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Canadian Solar Reports Second Quarter 2024 Results

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GUELPH, ON, Aug. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Canadian Solar Inc. (“Canadian Solar” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: CSIQ) today announced financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024.

Highlights

Solar module shipments of 8.2 GW, above guidance of 7.5 GW to 8.0 GW.Net revenues of $1.6 billion, in line with guidance of $1.5 billion to $1.7 billion.17.2% gross margin, in line with guidance of 16% to 18%.e-STORAGE backlog grew to $2.6 billion, backed by a record 66 GWh of pipeline, as of June 30, 2024.Recurrent Energy expanded its total development pipeline to 27 GWp of solar and 63 GWh of battery energy storage, as of June 30, 2024.Achieved initial closing of BlackRock’s investment in Recurrent Energy, representing the majority of the planned $500 million capital infusion.Announced a $200 million private placement of secured convertible notes with PAG.Published the 2023 Corporate Sustainability Report, featuring sustainability disclosures aligned with global standards, on May 31, 2024.

Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman and CEO, commented, “We achieved solid results in the second quarter of 2024, with shipments, revenue, and gross margin meeting or surpassing our previous guidance. Today, we have reached an optimal scale—large enough to maintain a highly competitive cost structure yet lean enough to adapt swiftly to changes in industry dynamics. In our module business, we continue to apply a disciplined approach to operations, from strategic capacity investments to stringent order management. At the same time, we are positioning ourselves for sustainable medium- and long-term growth through our energy storage business, e-STORAGE, and global project development platform, Recurrent Energy. Sustainable and ethical growth is key to our strategy, and we are proud to have published our latest Corporate Sustainability Report, featuring expanded disclosures and enhanced transparency.”

Yan Zhuang, President of Canadian Solar’s CSI Solar subsidiary, said, “Despite challenging market dynamics, CSI Solar achieved strong results in the first half. Amidst fierce industry competition, we maintained our focus on profitability while also increasing volume this quarter. As polysilicon prices further declined, the resulting price decreases across the upstream supply chain helped reduce manufacturing costs. Given the current industry landscape, we have decided to delay certain upstream investments to further prioritize profitability. In these situations, our partial vertical integration affords us strategic agility. Additionally, e-STORAGE not only delivered record volumes, but also grew its backlog to $2.6 billion, supported by a robust 66 GWh pipeline.”

Ismael Guerrero, CEO of Canadian Solar’s Recurrent Energy subsidiary, said, “We successfully completed the initial closing of BlackRock’s $500 million investment and expect to finalize the transaction in the coming months. As we progress toward our operational targets, we continue to demonstrate our ability to secure competitive financing. Notably, we obtained a landmark multi-currency revolving credit facility valued at up to €1.3 billion, involving ten banks, to support the construction of renewable energy projects across several European countries.”

Xinbo Zhu, Senior VP and CFO, added, “In the second quarter of 2024, we delivered $1.6 billion in revenue, a gross margin of 17.2%, and $4 million in net income. Going forward, CSI Solar and Recurrent Energy’s leverage profiles will align with their respective strategic goals. This quarter, CSI Solar reduced its debt to better navigate the industry cycle. Meanwhile, Recurrent Energy will continue to increase leverage in the near-term to support its transition to a partial IPP model. The recently announced convertible notes will contribute to optimizing our capital structure, providing us with added financial flexibility.”

Second Quarter 2024 Results

Total module shipments recognized as revenues in the second quarter of 2024 were 8.2 GW, up 30% quarter-over-quarter (“qoq”) and remained consistent year-over-year (“yoy”). Of the total, 135 MW were shipped to the Company’s own utility-scale solar power projects.

Net revenues in the second quarter of 2024 increased 23% qoq and decreased 31% yoy to $1.6 billion. The sequential increase primarily reflects a higher solar module shipment volume, partially offset by a decline in module average selling price (“ASP”). The yoy decrease primarily reflects a decline in module ASPs and lower project sales, partially offset by higher battery energy storage solutions sales.

Gross profit in the second quarter of 2024 was $282 million, up 12% qoq and down 36% yoy. Gross margin in the second quarter of 2024 was 17.2%, compared to 19.0% in the first quarter of 2024 and 18.6% in the second quarter of 2023. The gross margin sequential decrease was primarily caused by lower module ASPs. The gross margin yoy decrease was primarily driven by lesser margin contribution from solar power and battery energy storage asset sales and lower module ASPs, partially offset by lower manufacturing costs.

Total operating expenses in the second quarter of 2024 were $234 million, compared to $204 million in the first quarter of 2024 and $216 million in the second quarter of 2023. The sequential and yoy increases were primarily driven by higher shipping and handling expenses, with the yoy increase being partially offset by a decrease in share-based compensation expense.

Depreciation and amortization charges in the second quarter of 2024 were $122 million, compared to $110 million in the first quarter of 2024 and $73 million in the second quarter of 2023. The sequential and yoy increases were primarily driven by the Company’s continued investment in vertical integration and incremental capacity expansion.

Net interest expense in the second quarter of 2024 was $19 million, compared to less than $1 million in the first quarter of 2024 and $21 million in the second quarter of 2023. Net interest expense returned to a normalized level in the second quarter of 2024 with the absence of an interest benefit deriving from the interest income generated by anti-dumping and countervailing duty deposit refunds in the first quarter of 2024.

Net foreign exchange and derivative gain in the second quarter of 2024 was $13 million, compared to a net loss of $4 million in the first quarter of 2024 and a net gain of $34 million in the second quarter of 2023.

Net income attributable to Canadian Solar in the second quarter of 2024 was $4 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, compared to a net income of $12 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2024, and net income of $170 million, or $2.39 per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2023. Basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) includes Recurrent Energy redeemable preferred shares dividends payable in kind. As a result, an EPS effect of 3 cents was deducted in the second quarter of 2024 on a dilutive basis.

Net cash flow used in operating activities in the second quarter of 2024 was $429 million, compared to net cash flow used in operating activities of $291 million in the first quarter of 2024 and net cash flow provided by operating activities of $290 million in the second quarter of 2023. The operating cash outflow primarily resulted from increased project assets and accounts receivable.

Total debt was $4.2 billion as of June 30, 2024, including $2.0 billion, $2.0 billion, and $0.2 billion related to CSI Solar, Recurrent Energy, and convertible notes, respectively. Total debt decreased as compared to $4.3 billion as of March 31, 2024, mainly driven by optimization of CSI Solar’s financial leverage to navigate the industry cycle, partially offset by new project development for Recurrent Energy.

Business Segments

The Company has two business segments: Recurrent Energy and CSI Solar. The two businesses operate as follows:

Recurrent Energy is one of the world’s largest clean energy project development platforms with 15 years of experience, having delivered approximately 11 GWp of solar power projects and 3.7 GWh of battery energy storage projects. It is vertically integrated and has strong expertise in greenfield origination, development, financing, execution, operations and maintenance, and asset management.CSI Solar consists of solar module and battery energy storage manufacturing, and delivery of total system solutions, including inverters, solar system kits, and EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) services. CSI Solar’s e-STORAGE branded battery energy storage business includes its utility-scale turnkey battery energy system solutions, as well as a small but growing residential battery energy storage business. These battery energy storage systems solutions are complemented with long-term service agreements, including future battery capacity augmentation services.

Recurrent Energy Segment

As of June 30, 2024, the Company held a leading position with a total global solar development pipeline of 27 GWp and a battery energy storage development pipeline of 63 GWh.

While Recurrent Energy’s business model was historically predominantly develop-to-sell, the Company has been adjusting its strategy to create greater asset value and retain greater ownership of projects in select markets to increase revenues generated through recurring income, such as power sales, operations and maintenance, and asset management income.

