete to win, and we care about our stakeholders, including our customers, our communities where we work and live, our employees, and our investors. Learn more about our environmental, social, and governance efforts and read the company’s sustainability report at https://www.vistracorp.com/sustainability/.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements 
The information presented herein includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements, which are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the industry and markets in which Vistra Corp. («Vistra») operates and beliefs of and assumptions made by Vistra’s management, involve risks and uncertainties, which are difficult to predict and are not guarantees of future performance, that could significantly affect the financial results of Vistra. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, that are presented herein, or in response to questions or otherwise, that address activities, events or developments that may occur in the future, including such matters as activities related to our financial or operational projections, the potential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows, projected synergy, value lever and net debt targets, capital allocation, capital expenditures, liquidity, projected Adjusted EBITDA to free cash flow conversion rate, dividend policy, business strategy, competitive strengths, goals, future acquisitions or dispositions, development or operation of power generation assets, market and industry developments and the growth of our businesses and operations (often, but not always, through the use of words or phrases, or the negative variations of those words or other comparable words of a future or forward-looking nature, including, but not limited to: «intends,» «plans,» «will likely,» «unlikely,» «believe,» «confident», «expect,» «seek,» «anticipate,» «estimate,» «continue,» «will,» «shall,» «should,» «could,» «may,» «might,» «predict,» «project,» «forecast,» «target,» «potential,» «goal,» «objective,» «guidance» and «outlook»), are forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Although Vistra believes that in making any such forward-looking statement, Vistra’s expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, any such forward-looking statement involves uncertainties and risks that could cause results to differ materially from those projected in or implied by any such forward-looking statement, including, but not limited to: (i) adverse changes in general economic or market conditions (including changes in interest rates) or changes in political conditions or federal or state laws and regulations; (ii) the ability of Vistra to execute upon the contemplated strategic, capital allocation, and performance initiatives and to successfully integrate acquired businesses; (iii) actions by credit ratings agencies; (iv) the severity, magnitude and duration of pandemics, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and the resulting effects on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows; and (v) those additional risks and factors discussed in reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by Vistra from time to time, including the uncertainties and risks discussed in the sections entitled «Risk Factors» and «Forward-Looking Statements» in Vistra’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2019 and any subsequently filed quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.

Any forward-looking statement speaks only at the date on which it is made, and except as may be required by law, Vistra will not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which it is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all of them; nor can Vistra assess the impact of each such factor or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement.

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SOURCE Vistra Corp.

Hyzon Motors, Hiringa Energy advance partnership to decarbonize heavy road transport in New Zealand

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Feb. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Hyzon Motors Inc. («Hyzon») and New Zealand’s Hiringa Energy («Hiringa») are pleased to announce the two companies have signed a vehicle supply agreement, with Hyzon commissioned to build and supply Hiringa with zero emission Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV). 

The hydrogen fuel cell-powered trucks, to be assembled at Hyzon’s facility in Winschoten, The Netherlands, will be manufactured in full compliance with local New Zealand requirements and…

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Feb. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Hyzon Motors Inc. («Hyzon») and New Zealand’s Hiringa Energy («Hiringa») are pleased to announce the two companies have signed a vehicle supply agreement, with Hyzon commissioned to build and supply Hiringa with zero emission Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV). 

The hydrogen fuel cell-powered trucks, to be assembled at Hyzon’s facility in Winschoten, The Netherlands, will be manufactured in full compliance with local New Zealand requirements and the first batch of vehicles are expected to enter service in New Zealand by the end of 2021. Hyzon plans to have up to 1,500 fuel cell trucks on the road in New Zealand by 2026 as part of the agreement with Hiringa.

This follows Hyzon’s announcement on February 9, 2021 that it had entered into a merger agreement with Decarbonization Plus Acquisition Corporation (NASDAQ: DCRB).

The vehicle supply agreement builds on the signing of a Heads of Agreement between the two companies in August 2020, and sets Hyzon and Hiringa on an ambitious path towards decarbonizing the New Zealand heavy transport sector through cooperation on hydrogen infrastructure and heavy-duty fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) deployment.

