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Stoneridge Reports Second Quarter 2024 Results

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Q2 Operating Performance Significantly Outperforms Previously Provided Expectations Driven by Strong Margin Expansion

2024 Second Quarter Results

Sales of $237.1 millionGross profit of $53.7 million (22.7% of sales)Operating income of $3.4 million Adjusted operating income of $5.4 million (2.3% of sales)Adjusted EBITDA of $16.1 million (6.8% of sales)Earnings per share (“EPS”) of $0.10Adjusted EPS of $0.17

 2024 Full-Year Guidance Update

Reducing full-year 2024 revenue midpoint guidance by $45 million to reflect updated FX rates (~$12 million impact), updated OEM production volumes (~$18 million impact) and potential volatility in non-OEM and customer demand-based products (~$15 million impact)Revenue guidance of $940 million$970 million (midpoint of $955 million)Increasing gross margin midpoint guidance by 50 basis points to reflect continued material cost improvement and operational excellenceGross margin guidance of 22.75% – 23.0%Reducing adjusted operating margin and EBITDA margin expectations to reflect lower contribution from reduced revenue expectations, offset by improved gross margin performance and continued operating cost controlAdjusted operating margin guidance of ~2.75%Adjusted EBITDA guidance of $58 million$64 million (adjusted EBITDA margin of 6.2% – 6.6%)Adjusted EPS guidance of $0.18$0.28 (midpoint of $0.23)

NOVI, Mich., July 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Stoneridge, Inc. (NYSE: SRI) today announced financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024, with sales of $237.1 million and earnings per share of $0.10. Adjusted EPS was $0.17.

For the second quarter of 2024, Stoneridge reported gross profit of $53.7 million (22.7% of sales), an increase of 250 basis points relative to the first quarter of 2024. Operating income of $3.4 million resulted in adjusted operating income of $5.4 million (2.3% of sales), an increase of 210 basis points relative to the first quarter of 2024.  Adjusted EBITDA was $16.1 million (6.8% of sales), an increase of 410 basis points relative to the first quarter of 2024.  Second quarter results were favorably impacted by non-operating foreign currency of approximately $2.3 million.

The exhibits attached hereto provide reconciliation detail on normalizing adjustments of non-GAAP financial measures used in this press release. 

Jim Zizelman, president and chief executive officer, commented, “Our second quarter performance highlights our continued focus on improving the fundamentals of our business leading to significantly improved margins and significant outperformance relative to our prior expectations. This was primarily driven by continued material cost reductions, improved operational excellence, including reduced quality-related costs, and operating cost control as we continue to execute on the key initiatives we set at the beginning of the year. Our efforts to reduce material costs and control operating costs contributed to a 250 basis point improvement in gross margin and a 210 basis point improvement in adjusted operating margin over the first quarter. Including the benefit of non-operating FX income, adjusted EBITDA margin improved by 410 basis points over the first quarter to 6.8% of sales. We continue to improve the financial performance of the business while maintaining our robust approach to technology innovation and growth.”

Zizelman continued, “While we continue to drive operational performance improvement, we remain focused on flawless execution of the program launches that will drive strong growth going-forward. We are excited to announce that during the second quarter we began shipping our first MirrorEye OEM systems to Volvo for the launch of their FH Aero model in Europe. Similarly, our MirrorEye program with Peterbilt launched on Models 579 and 567 in North America in July.  Both customers are focusing significant marketing efforts on MirrorEye as a differentiating product in the market. Initial customer feedback has been excellent. For example, Volvo recently announced one of their largest deals ever, in which they have received an order for 1,500 vehicles all of which will be equipped with MirrorEye to be delivered throughout 2024 and 2025. While we have experienced some volatility as new truck production and our programs ramp up, we expect volumes to continue to accelerate for the remainder of the year bringing take rates at least inline with our original expectations. We continue to expect MirrorEye to gain momentum in the second half of this year, as our first OEM program in Europe maintains its strong take rates and the two recently launched programs continue to ramp up in production.”

Zizelman concluded, “Our robust backlog continues to provide a strong foundation for our strategy focused on technologies and capabilities that will drive continued long-term growth. Last month, Volvo Bus announced they have selected Stoneridge to provide connected services and digital solutions using our artificial intelligence-based fuel advice system in a pilot program this year. This partnership is aligned with our ongoing focus on data services, software and AI to drive advanced system capabilities and expansion of our existing technology platforms and products to drive long-term profitable growth.”

Second Quarter in Review

Electronics sales of $153.5 million decreased by 6.4% relative to adjusted sales of the second quarter of 2023. This decrease was primarily driven by lower sales in both the European and North American commercial vehicle end markets and the impact of retroactive pricing recognized in the second quarter of 2023 of approximately $3.3 million. This is partially offset by higher sales in the European off-highway vehicle end market. Second quarter adjusted operating margin of 7.6% improved by 230 basis points relative to the adjusted operating margin of the second quarter of 2023, primarily due to lower direct material costs as a percentage of sales, as well as lower D&D and SG&A costs. 