The business model consists of three key drivers:

Electricity revenue from operating portfolio to drive stable, diversified cash flows in growth markets with stable currencies;Asset sales (solar power and battery energy storage) in the rest of the world to drive cash-efficient growth model, as value from project sales will help fund growth in operating assets in stable currency markets; andPower services (O&M) and asset management through long-term operations and maintenance (“O&M”) contracts, currently with approximately 11 GW of contracted projects, to drive stable and long-term recurring earnings and synergies with the project development platform.

In January 2024, the Company announced a $500 million investment from BlackRock. The investment will provide Recurrent Energy with additional capital to grow its high value project development pipeline while executing its strategy to transition from a pure developer to a developer plus long-term owner and operator in select markets including the U.S. and Europe. This transition is expected to create a more diversified portfolio and provide more stable long-term revenue in low-risk currencies, and enables Recurrent Energy to create and retain greater value in its own project development pipeline. The perimeter of the transaction includes 30 countries, excluding China and Japan.

In June 2024, Recurrent Energy announced the initial closing of the $500 million investment. The initial closing presents the majority of the planned capital infusion at $300 million (before transaction costs). Once the transaction is fully complete, BlackRock’s $500 million investment will represent 20% of the outstanding fully diluted shares of Recurrent Energy on an as-converted basis. Canadian Solar will continue to own the remaining majority shares of Recurrent Energy.

Project Development Pipeline – Solar

As of June 30, 2024, Recurrent Energy’s total solar project development pipeline was 27.4 GWp, including 1.7 GWp under construction, 4.8 GWp of backlog, and 20.9 GWp of projects in advanced and early-stage pipelines, defined as follows:

Backlog projects are late-stage projects that have passed their risk cliff date and are expected to start construction in the next 1-4 years. A project’s risk cliff date is the date on which the project passes the last high-risk development stage and varies depending on the country where it is located. This is usually after the projects have received all the required environmental and regulatory approvals, and entered into interconnection agreements, feed-in tariff (“FIT”) arrangements, and power purchase agreements (“PPAs”). A significant majority of backlog projects are contracted (i.e., have secured a PPA or FIT), and the remaining have a reasonable assurance of securing PPAs.Advanced pipeline projects are mid-stage projects that have secured or have more than 90% certainty of securing an interconnection agreement.Early-stage pipeline projects are early-stage projects controlled by Recurrent Energy that are in the process of securing interconnection.

While the magnitude of the Company’s project development pipeline is an important indicator of potential expanded power generation and battery energy storage capacity as well as potential future revenue growth, the development of projects in its pipeline is inherently uncertain. If the Company does not successfully complete the pipeline projects in a timely manner, it may not realize the anticipated benefits of the projects to the extent anticipated, which could adversely affect its business, financial condition, or results of operations. In addition, the Company’s guidance and estimates for its future operating and financial results assume the completion of certain solar projects and battery energy storage projects that are in its pipeline. If the Company is unable to execute on its actionable pipeline, it may miss its guidance, which could adversely affect the market price of its common shares and its business, financial condition, or results of operations.

The following table presents Recurrent Energy’s total solar project development pipeline.

Solar Project Development Pipeline (as of June 30, 2024) – MWp*

Region

In
Construction

Backlog

Advanced
Pipeline

Early-Stage
Pipeline

Total

North America

261

224

1,244

4,374

6,103

Europe, the Middle East, and Africa
(“EMEA”)

783**

2,465

1,578

5,539

10,365

Latin America

450**

486

83

4,540

5,559

Asia Pacific excluding China and Japan

173

708

1,413

2,294

China

100

1,320**

1,390

2,810

Japan

59

131

49

239

Total

1,653

4,799

3,613

17,305

27,370

*All numbers are gross MWp.

**Including 74 MWp in construction and 551 MWp in backlog that are owned by or already sold to third parties.

Project Development Pipeline – Battery Energy Storage

As of June 30, 2024, Recurrent Energy’s total battery energy storage project development pipeline was 62.8 GWh, including 8.5 GWh under construction and in backlog, and 54.3 GWh of projects in advanced and early-stage pipelines.

The table below sets forth Recurrent Energy’s total battery energy storage project development pipeline.

Battery Energy Storage Project Development Pipeline (as of June 30, 2024) – MWh

Region

In
Construction

Backlog

Advanced
Pipeline

Early-Stage
Pipeline

Total

North America

1,400

600

1,580

15,444

19,024

EMEA

1,580

4,627

26,612

32,819

Latin America

1,765

1,765

Asia Pacific excluding China and Japan

444

400

1,240

2,084

China

2,000

2,600

4,600

Japan

727

449

1,350

2,526

Total

3,844

4,672

7,056

47,246

62,818

Projects in Operation – Solar Power and Battery Energy Storage Power Plants (Including Unconsolidated Projects)

As of June 30, 2024, the solar power and battery energy storage plants in operation totaled around 1.6 GWp and 1.0 GWh respectively, with a combined estimated net resale value of approximately $1.2 billion. The estimated net resale value is based on selling prices that Recurrent Energy is currently negotiating or comparable asset sales.

Power Plants in Operation*

North
America

EMEA

Latin
America

Asia Pacific

ex. China and
Japan

China

Japan

Total

Solar (MWp)

163

58

970

6

310

62

1,569

Battery Energy
Storage (MWh)

280

24

700

1,004

*All numbers are net MWp or MWh owned by Recurrent Energy; total gross MWp of solar projects is 2,621 MWp and total gross battery
energy storage projects is 2,124 MWh, including volume that is already sold to third parties.

Operating Results

The following table presents select unaudited results of operations data of the Recurrent Energy segment for the periods indicated.

Recurrent Energy Segment Financial Results

(In Thousands of U.S. Dollars, Except Percentages)

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

June 30,

2024

March 31,

2024

June 30,

2023

June 30,

2024

June 30,

2023

Net revenues

50,525

39,433

360,045

89,958

380,097

Cost of revenues

26,564

26,381

201,981

52,945

214,824

Gross profit

23,961

13,052

158,064

37,013

165,273

Operating expenses

32,877

33,573

35,874

66,450

58,288

Income (loss) from
operations*

(8,916)

(20,521)

122,190

(29,437)

106,985

Gross margin

47.4 %

33.1 %

43.9 %

41.1 %

43.5 %

Operating margin

-17.6 %

-52.0 %

33.9 %

-32.7 %

28.1 %

* Income (loss) from operations reflects management’s allocation and estimate as some services are shared by the Company’s two business segments.

CSI Solar Segment

Solar Modules and Solar System Kits

CSI Solar shipped 8.2 GW of solar modules and solar system kits to more than 70 countries in the second quarter of 2024. For the second quarter of 2024, the top five markets ranked by shipments were China, the U.S., Pakistan, Germany, and Brazil.

CSI Solar’s revised manufacturing capacity expansion targets are set forth below.

Solar Manufacturing Capacity, GW*

June 2024

Actual

September 2024

Plan

December 2024

Plan

Ingot

20.4

25.0

25.0

Wafer

28.0

31.0

31.0

Cell

48.4

48.4

48.4

Module

60.0

61.0

61.0

*Nameplate annualized capacities at said point in time. Capacity expansion plans are subject to change without notice
based on market conditions and capital allocation plans.

e-STORAGE: Battery Energy Storage Solutions

e-STORAGE is CSI Solar’s utility-scale battery energy storage platform. e-STORAGE provides customers with competitive turnkey, integrated, utility-scale battery energy storage solutions, including bankable, end-to-end, utility-scale, turnkey battery energy storage system solutions across various applications. System performance is complemented with long-term service agreements, which include future battery capacity augmentation services and bring in long-term, stable income.