Hyzon will leverage its team’s deep experience in the development and deployment of world-class fuel cell equipment in trucks internationally, to bring zero emission transport technology to New Zealand. Meanwhile, as part of the agreement, Hiringa will build a green hydrogen refuelling network for vehicle fuel supply, to establish New Zealand as the global benchmark in fuel cell-powered logistics.

Hyzon’s FCEVs will be powered by green hydrogen supplied through Hiringa’s nationwide refueling infrastructure. The network is on track to commence refuelling operations in 2021, expanding to eight hydrogen stations across New Zealand’s North and South Islands in 2022, servicing 100% of the North Island and 82% of the South Island’s heavy freight routes.The Hyzon FCEV trucks are designed to meet New Zealand road requirements and the demands of heavy freight applications.

The trucks will be built in a 6×4 configuration, will include a sleeper cab option and will have a Gross Combination Mass (GCM) of 58 metric tonnes (64 US tons) and range of 680km (423 mi). In addition to the enormous clean energy output benefits, one of the key highlights of Hyzon’s hydrogen fuel cell-powered trucks are their comparable-to-diesel refuelling times, providing a «drop in» solution for freight operators to replace their diesel fleets.

Hyzon Motors Chief Executive Officer Craig Knight commented, «We see New Zealand as an attractive market for the deployment of our hydrogen fuel cell technology. The hydrogen supply network designed by Hiringa is a key enabler for the realization of our decarbonization strategy. This partnership aims to position New Zealand as a global leader in the adoption of zero emission heavy vehicle technology, and we are pleased to be playing a major role in this transition. Deploying 1,500 fuel cell trucks by 2026 is going to make a massive contribution to local decarbonization efforts.»

Hiringa Chairperson Cathy Clennett said, «This order is a significant milestone and the culmination of many hours of work from the Hyzon and Hiringa teams. We are very excited to have New Zealand road compliant heavy trucks capable of meeting New Zealand’s transport needs arriving in country this year. This is a key step to decarbonizing our road transport, a growing industry that Kiwis rely on everyday as it supplies us with food, products, and essential goods. We are pleased leading New Zealand brands are stepping up to participate in this exciting initiative. Consumers and companies are becoming more aware of emissions and together with Hyzon we are providing kiwi businesses with a viable solution.» 

Hiringa Chief Executive Officer Andrew Clennett said, «This is the next step in our strategy to roll out over 1,500 heavy FCEVs by 2026; alongside our partners, we are driving the cost of the technology down and unlocking widespread adoption of zero emission heavy transport for New Zealanders.»

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 US media enquiries, please contact:

Brian Brooks
H+K Strategies
+1 713 752 1901

For international media enquiries, please contact:

Fraser Beattie 
Cannings Purple 
+61 421 505 557 
fbeattie@canningspurple.com.au

About Hiringa

Established in 2016, Hiringa Energy is the first company in New Zealand dedicated to the supply of green hydrogen, and providing zero-emission solutions for industry, the public sector, and transport operators. Together with partners, Hiringa is developing one of the world’s first nation-wide hydrogen refuelling networks in New Zealand. Hiringa is also partnering with industry and regions to develop high impact industrial scale and export scale green hydrogen projects.

For corporate enquiries, please contact:

Andrew Clennett
Chief Executive Director
+64 27 704 7007
aclennett@hiringa.co.nz 

For investment enquiries, please contact:

Catherine Clennett
+64 22 471 9407
cclennett@hiringa.co.nz 

For vehicles and hydrogen supply enquiries, please contact:

Ryan McDonald
+64 27 919 7961
rmcdonald@hiringa.co.nz

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SOURCE HYZON Motors

U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Kerry, UN Secretary-General Guterres to Mark Reentry into Paris Agreement During UNA-USA’s Global Engagement Summit

WASHINGTON, Feb. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — WHO:

  • His Excellency Mr. António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General
  • Hon. John F. Kerry, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate
  • Ambassador Elizabeth Cousens, President and CEO, United Nations Foundation (moderator)

WHEN: Friday, February 19, 3:00-3:45PM EST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — WHO:

  • His Excellency Mr. António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General
  • Hon. John F. Kerry, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate
  • Ambassador Elizabeth Cousens, President and CEO, United Nations Foundation (moderator)

WHEN: Friday, February 19, 3:00-3:45PM EST

WHERE: The event will be livestreamed here:

https://www.facebook.com/unausa
https://www.youtube.com/c/UnitedNationsAssociationoftheUSA
https://www.twitter.com/unausa

The event is on-the-record, but please note that there will be no media avail.