Control Devices sales of $80.9 million decreased by 13.1% relative to sales of the second quarter of 2023. This decrease was primarily due to lower sales in the North American passenger vehicle end market due to lower customer volumes and the expected wind-down of end-of-life programs as well as lower China automotive sales. Second quarter operating margin of 4.6% decreased by 130 basis points relative to the adjusted operating margin of the second quarter of 2023, primarily due to lower contribution from lower sales, partially offset by lower direct material costs as a percentage of sales and lower D&D costs.

Stoneridge Brazil sales of $11.8 million decreased by $3.1 million relative to sales in the second quarter of 2023. This decrease was primarily due to lower sales in local OEM products, tracking devices and monitoring service fees. Second quarter operating performance of approximately break-even decreased by approximately $0.9 million relative to the second quarter of 2023, primarily due to lower contribution from lower sales volumes partially offset by lower direct material costs.

Relative to the first quarter of 2024, Electronics adjusted sales of $153.5 million, decreased by $2.6 million, or 1.7%. This slight decrease was driven primarily by the unfavorable impact of foreign currency of approximately $2.2 million. Second quarter adjusted operating margin increased by 310 basis points relative to the first quarter of 2024, primarily due to material cost improvements, lower quality-related costs and lower engineering costs.

Relative to the first quarter of 2024, Control Devices sales increased by 3.7%. This increase was primarily due to higher sales in the North American passenger vehicle end market as well as higher commercial vehicle sales in China. Second quarter adjusted operating margin increased by 180 basis points relative to the first quarter of 2024, primarily due to benefits recognized from completed negotiations related to price and volume, improved operational execution and lower SG&A and D&D costs as a result of operating cost control efforts.

Relative to the first quarter of 2024, Stoneridge Brazil sales decreased by $0.4 million. This was primarily the result of the unfavorable foreign currency impact of approximately $0.6 million. Second quarter operating performance decreased by $0.2 million relative to the first quarter of 2024, primarily due to unfavorable foreign currency impact of approximately $0.2 million.

Cash and Debt Balances

As of June 30, 2024, Stoneridge had compliance net debt of $161.4 million resulting in a net debt to trailing twelve-month EBITDA compliance leverage ratio of 2.89x, an improvement of 0.24x compared to December 31, 2023.

The Company continues to focus on both operating performance and working capital improvement to drive cash performance, particularly related to inventory reduction. During the first half of the year, inventory balances declined by $9.0 million. The Company expects to continue to reduce inventory balances throughout the year. The Company expects a net debt to EBITDA ratio for compliance purposes of approximately 2.5x by the end of 2024.

2024 Outlook

The Company is updating its previously provided full-year 2024 guidance ranges including sales guidance of $940 million to $970 million, gross margin guidance of 22.75% to 23.0%, adjusted operating margin guidance of approximately 2.75%, adjusted earnings per share guidance of $0.18 to $0.28 and adjusted EBITDA guidance of $58 million to $64 million, or 6.2% to 6.6% of sales.

Matt Horvath, chief financial officer, commented, “We are updating our full-year 2024 revenue guidance to reflect updated foreign currency rates, updated OEM production volumes and current expectations for non-OEM and customer demand-based products. This results in a midpoint of $955 million for the year. Due primarily to our year-to-date performance, expectation of continued reduction in material costs and a continued focus on operational excellence, we are increasing our full-year gross margin expectations by 50 basis points. We are expecting improved gross margin and operating cost control to significantly offset the decremental impact of reduced revenue. As a result, we are reducing our adjusted EBITDA margin midpoint guidance by 30 basis points, or $61 million of adjusted EBITDA. This results in a 130 basis point margin improvement and 27% growth in adjusted EBITDA over 2023. Finally, we are reducing our full-year adjusted EPS guidance to a midpoint of $0.23 to reflect the lower contribution from reduced sales partially offset by improved operating performance.”

Horvath, concluded, “By continuing to focus on improving the fundamentals of our business, we drove significant margin expansion across our business in the second quarter. Additionally, we continue to focus on inventory reduction to improve our cash position and reduce our leverage profile. We expect to continue those efforts in the second half of the year to help drive financial performance. Stoneridge remains well positioned to outpace our underlying end market growth and drive significant earnings expansion going forward.”

Conference Call on the Web
A live Internet broadcast of Stoneridge’s conference call regarding 2024 second quarter results can be accessed at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at www.stoneridge.com, which will also offer a webcast replay.

About Stoneridge, Inc.
Stoneridge, Inc., headquartered in Novi, Michigan, is a global designer and manufacturer of highly engineered electrical and electronic systems, components and modules for the automotive, commercial, off-highway and agricultural vehicle markets. Additional information about Stoneridge can be found at www.stoneridge.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this press release contain “forward-looking statements” under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements appear in a number of places in this report and may include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company, with respect to, among other things, our (i) future product and facility expansion, (ii) acquisition strategy, (iii) investments and new product development, (iv) growth opportunities related to awarded business, and (v) operational expectations. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the words “will,” “may,” “should,” “designed to,” “believes,” “plans,” “projects,” “intends,” “expects,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “continue,” and similar words and expressions. The forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, among other factors:

the ability of our suppliers to supply us with parts and components at competitive prices on a timely basis, including the impact of potential tariffs and trade considerations on their operations and output;fluctuations in the cost and availability of key materials and components (including semiconductors, printed circuit boards, resin, aluminum, steel and copper) and our ability to offset cost increases through negotiated price increases with our customers or other cost reduction actions, as necessary;global economic trends, competition and geopolitical risks, including impacts from ongoing or potential global conflicts and any related sanctions and other measures, or an escalation of sanctions, tariffs or other trade tensions between the U.S. and other countries;our ability to achieve cost reductions that offset or exceed customer-mandated selling price reductions;the reduced purchases, loss or bankruptcy of a major customer or supplier;the costs and timing of business realignment, facility closures or similar actions;a significant change in automotive, commercial, off-highway or agricultural vehicle production;competitive market conditions and resulting effects on sales and pricing;foreign currency fluctuations and our ability to manage those impacts;customer acceptance of new products;our ability to successfully launch/produce products for awarded business;adverse changes in laws, government regulations or market conditions affecting our products, our suppliers, or our customers’ products;our ability to protect our intellectual property and successfully defend against assertions made against us;liabilities arising from warranty claims, product recall or field actions, product liability and legal proceedings to which we are or may become a party, or the impact of product recall or field actions on our customers;labor disruptions at our facilities, or at any of our significant customers or suppliers;business disruptions due to natural disasters or other disasters outside of our control;the amount of our indebtedness and the restrictive covenants contained in the agreements governing our indebtedness, including our revolving Credit Facility;capital availability or costs, including changes in interest rates;the failure to achieve the successful integration of any acquired company or business;risks related to a failure of our information technology systems and networks, and risks associated with current and emerging technology threats and damage from computer viruses, unauthorized access, cyber-attack and other similar disruptions; andthe items described in Part I, Item IA (“Risk Factors”) in our Form 10-K filed with the SEC.

The forward-looking statements contained herein represent our estimates only as of the date of this release and should not be relied upon as representing our estimates as of any subsequent date. While we may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we specifically disclaim any obligation to do so, whether to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions, changes in other factors affecting such forward-looking statements or otherwise.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information
This press release contains information about the Company’s financial results that is not presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). Such non-GAAP financial measures are reconciled to their closest GAAP financial measures at the end of this press release. The provision of these non-GAAP financial measures for 2024 and 2023 is not intended to indicate that Stoneridge is explicitly or implicitly providing projections on those non-GAAP financial measures, and actual results for such measures are likely to vary from those presented. The reconciliations include all information reasonably available to the Company at the date of this press release and the adjustments that management can reasonably predict.

Management believes the non-GAAP financial measures used in this press release are useful to both management and investors in their analysis of the Company’s financial position and results of operations. In particular, management believes that adjusted sales, adjusted operating income and margin, adjusted income (loss) before tax, adjusted income tax expense (benefit), adjusted net income, adjusted EPS, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net debt, adjusted debt and adjusted cash are useful measures in assessing the Company’s financial performance by excluding certain items that are not indicative of the Company’s core operating performance or that may obscure trends useful in evaluating the Company’s continuing operating activities. Management also believes that these measures are useful to both management and investors in their analysis of the Company’s results of operations and provide improved comparability between fiscal periods.

Adjusted sales, adjusted operating income and margin, adjusted income (loss) before tax, adjusted income tax expense (benefit), adjusted net income, adjusted EPS, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net debt, adjusted debt and adjusted cash should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for sales, operating income, income (loss) before tax, income tax expense (benefit), net income, EPS, debt, cash and cash equivalents, cash provided by operating activities or other income statement or cash flow statement data prepared in accordance with GAAP.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands)

June 30,
2024

December 31,
2023

(Unaudited)

ASSETS

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$            42,112

$            40,841

Accounts receivable, less reserves of $620 and $1,058, respectively

168,215

166,545

Inventories, net

178,749

187,758

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

32,882

34,246

Total current assets

421,958

429,390

Long-term assets:

Property, plant and equipment, net

103,061

110,126

Intangible assets, net

43,586

47,314

Goodwill

34,244

35,295

Operating lease right-of-use asset

8,722

10,795

Investments and other long-term assets, net

55,080

46,980

Total long-term assets

244,693

250,510

Total assets

$         666,651

$         679,900

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Current liabilities:

Current portion of debt

$              2,064

$              2,113

Accounts payable

108,085

111,925

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

76,098

64,203

Total current liabilities

186,247

178,241

Long-term liabilities:

Revolving credit facility

187,417

189,346

Deferred income taxes

6,276

7,224

Operating lease long-term liability

5,814

7,684

Other long-term liabilities

10,446

9,688

Total long-term liabilities

209,953

213,942

Shareholders’ equity:

Preferred Shares, without par value, 5,000 shares authorized, none issued

Common Shares, without par value, 60,000 shares authorized, 28,966 and

28,966 shares issued and 27,679 and 27,549 
shares outstanding at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively,

with no stated value

Additional paid-in capital

224,599

227,340

Common Shares held in treasury, 1,287 and 1,417 shares at June 30, 2024

and December 31, 2023, respectively, at cost

(39,066)