As of June 30, 2024, e-STORAGE had a total project turnkey pipeline of around 66 GWh, which includes both contracted and in-construction projects, as well as projects at different stages of the negotiation process. In addition, e-STORAGE had approximately 3.1 GWh of operating battery energy storage projects contracted under long-term service agreements, all of which were battery energy storage projects previously executed by e-STORAGE.

As of June 30, 2024, the contracted backlog, including contracted long-term service agreements, was $2.6 billion. These are signed orders with contractual obligations to customers, providing significant earnings visibility over a multi-year period.

The table below sets forth e-STORAGE’s manufacturing capacity expansion targets.

Battery Energy Storage Manufacturing
Capacity, GWh*

June 2024

Actual

December 2025

Plan

SolBank

20.0

30.0

*Nameplate annualized capacities at said point in time. Capacity expansion plans are subject to change without notice
based on market conditions and capital allocation plans. 

Operating Results 

The following table presents select unaudited results of operations data of the CSI Solar segment for the periods indicated. 

CSI Solar Segment Financial Results* 

(In Thousands of U.S. Dollars, Except Percentages)

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

June 30,
2024

March 31,
2024

June 30,

2023

June 30,
2024

June 30,

2023

Net revenues

1,731,470

1,342,153

2,013,993

3,073,623

3,723,723

Cost of revenues

1,441,897

1,094,568

1,726,154

2,536,465

3,120,275

Gross profit

289,573

247,585

287,839

537,158

603,448

Operating expenses

196,255

165,113

168,455

361,368

314,606

Income from operations

93,318

82,472

119,384

175,790

288,842

Gross margin

16.7 %

18.4 %

14.3 %

17.5 %

16.2 %

Operating margin

5.4 %

6.1 %

5.9 %

5.7 %

7.8 %

*Include effects of both sales to third-party customers and to the Company’s Recurrent Energy segment. Please refer to the
attached financial tables for intercompany transaction elimination information. Income from operations reflects
management’s allocation and estimate as some services are shared by the Company’s two business segments.

The table below provides the geographic distribution of the net revenues of CSI Solar:

CSI Solar Net Revenues Geographic Distribution* (In Millions of U.S. Dollars, Except Percentages)

Q2 2024

% of Net
Revenues

Q1 2024

% of Net
Revenues

Q2 2023

% of Net
Revenues

Americas

892

56

676

53

722

36

Asia

455

29

417

32

716

36

Europe and others

238

15

197

15

566

28

Total

1,585

100

1,290

100

2,004

100

*Excludes sales from CSI Solar to Recurrent Energy.

Business Outlook

The Company’s business outlook is based on management’s current views and estimates given factors such as existing market conditions, order book, production capacity, input material prices, foreign exchange fluctuations, the anticipated timing of project sales, and the global economic environment. This outlook is subject to uncertainty with respect to, among other things, customer demand, project construction and sale schedules, product sales prices and costs, supply chain constraints, and geopolitical conflicts. Management’s views and estimates are subject to change without notice.

For the third quarter of 2024, the Company expects total revenue to be in the range of $1.6 billion to $1.8 billion. Gross margin is expected to be between 14% and 16%. Total module shipments recognized as revenues by CSI Solar are expected to be in the range of 9.0 GW to 9.5 GW, including approximately 100 MW to the Company’s own projects. Total battery energy storage shipments by CSI Solar in the third quarter of 2024 are expected to be between 1.4 GWh to 1.7 GWh, including about 1.2 GWh to the Company’s own projects.

For the full year of 2024, the Company expects total module shipments to be in the range of 32 GW to 36 GW and CSI Solar’s total battery energy storage shipments in the range of 6.5 GWh to 7.0 GWh, including approximately 1 GW and 2.5 GWh respectively to the Company’s own projects. The Company’s total revenue is expected to be in the range of $6.5 billion to $7.5 billion.

Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman and CEO, commented, “While we continue to navigate challenging market conditions, our focus remains on sustainable, profitable growth. We are beginning to see signs of market rationalization, as module pricing and input costs reach record lows. In line with our commitment to strategic future planning, we are adjusting certain capacity investments to ensure a resilient financial profile. We anticipate stabilization in the second half of the year. Although global economic and political uncertainties will likely persist in the coming months, we have consistently managed risk effectively for our shareholders, partners, and customers in the past—and we remain committed to doing so going forward.”

Recent Developments

Canadian Solar

On August 19, 2024, Canadian Solar announced it had entered into a definitive agreement with PAG, pursuant to which PAG will subscribe for US$200 million in aggregate principal of convertible notes due 2029. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2024, subject to closing conditions. The Company will retain certain flexibility on drawdowns, using the net proceeds to optimize its capital structure.

On May 31, 2024, Canadian Solar announced it had published its 2023 Corporate Sustainability Report that showcases the Company’s ongoing progress and achievements in its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives. The sustainability disclosures in this report are aligned with global standards set by the SASB (the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board) and the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), with reference to the IFRS (the International Financial Reporting Standards) set by ISSB (International Sustainability Standards Board). 

CSI Solar

On August 8, 2024, Canadian Solar announced it had signed a turnkey EPC contract for 100 MW / 200 MWh energy storage solutions with Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV) Australia for FRV’s Terang energy storage project in Victoria, Australia. FRV Australia, part of Jameel Energy and the Canadian infrastructure fund OMERS, is a leading developer of sustainable energy solutions. An energy storage supply agreement and a long-term service agreement had been signed between the companies. Construction of the project is scheduled to commence in August 2024.

On July 18, 2024, Canadian Solar announced it had signed a contract with Root-Power Ltd., part of YLEM Group, to supply 11 MW AC / 22 MWh AC energy storage solutions for Root-Power’s Coryton Energy Park project located in Corringham, Essex, England. Construction of the project started in late May 2024. An energy storage supply agreement and long-term service agreement had been signed between the companies.

On July 9, 2024, Canadian Solar announced it had secured a contract with Aypa Power to deliver a 498 MWh DC standalone battery energy storage system for Aypa’s Bypass Project in Texas. The project is scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2025. After integrating and commissioning the project to commercial operation, e-STORAGE will provide ongoing operational support for the project under a long-term service agreement.

On July 8, 2024, Canadian Solar announced it had secured a contract from Nova Scotia Power to develop flagship energy storage projects across three locations in Nova Scotia, Canada: Bridgewater, Waverley, and White Rock. The projects total 150 MW / 705 MWh DC. Construction will be completed by the end of 2026, and the first site is expected to be operational in 2025. e-STORAGE will provide comprehensive EPC services along with long-term service agreements.

On June 20, 2024, Canadian Solar announced it had entered into a partnership agreement with leading renewable energy supplier Lifestyle Solar Inc. to provide solar and energy storage solutions to homebuilders in California. Canadian Solar will offer its new N-type modules from its factory in Mesquite, TX, and the innovative stackable EP Cube home battery, enabling Lifestyle Solar’s clients to achieve energy resilience and lower electricity costs.

On June 13, 2024, Canadian Solar announced it had entered into an agreement with U.S. homebuilder D.R. Horton to offer its solar and energy storage products across communities in California. In its commitment to excellence, D.R. Horton has chosen Canadian Solar’s solar panels and batteries, a testament to the superior quality of Canadian Solar’s products.

Recurrent Energy

On August 6, 2024, Canadian Solar announced it had completed the sale of an 83 MWp project in the Dominican Republic to Grupo País and Acciona Energía. The Pedro Corto solar project, located in San Juan de la Maguana, is in the late stage of development.

On July 24, 2024, Canadian Solar announced it had achieved the financial close on a €50 million loan from the European Investment Bank. The facility will support the development and construction of a solar energy portfolio in Italy.