ADDITIONAL INFO: UNA-USA’s Global Engagement Summit will bring together high-level UN speakers, U.S. government officials, and global activists for two days of virtual sessions that delve into the mission and work of the United Nations. For a full agenda and list of speakers, visit: https://bit.ly/GES_2021

MEDIA CONTACT:

Erika Briceno Howard | ebriceno@unfoundation.org | 202-864-5156

###

About UNA-USA

The United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) is a grassroots movement of Americans who support the vital work of the United Nations in U.S. communities, colleges, and Congress. For more than 75 years, UNA-USA and its national network of 20,000 members and 200 Chapters have promoted strong U.S. leadership at the UN through advocacy campaigns, youth engagement, outreach programs, and public events.

Media Contact

Erika Briceno Howard, UN Foundation, 202-864-5156, ebriceno@unfoundation.org

 

SOURCE United Nations Association of the USA

City of Plano Solar Farm «Energized» and Fully Operational

PLANO, Ill., Feb. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Today City of Plano officials announced that its 1.1 MW Solar Farm, which was fully «Energized» in late 2019, is performing as expected.  The ground and roof mounted Solar system will generate over 1.2 million kilowatt hours (kWh) per year and provide power to the Water Treatment Plant. «The City of Plano and their consultant Progressive Business Solutions reviewed several potential locations and ultimately decided…

PLANO, Ill., Feb. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Today City of Plano officials announced that its 1.1 MW Solar Farm, which was fully «Energized» in late 2019, is performing as expected.  The ground and roof mounted Solar system will generate over 1.2 million kilowatt hours (kWh) per year and provide power to the Water Treatment Plant. «The City of Plano and their consultant Progressive Business Solutions reviewed several potential locations and ultimately decided the best fit was to use vacant land next to the current water treatment plant.  The solar field has helped the City save money, reduce our dependence on traditional fossil fuels and provides a good example of how the City of Plano continues to be environmental stewards for today and the future,» said Robert Hausler, Mayor, City of Plano.

Project Funding and Development
Funds were made available in 2019 and 2020 from the Adjustable Block Program under the Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA), passed in December of 2016.  Area residents, businesses, governmental organizations and non-profits all pay into a renewable energy fund, which is collected on each customer’s monthly ComEd bill. The available funds were highly competitive in that less than 30% of the applications submitted received approval.  «We are pleased to have delivered on our commitment to develop projects that provide environmentally friendly low-cost power for the City of Plano,» said Chris Childress, Development Director Progressive Business Solutions.  Plano’s Solar Farm joins Kendall County, Fox Metro Water Reclamation, and Mooseheart Child City as the largest «behind the meter» solar development in Chicagoland’s Fox Valley Area.  The Solar Field was built, owned and operated by WCP Solar of Naperville, IL who was the successful low bidder.  «This development will generate over 1.2 million kWh per year and 30 million kWh over the term of the project.  For reference, the average home consumes around 10,000 kWh per year,» Said Dr. Everton Walters, President of WCP Solar. «We appreciate being selected by the City of Plano and are pleased to get this project online and energized.»

«No new taxpayer dollars were used to build the Solar Fields,» said Arnie Schramel, Managing Partner Progressive Business Solutions.  «We helped originate, competitively bid the solar field construction, and found the financial resources to fund the project.  The City of Plano will receive approximate 65% of its power from the field to run the Water Treatment Facility at a cost, substantially below market for a period of 25 years,» per Mr. Schramel. 

Carbon Emissions Reduction
Cost reduction is not the only benefit for the Community.  By generating over 30 million kWh during the project, it will reduce Carbon Emissions by over 8,484 metric tons.  According to the EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalency Calculator, that is equivalent to eliminating over 9,135 passenger cars or eliminating 23 million gallons of gasoline.