(43,344)

Retained earnings

193,169

196,509

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(108,251)

(92,788)

Total shareholders’ equity

270,451

287,717

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

$         666,651

$         679,900

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

Three months ended
June 30,

Six months ended
June 30,

(in thousands, except per share data)

2024

2023

2024

2023

Net sales

$         237,059

$         266,814

$         476,216

$         508,139

Costs and expenses:

Cost of goods sold

183,319

206,326

374,119

404,849

Selling, general and administrative

31,876

33,491

62,299

63,354

Design and development

18,457

22,666

36,060

39,634

Operating income

3,407

4,331

3,738

302

Interest expense, net

3,801

3,120

7,435

5,866

Equity in loss of investee

52

329

329

500

Other (income) expense, net

(2,296)

2,387

(260)

3,535

Income (loss) before income taxes

1,850

(1,505)

(3,766)

(9,599)

(Benefit) provision for income taxes

(936)

1,487

(426)

779

Net income (loss)

$              2,786

$            (2,992)

$            (3,340)

$          (10,378)

Income (loss) per share:

Basic

$                0.10

$              (0.11)

$              (0.12)

$              (0.38)

Diluted

$                0.10

$              (0.11)

$              (0.12)

$              (0.38)

Weighted-average shares outstanding:

Basic

27,611

27,452

27,570

27,400

Diluted

27,853

27,452

27,570

27,400

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Six months ended June 30, (in thousands)

2024

2023

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

Net loss

$              (3,340)

$            (10,378)

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

Depreciation

13,054

13,161

Amortization, including accretion and write-off of deferred financing costs

4,440

4,004

Deferred income taxes

(7,004)

(3,782)

Loss of equity method investee

329

500

Loss (gain) on sale of fixed assets

258

(854)

Share-based compensation expense

2,207

1,271

Excess tax deficiency related to share-based compensation expense

238

66

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

Accounts receivable, net

(6,094)

(28,100)

Inventories, net

3,438

(23,142)

Prepaid expenses and other assets

(1,038)

3,313

Accounts payable

(849)

27,069

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

12,123

12,184

Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities

17,762

(4,688)

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

Capital expenditures, including intangibles

(12,920)

(18,025)

Proceeds from sale of fixed assets

222

1,729

Investment in venture capital fund, net

(260)

Net cash used for investing activities

(12,958)

(16,296)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Revolving credit facility borrowings

57,000

42,000

Revolving credit facility payments

(58,000)

(38,068)

Proceeds from issuance of debt

17,677

16,402

Repayments of debt

(17,690)

(18,086)

Repurchase of Common Shares to satisfy employee tax withholding

(666)

(1,325)

Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities

(1,679)

923

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

(1,854)

(32)

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

1,271

(20,093)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

40,841

54,798

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$             42,112

$             34,705

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

Cash paid for interest, net

$               8,003

$               5,622

Cash paid for income taxes, net

$               4,372

$               5,927

 

Regulation G Non-GAAP Financial Measure Reconciliations

Exhibit 1 – Reconciliation of Adjusted EPS

Reconciliation of Q2 2024 Adjusted EPS

(USD in millions, except EPS)

Q2 2024

Q2 2024 EPS

Net Income

$               2.8

$             0.10

Add: After-Tax Business Realignment Costs

1.9

0.07

Adjusted Net Income

$               4.7

$             0.17

 

Exhibit 2 – Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA

(USD in millions)

Q1 2023

Q2 2023

Q3 2023

Q4 2023

Q1 2024

Q2 2024

Income (Loss) Before Tax

$     (8.1)

$     (1.5)

$       4.4

$       3.2

$      (5.6)

$      1.9

Interest expense, net

2.7

3.1

3.3

3.8

3.6

3.8

Depreciation and amortization

8.3

8.4

8.5

8.4

8.6

8.5

EBITDA

$       3.0

$     10.0

$     16.2

$     15.5

$       6.6

$    14.2

Add: Pre-Tax Business Realignment Costs

1.3

1.9

1.2

0.1

1.9

Less: Pre-Tax Gain on Disposal of Fixed Assets

(0.8)

Add: Pre-Tax Environmental Remediation Costs

0.1

Add: Pre-Tax Brazilian Indirect Tax Credits, Net

(0.5)

Adjusted EBITDA

$       3.6

$     11.9

$     17.0

$     15.6

$       6.6

$    16.1

 

Exhibit 3 – Reconciliation of Adjusted Operating Income

(USD in millions)

Q1 2024

Q2 2024

Operating Income

$           0.3

$           3.4

Add: Pre-Tax Business Realignment Costs

1.9

Adjusted Operating Income

$           0.3

$           5.4

 

Exhibit 4 – Segment Adjusted Operating Income

 

Reconciliation of Control Devices Adjusted Operating Income

(USD in millions)

Q2 2023

Q1 2024

Q2 2024

Control Devices Operating Income

$       5.1

$       2.2

$       3.7

Add: Pre-Tax Business Realignment Costs

0.4

Control Devices Adjusted Operating Income

$       5.5

$       2.2

$       3.7

Reconciliation of Electronics Adjusted Operating Income

(USD in millions)