On July 10, 2024, Canadian Solar announced it had signed a 10-year power purchase agreement with GKN Automotive, a global leader in drive systems, for the annual production of approximately 200 GWh of renewable electricity produced by Recurrent Energy’s 115 MWp Rey I Project located in Seville, Andalucia, Spain. Currently under construction, Rey I is expected to be fully operational by the first half of 2026. Recurrent Energy will own and operate the project upon completion.

On June 27, 2024, Canadian Solar announced it had signed a $103 million tax credit facilitation agreement with Bank of America for its North Fork Solar Project. The 160 MW solar project, located southwest of Oklahoma City, is now operational.

On June 20, 2024, Canadian Solar announced it had secured $513 million in project financing for its landmark Papago Storage project located in Maricopa County, Arizona. Construction of the 1,200 MWh Papago Storage is slated to commence in the third quarter of 2024, with commercial operations expected to begin in the second quarter of 2025. This project holds a 20-year tolling agreement with Arizona Public Service, and Recurrent Energy will own and operate the project after construction.

On June 17, 2024, Canadian Solar announced it had achieved commercial operation on its first portfolio of Japan’s feed-in premium (FIP) PV projects on June 1, 2024. Toyota Tsusho Corporation entered into a 20-year power purchase agreement with the Company, securing 100% of the PV power, together with the Non-Fossil Certificates (NFCs) generated by the project. 

On June 10, 2024, Canadian Solar announced the inauguration of the 446 MWp / 360 MWac Marangatu Solar Complex in Brasileira, Brazil. SPIC owns 70% of the project, while Recurrent Energy owns the remaining 30%. Developed by Recurrent Energy, Marangatu Solar Complex was fully energized in April 2024. 75% of the energy generated is secured through long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs).

On June 3, Canadian Solar announced it had achieved the initial closing and funding of an investment in Recurrent Energy’s platform by BlackRock through a fund managed by its climate infrastructure business. The initial closing of the transaction, first announced in January 2024, was contingent on requisite regulatory approvals and other conditions, which have now been met.

On May 23, 2024, Canadian Solar announced it had secured a landmark multi-currency revolving credit facility valued at up to €1.3 billion with ten banks for the construction of solar and battery energy storage projects in several European countries, including Spain, Italy, the UK, the Netherland, France and Germany. Initially, the facility will support the near-term construction of close to 1 GW of solar capacity, with the vast majority allocated to Spain and the remainder to the UK.

Conference Call Information

The Company will hold a conference call on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time (8:00 p.m., Thursday, August 22, 2024, in Hong Kong) to discuss its second quarter 2024 results and business outlook. The dial-in phone number for the live audio call is +1-877-704-4453 (toll-free from the U.S.), +852 800 965 561 (from Hong Kong), +86 400 120 2840 (local dial-in from Mainland China) or +1-201-389-0920 from international locations. The conference ID is 13747972. A live webcast of the conference call will also be available on the investor relations section of Canadian Solar’s website.

A replay of the call will be available after the conclusion of the call until 11:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time on Thursday, September 5, 2024 (11:00 a.m. September 6, 2024, in Hong Kong) and can be accessed by dialing +1-844-512-2921 (toll-free from the U.S.) or +1-412-317-6671 from international locations. The replay pin number is 13747972. A webcast replay will also be available on the investor relations section of Canadian Solar’s at www.canadiansolar.com

About Canadian Solar Inc.

Canadian Solar was founded in 2001 in Canada and is one of the world’s largest solar technology and renewable energy companies. It is a leading manufacturer of solar photovoltaic modules, provider of solar energy and battery energy storage solutions, and developer of utility-scale solar power and battery energy storage projects with a geographically diversified pipeline in various stages of development. Over the past 23 years, Canadian Solar has successfully delivered over 133 GW of premium-quality, solar photovoltaic modules to customers across the world. Likewise, since entering the project development business in 2010, Canadian Solar has developed, built, and connected approximately 11 GWp of solar power projects and 3.7 GWh of battery energy storage projects across the world. Currently, the Company has approximately 1.6 GWp of solar power projects in operation, 6.5 GWp of projects under construction or in backlog (late-stage), and an additional 20.9 GWp of projects in advanced and early-stage pipeline. In addition, the Company has 1 GWh of battery energy storage projects in operation and a total battery energy storage project development pipeline of around 63 GWh, including approximately 8.5 GWh under construction or in backlog, and an additional 54.3 GWh at advanced and early-stage development. Canadian Solar is one of the most bankable companies in the solar and renewable energy industry, having been publicly listed on the NASDAQ since 2006. For additional information about the Company, follow Canadian Solar on LinkedIn or visit www.canadiansolar.com.

Safe Harbor/Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release, including those regarding the Company’s expected future shipment volumes, revenues, gross margins, and project sales are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These statements are made under the “Safe Harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by such terms as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “estimates,” the negative of these terms, or other comparable terminology. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include general business, regulatory and economic conditions and the state of the solar power and battery energy storage market and industry; geopolitical tensions and conflicts, including impasses, sanctions and export controls; volatility, uncertainty, delays and disruptions related to global pandemics; supply chain disruptions; governmental support for the deployment of solar power and battery energy storage; future available supplies of silicon, solar wafers and lithium cells; demand for end-use products by consumers and inventory levels of such products in the supply chain; changes in demand from significant customers; changes in demand from major markets such as China, the U.S., Europe, Brazil and Japan; changes in effective tax rates; changes in customer order patterns; changes in product mix; changes in corporate responsibility, especially environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) requirements; capacity utilization; level of competition; pricing pressure and declines in or failure to timely adjust average selling prices; delays in new product introduction; delays in utility-scale project approval process; delays in utility-scale project construction; delays in the completion of project sales; the pipeline of projects and timelines related to them; the ability of the parties to optimize value of that pipeline; continued success in technological innovations and delivery of products with the features that customers demand; shortage in supply of materials or capacity requirements; availability of financing; exchange and inflation rate fluctuations; litigation and other risks as described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 20-F filed on April 26, 2024. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance, or achievements. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. All information provided in this press release is as of today’s date, unless otherwise stated, and Canadian Solar undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

Investor Relations Contact:

Wina Huang

Investor Relations

Canadian Solar Inc.

investor@canadiansolar.com

 

 

 

FINANCIAL TABLES FOLLOW

The following tables provide unaudited select financial data for the Company’s CSI Solar and Recurrent Energy businesses.

Select Financial Data – CSI Solar and Recurrent Energy

Three Months Ended and As of June 30, 2024

(In Thousands of U.S. Dollars, Except Percentages)

CSI Solar

Recurrent

Energy

Elimination

and

unallocated

items (1)

Total

Net revenues 

$1,731,470

$50,525

$(146,562)

$1,635,433

Cost of revenues

1,441,897

26,564

(115,122)

1,353,339

Gross profit

289,573

23,961

(31,440)

282,094

Gross margin

16.7 %

47.4 %

17.2 %

Income (loss) from
   operations (2)

$ 93,318

$(8,916)

$(36,752)

$47,650

Supplementary

   Information:

Interest expense (3)

$(15,924)

$(15,289)

$(1,809)

$(33,022)

Interest income (3)

11,037

3,075

10

14,122

Cash and cash equivalents

$1,379,591

$234,023

$6,223

$1,619,837

Restricted cash – current and

571,546

858

572,404

    noncurrent

Non-recourse borrowings

781,634

781,634

Other short-term and long-

1,778,326

1,099,669

2,877,995

    term borrowings

Green bonds and convertible

146,998

228,165

375,163

    notes

Select Financial Data – CSI Solar and Recurrent Energy

Six Months Ended June 30, 2024

(In Thousands of U.S. Dollars, Except Percentages)

CSI Solar

Recurrent

Energy

Elimination

and

unallocated

items (1)

Total

Net revenues 

$3,073,623

$89,958

$(199,037)