About the City of Plano, IL

Plano is a U.S. City in Kendall County, IL with a population of 10,856 at the 2010 census, nearly doubling from its size from 2000. It is part of the Chicago metropolitan area.  The city was home to the Plano Harvester Company in the late nineteenth century, as well as the Plano Molding Company more recently. In 2011, downtown Plano was used as a set for Man of Steel.  Visit our website at www.cityofplanoil.com.

About the Future Energy Jobs Act and Illinois Adjustable Block Program
For more information on the Illinois Adjustable Block Program visit www.illinoisabp.com

About WCP Solar

WCP Solar is a licensed, bonded, and insured full-service engineering firm that specializes in the design, development, and installation of Solar Photovoltaic and Thermal Systems. For more information visit www.wcpsolar.com 

About Progressive Business Solutions
Progressive Business Solutions works with Municipalities, Non-Profits Organizations, and Commercial/Industrial customers to increase their profits by lowering operating expenses, without capital investment. Progressive Business Solutions has saved clients over $400 million dollars.

CITY OF PLANO SOLAR FIELD

Frequently Asked Questions?

WHY IS THIS HAPPENING NOW IN ILLINOIS?

With the passage of the Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA) of 2016 Solar became a financially viable option for Illinois consumers. With the passage of the FEJA a fund was established to create Renewable Energy Credits (REC’s) that would be given to Solar Companies to help offset the cost of building the solar fields. Illinois has a renewable energy goal of 25 percent of all electricity by 2026 and Behind the Meter Solar projects such as this one, will help meet this goal.

WHO FUNDED THE FUTURE ENERGY JOBS ACT?

All residents, business, governmental organizations and non-profits pay into a renewable energy fund which is collected on customer’s ComEd and Ameren bill.  By being selected the City of Plano was able to recapture some of the money collected and put it to work for the taxpayer reducing the County’s electric cost. 

WAS THIS PROJECT COMPETATIVELY BID?

This project was competitively bid to ensure that the lowest qualified bidder was chosen.  WCP Solar was chosen from more than 10 solar companies who inquired or presented a bid and participated in the site visit.

HOW DID THE PROJECT CREATE LOCAL JOBS?

Progressive Business Solutions regularly works with local businesses to develop and construct solar facilities.  This solar field was designed, constructed, and financed by WCP Solar an Illinois Company located in Naperville.  Illinois companies provided services including but not limited to development, engineering, construction, and site preparation.  The solar industry included over 250,000 workers in 2019.  Since the first Solar Jobs Census was published, American solar jobs have increased 167% since 2010.

IS THERE A DANGER FOR THE LOCAL COMMUNITY?

No, A security fence surrounds the solar energy facility in accordance with the City of Plano’s applicable electrical and building codes.

WILL ENDANGERED SPECIES BE IMPACTED?

No, Prior to project construction, a development team screened the site for potential impacts to federal and state listed species, including a comprehensive tree study.

DOES THE SOLAR PROJECT PRODUCE LIGHT OR GLARE?

Only a security light for property access. The solar project itself does not produce any light. It actually absorbs light to create energy. As a result, solar panel are designed to minimize glare.

WILL THE SOLAR PROJECT PRODUCE ANY NOISE?

Electrical inverters which convert power from direct current (DC) to AC and associated electrical equipment can generate noise at a solar energy site. The low hum of the electrical equipment is not generally heard at distances greater than 100 feet from the electrical equipment. Noise can also be generated during periodic mowing and trimming of the facility during operation.

WHAT OTHER COMMUNITIES ARE DOING THIS?

The City of Plano, Kendall County, Fox Metro Water Reclamation District, all Kendall County Municipalities were selected to participate in this program.  Additionally, Mooseheart Child City in Kane County was selected. Together these solar fields represent Chicagoland’s Largest Solar Development located in the Fox Valley.  All four fields and are operating as expected.  Together these solar fields will generate $14.5 million dollars in lower electric costs and generate over 255 Million kWh of environmentally friendly energy.  100% of the solar projects developed by Progressive Business Solutions received funding and are «Energized» and fully operational.  