Q2 2023

Q1 2024

Q2 2024

Electronics Operating Income

$       7.4

$       7.1

$       9.8

Add: Pre-Tax Business Realignment Costs

1.3

1.9

Electronics Adjusted Operating Income

$       8.8

$       7.1

$     11.7

 

Exhibit 5 – Reconciliation of Electronics Adjusted Sales

(USD in millions)

Q2 2023

Q1 2024

Q2 2024

Electronics Sales

$   168.3

$   156.1

$   153.5

Less: Sales from Spot Purchases Recoveries

(4.4)

Electronics Adjusted Sales

$   163.9

$   156.1

$   153.5

 

Exhibit 6 – Reconciliation of Adjusted Tax Rate

Reconciliation of Q2 2024 Adjusted Tax Rate

(USD in millions)

Q2 2024

Tax Rate

Income Before Tax

$             1.9

Add: Pre-Tax Business Realignment Costs

1.9

Adjusted Income Before Tax

$             3.8

Income Tax Benefit

(0.9)

(50.6) %

Add: Tax Impact from Pre-Tax Adjustments

Adjusted Income Tax Benefit on Adjusted Income Before Tax

$            (0.9)

(24.3) %

 

Exhibit 7 – Reconciliation of Compliance Leverage Ratio

Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA for Compliance Calculation

(USD in millions)

Q1 2023

Q2 2023

Q3 2023

Q4 2023

Q1 2024

Q2 2024

Income (Loss) Before Tax

$     (8.1)

$     (1.5)

$       4.4

3.2

(5.6)

1.9

Interest Expense, net

2.7

3.1

3.3

3.8

3.6

3.8

Depreciation and Amortization

8.3

8.4

8.5

8.4

8.6

8.5

EBITDA

$       3.0

$     10.0

$     16.2

$     15.5

$       6.6

$     14.2

Compliance adjustments:

Add: Non-Cash Impairment Charges and Write-offs or Write Downs

0.2

Add: Adjustments from Foreign Currency Impact

1.4

3.1

0.4

(0.7)

2.2

(2.4)

Add: Extraordinary, Non-recurring or Unusual Items

0.2

0.5

Add: Cash Restructuring Charges

1.4

0.5

0.1

0.3

1.6

0.5

Add: Charges for Transactions, Amendments, and Refinances

0.3

Add: Adjustment to Autotech Fund II Investment

0.2

0.3

0.1

(0.1)

0.3

0.1

Adjusted EBITDA (Compliance)

$       6.1

$     13.9

$     17.4

$     15.3

$     10.9

$     12.3

Adjusted TTM EBITDA (Compliance)

$     52.7

$     57.5

$     55.9

 

Reconciliation of Adjusted Cash for Compliance Calculation

(USD in millions)

Q4 2023

Q1 2024

Q2 2024

Total Cash and Cash Equivalents

$       40.8

$       48.4

$      42.1

Less: 35% of Cash in Foreign Locations

(12.8)

(14.8)

(12.5)

Total Adjusted Cash (Compliance)

$       28.0

$       33.6

$      29.6

Reconciliation of Adjusted Debt for Compliance Calculation

(USD in millions)

Q4 2023

Q1 2024

Q2 2024

Total Debt

$     191.5

$     196.5

$     189.5

Outstanding Letters of Credit

1.6

1.6

1.6

Total Adjusted Debt (Compliance)

$     193.0

$     198.1

$     191.1

Adjusted Net Debt (Compliance)

$     165.0

$     164.5

$     161.4

Compliance Leverage Ratio (Net Debt / TTM EBITDA)

3.13x

2.86x

2.89x

 

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SOURCE Stoneridge, Inc.

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Global Times: Head-of-state diplomacy shines at WAIC, fostering ties and advancing global governance consensus

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BEIJING, July 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday held a series of high-level meetings on the sidelines of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai, sitting down successively with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres. The bustling diplomatic activity transformed the WAIC from a premier showcase of AI technologies and industrial breakthroughs into a vibrant platform for head-of-state diplomacy and global governance coordination.

Analysts said hosting intensive head-of-state diplomatic events in Shanghai, a core hub of reform, opening-up and technological innovation, carries profound meaning. In addition, Friday’s high-level meetings embody the innovative model of “technology builds the stage while diplomacy takes the leading role.” It not only deepens China’s bilateral relations with ASEAN members, but also helps advance inclusive global AI governance centered on the UN mechanism.

Strategic guidance

According to the two separate official releases by Xinhua, during his meetings with the prime ministers of Thailand and Cambodia, President Xi spoke of the long-standing friendship China shares with both nations. He called on China and Thailand, as well as China and Cambodia, to join hands to advance the development of their respective communities with a shared future.

Furthermore, the Chinese leader stressed the need for China to expand pragmatic cooperation with Thailand and Cambodia respectively across traditional and emerging sectors, and work with each country to jointly crack down on cross-border crimes such as online gambling and telecom fraud, according to Xinhua.