$2,964,544

Cost of revenues

2,536,465

52,945

(159,713)

2,429,697

Gross profit

537,158

37,013

(39,324)

534,847

Gross margin

17.5 %

41.1 %

18.0 %

Income (loss) from

$175,790

$(29,437)

$(49,631)

$96,722

operations (2)

Supplementary

   Information:

Interest expense (3)

$(31,633)

$(29,578)

$(6,678)

$(67,889)

Interest income (3)

42,906

5,479

39

48,424

Select Financial Data – CSI Solar and Recurrent Energy

Three Months Ended June 30, 2023

(In Thousands of U.S. Dollars, Except Percentages)

CSI Solar

Recurrent

Energy

Elimination

and
unallocated

items (1)

Total

Net revenues 

$2,013,993

$360,045

$(10,015)

$2,364,023

Cost of revenues

1,726,154

201,981

(4,686)

1,923,449

Gross profit

287,839

158,064

(5,329)

440,574

Gross margin

14.3 %

43.9 %

18.6 %

Income from operations (2)

$119,384

$122,190

$(17,451)

$224,123

Supplementary

   Information:

Interest expense (3)

$(15,833)

$(12,824)

$(1,798)

$(30,455)

Interest income (3)

7,550

1,905

1

9,456

Select Financial Data – CSI Solar and Recurrent Energy

Six Months Ended June 30, 2023

(In Thousands of U.S. Dollars, Except Percentages)

CSI Solar

Recurrent

Energy

Elimination

and

unallocated items (1)

Total

Net revenues 

$3,723,723

$380,097

$(38,516)

$4,065,304

Cost of revenues

3,120,275

214,824

(28,370)

3,306,729

Gross profit

603,448

165,273

(10,146)

758,575

Gross margin

16.2 %

43.5 %

18.7 %

Income from operations (2)

$288,842

$106,985

$(26,100)

$369,727

Supplementary
    Information:

Interest expense (3)

$(29,421)

$(17,889)

$(3,593)

$(50,903)

Interest income (3)

14,027

3,357

28

17,412

(1) Includes inter-segment elimination, and unallocated corporate items not considered part of management’s evaluation of business segment operating performance.

(2) Income (loss) from operations reflects management’s allocation and estimate as some services are shared by the Company’s two business segments.

(3) Represents interest expenses payable to and interest income earned from third parties.

 

 

Select Financial Data – CSI Solar and Recurrent Energy

Three Months Ended

June 30,

2024

Three Months Ended

March 31,

2024

Three Months Ended

June 30,

 2023

(In Thousands of U.S. Dollars)

CSI Solar Revenues:

Solar modules

$ 1,207,816

$ 912,150

$ 1,722,687

Solar system kits

114,869

99,247

216,867

Battery energy storage solutions

225,805

251,473

14,889

EPC and others

36,418

26,808

49,535

Subtotal

1,584,908

1,289,678

2,003,978

Recurrent Energy Revenues:

Solar power and battery energy storage asset
sales

12,752

6,044

338,487

Power services (O&M) and asset
management

18,644

15,868

13,408

Electricity revenue from operating portfolio
and others

19,129

17,521

8,150

Subtotal

50,525

39,433

360,045

Total net revenues

$ 1,635,433

$ 1,329,111

$ 2,364,023

 

 

Select Financial Data – CSI Solar and Recurrent Energy

Six Months Ended

June 30, 2024

Six Months Ended

June 30, 2023

(In Thousands of U.S. Dollars)

CSI Solar Revenues:

Solar modules

$ 2,119,966

$ 3,177,563

Solar system kits

214,116

350,454

Battery energy storage solutions

477,278

29,699

EPC and others

63,226

127,491

Subtotal

2,874,586

3,685,207

Recurrent Energy Revenues:

Solar PV and battery energy storage asset
sales

18,796

343,108

Power services (O&M) and asset
management

34,512

22,095

Electricity revenue from operating portfolio
and others

36,650

14,894

Subtotal

89,958

380,097

Total net revenues

$ 2,964,544

$ 4,065,304

 

 

 

Canadian Solar Inc.

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In Thousands of U.S. Dollars, Except Share and Per Share Data)

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

June 30,

March 31,

June 30,

June 30,

June 30,

2024

2024

2023

2024

2023

Net revenues

$ 1,635,433

$ 1,329,111

$ 2,364,023

$ 2,964,544

$ 4,065,304

Cost of revenues

1,353,339

1,076,358

1,923,449

2,429,697

3,306,729

Gross profit

282,094

252,753

440,574

534,847

758,575

Operating expenses:

Selling and distribution
expenses

131,692

88,412

87,686

220,104

176,057

General and
administrative expenses

100,911

94,693

139,571

195,604

218,219

Research and
developmentexpenses

25,578

34,279

23,137

59,857

40,444

Other operating income,
net

(23,737)

(13,703)

(33,943)

(37,440)

(45,872)

Total operating expenses

234,444

203,681

216,451

438,125

388,848

Income from operations

47,650

49,072

224,123

96,722

369,727

Other income (expenses):

Interest expense

(33,022)

(34,867)

(30,455)

(67,889)

(50,903)

Interest income

14,122

34,302

9,456

48,424

17,412

Gain (loss) on change in
fair value of derivatives,
net

81

(16,694)

(23,775)

(16,613)

(16,174)

Foreign exchange gain,
net

12,486

12,913

57,532

25,399

36,672

Investment income (loss),
net

(835)

169

1,955

(666)

10,335

Total other income
(expenses)

(7,168)

(4,177)

14,713

(11,345)

(2,658)

Income before income taxes
and equity in earnings of
affiliates

40,482

44,895

238,836

85,377

367,069

Income tax expense

(5,283)

(9,677)

(46,019)

(14,960)

(74,734)

Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates

(7,775)

1,005

4,719

(6,770)

12,030

Net income

27,424

36,223

197,536

63,647

304,365

Less: Net income
attributable to non-
controlling interests and
redeemable non-
controlling interest

23,602

23,871

27,566

47,473

50,683

Net income attributable to
Canadian Solar Inc.

$ 3,822

$ 12,352

$ 169,970

$ 16,174

$ 253,682

Earnings per share – basic

$ 0.02

$ 0.19

$   2.62

$ 0.21

$   3.92

Shares used in computation –
basic

66,413,750

66,164,560

64,912,928

66,289,155

64,716,522

Earnings per share –
diluted

$ 0.02

$ 0.19

$   2.39

$ 0.21

$   3.58

Shares used in computation –
diluted

66,984,783

66,642,725

71,689,925

66,813,754

71,571,041

 

 

 

Canadian Solar Inc.

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(In Thousands of U.S. Dollars)

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

June 30,

March 31,

June 30,

June 30,

June 30,

2024

2024

2023

2024

2023

Net Income

$ 27,424

$ 36,223

$ 197,536

$ 63,647

$ 304,365

Other comprehensive income (loss):

Foreign currency translation
adjustment

(59,897)

(53,813)

(68,507)

(113,710)

(45,257)

Gain (loss) on changes in fair
value of available-for-sale debt
securities, net of tax

769

880

(1,050)

1,649

(711)

Gain (loss) on interest rate
swap, net of tax

(481)

965

(67)

484

(172)

Share of gain (loss) on changes
in fair value of derivatives of
affiliate, net of tax

(159)

1,134

503

975

(107)

Comprehensive income (loss)

(32,344)

(14,611)

128,415

(46,955)

258,118

Less: comprehensive income
attributable to non-controlling
interests and redeemable non-
controlling interest

15,637

20,337

3,690

35,974

28,852

Comprehensive income (loss)
attributable to Canadian Solar
Inc.

$ (47,981)

$ (34,948)

$124,725

$ (82,929)

$ 229,266

 

 

 

Canadian Solar Inc.