IS IT TO LATE TO PARTICIPATE?

Although the initial round of funding is closed.  Progressive Business Solutions is currently working with area Municipal and Business leaders to ensure that they are included in the next round of funding which is expected to be in Mid 2021 or 2022.  The State Legislature is currently considering how to repopulate the FEJA fund.  It is important to get your project application submitted to ensure you are on a waitlist when the new funding is approved.  If you wait until the rules/funding becomes available you are likely to be too late as the waitlist candidates have been made a priority in the past.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/city-of-plano-solar-farm-energized-and-fully-operational-301230326.html

SOURCE City of Plano Illinois

AARP NY pide al gobernador Cuomo que incluya un plan de reforma de 5 puntos para hogares de ancianos en la propuesta presupuestaria del estado de Nueva York

ALBANY, N.Y., 17 de febrero de 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — AARP New York pidió hoy al gobernador Andrew Cuomo que incluya en su propuesta de presupuesto estatal para el 2021-2022 un plan de reforma de cinco puntos para los hogares de ancianos para exigir un mínimo de horas de atención directa y un aumento en la dotación de personal en los hogares de ancianos; garantizar las visitas y la transparencia; restablecer los recursos legales de las…

ALBANY, N.Y., 17 de febrero de 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — AARP New York pidió hoy al gobernador Andrew Cuomo que incluya en su propuesta de presupuesto estatal para el 2021-2022 un plan de reforma de cinco puntos para los hogares de ancianos para exigir un mínimo de horas de atención directa y un aumento en la dotación de personal en los hogares de ancianos; garantizar las visitas y la transparencia; restablecer los recursos legales de las familias e invertir en servicios rentables que ayuden a los residentes del estado a permanecer en sus hogares.

AARP envió una carta al gobernador en la que le instaba a incluir las reformas en las enmiendas de 30 días al presupuesto ejecutivo.

«La crisis de los hogares de ancianos en el estado es un tema prioritario, como debe ser. Ahora, a través del presupuesto estatal, es el momento y la forma de ponerle fin a esta crisis», señaló la directora estatal de AARP New York, Beth Finkel. «No debemos desaprovechar esta oportunidad valiosa para mejorar la seguridad y las condiciones de vida de nuestras madres, padres, abuelos, cónyuges y otros seres queridos en los hogares de ancianos de Nueva York, y del personal que los atiende». 

El plan de cinco puntos para los hogares de ancianos y otros centros de cuidados para adultos abordaría lo siguiente:

  1. Cuidado de calidad, exigir a los hogares de ancianos que inviertan más en cuidados directos y aumenten la dotación de personal; garantizar el cumplimiento estricto de los controles de enfermedades infecciosas; proporcionar pruebas de detección periódicas y continuas, equipo de protección personal (EPP) adecuado y la supervisión a través del acceso en persona a los centros de los defensores oficiales del cuidado a largo plazo (ombudsman), incluido el aumento de personal para dicho programa de defensores.
  2. Derogación retroactiva de la inmunidad legal, dejar de amparar a los centros de cuidados a largo plazo por cualquier negligencia en los cuidados prestados antes de la pandemia. Emprender una acción legal no es algo fácil, y ningún familiar que haya perdido a un ser querido por negligencia o abuso emprende esta acción a la ligera. Siempre es una opción de último recurso y debe seguir siendo una opción para las familias.
  3. Transparencia, exigir un informe diario de los datos sobre las muertes y las tasas de enfermedades infecciosas del personal y los residentes en todos los hogares de ancianos y centros de cuidados para adultos, así como un informe anual disponible públicamente para la legislatura.
  4. Servicios basados en el hogar y la comunidad, aumentar la financiación estatal en $27 millones para ayudar a los residentes del estado a permanecer en sus propios hogares, como desea la gran mayoría, y fuera de los hogares de ancianos potencialmente inseguros. Esta financiación ayudaría a poner fin a las listas de espera de más de 10,000 personas que buscan estos servicios, que apoyan a los cuidadores familiares para que puedan ayudar a sus seres queridos a evitar hogares de ancianos más costosos, y que en su mayoría son financiados por los contribuyentes.
  5. Visitas, garantizar las visitas presenciales y virtuales de forma segura, incluidas las visitas de cuidados compasivos, y abordar así una de las mayores preocupaciones que AARP ha escuchado de nuestros socios durante la pandemia. La interacción social con la familia y los amigos es fundamental para la salud y el bienestar de los residentes. Además de la conectividad social y el apoyo emocional que proporcionan, los visitantes son miembros clave del equipo de cuidados de los residentes.