He called for the proper handling of border frictions between Thailand and Cambodia and called on the two sides to resolve disputes through dialogue and consultation, with China standing ready to continue playing a constructive role in this regard, per Xinhua.

During their respective meetings with the Chinese leader, the prime ministers of Thailand and Cambodia both expressed willingness to deepen multi-field cooperation with China and spoke highly of China’s positive efforts to facilitate the peaceful settlement of the Thailand-Cambodia border conflicts.

Xu Liping, Director of the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times that head-of-state diplomacy has charted the fundamental course for the advancement of China’s ties with both Cambodia and Thailand.

WAIC exemplifies the innovative model of “technology builds the platform, while diplomacy takes the leading role,” said Xu, “In addition, AI cooperation is also expected to serve as a vital entry point to further deepen and substantiate China’s ties with Thailand and Cambodia going forward.”

Furthermore, addressing the sensitive and thorny Thailand-Cambodia border dispute amid the relatively relaxed atmosphere of a tech summit enables all relevant parties to handle differences in a rational and pragmatic manner, which embodies Eastern wisdom and an Asian approach to resolving issues, said Xu.

The year 2026 marks the fifth anniversary of the establishment of the China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership, witnessing the official rollout of the new Plan of Action on the China-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2026-2030). It also kicks off the implementation of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan.

The critical juncture offers a perfect window to align China’s development plans closely with the national development strategies of Global South countries and ASEAN members, said Xu. “Thailand and Cambodia’s willingness to ramp up cooperation with China mirrors the aspiration of the majority of ASEAN members to leverage China’s development dividends and pursue win-win outcomes and common prosperity in the region.”

Firm support for UN

In his meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday, Xi reiterated China’s firm support for the UN.

Noting that this year marks the 55th anniversary of the restoration of the lawful seat of the People’s Republic of China at the UN, the Chinese leader said China has since been committed to building world peace, contributing to global development, defending international order, and firmly supporting the UN, Xinhua reported.

Xi added that he proposed the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity and the four global initiatives with one important consideration in mind – to uphold the status and authority of the UN.

Currently, the international landscape is marked by more pronounced changes and turbulence, making it all the more necessary to practice true multilateralism and reinvigorate the status and role of the UN, he said.

Guterres commended China for its steadfast support for multilateralism, the cause of the UN, and international cooperation, saying that China has set an example for the world.

Guterres said the UN will continue to strengthen cooperation with China, oppose unilateralism, protectionism, and hegemonic bullying, safeguard the UN Charter and international law, as well as advance the process toward a multipolar world.

At this pivotal juncture where talks on AI development and UN multilateral governance converge, China, leveraging head-of-state diplomacy as a top-tier platform, has elaborated in a systematic manner its vision for global governance in the AI era, Wang Yiwei, a professor at the School of International Studies, Renmin University of China, told the Global Times.

He added that China’s emphasis on the UN-centered global governance architecture will further strengthen the UN’s authority and operational capacity.

Before the official opening of the WAIC, on Thursday, representatives from 29 countries, including Kazakhstan, Laos, Pakistan, Russia and Indonesia, signed an agreement on establishing the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) in Shanghai. UN chief Guterres was among representatives from countries and international organizations present at the signing ceremony.

According to the agreement, WAICO will be an independent intergovernmental international organization, which aims to promote international cooperation and global governance on AI, ensuring that AI is beneficial, safe and fair, thereby promoting its healthy and orderly development to benefit all humanity.

President Xi on Friday also announced that in the next five years, China will provide developing countries with 5,000 opportunities in AI training and seminar programs. China will also develop international AI application cooperation centers with the ASEAN, the League of Arab States, the African Union, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and BRICS.

However, some international media, including Reuters and Nikkei, used the term “AI diplomacy” describing the grand gathering in Shanghai, claiming that Beijing seeks a new global AI order, challenging US dominance.

In rebuttal, Wang pointed out that China advocates open, inclusive technology that lets AI benefit all humanity under the vision of “AI for All”. In contrast, the US adheres to a mindset of “All for AI”, weaponizing AI for geopolitical rivalry and aiming to outpace China in technological competition. Driven by the “America First” doctrine and capital-centric priorities, Washington’s approach forms a sharp contrast with China’s.

Meanwhile, China’s resolute commitment to upholding the UN system underscores that for China and a wide array of Global South countries, the sensible path lies in reforming and improving the existing global governance architecture rather than discarding it to build parallel institutions from scratch, the expert added.

This article first appeared on Global Times

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SOURCE Global Times

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Global Times: China sends fresh signal on global AI cooperation at WAIC

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BEIJING, July 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — “AI development should not be a solo performance by a single country, but a symphony of international cooperation,” Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Friday while addressing the opening ceremony of the 2026 World AI Conference (WAIC) and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance, stressing that China is ready to be more open, take more practical actions, and assume a more visionary perspective.

We are ready to work with all parties to seize the opportunities of AI development and meet the challenges, and join hands to create a brighter future for humanity, he added.

Xi’s remarks received positive responses from domestic and foreign enterprises and experts, as they spoke highly of China’s scientific and technological achievements in recent years while noting that China’s commitment to openness and cooperation can help ensure that the benefits of AI are shared by all humanity and Chinese solutions in AI governance enable other countries to better tackle the common challenges brought about by AI development.