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In Thousands of U.S. Dollars)

June 30,

December 31,

2024

2023

ASSETS

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$ 1,619,837

$ 1,938,689

Restricted cash

562,427

999,933

Accounts receivable trade, net

1,019,370

904,943

Accounts receivable, unbilled

164,226

101,435

Amounts due from related parties

35,215

40,582

Inventories

1,204,986

1,179,641

Value added tax recoverable

171,859

162,737

Advances to suppliers, net

172,408

193,818

Derivative assets

5,613

9,282

Project assets

555,555

280,793

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

268,433

283,600

Total current assets

5,779,929

6,095,453

Restricted cash

9,977

7,810

Property, plant and equipment, net

3,079,646

3,088,442

Solar power systems, net

1,266,529

951,513

Deferred tax assets, net

314,200

263,458

Advances to suppliers, net

231,298

132,218

Investments in affiliates

227,703

236,928

Intangible assets, net

33,923

19,727

Project assets

688,648

576,793

Right-of-use assets

226,517

237,007

Amounts due from related parties

38,668

32,313

Other non-current assets

239,899

254,098

TOTAL ASSETS

$ 12,136,937

$ 11,895,760

 

 

 

Canadian Solar Inc.

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Continued)

(In Thousands of U.S. Dollars)

June 30,

December 31,

2024

2023

LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE NON-
CONTROLLING INTEREST AND EQUITY

Current liabilities:

Short-term borrowings

$ 2,036,003

$ 1,805,198

Accounts payable

842,105

813,677

Short-term notes payable

765,511

878,285

Amounts due to related parties

3,629

511

Other payables

1,179,390

1,359,679

Advances from customers

274,051

392,308

Derivative liabilities

1,387

6,702

Operating lease liabilities

18,006

20,204

Other current liabilities

458,808

587,827

Total current liabilities

5,578,890

5,864,391

Long-term borrowings

1,623,626

1,265,965

Green bonds and convertible notes

375,163

389,033

Liability for uncertain tax positions

5,847

5,701

Deferred tax liabilities

88,624

82,828

Operating lease liabilities

113,331

116,846

Other non-current liabilities

491,554

465,752

TOTAL LIABILITIES

8,277,035

8,190,516

Redeemable non-controlling interest

$ 72,785

$ —

Equity:

Common shares

835,543

835,543

Additional paid-in capital

470,628

292,737

Retained earnings

1,565,881

1,549,707

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(215,620)

(118,744)

Total Canadian Solar Inc. shareholders’
equity

2,656,432

2,559,243

Non-controlling interests

1,130,685

1,146,001

TOTAL EQUITY

3,787,117

3,705,244

TOTAL LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE NON-
CONTROLLING INTEREST AND EQUITY

$ 12,136,937

$ 11,895,760

 

 

 

Canadian Solar Inc.

Unaudited Condensed Statements of Cash Flows

(In Thousands of U.S. Dollars)

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

June 30,

March 31,

June 30,

June 30,

June 30,

2024

2024

2023

2024

2023

Operating Activities:

Net income

$ 27,424

$ 36,223

$ 197,536

$ 63,647

$ 304,365

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

174,201

158,350

190,634

332,551

258,372

Changes in operating assets
and liabilities

(630,963)

(486,060)

(98,611)

(1,117,023)

(226,006)

Net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities

(429,338)

(291,487)

289,559

(720,825)

336,731

Investing Activities:

Purchase of property, plant and
equipment

(390,248)

(266,462)

(283,065)

(656,710)

(516,097)

Purchase of solar power
systems

(10,936)

(173,341)

(36,329)

(184,277)

(146,195)

Other investing activities

2,515

6,832

(17,927)

9,347

(29,010)

Net cash used in investing
activities

(398,669)

(432,971)

(337,321)

(831,640)

(691,302)

Financing Activities:

Net proceeds from sale of
subsidiary’s redeemable
preferred shares

297,000

297,000

Payments for repurchase of
subsidiary’s ordinary shares

(70,624)

(70,624)

Net proceeds from subsidiary’s
public offering of ordinary shares

803,645

803,645

Other financing activities

(38,778)

723,412

547,492

684,634

927,241

Net cash provided by financing
activities

187,598

723,412

1,351,137

911,010

1,730,886

Effect of exchange rate changes

(61,483)

(51,253)

(128,769)

(112,736)

(95,679)

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

(701,892)

(52,299)

1,174,606

(754,191)

1,280,636

Cash, cash equivalents and
restricted cash at the beginning
of the period

$ 2,894,133

$ 2,946,432

$ 2,075,533

$ 2,946,432

$ 1,969,503

Cash, cash equivalents and
restricted cash at the end of the
period

$ 2,192,241

$ 2,894,133

$ 3,250,139

$ 2,192,241

$ 3,250,139

 

 

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/canadian-solar-reports-second-quarter-2024-results-302228478.html

SOURCE Canadian Solar Inc.

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Technology

BTQ Technologies’ QSSN Selected as Core Security Infrastructure for South Korea’s First Bank-Led KRW Stablecoin Proof-of-Concept

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on

By

BTQ provides strategic advisory support and QSSN as core PQC security infrastructure for the iM Bank initiative on the Kaia mainnet, advancing post-quantum migration across global financial infrastructure

BTQ has been selected as the core post-quantum cryptography security technology provider for South Korea’s first bank-led KRW stablecoin proof-of-concept, delivering its Quantum Secure Stablecoin Settlement Network (“QSSN”) for the initiative.
 BTQ is providing strategic advisory support and helping coordinate implementation across the partnership with iM Bank and Finger, supporting the integration of post-quantum protections into regulated digital money infrastructure.
 Built on the Kaia mainnet, the proof-of-concept is connected to the blockchain ecosystems originally developed by Kakao and LINE, linking the initiative to two of the largest messaging and digital platform ecosystems in Korea and Japan.

VANCOUVER, BC, May 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ – BTQ Technologies Corp. (“BTQ” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: BTQ) (CBOE CA: BTQ), a global quantum technology company focused on securing mission-critical networks, today announced that it it has been selected as the core PQC security technology provider through its Quantum Secure Stablecoin Settlement Network (“QSSN”) in a proof-of-concept with its Korean strategic partner, Finger Inc. (“Finger”), and iM Bank, a leading Korean commercial bank, for South Korea’s first bank-led Korean won stablecoin infrastructure incorporating post-quantum cryptography (“PQC”).

The proof-of-concept represents more than a technical pilot. It marks an important step in bringing next-generation quantum security into banking infrastructure within Korea’s regulated financial system. In addition to providing QSSN as the core PQC security framework, BTQ is contributing consulting and strategic coordination across the three-way partnership, helping align the project’s security architecture, implementation approach, and long-term post-quantum migration objectives.

“Post-quantum migration requires more than a cryptographic upgrade. It requires coordination across infrastructure, implementation, and institutional stakeholders,” said Olivier Roussy Newton, Chief Executive Officer of BTQ Technologies. “In this initiative, BTQ is providing both strategic advisory support and QSSN as the post-quantum security architecture, while helping lead coordination across the three-way partnership. We believe this proof-of-concept demonstrates how financial institutions can begin integrating quantum-resilient protections into digital money systems in a practical and operationally viable way.”

South Korea’s First Bank-Led PQC Stablecoin Infrastructure Initiative

BTQ is working alongside iM Bank and Finger on a three-way initiative to validate the issuance and distribution infrastructure for a Korean won stablecoin. In addition to supplying QSSN as the PQC security layer, BTQ is providing consulting support and helping to guide coordination across the partnership as the parties evaluate how to integrate post-quantum protections into bank-led digital asset infrastructure.