AARP New York también apoya un paquete legislativo de reformas de los hogares de ancianos que está siendo estudiado por el Senado estatal de Nueva York.

Hace poco, AARP New York y el sindicato 1199SEIU de trabajadores del área de la salud y el grupo de defensa del consumidor de hogares de ancianos, The Long Term Care Community Coalition, se unieron para pedir un mínimo de horas de cuidado y otras reformas en una carta al gobernador Cuomo, a la líder mayoritaria del Senado estatal Andrea Stewart-Cousins, y al presidente de la Asamblea estatal Carl Heastie.

«Lo que les ha ocurrido a nuestros seres queridos en los hogares de ancianos en los últimos 11 meses es una tragedia», añadió Finkel. «AARP New York está lista para trabajar con el gobernador y la legislatura para garantizar que esto se detenga ahora y no vuelva a suceder jamás».

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1440137/AARP_New_York_Logo.jpg

FUENTE AARP New York

AARP NY Calls on Governor Cuomo to Add Five-Point Nursing Home Reform Plan to NYS Budget Proposal

ALBANY, N.Y., Feb. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — AARP New York today called on Governor Andrew Cuomo to include in his 2021-22 State Budget proposal a Five-Point Nursing Home Reform Plan to require minimum hours of direct care and increased staffing levels in nursing homes, ensure visitation and transparency, restore families’ legal recourse, and invest in cost-effective services that help New Yorkers remain at home.

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ALBANY, N.Y., Feb. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — AARP New York today called on Governor Andrew Cuomo to include in his 2021-22 State Budget proposal a Five-Point Nursing Home Reform Plan to require minimum hours of direct care and increased staffing levels in nursing homes, ensure visitation and transparency, restore families’ legal recourse, and invest in cost-effective services that help New Yorkers remain at home.

AARP sent a letter to the Governor urging him to include the reforms in his 30-day Executive Budget amendments.

«The nursing home crisis is front and center in this State, as it should be; now, through the State Budget, is the time and way to end it,» said AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel. «We should not waste this golden opportunity to improve safety and conditions for our mothers, fathers, grandparents, spouses and other loved ones in New York’s nursing homes – and for the staff who care for them.» 

The Five-Point Plan for nursing homes and other adult care facilities would address:

  1. Quality Care, by requiring nursing homes to spend more on direct care and increase staffing levels; ensure strict compliance with infectious disease controls; and provide regular and ongoing testing, adequate personal protective equipment (PPE), and oversight through in-person access by formal advocates known as long-term care ombudsmen – including increasing staffing for the LTC Ombudsman program.
  2. Retroactive Repeal of Legal Immunity, by no longer shielding long-term care facilities for any negligent care delivered earlier in pandemic. Pursuing legal action is not an easy thing to do, and no family member who has lost a loved one due to neglect or abuse pursues this course of action lightly. It is always an option of last resort and must remain an option for families.
  3. Transparency, through requiring daily reporting of data on fatalities and infectious disease rates of staff and residents in all nursing homes and adult care facilities with a publicly available annual report to the Legislature.
  4. Home-and Community-Based Services, by increasing State funding by $27 million to help New Yorkers remain in their own homes, as the vast majority want, and out of potentially unsafe nursing homes. This funding would help end waiting lists for over 10,000 people seeking these services, which support family caregivers in helping older loved ones avoid costlier, mostly taxpayer-funded nursing homes.
  5. Visitation, by ensuring safe in-person and virtual visitation, including compassionate care visits, and thus addressing one of the biggest concerns AARP has heard from our members during the pandemic. Social interaction with family and friends is critical to the health and wellbeing of residents. In addition to the social connectivity and emotional support they provide, visitors are key members of the resident care team.