Openness and win-win cooperation

Xi presented four observations on AI development and governance in the speech. The Chinese leader called for adhering to the principle of openness and win-win cooperation while boosting innovation-driven development. He highlighted the importance of encouraging open-source, openness, collaboration and sharing to facilitate technological innovation, industrial development and scenario-based application of AI.

He also called for strengthening risk-awareness and ensuring that AI is secure and controllable.  Stressing the need to ensure that AI is always under human control, Xi urged all sides to jointly oppose overstretching the national security concept in the field of AI or placing one country’s security over that of others.

Third, he called for encouraging inclusiveness and promoting mutual learning among civilizations.

Fourth, he called for advocating solidarity and improving global governance. The important role of the United Nations should be recognized, Xi said, calling for further alignment and coordination on AI development strategies, governance rules and technical standards.

“We must carry out extensive international cooperation and help Global South countries with capacity building to bridge the AI and digital divides, promote sustainable development and prevent creating new historical injustice in AI,” he said.

In the next five years, China will provide developing countries with 5,000 opportunities in AI training and seminar programs, Xi said. He said China will develop international AI application cooperation centers with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the League of Arab States, the African Union, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and BRICS. China will enable 30 countries to use the AI-powered meteorological warning system, or MAZU, to safeguard homes around the world.

“President Xi’s remarks underscore China’s commitment to advancing global AI governance and technological innovation through opening-up and win-win cooperation, bringing new opportunities for sharing AI dividends and achieving shared prosperity to countries worldwide, especially developing countries,” Song Yang, professor of School of Economics and research fellow at the National Academy of Development and Strategy at Renmin University of China, told the Global Times on Friday.

China is sending a clear and important message: AI should become a bridge between countries, not a new dividing line, Luigi Gambardella, president of the Brussels-based international digital association ChinaEU, told the Global Times on Friday on the sidelines of the forum.

“No country, however technologically advanced, can develop and govern AI alone. China’s commitment to openness and cooperation can help ensure that the benefits of AI are shared by all humanity. It can help prevent the fragmentation of technologies, standards and markets, while ensuring that the opportunities created by AI are shared more widely,” Gambardella said.

“President Xi proposed ‘adhering to the principle of openness and win-win cooperation’ and ‘advocating solidarity’, and announced a series of pragmatic measures to support global AI development. These remarks have deeply inspired me and further strengthened my confidence in promoting the inclusive development of AI through opening-up and cooperation,” Xu Li, chairman and CEO of Shanghai-based AI software company SenseTime, told the Global Times on Friday.

Looking ahead, SenseTime aims to bring more field-tested technologies, products, and talent cultivation expertise to more countries and regions, and boost “China innovation” to deliver sustained value across a wider spectrum of industrial scenarios, thereby enabling AI to better benefit all of humanity, Xu said.

China actively supports strengthening global cooperation on AI governance, advocates multilateralism, and promotes the establishment of a global governance framework, which has received positive responses from many Global South countries.

Twenty-nine countries on Thursday signed an agreement in Shanghai on establishing the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO). As an independent intergovernmental international organization headquartered in Shanghai, WAICO will uphold the purposes of the UN Charter, be committed to extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit and adhere to a people-centered approach, according to the agreement, per Xinhua.

Global spotlight on WAIC

Since its inception in 2018, the WAIC has successfully convened for eight consecutive editions, becoming an important window for showcasing cutting-edge AI technologies from China and around the world while deepening international opening-up and cooperation.

Themed “AI Partnership for a Brighter Future”, the exhibition area exceeds 100,000 square meters for the first time this year, attracting the participation of over 1,100 enterprises. The exhibitors are showcasing more than 3,000 products and technologies, with over 300 products making their global debuts.

Among the exhibition highlights are Huawei’s latest AI computing super node system Atlas 950, MiniMax M3 multimodal foundation model, and the world’s first agentic AI phone, alongside a range of humanoid robots and AI-powered dexterous hands.

A German BMW representative, who attended WAIC for the first time, expressed enthusiasm about the event, highlighting the humanoid robotics showcased in the exhibition area – technologies he said he has never encountered before.

The representative told the Global Times that his company has adopted Chinese AI-powered large language models such as Qwen and DeepSeek. “The new updated versions of these models emerge weekly, which is very impressive,” the representative said, speaking highly of the cost efficiency of Chinese models.

However, some Western media outlets keep smearing China’s AI advancements and international cooperation. The Economist even claims that China’s open-source AI is a “trap” and that embracing China is “risky.”

Debunking this groundless smearing, Song said that China’s AI development has consistently adhered to the philosophy of a people-centered approach and AI for good, accumulating a wealth of vivid, replicable, and scalable experiences.

At the opening ceremony of the WAIC, the China Meteorological Administration unveiled the MAZU-FengYun Satellite AI Box. The launch marks a new stage in MAZU’s intelligent early-warning initiative, which was unveiled last year, shifting from providing shared meteorological products to delivering AI-enabled forecasting capabilities, according to the administration.