The proof-of-concept will validate several key components, including real-time reconciliation between bank reserves and blockchain-issued supply, a global-standard smart contract architecture, connectivity to global infrastructure for overseas distribution, and the integration of a PQC-based dual-signature security structure. By applying BTQ’s PQC signature architecture alongside the existing ECDSA cryptographic framework, the system is designed to preserve operational continuity for financial institutions while proactively addressing future quantum computing threats.

Built on Kaia Mainnet

A notable feature of the proof-of-concept is that it will be implemented on the Kaia mainnet, one of Korea’s leading Layer 1 blockchain networks. Kaia was created through the merger of Klaytn, the blockchain originally developed by Kakao, and Finschia, the blockchain associated with LINE. Kakao and LINE sit at the center of two of the largest messaging and digital platform ecosystems in Korea and Japan, respectively, making Kaia a significant piece of regional digital infrastructure.

Klaytn previously participated in the Bank of Korea’s CBDC pilot ecosystem, and the Bank of Korea has continued to advance CBDC testing through initiatives such as Project Hangang.

By combining BTQ’s PQC technology with blockchain infrastructure tied to the Kakao and LINE ecosystems, the proof-of-concept is intended to establish a model that aligns institutional-grade security, blockchain scalability, and evolving regulatory requirements for digital money infrastructure.

QSSN as the Security Layer

The PQC security foundation for the initiative is BTQ’s Quantum Secure Stablecoin Settlement Network, or QSSN, a quantum-secure network architecture designed for stablecoin, tokenized deposit, payment, and digital asset infrastructure. QSSN is designed to protect critical issuer functions, including stablecoin issuance, burning, transfer authority, upgrade control, and administrative permissions, by integrating PQC-based signatures while maintaining existing user experience and operational workflows.

BTQ has previously announced that QSSN was highlighted in the U.S. Post-Quantum Financial Infrastructure Framework (“PQFIF”) as a model architecture for post-quantum digital money infrastructure. The Company has also positioned QSSN as a standards-oriented initiative advanced through QuINSA and aligned with emerging post-quantum financial infrastructure requirements.

Addressing the Harvest-Now, Decrypt-Later Risk

The timing of the proof-of-concept reflects the growing urgency surrounding the “Harvest-Now, Decrypt-Later” risk, in which attackers may collect encrypted financial data today and decrypt it later once sufficiently advanced quantum capabilities emerge. Global institutions are already accelerating post-quantum migration. The U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (“NIST”) has finalized its first set of post-quantum cryptography standards, including ML-DSA, ML-KEM, and SLH-DSA, while major technology companies and financial institutions continue to define their own post-quantum transition timelines.

BTQ’s QSSN addresses this challenge through a dual-signature design that allows existing ECDSA-based infrastructure to operate in parallel with NIST-aligned PQC signatures such as ML-DSA. This approach enables banks and payment infrastructure providers to begin a phased transition toward quantum-safe security without disrupting existing systems.

Expanding BTQ’s Korean Ecosystem

BTQ continues to expand its Korean ecosystem across digital assets, payments, banking infrastructure, and hardware-based security. In October 2025, BTQ announced that Finger had joined Danal as an early participant in BTQ’s QSSN pilot program, with the initiative expected to progress from proof-of-concept toward commercialization under QuINSA-aligned guidelines and broader industry frameworks such as PQFIF.

The commencement of the iM Bank proof-of-concept represents an important commercial signal for BTQ, indicating that demand for post-quantum migration among Korean financial institutions is beginning to move from policy discussion toward infrastructure-level implementation. As Korea advances both quantum technology policy and stablecoin-related regulatory discussions, BTQ believes QSSN is well positioned at the intersection of regulated finance, digital asset infrastructure, and post-quantum security.

About iM Bank
iM Bank is a South Korean commercial bank and a subsidiary of DGB Financial Group. Headquartered in Daegu, iM Bank presents itself as a financial companion for customers and traces its roots to Daegu Bank, which was established in 1967 as Korea’s first regional bank. For more information, please visit https://www.imbank.co.kr/

About Finger Inc. Group
Finger supplies and develops financial IT solutions to provide optimized money management strategies for employees and corporate customers. Providing “Smartphone Financial Services”, “Corporate Cash Management Services” for businesses, “Private Wealth Management Services” for private consumers.

Since the year 2000, Finger has accumulated a number of awards and patents regarding its businesses. Based on its Mobile Enterprise Application Platform(MEAP) Orchestra and its funds management system using screen-scrapping technologies, Finger was the first company in Korea to deliver a smartphone banking banking-service. For more information, please visit http://www.finger.co.kr/

About BTQ
BTQ Technologies Corp. (Nasdaq: BTQ | Cboe CA: BTQ) is a quantum technology company focused on accelerating the transition from classical networks to the quantum internet. Backed by a broad patent portfolio and deep technical expertise, BTQ is advancing a full-stack, neutral-atom quantum computing platform spanning hardware, middleware, and post-quantum security solutions for finance, telecommunications, logistics, life sciences, and defense.

Connect with BTQ: Website | LinkedIn | X/Twitter

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Olivier Roussy Newton
CEO, Chairman
Neither Cboe Canada nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward Looking Information

Certain statements herein contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements or information include but are not limited to statements or information with respect to the business plans of the Company, including with respect to its research partnerships, and anticipated markets in which the Company may be listing its common shares. Forward-looking statements or information often can be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate”, “intend”, “expect”, “plan” or “may” and the variations of these words are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information.

The Company has made numerous assumptions including among other things, assumptions about general business and economic conditions, the development of post-quantum algorithms and quantum vulnerabilities, and the quantum computing industry generally. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive.

Although management of the Company believes that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such statements or information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements or information herein will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking statements and information are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks which may cause actual results to be materially different from any future results, expressed or implied, by such forward-looking statements or information. These factors include risks relating to: the availability of financing for the Company; business and economic conditions in the post-quantum and encryption computing industries generally; the speculative nature of the Company’s research and development programs; the supply and demand for labour and technological post-quantum and encryption technology; unanticipated events related to regulatory and licensing matters and environmental matters; changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets; changes in laws (including regulations respecting blockchains); risks related to the direct and indirect impact of COVID-19 including, but not limited to, its impact on general economic conditions, the ability to obtain financing as required, and causing potential delays to research and development activities; and other risk factors as detailed from time to time. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

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SOURCE BTQ Technologies Corp.

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Zimmer Biomet to Present at the BofA Securities 2026 Health Care Conference

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WARSAW, Ind., May 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. (NYSE and SIX: ZBH), a global medical technology leader, today announced that members of the Zimmer Biomet management team will participate in the Bank of America Securities Health Care Conference on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, with a fireside chat at 8:40 a.m. PT (11:40 a.m. ET).

A live audio webcast can be accessed via Zimmer Biomet’s Investor Relations website at https://investor.zimmerbiomet.com. It will be available for replay following the fireside chat.

About Zimmer Biomet 
Zimmer Biomet is a global medical technology leader with a comprehensive portfolio designed to maximize mobility and improve health. We seamlessly transform the patient experience through our innovative products and suite of integrated digital and robotic technologies that leverage data, data analytics and artificial intelligence.

With 90+ years of trusted leadership and proven expertise, Zimmer Biomet is positioned to deliver the highest quality solutions to patients and providers. Our legacy continues to come to life today through our progressive culture of evolution and innovation. 

For more information about our product portfolio, our operations in 25+ countries and sales in 100+ countries or about joining our team, visit www.zimmerbiomet.com or follow on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/zimmerbiomet or X at www.x.com/zimmerbiomet.