AARP New York also supports a package of nursing home reform legislation under consideration by the New York State Senate.

AARP New York recently joined with healthcare workers union 1199SEIU and nursing home consumer advocate The Long Term Care Community Coalition to urge minimum hours of care and other reforms in a letter to Governor Cuomo, State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie.

«What has happened to our loved ones in nursing homes during the past 11 months is a tragedy,» added Finkel. «AARP New York stands ready to work with the Governor and Legislature to ensure it stops now and never happens again.»

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1440137/AARP_New_York_Logo.jpg

SOURCE AARP New York

AARP NY Calls on Governor Cuomo to Add Five-Point Nursing Home Reform Plan to NYS Budget Proposal

ALBANY, N.Y., Feb. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — AARP New York today called on Governor Andrew Cuomo to include in his 2021-22 State Budget proposal a Five-Point Nursing Home Reform Plan to require minimum hours of direct care and increased staffing levels in nursing homes, ensure visitation and transparency, restore families’ legal recourse, and invest in cost-effective services that help New Yorkers remain at home.

<div class="PRN_ImbeddedAssetReference"…

ALBANY, N.Y., Feb. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — AARP New York today called on Governor Andrew Cuomo to include in his 2021-22 State Budget proposal a Five-Point Nursing Home Reform Plan to require minimum hours of direct care and increased staffing levels in nursing homes, ensure visitation and transparency, restore families’ legal recourse, and invest in cost-effective services that help New Yorkers remain at home.

AARP sent a letter to the Governor urging him to include the reforms in his 30-day Executive Budget amendments.

«The nursing home crisis is front and center in this State, as it should be; now, through the State Budget, is the time and way to end it,» said AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel. «We should not waste this golden opportunity to improve safety and conditions for our mothers, fathers, grandparents, spouses and other loved ones in New York’s nursing homes – and for the staff who care for them.» 

The Five-Point Plan for nursing homes and other adult care facilities would address:

  1. Quality Care, by requiring nursing homes to spend more on direct care and increase staffing levels; ensure strict compliance with infectious disease controls; and provide regular and ongoing testing, adequate personal protective equipment (PPE), and oversight through in-person access by formal advocates known as long-term care ombudsmen – including increasing staffing for the LTC Ombudsman program.
  2. Retroactive Repeal of Legal Immunity, by no longer shielding long-term care facilities for any negligent care delivered earlier in pandemic. Pursuing legal action is not an easy thing to do, and no family member who has lost a loved one due to neglect or abuse pursues this course of action lightly. It is always an option of last resort and must remain an option for families.
  3. Transparency, through requiring daily reporting of data on fatalities and infectious disease rates of staff and residents in all nursing homes and adult care facilities with a publicly available annual report to the Legislature.
  4. Home-and Community-Based Services, by increasing State funding by $27 million to help New Yorkers remain in their own homes, as the vast majority want, and out of potentially unsafe nursing homes. This funding would help end waiting lists for over 10,000 people seeking these services, which support family caregivers in helping older loved ones avoid costlier, mostly taxpayer-funded nursing homes.
  5. Visitation, by ensuring safe in-person and virtual visitation, including compassionate care visits, and thus addressing one of the biggest concerns AARP has heard from our members during the pandemic. Social interaction with family and friends is critical to the health and wellbeing of residents. In addition to the social connectivity and emotional support they provide, visitors are key members of the resident care team.

AARP New York also supports a package of nursing home reform legislation under consideration by the New York State Senate.

AARP New York recently joined with healthcare workers union 1199SEIU and nursing home consumer advocate The Long Term Care Community Coalition to urge minimum hours of care and other reforms in a letter to Governor Cuomo, State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie.

«What has happened to our loved ones in nursing homes during the past 11 months is a tragedy,» added Finkel. «AARP New York stands ready to work with the Governor and Legislature to ensure it stops now and never happens again.»

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aarp-ny-calls-on-governor-cuomo-to-add-five-point-nursing-home-reform-plan-to-nys-budget-proposal-301230302.html

SOURCE AARP New York