“Over the past year, meteorological and disaster reduction agencies from more than 40 countries have accessed the MAZU early warning technologies and products via cloud platforms. Customized versions of the tool have been deployed in Nigeria, Djibouti, Pakistan, and other nations, earning widespread recognition from users,” You Yang, a staff member with the Shanghai Meteorological Bureau, told the Global Times on Friday.

“From base models to industry-specific applications, China is opening up its low-cost, replicable technological pathways to the world, thereby lowering the threshold for underdeveloped nations to enter the AI era. Meanwhile, China actively helps developing countries address gaps in technology, talent, and governance capabilities to bridge the digital divide in the age of intelligence,” Song said.

According to a March report from Hugging Face, one of the world’s largest AI open-source communities, China has surpassed the US in monthly downloads and overall downloads. In the past year, Chinese models quickly accounted for the plurality or 41 percent of downloads.

“China possesses three unique institutional advantages in promoting AI for good and inclusive development: First, the new system for nationwide mobilization of resources coordinates development and security, achieving synergistic progress in key technological breakthroughs and rule-making. Second, a people-centered approach ensures that technological advancement benefits the people. Third, a multi-stakeholder agile and collaborative governance model links governments, universities, research institutions, enterprises, and social organizations to explore the synergy between rules and technology, providing China’s experience to the world,” Zeng Yi, a member of the UN Advisory Body on AI, told the Global Times on Friday.

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Ecopetrol Reports Cybersecurity Incident

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BOGOTA, Colombia, July 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ecopetrol S.A. (BVC: ECOPETROL; NYSE: EC) (the “Company”) announced that it has identified an unauthorized access to certain digital resources owned by the Company and its subsidiaries by an external actor who has not been identified, as well as an attempted ransomware attack that was blocked by the cybersecurity controls implemented across the Company and its subsidiaries. The unauthorized access affected cloud-based file storage environments of approximately 15 subsidiaries (including the Company), resulting in the unauthorized download of data associated with approximately 3,300 user accounts. The external actor communicated extortion demands, threatening to publicly disclose the information that had been unlawfully extracted.

In response to this incident, the Company initiated an investigation and activated its incident response and management protocols. In addition, the Company deployed the following measures aimed at preventing the public disclosure of the unlawfully extracted information, addressing supervisory actions and/or potential financial costs associated with investigation, remediation, and regulatory compliance, as follows:

a. Immediate revocation of unauthorized access to the compromised digital assets.
b. Blocking of mechanisms associated with the mass download of information.
c. Identification, analysis, and containment of the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used by the malicious actor.
d. Filing of a criminal complaint before the Office of the Attorney General of Colombia and deployment of cooperation activities with specialized national authorities.
e. Identification of external infrastructures used for the storage or download of information to pursue restriction or blocking actions.
f. Activation of support mechanisms with insurers and specialized capital markets teams to ensure the proper management of the event.
g. Detailed assessment of the downloaded information and determination of its criticality.
h. Enhanced monitoring of the technology infrastructure under critical alert protocols and continuous validation of preventive and detective controls.

As of the date of this report, the Company has not identified any material disruption to its critical operations, production capacity, or essential services; any direct financial impact that would prevent it from continuing to conduct its business activities; or any disclosure of the information subject to the unauthorized access. However, the Company continues to assess the potential exposure of corporate information, which could include confidential, restricted, proprietary, or personal data, as it cannot guarantee that this incident will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, reputation, operating results, or financial condition.

Ecopetrol S.A. will continue to monitor developments related to this matter and, should any material facts or information requiring disclosure to the market be identified, will promptly disclose such information in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Ecopetrol is the largest company in Colombia and one of the main integrated energy companies in the American continent, with more than 19,000 employees. In Colombia, it is responsible for more than 60% of the hydrocarbon production of most transportation, logistics, and hydrocarbon refining systems, and it holds leading positions in the petrochemicals and gas distribution segments. With the acquisition of 51.4% of ISA’s shares, the company participates in energy transmission, the management of real-time systems (XM), and the Barranquilla – Cartagena coastal highway concession. At the international level, Ecopetrol has a stake in strategic basins in the American continent, with Drilling and Exploration operations in the United States (Permian basin and the Gulf of Mexico), Brazil, and Mexico, and, through ISA and its subsidiaries, Ecopetrol holds leading positions in the power transmission business in Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Bolivia, road concessions in Chile, and the telecommunications sector. 

This release contains statements that may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward-looking statements, whether made in this release or in future filings or press releases, or orally, address matters that involve risks and uncertainties, including in respect of the Company’s prospects for growth and its ongoing access to capital to fund the Company’s business plan, among others. Consequently, changes in the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements: market prices of oil & gas, our exploration, and production activities, market conditions, applicable regulations, the exchange rate, the Company’s competitiveness and the performance of Colombia’s economy and industry, to mention a few. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

For more information, please contact:

Investor Relations Office
Email: investors@ecopetrol.com.co  

Head of Corporate Communications (Colombia) 
Marcela Ulloa 
Email: marcela.ulloa@ecopetrol.com.co 

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