Contacts:

 

Media

Investors

Troy Kirkpatrick

David DeMartino

614-284-1926

646-531-6115

troy.kirkpatrick@zimmerbiomet.com

david.demartino@zimmerbiomet.com

Kirsten Fallon

Zach Weiner

781-779-5561

908-591-6955

kirsten.fallon@zimmerbiomet.com

zach.weiner@zimmerbiomet.com

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SOURCE Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.

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NextLadder Ventures Announces Co-Founder Leadership Team, Investment Focus Areas For Over $1 Billion Initiative Empowering Americans with Personalized, Tech-Enabled Support Tools

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New senior hires from Google and The Collaborative Fund to lead product strategy and venture investing

Fund unveils first investment focus areas to catalyze new ‘Navigation Technology’ market, equipping Americans with cutting-edge tools to achieve economic security, opportunity and empowerment

ST. LOUIS, May 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — NextLadder Ventures, a new fund backed by more than $1 billion in capital, today announced its priority investment areas for building a new market for “Navigation Technology” (NavTech) — tools that provide Americans with personalized solutions to navigate life’s challenges and achieve greater economic mobility — and announced its co-founding team, including two new senior hires.

The fund’s active focus areas are based on extensive research identifying the key experiences and high-stakes decision points that have an outsized impact on American families’ economic mobility. Launched investment areas include financial health, career navigation, and benefits and social services access, with further exploration underway around housing, legal aid, justice and re-entry, and mental and physical health. 

The organization is also today welcoming two senior leaders: Lauren Loktev is joining NextLadder as Managing Director of Investments and Brigitte Hoyer Gosselink as Managing Director of Product. Loktev was most recently a partner at the Collaborative Fund, where she backed several breakout companies in early child development, education, and sustainability. Gosselink comes to NextLadder from Google, where she led the company’s AI and social impact portfolio. They join a growing team which has deep expertise at the intersection of economic mobility, technology, public policy, and philanthropy.

NextLadder’s Focus Areas for Investment

Today, the fund is kicking off a plan to deploy $1 billion over the next seven years to accelerate the design, development, and deployment of accessible NavTech tools that aim to help families more successfully navigate the major life experiences that determine whether they get ahead or fall behind. As NextLadder’s inaugural frontier AI lab partner, Anthropic is supporting the build-out of the organization’s AI-native capabilities and is offering technical assistance to NextLadder’s portfolio organizations. 

As an increasing proportion of Americans across income levels find themselves overextended and overwhelmed, NavTech tools are designed to help individuals and families understand their options, connect to information and resources, and take action to recover from a setback or take advantage of an opportunity and reclaim their economic futures.

“Life is getting harder, and too many Americans are stuck facing some of the most complex and consequential moments of their lives without much support,” said Ryan Rippel, CEO of NextLadder Ventures. “Every day, millions in this country face fork-in-the-road decisions that have major implications on whether they climb up the economic ladder or fall farther behind. AI has understandably intensified many Americans’ anxieties about their jobs and their security in the economy. But these technologies are now also making it possible to deliver highly personalized, affordable tools to meet the needs of tens of millions of Americans in a way that has never been practically achievable or financially viable before. With NavTech tools, built for the reality of families’ everyday experiences, we can empower Americans to overcome setbacks, navigate life’s toughest financial decisions, and build more secure futures.”

NavTech tools, built with the needs of individuals, families, and trusted community partners at the center of their design, have the potential to ease burdens most acutely faced by 90 million Americans who live in households that have difficulty in paying for usual home expenses, and turbocharge the capacity of the 1.6 million community workers in non-profit or local, state, and federal government roles who serve them. This growing category of digital technologies includes tools that help families access opportunities such as personalized financial advice and legal aid, get connected with available resources and programs, and manage unexpected hurdles like losing a job or facing an eviction – while freeing social workers and service providers to spend more time on people and less time on red tape and paperwork.

The fund’s active investment areas include:

Financial Health: Developing highly personalized, AI-powered financial health tools that can provide tailored, sustained counsel to help users build savings and protect and recover from financial shocks;
Career Navigation: Building tools to support career navigation, manage and support career transitions, and help workers, case managers, and employers identify pathways to living wage work — all designed to help people successfully find the right jobs for them.
Benefits & Social Services Access: Helping eligible Americans seamlessly identify and enroll in all the benefits and social services available to them, particularly those that support career navigation and transitions, help them navigate critical life moments, and achieve stability toward economic opportunity.

NextLadder is exploring additional focus areas, including housing, legal aid, justice and re-entry, caregiving, and mental and physical health. More on the organization’s vision of these focus areas is available HERE.

In addition to backing direct NavTech solutions, NextLadder is investing in the developers, partners, and standards required to build a durable, self-sustaining market. Across all focus areas, the fund is prioritizing efforts to ensure NavTech tools are reliable, protect users’ privacy, and are trusted by the families who depend on them.

NextLadder’s Co-Founder Leadership Team

NextLadder’s five co-founders will be CEO Ryan Rippel, Chief Strategy and Operations Officer Rhett Dornbach-Bender, Chief of Staff Callie Schwartz, and the two new senior hires: Managing Director of Investments Lauren Loktev and Managing Director of Product Brigitte Hoyer Gosselink, rounding out the fund’s expertise in investing, technology, and impact.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Lauren and Brigitte to the NextLadder team,” said Rippel. “Brigitte has spent her career proving that when applied purposefully, AI and technology can deliver meaningful benefits for communities, and she’ll set the bar for what NavTech tools can deliver for American families today and in the years to come. And with her deep experience backing mission-driven founders, Lauren is the perfect leader to build our venture practice from the ground up and accelerate the growth of the NavTech field. With this team in place, we’re positioned to make NavTech tools easier to build, fund, and access so they reach the people who need them most.”

Loktev brings 15 years of venture capital experience investing at the intersection of for-profit and for-good. Most recently at Collaborative Fund, she backed several companies to significant scale and launched Collab+Sesame, a first-of-its-kind thematic seed fund in partnership with Sesame Workshop focused on early childhood education. At NextLadder, she will build and lead the fund’s venture practice, sourcing and scaling investments in the founders building the next generation of NavTech tools.

“We have a once in a generation opportunity to help steer AI solutions toward those who need them most,” said Loktev. “Many amazing, accomplished founders see this too, and they are on a mission to build scalable, transformative businesses in the critical verticals that help people navigate life-changing moments. I couldn’t be more excited to join NextLadder and to support the most inspiring leaders building this market from the ground up. Thanks to our unique, long-term mandate, we can be creative and flexible in investing across stage and check size to partner with the entrepreneurs and leaders we believe will change the world.”

Prior to her role at NextLadder, Gosselink spent over a decade at Google in several roles including Director of AI and Social Impact, directing more than $500 million in funding for organizations applying AI to address challenges including crisis response, education, and economic opportunity. At NextLadder, she will lead AI and product strategy across the fund’s portfolio, backing solutions and setting market-wide standards for how NavTech tools are designed, evaluated, and improved over time.

“If we collectively harness the AI transformation strategically and purposefully, we can transform the way Americans are empowered to access greater economic mobility,” said Gosselink. “We believe that people-centered products, combined with shifts in the market and the services available to families, can fundamentally reshape how millions of Americans navigate critical moments and achieve prosperity on their own terms.”

To request interviews from the NextLadder Ventures leadership team, contact media@nextladder.com.

About NextLadder Ventures

NextLadder Ventures is a time-bound venture with one goal: empower millions of Americans to reach their potential by 2040. Backed by over $1 billion in capital, the organization invests in breakthrough technologies that remove barriers to economic success and put people in control of their futures. NextLadder Ventures is trailblazing a new market for tech-enabled Navigation Technology tools that help people access the resources they need to navigate pivotal moments — offering flexible, risk-tolerant capital to entrepreneurs building these transformative tools today, while creating a pipeline of tech, talent, and capital for the long run.

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SOURCE NextLadder Ventures

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